Happy New Year!

Public Domain Pictures

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! 2014 is looking to be an amazing year for me with the coming publication of my second novel, The Puzzle Box, Part 2 of the Dragon Stone Trilogy. This is expected to be out by the end of January at Amazon and Smashwords.

In addition to this, Part 3, Dragon's Fury, is in the final stages of being written. Then, I'll be working on the editing and polishing. As we all know, that is a grueling challenge but worthwhile.

So, I want to thank all you who have supported me this year and I hope we'll see more of each other next year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

This year I've seen a lot of exciting, new books being published and authors striking out on new horizons. I hope that all of you are happy with where you are and feel successful in your endeavors. Being successful means to be making your best effort on the goals set before you. It doesn't mean striking it rich (it would be great!) or even completing everything on your to-do list. It's your attitude towards how you see yourself and how you move towards finishing that next project.

With that thought in mind, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year. Remember, it's not who you are, it's what you think about yourself that is important.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! 

Happy Birthday Rebecca!

I'm going a little off topic today so I can wish my daughter, Rebecca, happy birthday! She has been an inspiration in some of my stories with her quick wit and humor. Although I don't get to see her as often as I'd like, when we do get together it's always filled with excitement. That's because she brings my granddaughter with her for visits that are not only energetic, but filled with warmth and caring.

I can see how much energy Rebecca has put into raising her daughter through the love that pores out of both of them. I want to raise my glass in a toast and say: "Well done!"

So, happy birthday, Rebecca! Another year is coming that will be filled with what you make it. May you make it a good one!

The Dragon Stone Trilogy Continues!

Part 2 of the Dragon Stone Trilogy, The Puzzle Box is in its final edit and I'm happy to say will be published after the first of the New Year. The second book is an exciting ride about a young man's decision to seek after a box that might open new horizon's about magic. Up until now, magic was only something in his imagination and dragon's were only a myth. But he finds out that both are bound together and he must do the dragon's bidding in order to save the kingdom of Mar from tyranny.

Part 2 takes place many years after Part 1, Call of the Dragon, but the evil sorcerer has survived in another timeline where he is King. There is lots of action, sword fights and a chase through Mar for the puzzle box. Look for this new volume in January!

New Book From M. K. Eidem

I want to introduce M. K. Eidem to you and her latest sensational book, Victoria's Challenge. Victoria was born on Earth, but at an early age watched her entire world explode from an evil attack aimed at finding her aunt Cassandra. But she and her aunt were the only survivors and now she's learning to live in another world where the only man she loves has challenged her beliefs in everything she thought was real. Is her love for him a fantasy? What happened to their bond? Victoria must struggle through to find herself. Will her true love be a part of that new life?

M. K. Eidem presents a rocking episode that glued me to the page. I'm not a fan of romance, but this seemed more like a sci-fi/fantasy/romance all mixed into one. If you've read the book preceding this in the Imperial Series, Cassandra's Challenge, you'll find the editing well done in this book.

I give this book five stars! I hope you put it on your reading list. It's available at Amazon and you can follow the link to it HERE. Enjoy!

Frazzled By The Holidays?

Are you frazzled by the holidays bustle? Has your writing schedule gone ka-pooey? Mine was on a downhill slide just before Thanksgiving and I found I wasn't addressing my new manuscript at all. Between marketing my new book, editing the second one and trying to make sense of the last one, I threw my hands up in the air and said: I'll have a cup of coffee and forget it!

But you know what? That cup of coffee and a little time away got me back on track. I guess I needed a break and a little stimulation that wasn't in front of my computer. Now, I'm looking forward to having Christmas with my granddaughter. Instead of feeling jangled by her incessant energy, I'm going to join in and forget about plot points and resolutions. The only resolution I may hang onto is my New Years resolution. Whatever that may be.

How are you coping with the holidays? Do you have a plan? Or do you flow into it with ease and grace? Whatever your style, I hope your holidays are wonderful and filled with relaxation. If your family and friends are near, I hope you get a chance to have them drop by and interrupt your writing for a while!

Medieval Muse - Still FREE!

You can still get Medieval Muse as a FREE e-book through Smashwords. Get your copy today if you haven't already grabbed it. Go HERE

Medieval Muse

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What happens when Victoria Budroix receives a cameo that promises to give her the desires of her heart? A trip to medieval times, intrigue, threat of war and an overbearing lord are on the list for her to choose from. Or could it be meeting her one true love?

Sir William of Conrad has escorted a stranger home to be under his protection. He discovers this woman speaks her own mind and melts his heart. He faces his father’s outrage and a broken alliance with the neighboring clan by falling in love. 

Medieval Muse is available as a free read from Smashwords.com. Over 1200 copies already downloaded.

Thank You!

I'm taking a moment to thank all those that have supported me in my latest publishing effort, Call of the Dragon (Dragon Stone Trilogy Book 1). I've had a gratifying response and want to let you all know that I appreciate you.
Writing a book is only part of the process and as any of you writers out there know, the work isn't finished when you put the pen down. I wasn't prepared for that when I started this venture and have had a hard time getting into the swing of things. But now I'm trying to continue on, as they say, and make this adventure complete.
A complete adventure includes the people that read as well - you. So take a minute to pat yourself on the back and say well done! Thank you for your support. I hope you continue in your endeavors and are successful in them.

To Be...Or...Not To Be?

I was reading a discussion about formatting e-books and began to feel like the smallest pea in the pod when I read all the different ways people choose to format their books. Some people rave over Scrivener and its ability to create chapters, notes and outlines. Others say a MacBook is the only way.

I have Word 2010 and it converts my documents into any of the necessary forms needed to create my book. Do I need a pdf? It does it. Html? That too! Granted, if I want an outline, I'll have to create my own, but there are enough bells and whistles that I haven't tried yet that it'll keep me busy until a new version pops up to take its place.

All in all, what you want is a finished product to take to the bank. Whatever device you use to write your story on, make sure that you write it. Be comfortable with your format, but don't be afraid to stretch and bend when something new comes around that might improve your writing. Personally, I'm waiting for a plug that you stick into your brain so all you do is think your story and it will get written!

What's your idea of an innovative change to your writing process? Do you use Scrivener? Would you change your format for something better or different? To be...or not?

Call of the Dragon at Amazon!

I'm pleased to add that Call of the Dragon Book 1 of the Dragon Stone Trilogy is now at Amazon! You can now get your book for kindle at both Amazon and Smashwords. Don't forget about the free coupon at Smashowrds: EF58S that will end December 15th.

Call of the Dragon

A young man is chosen by a magnificent dragon to become a dragon rider with the mission to save the kingdom of Mar. But the task has difficulties, because the prince of Mar has been kidnapped and replaced with a look-a-like. An evil mage is bent on making sure the prince disappears forever so he can rule Mar. Can all be restored and the evil mage deposed? On his journey the young man meets some interesting characters who help with his quest and become his lasting friends. Will he succeed? Can he create a riddle hard enough to stump an angry faerie that has his dragon chained in magic bonds? It’s up to one young man and his dragon to restore peace and order in the kingdom.

Call of the Dragon Available at Smashwords Today!

Call of the Dragon, Book 1 of the Dragon Stone Trilogy went live at Smashwords this morning! You can get a promotional free copy using this code: EF58S until December 15th. Get a copy for Christmas and enjoy reading it over the holidays.

Call of the Dragon

A young man is chosen by a magnificent dragon to become a dragon rider with the mission to save the kingdom of Mar. But the task has difficulties, because the prince of Mar has been kidnapped and replaced with a look-a-like. An evil mage is bent on making sure the prince disappears forever so he can rule Mar. Can all be restored and the evil mage deposed? On his journey the young man meets some interesting characters who help with his quest and become his lasting friends. Will he succeed? Can he create a riddle hard enough to stump an angry faerie that has his dragon chained in magic bonds? It’s up to one young man and his dragon to restore peace and order in the kingdom.

To get you copy, go HERE.

Don't Miss The Realm's Faire!

This week has been a hoot for the jousters at the Realm's Faire. Found at M. Pax's blog HERE, everyone can participate by posting comments about the excerpts.

Friday will be my day for jousting. I will be represented by an excerpt of my new book Call of the Dragon, Book 1, Dragon Stone Trilogy which will be released a the end of November on Amazon and Smashwords. Come on down and root for me by mentioning Sir Elias Gargarin Tavish, dragon, spell or my name. That gives me extra points. Anyone mentioning all four will receive a free copy of my new book.

Don't forget to enjoy the other activities also. Drench-A-Wench was one I thought was amazingly funny. All in all, you'll have fun!

Today Is The Realm's Faire and Joust!

Today is the first day of the Realm's Faire and Joust hosted by M. Pax. Her blog will be a battlefield of authors jousting for a place on M. Pax's sidebar for an entire year. The joust lasts Monday - Friday and comments must be added before 5pm to be counted.

I will be jousting on Friday, November 15th. Come to M. Pax's blog HERE, and you can root for me by making a comment. Remember to mention Sir Elias Tavish, dragon, spell or my name to give me extra points. Any help will be appreciated. But you can drop by any time during the week and mention me in a comment to give me extra points. I hope to see you there!

Realm's Faire: November 11th - 15th. Plan to be bedazzled!

Realm's Faire and Jousting Starts Monday!

Join me as we begin a week of jousting and entertainment Monday November 11th thru Friday November 15th. It will be at M. Pax's blog and you can go there from HERE.

Don't forget, I will have an excerpt of my new book Call of the Dragon up on Friday the 15th and you can vote for me by mentioning key words from my excerpt. This is going to be a whole lot of fun, with a free give away offered each day.

Come and have fun! Every day starting next Monday through Friday! Don't forget to tell your friends!

Cover Reveal for Call of the Dragon!

I'm very excited to share my new book cover for Call of the Dragon with you. This is the first in a trilogy for young adults that is a fascinating look into a world of battling not only evil outside but the inner struggle inside. Call of the Dragon will be available on Amazon and Smashwords by the end of November. I'll be announcing the release date later this month.

I'd like to introduce the artist for this cover, Natisha Reid. She is an upcoming artist and her work can be found on the deviant art dot com site. If you are interested in contacting her send me an email and I can connect you with her.

Don't forget that I will be sharing an excerpt of Call of the Dragon at the Realm's Faire November 11-15th on M. Pax's blog. My day to be jousting is Friday, November 15th. Come and prepare to be dazzled by all the jousters and their excerpts!

Realm's Faire and Joust Coming!

Just a reminder for everyone that the Realm's Faire and Joust is coming up the week of November 11-15th. M. Pax is hosting this event on her blog and it should be great fun!

I will have an excerpt from my new book Call of the Dragon featured on Friday, November 15th and I want to invite everyone to come on down and root for me. You can visit any day during the week and see all the different participants. Remember to tag me with my name, Sir Elias Tavish, dragon or spell.

To find her blog, go to: mpaxauthor.com/realmsfaire and plan to have some fun. Also, there are FREE giveaways each day of the faire, so get there early and post. See you there!

Updates: Call of the Dragon & Vacation Time

I'm anxiously awaiting my book cover for Call of the Dragon. My artist said it would be the end of the month, so I've been preparing my manuscript for release on Amazon and Smashwords in early November. The last minute details are being taken care of and soon I'll have Part 1 of the Dragon Stone Trilogy ready to go.

Call of the Dragon

Part 1

Dragon Stone Trilogy

A lone bell tolled in the eastern tower, announcing the death of the King. Elias Gargarin, stunned by the King’s sudden demise, lit a candle and mourned the loss of such a great ruler. A loyal servant to the sovereign house of Tavish, he watched with increasing alarm as Crown-Prince Rali prepared to take the throne. Squabbling and division ensued among the mages who served the crown. The old ways were denounced and forbidden. One by one, the mages who continued to perpetuate the old ways were executed as a new evil threatened the Kingdom of Mar. The King’s High Mage, Master Sebastian, was preparing to usurp the throne!

A single raven sped through the sky, dispatched to the Northern Mountains by one lone mage. Its quest: to seek out the council of dragons, in the fervent hope that it wasn’t too late. But the council had been decimated by another perpetrator. Only a single dragon was left to answer the call. He chose young Elias to be his rider; a poor commoner! But there were secrets to be revealed and a quest that only Elias could accomplish. Was he ready?

 

 Prepare to get your ebook at Amazon and Smashwords in November!

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As the holiday season approaches, I'm finding that my daughter and I are beginning our preparations for a trek to Florida and Walt Disney World. Since I will be traveling in a wheelchair, I've discovered very little information about a traveler's experience with WDW and disabilities. Granted, there are the standard amenities available, but I've had to dig to find out how to get there with my oxygen and my wheelchair.

Example 1: Travelers with oxygen must be at the airport three hours ahead of time so airport security, TSA, can examine my oxygen concentrator to make sure it's not a bomb.

Example 2: A traveler with oxygen is required to carry enough batteries so they will have 1 1/2 the amount of oxygen for their required trip.

Example 3: At the moment WDW is undergoing a change for its disabled guests. They are throwing away the Guest Assistance Cards and implementing a new system called Disability Assistance Card (or something with those letters!). The new card requires the guest to get a new card each day so they can show it to any cast member at the ride they choose to go on. A time is written on the card and the guest can return at that time to ride the attraction. But they have to wait again when they get back to the ride! Okay Disney, it's time to work out the bugs!

I plan on gathering all the things I learn about traveling to the magical land of Disney by wheelchair and I will put them in a booklet for other travelers. For all my other readers, be patient. This is an important booklet for those traveling with a disability.