Review for The Key by Felicia Rogers

Standard

The Key, by Felicia Rogers

I found this story intriguing. I am not a young adult. A young adult I am sure would like this story. Looking back to feelings many of us have when we young wondering why we have such strange feelings. Or we wonder all the time why do things happen to us and we seem confused by the choices we make or are forced to make. Then our parents or guardians want to keep secrets from us and that confuses us as well. This book does a good job of describing the confusion we feel as a young adult about to embark on what we hope our future will be. When we are young, we are impatient and want to know now, what is our destiny and purpose is on this earth.  This story starts out with a young lady named Madelyn at her new school after a tragedy. More confusing to her is the two men introduced to her at the new school. One obsessed the other protective why? You have to read the story to find out. I liked the buildup to discover what the characters purposes are. Who really is evil. I liked the confusion of Doran/Dougal to discover his real purpose.

I like the paranormal use of Gryphons. It is different creature for our human to learn about.  Bravo on introducing this creature.

As you read along the purpose of the key is revealed and the importance of the key. I like the idea of quickly having to decide what actions the characters have to decide. Then realizing they need to fix errors in their judgment and are allowed a second chance.  I have always been a believer that when we make errors we do have the ability to fix most errors.  This book lets the young reader learn this, that one bad action or choice can later be corrected while enjoying a good tale.

I do feel that these books should have more detail, research on Gryphon, about the history and relationship of the Gryphons and humans from the past. I would have enjoyed some historical background or would have like more detailed descriptions of the action scenes, surroundings, magic, expressions and looks of all the key characters to feel like I was more an active participate in the story. As a short quick read it is a good story. But it could be a great story if more details and historically information about the characters was revealed.  Many authors write like this where you start in a certain time and then have prequels or other stories that are in the realm of fantasy writing. I think this author has great potential and should build a series on the Gryphons and human realms. I recommend this book it is exciting once you get past the first few chapters. I would like to read a prequel to the book. It would be interesting to know what happened 100 years ago and how the tower was erected, what magical abilities Madelyn’s Grandmother really can use to help.  I would have liked having a brief introduction or first chapter either describing how her parents died. Such as a winged creature starting a fire to rid the world of the key, and then move into the story of Madelyn at school.

Best Regards, Wendy Nystrom

The Key is available at:

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Key-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GKMJTK/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads in Iceland

Standard

Tomfoolery released late last week. This is my favorite story is was so much fun and it reminded me of the two wonderful Christmas’s and New Year’s we celebrated in Iceland.

My family lived in Akureyri, Iceland Fall of 2004 to summer of 2006. It is a wonderful place. The holidays are special there. We celebrated Christmas 2004, 2005 and Welcomed in the New Year 2005 and 2006 in Iceland. They are totally family oriented and relaxed. Folks hang out and enjoy each others company. They also have 26 six days of Christmas or Yuletide. My favorite story was about the 13 Yule Lads or 13 Santas of Iceland. Some say the 13 Yule Lads are elves some say they are trolls. I decided for my story they are trolls.Yes they have 13 Santas plus have adopted St. Nick on Christmas Eve. The entire season is magical. Lights go up in most homes starting at the end of November like us.Remember in Iceland it is dark 24 hours a day in December. All ships come into the Harbor and are decorated with lights too. There are many celebrations throughout the Yuletide Season starting December 12 and Ending January 6. They have fireworks New Years at midnight and January 6th to officially end the Yuletide Season.

I like calling Christmas Season, Yuletide Season because it includes everyone. And in Iceland it not just the Human folk it also means all folks which includes, Icelandic Fairy’s, elves,trolls, ghosts, spirits, angels, and any other hidden folk or  paranormal. All are invited to celebrate the yuletide season.

Hillfolk by Elísabet Stacy-Hurley

A traditional greeting to the Elves was:

Let those who want to, arrive
Let those who want to, leave
Let those who want to, stay
Without harm to me or mine. (quote provided by http://www.fortunecity.com/rivendell/tiamat/553/)

I love it. Yuletide officially starts December 12th.  All the children put a shoe/ boot  in their window  and a treat is left for them in the shoe if they have been good. Now we all know all children are good this time of year. Icelanders love children like no other people I have ever seen. Stiffy Legs is the first 13 Yule Lad to come down the mountain to place a gift in the children’s shoe and then have some fun playing pranks, enjoy the lights and decorations. Stiffy Legs also likes to chase sheep and drink lambs milk. In my story that I have been working on for a couple of years came together completely in late October this year. Illustrations by Kelly Murray were completed 1st week of December. The story is the third adventure of James , Syvok and Matt the dragon. James has a wonderful Yuletide Adventure with the 13 yule lads. Yes my Yuletide story has a dragon, Icelandic Fairy and the Yule Lads.  It is a whimsical, fun holiday adventure and the Illustrations are the best. You can down load it from Solstice Publishing now. Print version coming soon. Enjoy the Yuletide Season,

Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Bless, WB

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Tomfoolery-And-13-Yule-Lads-Of-iceland.html

 http://http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Helga-Returns-%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html or http://www.amazon.com/Helga-Returns-James-Adventure-ebook/dp/B006HBIDLY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323566688&sr=1-1

Print-http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Helga-Returns-%252d%252d-Print.html

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/James-Saves-the-Moon%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html , Print-http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/James-Saves-The-Moon-%252d%252d-Print.html or http://www.amazon.com/James-Saves-Moon-Wendy-Nystrom/dp/1461078806/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323567049&sr=1-1

Matt the Dragon

Standard

Hello Folks,

I love dragons. I don’t know why. Maybe it because I was born in the year of the dragon. They fly,  are usually , dependable, fierce, honest, colorful and live in the mountains. I like the mountains too. Here is a picture of the real Matthew who inspired the personality of my dragon Matthias. Next is a illustration in my book “Helga Returns”. I am amazed how well the illustrator captured Matt. Even the smirk is perfect. Mattias the Dragon is based on the personality of My dear friend’s Son Matthew. Handsome, smart, dependable, forgiving and fierce when needed.  When you and your child read my adventures( James Saves the Moon and Helga Returns) you find how these three characters rely on each other and the three together can achieve their dreams,goals, help and have fun. They all love adventure.

Characters building is fun.  When writing I decide what type of characters I want and their role in the story. In my James Saves the Moon and Helga Returns, Matt the dragon is an important character. He is the observer,  protector, and mentor. He also accepts people the way they are.I wanted him to look fierce and friendly at the same time. The illustrators in both stories captured this from my descriptions. I looked around at my set of friends and people I have met in our travel adventures. Some people really leave a permanent mark on you. Even with out internet you would stay in touch. My friend Tina is one of those people. Before I moved to Corpus Christi I was living in a place that was the only place that left a negative impression. So I came to Corpus Christi in a bad place mentally. Tina and I met when our sons were entering Kindergarten together. We connected right away. She is a person that brings the best out of a person.  She is the rock and glue that holds things together. She reminded me that we must see the good in people first. Most everyone  has positive energy that can improve the world. Tapping into that positive energy is the key to success and happiness.Having people see their gifts and letting them know they have those gifts is important rather than focusing on their weaknesses. She reminded me that I have a gift of managing personalities to achieve a common goal.  When you manage personalities in a group or team setting you can gently or not so gently move those people along to complete a goal. At that time our goal was to raise money for the Kindergarten events. And we managed to raise the most funds  in years and attract many parents to be active in the school.

Back to character development. As I was writing and outlining, editing my first story James Saves the Moon. I would jot down notes on characters. James was easy he was my son. Syvok after my friend Kristin in Iceland. The dragon, that one took more time. I thought of Tina at first but I needed a boy’s personality. I was living in Iceland when I wrote this story. I was looking at all the children and their traits. Then I remembered Tina’s youngest son. He is so much like her in many ways. He is one of those kids who always seemed happy and smiles. Life is good attitude. My son is impulsive and attempts to travel is five directions at once. Tina’s youngest child he is a kid who is grounded.  He is a good balance for  kids who are impulsive.. Even at 6 trying to understand why my son would do some of the things he does, he accepted him the way he is and they would have fun together. It was very good for my son, to have a friend like this because he knew Matt would always play with him even when they did not agree. Its rather sad they are not growing up together. Hopefully one day they will meet again.I think it is important to find people who bring balance to your life and assist with our weaknesses to move forward in this adventure we are all having on earth. I am lucky. I have many people who balance me.

Enjoy the adventure and surround your self with many characters. Adventures are more fun with characters. WB

 
My books are available at Solstice Publishing and Amazon.com

James Saves the moon  http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/James-Saves-the-Moon%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html and amazon.com

 

 

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Helga-Returns-%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html and soon will be on amazon.com

Helga Returns Released Today

Standard

Hi Folks,

Helga Returns is released. I am now a published author of two books at Solstice Publishing. So cool.

I would like to introduce my new illustrator Kelly Murray at KMurray Designs. She does wonderful work.

“Here within lies a tale of a young boy named James, which takes place in a far away island nation of Iceland.”

Travel along with James on his adventure with his Icelandic friends Syvok and Matt to Yamas. A village deep inside the mountains of Iceland. Enjoy your adventures, WB

My books are available at solsticepublishing.com

James Saves the Moon and Helga Returns

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Helga-Returns-%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/James-Saves-the-Moon%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

 

 

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Cooking-With-Solstice-Authors-Volume-One.htmlFree Down Load Solstice Cooking with Authors. My recipe is on Page 74

Book Signing

Standard

Hi Folks,

The book signing was fun at Great Lakes Books and Supply. Great Lakes Books and Supply is our biggest bookstore in town. It across from Ferris State University. I love the store.

Thanks to all who came and bought a book. My Dear Friend Tracy took some pictures for me so I am going to share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a nice slide show going as I talked. Folks asked good questions. Hope their are many more. Tracy said I did good. Once I finish the Yule Lads I will be devoting some time to getting book signings. Still waiting on a date for my second book Helga Returns release.

My book is available at Great Lakes Books and Supply and The Old Pioneer Store and Emporium here in Big Rapids.

Thanks and Have a great day. WB

Also Available online at

http://www.schulerbooks.com/book/9781461078807

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/James-Saves-the-Moon%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.htmlhttp:

//www.amazon.com/James-Saves-the-Moon-ebook/dp/B004VWXRJE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1318347608&sr=8-2

 

Guest Post Gary Peterson

Standard

Good Evening Folks,

I would like to introduce Gary Peterson. He is a author of  two mystery books and a lovely tale of a  nine year old family struggles and imagination allows them to forget the struggles for a while,  published by Solstice Publishing. His books are riveting and a must read. Enjoy getting to know Gary’s books and the Author.  Enjoy the Adventure WB

Gary Peterson Guest Post

 

Who is Gary Peterson?

While he was still in high school in the early sixties his family moved in an old house out in the country. The walls creaked and dark shadows abounded. This was the inspiration for his novel.

He currently lives near the small community of Yakima, Washington with his wife and dog. He has a B. A. Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He acquired much of his knowledge about court procedures while working as a child protective services worker for many years. His hobbies include hiking, bowling, and reading a good mystery novel.

 

His books?

Gary has three books, The Old Miller Place, Return to Painters Island, and The Kidnapping of Olivia Hammond.

The Old Miller Place ****     

In 1961 George Peabody struggles for months to find employment. When he is about ready to give up he lands a job with a small newspaper. He likes the area and talks his wife, Elizabeth; into buying an old rundown house. Objects start moving by themselves and an icy presence permeates the entire house. Is he and his family safe? He researches the old house’s history and learns of grisly murders that had taken place there. An attorney is bludgeoned to death and a woman turns up dead in the back of his truck. He is accused of both murders and is on trial for his life. Has he been framed for their murders by a crooked cop, Detective Strausser, or is it someone else? Are the murders of the past somehow connected to what is currently going on? Suddenly he is abducted by the real killer. It becomes a race against time as a retired police detective, Gary Wise, and his ex-partner, Detective Thayer, search for clues to find him.

Buy ebook on Solstice http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Old-Miller-Place%252d%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html  Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Old-Miller-Place-ebook/dp/B004R1Q4ZI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1320428853&sr=8-5

Buy paperback from Createspace https://www.createspace.com/3581160 , Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Old-Miller-Place-Gary-Peterson/dp/1461008085/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320428853&sr=8-1

 

Return to Painters Island

“It is in the 1950’s and Jim, who is almost nine years old, helps his mom support the family because his dad is too sick to work. He sometimes is allowed to escape to “Painter’s Island”, a magical place where he can be a kid again. Follow him as he jumps off sawdust piles, digs up buried treasure, has sword fights with his friends, and tries to fly.”

Buy Return to painters island e-book on solstice http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Return-to-Painter%27s-Island%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Return-to-Painters-Island-ebook/dp/B0057XUQR2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320429185&sr=1-1

The Kidnapping of Olivia Hammond

With Blood trickling down her face and chained to a basement wall, Olivia Hammond tries to figure out why she was kidnapped. It couldn’t be for ransom because she has no money or rich family. Revenge is not a motive either because she is at peace with everyone and always tried to be a good neighbor. Her only hope is that her brother will discover the truth, but with no food or water, will he find her in time?

Buy The Kidnapping of Olivia Hammond e-book Solstice Publishing-http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Kidnapping-Of-Olivia-Hammond-%252d%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Kidnapping-Olivia-Hammond-ebook/dp/B0062QCM4S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320429519&sr=1-1

Where can you find Gary?

Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mystery-Writer-Gary-Peterson/120481094720732

Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/oldmillerplace

Blog- http://garypeterson32.blogspot.com/

Website- http://mysterywritergarypeterson.webs.com/

*If you would like to be a guest on Gary’s blog just email xchylerconn@gmail.com *