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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, June 22, 2020

Medieval Monday: A Pirate's Jewel by Ruth A. Casie

Welcome to Medieval Monday. Today's snippet comes from A Pirate's Jewel by Ruth A. Casie. Enjoy! Follow along each Monday using this hashtag #medmonspring20.



Deception and family honor are at stake – so is her heart.
Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.
Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.
When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

Ruth A. Casie’s vivid descriptions place you right in the story. It is a wonderful read I highly recommend.” ~ Deb

$2.99 or Kindle Unlimited
Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M81Y7HM

June 22 - Excerpt 8

The wind roared down the deck, sprays of water erupted from the prow as the ship bounced and rolled in the sea. Nothing hindered the man’s grip. Finally, she raised her head, but the shroud of fog blanketing the ship made it difficult to see.
Darla strained and made out dark wet hair plastered to his face. The ship shifted beneath her feet. Unsteady, he held her close, she clung to him. She didn’t have to see clearly to know who held her.

Did you miss excerpt seven? Find it on Ashley’s blog https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/blog
Join Ruth next week for another excerpt on Bambi’s blog https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Book Review: Warlord by Miriam Newman

Warlord by [Miriam Newman]


I gave this 5 stars on Amazon. Beautifully written and compelling

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!

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Book Review: The Burnt Watcher--Suspense, Horror, Fantasy, Magic

The Burnt Watcher (The Fear Book 1) by [Keith Healing]




I gave it 5 stars on Amazon/Thought-provoking and suspenseful.

Five hundred years ago the old world burned and Fear rose from the ashes and Glass. Master Grey is a Watcher, chosen to seek out and fight the Fear. He is retired now but is called back to investigate strange happenings in a small village in the west of England. The story keeps a good pace that kept my attention with suspense and conflict. We gradually learn more about Master Grey and how his life as a Watcher ended in tragedy. When he comes out of retirement, he is met with suspicion since most of those in the village don't believe there is any danger. I liked the world the author created and how the Fear is an entity seeking something, possibly vengeance or power. Maybe both. There is also a strong main female character who I liked a lot. If you like a bit of suspense, horror, fantasy, and magic, then this is for you.

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

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 Mondayhttp://jennajaxon.wordpress.com



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:






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/







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:

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.







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!





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

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:

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

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:
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.

Check out my next snippet on Barb’s blog May 11 http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk

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.




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.



Excerpt:

“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.

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.”
*

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Review of A Spell Takes Root by Keith Hendricks

A Spell Takes Root: An Epic Fantasy (The Tree of Five Worlds)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

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Behold the Dawn book review

Behold the DawnBehold 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


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.


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




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:

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: 



Review of Dirty Like Us by Jaine Diamond

Dirty Like Us (Dirty, #0.5)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

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!

Kelley Heckart
Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.
“Ms. Heckart draws the reader into the pages and enchants them with her words.”
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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.