School's Starting

I know school has already started for some, and will start soon for others. I admit I'm kind of glad I don't have to worry about that this year. It's the first time in seven years that I haven't, and I admit, it's kind of nice. But for those who do have to worry about it, be it as a teacher or student, I wish you luck.

I know I should apologize for not being overly communicative the last few months. It's been one hectic thing after another as we tried to move into our new semi-permanent home. (Hoping to stay put for a couple good years, but we'll see what happens.) And I'm only now just unearthing everything after the final stage of our move. It's been a crazy month but I hope to get back into the swing of things here soon.

Current projects include trying to get everything good to go. (I do need to get a new computer desk after the other one didn't make the move. Yeah, it's in pieces in a dumpster somewhere.) And I still need to rearrange my new workspace, but I hope to start my Fiction Writing for the Average Joe series in the next month or two. I'll post links when that becomes available, but, in the meantime, if you have anything you'd like me to cover, by all means, comment or send me a message!

Also in the works, a 3-in-1 version of the Tarragon Trilogy, which will have, fingers crossed, new material in the back matter, mainly illustrations, potentially some short stories, and a few other possible surprises, so keep an eye open for that. I'm also hoping to make more public appearances here in the next year but we'll see how that goes.

All in all, it's been an eventful month and I'm sure the rest of the year will be no exception. Here's hoping it goes well for everyone!

Happy Back to School, everyone!

Thinking of Possibilities

So I've been thinking of turning my Tarragon series into audio books. If I did that, who would be interested? Would you prefer a certain type of voice? How would you feel if I were the one to read them?

Also, how would you feel about a new cover for The Unknown Elf? I think it might be time to update that one as well, and add a bit more to the appendix area of the book.

And while we're on the topic of potential changes and so forth, what kinds of things would you like to see from me in the future? Don't be shy. By all means, please let me know. Do you want more Tarragon? More Bob the Dinosaur? More with the elves at the North Pole? Or something completely different?

I wonder how many of you are interested in reading fan fiction. I don't give my fan fiction stories the same treatment as I do my original works so they're kind of rough, but I've been writing a lot involving Big Hero 6 lately, mixing them up with other fandoms. Who would be interesting in giving them a read over? After all, fan fiction is just as amazing, viable, and current as anything else I write.

Mid-Summer sale on Smashwords

Hey all.  I know it's been a while since I last updated. Things are super crazy over here! I'm in the middle of trying to move from one place to another, on top of working on several other different projects that I hope to be able to tell you more about in the next few months.

But, for those who are avid readers and want to beat the heat, I did want to let you know that my books are currently on sale on Smashwords during their July Summer Sale.

Get the original edition of Kas for free, and the Second Edition for only $.99!

If you're looking for something a little "colder", why not pick up a copy of The Unknown Elf for only $1.50?

Or, if you're more into dragons, you can check out my Tarragon Trilogy. Key Keeper is currently $1.50, Dragon Mage is $2.00, as is Dragon Bane!

A Request

I was thinking, pretty recently actually, and wondering, now that Tarragon: Dragon Bane has been out for a few months, how many of you, who've read it, would be interested in more backstory for characters like Walter, Tyler, and maybe Margo and James Porter?

I most especially am interested to know if anyone would like to hear more about Walter Watkins and his history leading up to, and maybe going past, when he first met Tyler.

If there are any other characters you'd like to have a better idea of their history, etc, by all means, feel free to comment and let me know. I'm currently looking into expanding all the backstories of any of the characters you guys want to hear more about.

Also, for those who liked my Bob the Littlest Dinosaur book, I just thought I'd share that I am working on a sequel, Bob and the Color Fairy.  Fingers crossed, I'll be releasing that late this fall, early winter.

Upcoming Event: Author's Corner with Frisco Arts

Character Introduction: Tyler Durand and Anwen Porter

Our final character introductions (before the official release) include the following two individuals: Tyler Daemyn Durand and Anwen Porter.

Warning: Spoilers may be ahead for those who have not read the first two books in the trilogy!

 

Tyler Durand

Tyler Durand is a hermit of sorts. At the apparent age of 17, he lives on his own. He takes on the odd job in the Village of Lindwurm, helping out those in need, and acting as a local guide to various historical attractions. At least he did until he met Anwen and decided to help her with her quest to figure out her family history. Turns out he's actually a dragon trying to save the rest of his people with only the help of an age-old prophecy. He is the son of Kern Nurrim, oldest of all dragons, and brother to Callum Durand, also a dragon.

Appearance:  In mortal form, Tyler stands about five foot seven, with light brown hair and dazzling blue eyes (the color of Lake Wyvern), and is fit and athletic. Solid yet decidedly not overweight, Tyler prefers to wear casual and somewhat rugged wear. Perhaps this is due to his constant hiking and working with his hands. He is very expressive, and almost every single girl in the Village wishes he was hers.  In dragon form, he resembles the majestic Western-style dragons, with silver-blue scales and a decidedly ridged back.
Personality: Tyler is caring and friendly. He's outgoing and likes to help others. But he is also perceptive and can read the intentions of others. He's very observant and idealistic.  He is also very loyal to those he considers his "family". And while he really doesn't care for snobbery and the small-mindedness of most people, he puts up with it with a smile. His patience seems to know no bounds. His personality allows him to socialize with ease, even in awkward situations, turning a phrase or joke to lighten any dark mood. He seems able to manipulate the very emotional atmosphere around him. Many in the Village consider him to be mysterious, mostly because they don't know much about his origins.

Brief History: Tyler belongs to the dragons of Tarragon, the only living dragon outside the sealed Mountain before Anwen released the sleeping dragons within. He has lived several mortal life-times outside the mountain in search of the Key Keeper who would open the Mountain and restore the dragons to their rightful domain. Upon finding Anwen, he learns she's the Keeper he's been waiting for. With the help of Courtney, he takes Anwen on a crazy adventure to open the Mountain and free the dragons, revealing that he is the last dragon outside. He later reveals that Anwen is also the Kaida, the master dragon mage. With the help of Courtney, and his friend Walter, he helps Anwen fight off the might of the Mage Circle so she can waken the dragons from their spell-induced slumber, just in time to defeat a Revenant named Kira.

Anwen Porter

Anwen Porter is the only child and daughter of James and Margo Porter. Descending from a long line of Key Keepers, she feels it her duty to fulfill her father's dying request to return to the Mountains of her ancestry. But there is a lot more to her than even she realizes, especially after her experiences with Tyler and Courtney in the Mountain of Tarragon. She learns her mother was the master dragon mage, known as The Kaida, and it is her birthright to claim that title at her mother's passing.

Appearance: Anwen is of average build, standing about five foot four inches, (5'3.5", technically, but she likes to count that half inch as a whole) and doesn't consider herself very athletic. More of an introvert, she always felt more at home in a library than on any sports team.  Her auburn hair sets off hazel-green eyes and a clear complexion. She likes to wear comfortable but stylish clothes, though nothing too trendy. She likes to make her own style. And she always carries around the dragon pendant her father left her (aka the Key to Tarragon), wearing it on a chain around her neck, close to her heart. She also wears the Mage Ring, an heirloom passed down from her mother upon her death.

Personality: Anwen is an introvert and tends to avoid confrontation when she can, though she is no stranger to hardship. Growing up, she was often teased by her peers, occasionally being bullied. She also witnessed her father's death, something that shook her to the core. In general, though, she is gentle, reserved, studious, and kind. She has a natural-born curiosity but is humble and trusting, perhaps too much at times. She also tends to downplay her own importance, often putting her needs and wants aside for those of others, even at high cost to herself. Some would call her masochistic because of this, but she hates to make people worry and tends to at least pretend a confident, self-assured nature where nothing phases her. She tends to internalize her emotions instead of letting them out, which gets her into trouble.

A Brief History: Anwen's family migrated from the city of North Hope to Pallose when she was a young child. There, she attended public school. When she was around eleven year's old, her father was murdered. Since then, she has devoted her life to filling his dying request, to one day return to the Mountains of her ancestry. With little else to go one than a journal of a great grandmother, she journeyed to the Village of Lindwyrm and met Tyler, who revealed her true heritage as a Key Keeper. Unfortunately, she managed to draw the attention of the Mage Circle, with one member in particular doing her best to kill her. After a great deal of hardship, and a lot of physical and emotional agony, she managed to defeat her nemesis in time to learn that not only is she the Master Key Keeper, but the Kaida as well, destined to not only unlock the gates of Tarragon, but to wake the sleeping dragons inside. After some training with her friends, including her mother, she faces off with the might of the Mage Circle to release the dragons from their spell-cast slumber and ends up taking up the title of Kaida when her mother dies in the aftermath of the battle.

 

Character Introductions: Courtney Willis and Walter Watkins

Today's character introductions include: Courtney Willis and Walter Watkins

Warning: Potential spoilers ahead for those who have not read the first two books in the Tarragon trilogy.

 

Courtney Willis

Courtney Willis was a rather flamboyant and self-centered teen of seventeen. A native to the Village of Lindwyrm, she considered herself an expert in the area and loved to chase the boys, especially tourists. At least she was that way until she met Anwen. That's when she realized just how self-absorbed and shallow she really was. Since then, she's discovered there's more to who she is than she'd originally thought. Not only is she a dragon mage, but is now a champion for the last Key Keeper and Kaida of Tarragon.
Physical Appearance: Courtney has blond hair of a medium length and muddy-hazel eyes. She prefers to wear trendy clothes when possible but has no problem going rugged when necessary. Living in a mountain village, she is very fit, with good stamina and endurance.

Personality: Courtney starts out rather shallow. She grew up with a sense of privilege that went to her head. Tending towards pettiness, she hated competition and would often turn up her nose at anything she deems beneath her. She also couldn't understand why Tyler wouldn't just succumb to her good looks and charms. She was easily jealous, especially when it came to Tyler. Deep down, she's very insecure and unsure of herself. When she's not pretending to be something she's not, she's often off on her own, wishing things were different. All she really wants is to be accepted for who she is, but is afraid of showing that more sensitive and dependable side to her peers. However, once she meets Anwen, she discovers she has a greater sense of purpose in life and develops a sense of loyalty towards her new friends.

Brief History: Born of local parents, Courtney has spent her entire life in Lindwyrm Village. As a member of the elite, she gained a rather skewed vision of her importance in society. Wishing to be trained by the upper echelons of her class, she later changed her mind due to her mother's influence. When Anwen came to the Village, she was quickly thrown into the mix, learning that there is more to life than she originally realized. She decided to join the quest to wake the dragons and gives her loyalty to Anwen and Tyler. Later, she helped defeat the Mage Circle, who wished to subjugate the dragons to their will.

 

Walter Watkins

Walter Watkins is a native of the city of Blaucii. A bachelor of many years, he just hasn't found the right woman yet, or so he says. He doesn't like zombies, believes in being prepared, and has no problem blowing things up.
Physical description: Walter is darker in coloring. His skin has been described as reminding people of milk chocolate. He likes to keep his hair cut to military regulation length, wears functional clothing that is easy to move in, typically jeans and button-down shirts or t-shirts.
Personality: Walter is loyal to his friends and kin. He is a good leader and is innovative in a pinch. Having served in a military capacity, he knows what war is like and suffers from the occasional bouts of PTSD. He loves to cook, doesn't mind organized chaos, and has a decided sense of humor.
Brief History: Walter comes from a small family. Early on, he knew he was meant to be a soldier so he enlisted in the Reserves and became a field medic. During one training exercise, he got separated from his platoon and was rescued by Tyler. He has never forgotten that and will do anything for his friend. He has no problem just minding his own business and doing his own thing. When asked for help by Tyler, he was more than willing to repay the life-debt he owed and became part of the cause against the Mage Circle, helping to defeat the group of mages so Anwen could wake the dragons.