AEL Data Services

Captive Spirits is being featured this week at AEL Data Services  https://www.facebook.com/aeldata
Go there, scroll down just a little way and see what these talented artists did to feature my book. I am totally amazed. 

In their own words:
AEL Data is an IT and ITES company specialized in ePublishing, Mobile apps development, ebooks development, Digitization and eLearning. We are the preferred vendor for most of Europe's biggest educational institutions, libraries and Government bodies.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/aeldata like the page and take a look at AEL Data Services.

Queen Alexis Volcum

On my last post I introduced you to Alexis Zentar Princess of Iskaria. I had so many views I thought I would tell a little more about Alexis. Alexis is my favorite character in Captive Spirits. In fact, she is the one that inspired the title, Captive Spirits.  I hope you enjoy the preview below. 

 Alexis’ father, Romney Zentar was the only Region Head pompous enough to call himself King. The other Region Heads allowed it as long as he did not encroach into their territory. That was just a little back story I didn’t mention before. I did talked about how, before she became Queen Alexis Volcum, Alexis was well known for her beauty and gentleness.

This time I want to introduce you to Queen Alexis of Aztar. She accepted her arranged marriage to Si Volcum.  Before she met her intended she was nervous and apprehensive. After all, Si Volcum was a legend in his own right. He had fought and won many battles in defense of his homeland, Region Elderwood. Si Volcum was a fierce opponent and feared by all his enemies. He was also known for his fairness.

When Alexis and Si were married it did not take long them to fall in love. She was secure in his ability to care for her and their children while maintaining the peace that their union had helped to bring about.  Si found that Alexis beauty and gentleness was what he had missed in his life. He loved his wife and his children more than life itself.

Then, on a day of celebration, Si and their son Lyon disappear.  All of Aztar believe them to be dead. All, that is, except Alexis. Alexis has access to some knowledge that convinces her that her husband is alive. She immediately sends out search parties.

Then something happens. Alexis is found unconscious in her garden. She is alive, but will not awaken. Her brother steps in and claims closest kin and therefore allowed to stand in her place until she awakes, or it becomes obvious she will never waken.

But Alexis does awake. After weeks of sleeping she opens her eyes to a world she does not know, a child she does not remember and a man that calls himself her brother and warns her of a deadly danger to her and her daughter. Worse than all of this, she learns she is Queen in a kingdom at war. 

All Alexis has is her intuition, and her instincts are strong. When she first sees Cordea she sees a beautiful girl of about 13 turns. Her hair is fair and her eyes a beautiful aqua. Cordea runs to her, throws her arm about her and calls her mother. Alexis does not need to be convinced that in her arms is where this child belongs. Though the sight of the child brings no recollection, the fell of Cordea in her arms is all it takes for Alexis to know this is the child of her body. Alexis knows from that point she will risk all to keep her child safe. A man enters the room and is called Uncle Ranuff by Cordea. Alexis instincts again tell her to trust this man as her brother.

Though the gentle Alexis awakes to a strange world of wars and espionage her instincts serve her well. Alexis becomes a Queen no one expects. Alexis becomes a Queen worthy of respect. She rules the kingdom with wisdom and strength. Always in the forefront of her thoughts is Cordea and keeping her safe. Alexis knows that at some point she will have to make decisions that will exact a high price for Cordea’s safety. Like her husband, she will not falter.  She will pay the price.

Alexis Volcum

In my book, Captive Spirits, I do not give the back story for Alexis Zentar or tell how she came to be Queen. So I will do that now.

                                      Alexis Zentar was born to one of the most influential houses of Aztar.

Aztar was once a beautiful world filled with great forest, rolling fields coastal marshlands and a mountain range that provided a safe passage between Regions. Aztar is now a world at war. The war, before Si became King, lasted longer than even the old ones could remember. The land, as if affected by the evil that grips the minds and spirits of the people, was slowly becoming barren.

Alexis' father, while on a trip to explore the Northern Region for fertile land, came across an ancient castle. His suspicion that it was the lost Castle Museth was confirmed when he entered and found a riches of lost script form the Holy Book, Zemeria. The book contained a prophecy so magnificent and so full of promise that King Romney Zentar from the Region Iskaria had no difficulty in proclaiming it was meant for his very own family. He returned and called a meeting of all the Great Houses of Aztar. It was plain to see that a King had to be chosen and that his own gentle and loving daughter would be the mother of the prophesied Deliverer.

Alex, well known for her beauty and gentleness, was at first taken back and frightened to imagine her father would give her in marriage to a man she had never met. The fact that her betroth was the newly elected King only frightened her more. As time grew closer, and she heard stories of her husband to be, her fears lessen. In fact she became intrigued by the stories and began to look forward to their meeting.

When she first saw her new husband her heart flutter with excitement. He was imposingly large. His hands were hard and strong, yet as gently as a soft caress as he lifted her from her carriage. His eyes were dark brown and she fancied she could see straight through to his soul. She liked what she saw. She held her heart close, not wanting to be fooled by pretty words and softly spoken sentiments. To her surprise, there were no pretty words or overly studied speeches. He spoke to her as if she were his equal. He made her feel strong and brave and special. It did not take long for him to win her heart.

As the years passed their love grew and a daughter and a son was born. Alexis had never known such love or happiness. She thanked Father Creator for the blessings he bestowed on her and prayed her children would choose the teachings of the Zemeria over the magic of the Priests.

Her happiness came to an abrupt halt when she awoke to a world she did not know, a child she did not remember a brother that warned her of a dark mystic danger and...she was Queen of a Kingdom on the verge of war.   

King Si Volcum

 Captive Spirits is my newest to be released Fantasy.  It is a story of the Legends of Aztar.  Of all my characters, Si Volcum is my favorite.

The population of Aztar elected Si to be their King. Their world had been in a state of bloody war for a very long time. Their children are being abducted and most people feel they are being killed. Others believe they are held captive somewhere.

The story starts with Si and his young son, Lyon being captured and forced to travel through the caverns to some unknown destination. Si believes he is becoming ill because of the horrific headaches he is suffering. He knows if he is to save his son, he must do something, and soon. Here is an excerpt :

Time moved slowly as the King was led through the caverns. He opened his shirt and cradled Lyon against his skin in an attempt to keep the child warm. There was little food allowed the captives, so Si fed as much of his own portion to Lyon as the child would eat. Each time they were allowed to sleep, Si would rest his back to the cold stone with his knees pulled up, Lyon tucked close to his chest and enfolded warmly in his arms. Still the child would squirm fitfully and call out to his mother in his sleep.
Si held his sleeping son and thought about their captors. It was clear now the three men were hired by someone to steal Lyon away. The only reason he was left alive was to make the transport of the child easier. He realized it was also important that the child arrive well and healthy to the ones behind this abduction.
He prayed to Boc that Alexis and Cordea were safe. He rubbed the sudden painful throb in his temple.  Perhaps the abductors were only after Lyon, but why? I swear I will see the three of you dead.

The pain in his head intensified. I can’t be sick. Not now. Why the Boc am I having these mind dulling head pains now?  Think, what was it Radsnu told me? I must think of something less disturbing, something pleasant? I have to get this pain under control.

Images of the world outside drifted through his mind. He saw tiny flowers in a multitude of colors carpeting the mountainside leaning down from his castle home. He saw Alexis, her fine black hair flowing back from her face as she played with her children in the sunshine. He could see Cordea, small and gentle like her mother, and Lyon’s joyful energy.

Oh, Alexis, do you know by now that we are gone? What are they telling you?  How are you holding up, my love? The pain returned.

To hell with pretty thoughts. He gritted his teeth and turned his gaze to his captors. 

Captive Sprits Video

http://youtu.be/27WVyWsPdJA

Well, I thought this was going to be live. I am still learning. Anyway, the link should work.

Interview with Loren Kral

Interview with Loren Kral    

I am happy to post Loren Kral’s interview done by me in January 2013. I was busy at that time working on Captive Spirits and was hoping Loren could shed some light that would help me out of my writer’s block.

Loren is married to Peter Kral and they live together in the southern area of Region Romtha. 

I hope you enjoy the interview.

M.A.A.  Loren, in the story, Captive Spirits, you and Peter have been married for several years. Could you tell me a little about how you met?

L.K.  Yes, of course. There was an outbreak of a virulent illness in the land. Only the elderly and very young were in danger of death from this plague but none of the young or elderly that contracted this horrible illness had survived. Peter has a younger brother who contracted the illness so Peter and his father came in search of my mother, who was well known for her ability to fight dead and win.

M.A.A.  So you met Peter and your mother treated his younger brother. Did his brother survive?

L.K.  Oh yes, the little fellow is not so little now and has a family of his own. It wasn’t my mother who treated him, though. My mother was old and near her time. She sent me with Peter. I can tell you, it was hard leaving her knowing she would go before I could return. Loren pats at a tear. It is the way of things.

M.A.A. I understand you also have the gift of knowing. Did you know Peter was coming or that he was the one?

L.K.  Loren folds her tissue and smiles sweetly. No, actually I did not know. My mother knew. She had prayed long and hard that the one for me would arrive before she left. When she saw Peter she knew he was for me. She told me so. 

M. A.A.  Did your gift develop after that? Did you know Peter was going to bring home the King of Aztar?

L.K.  Yes, in answer to your first question. The gift has developed as I aged and grew in understanding. As to your second question, no. The gift is not so acute, even now, that I should all things. Sometimes it is clearer than others. Though the knowing has grown within me, I am better at healing than seeing.

M.A.A. I would say that is a good thing. Caring for the King must have been very stressful.

L.K.  Fighting death is always stressful. All life is precious to me. It matters not the patient’s station in life.

M.A.A.  Well, Loren, The King is now well and Peter will soon be home from his trip to visit the Queen. Has your gift of sight revealed to you anything concerning Lyon or the King’s ability to find the little Prince?

L.K.  No, my dear, I do not know.

M.A.A. Not even a hint?

L.K. No, not even a hint at this time. I can tell you though, there are many that strive to control all around them.  Our best defense against the evil that is about to strike is knowledge and free will.

M. A. A. Thank you, Loren, for sharing with my readers today. Maybe you will come back again?

L.K. Loren’s smile is knowing and somewhat sad. Only time will tell.

Captive Spirits

Captive Spirits is now available at Kindle. I am so excited about finally having it published! I made changes right up to the last minute. Hopefully anyone that buys a copy will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.. This is my first attempt at Fantasy and I have to say it was a blast to write.

http://www.amazon.com/Captive-Spirits-Book-Legends-Aztar/dp/1482549727/

Here is the Prolog:                                

Prologue

Evil Comes:

 Ryasi Volcum gripped the stone ledge of the North tower as his eyes scanned the edge of the forest. Something evil approached. He had tried to tell the others in the castle but they wouldn’t listen. No one would listen to a servant, especially a servant with the sight. 

He hit the stone with his fist. Is all of Aztar oblivious to the foul wind?

Because of his large size, his rank cast him as nothing more than a servant. After all, his size made him a good shield to hide the tiny Royal Family. The Museth were the smallest of all the races and the smartest. It was being smart that made them special, made them the guardians of the Books of Zmeria. And as guardians, they revealed to the people only as much as they believed necessary.

 Ryasi first admitted to having the sight a season ago. He warned the King an evil was coming, evil spoken of in the Zmeria. You would think a race so well known for its wisdom and cunning would have spared a moment to consider his words. But for his warning he was beaten and told to never speak of the sight again.

It is an abomination, the King proclaimed with each lash of the whip. 

There, Ryasi saw something. It was moving closer to the castle. The wide expanse of snow-covered ground between the castle and the forest appeared to shift.  

Ryasi Volcum knew the sight was no abomination. The castle was about to fall. He had to save the Zmeria. He hurried to the hidden doorway and entered. He rushed through the tiny passage that ran between the walls. Finally he reached the hidden chamber.  

The chill that grew from his inside outward held him almost immobile, but he struggled through it. There were so many scripts. He could not carry them all. He could barely read and so had no idea what he should take. Quickly, he decided to let the sight lead him and began to stuff as many as he could push inside his clothing.  

A pain of such magnitude slammed into his head that he dropped to his knees.  He knew he was not wounded. It was a warning from the sight. He had to leave this place. He had to leave now! 

He stumbled through the darkness caused by his pain. He felt a stone on the wall that moved under his touch. A faint scent of fresh air drifted toward him from the small opening that appeared before him. He didn’t hesitate to step in the tight space. Immediately the stone slid back into place.  

Warned by his sense, he knew the evil drew closer. He prayed he had properly shut and concealed the doorway to the Zmeria Chamber. Ryasi wanted to hide the scripts he held and return to do battle, but he knew he must escape with the writings. The writings would help his world heal and then prepare to battle the Evil that would come.

Ryasi knew deep inside his soul, what he did today would determine if his people would someday reclaim Aztar. He struggled with the battle that raged inside him.  

Drawing a deep breath, he called out to Father Creator, “Give me strength, Father. I will protect the scripts as best I can, but I can not leave others behind.” As he turned the stone once again opened. Had he passed the test? 

Hurrying from the chamber he made sure he sealed the entrance. The closest chamber was the servant’s quarters. He rushed forward to the cot of Ambrose Zantar, the head keep of the servant staff.

“Wake. You must hurry, it comes.”

Ambrose woke with a start, but it took only a moment for him to understand and roll from his cot. “I will warn as many as will listen, but how do we get out?”  

“Evil comes from the east. Go out the door leading to the garden. Past the herbs there is a small gate. Just beyond the gate there is an entranced to the caverns. Go in there and wait for others to come.”  

Ryasi reached inside his shirt and withdrew several scripts. “Here, take these.  I have more in my clothes.”

Ambrose looked at Ryasi like he was mad. “We have no time for this.” When Ryasi grabbed his arm, he insisted, “Let me go, Ryasi, I must warn the others.” 

Ryasi did not release his arm. Instead he shoved the scripts toward him. “Take them. They are part of the Zmeria.”

Ambrose snatched the scripts and stuffed them in his shirt as he hurried toward the servant’s quarters. 

Ryasi’s body shook violently and he knew time ran short. He ran to the King’s quarters and burst through the door.  

King Elgin Isri was dressed and preparing for battle. “I owe you an apology, Ryasi, but there is no time now. I see them out there, though I wonder how. I never knew there were beings in that forest that could hide themselves so well.”

He tossed a sword to Ryasi, “Take this and my family with you. I know you now.” He rolled his eyes upward, “Father, forgive me my arrogance.”

Ryasi heard a noise and twirled. Behind him stood the Queen. In her arms she held Prince Elgin.

The King gestured him to hurry. “Go now, save as many as you can. I and the Royal Guard will hold them back as long as we can.”

The Queen, being from Romtha, was only slightly larger than the King and was easy to snatch up, babe in arms. Ryasi carried them both from the room. As he ran down one corridor after the other, always headed downward and toward the kitchen, he called a warning. Everyone within earshot followed him without question.

The corridor became crowded as guards ran past to do battle with an evil force they were not prepared to face and could hardly see. The sounds of battle hurried them on, some to battle, some to escape.

Ryasi and the small band that remained burst into the garden. He hurried them all to the gate and led the way to the caverns. Once inside precious few waited. Among the survivors were a few of his own tall and very large race, mostly female. The others must have chosen to stand and fight so the females could escape.

He looked about the survivors to count the numbers and the supplies. Like his own race, few men numbered among the Queen’s homeland of Romtha. The same was true of the people from Iskaria.

Most disturbing was the very few left of the Museth, the King’s race. Though the King’s race was the smallest of all the people, they were the ones that could read the Zmeria records.  Protecting the records that detailed their beginning and taught them the Father Creator’s words became the bond that kept all the people together.

It was only right that a king and protector should be chosen from the people who could read and interpret the words. Now they were a people without a home. The Evil was planted firmly in this region. No one must be allowed back in and the evil must not be allowed escape.

The memory of the King’s words drifted through his mind.

 I know you now. Ryasi wondered about its meaning.

The sounds of battle raged outside and were easily heard from their hiding place. “We can not stay here. The men out there,” he pointed to the cavern mouth, “are dying to keep our people alive. We are no less men and no less courageous for taking survivors from this place.  Go, take them further into the cavern. I will follow shortly.”

One of the men from Romtha stepped forward and turned to the small, frightened crowd, “I am called Peter. We will travel through that cavern.” He pointed to one of many openings within the large cave. “I know the way through these caverns all the way to Romtha. If there is no one within each of your races that knows the way to their own homeland, do not worry. We will find the way together.” He then led the group forward.

Again the words entered his mind. I know you now.

“Wait,” everyone turned to look at Ryasi. “Our homelands are separated by great distance.” He pulled scripts from his shirt, “Here, Peter, in case I do not return, be sure a person form one house of each region has a script. They must be protected and everyone must be allowed to study them.”

Peter nodded as he took the scripts from Ryasi.

Ryasi turned and moved to the cavern entrance.  Just outside several of the Evil Ones stood and glared in at him. Shock filled his every fiber of being. They were so close, yet they did not enter.

In his head he heard... Come out to us, human.  He placed his hands to his ears. Did they speak to him?

He watch in disbelief as the bodies shifted and changed in color. Becoming agitated, they pointed toward the trees and the tree’s branches swayed and bent into grotesque shapes. Behind the Evil Ones, the castle remained in attack as the men ran out to meet the foe in battle.

As he watched in horror the carnage before him, he realized the Evil Ones had not entered the stone castle. They didn’t have to. Every man ran out to them. 

Come out. Fight like a warrior. It would be a dishonor to you as a warrior if we come in and drag you out.

“If you could enter here you would have already.”

The Evil Ones screeched in vexation.

Sickened by the sight and knowing what he must do, he turned his back on the Evil Ones as well as the sight and sounds of his own people being slaughtered.

Ryasi hurried to catch up with the others. They traveled deep enough into the cavern to no longer hear the battle.

“We need to stop here and rest.” Ryasi walked over and took the Prince from his mother’s arms. “Sit down, I’ll hand him back when you are ready. You need to rest now.”

The Queen obeyed as if no rational thought was left to her.  When she reached up for her son Ryasi handed him to her.

“We must put a ban on the Great Forest. The ban must include the castle and the land around it,” he spoke softly to the shattered group. “Everyone must be warned to stay out of this Region.”

The Queen looked up. “We must go back. There may be survivors.”

He knelt down in front of her. “There are no survivors, my Queen. You must take care of Prince Elgin now.” 

“What is to stop them from following us?” asked Ambrose Zantar.

Ryasi rubbed his large hand across the top of his head and tried to make sense of it in his own mind. “They would not enter the caverns and they did not enter the castle. I do not understand it.” Ryasi turned his gaze to Ambrose, “They can not or will not enter the stone walls.”

Ryasi cleared his throat to address the small band. He was about to commit himself to a promise he prayed he could fulfill. “My homeland is the closet to this place. My kind has always shielded the royal family. I vow I will raise a guard to enforce the ban on this place. No one must enter, and the Evil Ones must not escape.” 

The men exchanged low rumbles of mutterings as they gathered and sat about a small fire.

Ambrose was the first to speak up, “So, we must travel only through the caverns to our homelands?” He looked to Ryasi. “Do you think the Evil has already reached our homes?”

Cottonwood Springs

Jonathan Abernathy is a man tormented by pain and addiction to laudanum. He faces life with regret for all he has lost and finds no pleasure in his existence. That is, until on one fateful day when he takes a train rides home and finds himself in Cottonwood Springs. 

Insert:

As the train slowed Jonathan noticed a sign slowly inch into view from his window.

The bright white sign had the words neatly and boldly printed in black, “Welcome to Cottonwood Springs”.

He turned and addressed Ben as the man entered the small compartment. “Why are we stopping here?”

“Oh, just a short delay. We have a problem with the engine. Wont take long to remedy, but there’s time if’n you’d like to get off here and stretch your legs. Several of tha other passengers have decided to go into Cottonwood Springs and have a bite of lunch. I know your knee pains you. Maybe a little walk about will help.”

“Is it lunch time already?”

“Yes, suh.”

“Very well, I am a bit hungry.” He patted his pocket before raising an arm for Ben’s support.

Ben helped him to the nearest exit. “You just wait right there for just a moment while I jump down and place tha steps for you.”

Jonathan watched as Ben placed the steps. “Don’t you have others that require your help, Ben? It seems to me that every time I turn around you’re right there.”

“Oh, yes suh. I help a lot of good folks, but I especially like helping you.”

Jonathan frowned, as he reached out to accept the man’s support. “I can’t see how that could be, Ben. I don’t recall saying anything nice to you in a very long time.”

Ben patted his arm, “Oh, that’s okay, suh. See, we’s friends. Have been for a long time. I knows your leg pains you, and your mind is all troubled. But ya know, friends are always there for each other. Good times as well as bad. You understand ‘bout bein’ there for tha people you care ‘bout. Just like you’re there for your parents.”

“A man would think you enjoy helping others.”

Ben laughed that rich warm laugh of his. “Yes, suh. I truly do.”

Jonathan turned at the sound of laughter. The pristine little town that sat before him amazed him. A few steps down the small rise from the tracks lay a wide red brick road. Across the road was an array of small shops, the windows of each displaying a sample of what could be found inside. Each storefront was clean and neat beyond description. Pedestrians walked slowly, stopping occasionally to peer through a sparkling glass display. The smells from the bakery floated on the breeze and his stomach growled. How long had it been sense he had felt true hunger? He patted his belly instead of his pocket and chuckled happily. It was a wonderful feeling.

“Hello.”

He glanced over at a young woman standing at his side. She’s lovely, he thought. She wasn’t what one would call beautiful, not in the classical sense, but she possessed a warmth that reached right out to you. She tilted her head and her warm, honey colored eyes twinkled.

“Hello.” He answered, feeling a little awkward.

“There are several nice cafes in town,” she raised a basket she held on her arm. “But I just happen to have a picnic lunch all packed, and I always pack extra.” Wavy light-brown hair caressed her cheeks and rested upon her small shoulders.  “Would you like to join me?”

Jonathan glanced at the basket and then back to the beautifully warm eyes. “I thank you for the invitation.” Say more. It hasn’t been that long sense you’ve spoken to a beautiful woman.  A pesky fly landed on his nose and he swatted at it. Oh, God. She’s smiling. Smile back you fool! He felt his lips twitch nervously in the execution of such an unpracticed skill. On God! Oh God! She must think me an idiot.

“My name is Rebecca. What’s yours?”

“Jon--Jonathan.” Oh,God! He nearly groaned.

Cottonwood Springs is available in Amazon Kindle

Bluebonnet Bride
Written by Best Selling Western Author Caroline Clemmons

Bluebonnet Bride is written by Caroline Clemmons, Best Selling Author of the Men of Stone Mountain Series.
Bluebonnet Bride is book number 3 in that series.

The story opens with Rosalyn, who is waiting in jail to be hanged, unjustly, for the murder of her husband. Her life has been hard and no one knows the trials she has suffered. Rosalyn’s only experience of a supportive family was provided by the two savants her father gave her on the day of her arranged marriage. Her only comfort is that her daughter, Lucy, will be cared for by the trusted servants after her death.

Things don’t always happen the way we expect, and so it is with Rosalyn. A tornado passes through town and destroys the jail. This is the chance Rosalyn prayed for. She makes her way home and with the help of her servants, who have been more family to her than her own parents, she and Lucy escape.

She and Lucy settle down in a small town and their lives take on the appearance of normalcy. Rosalyn is burdened by her past and fear of detection haunts her, especially when she falls in love with the local sheriff.

She wants more than anything to be able to tell him everything but fear of being taken back stops her. When her home burns she is sure it is because of her past. Then her daughter is put into danger. Her past is closing in. Her love for Joel is growing. Joel’s family accepts her as one of their own. How will they feel about her if the secrets she harbors are discovered?

I have read both Brazos Bride: first book in this series and High Stakes Bride: second book in this series. This third installment did not disappoint.

The series highlights the life of each brother in the Stone family. I love the way the family unity is brought out in each book, but especially in Bluebonnet Bride. Ms. Clemmons brings each character to life in such away you just know you have known them forever. I highly recommend this book.

Bluebonnet Bride is my personal favorite in the series. Of course I thought that after reading High Stakes Bride as well. Each story is a stand alone book, but the way all the family members come together in a scrap you wouldn’t want to miss a single story.

Reviewed by best Selling Author Mary Adair
*****
I give Bluebonnet Bride 5 stars

http://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Bride-Stone-Mountain-ebook/dp/B00BHOC7L8/ref=sr_1_30?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361335209&sr=1-30&keywords=caroline+clemmons

Recently my friend Caroline Clemmons posted an interview she did with one of my favorite characters from her book OUT OF THE BLUE.  I was so taken by the interview I asked her if she would mind me posting it in my blog and she graciously agreed to my request. And I am so glad she did!

If you have not read OUT OF THE BLUE, or even if you have, you should read this interview with Deirdre Dougherty. To me getting to know Deirdre more fully through the eyes of her creator just brought her more to life and made the story that much more fun.

Interview with OUT OF THE BLUE's heroine, Deirdre Dougherty

MA: I am so glad to realize that another author besides myself feels her characters are real. Of course I realize she's not, but....

Deirdre Dougherty

CC: I know what you mean. Yes, I do realize that to others, Deirdre Dougherty from OUT OF THE BLUE is not
a real person. She is very real to me. Shall we begin the interview? So, to help you understand her (and in the
hope you'll buy the book) here is an interview with Deirdre.

CC: How did you come to be an herbal healer?
DD: The women in my family have been healers as far back as we know. We grow many herbs, but we buy others in Galway City. We're also clairvoyants. Some call it he gift of sight, but for us it's been a curse. No one trusts another who has the sight. (Deirdre nods) Oh, but let them have sickness, and they come running to us then.

CC: How did your father and grandfather feel about your gift and your healing?
DD: Da was that proud of ma and me. Grandad, too, but he died in the rebellion of 1798 when Ma was a babe.

CC: Tell us about growing up in Ireland.
DD: Oh, it's a grand place is Ballymish. Right on the Atlantic, it is. How I loved to sit on a huge rock and look out over the ocean. The sea breeze tasted of salt and promise. Out cottage was
small--only two rooms and a bit of a loft--but it was filled with love. Flowers grew everywhere except the vegetable garden. Thinking on it makes my heart glad.

CC: What sort of industry was nearby?
DD: Only the marble quarry. The marble there is that pretty you wouldn't believe it. Many shades and colors. The green was my favorite. Da worked in the quarry until Eoghan the Elder killed him.

CC: Someone murdered your father? What happened?
DD: No one could prove it, but we all knew who was responsible for the rockslide that crushed poor Da. His mates took a collection for Da's burial and stone, for Da was well-liked by everyone but Eoghan. The evil man had wanted to marry Ma, but she turned him down and married Da. Eoghan harbored a grudge every day. You know the saying, "He might forget a favor, but he'll never forget a grudge." That sums up Eoghan and his son Eoghan the Younger. When I was ten, Da was raised up—you’d say promoted--it was too much for Eoghan. He killed Da.

CC: What about your Ma and your Gran?
DD:  The women in our family married late. By the time I was twenty, Gran was growing feeble. Ma and I went to Galway City to buy herbs that we couldn't grow, but Gran didn't feel up to walking that far. Da had cousins there and we stayed with them for two nights. It was like what you call a holiday vacation. When we returned, we found Gran laid out on out kitchen table and Mrs. Fraser sitting with her. The kind lady said Gran was found that morning by the road. Her head had been smashed with a large rock. Guilt and sorrow wracked Ma and me. We knew we should never have left Gran alone, and we were that sure Eoghan or his son had killed Gran.

CC: How did you come to travel through time from 1845 Ireland to 2010 Texas?
DD: Before I was born Gran had a terrifying vision. She insisted that Da and Ma dig a tunnel from the center of the cottage floor, under the cottage, and coming out about twenty yards behind the cottage. They dug a couple of hours each evening all winter long. Before dawn, Da spread the dirt on the garden or hauled it to the cliff and tossed it over. When the tunnel was completed, they planted shrubs to conceal the exit. That was the first vision that helped me.

When I was twelve, Ma made me learn to swim. Do you know they say that if a woman can swim
it proves she's a witch? So Ma rented a boat at Ishkerrig and we rowed out so no one could see us from shore. Then Ma taught me to swim in the ocean. We took off our dresses and swam wearing only our underclothes. I was that shocked the first time Ma took me out, but it was wonderful. That was the second vision that saved me.
After Ma died, I had visions of a man reaching for me. Oh, he was a handsome one, but I thought he intended to choke me. That was the third vision that affected me leaving Ballymish. Let me tell you, I was frightened. I was alone, and Eoghan the Younger had started calling me a witch. He was turning the villagers against me, when I had done no one harm. He said I cursed their potato crops and that's why the plants were dying. I knew I had to leave so I planned to walk to Galway City and stay with my cousins until I could find me own place. I packed my carryall and readied myself to leave as soon as the village was quiet.

Cathbad

 

It didn't get quiet, though. Eoghan the Younger banged on the door just before full dark. He had a mob with him and they had torches. He told me to come out, but I wasn't stupid. I scooped up my cat Cathbad and shoved him into the carryall. Quickly as I could, I moved the rug over the trap door to the tunnel and slid inside. Already I smelled the roof thatch of our lovely cottage burning. I emerged in the brush and headed for the road to Galway City. Someone spied me and the mob gave chase. They cut me off from all escape except to leap off the cliff into the Atlantic. I was so scared I prayed to Saint Brendan and Saint Brigid to deliver me. Eoghan almost caught me, but I leaped off into the sea.

CC: Good heavens, what a terrible series of events you've endured.
DD: Ah, but I've found the place I belong now. I like this Texas and my job. I won't tell too much about that or it will spoil the book for readers.

CC: Thank you Deirdre for sharing your past. I'm glad to know your future is peaceful.
DD: Peaceful? No, not atall. Well, now it is, but there was such trouble getting to the peaceful part. So many times Brendan almost died. I was near kidnapped and then almost killed. Whew, this was a scary book you wrote.

CC: Hey, it ends happily-ever-after. What more do you want? 

You can find OUT OF THE BLUE at Amazon.in print and e-book here:
http://www.amazon.com/OUT-OF-THE-BLUE-ebook/dp/B008ULBEK6/ref=sr_1_18?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354390339&sr=1-18&keywords=caroline+clemmons

In E-Book at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/212425?ref=CarolineClemmons
Nook:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-the-blue-caroline-clemmons/1100248431?ean=2940044772830

Thanks Caroline for visiting today and sharing insight on one of my favorite characters, Deirdre Dougherty.

You are so welcome, Mary. I hope your readers enjoy this interview as much as I enjoyed doing it.