Isle of the Faeries/Mystic North #faeriebooks #rewrites #newendings

                                                       Twin Faerie Pools-Isle of Skye

I have been very busy on re-writes of Isle of the Faeries and Mystic North. Many changes have forced me to revamp my current two books.

I will be combining several chapters from Mystic North and putting them at the end of Isle of the Faeries. Mystic North will then have a new ending which would have been my third book.

It all has been a little overwhelming and I am hoping that I will have Isle of the Faeries ready within a few months. I am undertaking self-publishing so that means finding a new cover artist. Fortunately, with the assistance of my daughter, I believe I have found one!

I am hoping that everyone hangs in there with me through this entire process. I thank all of you which have stood by me during this process. xo JoAnn

Quite and ending #changescoming #differentdirection #alwaysbelieve

This photo was taken at my first book signing. So much has changed since that day. I recently learned as of Dec. 31, 2018, I no longer have a publisher. To put it mildly, it was quite a shocker. It's becoming more ok with me as I am taking the opportunity to re-write my first two books, Isle of the Faeries and Mystic North

I am toying with different ideas as to how to continue this venture. Possibly the re-write will be a combination of the two books and/or the third book I have started could be a newly added ending. I do feel though that I must bring the adventures of Aodhan to a close in some form or another. I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to express my story idea into words.

I thank you all for the support you've shown and the confidence you have given me. At this signing, and signings since then, it became my "signature" with each book to write Always Believe! 

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?