Views Out the Window

In every story you write, your character is placed in a setting. Well, that's obvious. But in certain historical or fantastical novels, the setting may be one you've never visited. How then do you know what it's like to walk in such a land or city?

Of course, if your land or city is unbound by the laws of the natural world, or if it is floating in space, you might never experience it. A land that inspired you might be on the other side of the world.  But you can research! You can look up the climate, animal life, and safety warnings of the place that must become your world.

Visiting these places is especially wonderful, but pictures are great also. For me, some of my characters are going places I'll likely never set foot in. But in my current manuscript, they're going to be treking through a lot of forest. Fortunately, I've hiked through and studied forests (along with my family), so I'm able to draw from experience.

Settings in our world can be very inspiring, sometimes going as far as creating a whole new story. I thought I'd share some beautiful pictures my family as has taken of lands that look like they just belong in novels.

Can't you see a hero standing on the rock's edge?

Is that an elven bridge I spy back there?

For some reason, I keep seeing a castle on those rocks

If it hadn't been on such small scale, I might have thought I'd found the ruins of the Grey Havens

The world is a beautiful place. Have your characters not only live in it, but know it!

Dragonwitch Poster

So I am on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the upcoming release, Dragonwitch, by my favorite author, Anne Elisabeth Stengl. While I was at the edge of my seat, I decided to do a digital art project.  This was inspired by the prologue of the book as seen on Amazon.com.

Enjoy!

For those who have read the books (and those ridiculously lucky ones who've read Dragonwitch already) do you have a guess who that valiant knight might be? Keep in mind this is a picture inspired by the prologue.

Book Recomendations A-Z

 We are on the brink of summer, and I'm sure most of you have a huge summer reading list that doesn't need to be any longer. Nonetheless, I thought I'd share a list of excellent books I've enjoyed. If you're above sixteen, you can enjoy all of these. If lower, I try to indicate the appropriate age range. I hope it helps! This post was inspired by an article by Jill Williamson over at Go Teen Writers.


A-  Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
This classic series never fails to charm and enchant. If you're a writer, this a great way to gain perspective of the joys and trials of an ordinary life. Plus, the descriptions are beautiful. 

B-  Ben and Me by Robert Lawson
This was one of my favorite books as a kid. A story about Benjamin Franklin through the eyes of his good mouse, Amos, who, of course, is behind all the greatness. Absolutely hilarious with great illustrations. All ages.

C-  Codetalker by Joesph Bruchac
I don't usually like war books, but this novel set in World War II focuses on the Navajo codetalkers. The story follows a Navajo youth through his childhood in school and his experiences as a Marine during the war. While there is some mildly violent content in battle, I consider the most disturbing scenes to be at the children's school where the teachers are like monsters. The book is filled with great humor, and I really love it. While the main character is fictional, all the events are real. Everything is done very tastefully, so I say ages 13 and up!

D-  Dealing With Dragons series by Patricia C. Wrede
I finally read these fairytales, and boy, are they so cute and funny! If you're looking for great humor, action, and a bit of romance, don't pass these up! All ages, although very young kids might find some scenes too intense (even though they're usually diffused by some funny situation.)

E-  Eragon by Christoper Paolini
I think this is a good book for any fantasy writer to read. I stopped with the first one, because I fell in love with the wrong character. Does the name Murtagh mean anything to you? But after some major-spoiler containing research, I discovered that Murtagh's story ends off on a much better note then I had thought, so I think I will continue the series. For the first book, I'd say ages 14 and up.

F-  Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine
Okay, so it's a Tinkerbell book. But when I couldn't get enough of Ms. Levine's work, I pulled this book out. I loved it and its two sequels! The illustrations are great, and the stories are cute and clever. Don't be fooled, there are actually some fairly intense scenes in these books that very little kids could find upsetting. I know I nearly cried at points.  :)  Ages 10 (maybe 8) and up.

G-  The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis Mcgraw
A great historical novel set in Egypt. Most kids can handle this story as it was written for them, but there is an abusive uncle and some nail-biting content, so I say 12 and up. 

H-  The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Who does not love this wonderful classic? It has charming humor and great action, plus good lessons learned. Yes, we love it, don't we, precious?

I-  Isle of Swords by Wayne Thomas Batson
Talk about a rip-roaring adventure! I had so much fun reading this book! Set on the high seas, this story concerns a pirate ship captained by a noble man, his fiery daughter, and the mysterious young man they rescue. As Mr. Batson is a Christian, there are such themes woven throughout as we follow the character's paths to redemption. You'll really want to read the sequel, Isle of Fire, once you're done. It depends on the maturity of the reader, but I'd say 14 and up, because the bad guys are really bad, and there are various scenes of torture, though the most graphic content is mostly alluded to.

J-  Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry
A great story about a boy and the horse he loves who will eventually be the beginning of the beloved Morgan breed. Any book written by this author is great!

K-  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I just finished this book recently and thought very highly of it. It is a very serious book, but tastefully handled as it is seen through the fairly innocent eyes of a nine-year old girl. A great story with sad parts about prejudice. I read this at age 16, and for me that was a good age, because this classic novel deals with serious issues.

L-  Lysbeth by H. Rider Haggard
A wonderful historical novel about the Netherlands during the Spanish Inquisition. This little-known classic has great action and awesome characters.Violence abounds, but sexual content is very clean despite the fact there are two forced marriages in it (one results in a child). A pulse-pounding experience! 14 and up.

M-  Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
A historical tale of a young white man raised by Indians finding his place and identity in the settling of the Oregon Terriorty. A great read!

N-  North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson
Okay, so I haven't actually read this book. As a matter of fact, I had no intention of reading this book. I mean, what a title! But I've been hearing wonderful things about this series ever since (this is book 2), so I'll give it a try. Besides, I couldn't think of any other book that starts with 'N'. Believe it or not.

O-  One Minute After You Die by Erwin W. Lutzer
This is a non-fiction book dealing with what happens after you die. I love dreaming about heaven, and this is a wonderful and thought-provoking book! Scripture-based.

P-  The Princess and Curdie by George McDonald
So you really ought to read The Princess and the Goblins first, but this one was my favorite. I just adore Lina. Interestingly enough these books finally made me break away into writing novels that were not based off Star Wars and Lord of the Rings! All ages.

Q- The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner
One of my favorite series! These books will astonish and delight you with their incredible quality. I have to say 14 (maybe older) and up, because book 2 deals with depression and recovery from torture, plus a love story that will boggle any reader.  In book 3, the married couple are very much in love and mature content is alluded to, though not seen. Book 4 also deals with serious issues. But they're absolutely great, and to my delight, I've discovered two more books are supposed to be coming out!

R-  The Redwall series by Brian Jacques
A series composed of 22 books revolved around a vivid world of animals. Full of adventure, battle, love, and sacrifice; these are some awesome books. They considered appropriate for kids, but because of violent content, I'm saying 12 and up.

S-  Shadow Hawk by Andre Norton
This is a great novel set in Egypt during its oppression under the Hysko invaders. Following the adventures of a young captain, this story bristles with adventure and political intrigue, concluding with an intense battle. The writing takes a little getting used to, but this is great stuff! Because of violent content, ages 13 and up.

T-  The Tales of Goldstone Wood series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
If you've been watching my blog at all, you know that I'm nuts about this series. Click here to learn my thoughts about them. They're awesome. 14 and up.

U-  Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
 The size of this book and the issues it deals with is enough to daunt anyone. But this is not a story to miss. I read it this year and was astounded by the beauty and truth that shines forth amidst the darkness. While Uncle Tom is a primary character, the book is mostly seen through other character's perspectives and follows many storylines. The ending for Uncle Tom, though very sad, is triumphant, and there are several happy endings for others. The message of God's love was heralded in this book like I've never seen before. Absolutely incredible. Not for young readers. I read it at 16 and handled it just fine though.

V-  The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis
Of course, the entire Chronicles of Narnia are wonderful, but since I needed a 'V' title, I chose this one. 

W-  The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
As I loved some of Ms. Speare's other work, I decided to give this one a try. My, wasn't it a wonderful story! I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed the drama. 12 and up.

X-  is for X-tra, because I haven't read one book that starts with 'X'. However, I have read The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. As you will notice, the author's last name has a 'X' in it. And The Chronicles of Prydain are absolutely awesome tales of magic and heroism. Probably safe for 12 and up, though the final book is very intense and heart-wrenching.

Y-  Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Lewis
Another historical novel, this one set in China. At the moment, I can't remember much about it save that I really liked it. 10 and up. 

Z-  Zia by Scott O'Dell
I have not read this book, but it is the sequel to the excellent "Island of the Blue Dolphins'!

So there you have it, folks! Any books you're really looking forward to reading this summer?

Book Review--Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis Mcgraw

Image Taken from Amazon.com

I stumbled across an excellent book the other day, quite by accident. While poring through the library, hopeful for something of quality, I came across a wonderful novel I'd read previously, The Golden Goblet. Oh, I thought, let's see what else this author wrote. Of course, the one with the Native American caught my eye, because I've always been fascinated with those cultures.

But I was completely unprepared to find that I LOVED this story!!!
Here's part of the summary from the interior of the book.

Moccasin Trail

By Eloise Jarvis Mcgraw

It has been eight years since Jim Keath ran away from his family into the wilderness of the great Oregon territory. Rescued by Crow Indians from a near-fatal battle with a grizzly, Jim spent six years living with and learning the ways of the Crow Indians. Then Jim received a desperate message and learned that his brothers and sister were journeying west to take up land. "Jim, if you're still alive, come help us!"

But regaining his family's trust would be as difficult as the long journey through the frontier...

Through My Window

This is an absolutely wonderful adventure of discovering home. Jim Keath is a thrilling hero, a wild, daring young man, who's considered close to a savage by many characters, including his family. But despite his tough exterior, he's desperate to belong somewhere. His brother and sister, though glad for his help, are wary of his Indian ways, especially since the youngest sibling has started to idolize Jim's wild life.

The story is sensitively viewed by different characters, and your opinion of Jim's lifestyle ranges up and down. At times, the ways of Talks Alone (Jim's alter-ego) are extremely attractive. The way he interacts with his surroundings, his half-wild horse and dog, and his daring enterprises, seem like the the perfect life. Several times, I found myself wistful for the untamed country that is coming to an end in the story. Yet, while displaying the beauty of that life, it also shows the dark, harsh cruelty, which made me wince and say, "Well, maybe that life isn't for me." In contrast to Jim's reckless courage, we also see the firm bravery of the pioneers, whom Jim is slowly coming to respect.

With Eloise McGraw's magnificent voice, Moccasin Trail abounds with adventure, truth, and heart. I was so thrilled with this world, that I promptly come up with a new novel idea with a Native American theme.

~ 5 STARS ~

I really would like to do this book justice, but I fear I'm coming woefully short. So take my word that it's awesome and go read it!

Favorite Book #1--The Tales of Goldstone Wood

Have you ever discovered a book that fit perfectly with your idea of a perfect book? Sounds pretty impossible, doesn't it? But I found a series that completely stole my heart.

The Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl is an incredible series where the plot twists and turns, the writing flows with beauty and prose, the vivid characters stagger under real life turmoil, and brilliant messages of undeserved grace burst forth. I love the themes of true love, self-sacrifice, and redemption. While these themes often twine through the pages of literature, Anne Elisabeth Stengl causes them to leap off the page and into your heart.

Once you've read these novels, I encourage you to read them all again. I think you'll be surprised by how much is referenced and foreshadowed.

These thought-proving fairytales of epic proportion are also amazingly clean. There is no language, no overt sexual content, and the violence is mild, and yet the stories jar you with intensity and move you with love. I really can't do them justice. Sigh. I wish I could.

Princess Una has come of age and dreams of marrying a handsome prince. But her first suitor, a Prince Aethelbald of Farthesthore falls far short of her romantic dreams, and she shuns him and his warning of an approaching danger. All too soon, disaster descends on Una and her people, and who can possibly save her from the threat she ignored?

Of course, the cover was what caught me eye. It was so beautiful and yet dramatic. The summary sounding interesting enough--girl learns to appreciate guy even though he's not dashing. What's on the inside is what counts. That's what I thought the book would be about. In a way it is. But sometimes what's inside of us is more dangerous  and terrifying then we could ever imagine...

This book was incredible. So, I decided to get the following two in the series.




Rose Red has hidden away all her young life in the mountains of Southlands, disguising her terrible secret with veils. But when Leo, a privileged young boy, discovers her, the two became fast friends. As the years pass by, their different worlds began to pull them apart, and the danger they used to seek as children has now come to destroy them and everything they love.

This story follows events before and during Heartless through the perspective of a character we barely met previously and through a character we thought we knew very well indeed.

I enjoyed it thoroughly and was so glad that I had the third novel to pick up, because this one is a bit of a cliff hanger!




Prince Lionheart is a failure in everyone's eyes. In a desperate bid to win back the trust of his people he banshies his faithful, mysterious friend, Rose Red, into the dangerous Wilderlands. This act not only leaves Lionheart without hope, but puts Rose Red in unexpected danger as her long unknown father lays claim to her...as the sacrifice to reawaken the dragons.


Moonblood shimmered in mystery and peril from page one. The dangerous past of Rose Red was brought into terrible clarity. Furthermore, it is in this novel that Eanrin, seen in the first two books, took a primary role, quickly stealing my heart.

Imagination staggers as goblins don illusions of beauty, faeries split into two,  worlds twist and turn, and deadly unicorns hunt.
And can redemption truly be earned?



The faerie Eanrin, chief poet of Rudiobus, wants nothing less then the best. So when the fair and revered Lady Gleamdren is kidnapped by an ancient terror, he boldly sets forth to rescue her. Along the way, he is obliged to rescue an enchanted maid named Starflower...and suddenly finds himself caught between forces of terrible power. Can he save both Gleamdren and Starflower? Can he possibly outrun the truth that pursues him?

This...this was the best one yet. As a prequel, it takes place some 1,600 years before the previous books, and it focuses on the stories of two well-known characters--Eanrin and Imraldera. Here at last do we see the story in which they met, the choices they made, and the journey they began...

Book 5, Dragonwitch, Comes Out

This July!!!

All these lovely cover images were taken from the author's blog, which you really need to check out. Learn more about the books and upcoming events at The Tales of Goldstone Wood blog.

To find out more about the author's doings and musings, check out her author Facebook page. 

Characters in Costume Challenge Reveal

It's the merry month of May, and today is the reveal of this month's challenge! The theme was Meet-A-Character, so I was free to choose any character I pleased, providing that I had the right costume, of course.

Gillian, who hosts this event over at her blog, has also revealed her character and has a list of all other participants. Go over and take a look!

So for this month, I chose...

Tellie

Yep, that's me dressed up as Tellie!

Tellie is a fourteen year old orphan with a feisty personality that can often get ahead of her. Her dreams of a loving family have been checked ever since she was adopted by the Nornes, who run the ramshackle inn at the small town of Denji. As the Nornes are overbearing masters, Tellie often escapes to meet her friend Kelm, a traveling merchant's apprentice, or to relax in the beautiful Shadowshade Forest. But one day, Tellie discovers a mysterious necklace, and the path of her life is forever changed...

Tellie is the main personality of my current work-in-progress, Moonscript, and her bright optimism, fiery tongue, and hopeful dreams make her a vivid contrast to Errance, the dark elven prince she is is determined to save.

Moonscript Excerpt

Today, I decided to share a short story I wrote for an assignment given to me by my writing mentor. She wanted me to better understand my characters in my work-in-progress, Moonscript, by writing about them when they were young. I created childhood stories for two of my characters, but I've decided to share the one I wrote about Prince Errance. This story may or may not be included in the final draft, but I enjoyed writing it and I hope you enjoy it too!

~ 

          The elf walked along the ridge of the roof as easily as if it were wide ground. The wind caught at his hair, but he had thrown off his royal robes so they would not get pulled by the wind. He paused as the roof met the side of a tower where translucent vines clustered against the stone. A boy hunkered against the wall there, amongst the foliage. He cradled one knee against his chest while the other leg dangled down the roof’s slope. It was a precarious position that would have frozen the blood of most, but neither of them seemed to notice. The boy didn’t turn to acknowledge the arrival of the other, not even when he sat beside him.

            Following the boy’s gaze, the elf looked out beyond the city, over the fields and forest where their people roamed, to the distant east mountains. There was no longer any sign of the company of horses that had traveled in that direction in any more, but the youth still stared after them with a burning intensity, everything about him still except for his dark brown hair stirring against his pointed ears.

            The boy spoke first. “I don’t suppose there’s anywhere I can hide when you have Flyfar.”

            Turning his head, the man looked down the roof’s ridge where the magpie bounced along the stone. “No, he does have a bird’s eye view,” he said with a weak chuckle. When the boy didn’t respond, he sighed. “Errance, I know you’re angry with me.”

            “It’s not fair, Father,” Errance replied, his voice tight.

            His father inhaled as if drawing in patience. “Ever since the Darkness has enter the world, things have not been fair. We must live with the consequences of evil until the day when Ayahwei banishes the Darkness.”

            Errance rubbed his finger down his sleeve in a careless way, designed to make clear he wasn’t satisfied with that explanation. His father ignored it, so Errance was forced to speak again. “So how come the rule only applies to me?”

            The man’s temper frayed. His son knew the answer by heart, but somehow he always felt obliged to give it again. “Errance, you are Prince of Aselvia! You have the blood of the Celestial! You are destined to inherit the Moonscript! The stakes are higher with you!”

            “I didn’t ask to be Prince,” Errance shot back.

            His father, the king, clenched his jaw and stared back out at the scenery. This time he looked to his right, towards the southwest mountains, where blue cliff shimmered over the mountain peaks. The boy might as well have asked not to be born. He spoke carefully, willing his voice to become gentle. His mother might have done it better. If she hadn’t died in childbirth.

“Errance, you are my son. Even if you were not a prince, if you had not a drop of Celestial in your veins, I would still hesitate to send you off into the outside world. It is not as wondrous as you seem to think. There is beauty, yes, but there is far more Darkness out there then in here. This is your home.”

            Errance’s concealed anger erupted. He leapt to his feet, and jabbed a finger towards the hazy mountains. “That makes the last of my friends who hadn’t seen the outer world. It’s not fair that I have to stay here, while they go off on adventure. Some Darkness shouldn’t stop me from seeing what other places are like! This isn’t home! It’s a prison!”
            His father flinched.

            Errance stumbled back against the wall, surprised by his own outburst and stared at the roof’s tiles, tangling his fingers amongst the vines. The king didn’t speak, he just gazed at the ground dropping off far below them. The prince took a wavering breath. He hadn’t meant for that to come out in his pre-planned speech. But his frustration had shoved it out anyway. “I…I’m sorry, father.”

            The king glanced up, and Errance was horrified to see tears glimmering in his eyes. “No. I’m sorry, Errance. You’re right. It isn’t fair.”  He rubbed a hand down his cheek. “You are young and innocent. That is why I cannot let you wander into the world by yourself.”

            “I wouldn’t be by myself,” Errance protested, sitting back down. “You would have an entire command of elves by my side.”

            “But I wouldn’t be by your side. I couldn’t be. For both of us to be outside of Aseliva at the same time would be most unwise. And yet I cannot bear to have you away out of my reach so young.” He continued on hastily, before Errance could remind him that he was fifteen. “Someday, Errance, someday soon, you will be a man and then your decisions will be your own, though I shall advise you to keep the responsibilities of a prince in mind.” He laid his hands on his son’s shoulders, turning him towards him. Errance, his anger spent, met his gaze. The king paused as he stared at his son. They bore strong resemblance to each other, but it was the color of his mother’s eyes that shone forth. “Someday, I will no longer be able to shield you. You will have to fight your own battles and make your own alliances. But for now…please…let me protect you in the only way I can.”

            Errance’s gaze dropped, but he slowly nodded. His father pulled him into an embrace. They sat thus for some time, before his father leaned back, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Now,” he said. “How about a ride?”

            “Don’t you have business to get back to?”

            “I have business with my son. What’s more important than that?” He lifted Errance to his feet with one arm. “Come, let’s hurry.”

            “Why are we hurrying?”

            The king cast him a reckless smile over his shoulder. “Because everything is so much more exciting when you’re in a hurry.”

            Errance laughed and ran after him.

            “Lord Leoren!” the king called as he and Errance led the horses out of the stables. “I’m going on a ride with my son. The kingdom is yours until my return.”

            The addressed elf looked up in surprise. “My Lord?”

            “Oh don’t worry. If there’s a crisis I’m sure you can handle it.” The king laughed, burnished silver, and the prince joined in, shining silver. They mounted their horses bareback and launched them into a gallop.

            The elves looked after them admiringly. “Have you ever heard…” one elf began.

            “—anything more beautiful than their laughter joined as one?” Leoren finished. “Not I.”

           

            The king and the prince galloped across the grass green, their echoing laughter on the dancing wind as playful as the swallows on wing. The sky shone cerulean blue above a land untarnished and free.