And my thanks to those who have read, shared, and commented on the first Mountain Shadows novel, The Black Spirit. I hope you have enjoyed the land and the people of Caldala. Thanks also to my very talented niece and her friend for their beautiful, and mysterious, interpretation of High Ambassador Akira Muro. I love to see how others visualize characters in books. Sometimes they come close to my own vision, sometimes not, but always interesting.
“Come on Mar,” she scoffed. “Lord Corcoran has seen more battles than anyone. He’s not afraid of some diplomat from the Core.” “He’s afraid of her.” The boy’s sudden shift to that eerie, somber tone ran chills down Celina’s spine. The eyes he turned to her were deep and dark. “Everyone’s afraid of her.”
… The smile on his lips faded as he turned and saw who stood with the wide-eyed Gralla. An ambassador. Not just any ambassador, he realized, focusing on the medallion lying against a deep-hooded black cloak. Corcoran actually felt the blood drain from his face, but a lifetime of military service steeled his spine.
The shimmer under his skin was stronger, more insistent. Edgy now, he opened his eyes to probe the shadows. Calming his mind, Kilronan allowed the sight to open, reaching out into the night for the source of the disturbance. Power. It charged the air and battered his mind even as it frustrated, tormenting him with subtle familiarity.
November 6th is one year after The Black Spirit was released. I can hardly believe it’s been a year! I’ve met some great people through it, enjoyed some fun conversations, and achieved a major goal in my life by taking that step. Now, I’d like to meet more readers. Starting today, I’ll be giving away two hardcover copies, five softcover copies, and ten e-copies (Kindle or e-pub needs to be specified) of The Black Spirit. Yes, the numbers are relevant to…..
So … I’ve been a lost spirit regarding supporting my own writing since June. No excuses, just life. My oldest son graduated college and moved to Japan to teach Mechanical Engineering. My youngest graduated high school and is figuring out his future. I’m so proud of both, and it’s big changes at home. That was the best. The worst was the loss to cancer of my mother-in-law – a talented woman who left us too soon. She met death with…..