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Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.

Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

Aepyornis

ae·py·or·nis

noun \ˌē-pē-ˈȯr-nəs\

Definition of AEPYORNIS

: elephant bird

Origin of AEPYORNIS

New Latin, genus name, from Greek aipys high + ornis bird — more at erne
First Known Use: 1851

aepyornis

 noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of a group of giant flightless birds in the extinct genusAepyornis, found as fossils in Pleistocene and post-Pleistocene deposits on Madagascar. Most were massively constructed (some stood more than 10 ft, or 3 m, high) and had a small skull and a long slim neck. Remains of aepyornis and its eggs (as large as 3 ft, or 1 m, in circumference) are common. Its ancestry is uncertain.

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, June 02, 2014

Musing Mondays: Moon shots

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Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, May 30, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite books is Interview with the Vampire by Ann Rice, which was published in 1993. She created the erotic, sexy vampire well before the sparkly vampires of Twilight. Feel compassion for Louis, the tormented vampire or laugh and fall in love with the capricious Lestat as the author takes you from 1700’s New Orleans to the streets of Paris and then to modern San Francisco. Ms. Rice is a master at re-creating historical settings and what would later become the “sexy” vampire. Highly recommended to fans of vampire romances. The movie was also really good with Tom Cruise and a very sexy, long-haired Brad Pitt. Smile

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Tabby's Nocturnal Nights: My biggest frustration as a writer

Tabby's Nocturnal Nights: My biggest frustration as a writer: I think everyone gets frustrated at some point with himself or herself. I’m feeling that way now. After writing and publishing seven books, ...

Weird Word Wednesday

AESTHETE

aes·thete

noun \ˈes-ˌthēt, British usually ˈēs-\

: a person who recognizes and values beauty in art, music, etc.

Full Definition of AESTHETE

:  one having or affecting sensitivity to the beautiful especially in art

See aesthete defined for English-language learners »

Variants of AESTHETE

aes·thete also es·thete

Examples of AESTHETE

1. He regards art critics as a bunch of pretentious aesthetes.

Origin of AESTHETE

back-formation from aesthetic

First Known Use: 1881

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, May 26, 2014

Monday Musings: Arizona sunsets

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Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, May 23, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite King Arthur movies is Excalibur made in 1981. This is one of the best depictions of the magical King Arthur legend, and introduces a very young and beautiful Helen Mirren as the sorceress Morgana. Highly recommended for fans of Sir Thomas Mallory’s classic.

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

AEOLIAN

ae·o·lian

adjective \ē-ˈō-lē-ən, ē-ˈōl-yən\

Definition of AEOLIAN

1

often capitalized :  of or relating to Aeolus

2

:  giving forth or marked by a moaning or sighing sound or musical tone produced by or as if by the wind

First Known Use of AEOLIAN

1595

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, May 19, 2014

Monday Musings: Taking Aim—Archery

I finally found a hobby/sport that I really love doing—archery. My good friend, who is also a fellow writer, introduced me to it. It’s something we can do together at least once a week and it gets us out of the house.

We both like more traditional target archery without scopes and pulleys. Maybe that’s because we are fantasy writers and like medieval archery. We both write female characters that are archers. Now I can connect better with some of my characters.

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I find something meditative about shooting at targets because you have to slow down and take your time to sight the target. The range we use is out in the desert with ravines and beautiful views of the mountains. Archery for me is about getting back to being close to nature and doing something outside instead of being cooped up in front of a laptop all day. I love writing, but I was beginning to lose touch with the outside world. I needed something to do outside.

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This is the first time in years that I’ve been excited about something and it feels great to have something to look forward to each week.

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, May 16, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite shows is Nashville and I’m not a country fan. The show is realistic in its depiction of the music industry in Nashville. And of course there is the personal drama that keeps viewers tuning in each week. But for me, it’s strangely the music that draws me to this show. The songs are just great. There’s no other way to put it.

 

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

AEDILE

ae·dile

noun \ˈē-ˌdī(-ə)l, ˈē-dəl\

Definition of AEDILE

:  an official in ancient Rome in charge of public works and games, police, and the grain supply

Origin of AEDILE

Latin aedilis, from aedes temple — more at edify

First Known Use: 1538

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, May 12, 2014

Musing Mondays: Spring

Spring is my favorite time of year. The weather is nice and cool, not too hot like in summer, or too cold like in winter. Even our fall can be a bit too warm to enjoy. Spring is perfect. Flowers bloom, bees hum, the quail look for places to nest and my lizards return after winter.

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Blacktail, one of the lizards that hangs out in my yard each year is in the upper right corner on the piece of wood. I call him Blacktail because he has a long black tail, which of course can’t be seen here. He was trying to get away from me.

 

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Here is a better shot of Blacktail with his long black tail.

 

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A male Quail looking out for danger for his female that is foraging somewhere below on the ground.

 

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A bird in our Palo Verde tree.

 

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Our Palo Verde tree in full bloom.

 

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Another view of our Palo Verde tree with the blue sky in the background.

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, May 09, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite fantasy artists is Julia Fain. She makes jewelry, phone covers, laptop covers and more with ethereal images of fairies, mermaids, dragons, unicorns, animals and people.

 

http://www.juliefain.com/

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

ADENITIS

ad·e·ni·tis

noun \ˌa-də-ˈnī-təs\

Definition of ADENITIS

:  inflammation of a gland; especially : lymphadenitis

Origin of ADENITIS

New Latin

First Known Use: circa 1848

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, May 05, 2014

Musing Mondays: Excerpt from Daughter of Night, Greek myths, fantasy, PG

Excerpt from Daughter of Night:

She waited, cloaked in shadows, until nightfall when the king and his queen slept.

As soon as darkness fell and the palace rang with silence, she emerged from the shadows. A round central hearth fire glowed with warmth, pulsing and flickering across the shadowed room, performing an ancient dance along the floors and painted walls. The king lay in his bed, the fierce warlord looking so vulnerable as he lay sleeping without his armor or weapons. His queen slept next to him instead of in her own quarters in a sign of her devotion. Sighing, she tried to remember what it was like to feel love.

She crept close to his bed, staring down at his sleeping face. Even in sleep, he looked like the mighty warlord that struck fear in his enemies' hearts. His brow wrinkled as if he wrestled with a nightmare. Perhaps he fought a nightmare of the battlefield, which usually struck the minds of warriors. Pressing her hand to his hot forehead, she rid his dreams of nightmares and entered his dreams with promises of victory and power. Removing her hand, she backed away, becoming one with the shadows again.

The king stirred, moaning in his sleep as the nightmares returned.

His queen woke from his stirring and brushed his hair from his forehead. “My love, would that I could remove your nightmares with a gentle stroke,” she whispered.

Watching the tender exchange with a wistful heart, she wondered what to do with the Dactyl’s essence.Which body will I choose to hide it in?


Blurb for Daughter of Night:

Their destiny began in ancient Anatolia.

Becuille is a Daughter of Night and a servant to the Great Goddess, created to wield Her vengeance. Callileon is a prince of the Hatti, who may be the one she was sent to punish.

When love finds them, they are cursed by the gods and surrounded by tragedy, which even the Fates are powerless to change.

Can two mortals fight the will of the gods?

Daughter of Night is available in Print, Kindle, Nook and other ebook formats.

Buy links: http://kelleyheckart.com/daughter_of_night.html

Daughter_of_Night

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, May 02, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite book series is the Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte. This is one of the best historical King Arthur series I’ve read. The author did a lot of research to be able to bring to life the King Arthur legend. Highly recommended.

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

ADIABATIC

adi·a·bat·ic

adjective \ˌa-dē-ə-ˈba-tik, ˌā-ˌdī-ə-\

Definition of ADIABATIC

:  occurring without loss or gain of heat <adiabatic expansion of a gas>

adi·a·bat·i·cal·ly adverb

See adiabatic defined for kids »

Origin of ADIABATIC

Greek adiabatos impassable, from a- + diabatos passable, from diabainein to go across, from dia- + bainein to go — more at come

First Known Use: 1859

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, April 28, 2014

Musing Mondays: My inspiration for writing historical fantasy romance

I was kind of a strange kid, especially for a girl. I didn’t dream of being a princess getting rescued by a prince. I wanted to be able to take care of myself. My favorite things weren’t dolls or frilly dresses, but swords and forests filled with supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves and shapeshifting faeries and gods. When I was introduced to myths and characters like Artemis the Huntress, Morrigan the Battle Goddess and the real life, fierce Celtic queen, Boudica, I had found what I was looking for. There are no helpless princesses in this group of females.

My first look into the fascinating world of mythology was in English class when the subject was Greek mythology. I still have my well-worn copy of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology of Greek and Norse myths. I was hooked. Later I became fascinated with the ancient Celts and their myths, most notably King Arthur, the Welsh tales of the Mabinogion and the Irish myths of the Tuatha de Danaan and the Fianna.

My fascination with the ancient Celts has to do with their connection to the faery realm and their mysterious nature—since they were an oral society we really don’t know much about them, but archeological evidence points to a superior society. I like filling in the missing pieces, much like a jigsaw puzzle, and bring to life these long ago, magical places and people that fill our imagination.

All of this inspired me to write historical fantasy. I feel a connection to little known time periods—ancient on up to the Dark Ages, time periods that abound in myth when magic was a real possibility. I can mix my love of the supernatural and mythology with my other love for obscure history and it seems like a natural fit. Otherworldly creatures fit perfectly with time periods that are surrounded in myth and mystery. And when modern life gets too complicated, I look forward to escaping into the places I’ve created.

 

Kelley’s Links:

Website: http://www.kelleyheckart.com

Blog: http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CelticChick

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Kelley’s Book Shelf/Buy Links: http://kelleyheckart.com/BookShelf.html

Friday, April 25, 2014

Favorite Friday

I’m sharing a favorite band today.

Nightwish

One of my favorite bands is the Icelandic Metal band Nightwish. I like all of their albums with their operatic female vocals and low, rough male vocals. Most of their songs have lyrics related to certain myths, which I like. This is the perfect music for me to write to. One of my favorite songs is Wish I had an Angel. If you like melodic metal then give this band a listen.

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

ADULARIA

ad·u·lar·ia

noun \ˌa-jə-ˈler-ē-ə, ˌa-dyə-\

Definition of ADULARIA

:  a transparent or translucent orthoclase

Origin of ADULARIA

Italian, from French adulaire, from Adula, Swiss mountain group

First Known Use: 1798

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, April 21, 2014

Musing Mondays: Aphrodite, not the average villain

As the Greek love goddess, most people don’t think of Aphrodite as a villain. That’s why I chose her for my villain in Daughter of Night. She’s actually a much more complicated, powerful goddess then the classical Greek writers would have us think.
The silly, vain Aphrodite that appears in stories written by the classical Greek writers is not a true rendering of this once Great Goddess that was revered on Cyprus. She is comparable to Innana, Hathor, Anat and Ishtar, a love and war goddess. As a fertility goddess, she is a goddess that can give life or take it away. Love and war, life and death. Ancient fertility rites usually involved a human sacrifice, a young man. The tragic story of Adonis, the young shepherd she loved, is associated with the Isis/Osiris legend of Egypt in which the yearly king is sacrificed at the end of his reign.
When the followers of the Sky god (Zeus) invaded Greece, they diminished her status to one of Zeus’s children, but she was really a Titan. Another story of her birth is that she was born when Cronos castrated his father Uranus, but she was really a much older, much more powerful goddess.
I liken her to the Norse god Loki, a bit of a trickster. As my villain, she isn’t evil but she is unpredictable and that’s what makes her so dangerous. My favorite villains are those that aren’t clearly evil, that aren’t intentional about hurting anyone. And as a love and war goddess, Aphrodite fit that profile. In Daughter of Night, Aphrodite is masquerading as the Hittite/Hatti Sun goddess, Arinna. She is trying to find her place in the world again after Zeus and his brothers have taken control of the Heavens, their armies controlling most of Greece. Of course, by trying to gain back her power, she is causing trouble for the other Titans, and mortals.
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Excerpt from Daughter of Night, historical fantasy romance, Rated PG
“Well, Prince Callileon,” Arinna said with a forced smile, “this is a pleasant surprise.”
He looked at her, grim-faced. “Do not placate me with false sincerity.”
“Perhaps it is time we made peace with one another. I am in a giving mood today.”
“I need a favor from you.” He fidgeted, obviously embarrassed at having to ask her for a favor.
“I am in a giving mood, but why would I grant you a favor?” She arched her brow, enjoying his discomfort.
The lion let out another gentle roar, settling his hungry gaze on Callileon.
Callileon looked at the lion, unblinking.
“You should never stare down a beast such as this. Fortunate for you I just fed him,” she laughed, her tone mocking.
“I am prepared to offer you something in exchange for the favor.”
“What could you possibly offer me? Look around, I am in need of nothing.” She gestured at her lavish quarters.
“It is not a question of need, but one of desire.” His blue eyes gleamed with cleverness.
No wonder Becuille was so enamored of this mortal, she thought with a hint of envy. He had special gifts. Not only was he handsome, but he also possessed bravery and intelligence.
From within his cloak, he pulled out a sheathed dagger. By the glittering stones on the bronze hilt, she already knew it to be a magical weapon. Unsheathing it, he held up the obsidian blade, smooth and gleaming with power. Her breath caught in her throat.
The lion let out a louder roar.
He raised a brow. “You know what this is, do you not?”
She tried to reach for the dagger, but he held it out of her reach. “First you help me get into the temple to see Inaras, then the dagger is yours.”
“You are a prince, you should be able to get into the temple on your own.” She could not take her eyes off the dagger, knowing its purpose to be to house Celmis's soul. With the special dagger in her possession, she could take him anywhere hidden in different bodies.
“No. Zagros will not allow any non-temple personnel to see her, even me.” Anger filled his eyes. “The king is concerned with other matters so I cannot appeal to him. I need to see her now and he cannot bar you entry to the temple. You are temple personnel.”
“Much to his dismay, that is true.” She wanted the dagger. “I will get you into the temple.” Her thoughts turned over, scheming and filled with mischief. She called for Briena. “Find a dress that will fit the prince.”
He gave her a questioning look.
“If you want into the temple, you will have to disguise yourself as a female,” she said, unable to hide her smirk.
“You are enjoying this too much I think.” He looked down at himself. “I doubt I will make a convincing female.”
“Oh, you would be surprised, my young prince,” she laughed.
Briena stuffed his muscled body into the largest dress she could find, placing two round apples over his chest for breasts. The slave girl stifled a laugh and Callileon stared hard at her. She put red ochre on his lips and cheeks and rimmed his eyes with kohl.
The young prince twitched beneath the sharp reed, drawing an amused smile from Arinna. The barbaric Achaean would not be familiar with the kohl reed.
“Do not move or you will lose your eye,” Briena said with caution, dipping the reed into the jar to gather more of the black powder to finish his eyes.
He moved his hand up toward his eyes.
“Do not touch your eyes,” Briena said.
“They burn,” he said, frowning.
“The feeling will go away.”
Arinna studied him with a critical eye. “Well, he is not the most graceful female I have seen, but he is quite comely.” She smiled with amusement.
Briena stifled a laugh behind her hand.
Glowering, he pulled on a hooded cloak, drawing the hood over his face.
****
Daughter_of_Night
Daughter of Night: Two mortals are caught up in the battle between the Titans and Olympian gods.
Buy links for Daughter of Night:
Mundania Press (in ebook formats and trade paperback):
http://www.mundania.com/book.php?title=Daughter+of+Night
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Of-Night-ebook/dp/B008OCANEO/ref=sr_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343182822&sr=1-14&keywords=kelley+heckart
Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughter-of-night-kelley-heckart/1112220212?ean=2940015001952
Buy links on author website: http://kelleyheckart.com/daughter_of_night.html
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, April 18, 2014

Favorite Friday

I’m sharing a favorite TV show today.

Bitten on the SyFy Channel

I look forward to this show each week. Based on a novel series, this paranormal romance show is fun to watch. I like Elena—the main female character and only werewolf among a bunch of males. How fun is that? And boy, some of these male werewolves hot, especially Clay. The only thing that bugs me about this series is Elena is the only female werewolf because supposedly females are too weak to survive the transformation process. WTF? Females are too weak? Females were created to survive the terrible pain of childbirth. I’d like to see any male survive birthing a baby. The premise about females being too weak to survive is stupid, but the idea of female werewolves being rare makes for some good conflict.

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

ADAGIO

ada·gio

adverb or adjective \ə-ˈdä-j(ē-ˌ)ō, ä-, -zh(ē-ˌ)ō\

: in a slow manner

Full Definition of ADAGIO

:  at a slow tempo —used chiefly as a direction in music

See adagio defined for English-language learners »

See adagio defined for kids »

Origin of ADAGIO

Italian, from ad to + agio ease

First Known Use: 1683

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, April 14, 2014

Friday, April 11, 2014

Favorite Friday

I’m sharing a favorite TV show today.

Vikings on the History Channel

 

I love this show. It is fast-paced and compelling to me. Finally, someone who gets what the Vikings were—family men and women, farmers—normal people. Sure, they invaded England and killed people and stole treasure—some of the Vikings were cold-blooded killers, but most of them were not. My favorite character is the Shield-Maiden Lagertha. She stands up for her beliefs and doesn’t let anyone or any man walk all over her. There is a lot of eye candy for me—muscular men with long hair. Smile One thing I really like about this show is how authentic the settings and people look. They look like they make their clothes out of animal skins. The women wear little or no makeup. Highly recommended.

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

AD HOMINEM

1ad ho·mi·nem

adjective \(ˈ)ad-ˈhä-mə-ˌnem, -nəm\

Definition of AD HOMINEM

1
:  appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect
2
: marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made

Origin of AD HOMINEM

New Latin, literally, to the person

First Known Use: 1598

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, April 07, 2014

Musing Mondays: How to deal with hard to pronounce names in fiction

I read and write books that sometimes have names or terms that are difficult for the average reader to pronounce. If I am writing a story set in a particular time period with real people I am using as characters, strange and difficult names cannot be avoided. I realize this can cause some aggravation for readers and for that, I apologize. But I can’t change historical names.
Since I’ve been reading fantasy and historical fiction most of my life, I have come across more than a few names I couldn’t pronounce. This was before you could Google a random name and probably find the correct pronunciation online. Anyway, I came up with a way to make it easier to read the book without driving myself crazy. I came up with my own way to pronounce the name or word and don’t worry if I am using the correct pronunciation. It’s easy to do and doesn’t throw me out of the story.
As an example, here are two names from Daughter of Night:
King Suppiluliuma: This one is a tough name to pronounce so what I did whenever I came across this name in my book was simply pronounce it like this—Sup il luma.
Becuille: This one is a little tricky so I pronounce this name like this—Be keel.
So, the next time you come across a name or word you can’t pronounce in a book, try this technique instead of giving up on the story.

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Two mortals are caught in the midst of the battle between the Titans and Olympian gods.
Daughter_of_Night
http://kelleyheckart.com/daughter_of_night.html

Friday, April 04, 2014

Favorite Friday

I’m sharing a favorite book today.

The Werelord Thal, A Renaissance werewolf tale

I picked this book because it looked different—set in an unusual place and time period and not like every werewolf story I see. Set in the 1500s in Prague, I found this story interesting and hope this is part of a series because the end left me wondering about Thal’s origins. This was a time when anyone “different” was considered a witch and killed. A lot of innocent people suffered terrible deaths because of this misguided thinking. The only thing that bugged me was the editing could have been better. I found myself pausing many times in places where commas should have been inserted. But overall this was a good book with an engaging story and characters to keep my interest. Highly recommended to readers looking for a different kind of werewolf tale.

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

Acequia

ace·quia

noun \ə-ˈsā-kē-ə, ä-\

Definition of ACEQUIA

Southwest

:  an irrigation ditch or canal

Origin of ACEQUIA

Spanish, from Arabic al-sāqiya the irrigation ditch

First Known Use: 1844

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, March 31, 2014

Musing Mondays: Pets in our lives

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My two boys. It’s strange how pets come into our lives, usually when you don’t expect it. After we lost Xena, we decided to wait until Herc passed before getting another dog, mainly because he doesn’t get along with other dogs. But when we started pet sitting my niece’s Chihuahua, we discovered how well he fit right into our family, and Herc tolerated him just fine. As if it was meant to be, Loki soon became a permanent part of our family. With his lively personality, he fills that hole left when Xena died.

100_0548


Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, March 28, 2014

Tabby's Nocturnal Nights: Shapeshifting rules

Tabby's Nocturnal Nights: Shapeshifting rules: There are different ways to handle the laws of shapeshifting. I’ve read books where clothes can magically appear when shifting from animal t...

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite animals is the wolf so I will buy just about anything with a wolf on it. I found this cool wolf pendant.

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

Accipiter

ac·cip·i·ter

noun \ak-ˈsi-pə-tər, ik-\

Definition of ACCIPITER

:  any of a genus (Accipiter) of medium-sized forest-inhabiting hawks that have short broad wings and a long tail and a characteristic flight pattern of several quick flaps and a glide

ac·cip·i·trine adjective or noun

See accipiter defined for kids »

Origin of ACCIPITER

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, hawk

First Known Use: circa 1828

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, March 24, 2014

Musing Mondays: Aftermath of winter thunderstorm in AZ

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We have some dramatic thunderstorms here in Arizona. I caught this rainbow by accident. You can even see the raindrops that hit my camera lens.

100_0696

A sunset just after the thunderstorm that blew through our town in March.

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, March 21, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite new shows is Helix on SyFy. Set in a research building the Arctic (I think or one of those barren, show-covered places), this show has a stark appearance, which adds to the frightening nature of the story. The music soundtrack choices also add to this atmosphere—songs like Fever and other music that I think of as elevator music are played in just the right, odd places, so that a sexy lighthearted song is played during a terrifying or serious scene. Experiments with viruses have been going on in secret and something has gone wrong so the CDC has to be called in to help find a cure. But what is more frightening than the virus is the people in charge of the experiments. They want to change the world and there is something odd about them—are they aliens or some superior race? A lot of secrets and interesting characters make this a show I look forward to each week so I hope it lasts.

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Stealing His Heart by Ella Jade

I have romance author Ella Jade here at my blog today promoting her new erotic romance release with a blog tour. She is giving away some prizes to three lucky winners.

Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’m thrilled to announce the release of my newest erotic, contemporary romance Stealing His Heart. If you like your men hot, dirty and southern, I may have just the thing for you.

shhavailablenow

When the players take the field this spring come meet my players...

Blurb

Will the bad-boy pitcher strike out when it comes to love?

Shy music teacher Sophia Ballis has sworn off men. After a bad experience with a college jock she decided it was better to be alone than to get burned again. She focused on her education and now her new job at a local private school.

Professional baseball pitcher Paxton Hughes is a player both on and off the field. He's signed to the Kingston Crushers to bring home the coveted championship title. Nothing can get in his way. Serious relationships don't mix with a life on the road and he never loses focus on the game. One-night stands are his specialty for a reason.

While out jogging one spring morning, the two collide, setting their course in motion. Pax is immediately drawn to the unassuming beauty. Sophia is aware of his reputation and decides one night of meaningless sex with the attractive Texas charmer is just what she needs to get over her self-imposed dry spell. Pax has more than a one-night stand on his mind, but will his bad-boy persona and demanding schedule ruin any chances of a happily ever after?

Content Warning: contains explicit sex and adult content

Beachwalk Press Buy Link

StealingHisHeart_Medium

 

Excerpt

“Can I walk you to your car?”

“Thank you.” Sophia got up from the table and took his hand. “I’m parked right out front.”

Pax led her across the dance floor, waving to the few people who were left, and then out to the parking lot.

“It’s that one.” She pointed to her beat-up car, the one she’d bought her freshman year of college. It was used then but it still managed to get her where she needed to go. “Probably not as nice as what you drive.”

He leaned her against the car and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart pounded hard against her chest, strumming loud between her ears. She could smell the beer that lingered on his breath. His hazel eyes narrowed as he swiped the tip of his tongue along his top lip before tilting his head.

“I have a feeling I’m going be seeing you in my dreams tonight.” He sighed as he brought his mouth to hers. “Give me something to remember these next few days.”

She nodded as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and guided him to her, closing any space between them. When his warm lips touched hers, she thought she would explode. A burn coursed through her and settled between her legs. The mild tingling she’d experienced when they danced was nothing compared to the intensity she felt now.

As he deepened the kiss, his tongue massaged hers. Increasing his hold on her hips, he pinned her between the car and his massive thighs. She tightened her grip on him when his erection grazed her center. Every nerve ending in her begged to be satiated. The ache inside her stomach moved lower until the dampness invaded her panties. Her nipples poked against the thin material of her silk bra.

When she moaned into his mouth, he placed one last kiss on her lips before pulling away. He looked at her for a moment, pressing his forehead to hers, as he stuttered a few words.

“That was...well, I’ve never...” He ran his fingers through his hair. “You have me tongue-tied, sugar. That doesn’t happen often.”

Now she wanted to know what else he could do with that tongue.

“You best get in that car and drive away before I...”

She’d never wanted to have a one-night stand more than she did at that very moment. Maggie had said if there was ever a guy to have one with, Pax would be the one. He was a no-strings-attached player. Why hadn’t he asked her to go home with him?

“Be safe driving home.” He reached for the handle and opened her door. “You have some sweet dreams. I know I sure will.”

Sleep? That was the last thing on her mind.

 

About Ella

ellabio1

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.

You can connect with her at:

Blog: http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ella-Jade-Author/186959391390708?ref=hl

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ellajade1

 

GIVEAWAY

I’m giving away a Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer, A Keychain with the cover art and signed swag to three winners throughout the tour. Enter here...

<a id="rc-6c6c725" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6c6c725/

" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll consider adding Stealing His Heart to your TBR pile.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

Acciaccatura

ac·ciac·ca·tu·ra

noun \(ˌ)ä-ˌchä-kə-ˈtu̇r-ə\

Definition of ACCIACCATURA

:  a discordant note sounded with a principal note or chord and immediately released

Origin of ACCIACCATURA

Italian, literally, crushing

First Known Use: circa 1819

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, March 17, 2014

The importance of well-developed characters

I love to read. I’ve been an avid reader since age 4. I enjoy reading different genres, but one element I require in the books I like is lifelike characters, the kind that jump off the page and either make you love them or hate them. The important thing is the characters have to make me feel something for them. If not, I don’t enjoy the book. I like a good plot, but it’s more important to me to have interesting, convincing characters.

How does an author create credible, three-dimensional characters? By showing the characters’ feelings through actions and natural dialogue. By creating real, flawed fictional people, not cookie-cutter, perfect ones. I want the people I read about to laugh, cry, bleed—to act like real people. In real life, people aren’t perfect. They do stupid things. They hurt each other. I want to believe the characters are real and suffering as well as celebrating.

Making character charts and creating backgrounds for characters can help shape them into real people with believable motivations. Authors need to know their characters well so they can bring them to life. I’ve even assigned Sun signs to characters to get an idea of their personalities. Sometimes I create characters based on people I have known. Stories are so much better when the characters stand out. For me, character development is the most important part of a story.

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, March 14, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite books is The King’s Daughter by Miriam Newman. Tarabenthia is heir to the crown of Alcinia. Told in first person point of view, she has to make choices between love and her country. This story is compelling and heartbreaking, with one of those endings that lingers after you’ve finished reading it. This is a fantasy, but the nations portrayed in this tale are similar to the ancient nations that shaped history.

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

Aculeate

acu·le·ate

adjective \ə-ˈkyü-lē-ət\

Definition of ACULEATE

:  relating to or being hymenopterans (as bees, ants, and many wasps) of a division (Aculeata) typically having the ovipositor modified into a stinger

Origin of ACULEATE

Latin aculeatus having stings, from aculeus sting, from acus

First Known Use: 1875

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, March 10, 2014

Arizona cloud formations and sunsets

100_0552

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Saturday, March 08, 2014

The Snarkology: The Write Pet: Kelley Heckart || DAUGHTER OF NIG...

The Snarkology: The Write Pet: Kelley Heckart || DAUGHTER OF NIG...: I almost didn’t keep Xena. My other dog at that time was old and I sensed he wouldn’t be around much longer. When I (and my husband) a...

Friday, March 07, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite bands is Evanescence. I can’t get enough of this band and listen to the entire cds. It’s one of the few bands that I like all of their music. With crunchy guitars, moving melodies and ethereal vocals, this is the type of music I like to listen to when I write.

 

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

Acoelomate

acoe·lo·mate

noun \(ˌ)ā-ˈsē-lə-ˌmāt\

Definition of ACOELOMATE

:  an invertebrate lacking a coelom; especially :  one belonging to the group comprising the flatworms and nemerteans and characterized by bilateral symmetry and a digestive cavity that is the only internal cavity

acoelomate adjective

First Known Use of ACOELOMATE

circa 1889

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, March 03, 2014

Writing meaningful sex scenes

Sex scenes are the most difficult scenes for me to write. Or, I should say, it’s difficult to write meaningful sex scenes. I dread when it comes times in a story to add a sex scene. Sure, it’s easy to say that he put his ‘you know what’ in her ‘you know where.’ But why even have a sex scene if that’s all you are going to write?

A better approach is to get inside the heads of your characters and make the sex scene about emotions rather than too many repetitive actions. Also, a little goes a long way in these intimate scenes. Some description is necessary to show and not tell, but too much description and you risk losing the reader. I’ve read some sex scenes where every little detail of the man’s do-hickie was described. Ick. I really didn’t need to read that. I would rather leave the details for the reader to imagine how they want to imagine them. What may turn on one reader turns another one way off.

So, it’s best to go easy on the details and focus more on the characters’ feelings and show their feelings through their actions in the bed. If the heroine is a virgin, is she scared or nervous? If the hero is used to dominating in the bedroom, how will he react if his partner takes charge? Are they tentative lovers or passionate? This is where really knowing your characters pays off.

Sample sex scene from Winter’s Requiem:

Domelch pulled out her long knife, drawing the cold metal against her naked skin. Her nipples rose, hardening in response to the coldness of the blade. Being so close to death made her toy with the idea of sliding the knife’s sharp edge against her skin and drawing some blood. Her body tingled with pleasure at the thought. She spread her legs wide, beckoning him with an enticing smile. Her hand stroked her own inner thigh, the sight of his naked, strapping body exciting her.

In the lamplight his wolf-like eyes flickered with mounting desire for her, his erection rising and thickening with the might to conquer her. “God’s teeth, lass,” he whispered, his voice raspy with longing.

Aedan pounced on the bed and the makeshift bed crashed under their forceful weight. He claimed her with his warrior’s strength, his muscular arms enfolding her in a passionate embrace. Caressing her with hungry kisses, he filled her with life again, the terrible memories of the battlefield fading away. Domelch’s body tingled with the urgency to have him overpower her, to chase her demons away.

She recalled instead a thrilling memory of how Aedan commanded his men with confidence and courage, wielding his sword, the Widowmaker, and sending the enemy to the Underworld like a mighty war god. Now he commanded her, his forceful spear plunging into her, drawing from her body and soul the wild throes of love. She forgot all about death, embracing the power of life and all the sensations of two people enjoined in coupling. After all these years, the power he wielded over her was great, her body quivering beneath him. His musky male scent quickened her heartbeat, their slick bodies entwined like greedy vines searching for warmth and sunlight. Fisting his long hair in a desperate attempt to cling to the edge, pleasure overpowered her, pulsating and lifting her in its blissful grasp.

AS_HeckartKelley_WintersRequiem_EB_Final-189x298

http://www.kelleyheckart.com/winters_requiem.html

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, February 28, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite shows is Supernatural. With two hot brothers that hunt demons and other supernatural creatures, plus a classic rock soundtrack—what’s not to love? What I really like is what they did with angels. These aren’t sweet, winged angels wearing halos. No, they are real soldiers just like in the Bible. Great stuff.

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

Acock

acock

adjective or adverb \ə-ˈkäk\

Definition of ACOCK

:  being in a cocked position

First Known Use of ACOCK

1846

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Monday, February 24, 2014

Does a having a creative mind come at a price?

In light of the latest actor or creative talent to die from a drug overdose, I started thinking about the high number of creative people that die young from an overdose or suffer from depression or other mental condition.
In my own experience writing songs and now stories, I have always felt that I have one foot in another world when in the creative process. I don’t know if this is some kind of magic or if I am drawing on a higher power when writing a song or story, but there is something that can’t be fully explained that is present during the creation process. I wonder if creative people straddle that line between the living and the dead and if they don’t have something to anchor them to the land of the living, they can slip away.
If you think about it anyone who acts or writes has to be a little bit different from a normal person. I always feel a little disconnected from everything around me as if my thoughts are stuck in another place. This happens more often when I am deep into a story. I hear dialog in my head. I visualize scenes. Some people would call this madness. Maybe some creative minds have to rely on drugs and alcohol to cope with this.
The Irish myth of the Leanan Sidhe comes to mind. She is usually depicted as a beautiful muse, offering inspiration in exchange for love and devotion. Unfortunately, according to the legend, the artist goes mad and dies young.
I’m lucky to have anchors to this world; otherwise I would probably lose my grip on reality because my fantasy worlds are much more interesting and compelling. It’s easy to get lost in my story worlds, and that’s okay, as long as I can keep that one foot in this world—the one that really matters.

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author
Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Friday, February 21, 2014

Favorite Friday

One of my favorite books is Druids by Morgan Llywelyn. This was the first book I read by this author and this book started my fascination with the ancient Celts. Druids is set before and during Julius Caesar’s invasion of what used to be called Gaul. The story is told from the point of view of a young druid, his life and his dealings with Caesar. What I liked most about this story is that the author gives the readers a look into the life of druids. They were real people, after all—mysterious, intelligent, imposing—people. Ms. Llywelyn brings us into the world of the Celts, how they lived, their rituals and how they had close ties to nature.

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Weird Word Wednesday

Acephalous

aceph·a·lous

adjective \(ˌ)ā-ˈse-fə-ləs, ə-ˈse-\

Definition of ACEPHALOUS

1

:  lacking a head or having the head reduced

2

:  lacking a governing head or chief

Origin of ACEPHALOUS

Greek akephalos, from a- + kephalē head — more at cephalic

First Known Use: circa 1731

 

Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance author

Captivating...Sensual...Otherworldly

http://www.kelleyheckart.com

http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/CelticChick

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604