Story Behind the Photo, edition three

Today's photos reflects one of those magical moments in the forest. This was taken on a hike in central Wisconsin. It was mid-morning, well past the time I normally find deer, and I even had the dog strapped to my waist (more on this exciting means of photographing the world in later posts). 

The hike circled a small lake and I was busy looking for mushrooms and such when I rounded a corner to this sight. Tasha, normally a huge barker was just as shocked as I was. She stamped her foot, the fawn stamped his foot, fawn's mom bounded off. I raised the camera. Fawn squeaked. Tasha growled. I snapped. 

Then it was over. A few crashing bounds, and the fawn and doe were gone. I could hear them moving along the shore for a long time, but only caught small flashes of brown. 

Adventures like this helped me create, Fern, the orphaned fawn in Cairn: A Dragon Memoir. Her mother lost to a dragon feast, Fern is too young to survive on her own, but then Leaf finds her and Fern's life changes. Drastically. For example, she learns to ride astride a dragon!

Story Behind the Photo, edition 2

I took this photo early on in my renewed interest in photography. When I look at it today, I see how it could be improved, but I still love the memories it invokes. Taken on the shore of Lake Superior, it reflects that cold, rocky beach in its wild state. This lonely stretch is called Bette Gris. It sits astride the eastern shore of that defiant finger jutting deep into the inland sea. This is my favorite part of upper Michigan. 

All along Superior lay huge chunks of driftwood and sea rounded stones, some as big as cars, but many, many more palm sized. Each stone is different, yet if you look hard enough, you can fit pair and trios that fit together perfectly. I love my stones, and I've given away nearly all my Superior stones. It must be time to go back. It's not so far away. 

Story behind the Photo, edition 1

On Facebook (Rebecca Ferrell Porter) I've been challenged to the wildly popular 7 Day Nature Photography Challenge by a good friend. Although we've never met in person, we've been friends for several years, and in 2013 we undertook a 52 week photography challenge together. Georgia was already an accomplished photographer at that time while I had just rediscovered a passion for the craft, but I've learned a lot since then. (much of it from her)

I'm finding the challenge fun and now realize I could go on for several weeks as nature is my favorite subject. I'm also using it to tell the micro-story behind the photo. (I am a writer after all) So I begin a new series today on my blog. 

A few years back, I decided I needed a photo that would bring the trolls I write about to life for my readers. I really do envision them cavorting through the forest with me on my walks. Oton, Gaven, Uredd, Leaf, all of them ... they are real to me. They have to be, or they will read as flat. I couldn't have that! 

So with camera in hand, I crawled among the weeds along the river. Really, on my hands and knees. Suddenly, this amazing puff ball loomed above me. It was about 18 inches tall, and I was looking up at it when I found it. I couldn't have that. The trolls are the size of rabbits, and I'm--well, I'm a substantially larger. Shifting my position, I found a better angle and snapped this photo. 

I still chuckle when I see this photo. It looks very much like the back of a troll head. 
Don't you agree?

The Trolls Love their Agates.
The Dragons Love their Sapphire.
But the Fairies know True Magic Lives in the Bloodstone.

Get started on Legends of the Aurora, Now.

Garden of Betrayal ... the day is finally here ... Cover Reveal

Coming March 8, 2016 in Paperback and Digital Form 

Garden of Betrayal

The Imaginative Conclusion to the Legends of the Aurora Trilogy 

The moment I saw the first draft of this cover, I was in love. Vanesa Garkova instantly understood what I was trying to achieve, and then she took the concept to places I never dreamed. I gave Leaf a voice, but Vanesa gave her flesh and blood. 

If you are a fellow author, especially a fantasy author, please do yourself a favor and contact Vanesa Garkova. Her rates are very reasonable, and she continues to tweak the details until everyone is happy. When you do, tell her how happy she has made me. She'll know who you mean. She loves this story as well. Ours is more than a designer writer connection. We collaborated to bring the Legends of the Aurora to dreamers everywhere. 

I love them all. I hope you do as well.

(Now accepting PreOrders of signed Paperbacks $15 --USA Only-- Contact me if interested) 

Cover Tease, Title Reveal

Okay. I've had my fun. Today I reveal the title of Book Three. 

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the big reveal.

Cover Tease, Day Six

It takes courage to wear the mark of the dragon.