Roberta Trahan's Blog, page 7
May 16, 2014
In Memory of Mary Stewart (1916 – 2014)
Mary Stewart was my first and most profound writing inspiration – before Tolkein, before Zimmer-Bradley. Hers were the first Arthurian novels I read, and she the writer I most admired and aspired to emulate. I had hoped to one day meet her and tell her what she meant to me. Sadly that day will never come. She will live forever in my library, and in the place her stories carved into my heart.
Of all her books, The Crystal Cave is the most enduring, and has lost none of its freshness. It is a masterful imagining of Merlin’s upbringing that vividly evokes fifth-century Britain. The Hollow Hills (1973) and The Last Enchantment (1979) completed the trilogy, earning Stewart favourable comparisons with another leading Arthurian, TH White. They were the books of which she was most proud.
May 5, 2014
The World of the Dream Stewards: Creature Feature #2 – The Devilkin
On the edge of the veil between mortal ways and magic, evil was hard at work. Dark, twisted goblin creatures called the devilkin were weaving a spell—a thicket of thistle as tall as a house and so thick she couldn’t see light through it.
In the first book of the series, THE WELL OF TEARS, the high sorceress Alwen confronts and ultimately defeats a cursed wall of thorns spun by a dangerous being known as the devilkin. In the world of the Dream Stewards, the devilkin are the hands and eyes of evil magic – spawned by the incantation of a dark mage to do his or her bidding.
In folklore, the devilkin is a small, lesser demon commonly referred to as the imp and often considered a familiar of witches and wizards. I first came upon the word in Brewer’s Phrase & Fable, but references to “devilkin” also appear in Celtic and Germanic literature as early as the 17th century.
The devilkin in THE
WELL OF TEARS are small, gnarled beasties with long tiny claw-like hands and glowing red eyes. They are summoned in the name of black magic to weave a thorny hedge surrounding the sanctuary known as Fane Gramarye. The hedge itself is a living thing with vines that ensnare anyone who ventures too close. The thorns are cursed with a poison venom that causes a sickness with no known cure.
This particular creature was inspired by a childhood fear of mine – the monsters living under my bed and in my closet. In my imagination, the monsters were tiny goblins just waiting to snatch hold of my toes! They don’t make an appearance in the sequel, THE KEYS TO THE REALMS, but they are sure to return to wreak havoc in a future novel.
And now for this week’s Trivia Challenge: In the world of the Dream Stewards, the mystical temple known as Fane Gramarye is protected by an enchanted forest. What is the name of this fictional forest?
(Hint: if you haven’t read the books yet, the answer can easily be found in the blog archives)
Post your answer in the comments section below to enter. If you also like and/or share this post and mention where in your comment, you’ll get an extra entry – but the extra entry only counts if you also answer the question correctly :). One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all the correct entries received by midnight on Sunday, May 11th. The prize is a $10 Amazon gift card!!
April 30, 2014
The World of the Dream Stewards: Creature Feature #1- The Demon Mount
A single monstrous barrel-chested creature with a bulbous head burst through the trees, gnashing a grotesquely protruding jaw of jagged teeth the length of Hywel’s forearm. The creature had staggering height and breadth – at least three times the size of his horse – taller and broader and hairier – and oddly boar-like with its hulking shoulders and thick neck. Its roar rattled his bones.
In the mystical White Woods that surround the ancient home of the Stewards, all manner of magical creatures exist – some more demonic than others. In THE KEYS TO THE REALMS, Hywel encounters the Hellion Horde and the horrific beasts they ride. These beasts have no known name, but they are as fearsome and deadly as the Hellion warriors themselves.
These frightening creatures first appear in THE WELL OF TEARS, and are inspired at least in appearance by a real animal. This animal, however, has an entirely different nature and is actually quite remarkable.
Meet Wendy, the Bully Whippet – a much-loved pet who suffers from a genetic disorder manifested by a mutation which causes double-muscling. Her general health is not affected by this anomaly, only her physique. Although her extraordinary looks invoked the image of a monster in my mind, her real-life story warms my heart. Who wouldn’t want this lovely girl as their canine companion?
This is the first in a series of trivia articles based on my Dream Stewards series. Check back next week for Creature Feature #2, and a new trivia contest!
Have you answered this week’s question yet? Click here to take the challenge. You could win an Amazon gift card!
The World of the Dream Stewards – Creature Feature #1
“A single monstrous barrel-chested creature with a bulbous head burst through the trees, gnashing a grotesquely protruding jaw of jagged teeth the length of Hywel’s forearm. The creature had staggering height and breadth – at least three times the size of his horse – taller and broader and hairier – and oddly boar-like with its hulking shoulders and thick neck. Its roar rattled his bones.”
In the mystical White Woods that surround the ancient home of the Stewards, all manner of magical creatures exist – some more demonic than others. In THE KEYS TO THE REALMS, Hywel encounters the Hellion Horde and the horrific beasts they ride. These beasts have no known name, but they are as fearsome and deadly as the Hellion warriors themselves.
These frightening creatures first appear in THE WELL OF TEARS, and are inspired at least in appearance by a real animal. This animal, however, has an entirely different nature and is actually quite remarkable.
Meet Wendy, the Bully Whippet – a much-loved pet who suffers from a genetic disorder manifested by a mutation which causes double-muscling. Her general health is not affected by this anomaly, only her physique. Although her extraordinary looks invoked the image of a monster in my mind, her real-life story warms my heart. Who wouldn’t want this lovely girl as their canine companion?
This is the first in a series of trivia articles based on my Dream Stewards series. Check back next week for Creature Feature #2, and a new trivia contest!
Have you answered this week’s question yet? Click here to take the challenge. You could win an Amazon gift card!
April 28, 2014
THE KEYS TO THE REALMS Launch Celebration Continues ~ Winners & New Giveaways Announced!!
Every author looks forward to the newest book launch as if it was the first. So much excitement, anticipation, and fear – the adrenaline rush is ecstatic, and exhausting!! It’s been an amazing week for me.
Roberta Trahan Official Facebook Page
First I want to thank everyone who showed up to my virtual book release party on FaceBook – so many wonderful, talented authors and so many fabulous, dedicated fantasy readers, all in one place for an entire evening. Great conversation and giveaways galore! If you were there and entered the contests, be sure to check my FB page for the list of winners (you can click the image above to go there now if you want).
Also, congratulations to the five lucky winners of my author sponsored book giveaway on GoodReads – Ruth, Jorge, Bob, Nicole, and Evan! Your signed copies of THE KEYS TO THE REALMS will be on the way soon.
Didn’t win but wish you had? Didn’t get a chance to enter? Great news! My publisher, 47North, is hosting a new GoodReads Giveaway starting TODAY!! Twenty (20) copies of THE KEYS TO THE REALMS are up for grabs, so ENTER NOW! The giveaway ends on May 28th. Click the image below to be taken to the giveaway page (and don’t forget to tell your friends!)
AND THAT”S NOT ALL!!! To commemorate the birth of my new book, I’m giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky blog visitor. All you have to do to enter is find the answer the following question and post it in the comments section of this post:
The Dream Stewards series centers on a prophecy that foretells the rise to power of a legendary leader, who was also an actual 10th century ruler. What is the name of the king of the prophecy?
(hint: if you haven’t read the books, the answer can be found in the blog archives)
One winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries posted by midnight on Sunday, May 4th. Good luck!
April 21, 2014
Free on NetGalley for a Limited Time ~ THE WELL OF TEARS
Let the revels begin!
Today my author copies of THE KEYS TO THE REALMS arrived, and the party plans are finalized. So much excitement I can hardly stand it! Be sure to stop by the launch party TODAY, between 3 – 9 PM (PDT) and hang out with me and several special guests. We’ll be talking about world building and creating mythology and giving away swag. Here’s the link to the Facebook Event Page: The Keys to the Realms Virtual Release Party
And, there’s more! Want to read the first book in the series for free? For a limited time, my publisher is making the e-galley of THE WELL OF TEARS (The Dream Stewards #1) available to everyone for download – no device restrictions (you can read the e-galley on your e-reader, tablet, PC, or smartphone). All you need to do is click on the image below, and sign up for a *free* NetGalley account!!
April 14, 2014
THE KEYS TO THE REALMS Launch Party ~ are YOU going?
Did somebody say PAR-TAY? Yup, that ‘s right. To celebrate the release of THE KEYS TO THE REALMS – The Dream Stewards Book Two, I am hosting a virtual launch extravaganza! There won’t be cake, but there will be SPECIAL GUESTS and LOTS OF SWAG!
Come and hang out with me and my friends as we discuss “Making Your Own Mythology”, chat about books, and giveaway books and other goodies. Here’s what’s happening and when:
What: Book Launch Party (Facebook Event)
Where: Facebook Event Central ( https://www.facebook.com/events/25836...)
When: Tuesday, April 22 from 3:00 – 9:00 PM (PDT)
Special Guest Authors:
3:15 PM – Mark T. Barnes (Best-selling author of the epic fantasy Echoes of Empire series- The Garden of Stones, The Pillars of Sand, The Obsidian Heart)
3:45 PM — Kate Maruyama (Author of the hair-raising horror novel Harrowgate)
4:15 PM – Roberto Rodriguez Calas (Author of several novels, including The Scourge and Nostrum)
4:45 PM – Melissa F. Olson (Author of The Scarlett Bernard Urban Fantasy Series - Dead Spots, Trail of Dead)
5:15 PM – Stant Litore (Best-selling author of the popular horror series The Zombie Bible)
6:15 PM – Teresa Frohock (Acclaimed author of the epic dark fantasy Miserere – An Autumn Tale)
6:45 PM — Denise Grover Swank (NYT and USA best-selling author of many novels, including her new Urban fantasy series The Curse Keepers. Look for her latest release The Curse Breakers (Curse Keepers #2) – on sale April 29th!
7:15 PM – Jodi McIsaac (Best-selling author of the contemporary fantasy series The Thin Veil – Through the Door, Into the Fire)
7:45 PM – Steve McHugh (Best-selling author of The Hellequin Chronicles – Crimes Against Magic, Born of Hatred, With Silent Screams)
8:15 PM – Kate Danley (Best-selling author of the Maggie MacKay: Magical Tracker urban fantasy novels – Maggie for Hire, Maggie Get Your Gun, Maggie on the Bounty)
8:45 PM – Richard Ellis Preston Jr (Author of the extraordinary steampunk series Chronicles of the Pneumatic Zeppelin – Romulus Buckle and the City of the Founders, Romulus Buckle and the Engines of War
Each of my author guests will be talking about their books and hosting their own special giveaways – and I’ll be offering a few prizes of my own. After all, I am the party girl ;). Autographed books, themed swag, Amazon gift cards, and more. If you haven’t already sent in your RSVP – DO IT NOW!
Click on the link above or the image below, and we’ll see you there!!
April 10, 2014
GoodReads Giveaway ~ Have you entered yet?
Have you entered the GR Giveaway yet? Don’t forget to request one of 5 autographed author copies – and be sure to add THE KEYS TO THE REALMS and THE WELL OF TEARS to your to-be-read shelf!!
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Keys to the Realms
by Roberta Trahan
Giveaway ends April 22, 2014.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
April 8, 2014
New Website Reveal (Drum Roll, Please)
You may have noticed the new fatanstical blog header above – if not, look up now. Isn’t it gorgeous?!! This is just a snipped of the amazing new website design I unveiled last week. The fabulous re-design, courtesy of Tammi Cole at Silivren Studios, is now available for your enjoyment – click through to peruse the books and other pages, and be sure to check back here on the blog for more exciting release news!
Roberta Trahan – The Official Author Site
March 22, 2014
30 Days to Launch & Counting: GoodReads Giveaway, Party Plans & More!
Today we begin the countdown to the release of my new book, THE KEYS TO THE REALMS (The Dream Stewards: Book Two). In the coming weeks, I’ll be posting news, contests, book trivia and updates, and an invitation to my FB launch party!
We’re kicking things off with a GoodReads Giveaway! Up for grabs are 5 autographed copies of the book. Click the image below to be taken to the Giveaway page – and keep checking back here for more fun and games as we count down the days!
