Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
Jenelle Leanne Schmidt
Title of book and/or series:
The Minstrel’s Song (King’s Warrior, Second Son, and Yorien’s Hand are the first three books in this series, with Minstrel’s Call hopefully coming out in 2016)
Brief summary of the story:
When Dark Warriors invade her country, it is up to Princess Kamarie to seek out the legendary king’s warrior and request his aid. The feisty princess has spent her life dreaming of adventure and is thrilled to be tasked with such a quest. There’s only one thing that can dampen the princess’s excitement: Oraeyn. The squire views his task of protecting the princess on her journey as an inglorious assignment and makes no attempt to hide his disappointment.
Despite a rocky start to their journey – in which Oraeyn throws the obnoxious princess in a river just to get her to call him by name – the travelers soon learn that they must depend upon one another if they are to locate the man they have been sent to find.
The adventure merely begins when they meet Brant: a warrior with a mysterious past. He joins their cause readily, his heart smoldering with a vendetta Kamarie cannot completely understand. But whether she trusts him or not, the hope of their world rests on the steel he wears at his side….
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The world of this story is called Tellurae Aquaous. It is a world of kingdoms separated by oceans. There are eleven “island countries” each ruled separately from the others. Some are large, some are small, some are one big land mass, others are a sort of archipelago, and they each have their own individual terrains. Aom-igh, the realm in which the first story takes place, has a lot of forests, farm land, and a massive mountain range separating the northern and southern halves of the kingdom. There is also a beautiful cove that is magically shielded from the rest of the realm, a dangerous, rocky desert, and a hidden, underground network of enormous caves that is a kingdom unto itself.
If we were to visit Tellurae Aquaous as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Focusing on Aom-igh, because much of the story in all four books centers on that nation, I would definitely recommend you visit the capital city of Aom-igh: Ayollan. There is much in the city to be enjoyed. Inns, beautiful scenery, and good food are all to be found in plenty. There are also minstrels and artists who make their homes in the city, so entertainment and souvenirs are easily found. The palace is enormous and beautiful, and there are some enchanted rooms you won’t want to miss – definitely try to get a tour!
If you’re needing some peace and quiet, Pearl Cove is one of the hidden gems of this land. With sweeping white sand beaches, gently sloping dunes, and the sapphire ocean, this peaceful haven from the stresses of everyday life will soothe your cares away. You will also find the entrance to the underground realm of Krayghentaliss there, where you can catch a glimpse of the fabled Ember Stones, and visit the ancient libraries of the dragons.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, I would definitely recommend you hike in the Mountains of Dusk. It’s a wilderness, but not incredibly dangerous. Also, you might just be lucky enough to spot a dragon or a gryphon while you’re exploring!
What dangers should we avoid in Tellurae Aquaous?
You are definitely going to want to be on the lookout for were-folk. These are creatures who were created from leftover bits of shadow and darkness by an Ancient Enemy who wished to set himself up as the ruler of the land. These creatures are usually found in small groups. Nobody is sure just how many different kinds of were-folk there are, but they are nasty creatures who kill for pleasure. Seheowks are the most common of these creatures – they are tall, wiry, and vaguely human shaped but with clawed hands and feet. They dislike light and are terrified of fire. You generally don’t have to worry about them in Aom-igh, but they are a plague upon the rocky shores of Llycaelon.
There are also the usual dangers of falling when rock-climbing, drowning while crossing a river, or perishing in an attack from an invading army, as well as being stabbed in the back by a betrayer, but these are all ordinary, commonplace dangers that one might find anywhere, and should not in any way deter you from visiting our fine land.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Tellurae Aquaous?
The food you encounter will be slightly different from what you are used to, as it is prepared differently. There is a lot of bread and cheese. Soups and stews are common as they can be thrown into a pot with various vegetables and kept warm over the fire all day. Chicken, beef, and lamb are the common meats, though beef is considered a luxury. As people spend long hours outside working in the fields, herding animals, or traveling, a common food that you will find is a mixture of oats, finely chopped grains, raisins, and nuts all held together by honey in clumps. This is fondly known as “rations.”
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Tellurae Aquaous?Swords, daggers, and bows are common in Tellurae Aquaous. The knights of Aom-igh are fairly traditional knights, though they wear light armor and fight with hand-and-a-half swords. In Llycaelon, all forms of fighting are taught and encouraged. The aethalons (warriors) of Llycaelon usually wear dark-colored leather armor and fight with swords or bows, though they are trained in many weapons.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Tellurae Aquaous?
Traveling is generally done on horseback, though carriages are also available upon request.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Tellurae Aquaous that we don’t see on Earth?
You may encounter dragons, gryphons, pegasus, unicorns, and mer-folk in Tellurae Aquaous. This is not guaranteed, however, as these creatures have not always been welcomed by humankind and have retreated from the world in many places. They also have the ability to shape-shift and take on other forms, so you may not always realize it when you meet one of these creatures. It is best to be polite to all strangers.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Tellurae Aquaous? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic in Tellurae Aquaous is hereditary, and based on one’s race. Dragons, of course, possess the greatest power. Unicorns have an unmatched ability to heal all kinds of ailments. Wizards and wizardesses are extremely rare, as there was a war many years ago and the population never recovered. The last great wizard died two decades ago, and though he left behind four daughters, they are not full wizardesses, as their mother was a mermaid.
Magic is a tool, used for good or ill by the one wielding it. There is no such thing as “evil magic” or “good magic” in this world. It is the user’s intent that determines the morality of this power. It can be used for healing, finding lost things, communicating across great distances, and creating protective shields. It can also be used to conquer, to create creatures such as the were-folk, or to bend another’s will to one’s purpose.
There are also a very few, extremely rare and precious objects within the confines of Tellurae Aquaous that possess a power of their own. These are objects that have been gifted to the world by Cruithaor Elchiyl (the Creator). One such item is Yorien’s Hand. Nobody knows what, exactly, Yorien’s Hand is, though legend states that it is a fallen star. Visitors to our fair land may view this powerful object in the Ruined Palace of the High Kings located on Emnolae… if they dare. Be warned, however, nobody looks upon Yorien’s Hand and remains unchanged!
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Tellurae Aquaous.
A notable game that is played by many in Tellurae Aquaous is a board game called Karradoc. This game is played on a board covered in 20×20 squares. Each player has a hand of cards, and chooses anywhere from 6-20 pieces to start. These pieces range in point value from 1-5, and regardless of number of pieces, each player must start with 30 points. All pieces may move in whatever direction they like (and may change direction mid-turn) however many spaces corresponds with their point value (e.g. 1 point pieces may move one space in any direction, but 5 point pieces may move 5 spaces in any direction and may change direction mid-turn) however, a piece may not touch any square twice in one turn.
A player captures his opponent’s piece by both moving one of his pieces onto the same square as that of his opponent’s piece and playing a “capture” token. Pieces can only be captured by a piece of equal or greater value, or with a token that allows for an eight-sided die (that has three 1s, two 2s, two 3s, and one 4 printed on it) to be rolled and added to the value of a token (thus a 1-point piece could, conceivably, capture a 5-point piece with a roll of 4).
The game ends when one player has captured all of his opponent’s pieces. The game is won by whomever has captured his opponent’s pieces OR by whomever has the most points left on the board once all the capture tokens have been used.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Tellurae Aquaous as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Days, weeks, and months are fairly similar in Tellurae Aquaous to what we experience on Earth. They refer to the seasons as New Term (Spring), Warm Term (Summer), Change Term (Fall), and Cold Term (Winter). In Aom-igh they celebrate birthdays and coronations and harvest time with great gusto. In Llycaelon they celebrate more sparingly, making a big deal out of individual achievements and attaining rank. In Yochathain they tend to celebrate anything and everything about life that one can think of.
A notable difference between Telluarae Aquaous and Earth is that they refer to the sun by the name “Dragon’s Eye” and the moon is called the “Toreth.”
Is there a particular religion practiced in Tellurae Aquaous? Please describe what it involves.
There is no religion per se. A widely held belief is that there is a Creator, and those who strive to follow his will know him more personally by his name: Cruithaor Elchiyl. Most people do not think much about the Creator, preferring to believe that he is distant and uninvolved in the trivial matters of daily life.
They are wrong, of course. He is very involved and cares deeply for the details of their lives and world. However, he prefers to work through his messengers and those who trust him.
What is the political or government structure in Tellurae Aquaous? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
As I said, the island countries are each ruled by their own king. However, there is precedent for a High King to rule over the entirety of Tellurae Aquaous in times of great danger and need. In order for someone to become High King, he must travel to Emnolae and touch the relic known as Yorien’s Hand. If the relic does not destroy him, then he is proven to be the rightful leader for that time.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Tellurae Aquaous?
Not among humans. It is best to be on one’s best behavior around myth-folk, however. Particularly around dragons. They are sticklers for proper etiquette and it is very important that you address them politely. They will usually excuse lack of correct manners and chalk it up to an incomplete education, but lack of any manners at all could get a person eaten. Also, it is very important never to look directly into a dragon’s eyes. They will hypnotize you and either control you or eat you, depending on their mood. They cannot help it, and will feel regretful later, but that won’t do you much good.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?The Harshlands of Aom-igh are a vast, windswept desert of rock and sand. The winds of that area are dangerous and deadly. The driving wind and tiny grains of sand will strip off exposed skin. I got this idea one day when my family and I went to the beach on Lake Michigan. It was extremely windy and I was the only one wearing shorts. The sand whipping against my legs hurt severely and everyone in my family laughed at me, not believing how much the sand truly hurt. So, I wrote it into my story in an attempt to describe it.
I think a lot of the ideas for locations in this story stem from places I’ve been. The Lake District in England, the countryside around Edinburgh, the forests I grew up exploring in Illinois, my camping adventure in Canada, the mountains in Colorado… every place I’ve been has flavored the locations I write about, even though I may not be consciously picking a specific area to “copy” these experiences are woven throughout my writing.
Author Autobiography:
Jenelle Schmidt grew up in the northern-midwest. She now resides with her husband and their three adorable children in North Carolina where the summers are too hot and there is never enough snow. Jenelle fell in love with reading at a young age during family storytimes. To this day she enjoys creating exciting adventure tales filled with poignant themes and compelling characters in the fantasy and sci-fi genres.Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
You can buy King’s Warrior in paperback on Amazon and in Kindle form.
You can buy Second Son in paperback on Amazon and in Kindle form.
Yorien’s Hand is coming soon!
Where can readers connect with you online?
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Tellurae Aquaous. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another fantasy world, in Realm Explorers Part LXXI!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another fantasy world, in Realm Explorers Part LXXI!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Lark Singer is seventeen years old and already on the way to a brilliant music career. But as she and her band, Starlight, gear up for a competition, life seems to be throwing her a few curve balls. The mysteries of her past seem to be unraveling, and she’s no longer certain she wants to know those answers or how knowing about her past will affect her difficult relationship with her mother. And when her best friend, Bean, changes things between them, all her plans for a musical future are placed in jeopardy. How can she balance her complicated personal life to keep her musical goals on track?
THE BOX SET CONTAINS ALL THREE BOOKS IN THE STARLIGHT SERIES:
Gideon Lee
Lark Singer
Starlight
For a limited time, you can get the entire trilogy for just 99 cents! Here’s the link: TheStarlight Chronicles
![20111210_ABS_1296[1]](https://lisaorchard.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/20111210_abs_12961.jpeg)
Lisa Orchard grew up loving books. She was hooked on books by the fifth grade and even wrote a few of her own. She knew she wanted to be a writer even then. Her first published works are the “Super Spies Series.” These stories revolve around a group of friends who form their own detective squad and the cases they solve. “The Starlight Chronicles,” is the next series that Lisa created with musical misfit, Lark Singer as her main character. Lisa resides in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and two wonderful boys. Currently, she’s working on the next book in the Starlight Chronicles Series along with a few new ideas that may turn into stand-alone novels. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and reading.
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name: Juli D. Revezzo
Title of book and/or series: DRUID WARRIOR’S HEART (Celtic Stewards Chronicles, book 2)
Brief summary of the story:
As the latest in her family’s long line of Stewards, Ruth Macken awaits the arrival of a warrior sworn to the Tuatha dé Danaan, the Celtic gods her family has served since the beginning of time. For on that day, a magical battle will erupt. A war between druids and an evil that will decide the fate of mankind.
Isaac Connel knows the battle is imminent, and is ready to fight, once again but from the moment he sees Ruth flitting around the sacred ground, he’s captivated by her fiery charms and a need to protect her.
Despite Isaac’s assurances and the dreams that guide her, what can Ruth and her lover do to drive off this evil? Despite everything, will the world end at the hands of an evil god?
Isaac Connel knows the battle is imminent, and is ready to fight, once again but from the moment he sees Ruth flitting around the sacred ground, he’s captivated by her fiery charms and a need to protect her.
Despite Isaac’s assurances and the dreams that guide her, what can Ruth and her lover do to drive off this evil? Despite everything, will the world end at the hands of an evil god?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Bitter Thorn Grove is a small farm in a fictitious version of 16th century Ireland. Outside the farm lies a small village, but large enough to accommodate a church and a glimpse of the mountains and sea.
If we were to visit Bitter Thorn Grove as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
You could seek out the stone circle nearby or the garrison, both of which the harshad warriors and there druids visit now and then.
What dangers should we avoid in Bitter Thorn Grove?
I wouldn’t recommend going anywhere near Old Bog Road. You never know what kind of creatures the nasty Balor might send after you!
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Bitter Thorn Grove?
Given the time period, the question is what wouldn’t they have? Potatoes had not been introduced into Ireland, at the time.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Bitter Thorn Grove?
The harshadwarriors carry weapons that can shapeshift to whatever their battle calls for at any given time—a sword, a knife, an ax, whatever. And they do know some martial techniques that might not have been in known in the real 16thcentury Ireland. 😉 They are working for gods, after all.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Bitter Thorn Grove?
Since Ruth and Isaac live in the 16th century, they have limited technology. Ruth and her mother work on looms and spinning wheels, and they tend the farm with the help of cart and horse. They do have some other things that their neighbors irl wouldn’t have. See below.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Bitter Thorn Grove that we don’t see on Earth?
There are the Harbingers. They’re lizard-like supernatural fiends Balor sends to taunt Ruth and Isaac—frequently. And there are also mermaid-like but rather nasty beings Isaac and company call Selkies.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in DRUID WARRIOR’S HEART? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The harshad warriors command battle magic; as I said before their weapons can take on any needed shape. They can also teleport here and there—and they can understand signs from various animals. The druids have their own special magic and can weave spells to protect Ruth and her family. Ruth has her own steward magic in that she can affect the well-being of the animals and plants on her farm.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Bitter Thorn Grove? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
See above. They are generally on par with historical technology of the time (though I will say, because of Ruth’s status, she’s a little farther ahead than her neighbors. Her family have developed insulation techniques that weren’t available in our real history.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Bitter Thorn Grove.
One of Ruth’s guests is a druid who, according to her colleagues, is one of the Tuatha dé Danaan’s top bards. So she recites poetry and stories. They also have a few musicians who entertain her from and her neighbors from time to time.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Bitter Thorn Grove as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Yes; though due to the nature of the druids, Isaac and Ruth also commemorate the Irish fire festivals, particularly Imbolc (February 2nd).
Is there a particular religion practiced in the 16thcentury Ireland of Bitter Thorn Grove? Please describe what it involves.
Ruth attends the Catholic Church, but she leans toward the druid holidays and those related to the Tuatha dé Danaan.
What is the political or government structure in 16thcentury Ireland? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The Lord Marshal is (or rather, was) at that time (historically), in charge of that part of Ireland.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit 16thcentury Ireland?
Everyone must attend church on Sundays.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
I’ve studied Celtic mythology most of my life and the whole structure of the harshad warriors and their druids stems from that. Though, I threw in more magic than the historical druids were known to have wielded. 😉
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
There’s a little bit of the historical status of women and also the history of the Druids.
Author Autobiography:Juli D. Revezzo is a Florida girl with a love of speculative and romantic fiction and legend, and loves writing stories with all kinds of fantastical elements. She is the author of The Antique Magic series and the Paranormal Romance Celtic Stewards Chronicles series, New Adult romance Changeling’s Crown, and short stories published in ETERNAL HAUNTED SUMMER, LUNA STATION QUARTERLY, among others. She is also a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
DRUID WARRIOR’S HEART is available (currently) at Amazon and the paperback can be purchased through Createspace.
Where can readers connect with you online?
My website: http://julidrevezzo.com
They can follow me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/julidrevezzo
or Twitter: @julidrevezzo
They can follow me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/julidrevezzo
or Twitter: @julidrevezzo
Thank you for having me here at your lovely little home, Annie!
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Bitter Thorn Grove. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Tellurae Aquaous, in Realm Explorers Part LXX!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Tellurae Aquaous, in Realm Explorers Part LXX!
-Annie Douglass Lima
I compiled this list as a resource for authors looking for places to advertise their discounted ebooks online.
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote free books at no cost.
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote free books for a fee.
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote discounted books at no cost.
In some cases, as you can see, I’ve made notes about certain useful-to-know details, such as the fact that some sites don’t actually require the books to be exactly 99 cents. If you have additional information about any of these sites, feel free to share it in the comments. It would also be great to hear if you have tried any of them, and how they have worked for you.
Please let me know if you find any broken links or outdated info, or if you know of any paid promo sites for free books that I have not listed. I will try to maintain this list and keep it as thorough and accurate as possible!
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On tour with Prism Book Tours.
If Not for a Bee(Seasons of Alaska #3)
by Carol Ross
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 206 Pages
by Carol Ross
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 206 Pages
October 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming
You can’t always play it safe
With four sons dependent on her, Janie Everett needs to keep her life uncomplicated. Now famous scientist Aidan Hollings is disrupting her orderly world, starting with the rescue of a…bumblebee.
Aidan is only passing through her Alaska wilderness town, and wasn’t planning to bond with her two older boys. Or become so attracted to the widowed journalist. His globe-trotting days may be be over if he’s able to show Janie that they can share the adventure of a lifetime–together.
Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – Kobo – Google Play
(Seasons of Alaska #1)
Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – Kobo – Google Play
A Case for Forgiveness
(Seasons of Alaska #2)
Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – Kobo – Google Play
Carol Ross lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she lovesóhiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the mostóromance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after. For a complete list of her books, social media links, giveaways, and other fun stuff stop by and visit her new website: carolrossauthor.com.
What’s Your Bee Story?
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Yellow jacket/party crasher/watermelon stealer
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There are certain critters that in spite of their diminutive stature, never fail to strike fear in the hearts of even the bravest among us – snakes, spiders, rats, bats. I’ve even seen people get the
heebie-jeebies over cockroaches and ants. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that induces sheer terror quite the way a bee does.
Around here we whisper the word “barbecue” because the dreaded yellow jackets know this word,
assume they’re invited, and will immediately go and tell their friends. They are among the smallest and yet most vicious of party crashers—darting around unafraid, brazenly stealing watermelon and lurking around soda cans. They will sting at the slightest provocation.
Yet any bee, any flying creature that even resembles a bee will generate this kind of reaction. Think about it. You’re at a summer cook out and a bee flies by. What happens? People lose their freaking minds, and quite often their dignity and composure as well. The bee doesn’t even have to be seen. Just hearing that tiny word “bee” infused with the right tinge of panic will elicit chaos.
 |
| The grumpy bald-faced hornet, otherwise known as “my nemesis.” |
I’ve seen big, strong, completely rational men run screaming like babies. I’ve seen graceful, composed women gyrate around like the worst So You Think You Can Dance audition imaginable. Brave Aunt Betty uses her corn on the cob to whack at the bee with one hand while wielding her paper plate like a shield. Uncle Stan abandons both Aunt Betty and his potato salad and sprints toward the house. Chairs are overturned, drinks are spilled, plates of cherished dessert are sacrificed. My stepdaughter will literally drop whatever is in her hands—phone, food, purse, expensive glassware, whatever, it doesn’t matter, and disappear like Speedy Gonzales. The
only person unaffected is Grandma Vera who snores softly throughout the pandemonium in her deluxe patio recliner.
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The lovely and graceful, ever-busy, honeybee
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Now I know what you’re all thinking. Bee stings hurt. They do. I know this. I’ve had too many to count. As a child I was blackberry picking with my best friend’s family and fell over a fallen log right into a nest of bald-faced hornets. In case any of you aren’t familiar with this type of wasp, it’s particularly aggressive and lightning fast. I’ll never forget my terror—or the pain. Luckily, my friend’s dad was picking nearby and knew immediately (by my screams no doubt) what had happened. He scooped me up and sprinted down the hill like an Olympic hurdler, scaling downed logs and pulling
bees off of me the whole way. I still consider it a miracle that I was only stung thirteen times. He suffered several stings as well. Bless his heart.
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Sweet, determined, diligent bumblebee
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I have a newfound respect for these industrious creatures after writing If Not for a Bee, especially the hardworking honey and the noble bumble. In this book, scientist Aidan Hollings is in
Alaska to study the native bee populations. My research led me to so many fascinating places. Even though most of what I learned didn’t make it into the book, I feel like I know these insects so much better. The crucial role these insects play in pollination can’t be overstated. I am determined to do my part to advocate for them, to protect them, to educate to the best of my ability. Where yellow jackets are concerned, however, I will continue to whisper.
Many times when I’ve mentioned the title, If Not for a Bee, I’ve been treated to a bee story – some funny, some fraught with dramatic close calls, and still others rather traumatic (especially for those allergy sufferers like my husband.) I know many of you reading this have a similar story (or two) to share. I’d love to hear your bee story.
(I feel compelled to point out that I’ve used the word “bee” here to encompass all manner of flying, stinging, bee-looking insects. There are notable differences between bees and wasps, but that’s material for another post.)
Tour Schedule
10/11: Launch
10/13: Thoughts of a Blonde & The Power of Words
10/16: Singing Librarian Books & Chill Reviews
10/18: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
– Grand Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card & copy of If Not for a Bee (open internationally, print book to US winner, ebook to international winner)
– US Prize Pack: bee coffee mug, bee charm necklace, 17.6 ounce jar of honey, honey dipper, box of organic tea, and signed copy of If Not for a Bee (US only)
– Ends October 23rd
I compiled this list as a resource for authors looking for places to advertise their discounted ebooks online.
Related lists:
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote free books at no cost.
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote free books for a fee.
Related lists:
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote free books at no cost.
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote free books for a fee.
In some cases, as you can see, I’ve made notes about certain useful-to-know details, such as the fact that some sites don’t actually require the books to be exactly 99 cents. If you have additional information about any of these sites, feel free to share it in the comments. It would also be great to hear if you have tried any of them, and how they have worked for you.
Please let me know if you find any broken links or outdated info, or if you know of any paid promo sites for free books that I have not listed. I will try to maintain this list and keep it as thorough and accurate as possible!
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*Want to save some time? Let me submit your 99 cent book to ALL of the highlighted sites for you. This service will only cost you about as much as a cup of coffee! Click here to sign up or find out how it works.
New Cover Reveal!
Blue Hydrangeas
by Marianne Sciucco
Cover design by Perry Elisabeth
What if the person who knew you best and loved you most forgot your face, and couldn’t remember your name? A pair of retired Cape Cod innkeepers struggle with the wife’s Alzheimer’s. A beautiful love story written by a masterful storyteller who happens to be a nurse.
Amazon-rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
Goodreads rated 4.11 out of 5 stars
Readers say:
Heartbreakingly beautiful.
I felt drawn to Jack and Sara from page one and find myself wondering about them even now.
The book is very well-written and believable.
A heartfelt tender story that is entertaining and emotionally gripping!
A real page turner and it gives you insights of the daily life events living with this crushing disease called Alzheimer’s.
While not a “happily ever after” love story, Blue Hydrangeas is sure to be one you will ponder for some time after you have finished reading it.
Purchase Blue Hydrangeas in ebook, paperback, and audiobook
About the Author
Marianne Sciucco is not a nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse. A lover of words and books, she dreamed of becoming an author when she grew up but became a nurse to avoid poverty. She later brought her two passions together and writes about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues. Her debut novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, is a Kindle bestseller, IndieReader Approved, a BookWorks featured book, a Self-e Selection, a 5-star Readers Favorite, and winner of IndieReCon’s Best Indie Novel Award, 2014. She’s currently working on a YA novel, Swim Season, about the new girl on the team who challenges a longstanding school record, to be released in 2015. A native Bostonian, Marianne lives in New York’s Hudson Valley, and when not writing works as a campus nurse at a community college. She loves books, the beach, and craft beer, and especially enjoys the three of them together.
Connect with Marianne Sciucco
Why did I Write a Book about Alzheimer’s?
Connect with Perry Elisabeth
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
L. Palmer
Title of book and/or series:
The Pippington Tales: Book 1 – The True Bride and the Shoemaker
Brief summary of the story:
There is magic in the streets of Pippington, but most people are too busy to notice.
Shoemaker Peter Talbot needs a little magic. Cheap, factory made, shoes are putting him out of business, his nagging sisters will never let him rest, and his efforts to find true love are constantly thwarted by worldly fickleness. However, the gift of a wild primrose and a shipment of rare griffin skin are about to change everything…When beautiful handmade shoes begin appearing in his shop every morning, Peter is determined to find the source. What he finds instead will be far more exciting and wondrous than he could ever imagine.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Pippington is a town somewhere between the 1910’s setting of Downton Abbey and the magic of Storybrooke in Once Upon A Time.
Here, the magical is possible, but hardly sensible, and better left ignored. However, magic is difficult to ignore when pumpkins start turning to carriages in one’s backyard, one’s brother appears to now be a frog, or completed shoes start appearing on the shop counter after only being imagined the night before.
If we were to visit Pippington as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
What you do while visiting Pippington depends on how much you want to spend.
If you want to rub shoulders with the upper class, I’d recommend dinner at the Gormand and an evening of theater and dance at the Morveaux. Talk to the right people, you might be invited into the inner circle of Mrs. Petunia Ophombauch, and she will introduce you to the exclusive marvels of high society.
If you’re more interested in a rougher crowd, I’d recommend a day at the dragon races, followed by dinner and some good dancing at McBriar’s. Just make sure you’re ready for a brawl.
No matter which crowd you choose, make sure to visit Talbot’s Boots and Other Footwear and order a pair of shoes. Your feet will discover a new world of beauty and comfort.
What dangers should we avoid in Pippington?
The dangers of Pippington are generally hidden. Magic is rampant throughout the city, but not discussed in polite society. The dangerous sort of magic may come in the form of an old woman asking for a coin, a charming stranger, or a secretly enchanted hat. In other words, you don’t find danger – danger finds you.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Pippington?
Pippington’s cuisine is close to Earth’s, but the Gormand and other restaurants serve a fine griffin steak. The steak is best medium-rare with a spicy mustard sauce and roasted potatoes.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Pippington?
Many citizens in Pippington are partial to a classic brawling style, using punching, kicking, and biting. Those with magic, however, train in secret for sorcery battles involving conjured flame, tossing about objects, and other magic-based methods of mischief and injury.
Some with magic prefer practicing how to turn people into frogs.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Pippington?
Attempts have been made to expand the use of dragons to a means of transportation, but the high expense of maintaining a dragon, and the likelihood of falling without proper harnessing, has made this prohibitive. In fact, a recent law was passed to ban riding dragons without proper licensing of both dragon and rider.
Most citizens use the public trolley system, private motorcars, bicycles, a classic horse and carriage, or their own feet. There are rumors of women using brooms, but these remain unconfirmed.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Pippington that we don’t see on Earth?
In addition to dragons and griffins, any creature which appears in a fairy or folk tale in any culture on Earth might make an appearance. Mermaids, for example, are rumored to live in far-off waters, but none have been found in the local lake.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Pippington? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic is similar to another wavelength in the air – similar to sound and light waves. Some people are more attuned to magic, and you can manipulate the air through sound – whistling, singing, music – or attach the magic to an object, allowing for specific spells. Those in the underground magic social circles who can do air-based magic look down on those who can only do object-based magic.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Pippington as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Time in Pippington passes in the same fashion as Earth. In the summer, the citizens of Pippington celebrate Abeyance Night, enjoying peace in the city with fireworks and parades. In the winter, is High Winter, where families come together to feast and enjoy each other’s warmth.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Pippington? Please describe what it involves.
There are several religions practiced in Pippington, including some underground religions involving magic. The general citizenry participate in Dalthonism.
The Dalthon is an oligarchy of five gods who embody five virtues – courage, honesty, charity, patience, and virtue. These gods dress in simple clothes and represent the everyday person. They are in eternal battle with the Carricks, who represent five vices – fear, falsehood, hatred, glutton, and lust. These gods dress in finery, using their glamor to draw people into their traps.
If you follow the Dalthonian Path, your afterlife will be in a Paradise, where you will live in peace. If you follow the Carrickian Path, your afterlife will be in an endless maze of darkness and misery.
Most citizens of Pippingtons participate in surface level church activities – weekly sermons, periodic charity drives involving baked goods – and give little thought to the deeper questions of their religion.
What is the political or government structure in Pippington? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Pippington is part of Barthan, a democratic republic ruled by a generally elected president and parliament elected prime minister. About two-hundred years before The True Bride and the Shoemaker, Barthan was a monarchy ruled by an aristocracy of magic-users. With the invention of the gun and other devices, the common class revolted and established rule by the people. Great efforts were made to erase traces of magic in the more populated areas, and the survivors with magic moved west to the Surris Mountains.
In the Surris Mountains, magic is practiced freely, and Barthan leaves the citizenry alone. In return, residents of the mountains support the Surris Rangers, who monitor and capture those are doing harm with magic. Those who are dangerous to humankind are imprisoned in the Culparr Mines.
In Pippington, there is a mayor and city council, with each member elected every four years.
While the mayor and city council are respected, most of society listens to the opinions of Petunia Ophombauch and her societal column in the Rosetown Journal. Reputations live and die by the stroke of Mrs. Ophombauch’s pen.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
All stories and characters I write are a combination of experiences and people I have met. While the world is long ago and far away, the characters are grounded in real emotions and every day experiences. For example, in The True Bride and the Shoemaker, Peter goes through the same romantic rejection most young adults have experienced.
What literature influences the world of Pippington?
O. Henry’s New York (see The Gift of the Magi) and the less bleak parts of Dickens’ London.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Dating. I find it’s a hot-button issue for many single adults.
Author Autobiography:L. Palmer has spent many years traveling fictional worlds and building tales of grand, epic adventures. When she was in the midst of a grand battle between two ogres and a stegosaurus, she stumbled upon the world of Pippington. Dreams of wizard duels and clashing armies gave way to motorcars bumping down old city lanes and fairy godmothers disguised as high-society gossips. Here, she found a new literary home.
In between exploring the hidden lives and magic of Pippington, L. Palmer lives among the mountains of Utah and attends graduate school at Brigham Young University. She developed her imagination and adventure skills through growing up in Girl Scouts, working for ten years at resident summer camps, teaching high school English, attending and working at the University of California Santa Barbara, and reading great books of fantasy and magic. The True Bride and the Shoemaker is just the beginning of many tales to come.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
The True Bride and the Shoemaker is available in print and e-book at via Amazon.com, as well as a few local stores as listed on the book’s page on my website: http://tinyurl.com/truebride
Where can readers connect with you online?
Website: lpalmerchronicles.com
Twitter: L_palmer_1
E-mail: [email protected]
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Pippington. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to Bitter Thorn Grove, in Realm Explorers Part LXIX!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to Bitter Thorn Grove, in Realm Explorers Part LXIX!
-Annie Douglass Lima
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I compiled this list as a resource for authors looking for places to advertise their free ebooks online at no cost.
Related lists:
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote free books for a fee.
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote discounted books at no cost.
Related lists:
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote free books for a fee.
Click here to see a list of sites where you can promote discounted books at no cost.
In some cases, as you can see, I’ve made notes about certain useful-to-know details. If you have additional information about any of these sites, feel free to share it in the comments. It would also be great to hear if you have tried any of them, and how they have worked for you.
Please let me know if you find any broken links or outdated info, or if you know of any paid promo sites for free books that I have not listed. I will try to maintain this list and keep it as thorough and accurate as possible!
[googleapps domain=”docs” dir=”spreadsheets/d/13MlDfjssVB6hC5MUXmLQz3jCvcaVGix5lTgnvZQbIdc/pubhtml” query=”gid=1932218644&single=true&widget=true&headers=false” width=”100%” height=”1000″ /]
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