Rachel Rossano's Words

Sweet Saturday Sample

2012-01-28T09:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. For the rest of the chocolate box, please go here. My offering this week is a bit from my current work in process, Duty. Please excuse any typos and or errors. I haven't edited it yet. (One note, the story is told from the point of view of Brielle in first person, but she doesn't speak until the end of the sample.)

~~~

Taltana, the village midwife and wise woman, took the news of her only son’s death without the release of tears. Her face stilled, the light in her eyes dimmed, and she stared at the mud wall over the record-keeper’s shoulder.

“Marriage status?” he asked.

“Widowed last spring.” Unmoving except her mouth, Taltana’s life withered before my eyes.

“Age?”

She flinched and shook her head as though dispelling a dream before looking at the man bent over the leather encased tome. “Thirty-seven summers.”

His pen scratched the parchment. “Do you own property?”

“I maintain the western most hovel, the garden beyond, and a one day’s plow in Lord Solarius’s fields.”

The recorder grunted and wrote. Then without lifting the tip of the pen, he asked, “Do you wish to marry or pay the price to remain unwed? Either choice requires you house three men under your roof for the winter season. They shall contribute to the household. If you marry, your husband will protect you.”

“What is the cost of saying nay?”

“A month’s measure of grain or an animal from your flock or herd.”

“How can you put a price on her …” Antano’s grip on my upper arm silenced me.

The record-keeper’s pen paused, but he didn’t lift his head.

“No interference,” Antano reminded me softly.

~~~

Thoughts?

Thank you for visiting. Please stop by again. :) Please go here for more sweet samples.

Have a wonderful weekend.

- Rachel Rossano

Creating a Button

2012-01-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

Okay, I have been doing this writing/indie publishing/blogging/web promotion stuff for ... um ... years. My point is I should know my way around most of this web stuff. I am an indie author after all, a do-it-yourself-er of many skills.

Well, I would be the first to tell you I don't know squat and am usually figuring out things at the last minute. This would be a perfect example of the last minute scramble. Somebody wanted to list my blog on their website. (Hurray! Free promotion!) Then they asked me for my button. *panicked scramble* (I didn't have one created or on hand.) She used my latest book cover as an alternative.

To help you avoid doing the same thing as I did (cramming at the last minute to learn something), I am going to share with you my resource. Last night I created this...

It is my first blog button. If you would like to learn how to create your own, I would love to share my resource and give back a bit in exchange for the help I received.

Here is the tutorial -
http://oikology101.blogspot.com/2008/09/make-your-own-button-for-your-blogger.html

If you have a blog or website of your own, I would appreciate if you would spread the word about mine. Grab the code for the button in the column on the right and share the fun. :)

Happy blogging and reading,

Rachel Rossano

Sweet Saturday Sample

2012-01-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. Here is more Word and Deed for your Saturday. For more samples, please click here.

~~~

Catching my forearm, he pulled me to the wall. I knew I should resist, but I didn’t want to. We huddled, hidden from the rest of the garden by the thick limbs and needle-heavy branches of a pine. With barely space for the two of us to stand, my nose came level with the lacings on his jerkin. I lifted my chin to look up into his face. The scents of evergreen and leather filled my senses.

“We are worried for your safety, my maid.”

“You and Silvanticus?”

The blue of his eye deepened. “Aye. Be careful. Stay aware of your surroundings, bar the door to the garden when not without, and only eat what Ealdine serves you.” He slid his hand from my arm to my waist and pulled me a half step closer. Any farther and I would hurt my neck to look at him. “Promise me?” he urged, a strange tone to his voice.

“I will.”

Instead of releasing me, he studied me as though to assess my earnestness.

Heart beat quickened, but not from fear, I returned his scrutiny. My hands rested on his chest, trapped between us. The steady thump of his heart beneath them assured me I wasn’t dreaming this. A war broke out betwixt the desire to press closer to him and the reality I was another’s by law.

“I am betrothed to Silvanticus.” The words were more of a reluctant reminder to me than rebuke for him.

~~~

Blurb -

Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.

Verity Favian's father dies unexpectedly. Her half-brother, Verdon, lays claim to all their father left behind: title, castle, and her. Verdon cannot touch the land set aside for her dowry so he offers her hand for sale to the highest bidder. Lord Silvanticus, a man renowned for his military power and close ties to the king, makes the winning bid. Despite the rumors of Silvanticus’ madness and cruelty, Verdon accepts.

Verdon locks her away in a tower. She is not sure if he seeks to prevent her from fleeing the marriage or spreading the truth only she seems willing to speak: Verdon killed their father. Either way, her time is running out.

Word and Deed

now available on

Amazon for 99 cents

A Wonderful Review for The Crown of Anavrea

2012-01-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

The Crown of Anavrea is in the spotlight today. Not only did I mention it in my Nosey interview, but it is featured on Tifferz Book Review today. Stop over and read her take on the first book of the Theodoric Saga.

Tifferz keeps a great blog. I recommend you poke around. You might discover a new author. :)

I. B. Nosey Interview

2012-01-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

I have been interviewed by I. B. Nosey of Gum Drop Island.

He asked all kinds of unusual questions about The Crown of Anavrea.

I drop some hints about the sequel, The King of Anavrea.

Stop over for a bit of fun and laughter.

I think you will enjoy it. :)

A Glimpse at the Editing Process

2012-01-17T13:01:00.000-05:00

I have a rare chance for you today. My new editor, Ranee Clark has posted a section of Word and Deed's first draft along with her comments. Below is the finished product.

This is a great opportunity for you to see the transition from rough work to polished work. Please drop over to Ranee's blog and say hi. :)

- Rachel Rossano

The finished section of Word and Deed:

Chapter One

“You are weak, Verdon. You kill like a woman!” I glared at my half-brother.

His narrow shoulders tensed. A hush fell over our late father’s great hall. The dog lying before the hearth groaned loudly.

Sick with anger and helplessness, I gloried in his reaction. He condemned me to a living death, marriage to a man some considered unsettled. Still I could evoke fire in my frigid sibling. I knew his soft places where the words would sting most. Rage prodded me on.

“Your mother would writhe in her grave if she saw the slovenly murderer she brought forth. It would be better for her if you never lived.”

“Hush, Verity, hush.” My old nurse’s hands trembled where they gripped my arm. Ealdine served more as a companion now that I reached adulthood.

She had good reason to cower. My cheek still stung from Verdon’s last loss of composure. Wisdom urged me to let go of the burning emotion in my gut. Yet the anger demanded I rant or sob.

I refused to give Verdon the satisfaction of tears.

His fingers closed on the hilt of our father’s sword. My sword. Our father promised it to me, yet Verdon refused me even that. I unleashed the final blow.

“Our father would rise up and call you coward for this act. Selling me to a mad man will not silence my tongue.”

The impact of his fist snapped my head back. I welcomed the pain. It grounded the anger, distracting me from the agony in my chest that began with our father’s death. The grief ached with every breath those moments I missed him most. I was helpless without Father’s protection, a fact never more clear than now.

Another blow, this time behind my right ear, rocked my sense of the earth. The crack of my skull on the stone echoed, preceding searing pain. A fog blanketed my senses. The hand I lifted to my scalp came away red.

“Foolish move, Ravenridge.” Sir Hirion’s face wavered above me. I blinked, but he remained out of focus.

“Lord Silvaticus paid for a living bride, not a corpse. If you wish to remain in Silvaticus’ favor, she should be well and whole when he arrives.”

“A fortnight is time enough for her to heal. I have not left a lasting mark on her features, only her head. He will see nothing amiss. Now lock her in the tower. I grow weary of her lies.”

Rough hands lifted me from the floor. Ealdine’s pleas for caution grew distant as my senses finally faded.

~~~~~

Dust and taste of mold assaulted my tongue. The convulsion of my sneeze morphed into a cry of agony. I ached as though trampled by a horse.

“Hush, love, calm.” Cool hands touched my face and then stroked my wrists. “Hush. The pain will pass.”

“I …” My attempt to speak grated my throat raw. Unbidden tears pricked at my eyes. I would not cry. “Wat …”

A cool, wet rim pressed to my mouth. I drank. The fluid tasted ill. I would have spit, but I needed the moisture.

“It rained last night, and I didn’t have a clean vessel. Your brother allowed you water, but not enough,” Ealdine explained. She offered the cup again. I drank with gratitude. Once my thirst was quenched, I pushed it away.

“I was foolish.”

“Child, words spoken in anger are rarely wise.”

“The apology will hurt my pride thrice the agony of my headache.”

“Humility takes strength to cultivate.” She spoke the words of my sire.

“Aye.”

I opened my eyes slowly. The light, filtered through the lattice over the window, pierced my eyes. I grimaced up at the wooden ceiling beams.

“The tower again?” I croaked. Only three months ago I stared up at these beams. Then I gave little thought to my surroundings, too ill with grief to care. Father newly dead, Verdon, drunk with power, banished me and my whetted tongue.

Then his marriage plans gained me the reprieve. Dangling like a lure before all the rich and powerful nobles, I had smiled and kept my tongue silent. Lords and knights alike evaluated me with bored or lecherous features. They placed a price on my hand, womb, and inheritance. Apparently, the last was the crucial attribute to my new lord and master.

Lord Silvaticus purchased me without bothering to lay eyes on me. He witnessed instead the perfection of my land and coveted the strategic value of the cliffs on the southern coast. He wished to build a fortress. Hardly a flattering decision.

I dreamed like any other maid of a mate who loved me in word and deed. The hope poisoned by my brother’s greed died with the betrothal announcement. I was now the property of Lord Silvanticus, a man with a heart of ice. All he had to do was come claim me.

“Your brother decreed you are to speak with none but me until your husband comes to claim you. I am only to attend you three hours each day.” Ealdine fussed with my bandage. My head still throbbed, further reminder to keep my temper before Verdon.

“Did he ban the garden?”

“Nay, you are allowed exercise within the walls, but the gate has been barred from without.”

“He wishes me to crave human contact.”

Verdon also knew the chinks in my armor. After the previous confinement, I sought contact, conversation, and interaction with others.

“If he wished that, he would have denied you me also.” Ealdine stroked my forehead, hands soft with age. “Now sleep. You need rest.”

My skull pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat. I closed my eyes and attempted to sleep. I would write my apology in the morn.

-----

Available on Amazon for 99 cents

Sweet Saturday Samples - Word and Deed

2012-01-14T07:00:00.009-05:00

Welcome to my Sweet Saturday Sample post. To catch some more samples go here.

Thank you for stopping by. This has been a big week for me. I added another year to my age and I released a new short story. For Sweet Saturday Sample regulars, you might recognize the title. The cover and the heroine's name changed, but in essence the story remains the same.

Now for a new sample of Word and Deed.

~~~

“You are weak, Verdon. You kill like a woman!” I glared at my half-brother.

His narrow shoulders tensed. A hush fell over our late father’s great hall. The dog lying before the hearth groaned loudly.

Sick with anger and helplessness, I gloried in his reaction. He condemned me to a living death, marriage to a man some considered unsettled. Still I could evoke fire in my frigid sibling. I knew his soft places where the words would sting most. Rage prodded me on.

“Your mother would writhe in her grave if she saw the slovenly murderer she brought forth. It would be better for her if you never lived.”

“Hush, Verity, hush.” My old nurse’s hands trembled where they gripped my arm. Ealdine served more as a companion now that I reached adulthood.

She had good reason to cower. My cheek still stung from Verdon’s last loss of composure. Wisdom urged me to let go of the burning emotion in my gut. Yet the anger demanded I rant or sob.

~~~

Only 99 cents!

Available on Amazon

and Smashwords

Blurb -

Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.

For more Sweet Samples click here.

Word and Deed's Book Trailer

2012-01-13T16:07:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is Word and Deed's book trailer. I hope you enjoy it.

It is available on Amazon for 99 cents.

Also, if you don't have a Kindle or not a fan of Amazon,

it is available on Smashwords in multiple formats.

Publishing News and Update!

2012-01-12T16:39:00.001-05:00

Whew, what a day!

Since my last update only a week ago my writing life has been full. Perhaps it is to make up for the holidays. So, on to the announcements. Be warned this is a long post. Please bare with me.

I am publishing Word and Deed!

At this very moment, the e-book publishing machine is working on the conversions and details.

Blurb -

Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.

Verity Favian's father dies unexpectedly. Her half-brother, Verdon, lays claim to all their father left behind: title, castle, and her. Verdon cannot touch the land set aside for her dowry so he offers her hand for sale to the highest bidder. Lord Silvanticus, a man renowned for his military power and close ties to the king, makes the winning bid. Despite the rumors of Silvanticus’ madness and cruelty, Verdon accepts.

Verdon locks her away in a tower. She is not sure if he seeks to prevent her from fleeing the marriage or spreading the truth only she seems willing to speak: Verdon killed their father. Either way, her time is running out.

Word and Deed will be available on Amazon and Smashwords for 99 cents.

For those of you who are print-only readers, I feel for you. I tried to figure out a way to make it fiscally possible to bring this one to you in print for a reasonable price. Alas, I was not about to find a way. However, there is hope. I am working away on the story from the Opening Line Contest and the Name that Character Contest. Brielle is shaping up to be a perfect paring for Verity. Once that Duty (Brielle's story) is finished and polished, I intend to release the two of them in print together.

In promotion and free stuff arena

Ranee S. Clark has graciously hosted some of my flash fiction on her blog. Feel free to hop over there and enjoy a short piece of my writing called Blonde Stranger. I would also like to sing Ranee's praises. She is a wonderful editor and works for very reasonable fees. If you are a writer, I would recommend you stop over on her basic editing services page while you are on her blog.

In my book trailer and cover creation arena

I polished off two covers (one is the Word and Deed cover above) and two trailers this week.

The first book trailer was for a client, the lovely Joyce DiPastena and her novel Loyalty's Web. I recommend the book highly and hope you check it out if you are a historical romance reader. It is sweet, clean (no smut or such) and very well written.

For my other video from this week, Word and Deed's book trailer, you will need to come back tomorrow. This post is too long as it is. Also, on Saturday, the Sweet Saturday Samples return with an excerpt from Word and Deed. Also, stay tuned for Release Party news. I haven't decided what to do, but I intend to celebrate somehow. :)

Thanks for your patience.

~ Rachel Rossano

What did you think of the book trailer?

Something Fun

2012-01-10T18:41:00.000-05:00

Old and New Plans for 2012

2012-01-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

I am finally grabbing a few moments to record my writing goals for 2012. These lists inspire and excite me, but they also keep me grounded. Besides, I hope you like knowing what is on my agenda for the year.

Word & Deed - (short story, Medieval, romance, mystery, suspense) This one is in editing. I am halfway through the first round of hubby edits, then it is off to the editor. Once the final draft is polished, only a few steps will remain before release. I already have the cover and book trailer close to completion.

Diaspora - (short story, science fiction, prequel to Exchange, romance) This one awaits editing. Cover and book trailer are also close to completion but the editing is waiting until W&D and hubby's schooling is done (April). I am plannning on trying to move it along faster, but we shall see. I already have a lot on my plate.

The King of Anavrea - (novel, sequel to The Crown of Anavrea, romance, fantasy, intrigue, politics) In editing I have barely begun. Part of the problem has been solved, now the issue is time to spend on it. Don't worry, Lirth is pestering me. She wants to talk and I want to catch it on the page. Ireic waits patiently, but I fear his patience is reaching its limit. I want this one to hit shelves by the end of the year.

Wren Romany - (fantasy, adventure, romance, Medieval-ish, part of The Romany Epistles) I am almost ready to send this one to the editor. Yeah! Do I hear cheering? :) I need to finish my read through first. I am not as in control of when this one will hit shelves, but I am optimistic that it will make great strides in that direction before the end of the year. I am beginning to contemplate cover ideas for it and all the other Romany novels. :)

Duty - (short story, adventure, romance, Medieval, set in the world of The Theodoric Saga, started out as an opening line competition) Brielle has gained her name and three chapters (4,125 words). I have plotted out seven more scenes up to the climax. As per usual, even I don't know the ending. What I do know is there are two villains. Romance, betrayal, and resolution will come and hopefully Brielle and you (the reader) will fall in love with the hero, Lord Irvaine along the way. So, my goal for the year for this one is to get it written. I will be elated if I get into print too by year end. Don't worry, Abigail, I shall finish. :)

The White Bear - (contemporary retelling of East of the Sun West of the Moon, romance, inspirational) This one simply needs to get written.

Ethan & Mariah - (Regency, romance, historical, mystery) Their story is another one of those I need to pick up and write. They keep haunting me.

Projects for others - I have to read/edit Justin and Aiden for Charissa Lees. I have three book trailers lined up for Joyce DiPastena. I hope to have the first finished before the end of the month (hopefully sooner).

Promotion - The ever looming task that most authors fear, me included. Yet it must be done. :)

Unwritten ideas floating about my head -

In another prequel for Exchange, Myah & Ruhan struggle to conceive a child while relations between the Diaspora and the Earthwarders strain beneath rumors of selective murder on Earth of those carrying the mutated gene, the Diaspora Gene.

Then there is the sequel to Exchange, Ramend's story. That one is a bit fuzzier, but I am looking forward to finding a woman to knock Ramend off his overconfident feet. She is out there, I just haven't found her yet. :)

I still need to write at least one, possibly two more flash fiction bits to finish off Svhen's story from Blond Stranger and Tragedy.

It looks like it is going to be a very full year. :) I look forward to sharing it with you all.

Which projects are you most eager to read and why?

Book Trailer Contest

2011-12-21T21:38:00.000-05:00

My book trailer for "The Crown of Anavrea" (#18) is in a book trailer contest. If you like it, I would love your vote. Voting is open through December 26th.

http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/

Thank you,

Rachel Rossano

Special Feature Alert!

2011-12-20T13:41:00.000-05:00

If you are a fan of Exchange (a science fiction short story) or simply interested in possibly reading it some day, this is for you.

Ranee Clark is hosting a bit of flash fiction, titled Foreboding, on her blog. Stop by and enjoy. :)

- Rachel Rossano

Saturday Sample Excerpt and the reveal for the Name that Character contest

2011-12-10T08:00:00.029-05:00

Welcome! This post has a dual purpose. It is this week's Sweet Saturday Sample (click here for the rest of them). The second intent is to reveal of the winning character names for those who participated in the "Name the Character" contest past this week.

This is a very rough bit of a new short story still being written. Please excuse any typos.

~~~

"The red one is mine," he said.

I didn’t raise my head although instinct urged me to look up. Father had called me Red. He said I was born screaming, skin deep maroon like the beets in the garden and hair fiery orange like the sun. The man who spoke was not my father.

Arrogant in his size and superior mass, his eyes picked me out of the writhing mass of captives. I glanced at him from beneath my cloak’s hood. Early morning sunlight glinted off plain armor and an unadorned helm, yet the unwashed barbarians treated him with the respect due a commander.

The crowd of women around me parted for the soldier fulfilling his order. Mothers moved back with babes in their arms, toddlers clinging to their skirts. Panicked fingers clutched older children’s hands or shoulders. A living mass, their voices silenced by the army hemming them in. Their faces spoke eloquently of their fear.

The soldier, smelling of sweat and sour wine, grabbed my left arm and dragged me out from among them. I didn’t want to incur harm on the women around us. I allowed him to pull me toward the commander with only minimal resistance.

Once free of the captives, however, I pulled from the man’s grip in an attempt to run. Three pairs of rough hands lay hold of my arms before I managed more than three steps. The stench of their unclean bodies turned my stomach. I gagged as I fought them. They dragged me through the dust and dumped me at his feet.
I struggled to my feet only to be brought down again. Pressure behind my knees forced me to kneel.

I lifted my face to glare at the commander.

“Remove her hood.”

Someone pulled my cloak half off me in his enthusiasm. Red curls fell free in a wild mass about my shoulders.

Silently I cursed the color. If only I had been blessed with plain brown or even blond tresses, I could have hidden in plain sight.

“My Lady Brielle Solarius, I presume.”

~~~

Have I hooked you?

The winners (Aly Mae and Joanna Gommesen) will get an email soon regarding their prize.

Thank you, ladies, for a great name for my heroine.

"God is my might" and "of the sun" are perfect descriptions.

Also, thank you, Abigail, for making me look at Brielle twice.

Thank you all for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying you holiday season.

Remember e-books make great gifts. ;)

Name that Character Contest

2011-12-05T08:00:00.008-05:00

Yes, the time is now. I have a character and she needs a name. Instead of falling back on my old basics (baby name websites and random sound combinations), I am asking for your help.

The details...

- Entries will be accepted 12/5/11 - 12/9/11.
- Offer as many entries as you want in the comments.
- Please state origin of the name and meaning (if known).
- Include your email in your comment so I can contact you to tell you about your win and give you your prize. - I will post the winner(s) on 12/10/11.

The prize...

A choice of any one (1) of my current ebooks for free.

If you have all of my published books or are willing to wait, you may choose one of the coming ebooks. At least three are planned for sometime in 2012.

Should you win, I will extend to you a special dispensation. You can be part of the special group of people who know more about them than everyone else. I might even show you the book trailers. :)

Sound worth the effort of thinking up some names? I hope so. :)

The character...

An only child, she is strong, independent, and loyal. Orphaned before she turned one, she grew up in her wet nurse's household. Loren, the wet nurse's daughter born the same year, grew to be a best friend, a sister by other parents.

Orwin, this woman's cousin, inherited her father's title and lands. He provides for her welfare, but only barely, keeping her out of sight in the smallest village on the edge of his domain.

Her most obvious physical feature is a mane of wild, red hair. Tall, leggy, but not willowy, she is more of a warrior than a woman who depends upon her feminine wiles. She tends toward practicality and action, making do with what fate hands her and fighting for what she believes is right.

The story...

She will be the heroine of the new short story (still untitled) with the opening line, "'The red one is mine,' he said." Her hero will be a man named Lord Irvaine.

She needs both a first and last name.

Have fun.

If you have any questions, just ask. :)

A Sweet Saturday Sample

2011-12-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome back! Thank you for stopping by for another Sweet Saturday Sample from The King of Anavrea, sequel to The Crown of Anavrea. Last week's sample is here.

~~~

The clanging below abruptly ceased. A death cry echoed within the stone tower below her room.

Realizing the sound indicated someone would be seeking her out soon, she paced the distance from the wall to her cot on the opposite side of the room. Her heavy cloak tugged as it caught on the corner of the single chair as she passed. Impatiently she tugged it free.

On the other side of the door the wooden stairs creaked and groaned. The victor climbed to claim his prize.

Lirth's hands shook. She initially missed when she reached for the small satchel that held her few worldly belongings. Finding it, Lirth moved back toward the chair in the center of the room, fastening it as she walked.

The wooden bolt struck the floor outside with a clatter.

Her fingers traced the worn lip along the back of the chair, seeking the familiar scratches. She measured her breaths by a two count to keep from panic.

The door uttered a grating squeal as it opened. The dull thud of it striking the wall and rebounding echoed in the bare room.

I hope it hit him.

Hastily she drew back the thought. The Kurios would not send someone to harm her.

What about those that sent him?

Nothing.

“Please tell Lady Lirth I have come for her.” A warm male voice spoke above her head and about four feet in front of her.

“I am the one you seek.”

Raising her chin so she was addressing his face, Lirth drew herself up and tilted her head elegantly to one side. His surprise came to her like the smell of blood and sweat, with the force of his presence.

~~~

Who do you think he is?

How about giving an e-book this Christmas?

2011-11-29T11:34:00.001-05:00

In this new electronic age, new and amazing avenues of gifting options are opening up.

If you are planning on giving a loved one an e-reader for Christmas or know someone is getting one, there is now a convenient way to fill it up with books. A preloaded e-reader is so much nicer than just the reader itself.

This year some of the major e-book distributors are offering ways to gift e-books. Check out the video below to see how easy it would be to add a Rachel Rossano masterpiece *wink* to your loved one's electronic bookshelf.

Note: click the "see more" button to select from the list of merchants.

My books on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

An Update or Sickness, Sickness Everywhere...Go Away! Please!

2011-11-28T17:37:00.000-05:00

A cacophony of coughing, sneezing, and wailing have filled my days of late. With three little ones sick, hubby down with a food reaction of some kind (it was not pretty), and struggling with a cold myself, life has been a bit uncomfortable at our house this Thanksgiving. Praise the Lord for in-laws, modern medicine, and His infinite resources! We are hopefully on the upswing.

I don't know if part of the reason is the freaky New England weather. I have been outside, playing in the back yard, in a T-shirt...in November. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. *shakes head*

Okay. Enough with the small talk. I originally began this post to give a writing/editing update. :)

The unnamed opening line contest short story needs two things, a title and a name for the main heroine. Stay tuned for a naming contest. Currently standing at 2,617 words, it has the potential to be a long short story or a novella considering I am just now introducing the villains. Yes, you read that right, I am planning on more than one villain for this one. We shall see how it works out since I am not plotting very far ahead and the ending point is more vague than usual for this point. However, the vagueness might be cold related. ;)

The King of Anavrea - The Theodoric Saga Book Two is moving forward. Unfortunately I am deleting more than I am rewriting these days. The whole beginning needs work, especially a certain conversation on horseback. Back story is essential, but stunted conversation is one of the worst ways to do it.

Word and Deed is in the queue with Diaspora for the final quality check before the publishing process begins. Covers and book trailers are already made and awaiting approval.

White Bear has been languishing as I put my efforts into nursing and other projects. Do not fear, he will get attention again. A friend of mine is reading it and going to give me feedback. Hopefully her insights will get my writing gears going again on his story.

What to watch for:

Sweet Saturday Samples - every Saturday I post a sample. Some are completely new glimpses of works in process.

Clean Book Trailers - a new blog devoted to clean book trailers. Posts appear every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite author. ;)

Don't see your favorite project or novel of mine or confused about title changes? Please ask about them in the comments. I try to answer all comments or questions.

A New Promotion Opportunity!

2011-11-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

This one is for all of us, the readers, the writers, the promoters, and just about anyone interested in books.

I would like to introduce you to my new blog: Clean Book Trailers.

I love music, I love movies, and I love books. Thus, it naturally progresses that I love book trailers, right?

In seeking to promote my own work, I have found a surprising dearth of websites hosting or featuring book trailers. Of course, there is also the aspect of the cleanliness of the literature they are promoting too. I know many authors, like myself, struggle to promote their clean fiction in a market obsessed with sex and foul language.

Considering all these things, I wish to offer what I have sought myself. Free promotion to any author of clean fiction or non-fiction with a book trailer to share. For details, check out the right hand column under "The Purpose of Clean Book Trailers." (If you don't have a trailer and seek to have one made, you can still contact me and we can talk. I have been known to create trailers for others.)

Not a writer? This site is for readers, too. The featured trailers will give a minute to two minute synopsis of the book featured. You can assess if you want to investigate more. If it doesn't grab your attention, you lost a few minutes. If it does look interesting, you can investigate further by following the links provided. Simple, direct, and convenient.

So, don't forget to check out Clean Book Trailers when looking for your next read.

Thanks,

Rachel Rossano

Sweet Saturday Sample

2011-11-26T05:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome to my Sweet Saturday Sample. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Today's sample is from my current editing/rewriting project, The King of Anavrea. I hope it makes you desire more since it is the opening paragraphs of chapter one.

~~~

The stone walls of the tower cooled her hands in spite of the unseasonable warmth of the past week. Gratefully, Lirth leaned her head against the rough stone. The cold surface chilled her fevered skin.

The distant clash of metal against metal echoed in the corridor and stairwell outside the thick oak door of her room. The din steadily grew closer and she grasped at the calm she had felt only moments before.

I knew this was coming someday, yet... She caught herself mid thought. She should be thankful that she had known. Frustration flared. Why must patience be so difficult?

The unseen Kurios did not respond. She knew He was there and she knew He was the source of her intuition.

It is not that I am not thankful. She pointed out. I know well enough Your intervention is the sole reason I have not been more battered. Instead, of abusing me and or using me, they isolate me.

Shortly after her abduction five summers before, Baron Tor locked Lirth away in the cold tower room and forbid his men from speaking to her. By the grace of the Kurios, he chose not to execute her or hand her over to one of his minions. She had opportunity to cherish the hope of freedom.

The clanging below abruptly ceased. A death cry echoed within the stone tower below her room.

~~~

So, do you want to read more?

Black Friday Discounts

2011-11-25T10:57:00.000-05:00

In honor of Black Friday I am offering ebook copies of my two novellas at 30% off. Coupon expire on November 27, 2011.

The Crown of Anavrea - Book One of The Theodoric Saga

In a time when castles were the strongest…in a place where combat was face to face…Labren was on the run. He hid his true name and he admitted it freely.

In a time when slavery was legal…in a place where kings were all-powerful…Eve, a slave, appeared in the right place at the right time.

Eve saved his life. In return, he offered her the opportunity of freedom. She did not know what would happen to her if she chose to accept his proposal, but she did know the consequences of rejecting it.

Smashwords Link - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96223
Coupon Code - XJ63B

~~~

The Mercenary's Marriage

Trained as a mercenary soldier, Darius was a man of decisive action. He was also a man of compassion. Seeing a young slave woman about to become the spoils of war, he claimed her for his own. Marrying her before God and king, he made her a free and respectable soldier's wife.

Brice was born a slave. Abused and beaten, she learned quickly to avoid being noticed and to stay away from men. When her master's walls fell to enemy forces, she ran, but not fast enough. In Darius' offer she found deliverance, but experience had taught her to fear power such as his. Could she trust in his protection, or had she traded one form of slavery for another?

Smashwords Link - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/83328
Coupon Code - UZ49W

Happy Reading!

A Sweet Saturday Sample

2011-11-19T05:25:00.002-05:00

Welcome back for another sweet sample for your Saturday. Today, I grabbed a moment from Myah's head. She is beginning to get some of her memories back.

~~~

After a pause, waiting for the floor to settle into place, I raised my head. My dark shadow sat across from me, keeping the slab of metal between us. His large hands clasped each other where they rested on the surface. The muscles of his wrists corded with the strain of his grip.

“What happened back there?” I ventured a glance at him. Lips pressed tight, he sat with eyes closed.

“Eat.” The clipped syllable hit me in the face.

I blinked. Something was wrong. I didn’t know what, but…

A massive wave of memories washed over me. I held a child. The warm softness of her head, the smell of her olive skin, the silk of her hair against my cheek, and the deep pleasure of holding a small, vibrant life in my arms filled my chest. Then it was gone. Moisture flooded my eyes. I closed my eyelids trying to keep the tears back.

“Eat. You need your strength for what is ahead.”

“What is ahead? You seem to know so much. Why? What don’t I remember? I don’t understand.” A sob almost escaped. I clamped my mouth shut. He looked at me with sympathetic eyes. It wasn’t helping. I didn’t want sympathy; I needed answers.

~~~

Will she get all her answers?

Available on Amazon and Smashwords for 99 cents

For more sweet samples return to the link list

Thank you for visiting.

Rachel Rossano

Why did you name him that?

2011-11-17T18:21:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder "why did the author choose that name?" Reading my books, you probably ask that question a lot. Yes, I like unusual names, made up or obscure. My children have my husband to thank that they were given classic names like Jonathan, Katelyn, and Daniel (he vetoed anything too unusual). However, I did get a Theodore in the middle name slot.

Having just read a blog post on naming characters, I figured I might write a post of my own to answer the above question about my own characters. So, here it goes. Confession time.

The Mercenary's Marriage

Darius - Darius the Great was a Persian king mentioned in the Biblical book of Daniel. I have always liked his name. So, when a fierce, decisive, surprisingly gentle mercenary with a noble heart popped into my head and demanded I tell his story, I named him Darius. Also, my character is Ratharian, a society similar in some ways to Persia, so it seemed to be a good name for that reason as well.

Brice - I chose Brice's name solely on the sound. I had never met anyone by that name before. It was only after I began writing about her that I discovered it is primarily a male name. However, many of my naming sources list it as unisex. The meaning, "son of a nobleman," doesn't really fit her, but the sound seemed to fit her. She is strong and feminine, but in a quiet, understated way.

Ewian - This time I was just playing with sounds. The poor guy got a bit of a raw deal. Sorry, Ewian.

Karyn - I pulled the name out of the air as I wrote and dropped it into the story before the character had even entered the scene. I have an Aunt Karen who bears little resemblance to Karyn except for sharing her strength and generous heart.

Kurt - Well, I needed a healer who could stand up to a bunch of brawny mercenaries and not be intimidated by the rigors of war and travel. The blunt sound of the name and the meaning (bold, wise councilor) seemed to fit.

The Crown of Anavrea

Labren/Tranhern - Labren's birth name in its entirety is Trahern Marcus Theodoric. This is significant because of the name meanings: Trahern means "strength of iron" and Marcus means "warlike." It is a name a king might name his first born son, which is Trahern's past. Labren, which means "brown one," is also significant. He chooses this name for himself to conceal his identity, but it also indicates his heart. Labren, in his heart, wishes for obscurity. Theodoric means "people's ruler." An appropriate name for a ruling family, wouldn't you agree.

Eve Ethan - Eve means "life." She symbolizes exactly that for Labren. He has given up, chosen to let his father kill him vicariously, until she intervenes. Her last name means "firm or strong" and also demonstrates an aspect of her and her brother's characters, displayed differently in each sibling.

Ruarc Ethan - A reader chose this character's first name. She named him well. Ruarc can mean champion, rain, or famous ruler. My character tends toward the champion aspect of his name. After all, he earns his sister's freedom price and then tracks her down when she isn't where he left her. He fights for her safety and well-being. A true brotherly champion, if only he were not so stubborn and hard of hearing. ;)

Han/Atluer - I don't recall why I chose to name him Han, but the name fit in my head. A diminutive of John (God is gracious), it defined him much more clearly than I thought at the time. His chosen name, Atluer, is an entirely made up creation from my head. I liked the sound. :)

Professor Olof - Olof was complete fancy on my part. He needed to sound eccentric.

How do decide the names of your characters (or children)?

Did you consider the meaning of the names for any of them?

- Rachel Rossano (meaning "lamb from the peninsula")

Seeking Honest Reviewers

2011-11-16T22:29:00.000-05:00

I am seeking reviewers for my clean romantic fiction. If you are interested, please comment with your email and the title you are interested in reviewing.

To be clear, I am looking for your honest opinion posted on Amazon and Goodreads. If you don't like what you read, I promise not to get angry or upset as long as you are polite. No author bashing please. (There are two great examples of polite, less than rave reviews on Amazon for The Mercenary's Marriage already.) Kind honesty is what I am looking for. :)

The review doesn't have to be fancy. Just a few lines telling the reading public what you liked or didn't like about the book/short story and a star rating.

I am only offering the e-book versions for review.

The options...

The Crown of Anavrea - Book One of the Theodoric Saga
(novella)

In a time when castles were the strongest…in a place where combat was face to face…Labren was on the run. He hid his true name and he admitted it freely.

In a time when slavery was legal...in a place where kings were all-powerful…Eve, a slave, appeared in the right place at the right time.

Eve saved his life. In return, he offered her the opportunity of freedom. She did not know what would happen to her if she chose to accept his proposal, but she did know the consequences of rejecting it.

The Mercenary's Marriage
(novella)

Trained as a mercenary soldier, Darius was a man of decisive action. He was also a man of compassion. Seeing a young slave woman about to become the spoils of war, he claimed her for his own. Marrying her before God and king, he made her a free and respectable soldier's wife.

Brice was born a slave. Abused and beaten, she learned quickly to avoid being noticed and to stay away from men. When her master's walls fell to enemy forces, she ran, but not fast enough. In Darius' offer she found deliverance, but experience had taught her to fear power such as his. Could she trust in his protection, or had she traded one form of slavery for another?

Exchange
(short story)

Isolated on a distant planet, she is incarcerated for a crime she doesn’t recall. She has no name, no idea where she came from, or why she is injected with drugs daily to hold these vital facts from her grasp. Despite small rebellions, she wastes away, worn and losing hope of ever being whole again.

Then he arrives. Claiming to hold the answers burned daily from her brain, he offers her a way out. But at what cost?

So, are you interested?
Just comment with your email and which story you are interested in reading.
I will contact you with the details.

Thank you in advance.

Looking for a brief escape?

2011-11-15T22:04:00.000-05:00

In the daily chaos of life, I have found myself reaching for short stories or flash fiction to satisfy my fiction cravings. Sometimes a few moments caught in an ebook can be the best part of my day. I encourage you to try it.

In addition to being quick, short fiction is also a great way to try out new authors. I have discovered some interesting writers on Clever Fiction, a flash fiction website that offers fresh fiction weekly. I am on there too. *hint hint* ;) It is a fun and free way to spend a few minutes browsing stories.

If you are looking for something a bit longer, but still short enough to be read in a few hours, I have just the thing for you.

*****
"If you want romance with some action in a futuristic society and only have a few minutes, this is a wonderful way to fill it." - Roseanne Wilkins

Book Trailer

Available on Amazon and Smashwords for 99 cents.

There are more short stories to come soon, Lord willing. A prequel to Exchange and Word and Deed (excerpts here and here) are working their way toward publishing. Hopefully they will be appearing by the end of the year or January of next year.

Regardless of your preferences, I wish you the best on your search for fresh fiction to entertain you. :)

- Rachel Rossano

What have you been reading?

PS Abigail, I am roughly 1,700 words into your e-book (for the rest of you, see opening line contest in previous posts). :) I am really liking how it is beginning. Kayta (temporary name for heroine) is full of fire and Lord Ivraine is going to have his hands full convincing her he isn't a barbarian monster. The fun is just beginning.

A Sweet Saturday Short

2011-11-12T05:24:00.011-05:00

Welcome back for yet another short bit of fiction. For more sweet succulence return to the full link list.

This scene happens as Brice is waking up from a fall from Darius' horse.

~~~

Pain! Waves of it washed over her and her head felt like it was going to explode. Brice slowly became aware of the rest of her body and rapidly regretted the discovery. Every bone and joint hurt.

“Brice.” A warm male voice tinged with an accent spoke from somewhere above her. Turning her head toward the sound, pain erupted behind her eyes. Taking a sharp breath of air, she realized yet another agony as her chest screamed at the motion. She must have cried out at the pain for the voice spoke again, “Hush, little bird, hush.” Large hands enclosed her ribs and began carefully outlining each with their fingertips. “No,” the man decided, “None are broken.”

“Brice.” One of the hands touched the side of her face. She had a strong feeling she knew the name of the man, but she was too tired to think now, too sleepy. “Brice,” the voice insisted. “Open your eyes.”

Slowly she obeyed and instantly regretted it. The world outside was bright and it increased the throbbing behind her eyes.

“Good,” the voice encouraged. “Now keep them open until the healer comes. That fall might have done some serious damage.” Ever so slowly, Brice focused her eyes on his face. Darius. She smiled. How could she have forgotten Darius? He loomed over her like a dark thundercloud. Her brain told her she should feel fear at being so helpless and at his mercy, but strangely, she did not.

“Brice.” Darius' voice interrupted her thoughts. “I need you to work with me.” She turned her head very slowly until she could meet his eyes. He was kneeling at her side. Once her eyes were on his face, he asked, “Can you move your legs?”

“I can feel them.” She closed her eyes, concentrated, and willed her legs to move. Pain shot up her left leg and her ankle throbbed, but they moved. “I think my ankle is twisted.”

“I brought the healer,” Ewian announced from the other side of the clearing.

Darius slowly rose from his knees and turned to greet the man still out of Brice's vision. “I have not moved her,” Darius informed the healer. “She has struck her head, bruised her ribs, and possibly sprained her ankle.”

“How many times do I have to tell you, Darius?” A short older man came to stand at her side across from Darius. “I like my job and I cannot keep it if you keep diagnosing my patients. Now shoo.” Waving a hand at the two warriors, he looked down and smiled at her. Brice found herself smiling back despite the pounding in her head and the dull ache that hummed through the rest of her. “Now, you must be Brice. I am Kurt.”

~~~

Available on Amazon and Smashwords for $2.99.

Thank you again for visiting.

If you leave a link to your website/blog with a comment, I will make a point to visit. :)

Have a sweet and relaxing Saturday.

Opening Lines and the Winners!

2011-11-10T18:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for submitting your opening lines. I appreciated the variety and quantity of the submissions, so much potential!

Here are the submissions:

It was early Monday morning when I died - gunned down in my own house on 223 Chesney Street. - Corey

Silence will speak, darkness will shine, and the dead will rise. - Corey

"He's my Mexican cabana boy, a warrior of God, my love and my best friend." Christi said with a half grin quite content with her explanation. - Katie

"You have got to be kidding me," Liseth whined to everyone and no one in particular. - Katie

Nights like this were the most beautiful of all, the stillness, the peace, it wouldn’t last, but how delectable a treat for here and now. - Katie

The moonlight cast eerie shadows along the ground as Jada lay in wait for her long lost love. - Alyssa

Harvest time had finally come. - Alyssa

How could everything have gone so wrong? - Alyssa

As she was in the parlor in great distress, mother calmed her fears - Rachel

When the night began to fall I shivered to think about what was to happen - Rachel

When we saw what was under the Christmas tree we ran excitedly to Mom and Dad. - Rachel

What could send him/her running away in fear like that? - Sophia

Of all moments, he pick this one to step on- no, jump all over and crush- her tender heart. - Sophia

When informed of the unlooked for arrival of her sister, she stared at the ceiling and pictured Floridians preparations for an imminent hurricane. - Sophia

As she walked along the lonely road with cornfield's on both sides, she contemplated on what to do about this latest dilemma. - Lynn

The day had begun bad, became terrible, and ended worse. - Abigail

"The red one is mine," he said. - Abigail

"I know you have it, right there under that cloak, and I intend to take it." - Abigail

To stand on the edge of a cliff and know you are going to jump, to feel the twisting of your own stomach at the inevitable choice; is akin to when you are standing on the threshold of either the best or the worst choice of your life. - Morgan

A shadow crept out of a house. Clinging to the mottled darkness that was cast by the city torch lights, Reya moved quietly away from the city. - Hosanna

It wasn't exactly the best idea I ever had, but I sure didn't think it was the worst. - Katherine

She could feel the darkness like a living thing, growing ever stronger, pressing her more closely ever second that she lingered, waiting to hear her fate. - Katherine

It was the mist that did it, floating in off the sea in haunting eddies, bringing to mind that black day which he had spent the past six years in trying to forget. - Katherine

With so many great lines, I had a very difficult time choosing. As it is, I might use more than one as I write. They will just appear farther along in the story. (If I end up using your line, you will get a free copy of the ebook along with the winner.)

The winner is...

Abigail

"The red one is mine," he said.

The plotting shall commence. :)

Thank you all for participating!

Rachel Rossano

100th post and a chance to win an e-book!

2011-11-07T11:30:00.021-05:00

This is my 100th post!

Yeah, I know, not that impressive for a blog that has been going for so long. Being a writer, I should have reached this milestone long ago. However, I am willing to celebrate the small victories on the way to greater ones. Aren't you?

The Contest

I am looking for an opening line for a short story.

After being on a short story craze lately, I am looking for inspiration. So, pen your best sentence and submit it in the form below along with your name and email. The winner will receive a free e-book version of the story I write to follow their opening line. The book will appear on Smashwords and Amazon complete with cover designed by yours truly.

Just think of the boasting rights. ;)

For inspiration, I offer the following opening lines:

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a fortune must be in want of a wife." - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

"Call me Ishmael." - Moby Dick by Herman Melville

"'Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents,' grumbled Jo, lying on the rug." - Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

"Rose sat all alone in the big best parlor, with her little hankerchief laid ready to catch the first tear, for she was thinking of her troubles, and a shower was expected." - Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott

"The trouble started the day Howard came home from school to find the Goon sitting in the kitchen." - Archer's Goon by Diana Wynne Jones

"'I've watched through his eyes, I've listened through his ears, and I tell you he's the one.'" - Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Rules:

- Sentence must be of your own creation.
- Entries will be accepted Nov 7 - 9.
- Winner will be chosen solely on the writer's preference.
- The winner will be announced on Nov 10. Up to three entries are allowed.
- The e-book will be produced in as timely a manner as possible.
- All names and email addresses collected via this form are for the purpose of contacting the winner only. They will not be sold or distributed.
- Contest is open internationally.
- Prize is valued at the price of the e-book upon distribution.
- Please direct any questions to anavrea at yahoo period com.

Thank you for participating.

- Rachel Rossano

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

A Sweet Saturday Sample

2011-11-05T00:30:00.001-04:00

Welcome back to another Sweet Saturday Sample. I am sorry about the difficulty of finding the sample last week. I was having issues with Blogger and couldn't fix the problem. Hopefully this installment is easier to find.

In this excerpt from The Crown of Anavrea, the travelers, Labren and Eve, have been caught by a snow storm on their way to shelter.

~~~

The shelter of trees ended abruptly. Ice flecks masquerading as snowflakes bit into Eve’s face while the wind froze her already cold nose. The violent gusts blew across the road, blinding them with a sheet of white.

“Almost there. This is the property line. Only another mile to the house,” Labren yelled above the screaming wind.

Eve raised her head and peered ahead. Snow whipped sideways in the frigid wind. The horses’ tails disappeared in the haze of heaving white. She ducked her face back down into her scarf. A rush of fear carried her stomach into her throat.

A castle-like manor, an exclusive school for the nobility and future leaders of the world, the images summoned by Labren’s partial descriptions did not comfort her. The storm interrupted their conversation hours ago. Now he devoted all of his attentions and waning energy keeping them on the road. Eve struggled to dwell on encouraging thoughts of a warm fire, hot food, and dry clothes. A lump formed in her throat.

A huge gray-black structure loomed vaguely through the constantly changing mass of the snow. Even when they pulled to a stop near the door, Eve could not make out much of the building beyond the meager shelter of the porch.

She glanced over at Labren and all fears of who might be inside vanished. He clumsily wrapped the reins around their hook and began a slow climb down. Eve rushed to beat him to the ground, but she was late reaching his side. He rested for a moment leaning against the side of the wagon.

“I can knock,” she offered.

Waving her away, he hobbled toward the door. He pulled on the cord to announce their arrival and then sagged against the wall beyond. Eve moved quickly to his side. He welcomed her offered support with a grimace of pain when she moved his arm to her shoulders.

She looked up at his face. “What hurts?”

He had not answered when the door opened. Immediately a woman drew them inside and closed the door firmly behind them. Eve began to gather her bearings when someone exclaimed, “Trahern!”

Labren’s leg gave out and Eve put all her effort to keeping him off the floor.

~~~

Why did someone call him Trahern?

Now available at Amazon and Smashwords.

For more Sweet Samples return to the link list.

Thank you again for stopping by and reading.

Rachel Rossano

A Continuation of "Blond Stranger"

2011-11-04T16:53:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I posted a short story on Clever Fiction, a wonderful website by Pat Sipperly, titled Blond Stranger. One of the characters is a secondary character from my novel titled Wren Romany.

In this installment, another character appears. This one never gives his name. For those of you who are Wren Romany fans, can you can you name the dark stranger?

~~~

Tragedy

(rough draft)

by Rachel Rossano

Rain pelted my head, ran in rivulets down my face, and plastered my wool cloak to my back. Frigid moisture seeped through to my bones. They absorbed the cold like reluctant rags unable to repel the deluge. My heart declared it would never warm again.

“Lenora, I can’t feel my toes.” My brother, Ander, clung to my hand with all of his seven-year-old strength.

I hadn’t the heart to peal my hand free despite the pain. Mother was gone. In many ways, I was the last anchor he had.

Behind us, our home gave in to the fire with a groan and crash. The sound tore through my chest, leaving my heart raw and oozing pain like an open sore. I refused to glance back.

Why hadn’t father listened?

I had passed on the warnings. The enforcer’s men grew bolder with each passing day. Tales of destruction, ravaging, and pillaging passed from villager to farmer and back, taking precedent over the cost of feed and the lack of harvest. Additional news of Lord Mynth’s movements and rumors of strangers appearing in the woods added an undercurrent of tension to every conversation. Life grew dangerous, yet father ignored the outside.

“Focus on the harvest. Focus on clearing the fields,” he ordered. “Then we can take time to rest and gossip.”

A sob punched my gut, but I choked it back.

The grain rotted. The barn flamed. The house burned with mother’s broken body inside as father marched off at sword point to serve the Enforcer.

Ander stumbled, pulling me down on my knees. Mud soaked my skirt. It sucked at my legs as I struggled to my feet. Ander rose crying, whimpering sobs that shook his thin shoulders. I tugged him close until his sharp edges pressed into my stomach. So young, yet so tall, he resembled father more each season, except for his hair. He had mother’s hair, straight and thick. I ran my numb fingers across the slick strands.

“Preserve us! A pair of ragamuffins.” The booming voice jolted through me.

Indignation rose to the offense. I turned to face the man, shoving Ander behind me.

He was tall and broad in the shoulders, but not as towering and solid as Svhen. Rain fell on his bare head, forcing the hair to conform to his skull.

“Leave us be.”

“Why should I? You are trespassing on private land.”

“Whose?” I didn’t like the way his dark eyes studied me, almost as though measuring my worth.

“Lord Mynth. These woods aren’t safe at night.”

“The valley isn’t safe, we know well enough. I have lived here my whole life. Do you come from the ruins?”

He frowned thoughtfully. “Aye.”

“I...” Ander pressed against my back. “We need to speak with Svhen Bejork.”

His thick eyebrows rose and his eyes widened as a grin pulled at one side of his mouth. “Is that so?” Then he laughed. “That explains a lot.”

Now it was my turn to frown.

“Come. Bring the shy one too. What is your name?” He motioned for us to follow and then set off perpendicular to our previous direction.

I followed him, pulling Ander, but only to demand more information.

“You will take us to Svhen?”

“Of course. Svhen never looked twice at a girl. Now one shows up with a kid in tow asking for him by name. Wait until I tell Arthus. He is going to be sorry he missed this.”

Pressing through the brush, he broke through into a small clearing. Water fell in heavy streams from the sky. Its path unbroken by the leaves, water pounded his head and shoulders. Ignoring the deluge, he strode straight through the tightly woven branches of two bushes on the other side.

“Svhen!”

“Yes?” The reply came behind.

I turned and came face to face with a looming shadow. He was taller than I remembered and more tangible. My chin lifted a few inches before I meet his hidden eyes below the hood. I opened my mouth, but no words came. My chin quivered. I clamped my jaw shut to still it and studied the mud.

“What is wrong?” A large hand, rough with an oilskin mit, forced my face up. “Lenora, what happened?”

The gentle sound of my name broke through my defenses and tore them away. A sob convulsed my chest. I couldn’t breathe as emotion welled up. “Mother...dead.” I gasped.

“How?”

“Press gang.”

Our guide swore.

“They take your father?”

I nodded.

Ander’s thin arms cinched my waist seeking or offering comfort. Pulling him close, I pressed his head to my middle and let the tears fall. The swells of ache overwhelmed my walls.

Svhen’s hand caught my head and gently guided it to his chest beneath the folds of his cloak. I breathed warmth and the musk of horse. The steady thud of his heart beneath layers of cloth was strangely reassuring. I let my tears fall, soaking his tunic. Ander’s hair tangled in my painful fingers, his skull firm and whole beneath their span. Visions of my mother’s body pressed behind my eyes.

“Does that mean we have gained two new recruits? They don't look like much.” Our guide's voice was no longer laced with laughter.

“Tourth won’t mind. They are his people.”

“True enough. At this rate they are going to be your people too.”

“Let Tourth know we are coming.”

The dark man left. One moment he was there, then the rain pelted only the three of us. I drank in Svhen’s stillness, hungering for peace in the storm.

Who is the dark stranger?

What is your favorite line?

Winners!!!

2011-11-02T15:36:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the delay in this announcement (see previous post for reasons). Thank you, everyone who participated in the celebration this past weekend. I really appreciated all of your support. Now on to the real reason you are all stopping by...the winners!

Winner of an ebook copy of The Crown of Anavrea

Haley Crenwelge

Winner of an ebook copy of The Mercenary's Marriage

Grace

Winner of an ebook copy of Exchange

Sarah Fall

Winner of an autographed paperback set of the old and new The Crown of Anavrea

Joyce DiPastena

Winner of an autographed copy of The Mercenary's Marriage

Sarah Fall

Once again, thank you all for participating and watch for an email from me with details on how to claim your prize.

- Rachel Rossano

Blackout

2011-10-31T18:12:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of response over the last few days. I am stuck in the midst of a blackout thanks to a freak snowstorm on Oct 29th. Our whole town is basically without power. The power company says it will get most of us power in five to seven days. Until then, I can't promise how much online activity I will be able to manage. As it is, I sit among wires and cables as my father-in-law's generator gives us a few hours of power to run the heater, the fridge and shower. We are very blessed.

Hopefully you will hear from me soon. Until then, we will survive. :) The Lord is gracious.

- Rachel Rossano

The Crown of Anavrea Release Celebration

2011-10-29T06:00:00.073-04:00

The Crown of Anavrea

Book One of the Theodoric Saga

In a time when castles were the strongest…in a place where combat was face to face…Labren was on the run. He hid his true name and he admitted it freely.

In a time when slavery was legal…in a place where kings were all-powerful…Eve, a slave, appeared in the right place at the right time.

Eve saved his life. In return, he offered her the opportunity of freedom. She did not know what would happen to her if she chose to accept his proposal, but she did know the consequences of rejecting it.

The Crown of Anavrea--the first Rachel Rossano book to be bound on printed page--is making a second debut. Longer, fuller, and with a brand new cover, it bursts forth as the first of a four part series, The Theodoric Saga.

In honor of the occasion, I am hosting a giveaway.

The Prizes -

Ebooks (available internationally): For more information about the individual books visit my website and look under novels.

- The Crown of Anavrea

- The Mercenary's Marriage

- Exchange

Paperback Books (USA only):

- Autographed matched set of both editions of The Crown of Anavrea

- Autographed copy of The Mercenary's Marriage

Ways to enter:

- Follow with Google Friend Connect +1

- Like Rachel Rossano's Rambles on Facebook +1

- Facebook about this giveaway +1

- Tweet about this giveaway +1

- Answer fun questionnaire +1 (see below)

- Vote in book trailer poll +1 (see below)

Don't forget to fill out the entry form at the bottom of the post to submit your entries.

Fun Questionnaire Link - Go to http://rachel-rossano.blogspot.com/fun-questionnaire and fill out the fun questionnaire and submit it.

Book Trailer Poll - Go to http://www.youtube.com/anavrea and vote for your favorite of the three book trailer videos under uploads on the top right (click on the thumbs up sign on the bottom right corner below the video window).

Entry Form -

&lt;p&gt;Loading...&lt;/p&gt;

Another Sweet Sample for Your Saturday Morning

2011-10-29T01:00:00.004-04:00

Welcome back! This week's Sweet Saturday Sample will be from Exchange. I will be dropping you in the middle of the story. He is a stranger to her, yet he acts like something else.

~~~

After a fortnight, which I strangely remembered, the questions grew too loud in my head. I had to voice them before they consumed me.

“What am I to you?” I demanded the moment he sat on the bench and placed his tray next to mine.

He arched an eyebrow in surprise. “Finally couldn’t bear the mystery, eh?”

I scowled at him.

“I was wondering how long it would take you. Normally, you would have been questioning me blue by now.” His eyes softened. “They have changed you.”

My gut did a strange flip before tying itself in a knot. “How?”

“Your hair.” He reached out as though to touch me, but dropped his hand at the last moment, flexing his fingers like before. He retreated a step. “You’re thinner, weaker, more worn, and subdued.” His eyes compared me to a woman I doubted ever existed.

I adjusted my shoulders. “Superficial stuff.”

“True,” he admitted. “But it goes deeper. What can you remember?”

I recoiled. That was one area I refused to share, especially with him, a disconcerting stranger. He represented just the sort I didn’t want to expose myself to. One who would point out the insanity of not remembering anything before his appearance.

“Go away.”

~~~

Will he?

Exchange is available on Amazon and Smashwords.
Only 99 cents for the whole exciting adventure.

Return to the list of savory sweets. Thank you for visiting. Please come back again.

- Rachel Rossano

Featured on Pinky's Pub

2011-10-28T15:49:00.000-04:00

There once was a very generous lady who was blessed with a bunch of free books through Smashwords. Believing in giving back, she features and promotes Smashwords authors on her blog and Facebook. Today she is graciously posting about my books.

http://pinkyspub.blogspot.com/2011/10/rachel-rossano.html

Please stop by.

Thanks,

Rachel Rossano

Fun Questionnaire

2011-10-26T14:00:00.001-04:00

This is a fun questionnaire to answer. (Hint: it will be part of The Crown of Anavrea's Release Celebration on Saturday 29,2011.) :)

Loading...

A Sweet Saturday Sample

2011-10-22T00:02:00.029-04:00

Welcome! Thank you for joining me for a Sweet Saturday Sample from The Crown of Anavrea, the first book in the Theodoric Saga. The novella is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

We join Labren and Eve on the morning they part ways with their traveling companions, a caravan of wagons.

~~~

The next morning Labren woke to the sounds of camp breaking. Thankfully Eve still slept. He extracted himself from bed and dressed. By the time he swung down, the women around them were up to their elbows in the morning’s dishes and the men occupied preparing their horses.

Finding Ulysses took him ten minutes.

“Ulysses,” he said as he approached the wagon of a young family with a pretty daughter. The boy turned from flirting to grimace at Labren.

“What?”

“I have business with you.”

“What business could you have with me?” His tone oozed confident bravo for the benefit of his audience. The girl watched doe-eyed. “You broke off with my father, as I understand.”

“I did. The issue isn’t with him. It is with you. You assaulted my wife.”

“She asked for it.”

A harsh laugh tore from Labren’s throat. “She didn’t.”

“Don’t be so sure, old man. Just because she is married to you, you think she is dead to the charms of men her own age.” Ulysses ran a hand through his long hair and looked pointedly at Labren’s weaker leg. “She needed a real man, someone who doesn’t need to be waited on or assisted in and out of a wagon.”

“I will only warn you once. Prepare to defend yourself.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” Ulysses presented his back.

~~~

Question: What do you think Labren will do?

Thank you for coming.

The Crown of Anavrea is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

For more succulent morsels click to the sample link list.

The Crown of Anavrea's Release Party Giveaway is scheduled for next Saturday (October 29). Be sure to return for a chance to win ebooks and other prizes.

"The Crown of Anavrea" is in print!

2011-10-19T13:56:00.004-04:00

The Crown of Anavrea

(reworked, expanded, and polished)

Now in ebook and print!

In honor of the occasion, I am throwing another giveaway party!

There will be at least three prizes and multiple chances to win.

Come and join the fun, here, on October 29, 2011.

Also, on October 22, I will be featuring a never before revealed sample from
The Crown of Anavrea as part of the Sweet Saturday Samples.
Stop by on Saturday and enjoy this tasty morsel along with many others.

In a time when castles were the strongest...in a place where combat was face to face...Labren was on the run. He hid his true name and he admitted it freely.

In a time when slavery was legal...in a place where kings were all-powerful...Eve, a slave, appeared in the right place at the right time.

Eve saved his life. In return, he offered her the opportunity of freedom. She did not know what would happen to her if she chose to accept his proposal, but she did know the consequences of rejecting it.

Available as an ebook on Amazon

Available as an ebook on Smashwords

Available in print on Lulu
(I am still working out the details of distributing the print book to Amazon and other retailers.
When purchasing, please check to make sure you are getting the second edition.)

So, mark your calendars, October 22 and 29, and join us for another great release day celebration!

Foreboding

2011-10-15T00:01:00.004-04:00

Welcome back those who have been here before! For those of you visiting the first time, today's excerpt is a piece of flash fiction I wrote a few weeks ago. It is a preamble/teaser for Exchange. I hope you enjoy it.

~~~

Foreboding

By Rachel Rossano

I spent all day performing the motions of monotony with a premonition of something being amiss. The usual Friday tasks, laundry and Emmie’s litheharp group, passed uneventfully. I even managed to fit in picking up Ruhan’s newly repaired hovercar. Yet, I couldn’t dispel the feeling of being watched.

In the house, all appeared familiar. Pristine kitchen and elegant dining room microdusted and ready for the evening meal, a version of archaic shepherd’s pie. I brought the recipe with me from Earth and Ruhan had taken a liking to it. I prepared it by hand once a month. The autochef never managed to produce a pie to please my eye or palette.

This evening’s pie smelled heavenly but tasted off. I sorted through the meat and potatoes on my plate.

“You are on edge.” Ruhan’s bass voice interrupted my thoughts.

The concern in my mate’s eyes scattered all hope of keeping my worry from him. But, how to express it?

“You aren’t eating,” He nodded to the strip of cold lamb dangling from my fork.

Emmie looked up from her vegetables. “Eat, Mommy, it’s good for you.”

I smiled at my three-year-old as I inserted the meat into my mouth. My stomach turned, but I made a production of chewing.

“Good job, Mommy.” Emmie stabbed at her meal with fisted fork.

What’s bothering you, Myah? Ruhan’s words pressed through the jumble of my thoughts. His towa communication usually drew me in, made me eager to reach out and touch him as only I could. This time my unease soured the joy of our uniqueness.

I don’t know. I just have an odd feeling, like being watched.

Ruhan stiffened. The warm entreaty in his eyes cooled. Did someone follow you?

Abandoning his dinner, he rose to stride to the interface panel set in the dining room wall. He palmed his communication patch, a diamond shaped panel on his uniform.

“Eminence?” a bodiless voice queried.

Did anyone follow you? Ruhan pinned me with worried eyes.

“You are frightening Emmie.”

Our little girl, suddenly wary, glanced from Ruhan’s face to mine. Her fork and impaled beans hovering above her plate.

“Answer my question.” Ruhan’s brown eyes darkened to almost black. “This is vital, Myah.”

“Eminence? Do you require assistance?” The panel flashed a warning that the connection would terminate soon.

No.

Ruhan grimaced before turning away to touch the screen designed to translate his towa. “Evacuate and flood the outer dome immediately,” he ordered the guard on the other end. “Notify me of the intruders you discover.”

“But, Eminence, that requires…”

“I sent authorizations.” He terminated the connection, reaching again for his patch. “Ramend?”

My brother-in-law’s voice replied. “Awake. What?”

“That fear we discussed yesterday? It is happening now.”

What fear? I demanded.

Ruhan lifted a finger to stall me as Ramend’s voice yelled orders to someone off comm.

Emmie pressed against my side. I hadn’t seen her move, but she was there. Fear stiffened her narrow shoulders. I pulled her into my lap, burying my face in her thick curls and wrapping her around me in an embrace of comfort. Her heart fluttered franticly beneath my palm. My chest ached.

Ramend spoke. “Coming.”

Ruhan palmed the patch to cut the connection as a chime announced the nanny’s arrival.

Let Emmie go, Ruhan instructed. The nanny held out her arms toward her.

A six-four woman resembling the Amazons of myth, Joce was equal parts nurturer and defender. She would protect Emmie with her life and manage better than I could at my measly five-six.

Why? I demanded, anger eroding my fear now. What’s the danger? Why didn’t you bother to tell me?

Let her go. She will be safer.

I kissed Emmie and assured her I loved her. I released her to Joce’s capable care with the usual twinge of regret at being parted from her. A fresh fear twisted my heart. The door panel slid closed behind them.

“Now what’s so blasted dangerous to merit evacuation and gas flooding of the outer dome?”

“Earthwarders.”

Intent on giving Ruhan a set down for frightening our child with his theatrics, I was silenced by the anger in his face. His eyes focused over my head at the far doorway.

“What is your problem?” I spun to see what he was glaring at and the end of a trank pistol complete with silencer answered my question. My sister Kasy grinned at me over it.

“Ah, Myah, I have waited my whole life to render you speechless. Keep it that way and I might let you live.”

My sister’s mouth twisted into a grimace as she tweaked my nose with the muzzle of her gun.

Myah, I…

Ruhan’s words faded, getting lost in my head. I turned to check on my mate, but Kasy caught my arm.

“Turn that pretty head, Myah, and I will plug you where it will ache months after you wake.” She glanced over my shoulder at her partner. “Restrain the fatch, Klye, they only want her.”

…will… I mentally reached for Ruhan’s next word, but it was like water through my fingers tangible, yet uncontainable.

“Secure,” Klye announced.

“Move it.” Kasy wrenched my elbow as she tugged me toward the door. I used the opportunity to glance back.

Ruhan sprawled unconscious on the floor.

I love you.

I knew he couldn’t hear me, yet.

“I warned you, Myah.”

Kasy jammed the muzzled into my shoulder. Thwack. The force of impact jerked my whole torso. Pain drove through me like a stake instead of a drug pellet. Ice radiated out, swiftly overreaching the pain and clawing its way up my neck. I fought drug-induced panic.

Driving my elbow into Kasy’s ribs, I pulled free for a moment, but she just laughed.

“Consider this a wedding present from Klye and me, dear sister.”

Ice raked my brain. Black pain rose from the floor and swallowed me whole.

Want to know the rest of the story?

He offers her escape, but at what cost?

Exchange

by Rachel Rossano

99 cents on Smashwords and Kindle.

Edit: Sorry, I forgot the link back to the rest of the samples this week. Please do return and indulge in more guiltless pleasure of more sweet samples.

Ebooks and Other Prize Winners!!!

2011-10-10T00:01:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to all the winners!!

Thank you for joining me in celebrating Exchange's release.

Winner of the ebook copy of Exchange

Alyssa O'Keefe

Winner of an ebook copy of The Mercenary's Marriage

Audra Holtwick

Winner of the $10 Amazon Gift Card

Rachel Morelli

Winners of a HEXBUG Nano robot

Rachel Morelli

Sam Nelson

Lisa

Joann Gommesen

Audra Holtwick

Conciliatory Prize

I am emailing all those who participated, but did not win a prize, a coupon for 30% off The Mercenary's Marriage over at Smashwords.

If you are listed above, watch your email inbox for notifications on how to collect your prizes. If you don't receive an email in the next day or so, please mention it in a comment below.

Once again, thank you for joining in the celebration. Hopefully we will be having another one soon. :)

- Rachel Rossano

Saturday Excerpt

2011-10-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

Hello and welcome back for another excerpt from Word and Deed! Last week's excerpt is here if you want to read them back to back to get the full effect. We will be picking up where we left off.

~~~

Surprise brought back his head. For a moment his face lifted to the sun. Tan skin and a dark brown cloth patch strapped to his face where his left eye should have been, it was a countenance one would remember. I knew almost every man in my brother’s service. This scarred man was a stranger.

“You know your husband-to-be then?”

“Nay?”

“Then why prevent me from speech when I speak truth born of knowledge?”

“It is not fitting to speak thus of others.” I peered at him from my perch. “You are not of my brother’s men.”

“Nay, I arrived with the forward guard to prepare the way for Silvaticus.”

My back tingled, suspicion bringing my pride to bear. “You are here to evaluate the goods, me,” I accused.

“Why else would you be permitted to speak with me?”

“I was not permitted.”

“Then why are you here?” My head ached with all this verbal play. Normally pleasant, today it made me dizzy.

“At the moment? To offer aid. I spotted you at the door and witnessed your stagger. I feared you would tumble down the stairs.”

“Silvaticus would be sorry to lose such choice coastline,” I observed.

“Nay, I didn’t wish to see you break your fair neck.”

Contrary to my expectation, he didn’t look at me as he delivered the sweetened line. Despite the fact I believed he meant them not, the words still warmed my cheeks and burned my ears. What business did a servant have speaking such to a maid? The answer was none, yet I felt pleased.

I brushed aside the notion without much thought. It was simply the delusions of a woman barren of the hope of love. Attention starved, I swooned at the smallest turn of a pleasant phrase.

I intended to give Bryn Wolfe a rebuke only to find him gone. No sign of him remained. As Nurse Ealdine’s voice called to me from within, I resolved to not mention the stranger.

I rubbed my throbbing temples. I didn’t believe I had dreamed him, but wisdom urged caution.

~~~

Return here for more sweet Saturday morsels.

Question: Do you like the cover concept for Word and Deed?

For a quick and thrilling escape into romance and adventure

pick up Exchange today for only 99 cents!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92034

Excerpts from previous Sweet Saturday Samples featuring Exchange

available here, here, and here.

If you are more of a flash fiction reader or just don't have the time for a short story, be sure to check out Clever Fiction - concentrated fiction for a quick fix.

Prequel in the Works

2011-10-04T18:03:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know that Exchange has just made its debut. One would think that would be the end of the story. Apparently not. I am already working on another short story, the prequel.

The characters won't leave me alone. I used them in this week's Clever Fiction and now I am going to be writing at least one prequel (hopefully) and possibly a sequel. Ramend is nagging too, but his story isn't as pressing at the moment.

I am not offering you an excuse to put off reading Exchange. If anything, please do read it now. Exchange is only 99 cents after all. The experience will be better before you know anything extra about the world.

However, if you are like me and can enjoy something while knowing vital bits before hand, you are welcome to stop by Foreboding on Clever Fiction. A bit rough, it will dump you into the world and introduce you to the characters.

Okay, now back to work for me. The first words are going to have to wait until the kids are down for the night. Until then it will simmer. Fun!

- Rachel Rossano

Don't forget there is still time to enter for free goodies:
- chances at ebook copies of Exchange and The Mercenary's Marriage or a $10 Amazon gift card.

- a chance at a micro robot of your own

Celebration and Giveaway Part Two

2011-10-01T11:55:00.004-04:00

In honor of Exchange venturing out into a brave new world to try its fortune, I am offering a second giveaway. See here for more details about the first giveaway (a chance at winning your own free copy of Exchange, The Mercenary's Marriage, or a $10 Amazon Gift Card).

I am offering a more whimsical contest for the second half of this celebration.

The Prizes -

I discovered HEXBUG in the local Target's toy section and thought they would be perfect for the premiere of my sci-fi story. I chose the Nano Newton Calculus Collection.

Miniature robots the size of a pinky finger, they supposedly behave like real bugs and flip themselves over. They are perfect gifts for children of most sizes (since they are small toys, children under three would not be safe). I know my children and husband would find them fascinating and fun. See this link for details.

I have five of these to hand out, so there will be five winners.

What you have to do -

Visit the following links and answer the questions, entering your answers in the form at the end of the page.

1 - Who is the hero of The Mercenary's Marriage?

Answer found here.

2 - What is the name of one of the characters in "Regrets" by Rachel Rossano?

Answer found here.

3 - What color is Bryn's hair in "Word and Deed" by Rachel Rossano?

Answer found here.

If you have any problems with any of the links please contact me at anavrea {at} yahoo dot com.

Rules
1. No purchase necessary.
2. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose.
3. The prizes are available in continental USA only.
4. The contest runs from Oct 1st to Oct 7th, 2011. Winners announced on Oct 10th.
5. The contest is being offered by author Rachel Rossano (anavrea {at} yahoo (dot) com).
6. Each prize will have one winner and will be valued at the price of the toy.
7. The winners will be chosen by random drawing.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Autographed Ebooks

2011-10-01T10:20:00.010-04:00

Hello everyone,

If you want an autograph for your new ebook (either Exchange or The Mercenary's Marriage) or just an autographed cover image, it is now possible!

Sign in to http://kindlegraph.com using your twitter account, search for the ebook you want, and request an autograph. If you want anything specific in the inscription on any of mine, please let me know via email.

Thank you, Katie Simmons for prompting me to figure at least one option out. I am even testing this out by requesting an autograph for myself from a favorite author. I will let you know how it goes. :)

- Rachel Rossano

For those curious about such things:

I found out about some of the options here:
http://www.publishyourownebooks.com/how-to-sign-an-ebook/

This was an interesting video on the whole industry and how autographing ebooks might effect it. It focuses on Autography, an option that doesn't work for me since I don't have an Ipad.
http://marketingchristianbooks.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/autographing-ebooks-is-now-possible/

Questions: What do you think about the shift in publishing and reading?

Are you an ebook person or a physical book person? Why?

"Exchange" - Release Day Celebration and Giveaway!

2011-10-01T00:02:00.030-04:00

It is time to celebrate!

Exchange - my first short story in ebook form - is out today!

Available Now!

Smashwords ~ Amazon ~ Lulu

Publishing by Rebecca J. Vickery

Cover art by Karen Michelle Nutt

Blurb:

Isolated on a distant planet, she is incarcerated for a crime she doesn’t recall. She has no name, no idea where she came from, or why she is injected with drugs daily to hold these vital facts from her grasp. Despite small rebellions, she wastes away, worn and losing hope of ever being whole again.

Then he arrived. Claiming to hold the answers burned daily from her brain, he offers her a way out. But at what cost?

Sneak peeks one, two, and three. The book trailer is available on YouTube.

Available Now!

Smashwords ~ Amazon ~ Lulu

Now for the Giveaway!

I am offering three prizes -
- Ebook copy of Exchange
- Ebook copy of The Mercenary's Marriage
- $10 Amazon Gift Card

Ways to enter (each worth one entry) -
- Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect (find on left and follow prompts)
- Click the "Like" button on Rachel Rossano's Rambles on Facebook.
- Click the "Like" button on Wren Romany on Facebook.
- Click the "Like" button on The Theodoric Saga on Facebook.
- Follow @RachelRossano on Twitter
- Facebook post about this giveaway
- Twitter about this giveaway

Once you have done at least one (hopefully more to increase your chances of winning) of the above, please fill out the Google Form at the end of this post to submit your entries. Please be honest.
Entering for more than one prize is allowed. However, each winner will receive only one prize. The winners will be chosen using a random number generator. If any of this is confusing or you have questions, you are welcome to email me at the email address below.

Rules
1. No purchase necessary.
2. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose.
3. The prizes are available internationally.
4. The contest runs from Oct 1st to Oct 7th, 2011. Winners announced on Oct 10th.
5. The contest is being offered by author Rachel Rossano (anavrea {at} yahoo (dot) com).
6. Each prize will have one winner and will be valued at the price of the book or gift card.
7. The winners will be chosen by random drawing.

Come back at NOON for another winning opportunity.

Loading...

Sweet Saturday Excerpt

2011-10-01T00:01:00.011-04:00

Welcome! Exchange is available for on Smashwords and Amazon today! Check the other post for today for details on the Ebook and Amazon Gift Card giveaway going on. If you are joining us for the first time, Exchange has been featured for the past few Saturdays: here, here, and here.

This Saturday, I am offering a first glimpse at Word and Deed. A Medieval short story about a woman torn between the man she is honor-bound to marry (through no decision of her own) and the servant who is stealing her heart. The excerpt begins as she is recovering from a physical altercation with her half-brother, Verdon.

~~~

Three days later, I rose from bed. The afternoon sun shone beyond the lattice, beckoning me. The sight nurtured my already restless spirit into mobility. I was intent on a turn in the garden and at least a semblance of freedom for my tortured soul. My body still ached and sudden changes threw my balance, but I fixed my purpose and pressed forward.

Nurse Ealdine, having used two of the three allotted hours on breaking fast and serving the midday meal, would not return until after nightfall. That gave me time to creep down the stairs to sit in the sun at least.

Walking across the warped floor boards proved an uneventful task. However, upon opening the door to the outside, the sight of the narrow, steep descent to the ground two levels below, my grasp of balance wavered. I dropped to sit on the doorsill and lowered my head into my hands.

“Might I assist you?”

I lifted my head and instantly regretted it.

“Steady, miss, steady. Don’t go toppling on me. I don’t wish another death on my account.”

I blinked in the sunlight, struggling to place the source of the voice. Finally, a movement brought my focus to where the stairs spilled into the garden. He stood, left boot on the first step. Gaining only an impression of graying brown hair and sun-browned hands, I lowered my head once again.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Bryn Wolfe. And you?”

“I am Maven Faye.”

“Ah, the maid in the tower, I was warned about you.” He stepped off the bottom of the stairs and leaned against the tower wall, his face still in shadow.

“What warning?”

“’The maid yonder has a shrewish tongue.’”

“Hardly a warning since I am already betrothed. If you no wish to listen, you can leave.”

“Ah, so I heard. It is to the Silvaticus, the crazed.”

Straightening my shoulders, I glared down at him for a moment. “I will not allow you to speak thus of my betrothed.”

~~~

Return here for more sweet Saturday morsels.

Question: Do you wish to read more of Word and Deed?

The Activity Continues

2011-09-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

Hello again everyone,

Yes, I know you have been hearing from me a lot this week. Everything seemed to fall pretty much at about the same time.

Events Happening Now

Guest blogging over at LASR, I am confessing, sort of, ten things you probably don't know about me.
http://longandshortarchives.blogspot.com/

My flash fiction using the prompts Rain ~ Sail Boat ~ Shame is still up over at Clever Fiction.
http://cleverfiction.weebly.com/weekly-challenge.html - Mine is titled "Regrets."

Over at Clean Romance Reviews, I guest reviewed one of my many favorite books: Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden.
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-are-you-reading-thursday_29.html

Coming Up

My final guest post at LASR is tomorrow. I will be discussing the elements of a great romance novel. I would love to hear your ideas. http://longandshortarchives.blogspot.com/

Then, the...

Exchange Release Day Celebration!!!!

It all kicks off Saturday Morning with a Sweet Saturday Sample of Word and Deed and the first winning opportunity. Then at noon, I will be posting the second opportunity for prizes. Both contests will remain open for entries until Oct 7 so everyone who wants to enter can. Winners will be announced here on Oct 10.

I look forward to seeing you there. :)

Tuesday - Guest Blogging over at LASR

2011-09-27T10:23:00.000-04:00

Ever have a crush on a literary character? That is the topic of my guest post over at LASR today. I spill about my childhood crushes. I am really curious about yours. :)

You are welcome to stop by and join the fun.

- Rachel Rossano

Exciting Opportunities

2011-09-26T16:07:00.000-04:00

Something to whet your reading appetite:

This last week I made my first attempt at flash fiction. You might be asking "What is that?" Flash fiction is a complete story told in a small number of words, in this case 250-1,000. The group I am working with also offers three writing prompts to be included. This week it is Rain ~ Sail Boat ~ Shame. Curious to read it?

http://cleverfiction.weebly.com/weekly-challenge.html

Come and express your opinion:

I am guest blogging this all week at Long and Short Reviews (a post a day). Today's post is about description in fiction and whether or not it is important. I would love to hear what your opinion is.

http://longandshortarchives.blogspot.com/2011/09/monday-spotlight-rachel-rossano.html

Coming Soon!

Don't forget "Exchange" is debuting on Saturday! Keep your eyes open for promotional giveaways and fun on Saturday to celebrate.

Also, on Saturday, I am lifting the corner on the sheet over my latest masterpiece. ;) A sample of Word and Deed will be appearing as part of the Sweet Saturday Samples.

Exchange - A Sweet Saturday Sample

2011-09-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

"Exchange" (the short story you have been sampling the past few weeks) will be available on Smashwords and Amazon on October 1st! To kick off the celebration, I am offering you a bit more than just a sample this week.

But first the sample:

  The whirl of the outer lock unscrewing interrupted my unproductive thoughts. A panel opposite the one I entered released, cracking open a few inches. The sounds of voices beckoned. The hope of connecting with someone not powered by electricity or programed to interact proved tempting. I stepped out into the dining hall.
            Bland rows of brushed metal tables and benches filled the tile laminate floor. Halo lights cast an eerie blue tinge, and nothing in sight offered the slightest relief for the eyes. My head hummed with the illumination as I shuffled to the food dispensers. Wraithlike, twenty or so others did likewise, exiting their own cleansers lining the walls.
            Upon claiming a tray loaded with cardboard mush and rehydrated apple slices, I surveyed the seating for a place.
            Restive eyes glanced my way and then lowered. No one offered an opening and the few spaces between groups suddenly disappeared. Right, who dared to sit with the troublemaker? I headed toward the table in the far corner. I wouldn’t bother anyone and they could ignore my presence.
            Selecting to test the mush first, I shoveled in a spoonful. Bile rose to meet the food. Three gags later I swallowed it, but not the acidic aftertaste. No more for me. I bit into a mealy apple slice, hoping to at least diffuse the burn. Not much luck.
            Myah?
            I dropped the remaining apple. A voice in my head?
            The clatter of metal on metal brought my attention to the rest of the room. For once they weren’t focused on me. A new prisoner stood immediately outside a cleanser along the wall adjacent my ward.
            He loomed like a dark, brooding shadow against the shining surfaces around him, well over six feet, broad shoulders and a powerful build. Why was he here? He didn’t fit the general population, fair to medium skinned humanoids from earthward settlements scrawny and malnourished. His dark, almost black, skin and bald head isolated him even more than his size. The most disturbing part was the fact he was staring straight at me.

Curious? If you aren't yet, here is the cherry for the top of our Saturday sweet, the trailer for Exchange!

For more sweet morsels, please return here. Return next week for a sample from a new short story I am preparing for publication.

I am looking forward to seeing you then.

- Rachel Rossano

Publishing News!

2011-09-21T19:11:00.000-04:00

Exchange is making its ebook debut October 1st on Smashwords and Amazon!

Exchange

A Science Fiction Short Story

Isolated on a distant planet, she is incarcerated for a crime she doesn’t recall. She has no name, no idea where she came from, or why she is injected with drugs daily to hold these vital facts from her grasp. Despite small rebellions, she wastes away, worn and losing hope of ever being whole again.

Then he arrived. Claiming to hold the answers burned daily from her brain, he offers her a way out. But at what cost?

The trailer is on YouTube. You can read excerpts here and here. Stop by this Saturday for another.

I am eagerly watching for the cover designer's email. :)

Now to update you all on everything else I have been doing.

- Since the last update, I have received the final comments on The Crown of Anavrea from my beta readers. I still haven't gotten around to going over them (planned on doing it today, but other things came up), but I will have that done soon.

- I have begun editing The King of Anavrea (Ireic and Lirth for those of you who have been around a long time). There is a long way to go since it is over 50% longer right off, but hopefully I will move smoothly and swiftly considering it was more recently written.

- I finished off another short story. Inspired by the image on the left, it is a Medieval tale of a young woman at the mercy of her cruel half-brother. He betroths her to a man she hasn't met, but she still clings to the hope for a man who will love her in Word and Deed. I am still working on it. :) I plan on sharing excerpts on coming Saturdays.

- In other news, I have been tackling other projects like a book cover and a book trailer for some clients. I am hoping to have more similar come my way. Learning new things and producing things that help others has been a great experience.

To sum up, stay tuned. Exciting things are on the horizon. :)

- Rachel Rossano

Question: What do you think of the cover for Word and Deed?

Sweet Saturday Sample

2011-09-17T14:42:00.000-04:00

Welcome back for another Sweet Saturday Sample of Exchange, a science fiction short story soon to be released. If you missed the first installment, you are welcome to catch up here. So, continuing where we left off...

“Down, female, 7682R.”

The droid’s grating mechanical voice invaded the borders of my mind, setting my teeth hard against each other. A final blast of icy air from the suite’s jets meant to encourage me to move faster did the exact opposite.

The rebel in me itched to defy the automaton until a humanoid showed her face. However, the penalty wasn’t worth the temporary high of asserting my own will. My skin cringed at the memory of the waspmice. Dark pock-like scars still marred my legs from last time. I clamored out of the DS and padded barefoot across the slick floor to the cleansing stations on the far side of the room.

The android, a bulky P-73, stalked behind, whining through its exhaust hose. It probably worried I would throw another fit or fall into hysterics. I was allowed to remember a few bits from day to day, like incidents of rebellion and punishments. With drugs and therapy, they attempted to erase the rest.

My skin crawled. I concentrated on unlatching the sealed door on the cleanser and climbing inside the chamber. A deep breath to brace myself and I pulled the panel closed. Alternating jets of tepid and steaming water blasted me from all angles. I ripped the rubber suction cells off my skin and threw them in the refuse slot. My temples throbbed where the probes had recently entered my skull. A light touch of my fingertips brought away blood. I wondered how many times had I stood here. I didn’t know. It was disconcerting to never remember one day to the next.

A pathetic sputter of water-flecked air constituted the cleanser’s attempt at drying my abused skin before a panel popped open with a belch of perfumed air. I coughed as I reached for the two-piece jumpsuit contained within. My arms executed the complicated movements of dressing myself without much direction from my thoughts. I knew I had been here long enough for this routine to become rote, unless, of course, I had worn clothing just like this before I came here. Or maybe I had always been here?

The image isn't the true cover, just an brainstorm idea. The post looked a bit barren without a picture last week.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed this sample. For more morsels of guiltless pleasure, return here.

Saturday Sample Excerpt

2011-09-10T00:00:00.006-04:00

Exchange is science fiction short story scheduled to debut later this year. It first began as an image in my head nearly a decade ago. Enjoy.

Darkness enveloped me completely. I breathed stuffy blackness in labored pants, struggling to tolerate the closeness. Cottony, the warmth threatened to suffocate me in a billowing blanket of malevolence.

I hated when I woke early.

The sensors glued to my forehead and scalp screamed to be scratched, but the arm bands made that impossible. I mentally clawed for something to fixate on, anything other than the inching six walls trapping me.

Why they called the box a dream suite I don’t know. I never dreamed and it only barely contained me. Six by three by two feet, it was built to contain one average sized human. One of thirty stacked like drawers in one wall of the ward. I supposed I should have been thankful that I was a below-average-sized humanoid. Sometimes I managed to ignore the walls because I wasn’t constantly in contact with them, only the padded pseudo-bed beneath my back. However, no matter how I strained, I couldn’t truly believe they didn’t exist.

With a soft hiss, jets of cold air bombarded my naked feet signaling the waking time. The weight on my chest dissipated slightly in the cooler air, but in its place nagged the raw instinct to tuck my freezing feet closer to my body. I couldn’t bend my legs far enough. The knowledge degenerated into panic. Hysteria edged in just as a hum and jolt warned me to check that my eyes stayed closed.

Another whirling hum, jolt, and sucking whoosh later, piercing blue light assaulted my face as my chamber drew out of the wall into the ward. Arm restraints retracted into the sides.

“Down, female, 7682R.”

Thank you for visiting. I hope you have enjoyed this Saturday's Sweet Sample. For more delectable morsels return to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com.

- Rachel Rossano

PS Don't forget to check out the five star review of The Mercenary's Marriage and the chance to win a ebook copy in this previous post.

Five Star Review and a Free Ebook Giveaway!

2011-09-06T16:58:00.000-04:00

Jennifer Kitchens gave The Mercenary's Marriage a five star review!

It really sucks you in and brings you along on an adventurous ride. Brice is a sweet character with courage and a tender heart. Darius is a noble man, though definitely a warrior. Their sweet romance is tender and realistic.

I love her observation about Darius. I also appreciated the quote she chose to open her review, a favorite of mine as well.

"You are man and wife before God, king, and man. May it be a blessing and never a curse."

So, now you are asking, what about that free ebook? Stop by her giveaway page, follow the rules, leave a comment, and you could win an ebook copy of The Mercenary's Marriage.

I hope you enjoyed this little commercial. ;) Come back on Saturday for a sneak peek at my SF short story coming out soon.

- Rachel Rossano

A Sweet Saturday Morsel

2011-09-03T00:02:00.007-04:00

This Saturday's excerpt is from my coming re-release, The Theodoric Saga - Book One: The Crown of Anavrea. Eve, a slave girl with an abusive master, discovers a wounded fugitive on the brink of giving up hope. Choosing to not look the other way, she helps him to shelter. Now she has to return to face the consequences of her decision to help a stranger.

Darkness crowded out the last light when she finally left him. He still shifted restlessly on the bed, but she could do nothing more without supplies. As a final step before leaving, she removed every weapon on his person. She doubted he would use them, but she wanted to be certain.

First, she returned to the berry thicket. The pail lay where she dropped it. A sheathed knife lay next to a nearby tree, hidden in the grass until her toe found it. Taking these with her, she headed for her master’s house. Fear rose up, threatening to override her determination.

“He must have food, warm blankets, and medicine or he will die.”

She said the words once aloud, but their essence pushed her forward through her fear. Each step still took great effort. Finally she stood before the aging edifice of her master’s house. The sagging roof, broken shutters, and overgrown doorstep offered little reassurance of a welcome.

Kurios, give me strength, she prayed before unlatching the back door and entering.

The kitchen glowed with weak light from the banked cooking fire as she slipped through the opening. Her master, Mridle, waited for her with his strap and fist.

“Where were you?” he demanded. “I had to eat supper out.”

Eve closed her lips tightly and straightened. She dropped the pail and knife among the boots and then turned to face her punishment.

“Not going to tell me, brat?” Mridle wrapped the whipping strap around his fist. “We shall see about that.”

Come back next Saturday for the rest of the scene.

The Crown of Anavrea is currently with my beta readers, publishing date hopefully sometime next year. For more excerpts and blurbs, visit my website.

For more sweet morsels from this Saturday return to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com

Design Your Own Cover Blog Hop

2011-08-31T10:32:00.000-04:00

This looked like fun. Since I designed the new cover of The Mercenary's Marriage, I figured I would participate for fun. Here is my entry:

To view all the applicants and vote between now and September 7th, go to http://teralynpilgrim.blogspot.com/2011/08/contest-design-book-cover.html

Enjoy.

- Rachel Rossano

Saturday Sample

2011-08-27T00:01:00.006-04:00

Today's sample is a continuation of the scene from The Mercenary's Marriage from last week. A clean romantic adventure, the book is rated PG for some violence and a death.

“Hold still,” Darius instructed again.

Tears filled Brice’s eyes. He is going to kill me, she thought as the metal moved against her skin. She squeezed her eyes closed and willed the tears not to fall. I will not die a coward. Courage. Her heart raced as his grip on her slave collar tightened. Then suddenly, with a sharp jerk, it was gone; her collar was gone.

No sooner had she realized what he had just done than his hand was back at her throat. Tilting her chin up, he bent his head to examine her neck.

“Good,” he said mildly. He sheathed his blade and then asked, “Do you want to keep it?” He extended his left hand so she could see the strip of leather that lay there. It was strange looking, lying there limp and broken. Brice never thought she would see it in someone’s hand. Shaking, she turned her face away. “I don’t blame you,” he said. Flinging it into the water, Darius gathered the reins and urged the horse to raise his head.

Tears coursed down Brice’s face. They were not tears of joy. I don’t understand. She had never felt so confused and afraid in her life. This man does not make sense and it scares me.

The Mercenary's Marriage

Available in print or ebook

Now on Kindle

and at Smashwords

For more sweet samples go to: http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com

Sweet Saturday

2011-08-19T23:30:00.011-04:00

I am participating in the Sweet Saturday Blog Hop hosted by Sweet Saturday Samples. Today's sample is from The Mercenary's Marriage.

They stopped in the late afternoon near a river, but neither one of them dismounted. Brice longed to stretch her numb legs and aching back, but Darius had other ideas. He guided their mount straight into the river. Brice tensed as the animal’s head lowered to drink. The muscles in her back clenched and she carefully peered down past her feet. Swift-flowing water coursed between the horse’s legs. The animal was standing knee high in the river.
“We are just stopping for the horses to drink,” Darius said from behind her. The horse slurped loudly to emphasize the obvious. A heavy silence fell between them. Brice looked around. Other horses were similarly occupied, but none were as far from shore as them.

Darius sighed. “I was going to wait until tonight to do this, but since we must wait for the horses….” He shifted his weight and used the arm that had been around her waist to reach for something. Brice panicked. Curling her fingers around the front edge of the saddle, she prayed desperately the beast would not move. All it would take was a small nudge and she would fall right into the river. “There it is,” her companion muttered. “Hold still.”

Rough leather covered fingers encircled the left side of her neck. Brice shivered and forgot about her fear of falling. What is he doing? Her throat closed and she considered screaming. Who would stop him? No one would. He could do as he willed with her. She was his property. A glint in her peripheral vision was the only warning she was given before cold metal touched her throat.

The Mercenary's Marriage

Available in print or ebook

Now Available!

2011-07-30T13:18:00.000-04:00

Recently rereleased with a new cover, The Mercenary’s Marriage is a tale of earning and giving trust and love.

Brice knew from years of abuse that men of physical power were to be avoided. However, when the walls of her master’s fortress fell, one of the mercenaries claimed her as his prize. He appeared to want more than she feared.

The mercenary, Darius, wanted her trust. He wanted peace. He wanted a life very different than the one he was duty bound to live. Saving Brice from a fate worse than death was his first step toward his dreams.

Excerpt:

                A movement caught the edge of Darius' vision, but he did not acknowledge it. Jenran continued, “If we can determine which direction they took, we might be able to overtake them.”
                Casually nodding his agreement, Darius swept his gaze across the room. Speaking so only his master could hear, he added, “We have an observer.” The man was crouched behind one of the tapestries along the walls. Both exits were two or three hiding places from the hidden man’s position.
                “Where is he?” The king did not move except to look up and catch Darius's eye as if they were in conversation.
                Just then, the figure darted between shelters. Darius felt his mouth drop; he quickly disguised it by saying, “A girl.”
                “Did you just say it was a girl?” Jenran's weary eyes sharpened and focused more carefully on Darius.
                “Yes.” Darius carefully turned so he could watch both his master and the girl. “Small build, dark hair, she is definitely not Gwendolyn or one of her frequent companions.” The girl darted to the next hiding place. She was one sprint away from freedom. Darius knew how she felt. The tempo of the heart pounding in his chest and the taste of liberty on his tongue were both familiar sensations. “She is mine,” he said. He glimpsed the king’s smile.
                “If you catch her,” he agreed.
                The girl darted and Darius followed. She disappeared out the door as he silently hurtled the last bench between them.
                 Brice ran for her life. The empty halls closed in around her and she was certain every sound echoed louder than the last. She needed to get away before someone saw her. Since birth, she heard stories about how mercenaries treated the women captives after a battle. She could not be discovered. Eventually, she found herself in the promenade opening into the inner gardens. The moment her eyes fell on the lush underbrush bordering and overgrowing the paths, she had an idea.
                As she turned down the nearest avenue among the trees, Brice caught sight of movement behind her. Was someone following her?

Read what others are saying about The Mercenary’s Marriage:

To purchase go to http://stores.lulu.com/anavrea, multiple formats available.

Off to the Beta Readers

2011-07-13T22:47:00.000-04:00

The Crown of Anavrea is off to the beta readers. If you thought you signed up to read and didn't get the email, please let me know. I will fix the problem.

I am a bit harebrained still after the last week of sick babies and sleep deprivation. However, I am trying to get back into the habit of editing or writing. Orson and Willow are patiently waiting for me to get inspired again. I hear Ireic and Lirth (The King of Anavrea) calling me while Wren is muttering threats, mildly (if one can mutter threats mildly). We shall see where my literary wanderings lead me. For now, though, I am going to take a break.

I haven't forgotten The Mercenary's Marriage. I am waiting for the second proof copy before I hit the distribution button on the new cover. Soon, friends, soon.

~ Rachel Rossano

Book Trailer

2011-06-24T18:29:00.000-04:00

In preparation for the pending re-release of The Mercenary's Marriage (basically it is getting a bit of reformatting and a new cover), I reworked its book trailer, but didn't change much. So, here it is:

The book will be available soon. I cannot promise when, but I am waiting for my first copy off the press. It should be here any day now. Once I finalize all the changes, I will set the re-release date. Hopefully this is just the first of the many books to come. :) Exciting times are on the horizon.

- Rachel Rossano

Working, working, working

2011-06-21T00:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of words here. I have been very busy behind the scenes.

The first draft of Wren Romany's story is finished. I barely typed the last words than a new tale pressed upon me. So, what was I to do but write. So, I wrote.

The White Bear is now eight, almost nine chapters old. The characters try me in new ways and I am struggling with the different genre (contemporary) and some personality issues with my heroine. Sigh, such is the writing life. ;)

Also, I have been working on the little side projects: a cover for The Mercenary's Marriage and a trailer for Exchange, my science fiction short story due out late summer/early fall. I will get it up as soon as I work out the last of the quirks and run it by my publisher.

I haven't really spent much time on The Crown of Anavrea since finishing up the last of the editing. I still need to read through it once more before contacting beta readers and sending it to them. I am really nervous about this one. This has been an extensive edit, yet I tried to keep so much the same. I fear losing the specialness of the story, the additions not fitting into the original, or losing the beauty of the characters. Yeah, this is just as nerve wracking as the first time I sent it out to friends. So, if you are interested in being a beta reader, please let me know. I could use the feedback. :)

So, that is the update of my writing efforts. Now to get back to work so that I will have some real results to show you soon.

Thanks,

Rachel :)

Wren's Beginning

2011-05-24T23:29:00.000-04:00

I see the end of a manuscript as the beginning of the character's life. To some extent my characters live in my head. Their stories are mini biographies, records of periods in their lives. Like our lives, they are not confined to the page. So, when I write the close of a book, I am not saying farewell to the character forever. It is only farewell for a time. I will revisit the record of our time together (the manuscript) for editing, tweaking, or simply my own enjoyment. I do write for my own entertainment, you know. ;) But while I am reworking my presentation of our shared past, my characters are preoccupied with their future: squabbling, making up, having kids, raising kids, balancing family and work, all the things real people do on a daily basis. Someday I will catch up with them, scribble down the bits of memory they want to share, sometimes even a book worthy story. We will have time to visit then like old friends, richer for the time apart.

So, although I am posting the final chapter of this Wren Romany story, she is off on new adventures and enduring new trials. I only hope that someday our paths will meet up again. :)

Come and read Wren Romany's final chapter. I would love to hear what you think of this entry in the record of her quest for family. Don't worry I am not putting her on the shelf yet. I still have to write her for-the-published-copy-only epilogue before I set her aside for a bit. The words need to settle and the ideas age before I go back and start editing. :)

- Rachel Rossano

I Should've Known Better

2011-05-20T16:50:00.000-04:00

In all the years I have been writing, pretty much nothing I have written has gone as planned. It is a result of my writing style, mostly by the seat of my pants. Based on this fact, I should have known better than to declare to the world that I was posting the penultimate chapter of Wren on Wednesday. Here I am a few days later having to apologize to the world for lying (albeit unintentionally) to you all. Here it is:

I am sorry. I was temped by the allure of using such a cool word as "penultimate" and was led to lead you all astray. I am sorry.

Whew! Now I feel better.

So, the real (possibly, maybe, if everything goes according to plan and the characters cooperate) penultimate chapter is up. Thank you to everyone who voted on Wren's poll on Facebook. It did help me to decide how Hawthorne would get his comeuppance. I hope you all find my solution satisfying.

I am very curious about what you all think of Wren and Tourth's relationship and how it is blossoming all over, sort of. Hmm... That is the next and hopefully final hurdle to jump before the end. Maybe Wren will need to post another poll to help me decide. ;)

To sum up, if you aren't a Wren Romany follower yet, please stop over and give her story a try. If you are, one thing I can promise is the end will be coming soon, as bittersweet as that will be.

If you are a writer, do you books usually go as you plan?

If you are a reader, how much you think a couple needs to fall in love?

Whew! The penultimate chapter of Wren is up!

2011-05-18T16:32:00.001-04:00

Writing the climax of a book is a draining and nerve wracking experience. I am never satisfied with the first draft. I will most likely rewrite Wren's climax a few times before I am remotely content with it, but I don't have the time right now. As a result, you all get to read it that much sooner. However, that also means any feedback I get is all the more vital to the final product.

So, please stop by Wren's blog, read the penultimate chapter, and tell me what you think. There are some feedback questions at the end to get you started. Thank you so much in advance.

- Rachel Rossano

Question:

1) If you are a writer, are climaxes more difficult to write than any other part of the book?
2) If you are a reader, have you ever read a climax and then walked away irritated? Why?

Playing with Character Names

2011-05-16T23:40:00.002-04:00

One afternoon during my few minutes of down time from motherhood, I spent some time naming the cast of characters for my next project. Yes, I should have been writing Wren's next chapter or editing the final third of The Crown of Anavrea. However, I was stalled on both projects and inspired on this one.

Besides, character names are important. Wren wouldn't be Wren if she were called Janice or Annabella. Wren fits her character and who she is: resilient, optimistic, direct, plain, but beautiful in an understated way.

I admit that I don't always put much thought into character names, especially secondary or tertiary characters. Those I tend to pull off the top of my brain, picking a letter I like and a few sounds that strike my fancy at the moment. Keilvey is product (victim?) of that technique.

Since this new project is loosely based on a fairy tale, I had even more fun than usual with the character names, adding layers and foreshadowing. I am curious what you think of my cast to date.

Ursa Keir

Orson Kent

Bethanna Speranza

Palmer Osborn

Dunizi Vanna

Willow Aure

Ivo Aure

Jesimae Aure Wendall

Savannah Aure

Philana Aure

Can you spot the hero and heroine in this list?

Can you guess the fairy tale based on these names?

Wonderous Words Wednesday

2011-05-11T16:53:00.000-04:00

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Kathy of Bermudaonion where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. If you want to play along, grab the button, write a post and add your link to Mr. Linky on Kathy's blog!

My words for this entry appear in The Improper Governess by Carola Dunn, a bit of light reading in my spare time. Definitions are from dictionary.reference.com.

1. & 2. minatory and cicisbeo - "'Oh yes, that will do very well. I shall not keep you long, I am sure,' she added, giving her cicisbeo her hand and her brother a minatory look."

Cicisbeo refers to the escort or lover of a married woman, esp in 18th-century Italy. Minatory means menacing or threatening.

Cicisbeo doesn't truly fit the context of the prose considering the lady is widowed, therefore no longer married. The second word, minatory, portrays beautifully the woman's intent.

________________________________________________________

3. mendaciously - "'I brought Miss Findlay away before her breakfast,' Lord Ashe condescended to explain, mendaciously, 'and mine was much interrupted, you may recall.'"

Mendaciously is a fancy adverb to indicate his lying. Tsk, tsk.

________________________________________________________

4. elucidate - "Before he could elucidate, the second footman came in with a tea-tray. "

To elucidate is to make something clear or explain.

So, what new words have you encountered in your reading?

Introducing Wren Romany

2011-05-10T16:27:00.000-04:00

I just finished a new chapter in Wren Romany's saga. For those of you who have not met her, she is worth an introduction.

Sixth born of the Romany clan of nine children, she is the third daughter. While many of her siblings struggle with their faith in the Almighty God and Creator who they refer to as Deus (Latin for God), she is relatively secure in her faith. She works through the usual struggles of a daily walk with the Lord, but she isn't shaken in her belief that God is holy, omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (everywhere present) and just. Her personal story isn't one of a struggling faith, but of a quest for family.

Driven from her home and family by circumstances beyond her control, she throws herself into her work (hunting animals and criminals) and forges a life on the road. For a time, she is content with her horse (Brone), her falcons (all seven of them), and the wilds of a Medieval-like setting to explore. However, she eventually realizes the loneliness of her existence and seeks out a home for the winter, which is when her story begins.

She attracted me from the first because of her confidence. Wren is not a woman who shies away from a challenge. She faces life without frills or doubts (almost). Confident in her God and her abilities, she willingly admits her short comings.

She has her flaws. She can be too cold, too blunt, too harsh, and occasionally impulsive. She struggles to temper that with kindness, not always successfully. She is not an inherently feminine woman. The skills a woman would usually cultivate, she does not have use for. She can cook (a necessity of traveling by oneself) and sew a simple seam, but that is about it. More comfortable around men, weapons (preferable throwing knives), and animals, she tends to feel uncomfortable with the trappings of womanhood, especially fancy dresses.

Not an outwardly beautiful woman, she has a strength of character that is unusual and hopefully attractive. I hoped to explore the inner depths of her strength and her influence on those around her. A strange premise for a book, but there it is.

Questions:

1) If you have been reading Wren Romany's story, how would you describe her?
2) If you haven't read her story, would you be interested based on this description?

Uncooperative Characters

2011-04-28T11:00:00.001-04:00

Wren Romany's 21st chapter is up...finally. This chapter has been fraught with surprises, at least for me. Who said that a writer's life is boring? ;)

First, Wren decided to be minimalistic (not totally out of character). She summarized slipping out of Orac's camp, a night of travel, and getting into Hawthorne's fortress in five paragraphs. I was a tad stunned, not necessarily displeased. I had hoped to do something along those lines, but I anticipated a bit more resistance from her.

To make up for her compliance, Tourth turned stubborn. Instead of going directly and efficiently in the direction of the coming battle, he pulled everything possible to stall: swapping war stories, discussing the ridiculousness of Hawthorne's defenses, and deliberating picking an arguement with Portan. Lord Portan wasn't supposed to be in the scene anyway. He burst in and refused to leave before he said his piece which wasn't that crucial anyway. *rolls eyes*

Finally, to really throw me off, King Orac suddenly decides (for very logical reasons) that he will not enter Hawthorne's castle. The confrontation will instead take place in a meadow outside. This is perfect for him and the surprise coming, but it is totally not what I expected. Ah, well, I shall have to adapt because I think he is right, the confrontation should happen out in the open. Now I have the problem of getting Wren there after all her effort getting inside the walls.

Since I have the beginning of the next chapter started, I am hoping I will be able to get to the crux of the climax soon, but who knows. For the one who is supposed to have all the answers, I am finding myself feeling a bit clueless these days. The good news is that I am enjoying the anticipation of the unknown right along with the rest of you.

So, please stop by Wren's blog and admire the end result of all my mental gymnastics. Also, look for the questions at the end of the chapter. I would love to hear what your answers and any other comments you would like to make. :)

Thanks for listening to me argue with the characters in my head.

~ Rachel Rossano

Question: If you are a writer, do you talk to your characters? If you aren't a writer, does the fact that writers talk to their characters seem strange to you?

Wonderous Words Wednesday

2011-04-20T13:36:00.001-04:00

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Kathy of Bermudaonion where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. If you want to play along, grab the button, write a post and add your link to Mr. Linky on Kathy's blog!

My words for this week are from Jaimey Grant's novel Redemption.

1. perforce - "Dare, perforce, sat on the bed, swinging his feet up and crossing his ankles."

I had encountered this word before and thought I had a pretty good idea of the meaning, but I wanted to look it up just to be sure. According to dictionay.com, perforce is an adverb meaning "of necessity; necessarily; by force of circumstance."

______________________________________________________________

2. farce and roiling - "He knew that Adam would never hurt Bri but with all the tension over all the stupid actions being committed left and right in this farce, Dare wasn't sure Adam had a very good hold on his roiling displeasure."

I first encountered farce in the song "Send in the Clowns." From that context I thought I have a pretty good grasp of the meaning. In this case I was correct. A farce is a a ludicrous situation or action, which fits this context exactly.

Roiling has such a great sound. I had to look it up to find out what it meant. The two definitions on dictionary.com fit beautifully (1. to render (water, wine, etc.) turbid by stirring up sediment. 2. to disturb or disquiet; irritate). I particularly like the imagery of the first definition in setting of the quote. :)

So, what new words have you encountered in your reading?

An Update and A Laugh

2011-04-14T15:28:00.000-04:00

I should give the update first.

The science fiction short story is sent to the publisher. *crosses fingers and prays* Hopefully she will like it and it will fit with the anthology she has planned for this summer.

The Theodoric Saga editing is moving forward. My best friend, Charissa Taylor, came to visit for a few days. Per usual, she has given me some great ideas on what to do with Ruarc. Now I just have to write them down.

Wren is stalled at the moment. The climax is giving me fits and not cooperating. I will be devoting some time to untangling the mess in my head. Hopefully that will get it moving again soon. I can't believe it is almost finished.

And the promised laugh... One of my favorite authors (I have so many) posted a great little story on her blog a while ago. I revisited it and wanted to share the laughter. http://www.sarahmeden.com/2011/02/if-every-story-were-written-like-cliche.html

Enjoy!

- Rachel Rossano

A new chapter in Wren is up, finally!!!

2011-04-05T12:50:00.001-04:00

Tourth faces his past while seeking his future and Wren leaves him to go off on her own. The tension is building toward the climax. Hopefully I can pull it off.

I always get nervous about this part of writing. Questions crowd in and make me doubt. "Can I really bring this to a fulfilling climax? Will the resolution be satisfying or just contrived? Have I woven in all the loose threads? Did I forget something vital? Could it be better?"

The answer to that last one is always yes, but I will address it in the next draft. That is what first drafts are for, getting the story down. There will plenty of time for revision later. :)

So, please stop by and read the latest chapter. For the first time, I ask a question at the end. I would love to hear your response.

- Rachel Rossano

Questions -

If you are a writer: Do climaxes intimidate you too? If so, what aspects?

For non-writers: What kind of ending do you prefer, happy ever after, happy for now, unresolved, or something else?

I would love to hear what you think. :)

Wren has her own Facebook page

2011-04-03T14:18:00.000-04:00

Wren Romany has her own facebook page. Stop by for updates on her story, connections to her siblings, and their journey to publication in book form.

Where did I go?

2011-04-02T00:26:00.000-04:00

You are all probably wondering where I went. I haven't blogged in a while.

Sorry. Life was a bit zany for a while. My hubby traveled on business for a few days and it was just me and the three kiddies for that time. Then crunch time for my husband's masters class took up all of his time outside of work so I got little time to myself. So, I am back.

Status update:

The Crown of Anavrea is a hair short of two thirds edited. One step at a time...

Wren Romany will hopefully be moving forward soon. I just set up a Facebook page for her.

"Exchange" is going to get a final edit sometime soon. Hubby still hasn't read it (schoolwork was pressing), so he needs to read it before I finally send it off to the publisher.

So, that is the latest. Thanks for being patient. I hope to have more for you soon. :)

- Rachel Rossano

Excerpt from the revised The Crown of Anavrea:

“So, where are you from, little mouse?”

Eve lifted her head from scrubbing the dinner pot. Her hands shook from exhaustion. They had now traveled a full day and night without rest. Her eyes protested at the idea of focusing. The wagon master’s son stood over her, grinning in a way he clearly thought disarming.

Eve returned to scrubbing.

More to come... :)

Agent Pitch Contest!!

2011-03-17T19:21:00.000-04:00

I saw this on Rachel Rager's blog and thought I would give it a go with Living Sacrifice. If you are interested in trying it yourself, here are the basics:

Super agent Ammi-Joan Paquette has so kindly offered to host a pitch contest - our first, but definitely not last - on YAtopia. And seeing as she's currently closed to submissions, this is an opportunity you simply CANNOT miss out on.

It's really quite simple what you have to do. Ready?

1) Be a follower of the blog. Nice and easy.

2) Blog about this contest and include a link with your entry. If you don't have a blog, you may tweet or make a facebook status. But we prefer blog.

3) Create a TWO SENTENCE pitch. And not a massively long run-on sentence either. Two concise sentences that will hook Joan to your book and have her desperate to read more.

4) Include the opening line of your manuscript.

5) Manuscripts that you submit should be completed. I leave it up to you whether you decide to submit a half finished manuscript. You'll have to deal with it SHOULD Joan request you send her the full.

6) This contest will be capped at either 150 entries OR will end midnight on the 24th March.

7) Winners to be announced (along with prizes) on 31st March.

8) Only childrens and young adult categories will be accepted. Sorry!

So, hurry over fellow writers of YA fiction.
Good luck!! Post your entries on YAtopia's blog!

- Rachel Rossano

Question for the day - How many manuscripts do you have lying (finished and unfinished) around awaiting writing, polishing, or publishing?

Fish Water for Dinner

2011-03-14T18:56:00.001-04:00

Fish water (pasta in tomato sauce) for dinner. As three-year-old describes it: "the fish (the pasta) tries to swim away in the water (the sauce) and I catch it and eat it." He came up with the name himself. His imagination amazes me.

I know it is very silly to be comparing my writing to fish water, but I am going to anyway. If the fish/pasta is my inspiration/concentration and the water/sauce is my writing time, my fish is suffocating in air and when it does hit water, I starve because I can't catch it.

Part of the issue is I have received some critiques from other writers on my work, an essential part of the writing process. I am encouraged by some of my critters, however, others are not as uplifting. Some readers were confused, and others got lost. Everyone has an opinion on how the plot should go and I have to come to terms with the fact that I can't please everyone. Of course, I already know I cannot entertain and engage every person who reads my writing. That is why I write for a specific audience.

However, the fact that some do not like what I write still hurts. I long to please people, an inclination I have to fight sometimes. I think everyone has that part of them that wants everyone to like them. But reality is, not everyone will like everyone else. Here I expose my insecurity. *sheepish grin*

In crowd the worries and out goes my muse.

It will return. I just need to give it some time.

Back to topic. This is all to say: I haven't gotten much writing done. Wren is ready to pin me to a wall with her throwing knives and Tourth is threatening much worse. Besides them, Labren, Eve, Myah and Ruhan are all clamoring for editing. (Myah and Ruhan are my SF short story characters.) Characters demanding that their stories get edited is a new experience for me, probably because I am not much of an editor. I am working on that.

So, now that I have rambled at you for quite a bit, I come to the final conclusion. Due to family obligations (three cute distractions in my children) and elusive inspiration, my writing and editing efforts have been delayed. Just thought I would warn you, explain why, and reassure you that I am still moving, at the rate of a snail.

Hopefully this confession will get things moving faster. :)

- Rachel Rossano

So, what makes your muse flee?

Writing and Crisis

2011-03-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

I have rediscovered something about myself in the past week: when I am stressed about something I don't want to think about, I write. My father had open heart surgery last Wednesday. We found out he needed a valve replacement only a few weeks ago so the news was still fresh when he went in with chest pain and found he would need three to four bypasses as well.

As a Christian, I know that all things are in the Lord's hands. This faith, instilled in me since childhood by my parents, has been tested many times. I underwent surgery on my eyes at ages four and five and suffered epilepsy during childhood. In June of the year I was five, I took this faith to heart by committing my heart to the Lord. He took it and I have never looked back. His, the Lord's, sovereignty has always been a comfort for me, especially in times like these. The faith He has given me has never wavered. But, oh, how hard it is to leave things in His hands and not worry.

My solution this time has been to write like crazy. You ask me how this helps? It keeps my mind busy and distracted. It is hard to dwell on those things I have brought to the Lord in prayer and left there when I am busily planning the next scene or the next plot point. I still spent many hours in prayer for my father and my family out in the Midwest while I am here in northeast. But once the prayers have covered all possibilities multiple times, I have poured my heart out to the Lord and placed it all firmly in His hands, I know I need to leave it there. I need to trust and not worry. So, I write.

An anthology opportunity dropped in my lap (Thank you, Lord) before the surgery: a science fiction romantic short story 5,000 to 15,000 words. I immediately had an idea for a side story connected to Living Sacrifice involving Clovis. Unfortunately, that didn't work out. Instead a story seed that has haunted me for years yet refused to take form no matter how I tried finally fleshed out in my head. I wrote like a mad woman. Over 8,000 words later, I think I have a decent short story. I am not as confident about this one as some of the other projects. The main reason for my hesitation is because I am not an experienced short story writer. I have only written one Science Fiction piece before and it is a whopping big novel. However, the short story has been sent out to my favorite editor, Charissa Taylor, and I am eagerly waiting for the chance to discuss it with her.

Next, I have plotted and begun the end of Wren's story. The tension is winding up for the climax. There is peril galore, tension, impending doom, and all the great things that a climax needs. The challenge now is to get the budding romance between Tourth and Wren to come to satisfying fruition before the end. We shall see. As long as nobody gets stubborn or ornery, I might pull it off. :)

Finally, The Crown of Anavrea revision project! Yup, that one is next up for attention. I am hoping to dive into rewriting today. If all goes well, I will be into the second stage of editing of the second third before the end of the week when I have to return to Wren for another chapter. :) We shall see if everything goes as planned.

My dad's surgery went really well. He is still in ICU, though, because of various issues that keep popping up. I know God has a reason for it all. If nothing else, each day he remains in the hospital is another day of healing and recovery, praise the Lord.

- Rachel Rossano

Romance Blogfest - Feb 14, 2011

2011-02-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

Here is my entry for the Romantic Blogfest February 2011:

A SF romance, this scene is the first meeting of the main characters, (Hadrian and Zezilia) two Talents (people who can speak mind to mind), one trained and one untrained. Sent thoughts are italicized within quotes. This is a first draft so typos and errors are expected, please ignore them.

Enjoy!

Excerpt from Work in Process Living Sacrifice:

Hadrian

“Great potential talent,” Errol whispered into my mind. I watched the girl he spoke of, hardly more than a child, and tried to see what he saw. Or rather, receive what he heard.

“I am receiving nothing,” I protested.

Zezilia Ilar, meaning grey-eyed, I had heard of her like most of the Talents heard of the births of daughters, with the rumors. Dark and slender, I watched as she moved among the throng of recently presented girls. She seemed aloof, distant somehow, as she walked to stand by the outer wall. Her eyes down cast and demeanor quiet. From this distance, I couldn’t even catch a glimpse to find out if her name was because of a characteristic or a romantic fancy of her mother’s.

The rest of the young hopefuls thronged into clutches of whispers and giggles. Their eager eyes watching for any chance glance from an older male. They knew their purpose, snatch a rich prospect before the high week finished. One or two of the more forward young women boldly scanned the crowd and carefully chose upon whom they bestowed their coy smiles.

“She is thinking of the gardens,” Errol sent.

I looked down at my tutor and friend in surprise. “The gardens?” A young woman at the first major social event of her life and her mind on foliage, it was unique.

He smiled. “I told you she was different.”

I turned my attention back to the small, green-clad figure beside the open windows. Behind us the music changed, announcing the arrival of the Mesitas. “So, since I cannot hear her, what do you suggest I do to test her?”

“Touch her mind,” Errol suggested. “If she senses you, we will know that she is.”

I frowned. “And why must I do it?”

“I am not strong enough to do it at this distance.” I detected an underlying meaning in Errol’s voice, but by the time I glanced down at him, his face was blank.

“I don’t know.”

“Come on, Ilias. You know you surpassed my abilities long ago. Now just do this for your old tutor. Test her and see if I am mistaken about her talent.”

The Mesitas with his cohort of Segia approached the High King’s dais. Any moment he would be giving the official blessing over the Caelestis Novem. If I didn’t do it now, I wouldn’t have a better opportunity for a long time. I concentrated. Focusing lightly on the minds in the room, I selected hers from among them. Errol was correct; her thoughts were definitely on something other than the proceedings. Now that I was trying to read them, I could catch snatches. Reaching out with an invisible hand I touched her mind. A fusion of mint flooded my mouth and then suddenly disappeared. In defense, I withdrew. However when I lifted my eyes, I found her gaze locked on me. From this distance I couldn’t read the expression on her face. Her body language spoke of startled surprise.

“I take it she felt you.”

“Understatement, Errol. She shut me out. The technique was raw and awkward, but she felt me and shut me out.” I looked down at Errol. The amusement on his face was annoying.

“Never had that happen before I take it?”

“Not since I first began training and you know it. Usually that kind of touch goes undetected.”

“I know. I suspected, but I wanted to be sure.”

I watched the play of thought across Errol’s face. I knew the man well enough that I rarely had to listen to his thoughts to know what was going through his mind. “Does she know?” I asked.

Errol shook his head. “Not yet. I have only just opened her mind to the idea that she might have some talent. Besides, I don’t want her to know, at least not yet.”

I glanced back in her direction. She was gone. ”You do realize that I am going to have to go apologize and explain myself now.”

“Fine,” Errol replied, waving me off. “Tell her that I put you up to it. Just don’t tell her everything. I want to keep her innocent as long as possible.”

I nodded. I wouldn’t ruin her ignorance. With it came peace, a peace that I hadn’t had in years. I never forgot the heavy weight on my shoulders and I would be cautious to not lay that burden about Zezilia Ilar’s slender frame any sooner than necessary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zezilia

The surprise in his dark eyes was burned into my memory as the rich flavor of his mind touch still lingered in my mouth. I could not identify the taste that had flooded my senses, but I found it strangely pleasing. So that was how it felt to have someone touch one’s thoughts. I tried to recall my brothers’ descriptions of the experience, but none came to mind. I guess I never pestered them with questions about it like I had about fishing, hunting, and playing Korkta.

I hoped that the cool night air would clear my senses. However, I found that even the delicious pleasure of walking at night alone in the High King’s gardens did not distract me. My thoughts kept returning to the tall man with the startled eyes. What was he doing speaking with Master Silas? There had to be a connection between the two of them. I sank onto a bench along the path and tried to organize the rampage in my head. I knew too little to wrestle it into a shape I recognized.

“Donellea Ilar.”

I was so startled that I jumped to my feet and ran three steps before colliding with someone solid. Arms came up to steady me. Once he was sure that I wasn’t going to fall, he stepped away.

“I am sorry to startle you for the second time,” he said, bowing to me. His voice was low and rich like the taste left by his mind touch. I simply stared at him. “I seem to be acting like a great oaf tonight, first intruding upon your thoughts in the assembly and now startling you out of your musings.”

It took me a moment to find my tongue. “That is alright, Master…”

“Aleron,” he supplied. He smiled. “I am Hadrian Aleron.”

“Master Aleron,” I repeated, “I seem too much in my thoughts tonight.”

“Nonsense,” he protested. “It is rude to touch someone’s thoughts without their permission. Master Silas asked me to test you to see if you have talent. I meant to only brush your mind, not to startle you. Please accept my apology and allow me to make it up to you with a tour of the gardens.”

I blushed. Thankfully the darkness disguised the color. “Surely you don’t mean tonight.”

He laughed; it was a warm sound. “No, I do not mean tonight. I was thinking more of tomorrow morning before the heat reaches its height. What do you say?”

To be honest, I was not sure what to say. My impression in the light of the candelabras had been that he was about the age of Clovis or Blandone, my second and third brothers. That made him at least nine or ten years my senior. Though my parents wouldn’t think it odd that a man would be interested in me, I did. I was after all only fifteen.

“Are you sure you wish to be seen with me?” I blurted out.

He laughed again. “Yes, Donellea, I wish to make up for my blunders this evening. I have twice been terribly rude. If Clovis or Blandone got wind of my behavior, they would give me a dressing down. Now, please consent so that I may avoid crossing paths with your brothers’ ire.”

“I doubt Blan would give you much trouble, but I can understand your concern about Clovis,” I agreed. Clovis was a well known warrior, excelling in all forms of fighting. As formidable as Master Aleron looked to me, I was certain that Clovis would be able to make minced pie out of him. “I consent,” I said with as much regality as I could, offering my hand as I had seen Mother do.

“Thank you, my dear Donellea,” he replied. Taking my hand he lifted it to his mouth and then flabbergasted me by kissing it. “Now allow me to escort you to the safety of the well-lit palazzo. I can hear the first strains of the dancing music and I am sure there will be many waiting to watch you dance.”

I let him lead me back to the golden glowing windows of the assembly room, but I refused his offer of an escort inside. Thankfully some young men he knew appeared just then and I was able to slip off unnoticed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

© 2011 Rachel Rossano

Return to the Romance Blogfest

Wren's Adventure Sprinkled with a Dash of Romance

2011-02-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wren's newest chapter is up and it is packed full: adventure, action, developing romance, and much more. Just in time for Valentine's Day. Please stop by and comment.

- Rachel Rossano

Ruarc Ethan Arrives with a Yell!

2011-02-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

I just finished the first draft of Ruarc's debut. Read on, and please tell me what you think.

Excerpt from the revised The Crown of Anavrea:
“I demand an audience with Eve Ethan.”

A loud voice broke through the hushed corridors on the first floor. Almost all the children were romping outside, making the best use of the brief hour before dinner. Labren, resting in Professor Olof’s office lifted his head from a tome chronicling the genealogy of the Theodorics. If Ireic was set on offering him the crown, Labren intended on finding an alternate possibility.

“You shall not speak to any one if you do not regulate your volume, sir.” Han’s voice carried despite the even tones.

“I will not quiet down until I get Eve.”

Labren attempted to stand without the assistance of the desk. He managed, but pain sluiced through his thigh. A deep breath steadied him as he waited for the discomfort to settle to a dull ache. “Bring him in, Han,” he called.

“Come this way,” Han directed.

“I know Eve is here. They turned off at the crossroads and this is the first place on this road that has a wagon….” The man’s voice trailed off upon setting his gaze on Labren. “You!” The man lunged forward.

Labren staggered a step, his bad leg almost collapsing beneath him. He grabbed the back of the chair for balance.

Ruarc’s icy blue eyes spewed hatred. If Han didn’t keep his restraining hand on the man’s compact shoulder, he would have seized Labren.

“Where is my sister?”

About hand’s span shorter than Han, the man was built like a wall. Massive shoulders, solid chest, and well-muscled arms. His movements declared a skilled quickness on his feet and comfort in his own skin few men possessed. Labren scanned his face searching for a familial resemblance, but was hard pressed to find one beyond the blond hair and perhaps something about the set of his eyes.

“I demand to see my sister.”

“You can demand all you want, sir, but you cannot assail this man.”

“I have cause.”

Han’s eyebrows rose.

Labren frowned. “What cause would that be?”

“Kidnapping of my sister from her owner.”

“I didn’t kidnap her.”

Approaching footfalls outside interrupted any further conversation. Not that they were really accomplishing much with the words they had exchanged thus far. Professor Olof appeared in the doorway, Eve at his heel.

Labren watched her face intently as she entered the room.

“I understand…” Professor Olof’s voice was lost to the mutual cries of joy and relief from the siblings.

“Ruarc!”

Eve bypassed the Professor and ran into the stranger’s out flung arms. The unfettered euphoria of her expression banished all doubt of the man’s relation to her. Simultaneously, Labren’s gut gave a terrible wrench. His knuckles whitened as his fingers dug into the upholstery. If only she would look that overjoy at his appearing.

“I thought I would never see you again,” Ruarc told her, cradling her face between his hands. “I came to rescue you from Mridle only to find you gone, stolen away by some criminal, dragged into harms’ way.” He pulled her into a massive hug. “Now put your mind at rest, little sister. I shall free you from this…” He uttered a word that Labren had only heard used by the roughest of the seadogs. Professor Olof’s eyebrows rose and Han coughed. “He has no hold on you.”

Eve tried to speak, but Ruarc shushed her. “Now, villain…” Eve’s brother turned and pinned Labren with a frigid glare. “Will you release her or do I need to call upon the law to deal with you.”

Han stepped forward and opened his mouth, but Eve beat him to it.

“You don’t understand.”

“No, sister, you are the one who doesn’t understand.” Without dropping his glare from Labren, Ruarc pulled Eve behind him and pull out a knife. “You are coming with me.”

Balancing precariously, white fire searing his thigh, Labren raised both hands to hip level, showing the man his palms.

“She is not going anywhere,” Professor Olof interjected.

“Would you attack an unarmed man?” Han asked.

“Remember what Father taught you. Listen!” Ruarc ignored her, raising his knife slightly higher.

Eve ripped her hand from Ruarc’s grasp. Frustration sparked green fire in her eyes. “Ruarc Ethan, you aren’t listening.”

Ruarc swung to face her. The mask of focused determination slipped and wariness flickered across his features. “Listening.”

“I am free.” Her voice weighed heavy in the room. “Look!” She pulled back the collar of her dress to reveal her bare collarbone. “He already freed me. I am his wife. It was my choice, Ruarc. I choose to stay.”

A slow dawn spread across her brother’s face. “So, he didn’t steal you?”

“From Mridle’s perspective, perhaps, he did. From mine, I was freed.”

“But he is a criminal.”

“Wrongly accused,” Han pointed out before Labren’s tongue formed a sound.

“The man from the caravan said he abused you.”

“Let me guess his name,” Eve offered, “Ulysses?”

“He was the one harassing her,” Labren protested.

Ruarc glared at him. Distrust still hung between them. Labren didn’t completely blame him.

Eve crossed to Labren and slipped an arm around his waist. “You are pale. Sit before you fall over,” she whispered, guiding him back to the chair.

“But…” Ruarc’s voice faded to silence.

Labren wanted to protest and remain standing, but a sudden wave of lightheadedness cut off the possibility. “What a way to feel useless,” he muttered. “A brother-in-law I never knew I had threatens to abduct my wife and all I can do is struggle not to pass out at his feet.”

“He becomes a bit intense at times.”

“Intense?” The room shifted. Labren dropped his head between his knees, thankful for the gentle pressure of Eve’s hand on his shoulder.

“Perhaps Labren and Eve can explain everything at another time.” Professor Olof suggested from the other side of the room. “We have refreshment and a room to rest in if you should need…”

“I am not leaving Eve with that man.” Ruarc replied.

“I understand that. However, Labren needs her now.”

“May I suggest a tray be brought here,” Han suggested.

“Labren should be in bed,” Professor Olof pointed out.

“What is wrong with the bloke anyway?”

“Recent injuries are affecting his health.” Professor Olof pulled out a chair from the wall. “Will you please have a seat? I will gather something from the kitchen.”

Ruarc settled in the seat, but Labren could still feel the steely pressure of his glare.

“Are there any other family members of yours I should know about?”

“No.” Slender fingers slipped through his hair, lulling him toward sleep. “Our parents are dead, we only have each other.”

It was a feeling Labren couldn’t quite relate to. Ireic and he had never been particularly close, more from their parent’s choices theirs. It was hard to have a relationship of any kind while physically miles apart. Besides, the price on his head didn’t help matters.

So...what did you think?

Is he likeable?

Do you want to know more?

Please let me know. :)

- Rachel Rossano

Wren's Saga Continues and Other News

2011-02-07T17:15:00.001-05:00

I have just finished a new chapter in Wren.

So, next on the agenda is editing the next third of The Crown of Anavrea and writing the grand entrance of Ruarc Ethan onto the page. I am hoping to get to that soon.

Keep your eyes open on Valentine's Day. I am participating in the Romance Blogfest. I haven't chosen the meet cute scene that I am going to use, but I can promise you it will be interesting and entertaining. Stop by on Valentine's Day and enjoy.

Now back to work for me. :)

- Rachel Rossano

The Winners!!!

2011-02-01T13:27:00.001-05:00

The Winners of the Name That Character Contest

Katherine

Sarah

and

Katie

Yes, you read that right. There are three winners instead of two. Katie suggested the first name that I picked, Sarah suggested the last name, and Katherine won the random drawing. So, winners please contact me through my email and let me know where I should send your prize: an autographed copy of the the original The Crown of Anavrea.

Now the real reason for all the pomp, the naming of Eve's older brother...

Drum roll please...

Bada Bum!

I would like to introduce you all to...

Ruarc Ethan

He will be exploding onto the page in the next release of

The Crown of Anavrea.

Stay tuned for a sneak peek at his intense first scene with Labren and

more contests.