Hey, Hey, My Fantastical Readers!
What secrets lie within the journal pages of a 15-year-old wielder of power? Tons—and interestingly enough, when you read the short story, there are several red herrings within the personal journal of the main character, Callie.
Scarred Secrets is the prequel to The Therans Series and has been one of my most complex book projects. However, I brainstormed with author Chrissy Hartmann and hired local artist Erica from Artisans Selections, and both have taken a lot of weight off my shoulders. Collaboration is essential with like-minded people.
Erica has completed the ‘simple’ illustrations. My goal is to personalize the journal through ‘doodles,’ hoping to evoke emotions and make what is written in the content more memorable and enjoyable to the reader. Also, I think it will add a level of authentication to the story.
Later, I hope to share some snippets of Erica’s work while she’s hand-drawing the illustrations. Watch my social media links, and you’ll see when I reveal some of her artistry for the journal. I am so excited about this project. Stay tuned for my scoops from my writing world and the official launch date of the short story.
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I have watched many shows and movies surrounding the Legend of King Arthur …
But is King Arthur a legend, myth, or Lie? Countless theories on the historical figure have filled pages in Western literature. The Arthurian legend has taken a life of its own from television, operas, and even the game industry.
Through my research, I have come to a reasonable understanding that the Arthurian legend is based on a great historical warrior. However, no one can really pinpoint the truth of a name. Yeah, there’s speculation that the name ‘Arthur’ is Welsh, derived from the Roman family name Artorius. Still, the truth is buried deep within mystery and rooted in a tumultuous era of early medieval Britain. But what does it really matter? The truth is that it is hard to separate historical facts from legends.
What can be verified is that the tale is one of the most intriguing as it brings to life the Knights of the Round Table, the Quest for the Holy Grail, Lancelot and Guinevere, and the existence of Camelot. Not to mention the wizard Merlin, the magical sword Excalibur, and the villainous sorceress Morgan Le Fay, Arthur’s half-sister.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the tale I love is the quest for the Holy Grail—the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. King Arthur and his loyal knights searched to find the challis, facing numerous challenges and death. The secrets that the challis holds alone could fill the pages of time.
The legend of King Arthur has inspired many adaptations in literature. These add elements of fantasy and curiosity to folklore, captivating us with solid themes of heroism, honor, and eternal struggles between good and evil.
In my humble opinion, legends and myths have some truth—they are not necessarily lies. Stories are constantly adapted, referenced, or retold, ensuring a cultural consequence or impact. I love that the Arthurian legend blends history, legends, and a historic setting with honor, offering readers enduringly relevant stories.
My love for reshaping a legend, anchoring the story into a historical setting, and building a captivating world from which to draw inspiration is rewarding. Whether the intention is to use legends as a method of decoding a message, as songs were used to share secrets, remains to be seen.
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Author Extraordinaire of the Month: P.R. Adams
Forge of Empire: Military Space Opera Tale
If you’re a fan of epic tales of action, intrigue, and war, then you’ll love Forge of Empire, the first book in The Chronicle of the Final Light series.
Empires are forged in fire and quenched by blood.
Avery Shetty joined the Marines to pay for his engineering degree. It meant leaving behind the woman of his dreams. Now, it might mean losing his life.
When an ancient alien threat rises, Avery finds himself on the front line of a war he can’t understand, facing a relentless and merciless enemy. What had been an attempt to create a peaceful galactic union becomes a desperate gambit for survival.
This struggle could destroy more than his dreams—it could be the end of the human race.
https://books2read.com/u/b6WVPW
Adams’s Bio: I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. I joined the Air Force, and my career took me from coast to coast before depositing me in the St. Louis, Missouri area for several years. After a tour in Korea and a short return to the St. Louis area, I retired and moved to the greater Denver, Colorado metropolitan area.
I write speculative fiction, mostly science fiction and fantasy. My favorite writers over the years have been Robert E. Howard, Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny, and Michael Crichton.
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Cyndi’s Bookshelf Reviews at Tanstaaflt Press: https://www.tanstaaflpress.com
I will review P. R. Adams’s book in June’s Newsletter at Tanstaafl Press.
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Seasoned author Tomas Gondolfi, a contributor to Legends, Myths & Lies.
Where Happened to Authors?
At one time in history, authors were revered and even worshipped. When was the last time you saw an author mobbed by fans? Writers were the rock stars of their age. Unfortunately, that age is long past. Now we have reality TV stars, movie actors and actresses, and music superstars. Even mediocre streaming shows steal our attention away from good fiction. Depressing, but true. So why do authors still create?
I’ll start off by telling you bluntly that it isn’t for the money. Unless you’re one of the one-tenth of one percent that has grabbed the golden ring, your median income yearly from your books is ~$2000.
That being said, authors today have a streak of masochistic exhibitionism. Interesting image, isn’t it? All of us writers have strange concepts roaming around our heads and want to share them. At the same time, as a class, we are all introverts. I mean, what extrovert would sit down and spend the weeks to hammer out a hundred thousand words much less the hours of rewriting?
As introverts, why would we put ourselves out there to interact with the public? Because we are masochists… but with a purpose. We crave the recognition of our accomplishments. We lust for the joy we put on the faces of our fans. We want the crazy stuff in our brains to excite others.
We need that validation of others but the times have changed. You tell someone you wrote a book and the response is cold oatmeal without sweetener. “That’s nice. Did you see the new Marvel movie?” Our society has morphed into one of instant and simple gratification. Books don’t count as they require work on the part of the reader.
What is my point? Every day an author considers chucking his art for the lack of sales and feedback. Your words (good or bad) can be the difference between an artist creating and tossing in the towel. I want YOU to be the reason an author keeps writing: Share your feelings. Give her/him a review. Tell your friends (bibliophiles or not) about the book you read. But most of all, a conversation (email or in person) with an author can be almost as valuable as the sale of the book itself.
Be the reason an author creates!
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Have a great month until I see you next time.
Air Hugs!
Cyndi Brec
Author Cyndi Brec (inkerspen.com)
cyndibrec7
https://www.facebook.com/CBrecFantasy
https://www.instagram.com/cyndibrec7/
2024