Diane Rapp's Blog: She's a Mystery and Science Fiction Writer! - Posts Tagged "dragons"
Tribute to Anne McCaffrey
On November 21, 2011 Anne Inez McCaffrey passed away at the age of 85, and the world of science fiction lost a beloved friend. A Science Fiction Writers of America Grand Master, Anne McCaffrey won many prestigious awards during her 46-year career. I fell in love with her Dragon Riders of Pern series, read every book she published, and plan to reread them often. Anne McCaffrey inspired me to write science fiction and I’m grateful.
I plan to dedicate my newest novel, Dragon Defense, to her memory. I can’t claim that my book compares to McCaffrey’s gems, but I believe she’d enjoy another dragon story. The dragons in my book can’t teleport and they don’t breathe fire, but mine don’t need to fight thread. Like any writer who populates a world with dragons, my dragons have their own unique characteristics.
In The Havenshire Resistance I introduced Flash, a baby dragon, whose mother was killed by a large white eel. Flash was raised by telepathic humans, Felesia and Jordan. My favorite scene shows them coaxing Flash to fly for the first time. She’s inside a cave with a strong updraft and leans into the wind with her wings stretched wide. She trembles, afraid to jump, but Arrow (the hawk) demonstrates how a bird hovers overhead. Can you imagine the scene? Flash eventually flew and helped her human friends attack an evil enemy in battle.
Drako got its name when planet surveyors noticed flying creatures that looked like dragons. These dragons are an intelligent species that cooperate while hunting. Colors ripple through their wings in specific patterns, allowing the dragons to communicate during an organized attack against giant white eels. Dragons hate the color white which sends them into a frenzied attack—not good for ships using white sails. Dragons ripped sails with their sharp talons and sank ships until their dragon cliffs were avoided. Maps were printed with the words “Here be Dragons” in red ink.
Do you scoff at the idea of a dragon sending ripples of color across its wings? We have a perfect example on Earth of a similar phenomenon. Nothing is more incredible than real live creatures, so I watch television programs about animals on a regular basis. When I saw a program featuring cuttlefish, I got very excited. Cuttlefish move layers of skin cells to send pulses of color across their bodies. I already “imagined” my colorful dragons and was rewarded with a real-life example. Don’t believe me? Google “flamboyant cuttlefish” and see the videos for yourself.
When Anne McCaffrey wrote her first dragon novel, she couldn’t know how many people around the world might love her work. I’m one of many authors who followed her path into a world filled with dragons. Anne McCaffrey will be missed.
I plan to dedicate my newest novel, Dragon Defense, to her memory. I can’t claim that my book compares to McCaffrey’s gems, but I believe she’d enjoy another dragon story. The dragons in my book can’t teleport and they don’t breathe fire, but mine don’t need to fight thread. Like any writer who populates a world with dragons, my dragons have their own unique characteristics.
In The Havenshire Resistance I introduced Flash, a baby dragon, whose mother was killed by a large white eel. Flash was raised by telepathic humans, Felesia and Jordan. My favorite scene shows them coaxing Flash to fly for the first time. She’s inside a cave with a strong updraft and leans into the wind with her wings stretched wide. She trembles, afraid to jump, but Arrow (the hawk) demonstrates how a bird hovers overhead. Can you imagine the scene? Flash eventually flew and helped her human friends attack an evil enemy in battle.
Drako got its name when planet surveyors noticed flying creatures that looked like dragons. These dragons are an intelligent species that cooperate while hunting. Colors ripple through their wings in specific patterns, allowing the dragons to communicate during an organized attack against giant white eels. Dragons hate the color white which sends them into a frenzied attack—not good for ships using white sails. Dragons ripped sails with their sharp talons and sank ships until their dragon cliffs were avoided. Maps were printed with the words “Here be Dragons” in red ink.
Do you scoff at the idea of a dragon sending ripples of color across its wings? We have a perfect example on Earth of a similar phenomenon. Nothing is more incredible than real live creatures, so I watch television programs about animals on a regular basis. When I saw a program featuring cuttlefish, I got very excited. Cuttlefish move layers of skin cells to send pulses of color across their bodies. I already “imagined” my colorful dragons and was rewarded with a real-life example. Don’t believe me? Google “flamboyant cuttlefish” and see the videos for yourself.
When Anne McCaffrey wrote her first dragon novel, she couldn’t know how many people around the world might love her work. I’m one of many authors who followed her path into a world filled with dragons. Anne McCaffrey will be missed.
DRAGON DEFENSE is NOW available on Amazon!
What does it take to self-publish an e-book besides months of writing, rewriting, editing, nail biting, and coaxing friends to read and offer comments? It’s an easy process! Authors are professional liars and I’m the worst kind of prevaricator—a mystery and science fiction writer. I tell whoppers, giant falsehoods, in my novels but hope my readers overlook obvious fabrications (there are so many good words for lie) and have fun reading.
DRAGON DEFENSE is the final book in the Heirs to the Throne trilogy. Gasp! Is this the end of stories from Drako? If characters demand that I write the next chapter of their lives, then there will be more fiction on the way. New characters often knock at my mental door and pitch a fantastic story.
There are a few new ideas floating in my head right now. Perhaps the wolves need their history explained from the very beginning. How did they arrive on the planet Drako? Who helped them? I’ve dropped hints in series but the true mystery was never explained. Perhaps a “dragon flyers’ academy” will get built and we can meet the students, or what happens after Donovan…Oops I almost told you something you need to discover in this new book. Smile.
As a writer I always have something new in the works. Friends without an e-reader want print copies created. Mystery lovers hope to attend Kayla and Stephen’s wedding (on a cruise ship in Glacier Bay, Alaska), and there’s a fantasy short story waiting in the wings. How does Dr. Alexander accomplish that cloning thing? I could use another pair of hands and a fresh brain to help me check off everything on my “To Do” list.
You are invited to the DRAGON DEFENSE launch party on the QuickSilver Novels Facebook page and I'll announce a contest to win prizes. I designed new pictures of characters, dragons, and scenes from Drako that will pop up. There will be virtual food and drink (absolutely calorie free) and recipes for Tex Mex dishes. It’s more fun when everybody joins in with their own brand of humor, so I hope to see “y’all” there. (I speak Texan with a Rocky Mountain accent.)
I wouldn’t be upset if you wandered over to buy a copy of the new book (or the old ones). Haven’t read the first two in the series? No problem. Before the first chapter I provide a list of characters and short descriptions of the first two books, so this book can be read on its own. (I had a special first-time reader test out the theory and she promises that it works.) If you enjoy DRAGON DEFENSE then you can always read the others—not all the secrets are divulged in my descriptions.
DRAGON DEFENSE is listed on my Goodreads authors page, so take a look. Hoe to see you at the party next week.
DRAGON DEFENSE is the final book in the Heirs to the Throne trilogy. Gasp! Is this the end of stories from Drako? If characters demand that I write the next chapter of their lives, then there will be more fiction on the way. New characters often knock at my mental door and pitch a fantastic story.
There are a few new ideas floating in my head right now. Perhaps the wolves need their history explained from the very beginning. How did they arrive on the planet Drako? Who helped them? I’ve dropped hints in series but the true mystery was never explained. Perhaps a “dragon flyers’ academy” will get built and we can meet the students, or what happens after Donovan…Oops I almost told you something you need to discover in this new book. Smile.
As a writer I always have something new in the works. Friends without an e-reader want print copies created. Mystery lovers hope to attend Kayla and Stephen’s wedding (on a cruise ship in Glacier Bay, Alaska), and there’s a fantasy short story waiting in the wings. How does Dr. Alexander accomplish that cloning thing? I could use another pair of hands and a fresh brain to help me check off everything on my “To Do” list.
You are invited to the DRAGON DEFENSE launch party on the QuickSilver Novels Facebook page and I'll announce a contest to win prizes. I designed new pictures of characters, dragons, and scenes from Drako that will pop up. There will be virtual food and drink (absolutely calorie free) and recipes for Tex Mex dishes. It’s more fun when everybody joins in with their own brand of humor, so I hope to see “y’all” there. (I speak Texan with a Rocky Mountain accent.)
I wouldn’t be upset if you wandered over to buy a copy of the new book (or the old ones). Haven’t read the first two in the series? No problem. Before the first chapter I provide a list of characters and short descriptions of the first two books, so this book can be read on its own. (I had a special first-time reader test out the theory and she promises that it works.) If you enjoy DRAGON DEFENSE then you can always read the others—not all the secrets are divulged in my descriptions.
DRAGON DEFENSE is listed on my Goodreads authors page, so take a look. Hoe to see you at the party next week.
Excerpt from Dragon Defense
Dragon Defense
The dragon, Blaze tries to rescue prisoners from a mountain stronghold:
The sunrise illuminated a peculiar object that dangled below a large dragon. As the boat flew across the sky, superstitious villagers dashed into their mountain huts to escape the dreadful sight. The flock of dragons disappeared behind a mountain before people in Asbohar took notice.
Blaze carried the small red boat proudly in his talons as Felesia rode on his back. Swirls of red, gold, and blue moved across his billowing wings as the dragon squadron formed a large V across the sky. When Blaze reached the balcony filled with humans, his eyes swirled with concern, but Felesia sent him mental messages.
From inside the boat Brandon shouted and people retreated behind the door. The balcony barely seemed large enough, but Blaze lowered his burden and opened his talons. A gust of wind lifted his body away from jagged sandstone rocks overhead and children peeking out from behind the door gasped. The dragon crowed to his flock and circled overhead.
When Brandon stepped from the boat onto the balcony, he felt immense relief to be away from those talons. He turned as children rushed through the door and caught his breath. A stunning vision of lithe beauty stood before him with bronze rays of sunrise shimmering across jet-black hair and ivory skin. Her ebony eyes threatened to capture his soul as they held his gaze.
“You must be Shariel,” he said in a breathless gush.
She nodded and coaxed children toward the boat. “Shouldn’t we hurry?”
Brandon pushed windblown hair away from his forehead and flashed a beguiling smile, the one guaranteed to make a girl’s heart flutter. “I’m here to serve, milady.” He hefted small bodies into the boat.
“Take a seat on the benches or the floor and tie a rope around your waist. Ten go on each trip.”
Wide-eyed children followed orders while they stared at dragons overhead. “Don’t be afraid. Send the dragons mental pictures of bright colors and they’ll be friendly. How many of you can see color in the dragons’ minds?”
Several hands shot up, including older children who stood waiting inside the door.
“Felesia sends pictures and the dragons respond. That small dragon is Flash. She’s Felesia’s special friend and loves children.”
Shariel smiled as Brandon helped the children relax. He caught a glimpse of her smile and nearly choked. “Will you go in the boat?” he asked.
“No. Jordan wants me to ride on the back of a dragon. I communicate with wolves, so I might be able to speak with dragons. Besides, I need to keep the guards under control until the last minute.”
“I’ll wait and help you climb onto the dragon.” Brandon glanced at a vacant-eyed guard, who stood inside the door. “Is he all right?”
“He thinks it’s still dark outside and feels sleepy. I inherited the power of mind control from my father and I’m using it today.”
Brandon blinked. “Your father’s Jarrack?” he asked. He saw a frown tremble across her lips and decided he must make her smile again.
Children and adults filled the boat. Blaze folded his wings and dropped in a breathtaking dive toward the balcony, triggering screams from frightened humans. At the last moment the dragon unfurled his great wings, opened his talons, and grabbed the spar. He swiftly carried his prize away from the rugged cliff.
The boat rocked. Voices squealed but Blaze carried the burden with a steely grip and soared high above the foothills.
Felesia sent pictures to the wild mind. Blaze recognized the landscape he’d seen as a fledgling and stretched his neck into the wind. He banked to find a new thermal and let the warm air lift his body.
When the giant dragon swooped down to grab the bar, Brandon ducked. He stood open mouthed when Blaze angled away from the rocky cliff face and a smaller dragon landed on the balcony.
Brandon helped a tall boy climb onto Flash. He looped a long red rope around the dragon’s neck and tied it around the boy’s waist. “What’s your name?” Brandon asked with a grin.
“Duncan.” The boy’s lips curled into a timid smile.
“This dragon is Flash. Send her pictures of the spaceport with your mind and hold on tight!” Brandon shouted and gave the boy a “thumbs up” salute. The dragon launched from the balcony and Brandon heard a peal of laughter from Duncan. There was no time to waste as another dragon landed.
Dragons knew how to conserve strength and seldom pumped their wings. Dazzle flanked Blaze with Jordan riding on her back. He greeted her with swirls of gold and orange and saw Flash fly nearby with a small human on her back. The boy waved at people riding in the boat. Blaze heard shouts of encouragement and felt Dazzle’s pride as he carried the burden.
The dragons enjoyed this new game.
Visit www.booksafire.com to find two new discounted or free books every day until May 31. Be sure to visit the following links to read excerpts from other authors in Books-a-Fire.
Calinda B http://blog.calindab.com/?p=1421
J. Heather Leigh http://jheatherleigh.blogspot.com/p/b...
Charles Dougherty http://www.clrdougherty.com/p/excerpt...
Tami Kidd http://www.tamikidd.com/?page_id=5
Jennifer Donohoe http://wp.me/p2zxAX-4Q
Reb MacRath www.rebmacrath.blogspot.com
The dragon, Blaze tries to rescue prisoners from a mountain stronghold:
The sunrise illuminated a peculiar object that dangled below a large dragon. As the boat flew across the sky, superstitious villagers dashed into their mountain huts to escape the dreadful sight. The flock of dragons disappeared behind a mountain before people in Asbohar took notice.
Blaze carried the small red boat proudly in his talons as Felesia rode on his back. Swirls of red, gold, and blue moved across his billowing wings as the dragon squadron formed a large V across the sky. When Blaze reached the balcony filled with humans, his eyes swirled with concern, but Felesia sent him mental messages.
From inside the boat Brandon shouted and people retreated behind the door. The balcony barely seemed large enough, but Blaze lowered his burden and opened his talons. A gust of wind lifted his body away from jagged sandstone rocks overhead and children peeking out from behind the door gasped. The dragon crowed to his flock and circled overhead.
When Brandon stepped from the boat onto the balcony, he felt immense relief to be away from those talons. He turned as children rushed through the door and caught his breath. A stunning vision of lithe beauty stood before him with bronze rays of sunrise shimmering across jet-black hair and ivory skin. Her ebony eyes threatened to capture his soul as they held his gaze.
“You must be Shariel,” he said in a breathless gush.
She nodded and coaxed children toward the boat. “Shouldn’t we hurry?”
Brandon pushed windblown hair away from his forehead and flashed a beguiling smile, the one guaranteed to make a girl’s heart flutter. “I’m here to serve, milady.” He hefted small bodies into the boat.
“Take a seat on the benches or the floor and tie a rope around your waist. Ten go on each trip.”
Wide-eyed children followed orders while they stared at dragons overhead. “Don’t be afraid. Send the dragons mental pictures of bright colors and they’ll be friendly. How many of you can see color in the dragons’ minds?”
Several hands shot up, including older children who stood waiting inside the door.
“Felesia sends pictures and the dragons respond. That small dragon is Flash. She’s Felesia’s special friend and loves children.”
Shariel smiled as Brandon helped the children relax. He caught a glimpse of her smile and nearly choked. “Will you go in the boat?” he asked.
“No. Jordan wants me to ride on the back of a dragon. I communicate with wolves, so I might be able to speak with dragons. Besides, I need to keep the guards under control until the last minute.”
“I’ll wait and help you climb onto the dragon.” Brandon glanced at a vacant-eyed guard, who stood inside the door. “Is he all right?”
“He thinks it’s still dark outside and feels sleepy. I inherited the power of mind control from my father and I’m using it today.”
Brandon blinked. “Your father’s Jarrack?” he asked. He saw a frown tremble across her lips and decided he must make her smile again.
Children and adults filled the boat. Blaze folded his wings and dropped in a breathtaking dive toward the balcony, triggering screams from frightened humans. At the last moment the dragon unfurled his great wings, opened his talons, and grabbed the spar. He swiftly carried his prize away from the rugged cliff.
The boat rocked. Voices squealed but Blaze carried the burden with a steely grip and soared high above the foothills.
Felesia sent pictures to the wild mind. Blaze recognized the landscape he’d seen as a fledgling and stretched his neck into the wind. He banked to find a new thermal and let the warm air lift his body.
When the giant dragon swooped down to grab the bar, Brandon ducked. He stood open mouthed when Blaze angled away from the rocky cliff face and a smaller dragon landed on the balcony.
Brandon helped a tall boy climb onto Flash. He looped a long red rope around the dragon’s neck and tied it around the boy’s waist. “What’s your name?” Brandon asked with a grin.
“Duncan.” The boy’s lips curled into a timid smile.
“This dragon is Flash. Send her pictures of the spaceport with your mind and hold on tight!” Brandon shouted and gave the boy a “thumbs up” salute. The dragon launched from the balcony and Brandon heard a peal of laughter from Duncan. There was no time to waste as another dragon landed.
Dragons knew how to conserve strength and seldom pumped their wings. Dazzle flanked Blaze with Jordan riding on her back. He greeted her with swirls of gold and orange and saw Flash fly nearby with a small human on her back. The boy waved at people riding in the boat. Blaze heard shouts of encouragement and felt Dazzle’s pride as he carried the burden.
The dragons enjoyed this new game.
Visit www.booksafire.com to find two new discounted or free books every day until May 31. Be sure to visit the following links to read excerpts from other authors in Books-a-Fire.
Calinda B http://blog.calindab.com/?p=1421
J. Heather Leigh http://jheatherleigh.blogspot.com/p/b...
Charles Dougherty http://www.clrdougherty.com/p/excerpt...
Tami Kidd http://www.tamikidd.com/?page_id=5
Jennifer Donohoe http://wp.me/p2zxAX-4Q
Reb MacRath www.rebmacrath.blogspot.com
She's a Mystery and Science Fiction Writer!
You've heard of split personalities, well, Diane Rapp spends part of her time sailing the high seas to solve mysteries. When she feels seasick, she travels to the planet Drako to check in with her fri
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