The Stone Cover is Here!!

You can thank your lucky stars for talented artists.  If it were left to me The Stone would be covered with stick figures and objects (which would have to be labeled for recognition) that would certainly confuse rather than interest readers in the story.

Fortunately, I was not required (or even asked!!) to draw my own cover art.

So -- (drum roll, please!!) --

Why do I LOVE Fantasy Books? Let me count the reasons...

I read many different genres of books.  Typically, I read historical, romance, classic or mystery but, by far, my favorite genre is fantasy.

In an alternate reality where I can have a "vacation" weekend, I would most likely use that weekend to relax by reading a book.  And if one book of each above-mentioned genre sat before me (in the getaway cottage I would no doubt be staying in!) I would pick up the fantasy book first to read the description and, barring a dud concept, probably wouldn't even read the backs of the other books (even though I like those genres too!  I just prefer fantasy...). 

Here are some reasons I prefer fantasy to other genres:

Chronicles of Quat Website!!!

The Chronicles of Quat website is up!  I made the website to give you the opportunity to read some stories from the world of Quat before (and after!) you read the books.

I hope this gives you an idea of the world and people that you can read about in The Stone when it comes out in April.

Please visit the The Chronicles of Quat and keep checking back as I will be adding more stories soon!

How to Support the Artist in Your Life

Many people have asked how they can help as I publish my first book (thanks!) and I thought I should write a blog post about it. Please know that these suggestions are for anyone who wants to help a friend or family member who is a musician, author, artist, filmmaker, etc. So these are just some thoughts I have as I am preparing to launch this fantasy series.

Songwriter Appreciation

I listen to country, Irish, bluegrass, rock (the good old stuff) and Broadway show music.  What do these music types have in common and why do I like them?  Easy.  They all tell stories.   And I am always amazed that in 3 verses and a chorus they can get their story across.  (*Some Irish songs have  LOT more than 3 verses!!)

I am a novelist.  It takes me around 100,000 words to get my story across.  So I astounded by the precision that songwriters use to convey their ideas.

And what about choruses?  They are practically magic!  How can the verses further the story but the chorus still applies to each later part of the story?  Absolutely amazing!