athanasia
[ath-uh-ney-zhuh] Spell Syllables
noun
1. deathlessness; immortality.
Cooking Athanasia is a story about a culinary arts student who unwittingly concocts a spell for immortality. This leads to evildoers finding out about the spell, and trying to get their hands on it for their own selfish purposes.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and I have already begun work on the second book, Echoes of Enchantment. Something has bothered me since I started working on the second book though. The two book titles did not mesh or easily identify the works as part of a set. Therefore, I made the decision to change the title, Cooking Athanasia, to Echoes of Immortality. In doing so, I also discovered the title for the third book (so far it is only in my mind).
I introduce the Echoes trilogy:
Echoes of Immortality
Echoes of Enchantment
Echoes of Destiny
Echoes of Immortality set for release on September 25th (which is coincidentally my wife's birthday). It is currently available for pre-order from Amazon. Please take a second to visit and like my author's page on Facebook as well to get updates on the print version of Echoes of Immortality and progress reports on Echoes of Enchantment.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NKM6YPU
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kevin-McDonald-Author/158117641034321
~K
Cooking Athanasia
We weave new possibilities; we honor the earth and help turn the wheel of change. We are Guardians, weavers of magic...what we do is sacred.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Excerpt: Echoes of Athanasia
This month finds me in the throes of Camp Nano, barely keeping my head above water against the paltry 30K word count goal I gave myself. I am working on the second book in the Athanasia Trilogy, Echoes of Athanasia. Set in the mid-1800s, the book is a look at Jenna's ancestry, particularly that of her great-great grandmother, Jennabel. Below is an excerpt from the book where Jennabel has just met the blacksmith's apprentice, Patrick, and thinks she may be quite fond of him.
Thanks for reading!
~K
Jennabel
enjoyed her solitude while she rode into town because just not thinking about
spells and schedules, if even for a short while, felt good. The new leaves on
the trees shone a bright green and the smell of new life permeated the air as
she rode through the thick canopy of foliage. She was a little disappointed the
ride was so short when she arrived in town. She sighed, dismounted and tied up
the horse, and then got right to business.
Several
tables and wagons belonging to local farmers lined the town square, which
together made the weekly farmer’s market, held every Friday. Items for purchase
ranged from fresh fruits and vegetables from local fields, to crafts such as
handmade quilts and candles, all available for a price. Jennabel started at one
corner of the market, sniffing and squeezing vegetables and placing properly
ripened items in the basket she brought along for the shopping trip. The farmer’s
wife manning the cart nodded and smiled in greeting to Jennabel.
Jennabel replied in kind and commented, “The produce looks very fresh today.”
“Thank
you,” The farmer’s wife replied. “Did you see those shallots yet dear? They
were gathered just this mornin’.”
“I
did indeed, and they look splendid But I am not in need of any today.”
Jennabel took some coins from a small leather pouch and paid for the items in
her basket. “Thank you ma’am.”
The
farmer’s wife took the coins and replied, “You are most welcome dear.” She gave
Jennabel a sidelong glance as she walked away. Some of the townspeople didn’t
necessarily approve of the coven lifestyle and sometimes demonstrated their
opinions verbally or even physically in extreme cases.
Jennabel
was thankful that exchange was civil and moved to the next booth. She
eventually made her way through the entire market and her basket was full of
vegetables and herbs needed back at the coven. The townspeople had been
friendly this time, for the most part, but she could tell who the disapprovers
were by their brisk responses. Her last stop of the day was the blacksmith to
get a shoe checked on Elder’s horse.
The
shop was half a block from the market so she carried her basket with her and
peered through the double barn door that was open a crack. She could not see
anyone, but it was dark so she entered the shop thinking someone might be
working in the shadows. Once inside, she realized she was still alone.
Frustrated, she called out, “Hello? Is anyone around?”
The
blacksmith's apprentice, Patrick Miller, was on the side of the building
cleaning some tools when he watched Jennabel enter the shop. He was struck by
the beauty of her long blond hair that fell across her shoulders in intricate
curls, which bounced as she walked. He walked around the building and followed
her inside through the double barn doors. “May I help you Miss?
Startled,
Jennabel emitted a high-pitched yelp and spun around, dropping her basket in
the process. Patrick did his best to stifle a chuckle. “You should not be sneaking
up behind people sir!” Her face wrinkled in an angry scowl. “It...it is just
not polite!”
His amusement quickly turned into embarrassment when he realized how angry she was. “My
sincerest apologies Miss. It was not my intent to frighten you.”
Her
ire softened once she took in Patrick's chiseled features, contrasted by his
soft brown eyes. Still wanting to appear cross, she looked away and half-closed
her eyes. “Fine sir. You did not frighten me. And I need the assistance of the
blacksmith.”
“Of
course not. I am Patrick. Uh...Miller. Patrick Miller.” Trying to get in her
good graces, he squatted to gather her purchases that currently littered the
shop floor. His gaze wandered up to her piercing emerald green eyes, which
caused him to stammer, “Maybe…perhaps I can offer some sort of assistance.” He
placed the last of her purchases back into the basket that she still held.
Still
cold, she replied, “You could help me by fetching the blacksmith for me Patrick
Miller.” She offered him a contrived smile.
“Yes
Miss. I mean no-”
Amused
with his nervousness, Jennabel cut him off, “No? No! May I ask why not Patrick
Miller?”
Patrick
stood back up and their eyes locked. “Perhaps we could start again Miss? I am
Patrick Miller, the blacksmith’s apprentice. How may I be of assistance to you
Ma’am?” A benevolent smile crossed his face, which caused Jennabel to flush and
look away.
“It
is one of the shoes on, er, my horse.” She thought it best to avoid the
explanation of why she was riding someone else’s horse and who Elder Golden was
for now.
“I
think I can help you with that Miss, but I will need one thing from you first.”
Her
gaze met his again and she felt her heart pounding in her chest, “Yes Mr.
Miller?” she asked softly.
“Your
name Miss. I need your name.”
“It
is Jennabel. Procter.” She bit her bottom lip.
“Well
Miss. It is Miss, yes?”
“Yes.”
His
smile grew just a fraction wider. “It is indeed a pleasure to meet you Miss
Procter. Let us see about that horse.”
Jennabel
didn’t answer right away. She was lost in the moment wondering if he was
feeling the same sense of arousal. Instead, she just stood in front of him
studying the angular features of his face, the stubble of beard growing on his
chin, the kindness in his eyes, and his brown hair spilling from beneath his
black planter hat.
Patrick
drank in Jennabel’s beauty too, but was first to recognize the awkwardness of
the silence. “Um…the horse?”
She
snapped out of her trance and blurted, “Oh, yes of course.” Her face blushed
again and she was thankful she had to turn away to exit the shop. “He is tied
off to the post opposite the square.”
“Please
lead the way.” He gestured toward the barn doors.
“Thank
you kind sir.”
They
engaged in small talk during the short walk. “Tell me Miss Procter, why is it
that I have never seen you before?”
“I
really do not come into town very much.” She thought for a moment. “And I have
never required the services of a blacksmith,” she looked in his eyes and
cracked a half-smile, “or his apprentice until this very day.”
He
returned the smile and parried her playful quip, “I suppose your need for a
blacksmith’s apprentice on this very day is my good fortune.”
“I
suppose. Now you tell me something Mr. Miller.” She feigned anger once again,
and with slit-eyes asked, “Do you make a habit of skulking about your shop
grounds? Startling unsuspecting customers?”
Suddenly
embarrassed, Patrick defended, “I was not. I merely-”
Jennabel
could not continue the charade and burst out laughing.
“Oh.
I see.” He joined in her merriment.
They
arrived at the hitching post where Elder’s horse was tied. “Here he is. It is
this hoof.” She pointed to the hind leg closest to them.
“Let
us have a look, shall we?” He first walked to the front of the horse and calmed
him by stroking his nose and speaking to him softly. Once the horse seemed
comfortable with him, Patrick walked back to the offending leg and gently
picked it up and held it between his legs. “Here is the problem.” He held two
of his fingers on holes where nails should have been. “These nails are
missing.” He reached in his apron and pulled out a nail and tapped it in the
hole with a hammer. Once the tip of the nail protruded from the hoof, he took a
cincher and bent it until it was almost flush with the hoof. He then pulled out
a rasp and filed off the sharp edge of the nail, as well as the head where it
met with the shoe. He repeated the process for the other missing nail and then
gently placed the hoof back on the ground. Jennabel watched him work and was
amazed with his dexterity that was combined with gentleness, which she thought
revealed him to be a caring person.
He
patted the horse’s hindquarter and said, “There. That was not so bad was it?”
Then to Jennabel, “That should fix it for now, but he will need to be shoed
again very soon.”
“Thank
you Mr. Proctor. I will take that under advisement.” She paid him for his
services and mounted the horse. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
“Likewise
Miss Proctor.” He untied the horse and handed her the reigns. “The spring fair
is soon. Will you be attending?”
“I
might just. Perhaps I will see you there?”
“I
would like that. I would like that very much Miss Proctor.”
They
exchanged smiles and she rode out of town. During the entire trip home, she
wondered if she might just be smitten with Patrick Miller, the blacksmith’s
apprentice.
~K
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Editing Athanasia
Before providing a progress update on Cooking Athanasia, I should probably explain my editing process to provide some context. As most of you know, I wrote the final sentence in the book on April 5th of this year. I shelved the book for three weeks before beginning any editing to give myself a little distance, which I’m hoping provides more objectivity. After the three weeks elapsed, I began editing with chapter 7 because the first six chapters had already received a precursory pass before being published in this blog.
While writing, I print each chapter when I finish it so I have a hard copy for backup, and to make editing notes as I think of them. I take the binder with my hard copy novel with me everywhere so I can do mark ups whenever I find some idle time. As such, my editing process has two steps. The first is the markup for changes on the hardcopy and any significant additions are handwritten on a sticky note and stuck on the appropriate page. The second step is making the changes on the electronic copy where I also rewrite items not identified during the markup phase.
Marked up page complete with sticky note. |
Thanks for reading!
~K
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Versatile Blogger Award
I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Julie at Rogue Mission. I was thrilled since I have never been nominated for anything in the past. Thank you very much for the award Julie!
The Rules for the Award are as
Follows:
- Add the Versatile Blogger Award
badge to a post.
- Thank the person who presented
you with the award and link back to him or her in you post.
- Share seven things about
yourself.
- Pass the award to 15 other bloggers.
Contact the chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.
SEVEN IMPORTANT EVENTS
#1-Marriage
I knew my wife was special from the moment we met. We spent
every day together after our first date and I asked her to marry me about a
month and a half after we met. Of course nay sayers cautioned against the
union, “do you really know her?” they said, or “you know it won’t last.” We
were married about eight months after our first date and twenty-six years
later, she’s still the love of my life and best friend, and I believe we have
passed the test of time.
#2-Family
We found out my wife was pregnant four months before I left
for a year-long tour in South
Korea . My only son was born in October that
year and I met him three months later when I came home on my mid-tour leave. He
was a beautiful baby then, and is a handsome and caring man now. He amazes me
every day and I have a great time just hanging out with him.
#3-War
At the tail end of the summer in 1989, Iraq invaded Kuwait . I was stationed at Fort Bliss , Texas , at the time as a member
of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. I was a gunner on a Bradley
Fighting Vehicle and I was very proficient at my job. I knew that if the United States
became involved in this conflict, my unit would definitely deploy, as it did. I
think the defining moment for me during the conflict was preparing to cross the
Iraqi border from Saudi
Arabia because of the paralyzing fear of the
unknown clashing with the desire to do my job because it was what I had trained
for four years at the time. I haven’t experienced another internal paradox like
this one in my life since.
#4-Graduation
Strong student was not a term used to describe me during my
high school years. A better description might have been absent. However,
shortly after the turn of the millennium, I realized that military retirement
was inching closer and I needed some type of higher education to be competitive
in the civilian workplace. I started my bachelor’s degree in 2002 and found
that I actually enjoyed school. I drank in the knowledge and loved it so much
that I started my master’s degree 37 days after finishing the coursework for my
undergraduate degree. I graduated with my MBA in 2007 and am now happy to be
done with school.
#5-Retirement
I lived the Army life for 23 years, starting as a Private and
working my way through the enlisted ranks until I reached First Sergeant, which
was my goal. During that time, I gave my life to the Army spending countless
hours away from home in support of national defense. I enjoyed the camaraderie
as I shared laughter and tears with my fellow Soldiers but in 2008, it was time
to hang up the pistol belt. At times, I miss that cohesiveness that is unique
to the military. But I am older now and the military is more suited to the
young not to mention that I get to go home at the end of each work day.
#6-Layoff
After retiring from the military, I took a job as a recruiter
for the university I attended for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I worked
for that institution for a couple of years until I was approached by another
university to do a similar job at a significantly higher salary. At the end of
2011, the group I was working for at the new university was determined to be
cost prohibitive and I was laid off. For the first time since I was a teenager,
I had to do some soul-searching to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.
During my Army years, that was the career I wanted and I established and
achieved the goals set within that organization. I had not thought much past
the Army and college recruiting was just something I was able to do, but it was
not necessarily an aspiration. I had always known I enjoyed writing and I
thought it was something I wanted to do someday. After the layoff, I decided
someday had arrived and it was time to get serious about writing. Had I not
been laid off, I may have never discovered my true passion.
#7-Author
I wrote a couple of short stories to see if writing was
really what I wanted to do. I enjoyed crafting those stories and received
positive feedback so I thought it was time to start a novel. On December 8th,
2011, I began writing the outline for Cooking
Athanasia. Throughout the entire process, I never tired of the story and
looked forward to developing my characters who eventually seemed to take on a
life of their own. I wrote the last sentence of the book on April 5th,
2013. At present, I am editing the story and have started work on Echoes of Enchantment, the second book
in the Athanasia trilogy. Now I can’t
imagine a life where I don’t write.
My Nominees:
- Art in
the Life – Darcy Kline
- Stormcalling – Christopher Storm
- Thinking Aloud –
Jaspreet Taunque
- Butterfly on a Broomstick –
Linzé Brandon
- Gemini Rising Series –
Gemini
- T-Rytes – Tineeka De Silva
- Neurotic Novelists of the World
Unite! - Robert Evert
- Janie Fox Oil Portraits –
Janie Fox
- Suteko's Blog – Lisa Williamson
- Still working on list
Thanks
for reading!
~K
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Successful Failure
Many magazine articles are geared toward managing a large project. Additionally, a myriad of software programs are available to help writers keep their thoughts in order and aid in managing long-term projects. Although the articles contain very useful information and the available software makes lengthy projects less daunting, managing my novel was not a concern when I began writing Cooking Athanasia a little over a year ago.
I owe the ability to manage my novel over the long haul to my failed attempt at earning a doctoral degree, from which I withdrew last summer. I spent five years in the program and wrote a proposal for my research project during that time, but had to quit because it became cost prohibitive. However, I have no regrets because the information gleaned during that time is still mine, and the system I developed to manage my dissertation was easily adaptable to my true love of writing fiction.
I still take a pragmatic approach regarding my system and implement improvements as I see fit. In fact, I purchased Scrivener earlier this year because I can see the power of the program. I have not used it as of yet because I have no way to easily synch between my desktop and iPad as of yet, and I do a lion’s share of my writing away from my desk (hint, hint Scrivener). The bottom line is that some might view dropping out of my doctoral program as failure, but I see it from the positive vantage point: Everything I have done in my life thus far has a purpose to bring me where I am right now. It’s up to me to decide how to use it.
Thanks for reading!
~K
Monday, April 29, 2013
Multitasking or Aimless Wandering?
Last Friday afternoon, at precisely
4:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time, the alarm on my iPhone sounded, indicating the moratorium
on Cooking Athanasia was over. I did
not officially start editing until Saturday morning because I had finally
wrapped m head around the new project, Echoes
of Enchantment, and had built up a full head of steam by Friday, which
resulted in the completion of Chapter 3.
So I blew three weeks of dust from
the manuscript Saturday morning and, armed with a purple pen, started the
markup process on the manuscript. Because splitting my time between two
projects felt odd, on Sunday, during confessional, I asked my support group if
any of them had ever written on one project while editing another. The
overwhelming answer was to the negative, that they had never split their time
between projects in such a manner. That answer was somewhat of a relief to me because
it validated my instinct that I should probably commit to editing or writing. Sadly,
that means Echoes goes to the back
burner once again while I try to get through editing as quickly and painlessly
as possible.
Just as a reminder for people who don’t
know, Echoes of Enchantment is the
second book in the Athanasia Trilogy, and the back story to Cooking Athanasia. The tale is already
written, but in screenplay format as per the rules for Script Frenzy, which I
won last year. If you would like a taste of Echoes,
I invite to take a peek at one of my old blogs introducing the story that I wrote
last year during the throes of Screnzy.
Link to old Slayer blog:
Thanks for reading!
~K
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Other Projects
This week finds me in a period of
transition. Cooking Athanasia is
presently on ice, waiting for editing. Despite trying to distance myself from
the story for more objective editing, I still find myself ‘what if-ing’ various
scenes in the book and Jonesing for some Jenna interaction. In effort to shift
gears, I have started the second book in the Athanasia Trilogy, Echoes of Enchantment.
The really big news for this week
however, is the upcoming release of Reflections
of the End, which is an anthology of short stories and poems contributed by
writers in the Author’s Choice – Select Anthologies groups of Facebook and
Google+. The anthology is themed ‘Apocalypse’ and should be available in a few
short weeks.
Although the contributing to the book,
and its imminent release is exciting, the truly enriching experience for me is belonging
to these communities. The icing on the magic whichever flavor you wish for cake
is interacting with a multinational group of people on a daily basis who share
my same passion for writing. Aside from collaborating on the anthology, members
of the group share their successes and challenges on other projects with each
other as well as just having fun with writing. I hope all the members of these
communities who read this know how much they mean to me and how much they have
helped with some of my challenges, which makes me happy to celebrate my successes
with them.
Now for the shameless plug: We are putting
on a book launch event for Reflections of
the End this coming Saturday, which
is open to the public. Links for the two events are pasted below so please take
a look and feel free to attend. I have also posted a link to both of the groups
if you just want to poke around. Just FYI: The groups’ consensus for the theme of
the next anthology was 'Secrets', and you have at least two months to prepare you
short story and poem submissions.
Google+ Launch Event:
Facebook Launch Event:
Author’s Choice – Select Anthologies
Groups:
Thanks for reading!
~K
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