Aurora Springer's Blog, page 28
July 16, 2019
Celebrate this Century - What do you appreciate most about living today?
Celebrate this Century
Earlier this month I asked my newsletter subscribers what they appreciated most about living in this century. I gave them five possible options and they could also click on Other and send me a comment.
Options and Votes
Medical Advances – 11%Refrigerators – 5%Social Media – 2%Cell Phones – 1%Fast Travel – 1%Other – 6%
Examples of Other advantages
A good thing about being alive this century is that more girls (unfortunately not all) are taught to read and have access to reading materials for school and, of course, to books.
Computers.
Living in this century, I’m thankful for Ben & Jerry’s salted caramel ice cream
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July 13, 2019
A Cunning Thrust - Snippet from Medieval Romance for #WeWriWa
Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories. Find a new author and sample their work. Enjoy!
I am continuing snippets from my new medieval romance set in fourteenth century England in and around my hometown of Reading.
Audrey is walking home through gloomy streets during a break in the thunderstorms. Thirteen-year old Alfred, one of her servants, is with her.
You can read last week’s snippet here – https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2019/07/a-muddy-street-snippet-from-medieval.htmlThe last line was: A man came running out of the shadows toward us, a sword in his hand.Note: I’ve skipped a couple of lines.
He blew a whistle, and strode toward us. Wearing a horseman’s short cloak and boots, his lips were a grim line beneath his green hood, and he meant to intervene. Gripping my staff, I stood my ground. Before I could decide whether the newcomer favored me or my attacker, the clatter of fast running boots heralded two more armed men. They raced onto the street, and slowed by the tall man. He pointed his sword tip at the villain I’d felled and snapped an order, “Restrain the thief.” Alfred stepped aside as the yeomen obeyed their instructions. The leader sheathed his sword. He focused on me, his gaze lingering on my face. Doffing his hood and exposing his short auburn hair, he cried, “A cunning thrust, lady.”
Draft Blurb
A young widow in possession of a good business must be in want of a husband. In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey prizes her independence as the widow of a cloth merchant. The town elders covet her prosperous business, but she has no desire to remarry and submit to a husband’s will. Her kindness to a stranger earns Bridda’s blessing and a brooch with a green dragon offers a glimpse into the supernatural world. The faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome bailiff, Selwyn Drake. Can she evade the schemes to force her into wedlock and retain her independence? Dare to enter Chaucer’s England: this story, like the middle ages, is not for the faint of heart or squeamish. It mixes blood, mud, and violent death with joyful laughter and sweet-scented flowers.
My Book Special this month A Tale of Two Colonies – 99c in July Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N For refugees from an overcrowded Earth, dreams of a better life on an alien planet transform into a terrifying battle for survival.
As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE . Join me on Facebook and Twitter
July 6, 2019
A Muddy Street - Snippet from Medieval Romance for #WeWriWa
Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories. Find a new author and sample their work. Enjoy!
I am continuing snippets from my new medieval romance set in fourteenth century England in and around my hometown of Reading.
I have skipped to the next chapter after Audrey has returned to her house (and cloth shop) in Redding. Here is an action scene! Audrey has just paid the fees for a stall at Saint James’ Fair. During a break in the thunderstorms, she is walking home through gloomy streets. She is using a staff to avoid slipping in the mud. Thirteen-year old Alfred, one of her servants, is lagging behind.
You can read last week’s snippet here – https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2...
Cued by the squelch of footsteps in the mud behind me, I whirled around, gripping my staff in both hands. A hooded man with a knife grabbed for my arm. Acting swiftly, I cracked the stick on his wrist. Spitting a vulgar oath, he jerked away; the knife dropped from his fist. On the backstroke, I knocked my staff against the side of his head. He stumbled onto the cobblestones, cursing like a maniac. Young Alfred raced up and grabbed his arms. Alfie might be skinny, yet he is strong for his age. He wrestled the churl’s hands behind his back. A man came running out of the shadows toward us, a sword in his hand.
Draft Blurb
A young widow in possession of a good business must be in want of a husband. In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey enjoys her independence as the widow of a cloth merchant. She has no desire to remarry and submit to a husband’s will, but the town elders covet her prosperous business. Her kindness to a stranger earns Bridda’s blessing and a brooch with a green dragon offers glimpses into the hidden world of the supernatural. The faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome bailiff, Selwyn Drake. Can she evade the schemes to force her into wedlock and retain her independence?
My Book Special this month A Tale of Two Colonies – 99c in July Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N For refugees from an overcrowded Earth, dreams of a better life on an alien planet transform into a terrifying battle for survival.
As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE . Join me on Facebook and Twitter
July 1, 2019
July - 99c Book Bargains Plus #Freebies in #SciFi and #Fantasy
July Paranormal and Sci-Fi Romance Book Fair - https://storyoriginapp.com/to/JY2A57Z
Science Fiction Humor - https://books.bookfunnel.com/scifihumor/8b17dtg1uo
July Giveaway Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror - https://storyoriginapp.com/to/ys8DMx6zJune 29, 2019
A Penniless Man? Snippet from Medieval Romance for #WeWriWa
Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories. Find a new author and sample their work. Enjoy!
I am continuing snippets from my new medieval romance set in fourteenth century England in and around my hometown of Reading.
My heroine Audrey and her cousin Margaret are traveling home from their pilgrimage to Glastonbury Abbey. They are on the last day of their journey when four horsemen gallop from behind. Everyone is nervous because outlaws have attacked travelers on this road recently.
This snippet continues from last week with minor deletions and repunctuation to fit. Note – Audrey has a grey mare called Daisy and a wolfhound, Rufus. You can read last week’s snippet here – https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2...The last sentence was: A sudden smile warmed his severe face and lit green streaks in his hazel eyes.
My heart gave a flutter of delight and I returned his smile. The yeoman gave me a nod. He pressed his spurs into his steed’s flanks and slapped the reins; his black courser tossed its head and sped into a gallop. One after the other, his men passed us. Once they passed the vanguard of our party, their horses settled back into an easy canter. Their leader’s stern face remained etched in my mind. My instant attraction to this handsome yeoman caused me to reassess my options for a husband. I had wealth enough to support a man with none. Yet, if I married a penniless man, I would never know if he most desired me or my riches. A man who could support himself would be best if I should decide to marry again and risk losing my independence.
Note: yeomen might serve a lord and depend on his wages, but they could also own land and have independent income.
Draft Blurb
A young widow in possession of a good business must be in want of a husband. In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey enjoys her independence as the widow of a cloth merchant. She has no desire to remarry and submit to a husband’s will, but the town elders covet her prosperous business. Her kindness to a stranger earns Bridda’s blessing and a brooch with a green dragon offers glimpses into the hidden world of the supernatural. The faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome bailiff, Selwyn Drake. Can she evade the schemes to force her into wedlock and retain her independence?
I have published a short story set in the Secret Supers series Starrella and the Lost Girl Estelle and her flying mare join Toby and the Secret Supers to search for a missing girl, seven-year old Juliana. The story is 99c at Amazon iBooks B&N Kobo
Final weekend for discounted price: Europa is 99c until June 30Thrilling SciFi Romance set on Jupiter’s moon.Daredevil scientist & scarred alien merman forge a perilous alliance despite the antagonism of their people.As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE . Join me on Facebook and Twitter
June 26, 2019
June 2019 – Half-Year Report on My Writing and Publishing
In the past six months, I have published a box set of three books in Taxyon Space, a short story in the Secret Supers series, and written and published the third book in Atrapako on Eden. Currently, I am working on a story in a new genre, medieval romance with a hint of magic.
Published inJanuary - Taxyon Space Triad, Boxset of Books 1-3 Near Future SciFi adventure & romance. Daredevil scientist and scarred alien in perilous alliance Europa , Book 1 Rishalt , Book 2 Jupiter , Book 3 Get Three Books for the Price of Two!Amazon iTunes B&N Kobo GooglePlay
Published in MarchTrapped on Vkani, Book 3 in Atrapako on EdenMarooned on a desolate planet, joining forces with the enemy is their only hope for escape. Maya Pandita spent years preparing for an expedition to the Deadlands. But her dreams of unearthing ancient artifacts are shattered when her shuttle is buried by a violent sandstorm, and her team is abducted by the scaled inhabitants of the planet. Maya and her companions must try to outwit their blue captor and call for help before they die in the toxic atmosphere. Sa Vittaran has a problem in his claws. Along with treasures from the ruins, he has retrieved three smooth-skinned foreigners. He cannot leave them to die in the desert. Yet the puny creatures have little value as workers, except perhaps for the impudent woman who claims to be their leader. Her knowledge of the ancient script will be an asset if she can survive the long trek to his house. An attack by marauders forces Maya and the Blue leader into a wary alliance. They must work together to thwart the bandits and reunite their company. Can Maya convince Sa Vittaran to help her team? If she fails, they are doomed to a short unpleasant life on the desolate, war-torn planet. Available at Amazon
Published in JuneStarrella and the Lost Girl, Short Story in the Secret SupersFantasy adventure & romance with serious undertones.Estelle and her flying mare join Toby and the Secret Supers to search for a missing girl, seven-year old Juliana. 99c at Amazon iBooks B&N Kobo
Works In ProgressDame Audrey, First Book in new Medieval Romance SeriesA young widow in possession of a good business must be in want of a husband. In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey enjoys her independence as the widow of a cloth merchant. She has no desire to remarry and submit to a husband’s will, but the town elders covet her prosperous business. Her kindness to a stranger earns Bridda’s blessing, a brooch with a green dragon and links to the hidden world of supernatural beings. The faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome bailiff, Selwyn Drake. Can she evade the merchants’ schemes to force her into wedlock and retain her independence?
Cosmic Lock, Book 6 in Grand Masters’ GalaxyViolet and Athanor Griffin have returned from Gorland with two shiploads of rescued children and slaves, but their enemies have not been idle in their absence. The superpowered couple must fend off attacks on their family and dearest friends. The clock is ticking with twelve days before they promised to meet the Thoss in the world beyond the Rift. Can they control the hordes of bloodsucking Ixioths and deal with the infestation of Blablooj slugs in such a short timeframe?
June 22, 2019
Frisky mare wins a Curious gaze - Snippet from Medieval #Romance for #WeWriWa
Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories. Find a new author and sample their work. Enjoy!
I am continuing snippets from my new medieval romance set in fourteenth century England in and around my hometown of Reading.
My heroine Audrey and her cousin Margaret are traveling home from their pilgrimage to Glastonbury Abbey. They are on the last day of their journey when four horsemen gallop from behind. Everyone is nervous because outlaws have attacked travelers on this road recently.
This snippet continues from last week, with a gap of a few sentences. Note – Audrey has a grey mare called Daisy and a wolfhound, Rufus. You can read last week’s snippet here – https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2...The last line was: A man shouted, “Make way for the sheriff’s men.”
We urged our horses onto the grass of the verge to let the riders pass. They slowed their rapid pace to a brisk trot as they approached our party. The leader raised his hand to acknowledge our compliance. His stern face unsmiling, he stared straight ahead, seemingly intent on urgent business. My Rufus was accustomed to the bustle in the town’s streets. Even so, I bade him lie down by Daisy’s legs. Excited by the hoof beats, my mare snorted and pranced as the horsemen drew closer; like me, Daisy was weary of our sedate pace and longed to race alongside the fast riders. Wary of my frisky mare, the lead horseman glanced at me as he rode past. The glance lengthened into a curious gaze. A sudden smile warmed his severe face and lit green streaks in his hazel eyes.
Can you guess this man’s name?
Draft Blurb
A young widow in possession of a good business must be in want of a husband. In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey enjoys her independence as the widow of a cloth merchant. She has no desire to remarry and submit to a husband’s will, but the town elders covet her prosperous business. Her kindness to a stranger earns Bridda’s blessing and a brooch with a green dragon offers glimpses into the hidden world of the supernatural. The faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome bailiff, Selwyn Drake. Can she evade the schemes to force her into wedlock and retain her independence?
I have published a short story set in the Secret Supersseries
Starrella and the Lost Girl Estelle and her flying mare join Toby and the Secret Supers to search for a missing girl, seven-year old Juliana.
The story is 99c at Amazon iBooks B&N Kobo
My special sale for June. Europa will be 99c everywhere from June 1-30Thrilling SciFi Romance set in the near future on Jupiter’s moon.Daredevil scientist & scarred alien merman forge a perilous alliance despite the antagonism of their people.
As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE . Join me on Facebook and Twitter
June 21, 2019
Summer Solstice #Book Bargains #Giveaways #Prizes
June 17-26: BookSweeps: Solstice Adventures - Young Adult Sci-Fi & Fantasy –Enter to win a huge collection of YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy novels (2 lucky winners), PLUS a brand new eReader to the Grand Prize winner! And FREE reads for everyone!
https://booksweeps.com/book-giveaway/young-adult-sci-fi-fantasy-june-2019/
June 10-30: 99c Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Paranormal https://books.bookfunnel.com/99fantasyscfi/z8eh6s5swk
Free eBook + Enter to Win a $100 Amazon Gift card June 21-30: Fantasy Bookfest - https://books.bookfunnel.com/fantasybookfest/1079i0v92m
June 21-30: Supernatural Solstice https://books.bookfunnel.com/misfitsupernaturalsolstice/vhikxprufx
June 16–July 16: Fabulous, Feisty & Female: Female Protagonists- https://storyoriginapp.com/to/YAfZQHT
June 15, 2019
Four horsemen - Snippet from WIP for #WeWriWa
Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors. Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories. Find a new author and sample their work. Enjoy!
I am continuing snippets from my new medieval romance set in fourteenth century England in and around my hometown of Reading.
My heroine Audrey and her cousin Margaret are traveling home from their pilgrimage to Glastonbury Abbey.
Draft Blurb
A young widow in possession of a good business must be in want of a husband. In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey enjoys her independence as the widow of a cloth merchant. She has no desire to remarry and submit to a husband’s will, but the town elders covet her prosperous business. Her kindness to a stranger earns Bridda’s blessing and a brooch with a green dragon offers glimpses into the hidden world of the supernatural. The faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome bailiff, Selwyn Drake. Can she evade the schemes to force her into wedlock and retain her independence?
You can read last week’s snippet here – https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2...I have skipped to the final stage of their journey home. Audrey and her cousin are traveling with a group of about 15 people. Note, this is still an early version of the story and needs to be expanded and polished.
We had not traveled far from the crossroads to Newbury when the clatter of hooves sounded behind us. A horn blared, and we all swiveled in our saddles to look back. Four men rode over the crest of a wooded hill, leaning over their horses’ heads and traveling at a fast canter. They wore green doublets and carried bows on their backs. Their leader was mounted on a fine black courser with a white blaze on its forehead. As they rode out of the shadow of the trees, sunlight glinted on their spurs and the hilts of their swords. With his hood rolled back, the leader’s hair shone as red as burnished copper. The horn pealed a second warning. A man shouted, “Make way for the sheriff’s men.”
I have a special sale for June. Europa will be 99c everywhere from June 1-30Thrilling SciFi Romance set in the near future on Jupiter’s moon.Daredevil scientist & scarred alien merman forge a perilous alliance despite the antagonism of their people.As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE . Join me on Facebookand Twitter
June 8, 2019
A Handsome Knight? Snippet from WIP Medieval Romance for #WEWriWa
Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors. Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their stories. Find a new author and sample their work. Enjoy!
I am continuing snippets from my new medieval romance set in fourteenth century England in and around my hometown of Reading.
My heroine Audrey and her cousin Margaret have taken a pilgrimage to Glastonbury Abbey. Audrey stops to give a coin to an old beggar woman accompanied by a young girl. The girl reminds Audrey of her deceased daughter, and her cousin asks if she’d thought about marrying again.
You can read last week’s snippet here – https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2019/05/treasured-independence-snippet-for.html
I’ve skipped a couple of lines. Please excuse my minor misuse of punctuation.
“It isn’t easy to find a good husband,” I said, “do you imagine a handsome knight would see me at the fair, slip a ring on my finger, and carry me away to his castle?” “Nay, you wouldn't be so improper; more likely you'd scold him for impudence and send him running.” A hint of disapproval entered her voice as she remarked, “Though, you’re certainly fond of traveling.” “But, Margaret,” I parried, “you haven’t remarried.” “I’m older, not as comely and prosperous as you. Who would wish to wed me?” “You are one of my best weavers, a valuable assistant in the shop, and you’re still young enough to bear children.” Margaret smiled at my compliments, “Very well, Audrey, when you are married, I’ll consider my prospects.” Her complaisant words made me wonder if she had any suitors. I knew of none, although she often paid visits to our trading partners and friends in town.
My blurb is still evolving A young widow in possession of a good business must be in want of a husband. In fourteenth century Britain, Dame Audrey enjoys her independence as the widow of a cloth merchant. She has no desire to remarry and submit to a husband’s will, but the town elders covet her prosperous business. Her kindness to a stranger earns Bridda’s blessing and a brooch with a green dragon. The faerie brooch attracts trouble from thieves of all ranks and the attentions of a handsome bailiff, Selwyn Drake. Can she evade the schemes to force her into wedlock and retain her independence?
I have a special sale for June. Europa will be 99c everywhere from June 1-30Thrilling SciFi Romance set in the near future on Jupiter’s moon.Daredevil scientist & scarred alien merman forge a perilous alliance despite the antagonism of their people.
As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE . Join me on Facebookand Twitter
