B. Roman's Blog: Inspiration From Unexpected Sources - Posts Tagged "fantasy"

As "The Secrets of The Moon Singer" trilogy of adventures follow teenager David Nickerson's “coming of age” transformation from a naïve and conflicted boy to a determined and purposeful young man, readers may find themselves able to examine their own lives and work through any obstacles that have been holding them back from realizing their true potential. There is a lot of family angst going on in the stories, and the characters are constantly learning how to deal with these relationships. I also touch on topical issues such as respect for the environment, ethics (or lack thereof) in business, the misuse of power, the contrast between good and evil, and the importance of personal and Universal Truth and integrity.

As the stories developed, I hoped to reach young boys looking for a main character who triumphed heroically over his circumstances, as well as appeal to young girls who are looking for a boy who will gallantly protect and selflessly nurture them, all the while allowing girls to maintain their individuality and strength of character. For both genders I wanted to create characters they could respect and whose virtues they would want to emulate.

I realize that teens today are attracted to pop culture that focuses on dark and violent themes, but my mind just doesn't go there in story telling. I hope that my stories will offer kids a balance, especially if they are just beginning to ponder ethical, spiritual and metaphysical thoughts and concepts. Of course, I try to give them an enjoyable, suspenseful, and uplifting reading experience. It is a trilogy of adventures written to appeal to the youth in all of us, and with a respect for language and prose that hopefully will inspire young people to read material that requires time and attention to spiritual matters.

If you have my children's book, "Hubert in Heaven" on your To Read list, watch for the 99cent Kindle promotion coming February 21 and 22.
And to inspire you further, here is the latest review, this one from Reader's Favorite. Happy reading - and reviewing!

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Hubert in Heaven: A Hi-tech Angel Gets His Wings by Barbara Roman begins with the newest group of Soon-to-be’s sitting on their cloud pillows and listening to the Grand Transition Master on rules of conduct in heaven. He tells them being an angel is a responsible task and they have many tasks to perform before they earn their wings. As the Master is pointing to the screen and explaining, a four-star collision causes the screen to go blank. A little fellow comes tumbling in. The Master is annoyed that his lecture has been disrupted. The little fellow introduces himself as Hubert and tells them that he is a hologram in a video game and he wants to get back to his rightful place. The Master tells Hubert that, for the time being, this is his place and gives him some tasks. Will Hubert be able to perform the tasks, find his purpose, and finally get his angel wings?

The story is magical and has a lot of good messages for children, that life can be lived without always punching the keys of a computer, accepting that everyone is different, and that we need to value the abilities we have. The illustrations are beautiful and they add to the whimsical element of the story. It is a good story to help children understand about being unique and different, and the author does it with expertise using Hubert. It is a good bedtime storybook for children and can be given as a gift during the Christmas season. Tutors and educators can use it in classrooms and school libraries for read aloud sessions during the Christmas season as well as any time of the year.

As authors, we write because we are inspired, driven, hooked on a story we are compelled to tell, and in love with characters who have taken on a life of their own.
Once done, the story must have readers, and if we are fortunate we have readers willing to write a thoughtful, insightful review. It validates our work, and gives us impetus to continue on in our quest to become better writers and storytellers.

I am thankful for all the readers and fellow authors who have taken the time to read and enjoy my books and have published reviews that make my heart sing. Today I found another such review on Amazon for my latest book: "Before the Boy" and I would love to share it with you -
"A Delightful Read About Family and Love"
Usually, I’m not a very big fan of prequels as most of them feel a bit forced and coming out of nowhere. With Before the Boy, there’s a feeling of plenitude, almost as the Moon Singer Trilogy needed this prequel to truly be understood at its core.
Although it’s better if you’ve read the trilogy before, this book is perfectly fine as a stand-alone. Reading through it you uncover the story of David and Sally’s parents and the reasons behind the loss of their mother. The story touches in a deep and meaningful way in an array of topics from loss, spirituality, death and, most importantly, love and family. As always, B. Roman writes a great novel filled with deep emotions and valuable lessons in a language that goes beyond mere words. The way she describes the characters and how we’re involved in the story is stellar and worth of the great reviews she’s been getting.

It's always exciting to do a book promotion, and especially to have your publisher do a good bit of the work! Thank you Creativia Publishing for giving my books an extra boost this month.

If you have any of my books on your "to read" list, now is your chance to obtain a FREE kindle edition during the month of August.
RIGHT NOW "Whatever Became of Sin?" is on special through August 9.
Beginning August 20, "Before the Boy" will be Free for you to download.
On August 24 - TWO of my books will be on special: "The Crystal Clipper" and "Alicia and the Light Bulb People" - both of which are Readers Favorite 5 Star books.

As always, be kind and after you read please review. It's the best way for authors to know if we are writing books that entertain you, engross you, enlighten you - or not!

I hope you all have a wonderful AUGUST of reading terrific books.

If you have my books on your "to read" list watch for these FREE Kindle edition offers in October:
"Hubert in Heaven - a hi-tech angel gets his wings" October 2 - 6
"The Wind Rose" - Book III of The Moon Singer Series October 8 - 12.
Both books are very personal to me.
"Hubert..." is a humorous look at our attachment to hi-tech devices, to the detriment of our ability to rely on our own talents, instincts and efforts. As Hubert has discovered, this addiction does not bode well especially in Heaven where you "have to figure things out for yourself" if you are ever to earn your Angel Wings. I think I'm the last hold out for getting a Smart Phone - my cell phone is a relic and is hardly ever on, unless I need to make a call or I'm expecting one. I love to be without any reliance on a "device" to live my life, find quiet time, and enjoy just being.

"The Wind Rose" speaks to my belief that music has powers that go beyond making us feel good or evoking emotions and energy that improve our quality of life. The universe - our bodies, too - are comprised of musical vibrations that resonate throughout the cosmos, and can create or destroy life. In the story, I do try and impart the magnificence of the Pythagoras theory and the Music of the Spheres. Of course, it's a story and it's meant to entertain as well as enlighten. Read how a mad music professor uses his brilliance as a musician for malevolent purposes and how music prodigy David Nickerson counters his evil plan by using his own musical "soul codes" for a higher purpose.

I hope you enjoy both books! Remember, reviews are most welcome and very much needed.

We all have a love/hate relationship with our books. An idea germinates and then flourishes. We are in love with the plot, the characters, the whole idea of putting them into a manuscript. At last we are done. It's a book. But did it truly say what you wanted it to say? Did you express eloquently the vision in your head? Ah, yes, you say. I'm so happy with the result. Shortly thereafter perhaps when it's finally in print and out into the world you might say, "OMG, did I really write that?" (love it or hate it)

Then there are times that we have a book that so resonates within us it doesn't matter what the world or reviewers say (good things, we hope...). It's our favorite book. Somehow it just flowed from our consciousness to our fingers as we type (or write long hand). It is transformative and inspired and says exactly what we wanted it to say.

For me, "Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13" is my favorite book. It began as an inspired essay of mine "Reaching for the White Light" (found on my blog) which compares the colorful personalities of people to light bulbs and the influence they have on our lives. They can be dim or twinkly, glaring or annoying. But there is only one true white light: "Stumbling in the darkness, all you need do is remember it, envision it as it once was, and its radiance will be there, white and pure and all encompassing. Yes, there are many different kinds of Bulbs in the world, but only One True Light. If you are lucky enough to find it, reach out and touch it, unafraid."

That is what I express in "Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13." Through friendship, courage, and the magic of believing we can all reach our Star Potential. I chose to put this into a children's fantasy to demonstrate the whimsical nature of the story and inspire children to overcome any obstacle or challenge in their lives. But there is no age limit to its message and I encourage adults to read it as well. As one reviewer said, "Your life will be forever changed."

"The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning (The Moon Singer Series Book 4)

From 18th Century France to 20th Century San Francisco, the Promise of the Rose Crystal both empowered and mystified Grace Moreau and her daughter Rose Wyndham. They fought for women’s rights, suffered prejudice and conspiracy theorists, and blazed their way through a male-dominated world to define their own roles in society. Through it all they poignantly resisted romantic desire, for if they fell in love the power of the Rose Crystal would be impotent and they - and their lovers - would die.
The Immortal Rose Wyndham is an inspiring story of women’s empowerment and the personal choices they make to live their own destiny.