ADRIFT: In Search of Memory... Join the party... Fri 21st Feb

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Wendy's BLOG

This sea faring adventure

 is a two part story that

 continues Caleath's journey. 

Here is an excerpt. 

I hope you enjoy it.

ADRIFT: In Search of Memory

“I do declare. I believe the bilge rat is threatening me.” Black Beau doubled over. Clutching her belly, she laughed until tears streamed over leather tough cheeks. “Throw him to my sweeties. I want to hear him scream while they tear him apart.”

Caleath struggled until a dozen hands restrained him.

“We’ll have the pleasure of killing an immortal in a few entertaining minutes, my friends. Once first blood flows, though, we’ll need to reef storm sails. Look to the sky.”

Black Beau’s crew suspended Caleath over the side of The Wayward Spirit. Below him, the ocean boiled with the energy of a hundred frenzied sharks. 

“You look into your future, woman,” Caleath shouted.

“He does go on. However, wait.” Black Beau gestured for a moment’s silence. “Hold on for a moment. What are you saying, Deathbringer? Do you dare presume to say you conjure weather?”

Caleath groaned. “Would I bandy words with you if I could?”

Black Beau laughed. “You can save yourself with a simple spell. One trick, even an easy one and I will sell your miserable hide to his lordship.”

Caleath drew air through clenched teeth. Twisting his head, he watched blood drip from the hole in his hand. An oily stain marred the water below. 

A dozen sharks propelled themselves skyward. Fear evaded him, though his eyes screwed shut when Black Beau’s men let him fall.

******

Adrift is available for pre order from MUSEITUP

 There will be copies available to win at the launch party. Best dressed, most likely pirate, best imitation of a whale singing... To help you get into the mood here are some sea faring images.

Winter weight? Wait? Why not write?

As the weather grows colder and the days shorter it seems like the perfect time to bake. Turning on the oven warms the house. Cakes, baked dinners, soups, bread. Oh, the smell of fresh bread baking.
Winter seems to invite those extra cups of coffee and cookies. Shortbread, snickerdoodles, scones, with jam and cream... of course. It all is so easy and comforting.

But... there is a downside. To the warmth, the enveloping odours of hot food, lashings of gravy, spices and sugary indulgences. How come baking isn't good for the waistline? Is that fair?






So instead of heating the oven I am gathering kindling. Stoking the fire and each time I do it inspires me to write.

How often does my hero light a fire? Does he have the same problems as I do? Damp kindling, wood that refuses to burn? I remember the days of swinging an axe to chop firewood. Even getting the blade caught in the block took an effort to remove. It was hard work, but I enjoyed it. I now blame if for my damaged back, but that's another story. Each flame, each moment when the conflagration takes hold, the spreading warmth the light, smoke, heat and comfort all take me back to my writing. Did I capture the essence of the fire? Did I use all the senses? Did I create the atmosphere a fire brings?



Of course, once I begin wondering my thoughts return to the latest novel up for editing. Seafaring adventure.
The series starts with a shipwreck, and with the two final adventures we return to the ocean.





What's not to love about pirates, sharks, whales, storms, visiting strange harbours, navigating shoals and feeling the salt laden breeze on one's skin?

Not so many fires in this one, but more the ocean spray, the constant motion of wind and wave. The exhilaration and danger.

There is a magical quality to winter. Even without snow and frosts, the cooler weather, the long nights. The clear crisp starlit nights all inspire and invigorate. I even enjoy the chills. Being able to rug up and wear extra layers without overheating. To walk, work and experience the beauty of our environment without needing constant protection from the harsh sun. It is a wonderful time of year.

So, I will head back to pen and paper and away from the kitchen. I will not listen to the call of the choc chip cookies or dream of the succulent scones slathered in strawberry jam and fresh whipped cream. I will return to the adventure and hope I can eliminate all the grammatical nits from the next book before it is released.

If you can't write to while away winter the cooler weather is a great excuse to curl up with a good book!!

Enjoy your season... and the weather... whether it is summer or winter.