The Winds of Life

There are two events in life: let what happens happen and grab every moment.  They are not exclusive of each other.  It’s a choice we make each day.  Do we lie in bed or rise to the morning?  Do we reach out a hand or sit back and watch?  Which are you?

Do you feel like life leads you by a chain, your every movement predicted?  Do you grab hold of the things you wish to happen and never let go?

We all vary.  It is both our gift and curse.  There is no easy answer.  What we perceive as reality is drawn to us.  What we desire can change from moment to moment.

I have heard people explain the difference between a writer and an author.  An author is considered someone that is published, presented by their peers, vindicated by someone who believes in them.  A writer writes.  They cannot do otherwise.  The words simply do not stop even though no one hears the pin drop in the forest.

But I suggest we are all authors/writers, that the two cannot be separated.  We create from the world around us.  We perpetuate a reality that influences our peers.  We are originators, whether we accept that destiny or not.

A glass of water spills upon a person in a restaurant.  I saw this happen to a very dear friend.  She jumped up, completely surprised.  However, instead of rising in anger, she rose with astonishment and immediately forgave the waitress with such genuine feeling, it turned the whole event into a wondrous experience.

As a group, we bonded.  At the situation, we laughed.  We enjoyed life.

Every action we take, regardless of how it happens, is recorded in life’s great stream of events.  Nothing is forgotten.  Whether judged as good or bad, happy or sad, all of life builds, forming the journey our reality will create.

It is magic, a magic from a world that we cannot see.

It is music, whose melody is uniquely us.

It is hope, when the winds of time push us strongly forward.

Destiny calls us.  The choices we make determine its inflection.  We feel the rumble as worlds shift at our every whim.

Be the author you were meant to be.  Find the hope, the love, the universe inside of you.  Be the joy to a child, a wonder to the one you love, an inspiration to those you may never know.

You can do it.  You are doing it even now.  There are no mistakes in creation.

Be the wonderful person that you are and sail the oceans of adventure with me.

Here is my hand.  Let’s go!

www.JamesWilliamPeercy.com

The Frogs - An original musical composition

The oddest things can happen.  Whispers in the night when no one is around.  A flash of light across the sky when none should be there.  An orange-red aura as the sun sets against the silver of the clouds. They are usually short, quick, and catch us off guard.  This evening was just like that.

A friend of mine, Alan J. Martin and I, were working on a story together out at Loy Lake Park.  We prefer the lake for not only its view, but its lack of modern distractions.  The sound of Hwy 75 is at a minimum.  The birds soar through the air.  People fish from boats in solitude.  All in all, it makes a good place to flesh out ideas and stir the creative juices.

Twilight had come.  The orange glow of lampposts had gradually brightened.  The eastern sky had dimmed enough so that the western sky glowed like a beacon.

A laptop shined brightly from a picnic table.  We both walked back and forth in discussion as we worked through a scene.  The scene dealt with an island and a strange battle between man and beast.  At least, that was what we wanted the future readers to think was going on.

It was a great evening.  We had just finished another intriguing plot to the story.  We knew it was time to wrap it up.  It was then we heard the singing.  Yes, singing.  A song that only nature could have composed to announce the twilight we knew was coming.

Near some overgrowth that looked black against a fading sky, the creatures of the evening stirred.  Reflective wings caught the light.  Were they dragonflies or faeries?  The wind flicked the leaves of the nearby trees with low rustles, or was it the voices of spirits watching over the lake?  An ensemble formed.

I was enthralled by the sound.  It was rich and full of life.  It spoke of things man in his wisdom had never imagined.  It spoke of a future that may far outreach his own hand.

I whipped out my phone and hit video.  Unfortunately, I was only able to catch the ending of the song, and the lake spirits decided at that moment to bow out, but it was still amazing.

So now I present, The Frogs.  Maybe I can get them to sing a second chorus!

Not Your Typical Ghost Story - After Death

After finishing Jacqueline E. Smith's last story, Between Worlds, I was intrigued to see what lay in the third installment.  So after ending the second book, thirty seconds later, I picked up the ebook, After Death.

Not that I didn't already have the print version (signed by the author!), but the convenience outweighed my ability to safely carry the print book.  For the last six weekends or so, I had been at the Texas Renaissance Festival near Houston, Texas, selling books of my own.

It was finished in about a week, slowed only by my inability to stop for more than five minutes at a time.  This was very annoying as I kept wondering what was going to happen next.

Despite the delay, I finished it on the 24th of November.  Here's my review:

This is not your typical ghost story.  The adventure never stops.

Given tickets to a circus, Michael is completely unaware of why.  Encouraged by his girlfriend, Kate, they are accompanied by their television star friend.  In an effort to cheer Luke up, the three journey to what they think will be a nice vacation.  They could never be more wrong.

The story rolls smoothly.  The changes in action add well to the plot.  You can feel the emotion as family members are united and friendships become more solid.  We also see Michael, Luke, and Kate all grow as they define their place in the world.

But of course, there are always hiccups.  For those, you’ll have to read the story to find out.

I did and loved it!

So at last, I come to the end and look forward to the next book in the series.  Take the time if you haven't and read Cemetery Tours.  You will be in for a grand adventure!

James

P.S.

Check out the book at Goodreads too!

Between Worlds Continues to Intrigue

Between Worlds

Book Review

In the grand traditional that started in Cemetery Tours, Between Worlds by Jacqueline E. Smith continues not only the plot twists but also the intrigue.  We follow Michael, Kate, and Luke along with Luke’s team into the realm of a planned investigation.  It is an investigation that cannot take place unless Michael agrees.

Curious?  So was I, especially after his last brush with death.

The story weaves in the individual elements bringing them deeper and closer to the truth until at last the pieces start to fall into place.  When you least expect it to happen, the story takes another turn, and Michael is faced with a dreadful choice.

I liked how Michael stayed true to his character.  Still reluctant to deal with the spirits and even more hesitant to step into the limelight, he struggles with himself about how much to reveal to anyone in an effort to protect them, all the while knowing the danger is far worse than anyone may suspect.

Kate, enthralled by the glitz and glamour of participating in Luke’s television show, never realizes how dangerous it can really be until—

You’ll just have to read the story, won’t you?

You can find Between Worlds here.

So long for now!
James William Peercy

Etta Jean and the Pirate Cat

What's it like to be a cat on a pirate ship? Find out from author Etta Jean. While you're at it, check out her new book 'Chronicle of Summer'! ~ James

Daven Anderson

Captain's Log, 08 November 2014

The Admiral brought home a new crew member. He's a small thing. Spotted on the belly and dashed on the side. Dark Smudge jokingly called him Morse Code for a bit, but the Admiral was having none 'o that. The kid's name is Bastian. I didn't mind the kid much when he was brought onboard. Long as he kept to his own, that was fine with me. Black Hawk, being the quiet sort he is, just took the kid in stride. Dark Smudge took a sniff and then kept his distance. The Admiral has Bastian in the loo for the time being to make sure we don't fight. Ha. She should be more worried for herself. She got a nick or two from transporting him to this strange place.


Captain's Log, 09 November 2014

Bastian is still in solitary confinement but getting curious. I saw him peeking under the door. I sat and talked to him a bit to see if he was warming up. He's a kit, to be sure. I like the kits. So much easier to train. He's not a bad sort, just frightened. He'll have to buck up to be on me crew.


Captain's Log, 12 November 2014

Bastian has emerged from solitary and is beginning to mingle among the crew. I showed him around our base and introduced him to the galley. Tch. Bottomless pit, he is! Well, he's a growing boy. Ugh, and sooo skittish! The littlest noises spook him and sending him running to the Admiral to hide. I'm going to call him Yello' Bastian if that boy keeps this up! I got no room on me ship for a 'fraidy cat.


Captain's Log, 25 November 2014

Well, give me a beak and call me Polly. Bastian might be yello' but that kit has him some strong claws. The Admiral has but one true weakness, and she hates them flying, stinging, yellow and black bugs. She can't speak or breathe when she confronts them. Not much I can do for her except try to comfort. Black Hawk and Dark Smudge have tried to catch 'em, but it always comes down to the Admiral and an impromptu weapon. I thought that was where we were going this time, what with the way I could see the Admiral on the verge of tears. Ole Yello' Bastian wasn't having none of that! He crept into the galley like spotted death, crouched, and leapt. Shut my mouth, he snatched that little stinger from the air and splatted it flat on the ground! He got extra treats for his efforts, and he sure earned them! That boy can hide from all the vacuum cleaners he wants if he can get rid of our enemies that fast!


Bio:

Etta Jean was born in Sacramento, California and destined from birth to be a bard. She told tall tales while devouring the creative worlds of others until she finally had to create her own. She has seen both good and evil in her life, and her stories, like life, have no half measures. Her happy endings never come without cost, though, for she truly believes we can't appreciate the good and the joy without the bad and the pain along the way. Her current haunt is a comfy house in her beloved hometown where she wrangles three feline fur-kids while constantly overbooking her calendar. If she's not chained to her desk, she's stomping through the scenery in search of equally fantastical photographs.


Info:

CHRONICLE OF SUMMER is now available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IFAZK16 for Kindle or http://www.amazon.com/dp/1940938198/ for paperback. Etta's Summer Fest blog tour continues through February, and there are prizes to be won by commenting on the stops along the way.

CHRONICLE OF DESTINY, the original Chronicle tale, can be purchased from Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1940938104/
@ettajeanfantasy on Twitter
www.ettajeanfantasy.com
www.ettajeanfantasy.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/ettajeanfantasy/

Encounter by Alana Lorens

New Mexico---a land of wonders beyond freak snowstorms. One of the New Mexico sightseeing trips the Harmonics trainers want to take while they're working with their law firm clients in the suspense novel ENCOUNTER is to see the nearby Earthships.

What's an Earthship?

An Earthship is a new sustainable form of housing springing up around the world. (attribution from Flickr, shot by Marvin's Dad, creative commons license granted)









They come in many shapes and sizes, as demonstrated by this video <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpoZaqYQEeA>, and also in this article <http://www.highexistence.com/10-reasons-why-earthships-are-fing-awesome/> recently on the webzine High Existence, which sold me before I could even get to the scientific stuff. These recycled and sustainable houses are just amazing!

The main headquarters and launching pad for many of the new Earthships is at Earthship Biotecture (http://earthship.com) in Taos, New Mexico. The Visitor's center introduces people to the form of house building, using recycled materials, solar panels, a cistern for water---and even has nightly rentals so you can experience the idea for yourself!

Here's another look at something a little different. (attribution from Flickr, shot by Little More Sunshine, creative commons license granted)









These things come in all shapes and sizes, using the recycled materials, especially old tires, as building blocks and sometimes as décor. So it's easy to see why these enthusiastic young outdoorsmen want to check them out! If only it didn't snow so soon...

Teo Haroun and the other lawyers in his firm look forward in varying degrees to the retreat at the Sherman Ranch in northern New Mexico. The boss has laid down some rules---no phones, no computers, no communication with the outside world---that makes them uneasy. But the
corporate team-building exercises are necessary for this firm to survive its inner sniping and turmoil---and to protect the secrets they hold.

Inez Suela and thirty other Mexicans have paid a coyote hundreds of pesos to take them across the border into the United States, where they hope to make a better life. The crowded truck heads north into New Mexico to meet their local driver, the occupants unaware that a freak March snowstorm is waiting in its path.

Jake Patrin, the caretaker of the Ranch, fights demons of his own as he struggles daily with addiction. Working far from the city on the lonely Ranch, hosting those who rent the facility, is his protection and solace. But he's about to lose the only peace he's been able to grasp.

Davi Pilar needs to make some fast money to appease a couple of St. Louis loan sharks, so he agrees to pick up a truckload of illegals and take them to St. Louis. He drives to New Mexico, not knowing that Inez, the woman who rejected him years before, is one of those on that truck.

The intersection of these people, the collision of their cultures, the revelation of their secrets---all these things lead to violence, death, and even redemption in their New Mexico ENCOUNTER.

Now available at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Encounter-Alana-Lorens/dp/1940938066/ref=la_B005GE0WBC_1_5_title_0_main/186-8950717-6432518?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392062110&sr=1-5
in ebook and paperback, and at 3 Fates Press
<http://www.3fatespress.com/#%21the-books/c13pg>.

One Year Anniversay of Deception Peak by Dianne Lynn Gardner

Just around the corner, we see it.  Out of the forest, across the plains, a wondrous mountain of mystery...

Welcome to the world Dianne Lynn Gardner has created!  A magical adventure for young adults and the young at heart.  Journey into another world, feel the grass between your toes, and hear the wind's beautiful song that calls to the heart of everyone.  It is there if you only believe.

But who is Dianne?  She is an author and illustrator, a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators as well as the National League of American Pen Women. She writes young adult fantasy novels and articles for national magazines. With a flare for art and a hand for the pen, she combines both together to bring alive her worlds of fantasy.

Meet Ian, Abbi, and more as they journey through a portal to another world. While Ian's father attempts to find himself in the new world, Ian finds himself lost trying to grow into a man. What are the battles they must face?  It is a world of wonder caught in the midst of a growing evil that not only threatens the portal world, but all worlds.  Will Ian find his father?  Will the dragon be defeated?  Pick up a copy and find out the truth.

Newly edited, Deception Peak is celebrating its one year anniversary.  So join the fun, buy the book, and let Dianne know how much you love it.  You won't be disappointed!

http://www.amazon.com/Deception-Peak-Ians-Realm-ebook/dp/B00FCZ32MG/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1381479031&sr=8-1&keywords=deception+peak