Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 42

Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Maerva Threatened #mfrwhooks

 

 
A teaser of magic of a darker kind from Imprisoned in Stone. For the crime of healing without payment, the Brethren imprisoned Dylan’s soul in stone. Every full moon, they awakened him and renewed the bonds. When the blood dried on the stone, his awareness faded, but during those few brief moments, he had one thought--revenge. 

For this weeks teaser, more of the start of Dylan's revenge. But the question remains. At what cost will it be achieved?

Excerpt:

The man swept the blade aside, then moved in with a series of thrusts. His longer reach, combined with his partner’s heavier weight, forced Gareth back a step, then two, then three. The sound of other battles sent his pulse racing. Maerva! 

“We will save her,” Dylan vowed. “They may have dismissed your powers. They won’t mine!”  

Dylan’s magic, stronger than anything Gareth had ever experienced, stronger even than Tralin’s, gathered to form a solid shield. Sparks limned sword and dagger, then merged into a solid flame that hid the metal. 

 A fiery spear soared to the closest attacker. The glow struck the monk in the middle of his chest—and adhered. Inch by inch, the fire spread until the robe burst into flames. His scream cut off in mid-breath. Gareth threw a final flare which turned the man into a pile of ash which disappeared in the light breeze.

The second monk stared at his missing comrade. “Enough,” he yelled. With a yank he pulled the robe over his head and swung the heavy fabric in ever increasing circles. He released his grip, sending a black-winged creature fluttering at Gareth’s head.

A flick of Gareth’s dagger sent a burning ribbon toward the entral which vanished in a puff of smoke. “You’re right,” Gareth rasped. “It was enough.” Maerva’s yell spun him. Her opponent had pinned her against a tree. The monk’s dagger raised for a killing blow.
 

*** End of Excerpt ***

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History ReWritten

Today, I whispered a prayer and hit return, sending my latest novel, Windmaster Golem, into the publisher's hands. Normally I don't look for a new project for at least a few weeks to allow the brain to reset. Especially if it is the last book in a series because I need a little time to start separating from the characters and to grieve their loss. However I read a news article that literally stopped me dead in my tracks.

Those of you who know me, know that I am not political. I keep my views to myself. However, the historian part of my background can't remain silent on the latest attack on historical monuments. HR 7608 includes the provision to remove all Confederate "commemorative works," such as statues, monuments, sculptures, memorials, and plaques from Federal lands within 180 days of passage. Now it is up to the U.S. Senate to stop the immeasurable loss.

How will this work into a storyline? I'm not sure yet. It could be a time travel where the trigger is the removal of a monument. I would probably base it on one of the statues or memorials at Gettysburg National Military Park. It has been a while since I walked the hallowed ground however the feeling remains with you. And a walk through an old cemetery will renew it.  Or maybe a time travel romance utilizing Gettysburg National Cemetery as the locale.

Image by Dan Urban from Pixabay

Or the setting could be a distant future where the monuments were removed, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was forgotten, and a handful of activists control what you see, read, or are allowed to buy.

The storyline that resonates the most considering the current state of the world would be a dark fantasy. One of the pictures for inspiration would be the five-figure sculpture group at Gettysburg’s North Carolina Memorial, a masterpiece that depicts the emotions of men facing a desperate attack. With each memorial moved, those who fought and died return to take their vengeance on those who disturbed their eternal rest.

I want to end this post with a thought from decorated combat veteran Elliott Ackerman. His words speaks to me amidst the increasing cry not to interpretm but to remove or destroy all historical monuments because the people or their time weren't perfect. 

“An area of our complex past that should be left untouched are battlefields... Blood consecrates a battlefield, and it is never the blood of only one side.”

~till next time. Helen

For my take on honor, duty, loyalty, click on the covers below for a free read of the short story Echoes From The Valley. Or check out the anthology, Hearth and Sand: Stories From The Front Lines and the Homefront (available at Amazon and elsewhere.)

   

Echoes From The Valley -- When the valley echoes with the sound of a popular Civil War tune, two reenactors encounter a soldier from the past and learn the true meaning of duty--in this life and the one beyond. 

Hearth and Sand -- Twelve tales of those who served on the battle front, and the stories of the loved ones left behind who preserved the homefront.

Unaminity Works #mfrwauthor

Welcome to Week 33 of the MFRW 52-week challenge. The topic is "Online dating.. Have you? Would you?" 

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
I've been married almost fifty years. Back when I and my other half met, online dating wasn't a thing. If in the future I found myself single and needing companionship, would I use an online dating service? Probably not. I prefer the personal touch. Although I do admit there could be advantages to the unanimity of the Internet.

But for now, my sole interaction with online dating was as a graphic designer when I created some literature for a local start up.

~till next time, Helen

Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Revenge Approaches #mfrwauthor #mfrwhooks

 
A teaser of magic of a darker kind from Imprisoned in Stone. For the crime of healing without payment, the Brethren imprisoned Dylan’s soul in stone. Every full moon, they awakened him and renewed the bonds. When the blood dried on the stone, his awareness faded, but during those few brief moments, he had one thought--revenge. 

For this weeks teaser, the start of Dylan's revenge. But the question arises. At what cost will it be achieved?

Excerpt:

Whether the heat came from his lifeforce or magic, the stone beneath Gareth's hand warmed. The pain vanished, replaced by exultation. 

Thoughts in two voices rang in his head. One was his own. The other held anger nurtured by ages of imprisonment. “I am free,” Dylan yelled. “Revenge will be mine!”

Strength from an unknown source surged through Gareth’s body. He rolled to his knees, fumbled at his boot and withdrew a dagger. Fighting back a groan, he reached out with a blood-stained hand and pulled himself upright. He pushed off the rock and stood, his weapons at the ready. He wavered.

“Help me, Dylan,” Gareth begged.

“What I have is yours,” Dylan answered.

Power, even greater than what Gareth imagined possible, filled his frame. The encroaching darkness withdrew. Now steady on his feet, he assumed a defensive stance. “Colwynn, take care of Maerva. Don’t worry about me.” A weapon in each hand, he tested their weight. “I can pull my own freight.”

“So you think,” Nemor snarled. 

Gareth judged the two monks in front of him and the one menacing Maerva. Hard eyes and the way they held steady a pair of short swords indicated none of the three were strangers to weapons or fighting. In flashing images he reviewed Maerva’s skill with the blade. She had learned a lot during their lessons and sparring sessions. Still the reality was inescapable. She was no match for the man she faced.

“Then,” Dylan ordered, “we take them all.” His thought came so clear into Gareth’s mind it seemed it was his own. No one will harm Maerva.

Gareth felt the other’s bloodlust. Nemor will die.

Energy which could only have come from the imprisoned mage flooded Gareth. Muscles exhausted from hard riding now felt fully rested. Although he knew he would pay later, he accepted the gift. His determination to save Maerva matched Dylan’s.

Unsure how long their blended strength would last, Gareth knew he could not afford to wait. He charged the taller of the monks.
 

*** End of Excerpt ***

Buy Links: One click to ebook sellers
Paperback at Amazon / Barnes&Noble

Does it count? #MFRWAuthor

Welcome to Week 32 of the MFRW 52-week challenge. The topic is "Do You Vote?" 

First, please don't blast, troll, or denigrate me for this post. Let me say I have never been a member of any political party. That is until the state I lived in arbitrarily divided all registered votes without a party affiliation into a one of two political parties. If you didn't like the one they assigned, you could go down to the Boro Hall and request be put in the other one. So technically even though I was in XXX party, I was not a card carrying, issue supporter of the group.
While I never fully believed in the value of a single vote in state or national elections (small fish, big pond,) for most of my adult life I did vote. Maybe not in a particular national primary, but I made sure to trudge down to the firehouse for the town, county, state, and specialty elections. 

I even continued to do so even though every few months green postcards summoning me to town X for pettit or grand jury started arriving in my mailbox. Now some info, the zip code I lived in straddled two counties. And the one I was not a resident of kept ordering me to appear for jury duty. Which meant I had to drop everything, gather up proof of ineligibility and pay postage to submit it. Then there was the stress of waiting. Did some clerk who couldn't read English just rubber stamp "EXCUSE REJECTED" or did I get a judge on a bad day who rejected the appeal.

Then there was the day a pink card came to report to the state capital. Now, a family member had just completed that public service. He drove the hour (each way), several days a week for six months. He was retired. Me? If I didn't work, I didn't get paid. I also had no car at the time and no direct public transportation. Of course, I could spend $30 a day to take two trains to the hub in the next state, then switch to Amtrack to go to the state capital. Altogether the trip was at least two hours plus each way. When I requested a hardship exclusion, the clerk told me to "take a taxi."  That was more than $100 each way.

Those of you who follow my blog for a while know I am a full-time caregiver. In response to one letter requesting a hardship release from the civic duty, I was told to have a family member drive 1200 miles to be available to cover my responsibilities. Or to leave the person being cared for alone all day. After all, the person is an adult, and everyone over the age of 15 has to be able to care for themselves.

As to whether or not I still believe whether a single vote counts or not? Several years ago, an elderly man well known for his civic service died. The next local election ended in a hung vote. Multiple recounts all came in with the same result. Neither candidate had even a single vote more. The saying around town during the resultant campaign and run-off was that if XXX was still alive there wouldn't be a run-off. His vote would have put one of them over the top.

Now you may ask why I am talking jury summonses when the topic is voting and as to why I no longer do so. Depending on the jurisdiction, being on the voter list puts you at the top of the jury selection queue. In my old state I have another decade to go before exemption based on age can be requested. In my new one? No such exemption exists.

Someday when my caregiving has ended I will again join the ranks of those able to speak their voice. Until then, I have others to express my opinion and protect my interests.


~till next time, Helen

Tuesday's TItle, Perfume Paradise on Last Chance Beach

Fragrance and love cannot be hidden.

Title: Perfume Paradise (Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End Collection)

Author: Connie Vines

Date of Release: August 4, 2020
Genre: Romance

Buy Links:  Amazon 

Blurb: Last Chance Beach
Last Chance Beach is the island paradise where dreams go to live again and wishes may come true. It’s Summer’s End on the island, and the cottages, condos, hotels, and bungalows are filled to capacity.

This is a special collection of 14 short stories from bestselling authors—all new, never published before—that will thrill the hopeful romantic in you. Some stories are sweet, some are sizzling hot. All will touch your heart and make you want to book a vacation to LAST CHANCE BEACH!

And in Particular About: Perfume Paradise

Tempest Javid, master-perfumer, returns to the family cottage to begin a new life. Sam Bennett, single-dad, is on vacation with his pre-teen daughter. While his daughter strikes up a friendship with Tempest. Sam is worried his daughter will become too attached and be hurt. But after spending time with the beautiful perfumer, Sam realizes he may be the one headed for heart-break.

Behind the Scenes with Connie Vines:

While I am a writer, novelist, and retired educator, I also have a background in perfuming. While I am not a master-perfumer (a ‘nose’) like Tempest in my short-short story, Paradise Perfume, or Persia Richmond in Gumbo Ya Ya , my upcoming release by BWL Publishing, I was employed by a perfumery as a fragrance consultant. I tested the PH levels of each of client, selected fragrances, and discussed the notes and the impression of each fragrance (signature). The proper way to ‘wear’ and store perfumes, etc.

For more on Connie and her works, find her on the web at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Book Bub

Celebrate Romance - No it's not February already

When you think romance, usually Valentine's Day comes to mind.  But there is another month that readers of romance books should keep in mind. August is Read a Romance Month - a time for readers of romance to celebrate the genre.

Read-A-Romance Month was conceived and launched in 2013 by freelance writer and romance advocate Bobbi Dumas after she realized there was no one place where the community celebrated romance all together, at one time, in a concentrated way. She says she picked August was chosen because summer reading tends to be lighter fare, and even eclectic readers tend to pick up more romance.

“Why Read-A-Romance MONTH?! I read romance every day!”
Don't worry. Think of it more as the month when we come together to CELEBRATE romance! A time when readers and writers can come together and celebrate this joyful, awesome genre.

My contributions to romance last year was Windmaster Legend . Click on the covers or the title links for more on this fantasy romance. And for this year? Coming in October--Windmaster Golem.

Fantasy, contemporary, historical and more, it doesn't matter the subgenre. We all need a little romance in our life. Grab a romance and open the page. It's Read A Romance Month.

~till next time, Helen

Not A World Traveler #mfrwauthor

I am not a world traveler. I've been to a few countries in the Orient (Japan, Vietnam) for short stays or passing through on the way elsewhere. And I spent a year in the Phillippines. There have been a few excursions across borders into the neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico. One was for a week's vacation camping and the other was a daytrip. As I said, I"m not a world traveler. But a dream would be to spend time exploring the land of my ancestors, my hearthome of Scotland with side trips to Ireland and Wales.

Image by Greg Montani from Pixabay
And for a totally unrealistic trip outside out my home country? To spend several weeks, or months, exploring Australia and the outback.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
~till next time, Helen

Chocolate? Yes! #mfrwauthor

Welcome to another week of the MFRW challenge. The topic is "Chocolate." 

Image by Nawal Escape from Pixabay
An impromptu survey of dark, milk, or light chocolate resulted in two questions:

What is light chocolate?
And, you forgot white chocolate.

The answer as to preference was a simple "Yes."

As for myself, I'll take chocolate in any form. Although if two plates were before me, I'd be hard pressed to choose between dark and white chocolate.


~till next time, Helen

Whatever Works #mfrwauthor

Welcome to Week 29 of the MFRW 52-week challenge. The topic is "Buying a new car. Brand loyalty or best price."

How to answer? The earliest family cars I remember were Studebakers. Then there were beetle bugs (including the Gray Ghost which has handed down from child to child) and a Dodge truck for farm use. New cars I purchased myself were a Volkswagen Rabbit, Datsun King Cab, and two Dodge Caravans. Throw in a Simka and an inherited Buick and Ford Taurus and you can see why "loyalty" to a brand might not be the correct word.

Functionality is more important than brand. A hatchback filled the need for moving items in one case. And the rear seat in the small size pickup so children could safely sit while transporting their stuff in the truck bed met another.need Unlike today with the expansion of car models and manufacturers, back them, options were limited as only one manufacturer had the needed designs.

All I know is I"m hoping my current inherited car lasts a few more years. Then I need one with seats that I don't have to manhandle out when I need storage and something that is easy to load a wheelchair into.


~till next time, Helen