For Fantasy Lovers - Healer's Touch by Deb Howell

Good afternoon on a cold and snowy day!

While trapped indoors this week, I opted to check out the freebie downloads currently available for my Kindle.  It's been awhile since a fantasy novel passed by, so I picked up one that I thought I'd give a little recommendation for here at the blog.  For those who like a simple but promising fantasy series, check out Deb E. Howell's Healer's Touch.

Book Blurb (from Amazon): 

Llew has a gift. Her body heals itself from any injury - but at a cost to anyone nearby.

In a country fearful of magic, freeing yourself from the hangman's noose by wielding forbidden power brings dangers of its own. After dying and coming back, Llew drops from the gallows into the hands of Jonas: the man carrying the knife with the power to kill her - permanently.

The last of his warrior race, Jonas is haunted by memories of his loved ones. At his side, the cursed knife that took their lives acts as a cruel reminder of his pain. Jonas has learned the hard way that caring for others means their death.

Jealous of his half-brother's celebrated strength and speed, Braph has created the device that gives him the power to perform magic, any magic. But it needs fuel - the blood of a healer...

My Review:
There were several things I liked about this novel and several things I believe could be strengthened.

This is really a fantasy novel in a fantasy world, not a wild-west or steampunk setting. I understand the western themed moniker to give it a semblance of time and setting, but I think that reference in the book blurb (on GoodReads) is misleading. There are characters with special powers I found very interesting, particularly the healer's touch component that our protagonist, Llew, possesses.

Llew is a teenaged orphan, living on the streets of Cheer (a misnomer) as a boy since her father disappeared. One night she is attacked when a man realizes she is a woman. When Llew tries to fight him off, he starts slashing at her with a broken bottle. However, each time he slashes at her and she touches him to fight off the attack, a transfer of life occurs and Llew is healed. Eventually she passes out, realizing the connection she maintained with the man sucked the life out of him to heal her - and his lifeless body lay beside her.

When the townspeople of Cheer realize a murdering witch is in their midst, Llew is forced to flee into the unknown. Along the way, she encounters a group of wealthy adventurers escorting a young woman to another land to meet her betrothed. They agree to take her on as another protector - and for the time being Llew's secret is safe. But the traveling troupe has many secrets of their own, the warrior Jonas being more than a distraction.

This wasn't a story that kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning, but it was one that kept me coming back over the course of several days as I had availability. So without giving away too much, here we go. The first third of the book was interesting as I got to know Llew and her predicament, her strong and determined personality, and as she grew more aware - and sometimes frightened - of her strange power. The last third was both exciting and heartbreaking as Llew fought for her freedom, her life, and for the lives of others.

The main problem I had was with the middle third, as it got bogged down and at times felt as if the author had lost direction. The characters even changed in odd ways and didn't stay true to what they were at the beginning and end. One of the most irritating was the changing speech patterns of several characters, in particular Jonas. He had disappearing and reappearing accents that varied throughout the story. In the beginning he carried a normal speech pattern, and then suddenly he sounded like a southerner from Texas, then the Bayou, and then back to no discernible accent. The middle could be cut waaay back without losing any significant aspect of the story.

Then, besides Llew, there was little development of any other character to give the reader a sense of depth, motivations, and more than one-dimensional representation. I think this would have helped the middle section from feeling so wooden and would have also made our antagonist feel more like a flesh and blood man instead of a spoiled brat throwing a temper-tantrum.

There were very few editing errors and point-of-view stayed fairly strong without jumping around from character to character in the midst of a scene (bravo and thank you, Ms. Howell!!!). In the end, I think the story ended on an appropriate note and made me interested in continuing with the next leg of Llew's journey.  This would've rated a four star if not for the issues mentioned above, but it has much promise in regard to Llew and the created fantasy world elements.  Thus I'll settle with three and a-half stars for this first outing in the series.  

Healer's Touch is still a freebie under all eBook outlets if fantasy tickles your fancy.  Due to some disturbing elements (rape, hanging, bloody battle sequences and death) I'd only recommend for 18+.

Fantasy Author Rachael Pruitt Visits

Today is a great day, because I bring to you fantasy author, Rachael Pruitt.  Ms. Pruitt is currently in a series of historical fantasy novels based on the Arthurian legend, specifically following the life of Guinevere.

I say a great day because even though I write mostly thriller and suspense, my first love for reading is the fantasy genre.  I look forward to reading Ms. Pruitt's current novel, THE DRAGON'S HARP.  For the historical fantasy lovers in our audience, I think you will also when we are done.  So without further audieu, please welcome Ms. Rachael Pruitt!

DAB:  Tell us about the time when you first realized you wanted to be a published author.

RP:     D.A. I believe I've wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little girl & wrote my first short story in 5th grade.  The story, as I recall, was composed in a rather boring geography class, and was all about a girl who had to save her family from a vicious tribe of cannibals.  She didn't succeed, I'm afraid.  But this whetted my appetite for tragedy & I immediately saw myself being interviewed by thousands of reporters & being allowed to cast Natalie Wood (then very much alive & beautiful) in the title role.

It was only recently, that I realized reporters would not be beating my door down just because I've published a novel!  It's been a real shock - but I'm coping :)

DAB:  Do you have a daily writing regimen, and if so, please tell us about it.

RP:     My traditional writing regime, when I'm working weekdays, is to wake up at least 2 mornings a week at the ungodly hour of 4 am, set a hidden alarm, & write for 2 hours.  This way, I feel as if I'm staying on track as a writer--but not totally killing myself by rising every morning before the roosters.  I then commit one segment of time every weekend (a morning or an afternoon) to do some more writing--without having to worry about a hidden alarm going off and ruining my train of thought!

I do want to add to your readers, D A, that, in my opinion, a writing schedule is a very individualized choice.  Some of us are night owls, some are morning larks.  The point is to 1) create a schedule or framework that works for you 2) experiment until it really works & is comfortable & realistic for you and 3) stick with it.  The third point is probably the most important of all--aspiring writers must have some commitment to setting consistent time aside to write--even if it's only a few hours a week to start.  Otherwise you'll never get past the starting line.

DAB:  Great advice!  So where do you come up with ideas for your novels?

RP:     One of my characters in "Dragon's Breath" (my next novel) says, "Stories are carried 'beneath the wind'".  And I agree.  To me, the world is filled with a never ending flow of ideas, characters, & situations that just beg to be put into novels, poems, & short stories.  As novelists, and as artists, we simply need to know how to reach for them & mold them in our own voice.

To be a little more specific:  My Arthurian novels, (5 in all, beginning with "Dragon's Harp"), represent my lifelong passion for all things Arthurian--most especially Gwenhwyfar & Merlin.  I also have several more epic fantasy books in mind, and one historical set in the Biblical Era.  These novels have all sprung from my childhood fascination with myths, legends & ancient history.

My additional writings tend to be memoir-based--I love being funny too--so chick lit's another genre I plan to explore!

So what do all these ideas & genres have in common?  I love people & have great admiration for women & men who consistently surmount all kinds of obstacles.  I'm also a keen observer of people & love to laugh and have fun, at the same time honoring our very human struggle to survive, to love, & to stand up & protect what we cherish.  These themes and this admiration find their way into all of my writing.

If you're ever stuck looking for ideas--just visit a grocery store on Saturday morning--or sit in a coffee shop or restaurant.  Take a local bus, eavesdrop on the beach...you get the idea.  Bring a notebook with you at all times...trust me, you'll have plenty of ideas!  Just listen & observe...

DAB:  Have you ever experienced writer's block?

RP:     Only when I allow myself to!  To me the best & most effective way to beat writer's block is to sit down & write--even if what you come up with initially is total crap.

D A, I truly believe writers' block happens when writers become afraid that what they produce won't be "good enough"--so they talk themselves out of writing one way or another.  This can take the form of procrastination, distraction, the "I'm too busy" excuse, and so on.  Bottom line is we--as writers--become afraid we're not "good enough"--and so we don't try.  Just keep writing when this happens--don't give in.  Also, for a good "pick-me-up" go to inspirational books such as Julia Cameron's wonderful THE ARTIST'S WAY, indulge yourself in a subscription to a publication like "The Writer", and invest in good books on the craft of writing.  Read these types of resources--or speak with a good friend (preferably another writer that you trust) if you find yourself "blocked".

I've been there & for me, the one thing that helps, above all, is to continue to write--and shut off any negative "self-talk" while you're at it!

DAB:  So true, Rachael!  So the next question is the eternal debate - outline or no outline when writing?

RP:     I believe this is another strictly individual choice that every writer decides for her or himself.  I am not an outliner--however I do write overall summaries of where I think my novel will go--I'm constantly surprised, of course!  I do, however, like to have an "organic plan".

I believe the only thing to watch out for, if you do choose to outline, is to make sure you don't make the mistake of forcing the characters to stick to your "outline" rather than adjusting your preconceived ideas to characters & plot twists that develop as a natural part of the magic you are creating on the page.

DAB:  Do you have a favorite character in THE DRAGON'S HARP?

RP:     Shh!  Merlin is certainly in the running :-) But this question is like asking me to pick a favorite kid--sorry D A, I just can't bring myself to choose!

DAB:  LOL!  Well then, do you have favorite authors you like to read and who have inspired you in your own writing?

RP:     Probably my all-time favorite author is Anya Seton (now deceased).  Her novel, GREEN DARKNESS, about star-crossed Tudor lovers reincarnated in the present (the 1968 present that is), may sound "old hat" now--but it was the first novel of its kind when it was first published in the early 70's.  GREEN DARKNESS remains one of the most haunting & powerfully written love stories I've ever read.  Other writers who have inspired me are fantasy author Charles de Lint, the early works of Stephen King, and historical novelists Sharon Kay Penman, Jules Watson, Pauline Gedge, & Donna Gillespie.

All these authors share three things in common that I've attempted to emulate in my own work:  fantastic characters, gripping plots, & a fantastic instinct for pacing.

DAB:  When I write, I have particular composers and music that gets me in the mood for certain scenes and characters.  Have you ever written to music?

RP:     Great question!  Sometimes I do like to listen to soft Celtic harp music as I write--nothing too distracting.  And, like you, D A, I often listen to music to get myself in the mood.  While writing "Harp", I discovered that when I was approaching a particularly tough scene, listening to the music of Loreena McKennitt, and the musical themes from Braveheart, Rob Roy, Lord of the Rings, &--of course--King Arthur :-) beforehand really helped.  Those themes & Loreena's beautiful voice & instrumentals really conjured the "Celtic grandeur" necessary for me to approach the toughest scenes in my novel.

DAB:  I saw on your blog the story about how THE DRAGON'S HARP first came into being on a beach twenty-five years ago.  Once you sat down to write, how long did it take to complete?

RP:  Once I really "got serious" about "Harp", D A, it still took me about 7 years, including research, to complete.  I don't anticipate taking so long with my upcoming novels!  For one thing, the original research I did for "Harp" regarding Arthurian lore and ancient Celtic & Welsh history and culture should hold me in good stead for its sequels.  I also feel a lot more confident as an author regarding plot and character development.

DAB:  So on that note, now's your chance - give us your fabulous plug for THE DRAGON'S HARP.

RP:     Thank you, D A:  Readers:  Here goes :-) :

"Before Gwenhwyfar became Queen--before Arthur met Merlin--a tribal Welsh princess met a young Heatherlands Mage.  Together, they will create a legend.

Inside a mist of beauty and brutality waits the Arthurian legend as you've never heard it before.  Enter the world of The Dragon's Harp, a realm of blood lust and vengeance, of spellbinding magic from the beginning of time.  The realm of Princess Gwenhwyfar:  a young girl torn between magic and desire, born with magical powers she can either wield to save her people from destruction--or deny to save her soul. 

First in a five book series of historical fantasy, Rachael Pruitt's unique take on a beloved legend reintroduces the mythic characters of Gwenhwyfar, Merlin, and Vortigern against the gritty backdrop of sixth century Wales, where scenes of shape-shifting and heartbreaking romance vie with torture, murder, and battle in a dragon-haunted land."

"From the first page I was drawn deep into Pruitt's beautifully-realized Celtic realm, so vivid I felt as if I'd stepped right into the tale and could not only see but smell, taste, and touch her creation. With shades of The Mists of Avalon, the story is a magical blend of Welsh and Arthurian myth, thrilling adventure, romance, and otherworldly enchantments - while also managing to be funny, earthy and believable. All the characters are so vividly rendered they soon lay siege to your heart, and you find yourself loving them, rooting for them, terrified for them, and utterly captivated by them.

The child Gwenhwyfar is brave and spirited, sensitive to the mysterious otherworld of goddess rituals, druids and dragons that lie just beyond the more brutal reality of her father's warriors and their bloody swords. The story leaves her as a teen coming into her powers - and under the spell of first love. I can't wait to see the woman she will become in future books. Bravo!"     

-----Jules Watson, bestselling author of The White Mare Trilogy, The Swan Maiden, and The Raven Queen

     Rachael Pruitt is a gifted storyteller, able to create vivid, three-dimensional characters in prose that is, by turns, lyrical and powerful.  Readers who enjoyed the novels of Parke Godwin, Persia Woolley, Rosemary Sutcliff, and Marion Zimmer Bradley will love The Dragon’s Harp, in which Gwenhwyfar comes of age; best of all there are four more books to come…     

  ---Sharon K. Penman, New York Times Bestselling author of Lionheart, Here Be Dragons, & Time and Chance

"Rachael Pruitt is a natural story teller, and her love of the Guinevere character shines through every page of The Dragon’s Harp. It's a pleasure to discover her take on this very old story."

                   --Persia Woolley, author of The Guinevere Trilogy.

The Goddess is most definitely afoot in this engrossing novel by author Rachael Pruitt. The Dragon's Harp courageously depicts the roles of mothers, daughters, queens, and priestesses in a time when men fought battles while women abided by a far more ancient law. The tale is woven with lyrical language that resounds with the hills, trees and rocks of a land where the mist between worlds falls easily away--one small step beyond a fairy stone.  

       Ms. Pruitt masterfully guides her reader through not only a mystical retelling of the Arthurian legend, but educates us with her historical expertise of the time.  Her attention to detail drowns our senses into this world where kings rule the land, but the land and all who live on her ultimately answer only to the Goddess.  I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.  Ms. Pruitt is a gifted storyteller with a powerful story to tell.

                                                              - Molly Padulo, writer and shamanic healer

And there we have it, dear readers!  Thanks again to Rachael for visiting the blog and for the great advice to our fellow writers out there.  I particularly could relate to the section where she mentioned the writer's block, as I too recently procrastinated writing a particular scene because I was sending a character to a place of which I'd only read and never visited.  The possibility of screwing it up had my confidence in the proverbial toilet and made wanting to write it daunting indeed.

For our historical fantasy readers in the audience, be sure and pick up a copy of THE DRAGON'S HARP and also contact Rachael Pruitt via her website, Facebook, and Twitter pages below.  Enjoy!

Website:  http://www.rachaelpruitt.com

FB:  http://www.facebook.com/GwenhwyfarEraofDragonsSeriesbyRachaelPruitt

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EraOfDragons

Rachael Pruitt is a writer, storyteller, and teacher with a lifelong fascination for Celtic mythology and the Arthurian legend.  Her Arthurian poetry has been published in Paradox magazine (2008 and 2009) and her article “To Dream a Dragon” appeared in the award-winning 2011 writing anthology, Many Genres, One Craft.  She has also published nonfiction articles detailing, “Myths for Our Time”©, a personal mythology process she developed while an Artist in Residence in the Pacific Northwest.  The Dragon’s Harp is her first novel, and the first in a projected series of five books following the life of Gwenhwyfar, King Arthur’s famous Queen.  You can also visit her on her blog tour below:

Behind the Scenes

Throughout the years I've been writing, I've often been asked why my stories tend to be dark and brooding, why I put my characters through so many trials, and why things don't always turn out blissfully happy in the end. 

My response - that's reality.

Some of the things in my stories tend toward the fantastical, but there is always an element of reality to bring it all back down to earth.  Stop to listen to each other long enough and most will tell of difficulties, extreme heartache, deep struggle, and dark days at points in their lives.  These are the things I highlight in my writing.

So many times we want to skip over the painful experiences and just focus on the pleasant memories.  It's hard to go back and relive hurtful times at the hands of others or hurts we have inflicted.  But I've found that when we allow ourselves to go there, to reflect on those moments of shadowed memories, we can learn from the past, find healing, and help others who may be struggling.

It also helps us to see the pains of others.  Those who have hurt us have usually been hurt by someone too.  Even the most seemingly evil person has some redemptive quality somewhere in their life.  No one is beyond help if they only choose to admit their fault and accept the assistance offered - before it is too late.

Those who are perceived as good may not be all they are cracked up to be when you get below the surface.  Some who are truly good may make some bad choices that have terrible and life-altering consequences.  Then those perceived as bad may not be completely so upon closer inspection.

That's what makes my characters so rich (in my mind) because they contain elements of good and bad, elements based in reality.  They are mostly good people who make some bad choices and pay the consequences.

There's my joy in writing - getting to see behind the scenes of what makes each character tick.  It's the place where fantasy and reality meet.  And sometimes reality can be stranger than any fiction.