Exiles of Dal Ryeas

Can't believe I haven't been here since 1/20! So much has gone on in my life it's hard to know where to begin. Ok, who am I kidding - I can hardly wait to tell this.

My debut novel, Exiles of Dal Ryeas was released on September 24th by Strategic Book Group. What has me excited is that it's a traditional publication - no vanity press here - albiet from a small publishing house (that does have a vanity wing, to be sure - that's how they make money) and they are being really helpful in publicizing the book, but I still gotta let everyone know on my own too!

You can get this on Amazon.com or on Barnes and Noble.com and even at the publisher's website . I am really happy that the book shows up on Amazon.com since between them and Barnes and Noble.com I have spent countless hours looking at and buying my favorite reads there. I also love going to bookstores like Borders and our own local Joseph-Beth Booksellers, for those unique brick and mortar bookstore moments. I really hope I get to do some book signings!

I wrote this book a while ago, and then put it away. When I agented my friend's book with this publisher - "Don't Call Me Cookie" by Vanessa Pasiadis, my agent felt encouraged to take out Dal Ryeas and send it off. They accepted it, printed it and it's out there in the world. It's really exciting.

Here is what the press release said:

As civil war looms across Dal Ryeas, and the world can barely maintain its fragile peace, Mark and Lisa Harrison are swept up in a maelstrom and forced along a dark course. Their sister Diana, along with their mysterious guardians, Lauren and Ric, set out on their own journey to rescue Mark and Lisa from danger. Once on Dal Ryeas, they find King Tarq and his enchantress Carr on the verge of battle with their relentless foes, Princess Killia and the sorcerer Sindelar, for the fate of the world.

Does the Harrisons’ arrival tip the balance in Dal Ryeas? Can the exiles return to their torn land and recapture everything they've lost? Only time and the powerful “Tal” will reveal the secrets of the Exiles of Dal Ryeas.

I have to admit, I had a lot of fun writing this and am already in the process of planning a couple of sequels - one tales of the Dal Ryean realm and another a direct sequel to this book. That is as soon as I finish writing my fantasy murder-mystery too. All that old creativity is back with a vengeance!

More Musings

My mother died 6 years ago today. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't miss her or want to tell her something, but that isn't what is important right now - or anyone's concern but my own.

Yesterday the possibility of a fair and equitable health system receded further away, as the lion of the Senate's seat was seized by an upstart ass with no concern for anyone but his nay saying party's agenda.

When my mother was so ill in her final days, she, a life long Republican warned me that what she saw transpiring in her party - the party of Lincoln and TR - was going to be a disaster for this country. How right she was!

I have a pre-existing condition and without a health care plan I can never get health insurance I can afford - and even more - I will never be covered for my condition and the insurance companies who own the Republican party will link even a cold to that condition, so I will pay three times as much as anyone else and still not have coverage.

With the asinine Republicans getting that extra seat it means that NO will be their rallying cry no matter what is requested of them. I pity the poor people of Haiti or our own military now that they can filibuster to their mean spirited hearts content. I shudder to realize that they have even a modicum of power. Wasn't 8 years of disaster enough? Obama has had multiple crises thrust upon him by the ineptitude of the Republicans and now they want a voice again. Fine let them have a voice, and let them REALLY learn how to be bi-partisan. The president has tried to get them to participate but they are like toddlers and only know "NO". And now a new infant is joining the gang.

My poor country. You had a chance - and now I see that you are going to go the way of the dodo based on these people who wear their patriotism on their sleeves, but who want to deny anyone but themselves basic human rights - not to mention civil rights.

I am not exonerating the Democrats in this either. If they had for once forgotten to seize defeat from the jaws of victory, we would have had health care in place already, our economic recovery would be stronger and we wouldn't be the laughing stock of the world. What kinds of morons are running the party? Harry Reid? Nancy Pelosi? Get it to gether people. You are part of the problem as well.