Autumn in the Forest
Thursday, March 29, 2018
My New Cover
I just want to share the new cover for the re-release of my first novel,"Season of Crows." I love it! Be on the watch for the next book in the series, "Season of Madness."
Thursday, March 22, 2018
The Burrow
The majority of Walnut Keepers live in burrows situated between the thick, heavy roots of trees. When they construct a door to protect them from creatures of the night, they shape it to fit the opening rather than shaping the opening to fit the door. They work with nature.
On a recent walk, I came upon several roots that would be ideal locations for burrows and photographed them. I can only imagine what a delight it would be to make a home between the roots of a giant oak.
On a recent walk, I came upon several roots that would be ideal locations for burrows and photographed them. I can only imagine what a delight it would be to make a home between the roots of a giant oak.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
On Location--The Crow Kingdom
A vengeful mousemaid, Aster, and her friend Thistle find themselves banished from the security and protection of Evershade. While sheltering in the little grove, Aster peers across the grasses of the field at a line of trees in the distance. It is the Crow Kingdom, and it is then she hatches a plan to exact revenge on Evershade.
Aster's arrogance leads her to believe she can convince the crow king to attack Evershade. Leading Thistle out of the relative safety of the little grove, she bullies her way through the grass, hoping to get caught by passing crows. She gets her wish.
In reality, the line of trees that inspired the Crow Kingdom in "Season of Crows" is a very thin strip of spindly trees mixed with a few cedars (the little grove is on the left in the photo, and the strip of trees is on the right in the distance). The kingdom I envision is comprised of a slightly thicker strip of trees wide enough to contain the crow council area, at the edge of which stands a tightly woven cage called "The Hole" where they keep prey in reserve for the Moon Feast.
This location is literally a couple hundred yards from my home. The Ozarks are riddled with paved farm roads that run across fields and meadows, through woods, and into valleys. Several roads pass through areas that strike me as great locations to use in a book. Having an entire cluster of locations near my home is a true blessing.
Aster's arrogance leads her to believe she can convince the crow king to attack Evershade. Leading Thistle out of the relative safety of the little grove, she bullies her way through the grass, hoping to get caught by passing crows. She gets her wish.
In reality, the line of trees that inspired the Crow Kingdom in "Season of Crows" is a very thin strip of spindly trees mixed with a few cedars (the little grove is on the left in the photo, and the strip of trees is on the right in the distance). The kingdom I envision is comprised of a slightly thicker strip of trees wide enough to contain the crow council area, at the edge of which stands a tightly woven cage called "The Hole" where they keep prey in reserve for the Moon Feast.
This location is literally a couple hundred yards from my home. The Ozarks are riddled with paved farm roads that run across fields and meadows, through woods, and into valleys. Several roads pass through areas that strike me as great locations to use in a book. Having an entire cluster of locations near my home is a true blessing.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
On Location--The Little Grove
Just beyond the Stone River, a wide field opens up, spreading eastward to the tree line. Within this field stands a little grove of trees that shoots up from a sea of grass.
In "Season of Crows," two mousemaids are banished from Evershade during the terrible drought, and they take refuge in the little grove. The trees provide shelter from predators of the air, and when prisoners escape from the Crow Kingdom in the dead of night, the trees provide a sense of safety from any pursuers.
In my novel, no furry creatures make their home here, but the little grove plays an important role for anyone making a journey in this area. I have the good fortune of passing this grove every single day, and I imagine the comings and goings of woodland creatures who have made this region their home.
In "Season of Crows," two mousemaids are banished from Evershade during the terrible drought, and they take refuge in the little grove. The trees provide shelter from predators of the air, and when prisoners escape from the Crow Kingdom in the dead of night, the trees provide a sense of safety from any pursuers.
In my novel, no furry creatures make their home here, but the little grove plays an important role for anyone making a journey in this area. I have the good fortune of passing this grove every single day, and I imagine the comings and goings of woodland creatures who have made this region their home.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
On Location--Torzeria
Torzeria, named by the great Ben DeVore, is where the turtles make their home. These beautiful reptiles with ornately carved shells speak Tortuli, the language of the ancients, one that has been long dead to other animal species. Torzeria's leader is a Seer named Elder Veil (Yero Skyezu in Tortuli), and he has an unsettling way of knowing things before they happen...and saying things that almost make sense...but not quite...
The High Field separates Evershade from Torzeria, and the land curves into a gentle bowl shape, slightly visible in this photo. The locations that inspired my book series are all located on private land, so I am not able to get as close as I would like to photograph them. I am standing approximately where the Lone Pine tree is located in "Season of Crows." It is where the Walnut Keepers gather sap for gluing cracked pots, securing bits of broken mirror to the walls of the King's Chamber, and gluing bits and bobs to the shells of King Obsidian and Queen Sapphire, the enormous snails who rule Evershade.
A stone river (paved farm road) runs along the southern edge of Torzeria, and we--in our "real" lives--often see box turtles crossing the road here. This made it a natural location for the home of the turtles. I miss the snow, but I do look forward to seeing these beautiful creatures again.
As the days get warmer, the fields will green, and the leaves will fill the canopy. The robins have returned to the Ozarks, and the spring peepers are singing to us. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to spot Elder Veil crossing the stone river near his home.
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