Imagine a room in an old house converted into a classroom
for two pupils and their teacher. Imagine a makeshift bookshelf (had to be
makeshift- too many books!), maps on the walls, a huge green chalkboard. See ‘A
for Apple’ ‘B for Ball’ etc above the board, and know how it was. In this
environment of learning and teaching (I homeschooled my two youngest), with a
view over green lawns at my back, a apple orchard beyond that and the mountains
that hemmed our valley, I one afternoon pulled a book closer...flipped it open.
It was a dictionary of terms and the subject was Alchemy
(personal interest, not a subject for teaching). Came across a list, the
requirements for enlightenment, transcendence, the journey to the ultimate
elixir...and the proverbial light bulb flashed on in my head. The hairs on the
back of my neck stood on end. Here,
something whispered, is your tale. This is how you launch it. (Understand,
the story was already there, a prompt received from another source, but not the
launching of it...you know how it is- you know what to say but not how to
start.)
In those days we had no computer, not even a typewriter.
Didn’t matter. On the back of old documents, on various colours, lined and
unlined, using cheap pen after cheap pen (and crayon, pencil, whatever) the
concept for Tales from the Path of Shades was born. The first novel was massive
(maybe it just appeared massive, given the different paper!).
Not long after someone gifted me a manual typewriter. Had to
learn typing fast (wanted to get it looking more ‘professional’)...two fingers,
though, because the machine didn’t allow for subtle touch- no, it was a banger!
The only way to get a key to make a mark on the paper was to bang it in- thus
one finger each hand. (A habit I’m still trying to unlearn. No longer bang
keys, but most often use only two fingers, especially when typing according to
thought, not edit) Strangely, despite a pile of neat paper forming on my desk,
a massive novel got bigger! More went in, the nuances overlooked when
scribbling by hand.
And then the computer entered. And Word. And that changed
all. After the learning process (um, how do you witch this thing on?) the
massive novel that had grown a fair bit entered digital format...and, boy, got
even bigger! However, digital is great, isn’t it? Could take bits out and put
them elsewhere. Could cut, trim, add, reduce, flesh out...amazing.
Still the book was too big. A doorstopper no one would publish.
It had a name by then, but that didn’t make it marketable. Never mind, I told
myself, go on writing, the tale is not yet finished. And thus the second
novel...and another...and another....
Ha.
Anyhow, folks, that’s how it began. The original and massive
first novel has morphed into four volumes. For the full experience read them as
a set: Gathering of Rain, House of Valla, Darak Fallen and Ancient Fire: to
discover how Rain (our complicated MC) is gathered by forces weird and
wonderful to become Torrullin, a man approaching something akin to
godhood...but a ‘god’ with many faults....
And then delve into Glittering Darkness to discover what
happens next...don’t stop there!
And drop me a note, comment, line with your thoughts.
Writers thrive on feedback after all!
Tales from the Path of Shades:
1.
Gathering of Rain http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29882
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062JRUHY
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0062JRUHY
2.
House of Valla http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30761
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062K1RC2
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0062K1RC2
3.
Darak Fallen http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/32759
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062M29MM
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0062M29MM
4.
Ancient Fire http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72510
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062Y5JEU
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0062Y5JEU
5.
Glittering Darkness http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/76863
6.
Lumin Kindred http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87174
7.
Walker of Realms https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/101260
8.
Animated Spirit – coming soon to Smashwords
9.
Sacred Space
10.
Avior’s Door
11.
Time’s Timekeeper
12.
Sirens in Stone –currently working on volumes 11
& 12, bringing all threads together.
Regards
Elaina
March 2012
2 comments:
I have never enjoyed a novel as much as yours. I found myself designating precious time to cuddle up with a cup of tea and a snuggly blanket as I embarked on a journey to another place and time. You are truly a gifted writer. As the adventure continues, I find myself looking forward to my very special "me time" when you and I meet in a far off land.
Janus, thank you! Writers need to hear the positive sometimes. Folks, by the way, Janus is a great writer also- watch this space: will be posting about my favourite authors and friends soon.
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