Saturday, July 27, 2013

Sweet Saturday Samples - July 27, 2013

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. In this scene from my work-in-progress, Gone For a Soldier, Rulon Owen is outfitting himself to seek employment so he can pay the minister to perform his marriage ceremony. I should mention that at this time, the character Marie is about thirteen years old.
~~~

"Marie, do we have any of that jerked venison left?" Rulon asked his sister after breakfast.

"I do believe there is a bit down in the cellar," she answered. "Why do you need it?"


"I'm off to look for a job at the Columbia furnace. I reckon I'll stay over and work it, if I get on."


"That sounds reasonable. Don't Pa need you today?"


"The seed is all in the ground, and he's finished shoeing the horses, so I figure he don't."


"You haven't asked him?" she asked as she opened the trapdoor to the cellar.


Rulon fidgeted with his hat. "No. Do I have to account to him for all my comin's and goin's?"


"You do if you're fixin' to go off that-a-way," she said, her voice getting muffled as she descended the ladder.


"Little sis, you're too nosy."


Marie's head reappeared after a moment. "Do you want this, or shall I feed it to the hogs?" She held up a tied bag, but out of his easy grasp.


"I want it."


"Then keep a civil tongue in your head. Apologize."


"I'm sorry. You're growin' taller every day."


"Rulon! I mean say you're sorry for callin' me nosy. That's Julianna's domain."


He laughed. "You have the right of that. I am sorry I called you nosy. I'll speak to Pa. Now, can I have the jerky?"


Marie held out her hand for a boost up the last rungs, and Rulon gave her the assist. She pushed the trapdoor into place and turned to face him. "Here it is. You'd best start mindin' your tongue real close if you think to take a wife. You can't call her names."


Rulon raised his eyebrows. "I don't intend to, unless you mean 'darling' and 'dear' and the like. I plan to use them real often."


"You are incorrigible!"


"Am not. Where's the respect due me, sis?"


"For what?" she scoffed. "Bein' born first? That's purely happenstance. I was likely busy tendin' the Angel Gabriel's fire, or I would have come first."


"You don't say." Rulon put the bag into a pocket and grinned at his sister. "You've got a lively imagination, I'll give you that."


Marie stuck out her tongue. "Off with you. Talk to Pa. I don't want him stomping through the kitchen with muddy boots because he's cross with you."


Rulon laughed, and took himself out of the house to speak with his father.

~~~

Thank you for visiting. I love to read your comments, so if anything in the sample compels you to speak up, rest assured that I eventually read what you write and will reply, if needed. Questions? I'm open to them, too.

Please refer to the Buy Links Page above for locations to purchase any of my work. Also take note of the "Newsletter" tab above. Do consider subscribing to my mailing list so you will receive my quarterly newsletter. It contains news about me, book signings, places I'll be making special appearances, book news, links to original material, and special offers.

Come back next Saturday for another sample. Now, use this list to find other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. I know the authors participating in our weekly blog hop enjoy comments as much as I do, so please don't be shy. Thank you!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Ella Ruth is Furious!

The day was rainy, and since I'd been up late the night/morning before, I decided to take a little nap and enjoy the natural cool while the rain saturated the air and fell on the thirsty earth.

I awoke to a steady banging on my front door. Good grief, I thought. It can't be a wildfire with all this moisture. Not sure why else someone would make all that racket, I hurried to the door and flung it open.

Fuzzy as I was with sleep, I was confused to be confronted by a slight young woman dressed in 19th-century finery. I know I frowned, but her face already bore that expression, her mouth down-turned and her eyebrows drawn together, which made unflattering lines on her face.

Me (blurting the words): Who are you?

Her (angry, angry, angry): You know who I am! You said I'm spoiled. I never heard the like. I've half a mind to tell my father how to get here to deal with you, you wicked . . .(her voice peters out as she takes a breath.)

Me (half-offended, but stoic): Oh. Ella Ruth Allen. So Ben spilled the beans.

Ella Ruth: I do not know what that means.

Me: It means Benjamin told you about our conversation.

Ella Ruth (in a prissy tone): No. He did not have to do that.

Me: What do you mean?

Ella Ruth: I followed him last week, and learned his secret, his little rainbow trick. All I had to do was stand beside the rainbow and listen.

Me (speechless)

Ella Ruth (snorting at what must have been my astounded face): You writer people think you can keep us in the dark. Well, it did not serve you well to keep the rainbow entrance secret. I will let my father know about you and your vile ways.

Me: Your father hasn't made an appearance. He does not exist yet.

Ella Ruth (glares at me)

Me (narrowing my eyes at her.): Perhaps this writer person will not put him into a scene at all. Then he will never exist. How about them apples, missy?

Ella Ruth: Humph!

Me (pointing down the ramp): Get off my porch.

Ella Ruth swirls her skirts angrily and starts down the ramp to disappear into the misty rain.

Me (muttering): I'm going to get a lock for that rainbow!


Copyright © 2013 Marsha Ward

*This is a work of fiction. I don't really talk to time-traveling characters from my novels. I do like them a lot, though, and am glad they pass under the rainbow from time to time to visit me in my own time and place. To order autographed copies of my novels, The Man from Shenandoah, Ride to Raton, Trail of Storms, and Spinster's Folly, visit my website at marshaward.com or Westward Books.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Sweet Saturday Samples - July 20, 2013

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. In this sample, on his way to war, Rulon Owen relies on the kindness of strangers:

Soon a fine meadow that stretched off the road a ways drew his attention. The lowering sun glinted on water beyond. Beside the meadow stood a barn and other outbuildings, and near to a chicken coop, a house, white paint gleaming on half the boards, occupied the space at the head of a lane.

He reined the horse off the road, followed the path, and halted in the dooryard.

"Hello," he called. "Anybody home?"

A full-bearded man stepped out of the barn and approached. "Hallo," he said, his deep voice easily pushing through the mass of facial hair. "What might I do for you?"

Rulon doffed his hat. "I was seekin' a camp spot for the night and noticed your fine pasture over yonder. May I bed down alongside the river?"

"Going off to be a soldier, are you?"

Rulon nodded. "I am. Enlisting tomorrow."

"It will be my honor to have your company on the place, Mr.?
 

"Rulon Owen, Mount Jackson."

"Mr. Owen. I am Helmut Strauss. You will sup with us tonight, if you please."

The man offered his hand, and Rulon gave him his.

"Many thanks, Mr. Strauss." He looked around the farmstead. "Have any chores I can do?"

~~~

Thank you for visiting. I love to read your comments, so if anything in the sample compels you to speak up, rest assured that I eventually read what you write and will reply, if needed. Questions? I'm open to them, too.

Please refer to the Buy Links Page above for locations to purchase any of my work. Also take note of the "Newsletter" tab above. Do consider subscribing to my mailing list so you will receive my quarterly newsletter. It contains news about me, book signings, places I'll be making special appearances, book news, links to original material, and special offers.

Come back next Saturday for another sample. Now, use this list to find other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. I know the authors participating in our weekly blog hop enjoy comments as much as I do, so please don't be shy. Thank you!

Friday, July 19, 2013

I Spy . . . a Secret

I'm doing something a little different today: participating in a Blog Hop entitled "I Spy . . . a Secret". 

Have you ever kept a secret from someone you loved? In real life, or in something you wrote about?

I Spy . . . a Secret is the theme of this Blog Hop. Did I mention all the fabulous prizes being given?

Well, when I heard about the blog hop, I immediately thought of one of my characters in The Owen Family Saga

Rod Owen can't help himself. He's the master of his 19th-century household, and as such, he make decisions that sometimes have far-reaching repercussions . . . and get him into trouble with the missus.

Here's a scene from early in the first novel in the series, The Man from Shenandoah. In the confused aftermath of the American Civil War, Rod has just announced his decision that he and the entire family will leave their home in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and go West.
~~~

Rod’s words seemed to echo in the room, fading into silence. Stunned, no one moved or spoke for several seconds, then the air was split with the clamor of the family reacting to his declaration.

Julia raised her chin a bit as she stared down the length of the table. “This has been my home since we wed.”

“Pa, I took an oath I’d come home and wait to be exchanged proper. I don’t reckon the Yankees will let me leave.” Carl shifted in his chair, sitting up straight.

Albert jumped to his feet. “But Pa, I was born right here in this house.”

Rod waved away the arguments and held up his hand for silence. “I’ve decided to sell the farm and go to the Colorado Territory. You ma’s brother Jonathan is out there somewhere, and we’ll find him. There’s gold and silver to be mined, but I have been contemplating.” Rod paused to lift his cup and try the chicory. He made a face, then drank more of it before setting down the cup.

“There’s no future for us here in the Valley. Since we’re going to cross the country to make a new start, why not start a cattle ranch?” Rod looked around at his family. “We have good cattle here that we can sell as beef to the miners,” he said. “There’s a sight of folks out there that like to eat. I reckon raising cattle is as good a way to earn a living as digging in the ground for metal.”

“I took an oath, Pa.” Carl leaned forward. “I’m bound to stay here until my papers come.”

“Carl, an Owen’s oath is sacred word, but you saw the way of things out there. Since the Yankees paid their call, if we stay here our only choice is to starve. I reckon your oath is null and void.”

Carl slouched against the back of his chair. “Who’ll buy a burned-out farm? Nobody around here has any Federal cash to give you.”

“There was a feller here last week from New York State, looking for farmland. His brother was one of Sheridan’s torch men, and told him all about the fine crops he set fire to. Well, the man offered a good price, and I took it.”

“But Pa,” Albert burst out, “he’s a damned Yankee!”

“Watch your tongue, young’un. Yes, he’s a Yankee, but he has good Yankee currency and coin to give me. Now that you’re home, Carl, I aim to leave in two weeks.”

“Two weeks!” Julia echoed. “We can’t be ready by then.”

“How long did it take you to send the boys off up the mountain to save the corn crop?”

Julia stared at her plate.

“We’ll be ready in two weeks, because Mr. Avery will take possession then. He’ll be back from Washington next week with the money, then he’s off to get his family to move them here.” Rod slapped the table and stood up.

“You really sold the place?” Julia got to her feet. “You never thought to ask me?”

“We’re bound for Colorado. That’s all.” His words were sharp, final.

Julia reached down for her plate and turned her back in silence.

~~~

Intrigued? Want to know more? All of my novels and short works are listed on the Purchase page above, with multiple ways to buy them, including autographed copies.

I welcome comments, and I'm sure the other writers in the blog hop do, as well. Go here for the list of blog hop writers.Thank you for participating.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Ben Owen follows the rainbow

Shortly after I posted a video on Facebook of the gully washer we had yesterday, I sat on my deck to enjoy the cool air. I'm not sure if I nodded off or what, but when I raise my head and open my eyes, a young man sits across the table from me.

He notes my alarm and hastens to assure me that he means no harm, calling me "Mom," and saying he is Benjamin Owen.

I should have known him right off, although he hadn't come visiting before now. He resembles his younger brother, Carl. Or maybe I have that turned around, and should say Carl looks like Ben.

When my breathing regularizes, I become curious about the reason for Ben's visit. Usually, my characters come to urge me to tell their story, but I'm in the midst of doing just that with Rulon Owen, and to a lesser degree, with Ben.

Me: I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Ben.

Ben (eyeing me speculatively): Are you now, Mom?

Me: Indeed.

Ben: Rulon's gettin' the bulk of the words you write. Sometimes I feel a mite cast aside.

Me: This is the first draft, Ben, and I'm jumping around a lot, and writing out-of-order scenes with this novel. Be patient.

Ben (squirming a bit in his chair): I ain't a patient man. Ella Ruth can attest to that.

Me (arching an eyebrow in my best imitation of Randolph Hilbrands): You're much like Rulon in that area. You take care. I don't want to add a tragic subplot about an unwed mother.

Ben (rising to his feet): Unwed mother! I wouldn't-- Well, I'm sorely tempted, but I'd druther not face Ma's fury on that head. She would flail the skin off my bones, she would.

Me (signaling him to be seated): Then control your passions. Don't meet the girl in private. Keep to crowds when she's with you.

Ben: That wasn't my idea, there behind the mill. She crept up on me. Surprised me.

Me: Don't let it happen again.

Ben (hanging his head): She makes it difficult. A body would think, well, it would almost appear she . . . (his voice trails off)

Me: Ben, she's more than a little bit spoiled. She expects to get anything she desires. (I look pointedly at him.) She desires you, but wrapped around her little finger and doing her utmost bidding.

Ben: I get that same feeling, ma'am. I recall that speech she spoke me about the suit she expects me to wear for her dream weddin'! I can't afford such outlandish trappings, nor would I buy them if I could. But ma'am, Mom, how my body does betray me whenever I get a whiff of that good-smellin' perfume she wears!

Me: Benjamin, you must strive to be the good Christian gentleman your mother raised you up to be. Strong. Mannerly. Celibate. (I stress my final word.)

Ben (groans): Ma does have her standards. (He looks at me searchingly.) Did Rulon--

Me: No, he didn't. I expect you to be the consummate Southern gentleman, as well. I have my standards, too.

Ben (seeming to grit his teeth between halting phrases): Then I will . . . give my most . . . fervent efforts toward that end, Mom.

Me: You will keep yourself in hand?

Ben: Help me. Don't let Ella Ruth, ah, ambush me again.

Me (quirking an eyebrow): Fervent efforts, Ben. Fervent efforts.

The sun comes out, and he's gone.


Copyright © 2013 Marsha Ward

*This is a work of fiction. I don't really talk to time-traveling characters from my novels. I do like them a lot, though, and am glad they pass under the rainbow from time to time to visit me in my own time and place. To order autographed copies of my novels, The Man from Shenandoah, Ride to Raton, Trail of Storms, and Spinster's Folly, visit my website at marshaward.com or Westward Books.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Sweet Saturday Samples - July 13, 2013

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples.Today's offering is a new scene I wrote this week for my work-in-progress, Gone for a Soldier. Bear in mind that it might or might not make it into the final product, but if it does, it will be in Chapter 1.
~~~

Rulon had just passed the fried potatoes down to Ben when he leaned back from the table, straightened his shoulders, and cleared his throat with emphasis.

"Got somethin' to say, brother?" Ben asked, his eyes twinkling in the lamplight.

"I do," Rulon declared. He fiddled with his fork, then laid it on the table. "I'm fixin' to get married."

Peter was next down the table from Ben. "Maybe in a year or two," he jeered.

"No. As soon as Mr. Hilbrands gives me his consent."

Pa raised an eyebrow. "How long do you reckon before he gives you an answer?"

Rulon wagged his head. "I don't know, Pa. He had a reluctant spirit about him."

Ben chuckled. "Mary don't have much age on her, brother. She ain't but a year older than James, and he's a veritable baby."

"Am not," James countered from across the table.

"Are too," said Peter, grinning widely.

"Quiet," Pa thundered, slapping the flat of his hand on the table top.

Ma spoke up. "Rulon, when did you ask him?"

He looked at his mother. "Today. In town. When I read the news, I figured it was time."

"What news?" demanded his sister Marie.

"Abe Lincoln asked for troops to put down the secession," he said. "I'm going for a soldier, as soon as I can find a troop of cavalry." He picked up his fork, held it for a moment, then stabbed it into his potatoes. "I want Mary to wed me before I go."

"Oh Rulon," said Ma. "You're too young."

"Ma." The distress on her face disturbed him. "I have to marry her some time. Better now than later." Or never, he dared to think.

"To be a soldier," she said, her voice low.

"I'm almost too old," he huffed.

"Can I go, Ma?" Albert was only ten.

"No!"

"They'll need drummer boys. Or fife players."

"You don't play drum or fife, either one." Carl reached out and attempted to deliver a blow to Albert's ear, but Albert ducked as Pa pounded the table again.

"Food's getting cold," Pa declared. "Discussion's over."

Rulon raised his fork and bit into a mouthful of potatoes, wishing he hadn't even begun to broach the subject. What an unruly bunch! he thought of his siblings. The sooner he was off on his own, the better.

~~~

Thank you for visiting. I love to read your comments, so if anything in the sample compels you to speak up, rest assured that I eventually read what you write and will reply, if needed. Questions? I'm open to them, too.

Please refer to the Buy Links Page above for locations to purchase any of my work. Also take note of the "Newsletter" tab above. Do consider subscribing to my mailing list so you will receive my quarterly newsletter. It contains news about me, book signings, places I'll be making special appearances, book news, links to original material, and special offers.

Come back next Saturday for another sample. Now, use this list to find other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. I know the authors participating in our weekly blog hop enjoy comments as much as I do, so please don't be shy. Thank you!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Author Interview: YA Author Anna del C. Dye

Today's Author Interview is with Anna del C. Dye. She's been writing intriguing fantasies for several years now, and she's doing a blog tour to publicize her new novel, Shahira & the Flying Elfs. I last checked in with her here.

Anna was born in Valparaiso, Chile. She came to the USA at age 21 to be married two weeks later, and has lived in Utah all her married life. She has traveled to many places in the USA. She and her husband are the parents of three princes and a princess. Anna love ruins, medieval, and fantasy things.

Before I get to the interview, Anna is sponsoring a Book Giveaway from June 29 to July 16. You have a chance to win a PDF form of her new YA novel, Shahira & the Flying Elfs. The author will be giving one E-book to every blog that participates in the blog tour. If you want to be entered in my drawing, leave a comment on this post.

Let's get started. Anna, what genre do you prefer to write?
I love medieval fantasy. That makes my series High Fantasy.

Do you have any favorite movies?
LOL, yes. My most favorite movies are The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and now The Hobbit. Second is Harry Potter. Independence Day and Narnia are close third places.

If you could travel anywhere, or any time period, where would you go?
Any place medieval, and with lots of castles.

I understand this new book is number six in your Elf Series, but it’s a stand-alone book and can be read separately.
All my books stand alone, including the Silent Warrior Trilogy. The difference is in the trilogy we follow the main characters throughout three crucial times in their lives. The rest of the books are separate stories with their own characters and situations. The only element that ties all books together is the cities they live in.

The cities, hmm. That's interesting. Please tell us about your new book, Shahira & the Flying Elfs.
Here is a teaser:

Flying takes you to new heights, but still you don't see if you try not to.

Shahira is a she-eagle and lives with her father, mother, and baby brother. Her dream is to find a young stripling eagle for her mate. But mating is a ritual that happens in the sky and she cannot fly. She keeps telling herself that soon she will be able to, but every time she tries she falls.

The character causing all the problems in this tale is Artoris. He is almost a wizard and suffers from schizophrenia. He hears and sees people talking to him all the time. This makes him very dangerous, especially as he thinks his brother, the head of the Wizarding School, is against him. A crazy wizard, on his own, pursued by his personal demons, makes for interesting suspense

Lets not forget Llorradinn. He is the Elf who finds love in Shahira’s nest and who is willing to do anything for her. As a true Elf, he would sacrifice his life for Shahira if it would save her.


Wow, where did you get your inspiration for this series?
From Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. My son got me hooked on the books, and when the movies came out my imagination went wild. I had so many characters wanting to be first in my head I couldn’t write fast enough. 

You love to write elf stories. What intrigues you most about writing these books?
What intrigues me most is how my Elfs came to me with their personalities clear and unwavering. They aren’t perfect, but they are certainly far ahead of any human I have met in real life.

The world of my elfs is so pure and humble that it inspires many of my readers and me, because you can’t find that in real life and as humans we yearn for it. The way elfs love and care for the she-elfs is humbling and the way the she-elfs reciprocate to their companion’s care and love is heavenly. I believe that is what every human being wants in life… someone who will see past our imperfections and treat us with utmost respect and love, in spite of it all.

Did you do any research for this book?
Eagles are the main characters in this tale, so I needed to ask questions about their lives and what they are like. The person in charge of the eagles in Tracy Aviary, a park in Utah, was very nice and let me pick his brain. For my artists, we Googled eagles and had hundreds of pictures to choose from.

Anna, when you're not writing, what do you do to relax?
I go camping and we take the canoe. My husband and I love the quietness and beauty of nature.

I love to camp, but you'll never see me in a canoe! Anna, where can we find you and your books online?
I'm at Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaDelC

You can find all my books at my website: http://www.annadelc.com
Amazon: http://ning.it/19iThs3
Barnes and Noble: http://ning.it/1744E2U

Thank you for coming on my blog, Anna.
Marsha, it has been wonderful to talk with you this week. You are a sweetheart and I am glad I know you. I am so thankful to have a chance to come back to visit you and friends. Happy reading to you all!

Saturday, July 06, 2013

Sweet Saturday Samples - July 6, 2013

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. Last week I was in Las Vegas, Nevada, attending the 60th Anniversary Convention of Western Writers of America. It was fun to see all my friends again, but I'm glad to be home again.

I'm not sure whether or not I'll be able to use this snippet of a scene from my WIP, Gone for a Soldier. I hope you enjoy it, even if it doesn't show up in the completed novel.
~~~


One day Peter fetched the mail back from town. He waited until supper was over and the girls were clearing the table to mention offhandedly that Rulon had received a letter.

Ben said, "That's probably from the Harrisonburg company captain. Why didn't you leave it off for him at Hilbrands' store? Hand it over, boy. I'll see he gets it tomorrow."

Peter put on a truculent countenance. "Who says I have the letter in hand? Who says I didn't deliver it directly into his greedy palm?"

Ben eyed him as he worked a toothpick around his teeth. He stopped long enough to say, "I thought the lad was on his honeymoon."

Peter raised an eyebrow. "I sent Ida to knock on the door with my message. It took him long enough to come downstairs." His smug grin disappeared when his mother bopped him on the head with a wooden spoon.

"Mind your thoughts, son," she said above his howl of pain. "Keep 'em out of married folks' business."

Ben chuckled, and she turned on him.

"The same goes for you, Benjamin. Have an ounce of respect. If not for Rulon, at least for that young wife."

"Don't you be a-chastening me with that thing," Ben protested, putting his arms up for protection. "I've taken a mite too many whacks from it." He felt over his head. "Yup, I have lumps aplenty from that ol' spoon." He said as an afterthought, "I meant no harm to Mistress Mary."

Julia waggled the implement in his direction. "You're not too old to take another lick if you don't curb your tongue and shackle your unruly thoughts," she said.

"Rulon don't mind a bit of rough talk," Peter said, rubbing his head.

"I mind," Julia said, her voice firm as she gestured with the spoon. "I mind on my own account, and that of your sisters here, and because I don't want you growing up rough and godless. The Man Upstairs has put his bounds on loose talk, and I won't have it around my table, nor amongst my children."

"Yes, Ma," Ben said.

Peter muttered something, and Ben gave him a poke.

"Yes, Ma," Peter blurted out, then turned and cuffed Ben in the arm.

"No fighting at the table," Julia said. "If you want to wrassle, go out on the porch."
~~~


Thank you for visiting. I love to read your comments, so if anything in the sample compels you to speak up, rest assured that I eventually read what you write and will reply, if needed. Questions? I'm open to them, too.

Today's the last day of the $.99 Sale price on THE MAN FROM SHENANDOAH. See the top item in the sidebar for details.

Please refer to the Buy Links Page above for locations to purchase any of my work. Also take note of the "Newsletter" tab above. Do consider subscribing to my mailing list so you will receive my quarterly newsletter. It contains news about me, book signings, places I'll be making special appearances, book news, links to original material, and special offers.

Come back next Saturday for another sample. Now, use this list to find other blogs for more Sweet Saturday Samples. I know the authors participating in our weekly blog hop enjoy comments as much as I do, so please don't be shy. Thank you!

Tuesday, July 02, 2013

Gettysburg-Vicksburg Sale

To commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) and the surrender of Vicksburg (July 4, 1863), I'm having a 75%-off sale on The Man from Shenandoah, the first book in the Owen Family Saga, at Smashwords.com.


Go to the novel's page at Smashwords, click on the green button with the white down arrow, and when you check out, use the coupon code BS85R. Your price will be $.99.

The sale lasts throughout this week, and ends on Saturday, July 6.


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...