Monday, December 16, 2013

Never Give Up, Never Surrender


Never Give Up, Never Surrender
 

This has been a hard year for many of us but I want to end the year on a lighter note and talk about a brighter future on the horizon…and I'd like to use the movie Galaxy Quest to illustrate my point.

Now, if you haven't seen this movie, I suggest you rectify that immediately. It's a brilliant satire, poking fun at Star Trek. Beyond that, though, is a touching story about what it means to be an ordinary hero.

Like the crew of the Galaxy Quest, we can feel beaten down. Has-beens. Yesterday's news. Nothing to distinguish us from anybody else. Struggling to rise to the top and be noticed.

Are you depressed yet? Don't be. Remember the motto. Never give up. Never surrender.

At any time we could be called upon to be a hero – a hero in someone else's life or even a hero in our own – something a good friend recently reminded me to be. And like the Galaxy Quest crew, we shouldn't be afraid to accept help from others to accomplish our goals.

Remember that the people around us are willing to help. All we need to do is ask. It's the sharing which makes us strong as a people. We don't have to hide in the darkness or struggle alone.

Three things Galaxy Quest taught me:

1.      No matter how tough your circumstance, you will always meet somebody with bigger problems than you.

2.      Friends can pull you out of the worst of situations.

3.      True friendship is the most valuable thing you can possess.

During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season I hope you find your inner strength and reach out to someone who needs a hero in their life. You can make a difference.

Oh, and just to be safe, don't wear a red shirt when you go outside…
 
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And while you're here, please take a moment to check out the brand-new tab above which says: Composers for Relief. Thank you and blessings to all.

Monday, December 9, 2013

It's Launch Day!

It's Launch Day!

Diamonds and Dust

by River Fairchild
 
Book 1 of the Jewels of Chandra series
 
 

Magic is real. So is betrayal.

Two heirs. A Kingdom of dust on a troubled world. One might resurrect it. One might destroy it all.

Archaeologist David Alexander investigates the cave where his father disappeared and hurtles into another world, one filled with magic and bizarre creatures. The mad ravings in his father's journals of icemen and dragons may not be fantasies after all.

Convinced his father may still be alive, David begins a treacherous journey to find him and discover a way home. Along the way, he encounters a few unlikely friends. A Dreean warrior, a beautiful thief and a satyr join him as he searches.

David's arrival into this new world sets off an explosive chain reaction of events. Faced with powerful adversaries and few clues, he may not get the chance to rescue his father before disaster strikes, condemning both of them to death. Or worse.

Buy it here:

 
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About the author:

River Fairchild is somewhat odd, brandishes a dry sense of humor, owned by several cats. Lives in a fantasy world. A fabricator of magic. Makes stuff up and spins tales about it. Believes in Faerie crossings and never staying in one place for very long. Speculative Fiction wordsmith. The secret to her stories? Spread lies, blend in truths, add a pinch of snark and a dash of tears. Escape into her world. She left the porch light on so you can find your way down the rabbit hole.


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

IWSG

Buck Up And Quit Your Whining



Today is the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by our favorite ninja, Alex “no hyperlink needed” Cavanaugh. The success of this group is due to the overwhelming support of so many great people – all of you who work tirelessly to help others and give encouragement or a helping hand.

I've been dragging my feet lately, watching my puny efforts at time-management get sucked into the abyss. I think it's typical for this time of year for many of us. We are pressed for time because of the holidays, family obligations, and so on. I've been morose because my writing isn't going as swiftly as I'd like.

Then I read a post on FaceBook about Michael's sister and her patchy hair because of chemo treatments. I might add here that Michael is providing moral support and driving her to and from the doctor, staying with her during treatments, etc. He'd posted, saying he had trimmed her hair to even it out.

Reading things like that spins my perspective and tilts it on its head...or my head. I'm feeling a bit tilted now.

Anyway, I allow myself to get bogged down in trivial details, forgetting that each day is a wonderful gift in itself, one to be embraced and lived to the fullest.

With that in mind, I'd like to point you toward some others who deserve a hug or three. Please visit the following people and say hi. They've been through some trying times lately. The best way to forget about your own insecurities is to provide a welcoming smile for someone in need. I'll apologize in advance if I've forgotten to put someone on this list. It's off the top of my head and with my last brain cell dangling.






 

 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Weird Word Wednesday


Word
Definition

A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.


Today's weird word is:
 
 Fugacious

 Adj


Definition: Fleeting

 
This seems like such a strange word. I can't imagine ever using it in a sentence without laughing. The definition makes an odd kind of sense if you think of the slang word, fuggedaboutit. Forgetting it = fleeting thought.
What do you think?

Friday, November 22, 2013

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Weird Word Wednesday


Word
Definition

A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.


Today's weird word is:
 
 Jumentous

 Adj

Definition: Smelling like horse urine
 
I'd like to know why there is a particular word for this phenomena. Wouldn't you sidle up to the person - holding your nose, of course - and say, "Excuse me but you smell like horse piss. Just thought you'd want to know," then run like the wind?
Thoughts?

Monday, November 18, 2013

Huzzah and Thank You!

The Realms Faire 2013 is but a fond memory at the bottom of my empty mug of grog but it was a blast! I hope you had time to go visit all the participants.
 
Next year's Realms Faire is already in the planning. It promises to be even bigger and bolder. If you'd like to participate, please see the page tab at the top and get your medieval-speak on!
 

And now to announce the winner of the Dragon Hunt.

 
 
 

Congrats to Kristy N.! You've won a $25 GC to Amazon.

 
Thanks so much to everybody who participated. I hope you found lots of interesting sites as you hunted for those wily dragons.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Welcome to the Realms Faire

Come one, Come all

To the fabulous

Realms Faire

 
 
Awesome prizes, multiple sites, hilarious games, many ways to win. Includes a grand prize of a huge book bundle and a Kindle! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter on the Untethered Realms site to enter. Let the games begin!
 
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Dragon Hunt

 
 
Find the hidden dragon on each of the following sites and email your findings to:
 
Put: Dragon Hunt on the subject line of the email.
Each dragon will have a number printed on it. You can copy/paste this list below if you like and put the dragon # next to each one. The winner with the most correct answers gets a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
There are ten dragons total. Find as many as you can. In case of a tie, the names will go into a hat and the winner selected at random. The winner will be announced on this blog on Monday, November 18th.
Good hunting!
 

Participating Site       Dragon Number

1. Untethered Realms            _____
2. Gwen Gardner                   _____
3. Julie Flanders                    _____
4. Cherie Reich                     _____
5. Angela Brown                   _____
6. Samantha Geary                _____
7. M Pax                                _____
8. Christine Rains                 _____
9. Laura Eno                         _____
10. Ellie Garratt                    _____

Be sure to check out the other participating sites for more Realms Faire fun!

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The Realms Faire is Monday, 11/11 through Friday, 11/15. Books, ebooks, jewelry, cds, giftcards, and a Kindle. Enter to win by playing games. Yes, games. Have fun and win!

Joust

Joust

Dragon Hunt

RFBanner

Soak-a-Bloke/Drench-a-Wench

drenchsoak

Collective Performance

RFBanner

Dueling Bards

Dueling Bards

Castle Jumble

RFBanner

Stockade Brigade

Gwen sheriff

Phasers

Phasers   

Thank You!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

IWSG and Weird Word Wednesday


Today is the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by our favorite ninja, Alex “no hyperlink needed” Cavanaugh. The success of this group is due to the overwhelming support of so many great people – all of you who work tirelessly to help others and give encouragement or a helping hand.

A couple of weeks ago Alex asked "Who's your Hero?" on his blog. My answer:

"Anybody who keeps trying, pushing against the stream. *sounds like salmon is my hero*"

He said I made him laugh! Squee! I made the ninja laugh!

*clears throat*

Anyway, it got me to thinking about salmon.

*holds nose for a closer look*

In a way, I guess I'm serious. Writers do behave an awful lot like salmon. We are trying to spawn a book, swimming upstream against incredible odds and never giving up, no matter what obstacles are in our way. We could do a lot worse than emulating salmon. Except the dying at the end part.

So keep swimming, or trucking, or whatever keeps you writing!

I don't have the regular Weird Word Wednesday definition today. Instead, I have a question for all of you.

Would someone please explain to me why there is an "L" in salmon? Maybe I talk like a valley girl, but I've never heard anybody say that word and sound the L. Of course, I (properly) pronounce the town of La Jolla as "La Hoya" so I discriminate against the letter L anyway.

Anybody know the answer? Anybody feel like having salmon for lunch now?

Monday, November 4, 2013

Diamonds & Dust cover reveal!

I'm so excited to show off the cover for Diamonds & Dust! Yes, I know it's sitting on the left-hand side already. That was a pre-cover reveal...reveal...

Anyway, here's a bigger photo of it, worthy of petting.



The greatest thing about today's announcement, though, is the fact that you can pre-order a copy! Now that is woot-worthy!

Order your copy here:

Apple

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Amazon and Smashwords aren't set up for indie pre-orders, so you'll have to wait until the release day on Dec 9th. Don't you fret, though. I'll be reminding you. Don't you think I won't. ;)

Friday, November 1, 2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Weird Word Wednesday


Word

Definition

A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.


Today's weird word is:
 
 Puisne 

 
My definition:

I could go all over the board with this one. Pus in the knee? A few that aren't fit to type here? The main problem I see with this word is it has an identity crisis. It's a British term but French spelling. I mean, who wouldn't be confused? I feel sorry for the puny little thing...and that's exactly how it's pronounced - puny.

The dictionary definition:
 
adj.
Lower in rank; junior.
n.
One of lesser rank than another, especially an associate judge.
 
Tell me. Don't you feel sorry for this puny little word?

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Weird Word Wednesday


Word
 
Definition

A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.

Today's weird word is:

Demophobia

Noun –

My definition:

A fear of demos conducted in supermarket aisles, where minions block your avenue of escape until you try their product.

The dictionary definition:

A fear of crowds.

I like mine better.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Weird Word Wednesday


Word

Definition

A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.

Today's weird word is:

Frigorific

My definition:

Combining friggin' and horrific into one convenient word.

The dictionary definition:

Causes cold or is chilling
 
I think my definition makes much more sense. What do you think?


Friday, October 11, 2013

Friday Fun

Attention please. You have arrived at the gateway to Hell. An escort will be with you shortly.

 
 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Weird Word Wednesday and IWSG


Word

Definition

A sound or a combination of sounds, or its representation in writing or printing, that symbolizes and communicates a meaning and may consist of a single morpheme or of a combination of morphemes.

Uh-huh. Alex, I'll take morphemes for $200.

The funny thing about words is how convoluted they become, how their meaning often changes, how they slide in and out of fashion. I've decided it's my mission to bring you some senseless, preposterous, or otherwise engaging word each Wednesday. Why, you ask? Because I can. All with the goodness of morphemes added in. You'll be the hands-down winner at your next Scrabble tournament. I'll even give you a more plausible definition. No need to thank me. No, really. I'm happy to spread misinformation.

Today's weird word is:


Philalethist

Noun –

My definition:

A man from Philadelphia who enjoys drinking from the river Lethe to forget his personal problems.

The dictionary definition:

A lover of the truth

I ask you – which one is better?

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Today is also the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by our favorite ninja, Alex “no hyperlink needed” Cavanaugh. The success of this group is due to the overwhelming support of so many great people – all of you who work tirelessly to help others and give encouragement or a helping hand.

I recently made a huge (for me, anyway) decision to basically start over with this pen name. That meant rebuilding Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc...and no fan base. I'm okay with that. It was necessary and in some ways very freeing. I want to thank all of you for either following me over here or stumbling across me, as the case may be. I count you all as great friends and pillars of strength. Sorry if all my leaning crumbled your supports a bit.

*hands out cement patches*

Everybody here today is a reflection of what Alex envisioned when he formed this group. I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

Click here for the list of great blogs supporting the IWSG.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

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2013 Realms Faire & Joust

November 11-15th

RealmsFaire2013

Facebook

Twitter Hashtag - #grogz

 

2013 Events and Hosts

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Jousting Tournament

Knights Wanted! Can anyone beat the 2012 champion, Ghost Knight? Angela Brown turned out to be a formidable opponent.

This year, the joust is all about YOU, the knights.

Each knight will be featured during the joust, the tournament held to help promote your book or site. Plus, you'll be publicized in the sidebar on my site until the 2014 champion is declared.

Prizes will be awarded to each day's commenters as well as to the winning knight at the end of the joust. Points are scored by commenters using particular words assigned to the knight. Such as, Zounds! Ghost Knight! Lance that lout! The winning words are zounds, Ghost Knight, and lance. That'd be 3 points for Ghost Knight.

Knights can provide either a story about their feats or an excerpt from any of their books. Stories/excerpts are limited to 200 words or less. However the tournament goes, you can't lose. I'll be posting everyday the week of November 11th, cheering on knights and promoting their wares.

Knights can also provide prizes.

The Joust is limited to 10 participants. Only 3 slots remaining!

Sign up!

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Masquerade Parade

Attend the ball! You'll have a ball! Writers disguise themselves and submit a 200 word snippet of the party providing clues/hints as to their identity. Spotlights an author's writing to help promote them and their wares.

Prizes provided to commenters and the best snippet, decided on by a panel of judges.

The Masquerade is limited to 10-15 costumed authors.

Sign up!

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The Artist's Way

Featured authors will provide an excerpt from either published or unpublished work. The artist will create a masterpiece based on the excerpt. Prizes will be awarded.

Author Sign Up! * Artist Sign Up!

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Collective Stage Performance

A collaborative "Canterbury Tales" story-telling contest by a group of writing "pilgrims" on a journey where each writer assumes a character and gives their pov. The prize for this contest will most likely be free music in lieu of a free meal. Each writer will post their part of the tale on their site *their moment on stage*

Interested writers can contact Sam.

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Dragon Hunt

Hunt for the hidden dragons. Those who find the most will get a chance to win an Amazon GC by drawing.

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The Stockade Brigade

Selected authors will be put in the stockades and brought on trial for book witchery. Witnesses will score points by testifying for or against the author's crimes. Points will be score for using secret words. An ebook will be given away every day to the witness who scores the most points. A bigger prize will be awarded at the end of the week. Warrants for their arrests have already been issued. The Sheriff of Realmsdom will catch up with them all soon.

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Castle Jumble

Laura will post a word (like Bartizan) on her blog and the first person to give her the correct definition in the comments is the winner. They will need to Google the word most likely. More than one word a day can be posted. A person can only win once a day though.

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Drench-a-Wench / Soak-a-Bloke

Blogs will be selected by committee to be bombarded by comments. A person will be nominated each day. People will go to that person's blog and soak them with blog love. One commenter a day will randomly be selected to win a prize. For the commenters that participate in all five days of the event, their names will be entered into a draw for a grand prize.

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Phasers

Untethered Realms will post a word each day, such as 'Phaser'. The first commenter would then provide a word they think of associated with 'phaser', such as 'stun'. The next commenter would then provide a word they associate with 'stun', such as 'shock'. The next would provide a word associated with 'shock', such as 'electric'. And so on. The last comment of the day will receive a prize.

 
feather

Sponsor Any Event

Sponsors will provide prizes. They'll be promoted on their own page on mpaxauthor.com and on the Untethered Realms website. In an Amazon widget, their books will be shown, their name and web address will be promoted. This page will also appear as a thank you on mpaxauthor.com and other sites before and after the Realms Faire.

Want to host an event? Contact mpaxauthor at gmail dot com to be put on the planning committee for 2014.

Be a Sponsor

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