I have been a fan of Ms. Newman's stories for a while, and this one doesn't disappoint. Ganina has been sold by her warlord father to a man old enough to be her grandfather and when he dies, his other wives want to kill the younger, prettier wife. Senec, son of the deceased chieftain, claims her as his. I felt for Ganina because she never gets to make her own choices, but she learns to be a survivor, so she isn't weak. Senec is a complicated character. He is a warlord and doesn't show emotions, but his actions speak for him. Ms. Newman's words are magical, and her storytelling is captivating. Highly recommended!
Enter a world of enchantment and passion. I am a Historical fantasy/Paranormal romance author, editor, musician, and artist living in Arizona. My latest series is based on my time as a rock and roll bassist. All five books in my Shadow-walkers series are available now on Amazon: Awakening, Awakening the Wolf, Awakening the Vampire, Awakening the Fae, and Awakening the Dragon. This blog is all about writing and other aspects of my life.
About Me
- Kelley Heckart
- Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Book Review: Warlord by Miriam Newman
Labels:
fantasy,
Historical fantasy,
miriam newman,
warlord
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Book Review: The Burnt Watcher--Suspense, Horror, Fantasy, Magic
I gave it 5 stars on Amazon/Thought-provoking and suspenseful.
Labels:
book reviews,
fantasy,
horror,
keith healing,
suspense,
The burnt watcher
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Monday, June 15, 2020
Medieval Monday: The Prince’s Highland Bride by Cathy MacRae
Welcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet is from The Prince's Highland Bride by Cathy MacRae. Enjoy!
Blurb:
Phillipe de Poitiers, a prince of Antioch, finds himself a
breath away from wrongful execution. Risking everything, he leaves behind his
crown, his family, his country—and a body sworn to be his by the Bishop,
himself.
Free of court intrigue and drawn to Scotland by memories of a
woman who once possessed his heart, Phillipe sells his sword to pay for his
travels and accepts the task of guarding the daughter of Laird MacLaren.
When Maggie MacLaren’s abusive marriage fails, she wants
nothing more than to retire to her childhood home on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Trouble follows her, putting her clan in danger, and she travels to the Isle of
Hola, placing her safety in the hands of a mysterious mercenary with a haunted
smile and a kind heart.
As Maggie and Phillipe struggle with their pasts, love
blooms. But when a pirate’s treasure offers a seductive lure, will it free
them—or prove the downfall of all they hold dear?
Tagline:
Free of court
intrigue, Phillipe seeks a new start in life. Falling in love was not in his
plans. Until he met Maggie MacLaren.
Buy links:
Preorder
through May 15 for only 99 cents!
Lead line:
Nature can provide beauty
and inspiration. It can also bring danger. Maggie’s island is a place of solace
and great beauty, but it is also completely without defenses, something
Phillipe must correct before he completes his task of protecting the woman he
has come to love—and says good-bye to her forever.
Excerpt 7
“Thank ye. Ye have put a great deal of thought into this. ’Tis clear
we are in need of a way to protect ourselves. I willnae keep running. This will
be my home.”
Phillipe’s muscles relaxed. His eyes softened. “I did not think ye
would run. That would not be the woman I have come to know.”
Maggie’s lips curved. “Your suggestions are sound ones. But I have nae
means to pay for supplies. I dinnae know what the income from the cyser will
be. I doubt there is surplus wool from the sheep to sell. There are fewer than
ten men on the isle. Each seems to have his own responsibility. I doubt they
could spend much time rebuilding the abbey. I would need to hire workers.”
Join me next week on Barbara Bettis’ blog: http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Monday, June 08, 2020
Medieval Monday: Mask of the Highlander ~ A Gods of the Highlands Prequel (2nd Edition)
Welcome to Medieval Monday. Today's snippet comes from Mask of the Highlander by Bambi Lynn. Enjoy! Keep following along each Monday to catch the the rest of the excerpts with this hashtag
#medmonspring20
BLURB:
Forced
to marry to avoid war between clans, Kenna Cleary endured three days of her new
husband's painful brutality, unaware of his demon heritage. Leaving her for
dead, he rode off to battle the English. In the five years of his absence, she
bore him a daughter, increased his holdings, and gained the love and respect of
his people. Now he's home. Must she and the clan learn to endure his cruelty
once more?
Can an
ancient Celtic god find peace in the mortal world?
The
Laird of Domhnul has returned from war a changed man—moreso than his wife can
possibly know. Now the warrior faces a new battle, one for his wife's heart,
and his peoples' trust. He must walk the knife's edge of deception and danger,
all while learning to manage the supernatural power flaring inside him and
discovering a heritage he never imagined.
But
when his father embroils both them in a deadly plot, can the couple find a way
to prevent war between their clans?
BUY LINK:
June 8 excerpt:
Startled,
Demona jumped to her feet. “Arduinna. You are early.”
Arduinna
stopped next to her. “Shall I leave and return at a more appropriate time?” She
smirked down at the god lying on the ground. Definitely unconscious. “What have
you done to him?”
One
side of Demona’s luscious mouth quirked up as she looked down at him. She
sighed. “Everything.” She turned and gave Arduinna a quick assessment, head to
toe. “You look good, Arduinna. Even if you are crawling with fairies.” She
scrunched up her delicate nose.
Arduinna
knelt and brushed away the black hair that had fallen across the god’s
forehead. She pulled in a sharp breath. She had never seen anyone more
handsome, god nor man.
Follow along for the next installment on Jenna's blog next Monday: http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Monday, June 01, 2020
Medieval Monday: To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary Morgan
Medieval Monday: To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary MorganWelcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet is from To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary Morgan. Enjoy!
Tagline:
Do they dare unravel the past for a future of love?
Blurb:
Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won
and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul.
Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this
highlander is determined to resist.
When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is
commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the
assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread
that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.
A man
conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for
love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or
will the light of hope be doused forever?
Buy Links:
Barnes &
Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry-mary-morgan/1134375461?ean=9781509229079
Excerpt #5
“Your companion is called Cuchulainn, and there are many ghosts of the
past that walk the land in the Great Glen.”
She observed the animal, now in a sitting position. “He’s named after
the great leader of the Red Branch?”
“Aye. A proud, fierce name for this champion. He has protected many
within Urquhart. Do not let him fool ye with his missing leg. He is faster than
others with four.”
She glanced sideways at the man. Unsure of what to say, she just
remained fixed on his features. So many questions burned inside her, but he
must already think her mad with her earlier question about the year. She thought
it best not to bring up the subject again.
Follow along next week on Jenna’s
blog here: https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Medieval Monday: Time Enough to Love by Jenna Jaxon
Welcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet comes from Time Enough to Love by Jenna Jaxon. Enjoy! Don't forget to keep following along each Monday with this hashtag #medmonspring20.
Blurb:
From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.
As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?
Blurb:
When Lady Alyse
de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make
the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and
although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully
sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best
friend.
From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.
As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?
Buy Link:
May 25 Excerpt:
He froze then bolted from the pallet. “You lie to protect
him.”
She sat up. “Had I chosen to lie, Geoffrey, I would simply
have said I misspoke…that I supposed loving someone under the stars was
unforgettable. No, the truth is that I made Thomas take me up on deck as part
of a wager. Once there, I wanted more so I asked him to take me under the
stars. He did not want to do it, but I persuaded him.”
Geoffrey frowned and cocked his head. “In God’s name, why?
Did you not know the consequences if you were caught?”
For another gripping excerpt, follow me next week to Judith Sterling’s blog.
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Monday, May 18, 2020
Medieval Monday: Eyes of the Seer (Book two in the Warrior Kings series) by Ashley York
Welcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet is from Eyes of the Seer by Ashley York. Enjoy!
Buy links: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/eyes-of-the-seer
He wishes to prove
himself...
Marcán of Clonascra bears
the bloodline of Brian Boru and his prowess as a warrior has earned him great
respect from everyone but Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. Between her
mother's condemning him as a pagan Seer and Astrid's total disinterest, he
finds solace as the king's protector and confidant.
She is desperate to
escape...
Astrid is more than ready
to wed but her brother, the king, is in no hurry to see her married, so she
decides to see to her own match-making. The man she approaches quickly reveals
his lack of honor, but her overbearing mother pushes her to wed him anyway.
When Astrid discovers Marcán's love for her, will it be too late to have the
happiness she'd always dreamed of?
Buy links: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/eyes-of-the-seer
Excerpt
#3
“I am
readying a bath for ye.” She swallowed right before she reached a hand out to
him. “Come.”
She couldn’t
be sure, but she sensed there was some inner struggle.
Don’t
give up on me now!
When she
moved closer, he finally closed the distance to her and accepted her hand. Heat
shot up her arm, warming her innards. His palm was rough and she realized she’d
never actually touched his hand before. It was quite large, making her hand
seem as small as a child’s.
To see what happens next, join me over at Mary Morgan’s blog next
week https://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Monday, May 11, 2020
Medieval Monday: A Winter Knight Knights of Destiny Series By Barbara Bettis
Welcome to Medieval Monday. This week's snippet comes from A Winter Knight (Knights of Destiny Series) by Barbara Bettis. Enjoy!
Log Line: He’s running from his past; she’s running from her future. But on a snowy winter night, they find each
other and the surprising gift of love.
Blurb:
Sir Nicholas has
given up on marriage. These days he’s content to captain his friend’s troops
and avoid entanglements—until one winter night when he rescues a half-frozen
woman from a snowstorm. Her irrepressible spirit and kindness to others reminds
him that all ladies aren’t like his former intended, who wed his brother while
Nick was on crusade. But he can’t open his heart to Lady Clare. She’s bound to
another, and Nick won’t forfeit his honor. Even if she were free, he has
nothing to offer but love, and this lady deserves everything.
Lady Clare’s
dying grandfather has arranged her betrothal, but the arrival of the man she’s
to wed sends her fleeing into a snowstorm. Injured when her horse stumbles,
she’s rescued by a mysterious knight. She recovers at his run-down manor, safe
at last—until her betrothed tracks her down two days before Christmas. Trapped
at home with the wedding imminent, she longs for the winter knight she’s come
to love.
Only a miracle can bring Clare and
Nick together. But at Christmas, anything is possible
Buy Links:
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/356xovq
Week 2 Excerpt
He grabbed his
mug, downed the last of his ale, and rose, the legs of the heavy bench
squalling against the wood floor. He picked up his still-damp cloak, then
tossed it across his chair. “Rance, lend me your mantle,” he called as he
strode toward the door.
The other knight
broke away from the group warming themselves at the fire and handed Nicholas
his dry cloak. “Want me to come along?”
“No need for you
to get out in this damned mess. I’ll see
what has Tom so upset. Make sure the door shuts, though, will you? That’s our
first repair once the storm ends.”
Impossible to
warm much of the hall when wind whistled down what little heat the central fire
produced. God knew, this place needed updating.
For the next
tidbit, meet Barb at Mary Morgan’s Tavern. https://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog
Miss the
first installment? Catch it at Barb’s blog: www.barbarabettis.com
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Monday, May 04, 2020
Medieval Monday: White Rose of Avalon by Kelley Heckart
Welcome to Medieval Monday. This time we are focusing on a nature theme. The first snippet is from my book, White Rose of Avalon. Each Monday, there will be a different piece of the excerpt on another author's blog, and I will be hosting other medieval authors on my blog. Enjoy the treasure hunt!
Blurb:
Do you like captivating, passionate historical fantasy
featuring King Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, Merlin, Nimue, Morgaine, and Lancelot?
Inspired by The Mists of Avalon, this sensual retelling of the Arthurian
romances brings these legendary characters to life.
Destiny cannot be altered.
With Britannia falling to the Saxon hordes, Morgaine, Queen
of the Faeries, has no choice but to make a pact with the Christian monks. She
promises to give them a High King who will unite the Britons against the Saxons
if he takes a queen from the faery realm. Morgaine hopes this will restore the
Goddess faith and return Avalon to its rightful place. She sends Lancelot to
guard the future High King, but when a love potion falls into the wrong hands,
all seems lost.
Gwenhwyfar is the only hope for the future, but betrayal,
revenge, and forbidden love surround her, all of which could send both
Britannia and Avalon into ruins.
Buy links:
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S4QC1F
Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0858T5VJG?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Also available in KU
Excerpt snippet #1
Morgaine smiled, pride swelling in her chest as she observed
Gwenhwyfar strolling amongst wildflowers. The child had grown into an
enchanting maiden of seventeen, her white-blonde hair curling to her hips, and
her skin as soft and fair as a white rose. She turned to Morgaine. Her
heart-shaped lips, crimson like crushed rowanberries, curved into a smile, and
her sapphire-colored eyes brightened.
Labels:
arthurian romances,
dark ages,
kelley heckart,
King Arthur,
king arthur books,
medieval fantasy,
medieval monday,
medieval romances,
sexy fairy tales,
steamy romances,
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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.
Monday, February 24, 2020
New Book Release: White Rose of Avalon, An Arthurian Romance
This is the second edition of a book previously published by Mundania Press. I got my rights back and decided to revise and re-publish it. I've expanded scenes in this version, so even if you read the first edition, you won't want to miss this one. Grab your copy now while the price is only .99 cents.
Excerpt:
More information and buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084S4QC1F
Blurb:
Do you like captivating, passionate historical fantasy
featuring King Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, Merlin, Nimue, Morgaine, and Lancelot?
Inspired by The Mists of Avalon, this sensual retelling of the Arthurian
romances brings these legendary characters to life.
Destiny cannot be altered.
With Britannia falling to the Saxon hordes, Morgaine, Queen
of the Faeries, has no choice but to make a pact with the Christian monks. She
promises to give them a High King who will unite the Britons against the Saxons
if he takes a queen from the faery realm. Morgaine hopes this will restore the
Goddess faith and return Avalon to its rightful place. She sends Lancelot to
guard the future High King, but when a love potion falls into the wrong hands,
all seems lost.
Gwenhwyfar is the only hope for the future, but betrayal,
revenge, and forbidden love surround her, all of which could send both
Britannia and Avalon into ruins.
“When I see Lancelot, I will tell him you came looking for
him.” Nimue began her descent into the lake.
Morgaine stopped and glanced back. “That is not true. I did
not come here to find him.”
Nimue smiled, a knowing gleam sparking in her clear eyes
just before her head disappeared beneath the water.
Morgaine could not hide her true feelings from Nimue, which
was why she preferred to keep her distance from her. There were things that
Nimue did not need to know.
She sighed. Nimue had spoken the truth. Morgaine had hoped
to find Lancelot here. She wanted to see him before he left...again. This time
she was the one who was sending him away, and her decision made her heart ache.
*
Kelley Heckart
Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.
Labels:
arthurian romances,
celtic fantasy romances,
celtic romances,
historical fantasy romances,
kelley heckart,
king arthur books,
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Mists of Avalon,
sexy fae romances,
white rose of avalon
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
New book release! Awakening the Fae, a Shadow-walkers time travel romance
.99 for a limited time. Grab your copy of this captivating paranormal romance now!
AWAKENING
THE FAE
SHADOW-WALKERS
BOOK 4
(This
is a standalone story in the Shadow-walkers series.)
Time can’t separate them, but fate
can.
Do you like time travel stories with
a hot elven king and lots of twists? The women are the rock stars here, and
they command the supernatural alpha males in their lives. Grab a copy now and
enter the sexy, scary, and thrilling world of Shadow-walkers. This compelling romance will capture your soul.
She’s
the most powerful Shadow-walker…and the most vulnerable.
Dina, the wild, strong-willed
drummer for Hecate’s Fury and wearer of the Gateway rune, is thrust back in
time where she meets a tall, handsome faery king. Beneath all the beauty of the
aes sidhe city lurks a dark, menacing
danger, and nothing is as it seems. She may be the only one to help them, but
the cost to her is high.
Beware
a kiss in moonlight.
Roan may be the only male to tame
Dina’s restless spirit, the king’s cold nature both enticing and challenging.
However, another covets her Shadow-walker and bruja powers. The rival’s obsession is relentless, his magic
difficult to resist, even for a Shadow-walker.
Past and present collide as both
males vie for her. Only the power of love and sacrifice can unite her with her
true mate.
*
Excerpt:
Damn. If they were LARPing, they took it very seriously and
didn’t break from their roles as they dragged me into the woods and out the
other side. I gaped at the scene across the stone bridge. A palace and smaller
structures built on top of pillars, all made of white stone like they’d been
carved there by gods, were nestled beneath the high, rocky, grass-covered cliffs.
Sparkling waterfalls flowed down beneath the cliff-side city and emptied into a
river. Small trees adorned the landscape and added color to the gleaming white
structures. Had I stepped into a fantasy novel?
My captors pushed me toward the bridge spanning the river.
I scowled at them. “Hey, dudes, easy.”
“Walk or I will have you dragged across,” the leader grated
between clenched teeth.
I lifted my chin and walked, the two men holding my arms.
They led me up marble steps to an arched doorway. The leader stepped ahead of
us, motioning for all four men to wait with me. After a few minutes, he
reappeared, and then my captors thrust me inside the huge domed building I’d
seen across the bridge. Gripping my upper arms in a painful hold, they ushered
me down an entryway lined with torches and steered me around a central stone
fire pit. They shoved me forward and released me so abruptly I fell to my
knees, landing hard on a bearskin rug. I started to stand and was forced back
down.
“Kneel before King Roan,” the leader rasped as he pushed on
the back of my neck.
My head forcefully bent, I raised my gaze to the shadowed
figure in the rear of the large room, glimpsing stone statues of animals and
beautiful god-like beings peeking from the alcoves, an array of silvery,
life-like etchings glimmering in the dimness.
The king stepped off a carved, pelt-covered wooden throne
nestled between the trunks of two oak trees that grew out the curved roof. He
came forward. A cold sneer curled his clean-shaven lip. Daylight beamed inside
from a high window, illuminating him in a golden splash of light that bathed
him in an ethereal radiance. My gaze widened. King Roan was the most beautiful,
fiercest-looking man I’d ever seen with long white-blond hair and icy blue-gray
eyes beneath thick, dark eyebrows. His skin was like milk. He wore a spotless,
long-sleeved, belted purple tunic, dark brown leggings, and a simple but regal
silver branch-like headband.
Seriously, where the
hell am I? In a Lord of the Rings
dream? Because this guy looked like one of the Grey Elves. That had been one
powerful joint Selena had given me. Had the person who had paid her to drug me
known this—whatever this was—would happen?
The king prodded me with his leather-booted foot. “Who is
this? She wears strange clothing.”
Huh, I’m thinking the
same thing about you.
The ninja leader unwrapped his headscarf. “We found her
inside our barriers.”
“A human breached our barriers?” A slight tone of alarm
filled the king’s deep voice.
Human? What?
“I-I don’t know how I arrived here.”
The ninja leader seized the back of my neck, causing
shooting pain, and I winced.
“Do not speak to the king unless told to do so,” he growled.
King Roan waved his hand downward. “Release her, Commander.”
He did but roughly pushed my head before he backed off. I
turned a glare on the commander, cringed beneath his withering stare, and then
faced the king, deciding it might be wise, at least for now, to keep my eyes
lowered. These people were acting strange, and my gut was warning me to be careful.
King Roan grunted and put his finger beneath my chin,
coaxing me to look at him. “What is your name?”
“Dina.”
His touch produced strange tingles. I quivered beneath his
stare, the blue-gray in his eyes flickering and softening for a moment, his jaw
set tight.
He quickly withdrew his finger and cleared his throat as if
the brief spark of emotion when he’d touched me surprised him. “Rise.”
*
Labels:
.99 cent ebooks,
adult romances,
New book releases,
new paranormal romances,
Paranormal Romance,
Rock star romance series,
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supernatural romances,
Time travel romances
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Review of A Spell Takes Root by Keith Hendricks
A Spell Takes Root: An Epic Fantasy by Keith Hendricks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great world-building
Too many long descriptions bogged down the beginning for me, but once I got past that, I enjoyed immersing myself in the world the author created filled with adventure and action. I liked passages like this one: “Which is not to say that the goblin woman laughed like a lady, but with a sharp scowl that would have cut the manhood from Khyte if it could.” This story is for fans of unique fantasy worlds.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great world-building
Too many long descriptions bogged down the beginning for me, but once I got past that, I enjoyed immersing myself in the world the author created filled with adventure and action. I liked passages like this one: “Which is not to say that the goblin woman laughed like a lady, but with a sharp scowl that would have cut the manhood from Khyte if it could.” This story is for fans of unique fantasy worlds.
View all my reviews
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Behold the Dawn book review
Behold the Dawn by K.M. Weiland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked the whole redemption theme in this story, and it was a well-written tale. It moved a little slow at first, but I didn’t mind that too much. Sometimes, I like to savor a story. All the brutality of war and life in the time of the Crusades came to life in all the senses. I liked the characters. Annan was strong and true to his warrior nature, and Maired wasn’t a wilted flower. I wanted to learn more about what happened in his past at St. Dunstan, and at times I got a bit confused about some of these characters relating to that incident. All in all, this was a really good read and highly recommended.
I received this book for free and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked the whole redemption theme in this story, and it was a well-written tale. It moved a little slow at first, but I didn’t mind that too much. Sometimes, I like to savor a story. All the brutality of war and life in the time of the Crusades came to life in all the senses. I liked the characters. Annan was strong and true to his warrior nature, and Maired wasn’t a wilted flower. I wanted to learn more about what happened in his past at St. Dunstan, and at times I got a bit confused about some of these characters relating to that incident. All in all, this was a really good read and highly recommended.
I received this book for free and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
View all my reviews
Labels:
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historical fiction,
K.M. Weiland
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
This werewolf romance is only .99 for a limited time
Awakening the Wolf is only .99 for a limited time. Grab your copy now!
If you like sexy werewolf heroes and thrilling murder mysteries, plus passionate love stories, then don't wait to get your discounted copy.
This is a standalone love story within my Shadow-walkers world.
If you like sexy werewolf heroes and thrilling murder mysteries, plus passionate love stories, then don't wait to get your discounted copy.
This is a standalone love story within my Shadow-walkers world.
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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.
Writing fiction—don’t forget the Goal, Motivation, and Conflict
The GMC or Goal, Motivation, and Conflict are the most important ingredients in storytelling, and somehow, I started a story and forgot all about the GMC. I had my basic idea and characters, but when I started working on the story, I forgot to pin down the three main points. It didn’t take me long to realize that my story had nowhere to go because my characters had no specific desires or wanted to gain anything and nothing was holding them back. No GMC = no story.
Here is something I came up with to help me know my characters and define their goals, motivation, and conflict.
First off, the goal is the one thing the main characters want. The goal needs to be something that they want so badly they will do anything to get to that goal. The goal should be important enough for characters to act against.
The motivation is why the characters want what they want—the drive and back-story. Anything is possible for character as long as the writer explains why to give the reader enough motivation to give the story credibility. The writer needs to know their characters well so that the actions stay in character to justify and make the reasons for actions clear to readers. When a character wants something bad enough, the reader will, too.
The last piece is conflict, which is why the characters can’t get what they want, the trouble, tension and roadblocks that are preventing the characters from achieving their goals. Conflict drives the plot and motivates the characters. There are two types of conflict—external and internal. External conflict can be a person, an intolerable situation, or an act of God. Internal conflict is inner struggles within the characters.
I find it helpful to have character charts for my main characters. Here is an example of a character chart that I use to help me get to know my characters:
Character Name:
Sun Sign:
Race:
Age:
Height:
Hair Color:
Eye Color:
Skin Color:
Weapons:
Religion or Beliefs:
Dilemma:
Goal:
Motivation:
Conflict:
His secret:
What would destroy him:
What would help him survive and be better:
Bad Trait:
Good Trait:
Happy Writing!
Kelley Heckart
Historical fantasy and Paranormal romance
Otherworldly tales steeped in myth & magic
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604
Here is something I came up with to help me know my characters and define their goals, motivation, and conflict.
First off, the goal is the one thing the main characters want. The goal needs to be something that they want so badly they will do anything to get to that goal. The goal should be important enough for characters to act against.
The motivation is why the characters want what they want—the drive and back-story. Anything is possible for character as long as the writer explains why to give the reader enough motivation to give the story credibility. The writer needs to know their characters well so that the actions stay in character to justify and make the reasons for actions clear to readers. When a character wants something bad enough, the reader will, too.
The last piece is conflict, which is why the characters can’t get what they want, the trouble, tension and roadblocks that are preventing the characters from achieving their goals. Conflict drives the plot and motivates the characters. There are two types of conflict—external and internal. External conflict can be a person, an intolerable situation, or an act of God. Internal conflict is inner struggles within the characters.
I find it helpful to have character charts for my main characters. Here is an example of a character chart that I use to help me get to know my characters:
Character Name:
Sun Sign:
Race:
Age:
Height:
Hair Color:
Eye Color:
Skin Color:
Weapons:
Religion or Beliefs:
Dilemma:
Goal:
Motivation:
Conflict:
His secret:
What would destroy him:
What would help him survive and be better:
Bad Trait:
Good Trait:
Happy Writing!
Kelley Heckart
Historical fantasy and Paranormal romance
Otherworldly tales steeped in myth & magic
http://www.kelleyheckart.com
http://twitter.com/CelticChick
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604
Labels:
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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.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Shadow-walkers are here
For my latest series, I decided to draw on my past as a rock and roll bassist for inspiration. It turned out by doing that, I was also inspired to start writing music again with my husband.
My Shadow-walkers series is a mix of Supernatural and Rock Star. The twist is that the girls are the wild rock stars, and they command the supernatural men they love.
This is the only life I know. I never grew up worshiping guys in a band. I wasn't a groupie. I was a musician like them. It would be weird for me to write a series based on bad boy rockers. It had to be about the women of rock. The guys in my series are not wimps, though. They can hold their own against the headstrong females of Hecate's Fury.
Kate, Cyn, Jessie, Dina, and Mickey have come to life in the music I am creating and recording with my husband. Their songs can be found here:
My Shadow-walkers series is a mix of Supernatural and Rock Star. The twist is that the girls are the wild rock stars, and they command the supernatural men they love.
This is the only life I know. I never grew up worshiping guys in a band. I wasn't a groupie. I was a musician like them. It would be weird for me to write a series based on bad boy rockers. It had to be about the women of rock. The guys in my series are not wimps, though. They can hold their own against the headstrong females of Hecate's Fury.
Kate, Cyn, Jessie, Dina, and Mickey have come to life in the music I am creating and recording with my husband. Their songs can be found here:
If you like strong, wild, talented women and hunky supernatural men, plus a mix of rock and roll, the paranormal, and hot, passionate romance, then grab the first two books in this series. Each book is a standalone love story in the world I've created.
For more information on Shadow-walkers, click here:
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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.
Review of Dirty Like Us by Jaine Diamond
Dirty Like Us by Jaine Diamond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story about a hunky, cocky, man-whore rock star and the complicated relationship with the woman who just might capture his heart. It didn't have a HEA or HFN ending, but I understand this is part of a larger series, and I believe Maggie and Zane's relationship is just beginning. I really liked Maggie, and despite Zane's sex addiction, he wormed his way in. The story was well-written and engaging. I look forward to reading more in this series. I recommend this if you like sexy rock and roll stories.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story about a hunky, cocky, man-whore rock star and the complicated relationship with the woman who just might capture his heart. It didn't have a HEA or HFN ending, but I understand this is part of a larger series, and I believe Maggie and Zane's relationship is just beginning. I really liked Maggie, and despite Zane's sex addiction, he wormed his way in. The story was well-written and engaging. I look forward to reading more in this series. I recommend this if you like sexy rock and roll stories.
View all my reviews
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Monday, January 01, 2018
Monday Musings: New Year's tradition around the world
Here are some New Year's traditions from around the world:
Making a lot of noise seems to be popular everywhere. In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons, and China, firecrackers kept away the forces of darkness.
Food is another popular tradition. In the southern U.S., black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune. In India and Pakistan, rice promises good fortune. The Swiss drop dollops of whipped cream on the floors, which symbolizes the richness of the coming year.
Drinking alcohol is probably the most popular tradition. Wassail (Good Health) is a favorite punch-like drink in England. In Holland, toasts are made with hot, spiced wine.
Swapping gifts is done in some parts of the world. In Rome, gifts of gilded nuts or coins marks the start of the New Year. Persians exchange eggs, a symbol of fertility. Early Egyptians traded earthenware pots. In Scotland, coal, shortbread, and silverware were given for good luck.
Scotland celebrates Hogmanay. People visit friends and family. The first foot forward to cross the threshold will predict the next year's fortune.
The practice of making New Year's resolutions began with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C.
New Year's folklore:
At midnight, kiss the person you want to keep kissing.
If the old year goes out like a lion, the new one will come in like a lamb.
Happy New Year!
Making a lot of noise seems to be popular everywhere. In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons, and China, firecrackers kept away the forces of darkness.
Food is another popular tradition. In the southern U.S., black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune. In India and Pakistan, rice promises good fortune. The Swiss drop dollops of whipped cream on the floors, which symbolizes the richness of the coming year.
Drinking alcohol is probably the most popular tradition. Wassail (Good Health) is a favorite punch-like drink in England. In Holland, toasts are made with hot, spiced wine.
Swapping gifts is done in some parts of the world. In Rome, gifts of gilded nuts or coins marks the start of the New Year. Persians exchange eggs, a symbol of fertility. Early Egyptians traded earthenware pots. In Scotland, coal, shortbread, and silverware were given for good luck.
Scotland celebrates Hogmanay. People visit friends and family. The first foot forward to cross the threshold will predict the next year's fortune.
The practice of making New Year's resolutions began with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C.
New Year's folklore:
At midnight, kiss the person you want to keep kissing.
If the old year goes out like a lion, the new one will come in like a lamb.
Happy New Year!
Kelley Heckart
Otherworldly tales
steeped in myth, magic & romance.
“Ms. Heckart draws the reader into the pages and enchants
them with her words.”
CTR
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Weird Word Wednesday
entasis
NOUN
Architecture
A slight convex curve in the shaft of a column,
introduced to correct the visual illusion of concavity produced by a straight
shaft.
Example sentences
‘Not only does this polysemy make it an enigmatic
signifier, but the computer-perfected entasis makes it a good example of
propositional beauty - the central planned skyscraper with elegant double
curves shooting to the sky.’
‘The entasis of this skyscraper, like that of a Doric
column, leads to a new kind of propositional beauty, one worked out digitally.’
Origin
Mid 17th century: modern Latin, from Greek, from
enteinein ‘to stretch or strain’.
Pronunciation
entasis/ˈɛntəsɪs/
Kelley Heckart
Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C
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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.
Monday, December 25, 2017
Monday Musings: Yule
Yule was and is still celebrated by pagans around the world as the birth of the Sun God. The Holly King "dies" and the Oak King starts his reign at this time when the days grow longer and are filled with light and warmth.
Both gods are honored during this time by bringing an evergreen indoors and decorating it with light and colorful ornaments that represent the abundance of the coming spring like birds, fruit, and flowers, along with those that symbolize rain like icicles. Gift-giving is also an ancient tradition, although in past times these were mostly handmade gifts from the heart.
I think we lose sight of the true meaning of this time because we sit in our heated homes lit with electricity during these shorter, colder days. We also grab our food from the grocery store shelves instead of having to rely on weather conditions to grow our own. It must have been frightening for people who had a lack of scientific knowledge to grasp on to the idea that spring and summer would return, especially when their food stores and fire fuel started to run low. This truly is a magical time when the shorter days start to lengthen and warmth and sunshine returns.
Merry Christmas and Happy Yule.
Both gods are honored during this time by bringing an evergreen indoors and decorating it with light and colorful ornaments that represent the abundance of the coming spring like birds, fruit, and flowers, along with those that symbolize rain like icicles. Gift-giving is also an ancient tradition, although in past times these were mostly handmade gifts from the heart.
I think we lose sight of the true meaning of this time because we sit in our heated homes lit with electricity during these shorter, colder days. We also grab our food from the grocery store shelves instead of having to rely on weather conditions to grow our own. It must have been frightening for people who had a lack of scientific knowledge to grasp on to the idea that spring and summer would return, especially when their food stores and fire fuel started to run low. This truly is a magical time when the shorter days start to lengthen and warmth and sunshine returns.
Merry Christmas and Happy Yule.
Kelley Heckart
Otherworldly tales
steeped in myth, magic & romance.
“Ms. Heckart draws the reader into the pages and enchants
them with her words.”
CTR
Labels:
christmas,
kelley heckart,
Monday Musings,
yule,
Yule traditions
Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
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