Hello folks!
The first exciting thing I have to tell you is that I have finished the first draft of my novel, Gone for a Soldier. What that means is, I've finished the storytelling, and now I move on to the re-write to make sure everything is consistent, spelled correctly, and without any egregious (horrible) errors. I know you are all waiting, so I'll go through the process as quickly as I can.
The second exciting thing is that Ride to Raton, the second book in the Owen Family Saga, will be on sale as an ebook for the entire month of July for just $1.00! Go to Smashwords.com tomorrow (that link takes you to the book's page). and use the coupon code SSW75 at checkout. Instructions for getting your chosen ebook format onto your device are on the website. Enjoy!
Have a wonderful July!
From her home in the forest, writer Marsha Ward offers up an eclectic collage of musings on life, insights into the writing process, sample scenes and snippets from her work, book spotlights, and author interviews. Now including "The Characters in Marsha's Head."
Monday, June 30, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Sample Saturday - June 28, 2014
Welcome back to Sample Saturday. In this piece from Gone for a Soldier, the Owen Family Saga novel that will be released later this year, Rulon Owen encounters an unpleasant person.
~~~
The next morning, Rulon awoke to the touch of a pinching hand over his mouth and the prick of a knife to his throat under one ear.
"Get outta yore cot, sissy boy. We're packin' up to move outta here."
Rulon scarcely breathed. The knife's tip moved fractionally. Then it lifted a bit, but still made contact with his skin as it traced a line across his neck toward his other ear. Lovell hadn't been joking about the danger of this man.
"Von! Leave the man be!" Lovell's voice barked. "Put that hog-sticker away and prepare to strike the tent."
The man named Von growled an obscenity and removed the knife. "He's not our kind. Look at that damned feather," he said, but backed away, left the tent, and made his noises outside.
"Whew!" Lovell expelled a gusty sigh. "I couldn't be sure he would obey me," he said, approaching to eye Rulon's neck.
By this time, Rulon had arisen and was dressing in haste.
"He didn't leave you any permanent damage," his new friend observed. "The sooner we can put him on a patrol against the Yankees, the sooner he'll be able to do what he loves best."
"What's that?" asked Rulon, dreading the answer as he struggled to recover his dignity.
"Killin' folks."
~~~
Thank you for visiting! Please come back next Saturday for another sample of my writing.
Bestselling author Marsha Ward wrote the novella, Faith and the Foremen, in the Timeless Romance Anthology Old West Collection. She is the author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her last published book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction, and recently was named Finalist in Western Fiction in the 2014 International Book Awards. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association, a.k.a. ANWA.
~~~
The next morning, Rulon awoke to the touch of a pinching hand over his mouth and the prick of a knife to his throat under one ear.
"Get outta yore cot, sissy boy. We're packin' up to move outta here."
Rulon scarcely breathed. The knife's tip moved fractionally. Then it lifted a bit, but still made contact with his skin as it traced a line across his neck toward his other ear. Lovell hadn't been joking about the danger of this man.
"Von! Leave the man be!" Lovell's voice barked. "Put that hog-sticker away and prepare to strike the tent."
The man named Von growled an obscenity and removed the knife. "He's not our kind. Look at that damned feather," he said, but backed away, left the tent, and made his noises outside.
"Whew!" Lovell expelled a gusty sigh. "I couldn't be sure he would obey me," he said, approaching to eye Rulon's neck.
By this time, Rulon had arisen and was dressing in haste.
"He didn't leave you any permanent damage," his new friend observed. "The sooner we can put him on a patrol against the Yankees, the sooner he'll be able to do what he loves best."
"What's that?" asked Rulon, dreading the answer as he struggled to recover his dignity.
"Killin' folks."
~~~
Thank you for visiting! Please come back next Saturday for another sample of my writing.
Bestselling author Marsha Ward wrote the novella, Faith and the Foremen, in the Timeless Romance Anthology Old West Collection. She is the author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her last published book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction, and recently was named Finalist in Western Fiction in the 2014 International Book Awards. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association, a.k.a. ANWA.
Friday, June 27, 2014
No Fresh Book this Friday
I'm sorry to disappoint, but circumstances prevent the presentation of a Fresh Book on this Friday.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Sample Saturday - June 21, 2014
Welcome back to Sample Saturday. In this piece from Gone for a Soldier, the Owen Family Saga novel that will be released later this year, Ella Ruth Allen is worried about the upcoming holiday.
~~~
Christmas was coming in a bit over a month, despite the war dragging on and on. Ella Ruth sat down after a long stint helping her Uncle Joseph with a wounded soldier, arching her aching back in an attempt to work the kinks out. If she was going to send a gift to Ben, it would have to be done soon, or he would never receive it in time.
She knew he had survived that awful fight in Pennsylvania last summer. Thank the Good Lord he wasn't in General Pickett's division. Since July she had received a few letters from Ben, and the last note said he was somewhere in Orange County, below the Rapidan.
"Miss Allen," Uncle Joseph called to her. "I need your assistance."
With a sigh, Ella Ruth went back to work in the surgery room. What could she send to Ben?
Her answer came several days later as she read a letter to a young man whose bandages on a head wound made it impossible for him to see. His wife talked about a likeness she had sent to the soldier, and after she read that part, she glanced up to see him fumbling in his pocket to be sure he had the cherished item.
"Ain't she the most comely woman you ever saw?" he asked, moving the likeness where Ella Ruth could see it. She hoped he could not see her widened eyes at the sight of a very homely creature, but she made polite sounds and went back to reading.
Something about the man's devotion to his wife stirred Ella Ruth's heart. No matter what the girl's appearance, the remembrance she had sent was important to him.
Would Ben take such pride in my portrait? she wondered. A soft emotion swelling in her breast told her that he would. That was settled, then. She would take her pearl earrings to the photographer's studio to barter for a likeness of herself for Ben's Christmas gift.
~~~
Thank you for visiting! Please come back next Saturday for another sample of my writing.
Bestselling author Marsha Ward wrote the novella, Faith and the Foremen, in the Timeless Romance Anthology Old West Collection. She is the author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her last published book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction, and recently was named Finalist in Western Fiction in the 2014 International Book Awards. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association, a.k.a. ANWA.
~~~
Christmas was coming in a bit over a month, despite the war dragging on and on. Ella Ruth sat down after a long stint helping her Uncle Joseph with a wounded soldier, arching her aching back in an attempt to work the kinks out. If she was going to send a gift to Ben, it would have to be done soon, or he would never receive it in time.
She knew he had survived that awful fight in Pennsylvania last summer. Thank the Good Lord he wasn't in General Pickett's division. Since July she had received a few letters from Ben, and the last note said he was somewhere in Orange County, below the Rapidan.
"Miss Allen," Uncle Joseph called to her. "I need your assistance."
With a sigh, Ella Ruth went back to work in the surgery room. What could she send to Ben?
Her answer came several days later as she read a letter to a young man whose bandages on a head wound made it impossible for him to see. His wife talked about a likeness she had sent to the soldier, and after she read that part, she glanced up to see him fumbling in his pocket to be sure he had the cherished item.
"Ain't she the most comely woman you ever saw?" he asked, moving the likeness where Ella Ruth could see it. She hoped he could not see her widened eyes at the sight of a very homely creature, but she made polite sounds and went back to reading.
Something about the man's devotion to his wife stirred Ella Ruth's heart. No matter what the girl's appearance, the remembrance she had sent was important to him.
Would Ben take such pride in my portrait? she wondered. A soft emotion swelling in her breast told her that he would. That was settled, then. She would take her pearl earrings to the photographer's studio to barter for a likeness of herself for Ben's Christmas gift.
~~~
Thank you for visiting! Please come back next Saturday for another sample of my writing.
Bestselling author Marsha Ward wrote the novella, Faith and the Foremen, in the Timeless Romance Anthology Old West Collection. She is the author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her last published book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction, and recently was named Finalist in Western Fiction in the 2014 International Book Awards. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association, a.k.a. ANWA.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Fresh Book Friday - We Are Strong!
Title: We Are Strong! Mothers and Daughters Stand Together
Author: Fay A. Klingler
Genre: Mormon women—Religious life—Non-fiction
Publisher: Nutrire Fiducia Productions, LLC
Date of Publication: March 2014
Synopsis:
Every girl needs a mentor, someone she can trust to show her the way home to Heavenly Father. The stakes are high—as women of influence, how we live and how we teach Heavenly Father’s daughters will change the course of their lives forever.
Using compelling real-life stories from women of all ages, award-winning author Fay A. Klingler clearly defines how and why we must continue to live and teach the Young Women values.
We Are Strong! beautifully illustrates how powerful a faithful woman’s example can be.
Reader Endorsements:
I began reading We Are Strong! amidst a heavy personal trial in my life, and yet after reading only a few short pages, I had the desire to get on my knees and thank Heavenly Father for every small blessing in my life.
I love how Fay uses multiple true stories and examples to teach valuable principles. These stories carry the book and entice you to read yet one more page because you can relate.
Bravo to Fay for tackling the topics that are easy for moms to forget, but are of utmost importance. Her detail and straightforwardness is helpful and motivating.
I am reminded of what an honor it is to be a woman. I have never thought so deeply about my personal commitment as an adult woman to each of the Young Women values. There is work to be done and I have signed my name to do it.
I feel uplifted and encouraged. We live at a time when despair is too common. While reading Fay’s book, I have been filled with hope and determination. I can do something. I will start within the walls of my own home and work outward.
~Lorene Elder, Stake Young Women President
---
Every word I read was profound and uplifting. What wonderful guidelines! Each chapter takes a value and provides amazing content. I loved the way Fay integrated so many scriptures from the Book of Mormon and other standard works as she described each value and how we can apply the teaching of that value to helping and teaching our young women. Fay also included everyday experiences from friends, associates, and relatives that readers can relate to. I appreciated the “Why” and “How” sections at the end of each chapter as well as the “house” we are building with each value.
~Claire DeWitt, Stake Relief Society President
Buy Link:
Amazon
Author Bio:
Fay A. Klingler, author and illustrator, is an award-winning creative and technical writer, as well as a sought-after motivational speaker for women’s groups. Her expertise includes successful patterns for life, betrayal recovery, and effective grandparenting. Her previous publications include A Woman’s Power: Threads that Bind Us to God; Shattered: Six Steps from Betrayal to Recovery; Daughters of God, You Have What It Takes; The LDS Grandparents’ Idea Book; My Magnificent Mountain; The Complete Guide to Woman’s Time; Our New Baby; and A Mother’s Journal.
The Klinglers have twelve children and thirty-five grandchildren in their blended family. They reside in Draper, Utah.
Website: http://www.fayklingler.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FayKlingler
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/www.fayklingler.com
Good advice for any woman who wants to be a positive influence on the girls in her life.
Author: Fay A. Klingler
Genre: Mormon women—Religious life—Non-fiction
Publisher: Nutrire Fiducia Productions, LLC
Date of Publication: March 2014
Synopsis:
Every girl needs a mentor, someone she can trust to show her the way home to Heavenly Father. The stakes are high—as women of influence, how we live and how we teach Heavenly Father’s daughters will change the course of their lives forever.
Using compelling real-life stories from women of all ages, award-winning author Fay A. Klingler clearly defines how and why we must continue to live and teach the Young Women values.
We Are Strong! beautifully illustrates how powerful a faithful woman’s example can be.
Reader Endorsements:
I began reading We Are Strong! amidst a heavy personal trial in my life, and yet after reading only a few short pages, I had the desire to get on my knees and thank Heavenly Father for every small blessing in my life.
I love how Fay uses multiple true stories and examples to teach valuable principles. These stories carry the book and entice you to read yet one more page because you can relate.
Bravo to Fay for tackling the topics that are easy for moms to forget, but are of utmost importance. Her detail and straightforwardness is helpful and motivating.
I am reminded of what an honor it is to be a woman. I have never thought so deeply about my personal commitment as an adult woman to each of the Young Women values. There is work to be done and I have signed my name to do it.
I feel uplifted and encouraged. We live at a time when despair is too common. While reading Fay’s book, I have been filled with hope and determination. I can do something. I will start within the walls of my own home and work outward.
~Lorene Elder, Stake Young Women President
---
Every word I read was profound and uplifting. What wonderful guidelines! Each chapter takes a value and provides amazing content. I loved the way Fay integrated so many scriptures from the Book of Mormon and other standard works as she described each value and how we can apply the teaching of that value to helping and teaching our young women. Fay also included everyday experiences from friends, associates, and relatives that readers can relate to. I appreciated the “Why” and “How” sections at the end of each chapter as well as the “house” we are building with each value.
~Claire DeWitt, Stake Relief Society President
Buy Link:
Amazon
Author Bio:
Fay A. Klingler, author and illustrator, is an award-winning creative and technical writer, as well as a sought-after motivational speaker for women’s groups. Her expertise includes successful patterns for life, betrayal recovery, and effective grandparenting. Her previous publications include A Woman’s Power: Threads that Bind Us to God; Shattered: Six Steps from Betrayal to Recovery; Daughters of God, You Have What It Takes; The LDS Grandparents’ Idea Book; My Magnificent Mountain; The Complete Guide to Woman’s Time; Our New Baby; and A Mother’s Journal.
The Klinglers have twelve children and thirty-five grandchildren in their blended family. They reside in Draper, Utah.
Website: http://www.fayklingler.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FayKlingler
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/www.fayklingler.com
Good advice for any woman who wants to be a positive influence on the girls in her life.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Sample Saturday - June 14, 2014
Welcome back to Sample Saturday. In this piece from Gone for a Soldier, the Owen Family Saga novel that will be released later this year, Mary Owen shares with Rulon the events of her day.
~~~
15th May, 1863
Mount Jackson Via.
Deer Husband,
My, how my arms do ache! We made soft soap today from the winter's ashs. Mama sent India to the store in my place so I could pitch into the labor. I hope Papa did not take offence at having a jun'r worker instead of his right-hand Mary.
The fire roared, the kett'l bubbled and splash'd, and Roddy lern'd how to hold up his dress to toddle toward the center of the excitment. I could not let harm come to yor son, so I fashnd a pen of chairs and blankets in the hedge of the garden. He is a smart creatur for merely 15-months-old, and found a way to dig out between the bushes. I was forevr putting him back in place and piling dirt up to kep him contain'd. Mama became so alarmed that she sent Ida to the store and India returned to tend the boy.
This made more work for Sylvia and me, but at the end of the day, we had poured out a cuantity of soap for bars. I enclose one, wich I hope did not leek on the paper, as I rapped it in the last oilcloth I could find.
I must hide my pleasur to see Papa treating with his grandson. With only girls in his projeny, havin a boy about the place is a novelty. I hastn to add it is a joy to him. He looks for trinkets in the store to bring hom to Roddy. I am ever cautining Papa about small items, for the boy still puts everything to a taste-test before he plays with it. I do not want him to choke, as a child did in New Market the past week. The mothr is inconsoalable. She blames the Yankees, passin down the Valley again, for scaring the baby into swallowing his sugartit. I keep Roddy out of theer way when they come thru town.
Yor Ma had a seege of sixckness amongst your kin during the winter. All have recover'd and pray for an end to this conflict. Rulon, my prayers are constant on your behalf. Keep safe, der Life, and return to me whole and strong.
I take Roddy's hand in my own to make his mark
X
All our love,
Mary
~~~
Thank you for visiting! Please come back next Saturday for another sample of my writing.
Bestselling author Marsha Ward wrote the novella, Faith and the Foremen, in the Timeless Romance Anthology Old West Collection. She is the author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her last published book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction, and recently was named Finalist in Western Fiction in the 2014 International Book Awards. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association, a.k.a. ANWA.
~~~
15th May, 1863
Mount Jackson Via.
Deer Husband,
My, how my arms do ache! We made soft soap today from the winter's ashs. Mama sent India to the store in my place so I could pitch into the labor. I hope Papa did not take offence at having a jun'r worker instead of his right-hand Mary.
The fire roared, the kett'l bubbled and splash'd, and Roddy lern'd how to hold up his dress to toddle toward the center of the excitment. I could not let harm come to yor son, so I fashnd a pen of chairs and blankets in the hedge of the garden. He is a smart creatur for merely 15-months-old, and found a way to dig out between the bushes. I was forevr putting him back in place and piling dirt up to kep him contain'd. Mama became so alarmed that she sent Ida to the store and India returned to tend the boy.
This made more work for Sylvia and me, but at the end of the day, we had poured out a cuantity of soap for bars. I enclose one, wich I hope did not leek on the paper, as I rapped it in the last oilcloth I could find.
I must hide my pleasur to see Papa treating with his grandson. With only girls in his projeny, havin a boy about the place is a novelty. I hastn to add it is a joy to him. He looks for trinkets in the store to bring hom to Roddy. I am ever cautining Papa about small items, for the boy still puts everything to a taste-test before he plays with it. I do not want him to choke, as a child did in New Market the past week. The mothr is inconsoalable. She blames the Yankees, passin down the Valley again, for scaring the baby into swallowing his sugartit. I keep Roddy out of theer way when they come thru town.
Yor Ma had a seege of sixckness amongst your kin during the winter. All have recover'd and pray for an end to this conflict. Rulon, my prayers are constant on your behalf. Keep safe, der Life, and return to me whole and strong.
I take Roddy's hand in my own to make his mark
X
All our love,
Mary
~~~
Thank you for visiting! Please come back next Saturday for another sample of my writing.
Bestselling author Marsha Ward wrote the novella, Faith and the Foremen, in the Timeless Romance Anthology Old West Collection. She is the author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her last published book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction, and recently was named Finalist in Western Fiction in the 2014 International Book Awards. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association, a.k.a. ANWA.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Fresh Book Friday - The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain
Title: The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain
Author: Anna del C. Dye
Genre: YA High Fantasy
Date of Publication: February 2014
Synopsis:
Liberty … or Monarchy? Should the wisest of races break away, or return to the traditional council? Their queen has lost the Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain to a power-hungry wizard. After all, one can be deceived, but for twenty stones?
With the stones missing, a fatal drought grips Andoriah, the new elfin home. Death to all is imminent. Who will retrieve the Stones when the Gold Elfs won’t act? Will heroes arise before Andoriah burns in eternal fire? Can the missing elf queen and her daughter be found before it is too late?
The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain is the prequel to Anna del C.’s elf series. Discover the Elfs, an eternal race who chose to live in a world of woes away from their motherland. Love them, feel their pain and their happiness in a land that will test the core of their beliefs and bravery. Written in the genre of The Lord of the Rings and the Shannara series, The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain comes alive with battles, heroism, action and romance.
Excerpt:
“Arland, ye are awake,” cried Zolma.
The two elfs found the group of gnomes at the foot of Eagle Mountains and their friend back from the dead.
“We gave him the tea you prepared for him, and he spit it out at our faces.”
The gnomes chuckled and Riften said, “It is suma and does taste bitter without honey.”
“He tried to kill us too,” commented Jezie, twirling around one of his axes.
“He did not hurt ye, did he?” asked Riften.
“No lad, he’s still weak, and we handled him easily.”
“Ye can stop talking about me as if I were not here,” Arland complained, as soon as Riften untied the rag tied about his mouth. “Ye did a great job on my back, but being tied like a hog does not help much.”
“Sorem,” Jezie looked at the heavier of his guards and nodded toward Arland.
“I did not see ye and thought they had killed ye both,” Arland defended himself.
“Understandable,” Riften said. “We went to cover our tracks to give ye more time to recuperate.”
“Our friends, the gnomes, chose to carry ye so we could,” Zolma said.
“I thank ye,” Arland said. “I am sorry I mistook ye for traitors.”
“All is forgotten, lad,” said Jezie. “These are my friends.” He pointed at Arn and Sorem.
“Yes, I have had time to clear my mind since ye tied me, and I do remember who ye are.”
“You should have said something,” Jezie replied.
“With my mouth gagged…”
The gnomes laughed, and Arland’s friends smiled at the tease.
“How is yer back?” Riften asked.
“It burns a bit.”
“Let me rub more salve on it. We can pass the night here.”
As the elf leader removed his shirt, Jezie talked, “We thought you a goner. If it weren’t for the herbs your friends carry, I’d have given you up for dead.”
“Mighty sorry your friends would be if that had come to pass,” Arn said.
“I thank ye for yer words,” Arland said.
“Thank your friends,” Jezie replied. “They told us about you and all you have done for our world.”
Arland nodded.
Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Author’s Bio:
Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She grew up as the middle child with four siblings. Her mother died when she was six and she found a new mother in her husband’s mother and loves her dearly. She credits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.
The green eyed, brown haired author moved north to marry her husband Rodney and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.
Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of doing costuming for the cast of four musicals, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and understands some Portuguese.
Some of Anna’s writing recognitions:
She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry, and had her article entitled "A New American Mother" published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled "Amerine—Fairy Princess" won an award in a contest sponsored by the League of Utah Writers Oquirrh Chapter, and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB of Salt Lake Valley-West. Her three books of the Silent Warrior trilogy are published by Outskirts Press, Inc.
Website: annadelc.com
Blog: annadelc.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaDelC
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnadelC
An illuminating prequel to the Elfs novels!
Author: Anna del C. Dye
Genre: YA High Fantasy
Date of Publication: February 2014
Synopsis:
Liberty … or Monarchy? Should the wisest of races break away, or return to the traditional council? Their queen has lost the Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain to a power-hungry wizard. After all, one can be deceived, but for twenty stones?
With the stones missing, a fatal drought grips Andoriah, the new elfin home. Death to all is imminent. Who will retrieve the Stones when the Gold Elfs won’t act? Will heroes arise before Andoriah burns in eternal fire? Can the missing elf queen and her daughter be found before it is too late?
The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain is the prequel to Anna del C.’s elf series. Discover the Elfs, an eternal race who chose to live in a world of woes away from their motherland. Love them, feel their pain and their happiness in a land that will test the core of their beliefs and bravery. Written in the genre of The Lord of the Rings and the Shannara series, The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain comes alive with battles, heroism, action and romance.
Excerpt:
“Arland, ye are awake,” cried Zolma.
The two elfs found the group of gnomes at the foot of Eagle Mountains and their friend back from the dead.
“We gave him the tea you prepared for him, and he spit it out at our faces.”
The gnomes chuckled and Riften said, “It is suma and does taste bitter without honey.”
“He tried to kill us too,” commented Jezie, twirling around one of his axes.
“He did not hurt ye, did he?” asked Riften.
“No lad, he’s still weak, and we handled him easily.”
“Ye can stop talking about me as if I were not here,” Arland complained, as soon as Riften untied the rag tied about his mouth. “Ye did a great job on my back, but being tied like a hog does not help much.”
“Sorem,” Jezie looked at the heavier of his guards and nodded toward Arland.
“I did not see ye and thought they had killed ye both,” Arland defended himself.
“Understandable,” Riften said. “We went to cover our tracks to give ye more time to recuperate.”
“Our friends, the gnomes, chose to carry ye so we could,” Zolma said.
“I thank ye,” Arland said. “I am sorry I mistook ye for traitors.”
“All is forgotten, lad,” said Jezie. “These are my friends.” He pointed at Arn and Sorem.
“Yes, I have had time to clear my mind since ye tied me, and I do remember who ye are.”
“You should have said something,” Jezie replied.
“With my mouth gagged…”
The gnomes laughed, and Arland’s friends smiled at the tease.
“How is yer back?” Riften asked.
“It burns a bit.”
“Let me rub more salve on it. We can pass the night here.”
As the elf leader removed his shirt, Jezie talked, “We thought you a goner. If it weren’t for the herbs your friends carry, I’d have given you up for dead.”
“Mighty sorry your friends would be if that had come to pass,” Arn said.
“I thank ye for yer words,” Arland said.
“Thank your friends,” Jezie replied. “They told us about you and all you have done for our world.”
Arland nodded.
Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Author’s Bio:
Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She grew up as the middle child with four siblings. Her mother died when she was six and she found a new mother in her husband’s mother and loves her dearly. She credits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.
The green eyed, brown haired author moved north to marry her husband Rodney and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.
Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of doing costuming for the cast of four musicals, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and understands some Portuguese.
Some of Anna’s writing recognitions:
She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry, and had her article entitled "A New American Mother" published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled "Amerine—Fairy Princess" won an award in a contest sponsored by the League of Utah Writers Oquirrh Chapter, and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB of Salt Lake Valley-West. Her three books of the Silent Warrior trilogy are published by Outskirts Press, Inc.
Website: annadelc.com
Blog: annadelc.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaDelC
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnadelC
An illuminating prequel to the Elfs novels!
Saturday, June 07, 2014
Sample Saturday - June 7, 2014
Welcome back to Sample Saturday. In this piece from Gone for a Soldier, the Owen Family Saga novel that will be released later this summer,
Rulon is learning the realities of warfare during winter.
~~~
Rulon found the winter sleet, snow, and rain almost intolerable. Coming off a three-day picket duty assignment, he wiped down the sorrel as best he could under a makeshift shelter. After feeding his horse, he ran to his own shelter.
Ren was in the tent. Rulon entered to find him moving a chamber pot to catch a drip coming from the ridge.
"If we had tar, we could stop that leak," Rulon said.
"If we had tar, it would still be raining and the stuff wouldn't stick," Ren answered.
Rulon had no response. He felt the shirt he had laid out on his cot to dry. It remained damp down the front. He wiped his nose and made a derisive sound. What did he expect? With the air so saturated, the moisture in the material had little chance to evaporate.
"Any word on Leoyd?" he asked Ren, who had sat down to shuffle through paperwork.
"He's fortunate. The doc pulled him through the worst of the fever. That typhoid is nasty stuff. Doc is sending the captain home."
Rulon stood up straight, shocked. "You don't mean it."
"I'm afraid so. Herring is in charge until he returns." He shook his head, and added in a softer voice, "If he does."
Rulon absorbed the somber news. He felt bad asking, but with the change of leadership, he felt he had to broach the subject uppermost in his mind. "Do you reckon I can get a furlough?"
Ren shook his head. "Herring won't let you go with so many men laid up."
"Mary is nearing her time. I've got to go home and be with her."
"I'm sorry, Owen. We need every able-bodied man out there with their eyes open."
"And rain running down their collars. It's brutal detail. The Yankees aren't even leaving their cozy tents."
"Spring will draw them out."
"Spring," Rulon said, and snorted. "I'm not sure I believe in it anymore."
~~~
Thank you for visiting! Please come back next Saturday for another sample of my writing.
Bestselling author Marsha Ward wrote the novella, Faith and the Foremen, in the Timeless Romance Anthology Old West Collection. She is the author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her last published book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction, and recently was named Finalist in Western Fiction in the 2014 International Book Awards. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association, a.k.a. ANWA.
~~~
Rulon found the winter sleet, snow, and rain almost intolerable. Coming off a three-day picket duty assignment, he wiped down the sorrel as best he could under a makeshift shelter. After feeding his horse, he ran to his own shelter.
Ren was in the tent. Rulon entered to find him moving a chamber pot to catch a drip coming from the ridge.
"If we had tar, we could stop that leak," Rulon said.
"If we had tar, it would still be raining and the stuff wouldn't stick," Ren answered.
Rulon had no response. He felt the shirt he had laid out on his cot to dry. It remained damp down the front. He wiped his nose and made a derisive sound. What did he expect? With the air so saturated, the moisture in the material had little chance to evaporate.
"Any word on Leoyd?" he asked Ren, who had sat down to shuffle through paperwork.
"He's fortunate. The doc pulled him through the worst of the fever. That typhoid is nasty stuff. Doc is sending the captain home."
Rulon stood up straight, shocked. "You don't mean it."
"I'm afraid so. Herring is in charge until he returns." He shook his head, and added in a softer voice, "If he does."
Rulon absorbed the somber news. He felt bad asking, but with the change of leadership, he felt he had to broach the subject uppermost in his mind. "Do you reckon I can get a furlough?"
Ren shook his head. "Herring won't let you go with so many men laid up."
"Mary is nearing her time. I've got to go home and be with her."
"I'm sorry, Owen. We need every able-bodied man out there with their eyes open."
"And rain running down their collars. It's brutal detail. The Yankees aren't even leaving their cozy tents."
"Spring will draw them out."
"Spring," Rulon said, and snorted. "I'm not sure I believe in it anymore."
~~~
Thank you for visiting! Please come back next Saturday for another sample of my writing.
Bestselling author Marsha Ward wrote the novella, Faith and the Foremen, in the Timeless Romance Anthology Old West Collection. She is the author of an acclaimed novel series featuring the Owen family. Her last published book, Spinster's Folly, won the 2013 USA Best Book Award for Western Fiction, and recently was named Finalist in Western Fiction in the 2014 International Book Awards. A former journalist, Ward has published over 900 articles, columns, poems and short stories. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association, a.k.a. ANWA.
Friday, June 06, 2014
Fresh Book Friday - Men of Destiny
Title: Men of Destiny: Abraham Lincoln and the Prophet Joseph Smith
Author: Lu Ann Brobst Staheli
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Date of Publication: May 2014
Synopsis:
Contemporaries by birth, Abraham Lincoln and the Prophet Joseph Smith shared extraordinary connections beyond the hardships they endured. Being raised in a poor farming family, suffering the loss of an older sibling, receiving little formal education, and experiencing a spiritual reawakening as a youth helped shape Lincoln's life and Joseph's. The service given to fellow men and country, each marrying the woman he loved despite opposition from her family, and a rise to leadership kept Joseph and Abraham on the same path. And in the end, they shared a common destiny each died a martyr for the principles he believed in. This book unveils the parallels between the lives of these remarkable men, from their humble beginnings to their rise from obscurity, one to head the restored Church, the other to lead the greatest nation on earth.
Excerpt:
Introduction
The Prophet Joseph Smith and President Abraham Lincoln came from humble beginnings. Both knew a life of frontier hardship and physical toil. Both were seekers of truth. Both were leaders who saved lives, either by keeping people from physical slavery, or by freeing their eternal souls. And both men died as martyrs to their cause, leaving behind wives and children to cope with the devastating loss.
Contemporaries by birth, Joseph Smith and Abraham Lincoln were men born of destiny to a nation ready for growth and change during a time of spiritual and political reawakening. The similarities in their lives are uncanny.
Born into poor farming families whose ancestors had arrived in America during the 1600s, both boys knew the difficult life of living on the frontier with land to clear, homesteads to build, and crops to cultivate and harvest. Both Joseph and Abraham experienced the loss of an older sibling, affecting them deeply.
Lincoln did not have much of a formal education beyond a short time in what was known as “blab school,” where the teacher spoke the lessons and the students repeated it back in unison. Lincoln sought out books on his own, and reading introduced him to a world of knowledge. When opportunity came to advance his station in life, he was ready.
Joseph Smith also had little formal education, but he had the advantage of a father who taught school when it was not farming season, and a mother who considered the education of her children a life calling. Lessons were learned at evening firesides, and as fields were cleared and plowed. Joseph was not much of a reader; however, he learned the value of scripture.
The young Lincoln had little interest in spiritual matters, even though he often went to church with his parents. His mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, told her children Bible stories she had learned, and both she and Abraham’s father were members of the Little Mount Baptist Church. Joseph’s parents did not regularly attend church, and neither did their young son, but he was concerned with spiritual matters. Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph’s mother, taught her children from the Bible and listened to Methodist revival meetings in her search for truth.
As a boy, Lincoln would often stand on a stump after church, repeating the sermon word for word and mimicking the mannerisms of the preacher. Joseph, too, would entertain an audience with his rendition of a frontier preacher, mixing in humor, long before he experienced the First Vision and had a full understanding of its message. Lincoln joined no church and gave no endorsement of a specific faith or doctrine, yet believed that all people may eventually be saved. Despite the religious fervor going on around him during his youth, Joseph Smith also refused to follow any form of organized religion, claiming their preaching to be the word of man rather than the word of God. Joseph remained unaffiliated with any religious body until he was directed by God and angels in restoring Christ’s Church.
Between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-five, Lincoln worked his way from surveyor, to storekeeper, postmaster, lawyer, and state politician. He wrote a document outlining his religious beliefs, a work he showed to William Mentor Graham, his teacher at New Salem. The teacher read Lincoln’s document, then promptly threw it into the fire, saying, “I’m doing you a favor.” Graham feared such a document would hurt the future president politically.
In the same three-year period of his life, Joseph took his religious declaration one step farther than Lincoln. More successful in his religious proclamations, Joseph translated the Book of Mormon, restored Christ’s Church, and sent missionaries to spread the gospel message, making his name known “for either good or evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues” (Joseph Smith—History, 33). His ascent from farm boy to prophet of the Lord was miraculous to some people and unbelievable to others, in both Joseph’s lifetime and since.
No definitive proof exists that Joseph and Abraham ever met, although some anecdotal records indicate they did. It is fact that they both lived in Illinois from 1839 to 1844. They were in Springfield at the same time, perhaps attending the same party, and were even on the same city block on New Year’s Day in 1843. Records also indicate that Mary Todd Lincoln attended one of Joseph’s trials in that city, finding herself seated close to him as he took the stand to plead his innocence.
Both Joseph and Abraham married women against the preferences of their new wife’s family, both had children who died, and both ran for the office of president of the United States. Neither man was well educated as a youth, yet each grew up to be a great leader who would change the lives of millions—one as the head of a church, and the other a nation. And in the end, both men died as the result of assassin’s bullets, a martyr for their cause.
“It is no coincidence that the world of Abraham Lincoln was also the world of Joseph Smith,” said Bryon C. Andreasen, a Lincoln expert. “The same historical conditions that had prevented past generations of common folks like Abraham Lincoln from becoming the leaders of their people . . . had also made it difficult, if not impossible, to restore the full gospel to the earth” (Church News, May 26, 2009). Those were the very leadership positions that Joseph and Abraham were born to fill.
Buy Links:
Paperback
Kindle eBook
Author Bio:
Lu Ann Brobst Staheli is a two-time Utah Best of State medalist for Literary Arts Nonfiction with her biographies When Hearts Conjoin and Psychic Madman. She is also a Best of State medalist for Educator K-12, a Christa McAuliffe Fellow, recipient of the Diamond Quill from the League of Utah Writers, and Utah Council of Teachers of English Language Arts Teacher of the Year. She taught English for five years in Rockville, Indiana, and twenty-eight years at Payson Junior High School, where she is currently the librarian.
Lu Ann's published works include The Explorers: Tides Across the Sea; the Small Town USA series: Just Like Elizabeth Taylor, A Note Worth Taking, and Leona & Me, Helen Marie; plus nonfiction books When Hearts Conjoin; Psychic Madman; One Day at a Time: Teaching Secondary Language Arts; and Books, Books, and More Books: A Parent and Teacher's Guide to Adolescent Literature.
Lu Ann and her husband Mike live in Spanish Fork, Utah, and are the parents of five sons.
Blog: http://www.luannslibrary.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/luannstaheli
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LuAnn-Brobst-Staheli-Author/113000711053
I'm so excited to read this book!
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