Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 75
September 21, 2017
Changing Seasons #MFRWauthor
What is the best part of each season? Now there are different aspects to the seasons depending on where you are from. In the northeast, there are distinct seasonal changes. Of course, some of them might feel only a few weeks long, but temperatures, storms, and different crops in the fields tell the story.
Winter - the calm serenity of falling snow
Autumn - cool, crisp nights contrast with warm days as the hills are painted in a multi-colored blanket.
Summer - Setting on the lakeside dock watching the sun set over the mountains and telling time by the afternoon rain
Spring - rebirth of the land as the birds return from the southern climes, the flowers poke their heads through the ground to brighten the stark landscape
Don't forget to visit the rest of this week's post in the challenge and be sure to come back each week for new insights into authors & their writinglife. Helen
Winter - the calm serenity of falling snow
Autumn - cool, crisp nights contrast with warm days as the hills are painted in a multi-colored blanket.
Summer - Setting on the lakeside dock watching the sun set over the mountains and telling time by the afternoon rain
Spring - rebirth of the land as the birds return from the southern climes, the flowers poke their heads through the ground to brighten the stark landscape
Don't forget to visit the rest of this week's post in the challenge and be sure to come back each week for new insights into authors & their writinglife. Helen
September 19, 2017
Hooked on Windmaster Legacy, Losing Her Ship #MFRWHooks #MFRWAuthor
Windmaster Legacy
(Book 2 of the Windmaster Novels
Blurb:
Newly handfasted to the dark-haired archmage Lord Dal, Ellspeth and her husband escort his mother on a final journey to her ancestral lands. Their plans change when mercenaries under the control of Bashim, a rogue mage, attack. Dal's mother is severely wounded and Ellspeth is captured. Her sole hope for escape is Nobyn, an untrained wizard going through the throes of awakening magic. However, Nobyn is Bashim's apprentice and under the mage's total control.
Dal must make an impossible decision whether to rescue his wife, cure his mother, or thwart Bashim's plans. More than who lives or dies is at stake. He might be able to live with his guilt over the death of a loved one, but could he survive killing the future of magic.
Excerpt:
The man’s raspy voice barely carried past the table. Ellspeth strained to hear him. “Captain Ellspeth, do you acknowledge you relinquished command of Sea Falcon to your first officer? That you abandoned your ship and crew in the Northern Sea?”
All the anger she had at her mother because there had been no warning the summons was anything other than routine fled in an instant. With every bit of strength, Ellspeth fought to keep the waiver from her voice. After a gulp of air, she was able to answer with a simple, “Yes.”
“Then by the ruling of the council of the House of Cszabo, you are hereby stripped of your rank and command. I order you to surrender your captain’s bracelets.”
~ * ~
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Ebook and paperback Available At: Amazon / Amazon UK
We're all hooked on books. Click on a link to hop to the next blog.
September 14, 2017
Want to win my heart? Chocolate #mfrwauthor
This is going to be the shortest post yet. Most of the items don't require explanation or more information than I care to give.5 -- Ordering takeout when I'm exhausted
4 -- Boston Cream Pie
3--A steak dinner with a glass of wine or frozen schnapps drink
2--Putting the dishes away without being asked
1--A back rub before bed.
So obvious it doesn't have to be on the list: kindness and dark chocolate
~till next time. Visit the other posts in the challenge to see what it takes to win other's hearts. Then come back each week for new insights into authors and their #writinglife.
September 7, 2017
Manage Time? Not Happening. #mfrwauthor
If you've been following the challenge, you'll have learned there's a lot of aspects to my life. In addition, I've reached a stage in life where multi-tasking slows down getting something finished, rather than enabling more tasks to be done.
Managing is often synonymous with scheduling. My to do list is at the whim fate and the control of others. My idea of "me time" is a quick shower or a few hours of sleep. When I do schedule specific time, the Peter Principle will come into play and a emergency will take precedence.
While my fiction writing time isn't managed as such, I do know how. When I covered events as a correspondent, I'd drive there (it helped keep me calm for all the interviews), then my husband would drive home. I would use the return time to write the articles while the memories-- and shorthand-- were fresh in my mind. Before that, when I worked in New York City in the World Trade Center, the hour-long train ride each way (more in bad weather) was dedicated to writing.
Stop by the rest of the posts in the hop to see how the other authors manage their writing time.
~till next time, Helen
Managing is often synonymous with scheduling. My to do list is at the whim fate and the control of others. My idea of "me time" is a quick shower or a few hours of sleep. When I do schedule specific time, the Peter Principle will come into play and a emergency will take precedence.
While my fiction writing time isn't managed as such, I do know how. When I covered events as a correspondent, I'd drive there (it helped keep me calm for all the interviews), then my husband would drive home. I would use the return time to write the articles while the memories-- and shorthand-- were fresh in my mind. Before that, when I worked in New York City in the World Trade Center, the hour-long train ride each way (more in bad weather) was dedicated to writing.Stop by the rest of the posts in the hop to see how the other authors manage their writing time.
~till next time, Helen
Cover Reveal - First Change: Legends From the Eyrie
Designing a cover. Do you want a tantalizing scene of the fantasy word? Your name is larger print that the title? Or a half-naked hunk?
These are a few thoughts that went into the design of the cover for First Change: Legends From The Eyrie.
What made things more challenging was that this was the fifth volume set in the world of the dragshi. For those who haven't followed them, the dragshi are more than just a man or woman, but two beings—one human, the other a dragon. The pair share one body in space and time and are able to change forms with the other at will. But be warned, a dragon form comes with more than just the freedom of the sky.
Unlike the four full-length novels which recounted the tales of the trader girl Anastasia and the Dragshi Lord Branin Llewlyn, First Change is a collection of several novellas and short stories. None of the tales are related other than they all take place in the world of the dragon shifters. The events take place in a different era, with different characters.
A cover design could use elements from all the stories or from just one. In the end, Fire and Ice was used as the basis for the cover design. The setting of the Nerelan equivalent of the Far East, a beautiful empress, and the green token that determined her fate were the elements selected. And so without more ado, here is the cover for First Change: Legends From the Eyrie.
For more information on the legends of the dragshi told within First Change, click on the cover.
These are a few thoughts that went into the design of the cover for First Change: Legends From The Eyrie.
What made things more challenging was that this was the fifth volume set in the world of the dragshi. For those who haven't followed them, the dragshi are more than just a man or woman, but two beings—one human, the other a dragon. The pair share one body in space and time and are able to change forms with the other at will. But be warned, a dragon form comes with more than just the freedom of the sky.
Unlike the four full-length novels which recounted the tales of the trader girl Anastasia and the Dragshi Lord Branin Llewlyn, First Change is a collection of several novellas and short stories. None of the tales are related other than they all take place in the world of the dragon shifters. The events take place in a different era, with different characters.
A cover design could use elements from all the stories or from just one. In the end, Fire and Ice was used as the basis for the cover design. The setting of the Nerelan equivalent of the Far East, a beautiful empress, and the green token that determined her fate were the elements selected. And so without more ado, here is the cover for First Change: Legends From the Eyrie.
For more information on the legends of the dragshi told within First Change, click on the cover.
August 31, 2017
What's Bad for One is Good for Another #MFRWauthor
This topic is not fair. Giving insights into ourselves so our readers see us as a person is one thing. Revealing something that could get us in trouble is another. And what can be a bad thing in one situation is a good one in another.
When I started the self-evaluation, bad habits way too quickly filled the fingers on one hand and was heading for the next hand, then one foot, and the other foot. So what to cover?
Bad Habit #1 - too focused. I've always been detail-oriented and able to focus on the small aspects of a project. It makes for a good researcher or computer programmer. However, due to the miles covered, now I can only focus on one thing at a time. It's not a field of depth has lessened as much as quantity. I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as ever was.
As far as the rest of the possible items? That's for me to know. And be sure to visit the other authors in the challenge.
~till next time, Helen
When I started the self-evaluation, bad habits way too quickly filled the fingers on one hand and was heading for the next hand, then one foot, and the other foot. So what to cover?
Bad Habit #1 - too focused. I've always been detail-oriented and able to focus on the small aspects of a project. It makes for a good researcher or computer programmer. However, due to the miles covered, now I can only focus on one thing at a time. It's not a field of depth has lessened as much as quantity. I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as ever was.
As far as the rest of the possible items? That's for me to know. And be sure to visit the other authors in the challenge.
~till next time, Helen
August 24, 2017
Close the door. It's private. #mfrwauthor
There are different ways to approach the prompt of "open doors, closed doors." It could be the concept where one door opens, another closes.
Photo by Julie McMurry
Her true gender revealed, Glyn, bodyguard to the newest dragon lord, could no longer fulfill her duty to the dragshi. However, the closing of that door removed the barricade to love. Hatchling's Curse
An alternate scenario was related in Windmaster Legacy. When Ellspeth, captain of Sea Falcon, is stripped of her rank, it seemed like the end of the world. She lost her ship, her crew, and she thought...her future. But then a voice called out asking to speak to the council and in the open door stood the archmage Lord Dal. I'll leave you to read the story to learn about what path that door led to.
Photo by CullyBarbosaHowever, open or closed doors can relate to the steam level of a story. First off, I admit I don't usually write sweet romance. And I prefer sensual versus explicit. I try not to write anything I would be embarrassed to have my mother or mother-in-law read.
That is not to say that my characters don't go beyond a simple hug or even a passionate kiss. In one book, the consummation of the main characters’ relationship started off in real terms then allegory did the rest. Remember the 1950s movies? A passionate kiss, heading toward the bedroom, the closing door, fireworks going off, then the heroine emerging from the bedroom in the hero’s pajama top.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit the other posts in the challenge to see whether the doors are open or closed.
~till next time.
Photo by Julie McMurryHer true gender revealed, Glyn, bodyguard to the newest dragon lord, could no longer fulfill her duty to the dragshi. However, the closing of that door removed the barricade to love. Hatchling's Curse
An alternate scenario was related in Windmaster Legacy. When Ellspeth, captain of Sea Falcon, is stripped of her rank, it seemed like the end of the world. She lost her ship, her crew, and she thought...her future. But then a voice called out asking to speak to the council and in the open door stood the archmage Lord Dal. I'll leave you to read the story to learn about what path that door led to.
Photo by CullyBarbosaHowever, open or closed doors can relate to the steam level of a story. First off, I admit I don't usually write sweet romance. And I prefer sensual versus explicit. I try not to write anything I would be embarrassed to have my mother or mother-in-law read. That is not to say that my characters don't go beyond a simple hug or even a passionate kiss. In one book, the consummation of the main characters’ relationship started off in real terms then allegory did the rest. Remember the 1950s movies? A passionate kiss, heading toward the bedroom, the closing door, fireworks going off, then the heroine emerging from the bedroom in the hero’s pajama top.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit the other posts in the challenge to see whether the doors are open or closed.
~till next time.
August 17, 2017
Batteries Dead...Recharge Needed #mfrwauthor
It's been a long, rough day...week...month...year...decade? How to return to some semblance of a human.
I used to do partial restores with nightly walks to the waterfront to watch the sunset over the bluffs. Weekends were bicycle rides through the woods and marshlands, a rest on the sand dunes on the bay, and ice cream to finish out the trip. Weekends working on a lakeside log cabin removed more of the stress of life. As did the books read at night. Entertainment in the mountains is old school because after the nation went digital all television disappeared. Not even a 100-foot tower enabled any reception.
However, those options are no longer available. A move to the other side of the country and caregiving responsibilities keep me at home, so no more walks or bike excursions.
So what do I do when the battery is dead and sleep isn't enough spark to recharge it?
Handcrafts open the door to relaxation by separating mind from body. Then a cold drink, a rocking chair on the front porch and watching the sun set behind the trees provides balm to a troubled soul. And if the muse if visiting, maybe some writing.
Be sure to stop by the other posts in the challenge to see how others recharge.
~till next time, peace and harmony, and strength for the day to come. Helen
I used to do partial restores with nightly walks to the waterfront to watch the sunset over the bluffs. Weekends were bicycle rides through the woods and marshlands, a rest on the sand dunes on the bay, and ice cream to finish out the trip. Weekends working on a lakeside log cabin removed more of the stress of life. As did the books read at night. Entertainment in the mountains is old school because after the nation went digital all television disappeared. Not even a 100-foot tower enabled any reception.
However, those options are no longer available. A move to the other side of the country and caregiving responsibilities keep me at home, so no more walks or bike excursions. So what do I do when the battery is dead and sleep isn't enough spark to recharge it?
Handcrafts open the door to relaxation by separating mind from body. Then a cold drink, a rocking chair on the front porch and watching the sun set behind the trees provides balm to a troubled soul. And if the muse if visiting, maybe some writing.
Be sure to stop by the other posts in the challenge to see how others recharge.
~till next time, peace and harmony, and strength for the day to come. Helen
August 10, 2017
Ten Years? A Lifetime #mfrwauthor
Ten years.... a decade. Depending on your age, it could be 10, 20, or even 30% of the life you've experienced. I come from a generation where a lady never reveals her age so I won't tell my percent But even still, 10 years is a long time.
I can't imagine what my life will be 10 years from now. Will I be alive? In reasonably good health? Still a caregiver? Will I even be able to type or write? Only the fates know the answer to that. As to what I'd like for the decade to include? I'd like to capture more of the books rattling around in my drawer or gathering dust in my head and get them on paper and published.
And I'd like to have a presenter nametag from a major convention stuck on the corkboard in my office.
There is a flip side to dreams -- reality. I don't expect to be a presenter at RWA or a major sci-fi conference. Or win a Rone, Rita, or any other award.
Where will you be in 10 years? Share in a comment and be sure to visit the other posts in the challenge.
~till next time, Helen
I can't imagine what my life will be 10 years from now. Will I be alive? In reasonably good health? Still a caregiver? Will I even be able to type or write? Only the fates know the answer to that. As to what I'd like for the decade to include? I'd like to capture more of the books rattling around in my drawer or gathering dust in my head and get them on paper and published.
And I'd like to have a presenter nametag from a major convention stuck on the corkboard in my office.
There is a flip side to dreams -- reality. I don't expect to be a presenter at RWA or a major sci-fi conference. Or win a Rone, Rita, or any other award.
Where will you be in 10 years? Share in a comment and be sure to visit the other posts in the challenge.
~till next time, Helen
August 8, 2017
Windmaster Behind the Scenes - Carved Doors
Carved in the panels of a pair of ancient wooden doors, the mottos of the trading guild, House of Cszabo, were introduced in Windmaster. Fair Trade – Fair Profit triggered Ellspeth's childhood memories of when she took trips with her grandmother Rima. Voyages which set the stage for Ellspeth's own destiny as the bearer of golden bracelets of command. And imbued in her the proper way to treat others. I used gold bracelets to mirror the way her guild implemented the golden rule.
The second guild motto, Kin Above All – But Honor, did more than illustrate Ellspeth's sense of duty. It sent her on the vengeance path with the Archmage. To her kin meant more than just by blood, it also pertained to any member of her trading house. So the death of her cabin boy and the attempted murder of her entire crew by a kinsman broke the vow both ways.
There were several inspirations for the second motto. Bushido, a Samurai code that places honor above all else. The actual working of the inspiration for the motto was “Loyalty before all else except honor.” Lt. Vincent Hardy, Striking Distance.
Hope you enjoyed this insight into the Windmaster Novels. Visit the page for more information and buy links.
~Till next time, Helen
