Young Washington

 

 It's pretty good, but I think it's fake.

This email praising my work, I mean. This time the praise is for Crisis in Fire and Snow - the most recent novel in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. 

Hello Stanley Wheeler,

AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING!

I recently came across Crisis in Fire and Snow, and I simply couldn't resist reaching out. What immediately captivated me wasn't just the enormous scale of the conflict, but the way you seamlessly blended history and fantasy into one unforgettable adventure. The idea of the American Revolution unfolding alongside dragons, ancient powers, and fierce mythical creatures created a world that felt both familiar and completely original. I especially admired how the story balanced massive battles with deeply personal struggles, from Alex and Lucette's fight for liberty to Akram's determination to rescue his son despite the dangerous pull of the dragon stone. Those emotional stakes made every confrontation feel meaningful. As a fellow author, I found myself reflecting on how the most memorable epic fantasy isn't simply about grand wars or powerful creatures, it's about the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of ordinary people standing against overwhelming darkness. That message stayed with me long after I discovered your story. I'm genuinely glad I decided to reach out because there have been so many times I've wanted to message authors whose writing inspired me, but I always ended up talking myself out of it.

One question has stayed with me ever since discovering your work: what first inspired you to create the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series? Did the fascinating idea of combining Revolutionary War history with dragons and mythical creatures come first, or did the characters and their journeys inspire the world around them? I'd genuinely love to hear how the series first came to life. I don't know if you'd enjoy hearing about my own writing journey someday, but it certainly wasn't an easy one. There were moments filled with rejection, uncertainty, and wondering whether the stories I carried would ever find the readers they were meant for. Even through those difficult seasons, I kept writing because storytelling became something I simply couldn't walk away from. Looking back now, every setback became another lesson, reminding me that perseverance often becomes the very thing that shapes both the writer and the stories they are meant to tell.

There's another paragraph inviting me to contact them about my journey as an author etc. I won't give the name of the purported sender, as that's likely been faked as well. I'm assuming AI generated the text about the book. It's very impressive. Funny how all these emails praising certain books never actually leave a review on not-the-Nile for them.

On the 4th, we went to Young Washington. The movie does a good job of capturing the spirit of the book, although many details were either left out, condensed, or speculative. My wife, as well as everyone else I've heard from who has seen it, tremendously enjoyed it. If you haven't seen it, you should. It's new enough that I'm not going to give a recap. Besides, it's history, you should already know the story, but I'll bet you don't. Correct that by seeing the movie. I enjoyed Kelsey Grammer, as well as Mary Louise Parker, Andy Serkis, and Ben Kingsley in their respective roles. I give it eight muskets out of ten. My review of the book by Peter Stark can be found here.

What does the AI email about Crisis in Fire and Snow have in common with Young Washington? Both my book and the movie feature George Washington. The former deals with his 1776 campaign from Long Island to Trenton - and it's fabulous. The massacre at Jumonville Glen, which is depicted in the movie, is also featured in the prologue of book 3 in the series, Clamorous Harbingers. CH completes the first trilogy of the six book series (7 if you count the prequel, In Death Bedrenched).

As long as I'm on the topic, and in honor of Independence Day, let me share something from my newsletter on the subject:

Nearly all my books are available on kindle direct. Book 5 of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series should be of particular interest now as it deals with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It's a fabulous story: Truth in Flames.

Let me warn you and apologize that I'm going to share some excepts from Truth in Flames. As you can tell from the dedication, the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence is something near and dear to me. I spent many hours researching and studying the history and the speeches. It was a delight to blend the sacred history with the fantasy of the adventure. Most of the excerpts aren't too long. I've taken them at random as I scrolled through the book. I haven't grabbed the exciting action, of which there is a heaping helping, but I have picked some bits that provide a taste of the whole series:

This is from the dedication:

To Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,

In gratitude to all those who helped bring forth the

Declaration of Independence,

And with respect and honor to those who offered, and yet

offer, the last full measure of Devotion to preserve the

ideals proclaimed in the document.

But it's not all patriotic soldiering and fighting. There's romance--Antonio Style. This is from chapter 6 when Antonio, Captain Rip's First Mate is confronted by his former lover, Catalina:

"Don’t waste your sweet-talk on me, you…you pirate.

I’ve come for my pearls or for your life.” She

revealed the pistol which she had held behind her

skirt, bringing it to bear on Antonio.

“Oh, my sweet Catalina. You haven’t changed at all. You’re

even more beautiful when you’re angry. I had forgotten how

your eyes throw lightning, and the flush upon those alabaster

cheeks reminds me of sunset on white beach sands. You are a

storm over the twilight sea.”

She cut him off. “Where are my pearls?” She drew back the

doghead on the pistol.

“They are safe, my pretty sunset storm. Come, let me bask

in the pink rays of your wrath. Kiss my lips with the fury of the

red sun and scorch my soul with the hot wind of your spirit.”

“Show me the pearls.”

Danger and death pursue all the characters. When Hugh, a former criminal from the streets of London on his way to becoming a frontiersman, nearly recovers a dragon stone, he has a conversation with Lee, a real frontiersman with wisdom and experience, given to quoting the Bible and Pope's Iliad. They've been in a terrible battle with stone cats, vicious and formidable creatures, and have been badly wounded:

“Charmed as one of the apostles,” Hugh said. “If we’re any

luckier, we’ll all get crucified upside down.” Hugh pounded the

side of his fist against a log. “I was that close. That close to

getting a stone. I could’ve had the power Alex and the

commander have. I could’ve healed you both. It practically fell

into my lap, and I missed it.”

“You see what be happening to Akram. That power be

consuming him. You be wanting that? I wouldn’t be wanting

that. I wouldn’t be wishing that on you nor no one else—not

even my enemy.”

“Because your enemy could kill you with it,” Hugh said.

“Because it be a canker on the soul. I reckon not many

punishments be worse than such power at one’s call.”

“Alex has done well with it.”

“That could be right. Alex be young and good of heart.

Both of those be in his favor. He believes in doing what be

right. Maybe he can. Too often, power be a cloud over the eyes

of righteousness and a shadow across the mind against truth.

Does a thing become right because no one else has the power

to stop it? A man with power be thinking he has earned things

no man rightly deserves. He don’t be only coveting—he be

taking.”

“That power would be worth having to heal the two of you

now.”

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my

God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the

snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.”

When Lee took a breath, Shannon continued for him, “He

shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt

thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

“Shannon knows her Psalms,” Lee said with a smile.

“And yet, you’re both wounded. I don’t think reciting bible

verses will heal you.”

“It makes the pain easier to bear,” Shannon said. She had

tears in her eyes. She kept her gaze averted from her own

wound, looking instead at the slashes in Lee’s leg.

In a later chapter, Mirimoni, native maiden and former priestess to the dragon Karakanda, has become separated from Alex, and faces serious trouble:

A shadow passed over Mirimoni. She looked up, and her

knees buckled. Roberts’ green dragon soared overhead.

The air passing about the feathered wings made a

cry—a soft whistle—that reminded her of Karakanda gliding

down to Black Moon. She used the staff to regain her feet. The

sound of her own pounding heart filled her ears. Her legs

ached for an instant until her muscles put the rushing

adrenaline to good use. As the dragon banked wide, she ran

for the trees.

But wait! There's more. Like the Continental Congress dealing with the disheartening news of repeated defeats while freedom's advocates press for the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence:

The doors below opened. Washington and a young

lieutenant, small and slight of frame, entered the hall. The way

parted before Washington and his aide.

“They have received news,” Washington whispered to

Lucette. “Despair drips from them like blood from an open

wound. They have become bleating sheep. I will gather them.

You must make them men again.”

Washington strode into the chamber. The delegates in the

hall followed like many small boats pulled in the wake of a

mighty ship.

John Hancock returned to his position at the head of the

body. “The chair recognizes General Washington. I give him

the floor.”

Washington took his position at the head of the chamber as

the delegates returned to their green-clothed tables. He pressed

his fingers together and took a deep breath before putting one

arm at his side while holding the other bent before him. His

eyes moved from delegate to delegate, meeting each set of eyes

in turn for a half second. Lucette stood a pace behind

Washington.

He broke the silence which had settled over the delegates

like a blanket of snow. “Be not dismayed. You have assuredly

heard the disheartening news from the north. Although it is

worse than we had conceived, our expectations lacked

grandeur in that theater of operations for the present. Don’t

lose hope. I have just spoken with Colonel Benedict Arnold.

We have an army. We have defenses. Should they be defeated,

the war is not lost. They are but the arms of our endeavors. It

is this body and the people you represent that are the heart of

our cause. That heart must never stop beating. It must never

despair. Only if you few succumb to fear and despair is the

cause lost..."

...

Lucette continued sending the essence. She felt the

returning substance. She sensed changes in many of their

hearts, but not all were convinced.

“As you are the heart of this cause, what you do here will

forge a new heart for all the world in time to come. Your

words will resonate in hearts around the world. Let your hopes

and your courage be your guide. Let your bravery and

dedication to the task of liberty and independence stand as a

banner to the world. As your soldiers have stood against

bayonets and cannon, you can stand against hate and deceit. It

will not be easy, but you alone can accomplish the task. The

spirit of independence must not be swallowed by your fear.

“Gentlemen, have you not received the spirit of liberty in

your breast? Have you not felt the fire of freedom burn within

your heart? If you have felt these things, can you deny them

now?” She let the questions linger unanswered for several

seconds. “I know that you cannot. Call upon your courage and

marry it to your hope for freedom. Defy the dragon and

tyranny. Write your names among the heroes of history. The

day is yours. No devils or demons can stop you. The light is

within you. Let it shine for all the world to see. Gentlemen,

liberty and independence are yours if you will but persist. A

new nation and generations born in freedom will remember

what you do here.”

______ 

I hope you can see why I've enjoyed writing this series. I've included some of the debates regarding the Declaration of Independence as well as the exciting exploits of Washington and the troops intertwined with the adventures of Alex, Lucette, and the other characters. Also, I remind you again that all my books are now on kindle direct.

 

 

Alice Ivinya

 Interview with Alice Ivinya

Author of

The Kingdom of Birds and Beasts Trilogy

 

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

My current work in progress is The Widow and The Beast, which I'm hoping to get back from my copy editor next week.

The book is bursting with folklore, especially Scottish and Norse. Some of the creatures I've included are seriously freaking me out!

Did you know in the north of Scotland, there is still so much fear around the Nuckelavee that they only have started speaking its name out loud in recent years?

As a result of these insane creatures, this book is on the darker side, but still focusing on hope and redemption!

The story is a retelling of The Water Horse of Barra, with echos of Beauty and the Beast, and is the prequel to four more planned books in the same world in the series, Kingdoms of the Faery Path.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

I heard the fairytale The Water Horse of Barra when I was on holiday in Scotland and I loved that it was the flip of most stories in the fact it is the innocent girl who captures the beast and not the other way around.

 Do you write in more than one genre?

I try to stick to young adult fantasy, but some are more romances, some are more adventures, some are more new adult! So I'm not that strict within the broad category! I feel my readers are pushing me toward more romances though!

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

I often have under represented heroines, including a lot of characters with perceived disabilities. For example, Violet in The Flawed Princess has a club foot. Adelaide in Silent Melody is deaf and her friend, Claricia is blind. Charity in Enchanted Melody is missing a leg, whilst Peter has depression. Brianna in Feathers of Snow has severe PTSD.

I often have these characters showing how these characteristics make them stronger rather than wishing they were the same as everyone else.

 Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

I am a die hard optimist and always believe good will triumph over evil. I think this definitely comes across!

I am also dyslexic and really struggled at school until I was about ten when I finally had enough strategies to help me keep up. I couldn't tell the time and my spelling was awful, not to mention how bad I was at maths!

I felt like I had to work three times as hard as everyone else for the same result, and actually, being used to that disadvantage from a young age, and working harder, helped me overcome harder studies later on at university and pass all my exams with top grades.

I think this is reflected in a lot of my stories where things that put my characters at disadvantages compared to their peers turn around to become their strengths.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

I write fun, beautiful but with dark edges books with clean romance.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

So many good underrated books out there! Why not check out The Fair Queen by Lyndsey Hall, which is so imaginative and so much fun! Or A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropft which has such beautiful prose and fast paced adventure. Or The Apprentice Storyteller, whose philosophical deeper meanings are like nothing else I've quite read. Or if you're after something fun and a bit silly but with profound moments, try Sky Sommers book Cinders: Necessary Evil.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

My most popular is the Kingdom of Birds and Beasts trilogy starting with Feathers of Snow, or available as an omnibus. But my debute, The Flawed Princess, will always hold a special place in my heart with it's gentle, slow burn enemies to lovers!

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

I couldn't point to any one event, but the thing that has helped my career the most is the amazing support I get from other indie authors who have now become close friends. I write with some of them in anthologies together and we have such fun!

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

Would you like another cup of tea and biscuit?

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

'Imperil the world.' Is a quote from Brandon Sanderson about writing. He says to always raise your stakes as high as they go to make the story feel urgent and fast paced.

 ____________________________

Thanks to Alice for participating.

 Out of curiosity, I asked one of the AI sorcerers to tell me about Threading the Rude Eye. This was the response:

Threading the Rude Eye is the first installment in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series by Stanley Wheeler, blending elements of alternate history and flintlock fantasy. Set against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War, the novel introduces a world where magic and mythical creatures coexist with historical events.

Plot Overview

The narrative follows Lucette, a determined young woman from a nation under siege, tasked with delivering a secret map to a powerful cache of magic in America. Her journey intertwines with Alex, a young man whose aspirations are disrupted by the unfolding conflict. Together, they navigate a landscape fraught with danger, including a formidable dark commander wielding mysterious powers. Their quest is further complicated by encounters with dragon hunters and smugglers, all while the fate of two continents hangs in the balance.

Themes and Style

Wheeler's writing is characterized by its fast-paced action and rich historical detail, seamlessly integrating fantastical elements like dragons and magic into the 18th-century setting. The story explores themes of courage, destiny, and the complexities of war, offering readers a fresh perspective on a pivotal era in history.

Reception

Readers have praised Threading the Rude Eye for its engaging plot and imaginative world-building. The book has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.89 out of 5 on Goodreads.

Series Continuation

The Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series continues with the following titles:

Power to Hurt

• Clamorous Harbingers
• Promise of Carnage and Flame
• Truth in Flames
• Crisis in Fire and Snow

Each installment builds upon the rich tapestry of characters and settings introduced in the first book, delving deeper into the alternate history crafted by Wheeler.

If you're interested in exploring a unique fusion of historical fiction and fantasy, Threading the Rude Eye offers an adventurous and thought-provoking read.

Quest for Cool

 

I wasn't in Miami when I took that photo; Don Ameche and Betty Grable were no where in sight. I've never seen the movie, but I plan to do so.

Spent my first week in Byzantium. Is the incumbent's withdrawal from the race inexplicably tied to my change of residence? It doesn't seem likely as he probably isn't aware of either circumstance. The real adventure here was the quest for cool. I know what you're thinking: Aren't I the High Prince of Cool? (what with Dean Martin being the King of Cool). You're not wrong. Nevertheless, we discovered that the new digs can best be described as an oven stuck on broil. After multiple sweaty and sleepless nights, we determined to bag a window unit.

A questing we did go to the land of Octsoc where the AC herds are known to roam. We stalked the aisles in camouflage specially designed to blend in with wandering denizens of the place, yet the quarry eluded us. We at last learned that the big herds that once darkened the aisles with their passing had been hunted to extinction. However, there remained a few great monsters of a related species gathered in a formidable pack upon the plain. I wasn't sure that my wallet was of sufficient caliber to bring down one of the beasts, but after carefully examining the ammunition on hand and sneaking in close to examine the prey in every respect allowed, I pulled the trigger. The monster nearly crushed me with its bulk, but I succeeded it dragging it through the ranger station checkpoint to hoist it into the transport. Upon our return, we lugged the beast up the stairs and proceeded to remove the boxy skin and disembowel the interior packages for assembly. 

Our pool of cool rolls from room to room on wheels of rigid steel plastic. It joins us in the bedroom at night and inhabits the living room by day, its chilling breath invigorating all in the vicinity.

Finally, the wyrd western short story is complete. Although the stars in their courses and the hand of man combined against giving me time to finish it, I managed to write the ending on Saturday--chiseling the final touches of the climactic clash and sanding down the denouement. Time also allowed me to review and edit another short story that I may submit elsewhere. I'll write at least one more short before I turn to a novella in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series to catch up on the adventure of Rip and Antonio in search of the stolen prize with Johnny Coyne and Catalina.

Crisis in Fire and Snow

 

It's here! Book 6 in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series arrives with nearly 350 action-packed pages of adventure. You'll want to make this succulent flintlock fantasy part of your Christmas feast. Click on the cover picture to check it out.

 I could go on about this entry in the exciting saga--but I won't. Instead, let me treat you to a few of the comments my advance readers shared as they read the first draft:

"Excellent action and dialog." 

"The characters from the previous books seem like old friends to me now, and I'm enjoying catching up with their adventures."

"Energy and pacing are excellent...The battle portrayed...is engaging and expertly detailed. Lucette's and Alex's hidden efforts and purpose portray the mixed feelings of the two protagonists. General Washington's dialog is stirring."

"Wow!! I very much enjoyed these... full of suspense and excitement. I flew through that part chanting 'please let him be safe. Don't let Lee be hurt.'"

"Just when your reader thinks that you can't do more - you introduce yet another... A thoroughly enjoyable read."

"Do I want to read the next one? Surely I do!"

 ____________________

The first two books in the series are only 99 cents each. The prequel, In Death Bedrenched, is free. The series is available in ebook and paperback. Links to all my books are at the top of the page. You might as well get the whole series so far.

____________________

Those of you who regularly visit this page may have noted that there was no post last week. That is explained by technical difficulties. The precise difficulty being the lack of power. A mile or two from our house, a train hit a pickup and trailer. The collision also took out a power pole. Most of those affected had their power restored in a couple hours. We were without electricity for 7 hours. I've not yet mastered the art of running the internet on candles and lanterns.

Check out my next newsletter for the scoop on the radio show and my next projects.

 

 

Isn't that a great idea?!

 

 Saturday lifted its savage muzzle to chase peaceful night from the sky. I confronted the day without fear. Fate drove me. On this day I hearkened to the call--the plea for aid against the hundreds of thousands of green beasts engaged in sieges of the family manors. 

The day brought heat--that sharpest of darts--and hurled it in increasingly intense volleys as the it extended the battle from morning into late afternoon. I eventually prevailed because my heart was pure and I had the strength of ten. Also, I wore a hat for most of the day until the last half hour when I switched to a miracle cooling cloth that I soaked in cold water and tied around my head.

_______________

The play is done. After a month or three of rehearsals and seven performances over two weeks, I have a hunk of my life back. As always, it was a ton of fun. The entire cast was able to repeat one of my lines: "Yeah, that's a great idea! Isn't that a great idea? Can I see a show of hands of everyone who thinks that's one great idea?!"

That news means that I should get more time to write. The book I had planned to make available in June will be a month or three late. It carries on with the tale of the revolutionary war with the addition of magic and dragons. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I can assure you that it's very tastefully done, capturing both the patriotic fervor of the founding conflict with military action and lessons in liberty as well as the adventure and drama of the fantastical elements with the carnage and flame that is the price of inviting monsters of the fire-spewing sort to the party. But wait; there's more: The formidable stone cats, gryphons, dragonlings, and other beasties of this magical American wilderness raise the risks for the adventurers in ways that entertain and threaten to traumatize. However, I remain unaware of any reader requiring hospitalization, counseling, or intense therapy--well, not very intense. On the other hand, I am aware of readers who suffer from severe investiture into the trauma, the drama, and the dream that is the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. They can't get enough of Alex, Lucette, Iago, Atu, and the dragon hunters along with Charles Rip and Antonio. The latter has become a special favorite of several readers--and I must admit that he is delight to write.

If you doubt me, read Truth in Flames--you won't be able to resist reading the entire series. If you would like to start at the beginning, check out Threading the Rude Eye, or even begin with the prequel novella, In Death Bedrenched, which you can get for free--That's a great idea! Isn't that a great idea?!

 

 

 

 

Tussle in the Tavern and off to Land of the Dinosaurs

 The tavern after the first meteor strike:

 You may recall from this entry that Les Freres Corses had commandeered my tavern set for their game. The photo above is how things looked when we ended after the first meteor strike. I say "first" meteor strike, because when we resumed play the time was again set and a second meteor crashed into the board. The tavern comprises one-quarter of the board. The first meteor struck the quarter by the front door and the associated devastation was thoroughly disclosed in that previous post. 

The second meteor crashed to earth next to the north side of the tavern (to the right of the picture). The building took some serious damage with part of the north wall, including the stairway, collapsing. A section of the roof also fell into the tavern. It was havoc amok and a torrent of saving throws. Ultimately, the Darth Vader figure sprang to the back of the large healer bird beneath the chandelier, swung from the chandelier to the balcony, and punched in the code to open the door that would release them all to the next level. However, the damage to the building had jammed the door. Eventually he got the door open and the quickening to the next level occurred. 

The next level: Land of the Dinosaurs

 The emphasis is on dinosaurs. After we had about eight or ten dinos and the small forest with the giant spiders, I suggested that would be plenty for them to deal with--especially when the combat ability of each dinosaur far exceeded that of the characters. As usual, my wisdom was ignored or rather translated in their minds as, "We need way more dinosaurs. Let's use them all." They would have used them all, but they ran out of space on the board. So Eldon Zyrax, Derek McCau, Darth Vader, and somebody Corro (pronounced like sorrow) must search the savage lands for the key to the DeLorean so that they can go "Back to the future," as RC says dramatically with a pointing finger.

The characters are outlined in blue in the photo. Now that we've played an hour or more, each one of them has been killed by a dino and they've had to make saving throws and do pushups or dips to get a new life at the cost of some of the abilities the character had acquired. Now the K-man is suggesting that they may have chosen too many dinosaurs. Experience teaches more completely than wise guidance.

_________________________

In Book 6 of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series, I've just completed chapter 11. One side in the battle has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, and it remains to be seen whether the defeated side may save the remainder of its bacon--figuratively speaking. It was great fun. There are few feelings nicer than having written an exciting chapter filled with character insights with the fog of battle thinning here and there to reveal individual struggles amid the carnage.

Before you can read book 6, you'll want to read Book 5, Truth in Flames. Click on the image to get it.

Is There No Hope?

The Patriot Cause is in jeopardy. The commander’s minions and King George’s troops are victorious on all fronts.

Can Lucette save Washington and his army? Will Alex be able to stand against Roberts’ devastating new weapon? Iago and Atu confront old enemies and encounter new ones. Rip and Antonio must help in a crucial mission to save the Cause.

Join them in the fight for a new nation.

Some Cyrano

 Some stories, tales, plays, and such are so filled to overflowing, packed down, and heaped high with lines that stimulate the mind and pluck the strings of the soul that they are beyond comprehension--or rather, they exceed the bounds of my ability to recall, my stage of recollection being riddled with portals to oblivion. Therefore, I'm posting some bits from Hooker's translation of Cyrano de Bergerac that I had enjoyed and forgotten.

 

De Guiche: Let him rewrite a few lines here and there, and he'll approve the rest of it.

Cyrano: Impossible. My blood curdles to think of altering one comma.

De Guiche: Ah, but when he likes a thing, he pays well.

Cyrano: Yes--but not so well as I--When I have made a line that sings itself so that I love the sound of it--I pay myself a hundred times.

De Guiche: You are proud, my friend.

Cyrano: You have observed that?

___

Cyrano: To sing, to laugh, to dream, To walk in my own way and be alone, Free, with an eye to see things as they are, A voice that means manhood—to cock my hat Where I choose—At a word, a Yes, a No, To fight—or write. To travel any road Under the sun, under the stars, nor doubt If fame or fortune lie beyond the bourne— Never to make a line I have not heard In my own heart; yet, with all modesty To say: “My soul, be satisfied with flowers, With fruit, with weeds even; but gather them In the one garden you may call your own.”

Cyrano: It is my pleasure to displease. I love Hatred. Imagine how it feels to face The volley of a thousand angry eyes— The bile of envy and the froth of fear Spattering little drops about me—You— Good nature all around you, soft and warm—

The Spanish ruff I wear around my throat Is like a ring of enemies; hard, proud, Each point another pride, another thorn— So that I hold myself erect perforce. Wearing the hatred of the common herd Haughtily, the harsh collar of Old Spain, At once a fetter and—a halo!

___

 Cyrano: And what is a kiss, when all is done? A promise given under seal—a vow Taken before the shrine of memory— A signature acknowledged—a rosy dot Over the i of Loving—a secret whispered To listening lips apart—a moment made Immortal, with a rush of wings unseen— A sacrament of blossoms, a new song Sung by two hearts to an old simple tune— The ring of one horizon around two souls Together, all alone!

______________________________

On the writing front, the gains have been minimal. I've completed another chapter. I'm thinking ahead to a short description to generate interest in Book 6 of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. Here's the first rough stab at it:

Alex and Lucette take the fight to the commander. They embark on a bold enterprise to strike a decisive blow liberty. Will their combined efforts be enough to save Washington's army from the massive force poised to crush the rebellion?

Akram and the dragon hunters implement Akram's plan to recover his son--and to exact his vengeance. Can he overcome his enemies before the power of the dragon stone overcomes him?

When the dragons begin a new campaign of destruction, their savage minions take Hugh and the women. How can they escape, or will torture and fiery death be their fate?

 

 

 

 

I may have to work this into a cover for book 6 in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. It captures some of the excitement in chapter 5. I'm still in chapter 6, but the cataclysm that is chapter 5 reminded me of some important turning points in the series.

The tower fight chapter of Threading the Rude Eye changed everything that followed. It led to Lucette's increased importance and set up the sequel to that fight in Clamorous Harbingers. Another critical point that profoundly influenced the rest of the story was a struggle in the snow involving Akira, Alex, and Roberts. The Awesome Train blew its whistle and pounded right through what I had planned, bringing terrible consequences for the central characters. I think Power to Hurt and Truth in Flames were free of violent, story-transforming events in that the events and characters adhered to the main plan--which was already at def=con level Phenomenal. Oh, I almost forgot. The whole Iago thread in Promise of Carnage and Flame was supposed to be a much smaller part of the whole story. The tone of that thread also dramatically changed from conception to words on the page. I had actually pictured the Wanadaga as much more malicious. The whole thread became a starring role for the little man with a deep dive into his backstory and setting him up for the crucial role he would play in Truth in Flames. 

Let me just say that I am utterly gobsmacked by the way the story has come together so far. Writing chapter six has been fabulously stimulating too--even though all the characters are conforming to the behavior I had planned for them.

There are a couple reasons that I'm still writing chapter six at a time when I should be on chapter 12. First, I had to write/edit a couple short stories for consideration in anthologies. Second, I've been inducted into the cast of a play at the local theater. Play practice slices right through my established writing time. 

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Today I got a call two hours before church started. A Sunday School teacher had fallen ill and couldn't teach her class. I snapped into action and called another teacher who had wanted a chance to teach again. She was prepared--but was already teaching the other class for a teacher who was out of town. I was reluctant to call someone else without more notice, so I tapped myself for the job. It was another great experience. I'm sure the throng of class members with pitchforks and torches at the end was purely done in jest.

The Corsican Brothers came by Saturday. They commandeered the tavern with the balcony, stairs, rail, and chandelier, which I had created for a musketeers scenario, and filled it with goblins, leeches, eagles, a white ape, a few other figures from Middle Earth, Star Wars, and Barsoom for use as the next level in their ever evolving game. One of the brothers has succeeded in co-opting the spells from HeroQuest for his character's use and abuse.I did introduce them to the idea of a saving throw. I expect that concept to come up again for abuse the next time they play. The important thing is that they're having a good time, using their imaginations, and applying themselves to a modicum of reading and writing to keep the adventure going and the numerous characters and monsters straight.

 

 

 

Author Interview with 

Crystal Cherie 

Author of The Divine Houses series 

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

My current WIP is book 2 of my newest, Modern Fantasy series, The Divine Houses. After everything that’s happened in book 1, Robin thought life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're only half human, your best friend is dead, and you can suddenly control the power of life and death? I’m really excited for this particular book, and I like the series a little more with each book that I write.

(I note that since Crystal responded to this interview in October 2021, she has completed book 2 and is working on book 3)

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

I got the idea for the series based on a character I had dreamed up in my head for a while. I also combined a couple of my favorite fiction worlds: Harry Potter and Sailor Moon. I’d always wanted to write a story involving both magical realism and celestial things, because they both felt like good escapes for me.

Do you write in more than one genre?

I absolutely do, although most of my work falls in either the Fantasy or Paranormal genres.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

I think my stories have the added advantage of being written by someone who has been through some pretty uncommon, pretty hard things in real life. Therefore, I’m able to write things from a more realistic perspective that most people haven’t had to see—but can still relate to.

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

Lots of things! My writing is cathartic, and I use it to “purge” from the hard things I’ve had to face in life. Most of my readers will see a lot of things about death in my writing, and that’s because I’ve dealt with a lot of death. I don’t tend to write about abuse as often, though—even having been through it. I don’t think I’m to the point where I can write about that just yet.

Still, I do think a lot of my personality shows up in my writing through voice. I tend to do stream of consciousness at times, and that’s more a reflection of how I handle my somewhat neurodivergent thinking.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

Helpful to know about me? I’m not sure. But I’m a thirty-something human being who put a lot of time, energy, and education into doing what I love better. I love sweet tea and cats and dogs. I like niche things that are hard to get just right—like the perfect shade of mint, evenings, and fall. There’s no such thing as a “cookie-cutter” life. Real life has jagged edges, and I like to try and mimic that in my works.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

I’m not sure if she counts as underrated, but I don’t often hear people talking about her. So, I’ll suggest Jude Watson (Judy Blundell). Premonitions was the first novel I ever “binged”. I stayed up reading all night, and it was truly the first time I fell in love with the craft of writing.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

I recommend House of Pluto most, because with it being my newest book, I feel it’s the most well written. I love all of my stories and their characters, but I feel we only grow as time passes. There are techniques I know now that I didn’t know then. It makes for a better story.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

I think getting my publicist, Michael Evan, has helped me tremendously. Investing in my writing has opened new doors for me and pushed me to continue writing things I might never have finished otherwise.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

I wish people would ask more about music and writing. I often put the two hand-in-hand, and I always have something I’m listening to for each book, sometimes for each chapter.

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

I’m fond of this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

“The gods we worship write their names on our faces; be sure of that. And a man will worship something... That which dominates will determine his life and character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping, we are becoming.”

I pick this one, because out of all the quotes and clever sayings I’ve seen over the years, this one is the most profound to me—the truest to mankind. If we’re claimed by what we worship, then who has us?

Here's a link to Crystal's Website

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Thanks to Crystal for participating.

In my own writing, I have finished In Death Bedrenched -- finished in the sense that I have it out for review and criticism. My active newsletter subscribers have the secret link to access the book for those purposes. Everyone else can checkout the draft of the first chapter at my website here.

In Death Bedrenched is a prequel to the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series. Book 5 of that series is currently in progress. What is the series about? Excellent question. Let me ramble. Suppose there were dragons in the new world, but they mysteriously departed to the western mountains in the early 1600s. Much of the settlement of the New World went in the manner of our own history. Add the Vikings who established at least one lasting settlement on the St. Lawrence. The natives remain formidable adversaries but have a history which includes dragons. It's 1775 and the dragons have returned. The American colonists fight for liberty. Opportunists struggle for the power offered by the dragons. The natives are beset on all sides, and some are under the control of dragons. 

A legendary cache of dragon magic and the map to its location is at the center of Threading the Rude Eye, the first book in the series. Alex and Lucette, and the dragon hunters must thread the rude eye of rebellion as their course, or rather flight from the dark commander who already wields a wad of the dragon magic, takes them into the maelstrom of the revolution and the battle of Bunker Hill. 

In Book 2, Power to Hurt, a whole lot of hurting takes place as the setting for some of the heroes has moved into the wilderness where the natives and the dragons serve party invitations--for parties with no survivors (think "Hotel California" meets Last of the Mohicans). Fortunately, Lucette has found allies--or has she? The dark commander may not be the most pressing problem for our heroes. Rip and Antonio have a secret mission to rescue Washington.

In Book 3, Clamorous Harbingers, Alex's decisions take a toll upon him and those he holds dear. An adversary who may prove unstoppable forces Alex to the breaking point. The race for the cache draws villains and heroes alike. The climactic clash could determine the future of the continent. Everyone involved will be forever changed by the result.

In Book 4, Promise of Carnage and Flame, the aftermath of the great clash, and personal secrets divide the adventurers, The tide of war has turned against the patriots. Alex is forced to make unthinkable choices, the consequences of which will burden him like a millstone. The misfits, Iago and Atu, discover a new people--in the same sense that a captive discovers his captors. The diminutive Iago faces dangers of more than one kind on the way to a new destiny. Another hero pays a tremendous price to achieve something that is worth even that great price.

As for Book 5 (in progress and not yet titled), I can only say that this may be the most exciting entry in the series so far.

The series' biggest fan did tell me today that he also wants a sequel to The Shrinking Zone, and of course, he wants Book 5 ready as soon as possible, and he's anxious to get his hands on In Death Bedrenched. I love it when fans want more. It's a win-win.