The Windrider Prophecy

The revisions to the second book in my series of fantasy novels are so great that I might decide to split that book into three separate books. So the third one is now the fifth book in the series, which is just about complete and will be released after the new Ghost Ships trilogy (books 2-4). I'm also in the process of re-designing the covers of all the books in the series so they will reflect a more Celtic flare. I'm really excited about this project. Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at the book, The Windrider Prophecy, the third novel in The Traveler's Saga sci-fi fantasy series. Enjoy. 

Fanning the Flames

As all of the 9/11 memorial programs start to air again on television, I’m reminded of those who have been lost and the brave souls who tried to save them, many of whom gave their own lives in the process. Whether or not you lost a loved one in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, on United Airlines Flight 93, or at the Pentagon on the morning of September 11, 2001, we were all directly affected by this heinous act of violence. The aftermath has influenced the policies of state and has enabled the war with the Middle East to continue, which has deeply impacted our economy and invaded the personal freedoms that so many of us take for granted.

Leap and the Net Will Appear

My heart races as I lay awake at night, suddenly tormented with anxiety about the direction my life is taking. Uncertainty is now my ally. Weakness also begs for my friendship. Doubt has moved in and wants to rule my life and take control. They feed me discouraging thoughts and make me second guess my decisions about moving into unknown territory. In a panic, I ask myself, “What am I thinking by giving stuff away and storing away the rest, packing up and moving someplace new with absolutely no guarantees, relying on the generosity of friends for a place to stay temporarily? What if it doesn’t work out? What if I don’t find a job? What if I can’t come back? What if . . .”

Hasta la vista, Baby!

As the final preparations are being made for my trip to Colorado, I find myself thinking about all the things I’ll be leaving behind: my sister, my son, my cat, and the network of great friends I’ve made over the last few years. My sister’s taking care of my cat, Holly, until I can reclaim her. I’ll definitely miss spending time with Karen, but knowing that we plan to be in the same city again one day and that I’ll be reuniting with her and my kitty eventually eases that separation anxiety a bit. However, it’s been hard enough trying to schedule visits with my son who just lives on the other side of the Puget Sound. How will having a few states between us affect our visits? And how will I stay in touch with all of my friends?

Releasing Attachments

My quest for a job and a fresh start in Colorado has taken me to a number of places so far, and I sense that by the time it has been completed, this journey will have become much more than just a physical relocation. My life has changed so much over the last few years and it’s about to change a whole lot more. I’ll be leaving behind family and friends as I venture into the unknown. Despite the optimism I embrace for this new adventure on which I’m about to embark, change and the unknown are still two very dark and frightening places. No matter how many times one moves, it never really gets any easier.

Stone Circles In A New World

Surrounded by ocean to the north and to the west, near the edge of a cliff stands a stone circle – a sacred site, a sanctuary, a place where one can gaze up at the stars at night and ponder the mysteries of the universe. The cool night breeze carries a subtle mist through the standing stones that are planted firmly in each of the cardinal directions, adding a welcome moisture to the dry mountain air. The sky above offers a crystal clear view of the constellations and a glimpse into the divine energy that is the cosmos. Tall trees on the hillside wrap their protective arms around the southern perimeter of the circle, while an archway to the east beckons with an invitation to traverse the stone trail down to the rocky beach below. The seagulls have followed me here from the old west coast. This new world is silent and beautiful, and full of wonder and possibilities.

The Stillness of Earth Song

The inescapable hum of traffic from nearby freeways or city streets. Sales pitches, arguments, screams, car chases, battles, and other endless noise from television sets. Music from stereos or instruments. Fireworks during the weeks before and after Independence Day. Dogs barking and children playing outdoors. Crowds cheering at sports arenas. The drone of machines designed to make our lives more comfortable. Airplanes and helicopters flying over head. Sirens and horns blaring from emergency vehicles racing down the streets.

Harps Among The Fairy Winds

Holding its breath, a daring leaf bounds from the precarious heights of a majestic alder tree into the gracious hands of Nature and dances with delight as it gently glides to the ground. Inspired by its show of gallant artistry, others follow suit and break free of their hold in the lofty branches with reckless abandon. Into the wind, a symphony of leaves offer a fluttering accompaniment to the fairy winds that play the idle harps in the grove on Magic Hill. In that brief moment, a shower of leaves rained down around me and the chill of the breeze reminded me that Mother Earth was still waiting for us to resume the music we had been playing for her all weekend.

Agent for Hire

After re-reading my last blog entry, “The Ideal Candidate,” I started to put together an imaginary ad for a literary agent. While it wasn’t nearly as preposterous as the fake job posting in my last entry, it did seem a little over the top. For example,