Let Yourself be "Captured" by This Newest Novella

Have you been wondering what really happened between Tarek and Alyra before they escaped from Racah? Well, here's the first part of their story, told from Tarek's point of view.

Captured is the first in the White Road Tales novella trilogy. 

What do you think of the cover? 

Here's a bit from the first chapter:

Chapter 1

Warnings

A sharp intake of breath alerted Tarek that the note from his aunt wasn't good news.

Brie, his mother, crumpled the paper in her rough hands, her shallow-set eyes unfocused. Tarek placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling nothing but bone under her rough fabric of her dress. Her head snapped up, face pale as she clutched his arm. "Go find Olden. Quick now. They're coming."

Ma didn't need to name who they were.

Tarek removed his jacket off the coat rack on his way to the door.

"I want to come," Vesia's twelve-year-old body slammed into him, as she grabbed the back of his shirt, pulling him to a halt.

Dislodging her grip, he turned to her, bending slightly until he was level with her green eyes, the same shade as his. Strands of brown hair fell across her gaunt face. "You don't have anything warm to wrap yourself in and it's chilly outside. Besides, I'm sure he's at the tavern, and that place smells of Troll's feet."

Vesia stomped her foot. "I've had to drag him home a time or two, just like you."

"Please stay." He lowered his voice, whispering. "Keep Ma calm till I get back."

Folding her arms over her chest, she let out an irritated snort but nodded in agreement. He tugged at her ear, then hurried out of the door.

Outside, he slipped into his muddy boots that pinched his toes. He set off at a slow jog seriously doubting the threat of invasion was as immanent as Ma feared. His aunt and uncle, who owned the house they currently occupied, had left everything behind to make a run for it. But Olden, his father, refused to leave the family home based on rumors. Besides, nobody in their right mind would waste any effort taking over this sand pit someone had named DeTiere.

Still, Ma wouldn't rest until Pop was home and they were making plans on where to go next. Tarek sighed. Another move. For once he'd love to find a nice town they could all settle down in and stay.

Only the stars and half moon lit the narrow dirt road that ran north and south through DeTiere. He stopped at a crossroad. To his left, tall cliffs full of caves and sheer rock walls guarded the eastern boundary, offering a bit of shelter and security. Tarek shuddered, just not enough. A cool wind blew sand into his face from miles of open desert lands surrounding the small oasis.

He turned right toward the town center. Some oasis, he chuckled. At one time the stone buildings, adorned with clay statues and metalwork might have been something. Unfortunately, as more of the surrounding villages were taken over by the Racan King, DeTiere fell into disrepair as people abandoned their homes and lives.

Bright lights and lively music from the Traveler's Inn spilled out onto the deserted road. Strange that no matter how destitute conditions might be, the tavern always seemed to flourish.

Tarek came upon a body lying face down in the dirt.

He immediately recognized the close-cropped gray speckled head. Taking a couple of tentative steps forward, he watched Olden's back for the rising and falling of breaths. A drunken snore rumbled from the heap. Tarek sighed a breath of relief.

"Wake up." Tarek nudged his boot not too gently into Pop's ribs.

Olden came up with a furious yell, his arms swinging wildly.

Dodging his father’s fists, Tarek grasped the back of his dirty shirt, dragged him to the nearest horse trough, and dunked his head into the mucky water.

"All right!" Olden shouted on the third dunk, trying to push from the basin smelling of dead things and algae. "All right, I say. Leb go ob me, you blasted scamp!"

Tarek shoved him away and jumped out of reach in case the old man decided to pay him back.

"Get on your feet," Tarek ordered. "Or I'll do it again. I'm not carrying you home this time."

Wiping the last dregs of mud from his eyes, Olden stood on wobbly legs and grabbed at a post to steady himself. Purple and yellow splotches covered the side of Olden's face. Blood trickled down into his scraggly goatee from a split lip.

Olden pointed a black smudged finger at his son. "Jus' cause you're sixteen doesn't make you the man of the family. That's still my role."

Tarek rolled his eyes. "Can you get home, Pop? Ma is beside herself with worry. A messenger bird brought a letter from your brother. Uncle says we better run for it. Racan soldiers are plundering this whole region."

Olden waved his hand dismissively. "They're not interested in this stink hole." He tried to wipe the dirt from his muddied shirt and trousers, then gave up the lost cause. "Tole her I was out getting us some coins. She been ranting about leavin', but I'll need to buy provisions. Without food and travel gear, we'll not make it more than a few days. Miles of desert surround this forsaken sand pit." His arms waved around him like branches in a storm.

"If you had no coin, then what did you gamble with?"

A sly grin crinkled Olden's leathered face. "My charms, son. As usual. Haven't I taught you nothin'?"

That would explain his busted lip. Shaking his head, Tarek turned and started for home. "Pop, don't you think it's time we pack up and leave anyway? All you do is hang out here, wasting what little we do own. I'm with Ma on this. Nothing can be worse than this place."

"Don't go gettin' all superior on me, lad. You been goin' around with a big chip on your shoulder, you have. And what've you done to help out, eh? Don't see you workin' at getting us out of this mess."

"You're the so-called man of the house. Thought that was your job?" Tarek said over his shoulder.

A hard force hit up against Tarek's back, knocking him flat on his stomach. Spitting sand, Tarek rolled aside before Olden got a good kick in. As he scrambled out of the way, Olden grabbed his shirt and pulled him to his feet. Their faces were inches apart. Tarek tried to avoid breathing in the reek of ale drenching Olden's breath.

"Time you man up, too, you little whelp." Spittle flew from Olden's puffy lips. "You’ve been complaining an' whinin' your shoes are too tight, your belly is rumbling, you hate being here. Don't show no gratitude for a house that belongs to our family. Has the Lion crest on the door. Cain't nobody ever take it from us."

"Don't be so sure. Those other towns probably thought the same thing before the soldiers hit them. That's why we need to leave. Before they come." He shoved Olden away from him and started walking again.

Pop's brother had encouraged them to move here to help revive the floundering town. Unfortunately, by time his family arrived in DeTiere, rumors spread of the neighboring villages being taken over. The Racan King confiscated whatever bounty he could squeeze out of the citizens before taking them all off to work their skills in his own mountain fortress. Tarek had no desire to become some king's slave.

They'd reached the edge of the main part of DeTiere. From here a few abandoned cottages dotted the desert land before they reached home.

Olden's cheeks puffed as he blew out a long breath. His hands went in his pockets, jiggling nothing but air. He stared down at his own worn boots "Actually, I was thinking of making a run for Wilderland. Maybe go live with the Greenmen. They'd keep us safe, except—" he shook his head, "—there's the walk across that barren desert. You and I know how to endure hardships. Brie and Vesia? Not so sure they'll be up to the challenge."

Tarek studied the thousands of stars glittering across the sky, the one constant despite where they lived. They'd not stayed in the same town for more than a year, two at the longest before Pop's wanderlust hit him again and he wanted to try his luck at a new place. "Life is an adventure," Olden often said. Everyone knew that meant they better start packing what they wished to keep, or be forced to leave it behind when he got the notion to move on.

Tarek faced Olden. "Sis is more resourceful than you're giving her credit for. And Ma, she's toughed it out with you all these years."

Olden raised his hand as if to backhand him, then started chuckling as he slung his arm across Tarek's shoulder instead. "You're a sassy lad, aren't you? Such a scamp."

Tarek's smile was tight, guarded. Hard to know when the old man felt friendly or when feigned friendly so he could get off a good hit.

This time he seemed somewhat sincere as his voice took on a serious, pondering tone. "But you're smart. I can depend on you."

Oh boy, here he goes. Tarek waited to see what Pop would require from him this time. He'd drawn the line at outright thievery so far. He wished to keep his hands attached to the end of his arms.

Olden continued. "I was thinkin' we'd wait a few months in the Wilderland forest. If those scavengers are coming here, which I don't know why they'd waste their efforts on this pathetic town—" He sneered as they passed a clapboard house with a sagging roof. "—then we can come back after they've cleaned out the riffraff. Rebuild the town. Maybe stay for awhile like you and your Ma been whining for."

Tarek stared at his father as if he'd sprouted horns. "Wouldn't it be easier to find a nice established town? Doesn't Ma have folks in the North? Some place called Kinti, or something?"

Slowing his steps, Olden scowled. Tarek flinched, preparing for the smack sure to come.

"Done tole you all, I'll not go to one of those white tree towns. A feller has to give up too much. Cain't live for yerself. They expect people to follow harsh rules. You're expected to share your hard earned food and goods with any ol' fool who passes through. No. We are of the House of Lion. We serve nobody. We take care of ourselves, Tarek. How many times I got to tell you? Instead of crying about sore feet, make yourself new shoes. Use them hides you collected."

"I've been saving them to sell at the market."

Olden waved his free hand dismissing Tarek's plans. "You ain't got but a couple left. I done already sold the best ones. Had to trade them for a bit of coin to get on the tables."

Tarek stopped. "I made the kill. I cleaned them. Where's my money then?"

He shrugged. "They don't call it gambling for nothing. Anyway—" he went on, pulling Tarek along with him. "—there's enough left for a pair of traveling shoes."

"I don't know how to sew, Pop."

"As if that should stop you. What do I always say? If you don't know, find someone who does. Ask your Ma. I'm sure if you promise to make your sister a pair, as well, she'll show you how to stitch them up." Olden squeezed his shoulder tighter.

Tarek jerked away. What a piece of work his old man could be. If it weren't for Vesia and Ma, he'd have cut out a year ago.

"Come on, Tarek, man up. We have a lot to do if we're going to hit the road again. First thing in the morning, we'll take a little hunting trip. I'll talk to Vesia about gathering some vegetables."

"We don't own a garden, Pop." Was he serious, Tarek wondered, or just spouting off what he thought they wanted to hear to pacify them a bit longer? Hard to tell with the scheming old man.

"Yeah, well." He gave an unconcerned shrug. "I'll tell Brie to start packing. Only what we absolutely need. Nobody takes more than they can carry across the desert. With four days of good traveling, we should reach the woods where there will be a better supply of game and water. From there, it'll take a few more days to find the hamlet. We'll travel at night. The moon will be full by the end of the week…."

Olden seemed serious. Dare Tarek hope? He stared out across the blackened land beyond their yard. The family house, partly made of wood and stone, was one of the nicer places they'd been able to lay their heads. He froze. Did one of the shadows just move? Mountain lions roamed close to town when hungry enough. "Pop…"

"We must stick together son. We do what needs to be done to ensure our survival. Remember, we have nobody but ourselves to take care of us. If you fail, you can only blame yourself."

Tarek sighed. So they'd poach and steal and hopefully get it all done before the soldiers came. No problem.

A sound like a snapping twig echoed from the darkness. Tarek froze his eyes and ears alert. A spark flared and illuminated a man riding a steed the color of the night sky. The first torch ignited the next as the flame traveled down a row of black clad horsemen, all holding glistening weapons and all yielding the crescent moon and stars emblem on their chest.

Too late. They were here.

Here's where you can get your copy, going for only .99 cents until the end of August when the price goes up  to $1.99.

Pursuing Your Passion

As I've said before, I'm working hard to get Book Three- Emanate - ready for publication. As I've been RE-reading through it- (again because it takes like a hundred times to get it right)- I'm struck over how the basic theme is using your talents.

Alyra struggles to be open about hers, fearing rejection. Jerin has to find what his actual calling truly is- because it's not exactly what he thinks. Katrina fights with not letting hers go to her head. Lotari finds himself overwhelmed with his mission. And Stitch still really wants his beard to hurry up grow in.

This morning I was gearing up for a day of edits- By skimming through my Facebook feed- when I came across this video.

Go check it out. Real quick. Right click and open in another tab, then come back here. I'll wait.

Tanner's Story | Shoot The Skies

Are you back? What did you think?
Two things stuck out at me. First, Tanner decided to use his passion to make a difference. He loved photography. He decided to do something meaningful with his talent. The second thing was when he said he wanted to be generous with his passion. Living generously. 

Using your passion to make a difference by being generous with it. 

What does that mean? Really.
Well, I've been thinking a lot about this over the past couple of days, honestly. First, finding your passion is the big, huge, important step. What makes your heart soar? What do you love to do more than anything, but push it aside because you know it might never pay the bills or provide a retirement fund?

Practically is the killer of invention, I believe. Why? Because Practically is what I've struggled with over the past twenty years of wanting to write, but fearing nothing would ever come of it.

But... but... but, I finally had to come to terms I could forever wish to be a writer... someday. Or I could step up and become what my heart has wanted since I was a child. That's a long time to hold back a passion.

Alyra is afraid to let her "light" shine, so to speak, because of lies she's been told about her abilities. I had to come to terms with some of the lies I'd bought into and decide this is what I do. What I love doing. This is what I was created for.

Jerin thinks his skills will take him in one direction, but he finds out there are sometimes side roads we need to be willing to take. The writing I envisioned as a child, isn't what I ended up doing. And that's okay.

Now, I'm seeking balance. How to put my passions to use in a way that will benefit not only me, by like, making a living doing what I love, but will glorify God and bless others, too. It's not difficult to let our passions overwhelm us until we see nothing else.

There's still a beautiful world out there to see, and explore, and people to enjoy. Yes, the path is narrow, but that doesn't mean our vision needs to be narrow, too.

I'm excited about this next book and eager to get it out for you to read. It's helped me think a lot about what I hope to do with the talents God has given me. And, it's a fun story. I love, love, love, Granny Fila. She's really come alive in these pages. And Stitch with his beard dilemma- along with trying to grow into his hooves. Love him.


Dear friends, find your passion, your talents.
The world needs you to be generous with them. Everyone is always going on about how bad this world is getting. Stop the complaining and figure out what small things you can do to make it better. It doesn't even have to be something artistic. Maybe you have the gift of hospitality... people love feeling welcomed and wanted. Listening? Everyone needs someone who is willing to hear them out. Do you give good hugs? Is your laugh infectious? Are you a hard worker? Do you enjoy just sitting with friends and hanging out. Big. Small. Find it, and do it.

This world is a wonderful place. It is. We only need to open our eyes and find the beauty. It's there. I promise.

Here Ye! Here Ye! Announcing the White Road Chronicle's Next Book Cover

 It's nearly here!

 Yes, book three of the White Road Chronicles is almost ready for release. Today, I want to give you a bit of a sneak peek at what's to come. The cover was designed by Cover to Cover Designs. I think she did a wonderful job. Please click over to her site and see some of her other works.

Click on over to the Emanate - Book Three page for a better look at the cover, the first chapter and the playlist I created while writing the story. Please leave comments and tell me what you think.

On Kingdom Towns and Meeting Halls

Alyra's first encounter of a kingdom town was in Many Rivers--

Water from the low hanging branches dripped on her, but she ignored the irritation. She couldn’t feel any more miserable anyway. Her leg hurt from the gash, her arm from the burns, and her heart broke for the people of that beautiful town. Lotari seemed unconcerned over the whole ordeal. A smile played across his usually stern face as he picked a couple of burrs off of his horse legs. 

Finally, as the heavy rain subsided, he asked, “I don’t suppose any of the bread I made you remains?”

Taken aback at his callousness, she glared at him. He’d seemed kind and caring when she was traveling alone. Did he not care for the townspeople anymore than his clan did? Alyra pulled off her pack and threw it at him. 

He caught it, brows knit in confusion for a moment before his face relaxed. “Alyra, they will be fine. Why did you not stay in the Meeting Hall like the others?”

“I didn’t want to get burned up! Why wouldn’t they flee?” Hot tears stung her eyes. “All those children...” 

“Foolish child, have you not listened to anything? The white path is safe. The white buildings are safe as well.”

She shook her head, unable to believe his words. 

He nodded in affirmation. “This is the reason I told you to make haste. The kingdom town offered you protection against the enemy...."

              Illuminated: Book One, Chapter 17.

I really wanted to paint a picture of a picturesque little town, nestled in the woods, somewhat sheltered, but still, on the edge of the enemy's territory, and prone to random attacks. When Alyra raced into the village square, she was being pursued and in danger. Yet, the town took her directly to their Meeting Hall to find shelter while they defended their homes with what weapons they had at their disposal.

The enemy caused damage. Some were hurt. At least, those who hadn't taken shelter, and those who stood on the front lines of defense.

However, Alyra did not return later to find a beaten people, but a determined community of people. Ready to rebuild better and stronger than before. That's the heart of a kingdom people.

Today, I want to talk about a few qualities that make up a thriving kingdom town.

Ready To Accommodate the Weary Traveler

All kingdom towns can be located along the King's Highway, otherwise known as the White Road. The townships vary in design, population and size. Some are new and just becoming established. If you are an adventurous type, you might wish to settle down and help build.

Others are well established, even fortified with ramparts and defenses-- especially if located in hostile lands.

Despite what type of township you find yourself in, the welcome will always be the same. If you are passing though, they will offer supplies and full-fill any needs you might have to accomplish your journey. They are all aware, that the most important thing is to help travelers reach their destination.

A Place To Learn About the Kingdom

If you do so choose to remain awhile, there is always people willing to teach you about kingdom ways. More established communities will have a library with a caretaker who knows how to find the information you need. They might be a little persnickety about how their beloved books are treated, but they are generous with sharing all they know. 

It's a given fact, that the larger the kingdom town, the more vast is their knowledge base. Not all learning come from books, you see, but from the experiences and hard-earned wisdom of those who've been down the same trail you are currently walking. It's good to be willing to sit and listen to their stories, no matter how long winded some may be.

A Place of Refuge and Healing

Every kingdom town will have a White Healing tree growing somewhere. If you are sick, weary, or wounded, find those with Healing qualities and they are always willing to help. Sometimes you'll want to stay awhile and allow your mind and body to find restoration. That's fine. Just don't forget there is still a road to be traveled and a King eagerly waiting to make your acquaintance.

Kingdom towns also provide a place of refuge and safety. When the enemy is pursuing you, call on the leaders to stand around you. Seek shelter in the Meeting Hall. Any town claiming to be of the kingdom will do everything possible to help you stand against attacks.

Not Meant To Be An Isolated Island

What kingdom towns are not meant to be, are little isolated islands, keeping to themselves and serving only their own members. If you come across a place such as this, YOU ARE NOT IN A KINGDOM TOWN.

If you have to leave your path to enter a town, then you're not in a kingdom town.
If you are not welcomed in with attentive kindness, then you're not in a kingdom town.
If you see an enemy presence, well, then you better not even bother. Just keep going and soon you'll find a more hospitable place. Trust me. Always, no matter what, stay on the path! Everything you need will be found there.

So, there you have the basic working of a kingdom town in Alburnium. More and more towns in the White Road Chronicles are to be explored within the pages.

But I encourage you, dear readers, to find your own kingdom safe-ground in your real life. They're out there. We need others to help us on our journey, no matter which direction we are traveling. If you're running toward home, seeking refuge, or undertaking a quest, these are the places and people who will help get you to where you need to go.

And who knows, maybe someday you'll find that special place to settle down and make your home.


Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47


The pictures in this post all come from my Pinterest boards. Check out the White Road Chronicles board for more scenes from my books and the characters that inhibit the pages.

Blog Hop: The Mind of a Writer

I was tagged in a fun blog hop by my wonderful writer friend and romance writer, 

T. L. Gray.

Curious about what goes on inside the strange minds of a writer? Well here’s a glimpse:

What am I working on?

At the moment, I have two projects that split my day.

I'm editing the third book in the White Road Chronicle series titled Emanate. This story continues on the next day where Luminosity left off.

Alyra is preparing to travel to Drakensburg to rally the dragons. With her is Ethan, her brother, and Riyah, her guardian instructor. And, possibly Tarek, who has more to him than anyone realizes, including himself. But you'll have to read and see how Alyra and Tarek's friendship (?) plays out.

Katrina the Curian is still in Denovo, trying work out the mystery of what happened to her people who escaped the Dark Lord's attack. But Katrina has to fight a battle her people have struggled against for ages and the very one that brought them down in the first place. But you'll have to read to find out what that is, too. lol.

Jerin finally gets to return home, but not in the manner he'd hoped. And when he gets there, boy is he in for a surprise. And yes... you'll have to read it to see.

Finally, as the centaurs work to complete their task, they risk having it all brought down on their heads by a self-proclaimed dwarf king of Wilderland. The Meeting Hall holds a promise of protection and sanctuary. They will find out if they've progressed enough for it to stand to it's full potential.

So yeah, that's one of the projects I'm working on. The other one is a prequel to The White Road Chronicles. A series of three novellas from Tarek's point of view that I'm calling White Road Tales. (Look for a cover reveal and more information soon)

Captured, the first in this series, is completed and with my editing readers. Here you'll find out how Tarek ended up in Racah and met Princess (Alyra) in the first place. And, you'll learn there's more to their friendship than Alyra remembers.

The second book-which I'm writing now- Will either be called Snatched or Stolen. (I kinda like the first).  Will dive further into their relationship and show one of the means Darnel uses to control his subjects. I'm enjoying this one.

The third book, which I'm not sure what to call it yet, is mostly written and will end up tying into Book One: Illuminated.

I've been busy, busy, busy which is why I've not written a lot on my blogs lately.

How does my work differ from others in its genre?

I certainly don't write traditional fantasy. Yes, it's set in a medieval kind of time-frame. But Alburnium is an alternate world. That should be obvious. I never enjoyed how bogged down some fantasy books tend to be, so I tried to keep things light, with just a bit of modern-osity. (That can be a word if I want it to. lol)

I enjoy books that leave the reader with a take-a-way nugget. Kate DiCamillo and her The Tale of Despereaux, and Because of Winn Dixie left me different than when I opened the first page.  So did stories from Hannah Hurnard, C.S. Lewis and so many others. And all along, I've wanted to write stories that offered a bit of take-away for the readers. 

So, I'm not entirely certain how my books differ. There's so many wonderful tales out there that make mine look like a scrawny weed. Readers have said my story reminds them of a modern Pilgrims Progress. Others say it has a Narnia kind of flavor. One review said Illuminated was The Wizard of Oz meets Narnia. I loved that.

Another one of my favorite kinds of reads are journey books. That's simply how I see life. A journey to find yourself which can turn into a quest to make a difference once you begin to see the value in who God created you to be.

God doesn't do shabby. Everything he creates is done with excellence and painstaking great detail. Just look around. Really look at a tree and try to find two leaves that are exactly alike. I don't think you can. Look at the delicate build of a flower, the vibrant colors and designs. Or simply look up at the sky. Is there many times during the day where you're not left in awe? The deep blue, the wistful clouds, the colorful show of sunrise and sunset, the power behind a storm....

And he created us! With the same thoughtfulness.

This is what I want to convey when I write. At least, I'm trying.  But I'm getting off topic. LOL.
Back to the questions. (Sorry. =D)

Why do I write what I do?

Think I answered this one in the previous question. I write because written words give me a voice. I can be a naturally quiet person. Until I really get to know you, I'm shy when you first meet me. I DO NOT enjoy speaking in front of people.

However, I have things I wish to say. I'm a thinker. A ponderer. I'm always looking at life from different angles. And writing lets me shine.

I'm including this quote from Mandela because it sums up how I feel about being a writer. It's my greatest passion. Has been since I was a child. If I had a medallion like those in Aloblase, I'm sure it would have a quill and paper on it. Stories help life make sense. You can lecture me and it'll go in one ear and out the other. But tell me a story... and it's a part of me forever.

So, basically, that's why.

How does my writing process work?

I'm still working on a "process." Basically, it means sitting down and just doing it. It means I've had to bow out of extra activities. Say "no" even to doing really great things. At least for now. I'm building a foundation and that's hard work.

I get up in the morning and dress as if I'll be going somewhere that day. I spend quite time with Father God, asking for direction and talking about my stories and what needs to happen next. Then I check out what other friends are doing through emails and social network sites. (This is still my stumbling block and something I'm working on gaining better control on.

Then I get to work. I have a word count goal I set for new works. And an editing goal for revisions. I make lists... but... you know. I'm still in the process of learning how to be... (ugh) disciplined.

Maybe someday. Maybe.

But that's it in a nutshell.  I have no qualms admitting I'm a strange one. lol. But I'm who God created me to be and I'm using the talents he's given me to get though this life. So I'm good with that!



 If you enjoy reading about how this crazy world of fiction works, please take a moment and hop on over to Julie Marx's site and PacJac Carroll's blog later this week! You won’t be disappointed. Their current writing projects are AWESOME.

I'm SICK of Winter!

Seriously.
Aren't you?

I live in the south, and griping about the cold is like griping about having two scoops of ice cream when you only wanted one. Come July, I'll be lamenting the heat. Really.

But this winter... and I know my friends in the North will give me an AMEN... has dragged, and dragged, and dragged on.

With Spring arriving next week, I wanted to celebrate in a writerly way. So, to start, I've put Luminosity on sale this weekend for $.99 cents.

Be on the lookout for my Count Down To Spring Week pictures:
 If you see them, help me out by sharing on facebook, twitter and even Pinterest.

Here's an overview of Book Two of the White Road Chronicles:

Alburnium is at war.

Eighteen-year-old Alyra’s joy of being reunited with her family fades when Prince Issah sends her beloved friends away on quests across the kingdom. Allies must be gathered to stand against the dark ruler, Lord Darnel.

The reclusive dragons happen to be necessary allies. Alyra’s friendship with the young drake, Crystal, offers a slim hope of being heard by them instead of being burned.

Alyra must travel to Drakensburg with her resentful brother, Ethan, a Messenger, who doesn’t trust her, a prankster Okbold intent on honoring his debt to her, and a unseen Guardian Instructor, who must teach her how to use the Illuminate’s gift before they reach the dragons' hold.

Ethan has the words to persuade the dragons. Alyra carries the red fruit of the white tree to present as a peace offering. Until she finds Tarek, beaten and near death. She must choose between using the fruit to save the man she loves, or the kingdom she serves.

Hope you enjoy the continuing tale of Alyra and her friends.
Happy Reading. 

What's Up in Alburnium?

So glad you asked!

I've not posted because there's several things going on all at the same time. First, I've been busting my behind trying to get the first draft of Emanate done before February ended. And I did it!! YaY me.

BIG. SIGH.

So, while I complete a couple of other projects I've scheduled for March, I'm going to let Emanate sit and cool off before I delve back into it to do edits.

However, I've nearly completed the first novella that will go along with this series. The title is Captivated and it's all about how Tarek and Alyra first met. That's right, you Tarek fans will love this one. I'm excited about getting it done and out there for you. And it's been fun and enlightening getting into Tarek's head.

While I've been slaving at the keyboard, I've also set up my very own author page over at Facebook. Here's the banner. Which still needs a little work, but it's good for now. If you're on facebook, search out Jackie Castle Author Page and like me. I gave away a little surprise when I reached 100 likes and will be giving another one when I reach 200!

Another reason I've not posted much on any of my blogs is that I'm hoping to move over to a website soon. It's in the works!

I've declared 2014 to be my year to get organized, start treating my writing as a business instead of a hobby, and to set up my little place on the world wild web. A more centralized place. Keeping up with three blogs is just too much!


On another note, Illuminated and Luminosity are doing well. I recently found Illuminated hanging out with some of my favorite books. I had to take a screen picture! All of these authors are favorites of mine. I was blown away. Truly.

So there you go, a quick up date. Look for Captured to be released hopefully by the end of March or early April. And Emanate will be close behind.

Happy Reading.
Oh, if you've read and liked book one or two, be sure to leave a review on Amazon, goodreads or share the book with your friends. I certainly appreciate it.

Blessings
Jackie