New Tolkien: The Man Who Made Middle Earth
A little more Tolkien. Thanks to Kristen Twardowski for this post on a new book and the Tolkien exhibit at the Bodleian Library in Oxford in 2018.
Facebook Launch: March 20, 6pm PST
I am trying something new. I’ve read about it. I’ve thought about it. And now I’m going to do it. It’s an online book launch through Facebook.
How did I do it?
I set up an event on my Facebook page: WL Hawkin Author Page
Then invited friends. Now, I’m inviting you. Please share this on social media.
The Details:
The event is set for Spring Equinox: Monday March 20, 2017 from 6-8pm Pacific time. I’m hoping that way, some of my friends in the East can come by too.
My Plan:
Being an INFP, I am not very good at rigid time frames and scheduling. I am much more comfortable with feeling my way. So that’s what I’m going to do. I will post every few minutes, and be online to reply to comments and questions. I’ll be launching my latest book, To Sleep with Stones, which goes on sale that day. This is Book Two in the Hollystone Mysteries, the sequel to To Charm a Killer. At the same time, I’ll be celebrating Spring Equinox. During the launch, we will explore locations in Scotland, learn about Hollystone Coven and their spiritual practices, and meet some of the characters. I can talk a little about my research and writing process with this book.
Anyone who comments or asks a question will be included in a random draw for three printed copies of the book. I will give people 24 hours to post, as I know that not everyone can make it to that two-hour Pacific time slot, so I’ll draw at 6pm on Tuesday.
Posts will remain up on my page, so if you miss the event, you can still come by and leave a comment or question.
Please do come by and say hello. Just click here to join the celebration.
Blessings ~Wendy
Norse Mythology
I’m currently reading Neil Gaiman’s latest book: Norse Mythology. This morning he posted this review on Twitter.
via Review: Neil Gaiman, ‘Norse Mythology’
The reviewer presents a good summary of the book, but I agree with @neilhimself that his review is wrought with Christian perspective. There is a sense that the “reverent kings” did not have blood on their hands like the pagan invaders; that the bible was the answer to the pagan problem. We, in Canada, know very well where that theory led us.
Would I be terrified by the appearance of Viking ships on the horizon? Yes. But, I’d be just as terrified by an invasion by any “other” tribe that was not my own. That’s why I applaud series like The Last Kingdom and Vikings that illustrate there was/is blood on all hands, but also mercy, kindness, and humour lurks in all hearts.
Indie Author Fringe
Right now, the Indie Author Fringe event is happening online. This is a FREE conference featuring sessions and speakers. You don’t have to be an independent author to gain from sessions–this is about writing and publishing.
If you can’t attend in this moment, sessions are available later on video. Check out the link below for info on the Fringe.
Also, in celebration of this event, Ingram Spark is waiving their book setup fees for the month of March. If you happen to have a manuscript and cover ready to go, you’re in luck. That’s what happened for me this year.
via Fringe Newcomers: Read This First | Self-Publishing Advice Center
#IndieAuthorFringe
Friday: Words from Faerie
Here it is St. Patrick’s Day, and me with no words from Faerie. Tragic and ironic, that is. I decided, under the circumstances, it was best to let my Irish witch speak.
This is a scene from To Charm a Killer. Maggie’s just been packed off to Ireland for safe keeping and met up with Primrose, her fey protector. The two girls are lunching at The Quays on Shop Street in Galway. And, wouldn’t I like to be there myself today. Enjoy the memory and the moment. Sláinte.
Primrose whisked off her cap as they settled into one of the wooden snugs and Maggie was startled to see that her shaved head was tattooed in colourful swirling symbols. Seeing her fascination, Primrose bowed forward to reveal the heart of the design—an intricately patterned mandala etched on the top of her skull. Three violet trees with intertwining roots formed the centre, while their branches connected in a circular knot. Between the trees were coiled spirals in emerald green. Another circle of knots wrapped around the first and split near the base of her skull into two trails that merged at the top of her spine.
“That’s amazing. Does it go all the way down your back?”
“Aye, and ends in a serpent’s tail. St. Patrick did not rid Éireann of all the snakes. A few of us survived.”