Autumn in the Forest

Autumn in the Forest

Thursday, August 31, 2017

New Beginnings

As some of you know, I became engaged last week, and this means a whole new life for me in many ways. It will be a long engagement out of necessity, but it will give us both time to improve ourselves as people and focus on our work.

I thought perhaps that being engaged would affect my writing, but it has not. If anything, I am more productive now than before, despite my constant health issues. (I simply don't feel well most of the time.)

Now my challenge as a writer is to continue to focus on my writing and not get wrapped up in wedding plans. After all, a writer has no set hours (this writer doesn't), and the wedding IS a ways off...

I wish you all the best in your personal and professional lives, and I hope you find a great book to read today!

 


Thursday, August 17, 2017

Meet "Elder Veil"

One of the most interesting characters to write so far has been the box turtle, Elder Veil. He is the leader of Torzeria, the Holy Place where the male turtles who are in line to become Elder reside.

His shell is plastered with ornately carved designs, each filled with a vibrant color according to its shape. Some of the turtles who reside with him in Torzeria have sat still for so long that moss and mushrooms have sprouted on their shells.

Elder Veil tends to make others nervous. He is rather wise, and he speaks of things that almost make sense, but not quite. Some things he says don't make any sense at all, not to anyone outside of Torzeria at any rate. Without a doubt, it is obvious that Elder Veil knows things that any normal animal should not. He sometimes knows what is about to happen or what path someone should take. He even has urges to start on a journey himself, often before knowing his destination.

Though he is considered odd and a little intimidating, he is respected far and wide and often sought out for advice or help. One would not think that a turtle could do much, but Elder Veil can accomplish more than you know.

But, as with all wise creatures, he holds secrets known to only a few, secrets that pain him. Secrets that may one day reveal themselves...

 
 


 
 

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Meet "Queen Sapphire"

Perhaps one of my quietest and most overlooked characters is Queen Sapphire. This beautiful, enormous snail rules Evershade with her husband, King Obsidian.

Like him, she wears jewels and beautiful objects glued (with pine sap) to her shell, but her objects are all blue--blue stones, blue eggshell, blue feathers, etc.

The queen is soft-spoken and kind. She is not one to complain, but life has chosen to give her a great burden to bear--the inability to produce little ones of her own. Her eggs have been plentiful, but the little snails never quite formed correctly inside their shells, and consequently none have hatched. When Sky is brought before Their Majesties, a light sparks inside her, and the hope of becoming a mother at last brightens her life. Her dearest wish comes true.

But the queen has a secret that few are aware of. And to find out this secret, you will have to read Book Two, "Season of Madness."

 



Thursday, July 20, 2017

Meet "Sky"

Discovered by Ash when he was an injured chick knocked from his nest, Sky is brought to Evershade before the king and queen to determine his fate. With a broken wing and little hope of survival, he edges his way into Queen Sapphire's heart, and Sky becomes the adopted son of Their Majesties and heir to Evershade.

As Sky grows, the house finch develops an open, eager personality. He cannot fly, but he spends many a day on the king's balcony watching the sparrows flit through the canopy.

By all accounts, he is friendly and a pleasure to be around. But what of his dreams? His healed wing is too weak to use for flight--as far as he knows. And even if he could fly, doesn't being the adopted son of snails ground him permanently?

And what of a mate? He is the only bird who resides in Evershade. The sparrows just pass through, and he's not seen another house finch since he came here. What does his future hold?

 

 

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

A Quick Thank You

We appreciate the readers of the world for giving our books a chance. And we appreciate those of you who listen to our books or watch them acted out on stage and screen.

Most of us write because we NEED to write, because it makes us happy or helps us work through personal demons. But we also write to entertain and have an impact on other people's lives. We write to introduce new ideas or to get others to see the world in a different light.

Whatever the reason we put our thoughts on paper, we are grateful for you--our audience--and we hope you continue to enjoy our work!







Thursday, June 29, 2017

Meet "Maple"

One of my favorite characters is Miss Maple, the head Baker mouse. She runs her bakery with an iron rod, so to speak.

This round, plump mouse is a no-nonsense creature who loves to gossip and spread rumors, always having her ear pricked for the latest bit of juicy news. One can often hear her screeching her obscenities across The Commons throughout the day. Cries of "Owls and ravens!" ring out if she happens to break her best spoon.

The Begging Stone sits just outside the bakery entrance, and oftentimes little ones come to beg a crumb of Maple's famous fruit 'n nut bread. More often than not, she drives them off, hollering and making a scene, but secretly she's pleased they think so highly of her wares. On occasion, she sends someone packing with a full loaf.

Though Maple is rough around the edges, those who know her best declare she has a heart of gold--underneath all the gruff exterior, that is.

She is unmarried and comes across as mean as a snake, but she could still catch the eye of another mouse. The problem is, who?

 


Thursday, June 15, 2017

Meet "Button"

Evershade's smallest adult Walnut Keeper is the tiny Sewing mouse, Button.

She is quiet and keeps to herself, though she likes to be useful and often volunteers to help others with their tasks. Button is regarded as timid upon first meeting her, but she has an inner strength and sense of duty that drives her. She possesses an ample amount of tact and is as polite and kind as Petal, but she will be blunt if pushed to her limit. Keeping herself busy is not a problem. She braids, glues, designs, ties, and creates constantly, her paws a flurry of quiet activity.

Her tiny paws are able to handle delicate projects, and she is often called upon by the Weavers to add a particular decoration to their blankets. Her delicate touch also earns her the job of setting broken bones when Roan's paws are too cumbersome.

It is when Button meets Petal that she finds her voice. Their friendship blossoms, and they begin to confide their secrets and wishes in one another, building the confidence of both mousemaids.

Though on the outside it seems Button is content to live alone working on an endless string of projects, in her heart she is hoping to catch the eye of one mouse in particular. She has certainly noticed him, but will he ever notice her?