Monday, September 2, 2024

Writers of the Future Volume 40


Writers of the Future 
Volume 40
L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S. M. Stirling, Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton, Dean Amir Agoora, James Davies, Kal M, Sky McKinnon, Jack Nash, Rosalyn Robilliard, Lance Robinson, John Eric Schleicher, Lisa Silverthorne, Stephannie Tallent, Tom Vandermolen, and Galen Westlake


Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror
Publisher: Galaxy Press
Date of Publication: 7 May 2024
ISBN: 978-1-61986-774-1 
ASIN: 1619867745
Number of pages: 448
Cover Artist: Dan dos Santos

Tagline: The Best New SF & Fantasy of the Year

Book Description:

Experience these powerful new voices—vivid, visceral, and visionary—as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited possibilities.

This 40th anniversary edition brings you 12 strikingly original stories and illustrations―by the best new creative talent in speculative fiction, all winners of the Writers of the Future Contest (selected by some of your favorite authors in the genre). The collection is rounded out with bonus stories and articles by bestselling authors and internationally renowned artists. 

Be carried away by stories—and illustrations—that will make you think, laugh, and see the world in ways you never imagined. From deep space disaster to a world where spirits walk among us, and the full spectrum in between—vivid, visceral, and visionary.

“A hopeful collection delivering, as the best sci-fi always does, a thirst for seeking out and pushing boundaries.

“An impressive 40 years since its inception, the Writers of the Future contest (originally created by L. Ron Hubbard of Battlefield Earth fame), continues to bring to the fore a plethora of exciting new talent in the world of SFF and fantasy writing.” —SciFiNow.co.uk

“See the best of the best culled for you, curated and selected in a single volume every year.” —Robert J. Sawyer

“This is where the next stars are born.” —Hugh Howey

“Excellent speculative fiction. They’re cutting edge.” —Nnedi Okorafor

"An explosion of color and life in amazing variety." —Kevin J. Anderson

You will love this original sci-fi and fantasy collection because, as Locus Magazine says, these are by “Hot new talent.”

Book Trailer: 

The Wall Isn’t a Circle – WOTF 40 eBook Sampler: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jrx34nh92s

Butter Side Down – WOTF 40 Audiobook Sampler: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/isqxcrwi3z





About the Contributors:

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

3 Bonus Short Stories by L. Ron Hubbard • Nancy Kress • S. M. Stirling

Art and Writing Tips by Gregory Benford • Bob Eggleton • L. Ron Hubbard • Dean Wesley Smith

Edited by Jody Lynn Nye 

Cover art by Dan dos Santos

Narrated by Jim Mesimen • Taylor Meskimen • Tamra Meskimen • Victoria Summer



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Saturday, August 17, 2024

Author Advice from E.L. Roux #SciFiRomance #AuthorAdvice


The best advice I can give relates to my own experience with beta readers. I love beta readers; they do an amazing job of telling me if something isn’t right with my story. 

They’ve got a nose for when a character or story arc isn’t going as expected. However, they aren’t experienced with the finer details of character development or determining the bigger picture of what exactly isn’t working with a story. I knew something wasn’t right with Unexpected Revival when I first wrote the draft wayyyyy back in 2018, but even when I ventured into paid beta readers, I couldn’t figure out why the story just wasn’t working.

It wasn’t until I looked into Developmental editor that I truly understood why my storyline wasn’t cooking they way I wanted it too. It took an editor who understood that I had too many characters in my story soup, that I needed to determine if I wanted humor or intense emotions, and how to whip my villain’s arc into tip top shape that enabled me to get the editing work I needed done to pitch my novel to editors and agents. After working through the developmental editor’s suggestions, my next pitch to an editor successfully landed me at Wild Rose Press and with Unexpected Revival being released to the world.


Unexpected Revival
Revived 
Book One
E.L. Roux

Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: August 14, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-5092-5657-0 
ISBN: 978-1-5092-5548-1 
ASIN: B0CW1GBTCT
Number of pages: 406
Word Count: 104,934
Cover Artist: Wild Rose Press

Tagline: She wanted it all, but she’d have to save the galaxy to keep it…

Book Description:

Dying a thousand years ago was the easy part.

Stopping a planetary annihilation? That might just kill her again.

The cat-like alien blocking her exit was the first clue Shannon had that something wasn’t right. Discovering she’d was freshly thawed from cryogenic stasis was her second. When the corporation that revived her wants answers about how she played a part in the destruction of earth over a millennium ago, she's more than willing to respond. The only problem is she doesn't remember how.

He was everything she wanted, but nothing like what she was used to…

Out of balance in this new era, Shannon turns to D’lane, the other out-of-place being in her new sphere of existence. Now slightly less terrifying, the intimidated alien male is shifting from a close friend to something more. A relationship she’d be more willing to explore if he wasn’t dead set on fulfilling his destiny, at the cost of destroying everything they’d built.

She wanted it all, but she’d have to save the galaxy to keep it…

With another planetary annihilation on the horizon, it’ll take everything Shannon and D’lane have to work together and unearth new information on how to stop the impending battle. With enemies hiding everywhere, they’ll have to learn to rely on each other to survive what’s coming for them, because not everyone wants to stop the attack.


Excerpt:

“In my culture, names have strong meanings.” D’lane pulled out the curved blade strapped to his arm and cut up the meat he’d been eating earlier into small precise pieces. “They’re meant to impart wisdom and advice throughout our lives.”

She straightened and tucked her hands onto her lap. This was an interesting conversational change. “There are, or at least used to be, cultures on Earth that believed the same. I’ve always loved that philosophy. What does yours mean?”

“Mine is a powerful name.” His lips were roguishly tipped up at the corner, exposing sharp eye teeth. He settled into his seat, as if preparing to lecture a student. The surrounding mess hall noise dimmed as she focused on him. “I am named after one of our past kings. A mighty Chriw’rian who fought valiantly against the Hissat or, as you humans call them, the Anunnaki. He’s credited with their first defeat on our planet.”

She locked her fingers together. “Really?”

He placed the curved knife beside her tray. “For your protein.”

Shannon glanced around the room. Surely someone would jump in to stop him from offering her a weapon. When no one did, she picked up the knife and cut up the last bit of food on her plate, a wrinkled sausage link in an off-putting green color. The blade cut smoothly through the dehydrated chunk. “Thank you.”

She fingered the metal handle. Smooth and warm in her hand, she tilted the blade far enough to see her reflection on its surface. She wanted to keep it. She placed the knife beside her tray and glanced up as D’lane consumed the last of his jerky.

He pushed his empty tray to the side. “The previous D’lane crashed his warship into the Anunnaki fighter set to bomb our most vulnerable. His actions disrupted the mothership and allowed the rest of the fleet to destroy them. If not for his heroic actions, my planet wouldn’t
have survived their last attack.”

She ate a bite of the sausage and winced. It fought her with every chew. Mouth dry, she discreetly spit it into her napkin. A few brows arched in her direction, including D’lane’s. To give herself something to do, she handed the knife back, handle first. He wouldn’t have let her keep it anyway. “Have you figured out how your name dictates your future?”

“Yes.” His fingers brushed hers as he accepted its return. The silver metal blurred when he holstered the blade. This male moved quickly.

She was afraid to ask about his future. She kind of liked this particular alien and didn’t want to see him dying any time soon. “And?”

He grinned and flashed his sharp canines. “One belief is I will be a great benefit to my people, but unable to participate in the ultimate victory of my path.”

“Does that mean you expect to die?” Shannon asked, undecided on if his smile edged from sexy into frightening.

“It is a possibility.”

She picked up her sausage, put it back down, and frowned. “You said one of the meanings. Can you choose another path?”

“There are many possibilities that exist for an individual. The Namegivers do not choose lightly when gifting a child at birth with their destiny. I could follow another D’lane’s path, or I could forge my own fate and provide a future for another down the line as the previous D’lane did.”

“Which destiny is yours?”

“I follow the path of the king.”

“Ah.” She ran her finger over the smooth surface of the table. Did that mean he expected to die or was there another path within that destiny he would follow? How did someone know which one to follow?

It had taken her months in college to discover she wasn’t interested in chemistry. Six long hellish months. The frustration alone for losing that small bit of time seemed inconsequential when compared to the possibility of traveling an entire lifetime down the wrong path.

He tapped the table. “What does your name mean?”

She huffed, knowing her name meant little when compared to his. She’d looked it up once after an unpleasant conversation with her father. “It means possessor of wisdom.”

Her father had wanted to call her Clair after his sister, but her mother had gone with Shannon after hearing it on a show during labor. The uncomfortable conversation on how he’d hated her name had been a slight peek into her mother’s past, even as her dad lay drunk on the couch. He’d apologized later, but the damage had already been done. She forced a laugh to lighten the mood. “If you take it to mean I went to school, then I’ve lived up to the title.”

“It is accurate.” His nail pressed down on the table’s surface. A bit of plastic curled in its wake. His nails were either extremely durable or the tables were flimsy. Shannon flattened her hand next to her tray and curled her fingers. She scratched at the table and winced as her nail bent back. “How so?”

“You were revived for information that will save billions of lives and stop a war.”

 


About the Author:

E.L. Roux is a Science Fiction and Fantasy Romance author who writes about finding love in all the wrong places. E.L. uses their knowledge on everything from prosthetics to the sport of fencing, to weave together complex romances you can't put down.

E.L. Roux lives in Washington State with their artistically inclined family, an indoor street cat, and a terror of a Bosten Terrier.












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Monday, August 12, 2024

Happy Release Day Haunted Hotels of Michigan by Roxanne Rhoads



Haunted Hotels of Michigan 
Haunted America Series
Roxanne Rhoads

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing 
Genre: Haunted History, Travel
Release Date: August 12, 2024
ISBN-13: 9781467157858
Pages: 128

Are you brave enough to visit Michigan's most haunted hotels? 

From captivating tales of lingering lumber barons to lovelorn ladies and chilling stories of murder, Michigan's hotels hold secrets that will send shivers down the spine.

Ghostly apparitions and mysterious whispers have terrified guests for years at Petoskey's Terrace Inn and The House of Ludington in Escanaba, while eerie occurrences and disembodied voices wake guests in the night at Kalamazoo's Henderson Castle Inn. Once named America's Most Haunted City, Mackinac Island has enough ghosts to keep visitors sleepless for a lifetime.

Embark on a spine-chilling journey through the Mitten State with Haunted Flint author Roxanne Rhoads as she unveils the spooky history of Michigan's most haunted hotels and inns.

Your haunted travels begin here… if you dare to check in.  

Amazon     Bookshop     BaM


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Thursday, August 1, 2024

Fanning Fireflies by LS Delorme #ParanormalMystery #Historical


Fanning Fireflies
Limerent Series
Book Three
LS Delorme

Genre: Romantic Historical Paranormal Mystery 
Publisher: Limerent Publishing
Date of Publication: April 19, 2024
ISBN:979-8-9874880-4-1
ASIN: B0CYCQ6XCF
Number of pages: 230
Word Count: 97000
Cover Artist: Brittany Wilson

Tagline: In 1944 Harrisville, Veronica’s dangerous love ignites a flame that reveals dark secrets, awakens ghosts and threatens to destroy all she loves.

Book Description: 

There is something rotten in Harrisville.

It’s 1944 and Veronica works tirelessly just so she can afford to eat. Maybe one day she will save enough to own the home her family is living in, but for now, she doesn’t have time for fanciful thoughts, or much else.  She doesn’t have time for the fire whispering to her, the ghosts trying to talk to her and the son of her boss, who can’t stop staring at her.  She definitely doesn’t have time to think about Lazlo, the handsome black soldier that she processed at the draft office, but she can’t seem to stop herself. As her ability to ignore Lazlo evaporates, so does her self-imposed ignorance about her hometown. There is, and always has been, something rotten in Harrisville. It shouldn’t have been a surprise. After all, Veronica works in the cigarette factory, where corpses hide in the tobacco with the roaches. 

It’s 1944 and Veronica works tirelessly just so she can afford to eat. She doesn’t have time for fanciful thoughts, or much else.  She doesn’t have time for the fire whispering to her, the ghosts trying to talk to her and the son of her boss, who can’t stop staring at her.  She definitely doesn’t have time for love, even less for dangerous love. You see there is, and always has been, something rotten in Harrisville. It shouldn’t have been a surprise. 

After all, Veronica works in the cigarette factory, where corpses hide in the tobacco.


Excerpt:

Veronica froze.

Lazlo began walking the very same path she had walked minutes earlier, although he looked much more graceful than she must have looked. His gate was long and easy. His eyes were down, staring at the track as he walked. Veronica sat as still as she could, terrified that he might see her, equally terrified that he wouldn’t.

As he came to the spot where she was sitting, he didn’t look up. He walked right past her, as if he hadn’t seen her. Veronica felt a stab in her heart. Before she could stop herself, she called out.

“Aren’t you Lazlo Fox?”

He turned quickly.

“That’s me,” he said, and a grin lit up his face.

Now that he was here, Veronica realized that she hadn’t planned what she would say if she saw him. For a second, she considered saying that the draft office needed more information about him, but she realized that was both stupid and an obvious lie.

“I have an extra biscuit, if you’re hungry,” was what she managed to squeak out.”

She had hoped to be able to speak with him for a just a moment. She knew that it would be dangerous for him to even be seen with her, but as he walked toward her, she held the biscuit out for him. She knew that he would have to climb up to her to get it, and despite the danger, this is what she wanted.

Instead of scrambling up the broken concrete, as she had done, he gracefully jumped from one to the next, balancing on the ball of one foot as he landed on each one. In less than a minute he was standing on the rock next to her. She expected him to take the biscuit and leave, but she wanted him to stay… how badly she wanted him to stay.

Lazlo smiled and took the proffered biscuit bag gently from her, but his eyes were on her face, not on the bag. For a moment, he paused, and then he sat down next to her. He wasn’t so close that she might accidentally touch him but his feet dangling over the edge of the rock next to hers felt weirdly intimate.  He opened the bag and pulled out the biscuit. Veronica looked down at her biscuit and took a tiny bite, pretending to be engrossed in eating but her heart was racing so hard, she almost choked on the bread.

“Lazlo, that’s an unusual name, is it a family name or something?” she asked.

Lazlo turned and smiled at her. She was suddenly afraid that she had said something wrong or stupid, although she couldn’t for the life of her think what it was.

Lazlo’s eyes suddenly got wide.

“Well, my mama named me that cause she’s a witch,” he said quickly, and then winced and shook his head.

“That sounded awful,” he said quickly. “I’m not talking bad about my mama. She’s actually a witch, so she thinks like attracts like. And if she gives me a rich-sounding name that will draw money to me.”

Lazlo then laughed and shook his head.

“I can’t believe I just told you that,” he said. “I never told anyone that before. Probably because—”

Then he stopped.

Veronica’s heart felt like it had grown to take up the whole of her chest. She was frightened of what Lazlo would see if she looked at him, so she took another bite of her biscuit. When she did look up, he was looking at her with eyes that were hopeful and wary in equal measure.

“It sounds like your mother really cares about you,” was what she finally said. And that was all.

Looking at Lazlo’s guarded yet hopeful eyes, Veronica desperately wanted to tell him that none of this stuff mattered. She wanted to say that they could be friends, or even more. Inside, her crazy heart said that they could just run away together. She longed to say this out loud, but she knew it wasn’t true. Neither of them could outrun their class or caste. Lazlo was a colored man.

She was the poor white daughter of a single mother. If he was an untouchable, she was barely one step above that. Her brain told her that, even if her heart argued otherwise.

About the Author: 

Lexy is the Author of the Limerent novel universe.  The first two books in this universe were Caio and Bright Midnights. They are two of the three foundation books of the Limerent Series, and as such can be read in any order. 

Bright Midnights was picked as an Editor’s Choice by Booklife and received a Golden Wizard award in the UK in the category of YA.  

Lexy has also been a travel writer and author of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland Hong Kong and An Expat Mom’s Unofficial Guide to Disneyland Paris. She is an ex rock musician, ex science grad, recovering attorney and now an expat writer.  Her love of writing stems from an eclectic life.  As a navy brat, she grew up in various states across the U.S. until her father retired to North Carolina when she was a teenager.   

As an adult, she has continued this tumbleweed life, having since lived in 3 countries, 9 US States, and 21 cities around the world. But, through all this change, her love of writing has been the one constant. Writing the Limerent Series allows her to use her unusual past to help create new worlds.  

Lexy now lives in Paris with her husband and two very cool sons.  
 
“Writing fiction gives you a place where you can put all the attractions that you probably shouldn’t feel, all the thoughts you are afraid of saying out loud, and all the rage that you can’t vent because you would kill people.  While we live, these moments stay with us, but when we die, they die too. When you put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, you put these things out there in the world where they can be read by others.  This means that they have a life outside of you and outside of your own head, and that’s something that is really compelling to me. I like the idea that these amazing moments that I’ve had in life don’t disappear when I disappear.”  - LS Delorme 
 
“For me, writing is like therapy…just cheaper.  As most writers are not really individuals but a collection of individuals trying to find a way to live together in one brain, fiction allows them to make a home for all these people who live rent free inside their heads.  It’s also place that you can capture unique moments in life that impact you or that make you feel deeply.”  - LS Delorme  









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Monday, July 22, 2024

Release Day Blitz Realm of Dreams and Destiny by Stella Dale



Hello, my dear romantics!

Stella Dale here, your friendly neighborhood romantic fantasy author from the heart of the South. Today, I’m stepping away from my enchanting worlds to give you some rather unconventional, but equally important, advice—how to date a vampire. Yes, you read that right!

First things first, let’s address the elephant (or bat) in the room: the night owl lifestyle. Your new love might have centuries of experience, but punctuality might not be their strongest suit. Be prepared for late-night rendezvous and moonlit strolls. Embrace your inner night owl—there’s a whole magical world that comes alive after dark.

Next, let's talk about mealtimes. Keep in mind that your vampire might have a very specific diet. Dinner dates might look a bit different, so be open to unconventional culinary experiences. If your vampire isn’t into traditional Southern cuisine, don’t fret—there are plenty of other dishes to explore together.

When it comes to affection, don’t be surprised if your vampire prefers cool embraces and avoids the sun. Their love might be eternal, but their tolerance for sunlight definitely isn’t. Invest in blackout curtains and enjoy cozy, dimly-lit atmospheres.

And let’s not forget the multitude of ex-girlfriends. With centuries of living comes a lot of past relationships. Don’t let it intimidate you; instead, see it as a testament to their charm. Besides, you’re the one they’ve chosen to be with now, and that’s what matters.

Lastly, communication is key. With centuries of wisdom, your vampire beau has seen it all. Don’t be intimidated! Embrace their knowledge, share your own, and enjoy the blend of old-world charm and modern-day love.

So, if you find yourself swept off your feet by a charming vampire, remember these tips. Who knows, your love story might just be the next great romantic fantasy!

Happy dating!

With love and laughter,
Stella

Realm of Dreams and Destiny
Entwined Hearts Series 
Book One
Stella Dale

Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Publisher: War of Hearts Publishing
Date of Publication: July 22, 2024
ASIN: B0CW19LW6S
Number of pages: 365
Word Count: 102,000+
Cover Artist: War of Hearts Publishing

Tagline: They were bound by destiny long before their hearts were entwined…

Book Description: 

They were bound by destiny long before their hearts were entwined…

Aralin's life is a complex web woven with delicate threads of secrets and destinies. Born into a world where supernatural creatures are hunted, she hides a dangerous reality.

She is not human.

As a princess and pawn in the royal games of power, she finds herself betrothed to the emperor’s son. Yet, her heart beats for another––a warrior in the emperor’s army, a commoner unaware of her true identity.

Just as her world teeters on the brink of disaster, a mysterious vigilante enters her life, his dark allure tempting her toward rebellion against the oppressive emperor. His charm is undeniable, and his cause justified. With each encounter, their fates become increasingly intertwined.

Caught between two men who awaken different desires within her, Aralin struggles with conflicting feelings of duty and desire. However, a new obstacle arises in the form of an ancient prophecy. As signs of the prophecy reveal themselves, Aralin must make a difficult decision: surrender to the expectations placed upon her by others, or fight for her own fate?


EXCERPT 2

Marrying someone I’ve never met, especially the son of the emperor, would be…

Dreadful.

Disastrous.

Deadly.

My father swallows hard, something he does when he’s pushing down his emotions, but there’s a firmness in his eyes that conveys the seriousness of the situation. “The emperor has commanded it, Aralin. This isn’t a simple proposal. It’s an order from the emperor himself.”

This is the finality of a decree.

His words settle like a heavy weight in my mind, and a rush of helplessness washes over me. The emperor’s commands are absolute and impossible to defy. The force of his power reverberates through me, leaving me feeling small and insignificant in the face of his authority.

I’m a chess piece in a game of kingdoms and empires where the greater needs of the realm outweigh personal desires. The emperor’s demand is a demonstration of his power, a forceful reminder of the duties and responsibilities that accompany my title.

Let’s not mince words. My life isn’t my own, and it never has been.

This proposed marriage isn’t a simple union between two people. It’s a strategic move in a game where I’m the pawn and the prize is what lies buried deep in the mountains of Wintriness.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “Father, the emperor wants this marriage so he’ll gain access to the natural resources of Wintriness. It’s the truth, and everyone here knows it.”

I’m referring to newly discovered crystallos, a rare and powerful element found only in the frozen depths of Wintriness. Whispers about it have reached my ears, speaking of its ability to bring about the downfall of even the most formidable supernatural creatures. The mere mention of it brings goosebumps to my flesh. Rumored to possess a deadly potency, crystallos can stop the most powerful witch, vampire, werewolf, fae and other supernatural being in its tracks. Its power would be disastrous in the emperor’s hands.

My eyes scan the faces of the king’s hand and the general so I may gage their reactions.

Their expressions are neutral, yet I can’t shake the suspicion that one of them has played a part in this marital arrangement. Possibly both. Those two have always been adept at making power plays and maneuvering behind the scenes to shape the kingdom’s future to their advantage.

The weight of their gazes on me is measuring and calculating. There’s a slight shift in Balius’s eyes, but he gives nothing away. Meanwhile, Indrid maintains his composed facade with perfection.

They’re masters of the political game, and the three of us know I’ve just called out their tactics. All the more reason to get rid of me.

My refusal to accept the emperor’s command would have repercussions reaching far beyond the walls of this throne room. The balance of power, the future of Wintriness and my own fate are all intertwined in this decision.

I won’t be allowed to refuse.

“No matter the motive, I have no say in the matter.”

I hear the defeat in my father’s voice, and my frustration flares. The thought of being used as a bargaining chip in this political game stirs a fierce blaze within me. “The emperor can’t take away the only living heir to the throne of Wintriness.”

My father is composed, but I see the impact of the situation in his eyes. “Aralin, you’re well aware that the new prince of Wintriness will arrive any day now.”

His words are well-meaning and intended to point out that his line of succession will continue without me, but his words sting. Again, I’m reminded that I’m not the prince everyone longs to have.

“I can’t leave the queen, Father. She needs me. Her health is better in my presence. You said so yourself.”

The thought of abandoning my mother, especially in her fragile state, is a dagger to my heart.

“My beloved daughter, you will go to Imperia and take your place. This is a great honor, Aralin. In time, you’ll become empress.”

There it is. The king’s duty as a monarch overshadows his role as a father.

His words, intended to inspire and reassure, fall flat. The title, with all of its power and prestige, holds no allure for me.

“I have no interest in being empress.”

Life in a foreign land, bound in marriage to a stranger, ascending to a throne I don’t want… it’s a future I can’t fathom. And then there’s the added problem of being a witch within the emperor’s small circle.

There’s no way I’ll survive it.

The king’s words, while spoken with a sense of regal duty, are a reminder of the limited choices available to me. Because I’m a female.

The weight of my royal birthright is heavier than ever before. The expectations, the responsibilities, this arranged marriage––all chains that bind me to a destiny I never chose. My personal desires, dreams and hopes are secondary to the whims of these men in power.

My heart aches at the thought of leaving everything I know and love behind.

“I want to stay here in Wintriness near you and Mother,” I say, hoping somehow my words will sway his decision.

“You’ll leave for Imperia in one month when the emperor sends for you.” His tone is resolute.

It’s clear that any additional arguments would be futile. So I nod and allow a mask of acceptance to fall over my face for the sake of appearances. “As you wish, Father.”

I swear I see a flicker of a smirk on the face of the king’s hand, perhaps a slip.

After a deep curtsy, I turn and leave the throne room. Each step feels heavier than the one before as my mind races with thoughts and emotions behind the mask of compliance.

Leaving Wintriness and entering an unknown world is terrifying. But the prospect of marrying the emperor’s son and becoming part of a court that is a world away from everything I have ever known fills me with panic.

Used as a pawn in a tyrant’s game… that will not be my story.



About the Author:

Stella Dale is a passionate storyteller who's always had a love affair with books, devouring stories from all genres since she could first hold a book. She spent years as a dedicated nurse, providing care and comfort to those in need, before embarking on her writing journey. However, her true calling beckoned, and she left the medical field to follow her dream of becoming an author.

Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Stella weaves captivating stories that are brimming with love, adventure, and enchantment. At home, she is surrounded by her loving husband and their three spirited felines, who never fail to provide inspiration and entertainment. When she's not crafting characters and worlds, she loves to embark on international travels, immerse herself in different cultures and landscapes, and satisfy her insatiable curiosity for life's endless tales.



Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3zvVnbr 









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Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Meet Ferdinand The Fearless Hopper from Quest for Copia by E.P. Bellows


Meet Ferdinand, the fearless hopper…

At first sight, you might believe you were looking at an ordinary old frog; but that is not the case.
Ferdinand is a hopper, a rather extraordinary creature. It is true that to some, Ferdinand’s
appearance leaves something to be desired. From a hopper’s perspective, there is nothing more
handsome than a pudgy, well-fed belly and a decent pair of long gangly legs. His friends aren’t
quite sure how old he is; they lost track after one hundred fifty-seven. What they do know is that
he is brave to a fault, always right (at least he thinks so), and a loyal friend. 

He also carries an important burden. Ferdinand is one of the few remaining go-betweens in the realm. He has the ability to travel to where human types dwell, and if they are invited, bring them into Azra’s Pith. He will be waiting at the passageway for you. Don’t be late… it puts him in a lousy mood!

You will find Ferdinand in both John William Drake books, “Bandits of Basswood” and “Quest for Copia” serving as loyal friend and go-between in Azra’s pith. 

Ferdinand’s ten pet peeves….

1. Tardiness
2. Skipping meals
3. Cold Weather
4. Hot Weather
5. Flying
6. Hungry giant birds
7. Angry Sorcerers
8. Dark Magic
9. Dirt Pips
10. Being called a frog


Quest for Copia
John William Drake
Book Two
E.P. Bellows

Genre: Children’s Fantasy
Publisher: Azra’s Pith books
Date of Publication: 11/1/24
ISBN: 979-8865821205
ASIN: B0CLJ2BQDP
Number of pages: 197
Word Count: 38,000

Tagline: Join John William Drake and his friends on their Quest for the Lost City of Copia… but beware, something evil lurks in the shadows.

Book Description:

John William Drake believed there was something special about the medallion Celeste found. It chimed and sparkled in the sunlight. He was right; the medallion was from Copia, a lost city masked in time. Legendary tales were repeated of a golden city inhabited by Empyrean Wizards until it was plagued by dark sorcery when a meager fledgling magician by the name of Imperious the Great wandered in.

Some did not believe the city ever existed; others who knew better wanted it to stay lost. How did it all start? How would it end? The answer simmered for hundreds of years waiting for the right moment to escape.

John and Celeste were more than ready for another adventure. The journey to Copia was also a search for his missing father. They were unaware of just how dangerous their quest was until it was too late. The medallion’s power could bring the lost city to life again, unlocking the dark past dormant within its walls. The young explorers were in the middle of a battle of ancient sorcery that could end with an evil capable of destroying the realm and they held the key.

Excerpt Unearthed:

~The Copian Mediallion is discovered after being buried for years by layers of the realm.

Come on, wings! Don't fail me!" Gusts of wind blew the little bird in all directions. Her vivid red feathers stole the sun’s beams from the sky.

This was not an ordinary bird. This was a young Empyrean wizard named Celeste. Empyrean wizards lived in an extraordinary place where fantastic creatures and magic were a part of every day. All Empyrean Wizards have a bird form appropriately coordinated with their personality. This particular Empyrean was fearless and kind. She also had a knack for finding

"Made it!" Her small but determined wings descended into the trees below. There was a peculiar tree she heard whispers about, and she was on her way to see it for herself. The tree was believed to be a passageway to the other side. Of course, she had no idea what the other side was, which only drove her curiosity. She perched on a boulder next to a single dead tree that boasted the broadest tree trunk in all of Copious Forest. The tree was surrounded by a blanket of thriving greenery. Celeste cautiously glanced around and gave her feathers a ruffle. A young girl emerged through the feathers with wild hair the same shade of vibrant red.

“Incredible!” she gasped and scuttled over to the tree. She poked her fingers out of the sleeve of her cloak and ran them along the rigid bark on the trunk. The bark chimed a soft melody as her fingers went along.

“So it is real.” Her eyes beamed. She stepped back and pulled a scroll out of her cloak. As she unraveled the scroll, the verses of an ancient spell were revealed. “The Tunnel of Light Enchantment ...

Cuniculum lucis incantationis tempus sit, electi ingrediantur. Cum tempus est, electi per cuniculum lucis relinquere possunt.

 When it is time, the chosen may enter. When it is time, the chosen may leave through the tunnel of light." She gazed at the dead tree, waiting for even a small flicker of magic. The trunk looked like it had not been seen or touched in years. “Hmm ..." Celeste raised her brow.

A prickly chill traveled down her spine. She squeezed her arms across her chest to soothe her goosebumps.  "Hello? Is-is someone there?" Celeste frantically glanced around.

An angry groan rumbled through trees.

“I'm not afraid of you!" she declared. “Come out and show yourself!”

Twigs and bits of forest flew past her curls. She scrambled behind the boulder. Sharp whispers buzzed through the gaps in the trees.

“The moan went from a groan to a vicious roar. A wind funnel shaped like a pair of long, wretched claws appeared.

“Oh, no—it’s the Rive.” Her body tensed.

The dark spell was strong enough to twirl her straight into the air with one dizzying burst. It plowed through trees and shot rocks in all directions. Celeste's cloak whipped around in a frenzy. She crouched behind the boulder and gripped her hands around the base. Then her body lifted off the ground. Inch by inch, her fingers slipped from the boulder. "Oh no!" Her head throbbed from intense pressure as the wind consumed her.

"Where is it? I must find it," the Rive whispered sharply, bringing a sting to Celeste's ears.

"Where is what? What are you talking about?" she shrieked.

"Where is it? I must find it!" the Rive's whisper was now at a rattling shrill.

Celeste closed her eyes and fisted her trembling hands. She felt herself drifting into a dizzying slumber. “I have to channel the élan. Come on, Celeste ... concentrate. I can do this!"

She took a deep breath. "Azra lucem tuam ostende. Azra tua industria illuminet …

Azra lucem tuam ostende. Azra tua industria illuminet."

A warm, vibrant energy burst through her cloak. The dark spell released its grip. It hissed and hurled rocks at Celeste. She stood her ground and

Celeste collapsed to the ground, breathless. “I just did that.” She examined the palm of her hand in astonishment.

She scooped up the shimmering clump and scraped the forest coating off it until all that remained was a medallion with strange markings and feathered wings carved in the center. It chimed and sparkled in her hands. Celeste stuffed it in her cloak and cautiously looked around. An excited giggle slipped out just before she morphed back into a little red bird and flew above the trees.


About the Author:

A little about me…

Let's see... When I was eight, I had a pet turkey. I used to take it with me on my short-lived paper route. Needless to say, I was terrible at delivering the paper. No one wanted a "Dollar Saver" with turkey poop splattered across the best coupons on the front page.

Books... "Treasure Island" is a fantastic pirate tale. I love just about anything by Roald Dahl. Who could ever leave out Tolkien? I would also like to thank C.S. Lewis for sending me on an unrelenting childhood quest for portals to amazing worlds.

I write fantasy stories for children. Yep - proud fantasy geek here. It's pretty darn awesome to escape to another realm with sorcerers and wizards for a chunk of the day. The underlying theme in my stories is empowerment and living purposefully. We all have that spark inside just waiting to shine ;)

When football is on I turn into a cookie-eating pottymouth. I have a theory that avocados are the Jedi of all foods. I also believe the aroma of garlic and butter sizzling in a pan is pure magic.

Last random nugget… few things make me smile more than chocolate, cheese, and a nice splash of vino... AND, if the Chargers would make it to the Super Bowl again - just once 










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