The Mother Goddess

 


Author’s Note: Long before the realmwalkers ever came to Tiaera, Priestess Azurene V’Nae lived in the country of Sangrey and was a revered priestess and healer. During that time of her life, she made it a point to teach the dark elven children about the world’s goddess. It was important to her even though most of the dark elves felt that the goddess favored humans and light-skinned elves over their dark skinned brethren. This jealousy grew over the decades, but little could be done as Tiaera had only one goddess who often stressed she loved all her children regardless of size, color or race. This is an account of Priestess Azurene’s teaching for your enjoyment.

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At the appointed day and time, dark elven children of all ages and their parents entered the great cathedral of Espion and headed slowly down the long aisle. The priestess gestured for them to sit in the pews closest to the altar so they could hear and see her despite the shadowy sanctuary that smelled of incense and death. Acolytes entered from behind the altar to light candles around the area where she stood dressed in her long elegant robe. Facing her audience, Azurene waited until everyone was seated and quiet.
After a silent prayer, the lovely priestess smiled softly and began, “Welcome and listen well. I know some of you were reluctant to come today, but try to open thy hearts and ears to what I have to say. You all know the importance of learning about our history and about our faith, especially those of you who are so young and have thy future before you. Listen well and I will try to make this brief. 
“Long ago, before the recordings of our people, there roamed a powerful spirit named Astria. Since she uses a feminine name and has appeared to us as a woman, we Tiaerans refer to her as a goddess. Our historians say that Goddess Astria danced on the stars above and visited many worlds until one day she came upon a world filled with such life and beauty she lingered for a time. This world had been made by a powerful god, known to us as the Hooded Man. When the two deities met, he welcomed her with love.  He allowed her to roam and learn about his children and his creation. ‘Tis said this world was called Earth and according to her it was the 15th century, whatever that means.  When she departed that realm a part of her lingered in the memories of the people who began to call her Astria Cloudborne. To honor them, she lovingly accepted the surname.
“Astria then took what she learned about Earth and traveled afar until she came here. With her power and magnificent body, she created Tiaera. Her hands stretched and broke apart to create the countries and her fingers spread to form the mountains and valleys. Her long hair became the oceans and rivers that provide nourishment and pleasure. ‘Tis said she used her eyes to make the two moons above, but witnesses have vowed they have seen her beautiful eyes amongst the clouds. Regardless what some of us think of her, Goddess Astria Cloudborne bestowed on us her essence, which we call magic and to this day she is known as the ‘Mother Goddess.’ to us all. Aye, even those who carry hatred and envy in their hearts.
“Let not thy pride and jealousy cloud thy mind over what is true: we belong to the goddess and owe her all that we are. She and Tiaera are one. This is our home and she is our creator. Serve with humility and love. Heed my words lest thy malice towards her leads you or thy loved ones to death without no hope of resurrection. 'Tis what healers call Eternal Death. Any questions?”
The priestess observed the uneasy silence of those seated before her and hoped with all her heart this would help quell the talk of rebellion and potential violence she had heard about. Only time would tell if her efforts to reach out to her people on behalf of the Mother Goddess helped, especially the young, before it was too late.
As promised, here is a new illustration for the readers of my blog. This is Orbey, Audrey's pet gazer. He is just over a foot tall from bottom tentacles to the top ones. He does have two ears at either side of his big eye. If you look a little closer, you may notice they have a curvy rim that moves to enhance Orbey's hearing. His teeth are sharp and his appetite is rather similar to that of a goat. In other words, he is capable of eating almost anything that is chewable i.e. cloth, wood, paper, meat, veggies, breads, flowers, etc... This poses a problem for Audrey as he has been known to chew her precious cookbooks. He is very friendly but cries a lot whenever he is forced to spend time in his metal cage. He likes to either walk around on his two bottom tentacles, careful not to hurt his bottom eyes, or hover around magically like a weak balloon. If he eats too much, he is capable of floating up to great heights, even up into the clouds. Tavisan sometimes takes him out for exercise and fresh air, tying a leash to one of his tentacles to keep him from floating away and thus getting lost.

Leave a comment or ask me any questions you may have about this unusual creature. I will answer as I can without giving anything away as he is a character in "Realmwalkers."

Chapter One of "Realmwalkers"



For those of you who would like to read the first chapter of Realmwalkers, I have created a downloadable PDF file. Click Realmwalkers Preview to read it.  Once you are done reading it, to close the PDF window, just click on the Back Arrow button at the top left corner of the browser.

"Realmwalkers" is now at Hastings Book Store!

It's been a busy August and September. Between selling books, I went on vacation for two weeks and then I went on a four day retreat to a guest ranch. But now I am back home again and ready to continue promoting and selling Realmwalkers. I hope you all have been enjoying a terrific summer!

Last Monday, I went to my local Hastings Book Store and made a deal there to sell Realmwalkers. So many people have asked me if the book was at Hastings that I made it a point to take several copies there and sign a contract. These copies are only available at the Lake Havasu City branch but later this month, I will be driving up to Bullhead City with more books to sell at the Hastings branch there. Kingman is a bit of a drive, but if sales go well in Bullhead City and in Lake Havasu, I may expand.

And more good news! On November 12th (from 10 - 2pm), I will be at the Lake Havasu City Hastings for my very first Book Signing! I am already working on making flyers and postcards to promote the event and I will be giving away free Realmwalkers bookmarkers and candy to everyone who comes to say hello. Another shipment of books is on its way so I have plenty on hand to sell and autograph to those who can make it. I know many of you won't be in the area, but keep me your thoughts and prayers for a successful event anyway. If you have any advice on how to prepare for a book signing, please leave me comments here. I would really appreciate it.

Response to the book has been limited so far, but positive! Marketing takes a lot of time and work but someone has to do it. Thank you all for your support and encouragment. I welcome any helpful feedback to improve my writing for any future stories whether they be in book form or online.

Marketing and Future Plans

The books have been selling nicely as many friends and fellow writers have stepped up to buy a book. Such support has been very touching and exciting as I continue to promote wherever I can.  Most of my marketing supplies are homemade, but effective in getting the word out locally. I also found out that some online book sellers like Amazon.com are now selling Realmwalkers. I can't sign those, but they are fast and in a few cases even less expensive than I can sell here at my blog.

One day soon, I hope to get back to writing my short stories featuring some of the characters in the book which I will post here. There will be more maps here soon, as well as a glossary to help out with some of the archaic words used in the book. I also plan to draw some more illustrations to post here along with the stories. Stop by and subscribe here for future updates.

More than a Novel


Book Cover Design
Realmwalkers is a 6" X 9" softcover book that weighs just under 2 lbs. It has 460 pages of text and graphics and is just over 1" thick.  It has 21 full page illustrations and 10 small images, artwork and graphics that took me hours to draw and enhance by computer. This is no pocket size novel and I chose this size so you wouldn't have to squint to read it. The cover is printed on 10pt stock, full color and laminated for durability. The interior paper is not the cheap, thin greyish newspaper used in many novels on the market.  It is library-quality with professional trade paperback binding and sturdy 60 lb. bright white paper.

Title Page
World Map and First Chapter

The Books are Here!

This is a very exciting time for me as I pack the books received into their large bubble-wrapped packages. I have sold several by internet and even more locally to friends and neighbors. I have decided to cover the loose page ends with cardstock so that while it is in transit, it will be protected from bending or folding. It's important to me that the book arrives in perfect condition. And while this shipment lasts, if anyone orders a book here, I will be able to package and mail it the following day. Their book should arrive in 2 - 7 working days.

Order your books now!

I am taking orders now. The book shipment will be here by Aug 2nd and I will autograph any orders and mail them out to you as soon as possible. Click on the scroll to the left and use the secure Paypal order form. I will be notified of your payment and order and send you "Realmwalkers" as soon as I can.

Realmwalkers Shipment due August 2nd!

I spent the last week finalizing the second proof copy of Realmwalkers. It has a new background that looks a little darker but clearer than the first background. My first shipment is due next Aug. 2nd and so I shall be bringing a few books to sell at the following LHCWG meeting. Most of this order is already "spoken for", but books will still be available though this blog and through my eStore online. If you don't live in Lake Havasu City, Laughlin or Bullhead City, you may want to use this blog site to place an order.

I will be putting up a "BUY ME" button here very in the next few days. Come back soon and look for it. The "Buy Me" button is from Paypal who will accept major credit card and Paypal payments.  I will get your payment from Paypal and will send you an autographed copy of the novel directly to you.

Realmwalkers will also be available at Amazon.com and other outlets. I am currently looking into doing a booksigning at Hastings.

Leave any questions or comments if you are interested. If you want a chapter sample, I can email you a copy of that.

Thanks again to my friends and family who have been so supportive. Very excited! =D

Preview "Realmwalkers" Now

Appearing mysteriously in a medieval world of magic and beauty, a young woman pulls herself from a secluded lake and discovers she has lost her memory. In order to survive, she struggles to find work and learns about the world of Tiaera until she meets three immortal realmwalkers and a “sentry” of incredible futuristic technology. Led by a powerful lightchild, Alain Harper, the realmwalkers reveal they come from a realm light years away, on a mission to help Tiaera’s goddess, Astria, and her people fight the devastating attacks from monstrous creatures and evil god-like beings. When the realmwalkers try to restore Solita’s memory, they soon realize that she is not just a cosmically displaced woman with amnesia, but also a key figure in the ultimate battle to save Tiaera from total destruction.

Click the link here to get to the Preview site and feel free to leave us some feedback.  It's free and NO registration needed.  Just read and enjoy!

Thanks to all our friends and fans for your constructive criticism and encouragement. I hope you like this preview.

Preview of Realmwalkers

REALMWALKERS is Coming Soon!

Audrey and Carlyn stand outside a bookseller shoppe and see the new book being displayed.  The book cover features a bow and quiver, a strange looking 'window' with the image of Tiaera inside it and a long sword.

"Hmmm... a book about welmwalkeos?" says Audrey, pointing with her little gnomish finger.  "I wondeo if Masteo Alain knows 'bout dis."


Carlyn isn't impressed. "I thought we were going to the tavern. I can't read anything while I am thinking about a nice cold brew." 


" Okies, I doubt we will be in da book anyways. Let us away. I wanna a dwink too."