Richelle E. Goodrich's Blog, page 10

NEW Chapters for The Tarishe Curse

       It was seven years ago that I sat down to write a werewolf story for my friend, Cathie Duvall, who is without a doubt one of Halloween's biggest fans. I remember thinking it would be fun to surprise her with a short story suitable for the spooky holiday. I never thought she would ask me what happens next in the story. I had no plans for "what next," so I never expected that our friendly conversation would result in a Halloween tradition that is now in its seventh year! 

       Since that October of 2012, I have added yearly chapters to what has become an ongoing tale about the Queen of Werefolk and her entanglement with evil witches, a lonely warlock, desperate vampires, merciless gargoyles, and oh yes, hideous trolls. (Well, this year there are going to be trolls.) Writing annual chapters to The Tarishe Curse has become my Hallows Eve tradition, one I'll admit is a real challenge for me. Typically, I plan out my stories from beginning to end before jotting the first sentence on paper. But this tale I've created year by year without any idea where it will lead. I still don't know for certain how to wrap up the crazy tale! With a wild twist, I hope.


       If you haven't yet discovered the curse suffered by Queen Duvalla and her werewolf pack, start reading year 2012 and work your way through each consecutive year. And remember, on October 29th, 2018, I will post the next installment of The Tarishe Curse! And yes, there will be trolls!

       Happy Hallows Eve reading, everyone!

Vietnam Diary

Hey! I have an incredible treat for you!

So, my dad has been retired for a while, and with all his free time he decided to jot down personal memories about his experiences serving a tour in the Vietnam War. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, along with about 650,000 other men at the time. It certainly was not what he or his parents or his fiancee anticipated. 

My dad finished his story and then, to our surprise, he handed out copies to my mom, my siblings, and me. I read his story from beginning to end, engrossed the entire time. Oh man! It was like watching a war movie on the big screen, only this was real! This was my father's actual, true life experiences! I learned a lot, and felt a lot, reading this personal diary.

Reporting back to my father, I told him that he seriously needed to take these pages and make them into a book. After a little coaxing, he agreed to let me edit the writing, add a few photos from his tour in Vietnam, and have the entirety printed off in paperback form. BUT, it was only to be handed out to close family and friends. 

"Oh come on, Dad. This story would benefit so many people.  You really should publish it."

                                     "I don't know."

"Seriously, Dad, it's an eye-opening account.  Tons of people would love to read it."

                                     "Well...I'll think about it."


So he thought about it.  And guess what! After handling the final product and browsing through it again, my dad actually agreed to publish his book! This is exciting news! Believe me, you're going to want to read it. Here's the synopsis from the back cover:

"Greetings from the President."
I had just been drafted into the U.S. Army. It was the last thing I expected, and it was certainly not what my parents or fiancee wanted to hear. Enclosed in these pages are my personal experiences from a tour served in Vietnam during the war. This book is written in my own words, a diary for my family and posterity. I hope this recounting will help them comprehend the great sacrifices made by brave soldiers in wartime, sacrifices that protect freedoms we tend to take for granted. This is my true story."

You can get a copy of my dad's book on Amazon.com or Lulu.com in either paperback or e-book form. Don't miss out on this! If you are curious at all about what it was like fighting in the Vietnam war, or if you wonder about the incredible sacrifices made by brave soldiers in defense of our freedoms, or if you like memoirs and reality stories--get this book. Yes, that's my dad on the cover. Sergeant Starr.

Buy now at

Amazon.com

Lulu.com

I Hit 300!

     Today was a milestone day for me. I discovered that my most-popular quote on Goodreads.com hit 300 likes! It's my first quote to cross the 300 mark! Take a look below. 

     Yes, yes, I'm tickled pink about it. I love little triumphs; they keep me going.  You should know that this accomplishment didn't happen overnight. It was back in October of 2012 that the above quote was posted on Goodreads. That was nearly six years ago! The point is, it often takes time for the "likes" to add up and for accumulated efforts to pay off. Moral of the story: Never give up! 

I Love Poetry

Why do I love poetry? For many reasons. Because poetry is artistic. Because poems have intrinsic beauty. Because they are a creative means of expression. I love poetry because of the way it manipulates my emotions, much the way music and sunsets and thoughtful gestures do. I write poetry, hoping to convey to the reader what I feel, what I love, what I struggle with, what I hope for. At different times, I appreciate certain poems more than others. If you asked me what my favorite poem was today, it would be the following. It is one I wrote from the perspective of an outsider.​

“I want to hear her laugh.
To watch sunbeams awaken her visage and shine through her eyes. To see the gray clouds of regret that hang heavy over her head rain away to nothing.

I want to hear her sunny voice dance on the breeze, as light and free as glossy bubbles, floating up…up…up to pop like hiccups. I want to know the type and form of key I must cut to unshackle even a portion of her joy.
If I could pluck the winning feather; if my smile could convince; if I could stroke her vocal chords like harp strings and make each treble note ascend to euphoria. Oh, to hear the giggled melody she would release into a world craving the balm of mirth!
I ache to experience that. I am desperate for it.
I live for the day I hear her laugh.”


Copyright 2018 Richelle E. Goodrich

Cover Reveal for the FINAL BOOK in the Harrowbethian Saga

I had an itch to do things differently with this final book in the Harrowbethian Saga and decided to work backwards by completing the cover before editing the story. I know, I know, it means you still have to wait a few months before the actual book is released, but hey—now you have a visual to help your imagination run wild guessing how Queen Eena's adventures will come to an end! That's half the fun about reading a series, isn't it?

Creating this cover was somewhat bittersweet since all the while I knew it was the last one I would illustrate for my very first HUGE writing accomplishment. Who ever thought I would actually write an entire original saga? Not me! However, now that I've scaled that mountain, I'm psyched to try again.

After weeks of contemplating the crazy events that take place in this culminating book, I eventually envisioned the cover I wanted. I chose to showcase Queen Eena elegantly dressed alongside her immortal watch dog, the impish Edgarmetheus. Both characters are dynamic individuals who play vital roles in this book. The background scene is a representation of a new planet you have yet to discover.

I'm sorry that I can't give a release date for book six entitled, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul, but it will be worth the wait! I can tell you that the paperback copy of book five — Eena the Tempter's Snare — contains the very first chapter of book six. You might want to check it out!

NOW...


Without further ado...



The Final Cover!

Paperback Version Cover



Quote from the book:

“Compassion only plagues those with hearts, much like a field of thorns only troubles those who bleed.” ~ Naradite

E-book Cover

Copyright 2018 Richelle E. Goodrich

Meet Kahm Derian, Captain of the Kemeniroc

Kahm Derian (Captain Derian) is head of Harrowbeth's national security and commander of a galactic battleship known as the Kemeniroc. He was born into his important position, having taken over as commander some years after his father's death.

Derian is a wise, capable, and cunning leader with a naturally assertive and intimidating personality. He is an expert pilot and a master swordsman. He heads a mallawum team know as the Dragon Slayers that are often favored to win each season of play. It was at a very young age that he learned to wield a sword in order to play the game.

The captain runs a tight ship, expecting nothing but the best from his men and himself. He has earned the loyalty of the soldiers under his command throughout years of service on the Kemeniroc. During an unprecedented civil war that lasted over fourteen long years, he saved their lives in battle numerous times.

Derian fights to protect Harrowbeth and his queen, Sha Eena, although the pair have an uncanny habit of squabbling, voicing contradictory opinions on nearly every subject. Despite being smitten with her, the captain finds himself frequently aggravated by the young queen's impetuous decisions that are often the fault of her soft heart.

You can read more about Kahm Derian and his friends in the Harrowbethian Saga , an epic fantasy/scifi/romance series by American author,  Richelle E. Goodrich . 

The Harrowbethian Saga―Book V is Out!

Just in case you haven't heard...

                                            ...book 5 in the Harrowbethian Saga is now available on Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and many other online book retailers. Purchase this fun fantasy-romance ― Eena, The Tempter's Snare ― in e-book or paperback. 



Bonus: chapter one from book six (the final book in the Harrowbethian Saga) is included in the paperback version!

Following is the first early review posted on Goodreads:

Jackie rated it 5 stars it was amazing  

This 5th book in the Harrowbethian Saga was very compelling to me. It may be my favorite in the series so far. I am a big fan of the Mishmorat, Kira, and she is an important character in this book, as she shares the cover with Eena this time. As always, the book ends with a cliff hanger, leaving you wanting more. I am eager to read the final book, to see what happens in the end...but I am also worried, too. I guess maybe I am not ready for the series to end yet.

Want to know more about the Harrowbethian Saga? 

Here are summaries for books 1 ― 6. 

Book I - Eena, The Dawn and Rescue:  Sevenah Williams lives a quiet farm life until she stumbles upon a mysterious past and learns she is heir to the throne of Harrowbeth. She is the last living of royal blood able to don a peculiar and enchanted heirloom necklace. Given the new name, Eena, she sets off for a new home—a world plagued by civil war—only to discover that her enemies and allies are near impossible to distinguish.

Book II - Eena, The Return of a Queen: An enemy at their heels, a dragon stone portending the queen's demise, and an armada prepared to battle against all odds in hopes of altering the future.

Book III - Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave: Deep within Lacsar Forest inside the black walls of Wanyaka Cave, a childhood ghost story becomes reality. Two evil sisters and their brother, along with a dragon forced to do their bidding, combine efforts to manipulate Queen Eena into freeing them from their eternal prison. And it seems she hasn't the power to resist.

Book IV - Eena, The Two Sisters: Queen Eena sees her world crumbling, chiefly the lives of those she loves most.  She must thwart the evil plans of two devious immortal sisters either by defeating them or doing the inconceivable and joining them.

Book V - Eena, The Tempter's Snare: It is the queen's eighteenth birthday, and all of Moccobatra is eagerly prepared to participate in a world-wide celebration.  Within the year, the young queen of Harrowbeth will be married as tradition dictates, but not everyone is happy with her choice of a suitor.  Pressures mount and are added upon by disturbing dreams that could possibly change the future of Harrowbeth.

Book VI - Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul: The young queen of Harrowbeth is determined to set things right, but doing so means breaking a few big rules. Joined by a select group of Harrowbethian militiamen, as well as a handful of Viidun warriors and a few spunky Mishmorat sisters, Queen Eena sets off for Laradine--the home world of the immortals. Things get carried away, plans are drastically altered, and before long Eena starts to wonder how many wrongs it will take to finally set things right.

Meet Gavin, Key Keeper of Dreamland

Gavin is a trustworthy young man with a big responsibility. He is the key keeper of Dreamland, which means he holds the one and only physical key that opens the gates to his homeland. He is a loyal and busy key keeper, but like most boys, he is also curious, mischievous, and very interested in fun—especially when it involves sword fighting with notorious pirates or bowling with giant ogres or being swallowed whole by big bad wolves.

Gavin loves his home; he loves his parents, despite their wide and watchful eyes that seem to constantly monitor his performance as key keeper. But his imagination, which works harder then most, keeps him one step ahead of those who try to cross under, through, or over the gates into his world. He is a clever boy with whom it is a genuine pleasure to dream.



Read more about Gavin in the following books written by Richelle E. Goodrich:
        

Find these stories on Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes&Noble

Meet Kira the Mishmorat!

Kira has spots that resemble the dark spots you would see on a cheetah. This is because she is a Mishmorat. Mishmorats are recognized by their dark spots and bronze skin as well as black hair that falls as smooth and glossy as cream. 

Kira is athletic and exceptionally strong like most of her people. And, like most female Mishmorats, her graceful mannerisms and sexy sway are hard to ignore. These unique women are known all over the world as exotic beauties. 

Kira has a bold, fiery personality. She looks out for herself, her family, and for her initiated sisters belonging to the Mishmorat Sisterhood. She is a friend to Sha Eena, often referred to by the young queen as frustrating and annoying. Kira is not above employing aggressive or questionable tactics if she believes doing so will turn the tide her way. 

Despite the surly exterior, she has a big heart that is willing to love and be loved. But don’t double-cross this woman because it may be the last thing you ever do. 

You can read more about Kira the Mishmorat and her friends in the Harrowbethian Saga , an epic fantasy/scifi/romance series by American author,  Richelle E. Goodrich

Cover Reveal! Book V in the Harrowbethian Saga

One of my favorite things about completing a book is the cover reveal. I'm an extremely visual person, hence my love for art and performance. To sell me on a book, you simply have to attract my eye with the cover.

Today I am posting my newest cover for my next book in the Harrowbethian Saga—Eena, The Tempter's Snare. The cover shows Kira the Mishmorat and her Harrowbethian friend, the young Queen Eena, inside a secret cave that exists beyond the borders of Harrowbeth. This scene is from book V in the Harrowbethian Saga. It is scheduled to be released next month on April 26th, 2018.