Samothrace, Echoes of Ancient Greece

December 5, 2013July 10, 2014 / WriterlySam / 17 Comments

Welcome to the Dream Destination Blog Hop & Giveaway–a launch celebration of Lexa Cain’s Soul Cutter and Julie Flanders’ The Ghosts of Aquinnah! Hop on over to enter their Rafflecopter offering tons of awesome prizes!

My dream destination is the Greek island of Samothrace (also called Samothraki) — a magical mountain steeped in ancient mythology, floating in the midst of the Aegean Sea. It is one of the enchanting settings in my YA series, Of Myth And Memory.For an amazing glimpse into the wonders of Samothrace, visit Sophia’s Samothraki’s photoblog.

Soul Cutter

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The Soul Cutter is hunting again.

Seventeen-year-old Élan spends her free time videoing psychic scams and outing them online. Skepticism makes life safe—all the ghosts Élan encounters are fakes. When her estranged mother disappears from a film shoot in Egypt, Élan puts her medium-busting activities on hold and joins the search.

In Egypt, the superstitious film crew sucks at finding her mom. When a hotel guest is killed, whispers start—the locals think their legendary Soul Cutter has come back from the dead. Élan’s only ally is Ramsey, a film-crew intern, but he’s arrogant, stubborn—and hiding dangerous secrets.

When Élan discovers the Soul Cutter is no scam, she finds herself locked in a deadly battle against a supernatural killer with more than her mother’s life at stake.

Élan is fighting for her very soul.

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The Ghosts of Aquinnah

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A brilliant flash of light transcends through time.

Another freezes a cloaked figure within a frame of salty mist as waves crash against a rocky shore. Her harrowing expression shadows the beacon to a pinprick.

By the next blaze, she is gone. Only the lighthouse remains.

Hannah’s eyes blink in step with each heartbeat. Images of her deceased parents and Martha’s Vineyard explode like firecrackers inside her mind.

She shakes her head.

For weeks this eerie woman dressed in nineteenth century garb has been haunting my webcam, but tonight she stared into my soul.

Why? …

Who is she? …

Casting aside months of research on historic lighthouses, Hannah drives to the coast and boards a ferry.

What is the strange connection she has to this mysterious woman suspended in time?

Hannah finds out.

But, it’s not at all what she expects …

Hannah unravels a century old murder.

Whole Made Of Pieces

December 4, 2013December 4, 2013 / WriterlySam / 17 Comments

IWSG meets the first Wednesday of every month. A community of brilliant writers led by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website and database! You’ll find everything from writing to marketing, along with encouragement and support!

▶ Whole Made Of Pieces – Jonsi

We can instantly connect to another human being clear across the world and share in their trials and tribulations. We can read something stirring from another continent. We can hear the music of emotions pour from across the sea. We can see a breathtaking rendering from beyond our boundaries. This global community goes beyond physical distance–it transcends our spirits. We are linked by our hopes and dreams, by our fears and faults, by our need to matter.

We all matter.

Never stop reaching out to each other, helping each other, guiding each other. Someone, somewhere is in need of a meal, a bed, a laugh, a hug, a shoulder to cry on…to lean on. Our thoughtfulness, our acknowledgment can make all the difference.

There is no wisdom greater than kindness.

To my wise dragon friend, Al Diaz, I promise to be a powerful piece of this amazing whole–this community built upon compassion and respect. I will strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those I touch, whether across the sea or beyond our boundaries.

What will you strive for this holiday season?

EXISTENCE: Tales of The Last Immortal_Realms Faire Event WINNERS!

November 19, 2013 / WriterlySam / 4 Comments

Thanks to everyone who made Realms Faire a huge success! Special thanks to the brilliant indie science fiction and fantasy author M. Pax for creating this annual event, it was a blast!

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▶ To read the complete audiomachine-inspired story, “Tales of the Last Immortal”, created by myself and author Amy Willoughby-Burle click HERE!

Congratulations to all the winners and many thanks to everyone who participated!

WINNERS — Please send me your mailing address via the Contact Sam page!

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WINNERS of Signed EXISTENCE Albums

JIN CHAE
FlyingMouse
Shurikenjutsukatar
celebhen
Filipe — for naming “Puff the Magic Dragon” as the classic children’s tale that inspired our collaborative tale!

WINNERS of EXISTENCE Albums

Helder Dantas
E.R.
Gwen Gardner
Social Media Winner — Rosa Fernández Muñoz

EXISTENCE: Realms Faire Collective Performance_Final Chapter

November 15, 2013 / WriterlySam / 1 Comment

Realms Faire is an annual event hosted by the brilliant indie science fiction and fantasy author M. Pax. Starting November 11th, you can enter to win some amazing prizes, including books, ebooks, jewelry, albums, giftcards, and a Kindle. There are several fun events where playing is the name of the game! Visit the links below and help spread the word. Hashtag #grogz

Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke ~ Stockade Brigade ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Masquerade Parade ~ Castle Jumble ~ Dragon Hunt

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Welcome to the world of EXISTENCE

Each day, author Amy Willoughby-Burle and I, will unveil tales of “The Last Immortal”, inspired by audiomachine’s EXISTENCE. This is a collective performance, a collaboration between words and music! Choose the correct track that inspired each tale, and you’ll be entered to WIN SIGNED EXISTENCE albums by composer Kevin Rix! You’ll have 5 chances to enter, starting Nov. 11th through the 15th. The commenting window for all chapters will remain open until Sunday Nov. 17th, midnight EST!! For more details, click HERE!

▶ Bonus Challenge: Tell us the name of the classic children’s tale that inspired our collaborative story—the first person with the correct answer WINS a signed EXISTENCE album!

FINAL CHAPTER

by Samantha Redstreake Geary

“I have lived a thousand lives,” the king whispers, his sword hovering in the space between life and death. “I would trade every last one of them for peace.”

“More bloodshed will not bring you peace,” I offer, my instincts screaming to survive while my mind surrenders to a fate I rightfully deserve.

“It is not your blood I seek. There’s been enough souls ripped from this realm by my hand,” the king concedes, pain and regret waging a silent battle in his eyes. “I’ve grown weary of war…” ▶ Read the rest of the Final Chapter and wager a guess in the comments section of the main page HERE!

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EXISTENCE: Realms Faire Collective Performance_Chapter 5

November 15, 2013November 15, 2013 / WriterlySam / 12 Comments

Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke ~ Stockade Brigade ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Masquerade Parade ~ Castle Jumble ~ Dragon Hunt

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Welcome to the world of EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 5

by Amy Willoughby-Burle

With that question spoken into the air, the boy before me begins to change. He grows taller, broader, older—more familiar. I am dumbstruck.

“I am surprised you did not recognize me,” he says.

I am surprised as well.

“I am King Jacques of Honalee,” he says. “I have searched through endless lives for you. Waiting for this moment. Praying to whatever god would hear me—thinking none had.” ▶ Read the rest of Chapter 5 and wager a guess in the comments section of the main page HERE!

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EXISTENCE: Realms Faire Collective Performance_Chapter 4

November 14, 2013November 15, 2013 / WriterlySam / Leave a comment

Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke ~ Stockade Brigade ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Masquerade Parade ~ Castle Jumble ~ Dragon Hunt

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Welcome to the world of EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 4

by Amy Willoughby-Burle

I know right away that something is gravely wrong.

“What do you know of magic, boy?” I ask, carefully. “Have you seen it before?”

“I have indeed,” the boy says.

My heart begins to race, my skin tingling with trepidation. I am not usually fearful, but fear grips tight to my throat.

“Let me be the one to show you this time,” the boy says and waves his hand through the mist. ▶ Read the rest of Chapter 4 and wager a guess in the comments section of the main page HERE!

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EXISTENCE: Realms Faire Collective Performance_Chapter 3

November 13, 2013November 14, 2013 / WriterlySam / Leave a comment

Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke ~ Stockade Brigade ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Masquerade Parade ~ Castle Jumble ~ Dragon Hunt

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Welcome to the world of EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 3

by Samantha Redstreake Geary

The boy’s challenge hints at something more. The sharp fingers of warning run along the edge of my spine.

“Tell me, what battle lies before us?” the boy asks, voice dripping with surprising vehemence.

“It is the final savage struggle for survival,” I reply, words heavy with remorse. “The grisly end to a war waged over 100 years.”

I bear the scars of this carnage still, the claws of guilt ripping away at my soul. “The sky rained with their blood. Their spirits soaked the land. The hungry mouth of time fed on their bones until there was nothing left but dust and the devil.” ▶ Read the rest of Chapter 3 and wager a guess in the comments section of the main page HERE!

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EXISTENCE: Realms Faire Collective Performance_Chapter 2

November 12, 2013November 14, 2013 / WriterlySam / 1 Comment

Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke ~ Stockade Brigade ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Masquerade Parade ~ Castle Jumble ~ Dragon Hunt

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Welcome to the world of EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 2

by Amy Willoughby-Burle

“Real magic?” the boy asks, his voice a sliver of sound, so bound up as it is in wonder.

I lower my face to his, the heat of my breath bringing a flush to his cheeks. So small he is, yet so brave. I fear more that he will leave than it seems he fears to stay. “Oh yes, child,” I reply. “Real magic and I shall tell you of it. But I warn you this—magic is not the stuff of fireflies and twinkling stars. It can be dark, my boy. It can be frightening. It is not a thing to trifle with, although many have made that mistake.” ▶ Read the rest of Chapter 2 and wager a guess in the comments section of the main page HERE!

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EXISTENCE: Realms Faire Collective Performance_Chapter 1

November 11, 2013November 14, 2013 / WriterlySam / 1 Comment

Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke ~ Stockade Brigade ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Masquerade Parade ~ Castle Jumble ~ Dragon Hunt

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Welcome to the world of EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 1

by Samantha Redstreake Geary

The skittering of rocks echoes off the slick walls, jolting me from my slumber. The boy has returned. He smells of the salty sea, his sweat heavy with honeyed anticipation.

“I’ve…I’ve come back…hope that’s alright. I…I brought you some of my Mum’s fish pie,” the boy offers, holding out a small package wrapped in worn cloth, tied loosely with weathered string.

I search the boy’s damp face for signs of fear. I find only daring. He is spirited, more so than even the bravest of men. I, above all others, have haunted the imagination of mortals. ▶ Read the rest of Chapter 1 and wager a guess in the comments section of the main page HERE

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Resurrection Blogfest

November 7, 2013November 8, 2013 / WriterlySam / 10 Comments

In honor of Mina Lobo’s second Bloggiversary, she’s hosting a Resurrection Blogfest. Writerly folks resurrect a favorite post published within the past year that they’d like to revisit. Click HERE for a list of more fun peeps to reminisce with!

I started this blog the tail end of March, so I didn’t have to travel far. One of my favorite posts was the final “sneak peek” of my YA novel series, THE ESSENCE OF MEMORY. Zodiac was originally published April 30th, 2013.

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Listen to the music, surrender your senses and enter a world where legends are born.

Featured Artist: ReyeD33 A special thanks to the talented Roko for providing such incredible images for my tales.

Inspiring Soundtrack: Michael Danna – Life Of Pi – Tsimtsum

190 BC
Sanctuary of Samothrace
Mnemosyne

I watch him fall in the scorching path of blinding light. The last of my hope falling with him.

I run to Talos, his crumpled form empty of life. I drop to my knees, powerless to undo what has been done. His beautiful gift, sculpted in my image, lay battered and broken, never again whole.

A reflection of my shattered soul.

In that moment, with love bleeding into the earth, I prayed for death. I scream at the offending stars that dare shine their traitorous light. The scales are no longer balanced. Justice has abandoned us.

I understood, for the first time in my existence, the mercy of forgetting. I longed to be numb…to rid myself of the agony that feeds on tortured memories.

If I cannot join his soul in this life, I will follow him to the depths of the Underworld. I will quench my thirst for peace from the river Lethe.

I will surrender my immortality and slip into the comforting arms of oblivion…

Present Day
Parthenon
Nashville, TN
Talos

I watch intently as she studies each piece of antiquity in the exhibit, knowing they must tug at the deepest recesses of her consciousness. Though millennia have passed, it is no less painful, remembering what she has forgotten.

She stares at a life-size replica in the traveling display, curiosity etched on her expression. It is my sculpture, The Essence of Memory, that has her so transfixed. I shaped it in her image, on the island of Samothrace, in a time of love and legends.

It’s beauty was shattered the night of my death. An eternity of battered and broken pieces…remnants scattered across a forgotten sanctuary, never again whole.

The strewed remains of a memory. The loss of Mnemosyne…

She goes by Synora in this life. At seventeen, she is more radiant than I’ve ever seen, more like the ethereal form she abandoned so long ago.

My fingers still ache to capture her image, as I have done for centuries.

I focus on sketching her eyes, striking and unchanged with each new life.

“That’s amazing! You’re really talented” a girl declares, stealing a glance over my shoulder. “Hey, that looks just like Synora! Minus the wings and toga party ensemble,” she babbles, “Are you an art student here?” she pins me with a questioning look.

“I..I–”

“Cuz, if you’re crushing on my girl over there, she digs artsy guys. But not psycho stalkers skulking in corners, secretly observing her every move,”she says pointedly, eyeing me with an offending amount of suspicion.

Before I can react, she snatches my book and darts away. “Back in a sec lover boy,” she calls behind her back.

My gut clenches. I watch, helpless, as the scene unfolds.

“This is a token of affection from a very hot, but sketchy, sketch artist,” the girl announces proudly, shoving my notebook into her hands.

“Saras, we don’t steal from starving artists,” Synora scolds, glancing briefly at the open pages.

But then she saw it, her own face, brilliantly blended with the statue of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, making it whole, unbroken, unchanged…

She flips the pages back and gasps.

“Who did this…these…drawings?” Synora demands, shaking my book.

“Whoa!” Saras snatches the book from Synora’s grasp, flipping erratically through the pages.

I barely hear their words over the frantic beating of wings against the cage of my chest.

“These are all of you!” Saras gapes. “Oh. My. God. He is a sketchy stalker!”

“Saras, where is he?” Synora pleads, grabbing my book and pushing her friend forward, frantically searching the crowd.

Her eyes find me.

Thousands of years have passed without her seeing me

The pages of her past slip from her grasp and fall to the floor.
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