Thursday's Villainess - Cyna from Amber Tower - Amber Chronicles #fantasy #MFRWauthor

The strains of a waltz filled the air with a poignant melody.  This evening the king of Lamau hosted a ball.  Women in brightly colored dresses swirled around the room on the arms of courtiers equally garbed in brilliant shades.

Jalese sighed.  As usual she hadn’t been asked to dance.  Why would any of the courtiers want to escort a plain, ordinary and often clumsy young woman, even if the king was her uncle?

When her cousin, Cyna, glided by on the arms of a handsome man Jalese sighed.  Cyna’s bright pink gown clung to her lush body while the paler gauze draperies moved like a cloud around her hips and legs.

Envy shot into Jalese’s thoughts.  Cyna was all she wasn’t.  Cyna’s blonde hair hung in ringlets down her back.  Her eyes were the blue of sapphires.

We should be friends, Jalese thought.  But we’re not.

One day soon their uncle would name as his heir the niece who found a husband who would be trusted with the rule.  A princess needed a prince and there were none available in the nearby kingdoms.

The music ended.  The king rose from where he sat with his friends.  Jalese left the secluded window seat.  The sorceress of Lamau appeared at the king’s side.  Her appearance was magical.  She raised her hands and sent clouds of scented flowers through the room.  “A prince has been summoned and will soon arrive.”

A hundred voices murmured and the sound rose in pitch.  Jalese drew in a breath and felt her hopes vanish like rain puddles after a summer storm.

Cyna clapped her hands.  She whirled.  Like a homing pigeon she appeared at Jalese’s side.  “Isn’t the news wonderful?  A prince has been found.”  She patted Jalese’s shoulder.  “Do you know what this means?”

Jalese did but she refused to cede the crown to her cousin who had arrived at the castle eight years ago.  Though Cyna had been born on the same day in the same hour and minute as Jalese when she appeared the king had been surprised to learn of her birth.  His estrangement from his oldest sister had been complete.

Jalese’s thoughts raced with questions.  When would this mysterious prince appear?  What kind of man would he be?  Her uncle was a good king who cared for the land and the people.  Would a stranger possess these qualities?  If he did could he maintain them with Cyna as his bride?

The sorceress bowed to the king.  “Be prepared for his arrival. He will be found and must be freed.”  She vanished.

Once the buzz of voices became whispers the king walked toward the refreshment room.  “Come, food and drink awaits.”  He led the way to the buffet tables.

A cluster of courtiers surrounded Cyna.  Jalese tried to escape but her cousin grasped her arm.

“Join us for the repast.”  Cyna’s honeyed voice added to Jalese’s edginess.  “The sorceress’ announcement will bring you much attention.  When I wed this prince there be any number of my court who want to wed a princess.”

Cyna’s unspoken words were clear to Jalese.  “I’m not hungry.”

“I won’t let you run off the way you usually do.  Did none of the courtiers ask you to dance?  If you continue to lurk in dark corners you’ll never wed.”

Jalese stumbled several times in the journey to the buffet room.  Twice she almost fell.  Her thoughts were as scrambled as breakfast eggs.  One of the courtiers pulled out a chair at one of the tables for her.  Why all this attention, Jalese wondered.  Being with these laughing maidens and men made her wary.  If only she could escape.

The courtiers strode away.  With grace Cyna lowered herself onto one of the chairs.  “Someone must take you in hand.  When I’m queen you’ll need a home elsewhere.”

Jalese’s hands fisted.  “The palace has been my home since I was two.”

“And mine since I was twelve.”  Cyna smiled.  “When I’m queen I’ll make many changes.  Uncle is too generous to the people and the taxes are much too low.  The entire palace must be redecorated.”

Jalese stared at the table.  Cyna would also spend money on jewels and fine clothes.  She would beggar the kingdom.  Jalese looked for an escape but her cousin blocked the aisle.  A man servant filled goblets with deep red wine.  The courtiers arrived with plates of food.

Cyna lifted a carydad and turned to Jalese.  “Try one.  They’re delicious.”

“And poison to me.”  Jalese jerked back and her hand hit one of the goblets.  Dark red liquid spilled across the table and spattered her bright green gown.

Cyna’s hand flew to her mouth.  “Oh dear, you’ve ruined your gown.  A blessing though.  That color makes your skin look muddy.”

Jalese pushed her chair back and fled from the room.  Instead of going to her chamber she slipped from the palace.  Surely her cousin would invade her privacy with dulcet words of sympathy for another ruined gown and jab holes in any self-confidence that remained.

Wednesday's Writer's Tip - Whose Eyes Tell the story? #MFRWauthor #amwriting

When Reading Robert Meredith and John Fitzgerald's book on writing, they talk about the author using omniscient powers to show characters, setting and story scenes. Just what do they mean. I figure it this way. The author chooses what to tell and who to tell the story. This can be a difficult decision. Will the viewpoint be restricted to a single person or will many people give a bird's eye view into the intricacies of the story?

To choose the writer needs to remember that choosing a viewpoint character or characters only what that character sees. hears, touches, tastes and smells can be shown. For some stories this becomes difficult. The writer might want the reader to see things the chosen character doesn't experience. This means a more unrestricted approach.

So what can the writer choose. There are four more common ways. First person singular, limited to one person. I've used this in mysteries because I've wanted the reader to learn along with the main character the answers to the mystery. There is first person plural. I've never tried this but I've noticed in the New Adult stories the writers are choosing to show in first person from the two main characters in this romance sum-genre.

Third person singular is similar to first person singular in that the entire story is told from his or her viewpoint. The he or she being the main character in the story. I've used this once and the story was never published and was lost somewhere in the mail. Third person plural means more than one character has a viewpoint. There can be two as in some romances or there can be more. I think the most viewpoints I ever used in a novel was eight and the juggling was fun, not to repeat what was seen and learned.

Tuesday's Inspiration - Making The Most of Your Talent #MFRWauthor

Was reading an old essay on writing by Marjorie Holmes about making the most of your talent. One thing she said was "It must not go to waste." Years ago, I was in a writing group with several women who were really talented writers. I always thought they would go places. Unfortunately most of them gave up on writing. I always wondered about their reasons.

The first one that occurred to me was they weren't willing to reach for new methods. This was in the beginning days of electronic publishing. To me this sounded like an interesting experiment and I dove in. These women believed only a print contract was the thing to reach for.

The second reason was they had their minds set on what kind of stories they wanted to write. This was the days when sex was creeping into stories and they didn't want to go beyond a chaste kiss at the end of the book.

Though they had greater talent than I did they were unwilling to try new avenuse and venture to challenge themselves in other directions.

What about you? Are your ideas about what you must write so set in concrete you can't change directions? If so, you're not making the most of your talent.

Meandering On Monday With Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor

Meander 1 - Crossword Puzzles - I don't know how many people enjoy doing crossword puzzles but I do. The good thing is as a writer I'm aware of many many cliches and this knowledge always helps me when I'm doing these puzzles. Crossword puzzles also teach you to think around corners and how to figure words when the definitions are not what you would expect. What is exciting is when you discover the trick to each puzzle and the words start to flow. Sort of like writing when you're striving to make the words flow and somehow you discover a trick and the words start flowing.

Meander 2 - Dieting - This is something I really must consider. I have maintained the same weight for years but it's more than I should weigh. So I'm going to start figuring how to take my weight down a notch. Of course this means exercise and that is something I don't find pleasant.

Meander 3 - Writing. I'm nearing the end of a draft of my current WIP and then it will be to clean up and re-write some sentences, some paragraphs and some scenes. I also want to start readying some books I'll get back by the end of the year to shift them over to the new publisher. There's a series of six novellas and also a longer book that was once a serial. This will take time and I want to be ready when the time comes.

Sunday's Book - Dragons of Fyre by Janet Lane Walters #fantasy #MFRWauthor

1. 

After escaping from the temple of Fyre, Drakon returns to his home to find only two people and a yellow dragon. He and the Old One learn as much as they can about the land at present. The lord of Sea Cliff Tower has gathered the remaining dragons at his keep. On learning the High Peaks Tower’s red dragon is with egg they arrange her escape and rescue her eggs. Now they must find a way to defeat their enemy and return the dragons to the other towers. 

Arana, sold by the temple priestesses to the slavers is bought by the lord of High Tower and made a part of the family. Before they are able to adopt her the lord of Sea Cliff Tower invades and destroys the family, taking her and her friend prisoner. Drakon is sold. Arana because she can speak to the dragons is made a slave care-giver. She saves a green egg and raises the green dragon. After helping the High Peaks Tower’s red dragon escape she is in danger and must find a way to escape. Her attempt to ride the green dragon succeeds and she arrives injured and ill. Once she recovers she and Drakon attempt to find a way to rescue the other dragons of Fyre. 

Gianna Simone rated it 5 stars         

Saturday's Blurb features a Book by Stella Marie Alden

How To Train Your Knight

Year of our Lord, 1276.
In the hours just before dawn, blasphemous curses echo throughout the stone manor. A knife clatters to the floor and a feisty young widow is bound, blindfolded, and led to the marriage alter. The king couldn’t possibly have sanctioned this farce of a marriage, could he? After all, she alone transformed a few mud huts and starving serfs into a flourishing town, never once hesitating to pay generous taxes to his royal kingdom. Abandon her beloved people to be ruled by her new husband, an ignorant Templar knight? Never!

A murderous witch for a wife? The Beast of Thornhill finds himself in the middle of either a cruel jest or an evil conspiracy. After returning from the Holy wars, he accepts bestowment of a small parcel of land in return for saving King Edward’s life. But the reward comes with a warning regarding the estate’s mistress. Despite his insatiable attraction to the black-haired beauty, he allows her time to warm to him while observing her strange, forward-thinking ways. But when all is on the line, will he stand by her through the inquisition or will they both hang for her secrets?

stellamariealden@gmail.com

www.stellamariealden.com

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How To Train Your Knight

Amazon Best Seller

Friday Stella Marie Alden Talking About Heroes, Heroines and Villains #MFRWauthor

1.      Do you write a single genre or do your fingers flow over the keys creating tales in many forms?

Besides my only published work, a Medieval romance, I’ve written two modern, that I call chic-geek, and one paranormal. I like all genres. I can imagine writing mysteries, too. My mind is always wandering to new ideas.

Do your reading choices reflect your writing choices? Are there genres you wouldn’t attempt?

I read everything. Most important is an entertaining story and because of that, I think pure erotica might be difficult for me to write. I like the sex to be part of the growth of the relationship, not the primary focus.

2.      Heroes, Heroines, Villains. Which are your favorite to write? Does one of these come easy and why?

A strong heroine is my favorite but it doesn’t come easy. Almost like an actress, I become my characters and it can be exhausting. I must feel everything they feel in order to write for them.

3.      Heroes. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or plain imagination create the man you want every reader to love? Do they come before the plot or after you have the idea for the story?

The story in my head demands the hero, and thus he’s born completely out of imagination. Marcus, in ‘How to Train Your Knight’ was actually too demanding and rough in the first drafts. I had to soften him up a bit. He was perhaps more historically correct, but not nice enough to fall in love with.

4.      Heroines. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or imagination create the woman you want the reader to root for? Do they appear before the plot or after you have the idea for the story?

It’s so odd for me to consider which came first, the plot or the character. I think my process is something like this. I start with a premise, such as, what if there was a Renaissance woman living in the late middle-ages? What if she was forced to marry a hard-headed knight? From there, I make a very rough outline, start to write, and the characters come to life through dialog. The little subplots develop as the story unfolds.

5.      Villains or villainesses or an antagonist, since they don’t always have to be the bad guy or girl. They can be a person opposed to the hero’s or heroine’s obtaining their goal. How do you choose one? How do you make them human?

These are really hard questions! Bad guys never think they are bad guys, do they? So when I am writing in their point of view, they have perfectly valid reasons for acting thus. As far as choosing, hmmm. It’s more that they just appear on the page. Often I’ll have a minor bad guy, only to learn that someone more powerful is pulling the strings.

6.      What is your latest release? Who is the hero, heroine and or the villain?

My first book is called ‘How to Train Your Knight.” In it, a Renaissance woman living in the high middle ages creates a utopian-like village for her serfs. Our hero is a Templar knight, newly back from the Holy Lands, known as “The Beast.” There are many bad-guys, the worst of them are dead, but their abuse of our heroine haunts her.

7.      What are you working on now?

I signed up for a trilogy with Soul Mate Publishing. I’m working on book two of the Medieval Romance. In it, Marcus’ first in command comes home, after five years of trading abroad, to learn he has inherited land on the Scottish border. He also has a miracle of a son, considering he never breached the woman.

8. How can people find you?

            Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B00WRNKOOU

            Blog: www.stellamariealden.com

            Twitter: @stellamariealde

            Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/StellaAlden/

            GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/25366748

Thursday's Villain - The Wizard from The Amber Dragon - #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

When the door closed with a bang Valia saw her father’s scowl had deepened.  Though he stood at a distance, she sensed his anger.  His boots clicked on the marble squares of the floor.  At the king’s side, the wizard appeared to glide.

“Daughter, what am I going to do with you?  Hoggen was the last of the princes available for you to wed.”  The king’s eyes sparked with anger.

Valia smiled.  “Father, do you think I am beautiful?”

“That has nothing to do with your need for marriage.  You must beg one of the princes to return.  Surely there is one who is less offensive than the others.  I must have time to train my successor to rule when I am gone.”

Valia’s heart skipped a beat.  “Do not think that way.  You are only of middle age.”

“I must consider the future.  Lanton must have a strong ruler.  Since you cannot choose I will.”

“Father, no.”  Valia’s hands rested on her hips.  “I refuse to marry a man who can say nothing about my beauty.  I will gladly wed one who adores me.  He can take on the boring chores of a king and leave me time to spend maintaining my beauty.  I will not wed a man who wants me to worship him.”

The king turned to the wizard.  “Do something.  Cast a spell to make her change from the vain and selfish woman she has become.”

The wizard smiled slyly.  “Sire, I can devise a spell but you might not be willing to pay the price.”

“Gold, silver and jewels will be yours.  I will gladly pay you to create a spell.”

Valia stared at them.  “Have I no say?”

The king shook his head.  “You will do what must be done.  Wizard, you will have what you desire.  I must have a son to rule when I grow old.”

“As you command, Sire.”

Valia scurried toward the door.  Her father grasped her arm.  “My child, you must wed before another year passes.  You have reached your twentieth year.”

She did not trust the wizard and she had no idea why she felt this distrust.  “Why must you be this way?  Am I not your greatest treasure?”

“You are and there must be a strong man to guard you when I no longer can.”

The wizard stood on her other side.  “The spell I will cast would best be done in the garden.”

A chill rolled along her arms.  Couldn’t her father sense what she felt. The wizard reminded her of the rejected princes. His arrogance was more centered in his power than his looks. Since his arrival, her father had turned from her and halted his lessons in statecraft. She had changed, too but how she wasn’t sure.

Though Valia wanted to flee she would not let this man know she feared him.  She walked between the men to the garden.  A breeze carried the scent of summer flowers.  Chimes in the trees produced a sweet song.  With a wave of his hand her father sent the guards and gardeners away.

A strange lethargy stole over Valia.  She sank onto a garden bench.  Her father sat on another one.  The wizard spoke quietly.  Her father’s eyes closed.  When Valia tried to rise she could not move.  She called to her father but he failed to answer.

The wizard approached her bench.  His midnight blue robe swirled around his ankles.  As he raised his arms the wide sleeves billowed.  He held a wand.  “Sire, do you agree to the terms I set?”

“I do.”  The king’s voice sounded as though he was at a great distance.

Valia frowned.  What were the terms and what did they mean for her?  Shouldn’t she be the one to accept or refuse?

The wizard chanted strange sounding words.  He walked three times in a clockwise and three times counter around the bench.  The seventh circuit followed the clock.

Valia felt as though the bench formed a cage to keep her in place.  Images of becoming a marble statue for the duration of the spell brought fear.  How could she fulfill her father’s demand to wed if she remained an unmoving figure seated on a bench?

The wizard faced her.  He waved his wand from side to side.  Her gaze followed.  His gibberish changed to words she understood.  They unnerved her.

“For seven weeks this new form will be yours.  There is but one chance to escape your fate.  If you find a prince and convince him to kiss you, you will return to your own shape.  To do this you will have a single word.  The first one you utter to another will be all you can say.  If seven weeks pass and you have not found a prince you will become my smiling silent bride.”

Valia wanted to protest.  She had no desire to be the wizard’s wife.  She looked at her father.  He appeared to be asleep.  Had the wizard cast a spell on the king?

The wizard’s wand twirled faster until Valia could no longer see the gem at the tip.  The sight transfixed her.  “Seven times seven,” the wizard shouted.  “The spell is complete.”

Wednesday's Writer's Tip - More points to remember #MFRWauthor

You've just about planned your story or you're going back to see if you have covered all the points. There are a few things to remember. If your story is plot or character focused, when the major complication is solved you've reached the end. Sure you can have a few paragraphs to wrap up the mystery, romance elements but don't continue for more chapters. The reader has been satisfied by the ending and going on will only irritate them.

Several other things you must consider is the time line. All stories have this limiting facter whether it be days, weeks, months or years. You need to have your time line accurate. I've had to go back and fix errors in the time line many more times than I'd like to admit. There's nothing more distressing than reading a story and finding something should have been placed earlier in the book.

Continuity is another factor you need to check. Does each scene make sense following the one before? If not the reader will become lost or annoyed. Make sure each incident impacts the focus character or characters in some way. If they don't, they're probably padding. Don't want to do that.
Ask yourself Is this scene necessary? If not delete those words.

The last thing is pacing. Do the scenes drive the story toward that moment when the major complication is solved?

Tuesday's Inspiration - Rearrange #MFRWauthor

 When I read the words "Man rearranges" in an essay by Sloan Wilson, I shook my head. Then I started to look at what this might mean. We often write about things we haven't experienced. What we try to do is imagine something we have experienced that is similar to what we want to write.

I've never murdered a person, stolen money or other such acts but I've written about them. What I've done is filter things through my imagination and rearrange some emotion I've experienced in the past. How about you, have you written about something you've never experienced?

Writers of historical fiction have books to read for research. But they've never been to that place. In writing my ancient alternate Egypt worlds I visited museums to look at artifacts, read volumes about the ancient world. Then I began to rearrange things I'd discovered into a story.

Imagination is the process of rearranging known things and making them into something that's sort of new. Sort of but there is a basis for what springs onto the page. So spend your time and use your imagination to rearranging the things you've experienced and know into those worlds you're creating.