An Interview With Helen B. Henderson; Author of The Dragon Shifter Romance- Dragon Destiny

Visiting today is romance fantasy author - Helen Henderson. Can you tell the readers a little about yourself?

A published author, feature-story writer and correspondent in the fields of antiques, history, and military history, I fell into the writing profession through a back door when, at my husband’s behest, I wrote an article on a collection at the local historical museum. One piece led to another, then to columns in national publications, then two full-length history books. When the market fell out of that career, I shifted focus to creating and publishing fiction.


Did you ever imagine yourself writing novels? 

I’ve written fiction as long as I can remember, but after several dozen rejection notices and school courses that clipped the muse’s wings, I never expected to become a novelist. What I wrote was just for myself. In my earlier stories, I solved cases with Napoleon Solo and Ilya Kuryakin (the men from U.N.C.L.E.), travelled outer space, drove a jeep in the sands of Africa with the Rat Patrol, and flew Corsairs with the black sheep of VMF-214. At the time I wanted to be a pilot. Not surprising since I learned to read by keeping a flight engineer's manuals up to date.


What is your favorite genre to write?

In part due to my Gemini sign and a heritage that reflects similar contrasts, (I’m the daughter of a coal-miner's daughter and an aviation flight engineer), my writing crosses genres from historical adventures   and westerns to science fiction and fantasy.

Romance crept into the adventures and action that fills my stories when a few years back I joined the critique group that included the multi-published, award-winning author Carol McPhee. Her numerous titles include Spirited Liason, Shadowed Pursuit, and Alaskan Magic. After being involved with several of her projects, the romance that lingered through some of my fantasy and science fiction stories blossomed to demand its own emphasis.


You’ve released several books, the most recent being Dragon Destiny http://helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com/p/dragon-destiny.html and Imprisoned in Stone http://helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com/p/imprisoned-in-stone-excerpt.html all available on Amazon, Kindle and B&N. 

Can you tell us what is on the horizon?

At the moment, I’m enjoying flying with dragons in the romance fantasy series, the Dragshi Chronicles. Hatchling’s Curse, the second book in the chronicles is nearing publication later this fall. The fourth and fifth, Dragon Descendents and First Change: Legends of the Dragshi are being written.

That said, the tales of a female gunslinger named Hell Lost have haunted me for years and maybe someday, I’ll ride the high mountain trails with her and tell her story in a historical western.


When you begin a story do you start with character or plot?

As a result of my background in computers, I am a plotter in that I use forms to help keep my story and characters organized. I jot down thoughts (or entire scenes complete with dialog) as the muse whispers them to me. While I may map out some of the novel, that is not to say I plot out every scene before starting. By the time I finish my storyboard, the first draft is written. And I have to admit to the characters changing my storyline more than once.


Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

When you start putting thoughts to paper or sit down at a keyboard, eventually there is a question you have to answer for yourself, because no one else can. Do you write for fun, to make a living, or because you “can’t not write.” The answer can help guide you to the publication method that works best for you. Today’s writers have a wide variety of paths to publication, so, DON’T GIVE UP.


And for my final question, what are five things that make Helen Henderson a happy woman?

Chocolate eclairs (or Boston Cream Pie in a pinch), a cold beer and a slice of pizza, a good fantasy tale, a glass of frozen white sangria, and did I say chocolate?


LOL!



Blurb:

Branin is the last dragon shifter born in over three hundred years. As a dragshi, he can take the form of his dragon soul twin, Llewlyn and knows the freedom of flight, but not happiness. Both are the last of their kind and have waited millennia for their mates.

When a faint thought impinged on Branin's mind, hope for an ending to eons of loneliness soared. Plagued by doubts because no signs of a dragon shifter's birth have been seen, he searches the world for the mysterious girl he only knows by the name, Anastasia.


Excerpt

“All right, you two,” Anastasia told Oran and Uaine. “I have a way to settle this argument. Tonight we set up three targets and have a competition between the accuracy and speed of a crossbow and that of the long and short bows.” Seeing she had the attention of the others, Anastasia explained the rest of her plan. “Twelve arrows or bolts to each archer. Five points for the first to empty his quiver. Standard points for hits in the rings. The one with the most points wins.”

“Wins what?” Uaine said. Although his tone was innocent, his smile gave Anastasia an inclination of where his thoughts were going. “A kiss from the fair Lady Anastasia?”

“I do not care to be treated as chattel to be won,” Anastasia retorted. “So I will man the short bow. Uaine, you use your longbow. Fenit is the best archer in the caravan with the crossbow. He even modified his weapon to store multiple quarrels for faster shooting.”

“Make it four targets,” Oran added. “I may only be a ceoltier, but I’ve fired a bolt or two.”

“And the prize?” Uaine persisted.

Anastasia paused, dangling a treasure in front of her friends. Certain she had teased them enough, she smiled. “The right to wear my mark for the next sevenday.”

Word spread throughout the pack train generating such excitement Anastasia wondered at the folly of her suggestion. She knew she could not allow the heightened emotions of her kinsman to affect her and for the rest of the afternoon she fought to block them out. To keep the competition bolts to each archer. Five points for the first to empty his quiver. Standard points for hits in the rings. The one with the most points wins.”

“Wins what?” Uaine said. Although his tone was innocent, his smile gave Anastasia an inclination of where his thoughts were going. “A kiss from the fair Lady Anastasia?”

“I do not care to be treated as chattel to be won,” Anastasia retorted. “So I will man the short bow. 

Anastasia snatched an arrow from her quiver before the scarf fluttered to the ground. With quick movements, she slipped the shaft into position, pulled back the string and released. She chased her first arrow with a second, then a third, without shifting her eyes from the target. Moments later, her fingers grasped at air and she realized she was done. Shaking her fingers to release the tension, she unstrung her bow and waited for the official tally.

For the second time that night, Elem stood the center of attention. “For speed, five points to Fenit. Now for the rings. Fenit, ninety-four. Oran, eighty-eight.” A low murmur went through those gathered. Ceoltiers were not known for their fighting ability, yet Oran’s skill almost rose to a marksman level.

Anastasia caught her bottom lip between her teeth.

After a few minutes, the noise level dropped and Elem continued. “There is a tie between Uaine and Anastasia. One hundred ten points each.”

Applause echoed toward the setting sun. Uaine led Anastasia to her uncle to receive their reward which had been increased to three coppers each. After the well-wishers returned to their tasks, Anastasia led Uaine off to the side. “There is one more prize to be awarded,” she said. “A private wager.” Untying the yellow scarf from her upper arm, she balanced it in her hand. With a flourish she presented it to Uaine. “Fairly won. This is yours, as promised.”

Uaine took the scarf and strung it through his belt. His lips worked into a smile. “And my other prize?”

Anastasia looked into Uaine’s mischievous gaze. Despite the coolness of the evening, heat filled her cheeks.


Buy Links:

Smashwords–  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/410811

Amazon-   www.amazon.com/Dragon-Destiny-Book-Dragshi-Chronicles/dp/1497346649/

Kobo-   http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragon-destiny-1



Also by Helen B. Henderson:

Where to find Helen:

Website-  www.helenhenderson-author.webs.com

Blog - helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com

GoodReads Author Page - http://is.gd/goodreads_helenhenderson

Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/Helen-Henderson/e/B001HPM2XK

Facebook Author Page- http://is.gd/helenhenderson_author_facebook

Interview with Sue Perkins- Author of The Sky Castles Trilogy

Scribal Love Welcomes Sue Perkins!


Sue Perkins is the Author of the Sky Castles Trilogy.  It is available now from Whiskey Creek Press.

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I was born in England but my husband and I now live in New Zealand with our dog. For many years we were globetrotters but eventually settled here. Our children are the world travelers now, must be in the blood I suppose.

What genres do you write?

Fantasy - speculative fiction - is my favorite genre but I also write contemporary romance and young adult fantasy. I love the alternate world style of fantasy, it gives me so much freedom to do things the way I want to.

Your trilogy is called Sky Castles - can you tell me where the idea came from?

The idea for the first book in the trilogy, Blue & Silver, came from a song which refused to get out of my head. It took a long time to develop the idea to a point where it was suitable to be published. The next two came along quite quickly after that. Russet & Gold and Ebony & Ivory were two books which just had to be written.

How did you get into writing?

From the time I mastered “joined up writing” I started to write stories. I grew up married my husband, had a family. I still scribbled, but I didn’t attempt to get published. About twenty years ago I decided it was time I sent my work out into the publishing world.

How do you get your ideas? Do you find it difficult to keep track of them?

You would really be better asking how do you choose between all the ideas in your head. Ideas pop into existence at the funniest of times. It could be a song, an unusual item, something on the news. My current work in progress began with a news article about a woman being knocked down by a truck. My method for remembering them. Hmm. I have so many ideas I don't have time to write them all down. I don't lose them though, they nag me so much I tend not to forget the ones I really want to work on.

What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a writer?

The same piece of advice I was given many years ago. “The secret of writing is re-writing”. In other words don’t look at your first draft and think it’s a load of rubbish. Edit, re-write and polish it until you think it’s ready and then send it out in the big wide world. Try to be honest with yourself and listen to your critique partners. You don’t necessarily need to accept what they say, but it could spark off a line of thought for you.

Is there something not many people know about you that you'd feel comfortable sharing with your readers?

Ooh, secrets. One thing not many people know is what a great support my husband is. He’s not a great fan of fiction, especially the genre I write, but he’s one hundred per cent behind me with my writing.

Before you go would you like to tell us a bit about your Sky Castles Trilogy?

Certainly. The three Sky Castle books are set on Hejmen. The nobles live in castles which float high above the ground while the ordinary people live in the towns and countryside below. Each book tells the story of a woman dealing with situations beyond her experience. The spirit like Eos have been forgotten by the humans, but all three women are aided and assisted by the spirits as they struggle to survive. I've added an excerpt from "Ebony & Ivory" the third book of the trilogy. Hope you enjoy it.






Ebony & Ivory: Sky Castles Book 3 – Excerpt

The doors were flung open and Tazia took a deep breath before walking towards the group around the big table near the fire. She was pleased to see Jefor had accompanied Robard. At least there would be one friendly face at the ceremony.

Her brother turned to her with a grin, which changed to confusion when he saw what she was dressed in. He shook his head and Tazia knew he realised Halla had been making mischief again.

The tall dark man standing talking to her father turned and she recognised Duke Robard of Ardon. The welcome on his lips began to fade then turned into a fixed smile as she moved towards the group.

“There you are, my dear.” Her father came forward to take her hand. “Looking lovely as usual.”

For one small moment, Tazia wondered if her father was blind, but then realised women’s fashions held no interest for him, so he had no idea how ridiculous she looked. Taking his arm she moved forward.

“Duke Robard, may I present my daughter Tazia.”

“I am pleased to meet you again, Milady.” Robard bowed over her hand and dropped a kiss on the palm. “Especially on such a happy occasion.”

Embarrassment flooded Tazia. Quickly, she dropped her head to hide the blood rushing to her face. Robard led her towards the dignitaries who were waiting to perform the legal duties of the betrothal. The touch of his hand sent a weakness rushing through her body and she longed for this to be over so she could go and hide in her bedroom.

“Milady, if you would sign here and Duke Robard, if you would sign here.”  The dignitary pointed to the appropriate places and she wrote her name, hardly knowing what she was doing.

After the legal part of the ceremony was over, wine and finger food were served. She noticed Robard was attentive but distant and she knew he was disappointed. She’d got the better part of the bargain, while he must think he was lumbered with a half-wit woman for his Duchess.

Thanks Sue For Dropping By!


You can find Sue on the web at:  www.sueperkinsauthor.com

Marian Allen, Author of 'Eels Reverence'

Scribal Love Welcomes Marian Allen.  


She is an author of fantasies, mysteries, comedies and recipes.  Her newest work EEL'S REVERENCE is available from Echelon Press. 

What inspired you to write this book?


I read Matthew Arnold's poem "The Forsaken Merman" and was taken by his image of a merman on land.  I started thinking, "How would that work? How would he have to built in order to move on land? How would he breathe? How far inland could he go? Into the desert?"  A couple of scenes came to me, one of him alone and one of him with a human friend.  But the scenes never went anywhere.  Then a scene came to me of some sort of cleric surrounded by hostile wolves, and I started playing with that.  Suddenly, as often happens with me, those scenes snapped together and, from nowhere, a totally different character started telling a story from her point of view that would include those other scenes, or variations of them.  I suppose the base inspiration was an impulse to explore people out of their comfort zones--what they suffer and what they contribute because of that displacement.


Do you have a specific writing style?  


Try to tell each story in the "voice" that tells it best, whether the work is in first person or third person.  The work, itself, has a voice, in addition to the main character's voice.  I try to make my own voice as transparent as possible.  If I do have a general tone, it would be what my husband calls "smart-ass".  I like wise cracks and snappy lines.  I think I watched too many '40's movies when I was growing up.


What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


The title is EEL'S REVERENCE.  The area of the fictional world where this takes place is called The Eel, and one of the things it's about is various kinds of reverence--for a faith, for life, for people we admire, and how we choose to express that reverence.  The book was previously e-published by another publisher under their title of EEL'S REVENGE, which I didn't like.  I'm very happy to have the "real" title back.


What is EEL'S REVERENCE about?


The plotline is: An elderly woman, a priest of Micah (a religion that preaches inclusivity, compassion and peace) leaves her parish in a huff because her parishioners prefer to go to a "reaver" priest.  Reaver priests pay lip service to Micah, but are in it for the money.  Some people prefer that.  Aunt Libby wanders into The Eel and is ordered out by a coalition of reaver priests who have hired armed guards and are running, essentially, a protection racket, with people who don't pay their tithes targeted for violence.  Against her will, she becomes a pawn in a power play between various factions, but her greatest challenge is her supporters, who are willing to instigate a bloody revolt.  What it's about is, as I said, the meaning and expression of reverence and faith.  There are also some wise cracks and snappy lines.


What books have most influenced your life most?


The King James version of the Bible, because I grew up with that poetic and powerful prose. Andrew Lang's Rainbow Fairy Books.  Walter R. Brooks' Freddy the Pig books, because his characters are so quirky but so real, even if they are animals, and they make mistakes and they have flaws that are part of the plot.


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Ursula K. LeGuin, because her imagination goes off every which way.  She can make ANYTHING work.


What books are you reading now?  


Laura Bickle's SPARKS, John Shelby Spong's RESURRECTION: MYTH OR REALITY? and Dick Francis' 10 LB. PENALTY.


What are your current projects?


Echelon is also re-issuing FORCE OF HABIT, a sf farce, and SIDESHOW IN THE CENTER RING, also science fiction.  I'll be editing and marketing those in the coming months.  I also plan to rough out a mystery during National Novel Writing Month. I blog every day.  I'm writing a short story set in the world of FORCE OF HABIT, which I'll post on Smashwords for free, as I did "Line of Descent" for EEL'S REVERENCE, and I'll do one for SIDESHOW when that one is about to be released.  I have some short stories I'd like to write for various anthologies.


Do you see writing as a career?


It's a way of life.  I write.  I just do.  I always have.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No.  That book was that book.  I can think of many, many other ways the story could have gone, and I'd like to write every one of them.  The hardest part of writing, for me, is having to ignore all the possibilities you can't pursue, because you have to choose.  You have to open Shcroedinger's box and see if that cat is alive or dead.  Well, actually, if I could change anything, I would have less stop-and-describe.  I would leave out discriptions of characters' appearances, or work them in more casually.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


My mother took me to see a re-release of Bambi.  In one scene, Thumper, the rabbit, is told to recite a poem.  He does, then adds a line of his own.  When my mother told me somebody wrote the whole movie, that they weren't just Received from the Past but written by people alive today as a living, I knew that was what I wanted to do.  And I've been doing it ever since.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Plotting.  There are so many branches from each moment.  It's so hard to decide on a story arc.  Following one is relatively easy, but choosing one is hard.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


This was my first completed novel, so the main thing I learned was that I could do it!


Do you have any advice for other writers?


Read.  Write.  Repeat.  Don't give up.  Respect your work.  Listen to criticism, but respect your own talent and instinct.  If you realize a critic was right and you were wrong, correct yourself and write some more.  Love it.


Thanks Marian for dropping by!


You are welcome.


You can find Marian Allen on the web at www.marianallen.com

Hi Everyone!

My name is Clare Dargin and I am an author and fan of science fiction, fantasy and romance!  I have blogged before and still do over at my other blog: Clare's Blog- The Haven.    I decided to do this blog for many reasons but mostly to showcase the work of authors and their books!

I will feature interviews of all authors in the genre's of science fiction, fantasy and romance-- with a special emphasis on Romance!!

So if you are interested in posting with me-- e-mail me at spacefan58@aol.com