Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 34

2021 N : Never Say Never

 

For some strange reason I am having more difficulty with the easier letters than the ones considered harder. Opening the dictionary to the letter "N" I closed my eyes, ran my finger down the page, and where it stopped was the topic to be written--the word "Never." The first thought was Sean Connery in Never Say Never Again. But no, I didn't want to opine on the movie. Then I searched my published works to find any snippets that included the desired word.

Among them were these lines from FIRE AND ICE.

She headed to her favorite spot, a bench beneath the spreading branches of a dragon fruit tree. Tiny green buds heralded the upcoming blossoms—and reminded her of the earlier portent she would never see the trees bear fruit. To push back the dark thoughts, Mirabeesh strained to recall the dreams. For the past season, a vision of flying over a vast ocean or the lingering whisper of silver tones filled her sleep. 

And a different scene from Imprisoned in Stone that featured romance.

Dark eyes looked out from beneath the fur-rim of the hood. Maerva’s gaze never left Gareth’s face. He wondered if she experienced the same reaction to him as he did to her.

As authors we are supposed to share something about ourselves. In a previous life, I helped design and program computers and test the code and applications are not. Back then data was entered via punch cards and the computer rooms were basically climate-controlled warehouses with raised floors full of cabling. The computers and their miscellaneous such as magnetic tape drives filled the space. Years later my employer at the time wanted us to have a computer st home so we could assist our foreign customers who always had a problem loading their drives at 2am on a Sunday morning. And we would have to bring it back after the weekend. 

 

Now laptop computers weren't around then. I would have had to schlep the tower, monitor, and keyboard, plus six large binders of code on the subway and train. My response to, "If I was willing to have a computer at home"--NEVER. 

Time and turns change things. My cell phone is a mini-computer, the laptop is not indispensible, the last camera used to accompany articles is digital, and the latest acquisition was a digital tablet/ereader. Which, is in essence, a hand-held computer.

So as the movie says, Never Say Never Again. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Change: Legends From The Eyrie
Print and ebook  - Amazon
More ebook  sites Imprisoned in Stone  --  On sale in Kindle format at Amazon
Print and ebook - Amazon
More ebook sites

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~ till next time, Helen

2021 M : Music For the Soul and Inspiration

 

 

I admit I don't always have music on when writing. Jotting notes in a doctor's office while waiting for your appointment or during an ICU bedside vigil isn't conducive to playing tunes. But that doesn't mean that music is not part of my writing life. Although each book tends to have its own playlist, certain songs trigger a mood or emotion so that the tunes transfer from book to book.

Celtic flute and harp always send my mind to a fantasy world where magic rules and dragon fly. On the player now is "Celtic Twilight" by Gabrielle Angelique.

Music for a quest, hopelessness, and loneliness is conveyed by the haunting piano solo played at the end of each episode of The Incredible Hulk.

Roger Whitaker's "The Last Farewell" sets the tone for the night before the battle; while "Ireland's Call" by Celtic Thunder takes me into the fight. The cost of duty and honor is covered by songs from my younger days. I acknowledge that it dates me,  I know them from the original time of release.

"Twelve O'Clock High" -- a little haunting, a little thunder, battle fever is quickened by this theme from a television series of the same name
When combined with "The Last Farewell, "Lullaby" by Sgt. Barry Sadler emphasizes that the cost of duty is not just between lovers, but can also involve children. Sometimes just a few notes can take you to another place and time or focus a character in your mind. For Hatchling's Mate and Hatchling's Vengeance, "Desperado" from the Eagles set the title characters, Lord Talann Fitheach and Glynnes firmly in my mind. I couldn't decide on what song to use for Gynnes as her own. One was "Brothers In Arms" chosen because she was as much as warrior as any man... and paid the price. 

If the songs or the story they've inspired sound intriguing, click on the covers in the banner for excerpts of what the music helped create.

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~till next time, Helen

2021 L : Life

 

In the course of living, you may be called upon to wear many hats. As a caregiver, I've needed to be a physical therapist, medication manager, speech therapist, chauffeur and practical duty nurse. Among the more mundane tasks are cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

With all those many hats, life often interrupts writing. The tales my characters have demanded told have been captured during late-night bedside vigils, in doctor offices, and while sitting on hard, plastic chairs in emergency rooms.

There are other ways that life can affect writing and its associated activities. COVID-enforced isolation severely impacted meeting other writers. Yes some events went virtual and the lectures could theoretically be listened to, the events were generally smaller with fewer speakers which reduced the possibility of giving one. The caregiving function added even more problems. Conflicting appointments and calls for help (a bathroom run was always needed just as an interesting program started) always seemed to haunt when I tried to attend meetings, workshops, or conventions.

Here's to hoping that 2021 is a better run than 2020.

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~ till next time, Helen

2021 K : Kia

 

 

 

Introducing Lady Kiansel of the Temple of Givneh. Her family has served the Temple for generations--and they have the ability to wield magic in service of others. Kia's father helped hold the barrier during the countering of Bashim's geas on Dal the archmage.

 

Her brother is the current head of the temple. But he wasn't always. For a time, an imposter, Bashim, used the devotion of the Oracle's followers to boost his magic. He transformed the community of service to a cult whose primary tenet was magic is evil. Except his of course, which was not used to help people but was based on banned black magic. It was during this time Kia received the scar on her forehead that her bangs cover. A scar received from one of the mercenaries who fulfilled Bashim's orders. 

The dichotomy of Kiansel's life is illustrated in the pendant she inherited from her ancestress. Embossed with the symbol of the Oracle as her personal talisman it represents her attachment to the Temple. However, like her mother before her, Kia also feels the pull of magic. But to answer the call means having to turn her back on her family and the temple.

To learn Kia's decision, read Windmaster Golem. One click to estores.

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~ till next time, Helen

2021 J : Journal

 

 

Yes, I realize that I used Journalling for the 2020 topic, but this year focuses more on the means than the action.

What is a journal? One definition is "a daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary." Another way to think of a journal, is the document in which you make the periodic annotations. Before the days of computers and the Internet, a journal was several handfuls of lined or blank pages bound together awaiting your pearls of wisdom and prose. A special cover meant to inspire or enhance your environment with its design provided the basis for purchase for your own use or as a gift.

Woodland scenes, mountain vistas, or even great works of art all grace journal covers. If someone knows you love flowers, you may unwrap a birthday gift to discover it is a special pen and a journal with Monet's water lilies on the cover.

Image by Pashminu Mansukhani from Pixabay

As a writer, I am still old school enough to write out notes and first draft in longhand on paper. The word processor auto-correct frustrating. Especially its habit of turning itself on and changing words after I typed them. The predictive function on my tablet (can't say the name as the manufacturer might send me to their equivalent of jail or delete my reviews) is even worse. As a typist, my mind composes and my eyes stay on the manuscript or the notes, not on the keyboard. With the tablet I am constantly shifting my focus to finger placement to the suggested words, then up to the screen and back to the keyboard again.

Image by Amber Avalona
from Pixabay

The covers attract, calling "Take me home. I am perfect for your next project."But when you get home you say, "I cannot write in you. You are too beautiful I will save you for something special."

So there it sits on the shelf, atop of a pile of other special journals the top dog until the next shiny, glittering one comes along.

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight. 

~ till next time, Helen

2021 I : Inns

 

Inns - an establishment providing accommodations, food, and drink, especially for travelers. Wooden signs depicting name or service help direct customers to their sites. They can have different ambiance. Among the reasons to select a specific place for dinner could be they have "the best fish in the city,” or that "Their wine is always the perfect temperature and never sour.” 

Names could be selected based on their locale. Dockside inns frequented by sailors would be different than one on a trade route. Examples from Imprisoned in Stone are the Sailfish Inn and the Belay and Sail. The world of Windmaster also had places to have a cold brew, stay the night, or to have a meal. 

From Windmaster - An excerpt from Dal and Ellspeth's stop for the night and a meal while being pursued by those who would kill those with magical powers.

Her eyes still downcast as appropriate to her station, Ellspeth opened her eyelids just enough to scrutinize the other occupants. The hair on the back of her neck rose. Danger! Instinct drew her eyes to the staircase on the far wall. There! He is the source. A cleric in the long brown robes of the Oracle of Givneh plodded down the steps into her line of vision. Ellspeth’s breath caught in her throat. He was the same man who had tried to take Sea Falcon—to kill her crew.

“Dal,” she hissed, “he’s the one from the dock.”

Ellspeth’s thoughts raced. If she stayed, the cleric would recognize her. If she tried to leave, it would bring his attention to her even faster.

Dal’s strong arms wrapped around her waist. Ellspeth’s squeal as he pulled her onto his lap pierced the buzz of conversation and bounced off the rafters. His strength rendered her struggles useless. One of the men with his arms around a disheveled woman called out encouragement. Before she could object, Dal’s mouth covered hers. His right hand held the back of her head in a steel grip. Before her lungs were depleted of air, he released her just enough to catch a breath. The whiff of oxygen helped clear Ellspeth’s mind—and focus her thoughts. The cleric couldn’t recognize her if he couldn’t see her face.

One of the ways an inn's name was derived comes from their menu. The Stag and Horn in Bleve Aibheis (Imprisoned in Stone) was known for their marinated venison steaks. 

Use your imagination to figure out what the specialties for the following inns from the Dragshi Chronicles are.  Blackened Cow /  Hook and Horns  /  Fin and Feather. 

From Hatchling's Mate - Glyn and her two friends stop at the local inn for a cold drink. To the world at large (including her friends) Glyn is a male, albeit a slightly shorter, slender one.

Standing, Glyn raked the bully from head to foot. Her lips twitched in a grin. “Since you don’t appreciate fine horseflesh, what do you ride? A dog?”

Tension deepened in the inn and all conversation dropped to a low hum. Their attention focused on the slender Glyn and the bully that towered over the table. The larger man reached down, picked up Kynan’s mug and drained it in a single swig. Slamming the mug back on the table, the bully straightened to his full height.

Glyn held her breath against the rancid odor coming off the man. His attitude proclaimed his intention to fight. With a sigh Glyn shifted into battle stance. She didn’t need to look to know that even though they remained seated, Talann and Kynan were ready to join the fray.

“Only a girl rides a mare,” the bully goaded. “You never answered me. Do you like boys?”

Every eye turned on Glyn to see the response. No man with any honor would stand for such an insult. She shook her head at the inevitable confrontation. She could not answer truthfully and maintain the disguise of her true identity. Option after option was considered, until one approach stood above the others. “And you good sire,” she said with a half bow to hide the sparkle in her eyes, “never answered mine. Do you ride a dog?”

A low growl preceded the bully’s roundhouse swing.

Instincts trained by the best weaponsmasters the Ceoltier Guild could provide, instincts honed with hours of practice against Kynan and Talann, pulled Glyn into a low crouch. She exploded upward, sinking her doubled fists into her attacker’s stomach. With a loud whoosh of air, the large man bent over. Glyn added to the momentum, forcing his head into the table. A grunt and what had been a threat now slid in a boneless lump to the floor.

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight. 

~ till next time, Helen

2021 H : Historian

 

Those of you who have come along on the journey to worlds of imagination have seen references to (or at least hints about) a background in history. Much of my work involved various aspects of a  local history museum and the 17th century building that housed the collections. Even though the museum was the site of a Revolutionary War skirmish, the collections covered the entire span of the town's history. As a result of my association, I also had the opportunity to attend conventions, learn about different eras, and have back room tours of museums. Although I admit it was hard to keep my hands in my pockets so I didn't appropriate an item that I loved or thought would look good in one of the mansion exhibits. 

Unlike Indiana Jones, the archaeological digs I've participated in were not at ancient lost temples but at sites focusing on the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Metal detectors were used to help document the flow of battle; while at other times a trowel and sifter were our tools as we cleared and investigated survey squares. In some ways even though the area was smaller, the survey digs presented more of a challenge. One time  could see the handle and part of one side of an artifact and had to resist the urge to remove. The bulk of the item was outside the marked square and the rule was to leave undisturbed ground and what it contained for future researchers.

How does this experience translate to the writing life?

I think it helps bring the historical aspects a realism I couldn't achieve without the knowledge of life in the past. Research is a fun part of history and the information gathered can be used in more than just non-fiction.

Speaking of non-fiction, I have to admit authoring works that are so far away from fiction that I call it the dark side. Around Matawan and Aberdeen, Of Town And Field: Matawan and Aberdeen, and From the Back Street to Main Street ... And Beyond are the titles of my published local histories.

Around Matawan and Aberdeen - Amazon  /  Info & Buy Links

Of Town and Field <- Amazon  /  Info & Buy Links

From the Back Street to Main Street - Amazon  /  Info & Buy Links

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~ till next time, Helen

2021 G : Gryphlor

 

One aspect of writing fantasy is to create your own world and everything in it from customs to creatures. In the world of the dragshi, there are the gryphlor. Shading of tawny-beige coloring (which sometimes appears as stripes) provides camouflague in the rocky crags and woods of the mountains that are their domain. 

 

Expert climbers, gryphlor can also be found lounging on tree branches, sunning on rocks, or perched ready to pounce on unsuspecting animal--or person--or passes by. 

 

 

 

 

Dangerous even as a solitary hunter, the grphylor usually hunt in packs making them dangerous even to a shifter in dragon form or to a true dragon. 

To illustrate, an excerpt from First Change: Legends From The Eyrie of a gryphlor attack. 

Yelling and waving his staff to distract the attacking pride, Kedar ran from the protection of the woods. A pair of brown- and tan-shaded gryphlor peeled off and loped through the grass. Their target was obvious—him.

The element of surprise now gone, the full pride, from the gray-muzzled to the youngest kit, rose from concealment in the grass until the dragon faced more than a dozen cats. A shifting circle of brown and tan, they padded around Rioghnach, keeping just beyond the reach of her claws. Kedar suppressed a moan at the realization of the dragon’s plight. Teeth and talons weren’t enough. She needed dragon fire. But every time she sucked down air, a cat leaped so that she could not catch more than a quick draft, never enough to fuel her flame. No matter how hard she tried, the dragon didn’t catch more than an odd piece of fur with her fiery breath.

And I can’t help, Kedar cursed. He needed all his focus to battle the gryphlor stalking him.

A giant paw raked toward his face. The staff blocked the blow, but the force of the collision rocked him from hand to shoulder.

 

The Dragshi Chronicles - one click to estores

 

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~ till next time, Helen 

2021 F : Favorites

 

I admit that I am going to take the easy way out today. Over the years, several blogs posts have featured on our favorite item in a particular category. That made it easy to consolidate, review, and come up with a post.

First up is favorite author. Drumroll please ... I couldn't decide on a single author so there is a list of favorites.

Anne McCaffrey, mistress of Dragonhold, for her Tower and Hive series and the Dragon Riders of Pern.
Louis L'Amor, because he walked the ground he wrote about
Barbara Hambly, for her use of magic
Katherine Kurtz, of course I'd want to meet her in the land of Scotland where the Adept series took place 

Next category is favorite character. If the choice is restricted to other authors' characters, one is Sir Adam Sinclair from the Adept series because of his humanity, courage, and sense of duty. And then there are the Travern Brothers and the Sackett brothers, not only because of the characters as written but also the actors (Sam Elliott and Tom Selleck) who portrayed them in the movies.

I am as conflicted when it comes to the favorite of my own characters. To an author that is like asking them to choose between their children. If I don't choose one of the dragshi, their dragon soul twin might break the rule against flaming a human. Then of course, it wouldn't do to tick off the Archmage. He might turn me into a toad. So I'll split the difference. 

When Glyn first appeared, I immediately loved her. Not because she was beautiful, but her sense of duty. Capturing the character was especially difficult as she was in essence two people. Her true self and her alter-ego Glyn which she presented to the world. Then there was the reveal to her closest friends of the truth she had tried so hard to hide.

One click to estores:
Hatchling's Mate  / Hatchling's Vengeance

On the other side. Ellspeth, captain of Sea Falcon and Windmaster was one of my first characters. And as they often say, your first is always special. If you want to learn more about Ellspeth, her tale begins in Windmaster and continues in the rest of the Windmaster Novels.

One click to estores: 
Windmaster  /  Windmaster Legacy /  Windmaster Golem
  
If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~ till next time, Helen

2021 E : Editing, Love it or Hate it

As a writer, I've worn many hats. Feature story writer, correspondent, novelist, and short story writer. No matter the length, nor whether fiction or non-fiction, they all needed editing. Over the years, I've had other experience wearing the editor hat. I not only had to edit my work, but I worked as an editor in a corporate environment. There it wasn't fiction, but corporate documents, presentations, catalogs, and marketing literature that  required  a firm hand and a green pen.

There are two main thoughts on the act of editing. You might think of it as a final polish, just making your good work better.

Then there is the other attitude. That you are ripping to shreds the story you just worked so hard to finish.


As to whether I love or hate editing? I think it depends on the time and the project. But no matter what, I know editing is a necessary evil.

~till next time, Helen

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.