Tracy Falbe's Blog, page 69

Fantasy Character Profile: Diana from the Mythikas Island Series by Diana Hurwitz

[image error] Mythikas Island Book One: Diana
by Diana Hurwitz
Diana strives to prove herself better than her rival Athena in a grueling test on Mythikas Island. The heroine of this young adult fantasy inspired by Greek Mythology explains the challenges in her own words.At the beginning of Book One: Diana is the sixteen-year-old daughter of the ruling Titans, Zeus and Leto. In order to earn a seat on the ruling council of Mt. Olympus, she must undergo a green-beret type exercise on Mythikas Island. She is denied the leadership position in favor of her hated half-sister Athena and refuses to go until her twin, Apollo, forces her. Diana wants to be a leader. She wants to be a hero, but she must develop the skills to influence other people. She starts out as a dreamer and a loner. Diana also blames herself for her mother's death. As she sets off on her journey, she vows to convince their two cousins, Aphrodite and Persephone, to mutiny. None of them are prepared for true dangers that await them on Mythikas where they "face their greatest fears." The challenge forces Diana to learn that leadership takes more than desire, it takes ability.

Favorite moments:

To Athena: "You stubborn, uncooperative nag." I straightened up. "Why can't you admit you're wrong?"

I was overwhelmed by an odd sense of relief. The pain and regret would be over soon. I stepped closer to lead wolf until he was a body length away. I knelt in the water, my knees sinking into the mud, captured by his gaze, accepting his verdict.

Memories of my mother swam in and out of my dreams like minnows in a pool. It was becoming harder to recall her visage at will.

What if the reason for their mass exodus were here, waiting for us?

You can read more about Diana in Mythikas Island Book One, MI Book Two: Persephone and MI Book Three: Aphrodite available on www.amazon.com in both print and Kindle versions. It is also available for Barnes & Noble Nook and can be ordered through your local bookseller. To find out more visit http://www.dianahurwitz.com/.

Want your character to appear on Her Ladyship's Quest?
 
Authors please refer to the post how to submit your character profile. I look forward to reading about the children of your minds and Muses.

Character profile: Brigid from Once A Goddess by Sheila R. Lamb

Currently an MFA candidate in creative writing at Queens University of Charlotte, Sheila R. Lamb is developing a historical fiction trilogy based on the legendary Brigid of Ireland, the subject of today's character profile.

In order to save her people, Brigid of the Túatha dé Danann sacrifices her own desires and agrees to arranged marriage with Bres, a Fomorian prince, the enemy. Spying is only one reason why the Danann leaders send their daughter into Bres's arms. She also guards their secret of psychic magic, powers the Fomorians must never discover.

Brigid is determined to make the best of it in order to save her tribe from the brutal warriors who overpowered Danann magic with iron weapons. She finds that she must confront Morrigan, a powerful warrioress who vies for Bres's attention. She also meets Adriac, a Fomorian man who inexplicably possesses Danann powers, and she works to discover the mystery of his lineage.

Over time, Bres changes from an attentive husband to a tyrannical ruler, threatening the Tuatha de Danann into extinction. Brigid must find a way to unseat Bres from his kingship, a manipulation that places herself, her son, and all of the Danann in life-threatening peril.

Favorite Quotes from Brigid of the Tuatha de Danann:

To Bres on their wedding day:

"There will be pressures," I said. "However, the purpose of our union is peace. Not for my personal gain." I paused. "Nor yours."

Bres smirked at my implications and our eyes met, each daring the other to turn away first. So, this was how it would be. I knew in that instant that I couldn't let him catch me off guard; I would have to think carefully before I spoke and always remember that cunning motivation hid behind his words. I would protect our gifts, our knowledge of the elements that surrounded us, with my life.

To Nuada, the Danann Chieftain:

"How dare you," I hissed in reply. "I'm the one who sacrificed my future, my anam cara, to appease you. I'm the one who was sent away to live with the Fomorian, with your old friend, Elatha, the man who conveniently removed your rival for chieftain. You remember that, don't you Nuada?"

To her son, Ruadan:

"It's Danu, the goddess of us all. I will teach you to listen and to understand what She is saying to you. When you learn that, there will be more... you will be able to shape shift...just like we all do."

Once A Goddess, the first in the Brigid of Ireland trilogy, is looking for her publishing home. More details and excerpts can be found on Sheila's website: Pagans, Saints, and Potatoes at http://www.sheilarlamb.com/.

Want your character to appear on Her Ladyship's Quest?

Authors please refer to the post how to submit your character profile. I look forward to reading about the children of your minds and Muses.

Composer Bruce Farquharson wants to write original scores for book trailers

Interview with Bruce Farquharson, a musician and composer talented in diverse styles and experienced with scoring videos.I'm pleased to present musician and composer Bruce Farquharson today at Her Ladyship's Quest. I think music is probably the highest form of human expression and it has been with humanity since prehistoric times. I hope to encounter more musicians as I continue this blog's media journey, but now read about Bruce and his dedication to his craft.  

1. According to your biography you had an opportunity to study music in Vienna, Austria. When was that and what was unique about studying music in such a historic location?

I had the great opportunity to study in Austria, Vienna on a scholarship in 2000. It was a unique experience because many great composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms (to name but a few) all resided there and made music there. Symphonic music is so much a part of Vienna's culture and history being a part of it is inescapable when one is there. There are concerts there all the time. It is not uncommon for many concerts and operas to take place during the week. One is submerged in symphonic music in Austria. Another unique experience is that many musicians in Austria have a tie to some of the great composers composers who lived. It is not an odd thing to find a musician who is somehow related in some way to a composer from the past. A relationship can be blood related (an acquaintance of mine was related to Bruckner). But a relationship can also be from lineage with regards to teaching. It was not uncommon to discover that someone I met had studied with a professor who had a link to a composer form the past. A composer with whom I was able to study (Kurt Schwertsik) studied with Stockhausen. So, it was a wonderful experience and opportunity to be able to not only study with Kurt Schwertsik, who is an accomplished composer, but also to now be a part of that lineage.

2. You play many instruments, but do you have a favorite instrument and why?

I began playing guitar when I was 8. I studied it in school. When I lived in L.A. and N.Y. I performed in different groups and I did recording sessions. From my studies in school as well as my experiences outside of school I have played many different styles (classical, rock, jazz, funk, blues, country, jazz-fusion, etc). In addition to my studies and my performance experience as a guitarist I have been teaching private lessons at a music store and I have taught at NVCC for the past 10+ years. Given the amount of time I've been playing guitar is the most natural for me. I believe it to be one of the most versatile instruments. It is found in so many styles, it can be played acoustically or as an electric instrument. It is portable. It can accompany, be a part of an ensemble, or be performed as a solo instrument. I love the guitar both as a listener and as a player still to this day. But the other instruments I play also give me pleasure as a player and as a listener. Piano, viola, drums and bass also provide a wealth of knowledge and experience I could not have gained by only playing guitar. The piano repertoire for Classical, Romantic and 20th Century music provides one to gain access to great music not necessarily available on guitar. By playing viola I was not only able to enjoy the instrument, but I also learned much by playing in an orchestra and a string quartet. Drums and bass have helped my overall musicianship. Ultimately, each instrument has contributed greatly to my compositional skills, for being a composer is how I think of myself first and each instrument is a valuable vehicle in which I am better able to convey and develop my ideas.

3. You graduated from George Washington University with a music degree focusing on composition. Did you always know you wanted to pursue composition or did it develop while studying music?
I received my first guitar when I was little and before I began lessons I would make my own little melodies. In my teens I played in bands where I continued to compose my own songs and instrumentals all though high school. After high school I moved to L.A. where I studied at Grove School of Music. Originally I studied guitar in the Guitar Program. While I was in the Guitar Program I took an arranging class. One of the assignments was to arrange a standard for a 5 sax soli. At Grove they believed everything a student composes/arranges needs to be heard by real players in order to get the full benefit while one is studying. So, everyone was able to hear their arrangement (and original pieces as well) in a play-down/reading. After I stood on front of the ensemble and heard my arrangement of "All The Things You Are" played I was hooked. When I finished my first year in the Guitar Program I enrolled in ACAP (Acoustic Composing & Arranging Program). After Grove came Juilliard and ultimately George Washington University (and Austria). So, I have always composed. My time at Grove was probably the period when I realized I wanted to compose for more than just my main instrument (guitar). It also made me realize I wanted to compose in other styles and as well as other forms. I don't remember ever having a desire to do anything but music, nor can I imagine not making music in the future.

4. People like to joke that conductors are just waving their arms around. Describe what a conductor is contributing and the special challenges of the position.

The conductor's role can vary depending on the ensemble that is to be lead. The overall responsibility of a conductor is to ensure the players are together when they play and to determine the tempo, dynamics and overall sound of the ensemble when it plays. But the ensemble can require more attention depending on its ability. Orchestras and ensembles with professional highly skilled players (such as the Berlin Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, NSO, etc) are able to play pieces that are very difficult. A conductor is free to seize the opportunity when having such accomplished players to focus on interpreting the music. Even though the caliber of musicianship is high in a professional ensemble rehearsal is still needed. In addition to rehearsing the orchestra with the hands the conductor can also cover many things verbally. But in a performance the conductor communicates using only hand gestures, body language, and facial expressions to indicate the beat and the tempo of the beat (how fast or slow to play as well as when to speed up or slow down) and dynamics (how loud or quiet to play) as well as mood and spirit. The role of the conductor may change if the orchestra consists of volunteers and/or amateurs. Players of limited means may be unable to play certain pieces that exceeds their ability due to difficulty. It is the conductors job to ascertain which pieces are too difficult for the ensemble. There also exists the problem that an amateur orchestra may be able to play certain sections of a piece, but unable to play other sections of a piece. In this case the conductor may need to arrange the music by recomposing the difficult section(s) so that they are playable for the orchestra. An ensembles goal is to play music, and it is the conductors job to not only ensure that the orchestra remains together, but also bring the overall sound of the piece to fruition.

5. You've expressed an interest in writing musical scores for book trailers. What qualities do you think you would bring to the challenges of the book marketing arena?

Scoring book trailers would be a wonderful experience. I believe I offer great versatility to any trailer project. I am extremely flexible and I am excited to be a part of what I believe to be a new and evolving genre. I am excited to be part of the new media - the internet, social media, e-books - to promote authors and their stories. Book trailers are a new and emerging genre that will definitely grow and being able to contribute to it as a composer is exciting. My background as an orchestral composer as well as my ability to compose in jazz, rock, funk, electronic, as well as many other genres (even eastern music) offers a trailer a wide musical pallet from which to choose. I want to create music that fits an author's unique story. If a story is set during a particular time period or culture, I would use music from that place and time, if that what the author wants. For example, a piece set in Scotland or Ireland would include harp and bagpipes. If it is a fantasy or science fiction story, I would work with the author to discover what kind of sounds would be available in that alternate world. Any project with a newly composed score will benefit due to the scores ability to contribute to the trailer's originality. Scoring for indie films for the past 5 years will serve as a strong foundation, and scoring book trailers will be just as challenging and fun as scoring an indie film. I hope to add to the authors literary story and visual story by sonically shaping a musical score that fits and elevates the vision of what the story is conveying.

6. Any additional comments?

It is not uncommon for an author to use music that is free as the score for their their trailer. But an original score can really bring the trailer to a new level. Music composed specifically for a trailer can add a deeper dimension to a trailer that freebie music just can't always get. When working with a composer an author is able to communicate and help shape the ideas of what they want to the composer.A well-done book trailer can really draw readers to a book. Original music can bring authenticity to the piece, to add to the world that the author has created. I hope that I can help writers make their trailer stand out from all the rest. It would be a pleasure to be a part of that. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your blog. I'm really exited about the merger of writing and music.

Listen to samples of Bruce's music.

Watch video clips with musical scores composed by Bruce.

Thank you for the informative interview!

April prizes for fantasy ebook drawing at Brave Luck Books

A new month brings new prizes for the monthly ebook drawing I sponsor at my main website Brave Luck Books.

For April I am offering a two ebook set by David J. Guyton

Blood and Bronze Mighty Hammer DownDavid J. Guyton writes fantasy that is inspired by Greco Roman culture. He states that "My work is fantasy, but it is an allegory for the modern political struggles in the United States."

How do you win these ebooks?

Join my readers' list during April and then pet a black cat, throw your paycheck in a public fountain, stop shaving, or whatever superstitious thing you think will improve your luck so your name will be drawn on May 1st.

Character Profile from Jaguar Sees: The Lacquer Box by Ann Simon

Meet the American expatriate woman in Moscow trying to stop nuclear arms smugglers with help from a shamanic spirit animal.
That's the unique premise of Ann Simon's supernatural thriller Jaguar Sees: The Lacquer Box.Claire Milton is an energetic, sassy expat wife living in Moscow. She enjoys all the American women's activities: stitching, charity work, shopping. It's shopping that leads to the trouble. She buys a souvenir lacquer box with an unusual design painted on it and is immediately accosted and chased by threatening men. Quick thinking and fast feet allow her to evade verbal and physical threats, but the puzzle remains. Why are these men after her? Curiosity and chance lead her to discover that the design on the box carries the key to a tactical nuclear weapons smuggling ring.

Claire is determined to stop the smugglers, but she has little at her command other than courage, little-practiced Tai Kwan Do skills and one more, unusual resource. After a Shamanic medication to regain calm, she is amazed that her spirit animal, a jaguar, seems to live. In fact, Jaguar appears to her right in the city of Moscow and, acting almost as her intuition, helps her out of tight corners. Without Jaguar, Claire could never solve the smuggling mystery, but dare she believe Jaguar is real? And, if so, is Jaguar's help enough?

From the book: This is an action thriller, and Claire does more than says. I think some of these passages will give you a taste of the story.

"Once again she had the impression that Jaguar was with her. She felt, like a second set of muscles, Jaguar's pacing reproachfully. When she thought about it, she could feel something different, as if there were an electrical charge to the air around where Jaguar might be if Jaguar, well, if Jaguar actually existed. She felt an urge to flee. "

"You broke his leg?" Jack was incredulous. Although Claire told him the entire tale about Scrounge Man's attempted theft, this was the part he fixated on.

"Well, I didn't have a doctor examine it, but I'm pretty sure I did."

"But, Claire,"

"He pulled knife on me! I got mad."

She rubbed the fingers on her left hand which had fallen asleep; it felt like little shocks ran up her fingers and the warmth of an electric light radiated under her palm. Then her wrist tilted as if of its own accord. She looked down.

Shining golden eyes looked up. Her breath stalled in her lungs. Jaguar's broad nose pushed warm against her hand.

She shoved the bag further back with her heel, trying to compress it against the van wall and leaned forward in what she hoped could be taken for a desire to be helpful. She couldn't think of one thing to say that wouldn't damn them all.

Jaguar Sees: The Lacquer Box by Ann Simon is available at the Amazon Kindle store for Kindles, Windows 7 phones, i-pads and other i-products, and computers. The Kindle app is currently free.

Also read Simon's blog Ann's Annotations. 

Want your character to appear on Her Ladyship's Quest?

Authors please refer to the post how to submit your character profile. I look forward to reading about the children of your minds and Muses.

Six pledges of support for my fantasy audio book project

I've been encouraged by the fantasy readers who have pledged a contribution to help produce an audiobook of Union of Renegades: The Rys Chronicles Book I. I set up a campaign at kickstarter.com to attract backers for this project. Audiobooks are very popular but expensive to produce because of all the many hours of recording necessary to transform a full length novel into an audiobook.

When Union of Renegades is completed as an audiobook, it will provide almost 20 hours of listening. That will certainly get some people through long car trips or shifts of boring work.

In addition to an audiobook, Union of Renegades will also be transformed into a serialized podcast novel distributed at iTunes and Podiobooks. I'm very excited about this because I think many new listeners will be introduced to my fantasy fiction at these media outlets.

A small company called Dark Fire will be doing the production work. One of the founders of Dark Fire, Collin Earl, is also an author who has been producing his own fiction as ebooks, books, and audiobooks, and I'm excited to be tapping into his expertise and that of his associates. Check out his novel Harmonics: Rise of the Magician.

To be among the first people to receive the final mp3 audiobook of Union of Renegades, please contribute to the project through Kickstarter. If you are interested in listening to my first fantasy novel as an audiobook, then snatch up this opportunity to basically name your price. All backers, regardless of amount pledged, will receive the audiobook as soon as it is ready, if my campaign reaches its funding goal of $1,000.

Please back my audiobook project, share the project at social media outlets, and email this blog post to your friends who might be interested.

Poll: Do you like sex or love scenes in books?

I like polls. I think the results are fun to think about. If you belong to Goodreads, you can vote in my newest poll about sex in books, or, if you prefer, just leave a comment below with your answer. This poll will run until April 12th.

Poll Do you like sex/love scenes in the books you read? I ask because some people really like them, some people don't mind them, and others definitely want their fiction to go through a prude filter. Plus it's interesting to discuss.
I really enjoy sexuality in fiction.
Some sex is OK but only in small doses.
Love scenes are fine if they contribute to characterization and plot.
No nookie for me. I don't want to go there.
Love scenes are why I read!comments and details
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Enter drawing for a free sci fi adventure ebook

Jak Phoenix by Matt D. Williams is the prize for my March ebook giveaway drawing.If you enjoy reading about a space traveling hero who often gets taken prisoner and never really has enough money, then join my readers' list and enter to win Jak Phoenix by Matt D. Williams. This is an entertaining read, packed with gritty adventure but still able to make readers smile every few paragraphs.

Every month I select an ebook for a prize drawing at my main website Brave Luck Books. I purchase the prize through Smashwords because ebooks are sold without encryption there. This allows me to email the ebook prize to anyone regardless of his or her country of residence.

To enter the drawing, click here and provide your name and email address in the form on the right side.

Fantasy character profile: Kothar the Goblin King

Meet Kothar from the Goblin Market by Jennifer Hudock. From the dungeon he rises with black magic to claim the Goblin Throne, but where is his bride?As a young soldier in the fae army, Kothar was commissioned against his better judgment to infiltrate the Goblin Kingdom as a spy. Despite his refusal to participate in what he deemed as folly, he was convinced when offered the hand of the king's niece. Captured and tormented by the goblins for years, the only thing that kept him alive was his dreams of his future bride, the princess Glylwythiel.

Biding his time in the dungeons, Kothar learns the black art of goblin magic from a fellow prisoner, King Thorpok's own brother. His confidence restored by his newfound power, Kothar challenges the goblin king to all or nothing duel. Exacting a forgotten death curse, he rises from the duel and claims the throne of the goblin kingdom.

Upon his throne, he sent word to the fae of his victory and asked them to send his bride. Wary of his newfound power, the fae king denied his request. Kothar's threats of invasion forced the king to disguise his niece as a human child and send her Upland and out of Kothar's reach. For centuries, Kothar searched for his bride, traveling the Upland countryside with The Goblin Market.

In the first chapter of The Goblin Market, Kothar has finally found her, human in essence, but as beautiful as ever, and he will do anything to have her. He kidnaps her human sister and draws her back Underground in a quest to save the girl.

Favorite Quotes from Kothar:

To Christina Drexler in The Goblin Market:

"I am Kothar," pride lifted his sharp chin. "I am king."

To Meredith:

"Remember in your darkest hour I would have given you anything."

"So beautiful, so ambitious," he sneered. "I simply implied that you would rule beside me as my queen, but never in my stead, or as my absolute equal."

The Goblin Market, is currently available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords for just $0.99. For more information about Jennifer Hudock, including updates on upcoming fiction, including Jack in the Green, the much-anticipated sequel to The Goblin Market, visit her official website: The Inner Bean.

Want your character to appear on Her Ladyship's Quest?

Authors please refer to the post how to submit your character profile. I look forward to reading about the children of your minds and Muses.

Fantasy author Tracy Falbe in the Indie Spotlight

Have you ever written something, forgotten about it, and then surprised yourself when you read it later?

That just happened to me today at The Indie Spotlight. I submitted my first fantasy novel Union of Renegades: The Rys Chronicles Book I for a feature at this site in October. Today I was finally the featured novel. I guess they have a long waiting list.

Anyway, I had forgotten what a candid interview I had written for this website. I don't think I have ever publicly admitted before to partying like a rock star in my youth, but that's what I told The Indie Spotlight. Is it true? Yes. Was I Keith Richards or Charlie Sheen? NOOOO! Am I glad there were no camera phones back then and the internet was barely in existence? Very, very glad.

What else did I say?

I offered some insights about my inspirations and writing process.

This is how I opened:

"I've been genuinely drawn to fiction writing since childhood. I even wrote two novels when I was a teenager, but eventually abandoned that amusement for a social life. I have never even looked at those novels. Imagine a virgin writing a love scene. Pass!"

Anyway, I grew up and wrote more fantasy novels and they are much more interesting than me, so go read my feature at the Indie Spotlight and decide if Union of Renegades should be on your reading list.