Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Tuesday's Writer's Tip - Plot and Character #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #writing #plot #Character

 Plot and character are twined together like a vine around a tree. You can't have one without the other.  In stories plot is the guideline and characters are the actors. When an event happens characters react and this reaction brings change, There are stories that are more plot centered and others that are character centered. As the writer, you have to decide on the balance but forgetting or slighting one or the other can make the story fall flat.

So plot out your story and develop your characters. The events in the plot will cause your characters to react and for changes to happen.

 

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Monday, January 30, 2023

Meandering on Monday with Janet Lane Walters #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Reading #Writing #Thoughts

Meander 1 - Reading - Finished most of Anne Perry's Pitt series. Have a few more to buy but i need to figure what ones I already have. Then I read two Regencies. Both were cute and well-written. Am working on reading a book by an acquaintance Nancy Harkneww.  Interesting premise and good writing.

Meander 2 - Thoughts - Muddled these days. With this respiratory problem becoming chronic and who knows what causes the problem. See the kidney doctor in a few days and hope she has some ideas. Also political thoughts aren't really muddled byt are those I find stupid. These new Committees and creatures assigned to them by the Repubs sound silly and yet dangerous. Also nothing has been done about the elected con artist who is a bigger one that the one who lost the election. Why let him slide and things that are coming about about the NY lady who was pushing him and how she knew some thing about his cons makes me wonder about her.

Meander 3 - Writing - Goes slowly since sitting at the computer does take energy. But I will prevail. 

 

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Sunday, January 29, 2023

Sunday's Book - Incal - Book 4 of Moon Rising #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Fantasy #Swords #magic #seer #healer #warrior

 

 

Return to the world where Midra and Midran rule. The god and goddess have two faces. Midra is Mistress of the Moon and also Mistress of the Dark Moon. Midran is Lord of lLght and Lord of shadows.

In Incal, the priests of Midran have formed three branches. The Voice of Midran in Incal rules over the mall. In the archived he has read of a tale predicting Three will come to return Midra to the rulership. He sends his acknowledged son to find the three and bring them to him.

Many years ago triplet girls were born in a remote mountain town. When they were five, their dying mother sent them to be fostered by three different women. Though they had wed to find each other, their developing talents caused them to forget until twenty ears later each one of them felt the need to find her sisters.

Would the Voice of Midran in Incal learn where they were?

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Saturday, January 28, 2023

Books by Mary McFarland are featured today on Saturday's Blurbs

 

“It’s a hunt forward op,” the president said, “and your target is America’s first home-grown terrorist cell.”

His request propels brilliant cyber sleuth Zuri Slade into the clandestine world of espionage, where failure can endanger thousands of American lives and blow Zuri’s chance for a career with the CIA.

Tracking the terrorists leads Zuri from Washington, D.C. to a Midwest backwater, where residents suffer a peculiar illness, the “Van Gogh Syndrome.”  Death looms over the stricken community, but there’s an even larger threat, one Zuri could never have anticipated.

Psychotic nuclear scientist, Dr. Burch Crabtree, is plotting with legendary North Korean spy, Cobra, to blow the nuclear plant, using a chip stolen from the CIA after the Korean War.  Only Jesse Stephenson, a former CIA spy, knows where the chip is, but Jesse’s dying of cancer.

Is this fight too personal, or will Zuri confront America’s enemies—and personal demons, her hate for those who murdered her parents—in time?

Mary McFarland’s “Van Gogh Syndrome” pulls readers into the new frontier of war, a war that has ignited in cyberspace but one that will be finished in America’s back yard by terrorists whose identities no one can predict.  A thriller for lovers of the chase, “Van Gogh Syndrome” is the series kickoff and an explosive look at conflicts faced by America’s warriors on the cyber war frontier.  An action-packed read recommended for Baldacci and Clancy fans.

Friday, January 27, 2023

Friday Mary McFarland is visiting and Talking about Who She Was Before #MFRWAuthor #Technical writing #science fiction #thrillers

 1. What were you before you became an author? Did this influence your choices as a writer?

 
Before I forged a path to my dream of writing novels, I needed to pay the bills, so I earned my keep as a technical writer in the software industry.  Being fascinated with technology, I developed a passion for science fiction and wrote several SF short stories novels.  My enduring love for authors like Asimov heavily influenced my choices as a writer.  Today, I write thrillers whose protagonists are in step with the modern world's technological dystopia but yet who are determined to fight it.  My characters understand how technology can damage us and our environment; thus, they are often techno and geeky, or "brainy," but they are also eco-justice warriors.  So, while I view technology as the window into my thrillers, and not the stories themselves, I hope my works influence readers to think about technology and their world and, when necessary, to take action.

2. Are you genre specific or general? I don’t mean major genres but subdivisions or romance, mystery or paranormal.
I couldn't have answered this question a year ago.  Being a multi-genre author has kept me conflicted.  However, I recently had a major breakthrough and discovered that, while I wrote in multiple genres, my work across all genres was connected by recurring tropes and themes.  Voila!  Lightbulbs!  The same was true, I became aware, in the world of publishing.  Okay, so everyone but me seemed to know this.  Lol.  It just took me a little longer than it should've to see it.  

The other important epiphany, however, was the fact that I didn't have to push myself like a demented book production multi-platform author run amok.  I instead had to narrow my genre choices, and I did.  I chose the thriller, mystery, and suspense genres, and now I get my novels written with focus and passion.  In fact, one novel I wrote, and I love "What Happens in The Vegas Cemetery" more than anything I've ever written, is a YA paranormal thriller with a romantic suspense subgenre.  I'd originally had no clue where to put it genre-wise, but now it fits perfectly.  
 
3. What is your latest release?
February 2nd of 2023, I'll be releasing "Van Gogh Syndrome," a thriller.  It's the first in my three-book Hidden Cobra series about a forensic investigator, whose background in cyber forensics helps her stop a terrorist attack on an American nuclear facility.  
 
4. What are you working on now?
 I'm presently working on five novels for 2023 and 2024 release:

  1. First, I'm writing book two in the Hidden Cobra series for a 2024 release, and this thriller's working title is "Starry Night Over Pyongyang."
  2. My second project, being edited and prepped for a 2023 Easter release, is a religious historical fiction called "Only Son: Jesus the Magus (Clan of Solomon Book One). 
  3. Third, in the Clan of Solomon series, I'm researching and drafting book two, titled "First Wife: Mary."  It will be a 2024 release. 
  4. Fourth, I'm prepping "What Happens in the Vegas Cemetery" for a 2023 Halloween release in Salem, Mass at "Gettin' Witchy With It."  "Vegas" is a YA paranormal thriller with a romantic suspense sub-genre.
  5. Fifth, I'm editing "Vengeance Is Mine: the Profiler's Passion" for a 2024 release.  This is a romantic suspense, which won the 2010 Golden Pen contest (third place), but I sat on it, choosing not to publish it, since I wasn't comfortable establishing myself solely as a RS author.  Glad I waited, too.  
Two 2025 projects I'm working on for 2026 release are are: 
  1. Dubai Bones, a stand-alone thriller, 2025 release.
  2. Deeply, Darky, a stand-alone thriller, 2025 release.
  3. Family Affair: Mary and Jesus (Clan of Solomon Book Three), 2025 release.
  4. Black Sheep:  Lazarus the Leper (Clan of Solomon Book Four), 2026 release.

5. Does your reading choices influence your choice of a writing career?
When I'm not writing I'm reading, and I read everything, depending on my whim.  However, as a professional writer I've learned to focus on writing in my primary genres and, of even greater importance, to trust in my own style and voice.  I choose not to be influenced or to follow the literary trend of the day.  In fact, if I'm writing and someone says, "Oh, have you read so and so," I avoid reading so and so. I don't ignore literary trends.  They're important.  But the favorites of the day have their voice, and I have mine.  
  
6. Where can we find you?
I have carefully crafted my author platform to serve my readers by avoiding making them hop like fleas from one social media site to the other to find me.  I want them to know I'll be here, and in a place where we can connect and interact unfailingly.  My decision to limit my presence on the web is all about serving my readers consistently from a very organized platform.  That doesn't mean I won't be on Instagram or TikTok, if I determine I can serve my readers from those places.  However, for now I'm connecting from my author page on Facebook, my author website, and my blog.  Those links are as follows:
 

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Thursday - Writing Nilos #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Writing #fantasy #Nilos #seer #healer #warrior

When I began writing nilos, I knew there would be four stories in this conclusion to Moon Rising series. I wanted to make each of they different, an interesting project since there were repetitions in each of the countries portrayed in the stories. In Nilos, part of the background was the river and much of the action happens along the banksof the river. There were the two would be Seers, Healers and Warriors and each of them had a different background. In this story the action begins before the births of the three and three. Developing villains also had to be done. In this the head of the Healwomen and also a priest of Midran were teamed to bring about the problems the three and three would face. I really enjoyed watching the twists and turns of the story unfold and at times I wasn't sure I would accomplish what I had intended to portray but I finally could write the Ebd. 

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Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Meet the 2nd trio from Moon Summoned #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #fantasy #romance #seer #healer #warrior

 

Join the authors at MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  for some great excerpts. Mine found at eclecticwriter.blogspot.com features the second trio from Moon Summoned

Blurb:

Three Moon Summoned women. Ashiera the Seer who controls the winds and sees into the thoughts of others. Dian the Warrior who controls fire and fights with the sword. Egeria the Healer who controls fluids and heals those who are injured. They are joined in their battle by Sieper a sailor who knows the winds, Kobe once sworn to the Lord of Shadows and Jetan a healer of animals. These three vow to help the three women against those sworn to Evil.

Lugal the Cabal reads the winds and thoughts. Sargon the Gladius controls fire and the armies of the Lord of Shadow. Lugal the Cabal has knowledge of herbs and uses them for evil. These three with their cohorts will face the three and three sworn to the Mistress of the Moons.

Editorial Review: Janet Lane Walters has written a story that will take you to another time and place. She gives vivid descriptions of her characters and their role in this story. Ms. Walters has constructed a civilization so real that you will feel its very existence. A place where men rule women as chattel for their sexual needs, and three evil rulers who drain their bodies of their very essence for spells and to gain power. There is betrayal and treachery inside of plots, as each priest plans to rule alone. Ashiera, Egeria, and Dian are bound to the spirits of the ones who came before them. They discover a truth that will astound them, and have them doubting their chosen path. They will experience a love that is forbidden and discover that two stand together better than one. I could feel the emotional struggle between love and destiny, described so passionately by the author. I hope Ms. Walters plans to continue this story. I could feel that this is just the beginning of this tale. Janet Walters book, Moon Bright, Moon Dark will go on my keeper shelf, beside such authors as Charlotte Boyett-Compo and Nancy Gideon. I give this story Five Hearts and recommend it highly. Enjoy!



EXcerpt:

Kobe pressed his lips in a firm line. He was different from the rest of the sons for he had talents like those of the priests. These talents had brought him to the attention of Sargon.

What he had to do would be difficult. As soon as he reached his father’s stronghold, he would demand an audience and declare his intention to give up his position as heir and enter the priesthood. His father had to agree. There were other sons in the inner court. Since he was her only son, his mother would weep. She would lose her place as first woman. Still, becoming a champion was a greater challenge than being a satellite of a father who would live for many years.

A knock startled him. “Enter,” he said.

A serving woman dressed in a gauzy chiton bowed her head. Her gown resembled flames, revealing yet concealing her lush body. “Kobe, son of Genrai, the Gladius summons you to attend him in the mustering hall.”

As he followed her swaying body down the hall, he repeated the vows he’d taken after he’d drawn his sword from the elements. “I will take no woman to my bed until I am sworn to the Lord of Shadows. I will eat no rich food or imbibe fermenti until I can control my talent. I will wear no fine clothes until I don the silks of the champions.”

None of his peers had taken these vows. He had, and he would keep them.

Until recently, he’d not been tempted to transgress, but during the past few months, the scantily dressed servants and their musky perfumes had stirred desire. Too often he’d prayed to move quickly through the ranks and be allowed a woman.

The servant continued past the door to the hall. Kobe entered. Sargon sat on the dais at the end of the room. Kobe knelt before the chair and touched his forehead to the stone.

“Rise and join me.”

Kobe got to his feet and sat on a stool beside Sargon’s chair. “You honor me.”

The Gladius smiled. “You leave this morning for your father’s stronghold. Is that not so?”

“Yes.”

“What have you decided?”

“There is no other choice. My father will have to name another as heir. To deny the gifts given by the Lord of Shadows would be wrong. To use my talent without proper training would bring disaster.”

The Gladius saluted Kobe. “Your decision pleases me. When you return your training will begin. As I was when you drew your sword, I’ll be your mentor.”

“I’m honored.”

“Your potential is great, my boy. I’m concerned about this visit you make to your home. Can you resist the temptations your father will place in your path?”

Kobe swallowed. His mother would push his father to do his best to sway him. “I must. I’ve no desire to stand in my father’s shade. I will carve my own place.”

Sargon smiled. “Well said. I believe you can resist rich food and strong drink, but I fear you will be sorely tempted. The women of your father’s inner court are comely and you’re of an age when the juices flow hot. I’ve watched your gaze follow the serving women. Heed this warning. To fill a woman’s empty vessel before you’re trained will sap your talent.”

Kobe saluted. “I hear and I will stand firm. Have I your leave to break my fast before I depart?”


Light woke her a second time. Bright sunshine streamed through small windows set high on the gray stone wall. A woman with brown hair stood beside the cot. Who is she? Where was this place? If this was a dream, why did the water feel warm and the cloth rough? The soap smelled of flowers, but the scent was unfamiliar.

She tried to grasp flickering memories of another time, another place. She caught glimpses of women in white and heard a wheezing sound. Her eyes opened again.

“Mother, she wakes.”

At first, she had difficulty making the syllables form words. Slowly she began to understand. A girl with auburn hair touched her arm.

“Who? Where?” The words seemed wrong.

“I’m Sammi. This is the stronghold of Prince Genrai. He’s most anxious that you recover. Who are you?”

She frowned and reached for an answer. Two sets of memories collided. “D...Dian. Where’s the respirator? When will Margo come? Am I well enough for the Olympic trials?”

“What is she talking about?” The voice belonged to an older woman.

“I don’t know,” the girl said. “Perhaps those who follow the one I may not name have a secret language.” She grasped Dian’s hand. “You’re Dian and I’m Sammi. This is Quanta, my mother and first woman of the prince’s inner court.”

Dian flexed her fingers and ran her hands along her body. “What have you done to me?”

“You were ill from wound fever and from a blow to your head. My uncle who is a physician of the Thamaturg feared you would die. He permitted me to use my small skills on you.”

Dian closed her eyes. The memories of other times and places were gone. A deep sadness she couldn’t explain brought tears to her eyes.

“Don’t be afraid,” Sammi said. “You’ll soon be well.” Her brown eyes glowed. “Mother, may I have her for my personal attendant? Can she come with me when I leave this court for the one belonging to the man my father chooses for me?”

“Your father has other plans for her.” The older woman’s dark eyes glowed with anger. “I don’t know why he wants her. Genrai prefers women with more flesh.” She shrugged. “No matter. I’ll send word she’s awake.”

Sammi wrinkled her nose. “She must have a bath. She smells of illness.”

Quanta laughed. “How well you know your father. Send for a restorative broth. After she drinks it have her taken to the baths.”

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Tuesday's Writer's Tip Third Time's the Charm #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Writing #Plot Third Time #Charm

 How often have you heart "The third time's the charm."?  Seems those words are around a lot. In plotting, having three main characters can add depth to the story. There's also the bit in a story when the maincharacter tries once and fails, then twice and fails and the third time has success.

By looking at the third time a writer knows to make a story interestingto the reader, the tension must increase. This can happen with a failure to achieve a goal once and then twice. The tension increases and the reader may think two ways. The first is to give up andseek another gol. That will make the story fall flat and into that  "so what" pattern. A second failure to achieve ramps up the tension and then the reader wonders if the character will try again. In a good story the character does and succeeds. Having this character fail a third time will really make the story meaningless. There has to be a win somewhere to satisfy the reader. So remember the rule of three. Three characters makes a better story than one or two. The interactions increase. Three tries with the final one succeeding brings a satisfactory ending to the story.

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Monday, January 23, 2023

Meandering on Monday with Janet Lane Walters #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #reading #writing #thoughts

Meander 1 - Reading - Reading a variety in the past week. A Regency romance by Mary Balog. A nice story though a bit long. A seriesof fantasies short stories by Andre Norton - Her depth and imagination always make for interesting reading. And another Anne Perry with Charlotte Pitt. Interesting time period.

Meander 2 - Thoughts - The Circus continues in Congress. Been thinking about the past amny years. Sixty-five years ago when I was 21, I registered to vote. Had to go to the courthouse in pittsburgh. I registeredas an independent feeling that gave me the chance to judge candidates on their merits. Over the years, that has changed and I found so many of those running for office didn't really speak to the things I was interested in and cared for. These pst perhaps tenyears my agreement with politicians ahs grown less and less. I really believe most of them are in this for the power and not for the interests of the peoplethey serve. This has become more and more evident. Right now, there is a small Rep majority in the house and a small Dem majority inthe senate. Seems like nothing much will happen because these men and women are  just too interested in their own maintainance of power. They are not getting rid of a man who has lied and done perhaps other things because his vote is needed to keep the power in selfish hands. Will this change? I hope so but I feel not until things are worse.

Meander 3 - Writing - Slowly moving forwardwith Home Caring. This has also given me an idea for e trilogies to finish the Moonchild series in my won way. 

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Sunday, January 22, 2023

Sunday's Book Nilos - Moon Rising Book 3 #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #fantasy #swords #sorcery #healing

 

Return to the world where Midra and Midran rule. The god and goddess have two faces. Midra is Mistrees on the Moon and also Mistress of the Dark. Midran is Lord of light and Lord of shadows. Rons ago, the Three and Three rose, Seer, Warrior, Healer defeated the Lord of Shadows, though remnants of his worshipers remain. As generations pass in the four nomes of the land only a few remain to honor the Mistress. Once again the followers of Midran prevail, leaving trouble to roil beneath the surface. Prophecies abound and many point to change. Will the Three and Three come again?

In Nilos, Healwomen have become only midwives. Their hodara lies in ruins on the bank of the Nilos River in the city of Memphos. Only a few women come for training and remain in the city. Others serve in the highlands and on the desert. The Eldest, she who rules the midwives, sets upon a scheme fo bring the Three to life and to rule the nome.

What will happen when the Eldest sets her plan into action? Will there be just three women or will they find their opposites becoming the fabled Three and Three? Who will rule the changes to come?

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2021

An evocative fantasy with hints of The Handmaid's Tale, when females are demoted to a servile role in their society. Ms. Walters spins a compelling story of struggle and empowerment. I must try the other books in this series.
Plus that cover is gorgeous!

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Saturday, January 21, 2023

Saturday's Blurbs feature Books by Diane Bator #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Dead Man's Doll #Mysteries

 


DEAD MAN’S DOLL. Book 2 Sugarwood Mysteries

 

Christmas blooms in Sugarwood in the form of a brightly lit tree in town square, colourful ornaments, and a snowstorm. It’s just Audra Clemmings’ luck that she literally stumbles over the local butcher in Miss Lavinia’s shop. Then a witch doctor arrives in town. Can Audra solve the mystery before the killer turns their sights on her?

https://books2read.com/Dead-Mans-Doll

 

DROP DEAD COWBOY, Book 1 Sugarwood Mysteries

Audra Clemmings love Halloween. At least until she sees the display of voodoo dolls in the shop next door that resembles everyone in Sugarwood, Ontario—including her.

Then there’s the matter of the dead cowboy on the bench in front of her shop Stitch’n’Time…

 

REVIEWS

“The heroine’s curiosity could get her in trouble but she managed to stay alert. This sounds like the kick off to a great series.” Janet Walters, author of Committee of Angels and Mrs. Miller Mysteries.

 

“Ms. Bator’s description of the locations and quirky fun characters engage readers in this well-written cozy mystery.” Janet Glaser, aka J.Q. Rose, author of Deadly Undertaking

 

https://books2read.com/Drop-Dead-Cowboy-

 

 

ALL THAT SHINES, Book 2 Glitter Bay Mysteries

When Sage Miller's sister Laken decides to host a fashion show as a grand opening for the new location of Vintage Sage, she's not amused. Even less so when she discovers her sister hired a Hollywood fashion designer to help. Not only does the designer show up in the middle of renovations, but he drags along his protégé.

 

https://books2read.com/All-That-Shines

 

Friday, January 20, 2023

Friday Diane Bator is Visiting and talking about her latest release ##BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #writing #Dead Man's Doll #mystery

 

What book or books would you like to talk about? A new release or an old.

My latest book is Dead Man’s Doll, which came out in October 2022. It is book 2 in my Sugarwood Mysteries series. My newest novel is called Dead Man’s Doll. It is the second book in my Sugarwood Mysteries series and features best friends Audra and Merilee who own a craft shop together in a small Canadian town in Ontario. The setting is the month before Christmas while Sugarwood is preparing for Christmas and the all-important Tree Lighting that always takes place one month before Christmas. Audra, seeking an herbal medicine from Miss Lavinia a couple doors over, stumbles onto a crime scene and from there is drawn into a mystery that may involve some high-ranking members of Sugarwood Society.

 

How did the idea arise?

The entire series arose from a short story I did for an anthology many years ago. Once the book was no longer available, I was able to use the story called Death of a Christmas Witch and change it into the basis for the Sugarwood Mysteries.

 

How much research was needed? Do you stay on point or just have to look up just one more thing?

Research sent me down a rabbit hole! Voodoo dolls, witchcraft, craft shops, and so on.

Since I already live in a setting similar to the fictional town of Sugarwood, the setting has required less research. Although looking up local holiday traditions was fun.

 

How long did it take to write the book?

The book itself took 30 days to write. I crafted it during Nanowrimo in 2021. The editing took much longer! Adding details and clarifying wording is much more time intensive.

 

Do you write in just one genre or in others?

Mostly, I write mysteries, BUT I have been dabbling with a romance series, a fantasy novel, and a couple YA books. I just need to actually finish and publish them!

 

How long have you been writing?

I’ve always been a storyteller and have loved to create books since I was a kid. I actually still have some stories I wrote when I was a teenager as well as a novel that has always been the one that I’d love to hone and publish one day.

 

What is your Sun Sign?

My Sun sign is Cancer. I’m a home body who loves to look after everyone!

 

Where on the internet can you be found?

Website: www.dianebator.ca (Lots of great stuff here!!)

Escape With a Writer Blog:  http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dianebatorauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DianeBator

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-bator-35b63418/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianebatorauthor/?hl=en

Pinterest: Diane Bator, Author (pinterest.ca)

TikTok : @dianebatorauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179945.Diane_Bator

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Diane-Bator/e/B009CGCPRE

 

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Thursday Writing Healwoman #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #epic fantasy #healing #swords #Midra vs Midran #4 lands

When I began writing Healwoman, the main character came to life at an important time in her life. That was when her mother decided to turn her over to the priestesses of Midra in her incarnation as Mistress of the Dark Moon. This story was Norna's but also the hero plays a part and though there is not a happily ever after to the book there is a very satisfactory ending. Following the pair after Norna is able to become a Healwoman and he is part of the Midran priesthood was a fascinating journey. I really enjoyed writing the twists and turns of the story and knowing that someday the series would end.

 

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Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Moon Summoned - First trio of characters #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #epic fantasy #3 heroines #3 heroes #3 villains #romance #swords #sorcery

 


 Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some great excerpts. Mine is found at eclecticwriter.blogspot.com and features the first heroine, hero and villain of Moon Summoned

BLURB:

Three Moon Summoned women. Ashiera the Seer who controls the winds and sees into the thoughts of others. Dian the Warrior who controls fire and fights with the sword. Egeria the Healer who controls fluids and heals those who are injured. They are joined in their battle by Sieper a sailor who knows the winds, Kobe once sworn to the Lord of Shadows and Jetan a healer of animals. These three vow to help the three women against those sworn to Evil.

Lugal the Cabal reads the winds and thoughts. Sargon the Gladius controls fire and the armies of the Lord of Shadow. Lugal the Cabal has knowledge of herbs and uses them for evil. These three with their cohorts will face the three and three sworn to the Mistress of the Moons.

Editorial Review: Janet Lane Walters has written a story that will take you to another time and place. She gives vivid descriptions of her characters and their role in this story. Ms. Walters has constructed a civilization so real that you will feel its very existence. A place where men rule women as chattel for their sexual needs, and three evil rulers who drain their bodies of their very essence for spells and to gain power. There is betrayal and treachery inside of plots, as each priest plans to rule alone. Ashiera, Egeria, and Dian are bound to the spirits of the ones who came before them. They discover a truth that will astound them, and have them doubting their chosen path. They will experience a love that is forbidden and discover that two stand together better than one. I could feel the emotional struggle between love and destiny, described so passionately by the author. I hope Ms. Walters plans to continue this story. I could feel that this is just the beginning of this tale. Janet Walters book, Moon Bright, Moon Dark will go on my keeper shelf, beside such authors as Charlotte Boyett-Compo and Nancy Gideon. I give this story Five Hearts and recommend it highly. Enjoy!



Excerpt:

“Ashiera,” Sieper whispered.

She stared. “Who is Ashiera?”

“You are and you are mine.”

As though a black curtain had been torn, her expression changed. “No.” She backed away.

He went to her. “What do you remember?”

Her eyes reflected myriad emotions. “Dying, yet I live. Heated winds searing my head. Falling into darkness. I am Ashiera, but I don’t remember taking vows with you.”

“Much has changed in Keltoi. The Lord of Shadows has placed his shroud over the people. The Mistress and her servants are gone.”

“Gone! Who protects the land and makes sure the seasons follow their proper courses?” She bowed her head. “Once I sat on the seat of judgment. Once I knew the lore and the legends. I solved disputes and made prophecies for those who asked for sight.”

He caressed her shoulders in an attempt to leach the tension from her taut muscles. “Those days are no more.”

She looked up. “All is gone.”

His thumbs brushed her cheeks. “Alas, ‘tis the truth. Since you are now aware, I can’t leave you in Zandara. You must come with me, for you are mine.”

His words frightened her. She couldn’t be a prisoner. Though his blue-green eyes were kind, she couldn’t sail with him. There was a place she must find and she couldn’t let anyone stop her. Yet, she wished she could remain with him.

She touched his face and explored the rugged features. She ran her hands through the honey-hued hair that brushed his broad shoulders. He was a man she could love forever, but the compulsion to flee his tender care grew unbearable. Her muscles tensed for flight.

His arms closed around her like a cage. “Sail with me.”

She struggled to free herself from his embrace. She couldn’t. She had to leave.

A voice sounded in her head. Come! Now!

Ashiera grabbed a heavy crystal salt cellar and smashed it against his head. He staggered and fell, pulling her atop him. Until she caught her breath, she listened to the steady beat of his heart. He groaned. She jumped to her feet. As she raced across the garden to the gate, she pulled clothes from the line.


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