Snuggle up to some good books ... mine of course!

During this uncertain time of illness and tragedy, we all need something to slip our minds into a better place. We need good books. We need some escapism. We need fun back in our lives.

My Erahsil fantasy trilogy is perfect for such times, if I do say so myself. These three books are full of hope and overcoming obstacles, and naturally heroes and villains. The stories are filled with enough imagination and twist to please anyone. Yes, they are labeled as a Young Adult series, although I feel the stories are for anyone willing to let their mind drift and be care-free once more.

In short, Phaedra, a girl finishing high school, and later Craig, also her age, battle to save the world of Erahsil from destruction. It's at first an unwilling mission, but quickly takes them on a journey that will see them save two worlds.

I love fantastical creatures and magical places, so I've filled Erahsil with all those aspects. My readers tell me they really enjoy it and I hope many more will experience the wonders of Erahsil.

You can find all of my books at Amazon, here.

Erahsil, book 1,    Erahsil, book 2,    Erahsil, book 3.

May you all be blessed and stay warm and healthy.

- M

Cheating like a pro, and being paid to do it!

There are many methods authors use to cheat. Bear with me on this. What I mean by cheating is basically taking extreme shortcuts to end goals by devious means. For instance, take the movie, "John Wick"--we watch the protagonist lose his wife to cancer, then receive a parting gift from her in the form of a puppy. Aw, cute and darling. Then, after a few short minutes, the dog is murdered and John is plunged into red-eyed revenge. That's a cheat, and the author's knew it. We love cute animals and our blood boils to see them mistreated. That's all the motivation the hero requires, and the audience is right along with him. Action films don't need a bunch of setup, and this cheat fills the void nicely. The audience doesn't mind, and is happy to get past the slow stuff.

Another cheat is putting kids in danger, triggering the natural desire to protect them. Still another is to threaten the destruction of a sacred object or landmark. But these are just to get the narrative running and stoke conflict. Other sorts of cheats can build whole cities and groups of people in a flash, by mentioning a well-known event or familiar surroundings. Historical references, even in fiction, provide huge swaths of background and impressions. Using these tricks, authors are capable of weaving incredible worlds in a very short time.

However you cheat and shortcut your way through your story, it's not malicious at all. These are tools to use, and you'd be a fool not to take advantage of the way our minds work. In my view, these cheats actually improve the depth of stories and provide easy hooks to catch onto. Audiences aren't as patient for stories to develop as they once were--which is a grand shame, but what can you do but adapt? So, revel in your mischievous quirks and draw from whatever seems appropriate. Just make sure to tell a good story in the process. Audiences will seek you out. I believe that with all my heart.

- M

Picking the next book to read

Imagine the fun of this bookcase!
image credit

Well, I just finished another book, so now I'm looking at my bookcase and deciding which one to jump into next (although, truthfully, I usually bounce between about four books at any given time). It's both a delight and tragedy that so many good books are available these days. I'm grateful, because there's plenty to choose from, and I moan that I cannot possibly read them all. Sure, I could read more if I utilized speed reading, but I especially enjoy swimming amongst the words and not just gathering information. For me, books are a pleasure to be enjoyed for as long as possible, like a delicious chocolate cake.

Consider the incredible variety of book categories, themes, topics, and interests. The amount of sheer information and imagination on display is breathtaking. You could spend a hundred lifetimes only reading and never get through it all. The phenomenon of electronic books has only increased the flood of new books. These days it's easy to hold an entire catalog of books in the palm of your hand. In fact, it's so easy that you can easily purchase a book you didn't realize you already owned.

So, I'm back to staring at my bookcase and turning over ideas of what I want to read (including my rapidly growing electronic bookshelf). I always enjoy fiction, but I think I'm wanting something historical ... hmm, the wars of Napoleon? Or, I could into a new series. So many choices! Isn't it wonderful living in such a world as this?

- M

Reading is more important than we realize.

Reading and writing is regarded as a definite sign of an advanced culture. Why? Basically it's because when words are set down in a physical form, they can be studied and reviewed later with utmost accuracy. I've often told my children that if they hear something which seems odd and off, then chase down the source and read it for themselves. There's truth in written words. By learning to read, you enable yourself to make up your own mind about things. Also, reading allows you to step into other worlds of history and fantasy.

Beyond all that, reading engages your mind in ways beyond ordinary experience. Your intelligence grows when you read, your imagination is fertilized, and your ability to understand the world expands. It's inevitable the more you read, the more you think. And, thinking is sadly lacking in our modern society. Plus, you gain fresh ways of expressing yourself, by exposing yourself to new ideas and new words.

Naturally, as a writer, I encourage everyone to read--especially my own books, hint hint, nudge nudge. But, reading is exquisitely important on its own. When something is written, and you read it, then nobody can tell you lies about what it says. You aren't persuaded by illusion so easily. It makes you a better person.

For me, reading is the ultimate escape. I can step through the pages, into a world of wonder and fantasy. Be it science fiction, historical, mystery, thriller, or epic fantasy. I love escaping reality and living somewhere else for a while. It's entertainment. It's fun. And, life is more enjoyable when you don't take it so seriously. Now, go out and read a book!

- M