GMB:  Today we welcome to the 'Anything But A Tired Barn' Dianne Lynn Gardner, an author who I have come to know through the wonderful Master Koda Select Publishing family... Now, I am also getting to know Dianne the artist as well ... Dianne, welcome to this Tired Barn Blog *Smiles all Around*.

DLG:  Thank You for the Warm Welcome Mitch *Smiles*.

GMB:  I am looking forward to our time here ... Now Dianne, I'm going to start out a little different today ... I get a feeling this is just the right question for you to answer, for our readers and Tired Barn Blog fans to learn more about you right off ... Now tell us ... For what are you grateful?

DLG:  I’m grateful that I made it through the 60s in one piece. A lot of us didn’t! I’m grateful for my kids and grandkids. I’m grateful that I can live out dreams that I once had when I was young, thanks to the support of my husband. I’m grateful for Christ.

GMB:  Oh this is great ... Very nice Dianne ... If you had two years left to live from this moment, what would you change about your life starting tomorrow?

DLG:  I’d try to be kinder. I could give more of my time and my services to people who could use it.

GMB:  Again, I am truly liking getting to know you ...  *smiles*  And what is one of the most unusual things you have done in your life? 

DLG:  Living in a Hogan, herding sheep and cows. Going on a wagon ride along the Interstate just for the sake of roughing it for a few days? 

GMB:  Now it sounds like you have spent time in the Southwest United States. Some of these activities sound very familiar to me ... given I lived in the Southwest for many years...

DLG:  Perhaps ...  maybe Winslow, Arizona...

GMB:  Ah... New Mexico here... A bit Coy *winks, nods, smiles*  Okay... Who is your favorite character from your books and why?

DLG:  Ian. I love watching him grow and sometimes I just want to hug him because things get so tough for him. 

GMB:  Dianne, who is your favorite author, and how did they inspire you to write?

DLG:  I love C.S. Lewis. I love how he reaches for simple truth and wisdom. I am also very fond of C.S. Forester's writings. He created a wonderful hero was is insecure, clumsy, and for someone whose career depends on frigates cannons, and oceanography, can't help getting sea sick. I turn to Forester for some of my tall ship references.

GMB:  Are the characters in your story based on people you know?

DLG:  Some of them, yes.

GMB:  Is there any part in writing you don’t like?

DLG:  I’m getting pretty tired of trying  to market.

GMB:  What are you currently working on?

DLG:  A historical fantasy called Cassandra’s Castle about a young teen who steps into an alternate world and finds herself in the middle of revolution.

GMB:  Do you have a set writing schedule or do you write when the fancy hits you?

DLG:  I write when I can. I would write all day if no one interrupted me or if I didn’t have to cook dinner. Or at least until my behind starts hurting! 

GMB:  What makes you, your writing unique?

DLG:  I come up with some pretty wild ideas. 

GMB:  I see ... and I knew your answer might hint a little about a wilder nature and I had some fun finding a little something that we can share with our Tired Barn Blog fans ... Now, "Is that really You?  *Grins*

DLG:  Perhaps ... I'm not telling. *grins back*

GMB:  Ah ha! Coy once again ... *Smiles*  Now then ... *still grinning* Do you have any writing rituals like a particular treat, good luck charm, etc? 

DLG:  Blueberries? Frozen blueberries are great for munching and replace the spice drops in a healthy way!

GMB:  I did not know that... *rubbing chin, pondering the potential*  When you aren’t writing, what would we find you doing?

DLG:  Painting. Or Fencing! 

GMB: Well engard!

DLG:  Not that kind of fencing... *sighs* ... Look ... I'm referring Fencing as in the Foil, epee and a little saber ... ;-)


GMB:  Oh right ...  Ahem ...  Sorry ... It was the rancher in me coming out ... *smiles sheepish*  Dianne, is music part of your writing process? If so, what do you listen to?

DLG:  I am inspired by music when I’m writing in my head, thinking about my stories. And when I’m painting. But when I’m at the computer I need silence pretty much.

GMB:  Why would someone like your book(s)?

DLG:  They’re fun, unpredictable and carry you into another world.

GMB:  Do you have any advice for the editing process?

DLG:  Get other eyes!

GMB:  Excellent advice...  excellent advice Dianne... 

GMB:  And Dianne I would like to *Thank You* for being such an interesting, albeit 'coy' guest today! Please share your bio and links with our Barn Blog Fans and so readers can connect with you.

DLG:  Be glad to ... My BIO includes:  She's been a painter all her life having started at the age of 12 under her mother's supervision. Her first private art lesson was with a sculptress in California. Excelling in art in school and on to college, her portfolio includes portraits, inspirational works, and plein air landscapes. She was the portrait painter for the Washington Renaissance Fantasy Fair for several years painting 20 minute oil paintings during the fair. She has just recently started illustrating books, beginning this endeavor with a 9' triptych of Stenhjaert the Dragon, the antagonist in Ian's Realm

Dianne is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the National League of American Pen Women. Besides the Ian's Realm Saga (Deception Peak, The Dragon Shield, and Rubies and Robbers which will be released in 2013) she boasts authorship to four short stories titled A Tale of the Four Wizards Series which interweaves with the Saga. She writes for middle grade and young adults targeting boys and adventure loving girls, but adults are some of her most zealous fans of all Her writing definitely falls under the 'family friendly' category!

GMB:  And how about a little information for those all so important links for our Blog Fans and Readers...

Ian's Realm Trilogy
Deception Peak 
The Dragon Shield
Rubies and Robbers coming soon

Sequels
Cassandra's Castle To be released
The Diary of a Conjurer To be released

Short Stories A tale of the Four Wizards
Silvio
Meneka
Kaempie
Reuben

Publisher’s website: http://www.hydrapublications.com/shop/deception-peak/
Official book blog: http://dragontargeseries.blogspot.com/
Dragon Shield Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c2rm6mGBrM
website http://gardnersart.com
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/TheIansRealmSaga?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter https://twitter.com/DianneGardner
Author Central on Amazon
 http://www.amazon.com/Dianne-Lynn-Gardner/e/B0090LIYEO
The Dragon Shield on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Shield-Dianne-Lynn-Gardner/dp/0615760457
Deception Peak http://amzn.com/B0090888WU
Silvio
http://amzn.com/B00A3WAA9G
Kaempie
http://amzn.com/B00AYZKIDK
Meneka
http://amzn.com/B00AHG460C
Reuben
http://amzn.com/B00B7RG72U
smashwords dp http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/260744
goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6473931.Dianne_Lynn_Gardner
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17304505-dragon-shield

GMB:  Dianne, its been a real pleasure ... I hope to see you in the 'Anything But a Tired Barn again soon ... Did you know I paint as well?

DLG: Well no--

GMB:  Check out the art hanging in the Tired Barn Gallery ... Might be some fun, perhaps some inspiration there to find...  Be Well My Friend, Take Care and Many Blessings...

GMB:  Hi Heidi, it is nice to have you in the "Anything But Tired Barn" ... And with two thumbs up no less ... Please tell us all about yourself. 

HNB:  I am a gung-ho, twenty-something gal who absolutely loves to write. I love the outdoors, my family, my religion, and being crazy. I also really love to watch basketball and football, yeah baby! I find that writing is my way to express myself. Without it I would pretty much explode.

GMB:  Where and/or how do you find the greatest inspiration? 


HNB:  Well ... I don’t know ... good question...

GMB:  They usually are... *Grinning* 

HNB:  Heh, heh ... I don't know that there is a specific answer for this, at least not in my case. I just sort of come up with ideas and have to write them. I guess I am inspired by my fellow indie authors and their success, and also by the success of my first book, Through the Paper Wall. Good question...

GMB:  What made you chose to write juvenile fiction, young adult fiction, fantasy in particular? 

HNB:  Though I have written one book that was general fiction, I tend to stick to fantasy. I adore fantasy, and always have. I love to get lost in different worlds, especially worlds that involve magic. I grew up reading fantasy, so it was just natural for me to write it. I can let my imagination expand more that way!

GMB:  I see ... Nice ... You seem sort of a bridge builder with words ... from here to fantasy and back... Is there any other genre you’d like to write? And, if so, why? 

HNB:  I would like to try historical fiction, at least once. I used to read that a lot, and I majored in history, so it would be fun to put my love of history and novels together and see what happens.

GMB: And again, I sense the theme of bridging the past with the now, perhaps the future... Which appears first when contemplating a new project: a character, the plot or the title? 

HNB:  Usually a plot, even if that just means a single scene, though for my newest book, Ontario, it was definitely the main character that came to me first.  
    
GMB:  What’s the hardest part of a novel for you to write: beginning, middle or end? Why? 

HNB:  The middle. I’m usually pretty good at starting a story, and I tend to know how I want it to end. It’s the messy bits in the middle that make up a great story, so you have to make sure the middle is sooo good!

GMB:  Has your own life influenced your novels? If so, how?

HNB:  Definitely. I don’t usually use stories or circumstances from my life, but I have definitely used names and based characters on specific people, including myself.

GMB:  Oh, oh ... I'd better watch out ... I know I'm already historic, but to end up in one of your fantasy plots... hmmmm  *winking* ...  Now who is your favorite character you’ve created? And, why? 

HNB:  Oh man, that’s a toughie! Probably Austin, the main character’s love interest in Ontario. He’s drop dead gorgeous and so intriguing, and yes, I do have a crush on him. Probably always will. My future husband will just have to deal with it.

GMB:  And I'm sure you 'future husband' will appreciate the warning *grinning, winking* ... So tell us about your newest release ... perhaps a little more about Austin... 

HNB:  Ontario was released April 29th. The story follows a girl by the name of Ontario, who lost her father and was abandoned by her mother. Left with her older brother as her guardian she faces her senior year of high school feeling like she can’t trust anyone anymore and that she is only a burden to her brother. Eventually she begins working at the local diner and while there, working with the amazing people there, she comes to learn that she can still trust and love. 

GMB:  Nice ... I get a feel your work is relationships based ... I write a lot about relationships as well ... It is very rewarding ... Now, if I was a publisher, I believe my first question would be, “Why were you chosen to write this story?”  How would you respond to this inquisitive, hypothetical publisher? 

HNB:  Ontario is, in many ways, me. I feel like Ontario is having me tell her story so that I can reveal some things about myself without coming right out and saying them.

GMB:  Which do you prefer a great hero or a great villain?  Why don’t you name one of each… 

HNB:  Ooh . . . well, I think you need to have both, really. Though, I have always wanted to play the villain if I was ever in a movie. Hmm, to name one of both . . . that’s an awfully good question. Okay, a great villain – Beloved, from Bruce Coville’s Unicorn Chronicles series. Wooh, she’s good. And a good hero? Let’s go with . . . Abby, from Lisa Mangum’s Hourglass Door Trilogy.

GMB:  Interesting ... Tell us Heidi, what is your favorite movie? And why?  What is NOT your favorite movie? 

HNB:  Well, that certainly changes from time to time...

GMB:  for me too...

HNB:  ...but I think currently my favorite movie is Wreck-it Ralph, because it is family friendly, funny, dramatic, emotional, and just plain awesome. Plus, Owl City does the end credits song, which always makes a movie better! What is NOT my favorite movie: any of the newer Star Wars movies. Gag.

GMB:  Now Heidi, you ready for a biggy?  Tell us out here in the Blogs Sphere ... If you could be anyone in the world, space, and designated realm, who would it be? And why? 

HNB:  Honestly, I would be me. I know, I know, that probably sounds really lame, but it’s true. I love being me. BUT, if you’re going to make me pick somebody else . . . 

GMB:  Not making you ... *smirks*

HNB:  Peter Pan. No lie. I've always wanted to be him.

GMB:  'Petta' ... 'Petta Pan' ... ?  Now that I did not see coming ... I mean Peter Pan flying into the Barn  on that question? ... Now where do you and Peter see your writing career in the next five to ten years? 

HNB:  Hopefully I will be a bestselling author. That would be cool. I would love for writing to be my only occupation, besides being a mother. A snazzy website is a must! That sounds absolutely perfect.

GMB:  And where can we learn more about you bridgeable with words, about you and Ontario?

HNB:  You can find me at my website, http://heidinicolebird.blogspot.com

GMB:  How about sharing a little from Ontario? Will you read for us?

HNB:  Sure ...  

“Don’t worry, Ontario, I’ll never leave you. You will always have me here to protect you and your brother.” 

Those words from a childhood memory would haunt Ontario Stratton for the rest of her life. Losing her father had been difficult enough, but her life would change even more drastically at the beginning of her senior year of high school. Only weeks into the school year Mrs. Stratton abandons her two children for a more carefree way of living. Suddenly thrown into a very different life, Ontario clings to her brother Eddy, her new legal guardian, and to no one else. Could she trust anyone anymore? Even her best friend isn’t there for her. . .

In order to feel like less of a burden on her brother, Ontario gets a job at the local fifties-style diner. It is there that she meets her new “family,” including the oh-so-intriguing Austin, the only one who can help her truly heal. In time, Ontario discovers that Austin has his own demons, and that he needs her just as much as she needs him. Some things in Ontario’s life begin to come together again, but others continue to fall apart. Though her world seems to be breaking, she is introduced to a kind of happiness she has never known before, and her new found friends show her that maybe, just maybe, she can learn to love again.

GMB:  Sounds Great! And, where can we find and purchase Ontario?

HNB:  Thank You for asking Mitch ... the Purchase Links for Ontario are listed below:

Paperback                                       Kindle Store

Ontario on Goodreads

GMB:  Well Heidi it was wonderful to learn about your passion for building bridges with words in this "Anything But Tired Old Barn". We hope you come and visit again real soon.

HNB:  You are welcome Mitch ... Enjoyed our visit and look forward to writing more and developing a following of readers who will appreciate what I do with words.

GMB:  Welcome to my  'Anything But Tired Barn' DeEtte Beckstead-Anderton ... Welcome to the place where I interview authors and friends ...  I've really been looking forward to visiting with you again ... Of course we know one another from Master Koda Select Publishing, but I want to make sure our Bog Fans know you are a superb author and editor who worked on my latest release from Master Koda... Thank You for being such a wonderful collaborator, friend, and now guest...  Now ... Let's see ... Today we're going to start off with a Zinger... Please describe yourself in one, superbly edited word ... *grinning mischievous*. 

DB:  Oh Mitch ... I guess the one word would be Unique. I asked my friends on Facebook to help me with this one. The best answer that came up was “unique” because there is only one me!

GMB: And Zinger number two ... What "unique" super power would you like to have? 

DB:  If I had a superpower, I would like it to be the ability to make the lives of others a little brighter, to bring a smile to the face of a sick child, to bring comfort to someone's last days.

GMB:  Now that is incredible DeEtte... *Smiles* Your latest release has continued to receive glorious reviews and is so well received... Tell us, what is the title of your newest release? 

DB:  Victory is my newest release. It came out in December 2012.

GMB: And I have read and thoroughly enjoyed this work ... I've been curious though, what compelled you to write this book? 

DB:  When I was writing for NaNo in 2007, I started with a description of the day. The story moved on to the scene with the pigeon. It was just a few days after my real encounter with a pigeon who had crashed into the apartment roof, so that was added. The rest just grew from there. 

GMB:  Oh the creative spirit ... We never know where, when it will provide for a wonderful story such as Victory ... Now what kind of books do you read for pleasure?

DB:  My favorites to read for pleasure are classics like Pride and Prejudice, Moby Dick, Beowulf, Canterbury Tales, Narnia, and LOTR. I also like historical fiction. I do not read erotica, or books with extreme violence or profanity. 

GMB:  And it shows in what you enjoy writing as well ... I've noticed that you are indeed an inspiration to many many people in your life, including Blog Fans ... But I have to ask DeEtte, what do you do to keep yourself going when you aren’t necessarily motivated to write, a phenomenon I am sure all writers deal with sometimes? 

DB:  If I have to write when I am not motivated, I usually write a description of something, the room I am in, something outside, a place I have been. That often helps me get going.

GMB:  Which comes first the chicken or the egg… I mean the plot or the characters?

DB:  Usually the characters come first. With Victory, I started with the description of the town itself. It was modeled after a small town I lived in for three years. 

GMB:  And a beautiful Town at that ... And when you set your characters do you use character bios or sketches or bubbles ... Do your characters just land on the page?

DB:  My characters just land on the page. Some are based on people I know, but I haven't used character bios or sketches in my serious writing. I suppose that I do a bio in my mind before I write the story, but I don't intentionally do that.

GMB:  How old were you when you finished your first book?

DB:  I finished the initial writing writing of Victory in November of 2007, so I was about 5 ½ years younger than I am now!

GMB:  And you are how old ...? (just kidding) ... *grinning mischievous again*  How long did it take you to write Victory?

DB:  Since Victory was my NaNoWriMo project, I wrote it in about 28 days. Of course, that doesn't include the years it sat on my computer, or the time spent editing and getting it ready for publication!

GMB:  If you could do everything over (writing your book, or publishing, etc.) would you change anything?

DB:  I think I would get it published sooner. Victory sat untouched for over four years before I thought about publishing it. 

GMB:  I know the feeling ... And when you aren’t writing, what would we find you doing?

DB:  Crocheting, watching old movies, being with my kids and grand-kids  reading...or maybe taking in a museum or concert!

GMB:  Ahhhh .. very nice ... Is music part of your writing process? If so, what do you listen to?

DB:  I like to listen to classical music or contemporary Christian music when I write. 

GMB:  Now going back to your choice of the word 'Unique' to describe yourself, tell us, Have you ever had a moment, even if it was a split second when someone noticed you for the unique person you are or complemented you on a job well done? Do you remember what that feels like in your heart?

DB:  First of all, I must say that my family, for the most part, are quiet, private people. We love each other dearly, and appreciate the successes of each other. We just don't usually do it publicly.

When The Christmas Visitors was first published, my kids were happy for me, some more than others. A few weeks later Victory came out. None had read the dedication page for Victory in which each of them was mentioned. I hadn't told them about that. A few days after Victory's publication, my older son, Jesse, posted on our family group site about my books. He posted the Amazon page showing The Christmas Visitors at #41 in its category. I rarely reply on the family site since my ex-husband and his wife are also in that group. I was surprised when Jess shared that my books were doing well. He was so excited and happy for me. He is the one who actually got me to try NaNo back in 2007, which was when Victory was written. The biggest surprise was a positive reply from my ex-husband. I didn't care so much that he replied, but I felt great that my accomplishment was so important to my son that he would post that. Having my family excited for me, and sharing my books, means so much to me.

GMB:  That is so wonderful ... It is always a Blessing when our writing leads to stronger relationships and brings out conversation in others that may not have occurred ... DeEtte, Thank You ... Many Thanks for being my guest today ... and such a great guest! Would you mind sharing your bio and links where our Bogg Fans can, and continue to connect with you and find your books?

DB:  Sure Mitch, Thanks for asking ... As an Author and Blogger, I Beckstead started writing in 2007 when my son challenged me to get involved in the National Novel Writing Month, known by the acronym, NaNoWriMo. The manuscript sat untouched with several others until January of 2012 when a good friend encouraged me to seek publication. The Christmas Visitors is my first published short story, and my current novel, Victory is also my second.

I spent much of my childhood playing the piano, clarinet, and guitar, reading, and making up stories. I was active in Girl Scouts, which gave me a  variety of experiences. While in college, I  was on the University of Utah Synchronized Swim team, and taught winter camping and survival skills for Girl Scouts. I have spent many years working with people with disabilities.

Originally from the state of Utah, I currently live in New England where I write full time and work on the editing team of Master Koda Select Publishing. My other interests include swimming, crocheting, reading, traveling, history, and my grandchildren. In addition, as a devoted mother of six and grandmother of twelve I have been a concerned participant in dog rescue services for many years.   You can find me on the social networks using the following information:

Blog: http://deetteanderton.wordpress.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeEtteBecksteadAuthor       

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/DeEtte-Beckstead/e/B00ADDW94Y/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 

AuthorsdB page: http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/66-deette-beckstead 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DBAnderton  

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2207218-deette-beckstead 

GMB:  Cheers DeEtte and again, Thank You for being my Guest today ... I hope all remains strong with the writing and I can tall everyone, it is truly a pleasure to have such a wonderful and 'unique author, collegue and friend to work with and with whom I throughout enjoy getting to know better as an friend, author and just a great person doing great things... Bye for now DeEtte...

GMB: Welcome Mandy Eve-Barnett from Strathcona .... Welcome to the 'Anything But a Tired Barn'.  Being a Fellow Member of the 'Writers Foundation of Strathcona County' I wanted to congratulate you regarding the recent and most successful Writers' Conference put on by the Foundation...  Tell us about yourself... about this recent effort...

MEB:  The hard question first, I see. Yes, with another successful Conference under our belts we can breath a sigh of relief…for a short while anyway!  I was born in South Africa to parents working as pathologists for a mining company.  We returned to England where I lived most of my childhood and adult life. In 2007 I hopped over the ‘pond’ to come and live in Alberta.  I have always been creative, partaking in painting, sculpture, drawing and textiles, you name it I’ve tried it. With a promise to myself to find a new creative outlet once my family and I were settled in our new country, I visited the local library. With a handful of leaflets I spied a white board detailing a writers group meeting and as they say there was no looking back. In less than four years I have published two books, created other three novels, written for online websites and newspapers, participated in three NaNoWriMo challenges and became the secretary of The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County. In short I am totally obsessed with my writing.

GMB:  Where and/or how do you find the greatest inspiration?

MEB:  Inspiration comes from everywhere - an overheard conversation, people watching, a photograph or even a sentence.

GMB:  You seem to be writing Fantasy, some Adult Fantasy  what has you choosing to write in genre in particular?

MEB:  I don’t limit myself to one genre. If possible I would like to explore each one if only once to say I’ve done that! So far I have written children’s stories, an adult fantasy, speculative fiction and a romance.

GMB:  Is there any other genre more than others, if so, why?

MEB:  At the moment I am toying with creating a horror but as yet my muse hasn’t ‘spoken’. My only reservation is, will it be good enough. As a Stephen King fan I know I have big boots to fill.

GMB:  Toying with horror ... Now there is a bit of imagery working there... Which appears first when contemplating a new project: a character, the plot or the title?

MEB:  When I really thought about this I realized the plot is primarily my starting point. A ‘what if’ scenario I place my characters into and then see what they do with it.

GMB:  So you already have characters made, and then seek to place them in a plot ...  I've never thought of having an inventory of characters on stand-by ... That is very interesting.  Tells us, what’s the hardest part of a novel for you to write: The beginning, middle or end? Tell us why?

MEB:  Honestly I don’t suffer with this phenomenon, as my writing is free flow. Once an idea emerges I just go with it. The muse speaks, my fingers type. It is in the editing process that I have more of a problem.

GMB:  Has your own life influenced your novels? If so, how?

MEB: Another interesting question and one I pondered for a while. My speculative fiction, 'Life in Slake Patch' was the result of a rant about family life, which morphed into the novel. 'The Twesome Loop' contains a reincarnation theme, which is an interest of mine. My current WIP, Ockleberries to the Rescue, is fundamentally generated from a lifelong love of all animal life.  So in short the answer is yes there are certainly ‘elements’ of me in my work.

GMB: Who is your favorite character, which you’ve created? And, why?

MEB:  The easy answer would be to say they all have elements I enjoyed but if pushed I would say Elviva from The Rython Kingdom. She has a great strength as well as hidden depths. I love how she manipulates (in a kind way) the troubadour Guillem.

GMB: If you could be anyone in the world, space, and designated realm, who would it be? And why?

MEB:  Joanne Woodward in 1958 when she met Paul Newman. I could love and live with my ‘perfect’ man for over 50 years.

GMB:  Tell us about your newest release.

MEB:  My e-book adult fantasy, The Rython Kingdom is set in medieval England and follows a famed troubadour, Guillem Ruet to the King’s court. He is unaware he has been bewitchment by a vengeful witch, whose tale he will relay in all innocence and release her from her confinement. Once at the King's court Guillem discovers the true nature of a servant and is aided by an old crone and her beautiful granddaughter, both of whom have their own secrets. Guillem worried if his tried and tested tales would be worthy of the King’s court. As he succumbed to sleep an image of his campfire on that particular night appeared. He remembered looking deep into the flames as a rabbit cooked – his eyes transfixed by the flickering orange flames, but now, while semi conscious, he recalled that they had turned blue in hue and he had been lost in a far away land. He had dreamt of blue flames rising, which twisted and spiraled into images of a witch and a horrendous beast. Strange and bewitching but a marvelous tale had been revealed to him as so many pictures in his mind that night.

GMB:  So Guillem is an unwitting pawn in a witch’s vengeful plan, reciting a tale, which will unleash the witch, Malgraf and her son resulting in havoc and murder. 

MEB:  Yes, the creative tension derives from whether Guillem can be stopped in time... 

GMB:  If I was a publisher, I believe my first question would be, “Why were you chosen to write this story?”  How would you respond to the inquisitive publisher?

MEB:  I believe everyone wishes to escape real life from time to time. Surrounding ourselves in an imaginary world enables our subconscious mind to solve our own problems. The conflicts within The Rython Kingdom are metaphors for many instances we find ourselves in. I feel my story can entertain but also aid resolution for my readers.

GMB:  Can you read an excerpt for us:

MEB:  Sure, I'll read from the scene where Guillem plays his audience as the fine troubadour he was, Guillem changed the story’s location to have them hear of Lord Elros’ adventure far away from his ladylove in the mountains.

While his lady considered fabrics, Lord Elros and his troop made good time across the plain to the forest edge. As the light faded under a crescent moon, he commanded they set up camp. With their horse’s fed and tethered and a hot stew filling their bellies, the men talked around the campfire. Elros walked to the edge of the tree line, carrying a lantern. With a glance about him to ensure he was alone he pulled an aged parchment from his tunic and studied it by the dim light. Eleanor had told him she was certain the map showed a route to the witch’s lair. It revealed many traps along the path but with Eleanor’s instructions, Elros was certain they would reach their destination. He would have to be precise in his directions to his men to ensure they followed the trail in line with the seer’s commands. The sorceress had charmed parts of the forest flora and fauna and many travelers had succumbed to the enchantments with the loss of their life. Elros studied the twisting trails and made mental notes of the many hazards marked with black spots.

As questioning glances were traded in the great hall, Stephen huddled close to his mother comforted by her coldness.

 “Your concealing spell has kept my true identity disguised but, at times, I sense the intensity of my eyes break through.”

 “Keep your head low and pretend to ingratiate yourself.  Our time is almost upon us. Temper your anxiousness, my son.”

 “Yes, mother – magnificence is ours in a few short hours - a century of waiting over.”

 Blue threads emitted from the witch’s fingers and encased the beast – it twisted and reformed into the human form it so despised, whimpering as it was enclosed in the restrictive shape. 

 “You are truly hideous…”

 The witch cackled as her spawn screeched, filling the air around them. Crawling, slithering creatures fled in every direction as the noise sent waves of malevolence outward. The thing called Stephen hobbled back through the veil. Panic gripped the beast as it noticed the twilight. Too long spent within his mother’s lands – time slowed when contained therein. He would have to travel swiftly to the castle. Glancing back and forth to ensure he was unobserved, Stephen floated several inches above the ground through the copse and gardens to the castle walls. Another sly peek confirmed he was alone. He pushed a protruding flint inward. A grinding of stone upon stone echoed along a hidden passage. Free to fly within its confines, Stephen travelled swiftly to a concealed panel in the servant’s quarters. 

 After making a few adjustments to his tunic and breeches, he made his way to the great hall where he found the troubadour regaling the tale in front of an engaged audience. Stephen stood in the shadows momentarily then, aware of eyes upon him, he went about his tasks.

GMB: Marvelous, Thank You for the Read ...   Where do you see your writing career in the next five to ten years?MEB:  If I can keep up the momentum of the past three years I will be more than happy! In such a short time, I have had a children’s print book and an e-book published. Written three novels and one novella, written numerous articles for online websites, magazines and the local newspaper. As well as collaborated to create the local council’s Vision Statement. Successfully completed three NaNoWriMo challenges and become the secretary of The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County. My current projects include building my freelance portfolio and completing another novel.  If I can support my creative writing completely by paying freelance work in ten years I will have my dream.

GMB:  Which do you prefer a great hero or a great villain?  Why don’t you name one of each…

MEB:  I love great villains. Darth Vader is a favorite with absolute power over other beings physical and mental capacities. Yes I loved JR Ewing as well. Sickly sweet good guys just don’t appeal. My favorite hero was Harper, played by Paul Newman (swoon) he was not your classic hero type but did his utmost to resolve the situation he found himself embroiled in. 

GMB:  What is your favorite movie? And why?  What is NOT your favorite movie?

MEB:  Wow – hard question, yet again. I have an eclectic taste in movies from Thelma & Louise to Lord of the Rings to Toy Story.  I loved The Goodbye Girl with Richard Dreyfuss but Same Time Next Year with Alan Alda has to be top. The worse movie has to be The Shining – NOT because of the story, a Stephen King novel or Jack Nicholson’s performance but because Shelley Duvall was absolutely dreadful in it and spoilt the whole thing.

GMB:  So where do we find you, you purchase links?

MEB:  My Website is:  http://mandyevebarnett.com/ and my Purchase Links include:  

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/214247

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Rython-Kingdom-ebook/dp/B00AUBP2SO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365643901&sr=1-1&keywords=rython+kingdom

http://www.amazon.ca/The-Rython-Kingdom-ebook/dp/B00AUBP2SO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365643944&sr=8-1&keywords=the+rython+kingdom

Publisher Link:  http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/

GMB:  And we can find you Blog at...?

MEB:  http://mandyevebarnett.com/

GMB:  Well Thank You for visiting with us here in the 'Anything But a Tired Barn' ... We certainly enjoyed having you here and to learn more about you and your recent projects and releases...

MEB:  And thank you for hosting me Mitch... We hope to see you at the next Writer's Foundation meeting ...

GMB:  Take Care, Be Well... Cheers to Mandy from Strathcona...