composer Hans Zimmer

A movement of hope has swept across the globe in the most successful charity event in history! Waves of kindness and empathy have raised over $106 million for ALS–funds that will make the difference between life & death for thousands of souls suffering in the deadly grip of this debilitating disease.

The overwhelming worldwide support shows the remarkable potential for humanity to unite for a common good. With this massive collective effort, the possibilities of what we can accomplish are endless. It is my fervent hope that this phenomena will inspire us all to work together in a common call to action! WE can truly be the change we wish to see in the world!

Peter Frates’ story–the driving force behind the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge”

Support Gregory Kenoyer (Shannon Kenoyer Lawrence’s awesome Dad) in Denver Walk to Defeat ALS

Donate to ALS Association

In the video clip below, where I met the frigid end of a wine bucket in Biltmore’s front lawn (the setting for my YA novel series, Echoes of Olympus), I challenged…

The Entire IWSG

Along with Biltmore Estate, Hans Zimmer AND my fellow IMAGINE team members, EpicMusicVn, Koke Núñez Gómez, Really Slow Motion, Epic North Music, audiomachine, & Two Steps From Hell!

Grab a bucket, donate $$, and join us in this historic movement of change!

Sunflowers for Tina

Join us on September 8th for a community memorial tribute celebrating the spirit of Tina Downey…

Epic IMAGINE ALS Ice Bucket Challenges

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

Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus

Welcome to Olympus, where the Muses of Greek Mythology are charged with the responsibility of discovering, inspiring, and guiding the young incarnations of legends past until they once again take the form of greatness.

Embark on an enchanting journey through Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1), a YA fantasy novel series inspired by my backyard neighbors, Biltmore Estate, in honor of George Vanderbilt‘s extraordinary legacy.

Join me, and a cast of brilliant film composers, as we awaken your imagination to the magic of the mountains during this year’s international A to Z Challenge (representing #TeamDamyanti).

▶ For a detailed PHOTO TOUR of Biltmore Estate, including the lovely Belgian draft horses, Chester & Bert, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!

Zenith

A FLASH of white swooped in beside me, where I lay battered and bleeding on the frozen trail between death and dying.

The slip of snow ruffled its downy coat, its sapphire gaze studying me.

“If you’ve come to save me….you’re late,” I wheezed, my lungs collapsing against the lack of wind.

The owl blurred into slippery smoke that stretched above me, its edges sharpening into the shape of a silver-haired girl with ivory skin and striking cerulean eyes.

“Are you…an angel?” I asked, certain I was on the wrong side of a pulse.

The girl scowled. “An angel wouldn’t have saved your life.”

“I’m feeling very unsaved at the moment,” I spat, my mouth burning with liquid iron. “Couldn’t you have showed up before I was mauled by that…that…whatever that thing was.”

“That thing was only a test.”

“I’m not a good test-taker,” I groaned, gingerly exploring the angry gash that grinned near my temple.

“That’s painfully obvious,” she sighed, shaking her head. “You’ll need to work on that before the Zenith.”

“That sounds…unpleasant.” I wasn’t up for any more tussles with irate Gods and their supernatural pets.

“My father isn’t known for his pleasantries,” she scoffed.

“And you are?” I asked, prying myself from the crimson stained sheet of ice stuck to my skin.

She offered her hand. “Athena.”

I pulled my palm from her grasp. “You’re defying Zeus to help me? Why?”

Athena pierced me with a knowing gaze. “I owe you a debt–one that’s taken millennia to repay.”

Athena wrapped her steel hands around my wrists, wrenching me to my unsteady feet. The world surged and spun, stabbing at my skull. “How…how do you know me?”

“I was there the day you first drew breath, Anise,” Athena braced my swaying sides with a firm grip, forcing me to face her. “You’re born of power, and more than capable of being you’re own hero.”