Author’s name: Cameron Glenn

Title of book and/or series:  Delano in Hollyhook

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:  Camp Hollyhook is a magical summer camp within the larger fantasy kingdom of Hollybrook.  Within the camp are playing fields, Gold Lake, Butterfly Island, Fire Island, Friendship Pier, Creepy Castle, Monster Mountain, Counselor Castle, the main stage, The Bubble Cave, and a cafeteria and cabins. 

If we were to visit Camp Hollyhook as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?  So much!  First, you’d have to get a special invitation in order to go.  The head camp mother, Madam Siren, has a soft spot for misfits, the misunderstood and outcasts and wishes to reward them with fun.  There are camp games on the playing fields, swimming with friendly lake serpents in Gold Lake, riding the roller coaster and other amusement rides on fire island, participating in the scavenger hunt, riding the Ferris Wheel on Friendship Pier, checking out the ghost band in Creepy Castle, eating the delicious and addictive candy bark from the candy bark trees, the dance party in The Bubble Cave and really, whatever you want!  The only limit is your imagination.  You might like it so much you’ll never want to leave!  In fact, you can choose to stay forever if you wish. 

What dangers should we avoid in Camp Hollyhook?  It is forbidden to go to Butterfly Island and Monster Mountain.  Butterfly Island, where the Butterfly Children live, is guarded by unfriendly sea serpents who will kill you if you get too close to them.  And Monster Mountain probably has monsters on it.  Also, be wary of the ‘Angries’ group.  They can be pretty mean sometimes.  Fortunately the camp security led by the Bat Demon are around to protect the campers. 

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Camp Hollyhook?  Yes!  I already mentioned the candy bark.  Delicious!  The camp also has its own cook who will make you whatever you want.  Want chocolate ice-cream for breakfast?  You can have it!  And you won’t even get sick from it.  That’s a camp promise.  The air in the camp doesn’t allow for any sicknesses. 

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Camp Hollyhook?  Wands that shoot paint are provided during the popular capture the flag contests.  Each camp group have their own fighting styles.  The Angries like to pound, the Dours don’t really put up much of a fight, The Quirks zip around pretending to be bees, and so on. 

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Camp Hollyhook?  A magical zeppelin piloted by a robot chauffer will escort you to the Camp.  That’s the only way to get there. 

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Camp Hollyhook that we don’t see on Earth? There are friendly monkeys in the trees who hand out the candy bark when you first enter through the gates.  There’s Bim-Bot the robot who is a guide and who runs the Share Shack, where you can get anything you want.  The Counselor to the Quirks is a Mermaid and the Counselor to the Lonelies is a goat man.  Butterfly Children fly overhead and playfully interact with you.  Sea serpents act as speed boats pulling you behind them as you water-ski in Gold Lake.  There’s so much more to discover.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Camp Hollyhook?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.  There’s a lot of whimsy but magic is more muted and not so obvious at the camp.  The head mechanic makes wonderful inventions and robots.  No camper is a witch or wizard or anything; just normal kids. 

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Camp Hollyhook?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.  There is!  The Mechanic can make wonderful robots that want nothing more than to please the campers.  He has a hobby of making special robot birds, his favorite one named Max, but he rarely gives these out to campers.  There has to be a good reason for him to. 

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Camp Hollyhook.  The Play Fields has whatever you want on them.  Just press a button and a basketball court will appear.  During the capture the flag contest the whole field becomes like a giant trampoline, which is so fun!  There’s a popular scavenger hunt contest campers can participate in.  There’s a talent show.  The Counselors job is to make sure the campers are active and never bored. 

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Camp Hollyhook as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?  Time is strange there.  It’s hard to decipher.  Also, memories of events from earth are weakened while in Camp Hollyhook.  The more time spent there, the harder it is to remember the events which happened on earth. 

Is there a particular religion practiced in Camp Hollyhook?  Please describe what it involves.  Campers are free to continue believing whatever they wish to believe. 

What is the political or government structure in Camp Hollyhook?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?  Madam Siren runs the camp.  She is beautiful and seems like a nice lady.  She has three daughters with beautiful voices. 

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Camp Hollyhook?  Through the opening welcoming ceremony you will be placed where you are most comfortable, with other people like yourself, whether you’re a Dour, a Quirk, an Angry, an Orphan, a Lonely, or a Sick. 

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?  My nieces, ages nine and twelve, helped me to brainstorm up some ideas. 

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?  It’s an all ages above eight or so appropriate book, so nothing too controversial, although there are some complex ideas and messages about fantasy, escape, destiny and sacrifice, if a reader chooses to seek them. 

Jenelle Leanne Schmidt          

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)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

Traveling is generally done on horseback, though carriages are also available upon request.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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’s name: Juli D. Revezzo

Title of book and/or series: DRUID WARRIOR’S HEART (Celtic Stewards Chronicles, book 2)

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?

Bitter Thorn Grove is a small farm in a fictitious version of 16^th century Ireland. Outside the farm lies a small village, but large enough to accommodate a church and a glimpse of the mountains and sea.

You could seek out the stone circle nearby or the garrison, both of which the harshad warriors and there druids visit now and then.

I wouldn’t recommend going anywhere near Old Bog Road. You never know what kind of creatures the nasty Balor might send after you!

Given the time period, the question is what wouldn’t they have? Potatoes had not been introduced into Ireland, at the time.

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 16^thcentury Ireland. 😉 They are working for gods, after all.

Since Ruth and Isaac live in the 16^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes; though due to the nature of the druids, Isaac and Ruth also commemorate the Irish fire festivals, particularly Imbolc (February 2^nd).

Ruth attends the Catholic Church, but she leans toward the druid holidays and those related to the Tuatha dé Danaan.

The Lord Marshal is (or rather, was) at that time (historically), in charge of that part of Ireland.

Everyone must attend church on Sundays.

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. 😉

There’s a little bit of the historical status of women and also the history of the Druids.

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.

DRUID WARRIOR’S HEART is available (currently) at Amazon and the paperback can be purchased through Createspace.

My website: http://julidrevezzo.com
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!