Lisa Vandiver's Blog, page 17

Erich Keenton; Mystic Mist Character

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Erich Keenton is my leading male character in Mystic Mist, Book 1 in the New Breed Series. He’s the epitome of perfection in looks and intelligence. His strength shows through confidence in the way he carries himself among his peers. Erich’s heart is full of love and compassion and it’s evident to anyone he meets. He’s headed to his first semester in college and looking forward to playing on the College Fencing team. In high school, he was hailed as one of the most talented swordsmen. Erich’s enjoying his life in the present, but he’s wisely planning for his future. He promised himself he would do nothing to jeopardize it. However, as Erich learns during the first week of college,  fate has something else planned for him.

While relaxing in a forest near his New England College, a unpredicted storm shows up, catching Erich off guard. An enchanting veil of mist trickling from the sky, and down onto the Earthen soil, captivates him. As the mist floats nearer, Erich realizes that a young woman is caught in its grasp. After rescuing her, he discovers that this young woman, Iseabail,  isn’t from Earth. And she isn’t the only one that’s come to Earth via the mist.

Together, Erich and Iseabail must fight for survival in a New England forest against terrible creatures bent on capturing them, killing them, or something far worse.

Erich Keenton will be one of the characters you’ll cheer on toward victory as he fights for his and Iseabail’s survival while they try to keep the Hellavey from discovering the nearby communities. You can find their story here.

 

Josie’s Thorn Teaser

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After breakfast, Josephina walked to the stables where she found Steve standing next to a magnificent, dark brown mare; her regal poise gave her the appearance of sculpted marble.

“Good morning, Miss McCrea,” Steve said cheerfully, as he saddled the horse.

“Good morning, Mr. Morgan,” Josephina responded politely.  “She’s beautiful.”  She gently rubbed the horse on the neck.

“She’s an American Saddlebred and her spirit matches her beauty,” he said, suddenly feeling the warmth spread up his neck and across his face at his statement.

Josephina smiled but decided not to respond.

“Miss McCrea, you do remember how to ride, don’t you?  Macy is gentle, but if you’re rusty, you shouldn’t…” but she cut him off before he could continue.

“Of course I remember how to ride!  I’ve continued riding since I left here,” she turned to look directly at him, letting him know she was not pleased.

“That’s good to know, but if you’d like, I can send someone with you,” but no sooner had the words left his mouth than he knew he had overstepped his bounds.

“It won’t be necessary, Mr. Morgan!”  Her eyes burned with anger, as she took the reins from the now understandably shaken Ranch Boss.  “Thank you, I can handle it from here.”

“You’re most welcome, Miss McCrea,” Steve stepped back from the horse, wanting to put distance between them.

Josephina led the horse out of the stable with Morgan walking behind her.  “Please, be careful.”

“I will,” were the only words she said as she mounted the horse and rode off toward Otters Creek.

***

Once she had crossed the first creek that ran behind the stables, she nudged the horse into a slow canter through Clover Field, named for the thick clover growing there.  Josephina had forgotten how beautiful it was with the lush green fields, and snow topped mountains off in the distance.  She rode for about twenty minutes when she came to a small valley known as Dry Bones.  It was dusty and rock-filled and was the only place on the one-thousand acre ranch that was not flourishing with green grass and wildflowers.  Josephina turned her horse to the east and made her way up into the foothills of the Old Forest, as she had always called it.

Filled with tall and proud trees, the Old Forest was a beautiful and enchanting place.  It was one of the places Josephina had loved most when she lived here as a child.  She had enjoyed long walks and shared many special picnics in the beauty of the Old Forest.

With the fragrance of the wild flowers and the cool breeze on her face, she prodded Macy into a run and for the first time since her return, Josephina felt completely at peace.

Once she reached Otter’s Creek, she dismounted and led the horse to the water for a drink.  Josephina pulled her canteen from the saddlebag and sipped some fresh water while gently stroking the horse’s mane.  Next, she walked across the dirt bank to a large oak tree where she decided to relax against the tree’s trunk.

Leaning against the tree, she suddenly felt a gentle nudge on her hand that made her go rigid.  When she opened her eyes and looked down, she found herself looking into the soft, brown eyes of the Labrador, Bo.  Josephina let out a soft laugh, and then she sat down and wrapped her arms around his neck.  “Thank you for coming with me, Bo.”

Bo settled down next to her, laid his head on her lap, and closed his eyes.  As Josephina relaxed against the tree, she looked around at the beauty of the landscape.  She took a deep breath, recalling memories from happier times when her family would come here together.  They would camp along the creek’s banks, and would hike along the nearby trails that led toward the mountains.

Josephina removed her glasses, laid them on the ground next to her, and then rubbed her eyes before closing them.  She leaned her head back and sat there motionless, enjoying the warmth of the sun as it moved across the sky.  She was completely caught up in the tranquility of the moment when she felt Bo stand, letting out a low, growl.  “What is it, Bo?”  She opened her eyes to see what had alerted him, suddenly realizing someone else was nearby.

Josephina quickly grabbed her glasses, pushing them onto her face, but what she saw caught her by surprise.  A man was walking out of the water, and he was completely naked!  Her breath caught in her throat as she watched the water glisten on his perfectly muscled body in the sunlight.  Josephina quickly pulled her eyes away from the unsuspecting man standing on the shore, but the vision of his perfect body in the afternoon sun still danced in her mind.  She looked down at Bo, who was now standing beside her with his tail wagging, unaware of the predicament, when she suddenly felt her cheeks grow warm.  “Some guard dog you turned out to be!” she laughed, as she reached down and patted him on the head.

Josephina found herself transfixed and not sure what to do when she realized her eyes had once again fallen back on the man.  What is wrong with me?  She scolded herself, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not bring herself to look away.

It was obvious to her that his muscles were those of a man who had known hard work, not from lifting weights in a gym.  His skin was a deep, rich, brown, and although she could not see his face beneath the facial hair, she was convinced he must be quite handsome.  His long, dark hair flowed down his shoulders and onto his upper chest.  She watched as his hair seemed to dance in the wind, and she found herself wondering what it would be like to have her fingers gently comb through it.

Josephina stood there transfixed, completely caught up in her fantasy when she suddenly realized she had been staring at the man for several moments.  She tried to move, but for some reason her legs would not cooperate, and her eyes seemed frozen in place; she suddenly felt a strange tightness in her throat.  Who is he?  Does he work on the ranch and why is he out here with no clothes?  She glanced over at Macy, who was calmly grazing on the lush green grass by the oak tree.  Come over here you dumb horse!  The words screamed in her mind as she tried to will the animal to come to her.  She knew she would have to make her feet move if she wanted to leave but did she want to?

The image of this man held her hostage, as he stood on the creek’s edge with the sun caressing his body.  This sensual vision created a burning desire to touch him in ways that made her body tingle with excitement.

“What the hell is wrong with me?” She cursed herself.

Josephina knew she did not have time for such desires because she needed to stay focused on the task at hand.  Stop thinking that way!  I came here to do a job, and then go back home!  I do not need this kind of distraction now, but…  Suddenly a feeling of pain and anger began to stir in the pit of her stomach at the memory of the last man who had caused the same feelings in her.  Stop it!  I will never allow myself to be hurt like that again.

Josephina closed her eyes, forcing the image of him from her mind.  I have to get away from here!  She quickly mounted Macy and rode away without looking back at the mysterious stranger.

***

Jacob Rainthorn stepped out of the creek onto the bank, allowing the sun to dry his magnificent body.  He suddenly had the burning sensation come over him of being watched.  He slowly turned to see the woman standing under the old oak tree doing her best to appear as though she did not see him, but he knew better.  He decided to act as though he believed himself to be alone.  However, the delight he felt when he recognized Josephina McCrea almost betrayed him.  He was pleased to see that she had not changed in the seven years since she had left.  Her skin still resembled fine porcelain and her auburn hair glistened in the sun.  She had her hair pull up in a bun, but he noticed the small strands of auburn hair that had escaped to caress her long, slender neck.  Even the black-rimmed glasses she wore could not hide her beauty.

He found it intriguing how the beige-colored riding britches she wore displayed her petite figure in a pleasing way.  Also, how her green buttoned down blouse was open just enough to offer a seductive invitation of her firm and ample breasts.  He smiled, as he imagined how satisfying it would be to get reacquainted with her.

Jacob knew he should have been a gentleman and moved away from the creek to retrieve his clothes, but he had enjoyed the sensual game as it played out between them.  The hunger burning in her eyes, and the flush on her cheeks as she rushed to get away stirred the passion in him as well.  “Our next meeting should be quite interesting,” he chuckled, as he watched her ride away.

If you want to read more, you can find Josie’s Thorn here.

Romance In The Air

[image error]Romance is such a large genre; I can’t even begin to cover all of the sub-genres of it. If you search on Google, it will show you the listing, and oh my, it’s a large one.  Romance genre certainly has most categories covered from Historical Romances to Science Fiction Romances and all others between these two categories, including poetry.

The main focus for a true Romance Novel is that the love relationship is based between two people and should have a happy, satisfying ending for the couple.

I think I accomplished this for the romance novels I wrote.

The Where She Belongs Series includes Justina’s Awakening, Book 1 and Justina’s Love Revealed in Book 2.

Josie’s Thorn is a stand alone book. I am currently working on Jackson’s Storm in which I focus on a character from Josie’s Thorn.

Where She Belongs Series and Josie’s Thorn are both Romantic Suspense with a mixture of crime, mystery, and urban. In both stories, I include ranches, cowboys, horses, mafia, and murder.

 

 

Science Fiction Genre

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Today, I’d like to discuss the Science Fiction Genre; abbreviated SF or Sci-Fi. A genre that concentrates on imaginative ideas such as futuristic science and technology. Speculative fiction, space travel, time travel, faster than light travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life.

You can study the sub-genres of Science Fiction at  Wikipedia

As a reader, I enjoy reading Science Fiction novels that involve extraterrestrial life, space travel, time travel, and parallel universes.

As an Author, I am enjoying writing my first series of stories that have elements from this genre. You can take a look at my novels that include Science Fiction. The Moon People, and my New Breed Series books, Mystic Mist, and The Hellavey.

Science Fiction has real world possibilities.  “Beam Me Up, Scotty?”  Do you remember this famous line? What if that were a possibility? Do you like the idea of transporting from one place to another? I think it would be rather cool to have my atoms split apart in one location and then put back together in another in mere seconds.

There’s so much diversity on this subject, check them out for yourself and discover the possibilities.

Did you think self-driving cars can truly become a reachable goal? Flying cars?  Scientists are working behind the scenes to make Science Fiction real in the future. I don’t know about you, but I think that future is exciting.

I don’t think humans will be beamed up through transporters anytime soon, but that’s okay. We Science Fiction fans can get our fix through the entertaining books and movies available to us. As I’ve said before, the imagination is a wonderful thing.

Thank you to all those who many years ago paved the road for us to enjoy this quite broad and fascinating Genre. To today’s Science Fiction Authors and Movie Makers, keep those imaginations active to entertain us. We look forward to seeing what you come up with next.

 

Iseabail, Character from Mystic Mist

[image error]Iseabail Craighe is one of my main characters from New Breed Series, Book One Mystic Mist. You’ll learn early on that she’s a young princess from the kingdom of Eloweena. She lives with the royal family in the citadel of Elegantae and is accustomed to the finer things in life in this Medieval world resembling Scotland of old.  While on a picnic with her friend, Claire, evil creatures come after her. She and a few of the creatures are caught in the mist and brought to Earth.

She’s thrust into a completely different environment and must fight for her survival. Fortunately, she isn’t alone as she is rescued from the clutches of the mist by Earthling Erich Keenton. And so their friendship begins, as does their struggle for survival.

Iseabail will be one of these characters that you’ll fall deeply in love with and root for as her story unfolds. You can join Iseabail’s adventure in Mystic Mist as it’s available now in paper back and print.

Don’t Forget Me; A September 11 Tribute

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I was someone’s mother, sister, wife, daughter

Don’t forget me

I was someone’s father, brother, husband, son

We went to the towers that day

Not expecting what was headed our way

Some of us died instantly when that plane

crashed into the World Trade Center

Death toyed with our lives

but, at least,

some of us were able to

say our last good byes

When 9/11 comes round again

Hear my plea

Please, don’t forget those who died

Please don’t forget me

Prayers and Thoughts

I want to send out my thoughts and prayers to those facing Hurricane Irma. May you remain safe. To the people that faced Hurricane Harvey, may you recover quickly. [image error]

Are We Alone?

Are we alone in the universe? This question has been pondered since the beginning of time.

Let’s think about this for a moment.

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Earth is one of 100 Billion planets in the Milky Way Galaxy. We are the third planet from the sun in our solar system of nine planets. Our spiral galaxy is approximately 100,000 light years across. Our sun is one of 100 billion stars in the Milky Way Galaxy.

According to research from scientists, many stars, if not all, host their own families of planets. Many extrasolar(exoplanets) have been discovered, and a thousand others are awaiting confirmation.

The Milky Way is part of the Local Group, a neighborhood about 10 million light years across, consisting of more than 30 galaxies that are gravitationally bound to each other. Aside from our galaxy, the most massive one in this group is Andromeda.

This Local Group is only one of many clusters of galaxies, and they are moving away from each other as more space comes between them. In other words, the universe, itself, IS expanding. Beyond our universe, are other universes, just as large or larger.

Scientists calculate there are at least 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe, each clustered with stars. These galaxies form a bubbly structure which sheets and filaments surround gargantuan voids. Yet… There are still those on Earth who believe we are alone.

My question:

If the Milky Way is as large as scientists say it is with all of these planets, and in addition, outside our universe, many other universes exist, how can we say we’re alone?

Am I to believe that Earth is the only planet in these multiple universes that host life? Are we really that arrogant? Frightened of the possibilities? Why?

I imagine that beings from many of these planets may be looking up into their skies, pondering the same questions.

In all of this great expansion of space, Earth is the only planet to host life.

Ponder that statement for a moment.

 

 

 

 

you cannot replace the present with the past | embrace the grey

I liked this so much, I had to share it.

The Electric Oracle

Incomplete. Unfulfilled. Something is missing.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve experienced the above in my life so far. A sense that nothing is coming together as it should. It often seems to occur in the middle of something rather than at the start or end of a project or phase. You’re stuck in a grey hue of dissatisfaction, with seemingly no end in sight.

It is so easy at this point to look back on your life so far and pinpoint things that made you happy. Things that brought a sense of fulfillment and energy into your being. You may then attempt to re-introduce whatever it was that once completed you back into the present day, hoping that you will feel as alive as you know you are capable of feeling.

This is where we encounter an issue; what once completed you cannot possibly complete you again…

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Nightmares

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Have you ever had the feeling while sleeping you were awake, but you weren’t actually awake? And when you attempt to sit up, you feel as if an invisible force is holding you down. No matter how hard you struggle, you cannot move. I’ve had that occur on multiple occasions. Some say it’s a dream, some say it’s an entity physically grasping you, and holding you down. What do you think?

Have you ever walked into a room and felt as though someone was watching you? You search the entire room, but no one is there. Still, the feeling, remains with you while the little hairs on your neck prickle? What do you think?

Have you ever seen shadows cross a wall or pass by a window, but when you check the situation out, there was no cause for the said shadow? What do you think?

Are all of these things I mentioned just silly little creations of your own imaginings? Or could there really be something there? What do you think?

…Halloween is almost upon us, and as it draws closer, you can feel the air around you change. Or is it something else?

I’ll share various things from Halloween history to scary stories as the season approaches. I hope you’ll enjoy them. If you have a story you’d like to tell, I welcome you to contact me to be a guest blogger with your tale of all things scary.

 

If you’re interested, contact me at lisavandiver@deadlyreads.com