FantasyThyme

Sunday, June 06, 2010

Preditors and Editors Site
http://pred-ed.com/

The Preditors and Editors site provides good useful information to writers and hopeful writers
about the potential dangers of the writing industry. The site by-line is "A guide to publishers and writing services for serious writers!"

Some of the areas of interest listed are: agents, art, awards, book publishers, contests, conventions, jobs, organizations, writing software, and the very important 'warnings' page. Preditors and Editors has been around since 1997, and has saved many a writer from possible misfortune through their warnings.

These warnings and things to watch for haven't made them the friend of groups planning to prey on unsuspecting clients. These pre-emptive warnings could well explain the current legal action faced by Preditors and Editors.

If you want to save yourself heartache later, or just want to learn some good, general writing tips, check out the Preditors and Editors site. While you are there, consider contributing to the Preditors and Editors legal defense fund.

Donate and help prove that might doesn't make right, only the truth does.

http://pred-ed.com/

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 3 - An end to the Tour, but not to the story!
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

BY DARKNESS HID (Blood of Kings - Book 1)
By Jill Williamson

By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982104952
MarcherLord Press Store: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Product--To_Darkness_Fled.htm
Author Web site and blog - http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/

Vrell Sparrow is the second of two main characters. She is introduced to the story during a fitting for a special undergarment that acted as an extreme corset and allowed Vrell to pass as a boy. Before this time, Lady Caroline was Vrell's only confidant and confessor, for who else could she trust with this carefully guarded secret?

In contrast to Achan, Vrell already knew how to bloodvoice by the time she went into hiding. Though untrained, Vrell could sense others and read the mind of others, a skill that proves invaluable later in the book. Her bloodvoice gift helps Vrell keep her identity a secret and avoid the cruel and powerful Gidon Hidar who would force her into marriage.

Under Vrell's false identity, she took up position as a apprentice to the local apothecary, or druggist. Vrell wanted to help deliver children and assist the midwife, but couldn't as a boy. Instead, she soaked up what knowledge she could in preparation for helping others in the future.

This empathy struck me as a similarity between Vrell and Achan. Vrell dwelt among people and felt their needs and pains. Achan worked among the livestock and animals, and he could read their feelings and needs. Both developed strong bonds communicating with their associated group. Both felt strong empathy and compassion for others, and wanted to protect those less strong.

But as all good things must end, Vrell must make a run to stay free as the Prince's men close in. Her bloodvoicing gift becomes a beacon to those with the same ability. Capture seems certain. But an even bigger danger than the Prince looms on the horizon. The Darkness is growing, changing the hearts and minds of those involved; and worse cutting them off from Arman, the Creator. Agents of Darkness sense the power of Vrell and Achan, and hope to either twist their bloodvoice gift to the Darkness, or remove the threat.

Well, this is the last blog tour day for By Darkness Hid. Take the leap. Avoid the Darkness. Buy a copy for yourself, or better yet buy both books together so you won't have to wait to continue the journey. It's a great trip of a story!

Buy By Darkness Hid and To Darkness Fled at Amazon for $25.72 shipped, as both total more than $25.

Book 1: By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Hid-Blood-Kings-book/dp/0982104952/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
Book 2: To Darkness Fled - http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Fled-Jill-Williamson/dp/098259870X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

*Participants’ links

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Gina Burgess
Beckie Burnham
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
R. L. Copple
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Sarah Flanagan
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 2
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

BY DARKNESS HID (Blood of Kings - Book 1)
By Jill Williamson

By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982104952
MarcherLord Press Store: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Product--To_Darkness_Fled.htm
Author Web site and blog - http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/

Two story lines run through By Darkness Hid - that of Achan Cham a poor stray, and Vrell Sparrow a noble girl forced into marriage to someone she detests. These two story strands intertwine and eventually form a whole greater than its parts. It will take these two speakers of the blood to overcome the darkness building to overtake their land.

Achan was left before his earliest memories of Sitna Manor where he served Lord Nathak. Less than a peasant slave, Achan was a stray - a person of unknown past or parentage. In this world's pecking order he was stuck at the bottom, and the manor bullies always found ways to remind Achan of his place. But Achan dreamt of more from life, he wanted to become a Kingsguard. A chance meeting with a passing knight encourages Achan to become more than he dared hope. Lord Nathak took Achan in many years earlier, and forced him to drink a horrible tasting 'tonic' each day.

When Achan misses his morning drink, he starts hearing voices in his head. More and more voices join the cacophony in his head, increasing his confusion. Were these voices a precursor to madness, or some minion of the Darkness? As Darkness spread across the land, an enveloping mist cuts off the light, and cuts off those within from Arman - the Creator if All.

Sir Gavin sends Achan deeper into the forest and tells Achan that each Squire must kill his first beast alone. Achan has always had a gift with animals, and has felt empathetic toward them. Achan hears a doe's thoughts and tells it to step closer. He pats it and gulps as he raises his dagger and strikes. The extinguishing of life strikes home with Achan as he realizes, the doe's fawn like him, is an orphan, a stray. Achan must redeem himself and learn to control his latent powers if he is to become a Kingsknight.

But, what must he go though, and overcome, along the way?

Monday, May 17, 2010

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 1
(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

BY DARKNESS HID (Blood of Kings - Book 1)
By Jill Williamson

By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982104952
MarcherLord Press Store: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Product--To_Darkness_Fled.htm
Author Web site and blog - http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/

I first reviewed By Darkness Hid, by Jill Williamson, last Fall. http://fantasythyme.blogspot.com/2009/04/by-darkness-hid-by-jill-williamson.html

You may wonder why return to By Darkness Hid? So new readers will have the opportunity to read Achon and Vrell's stories. These two speakers communicate through bloodvoicing over great distances with others of the Blood both young adults are unsure and scared of their new found ability. Achon is running to escape an unjustly hard life and what he sees as the evil of bloodvoicing. Vrell is running to escape a forced marriage, and attempting a return home.

What's great about this reblog - is that a word? - is the bundle offer of volume 1 and 2 of The Blood of Kings.
Buy By Darkness Hid and To darkness Fled at Amazon for $25.72 and get free shipping since the total is over $25.

Book 1: By Darkness Hid - http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Hid-Blood-Kings-book/dp/0982104952/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
Book 2: To Darkness Fled - http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Fled-Jill-Williamson/dp/098259870X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Kentucky Christian Fiction Conference 2010

June 11- 12, 2010

Northside Baptist Church
1800 Pear Orchard Orad, elizabethtown, KY

Website: http://kychristianwriters.com/

Keynote Speaker - Virginia Smith

Other Faculty
Michael Brewer, Wendy C. Brown, Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress,
Tracy Crump, Ann H. Gabhart, Carlton W. Hughes, Dara Lehner, Kim Peterson,
David W. Pierce, Mary Lou Redding, Emily Akin, Andrea Merrell

Workshop Topics include:
• Turning Facts into Truth: Fiction Techniques in Non-Fiction
• The Writer’s Ministry: Employed by God
• Heads & Tails: Beginnings & Endings
• Beginners’ Basics
• Proof & Profit: Selling What You Write Again & Again
• Dive Deep–Taking POV to a Deeper Level
• Revise, Revise, Revise Stirring the Pot: Writing for Chicken Soup
• Making Sense of Market Guides
• Making Characters Come to Life • Writing for Your Children’s Ministry
• Kids Want to Know: Writing for Children’s Magazines
• Writing for Young Adults
• And the Secret to Mystery Writing is . . .
• Get Organized and Sell Your Work
• Speaking to Millions: the Reach of Devotional Writing
• The Plot Thickens . . .
• Oil Cans & Flashlights: Writing Techniques from Scripture
• Tackling Tough Topics
• Understanding How the Me in Memoir Works

If you're looking for a good mid-sized writing conference, not large enough to get lost in the crowd but larger than a dozen people, The Kentucky Christian Writers Confence may well fit your needs. Writers at all writing levels will have the opportunity to improve their craft with the knowledge gleaned from the confernce speakers and and workshops.

Website: http://kychristianwriters.com/

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Blog Tour - Final Day

Names Speak for Themselves in Lost Mission

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Lost Mission - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416583475
Author Web site - http://www.atholdickson.com/
Author blog - http://whatatholwrote.blogspot.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Well, this is the final blog tour day for Athol Dickson's book, Lost Mission, so I thought it might be a good way to close by discussing the author's use of descriptive names and how the book's title holds a double meaning.

Delano Wright, one of the main characters, feels his actions are vindicated for following the rules makes him 'right'. He shares traits with the Pharisees because he wants to protect the status quo, and knows that rules are rules, and so rules must be followed.

Tucker Rue, is a counterpoint to Delano's strict rule adherence. Tucker believes rules exist, but should only be followed when they are beneficial. The one rule he does follow is the ends justify the means. As he strays farther from what he knows deep down is right, he works harder to justify his actions. Tucker Rue's name fits as characters who deal with him for long, come to Rue or regret the relationship. By the time his sins are made known to him, he begins to regret or rue himself.

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, many of the characters started out with good intentions. When they took their eyes off God they lost their life's focus or mission. This was true in the past with the Franciscan monks as their mission to build an abbey and lead the unsaved to Christ, was forgotten in a flurry of enforced rules and striking back for perceived wrongs. Eventually the physical Mission itself falls into ruin and is forgotten; lost to time and to memory.

With the discovery of the lost Mission, old wrongs and sins are revisited on the modern towns and people. Delano and Rue want their respective churches to succeed, but are their reasons for their missions good and true? It's not until the original mission is restored that wrongs are righted and evil desires overcome.

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Blog Tour - Day 2

Sometimes Suffering Occurs Even When You Did the Right Thing

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Lost Mission - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416583475
Author Web site - http://www.atholdickson.com/
Author blog - http://whatatholwrote.blogspot.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Dickson manages to portray similarities between the two periods, 1870s and present, by comparing a character from the past with a character from the present. Alejandro thinks himself plain, and shows his faith by helping others without complaint. One of three Franciscan monks, Alejandro should feel a part of the group, but keeps finding fault with the failure of faith by others. When the Abbot, Fray Guillermo, decides to punish an innocent Indian who appears at their camp by placing a heavy stone burden on his back, Alejandro grabs a stone that he might share the Indian's burden in spirit if not in person.

In the present, Lupe helps young missionary, Tucker Rue, with founding and opening a mission that ministered to her people, the Hispanics, who crossed the desert for a chance at a new, and better life in America. Like Alejandro, Lupe, feels others have lost sight of the true meaning behind a church, and a mission. She sees many sins, even among church members, that go unchallenged. Peoples' priorities are completely out of balance.

Alejandro had begged his Abbot to help those less fortunate by sharing out of their abundance with the Indians. Lupe shared out of her meager money supply to help the disadvantaged. As she rides past the great churches in town, she dwells on how much might be done for the poor if the rich only shared their tithe rather than building ever larger houses of worship. This theme of withholding money by the rich is repeated frequently by Tucker Rue and Lupe. Maybe that was part of their character's financial background growing up and the reason both dwell on the subject.

A contrast to the the poor in the past is Fray Guillermo. The abbot has a large storehouse of wealth used to set up the mission, and takes comfort in counting and recounting their supplies. He struck me as a type of religious miser. Ready to pitch in when it came to enlarging their building, but withholding when it came to the Indians that they planned to minister to. Guillermo sees everything as either black or white, like the Pharisees of old. Rules must be followed at all cost, even if the reasons for following them have been lost over time.

Delano Wright is the modern day rich man. After his daughter's car is struck by a group of illegals in a truck, Delano retaliates in the manner he knows best. He concocts a plan to move money at his mega-church from local missions, temporarily, into a giant land development that will grow the church even larger. Because of a broken promise, Delano feels completely within his rights, and justifies his actions by saying the legal maneuvering will help the church. Delano also sees everything as cut and dry. Yet the more he tries to follow his set of rules, the more at odds he becomes with life around him.

The next contrast between centuries is that of Fray Benicio and Tucker Rue. Both men are new in their life's mission, but both take steps to expedite what they see as the 'proper' goal of their respective missions. Benecio leaves the abbey and take what he needs to win over the unchurched out the confines of the abbey and the abbot. When the Abbot refuses to share a small bag of grain, Benico takes it. His actions cause an innocent man to face the a whipping at the stocks.

Tucker Rue falls for a rich girl, and convinces himself that marrying her will help others by accessing her money so he does this for unselfish reasons. When faced with a great need by someone with a sick child, he yields to temptation, causing many to lose jobs their families depended upon.

Tomorrow, I'll discuss how some character names seem to fit the person, and what it seems is the meaning behind the title, Lost Mission.

Tomorrow: Names Speak for Themselves in Lost Mission

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Monday, April 12, 2010

Blog Tour - Day 1

A Tale of Two Centuries

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

Lost Mission - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416583475
Author Web site - http://www.atholdickson.com/
Author blog - http://whatatholwrote.blogspot.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

As I read the first few pages I wasn't too sure what to make of this story. Lost Mission transitions indiscriminately between the 1770s and the present. This seemed a little confusing in spots until I started to get used to the method. As the story progresses, the author brings the reader up to speed by connecting the tale of two centuries through the characters and areas.

I'll admit I alternately liked and disliked Lost Mission at first. The story spent a lot of time in developing and describing one character or setting, then seemed to jump back to the other period and character. It was kind of like a playground see-saw - one side then the other side is more important. And, like a see-saw, Lost Mission is entertaining as time goes by and you grow used to the ride.

Lost Mission begins with the tale of a newly founded mission in 1770s southern California. Athol Dickson very aptly describes the harsh life of a Spanish monk during this period, and the harsher life of the unsaved 'pagans'. The most important of these is Fray, or Friar, Alejandro Tapia Valdez, a deeply devout Franciscan monk. His mission is to preach Christ to the the unsaved in the New World. Skip forward to the present, and the reader is introduced to Guadalupe Soledad Consuelo de la Garza, or Lupe, whose mission is to preach Christ to the ungodly Americans of southern California.

Both Alejandro and Lupe are strongly committed in their faith, yet both encounter obstacles that sidetrack them from their mission. Tomorrow, I'll discuss more about the many interesting characters in Lost Mission, and how they seem at complete odds with these two missions that are separated by centuries.

But, what is the two missions' connection with the sparkling haired Indian seen by both Alejandro and Lupe, though hundreds of years and miles apart? Does he mean good or evil for their goals?

Tomorrow: Sometimes Suffering Occurs Even When You Did the Right Thing.

*Participants’ links
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 3 - The Final Day

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter
Friends Come in All Sizes and Places, Both Faery and Human.

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

*Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/006155474X
Author Web site - http://www.rj-anderson.com/
Author blog - http://rj-anderson.livejournal.com/
Twitter - http://twitter.com/rj_anderson

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy
of this book from the nice people at HarperCollins Publishing.

As Knife/Byrony's story progresses, she seems to feel everyone is against her. Catching sight of a human, leads Byrony to the kitchen where Mallow assigns Byrony the hardest, dirtiest jobs. She felt limited because Wink, her foster mother, watches and restrains her too much. When assigned to Thorn, the Oakenfolk Hunter, Byrony feels Thorn doesn't have any faith in her and is too critical in every attempt. Later, when Byrony wakes to find herself in a strange place she feels trapped by the human, Paul.

Yet, as the story ages and grows, Knife matures herself. From Paul she learns to put others first, and not only do the things that benefit only you. This is at odds with what she has heard and learnt her whole life within the tree. Knife finds that as she opens herself to others, and cares for others, she grows a little herself. With each new expression of compassion and caring, knife strengthens the bonds between herself and others. Increasing her value in the sight of her friends.

It's a good thing too, as each struggling step forward in her quest for truth requires help from these friends she'd earlier thought disliked or ignored her. Thorn's orders and harsh training enabled Knife to survive the outside world and even triumph over larger foes, for Thorn saw Knife's greater potential beyond her early missteps. Wink deeply cared for Byrony, and wanted to protect Byrony from any potential harm, not suffocate her with rules and restrictions. Mallow? Well, she never became a friend as such, but Knife gained her grudging acceptance if not her respect. Paul at one point encloses Knife in a box, but not to trap her; rather to protect her from unknown dangers.

The Gardener put each of these, and others, into Knife's life so that she might accomplish her life's mission. Even Mallow served as purpose in Knife's development. Through Mallow, Knife learned first hand about hard work, and learning not to grumble. You don't give up even when things seem impossibly hard, for there may be a new direction in your life greater than you could ever imagine.

I think that's one of the lessons learned from Faery Rebel. The Gardener has a purpose for everyone. It might not be easy, or even seem fair, but looking back later you may realize that without learning what you did, you would never have arrived at your destination at this point of your life.

If the Faery Rebel blog tour postings piqued your interest that's good. It's not every day you have the opportunity to finish a book that leaves you feeling good about life and maybe a little hopeful. The world of the Oakenfolk is a fun place to visit, and I'm looking forward to R. J. Anderson's return to Faery world.

*Participants’ Links:

Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Amy Browning
Melissa Carswell
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 2

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter
Faery Magic, One Size Does Not Fit All In the Gardener's Eyes

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

*Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/006155474X
Author Web site - http://www.rj-anderson.com/
Author blog - http://rj-anderson.livejournal.com/
Twitter - http://twitter.com/rj_anderson

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy
of this book from the nice people at HarperCollins Publishing.

Magic has left the Oakenfolk, except for Queen Amaryllis. It wasn't always so, but since before the time of the Queen the faery folk are unable to work magic. At times of stress, small magic or changes can be worked, but the spells soon wear off returning the people or objects to they way they were before. Born into the repressive life of the old oak tree, Byrony yearns for something more, something larger than her world inside. She even questions why The Gardener, the whole world's creator, would make such a big world and expect faeries to remain secluded inside.

Faeries have lost their creative abilities along with their magic. No one has created new art, or new dresses, or new songs since the magic has left the Oakenfolk. It may be that their magic helped create these things. With power to create unavailable the faeries must preserve the irreplaceable beauty of the past and only bringing these items out during very special occasions

Early in the story Bryony escapes through a large window in the seamstress room and encounters a young human boy. The chance meeting surprises both, and Byrony scurries back inside the tree. The Queen hears of Byrony's unprotected venture out of the tree, and Byrony is hurried to their physician. Inside, Byrony encounters her first case of the Silence as it has hit one of the older faeries of their tree. No one knows for sure of the cause, only that the results are final, but most think the disease comes from contacts with humans lik ethe one Byrony just met.

Byrony's curiosity gets the better of her, and she begins searching for answers the Oakenfolk, especially the Queen, would rather she didn't ask. Turned away from the answers by her elders, Byrony, who becomes Knife, searches the Library. Her thirst for knowledge impresses the librarian who takes her to a special room holding old books from the time before the loss of magic. Shocked to find a glimpse of the real reason behind the Oak's loss of magic, Byrony now known as Knife, begins to doubt the truth of those around her, especially the Queen.

It seems that once one question is answered, a new question begs creation. Is the Silence to blame for the loss of Faery magic? If so, where did the Silence originate? Was it something members of their tree did to disappoint the Gardener. Maybe it was a disease caught from the giants known as humans.

At first I thought it odd that all the characters were female. Instead of giving birth, faeries lay a magical egg that changes into a faery youngling over time. That made sense as magical beings would reproduce in a magical manner, but it begged the question of what happened to the male faeries. Midway into the book even Byrony asks this question. Her search eventually leads to an answer so odd, so outlandish that she denies it could have ever been true.

Her answer worked on multiple levels. The story struck me as an allegory for our own world. Over time, the faeries had become so seperated from the Gardener's plan, that they lost their way and had come to think of their limited, inwardly-directed lives as the way life was meant to be. Questioning society upsets the status quo because 'that's the way we've wlways done it.'

On the third and final day, I'll discuss how friends care about you especially when they don't always agree with you.

Tomorrow - Friends Come in All Sizes and Places, Both Faery and Human.

*Participants’ Links:

Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Amy Browning
Melissa Carswell
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Monday, March 22, 2010

CSFF Blog Tour - Day 1

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter
Tinkerbell for the 21st Century

(click image for Amazon link or click link below)

*Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/006155474X
Author Web site - http://www.rj-anderson.com/
Author blog - http://rj-anderson.livejournal.com/
Twitter - http://twitter.com/rj_anderson

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book
from the nice people at HarperCollins Publishing.

When I first heard the title, Faery Rebels, I half-expected something along the lines of Artemis Foul meets Lord of the Rings. It sounded fun, but maybe a bit predictable. Happily, I was way off base. Faery Rebels recounts the tale of a young faery named Bryony that lives in an ancient oak tree located at the forest edge. The faery community has survived for centuries within the same tree. Over time, the population has dwindled due to fewer and fewer births, and a growing number of faeries succumbing to the Silence, a degenerate disease that is always fatal. Bryony is the only young faery in the midst of older faeries who all live in the tree

Inside the great oak, everyone has a job, from the lowest cook to Queen Amaryllis, who protects them all with her more powerful magic. I'll touch a little more on the magic aspect in tomorrow's blog.

You may wonder, like I did, how Bryony becomes the faery, Knife. Within the great tree the Oakenfolk, as they call themselves, are each given a job based on a vision by the Queen. The appointments allow everyone to use their gifts and talents in the most beneficial way for the community. Over time, the Oakenfolk have become petty and selfish. They never offer to freely help one another, only exchange goods for services or favors. This barter system struck me as a sad commentary on our own society. Few help others out of the goodness of their hearts any more. Even volunteers may be helping with the idea of a future benefit. When Byrony freely receives help, she is unsure why the other person would help. She keeps expecting an angle in play by the giver; no one gives something of value away without a reason.

As a very young faery, Bryony catches a glimpse of the world outside their home. Her greatest wish is to become a Gatherer; one of the select faery groups allowed into the dangerous world outside the tree. While the outer world is fresh and green and beautiful, Gatherers must stay on a constant lookout for dangerous animals like foxes, or worse, crows, while gathering food for the faery community. Byrony is granted a job, but not what she expected, or had even dreamed of receiving.

R. J. Anderson does a great job with setting and characterization in Faery Rebel, and without giving away the story, I thought the ending created a strong start for a new story. On her website, I found that Faery Rebel is the first book in a new faery series. The next book in the series is available in the United Kingdom as Rebel, and as Wayfarer in the United States. Wayfarer is available for Amazon pre-order with a June 22ND release date. What's the future of the faery series books? On her web site, Mrs. Anderson mentions Arrow and Swift as two books due for a U.S. release in 2011 and 2012.

Amazon lists Faery Rebels as appropriate for ages 9-12. Readers who enjoy a good fantasy tale with an strong, upbeat ending may also find the book enjoyable. I finished reading Faery Rebels and left feeling pleasantly surprised by how quickly time passed while immersed in the story.

Tomorrow - Faery Magic, One Size Does Not Fit All In the Gardener's Eyes.

*Participants’ Links:

Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Amy Browning
Melissa Carswell
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Friday, January 29, 2010

North or Be Eaten
Beware of Toothy Cows, Terrible Trolls, and Evil Fangs!

DAY 3

Book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073871
Series site - http://wingfeathersaga.com/?p=464
Author site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book
from the publisher, the nice people at Waterbrook Press.

North or Be Eaten positions itself as a young adult fantasy, but you might also think of it as a teacher of spiritual truths. The Igiby family often refer and defer actions to The Maker, the creator of their world.

Recapping the job description of the Igiby family members, everyone has a job and each is important. Nia, the mother, loves and nutures her family. A member of the royal family, at times she must step in and take charge when things get out of hand. Podo, grandfather and former pirate, is a wealth of first-hand knowledge about the world and self-protection. Peet the sock man, or Uncle Artham the previous Throne Warden, strikes me as a sad character. As first son, he was presented the responsibility of protecting the his younger brother, the King. With overwhelming forces killing the King, Artham lost both his brother and his sanity.

The next generation begins with Janner, the new throne warden, and I couldn't help but notice the similarities of Janner and Peet. Both care for their brother, the King, but if something happens to Tink, the new king, will Janner better cope with the loss? As the new protector, Janner finds an inner strength and braveness when the family faces legions of Fangs and trolls. He looks to his Uncle Peet and wonders how Peet would handle the situation. The youngest, Leeli, must use crutches to move because of a troubled leg. Rather than dwell on her problems and sink into self pity, Leeli works to improve her gift, her voice, and finds she her singing brings encouragement, hope, and happiness to the sea dragons and other people.

Oskar Reteep, brings a new hero class to the story, a book-loving librarian. A bit chubby, and balding on top, Oskar provides comic relief with his recounts of various facts he has learned over the years. This guy would excel at Trivial Pursuit. What's nice about Mr. Peterson's story,is the way he meshes the various personalities and gifts into a group that's stronger than it's parts. Each party member has a job, and without one of its members, the group would be a little weaker, and a little less likely to accomplish their goals. Like our own place in life, everyone has a purpose and the best place for each of us is where the Maker would have us be. When we work contrary to that plan, or that job with which we are gifted, we accomplish less and go through more troubles than needed. Mr. Peterson's book, North or Be Eaten, illustrates that point well by showing everyone has a worth and a contribution they can make.

*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve and Andrew
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams
KM Wilsher

Thursday, January 28, 2010

North or Be Eaten
Beware of Toothy Cows, Terrible Trolls, and Evil Fangs!

DAY 2

Book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073871
Series site - http://wingfeathersaga.com/?p=464
Author site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book
from the publisher, the nice people at Waterbrook Press.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

North or Be Eaten
Beware of Toothy Cows, Terrible Trolls, and Evil Fangs!

Book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073871
Series site - http://wingfeathersaga.com/?p=464
Author site - http://www.andrew-peterson.com/

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book
from the publisher, the nice people at Waterbrook Press.

The Igiby family is back, and bigger, bolder, and braver than before. The story picks up after the harrowing escape of the family from the terrible Fangs in the previous book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.

For those who missed the opportunity to hear the first book, Mr. Peterson is offering the unabridged version on iTunes for $3.95. It's eight-hours of fun, adventure, and narrow escapes for the Igiby family.
A great price for a fun read. Click here if you have iTunes.

You may want to order the first book too, as North or Be Eaten references back to pages in the previous volume, and contains some great sketches of the scenes and characters. North or Be Eaten (NoBE), includes some nice sketches of creatures, places, and things Janner, Tink, Leeli, Nia, Podo, and Peet encounter along the way.

Once again, Mr. Peterson has written a book that's not only a good story, but a fun read. The Toothy Cows of Skee are a good example. "The toothy cow defies description. It oozes fear as it oozes slobber from its oozy teeth." The story is sprinkled with side notes like you would find in a traveler's journal, that provide a deeper, fuller understanding of whatever the family has recently confronted. Rather than the dry details of some boring encyclopedia, the side notes let the reader feel as if they are being let in on extra journey details.

Okay, this book is a bit less light-hearted than the first book. But life isn't always goodness and light, sometimes we go through the tough times in the middle. NoBE keeps the tension turned up. Each time you think a problem is solved, a newer, larger problem presents itself. These are darker days for the Igibys, but through it all they depend on The Maker, and never lose sight of the importance of family and friends.

This brings up the them for tomorrow's blog. Everyone has a job that is important, be it a King, a Throne Warden, or a singer to sea dragons.

*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
Nissa
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Steve and Andrew
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams
KM Wilsher

Monday, December 28, 2009

Digital Dragon Magazine
Fictional Fun for the Family

Digital Dragon Magazine: http://www.digitaldragonmagazine.net/

(December 2009 cover)

Digital Dragon Magazine offers family friendly fantasy, science-fiction, and speculative fiction online. December marks the seventh issue for this monthly short story collection. The first issue released in June 2009, and each month the issues normally contain seven or more short stories and an editorial column.

I enjoyed Angel Wings by Fred Warren in this month's issue. If you thought body piercings and tattoos were bad, just wait until animal augmentation becomes popular. This month's Wary Wizard, by Sarah Ashwood, is also a fun read when a guardian dragon must solve his own riddle.

Back issues:

http://www.digitaldragonmagazine.net/vault.php

*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Tina Kulesa
Melissa Lockcuff
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Nissa
John W. Otte
Cara Powers
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher

FantasyThyme

Sunday, June 06, 2010

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Monday, May 17, 2010

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Monday, April 12, 2010

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Monday, March 22, 2010

Friday, January 29, 2010

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Monday, December 28, 2009

NaNoWriMo 2010

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