Taryn Tyler's Blog, page 6
August 1, 2015
Weeken Writing Warriors: WHITE HART #9
Greetings fellow warriors! Here is this week's snippet from WHITE HART.
Gawain chased the hart through the woodlands. The delicate slither of silver-white darted through the cavern of branches, drifting in and out of sight. Gawain's steps were swift but the hart's were swifter. The animal flitted forward, always another leap, another bound, ahead of Gawain.
Gawain's veins vibrated with the force of the sun. For days he had been chasing the hart, months, years. The earth's cycle rose and fell inside the hart's brown-black eyes. His breath smelled of crisp honey and the sharp brine of Orkney's shores. Gawain plunged after the perfect form as it bounded on and on into the forest. He never once paused for breath or slackened his pace and still, the hart was always ahead of him, leaping just out of reach.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the snippets here!
And if you want to read more about Gawain, the wait is over. The chase begins today! Order your copy here!
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
Gawain chased the hart through the woodlands. The delicate slither of silver-white darted through the cavern of branches, drifting in and out of sight. Gawain's steps were swift but the hart's were swifter. The animal flitted forward, always another leap, another bound, ahead of Gawain.
Gawain's veins vibrated with the force of the sun. For days he had been chasing the hart, months, years. The earth's cycle rose and fell inside the hart's brown-black eyes. His breath smelled of crisp honey and the sharp brine of Orkney's shores. Gawain plunged after the perfect form as it bounded on and on into the forest. He never once paused for breath or slackened his pace and still, the hart was always ahead of him, leaping just out of reach.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the snippets here!
And if you want to read more about Gawain, the wait is over. The chase begins today! Order your copy here!
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
July 25, 2015
Weekend Writing Warriors: WHITE HART #8
Hello Bloggers! Hope you are all having a great weekend and enjoying all the snippets! Let's see how Gawain is settling into Camelot.
Gawain took a seat next to Gaheris and Abellius in front of a silver bowl of tiny white salt crystals. Abellius and Accolon gossiped about the court while Gawain drenched his trenchen in duck and swan, fish and beef. The tart sweet of grapes popped inside his mouth, followed by the tiny seeds of baked strawberries. Roasted almonds, dark cinnamon bread, and soft butter soaked onions fell apart in his mouth. It had been years since he had tasted such plenty. The halls of Orkney had been all but barren since King Uther's death and it had only gotten worse since Da had ridden out against Arthur. If Da had won those battles this meal would have been prepared by his cooks instead of Arthur's. Gawain would be serving it as heir to Britain and Arthur would be in the otherworld, unable to taste meat or bread ever again.
The sauce and rosemary covered duck in Gawain's mouth was suddenly harder to chew. Morgana was right. Arthur was a fool if he didn't want Gawain dead. A brave, bonny fool.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the weekend writing warriors here!
And if you want to read more about Gawain the wait is almost over. One week left until August first when WHITE HART will be available :)
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
Gawain took a seat next to Gaheris and Abellius in front of a silver bowl of tiny white salt crystals. Abellius and Accolon gossiped about the court while Gawain drenched his trenchen in duck and swan, fish and beef. The tart sweet of grapes popped inside his mouth, followed by the tiny seeds of baked strawberries. Roasted almonds, dark cinnamon bread, and soft butter soaked onions fell apart in his mouth. It had been years since he had tasted such plenty. The halls of Orkney had been all but barren since King Uther's death and it had only gotten worse since Da had ridden out against Arthur. If Da had won those battles this meal would have been prepared by his cooks instead of Arthur's. Gawain would be serving it as heir to Britain and Arthur would be in the otherworld, unable to taste meat or bread ever again.
The sauce and rosemary covered duck in Gawain's mouth was suddenly harder to chew. Morgana was right. Arthur was a fool if he didn't want Gawain dead. A brave, bonny fool.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the weekend writing warriors here!
And if you want to read more about Gawain the wait is almost over. One week left until August first when WHITE HART will be available :)
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
July 18, 2015
Weekend Writing Warriors: WHITE HART #7
Hello fellow warriors! What do you think? Should Gawain give peace a chance?
“I am Gawain of Orkney” Gawain said suddenly. He wasn't sure if it was a challenge or a confession.
“I know.” Arthur looked up. “That doesn't have to make us enemies. I wouldn't have asked you here if I didn't want us to be allies. Not wary strangers hoping we don't end up with a knife in our backs. Trusted allies. Friends. There has been enough bloodshed in Britain, Gawain. I mean to bring her peace but you can't have peace without trust.”
Don't forget to check out the rest of the snippets here!
And if you want to read more about Gawain's adventures only two weeks left until WHITE HART is released. August first!
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
“I am Gawain of Orkney” Gawain said suddenly. He wasn't sure if it was a challenge or a confession.
“I know.” Arthur looked up. “That doesn't have to make us enemies. I wouldn't have asked you here if I didn't want us to be allies. Not wary strangers hoping we don't end up with a knife in our backs. Trusted allies. Friends. There has been enough bloodshed in Britain, Gawain. I mean to bring her peace but you can't have peace without trust.”
Don't forget to check out the rest of the snippets here!
And if you want to read more about Gawain's adventures only two weeks left until WHITE HART is released. August first!
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
July 11, 2015
Weekend Writing Warriors: WHITE HART #6
Greetings life travelers! This week, Gawain arrives at last at the castle. But will he be granted entrance?
It was well into the night when Gawain and Gaheris reached the castle gates. The dark web of the portcullis cast shadows against Gaheris's face, flickering with the movement of the torchlight. Gawain pulled Gringalet to a halt and dismounted. The hounds crowded around his heels, sniffing at the iron grille. Gawain squinted, looking for signs of a warden on duty.
A clink of iron echoed in the entryway. A man appeared in the shadows with keys dangling at his hip just in front of the arming sword strapped to his waist. His steps were firm but unhurried as he neared the gate. He stopped when he reached it. Gawain could make out a thick black beard and a fierce scowl that reminded Gawain of the dragon he and Agravain had once seen land on the lonely shore of Orkney. “You seek entrance?” The man's strong, clear baritone echoed against the stones.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the weekend writing warrior snippets!
And if you want to read more about Gawain his book WHITE HART will be coming out soon! August first. Only a couple more weeks. Who's as excited as I am?
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
It was well into the night when Gawain and Gaheris reached the castle gates. The dark web of the portcullis cast shadows against Gaheris's face, flickering with the movement of the torchlight. Gawain pulled Gringalet to a halt and dismounted. The hounds crowded around his heels, sniffing at the iron grille. Gawain squinted, looking for signs of a warden on duty.
A clink of iron echoed in the entryway. A man appeared in the shadows with keys dangling at his hip just in front of the arming sword strapped to his waist. His steps were firm but unhurried as he neared the gate. He stopped when he reached it. Gawain could make out a thick black beard and a fierce scowl that reminded Gawain of the dragon he and Agravain had once seen land on the lonely shore of Orkney. “You seek entrance?” The man's strong, clear baritone echoed against the stones.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the weekend writing warrior snippets!
And if you want to read more about Gawain his book WHITE HART will be coming out soon! August first. Only a couple more weeks. Who's as excited as I am?
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
July 7, 2015
Character Interview with Margarite from Mac Wheeler's SIX WAYS TO MENTAL
Hello readers! Today we have seventeen year old Margarite joining us from Mac Wheeler's SIX WAYS TO MENTAL
Hi Margarite! Welcome to Taliesin.
Mar: Mar! I prefer Mar! Fine, but I don’t have much time. I have idiot fanatics to track down. They don’t like us Abernathys. My idiot brother may have created the bacteria, but we aren’t into shoving man back into the caves.
How are you liking school this year?
Mar: School? You ask me about school with the world teetering on the apocalypse? You must tune in to the lamestream media. They don’t report the true danger facing the world. Do you know what will happen if these local outbreaks spread? Pandemic. Pandemic, I’m telling you.
Are you involved in any sports?
Mar: Well, when I’m not driving my idiot brother to shoot up plague-ers or compromise the government cover up, I’ve been known to pump a little iron, whoop up on the boys who think they’re hot on the basketball court. I was offered a full scholarship to the University of Tampa, but why make commitments in this world.
Who's your best friend?
Mar: What! What did Dacey tell you? Look, I visit my shrink twice a week. Whatever he told you, it’s only half the story. You know just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you. I’m being followed. I’ve been abducted. I know what I’m talking about here.
What's your favorite hobby outside of school?
Mar: Keeping out of jail is good. The FBI has thrown around terrorism charges. I have my own designated deputy who checks in on me. You know they frown on underage drinking? Also, putting a bullet through the windshield of the private investigators following you. My shrink does not like me jumping out of planes, so don’t bring that up.
What's it like having a brother who is Autistic?
Mar: I don’t know which is worse, the Asperger’s or his genius. He’s really irritating. He disappears and I read on FOX about labs being blown up around the country. The FBI would love to put him away, but he’s holding back the apocalypse. Not like those clowns have a clue.
Why do you live with him instead of your parents?
Mar: I call them ‘the witch and her husband.’ They plowed their faces into a highway abutment when I was 14. Alcoholics. Bullies. Never said a nice thing to me in 14 years. Oh, I could tell you about my parent issues. My shrink hasn’t fixed me yet. She must be a hack. She says I’m passive aggressive. But I can be assertive with my aggression.
What do you see as the greatest problem with the world today?
Mar: Really! Haven’t you been paying attention? It’s the apocalypse! That, and too many laws. One day I’ll be able to vote. You know it’s illegal to blow out the windshield of idiots following you? They call it unlawful discharge of a weapon. They could have charged me with attempted murder. Meh.
Do you believe that can be fixed?
Mar: Well, Reg and I are trying our best to kill every plague-er. That’s the only recourse, because they’re really nuts. On the other, when I can vote, straight Libertarian, I’m telling you.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Mar. It was great to have you.
Mar: Yeah, yeah. Hand me that little doohickey, will you? No wonder my 9mm wasn’t jacking a round right. Now get out of my way.
About 6 Ways to Mental
Nightmares. Panic attacks. Depression. Margarite is hammered by the typical issues of a seventeen year old loner, whose parents sympathized with insane people intending to collapse civilization. The few who care about Mar have more concerns. Her drinking. Fighting. Jumping out of airplanes.
Her brother engineered the plague that’s breaking out across the globe and she holds a little guilt for not stopping it. Or being one of the first to die. Still, conspirators behind what they call the correction are not done with her.
6 Ways to Mental is book 2 of the 6 Ways series. Book 3 is in the works.
Link to everything cool (like a 30p excerpt) at: http://rmacwheeler.com/
Hi Margarite! Welcome to Taliesin.
Mar: Mar! I prefer Mar! Fine, but I don’t have much time. I have idiot fanatics to track down. They don’t like us Abernathys. My idiot brother may have created the bacteria, but we aren’t into shoving man back into the caves.
How are you liking school this year?
Mar: School? You ask me about school with the world teetering on the apocalypse? You must tune in to the lamestream media. They don’t report the true danger facing the world. Do you know what will happen if these local outbreaks spread? Pandemic. Pandemic, I’m telling you.
Are you involved in any sports?
Mar: Well, when I’m not driving my idiot brother to shoot up plague-ers or compromise the government cover up, I’ve been known to pump a little iron, whoop up on the boys who think they’re hot on the basketball court. I was offered a full scholarship to the University of Tampa, but why make commitments in this world.
Who's your best friend?
Mar: What! What did Dacey tell you? Look, I visit my shrink twice a week. Whatever he told you, it’s only half the story. You know just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you. I’m being followed. I’ve been abducted. I know what I’m talking about here.
What's your favorite hobby outside of school?
Mar: Keeping out of jail is good. The FBI has thrown around terrorism charges. I have my own designated deputy who checks in on me. You know they frown on underage drinking? Also, putting a bullet through the windshield of the private investigators following you. My shrink does not like me jumping out of planes, so don’t bring that up.
What's it like having a brother who is Autistic?
Mar: I don’t know which is worse, the Asperger’s or his genius. He’s really irritating. He disappears and I read on FOX about labs being blown up around the country. The FBI would love to put him away, but he’s holding back the apocalypse. Not like those clowns have a clue.
Why do you live with him instead of your parents?
Mar: I call them ‘the witch and her husband.’ They plowed their faces into a highway abutment when I was 14. Alcoholics. Bullies. Never said a nice thing to me in 14 years. Oh, I could tell you about my parent issues. My shrink hasn’t fixed me yet. She must be a hack. She says I’m passive aggressive. But I can be assertive with my aggression.
What do you see as the greatest problem with the world today?
Mar: Really! Haven’t you been paying attention? It’s the apocalypse! That, and too many laws. One day I’ll be able to vote. You know it’s illegal to blow out the windshield of idiots following you? They call it unlawful discharge of a weapon. They could have charged me with attempted murder. Meh.
Do you believe that can be fixed?
Mar: Well, Reg and I are trying our best to kill every plague-er. That’s the only recourse, because they’re really nuts. On the other, when I can vote, straight Libertarian, I’m telling you.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Mar. It was great to have you.
Mar: Yeah, yeah. Hand me that little doohickey, will you? No wonder my 9mm wasn’t jacking a round right. Now get out of my way.
About 6 Ways to Mental
Nightmares. Panic attacks. Depression. Margarite is hammered by the typical issues of a seventeen year old loner, whose parents sympathized with insane people intending to collapse civilization. The few who care about Mar have more concerns. Her drinking. Fighting. Jumping out of airplanes.
Her brother engineered the plague that’s breaking out across the globe and she holds a little guilt for not stopping it. Or being one of the first to die. Still, conspirators behind what they call the correction are not done with her.
6 Ways to Mental is book 2 of the 6 Ways series. Book 3 is in the works.
Link to everything cool (like a 30p excerpt) at: http://rmacwheeler.com/
July 4, 2015
Weekend Writing Warriors: WHITE HART #5
Happy Independence Day! Hope you are enjoying a all the snippets before rushing off to see all the colorful explosions this day has to offer. Check out the rest of them here.
This week, Gawain is still on his way to Camelot.
Gawain had only just reached the stream when he saw the giant fall from halfway up the west-side cliff. Gringalet stepped back and tossed his long black mane. Stones rumbled and slid against the side of the ravine. Gawain closed his eyes, trying not to imagine Gaheris's body caught in the rock fall.
The ravine was too narrow and rocky for a gallop. Gawain dismounted and ran, allowing Gringalet and Culun's hounds to chase after him. He could hear hoof-beats and the pattering of paws against the stones and gravel as he raced toward the giant's body. His own footsteps couldn't keep up with the quickness of his heart, pulsing with dread. Cold unsteady blood vibrated through him despite the speed of his motion.
Here is the summary if you think you might be interested in reading more. WHITE HART is set to be released August 1st
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
This week, Gawain is still on his way to Camelot.
Gawain had only just reached the stream when he saw the giant fall from halfway up the west-side cliff. Gringalet stepped back and tossed his long black mane. Stones rumbled and slid against the side of the ravine. Gawain closed his eyes, trying not to imagine Gaheris's body caught in the rock fall.
The ravine was too narrow and rocky for a gallop. Gawain dismounted and ran, allowing Gringalet and Culun's hounds to chase after him. He could hear hoof-beats and the pattering of paws against the stones and gravel as he raced toward the giant's body. His own footsteps couldn't keep up with the quickness of his heart, pulsing with dread. Cold unsteady blood vibrated through him despite the speed of his motion.
Here is the summary if you think you might be interested in reading more. WHITE HART is set to be released August 1st
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
June 30, 2015
SNOW ROSES giveaway!!!! Free to any same sex couple who gets married or engaged this week!
Because Snow and Rose would be particularly happy about his week's ruling I am offering a free copy of SNOW ROSES to any same sex couple who gets married or engaged this week. E-mail me at featherzines@yahoo.com before Sunday the fifth to claim your copy.
After her father's death Snow shuts herself away in her grief cluttered chambers but she is plagued by more than painful memories. She will never be safe unless she forgets how her father really died. At last she escapes into the woods with nothing but a small knife. Rose leaves the sleeping village she grew up in for the first time in search of her missing grandmother. Alone in the woods at night she finds ghosts, a rabid wolf, her grandmother's mangled corpse, and Snow. Snow and Rose thrive together in the wood but hiding will not keep them safe forever. It will take something stronger than walls to conquer the dangers that haunt them.
After her father's death Snow shuts herself away in her grief cluttered chambers but she is plagued by more than painful memories. She will never be safe unless she forgets how her father really died. At last she escapes into the woods with nothing but a small knife. Rose leaves the sleeping village she grew up in for the first time in search of her missing grandmother. Alone in the woods at night she finds ghosts, a rabid wolf, her grandmother's mangled corpse, and Snow. Snow and Rose thrive together in the wood but hiding will not keep them safe forever. It will take something stronger than walls to conquer the dangers that haunt them.
June 27, 2015
Weekend Writing Warriors: WHITE HART #4
Hello bloggers! Here's my snippet for the week. Don't forget to check out the rest of the writing weekend warriors.Gawain quelled the panic and bile rising in his chest. He rose to his feet and looked around him in the darkness. Tree branches rocked with the gentle hiss of the wind like a ring of spirits in a ritual dance. He wouldn't be able to track the hunter until dawn. He looked up at the sky, hoping to see some hint of blue blanketing the stars but they glared back at him in a cloud of blackness. A low growl sounded from behind him.
Gawain turned. He recognized the deep, scraping baritone growl even before he saw the single gold-colored eye glaring at him from out of the darkness. Balor stepped closer. Even in the black of night Gawain could see the vicious shape of his snarl and the thick intensity of his limbs as he walked.
WHITE HART will be released August 1st. Here is the summery if you think you might be interested in reading more.
Gawain of Orkney has not been to Camelot since before his father led a rebellion against King Arthur. Now that the war is over Gawain is sent to attend Arthur's wedding.
The night of the wedding Arthur bids Gawain to hunt a white hart -- a beautiful deer of unearthly purity. Gawain accepts the quest but the dangers of the wilderness become hard to battle when he is bound by Arthur's new ideals. Gawain realizes he may not be so different from the knights of the old, violent ways of as he had imagined.
Gawain does not have long to decide which life he wants to chase. Not all the rebels put down their swords when his father did. The knights of the old ways are planning an assassination and even King Arthur may not survive his own idealistic trust.
AND if you want to be a part of the WHITE HART cover reveal on July 20 e-mail me at featherzines@yahoo.com
June 25, 2015
Chasm
I don't usually post a lot of personal stuff but the last twelve months have been a really weird year for me and this is the most honest thing I've been able to write in a long time. So even though it's about my broken (working?) heart rather than my books I think sharing it might loosen up some of the writer's block that has kept me from any new creations since last June.
There was always a chasm between us, an ocean of distance, an ether of silence and unspoken resistance. Mine as much as yours even if I had never tried so hard to build a bridge, a raft, a word. Anything that could scratch through the surface, that would stop me from flailing and you from running.
But my touch was a shove. Yours was a slither. My words were a scream. Yours were a writhe. Every movement took you further away from me.
Was there ever a moment when you didn't want to go? When --maybe --you wanted to close the gap as much as I did? Or will there ever be enough distance --enough apathy --to satisfy you?
Did I have claws I didn't know about? Were there teeth I didn't see? I would have ripped them off if you had told me where they were. I wouldn't have cared about the blood or the infection that follows. I wouldn't have cared if you had been the one with the claws and teeth. I would have been your prey as readily as I was your huntress.
But you had no taste for me.
I feign no innocence. I have no self-less desires, least of all for you. But tell me you are happy in the ether you live in, your private void of protection. How many faces must you wear to convince yourself that you don't exist?
There is nothing in the abyss.
My words are a slather of mortar, thickening the space between us. Each syllable is another stack of straw just when I thought there was nowhere for the rejection to expand. I have lost more pieces of myself than I thought I had trying to close the chasm. It is an open wound, a gash in my flesh that refuses to be cauterized.
How many masks have I worn, searching like a ravaged child for the cure to this hunger? More than I thought existed and each one I thought was real.
Some deceases have no medicine. Some questions have no answers, no end, only echoes of themselves as they cut deeper and deeper into the silence.
What are words anyways? Sounds we invented so we can pretend that we are not alone, so we can imagine that any of us understand each other. We are all locked in our own ethers, our own private voids, the grotesque ocean of our own masks.
The chasm cannot be breached.
There was always a chasm between us, an ocean of distance, an ether of silence and unspoken resistance. Mine as much as yours even if I had never tried so hard to build a bridge, a raft, a word. Anything that could scratch through the surface, that would stop me from flailing and you from running.
But my touch was a shove. Yours was a slither. My words were a scream. Yours were a writhe. Every movement took you further away from me.
Was there ever a moment when you didn't want to go? When --maybe --you wanted to close the gap as much as I did? Or will there ever be enough distance --enough apathy --to satisfy you?
Did I have claws I didn't know about? Were there teeth I didn't see? I would have ripped them off if you had told me where they were. I wouldn't have cared about the blood or the infection that follows. I wouldn't have cared if you had been the one with the claws and teeth. I would have been your prey as readily as I was your huntress.
But you had no taste for me.
I feign no innocence. I have no self-less desires, least of all for you. But tell me you are happy in the ether you live in, your private void of protection. How many faces must you wear to convince yourself that you don't exist?
There is nothing in the abyss.
My words are a slather of mortar, thickening the space between us. Each syllable is another stack of straw just when I thought there was nowhere for the rejection to expand. I have lost more pieces of myself than I thought I had trying to close the chasm. It is an open wound, a gash in my flesh that refuses to be cauterized.
How many masks have I worn, searching like a ravaged child for the cure to this hunger? More than I thought existed and each one I thought was real.
Some deceases have no medicine. Some questions have no answers, no end, only echoes of themselves as they cut deeper and deeper into the silence.
What are words anyways? Sounds we invented so we can pretend that we are not alone, so we can imagine that any of us understand each other. We are all locked in our own ethers, our own private voids, the grotesque ocean of our own masks.
The chasm cannot be breached.
June 23, 2015
Character Interview with Cait Weerd from Simon Kewin's HEDGE WITCH
Hi everybody! Happy tuesday. Today we have sixteen year old Cait Weerd from Simon Kewin's book HEDGE WITCH, the first in his Cloven Land Trylogy.
Hi Cait! Welcome to Taliesin.
Cait: Hey. Thanks for having me. This is kinda weird. Not sure why you're talking to me. I'm not special or anything.
Tell me about your connections to Manchester Central library.
Cait: So, my gran works there and I go and see her after school some times. My gran's cool. Nothing fazes her. She's always happy to see me. It can be a bit strange at the library sometimes though. There's a deep basement only staff are allowed into and there are all these old books down there, like they're being kept locked away. It's sort of spooky.
Are you much of a reader?
Cait: Uh huh, sure. I like reading. My gran's always suggesting books I might like. She tends to suggest books with strong female characters like I'm not going to notice what she's up to, trying to tell me I can do anything if I put my mind to it and all that blah blah. I quite like books with real people in, you know, set in the real world and that. I'm not really one for scifi and that.
Do you believe in witches?
Cait: Like, cackling crones on broomsticks? Er, no, don't think so. Although, like, who knows? Sometimes strange things do happen to me. It's crazy, I know, but occasionally I feel like I'm making things happen, if you know what I mean. Things that I can't possibly be making happen. Things that make no sense. I'm obviously just imagining it, I'm sure.
Tell me about your family.
Cait: So apart from my gran there's just my mum and me. My dad, well, he died in a fire a few years back. It was pretty grim. Still is, I guess. We were close and my mum, well, she's never really got over it. I still miss him. It's like I keep thinking of things I want to tell him or show him but I can't because he's not there any more. It's hard to get your head round.
What do you know about your ancestors?
Cait: My mum's family are from Chorley in Lancashire, which isn't too far away. Don't know much more than that. Except, from what I can gather, we're not from there originally. We're from somewhere else completely. Somewhere a long way away, but I don't actually know where. I should find out. My surname is Weerd which is pretty, well, weird I guess. And yes, I have heard all the jokes. Trust me.
If you could change the fate of the world, would you?
Cait: Sure, who wouldn't? But I'm not going to be able to am I? I'm just a schoolgirl. I don't have any superpowers. No one pays much attention to anything I do or say.
Do you have any conspiracy theories or do you believe the world is exactly as it seems?
Cait: You should speak to Danny. Danny's this boy I hang out with. He's always talking about conspiracy theories. Like, dark forces secretly running the world and that. He's OK, though. He's not crazy or anything.
What is your favorite flavor of jelly bean?
Cait: Lemon or lime or something like that. Nothing too sweet.
One last question. Who's this Danny fellow you've been spending so much time with?
Cait: So, like I say, he's this boy. We hang out together. We like the same bands. He's not my boyfriend, he's a boy friend. With a space. A space makes all the difference. Danny's fun. We're mates. That's all.
Thank you Cait for coming by. It was great talking to you :-)
Cait: No problem. Great to talk to you, too. Still don't know hy though? Like I say, nothing unusual ever happens to me...
Two worlds, one nightmare...
Fifteen year-old Cait Weerd has no idea she's being sought by the undain: sorcerous creatures that feed off the spirit of the living. She doesn't know they need her blood to survive. She doesn't even know she's a witch, descended from a long line of witches. Cait Weerd doesn't know a lot, really, but all that's about to change.
At Manchester Central Library she's caught up in sudden violence. In the chaos she's given an old book that's been hidden there. Given it and told to run. Hide the book or destroy it. The book contains all the secrets of the undains' existence. They and their human servants want to find it as much as they want to find her.
Cait learns the fates of two worlds are at stake. Just what she needs. Along with definitely-not-a-boyfriend Danny, she has to decide what the hell to do. Run, fight or hope it all goes away.
It's only then she learns who she really is, along with the terrible truth of what the undain have been doing in our world all this time...
You can check HEDGE WITCH out here on amazon!
The second part of the trilogy - WORM LORD - will be out this year, with the final part hopefully next year. Simon Kewin is also just finishing off a prequel novella that will be available for free later this year...
You can find out more about Simon Kewin
web newsletter blog twitter facebook amazon goodreads
Hi Cait! Welcome to Taliesin.
Cait: Hey. Thanks for having me. This is kinda weird. Not sure why you're talking to me. I'm not special or anything.
Tell me about your connections to Manchester Central library.
Cait: So, my gran works there and I go and see her after school some times. My gran's cool. Nothing fazes her. She's always happy to see me. It can be a bit strange at the library sometimes though. There's a deep basement only staff are allowed into and there are all these old books down there, like they're being kept locked away. It's sort of spooky.
Are you much of a reader?
Cait: Uh huh, sure. I like reading. My gran's always suggesting books I might like. She tends to suggest books with strong female characters like I'm not going to notice what she's up to, trying to tell me I can do anything if I put my mind to it and all that blah blah. I quite like books with real people in, you know, set in the real world and that. I'm not really one for scifi and that.
Do you believe in witches?
Cait: Like, cackling crones on broomsticks? Er, no, don't think so. Although, like, who knows? Sometimes strange things do happen to me. It's crazy, I know, but occasionally I feel like I'm making things happen, if you know what I mean. Things that I can't possibly be making happen. Things that make no sense. I'm obviously just imagining it, I'm sure.
Tell me about your family.
Cait: So apart from my gran there's just my mum and me. My dad, well, he died in a fire a few years back. It was pretty grim. Still is, I guess. We were close and my mum, well, she's never really got over it. I still miss him. It's like I keep thinking of things I want to tell him or show him but I can't because he's not there any more. It's hard to get your head round.
What do you know about your ancestors?
Cait: My mum's family are from Chorley in Lancashire, which isn't too far away. Don't know much more than that. Except, from what I can gather, we're not from there originally. We're from somewhere else completely. Somewhere a long way away, but I don't actually know where. I should find out. My surname is Weerd which is pretty, well, weird I guess. And yes, I have heard all the jokes. Trust me.
If you could change the fate of the world, would you?
Cait: Sure, who wouldn't? But I'm not going to be able to am I? I'm just a schoolgirl. I don't have any superpowers. No one pays much attention to anything I do or say.
Do you have any conspiracy theories or do you believe the world is exactly as it seems?
Cait: You should speak to Danny. Danny's this boy I hang out with. He's always talking about conspiracy theories. Like, dark forces secretly running the world and that. He's OK, though. He's not crazy or anything.
What is your favorite flavor of jelly bean?
Cait: Lemon or lime or something like that. Nothing too sweet.
One last question. Who's this Danny fellow you've been spending so much time with?
Cait: So, like I say, he's this boy. We hang out together. We like the same bands. He's not my boyfriend, he's a boy friend. With a space. A space makes all the difference. Danny's fun. We're mates. That's all.
Thank you Cait for coming by. It was great talking to you :-)
Cait: No problem. Great to talk to you, too. Still don't know hy though? Like I say, nothing unusual ever happens to me...
Two worlds, one nightmare...
Fifteen year-old Cait Weerd has no idea she's being sought by the undain: sorcerous creatures that feed off the spirit of the living. She doesn't know they need her blood to survive. She doesn't even know she's a witch, descended from a long line of witches. Cait Weerd doesn't know a lot, really, but all that's about to change.
At Manchester Central Library she's caught up in sudden violence. In the chaos she's given an old book that's been hidden there. Given it and told to run. Hide the book or destroy it. The book contains all the secrets of the undains' existence. They and their human servants want to find it as much as they want to find her.
Cait learns the fates of two worlds are at stake. Just what she needs. Along with definitely-not-a-boyfriend Danny, she has to decide what the hell to do. Run, fight or hope it all goes away.
It's only then she learns who she really is, along with the terrible truth of what the undain have been doing in our world all this time...
You can check HEDGE WITCH out here on amazon!
The second part of the trilogy - WORM LORD - will be out this year, with the final part hopefully next year. Simon Kewin is also just finishing off a prequel novella that will be available for free later this year...
You can find out more about Simon Kewin
web newsletter blog twitter facebook amazon goodreads
