Character Interview and Guest Post

G'Evening, Universe:

Well, my friends - this is it. Almost. Either tonight or early tomorrow, my fantasy novel - Empyreal Fate - will be released as an ebook (followed by print next month) through Hydra Publications. I cannot believe the time is nearly upon us; it is breathtakingly surreal. Though - I shan't quite believe it until I'm holding the print version in my grasp, you know? It will be a feeling unlike any other, I'd imagine. And I cannot wait to be a part of that glorious sensation! Anyway, I'll post a blog specifically with links to the novel when it is officially released. For now, I have a couple of interviews that I have had the honor to be a part of today, and I would like to share them with you now:


First of all, R.S. Hunter featured my guest post on his blog, which I titled, "Symbolism, Fate, Fantasy, (And Yes, Star Wars, Too)". I find the psyche to be one of the most fascinating forces in the universe, and I think incorporated symbols represent a window into the conscience of the reader and the writer - whether the symbols are intentional or not. Perhaps the meaning is slight or abstract; perhaps the meaning is the opposite of what was intended: it doesn't matter. Rather, it is how the author portrays a symbol  - and more importantly - how the reader interprets it. Meanings will differ from person to person. That is individuality; that is beauty.

 

 Yeah, yeah, yeah... This is probably what most of you are thinking. ;)

Second on the list for today is my character interview, which was hosted by Dianne Gardner: Introducing Amarya. It is the first sneak peek into the eyes of one of Empyreal Fate's main characters: the elven royalblood of Androth, Amarya. She speaks about the tension between man and elf, delving into the concerns of the land (Llathala) and her strange connection with the mortal, Darrion. But I won't spoil the rest for you. Visit the link and let me know what you think!

Well, that is all for this evening. But the next time I post, Empyreal Fate will be a reality  we all can share.

Fare thee well! Until next time~

Rachel

"To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the inner music the words make."

-Truman Capote

Cover Reveal for "Empyreal Fate"

G'Evening, My Friends:

It is now official: the cover art for Empyreal Fate has been revealed!

Kudos and my extreme gratitude go to the wonderful artist, Peter Bradley - for his amazing skill and beautiful design. Let me know what you think: any comments and/or critiques are welcome.

Other thoughts to note:

Empyreal Fate is scheduled for release through Hydra Publications within the next week or so. It will first come out in ebook format, but after 2-4 weeks, the print version will become available. Stay tuned for future updates~

Thank you for your support,

Rachel
http://www.rachel-m-hunter.yolasite.com

"I believe that every story actually happened. They just took place in separate dimensions, and our subconscious yearns for us to bring them to light."
-Me

Free Ebooks for April 18th, 2012

Good Morning, Guv'nors:

  What can be better than reading a book on such a fine day: whether in your genre of choice or experimenting with something new? Well, reading a book for free sounds even better, doesn't it? At least, I think it does. And with so many books to choose from, it is impossible to purchase them all! Therefore, I did a little scrounging and located some Kindle ebooks that are free today! So take advantage of the wonderful offers and peruse something new. You never know what gem you may find. (Note: These are not listed in any order - other than the randomness that guides me). Just click on any of the images for the link to that particular book. Beneath each picture is a description to further your decision. Enjoy~

By: D.P. Prior
Genre: Fantasy/Short Story

Description: When the wolf-men attack and the companions are split up, Nameless and Ilesa find themselves marooned on an island at the centre of a newly formed lake. With the dwarf unable to swim, and a monstrous serpent patrolling the water, it’s down to Ilesa to get them back to shore. But can she be trusted, what with the bounty on Nameless’ head and her long history of betrayal?

Nils’s cat burgling past comes in handy when he takes to the trees to avoid being eaten, but it soon becomes apparent the wolf-men are the least of his worries. Someone, or something, is watching him from the depths of the forest …

Meanwhile, Silas hides below ground in a giant burrow and draws upon the dark knowledge of the Liche Lord’s grimoire to keep him safe. But how much credence should he give a book that promises everything?

By: David Wisehart
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Devil's Lair is a fantasy novel set in Dante's Inferno.
A medieval knight leads a quest through Hell to recover the Holy Grail from the Devil.

The knight, Marco da Roma, is joined by: Giovanni Boccaccio, an expert on Dante; William of Ockham, an English friar; and Nadja, an epileptic with the gift of prophecy.

As the Black Death sweeps through Europe, these unlikely heroes confront the Devil—and their own demons—to forestall the Apocalypse.

By: Aron Christensen and Erica Lindquist
Genre: Fantasy
Description: He is not the hero they remember. This is not the world he knew.

Thirty years have passed since the bloody battle of Njorn Pass, since Rikard Mazrem traded his life away to the Alterra to save his dying men. Defeat became victory and an empire was born. For decades, the people of Carce have revered Rikard as a hero.

But now Rikard has returned to find the world changed. Or perhaps he is the one who has changed...

 

By: Jason Tesar

Genre: Fantasy

Description: THE HISTORY: Over five thousand years ago, a renegade faction of angels abandoned the spiritual realm and began their inhabitation of earth. Worshiped as gods for their wisdom and power, they corrupted the realm of the physical and forever altered the course of history.

THE PROPHECY: Amidst the chaos of a dying world, a lone voice foretold the awakening of a warrior who would bring an end to this evil perpetrated against all of creation. But with the cataclysmic destruction of earth and rebirth of humanity, the prophecy went unfulfilled and eventually faded from the memory of our kind—until now!

THE AWAKENED: The physical dimension is fractured. What remain now are numerous fragmented worlds moving simultaneously through time, sharing a common history, connected only by a guarded portal. On a parallel earth, in the city of Bastul, Colonel Adair Lorus disappears while investigating the death of an informant, triggering a series of events which will tear his family apart and set in motion the resolution of an ancient struggle. Kael, sentenced to death after rising up against the cruel leadership of his new step-father, is rescued from prison and trained in the arts of war by a mystical order of clerics. Excelling in every aspect of his training, Kael inwardly struggles to give himself fully to the methods of his new family, or the god they worship. Maeryn, bitter over the disappearance of her husband and supposed execution of her son, fears for her life at the hands of her newly appointed husband. Finding comfort and purpose in her unborn child, she determines to undermine his authority by reaching out to an underground social movement known as the Resistance. After being forced from his home, Kael’s former mentor, Saba, uncovers a clue to Adair’s disappearance. Sensing a connection to his own forgotten past, Saba begins an investigation which leads to the discovery of a secret military organization operating within the Orudan Empire.

In book one of his debut series, Jason Tesar delves into the heart of an ancient legend, embarking on an epic saga that will journey from earth’s mythological past to its post-apocalyptic future, blending the genres of fantasy, sci-fi, and military/political suspense.

By: C.R. Daems and J.R. Tomlin
Genre: Fantasy
Description: In a remote mountain valley, a scout is tortured and killed in a brutal rite of summoning. An army of demons will soon be on the move. Fellow scout Jessup Inntour wouldn't care very much if the empire he reluctantly serves is attacked, but the woman he loves is another matter.

Tamra Dervon, Captain of the Guard of Wayfare Keep, thinks her biggest problem is her love affair with Jessup. The scout is holding things back from her, and she doesn't know what. But when the seemingly unbeatable army of demons invades, Tamra's personal problems look very small. Tamra and Jessup find themselves leading a last-ditch defense. Their army is defeated. Jessup disappears in the retreat. As Tamra continues the struggle to defend her homeland, she discovers that another duty lies ahead -- to face a demon horde alone.

Have a wonderful day, dear World! Until next time~

Rachel

"Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self."
- Cyril Connolly

Empyreal Fate: April Release!

Greetings, Mates!

      I am ecstatic to announce that Empyreal Fate: Part One of my fantasy series, A Llathalan Annal, is scheduled to be released by the end of this month (April) through Hydra Publications. It has been a long and rewarding journey, and I can't believe the date is nearly upon us. Of course, it won't seem quite 'real' until I am actually holding the physical copy of my work in my hands, you know? There's something about the crisp pages and fresh ink of a physical novel that draws me in. Of course, Empyreal Fate will first be released in ebook format, but its print release will take place approximately 2-4 weeks after. In the meantime, be sure to check out other works by Hydra authors. They each have something new to bring to the table, and I have enjoyed several of their novels already.

   Also - in early March, my first short story, Perfect Nothing, was published through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com (via Trestle Press). It is a true story based upon my experience with an eating disorder (Anorexia Nervosa) - and of how I decided to break away from its chains. You can find the link to my interview with Mark Miller here: Interview. It is the seventh volume to Mark Miller's One anthology, and I am donating its proceeds to Give Kids the World. Also, here's the guest post I did for Trestle Press: Guest Post.


   In other news, I can't believe my first year at the University of Oklahoma is nearing its end. My younger brother is going to be graduating from high school this May - can you believe? I keep telling him to stop growing, but he simply refuses to listen to me. Stubborn brother he is...  :)
Time consistently means to overwhelm me. I mean, we're already over a quarter of the way into 2012. What happened? It was just New Years... only yesterday it seems! When I was young, I remember complaining to my uncle how time seemed to move so slowly. And it was true at that age: every hour seemed like five condensed into one. I clearly remember his answer to me: "Just you wait, Rachel. Time will speed up soon enough. And when it does, it will only get faster with each consecutive year." Hmph. Wasn't he right...

   The OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc) Conference also takes place early this May. I attended last year and am considering attending again this year; although I have not yet made up my mind. Normally, I would decide right away, but this year, it occurs the weekend before Finals Week. We'll just have to see what my schedule allows. Nevertheless, if I do attend, I hope to see you all there! :)

   The last piece of business I mean to address falls in regard to Empyreal Fate's cover art. As you may or may not know, the production of its cover has been delayed, but I have recently acquired a new artist - Peter Bradley - who is looking at its completion within the next couple of weeks. He is a brilliant fantasy artist, and he does the cover art for the Castles & Crusades role-playing game books. You may remember when I posted about my first meeting with Mr. Bradley at last year's SoonerCon 20 event. Both he and I plan to attend again this summer, I do believe. Keep an eye out for his artwork!

   Well, that about covers the updates for now. Be sure to stay tuned for further announcements on Empyreal Fate! Also, I set up my Facebook Fan Page surrounding the novel, so feel free to drop by and introduce yourself or just say 'hi.' Also, look for my profile on Amazon and Goodreads. Let's talk books. :)


All the best~

Rachel

"Creativity is that marvelous capacity to grasp mutually distinct realities and draw a spark from their juxtaposition."
-Max Ernst

New Prospects and Opportunities

Greetings, Vast World of Intrigue and Impalpable Universe of Discovery! (an oxymoron, perhaps?)


    Forgive my lofty greeting this eve, but I cannot resist to express my elation, as this year (already 2012... can you believe it?) certainly promises to be a fulfilling chapter in the history of my life - and indeed, in the lives of countless others, for marriage proposals are to be fulfilled, babies are to be birthed, and creative drives are to be followed. Goodness - I hardly bear to think I can keep up with it all! Where is the time to see to the World's machinations? Anyway, first I will begin with some announcements, then I will move on to other randomness and whimsical musings:

First off, I would like to begin by expressing my profound giddiness for this spring (of 2012. I will never tire of saying it). Not only am I to enter my second semester at the University of Oklahoma, where, due to my accumulation of early credits, I am now deemed a 'sophomore', but the first novel of my five-part fantasy series, A Llathalan Annal: Empyreal Fate, is scheduled for publication! You may all be thinking - yes, this has been established. However, Hydra Publications, LLC is to be the distinguished publisher. Therefore, Empyreal Fate will be receiving new cover art and a different publishing house - a truly speculative fiction house, at that! I will post updated information as I receive it. In the meantime, Hydra Publication's website can be found at the following address: http://www.hydrapublications.com/. Check back frequently - as well as on Hydra's website - for new interviews with fellow authors are posted quite regularly.

Secondly, I am proud, and quite thrilled, to note that I will be having a short story published (ebook form only) via Mark Miller's anthology titled, Mark Miller's One. My piece for the anthology is scheduled for release on Amazon this March (yes - of 2012) and will be titled, Perfect Nothing. I won't go into depth with it quite yet, but to give you an idea of my focus, I have written a personal, and somewhat abstract, account of my relationship with anorexia nervosa. I hope to reach out to those who have either experienced this illness and equally to those who knows one who suffers. Again, I will post more as details, including links, become available. As of now, Mark Miller's One anthology has already amassed talented authors with inspiring stories. You can find some of their pieces on Amazon.

Ah - such is life! And with a new year dawned before us, I think it interesting to take note of 'New Years Resolutions' - or perhaps, goals. I, for one, never make resolutions. Never. I always make goals. Aspirations. Intentions. And for me, I have made the following goals, not listed in any particular order: update my blog on a frequent basis, attend yoga weekly, sing more often, write to my heart's content, play more Skyrim and Mario Party, transcribe an ancient language, paint a mural, wipe the dust off my childhood violin (and perhaps see if I remember a note or two) and, above all, balance school time with family and social time. What are some of your goals, or, if you prefer, resolutions? Feel free to speak your mind. I am eager to hear the voice of the World.

Well, I shall leave my thoughts with a simple quote - a quote which spurs the senses and arouses imagination. Behold! Douglas Adams:

"There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened."

Sweet Dreams, my friends!

NPR's "Top 100 Science Fiction, Fantasy Books"

Good Morning, World!

   As of today, NPR posted the results to its poll of the "Top 100 Science Fiction, Fantasy Books." Below you can find the link:

http://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books


   Although this is in no way affirming which books are 'better' in regard to science fiction or fantasy, I found it interesting to see what the majority voted for. In fact, I think this post regarding the voting is important to keep in mind while scanning the results:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/08/11/139346998/nprs-top-100-science-fiction-and-fantasy-novels-parsing-the-results 

   As the post mentions, there are several variables that account for why a book was not included on the list or why it may not have scored as well as one may have hoped, such as the technical aspect of science fiction versus fantasy, the relative 'popularity' of a book, or even the author being British or male. (Although - personally - I feel the latter holds little to no relevance. At least, for my voting it wouldn't matter at all!) But that's why I am curious for the response of others! Tell me how you would have at least selected your "Top 10." Which books would your choose? Which element would draw your vote? Feel free to comment! The more, the merrier~

Quote for the day: "It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to."
-Bilbo, The Lord of the Rings