Annie Douglass Lima's Blog, page 47
February 4, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Bagan-Mandalay River Cruise
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)Here are some of our memories from the all-day boat ride we took between the cities of Bagan and Mandalay.
It was FREEZING cold and still dark when we first boarded the boat. It was fun watching the sun rise over the Irrawaddy (also called Ayeyarwady) River.
I played around with different settings on my camera. This one made the colors look more like sunset, but trust me, the sun was just rising!
Another dawn shot from the river.
A random village we passed along the way. We saw quite a few of these - it was a long trip!
Approaching Mandalay. I guess the river bank is the local spot to hang laundry.
Apparently it's also the spot to wash clothes and bathe!
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
It was FREEZING cold and still dark when we first boarded the boat. It was fun watching the sun rise over the Irrawaddy (also called Ayeyarwady) River.
I played around with different settings on my camera. This one made the colors look more like sunset, but trust me, the sun was just rising!
Another dawn shot from the river.
A random village we passed along the way. We saw quite a few of these - it was a long trip!
Approaching Mandalay. I guess the river bank is the local spot to hang laundry.
Apparently it's also the spot to wash clothes and bathe!Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
February 2, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Bagan Cooking Class
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)Here are some of our memories from the cooking lesson we signed up for, where we learned to make traditional Burmese food on Christmas Day! (Find out more about it on Trip Advisor here.)
This lady, May, was our host. The lesson was held at her house, mostly on her back porch and in her yard. She had a wonderful little garden where we picked fresh herbs and vegetables to add to the food!
She set out a few basic ingredients and supplies, and we started by peeling and chopping what she told us to.
At one point I got to crush raw garlic and ginger in a mortar with a pestle. Later, I crushed peanuts in the same mortar (it didn't get washed out in between). The result was quite a zesty-flavored peanut paste! We used it (along with the garlic/ginger mixture) in a number of different dishes.
She had a row of charcoal burners set out on her porch. At her instruction, Floyd and I and one other student cooked a number of separate dishes in them. The main courses included prawns, chicken curry, fish cakes, and pork, but there were quite a few cold salads (none involving lettuce) as well.
We put a giant green eggplant in the coals to cook.
Here's what it looked like after a while.
The finished version. The inside was all gooey and ready to be scooped out to be added to a salad.
Stirring the chicken curry. Most of the broth disappeared as it simmered.
This is May with the library she started in her garage, available for kids and adults in the neighborhood to use 24/7. 20% of the proceeds from her cooking classes go toward the library.
These were the tasty salads we made!
Our fish cakes and prawns. So yummy!
May made us this tasty thick soup. I'm not sure what was in it.
Dessert (a store-bought surprise from May) was made from coconut, sticky rice, and jaggery (palm sugar). Delicious!
Here we are with all the different foods! Or at least what was left of them by the end of the meal.Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
This lady, May, was our host. The lesson was held at her house, mostly on her back porch and in her yard. She had a wonderful little garden where we picked fresh herbs and vegetables to add to the food!
She set out a few basic ingredients and supplies, and we started by peeling and chopping what she told us to.
At one point I got to crush raw garlic and ginger in a mortar with a pestle. Later, I crushed peanuts in the same mortar (it didn't get washed out in between). The result was quite a zesty-flavored peanut paste! We used it (along with the garlic/ginger mixture) in a number of different dishes.
She had a row of charcoal burners set out on her porch. At her instruction, Floyd and I and one other student cooked a number of separate dishes in them. The main courses included prawns, chicken curry, fish cakes, and pork, but there were quite a few cold salads (none involving lettuce) as well.
We put a giant green eggplant in the coals to cook.
Here's what it looked like after a while.
The finished version. The inside was all gooey and ready to be scooped out to be added to a salad.
Stirring the chicken curry. Most of the broth disappeared as it simmered.
This is May with the library she started in her garage, available for kids and adults in the neighborhood to use 24/7. 20% of the proceeds from her cooking classes go toward the library.
These were the tasty salads we made!
Our fish cakes and prawns. So yummy!
May made us this tasty thick soup. I'm not sure what was in it.
Dessert (a store-bought surprise from May) was made from coconut, sticky rice, and jaggery (palm sugar). Delicious!
Here we are with all the different foods! Or at least what was left of them by the end of the meal.Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi CityFebruary 1, 2016
Fear of Falling: a Contemporary Romance with a Giveaway!
On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Welcome to the Cover Reveal for Fear of Falling By Catherine LaniganComing March 1, 2016, from Harlequin Heartwarming...
(Shores of Indian Lake #5)Adult Contemporary RomancePaperback & ebook, 368 Pages
Her best bet is to stay away
Was Olivia hearing this right? The one man in Indian Lake she'd found truly intriguing since, well, forever—the hopelessly handsome heir to the region's most successful farming operation, Rafe Barzonni—was involved in horse racing? That made him, and her sudden attraction, downright dangerous. He wasn't just out of her league. He was a gambler. Like her father. With the shame of her father's racetrack betting addiction still haunting her, Olivia can't be part of that world. Rafe's world. She can't trust him, or his magnetism. But there's something deep in his incredible blue eyes that keeps drawing her closer…
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin
The Other Books in the Series
Catherine Lanigan is the bestselling author of over thirty published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile, as well as over half a dozen anthologies, including “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living your Dream”, “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul”, “Chocolate for a Woman’s Heart”, Chocolate for a Woman’s Spirit”. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese. Ms. Lanigan’s novels are also available on audio-cassette, CD and on electronic format. A prolific writer, she is always writing wonderful stories. She has several titles only available in ebook format on Amazon.com Several of her titles have been chosen for The Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Clubs. Her novel, The Christmas Star, won the Gold Medal Award Top Pick from Romantic Times Magazine for December, 2002, and has also won Book of the Year Romance Gold Award from ForeWord Magazine as well as Book of the Year Romance from Reader’s Preference. In March, 2006 Divine Nudges: Tales of Angelic Intervention and the second in Lanigan’s Angel Watch series of books, was published by HCI, the Chicken Soup for the Soul publisher.Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Pinterest
Want to join the upcoming tour? Click on the banner to go to the sign-up!Cover Reveal Giveaway
$25 Amazon eGift Card
3 ebooks of Fear of Falling
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Ends February 7th
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Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV: Visit The Star Realm with Julie Elizabeth Powell
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name: Julie Elizabeth Powell
Title of book and/or series:
The Star Realm #1 The Avalon Trilogy (#2 Invasion #3 Secrets Of The Ice). The Avalon Trilogy is the whole story but each is an adventure in itself.
Brief summary of the story:
Five children – Davie Jenkins, Ben Jenkins, Chrissie Abbott, Anne Miller and Billy Kennedy – are chosen by the Time Keeper of Avalon (Ezrin) to redress the balance of both his world and theirs (called Elsewhere by the inhabitants of Avalon). They must find seven elements and save someone in time, before everything is lost and DarkStar consumes them all.
The further two books of the story see them battle a myriad of creatures and puzzles – the ending should be a complete surprise; everything is answered in the final few pages of Secrets Of The Ice.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The Star Realm is just one world that makes up the Orb of Caprice, an orb that houses billions if not trillions of heptagonal worlds; each one created through imagination via Elsewhere (from either a story, a song, a poem, a dream or a spark of an idea, forever increasing in size). The Star Realm has locations such as the Elysian Forest, the Rainbow Pool and waterfall (where fairies and other magical creatures meet and play), on the right of the Meadow and Star Hamlet, which is a longer walk to the north. There is also Melodise, where the Drawfrons reside, which is filled with music, in addition to the secret fairy site – and much more. But it also has Puzzle Woods – a dangerous and mysterious place.
The children visit another world within the Orb in #2 Invasion (The Dark Reaches) and the Dominion Of Ice, in the final book of the trilogy, #3 Secrets Of The Ice. Each has their own dangers and wonders.
Avalon is the heart, while the Orb of Caprice is classed as encasing numerous outer worlds.
If we were to visit the Star Realm as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Melodise, for sure, where concerts take place daily and are a wondrous spectacle. You mustn’t miss out on the Elysian Forest where you might spot a fairy, if you’re lucky. If you visit Star Hamlet, there is a bookshop, and small bakery, where the most delicious fare can be tasted. There is also a blacksmith and John Smith is a marvel at making almost anything. If you visit the apothecary, however, it is worth noting that guests must be careful not to touch anything – a heavy lesson learned by Billy. Sometimes the bandstand is filled with musicians and magicians, but that depends on the time of year. For those of a sturdy physique, then a climb through the mountains would be worthwhile, however, I cannot promise that they will find the magical entrance so to visit the scribe.
I would not recommend Puzzle Woods for any with a weak heart, but those with adventure in their veins may enjoy a brief visit – and you may even meet Brogan, one of the goblins that live in a secret underground realm. He often tramps the Woods, so you may be fortunate.
Warning: please beware the Watchers. Actually, it may be a good idea to stay clear of Puzzle Woods altogether; it’s easy to spot the dense collection of trees on the left of the meadow, where sits Chamber, the Gatekeeper; so visitors are unlikely to wander in by mistake, although anything is possible within these worlds.
What dangers should we avoid in the Star Realm?
Puzzle Woods and watch out for Melpomene’s Trap – Ben will tell you in detail all about that dreadful place. And if someone is trying to bar your way, then there may be further ‘traps’ and holes that lead to the Below Worlds, and I wouldn’t suggest any of those for the unseasoned traveller.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the Star Realm?
The wonderful thing about the Star Realm is that you can wish for any type of food or drink – that in itself is unusual enough. However, this is not the case for the other worlds they visit, so, unless you really understand your magical prowess, and spirit heart, please refrain from visiting.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in The Star Realm?
Swords. Magic. Potions. Spells. Intelligence. Bravery. Friendship. Belief.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Star Realm?
It depends on where you go. The royal family has a carriage and unicorns, but mostly magic is used to travel. Time is a strange thing in the Orb, for one minute you can be walking away from, say, a tree, and the next, that tree looks a speck in the distance. There are portals too, but it’s best to search the map for the correct landing locations – you don’t want to end up in the dragon’s jaw.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in The Star Realm that we don’t see on Earth?
Odd plants of various colours, shapes, sizes and textures. The most unusual ‘creature’ I would say is Kimeranet (K –ime – ee –ran – eh). His story is complex and sad. He is a mixture of more than one animal, including: bear, lion and human. Although his nature is kind and he has compassion for every living thing.
The Star Realm is home to goblins (some good, some evil), gnomes, fairies, angels, drawfrons (lesser and greater), witches, talking flowers and a complex range of seemingly human-type inhabitants – to mention a few.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in The Star Realm? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic is hugely important, as is Time. Nourishment can be ‘wished’ by visitors. Star Hamlet, however, grows food in the fields and uses horses to plough etc. – it is much like a medieval lifestyle, as of Elsewhere. That’s not to say a sprinkle of magic is not used.
Ezrin is the Time Keeper and uses magic in many ways – he does not have a wand, but can use Time to manipulate where he must. Apollone, too (the owner of the apothecary) uses the magic that is set deeply within the Realm, for all manner of things. Every inhabitant of the Star Realm can call upon magic, but each differently from another. Magic is not always used for good. I cannot say too much here so as not to spoil the plot of the story. But if magic is manipulated in the wrong way, for example, to steal another’s youth or beauty, then you can imagine the consequences.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in the Star Realm? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Ezrin has what he calls a gyro-monitor, for when he examines the Orb of Caprice from Avalon (the Orb sits in the atmosphere outside of the heart of Avalon) and it is from here that visitors would have to launch into their adventure. In addition to this, the gyro-monitor allows him to move easily up and down to keep an eye on the Utopian Passage and Thoughts, which are in the shape of clouds. It houses a lectern where he can scrutinise Time on many levels and possibilities.
The underground realm also has what has been named a Tramvolator – this allows easy passage to and from Puzzle Woods for those who have the golden dust. The Tramvolator was created from the White, which makes up much of the secret underground tunnels of these friendly goblins – secret because they must hide from Stubbling, a terrible goblin with a lust for power. Seer Bowls are also a means of ‘watching’ and ‘finding’.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in The Star Realm.
Brogan’s underground world has a few, and I’ve mentioned Star Hamlet’s and Melodise’s fun with music.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in The Star Realm as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
No. Time has its own beat in the Star Realm.
Is there a particular religion practiced in the Star Realm? Please describe what it involves.
No.
What is the political or government structure in the Star Realm? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
There is the Star Council – twelve members including Ezrin, Kimeranet, Somat, Ea’s, Monanic, Privithis, Psyche, Talocan, Asshuran, Mithraw, Lokian and Sivan (head). This council decides many things to help with the running of Avalon and its outer worlds. This is where it is decided what to do about the unnerving counter-balance and how it’s destroying not only their worlds but that of Elsewhere. Each member has an important role for the running of Avalon and its outer worlds.
Sivan has charge of a special staff that can push back the ravages of time upon the holder – he is extremely old and wise; hence why he is ‘leader’.
There is also a king, queen and princess in the Star Realm who have lost control somewhat because… no spoilers.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit The Star Realm?
Respect the lands and those within it. Although this sentiment is not held by all.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
The Star Realm was inspired by a book I’d written, called Gone. This was written in answer to the question: Where had my daughter gone? after she’d been severely brain damaged at the age of two. She was left an empty shell for seventeen years and that question haunted me until she died a second and final time. For if she was no longer ‘here’ then where was she? I created a world and went in search of her – the Star Realm was born.
The world was too good to waste (Avalon and the Star Realm from the Orb) so I used it to create an epic fantasy adventure. The story became so big that I had to break it into three – The Avalon Trilogy. #2 Invasion takes place in another, darker world of the Orb, as does #3 Secrets Of The Ice, so to complete the story – I hope those who read it will love or at least appreciate the ending.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Environment (its ruination) corruption, the loss of the imagination and power-hungry individuals.
Please share a brief author autobiography.
I cannot ignore my dreams, so many of them, with names and places and ideas that spark my imagination and compel me to write; to create stories, whether fantasy or horror, or mystery or psychological thriller or murder or even humour and adventure. So, my garden is sown, flourishing, with all manner of growth, and still the dreams come.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, my soul lingering within my imagination; maybe you’ll join me?
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
Each of the books is available separately or together as a trilogy; omnibus edition. I live in England but I’ve included USA links too.
The Star Realm is available in theUK in Kindle format as well as in the USA. If you prefer paperback, then Lulu has a copy. For #2, Invasion it’s also a Kindle edition in the UKand USA. The same goes for #3, Secrets Of The Ice, as a Kindle edition in the UKand USA. Luluhas each of these in paperback.
If you’d like the Omnibus Edition, in the UKor USA, it’s only offered in Kindle format because it is too big for paperback.
Where can readers connect with you online?
Email – julizpow@yahoo.co.uk
Website 1 - http://www.freewebs.com/julizpow
Website 2 - http://julizpow.wix.com/julieelizabethpowell (work in progress)
FB page 1 - https://www.facebook.com/julieelizabethpowellsbooks
FB page 2 - https://www.facebook.com/GoneByJulieElizabethPowell
Blogs:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1349023.Julie_Elizabeth_Powell/blog
http://julieelizabethpowell.blogspot.co.uk/
GOODREADS - https://goo.gl/DcTSOO
Amazon UK page - http://goo.gl/XK8TOj
Amazon USA page - http://goo.gl/cT0DCK
Twitter - https://twitter.com/starjewelz
LinkedIn - https://goo.gl/ZXbsGv
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/+JulieElizabethPowell/posts
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/starjewelz/
Audible - UK - http://goo.gl/Un3ExL
Audible - USA - http://goo.gl/MjNtaJ
I hope that The Star Realm, Invasion and Secrets Of The Ice will soon be audiobooks, as are my other works.
I also read many, many stories and review them all – not that they are all good, but most are and they come from the independent pool of writing rather than the bland and formulaic books you find in shops.
There, that’s little about one of the many worlds I’ve created. The Star Realm – and the rest of The Avalon Trilogy - can be read (or read to) from 8-100. It is directed at a younger audience (12+) but then I think it could suit YA and, of course, those young at heart.
Thank you for reading this, and special thanks to Annie Douglas Lima for including some of my work in Realm Explorers. I do have 19 titles in a variety of genres (soon to be 20, with a whole range of other projects on the go), but only The Avalon Trilogy and Knowing Jack are for a younger audience.
Here is a video book trailer for The Star Realm, if anyone is interested? Thanks.
-J
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to The Star Realm. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the galaxy of Renovodomus, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!-Annie Douglass Lima
Author’s name: Julie Elizabeth PowellTitle of book and/or series:
The Star Realm #1 The Avalon Trilogy (#2 Invasion #3 Secrets Of The Ice). The Avalon Trilogy is the whole story but each is an adventure in itself.
Brief summary of the story:
Five children – Davie Jenkins, Ben Jenkins, Chrissie Abbott, Anne Miller and Billy Kennedy – are chosen by the Time Keeper of Avalon (Ezrin) to redress the balance of both his world and theirs (called Elsewhere by the inhabitants of Avalon). They must find seven elements and save someone in time, before everything is lost and DarkStar consumes them all.
The further two books of the story see them battle a myriad of creatures and puzzles – the ending should be a complete surprise; everything is answered in the final few pages of Secrets Of The Ice.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The Star Realm is just one world that makes up the Orb of Caprice, an orb that houses billions if not trillions of heptagonal worlds; each one created through imagination via Elsewhere (from either a story, a song, a poem, a dream or a spark of an idea, forever increasing in size). The Star Realm has locations such as the Elysian Forest, the Rainbow Pool and waterfall (where fairies and other magical creatures meet and play), on the right of the Meadow and Star Hamlet, which is a longer walk to the north. There is also Melodise, where the Drawfrons reside, which is filled with music, in addition to the secret fairy site – and much more. But it also has Puzzle Woods – a dangerous and mysterious place.
The children visit another world within the Orb in #2 Invasion (The Dark Reaches) and the Dominion Of Ice, in the final book of the trilogy, #3 Secrets Of The Ice. Each has their own dangers and wonders.
Avalon is the heart, while the Orb of Caprice is classed as encasing numerous outer worlds.
If we were to visit the Star Realm as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Melodise, for sure, where concerts take place daily and are a wondrous spectacle. You mustn’t miss out on the Elysian Forest where you might spot a fairy, if you’re lucky. If you visit Star Hamlet, there is a bookshop, and small bakery, where the most delicious fare can be tasted. There is also a blacksmith and John Smith is a marvel at making almost anything. If you visit the apothecary, however, it is worth noting that guests must be careful not to touch anything – a heavy lesson learned by Billy. Sometimes the bandstand is filled with musicians and magicians, but that depends on the time of year. For those of a sturdy physique, then a climb through the mountains would be worthwhile, however, I cannot promise that they will find the magical entrance so to visit the scribe.
I would not recommend Puzzle Woods for any with a weak heart, but those with adventure in their veins may enjoy a brief visit – and you may even meet Brogan, one of the goblins that live in a secret underground realm. He often tramps the Woods, so you may be fortunate.
Warning: please beware the Watchers. Actually, it may be a good idea to stay clear of Puzzle Woods altogether; it’s easy to spot the dense collection of trees on the left of the meadow, where sits Chamber, the Gatekeeper; so visitors are unlikely to wander in by mistake, although anything is possible within these worlds.
What dangers should we avoid in the Star Realm?
Puzzle Woods and watch out for Melpomene’s Trap – Ben will tell you in detail all about that dreadful place. And if someone is trying to bar your way, then there may be further ‘traps’ and holes that lead to the Below Worlds, and I wouldn’t suggest any of those for the unseasoned traveller.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the Star Realm?
The wonderful thing about the Star Realm is that you can wish for any type of food or drink – that in itself is unusual enough. However, this is not the case for the other worlds they visit, so, unless you really understand your magical prowess, and spirit heart, please refrain from visiting.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in The Star Realm?
Swords. Magic. Potions. Spells. Intelligence. Bravery. Friendship. Belief.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Star Realm?
It depends on where you go. The royal family has a carriage and unicorns, but mostly magic is used to travel. Time is a strange thing in the Orb, for one minute you can be walking away from, say, a tree, and the next, that tree looks a speck in the distance. There are portals too, but it’s best to search the map for the correct landing locations – you don’t want to end up in the dragon’s jaw.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in The Star Realm that we don’t see on Earth?Odd plants of various colours, shapes, sizes and textures. The most unusual ‘creature’ I would say is Kimeranet (K –ime – ee –ran – eh). His story is complex and sad. He is a mixture of more than one animal, including: bear, lion and human. Although his nature is kind and he has compassion for every living thing.
The Star Realm is home to goblins (some good, some evil), gnomes, fairies, angels, drawfrons (lesser and greater), witches, talking flowers and a complex range of seemingly human-type inhabitants – to mention a few.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in The Star Realm? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic is hugely important, as is Time. Nourishment can be ‘wished’ by visitors. Star Hamlet, however, grows food in the fields and uses horses to plough etc. – it is much like a medieval lifestyle, as of Elsewhere. That’s not to say a sprinkle of magic is not used.
Ezrin is the Time Keeper and uses magic in many ways – he does not have a wand, but can use Time to manipulate where he must. Apollone, too (the owner of the apothecary) uses the magic that is set deeply within the Realm, for all manner of things. Every inhabitant of the Star Realm can call upon magic, but each differently from another. Magic is not always used for good. I cannot say too much here so as not to spoil the plot of the story. But if magic is manipulated in the wrong way, for example, to steal another’s youth or beauty, then you can imagine the consequences.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in the Star Realm? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Ezrin has what he calls a gyro-monitor, for when he examines the Orb of Caprice from Avalon (the Orb sits in the atmosphere outside of the heart of Avalon) and it is from here that visitors would have to launch into their adventure. In addition to this, the gyro-monitor allows him to move easily up and down to keep an eye on the Utopian Passage and Thoughts, which are in the shape of clouds. It houses a lectern where he can scrutinise Time on many levels and possibilities.
The underground realm also has what has been named a Tramvolator – this allows easy passage to and from Puzzle Woods for those who have the golden dust. The Tramvolator was created from the White, which makes up much of the secret underground tunnels of these friendly goblins – secret because they must hide from Stubbling, a terrible goblin with a lust for power. Seer Bowls are also a means of ‘watching’ and ‘finding’.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in The Star Realm.
Brogan’s underground world has a few, and I’ve mentioned Star Hamlet’s and Melodise’s fun with music.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in The Star Realm as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
No. Time has its own beat in the Star Realm.
Is there a particular religion practiced in the Star Realm? Please describe what it involves.
No.
What is the political or government structure in the Star Realm? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
There is the Star Council – twelve members including Ezrin, Kimeranet, Somat, Ea’s, Monanic, Privithis, Psyche, Talocan, Asshuran, Mithraw, Lokian and Sivan (head). This council decides many things to help with the running of Avalon and its outer worlds. This is where it is decided what to do about the unnerving counter-balance and how it’s destroying not only their worlds but that of Elsewhere. Each member has an important role for the running of Avalon and its outer worlds.
Sivan has charge of a special staff that can push back the ravages of time upon the holder – he is extremely old and wise; hence why he is ‘leader’.
There is also a king, queen and princess in the Star Realm who have lost control somewhat because… no spoilers.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit The Star Realm?
Respect the lands and those within it. Although this sentiment is not held by all.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
The Star Realm was inspired by a book I’d written, called Gone. This was written in answer to the question: Where had my daughter gone? after she’d been severely brain damaged at the age of two. She was left an empty shell for seventeen years and that question haunted me until she died a second and final time. For if she was no longer ‘here’ then where was she? I created a world and went in search of her – the Star Realm was born.
The world was too good to waste (Avalon and the Star Realm from the Orb) so I used it to create an epic fantasy adventure. The story became so big that I had to break it into three – The Avalon Trilogy. #2 Invasion takes place in another, darker world of the Orb, as does #3 Secrets Of The Ice, so to complete the story – I hope those who read it will love or at least appreciate the ending.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Environment (its ruination) corruption, the loss of the imagination and power-hungry individuals.
Please share a brief author autobiography.I cannot ignore my dreams, so many of them, with names and places and ideas that spark my imagination and compel me to write; to create stories, whether fantasy or horror, or mystery or psychological thriller or murder or even humour and adventure. So, my garden is sown, flourishing, with all manner of growth, and still the dreams come.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, my soul lingering within my imagination; maybe you’ll join me?
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
Each of the books is available separately or together as a trilogy; omnibus edition. I live in England but I’ve included USA links too.
The Star Realm is available in theUK in Kindle format as well as in the USA. If you prefer paperback, then Lulu has a copy. For #2, Invasion it’s also a Kindle edition in the UKand USA. The same goes for #3, Secrets Of The Ice, as a Kindle edition in the UKand USA. Luluhas each of these in paperback. If you’d like the Omnibus Edition, in the UKor USA, it’s only offered in Kindle format because it is too big for paperback.
Where can readers connect with you online?
Email – julizpow@yahoo.co.uk
Website 1 - http://www.freewebs.com/julizpow
Website 2 - http://julizpow.wix.com/julieelizabethpowell (work in progress)
FB page 1 - https://www.facebook.com/julieelizabethpowellsbooks
FB page 2 - https://www.facebook.com/GoneByJulieElizabethPowell
Blogs:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1349023.Julie_Elizabeth_Powell/blog
http://julieelizabethpowell.blogspot.co.uk/
GOODREADS - https://goo.gl/DcTSOO
Amazon UK page - http://goo.gl/XK8TOj
Amazon USA page - http://goo.gl/cT0DCK
Twitter - https://twitter.com/starjewelz
LinkedIn - https://goo.gl/ZXbsGv
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/+JulieElizabethPowell/posts
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/starjewelz/
Audible - UK - http://goo.gl/Un3ExL
Audible - USA - http://goo.gl/MjNtaJ
I hope that The Star Realm, Invasion and Secrets Of The Ice will soon be audiobooks, as are my other works.
I also read many, many stories and review them all – not that they are all good, but most are and they come from the independent pool of writing rather than the bland and formulaic books you find in shops.
There, that’s little about one of the many worlds I’ve created. The Star Realm – and the rest of The Avalon Trilogy - can be read (or read to) from 8-100. It is directed at a younger audience (12+) but then I think it could suit YA and, of course, those young at heart.
Thank you for reading this, and special thanks to Annie Douglas Lima for including some of my work in Realm Explorers. I do have 19 titles in a variety of genres (soon to be 20, with a whole range of other projects on the go), but only The Avalon Trilogy and Knowing Jack are for a younger audience.
Here is a video book trailer for The Star Realm, if anyone is interested? Thanks.
-J
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to The Star Realm. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the galaxy of Renovodomus, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!-Annie Douglass Lima
January 27, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Bagan Temples
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)Here are some of our memories from the city of Bagan, which is famous for the hundreds upon hundreds of temples scattered across the landscape just outside (and even inside) of town.
Floyd and I rented little electric scooters and spent most of two days driving around on a self-guided tour.
Locals make their living all through the area.
Some of the temples had ancient writing and artwork inside.
We met a friendly local artist named Koko, who showed us around and volunteered to take some pictures for us.
We bought this painting from Koko (the scene shows his conception of paradise). After he spent hours of his day showing us around for free, we kind of felt like we had to buy something from him as thanks. Unfortunately, it turned out to be REALLY expensive! ($75 U.S. was his starting price, and we did bargain it down a little, but not much. Unfortunately, by the time we heard the price, it was a little too late to back down.)
Some of the temples had external stairways that we could climb up. They were all extremely steep, and we had to take of four shoes and socks every time.
Even monks like to explore ancient monuments (and take pictures with their smart phones)! These two spoke good English and agreed very courteously to take Floyd's and my picture, when we asked them to. One of them took a picture of us at the same time, so I didn't feel bad asking to take one of them.
Whoops. We didn't see this sign until AFTER we had climbed up to the temple (along with dozens of other tourists). Honest!
Lots of tourist hired these little horse carts for the day, along with a guide to show them around.
A secret interior stairway up to the top of one of the temples! Koko, our volunteer guide who grew up in the area, showed it to us. It felt like something Indiana Jones would experience!
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
Floyd and I rented little electric scooters and spent most of two days driving around on a self-guided tour.
Locals make their living all through the area.
Some of the temples had ancient writing and artwork inside.
We met a friendly local artist named Koko, who showed us around and volunteered to take some pictures for us.
We bought this painting from Koko (the scene shows his conception of paradise). After he spent hours of his day showing us around for free, we kind of felt like we had to buy something from him as thanks. Unfortunately, it turned out to be REALLY expensive! ($75 U.S. was his starting price, and we did bargain it down a little, but not much. Unfortunately, by the time we heard the price, it was a little too late to back down.)
Some of the temples had external stairways that we could climb up. They were all extremely steep, and we had to take of four shoes and socks every time.
Even monks like to explore ancient monuments (and take pictures with their smart phones)! These two spoke good English and agreed very courteously to take Floyd's and my picture, when we asked them to. One of them took a picture of us at the same time, so I didn't feel bad asking to take one of them.
Whoops. We didn't see this sign until AFTER we had climbed up to the temple (along with dozens of other tourists). Honest!
Lots of tourist hired these little horse carts for the day, along with a guide to show them around. A secret interior stairway up to the top of one of the temples! Koko, our volunteer guide who grew up in the area, showed it to us. It felt like something Indiana Jones would experience!
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
January 26, 2016
Vision of the Griffin's Heart: the Latest in a Fantasy Series
JUST RELEASED!Vision of the Griffin’s Heart, Andy Smithson, Book 5 Four years ago, Andy Smithson discovered he is the Chosen one to break a 500-yr-old curse plaguing the land of Oomaldee when he unexpectedly and mysteriously found himself there. To do so, he must collect ingredients for a magical potion. Thus far he has gathered the scale of a red dragon, venom from a giant serpent, a unicorn’s horn, and the tail feather of a phoenix. Now he must ask a griffin for one of its talons. There’s just one problem…humans have poached griffin treasure, causing these mythical creatures to attack on sight.
Complicating matters, the evil Abaddon, sovereign of Oomaldee’s northern neighbor, is turning more and more citizens into zolt in his ongoing campaign of terror as he sets in motion the final steps of his plan to conquer the land. Things really start to heat up in book five!
If you loved Harry Potter, you’ll love the Andy Smithson series chalk full of mythical creatures, newly invented animals like zolt, herewolves, and therewolves, a complex plot with evolving characters, and positive themes including responsibility, diligence, dignity, friendship and more.
Purchase Kindle and Paperback
THE BUZZ5 Stars! - “A marvelous book in a great series!” – Erik Weibel (Age 14) This Kid Reviews Books Blog “Readers of this series have come to anticipate a host of challenges, intense battles, and on an epic scale. In Vision of the Griffin’s Heart, you won’t be disappointed. For lovers of fantasy, I consider it a must read.” – Richard Weatherly, Author“One of the admirable qualities I like about the entire series is seeing Andy’s growth from a self-absorbed kid to a more thoughtful teen as he learns how to deal with the various crises which face him, all the while knowing that the future may hold unpleasant consequences. The watchword for Vision of the Griffin's Heart is “courage.” – Wayne Walker, Home School Book Review
OTHER BOOKS IN THE ANDY SMITHSON SERIES:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
L. R. W. Lee credits her love of fantasy with her introduction to C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. Later on, she enjoyed the complex world of Middle Earth brought to life by J. R. R. Tolkien in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The multiple dimensions of the worlds mixed with a layer of meaning, captivated her and made her desire to invent Young Adult Fantasy and Epic Fantasy worlds others could get lost in, but also take meaning away from. More recently, L. R. W. Lee has found inspiration from J. K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series as well as Brandon Mull and his best selling Fablehaven, Beyonders and Five Kingdoms series.L. R. W. Lee writes to teach her readers principles that can transform their lives – overcoming frustration, impatience, fear and more. She also shows why responsibility, diligence and dignity are the keys to true success in life. She lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband. Their daughter is a Computer Engineer for Microsoft and their son serves in the Air Force.Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Email
L.R.W. LEE INTERVIEW 1. How did you come up with your main character, Andy Smithson? Did he just pop into your imagination or did you specifically develop him?Andy is patterned after my son. After our first child who was what I would call compliant and seemed to need little to no correction, our son arrived on the scene. As with most 2nd children, he was polar opposite and provided much fodder for an engaging main character.2. How did your experience with building a business help with your writing?It has been invaluable for I understand that writing is only 50% of the writer’s success equation. Unlike Field of Dreams, with so many good books available today, just launching it, even on a well trafficked platform like Amazon, does not get recognition. Because of my corporate background, from day one I began working to build a platform – Twitter and Facebook primarily and now also Book Nerd Paradise. As well, I understand the importance of the author community, for no author can succeed these days without the support of fellow authors. My background has also helped in understanding the need to optimize my books to rank well on the variety of sites they are listed on. There’s much more, but those are the biggest helps I would say.3. Was there any particular book or author whom you feel had the most influence on your work?I have to say JK Rowling. The imagination she revealed, the strength of her characters, the world building, the depth of plot over multiple books…she definitely shaped how I think about writing.4. What do you love the most about writing for young people?Young people are moldable. My passion for writing is to share with readers principles that from my experience can help them live more peaceful lives. A few of these principles include overcoming fear, frustration and impatience as well as understanding that true success in life is not from riches, fame or power, but rather responsibility, diligence and dignity. If they can finish any of my books closer to understanding these principles, I feel very fulfilled.5. Which part of the creative process is your favorite? Least favorite?Designing the story arc is my favorite part of the creative process for you can take a story anywhere your imagination can go. My least favorite part is editing/revising. Even though I know the narrative gets much stronger as a result, it’s still my least favorite part.6. How long does it usually take you to write one of your stories from when you get the idea to when it’s finished?Usually about 6 months.7. I know that most authors love all their characters but which of your many “children” is your favorite (besides Andy) and why?I have to say Mermin, the kindly old wizard who speaks with a lisp. I love him most after Andy because he’s so warm, humble and approachable. He’s fallible and he knows it, which is why he doesn’t apologize for his mistakes, rather he is comfortable in his own skin.8. Do you ever plan to branch out into other genres besides middle grade/young adult fantasy?Funny you should ask. Yes, I’m actually noodling with a story arc of a YA Sci Fi story.9. How do you feel your writing has evolved since your first novel?I can see how much I’ve changed and improved in showing rather than telling my readers what’s happening. I want them to engage and to show – providing sight, sounds, touch, smell, and taste cues is a big part of that. I was particularly thrilled when my editor came back a full week sooner than expected with this current book because I had improved so much between book three and four. My pocketbook also appreciated that J
THE DEPTH OF THE ANDY SMITHSON SERIESIf you’re an adult looking for a clean series you can sink your teeth into, Andy Smithson is definitely it! In it I develop four layers simultaneously: 1) Andy Smithson in Lakehills, TX 2) Andy in Oomaldee 3) the Afterlife 4) a meaning layer. A few examples to demonstrate the depth…Symbolism is used extensively (a couple examples):· The fog of the curse symbolizes blindness and oppression.· The magic key unlocks doors, brings stone statues to life, as well as revives. Put another way, it symbolizes bringing forth, opening up, and revealing (aka taking responsibility).· Methuselah is not only a weapon and helper, but also represents justice as it divides good and evil. Consistent with life, justice requires diligence to uphold.
Names are also important in this series (a few examples):· Andy means brave or courageous. · Alden means helper. · Hannah means favor or grace. · Imogenia means blameless.
Alchemy used throughout the series (a few examples):· Alchemy played a significant role in the development of modern science. Alchemists sought to transform base metals into the gold or silver and/or develop an elixir of life which would confer youth and longevity and even immortality. · In the series, the first instance of alchemy begins with the gold weavers, Max, Oscar, and Henry, spinning straw into gold to manufacture the wealth of the kingdom.· The four elementals: air, earth, fire, and water are then seen on Methuselah’s hilt.
The titles of the books manifest yet another layer of meaning and reveal Imogenia’s evolution. · Beginning with Blast of the Dragon’s Fury, Imogenia is furious at what has happened to her and she fuels her emotional hurt. · In Venom of the Serpent’s Cunning, Imogenia turns venomous (or spiteful) and cunning in seeking ways to continually punish her brother.· Disgrace of the Unicorn’s Honor has Imogenia act in a manner disgraceful to the honor of royalty. · In Resurrection of the Phoenix’s Grace we see Imogenia’s grace reborn as she begins to reflect.
· In Vision of the Griffin’s Heart, Imogenia realizes she is gripped by hatred and distrust she has harbored for so long. Unlike griffins who choose to trust others, Imogenia cannot yet make that leap when it comes to her brother.
January 24, 2016
Realm Explorers Part LXXXIII: Visit Lost Colony Ships in Space with John Thornton
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
John Thornton
Title of book and/or series:
The Colony Ship Eschaton (Completed ten book series, beginning with Recovery of a Colony Ship)The Colony Ship Vanguard (Completed eight book series beginning with Finding the Vanguard)The Colony Ship Conestoga (in progress series with three books, beginning with Quest for the Conestoga)
Brief summary of the story:
Set about 170 years in the future, the Earth is a radioactive wasteland. The last remnant of humanity lives in Dome 17, but the dome is failing. Scientists have developed two new and unproven technologies: faster-than-light travel, and teleportation. Both have significant limitations, but offer hope.
Roughly one hundred years before, the people of Earth launched seven enormous generational colony ships each having immense biological habitats containing flora, fauna, and people. These seven ships (Vanguard, Marathon, Warren, Conestoga, Eschaton, Trailblazer, and Zubalamo) were sent on separate journeys to distant solar systems with the hopes that in several generations, the colony ships would find a new home for humanity. However, all seven ships were considered lost.
The desperate people in Dome 17 seek to locate one of those lost colony ships by sending two person adventurer teams in faster-than-light scout ships. The FTL technology can only carry so much mass, so the scout ship and two pilots are the maximum amount that can be sent. The mission is to find one of those colony ships and if it is still functional build a teleportation receiving pad on that ship. Then the people of Dome 17 will use a sending pad to connect to the newly built receiving pad and teleport the survivors onto the colony ship thus escaping the dying Earth and failing dome. It is a race against time, technological problems, and the unknown in an attempt to save humanity.
Each series follows the team of adventurers to a separate colony ship. Therefore the three different series all start in the same place, Dome 17, but then each series tells what happens with the missions to those ships.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
There are three basic ‘worlds’ in my novels; Dome 17, the mechanical aspects of the colony ships, and the biomes on the colony ships.
The first ‘world’ is the sterile and dry life of humans in Dome 17. There are no animals, flowers, or any type of biology except for the food rations that are grown in rigidly controlled ways. Water is precious. Every part of life is tightly controlled and regulated, as the fifteen hundred people wrestle to keep the dome functional, and understand what is happening. They are desperate to survive, and plan to use their new and unproven technology in the attempts to reach a colony ship.
The colony ships are gigantic and comprise the other two ‘worlds’ if I can use that term. Basically they consist of a core needle ship which houses the propulsion systems, navigation, and mechanical aspects of the spacecraft. So there are lots of technology places and engineering as you would expect in a huge spaceship. The needle ship carries eight separate biological habitats. The other part of the colony ship, the third ‘world’. These enormous cylinders are placed in piggyback fashion on the needle ship and have different ecological climates inside, from tropical to savannah to coastal plains, to aquatic zones, ect… The biological habitats were designed to mimic the natural environments of Earth. These biomes also serve as the homes for the generations of humans who will live there until the colony ship reaches its destination world.
However, all seven of the colony ships have suffered some kind of failures. The novels describe how the ships have failed, and what the adventurers discover as they explore those derelict ships.
If we were to visit the colony ships as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Each colony ship is in a different condition. Some of the habitats look very beautiful, while other may not be functional at all. To the people from Dome 17, who have never seen animals, or plants, or any natural setting, the biology is amazing. So watch for the reactions of the adventurers to things they have only read or studied in history books. Also observe for the interacts between the hundred-year old colony ship technology and the new and advanced technology the adventurers bring with them from Dome 17.
What dangers should we avoid in the colony ships?
Be very careful. Nature and technology may have changed drastically in the hundred years the colony ships have been in flight. Watch out for the animals that are still roaming the habitats, but also be aware that some humans may still be living some kind of life on those ships. How has their technology worked? How has it failed? And will the adventurers from Dome 17 find a safe place to go?
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the colony ships?
The Dome 17 people are used to processed food ration bars and strict controls on water. The people who live in the biological habitats have a totally different idea of food.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in colony ships?
As part of the limited equipment the Dome 17 people are able to bring in the FTL scout ship, they each have a high tech pistol which is fusion powered. However, Dome 17 was a stable and internally safe place, so they are not used to fighting or combat at all. The wild animals of the biological habitats, and colony ship humans may be very different.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the colony ships?
The faster-than-light scout ship is very limited in cargo space. So the two adventurers have only the basic gear needed to build the teleportation receiving pad. Fusion packs, molecular torches, pistols, medical kits, and a set of data sticks and data stick readers. Additionally, they do have an artificial intelligence system (an AI) built into the scout ship. The AI has its own personality and the goal of assisting in making the mission a success. Each AI is self-aware, sentient, and able to verbally interact with the adventurers via a personal com-link. It is unknown to the adventurers what the affects of faster-than-light travel will have upon them and their equipment.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in the colony ships that we don’t see on Earth?
All the life in the colony ships originated on Earth, but has been in the colony ship’s biological habitats for one hundred years. So there may be variations on different predators, prey, and plants. Also, as isolated biomes, each colony ship might have had mutations, or new strains of disease. The adventurers hope to find stable, safe, biological wildernesses on the colony ships. The plot involves what they do find.
Since the colony ships have been in space on their journeys for one-hundred years, there is the possibility that alien lifeforms may have discovered them.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in colony ships? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
One of the colony ships, the Eschaton, was built for a religious group. They saw it as a form of Noah’s Ark to save them. Spirituality, dreams, and visions still play a significant role in some of those people’s lives.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in the colony ships? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Permalloy is a new type of super-hard metal which was used to construct the colony ships. It is spun as a liquid and then hardened into whatever shape is needed. There are also technological methods of altering gravity to provide for Earth normal gravity in the biological habitats. The colony ships have built in artificial intelligence systems, but they are one-hundred years inferior to the ones the adventurers have.
Additionally, there are automacubes, robotic maintenance drones, which tend to the engineering needs of the colony ships. None of the adventurers know the functionality of any of the systems on the colony ships.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in your books.
In Dome 17 the people play a game called ricochet ball. This helps them to keep fit and provides an entertainment outlet.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in the colony ships as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The biological habitats were designed to mimic Earth, so there is a solar cycle. This gives the biomes day and night rhythms.
Is there a particular religion practiced in the colony ships? Please describe what it involves.
Religious practices vary depending on which colony ship is investigated, and what its specific background was. Also, the intervening years have allowed any humans to survive to adopt new and unique religious practices.
What is the political or government structure in the colony ships? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
These are great questions, and the plot involves the adventurers trying to uncover just who or what is in control of the colony ships. Originally each ship had a flight crew that oversaw the operations of the colony ship, as well as a separate government looking out for the people living in the biological habitats. What remains of those original designs is revealed throughout the stories and varies from colony ship to colony ship, and even from biological habitat to habitat. For example, the people in the tropical habitat may have a whole different way of operation from those in the coastal plains habitat.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit the colony ships?
There is a huge clash of cultures between the humans from Dome 17, and those humans who have survived on the colony ships. Levels of technology, societal expectations, and the difference between living in Dome 17 and living in a biological habitat play a big part in the stories.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Oh dear, well, yes. Everything in my life has shaped and influenced my writing.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
I strive to write realistic characters. So the people in my books deal with all kinds of emotions. From elation over the first sight of an animal, to fear of the unknown, to deep depression, to post-traumatic stress, I write about people who are not superheroes, but individuals caught up in circumstances greater than they have ever encountered before. How will they relate to each other? How will they deal with loss? How will they cope with the deaths of friends?
Author Autobiography:
I have a widely diverse background. I worked as an ICU RN for 10 years in various, cardiac, surgical, and medical units. I was at the bedside when a myriad of people died. I also saw some wonderful stories of triumph over adversity.
I also have an advanced case of arthritis which has resulted in my having seven total joint replacements, and stopped me from continuing to work as a nurse. I have worked part time visiting the elderly, shut-ins, and others for the last 18 years.
I am married, have four grown and married daughters, and three pets. Two silly dogs and an ancient cat (18 1/2 years old) share our home with us.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
My books are available on Kindle for only $.99 each, and in paperback. The easiest place to get them is on Amazon.
Where can readers connect with you online?
I have a Facebook page, which is the best place to contact me.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the colony ships. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the Star Realm, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!-Annie Douglass Lima
Author’s name:John Thornton
Title of book and/or series:
The Colony Ship Eschaton (Completed ten book series, beginning with Recovery of a Colony Ship)The Colony Ship Vanguard (Completed eight book series beginning with Finding the Vanguard)The Colony Ship Conestoga (in progress series with three books, beginning with Quest for the Conestoga)
Brief summary of the story:
Set about 170 years in the future, the Earth is a radioactive wasteland. The last remnant of humanity lives in Dome 17, but the dome is failing. Scientists have developed two new and unproven technologies: faster-than-light travel, and teleportation. Both have significant limitations, but offer hope.
Roughly one hundred years before, the people of Earth launched seven enormous generational colony ships each having immense biological habitats containing flora, fauna, and people. These seven ships (Vanguard, Marathon, Warren, Conestoga, Eschaton, Trailblazer, and Zubalamo) were sent on separate journeys to distant solar systems with the hopes that in several generations, the colony ships would find a new home for humanity. However, all seven ships were considered lost.
The desperate people in Dome 17 seek to locate one of those lost colony ships by sending two person adventurer teams in faster-than-light scout ships. The FTL technology can only carry so much mass, so the scout ship and two pilots are the maximum amount that can be sent. The mission is to find one of those colony ships and if it is still functional build a teleportation receiving pad on that ship. Then the people of Dome 17 will use a sending pad to connect to the newly built receiving pad and teleport the survivors onto the colony ship thus escaping the dying Earth and failing dome. It is a race against time, technological problems, and the unknown in an attempt to save humanity.Each series follows the team of adventurers to a separate colony ship. Therefore the three different series all start in the same place, Dome 17, but then each series tells what happens with the missions to those ships.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
There are three basic ‘worlds’ in my novels; Dome 17, the mechanical aspects of the colony ships, and the biomes on the colony ships.
The first ‘world’ is the sterile and dry life of humans in Dome 17. There are no animals, flowers, or any type of biology except for the food rations that are grown in rigidly controlled ways. Water is precious. Every part of life is tightly controlled and regulated, as the fifteen hundred people wrestle to keep the dome functional, and understand what is happening. They are desperate to survive, and plan to use their new and unproven technology in the attempts to reach a colony ship.
The colony ships are gigantic and comprise the other two ‘worlds’ if I can use that term. Basically they consist of a core needle ship which houses the propulsion systems, navigation, and mechanical aspects of the spacecraft. So there are lots of technology places and engineering as you would expect in a huge spaceship. The needle ship carries eight separate biological habitats. The other part of the colony ship, the third ‘world’. These enormous cylinders are placed in piggyback fashion on the needle ship and have different ecological climates inside, from tropical to savannah to coastal plains, to aquatic zones, ect… The biological habitats were designed to mimic the natural environments of Earth. These biomes also serve as the homes for the generations of humans who will live there until the colony ship reaches its destination world.
However, all seven of the colony ships have suffered some kind of failures. The novels describe how the ships have failed, and what the adventurers discover as they explore those derelict ships.
If we were to visit the colony ships as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Each colony ship is in a different condition. Some of the habitats look very beautiful, while other may not be functional at all. To the people from Dome 17, who have never seen animals, or plants, or any natural setting, the biology is amazing. So watch for the reactions of the adventurers to things they have only read or studied in history books. Also observe for the interacts between the hundred-year old colony ship technology and the new and advanced technology the adventurers bring with them from Dome 17.
What dangers should we avoid in the colony ships?Be very careful. Nature and technology may have changed drastically in the hundred years the colony ships have been in flight. Watch out for the animals that are still roaming the habitats, but also be aware that some humans may still be living some kind of life on those ships. How has their technology worked? How has it failed? And will the adventurers from Dome 17 find a safe place to go?
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the colony ships?
The Dome 17 people are used to processed food ration bars and strict controls on water. The people who live in the biological habitats have a totally different idea of food.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in colony ships?
As part of the limited equipment the Dome 17 people are able to bring in the FTL scout ship, they each have a high tech pistol which is fusion powered. However, Dome 17 was a stable and internally safe place, so they are not used to fighting or combat at all. The wild animals of the biological habitats, and colony ship humans may be very different.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the colony ships?
The faster-than-light scout ship is very limited in cargo space. So the two adventurers have only the basic gear needed to build the teleportation receiving pad. Fusion packs, molecular torches, pistols, medical kits, and a set of data sticks and data stick readers. Additionally, they do have an artificial intelligence system (an AI) built into the scout ship. The AI has its own personality and the goal of assisting in making the mission a success. Each AI is self-aware, sentient, and able to verbally interact with the adventurers via a personal com-link. It is unknown to the adventurers what the affects of faster-than-light travel will have upon them and their equipment.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in the colony ships that we don’t see on Earth?
All the life in the colony ships originated on Earth, but has been in the colony ship’s biological habitats for one hundred years. So there may be variations on different predators, prey, and plants. Also, as isolated biomes, each colony ship might have had mutations, or new strains of disease. The adventurers hope to find stable, safe, biological wildernesses on the colony ships. The plot involves what they do find. Since the colony ships have been in space on their journeys for one-hundred years, there is the possibility that alien lifeforms may have discovered them.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in colony ships? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
One of the colony ships, the Eschaton, was built for a religious group. They saw it as a form of Noah’s Ark to save them. Spirituality, dreams, and visions still play a significant role in some of those people’s lives.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in the colony ships? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Permalloy is a new type of super-hard metal which was used to construct the colony ships. It is spun as a liquid and then hardened into whatever shape is needed. There are also technological methods of altering gravity to provide for Earth normal gravity in the biological habitats. The colony ships have built in artificial intelligence systems, but they are one-hundred years inferior to the ones the adventurers have.
Additionally, there are automacubes, robotic maintenance drones, which tend to the engineering needs of the colony ships. None of the adventurers know the functionality of any of the systems on the colony ships.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in your books.
In Dome 17 the people play a game called ricochet ball. This helps them to keep fit and provides an entertainment outlet.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in the colony ships as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The biological habitats were designed to mimic Earth, so there is a solar cycle. This gives the biomes day and night rhythms.
Is there a particular religion practiced in the colony ships? Please describe what it involves.Religious practices vary depending on which colony ship is investigated, and what its specific background was. Also, the intervening years have allowed any humans to survive to adopt new and unique religious practices.
What is the political or government structure in the colony ships? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
These are great questions, and the plot involves the adventurers trying to uncover just who or what is in control of the colony ships. Originally each ship had a flight crew that oversaw the operations of the colony ship, as well as a separate government looking out for the people living in the biological habitats. What remains of those original designs is revealed throughout the stories and varies from colony ship to colony ship, and even from biological habitat to habitat. For example, the people in the tropical habitat may have a whole different way of operation from those in the coastal plains habitat.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit the colony ships?
There is a huge clash of cultures between the humans from Dome 17, and those humans who have survived on the colony ships. Levels of technology, societal expectations, and the difference between living in Dome 17 and living in a biological habitat play a big part in the stories.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Oh dear, well, yes. Everything in my life has shaped and influenced my writing.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
I strive to write realistic characters. So the people in my books deal with all kinds of emotions. From elation over the first sight of an animal, to fear of the unknown, to deep depression, to post-traumatic stress, I write about people who are not superheroes, but individuals caught up in circumstances greater than they have ever encountered before. How will they relate to each other? How will they deal with loss? How will they cope with the deaths of friends?
Author Autobiography:
I have a widely diverse background. I worked as an ICU RN for 10 years in various, cardiac, surgical, and medical units. I was at the bedside when a myriad of people died. I also saw some wonderful stories of triumph over adversity.
I also have an advanced case of arthritis which has resulted in my having seven total joint replacements, and stopped me from continuing to work as a nurse. I have worked part time visiting the elderly, shut-ins, and others for the last 18 years.
I am married, have four grown and married daughters, and three pets. Two silly dogs and an ancient cat (18 1/2 years old) share our home with us.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
My books are available on Kindle for only $.99 each, and in paperback. The easiest place to get them is on Amazon.
Where can readers connect with you online?
I have a Facebook page, which is the best place to contact me.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the colony ships. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the Star Realm, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!-Annie Douglass Lima
January 23, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Inle Lake (Khit Sunn Yin Lotus Weaving)
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)
As a part of our boat tour of Inle Lake, we stopped at this weaving center, where they make cloth from lotus fiber, as well as silk and cotton.
In this video, our guide demonstrates how the fiber is extracted from lotus plants.
It was very interesting to see a whole room full of looms and to watch the weavers at work.
Looms are more complex devices than I would have thought.
Weaving in action. We were amazed how fast the women were!
The view across the water from the front walkway of the weaving center.
I love this ingenious homemade spinning wheel! (At the end of the video, the lady is saying "hello" in Burmese.)
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
As a part of our boat tour of Inle Lake, we stopped at this weaving center, where they make cloth from lotus fiber, as well as silk and cotton.
In this video, our guide demonstrates how the fiber is extracted from lotus plants.
It was very interesting to see a whole room full of looms and to watch the weavers at work.
Looms are more complex devices than I would have thought.Weaving in action. We were amazed how fast the women were!
The view across the water from the front walkway of the weaving center.I love this ingenious homemade spinning wheel! (At the end of the video, the lady is saying "hello" in Burmese.)
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
January 22, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Inle Lake (A Day on the Lake)
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)
Here are some of our memories from a day of boating around on Myanmar's fascinating Inle Lake.
Lots of people (men, women, and children) in Myanmar paint their faces with the white powdery substance the man on the right is wearing. Apparently it's a cosmetic that functions as natural sunblock.
Fishermen at dawn. We were amazed at how they were able to use their feet to both row their boats and manipulate their nets.
This brief video shows foot-rowing fishermen in action.
My favorite part of the boat ride (and one of my favorite parts of the entire vacation) was seeing villages where the buildings were built right on the water. It was just amazing!
Join us for a video tour of one of the villages on the water!
This house was under construction. When we went by again in the other direction a couple of hours later, most of the roof had been put on already.
Most of the buildings on the water had electricity. This is how it gets to them.
Another interesting thing we saw was these famous "floating gardens". Crops such as tomatoes are grown right on the surface of the lake!
Our guide let us off the boat for a while in this little town. As you can see, every other boatful of tourists stopped there, too!
It was an interesting little area.
We walked through an open-air market.
I wished I could try some of the local produce!
These looked delicious! I especially wanted one of those samosas.
No idea what these are.
The lady gave us each a free sample of these. Delicious! (But we had no idea what they were.)
We were told that these women were all from a particular tribe, as evidenced by their traditional head gear.
More local delicacies.
Heading home with goods from the market.
A blacksmith at work in the market area by the lake. It was really interesting to watch the whole process.
We hiked up a long walkway for a close view of these old temples.
There were a lot of them up at the top.
After spending the entire day on and around Inle lake, we finally headed back as dusk fell. It was a wonderful day!
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
Here are some of our memories from a day of boating around on Myanmar's fascinating Inle Lake.
Lots of people (men, women, and children) in Myanmar paint their faces with the white powdery substance the man on the right is wearing. Apparently it's a cosmetic that functions as natural sunblock.
Fishermen at dawn. We were amazed at how they were able to use their feet to both row their boats and manipulate their nets.This brief video shows foot-rowing fishermen in action.
My favorite part of the boat ride (and one of my favorite parts of the entire vacation) was seeing villages where the buildings were built right on the water. It was just amazing!Join us for a video tour of one of the villages on the water!
This house was under construction. When we went by again in the other direction a couple of hours later, most of the roof had been put on already.
Most of the buildings on the water had electricity. This is how it gets to them.Another interesting thing we saw was these famous "floating gardens". Crops such as tomatoes are grown right on the surface of the lake!
Our guide let us off the boat for a while in this little town. As you can see, every other boatful of tourists stopped there, too!
It was an interesting little area.
We walked through an open-air market.
I wished I could try some of the local produce!
These looked delicious! I especially wanted one of those samosas.
No idea what these are.
The lady gave us each a free sample of these. Delicious! (But we had no idea what they were.)
We were told that these women were all from a particular tribe, as evidenced by their traditional head gear.
More local delicacies.
Heading home with goods from the market.A blacksmith at work in the market area by the lake. It was really interesting to watch the whole process.
We hiked up a long walkway for a close view of these old temples.
There were a lot of them up at the top.
After spending the entire day on and around Inle lake, we finally headed back as dusk fell. It was a wonderful day!Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
January 19, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Inle Lake (Town of Ngaung Shwe)
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)Here are some of our memories from the town of Ngaung Shwe, where we stayed for three nights, in the beautiful Inle Lake region of Myanmar.
This is the guest house where we stayed. Cute, clean, and affordable, plus conveniently located right there in town, walking distance from everything. We recommend it!
Horse carts were a common sight on the streets there - both as a taxi for tourists and transportation for locals.
Inle Lake isn't especially famous for its pagodas the way some parts of the country are, but still, they're everywhere in Myanmar.
The entrance to the local open-air market. I enjoyed browsing in there.
The market had every kind of fresh produce you can imagine, as well as clothes, toys, souvenirs, and various other items.
Prices in the market are all negotiable.
This pottery was being displayed for sale at the side of the main road.
There are lots of great restaurants (with English menus, most featuring Western and other international cuisine) in Ngaung Shwe. When I ordered a chocolate cashew pancake for breakfast in one of them, I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. However, it was delicious!
We saw this sign by the main road and decided to see what traditional Myanmar puppetry was like. It didn't cost much, and it was a very interesting cultural experience.
One puppeteer handled all the marionettes, one dancing in each separate song. Afterward he came out and talked to the audience (a small group, there were only about ten of us) about the traditional craft of making and performing with the marionettes. He makes all his own and has some for sale in his little theater. Apparently it is a dying art in Myanmar, as the younger generation is no longer very interested in such things.
Floyd and I rented bikes from our guest house and enjoyed a scenic ride around the area. Ngaung Shwe is a farming community, and once we got outside the little town, everything was quaint and rural. I was fascinated at the glimpses of these traditional homes. As you can see, they stood on poles with walls woven from palm fronds or something similar.
We ended up riding the bikes up a hill to a nearby winery, from which there was a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.We spent the next day on a boat on Lake Inle. Stay tuned for my next blog post - those are still probably my favorite memories from the whole trip!
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaA Day on Inle LakeBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
This is the guest house where we stayed. Cute, clean, and affordable, plus conveniently located right there in town, walking distance from everything. We recommend it!
Horse carts were a common sight on the streets there - both as a taxi for tourists and transportation for locals.
Inle Lake isn't especially famous for its pagodas the way some parts of the country are, but still, they're everywhere in Myanmar.
The entrance to the local open-air market. I enjoyed browsing in there.
The market had every kind of fresh produce you can imagine, as well as clothes, toys, souvenirs, and various other items.
Prices in the market are all negotiable.
This pottery was being displayed for sale at the side of the main road.
There are lots of great restaurants (with English menus, most featuring Western and other international cuisine) in Ngaung Shwe. When I ordered a chocolate cashew pancake for breakfast in one of them, I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. However, it was delicious!
We saw this sign by the main road and decided to see what traditional Myanmar puppetry was like. It didn't cost much, and it was a very interesting cultural experience.
One puppeteer handled all the marionettes, one dancing in each separate song. Afterward he came out and talked to the audience (a small group, there were only about ten of us) about the traditional craft of making and performing with the marionettes. He makes all his own and has some for sale in his little theater. Apparently it is a dying art in Myanmar, as the younger generation is no longer very interested in such things.
Floyd and I rented bikes from our guest house and enjoyed a scenic ride around the area. Ngaung Shwe is a farming community, and once we got outside the little town, everything was quaint and rural. I was fascinated at the glimpses of these traditional homes. As you can see, they stood on poles with walls woven from palm fronds or something similar.
We ended up riding the bikes up a hill to a nearby winery, from which there was a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.We spent the next day on a boat on Lake Inle. Stay tuned for my next blog post - those are still probably my favorite memories from the whole trip! Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaA Day on Inle LakeBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
