The Mountain Shadows novels and The Black Spirit‘s story have always been a visual writing experience for me. I see Akira Muro and her world very clearly in my head. As the time drew closer to completion and the need to send the second book, Beyond the Veil, out for publication, I had a very defined—if not specific—idea for the cover graphic. One night, after months of debating with myself over what to create, how to make—whatever—the cover image, my husband (Who…..
Some readers have commented upon, been distracted by, and generally put off by the similarity of names in my characters. I cannot dispute that, nor can I change it. Akira, Aiden, Asura, Arla, and all the other A’s, appeared in my writer’s brain with their own names. It was the same with Eron, Celina, Gralla, and all the other non-A citizens of Caldala. And then there’s Kilronan, Osharon, Corcoran, Maronan … well you get the picture. As with many people, short…..
The Goodreads Giveaway for The Black Spirit: A Mountain Shadows novel is now underway! Between September 9th and October 8th 1o copies will be given away in a campaign put on by Author Solutions. Thanks to all who enter and explore the country of Caldala and Ambassador Akira Muro. Now is a great time to begin as I finish the sequel, Beyond the Veil. I hope to submit to the publisher in the next few months. As always … enjoy the read! Laurie…..
Kilronan woke, already rolling from his bed as he focused on the shouts outside the building. He’d pulled on pants and boots, and was strapping on his knives when Osharon pounded on his door. “Kilronan! Red flare over administration!” He stepped back when Kil flung open the door, pulling his shirt over his head. In the small hours of the night, the protectorate had come alive with warriors rushing to duty stations. “Who’s got the Ambassador tonight?” Kil shouted while…..
Striking her hands together, she concentrated on the fireball rapidly expanding between her spreading palms. Without warning, she threw the ball above Lady Muro, guiding it into flaming rings that dropped to cage her opponent.
“You see, Master Kilronan. Even you, the best there is at Mountain Shadows-maybe the greatest protectorate warrior of all-yet you didn’t know where I was until I spoke.” Turning from him, she went to the table and poured herself a cup of tea. Looking back at him with brow raised in subtle challenge. “All right. Recon Alpha is your top reconnaissance team,” Kilronan acknowledged, conceding the reality. “At some point, I’d like to learn how they do it and how we…..
Power flashed, clashing between them with his mouth hard and hungry on hers. Stunned by her own surge of need, Akira responded, overwhelmed by his audacity and unable to control the chaos of force currents that sought to mesh and meld between them.
2016 has begun with mixed blessings. Rain here in California has been welcome. The Black Spirit has gained new readers, and the Book Giveaway continues. My deepest appreciation to everyone who asks when the sequel will be out! Beyond the Veil is moving slowly through final draft and edit. In real life, the death of a very special family friend hit hard. Such a loss changes the tenor of writing, making it necessary for me to step back for a little…..
Chaos also noticed the couple, recognizing the man as the same one who’d been with Ambassador Muro a few days before. His eyes lingered appreciatively on the black-haired beauty with him, but she was not his priority. Sipping his ale in front of the Boar and Panther, he listened to the catty gossip of the local ladies, amused that so much of it seemed to focus on this couple. It was of some benefit to him when he learned that…..
There are still copies of The Black Spirit available! Log onto the website to request your own copy. I’m 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 something in the book. Can you figure it out? Your choice of one of these, signed or not, as you wish, will be sent to the first seventeen viewers who ask for one through…..