Sybrina Durant's Blog, page 274

The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm

It was nearly 40 years ago, when I first conceived of the idea for “The Blue Unicorn’s” story. I had read a lot of fantasy books which completely mesmerized me. The ones which really stood out to me were books like “Watership Down” by Richard Adams (which was about a rabbit warren with members who thought and acted like humans), “Dragonriders of Pern” by Anne McCaffrey (with dragons which could speak to humans telepathically), “The Oz” books by L. Frank Baum (with the talking lion, talking monkeys, talking chickens and more), “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll (with the talking white rabbit and the Cheshire cat) and oh so many others.

I was fascinated by the idea, throughout all of the different stories, that animals could be reasoning creatures – that they could love and war and exist as communities within themselves or with humans. But I was especially influenced by the unicorns from Phaze in Piers Anthony’s “Apprentice Adept Series”. Those unicorns ranged in a multitude of colors and were as intelligent as humans. They were musical and magical, too. I was also enamored with the word play in Piers Anthony’s writing style. He would take ordinary words and give them completely different but clever meanings. I wanted to try my hand at that style of writing so I set about developing the metal-horned unicorn tribe from Unimaise.

Each would have a different metal horn with coat, mane and tail colors derived somehow from the properties of the metal. For instance, since burning copper has green flames, the copper-horned unicorn is green. The unicorns would each have a different magic power somehow associated with the properties of their metal. Since copper was once used exclusively for water pipes because it was thought to keep water flowing through it clean, the copper-horned unicorn’s magic power is to purify water. That’s the theme I tried to stick with in developing all of the characters but I had to use a lot of poetic license at times. Only one unicorn would be different. He would have no metal and no magic. The story is about the blue unicorn’s quest to save his tribe despite his overwhelming “disabilities”. Having no magic or metal in a tribe of magical metal-horned unicorns can make life very difficult.

After intense research in dictionaries, encyclopedias and real library books, I ended up with index cards for each unicorn and all of the other characters that I wanted to feature in the story. I wrote a very long outline and summary and even drew a detailed map of the land of MarBryn. After typing up about 50 pages of the story, I just came to a screeching halt and didn’t start up again until a couple of years ago. Life just got in the way.

The “Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm Illustrated Book” for teens and older readers finally came to life in 2015. Originally, this book was going to be an adult fantasy but after becoming acquainted with the amazingly talented Sudipta Dasgupta, I decided I wanted this to be an illustrated book that could appeal to a younger audience. I had nearly finished the novel by the time he approached me about doing the illustrations. In order to best present his artwork, I realized that I was going to have to minimize the total word count and enlarge the page sizes.

I went through the very tedious process of reducing the story text so that each chapter would fit into just two pages which would precede a picture spreading across two pages. The best reading experience is definitely the print version but it is available in all ebook formats also. In addition to reducing the word count, I also simplified a lot of the text but I left in many concepts that (in some people’s opinions) placed the book beyond the middle grade age group. Since many parents wish to protect their children from subjects like war and death as long as possible I decided to rate this book for for teens and up. I have tried to write an appealing story for all ages to enjoy but I think it is up to each reader, no matter what their age might be, to decide for themselves about whether it reaches out to them or not.

My original intention was to only make the illustrated book available in full color but I was completely unaware that so many full color pages would make the printing cost exorbitant. I was particularly devastated when I found out how much the 188 page illustrated book was going to cost customers. That dilemma led me to the bright idea of having all of the illustrations reworked in black and white. The incredibly talented artist, Sudipta Dasgupta, and his team created what look look like old fairy tale woodcuts. Those pictures remind me of the days when I was reading The Wizard of Oz books and daydreaming about faraway lands populated with fantastic creatures.
I’m happy to say that my idea paid off because printing the black and white version of this book costs 1/3 the price of the full color. That price reduction puts it within the realm of most reader’s pocket books. Plus I now have the added benefit of promoting it as a “Read and Color” book. Read a chapter, then color the following pictures. What’s more fun than that?

The story is also available in audio book form on most of the online audio book websites. I love how the narrator, Troy Hudson, brought the characters to vibrant life.
There’s also a children’s storybook version titled “Unicorns From Unimaise – The Magical Metal-Horned Tribe”. It is meant to introduce little ones to the 12 member unicorn tribe and the land of MarBryn (where the story takes place).

Soon, I’ll be publishing an expanded full-length adult fantasy version of the blue unicorn tale along with the companion “glossary” book, “The MarBryn Compendium”.
Last but not least, unicorn lovers can find lots of book related unicorn bling on zazzle.com – just search for Journey to Osm to see nearly 100 items featuring pictures from the book.

More will be coming in the future.

Sybrina Durant is the author of many different types of books. Some are technical and others are fanciful. Illustrated books are her favorite. She believes that you can capture a reader’s attention with a good story but amazing artwork will reel them in and keep them riveted.

 

‪#‎BlueUnicorn‬

I have always loved science fiction

I have always loved science fiction space shows and stories. My mind was expanded from an early age from reading so many classic science fiction books by authors like Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert A. Heinlein, Ursula K. Le Guin, Ray Bradbury, Jules Verne, Douglas Adams, Anne McCaffrey, Aldous Huxley and other prophetic authors.

Most of my favorite television shows take place in some distant realm far from our home planet. Star Trek, Doctor Who, Stargate, Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, The Expanse, Dark Matter and other shows in the same vein have thrilled and excited me about future possibilities for those generations who will come after me. Suffice it to say that I have been fully exposed to a universe of varied ideas about the human condition and our place in the big unknown.

So, when I learned that “Earth to Centauri – The First Journey” by Kumar L. was based on the premise that the golden record sent out with the Voyager 1 probe was discovered and analyzed by aliens, I had to read this story to see where the author might take me. I am delighted to say that he offered a fresh take on human kind’s ventures into a galaxy far far away and what might be found there. His space farers run into a situation that I have never come across in any other book or tv show and it is a concept I could never have dreamed of myself. I would love to reveal it here but I won't because I'm not one to spoil surprises.

I am very pleased that particular ideas expressed in this book were new to me. I bet they will be to you, too. When so many new books turn out to be rehashes of so many others, it’s gratifying to come across an author with unique ideas to share.

I love to escape into fantasy worlds.

This clean fantasy story by Marianne Reese caught and kept my attention right away. The author’s creative way with words and eloquent turns of descriptive phrases made me feel as if I were watching the action unfold rather than reading about it. And there was lots of action throughout. Every short chapter thrust brother and sister twins, Aren and Alexa, into a new adventure. I absolutely loved the interplay between the twins, especially since I have twin granddaughters who are about the age of the main characters in this story. Skylar Moon takes place in modern times in the modern world where getting through high school and learning how to have relationships is uppermost in everyone’s minds. However, the reader is quickly taken into a parallel secret world of elves and fairies, trolls and other fantastical creatures. This is a great book for middle graders who dream of alternate worlds and others who love to escape into fairytales. I hope Skylar Moon, Book 2 will is in the words because I really want to know what happens next for these daring twins.SKYLAR MOON

Unicorn From Unimaise

This picture book, Unicorns From Unimaise, will introduce readers to the Tribe of Metal-Horned Unicorns from Unimaise. Read the brief text and soak up the fantastic imagery of each amazing scene. Illustrations by Dasguptarts will keep you going back to the book over and over again. You will see something new and different each and every time. This book is meant to be read to children but adults will enjoy it, too. It is a preview of “The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm,” an illustrated book for teens and older readers.

Source:

www.amazon.com/Unicorns-Unimaise-Magical-Metal-Horn-Tribe/dp/1942740182

Original post:

Sybrina.booklikes.com/post/1607845/post

This picture book, Unicorns From Unimaise, will ...

This picture book, Unicorns From Unimaise, will introduce readers to the Tribe of Metal-Horned Unicorns from Unimaise. Read the brief text and soak up the fantastic imagery of each amazing scene. Illustrations by Dasguptarts will keep you going back to the book over and over again. You will see something new and different each and every time. This book is meant to be read to children but adults will enjoy it, too. It is a preview of “The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm,” an illustrated book for teens and older readers.

Source:

www.amazon.com/Unicorns-Unimaise-Magical-Metal-Horn-Tribe/dp/1942740182

Original post:

Sybrina.booklikes.com/post/1607845/post

Filed under: Blue Unicorn

Giveaway & Review – The Blue Unicorn’s Journey to Osm by Sybrina Durant @Sybrina_spt @GoddessFish

Reblogged from: sherrysniderfundin

Review:

I love the magical and elusive unicorn, so when I heard about The Blue Unicorn’s Journey to Osm, I had to ‘saddle up.’

 

 

The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm by Sybrina Durant

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GENRE: Teen Fantasy Book

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MY REVIEW

 

There’s no place like home…OSM means awesome.

 

He is supposed to be their savior. But how can that be possible? He has no magic.

 

He feels an outsider, he just doesn’t fit in. Does anyone feel a touch of Rudolph in this?

 

The fun, colorful, imaginative illustrations are wonderful, filled with fantastical creatures, both good and bad.

 

Each creature is unique, individual, just like in real life.

 

Is there such a thing as a fish unicorn? If so, imagine the possibilities.

 

Set your imagination free.

 

The Blue Unicorn…reads like old time fairy tales…where life and death choices are made…And …maybe, you will learn why you never see a unicorn.

 

This magical fantasy filled with fun and humor, sadness and happiness, and lessons learned. We are not alone.

 

I voluntarily reviewed The Blue Unicorn’s Journey to Osm by Sybrina Durant.

 

  4 Stars

 

Read more and enter the giveaway here.

 

You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Source:

www.fundinmental.com/giveaway-the-blue-unicorns-journey-to-osm-by-sybrina-durant-sybrina_spt-goddessfish

Original post:

Sybrina.booklikes.com/post/1587303/giveaway-review-the-blue-unicorn-s-journey-to-osm-by-sybrina-durant-sybrina-spt-goddessfish

Filed under: Blue Unicorn

Book Trailer For The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm

Enjoy this book trailer for The Blue Unicorn Journey To Osm Coloring/Character Description Book.

 

Enjoy this book trailer for The Blue Unicorn Journey To O...

Enjoy this book trailer for The Blue Unicorn Journey To Osm Coloring/Character Description Book.

Original post:

Sybrina.booklikes.com/post/1585431/post

Filed under: Blue Unicorn

The Little Blue Unicorn

The Blue Unicorn’s Journey to Osm is about a little foal born into a tribe with magical metal horns. His birth had been foretold long ago with a prophecy which presented a double edged sword. He could grow to be the savior of his tribe or he might be the last unicorn ever born.

To everyone’s disappointment, the horn he was born with was not metal . No metal meant one thing…no magic. This story will take you down the path he must travel to receive his metal horn…or to be the last of the unicorns.

This novel, with illustrations by Dasguptarts will be published by the end of 2016.

Here is one of the scenes from the accompanying coloring book. Feel free to download it for coloring then upload it back here for everyone to see.

Like or share this post to get updates on the publication. ‪#‎BlueUnicorn‬ ‪#‎Unicorn‬

Filed under: Blue Unicorn Tagged: coloring book, ebook, fantasy, novel, Picture book

Midwest Book Review – 1,2,3 Count With Me

Children will be delighted to find an entertaining way to help learn to count to ten. From page one the beautifully illustrated pictures will call out to your child to want to learn to say their numbers. I found this book to be a wonderful learning tool. I can easily see how it could benefit any child who is in that crucial learning stage of learning how to count.

What I also found unique about this book is not only does it focus on learning to count from one to ten, but it also offers the ability to count backwards from ten to one. As an experienced reviewer of children’s books I can attest that this is not the normal thing that you would find in a children’s counting book.

Sybrina Durant has done a magnificent job in her creation of 123 COUNT WITH ME: FUN WITH NUMBERS AND ANIMALS. I found that the beautiful pictures made the learning process a complete job. I highly recommend this book to any young person who is embarking on the journey of learning to count.

 

This review may be found on Suzie’s Bookshelf on Midwest Book Reviews

Filed under: Reviews of Sybrina's Children's Books Tagged: 1 to 10 and back again, Book Review, counting book, learn to count, Picture book