Rachel Rossano's Blog, page 27
December 21, 2011
Book Trailer Contest
My book trailer for "The Crown of Anavrea" (#18) is in a book trailer contest. If you like it, I would love your vote. Voting is open through December 26th.
http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/
Thank you,
Rachel Rossano
http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/
Thank you,
Rachel Rossano
December 20, 2011
Special Feature Alert!
If you are a fan of Exchange (a science fiction short story) or simply interested in possibly reading it some day, this is for you.
Ranee Clark is hosting a bit of flash fiction, titled Foreboding, on her blog. Stop by and enjoy. :)
- Rachel Rossano
Ranee Clark is hosting a bit of flash fiction, titled Foreboding, on her blog. Stop by and enjoy. :)
- Rachel Rossano
December 10, 2011
Saturday Sample Excerpt and the reveal for the Name that Character contest
Welcome! This post has a dual purpose. It is this week's Sweet Saturday Sample (click here for the rest of them). The second intent is to reveal of the winning character names for those who participated in the "Name the Character" contest past this week.
This is a very rough bit of a new short story still being written. Please excuse any typos.
~~~
"The red one is mine," he said.
I didn't raise my head although instinct urged me to look up. Father had called me Red. He said I was born screaming, skin deep maroon like the beets in the garden and hair fiery orange like the sun. The man who spoke was not my father.
Arrogant in his size and superior mass, his eyes picked me out of the writhing mass of captives. I glanced at him from beneath my cloak's hood. Early morning sunlight glinted off plain armor and an unadorned helm, yet the unwashed barbarians treated him with the respect due a commander.
The crowd of women around me parted for the soldier fulfilling his order. Mothers moved back with babes in their arms, toddlers clinging to their skirts. Panicked fingers clutched older children's hands or shoulders. A living mass, their voices silenced by the army hemming them in. Their faces spoke eloquently of their fear.
The soldier, smelling of sweat and sour wine, grabbed my left arm and dragged me out from among them. I didn't want to incur harm on the women around us. I allowed him to pull me toward the commander with only minimal resistance.
Once free of the captives, however, I pulled from the man's grip in an attempt to run. Three pairs of rough hands lay hold of my arms before I managed more than three steps. The stench of their unclean bodies turned my stomach. I gagged as I fought them. They dragged me through the dust and dumped me at his feet.
I struggled to my feet only to be brought down again. Pressure behind my knees forced me to kneel.
I lifted my face to glare at the commander.
"Remove her hood."
Someone pulled my cloak half off me in his enthusiasm. Red curls fell free in a wild mass about my shoulders.
Silently I cursed the color. If only I had been blessed with plain brown or even blond tresses, I could have hidden in plain sight.
"My Lady Brielle Solarius, I presume."
~~~
Have I hooked you?
The winners (Aly Mae and Joanna Gommesen) will get an email soon regarding their prize.Thank you, ladies, for a great name for my heroine. "God is my might" and "of the sun" are perfect descriptions.Also, thank you, Abigail, for making me look at Brielle twice.
Thank you all for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying you holiday season. Remember e-books make great gifts. ;)
This is a very rough bit of a new short story still being written. Please excuse any typos.
~~~
"The red one is mine," he said.
I didn't raise my head although instinct urged me to look up. Father had called me Red. He said I was born screaming, skin deep maroon like the beets in the garden and hair fiery orange like the sun. The man who spoke was not my father.
Arrogant in his size and superior mass, his eyes picked me out of the writhing mass of captives. I glanced at him from beneath my cloak's hood. Early morning sunlight glinted off plain armor and an unadorned helm, yet the unwashed barbarians treated him with the respect due a commander.
The crowd of women around me parted for the soldier fulfilling his order. Mothers moved back with babes in their arms, toddlers clinging to their skirts. Panicked fingers clutched older children's hands or shoulders. A living mass, their voices silenced by the army hemming them in. Their faces spoke eloquently of their fear.
The soldier, smelling of sweat and sour wine, grabbed my left arm and dragged me out from among them. I didn't want to incur harm on the women around us. I allowed him to pull me toward the commander with only minimal resistance.
Once free of the captives, however, I pulled from the man's grip in an attempt to run. Three pairs of rough hands lay hold of my arms before I managed more than three steps. The stench of their unclean bodies turned my stomach. I gagged as I fought them. They dragged me through the dust and dumped me at his feet.
I struggled to my feet only to be brought down again. Pressure behind my knees forced me to kneel.
I lifted my face to glare at the commander.
"Remove her hood."
Someone pulled my cloak half off me in his enthusiasm. Red curls fell free in a wild mass about my shoulders.
Silently I cursed the color. If only I had been blessed with plain brown or even blond tresses, I could have hidden in plain sight.
"My Lady Brielle Solarius, I presume."
~~~
Have I hooked you?
The winners (Aly Mae and Joanna Gommesen) will get an email soon regarding their prize.Thank you, ladies, for a great name for my heroine. "God is my might" and "of the sun" are perfect descriptions.Also, thank you, Abigail, for making me look at Brielle twice.
Thank you all for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying you holiday season. Remember e-books make great gifts. ;)
December 5, 2011
Name that Character Contest
Yes, the time is now. I have a character and she needs a name. Instead of falling back on my old basics (baby name websites and random sound combinations), I am asking for your help.
The details...
- Entries will be accepted 12/5/11 - 12/9/11.
- Offer as many entries as you want in the comments.
- Please state origin of the name and meaning (if known).
- Include your email in your comment so I can contact you to tell you about your win and give you your prize. - I will post the winner(s) on 12/10/11.
The prize...
A choice of any one (1) of my current ebooks for free.
If you have all of my published books or are willing to wait, you may choose one of the coming ebooks. At least three are planned for sometime in 2012.
Should you win, I will extend to you a special dispensation. You can be part of the special group of people who know more about them than everyone else. I might even show you the book trailers. :)
Sound worth the effort of thinking up some names? I hope so. :)
The character...
An only child, she is strong, independent, and loyal. Orphaned before she turned one, she grew up in her wet nurse's household. Loren, the wet nurse's daughter born the same year, grew to be a best friend, a sister by other parents.
Orwin, this woman's cousin, inherited her father's title and lands. He provides for her welfare, but only barely, keeping her out of sight in the smallest village on the edge of his domain.
Her most obvious physical feature is a mane of wild, red hair. Tall, leggy, but not willowy, she is more of a warrior than a woman who depends upon her feminine wiles. She tends toward practicality and action, making do with what fate hands her and fighting for what she believes is right.
The story...
She will be the heroine of the new short story (still untitled) with the opening line, "'The red one is mine,' he said." Her hero will be a man named Lord Irvaine.
She needs both a first and last name.
Have fun.
If you have any questions, just ask. :)
The details...
- Entries will be accepted 12/5/11 - 12/9/11.
- Offer as many entries as you want in the comments.
- Please state origin of the name and meaning (if known).
- Include your email in your comment so I can contact you to tell you about your win and give you your prize. - I will post the winner(s) on 12/10/11.
The prize...
A choice of any one (1) of my current ebooks for free.
If you have all of my published books or are willing to wait, you may choose one of the coming ebooks. At least three are planned for sometime in 2012.
Should you win, I will extend to you a special dispensation. You can be part of the special group of people who know more about them than everyone else. I might even show you the book trailers. :)
Sound worth the effort of thinking up some names? I hope so. :)
The character...
An only child, she is strong, independent, and loyal. Orphaned before she turned one, she grew up in her wet nurse's household. Loren, the wet nurse's daughter born the same year, grew to be a best friend, a sister by other parents.
Orwin, this woman's cousin, inherited her father's title and lands. He provides for her welfare, but only barely, keeping her out of sight in the smallest village on the edge of his domain.
Her most obvious physical feature is a mane of wild, red hair. Tall, leggy, but not willowy, she is more of a warrior than a woman who depends upon her feminine wiles. She tends toward practicality and action, making do with what fate hands her and fighting for what she believes is right.
The story...
She will be the heroine of the new short story (still untitled) with the opening line, "'The red one is mine,' he said." Her hero will be a man named Lord Irvaine.
She needs both a first and last name.
Have fun.
If you have any questions, just ask. :)
December 3, 2011
A Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back! Thank you for stopping by for another Sweet Saturday Sample from The King of Anavrea, sequel to The Crown of Anavrea. Last week's sample is here.
~~~
The clanging below abruptly ceased. A death cry echoed within the stone tower below her room. Realizing the sound indicated someone would be seeking her out soon, she paced the distance from the wall to her cot on the opposite side of the room. Her heavy cloak tugged as it caught on the corner of the single chair as she passed. Impatiently she tugged it free.On the other side of the door the wooden stairs creaked and groaned. The victor climbed to claim his prize. Lirth's hands shook. She initially missed when she reached for the small satchel that held her few worldly belongings. Finding it, Lirth moved back toward the chair in the center of the room, fastening it as she walked.The wooden bolt struck the floor outside with a clatter. Her fingers traced the worn lip along the back of the chair, seeking the familiar scratches. She measured her breaths by a two count to keep from panic.The door uttered a grating squeal as it opened. The dull thud of it striking the wall and rebounding echoed in the bare room. I hope it hit him. Hastily she drew back the thought. The Kurios would not send someone to harm her. What about those that sent him? Nothing."Please tell Lady Lirth I have come for her." A warm male voice spoke above her head and about four feet in front of her."I am the one you seek." Raising her chin so she was addressing his face, Lirth drew herself up and tilted her head elegantly to one side. His surprise came to her like the smell of blood and sweat, with the force of his presence.
~~~
Who do you think he is?
~~~
The clanging below abruptly ceased. A death cry echoed within the stone tower below her room. Realizing the sound indicated someone would be seeking her out soon, she paced the distance from the wall to her cot on the opposite side of the room. Her heavy cloak tugged as it caught on the corner of the single chair as she passed. Impatiently she tugged it free.On the other side of the door the wooden stairs creaked and groaned. The victor climbed to claim his prize. Lirth's hands shook. She initially missed when she reached for the small satchel that held her few worldly belongings. Finding it, Lirth moved back toward the chair in the center of the room, fastening it as she walked.The wooden bolt struck the floor outside with a clatter. Her fingers traced the worn lip along the back of the chair, seeking the familiar scratches. She measured her breaths by a two count to keep from panic.The door uttered a grating squeal as it opened. The dull thud of it striking the wall and rebounding echoed in the bare room. I hope it hit him. Hastily she drew back the thought. The Kurios would not send someone to harm her. What about those that sent him? Nothing."Please tell Lady Lirth I have come for her." A warm male voice spoke above her head and about four feet in front of her."I am the one you seek." Raising her chin so she was addressing his face, Lirth drew herself up and tilted her head elegantly to one side. His surprise came to her like the smell of blood and sweat, with the force of his presence.
~~~
Who do you think he is?
November 29, 2011
How about giving an e-book this Christmas?
In this new electronic age, new and amazing avenues of gifting options are opening up.
If you are planning on giving a loved one an e-reader for Christmas or know someone is getting one, there is now a convenient way to fill it up with books. A preloaded e-reader is so much nicer than just the reader itself.
This year some of the major e-book distributors are offering ways to gift e-books. Check out the video below to see how easy it would be to add a Rachel Rossano masterpiece *wink* to your loved one's electronic bookshelf.
Note: click the "see more" button to select from the list of merchants.
My books on: AmazonBarnes & NobleKobo
If you are planning on giving a loved one an e-reader for Christmas or know someone is getting one, there is now a convenient way to fill it up with books. A preloaded e-reader is so much nicer than just the reader itself.
This year some of the major e-book distributors are offering ways to gift e-books. Check out the video below to see how easy it would be to add a Rachel Rossano masterpiece *wink* to your loved one's electronic bookshelf.
Note: click the "see more" button to select from the list of merchants.
My books on: AmazonBarnes & NobleKobo
November 28, 2011
An Update or Sickness, Sickness Everywhere...Go Away! Please!
A cacophony of coughing, sneezing, and wailing have filled my days of late. With three little ones sick, hubby down with a food reaction of some kind (it was not pretty), and struggling with a cold myself, life has been a bit uncomfortable at our house this Thanksgiving. Praise the Lord for in-laws, modern medicine, and His infinite resources! We are hopefully on the upswing.
I don't know if part of the reason is the freaky New England weather. I have been outside, playing in the back yard, in a T-shirt...in November. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. *shakes head*
Okay. Enough with the small talk. I originally began this post to give a writing/editing update . :)
The unnamed opening line contest short story needs two things, a title and a name for the main heroine. Stay tuned for a naming contest. Currently standing at 2,617 words, it has the potential to be a long short story or a novella considering I am just now introducing the villains. Yes, you read that right, I am planning on more than one villain for this one. We shall see how it works out since I am not plotting very far ahead and the ending point is more vague than usual for this point. However, the vagueness might be cold related. ;)
The King of Anavrea - The Theodoric Saga Book Two is moving forward. Unfortunately I am deleting more than I am rewriting these days. The whole beginning needs work, especially a certain conversation on horseback. Back story is essential, but stunted conversation is one of the worst ways to do it.
Word and Deed is in the queue with Diaspora for the final quality check before the publishing process begins. Covers and book trailers are already made and awaiting approval.
White Bear has been languishing as I put my efforts into nursing and other projects. Do not fear, he will get attention again. A friend of mine is reading it and going to give me feedback. Hopefully her insights will get my writing gears going again on his story.
What to watch for:
Sweet Saturday Samples - every Saturday I post a sample. Some are completely new glimpses of works in process.
Clean Book Trailers - a new blog devoted to clean book trailers. Posts appear every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite author. ;)
Don't see your favorite project or novel of mine or confused about title changes? Please ask about them in the comments. I try to answer all comments or questions.
I don't know if part of the reason is the freaky New England weather. I have been outside, playing in the back yard, in a T-shirt...in November. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. *shakes head*
Okay. Enough with the small talk. I originally began this post to give a writing/editing update . :)
The unnamed opening line contest short story needs two things, a title and a name for the main heroine. Stay tuned for a naming contest. Currently standing at 2,617 words, it has the potential to be a long short story or a novella considering I am just now introducing the villains. Yes, you read that right, I am planning on more than one villain for this one. We shall see how it works out since I am not plotting very far ahead and the ending point is more vague than usual for this point. However, the vagueness might be cold related. ;)
The King of Anavrea - The Theodoric Saga Book Two is moving forward. Unfortunately I am deleting more than I am rewriting these days. The whole beginning needs work, especially a certain conversation on horseback. Back story is essential, but stunted conversation is one of the worst ways to do it.
Word and Deed is in the queue with Diaspora for the final quality check before the publishing process begins. Covers and book trailers are already made and awaiting approval.
White Bear has been languishing as I put my efforts into nursing and other projects. Do not fear, he will get attention again. A friend of mine is reading it and going to give me feedback. Hopefully her insights will get my writing gears going again on his story.
What to watch for:
Sweet Saturday Samples - every Saturday I post a sample. Some are completely new glimpses of works in process.
Clean Book Trailers - a new blog devoted to clean book trailers. Posts appear every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite author. ;)
Don't see your favorite project or novel of mine or confused about title changes? Please ask about them in the comments. I try to answer all comments or questions.
November 26, 2011
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome to my Sweet Saturday Sample. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.Today's sample is from my current editing/rewriting project, The King of Anavrea. I hope it makes you desire more since it is the opening paragraphs of chapter one.~~~The stone walls of the tower cooled her hands in spite of the unseasonable warmth of the past week. Gratefully, Lirth leaned her head against the rough stone. The cold surface chilled her fevered skin.The distant clash of metal against metal echoed in the corridor and stairwell outside the thick oak door of her room. The din steadily grew closer and she grasped at the calm she had felt only moments before.I knew this was coming someday, yet... She caught herself mid thought. She should be thankful that she had known. Frustration flared. Why must patience be so difficult? The unseen Kurios did not respond. She knew He was there and she knew He was the source of her intuition. It is not that I am not thankful. She pointed out. I know well enough Your intervention is the sole reason I have not been more battered. Instead, of abusing me and or using me, they isolate me.Shortly after her abduction five summers before, Baron Tor locked Lirth away in the cold tower room and forbid his men from speaking to her. By the grace of the Kurios, he chose not to execute her or hand her over to one of his minions. She had opportunity to cherish the hope of freedom.The clanging below abruptly ceased. A death cry echoed within the stone tower below her room. ~~~So, do you want to read more?
November 25, 2011
Black Friday Discounts
In honor of Black Friday I am offering ebook copies of my two novellas at 30% off. Coupon expire on November 27, 2011.
The Crown of Anavrea - Book One of The Theodoric Saga
Trained as a mercenary soldier, Darius was a man of decisive action. He was also a man of compassion. Seeing a young slave woman about to become the spoils of war, he claimed her for his own. Marrying her before God and king, he made her a free and respectable soldier's wife.
Brice was born a slave. Abused and beaten, she learned quickly to avoid being noticed and to stay away from men. When her master's walls fell to enemy forces, she ran, but not fast enough. In Darius' offer she found deliverance, but experience had taught her to fear power such as his. Could she trust in his protection, or had she traded one form of slavery for another?
Smashwords Link - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/83328
Coupon Code - UZ49W
Happy Reading!
The Crown of Anavrea - Book One of The Theodoric SagaTrained as a mercenary soldier, Darius was a man of decisive action. He was also a man of compassion. Seeing a young slave woman about to become the spoils of war, he claimed her for his own. Marrying her before God and king, he made her a free and respectable soldier's wife.
Brice was born a slave. Abused and beaten, she learned quickly to avoid being noticed and to stay away from men. When her master's walls fell to enemy forces, she ran, but not fast enough. In Darius' offer she found deliverance, but experience had taught her to fear power such as his. Could she trust in his protection, or had she traded one form of slavery for another?
Smashwords Link - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/83328
Coupon Code - UZ49W
Happy Reading!
November 23, 2011
A New Promotion Opportunity!
This one is for all of us, the readers, the writers, the promoters, and just about anyone interested in books.
I would like to introduce you to my new blog: Clean Book Trailers.
I love music, I love movies, and I love books. Thus, it naturally progresses that I love book trailers, right?
In seeking to promote my own work, I have found a surprising dearth of websites hosting or featuring book trailers. Of course, there is also the aspect of the cleanliness of the literature they are promoting too. I know many authors, like myself, struggle to promote their clean fiction in a market obsessed with sex and foul language.
Considering all these things, I wish to offer what I have sought myself. Free promotion to any author of clean fiction or non-fiction with a book trailer to share. For details, check out the right hand column under "The Purpose of Clean Book Trailers." (If you don't have a trailer and seek to have one made, you can still contact me and we can talk. I have been known to create trailers for others.)
Not a writer? This site is for readers, too. The featured trailers will give a minute to two minute synopsis of the book featured. You can assess if you want to investigate more. If it doesn't grab your attention, you lost a few minutes. If it does look interesting, you can investigate further by following the links provided. Simple, direct, and convenient.
So, don't forget to check out Clean Book Trailers when looking for your next read.
Thanks,
Rachel Rossano
I would like to introduce you to my new blog: Clean Book Trailers.
I love music, I love movies, and I love books. Thus, it naturally progresses that I love book trailers, right?
In seeking to promote my own work, I have found a surprising dearth of websites hosting or featuring book trailers. Of course, there is also the aspect of the cleanliness of the literature they are promoting too. I know many authors, like myself, struggle to promote their clean fiction in a market obsessed with sex and foul language.
Considering all these things, I wish to offer what I have sought myself. Free promotion to any author of clean fiction or non-fiction with a book trailer to share. For details, check out the right hand column under "The Purpose of Clean Book Trailers." (If you don't have a trailer and seek to have one made, you can still contact me and we can talk. I have been known to create trailers for others.)
Not a writer? This site is for readers, too. The featured trailers will give a minute to two minute synopsis of the book featured. You can assess if you want to investigate more. If it doesn't grab your attention, you lost a few minutes. If it does look interesting, you can investigate further by following the links provided. Simple, direct, and convenient.
So, don't forget to check out Clean Book Trailers when looking for your next read.
Thanks,
Rachel Rossano
