Gillian Bronte Adams's Blog, page 14

Plenilune Cover Reveal—Jennifer Freitag

Being an avid book collector ravenous book devourer, I’m always on the lookout for more books to add to my already overflowing shelves. (I swear the last time I moved I had more boxes of books than anything else.)

So I’m always beyond excited to hear of the arrival of new books in a genre that fascinates me. And when word reached my ear that Jennifer Freitag, blogger at the Penslayer, was publishing one of her novels, I eagerly jumped at the chance to participate in the cover reveal.

And isn’t it just gorgeous?

A BIT ABOUT THE BOOK:

The fate of Plenilune hangs on the election of the Overlord, for which Rupert de la Mare and his brother are the only contenders, but when Rupert’s unwilling bride-to-be uncovers his plot to murder his brother, the conflict explodes into civil war. To assure the minds of the lord-electors of Plenilune that he has some capacity for humanity, Rupert de la Mare has been asked to woo and win a lady before he can become the Overlord, and he will do it—even if he has to kidnap her. En route to Naples to catch a suitor, Margaret Coventry was not expecting a suitor to catch her.

A BIT ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JENNIFER FREITAG lives with her husband in a house they call Clickitting, with their two cats Minnow and Aquila, and their own fox kit due to be born in early December. Jennifer writes in no particular genre because she never learned how, she is make of sparks like Boys of Blur, and if she could grasp the elements, she would bend them like lightning. Until then, she sets words on fire. Living with her must be excruciating.

ODDS AND ENDS

Plenilune belongs to the planetary fantasy genre—if you’re not quite sure what that means, the author wrote up a description here: What is Planetary Fantasy? From the snippets I’ve seen posted on the Penslayer blog, I can say that Jennifer Freitag is a master of the written word and an artist with language, and I simply can’t wait to read this book.

You’ll definitely want to add Plenilune on Goodreads and mark the release date in red on your calendar. In the meantime, stop by the Penslayer and get a taste of the author’s exquisite gift with words. 

Plenilune comes October 20th!

When Destiny Comes Calling—Installment Nine

The power went out rather suddenly last night, so I penned this installment hunched over my laptop in the dark, with my cat purring in my lap and thunder rumbling outside. Given the circumstances, I renounce all blame for whatever wild, maniacal ramblings ensued.

That said, a drumroll if you please …

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to present to you—only a trifle late—the next installment of When Destiny Comes Calling. (If you’re a newcomer and you’re not entirely sure what’s going on, you can catch up on previous installments and read an explanation of all the how-to’s and what-for’s here!)

And no, I do not intend to inform you which character or which setting won the vote last time. To discover that, my friends, you must read the next installment.

I know … cruel, heartless me.

Smoke stung Alexander’s eyes and burned the back of his throat. He coughed—politely—into a woefully mud stained handkerchief and allowed the tavern door of the Plucky Lass by-the-Sea to swing shut behind him. Over Destiny’s shoulder, he caught a glimpse of a dingy, lamp-lit interior crowded with soldiers, sailors, and tradesmen grouped around tables or hunched over steaming pots of ale.

At the far side of the room, a short, apple-cheeked girl bounced from table to table whisking away empty mugs and replacing them from a tray of full ones that she carried high over her head.

The Plucky Lass herself, it seemed.

Destiny waded through the crowd toward the girl—and it seemed almost as if the crowd, tables, and chairs, anything that stood in her way shifted to clear a path. Alexander started to follow, but a word from Fate stopped him. He watched as the girl greeted Destiny with an ear-to-ear grin and a bob—did they know each other—then motioned to an archway behind her.

Curiosity had nearly gotten the best of him when Destiny turned and beckoned him forward. He strode into the crowd, and instantly had to dodge his way around a pair of massive sailors with fists the sides of his cannonballs, duck beneath the elbow of a soldier, and swing wide around a game of dice that had clearly gotten out of hand.

He was breathless, the blood roaring in his ears, when at last he stood beside Destiny … and she took off again, headed toward the archway the girl had indicated.

Fate immediately followed, and Alexander—after much jaw grinding—gave in.

What in the name of Corporal Sackinajaw Pickering was a high class woman like Destiny doing in a place like this?

He caught his hand fondling his dueling pistols and sought solace in the protection both they and the three feet of cold steel belted to his side offered. And as the ogre had discovered, Destiny was not helpless when it came to a fight with her magically vanishing blades. But what of Fate?

Destiny halted just beneath the archway, and Alexander stumbled to a stop to keep from crashing into her. As it was, his boots knocked the backs of her heels and she shot him a glare.

The room beyond was crowded with bodies and stank of salt and sweat and … sulphur. A low monotonous voice droned on and on, broken now and then by clapping, shouting, whistling, and hissing. Beside him, Fate stood with the baby Emperor tucked beneath her cloak, concealed from prying eyes.

Alexander leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “Are you armed?”

“What?”

“Are … you … armed?” His harsh whisper earned another piercing glare from Destiny.

Fate’s brow took on the pinched look of disgust that it seemed forever furrowed Destiny’s forehead. “With a razor wit, my dear boy, and it is enough.”

There was a pop and a flash of light, and a man burst through the crowd with the ends of his hair aflame, face and clothes blackened with soot. Mouth stretched in a wordless cry, he pushed past Destiny and took off through the tavern. Raucous laughter chased him.

Alexander gulped a breath of air. “That wasn’t our … was it?”

But before Destiny could reply, a deep voice rang through the crowded room. “Doom! Doom is upon us. The omens speak clear. Peril and woe and the end of the world lurk upon the threshold in fiery waves. Yea, destiny knocketh at the door … and fate follows after!”

“That,” Fate said, “would be him.”

Alexander turned to Destiny, but she was gone. Vanished just like her mysterious swords. Then her voice came from the front of the room, and he discovered that if he stood on tip-toe and strained … just … so … he could see her standing on a sort of stage beside a large figure cloaked in midnight blue with a peaked hat so tall and a black beard so thick, one could make out very little else of him.

One corner of Destiny’s mouth tweaked up into that mysterious, knowing sort of smile that Alexander thought better befitted portraits and statues than living persons, and she spread her arms wide. “You summoned, Doomsday? I am here. What say you, wizard?”

How does Doomsday respond? Select your favorite option below and vote in the comments, then stop by next time to see how the winning vote changed the course of the story!

Option 1:

The wizard stood stock-still for a moment, then flung back his arms and unleashed his stentorian voice. “Wizard Doomsday fears no man, woman, or child. Fear means nothing in the face of the terror that draws nigh. You would all do well to listen and be warned.”

A ribbon of smoke trailed from his wide sleeves and coiled about him on the ground in the shape of an enormous snake. Gasps of fear and awe rippled through the crowd, but Fate simply snorted—a most unlady-like sound—and clucked her tongue.

“Con-wizard Doomsday he means. There is a difference.”

Option 2:

“Destiny …” The wizard’s voice cracked and he raised both hands to his peaked hat and lifted it from his head, revealing a wild, bird’s nest of black hair. His sorrowful tone and manner would have put any funeral-goer to shame. “Then the end is come. Just as I predicted.”

She nodded, brisk, business like. “Indeed. For once, it would appear, your predictions were correct.”

“For once?” Doomsday snapped up straighter than a sword and plopped his hat back on his head. “I’ll have you know that I am considered the best wizard in the entire land.” His voice fell again and assumed the mind-numbing cadence of a turtle in mourning. “Wretched, ungrateful world. You know what they say, you’re never truly missed until you’re gone.”

“Appreciated is the word I think you’re looking for. Of course you’re not missed until you’re gone. It wouldn’t make sense otherwise.”

Doomsday nodded. “Indeed. Never missed. Never appreciated. Never loved. Until it is too late.”

Option 3:

At her voice, the wizard’s head shot up, and Alexander caught a glimpse of his eyes gleaming beneath the shadow of the enormous peaked hat.

“No!” Doomsday gestured wildly and smoke belched from the wide sleeves of his robe. “No. Get back, foul creature of darkness! You shan’t take me!” He snapped both hands toward the floor, and there came a flash and a pop, then Alexander found himself blinking at Destiny alone on the stage.

The wizard was gone.

Orphan’s Song Launch Contest and Prize Giveaway

This is it folks, the big day! Today is the launch day for the paperback of Orphan’s Song! This book has been several years—and one crazy summer in the making. So now that it is finally released to the world, it’s time to celebrate!

For the next four weeks, from October 1st until November 1st, I will be running a BIG Launch Contest and Grand Prize Drawing! Help spread the news about Orphan’s Song and enter for a chance to be one of three winners who will take home the following awesome prizes.

What’s At Stake?

Birdie’s Prize Bundle:
A blend of the music that inspired the book
Signed paperback copy of Orphan’s Song
$10 Amazon gift card
Stoneware mug and instant cappuccino mix.

Ky’s Prize Bundle:
Ky’s sling
Signed paperback copy of Orphan’s Song
Stoneware mug and hot chocolate mix.

Amos’s Prize Bundle:
Amos’ dirk
Signed copy of Orphan’s Song
Stoneware mug and spiced apple cider mix.

Note: The discerning reader will point out that the dagger is not bronze, does not have a wooden hilt, and is not a dirk, but this dagger was the closest thing I could find to something approximating Amos’ weapon. And I think it’s pretty cool, don’t you?

*Entrants for Amos’ prize bundle must be 18 years old and must check their state knife laws—this knife is restricted in MA and CA.

How do I win?

Because it is all about winning! There are several way you can earn entries into the contest to gain an even better chance of winning one of these awesome prizes. The more entries you earn, the more times your name is entered into the contest. It’s like Katniss and Gale and the Reaping … but happier.

1. Buy a copy of the book! Pre-ordered copies or copies purchased today (Wednesday, October 1st) are worth 15 entries. After that, copies are worth 10 entries. Email me a copy of your receipt at thesongkeeper@gmail.com.

2. Write a review of the book and post it on amazon, goodreads, your personal blog, etc. Each review posted earns you 7 entries. Email me a link to the review at thesongkeeper@gmail.com.

3. Buy a friend a copy of the book! Fall has the best reading weather, and with Christmas coming up, a great way to share your love for Orphan’s Song is to buy a friend a copy! Each additional book = 15 entries. Email me a copy of your receipt at thesongkeeper@gmail.com.

4. Share this contest on Facebook! Don’t forget to tag me (@Gillian Bronte Adams) in your post so I can count your entries! Note: You’ll have to like my facebook page in order to tag me. You can post once a day while the contest lasts. Each post earns 3 entries.

5. Follow this blog for an easy 5 entries. If you already follow the blog, that counts too. Leave a comment letting me know that you followed.

6. Tweet about the giveaway! Don’t forget to tag me (@theSongkeeper) in your tweet so I can count your entries. You may tweet once a day for the duration of the contest. Each tweet earns 1 entry.

7. Pin a contest photo or Orphan’s Song’s cover on Pinterest! Leave a comment with a link to your pin or email me at thesongkeeper@gmail.com.

Each week, I’ll post a contest incentive with additional ways you can earn entries for a better chance at winning the ultimate prize! (Here’s a helpful hint: you may want to follow this blog or like my facebook page so you won’t miss a post.)

Winners will be announced Monday, November 3rd!

Enjoy the story and good luck with the contest!

Which of the prize bundles would you be most excited about winning? Answer in the comments!

Take Wing and Fly—Orphan’s Song

At approximately one o’clock yesterday morning—give or take thirty minutes—the ebook version of Orphan’s Song magically appeared on the Kindles of all the brilliant people who pre-ordered it.

And in that moment, my book was released to the world.

I won’t deny a certain level of anxiety—terror, rather—because as an author, so much of my heart goes into each and every word on each and every page. I do not write myself into the characters, but they are born from my heart and the story is wrung from my soul.

So while I cannot help feeling anxious, I am so thrilled that the story is out there in the world finally being read.

It’s been a long journey from start to finish—a journey full of myriad ups and downs—and there were so many times when I was ready to throw up my hands and flee back to the Shire and the safety of my little hobbit hole.

For so long, the land of Leira has been my own secret world, and the characters—Birdie, Amos McElhenny, and Ky—they have been my own secret friends. But now, the world of Leira belongs to you readers as much as to me, and the characters I hope will become as dear to your hearts as they have been to mine.

I can only liken this moment to watching a fledgling drop from the nest and waiting for it to spread wings and fly.

Will you watch with me?

Upcoming Events:

Launch Day: October 1st—one week from today! (The ebook is available now, but the paperback releases on October 1st, so that’s when the official celebration starts!)

Make sure you stop by the blog on October 1st for contest news, giveaway information, and an invite to the release party!

You won’t want to miss it.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Who Will Keep the Song Alive?

Every generation has a Songkeeper – one chosen to keep the memory of the Song alive. And in every generation, there are those who seek to destroy the chosen one.

When Birdie's song draws the attention of a dangerous Khelari soldier, she is kidnapped and thrust into a world of ancient secrets and betrayals. Rescued by her old friend, traveling peddler Amos McElhenny, Birdie flees the clutches of her enemies in pursuit of the truth behind the Song’s power.

Ky is a street–wise thief and a member of the Underground—a group of orphans banded together to survive . . . and to fight the Khelari. Haunted by a tragic raid, Ky joins Birdie and Amos in hopes of a new life beyond the reach of the soldiers. But the enemy is closing in, and when Amos’ shadowed past threatens to undo them all, Birdie is forced to face the destiny that awaits her as the Songkeeper of Leira.

Find Orphan’s Song on Amazon or Goodreads!

When Destiny Comes Calling—Summoning All Pinterest Users!

Aye, you heard me right. Since When Destiny Comes Calling is on a bi-weekly schedule, the next installment is not due until next Friday. But I thought ’twould be a cruel and unusual punishment to force all of you to simply forget about poor Alexander and Destiny and Fate—and the as of yet undetermined mysterious new character—until then.

I’m not that heartless.

So I started a new Pinterest board that’s currently sadly in need of pins, and that is where you, my dear friends, come in.

On the off Fridays, I intend to issue you a challenge to scour the web for a setting, character photo, or scene you would love to see play out, and post it on the Inspiration Board for When Destiny Comes Calling—giving proper credit and attribution, of course.

I think it’ll be loads of fun. It’ll help spark my imagination when it comes time to pen the next installment and help me to see what you are picturing. And it’ll help y’all visualize the story and have fun finding and posting pictures—because let’s just face it, one could lose hours of one’s life browsing Pinterest and scarce notice it.

Ready to get started?

This week, I’m looking for character pictures of both Destiny and Alexander Mitus Scott Beauford III. Not looking for Fate yet or the baby emperor, so hold onto any fabulous images you find and save them for a later date.

You may want to refer to previous installments to verify any setting/timeframe/character description details I’ve snuck in there without your noticing…

How do you post to the board? I’m so glad you asked. The easiest way is if we both follow each other’s Pinterest boards—otherwise it gets way complicated. If you already follow my boards, just leave a comment with a link to your Pinterest account so I can follow you as well. After that, I can invite you to the group board and then you’ll be able to post! If you haven’t yet followed my Pinterest account, make sure you start there otherwise I won’t be able to send you an invite.

Happy photo hunting!

Update: I’ve been experiencing slight internet difficulties today, so I apologize if there is a delay before you receive an invite.

When Destiny Comes Calling—Installment Eight

Neither rain nor high tide struck in force to oppose the posting of this next installment… but the internet did go out. If you’re reading this, then it came back on at some point. Hooray! My apologies if it didn’t come on until late in the day.

First let me say that I absolutely loved all of the responses y’all dreamed up for Alexander, and I want to thank everyone who submitted an option! Unfortunately, I can’t use all of them, for obvious reasons. So the votes have come in and been tallied, and we do have a winner.

From Krissy Aleman!

Die in his place.

Weren’t there plenty of other Beaufords who could do the job: third cousins twice removed, and such? And besides, it wasn’t a guarantee that he would have to die.

“Oh, this just keeps getting better and better,” he muttered.

Read on to see how the response she wrote plays into the story. It’s good, folks. Quite good.

And if you’ve just stumbled across this blog and haven’t the faintest clue what I’m talking about, or if you simply need to catch up on past installments, you can do so here: When Destiny Comes Calling.

Die in his place.

Weren’t there plenty of other Beaufords who could do the job: third cousins twice removed, and such? And besides, it wasn’t a guarantee that he would have to die.

“Oh, this just keeps getting better and better,” he muttered.

Miss Destiny arched a skeptical eyebrow at him—that woman could communicate textbooks with her eyebrows alone. “I am relieved you think so. I rather expected a different response.”

No need to ask what she had expected. Her pursed lips and up-tilted nose made it quite clear. Alexander fairly cringed at the disgust in her tone. For someone who routinely dished out ogre-sized doses of sarcasm, she seemed woefully oblivious when on the receiving end.

Still, he wasn’t one to argue when the mistake was in his favor.

Though the fact that it was a mistake set him to shuffling his feet. Her words struck a nerve, and he ducked his head to hide his burning cheeks. What hope had he of succeeding in a military career when everyone assumed that he would respond to expected danger with complaints, excuses, and cowardice?

No, Alexander Mitus Scott Beauford III was a man of honor and dignity, of an ancient and proud (albeit once treasonous) lineage. He was not a trembling wretch who must be coerced into action.

If heroism was his destiny, and death his fate, then by Gilbert St. Vincent (of the legendary Mounted Chevaliers), he would face it with head held high, shoulders back, and a trusty pistol in both hands.

“Dearie me.” Fate clucked her tongue at Alexander as she rocked the baby emperor. “What is that expression on your face? One would think you had just eaten sour apples.”

His shoulders slumped. “I’m looking heroic.”

Miss Destiny sniffed and tossed her dark head. “Yes, you do that. A little practice won’t go amiss. Meanwhile, it’s time we were on the road. “Our enemies cannot be far behind.”

“What road?” Alexander swung his pistols to encompass the swamp. “We’re in the middle of nowhere.”

“It may not be the King’s Highway, but there is a road, and we’ll strike it soon. I merely led us on a little shortcut.”

“Oh well, in that ca—” Alexander broke off as Miss Destiny took a step closer, her eyes flashing dangerously.

“And no, this is not the middle of nowhere. Trust me. I’ve been there. It’s much worse.” She spun with the precision of a military turn and glided away, heeled shoes barely sinking into the muck.

Alexander grunted. “Is she always like that?”

To his surprise, Fate answered. “No, she’s usually much harder. It’s most troubling.” Hugging the bundled baby Emperor Caldwell VI to her chest, she started after Destiny, calling back over her shoulder, “I think she likes you.”

The words froze Alexander in place. He fumbled for a reply, while his brain screamed panicked words that thankfully didn’t make it to his lips. Every instinct told him to run away. But he just stood there.

Helpless as the dead ogre.

It was merely a jest, he reassured himself. An ill-favored jest. Fate didn’t—couldn’t—honestly intend for him to take is seriously.

“Do try to keep up!” Destiny’s voice broke through the haze of his thoughts and propelled him into a stumbling walk. “We are on rather a tight schedule, and we do have someone highly important to meet.”

Meet. Someone.

Right.

Alexander bolted after Destiny and Fate, crashing through the swamp underbrush and sinking up to his knees in mud as he tried to catch up. “So, this someone … are they a friend or a foe?”

“That depends.”

Destiny sounded completely unconcerned—a fact which by now only made Alexander more nervous.

Where is Destiny leading them? And who are they going to meet? Vote for your preferred choice of setting and new character.

Setting Option 1: An abandoned mine shaft

Setting Option 2: A wharfside tavern

Setting Option 3: An overgrown hut on the far side of the swamp

Character Option 1: A third sister, as of yet unnamed. One who is neither very fond of—nor very beloved by—Destiny and Fate. (Taken from a brilliant suggestion from Allison Ruvidich!)

Character Option 2: A cannibalistic giant king, who lost his family and his eye to Emperor Caldwell V in battle.

Character Option 3: A down on his luck con-wizard who is prone to making dismal predictions. He can scarce speak a word with predicting the end of the world or some other disaster. His name—wait for it—Doomsday.

*     *     *     *      *

Remember, we have moved to a bi-weekly schedule with When Destiny Comes Calling so I can keep up with my other deadlines and get published copies of my books into y’all’s hands soon. But be sure to stop by this next Friday because I have something very fun planned while y’all are waiting on the next installment! Y’all are going to love it.

This Crazy Life—Deadlines, Book Releases, and Blog Posts

A glimpse of my writing desk in the middle of strategizing the craziness of book releases, blog posts, and deadlines. Yes, I do use a Star Trek calendar to keep track of my life.

I have two rather exciting bits of news to share with you on this fine Thursday morning… and a request to make. But more on that later.

First, the Kindle version of Orphan’s Song is now up for pre-order on Amazon! How cool is that? The print book will be up there soon in preparation for its October release, but the Kindle version releases in only 13 days! Whew! I wasn’t quite expecting it to be that soon—things have been a bit of a crazy blur the past few months—but it’s very exciting all the same.

Second, I finally got around to listing Orphan’s Song on Goodreads. It looks so shiny up there on the website! I do think I’m in love.

*grins sheepishly* Okay, here is the favor I was going to ask of y’all …

If you feel so inclined, could you take half a second and hop over to Goodreads to add Orphan’s Song to your “to-read” shelf?

Because we all know you are absolutely dying to read it by this time, aren’t you?

And third, if you haven’t read this post yet, you will want to stop by and check it out: Rallying the Clan—Operation Orphan’s Song. So far, I’ve gathered an awesome team who helped with the cover reveal and various other sundry tasks, but there’s always room for more! If Orphan’s Song sounds like the sort of book you would like to read and you want to help spread the news, send me an email at thesongkeeper@gmail.com or leave a comment with your email address to join the clan.

Many thanks and a very happy Thursday to you!

In a world woven by melody and shattered by discord, a girl discovers that her song contains far greater power than she ever could have imagined. A power that a ruthless soldier and his evil master seek to posses… and her guardian wants silenced.

When Birdie's song draws the attention of a notorious Khelari soldier, she is captured and thrust into the midst of ancient secrets and betrayals. Rescued by her old friend, traveling peddler Amos McElhenny, Birdie flees the clutches of her enemies in pursuit of the truth behind the Song's power.

Read more…

Bring Me Giants!

There are many books that I hold near and dear to my heart. Masterpieces that have withstood the test of time—my time, measured in all its scanty weight of years. Indeed years may have flitted past since last I breathed in the musty scent of those pages, and yet when I finally remove the book from the shelf and cradle it once more in gentle hands, I know the story will greet me as an old and dear friend.

Cyrano de Bergerac is such a book for me. Now some of you may cry “foul!” upon my, for it is—of course—a play and so not the typical novel one would pluck from the shelf. But the story is no less rich, the characters no less vivid, and the plot no less intense because it was penned for the stage.

It has something for everyone. The action lover. The romantic. The connoisseur of wit. The critic. The comedian.

And … the writer.

Consider the following scenes from a writer’s point of view.

 

Bring me giants.

I have so many projects going at the same time right now that it’s hard to fully relish the thrill of victory before diving back into the muck and grime of the next task.

There are days when the sheer number of things on the to-do list are daunting, like an army of Uruk-hai stretching to the horizon. My pen feels heavy and burdensome in my hand.

And then there are days where I can grit my teeth and dive into the fray with a battle cry on my lips.

“I feel too strong to war with mortals—bring me giants!”

A Change of Pace—When Destiny Comes Calling

Once again, I apologize that Alexander’s story did not go live on Friday. Terribly sorry to have disappointed y’all. I can just picture you sitting by your computers all morning, refreshing the page over and over, biting your nails, anxiously awaiting the next installment.

Oh dear, now I feel simply terrible.

But you see, I have a tendency to pile things on my to-do list like a starving peasant at the king’s banquet. Consequently, I never have enough time to accomplish everything I am trying to get done. A lame excuse, I know, but it is the truth.

Currently, I’m juggling final work on Orphan’s Song (just finished proofreading the galley!) to get it ready for release, slogging through revisions for Out of Darkness Rising, and writing the second book in the Songkeeper Trilogy—all of which have deadlines—while working a day job and fitting in continuous post-accident appointments.

There simply are not enough hours of daylight, my friends. While Alexander’s story does have a tendency to write itself, it does require some thought, effort, and work on my part. But I do greatly enjoy When Destiny Comes Calling and would hate to have to put it on hold. (I fear Miss Destiny might show up on my doorstep to protest if I did … and we can all imagine how that might end!)

So instead, I’m considering moving it to a bi-weekly schedule. At least for the next little while. To be honest, that’s how its been coming the past several weeks anyway. (And y’all have been terribly patient with it!)

I absolutely loved the responses y’all provided for Alexander over the past week, and I realized that it wasn’t fair for the final judgment to rest with me alone. So, I’m posting the current responses and you get to vote on your favorite! If you did not have a chance to submit a response for Alexander, you may still leave one in the comments, and I’ll add it to the post so others can vote for it.

Hannah: So this was his Destiny...this was his final Fate. No saving the world, no rescuing a lady fair, not even building cannons! Dying in the place of a child.
Come to think of it, that didn't sound so bad--it even sounded heroic.

Allison: "What?" he cried, grabbing his hair with both hands. "You want me to die for some little tyke who can't even eat unassisted yet?" He slumped, defeated, and whispered, "Do I even have a choice?"

Krissy: Die in his place. Weren't there plenty of other Beaufords who could do the job: third cousins twice removed, and such? And besides, it wasn't a guarantee that he would have to die.
"Oh, this just keeps getting better and better," he muttered.

Rachelle: "What?!" He wasn't...he couldn't... Gripping his still wet revolvers, Alexander turned and plunged into the woods.

Michaella: "Die in the baby's place." Alexander once more raked his fingers through his hair, and clasped them behind his head. "Wonderful. What I've always wanted...not!"

And yes, come rain or high tide, Alexander’s story should return on Friday.

Caledonia, Stern and Wild

O Caledonia! stern and, wild,
Meet nurse for a poetic child!
Land of brown heath and shaggy wood
Land of the mountain and the flood,
Land of my sires! what mortal hand
Can e'er untie the filial band,
That knits me to thy rugged strand!
- Lay of the Last Minstrel, Sir Walter Scott

Ever since I can remember, my heart has drifted oft and anon to that rugged, mist-shrouded land known as Scotland, or in antiquity as Caledonia. I spent my childhood pouring over books on Scotland’s history, its legends and battles, clans and peoples.

Unlike Sir Walter Scott, I have no claim of heritage or “filial band” to draw me there. My “flaming locks” are thanks to a partially Irish ancestry instead. No, mine is but a child’s romantic obsession with a beautiful country and its rich history.

Still, my love for Scotland oft creeps into much of my writing in one form or another. (Sometimes not so subtly.)

I am awed by the breathtaking landscape, inspired by the music, thrilled by the battle and history of the highlands, and slightly in love with Scottish brogues—though I have no doubt my attempts to imitate one would sound insulting at best to someone who really knew what they were about.

And the best of it all? I’ve actually had the chance to go there.

Several years ago now, though it seems like it was only yesterday, my dad and I took a trip to Scotland to celebrate my graduation. We rented a car and drove off into the highlands. Before going, I sat down with a map marking out all of the places I absolutely had to visit. (Touristy, I know.) Some of the sites that made it on my list: Culloden Moor, Bannockburn, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the Isles of Skye and Mull.

Other than that, we let the roads guide us, stopping wherever we wished, hiking, visiting castles, and listening to the fabulous accents. The most difficult part of the trip was not accidently speaking in a poor-attempt-at-a Scottish accent where we might be overheard, for fear someone would think we were mocking them!

It was the best trip I’ve ever taken, and I dearly hope to go back some day. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite pictures to whet your appetite as well.

A highland road

Eileen Donan Castle

Crossing from the Isle of Skye to the Mainland

Plodda Falls

View from the Isle of Skye

Trip to Staffa Island to see Fingal’s Cave

Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock

I could share more pictures—my Scotland trip was one of the few times I actually bothered to remember to pull out my camera—and perhaps I will at a later point, but for now, I think it best to stop there before everyone starts cashing in their bank accounts and booking flights.

One day, though, I would love to go back to the “land of brown heath and shaggy wood, land of the mountain and the flood.”

Caledonia, stern and wild.

Is there a particular country that has laid claim to your heart? If you could visit any place in the world, where would you like to go/have you already gone?