Thank you #mydreams #sharingthoughts #alwaysbelieve

As we end this year I would like to say thank you to all those who have given my dreams an opportunity to blossom. Financially my venture in writing has me in the red. It started out that I was breaking even with my first book, Isle of the Faeries. Book two, Mystic North, hasn't proven to be lucrative but I felt the desire to continue the story. As I began to write the third book thoughts came that this was surely a waste of my time.

Several negative thoughts occur when venturing into writing, this is not uncommon. It can cause self-doubt in one's creativity and cause writer's block. Negative thoughts barge us from all sides, family, friends, publishers. Whether intentional or not it takes a toll on the introvert, the creative mind.

Today I reminisced about the measure of success and what it truly means. An epiphany occurred, I did succeed no matter how great or small. I published not just one but two books. No matter how great or small, or if my books were your cup of tea or not, I did it! My books are not without errors and by no means are they on the best sellers list. I had an idea and it became a reality. Many thanks to all those who have shown support to my endeavors. Always believe!!     

New addition #magicmystic #previewofwhatstocome #unwantedguest

I have added something to my story the third and final volume of the origin of the faeries series. I have wanted to bring to life a mystical creature other than the faeries. I was not sure which direction I should go on this. I was reluctant to bring in a goblin or something along those lines. I needed something more fierce to engage in battle with Aodhan and the faeries. The battle will take place early on in the book.
I am still in the process of writing this final tale. I found this picture which has inspired me to go back into the story and tweak up the description with a bit more magic!

     

Time flies #novemberalready #holidayseasonbegins # whyiprocrastinate

Time sure flies! I had promised myself that I was going to dedicate myself to this page more often. It's been a fail in epic proportions. Why do I procrastinate when things aren't easily flowing? Why do I get so entangled in situations that I cannot rise above it all?
We all have excuses in life, those horrible interruptions, which tear us away from what we really seek to accomplish. The cruelty of life sometimes mocks my efforts. It's such a thin line us humans walk.

During these difficult times, I would normally escape into the world of fantasy. I take up residence in a castle surrounded by nature. My little home in the woods isn't a castle by no means but nature which surrounds me is my healing place. I think I'm dreading pressures associated with the upcoming holiday season. Going to have to use the "force" to associate and enjoy the season.
I've recently found a new pic which has inspired me to add a new character to book 3 in my origin of the faerie series. The post can be found on my facebook page, JoAnn E Henderson, Author. Be sure you add the comma (,) Author to accurately get to the page. While you're there give my page a "like" and may the force be with you!
    

Power of Light #faerielight #lightgiver #lightwithinus

Power of Light~
Many references were given in both the Isle of Faeries and the Mystic North about a magical power of light. I have tried to establish within the fantasy books a connection to my personal religious beliefs.
I have often thought what would it be like to witness the birth of creation. I combined religious beliefs with a magical twist as Aodhan stirs up a hearth fire of an ancient race of beings. Enlightenment comes forth from the hearth but in actuality, the buds of enlightenment begin within Aodhan.
As a bearer of light and the power within it, Aodhan struggles to control his new found wisdom. Physically it takes its toll as the power of light continues to grow within him.
Genesis 1:3 "And God said let there be light: and there was light."

 

Rocks #loveofrocks #magicstones #faerierocks

There is no doubt about it I have a fascination and love of rocks. I am not really sure exactly where this derives but I have always been drawn to them. I collect them, I paint them, I line my flower garden with them, I make them into crafts and give them as gifts. I try to understand man's deep connection to the rocks of the earth.
In the Bible, there are many references to rocks. Moses struck the rock with his rod and water came forth. Sacrifices of animals were made upon the rock. Samuel, after a victory, placed a stone between the two cities. He named it Ebenezer as a reminder to the Israelites of God's faithfulness. Upon the rock, Christ encharged his disciple Peter, to spread the gospel and build his church.
In my books, Isle of the Faeries and Mystic North, I share my love of rocks into the stories as places of power as well as places of pain and suffering. Part of my obsession, maybe, but part of something innately deeper within the core of mankind.

 

Somedays #creativevoid #faeriespiritshelpme #changesinstoryline

Somedays~
There are some days when things just seem to flow. The creative juices emit from me so quickly I can't seem to get them out quick enough. I write the ideas down and then go back over them making correction after correction. Something which is happening with my third book in my series. 
Other days there is a huge blank void. I have searched for other writers opinions and many seem to have this problem. There is tons of advice out there as to how to get back into it. So much so as I read them I only hear blah, blah, blah. I've found music to be a great distraction to free up my thoughts. 
Out of my worst circumstances, I seem to be the most creative. Is it the reaching up and out which does it? Or simply a coping mechanism I have developed to keep sane. I try not to put too much thought into that because I know I would create another issue to overcome. I accept that it's part of me, an essential part of myself, which not many understand.
Recently a name came to me which I absolutely love, Raven. The name actually belongs to a family member. I am unsure yet how I will bring her to fruition, but that's half the fun. Many of my characters I have included in the storylines are actually family members either by name or attributes. 

  

Book Signing #backhometogoodrich #joiningotherauthors #faerieliterature #booksigningevent

Book Signing Event 
I will be attending a book signing with several other local authors at an event as to some would say "my hometown." I, in fact, did graduate from Goodrich High School back in the day, but I wasn't born there. Many of the people which I met in the community were very accepting of their newcomer. I must say that many of the people from my graduating class are still my friends today.
I actually was born in a different city, Pontiac, Mi. I lived in Pontiac until the age of 9. In several houses, but mostly with my Grandparents. My parents were divorced and when my mother remarried we moved to a farm on the outskirts of Rochester, MI now known as Oakland Township. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I moved to Florida to live with my father during the beginning of my high school years. We then moved back to Michigan for my final year of high school. 
When people say or talk about their hometown my usual reply is which one? I was thinking about this the other day when I overheard someone talking about family reunions. My mother's family was very tightly knit. When we were young we did everything together. When one family went to church, we all did. When one family went to the beach, we all did. When we had reunions we all came. The bonds we shared as cousins remain the same no matter the time or distance between us. We stuck together because we were all we had. In actuality, my hometown was wherever my cousins were, my support system.

    

Raining in my world #neckofthewoods #faerieland #faerieinthewoods

Raining in my world today. Much needed rain has finally arrived in our neck of the woods. June seemed to be a hot dry month with only a trace of rain. Warnings were posted for campers coming north for vacation not to burn fires in pits.
The weather patterns have sure changed and it makes me wonder if the use of computers and internet is not also adding to our ozone issues. I was thinking about how much my computer is a radiant source of heat. Ponder over that for a while.

I took this shot last July of nearby Lake Huron at an overlook from M23. The area this year is not as lush although it is still green. Imagine prolonged heat and drought and the irreparable damage it would cause on the great lakes and our fresh water supply. Thinking of how easily something like this could happen makes me appreciate the greenness of our world. Think I'll take a walk in the rain and be thankful for this small blessing!  

Book Signing #faerieliterature #fantasy

I have been very quiet lately with my blog due to our recent move. I will be attending a book signing event on Saturday, August 4, 2018 10am-4pm. The one day event but sponsored by Cottage Used Books. The event will be in the downtown area of Goodrich, Michigan. Several other authors will be joining me and the events surrounding us will involve craft booths and a car show. All in all an eventful and family oriented day!! Come join the fun!! 


                                                        Saturday, August 4, 2018
                                                      10am-4pm
                                    Downtown area - Goodrich, Michigan

Independence Day #flagoffreedom #americathebeautiful #lovemycountry

Independence Day
We have several days which are designated as holidays in our country to celebrate people who have fought in wars or those who have served or are still serving. The 4th of July we set aside a day to honor our nation's independence from Britain. Against tyranny and an oppressive government. We are to carry with us the spirit of 1776, the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Growing up my father instilled pride within us for the American flag and what it stood for. He was a soldier in WW2 and partook in the mission known as the Great Raid. Times have changed a very few families actually participate in the holiday as we did when growing up. Maybe in small town America flags and banners fly to honor this day of Independence. Very few large cities even have 4th of July fireworks on the actual 4th of July!
Within the last few years hatred has run rampant over all of social media. Being a flag waving patriot has become a stain in social media. The leaders of our country abuse the powers of social media to attack and throw shocking and unprofessional comments. It is quite disgusting, as well as disturbing, to see how America has become divided.
I will still fly my flag proudly while I am able. I'm sure if offends someone somewhere across this once great land. I will still stand during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and remember all the family members who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. For now, we are still the land of the free.

     

Enchanted Isle #booktitle #faerieliterature

I have been very far removed from writing book 3 in the origin of the faerie series. For this I apologize but sometimes things cannot be helped. Book 3 will be the final in this series. The Enchanted Isle is the title which I have chosen. A few months back I found a picture which has inspired me in the development of the character Willow. 

Many changes will occur within book 3 as her character evolves as well as changes within the human world. It's taking time and much thought as to the progression of the two worlds. It's requiring more research as well. In doing this I hope to end this series and travel into a new one. Many different developments coming along the way!!   

Moved #tiredoflivingoutofboxes #needtogetwriting #faeriesaveme

Hey there! The big move finally happened. We have moved into our house in the northern woods a couple weeks ago and had a sale closing on our other home mid-June. So much has happened so quickly I haven't caught up with myself. When I do I may collapse.

The home we purchased is a fixer upper and soon we will begin construction on the kitchen. I may lose my sanity before it's all over. Bear with me..those of you who are still watching for my blog. I hope that I haven't lost any of you. If you are still around, leave me a comment or two!   

Delay in writing blog

Delay in writing blog...

I haven't had an opportunity to jot anything down on the blog due to packing and moving. My husband has recently retired and we will be moving soon. We found acreage where we can spread our wings a bit without the constraints of living in suburbia. The wackiness of the current world is making us retreat. Here's one of our trails within the property.

I am looking forward to having a garden again which I haven't had in several years. Also to be able to can veggies. I learned to can when I was a girl back on our farm. My mother had an enormous pressure cooker. My job was to clean, sterilize and pack the jars. On one occasion my mother had let too much pressure built up in the cooker almost causing an explosion.

I have regrets about leaving the area in which we currently live. Leaving behind friends and family and the wonderful little bookstore which has given me such support in my literary endeavors. A new chapter and possibly a better environment for writing my third book in the series!   

Spiorad, a living spirit.. #celticmyths #faerielore #myownfaeries

Spiorad, a living spirit..

The character Aodhan goes through many changes as his character evolves. One of my favorite scenes in Volume 2, Mystic North, is when the faerie queen helps him pull off a metamorphosis turning him into a Spiorad, a living spirit, for his mother's funeral. He must act as the spirit guide to enable his mother's soul to join with the ancestors. 

The faerie applies a mixture of water and clay to Aodhan's face and places some branches and leaves into his hair giving him the appearance of horns. The effect works as many of his clan members gawk and stare somewhat frightened at the change of appearance.

I thought of the horned god in Celtic Mythology or even the green man of Irish lore. Both pics are a little more extreme than in my imagination but you get the idea!

  

Giveaway drawing.. #faerielove #winabookaboutfaeries

Giveaway drawing...
A good friend who owns a fantastic used book store called Cottage Used Books is doing a promo this month. Her store is located 8331 S State Rd, Goodrich, Michigan 48438. This little store is bringing a little culture into the rural country setting.This promo features my book "Mystic North" in the basket giveaway drawing. With the purchase a used book you will receive a ticket to enter the drawing. If your in the area stop in and enter the drawing which will be held St. Patrick's Day, March 17th.

What do you see? #faeriesinthetrees #faerierealm #faerielove

What do you see?

Many times a writer experiences a block in writing. I usually supplement a block by viewing a photograph I've found by researching. The picture below helped me find my way to the faerie realm in the second book in the origin of the faerie series, Mystic North.

This picture was titled backdoor. It truly looks like a photo I had taken of my northern property out my back door but at a different time of year. What do you see along the path?

Places of power #mysticlore #faerielove #magicandfantasy

Places of power..
When writing my books I thought about how people throughout history have signified certain areas as unique. Seeing them as either a place of power or as a spiritual awakening.
It seems to be a trend today to place a Cairn in a spot where we feel moved. I wanted to unite today's expressions of the Cairn to what ancient people found significant. The raw power of the earth in "Isle of the Faeries" would either convey a spiritual awakening, a loss, or a place where an unknown force made an impact on the lives of the people, an UN-turned stone.
Here's a shot of one I found last summer along the shores of Lake Huron. Those which shared in the mystical feeling at this spot continued to add to the structure. I also felt the pull as I gazed out over the great lake and added my own stone to the mix. 

Found an image #faeriebooks #faerielove

Found an image...I doing a little research today for book 3 I found an image that is very impelling. I thought I would give readers an opportunity to give the faerie in the is photo a name. 

I had thought possibly the image would be what Aodhan and Caelina's Willow would grow up to look like. What are your thoughts? 

Book 3 ? origin of the faeries series #loveoffaerie #faerieliterature

Book 3 ? origin of the faeries series...

I have been taking a break from writing book 3 in the origin of the faerie series. I have begun it but rewritten the first 3 chapters at least 7 times. I have some wonderful ideas of where I would like this all to go, but I seem to be unsatisfied with myself. Something to push beyond later this year.

Also, it is more of a necessity right now due to several changes happening in my life. I will be relocating and the packing to move has just about put me over the edge. Sifting through items, as my daughter refers to it as minimizing, is a huge issue. I am not sure why I attach such sentiments onto things. I've found the more we do that we seem to replenish those items with new items. The cycle goes on and on. I'm one who enjoys to re-purpose turning old junk into something new. 

I sometimes think of the mounds in Ireland and Scotland and wonder what those in the distant future will think of our huge mounds of garbage we have created. They won't be mystical and filled with wonderful tales. They will be filled with plastics that will take a millennium to disintegrate, if at all. We truly need to do something to save our precious planet.         

Real life characters #pixiesandfaeries #loveoffaeries

Real life characters...

Many people change the names of an actual person they know, but include their characteristics as a character within their story. I can say that I have used names of people because I liked the name. In the "Mystic North" Aodhan and Caelina have a child which I named Willow. 

A classmate of mine adopted a beautiful little girl whose name was Willow. I had not seen my classmate in years but I saw her picture on Facebook I fell in love with her little pixie daughter. My friend passed away suddenly and when writing my story I wanted to honor my friend so I chose the name Willow for Aodhan and Caelina's baby.

Not knowing Willow however I gave the newborn in my story characteristics more like my own daughter. Who in her own right was a charming little pixie born with intelligence beyond her years. The picture is of my daughter.

  

Queen Aine #myfaeriequeen #faeriebooks

Queen Aine..
The most well known of the faerie characters which were born within the hearth fire, is Queen Aine. I had debated as to focus my main faerie character as a male Aileel or female Aine. It seemed natural that I should choose someone to be Aodhan's queen of the faeries. I found a few images which suited my character and thought this one fit.

It presents Aine as more of an ethereal creature yet a more royal appearance. She is almost angelic.I had ideas in minds eye and with research it sometimes helps to find a visual to assist in writing.
The Mystic North reveals many truths about the faeries and you will discover what happens with the bond between Aodhan and the faeries created in the hearth fire.    

Faerie baby Evvie #faeriebooks #faeriemagic

Faerie baby Evvie...

Before leaving for Tir Na Nog, the enchanted isle of the Faeries, Queen Caelina gives birth to a faerie baby. The name Evvie literally means life. In the "Mystic North" Aodhan received a message from the faeries that Queen Caelina was with child. One of the faeries hint to Aodhan of when the baby will come. Was this a premonition? Or a wee bit of faerie magic?

    

Behind the character Ahearn #faeriebooks #loveoffaeries

Behind the character Ahearn...
When I began thinking of children born to Abracham's second wife Eilis again I researched names and came up with a girl and boys name. Maeva which meant intoxicating and Ahearn which meant the lord of the horse. Eilis dies after giving birth to Ahearn and he and his sister were raised by Dairine, first wife of Abracham.
Ahearn idolized his older brother Aodhan and frequently followed him without Aodhan's knowledge. Ahearn witnesses the birth of the faeries at the old mystic's hearth fire. Unknown to them Ahearn has indirectly obtained magic from the hearth fire, but it would effected him differently than Aodhan.
Ahearn makes the discovery of a wild horse heard. Never encountering an animal of this type before Ahearn succeeds in taming the stallion which he names Fleet. 

This is all part of the beginning of Ahearn's adventure in learning the gifts he was given from the old mystic's hearth fire. More gifts emerge in the second book "Mystic North". 

Faerie images #myownfaeries #faerieartinspiration

Faerie images..

In "Isle of the Faeries" I tried to tie in my own idea of what a faerie would look like with possibly what early people may have viewed them like. Growing up with the version of a more Disney type of "fairy" it was a bit challenging.

I ran across many pictures that I loved but all seemed to have a more modern day "fairy". I needed to visualize a more realistic faerie or person with fae like qualities. I rediscovered the artist Brian Froud whose tiny little characters opened up my mind into a world of faerie.

His art has covered both books and movie posters. In the 1986 movie The Labryinth, his goblins came to life from his mind and the creative Jim Henson. When I began to reflect on some of Mr. Froud's drawings my own faeries were born. From the mystic's hearth they were born from elements of fire, earth, and other elements derived from nature. 

Interest?

Interest?
Today the blog's focus in to gather interest in the blog itself. I am new to blogging and need some feedback if the previous blogs have spurred your interest in Isle of the Faeries or the Mystic North? please feel free to comment. Many thanks!

Faerie dwellings #settingmysceneforfaeries #ancientfaerielore

Faerie dwellings..

When I was young living on a farm my favorite place to play was a grove of trees out in the cow pasture. I built a fort there it was my place to escape the drudgery of farm chores. When researching for my books I came across a picture which was called a faerie fort. The photograph pulled me in and took me back to my early days on the farm at my own Faerie Fort.

Many of the faerie forts depict a mound and the faeries living underground. Remembering the fort of my youth I chose to have the faerie dwellings high within a sacred Rowan tree. In folklore the tree was known for protection. Down to the five pointed star the pentagram on each berry opposite it's stalk and the virtue of it's white flowers.  

Northmen arrive #magicalfaeriefolk #myownfaeriefolk

Northmen arrive..
Midway in "Mystic North" I introduce a new set of people, called simply the people of the North. I wanted to tie together the idea established early in "Isle of the Faeries" how the nomadic people became separated. How some may have survived. 
I found the name Cael. The name which is an angel of the zodiac Cancer, but also a warrior in Irish mythology. It was a good strong name to use for a leader of the people of the North. His oldest son I refer to as Mac. Mac meaning son of so formerly he would be known as MacCael. I needed a female version of Cael which became Caelina. In research I had found Caelina was another name used for the Faerie Queen. I found the picture below and the Faerie Queen's namesake was born.

In the "Mystic North" when Aodhan meets the Northmen, who land on his green Isle, he is taken aback by Caelina's looks and the knowledge that the Faeries were known by these mysterious people. 

Giants Causeway #magicalinspiration #faerielore

Giants Causeway..

Probably one of Ireland's greatest marvels are the basalt structures located in northern Ireland known as Giant's Causeway. The myths and lore tell of a tale of two giants fighting one another one in northern Ireland and one in Scotland. What better place for Aodhan to make a new home. 

When I began to research the area I learned that within the basalt structure of Giants Causeway was a special rock formation known as the wishing chair. I interwove the mysterious rock formation into my story. It became a spot of power, stones which emitted magic. Aodhan stumbles upon the rock accidentally and gets knocked backward from the magnitude of power which the rock emits. 

  

Faerie Realm #faerierealm #enterifyoudare #wherefaerieslive

Faerie Realm..

In the "Mystic North" Aodhan enters into the realm of faerie. An enchanted place hidden from view but within our own dimension. To enter Aodhan must be invited. To me the only choice was Aileel, the first born faerie man, to invite Adohan into the kingdom. 

Previously in my first book "Isle of the Faeries" the Faeries have joined Aodhan when he summoned them. Several times I changed my ideas of how he should enter the sacred realm.

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In Faerie lore the saying goes..When you see these trees together, Hawthorn, Oak and Ash, you will find the entrance to Faerie. Aodhan enters the faerie realm by way of a Hawthorn Arch. His experience is magical and ethereal in nature.
Here is a quote from the Mystic North describing what he saw when he entered the faerie realm. "The sky is azure blue and rainbow prisms of sunlit rays dance across the mossy ground. Flowers of bluebells ring out, calling the faeries, as they joyously dance to and fro upon a mid-summer breeze. Every breath taken in is joy and every exhale is peace."

Fantasy and Folklore #faeriefolklore #myfaeriefolklore

Fantasy and Folklore..
Ireland and Scotland rich in folklore was the perfect setting for my stories. From Faeries to Brownies to Hobgoblins the culture runs deep to explain things we don't understand. Places where our imagination thrives.
Deep within volume 2 "Mystic North" the tale of the Faerie Niamh and Oisin is revealed. I had read many variations of the folk tale. Each variant depicted somewhat different in time periods. The basic story however remains the same, a Faerie falls in love with the human Oisin and carries him back to the enchanted land of Tir Na Nog. Lonesome for his people he returns to his land, but Niamh puts him under a magic spell if he was to get off his horse he would grow old and die. 

Taking my story back into the time of the mystics was a bit tricky as it had to be interwoven with Aodhan's birth of the Faeries at the mystic's hearth. The integration of a mysterious new people from the north was the answer.    

Hearth Fire #whereitbegins #faeriesbornoffire

Hearth Fire..

It was important within the stories "Isle of the Faeries" and "Mystic North" to designate an area for the social gathering for the clan. A place where they shared meals, songs and stories.

Sad but true, the family meal is becoming a thing of the past in American culture. It makes me happy when I learn that some families still share in at least one daily family meal together.

Within my stories I establish the hearth fire as the main hub for social order.

In "Isle of the Faeries" without question the Faeries should be born within the hearth fire. The hearth even in the time of the ancient mystic was sacred. Bronnagh's final act in to preserve the essence of an ancient mystic race was  that he step into the hearth fire. Fire to consume as well as to purify and transform.      

Intelligence of early people #faeriebooks #reachsearchingfaeries

Intelligence of early people..

Before I put pen to paper, hours of research was logged on early people. In northern Ireland the 1970 discovery of Mountsandel, and the photos I found, provided insight to how the lives of those early people.

The advancing of intelligence between Paleolithic and Mesolithic is unexplained. I found an article from the British Academy written by Steven Mithen on social behavior. He surmises that the basic difference in advancement was in their art. Separating us from primates.

Within "Isle of the Faeries" I subtly suggested, within a generation, advancement of thought a progression of intelligence. The expression of art is hugely broadened in the "Mystic North" by Aodhan's younger brother Ahearn.

During my research though I ran across another article which stated that the early man's intelligence capacity was nearly the same as people of today. That concept blew me away so I began to increase the main character's intelligence.

Symbolism in "Isle of the Faeries" and also into "Mystic North" I hint more of the importance of the old mystic's hearth fire. The hearth fire itself represent rebirth and purification by fire. The hearth is the spot where ancient beliefs, which I referred to as magic, lay dormant until the conditions were perfect. The magic chose Aodhan and found him worthy. He was the embodiment of intelligence and purity of heart.   

   

Naming the Faeries #namemyfaeries #faerienames

Naming the Faeries..
I began first by choosing the word Faerie, which is old French. Faerie is the being within the sphere or realm of enchantment, magic or dream, associate with the world of Fae. Faerie is the proper spelling of the modern English version which many only know to be Fairy. Once this difference is understood, the word Faerie embodies something more ancient and old as the mystics themselves.
In volume 1 "Isle of the Faeries" the character Aodhan stumbles across the ancient mystic's hearth little does he know that an enchantment has been placed upon it. From this hearth fire the Faerie's are born. Tying into western European culture, the Faeries were the good folk. Thus I chose my Faeries essence to be of goodness embodied in laws of nature.
Once again I consulted my now well worn dictionary of Celtic names. Many of which are taxing to pronounce!
Symbolic, and tying into my religious upbringing, the first born Faerie from the hearth fire was a man, Aileel. The name Aileel means tiny or small man. Next born we have our radiant Aine, Queen of the Faeries. I begin the Faerie story as my version of Adam and Eve.
Due to my love of birds,I found four names befitting a more bird like character. Enna meaning little bird, Colm means the dove, Lohan means little blackbird and Daithi means swift of wing. Other Faerie names included attributes of warrior-Donal, peace-Aeryn, and goodness/purity-Deaglan.

      

Character names #celticnamesofcharacters #ancientnamesinfaerie

Character names..

Volume 1 "Isle of the Faeries" had so many characters I made the decision to include a list of characters at the front of the book. Volume 2 "Mystic North" followed suit with the addition of a few new characters.

When choosing a name for each character I consulted a Celtic name dictionary. Not only did I obtain the correct spellings, but I found a name dictionary which included a description of the name.

Early cultures often named the children after the father, which can complicate things. I really didn't want to confuse myself or the reader. Thinking about this I decided instead to give names to clans to distinguish the characters more. The clans names and characteristics of the clan all have something in common. Black hair or blonde, wavy or straight, tall or short, each clan became cohesive units. I furthered the clan units by giving each qualities such as healers, thinkers, etc.    

The first name I chose in "Isle of the Faeries" was Bronnagh, the name means sorrow. I had needed a name which sounded old, more ancient. When I read the description I knew it was a perfect fit! After finding the name for my ancient mystic the next major name to conquer was Abracham, in Hebrew the name would be Abraham.

In volume 2 "Mystic North" when I introduced a new group of people. I needed to establish this new group but also tie them back to an old clan. I chose to have them be a clan which had broken apart much like I did for the clans in volume 1.

Next I will continue with character names but concentrate upon my favorite, the faeries!!

     

   

Frozen tundra #researchideasforbooks #worldofice

Choosing the location..

The location for early clans seemed relatively easy because of the history found inside the caves in Lascaux, France. A jumping point for me, but broadening the idea. My thoughts were to make the people more nomadic, due to basal survival as the clans grew, or challenges they may have faced in their society.

Researching again I unveiled a map which depicted the route most likely taken across a land bridge which existed coming from northern France.

At this point in my story, volume 1 "Isle of the Faeries", a small band of one clan is forced to move forward into this unknown territory. In my next blog we will take a step back and discuss the characters and how I envisioned people evolving.  

    

How it all began #researchforfaeriebooks

How it all began..

I have always had an interest in writing but a few short years ago I found out I had cancer. Faced with my own mortality, as an escape from the horrors of radiation and chemotherapy, I began to scan the internet. I was researching all of the places on my bucket list. First stop on my bucket list was Ireland.

I ran across an article which spoke of the prehistory of Ireland at the end of the last ice age 7,000 BC.The Mesolithic hunter gatherer people. More research revealed of a site found in 1970 in Mountsandel, Coleraine in northern Ireland.

This discovery lead me to develop a story of where these people would have originated and how they would have gotten to Ireland. I recall when studying European history that early peoples had migrated to new areas by following herds of animals. I began to jot down ideas and references. My story had begun. Whenever I had a new idea on how the story should progress I would spend hours on researching. Researching became as much of a fascination for me as much as the story itself.

Welcome #faeriebooks #loveoffaeries

Welcome to my newest adventure! I have officially joined this century and have become a blogger. The name blogging alone has definitely held me back from accomplishing the task. Did you know there is some trivia about how the name "blog"actually started? The truth is only with the help of a very patient and good friend was I able to accomplish the task. Kudos to her for convincing me that I can do this!
Within the pages of this blog I will welcome any comments. I will discuss in more detail some of the research I have done in writing my books. Any readers which have a specific question pertaining to my books I will be happy to address them.So my friends let the blogging begin!