Someday I would like you all to walk with me on Irowasa but before that day comes I have to warn you about crossroads. The crossroads can be dangerous places where souls become trapped if people take too long deciding which branch of road they should travel.
Just the other day I came to a crossroads in one of my many journeys across Irowasa. Four roads branched out in front of me. From the road on the far left a beautiful haunting melody floated to my ears. I saw that the road in that direction slipped smoothly into a patch of woods. I headed down that fork. Hearing the music again I thought it must be made by elves and wondered if I would meet them. A little further on the road became rough.
Still, the music called me, so I stepped around the potholes filled with multicolored stinking slime and continued on my way. Then I came to a place where the road was overgrown with small thorny trees. Here I paused, but only for a moment. The music was stronger than ever and seemed to be coming from the other side of the tangled branches. I pushed my way through the tangled mass and would have continued if a group of fairies hadn't flown up and cried, "Turn back! You are following the call of a winged siren. Turn back before she leads you to your death!"
Just then I noticed a pile of bones and beyond them a feathery mass. I turned and crashed into the thorny mass even as the siren reached for me with her hooked black talons. I tore my way through the brambles which snatched at my clothes and scratched my skin. Once I broke free of the thorns I covered my ears so that the siren's song would no longer enchant me. I ran until I reached the crossroads once more. The time has come to choose a new road to travel. I will be more careful in my choosing from now on but I must not linger too long at a crossroads lest my soul become trapped by my indecision. Such is the dangerous nature of the crossroads.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Meet Beritta
Rebekah: "Hello everyone. Allow me to introduce Beritta, the elf princess of Wilderlah. Beritta lives in the elves' capital city which is located on the hills between the Emerald and Saphire lakes. Beritta, please tell us a little bit about what it's like being an elvish princess and living in the lake city."
Beritta: "Well, there's always lots to see in the city. Through our help the land around the lakes is one of the most beautiful places on Irowasa. The real trick is finding things to do on the days when nothing exciting seems to be happening. My friend Lasa and I went swimming in the Saphire lake yesterday and sometimes I think of ways to make things... interesting."
Rebekah: "You mean like the pranks you played on the other elves?"
Beritta: "Well what would you have done? The elders make it seem like they expect so much of me, but when they're supposed to be sending me and Lasa on dangerous quests they make us run errands instead!"
Rebekah: "Since you brought them up, tell us a little bit about the elders."
Beritta: "What do you want to know about them? They're the oldest members of the city, which supposedly makes them the wisest. They hold classes every so often to teach young elves how to use their abilities right and work with nature. I used to go to their classes with my friends but then the ability tests the elders hold every few years proved I was ready to put my skills to use. The only problem is th at the elders won't let me use my abilities for anything worthwhile!"
Rebekah: "Did you ever consider that maybe they're still testing you?"
Beritta: "Of course I thought of it! But if that's really what they're doing they're wasting their time. I could do so much more for elves and other creatures of Light if only they'd give me the chance!"
Rebekah: "Do you know that the elders think you're reckless?"
Beritta: "If wanting to put my abilities to better use is recklessness, then fine, I'm reckless."
Rebekah: "You're quite the rebel."
Beritta: "I wish you'd stop saying things like that."
Rebekah: "Sorry. Is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Beritta: "I just want to say that no one should be jealous of me because I'm a princess. Being a princess is really HARD! Everyone expects so much from you. Also, don't let anyone, especially grown-ups hold you back."
Rebekah: "And on that note I think we'll wrap up here. See you all next time!"
I'd really like it if I could have my fans talk to the characters. If you have a question you'd like to ask Beritta, please leave it in the comments box below. In about a month or so I'll take a few of the questions and use them to create a fan interview.
Beritta: "Well, there's always lots to see in the city. Through our help the land around the lakes is one of the most beautiful places on Irowasa. The real trick is finding things to do on the days when nothing exciting seems to be happening. My friend Lasa and I went swimming in the Saphire lake yesterday and sometimes I think of ways to make things... interesting."
Rebekah: "You mean like the pranks you played on the other elves?"
Beritta: "Well what would you have done? The elders make it seem like they expect so much of me, but when they're supposed to be sending me and Lasa on dangerous quests they make us run errands instead!"
Rebekah: "Since you brought them up, tell us a little bit about the elders."
Beritta: "What do you want to know about them? They're the oldest members of the city, which supposedly makes them the wisest. They hold classes every so often to teach young elves how to use their abilities right and work with nature. I used to go to their classes with my friends but then the ability tests the elders hold every few years proved I was ready to put my skills to use. The only problem is th at the elders won't let me use my abilities for anything worthwhile!"
Rebekah: "Did you ever consider that maybe they're still testing you?"
Beritta: "Of course I thought of it! But if that's really what they're doing they're wasting their time. I could do so much more for elves and other creatures of Light if only they'd give me the chance!"
Rebekah: "Do you know that the elders think you're reckless?"
Beritta: "If wanting to put my abilities to better use is recklessness, then fine, I'm reckless."
Rebekah: "You're quite the rebel."
Beritta: "I wish you'd stop saying things like that."
Rebekah: "Sorry. Is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Beritta: "I just want to say that no one should be jealous of me because I'm a princess. Being a princess is really HARD! Everyone expects so much from you. Also, don't let anyone, especially grown-ups hold you back."
Rebekah: "And on that note I think we'll wrap up here. See you all next time!"
I'd really like it if I could have my fans talk to the characters. If you have a question you'd like to ask Beritta, please leave it in the comments box below. In about a month or so I'll take a few of the questions and use them to create a fan interview.
Monday, April 13, 2009
April news update
First off, sorry for the delay. I've been somewhat busy these past few weeks. From now on I will try update this blog every other Wednesday, so stay tuned. In the meantime I have a few announcements.
I'd like to thank those who read the preview and gave me feedback and/or helped with edits. I would also like to thank the folks on Createspace for allowing me to use their preview feature. I like to hear from my readers, so this is a really great tool.
Check out an interview on writing with Rebekah Prudhomme at http://www.whohub.com/dreamweaver
Coming soon: Beritta, the elf princess from the kingdom of Wilderlah, has agreed to make an appearance on this blog! She should be coming this Wednesday, so check back after that to see what she has to say.
What would you like to see happen on this blog? I'm always open to feedback from fans, so please use the comments link below to share your own ideas for exiting new posts and activities.
That's all for today. Please remember to check back after Wednesday for a fun new post.
May the Lord of Light bless you on your own quests and in your life!
-Rebekah
I'd like to thank those who read the preview and gave me feedback and/or helped with edits. I would also like to thank the folks on Createspace for allowing me to use their preview feature. I like to hear from my readers, so this is a really great tool.
Check out an interview on writing with Rebekah Prudhomme at http://www.whohub.com/dreamweaver
Coming soon: Beritta, the elf princess from the kingdom of Wilderlah, has agreed to make an appearance on this blog! She should be coming this Wednesday, so check back after that to see what she has to say.
What would you like to see happen on this blog? I'm always open to feedback from fans, so please use the comments link below to share your own ideas for exiting new posts and activities.
That's all for today. Please remember to check back after Wednesday for a fun new post.
May the Lord of Light bless you on your own quests and in your life!
-Rebekah
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Quests 1 Preview
It's here folks, the preview for Quest 1. Click the link to view the preview, and please consider leaving some feedback for me on Createspace. Then come back to the blog and tell other readers what you thought.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ORIGINAL PREVIEW HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN DUE TO THE RELEASE OF THE SERIAL NOVEL VERSION. Click here to read the Quests prologue.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ORIGINAL PREVIEW HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN DUE TO THE RELEASE OF THE SERIAL NOVEL VERSION. Click here to read the Quests prologue.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Glibbin's interview; the preview kick-off
Rebekah: "Hello readers. I'm here with Glibbin the hobgoblin from Quests to kick off our first preview."
Glibbin:"Hi, people!"
Rebekah:"Glibbin is the only Quests character available on short notice."
Glibbin:"Hey, Miss Writer person?"
Rebekah:"Yes, Glibbin?"
Glibbin:"My name's really Glb-Glb-Glbin."
Rebekah:"I know, but you're the only one who can pronounce that, so we're just going to call you Glibbin, okay?"
Glibbin:"Okay."
Rebekah:"Glibbin plays an important part in Quests. Tell us about your part in the story Glibbin."
Glibbin;"Well...um... I met this elf who fell out of the sky. Then no one would play with me even the little animal with the big furry tail."
Rebekah:"Isn't that a squirrel?"
Glibbin:"I don't know! Then a the end of the book I met Bubble who can change into anything he wants. He's my new best friend."
Rebekah:"In short Glibbin is the comic relief in Quests."
Glibbin:"What? I am?"
Rebekah"Glibbin and I want to let you know that we'll be posting a preview for A Time of Training, book 1 in the Quests series, as soon as we get a little feedback on this blog from our readers."
Glibbin:"I can't wait for the preview! I've been so excited since you told me about it!"
Rebekah"Glibbin, I just told you about it an hour ago."
Glibbin:"You did? It seemed longer."
Rebekah:"Just so you know what to expect, I'll give you a little taste of what will be in the preview. I'll post a brief overview of the book with tiny snippets of story in throughout. Here's an example:"
The story begins when the Lords of Light and Darkness send new servants into Irowasa:
As instructed, Fate threaded the loom and wove the first threads together. It was as if her fingers had a mind of their own. First some dark colors…
In the back of her mind Fate heard the Lord of Darkness summon some of his servants. His voice boomed over them as he commanded, “Go and keep my power strong. If you are destructive enough you can make my power even stronger!”
Then he sent them into Irowasa like a thunderstorm. They went to live in the deep places of the earth where no light reached. These places were cold like their hearts and the heart of their master. Fate watched their coming on her loom. Now for some brighter colors…
The Lord of Light summoned His servants. He called forward the chosen ones in a soft voice that was no more than a whisper, speaking their secret names which only He knew. Then He blessed them and sent them into Irowasa. They entered the world like the coming of dawn, soft points of Light breaking on the world. They were sent to different places; shining lakes whose waters rippled softly in a breeze, a tangled forest stretching down from bright green mountains which shone like jewels, and a wooden farmhouse near a foamy river. All these designs Fate wove separately yet through them she got a glimpse of a bigger pattern. So began the servants’ quests, and also their stories.
Rebekah:"That's all for now. Glibbin and I hope to see you here on Irowasa again soon for the preview."
Glibbin"I can't wait! This is so exciting. I want to know more about the book!"
Rebekah"Uh... Glibbin, you're in the book. Oh yeah. I forgot. See you later folks!"
Glibbin:"Hi, people!"
Rebekah:"Glibbin is the only Quests character available on short notice."
Glibbin:"Hey, Miss Writer person?"
Rebekah:"Yes, Glibbin?"
Glibbin:"My name's really Glb-Glb-Glbin."
Rebekah:"I know, but you're the only one who can pronounce that, so we're just going to call you Glibbin, okay?"
Glibbin:"Okay."
Rebekah:"Glibbin plays an important part in Quests. Tell us about your part in the story Glibbin."
Glibbin;"Well...um... I met this elf who fell out of the sky. Then no one would play with me even the little animal with the big furry tail."
Rebekah:"Isn't that a squirrel?"
Glibbin:"I don't know! Then a the end of the book I met Bubble who can change into anything he wants. He's my new best friend."
Rebekah:"In short Glibbin is the comic relief in Quests."
Glibbin:"What? I am?"
Rebekah"Glibbin and I want to let you know that we'll be posting a preview for A Time of Training, book 1 in the Quests series, as soon as we get a little feedback on this blog from our readers."
Glibbin:"I can't wait for the preview! I've been so excited since you told me about it!"
Rebekah"Glibbin, I just told you about it an hour ago."
Glibbin:"You did? It seemed longer."
Rebekah:"Just so you know what to expect, I'll give you a little taste of what will be in the preview. I'll post a brief overview of the book with tiny snippets of story in throughout. Here's an example:"
The story begins when the Lords of Light and Darkness send new servants into Irowasa:
As instructed, Fate threaded the loom and wove the first threads together. It was as if her fingers had a mind of their own. First some dark colors…
In the back of her mind Fate heard the Lord of Darkness summon some of his servants. His voice boomed over them as he commanded, “Go and keep my power strong. If you are destructive enough you can make my power even stronger!”
Then he sent them into Irowasa like a thunderstorm. They went to live in the deep places of the earth where no light reached. These places were cold like their hearts and the heart of their master. Fate watched their coming on her loom. Now for some brighter colors…
The Lord of Light summoned His servants. He called forward the chosen ones in a soft voice that was no more than a whisper, speaking their secret names which only He knew. Then He blessed them and sent them into Irowasa. They entered the world like the coming of dawn, soft points of Light breaking on the world. They were sent to different places; shining lakes whose waters rippled softly in a breeze, a tangled forest stretching down from bright green mountains which shone like jewels, and a wooden farmhouse near a foamy river. All these designs Fate wove separately yet through them she got a glimpse of a bigger pattern. So began the servants’ quests, and also their stories.
Rebekah:"That's all for now. Glibbin and I hope to see you here on Irowasa again soon for the preview."
Glibbin"I can't wait! This is so exciting. I want to know more about the book!"
Rebekah"Uh... Glibbin, you're in the book. Oh yeah. I forgot. See you later folks!"
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I've been informed that Quest is no longer competing in the Amazon contest. I wish all the quarterfinalist well, but my Irowasan friends tell me it's time for some re-writes. Most of Irowasa's inhabitance have chosen to support the ABNA quarterfinalists. If the readers of this blog like good fiction I recommend they check out amazon.com/abna and choose your favorite excerpts there. As for all of us here in Irowasa, we'll be busy reshaping our destinies by completing our quest of revising a story-line.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Welcome to Irowasa
Hello friends and blog readers, and welcome to Irowasa, a fantasy world ruled by the Lord of Light and battled for by the Lord of Darkness and his servants. I, Rebekah Prudhomme, have been chosen by the inhabitance of this world to relate their stories to those who are willing to listen. I have worked with the servants of Light and Darkness to compile a few of their stories into a novel we've chosen to call QUESTS: A Time of Training. The first episode in this book won the National Writers Association Scholarship in 2008. At the request of my Irowasan friends I entered Quests in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) and I'm hoping to hear announcements on the quarterfinals sometime this week. I will use this blog to post updates on Quests and other Irowasan stories and perhaps to occasionally tell a short tale or two. Feel free to return, but be sure not to offend any of my Irowasan friends. Some of them have very long life spans and can hold a grudge for centuries! Make friends here, not enemies, but beware those who would lead you down the Dark paths...
-Rebekah
-Rebekah
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