Kelley Heckart's Blog, page 36
September 2, 2015
Weird Word Wednesday
Bijouterie noun bi·jou·te·rie \bi-ˈzhü-tə-(ˌ)rē\Definition of BIJOUTERIE
: a collection of trinkets or ornaments : jewels; also : decorationOrigin of BIJOUTERIE
French, from bijou
First Known Use: 1735
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
: a collection of trinkets or ornaments : jewels; also : decorationOrigin of BIJOUTERIE
French, from bijou
First Known Use: 1735
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 31, 2015
Monday Musings: AZ cloud formation pics #10
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 28, 2015
Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite fantasy TV show
Favorite fantasy TV show: Jonathan Strange and Mr. NorrellWith magic long since lost to England, two men are destined to bring it back; the reclusive Mr. Norrell and daring novice Jonathan Strange. So begins a dangerous battle between two great minds.
Stars: Bertie Carvel, Eddie Marsan, Marc Warren
This is set during the Napoleonic Wars in an alternate England where magic exists. I like stories that mix history with fantasy and this one has my interest so far. It’s based on a book series by Susanna Clarke.
Stars: Bertie Carvel, Eddie Marsan, Marc Warren
This is set during the Napoleonic Wars in an alternate England where magic exists. I like stories that mix history with fantasy and this one has my interest so far. It’s based on a book series by Susanna Clarke.
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed
http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 26, 2015
Weird Word Wednesday
Bignonia noun big·no·nia \big-ˈnō-nē-ə\Definition of BIGNONIA
: a woody evergreen vine (Bignonia capreolata of the family Bignoniaceae, the bignonia family) of the southern and central United States that has compound leaves and tubular flowersOrigin of BIGNONIA
New Latin, genus name, from J. P. Bignon †1743 French royal librarianFirst Known Use: 1785
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
: a woody evergreen vine (Bignonia capreolata of the family Bignoniaceae, the bignonia family) of the southern and central United States that has compound leaves and tubular flowersOrigin of BIGNONIA
New Latin, genus name, from J. P. Bignon †1743 French royal librarianFirst Known Use: 1785
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 24, 2015
Monday Musings: More backyard wildlife, A lizard hitched a ride
I came back inside the house from doing some evening chores like adding chlorine tabs to the pool and emptying the kitchen trash when I felt something crawling on my head. On instinct, I brushed my hand through my hair and something fell out and landed on the kitchen floor. It was a baby lizard that immediately crawled under the stove. I couldn’t let it stay there because it would die if stranded in the house. Fortunately, my husband was home. I had him move the stove while I scooped the little guy into a plastic container and set him free outside. I have no idea how the lizard ended up hitching a ride on my head. I seem to attract wildlife in strange ways and this is one of them.
This is the little hitchhiker.
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listedhttp://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
This is the little hitchhiker.Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listedhttp://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 21, 2015
Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite new Sci-Fi TV show
Favorite new TV show—The Whispers
An unseen force is manipulating society's most innocent-our children-to act in favor of its cause. As the kids unwittingly help this unknown enemy, the clock counts down in this suspenseful race to save humanity.
Creator: Soo HughStars: Milo Ventimiglia, Barry Sloane, Lily Rabe
This show gives me the chills because the children involved are Children of the Corn creepy. It’s not as fast paced as most of the shows now, but if you like your Sci-Fi spine-chilling, this is it.
An unseen force is manipulating society's most innocent-our children-to act in favor of its cause. As the kids unwittingly help this unknown enemy, the clock counts down in this suspenseful race to save humanity.
Creator: Soo HughStars: Milo Ventimiglia, Barry Sloane, Lily Rabe
This show gives me the chills because the children involved are Children of the Corn creepy. It’s not as fast paced as most of the shows now, but if you like your Sci-Fi spine-chilling, this is it.
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed
http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 19, 2015
Weird Word Wednesday
Bight noun \ˈbīt\: a curve in a coast or the bay formed by such a curveFull Definition of BIGHT
1: a bend in a coast forming an open bay; also : a bay formed by such a bend2: a slack part or loop in a ropeExamples of BIGHT
Origin of BIGHT
Middle English, from Old English byht bend, bay; akin to Old English būgan to bend — more at bow
First Known Use: 15th century
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
1: a bend in a coast forming an open bay; also : a bay formed by such a bend2: a slack part or loop in a ropeExamples of BIGHT
Origin of BIGHT
Middle English, from Old English byht bend, bay; akin to Old English būgan to bend — more at bow
First Known Use: 15th century
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 17, 2015
Monday Musings: Retelling the Greek myth of Callisto
There are a couple of different versions of the Greek myth about Callisto, the nymph who betrayed Artemis, but ancient writers seemed to agree on some facts: Zeus seduced Callisto, she was changed into a bear and bore a son named Arcas, was hunted down as a beast and then placed among the stars as the constellation Ursa Major. In some stories she is the daughter of King Lycaon while in other, older versions she is simply another incarnation of Artemis as the bear.
I came into this with an open mind, using what I knew from the various myths and what I discovered from other sources on Greek mythology and history. Since I was writing a series set in Arcadia, Artemis’s realm, Callisto’s story had to be part of that series, but I had to figure out how to make this myth into my own story. I focused on the one common thread of the myth—Callisto betrayed Artemis whether she meant to or not. Who can say that when you fall in love you can fight those feelings? I wanted to make Callisto flawed like a human with real problems—even though she was a nymph, like the rest of us she wasn’t perfect.
The next thing I decided was that my nymphs were not going to be innocent and vulnerable. I did discover that the Oreades, the mountain nymphs, were known as great huntresses, they were tall and fierce. So my nymphs were going to be dangerous and quite capable of defending their goddess’s forest. I created The Guardians, an elite group of nymphs who could fight as good as any male warrior.
I also created an honored station among the nymphs, the Bear Goddess, who would act in Artemis’s stead when she wasn’t present and keep the barriers around the goddess’s forest strong. Only the Bear Goddess could take the form of a bear and the other nymphs could take the shape of other forest animals.
I actually ended up changing quite a bit. Zeus doesn’t seduce Callisto, but one of his followers does—a centaur who can take human shape. I had this idea of a forbidden love theme since the original versions hint at this. In my version she is the daughter of Lycaon and the nymph Maia. While my story may differ from the original myths, it stays true to the main theme—betrayal. And despite Callisto’s flaws, she possesses bravery and conviction, two traits I admire and hopefully readers will too.
****************Short excerpt from The Bear Goddess:Kasin stared at the line of nymphs, a formidable wall of gold and black leather-clad Guardians flanked by brown-clad nymphs and satyrs. Artemis’s powerful symbol of a full moon and crossed arrows taunted him from the unyielding line of small round shields his opponents held in steady grips.He waited for the nymphs to make the first move. He would give them a chance to negotiate his terms and, if fortune favored him, avoid a battle.Davona stepped into place next to him. “That is their merciless leader, Maia, the one who called for my death. She is also Callisto’s mother.”Kasin looked closer at the nymph at the head of their army. She had dark red hair that almost looked black, an unusual color among the brown and fair hair of the other nymphs, and she had been among those that captured him.“Callisto’s mother is a fire nymph. They are a particularly nasty kind of nymph.” He felt a twinge of sympathy for Callisto for it seemed her mother was as difficult as was his armor-hearted father.“If she will allow her own daughter to die…” Davona stared fiercely at the leader of the nymphs. “She will not be easy to negotiate with.”
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckart
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listedhttp://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
I came into this with an open mind, using what I knew from the various myths and what I discovered from other sources on Greek mythology and history. Since I was writing a series set in Arcadia, Artemis’s realm, Callisto’s story had to be part of that series, but I had to figure out how to make this myth into my own story. I focused on the one common thread of the myth—Callisto betrayed Artemis whether she meant to or not. Who can say that when you fall in love you can fight those feelings? I wanted to make Callisto flawed like a human with real problems—even though she was a nymph, like the rest of us she wasn’t perfect.
The next thing I decided was that my nymphs were not going to be innocent and vulnerable. I did discover that the Oreades, the mountain nymphs, were known as great huntresses, they were tall and fierce. So my nymphs were going to be dangerous and quite capable of defending their goddess’s forest. I created The Guardians, an elite group of nymphs who could fight as good as any male warrior.
I also created an honored station among the nymphs, the Bear Goddess, who would act in Artemis’s stead when she wasn’t present and keep the barriers around the goddess’s forest strong. Only the Bear Goddess could take the form of a bear and the other nymphs could take the shape of other forest animals.
I actually ended up changing quite a bit. Zeus doesn’t seduce Callisto, but one of his followers does—a centaur who can take human shape. I had this idea of a forbidden love theme since the original versions hint at this. In my version she is the daughter of Lycaon and the nymph Maia. While my story may differ from the original myths, it stays true to the main theme—betrayal. And despite Callisto’s flaws, she possesses bravery and conviction, two traits I admire and hopefully readers will too.
****************Short excerpt from The Bear Goddess:Kasin stared at the line of nymphs, a formidable wall of gold and black leather-clad Guardians flanked by brown-clad nymphs and satyrs. Artemis’s powerful symbol of a full moon and crossed arrows taunted him from the unyielding line of small round shields his opponents held in steady grips.He waited for the nymphs to make the first move. He would give them a chance to negotiate his terms and, if fortune favored him, avoid a battle.Davona stepped into place next to him. “That is their merciless leader, Maia, the one who called for my death. She is also Callisto’s mother.”Kasin looked closer at the nymph at the head of their army. She had dark red hair that almost looked black, an unusual color among the brown and fair hair of the other nymphs, and she had been among those that captured him.“Callisto’s mother is a fire nymph. They are a particularly nasty kind of nymph.” He felt a twinge of sympathy for Callisto for it seemed her mother was as difficult as was his armor-hearted father.“If she will allow her own daughter to die…” Davona stared fiercely at the leader of the nymphs. “She will not be easy to negotiate with.”
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckart
My author page at amazon.com with all my books listedhttp://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 14, 2015
Favorite Friday: Sharing a favorite fantasy book
Favorite book—Clash of Kings, Book Two in the Song of Ice & Fire series. This is the book behind season two of Game of Thrones on HBO. Highly recommended for fans of this series. The books expand on the characters and intricate storylines.
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed
http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
August 12, 2015
Weird Word Wednesday
Biggety adjective big·ge·ty \ˈbi-gə-tē\Definition of BIGGETY
1Southern & Midland : conceited, vain2Southern & Midland : rudely self-important : impudent Variants of BIGGETY
big·ge·ty or big·gi·ty \ˈbi-gə-tē\Examples of BIGGETY
Origin of BIGGETY
big + -ety (as in persnickety)
First Known Use: 1880
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
1Southern & Midland : conceited, vain2Southern & Midland : rudely self-important : impudent Variants of BIGGETY
big·ge·ty or big·gi·ty \ˈbi-gə-tē\Examples of BIGGETY
Origin of BIGGETY
big + -ety (as in persnickety)
First Known Use: 1880
Kelley Heckart, Historical fantasy romance authorCaptivating...Sensual...Otherworldlyhttp://www.kelleyheckart.com http://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/CelticChickhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelley-Heckart/111838455604http://www.goodreads.com/kheckartMy author page at amazon.com with all my books listed http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1341885749&sr=1-2-ent
