At Last!

I've been busy these past few months. You now are able to read several of my books and a short story on Wattpad. You will find me there as "lavalily," but by clicking on the following links, you can get there faster. The books are free at this point, so I invite you to read them and give me your vote.

Pele's Fire (a novel)

Pele Martin is a privileged young Jamaican woman at the center of a tangled account developing among three families, all brought together by the murder of one vile man, Samuel Bolger, Jr. Bolger’s atrocities touch too many lives, not only of those he despises, but of the ones he cherishes. All of his victims hate him enough to do the deed. Which survivor is brave enough to carry it through?

 Shadowy River (a novel)

Fran Keeton, liberal pastor of a Community Church, has been newly appointed by her bishop to lead a parish in the conservative South. A hostile element in the small community of Piney Falls, Mississippi believes the biblical injunction that any woman who dares to preach is a witch and must be destroyed. The three pastors immediately preceding her have died under mysterious circumstances. Will she be the fourth?

  The Window of Truth  (a short story)

All created planets have managed to destroy themselves. Could the birth of a new planet bring peace to the Universe at last?

* * * * *

Pele's Fire is the first in a series and Shadowy River is the second. Other books in the series will follow. Some characters may appear in each of the books, but the books may be read independently and in no particular order.

Is This Your Year?

This blog is about writing, so naturally you would think I’m talking about “your year” as the one when you will sit down on your chair and start writing, or complete a manuscript you have started.

Yes, I am talking about writing, not only for you but for myself as well. We all probably could spend more time seated firmly on our chairs in front of a keyboard or a piece of paper with a pen.

There are other projects, however, that I imagine you can think about that you want to do and have been putting off for one reason or another.

I’m not one to make New Year’s Resolutions, but there is usually something on my mind that I want to accomplish, complete or even begin. Actually starting whatever it is we’ve thought about is the tough part, isn’t it?

We hear a lot about “baby steps,” and I’m going to talk about that, too. Sit down with a notebook and list everything that is connected to your project, whether it’s a book or a garden.

Write down all the steps involved, and then decide on one that would be a start. It doesn’t have to be a major step. It could be as simple as buying a packet of seeds or buying a notebook to keep with you at all times.

I want to write on this blog more often, so my first step was to actually put it on my calendar at regular intervals, rather than leave it to chance. I invite you to share your first steps here in your comments.

TIP: Find someone you trust and tell that person what your first step is, and together set a date for it to be done. Being accountable to one other person is important to make this work.

CLMcK

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2013! 

The last time I wrote it was the New Year of 2012!

During this past year,

I've been busy writing, editing, and seeking publication

so you can read the fantasies and stories I offer.

I wish all of you an incredible New Year!

Stay tuned for new books.

CLMcK

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I normally don’t add photos to my post, but I know a young woman who does glass art and this dragon is one of her creations. I couldn’t resist adding it here because the Chinese Year of the Dragon 4710 begins today!

Dragons seem to be synonymous with fantasy. The most famous of fantasy authors rely on at least one wonderful (or dreadful) dragon in the stories.

What do dragons signify? A good description of each signs in the Chinese Zodiac can be found here. Go here to see if you were born under the Dragon.

I prefer to think about what the dragon represents in fantastical tales. What are the words you think of when dragons come to mind? Fire? Passion? Mystery? Something primeval? A mythical creature? A dragon is all of that and more, but the dragon will always have meaning for each of us individually.

I am so intrigued by dragons that I may need to start writing about them.

TIP: In your idea notebook (you do have one, don’t you?), jot down all the ideas and meanings that come to you about dragons. How can you these ideas in a story?

CLMcK

It's All Fantasy, Isn't It?

It’s been nine long months since I last posted something here. Please know that I have not been sitting around playing with my cat, as much fun as that can be.

If you are looking for my fantasy writing, watch for Darcy de Sahba on Kindle, about a young were-tigress and her journey quest. It has not been put on the market yet, but will be soon. I’ll keep you posted.

Actually, I’ve started writing in a new genre. I love fantasy the way I’ve been writing, and what I’m writing now is still fantasy in the sense that I described in my March 10, 2011 post. In other words, fantasy is something that has not happened – yet.

The new genre I’m exploring is mystery, specifically a genre known as “cozy mystery.” The characters are all fantasies in my mind living ordinary lives, and yet involved in extraordinary mysterious events. You won’t find much in the way of gruesome scenes or explicit XXX-rated material. I may read that kind of stuff written by other authors, but I don’t find myself drawn to write it. As a rule, the mystery is not solved by detectives, but by regular people like you or me.

TIP: Look around you at the everyday people in your life and fantasize about them involved in solving a small mystery. Take one and write a scene.

CLMcK

SPRING!!

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

I’m suffering from Spring Fever! Does anyone else find it difficult to write when you want to go outside and enjoy the fresh breezes? Trade winds are blowing here, trees are bending, skies are clear, and I can’t seem to focus on a new story.

TIP: When you are experiencing a block in your thought processes, take a walk.

CLMcK

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Today, everyone is Irish – or pretends to be! Since I have a bit o’ the Irish in me, as well as the Scottish, I take pride in the wearin’ o’ the green today. I certainly don’t want to get pinched!]

The Irish world is full of fantasy and Wee Folk. We have our mischief maker, the  Leprechaun; our harbinger of death, the banshee; and the beloved faierie  spirits and sprites. We have dwarfs and gnomes, pixies and elves – anything your fancy desires.

 When you are writing fantasy, these various fantasy folk of Ireland make wonderful characters. Each has a specific personality and behavioral traits. I’m not sure which of them is my favorite, but I know I’ll find a place for each of them in future stories.

 Until then, I leave you with an Irish blessing for this day:

May the love and protection

Saint Patrick can give

Be yours in abundance

As long as you live.

TIP: Read all you can about the traditions and legends that surround these creatures as you begin your journey into fantasy-land.

CLMcK