The AtoZ of EOS_Unlikely Islands

April 25, 2016April 25, 2016 / WriterlySam / 14 Comments

E O S_Banner

A new dawn is on the horizon, where boundaries are broken, diversity is embraced, and an optimistic, creative vision of our future on Earth takes center stage.

Fear takes us down an unexpected road in EOS, a revolutionary Solarpunk story from author Samantha Redstreake Geary, in collaboration with artist Jenny Vyas, featuring music by Really Slow Motion, and groundbreaking graphics via designer Koke Núñez Gómez! EOS tackles real-world issues concerning terrorism, prejudice, and diversity, to near-future technology surrounding sustainable energy that restores the balance between humanity and nature. This isn’t a defeatist tale. It is a look through the lens of positive futurism that showcases the courage, compassion and capabilities of humanity as equal partners in building a bridge to a better tomorrow.

A Bridge Between Unlikely Islands

ws_Futuristic_Bridge_1920x1080

“It should work properly now,” she says, offering the device to the boy, who stops his pacing and stares at the screen with wonder. “It’s quite impressive. Did you create it?”

The boy nods. He gently plucks the screen from Selene’s fingers and lovingly cradles it in his palm. A small puppy materializes above the screen, its translucent tail wagging eagerly. A tiny bark springs from its muzzle, bringing a smile to the boy’s face.

The boy’s compassion for a computer-generated character surprises her.

“Thank you,” the boy rushes, startling Selene. “I couldn’t find…I didn’t know…how to save….,” he mumbles nervously, his eyes begging to understand. “How did you…?”

“It was a bug,” Selene explains, going into great detail about how she discovered it and the best way to avoid such debacles in the future.

The boy, realizing that she speaks his language, relaxes into the conversation and shares his plans to improve the design.

After hours of effortless discourse, the longest interaction of the boy’s entire life, Selene rises to her feet and wishes him a good night.

“Arjun,” he calls to her, shyly. “My name is Arjun.”

“Selene,” she replies over her shoulder.

“Will you…can I…talk…tomorrow?” He stumbles, biting his lower lip.

A small smile tugs at her lips. “See you tomorrow.”

And just like that, under the watchful gaze of the constellations, amidst the warm glow of luminous leaves, a bridge is built between two unlikely islands.

Really Slow Motion – Battle Angel – Supremacy – Blake Robinson

EOS Commenting Contest

Swing by and leave us a comment for a chance to WIN a digital copy of RSM’s latest public album, Battle Angel!

Each Comment = One Entry

EOS Review Contest

Starting April 1st, I’ll reveal sensory-rich sneak peeks into the world of EOS, a futuristic sci fi solarpunk short story available on AMAZON for $0.99. Post a REVIEW of EOS on AMAZON by May 31st and you’ll be entered to WIN a signed copy of RSM’s Battle Angel and signed limited edition print from painter, Jenny Vyas!

Add EOS on Goodreads!

Reflections of a Dreamer

May 7, 2014July 7, 2014 / WriterlySam / 18 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!

It’s fitting that today is IWSG. Seeing as how Alex has been an unfailing supporter since my online debut back in March of 2013, it’s no surprise that he’s a winner of a Biltmore-themed commenter prize!

And many composer collaborations later, I’ve finally cajoled Alex into joining my latest EPIC event with audiomachine! More details on the PHENOMENA project will be announced this FRIDAY! We’re accepting writing & art entries for audiomachine’s “Epic Heroes” contest through May 15th, so tap into your imaginations and join the fun! A-to-Z Reflection [2014]

I want to send out my heartfelt thanks to everyone who stopped by during the crazy month that is April’s A to Z Challenge to take a peek at my upcoming Biltmore-inspired YA novel “Architects of Illusion“! This novel series is my biggest, most ambitious project to date. Needless to say, I was anxious to hear feedback. I truly value your comments and the time you spent in my world. The show of encouragement from gracious readers & inspiring composers alike have bolstered my passion for this story and will continue to push me towards achieving my DREAM!

Special thanks to my additional commenting winners–you guys rock! (Shoot me an email with your address to receive your Biltmore-goodies:)

Michelle Wallace

C. Lee McKenzie

SD Neeve

Djinnia

Yolanda Renee

To say April was a busy month would be the understatement of the year. Between novel edits, running an international album promotion for PHENOMENA, teaching an AMAZING group of gifted teens through Elevate Life & Art, planning a big book trailer, in collaboration with audiomachine, for Grammarly’s groundbreaking GrammoWriMo Novel, “The Lonely Wish-Giver” (which I also contributed to), AND juggling commenting/minion duties for the incredible #TeamDamyanti (muwah!)–I was ready to drown myself in a barrel of Biltmore wine!

With well over 2K participants, the Challenge was a huge success! There were so many awesome posts I enjoyed, and many more I didn’t have the chance to read. I hope to catch up on what I missed over the next few months. I loved meeting new folks and exchanging witty fun with familiar “faces”. You’re all welcome here anytime, where the bar, the banter, and the imagination, are always open.

PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST

Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS

Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!

Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.

Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Zenith

April 30, 2014July 18, 2014 / WriterlySam / 9 Comments

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.”

PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST

Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS

Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!

Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.

Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Youth of Legends Lost

April 29, 2014July 18, 2014 / WriterlySam / 6 Comments

Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus

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 stone cherubs, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!

Youth of Legends Lost

A MARBLE cherub flitted into the room, his ashen features carved with fear.

“What happened?” Tari demanded.

“This is your spy?” Seok snickered, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “You can’t trust these imps.”

Tari glared at Seok, hissing between her teeth. “Funny, I was thinking the same about you.”

The winged boy buzzed between them.”The cup-bearer,” he whispered urgently, stone lips trembling. “She brings a warning.”

Tari’s sea-glass eyes widened with dread.

“Cup-bearer?” I asked, inwardly cursing my abysmal mythology learning curve for the hundredth time.

“Hebe, the Goddess of Youth. She’s privy to all the council’s schemes,” Tari replied, narrowing her eyes at the skittish toddler. “Putto, who did Hebe meet with?”

“Couldn’t see who,” Putto replied, shaking his head. “Only hear.”

“What did she say?” Tari urged, her patience wearing thinner than the scrap of cloth draped over the cherub’s chubby cheeks.

“A plot to end all plots,” Putto’s plump fingers worried the dust from his ivory curls. “A clever weapon. Forged by the blacksmith God.” he added, milky eyes darting nervously between us.

“Hephaestus,” Seok seethed, anger tightening his jaw.

Conrí threw his hands up. “Well, that’s just grrrreat! Already outmatched and the battle’s not even begun.”

“The battle began long before you were born,” chided a voice shrouded in shadows, “and waged long after the youth of legends were lost.”

PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST

Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS

Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!

Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.

Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Xanthe

April 28, 2014July 18, 2014 / WriterlySam / 8 Comments

Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus

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 Italian Garden and its many sculptures, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!

Xanthe

WHO IS she?” I asked Tari, gazing up at the ivory form of a woman wrapped in nothing but the clinging embrace of a lion’s skin, her hand clasped gently around that of a small bleached boy, whose steps she lovingly guided to a tune only they could hear. At any moment, they could dance off the edge of their pedestal, their celebration spilling onto the garden’s soil.

“Xanthe,” Tari replied, her tone strapped with sadness. “She’s an Oceanid who was turned to stone during the ancient wars. Her son ran to warn her…both were caught in the Gorgon’s path.”

Tari turned away and headed into the Italian garden. “Now, she presides over the pools of memory,” Tari gestured towards the three sparkling ponds dappled with delicate lily pads and streaked with the golden scales of fish. “The Muses dedicated the garden to their mother, Mnemosyne, Goddess of Memory.” Tari wound through the garden, her hand brushing against the many cherubs that flanked the low stone lagoons. “The pools are fiercely guarded. Only a few know the offerings they require.”

I didn’t consider “cherubs” terribly fierce, but who was I to judge. “Offerings for what?” I peered into the shallow depths of the center circle. “The goldfish? Are they really that picky?”

Tari sighed, her sea-glass eyes rolling back into her head. “Not the fish. The dreaming spirits of the pools. Each spirit can answer one question about the past,” Tari pointed to the first pool, “the present,” she waved her hand over the center pool, “and the future,” Tari stretched her hand towards the final pool.

“Who knows the offerings?” I asked, studying the ponds with a wary eye.

“Xanthe’s little boy,” Tari glanced over at the statues.

The stone boy in question was no longer by his mother’s side. A child’s laughter trickled like bells through the air.

Tari grinned, “He’s faster than he looks.”

PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST

Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS

Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!

Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.

Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Wishteria

April 27, 2014July 18, 2014 / WriterlySam / 14 Comments

Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus

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 wisteria covered arbors, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!

Wishteria

TWILIGHT PEEKED through the woody vines that dipped and climbed the terrace arbor, caressing clusters of violet blooms that dripped honey into the humid air.

I closed my eyes and filled my lungs with the sweet scents of spring. A brazen breeze snatched at my wild copper curls, entangling them amongst the sticky fingers trailing from the trellis.

“Need some help with that?” a familiar voice chuckled behind me.

Apparently I did. The curious creepers continued to wind through my hair, making their way around my shoulders to wrap around my arms. “What are they…doing?” I giggled, slapping at a tendril that tickled my ear.

“Trying to steal you away,” Seok whispered, his fingers grazing the tender flesh of my neck as he worked to free me. Every brush of his hand sent my heart spiraling. “They must like you, Anise. I’ve never seen them quite so…animated.”

The wile wisteria snaked away from Seok’s reach, ensnaring me tighter in an effort to pull me from his grip.

“Whoa!” I screeched, as the vines swiftly swung me off the ground. The lavender ceiling parted seconds before the powerful plant lifted me through the top of the arbor.

“Hold on!” I heard Seok shout moments before his footsteps pounded away.

The sneaky thief loosened its hold, gently dropping me on top of the trellis. My frustration was swallowed by the stunning view. The fading light was brushed with radiant red and glistening gold that slipped silently into the horizon.

A panting Seok leaned over the South Terrace wall above me. “Are you hurt?” he asked in alarm, his chiseled features blurring into the shadows.

“No. I’m…fine,” I stood, gingerly, testing my weight on the planks.

“Reach for my hand. I’ll pull you up,” Seok urged.

I couldn’t see a foot in front of me, much less find his hand. “It’s too dark,” I sighed, stumbling over a gap in the latticework. “I wish I could see where I’m going, before I break my neck,” I muttered under my breath.

The blanket of blossoms surrounding me began to glow. A wave of violet light washed across the entire arbor like a thousand fireflies. I picked my way through the pulsing plants, marveling at their luminous beauty.

I looked up to find Seok grinning. “That’s why they call it Wishteria,” he reasoned, basking in this newfound knowledge. “Now would be a good time to wish yourself down.”

PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST

Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS

Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!

Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.

Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Visions of Venus

April 25, 2014July 18, 2014 / WriterlySam / 10 Comments

Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus

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 two iron & polished steel andirons of Venus and Vulcan in the library fireplace, created by Karl Bitter, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!

Visions of Venus

Tariro

I SAT on the blood-red velvet bench across from the dying fire, my body shaking with a cold that gripped my bones and stole my breath.

The iron andiron of Venus eyed me curiously. Leaping gracefully from her perch, she walked into the flickering flames, gesturing for Vulcan to follow. Together they lifted logs into the mouth of the hearth, coaxing the fading embers back to life. Within seconds, hungry flares licked at the wood, consuming the chill that hung heavy in the air.

The polished pair walked through the roaring fire, wiping the ash from their metal skin. Vulcan returned to his post, while Venus edged closer.

Did she know what I was? Had everyone at Olympus known?

I could barely fathom the web of deceit they built before my birth.

“They said it was to protect me,” I laughed aloud, rancor lacing my words. “Protect me from what? From who?” I jumped to my feet, pacing a burning path across the library floor.

“This place isn’t my home…it’s a prison of lies!” I screamed at the sleeping Oracles towering above me, the same Pythias who spoke to me of incarnations that never existed…of a destiny that didn’t belong to me…of dreams that were never mine.

I had lost my identity…my place in the world plucked from my grasp. I crumpled to the floor with an anguish too heavy to bear.

I could feel the heat of her sleek body before she reached out her tiny hand to mine, searing my skin. I raised my head to meet the eyes of Venus, whose carved features fell with sympathy. She glanced at Vulcan, who shook his head in warning. She nodded her head, sharply, and turned back to me. Her gaze held mine for a heartbeat, before traveling towards the churning clouds of the ceiling to fixate on something she wanted me to see…to understand.

There were far worse things than lies lurking in Olympus.

PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST

Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS

Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!

Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.

Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Urania, Celestial Searcher

April 24, 2014July 18, 2014 / WriterlySam / 14 Comments

Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus

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 observatory’s rooftop balcony and the mysterious and magical astrolabe, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!

Urania, Celestial Searcher

WE STOOD on the rooftop of Olympus, the gaze of every student pulled under the blanket of shimmering stars that blazed a brilliant path across the heavens.

An otherworldly force glided through the observatory doors like a comet, the tail of her mandarin gown glistening like a celestial sea.

Shivers of excitement skittered through the crowd.

The Muse of astronomy strode past, the air surrounding her heavy with the promise of rain and cherry blossoms. Urania took center stage, an Asian empress commanding the night sky itself, which bowed and bent to her will. With a sweep of her hand, cconstellations connected with brilliant blue flares that flashed into familiar shapes.

Urania studied our faces, the star-shaped irises swimming in her silver-blue eyes glistening with an inner fire. Even the intricate knots of her raven hair glittered with astral dust. Urania unclasped a large metal pendant from around her neck and held it in her outstretched palm, a knowing smile playing upon her bowed lips.

The elaborate gears of the astrolabe spun wildly, until the series of silver discs separated, each soaring above our heads to hover in mid-air. At the clap of her delicate hands, the spiraling plates shifted and shattered into spheres, projecting a gleaming galaxy of stars.

The ethereal display stole our collective breath. “Listen closely to the celestial voices,” Urania’s words rose into the cool, luminous air. “They whisper the secrets of your destiny.”

PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST

Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS

Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!

Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.

Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Tale of the Tortoise

April 23, 2014July 18, 2014 / WriterlySam / 13 Comments

Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus

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 trio of tortoise troughs, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!

Tale of the Tortoise

THE TRIO of tortoises stared at us blankly, water bubbling from their burnished beaks.

“You can’t be serious?” I asked Tari, gesturing towards the troughs. “They’re turtles.”

Tari crossed her slender arms, puffing at the raven ringlets that teased her face. “Not all of them.” She paced between them, her ebony brow wrinkled with concentration.

I followed her gaze as she studied each one. “What are you looking for?”

“Not what. Who.”

“Okaaaay,” I peered into the hooded patina eyes of the one nearest me. “Who?”

“Chelone,” Tari replied, “a nymph who was turned into a tortoise when she angered Zeus.”

“Wow. That’s harsh. What’d she do?”

Tari glanced at the leather band wrapped around her wrist, its copper gears winking in the sun. “She was late for his wedding.”

“Surprised I’m not a fountain by now,” I mumbled, punctuality not being my strong suit. I sat on the stone ledge of the shallow pool, running my fingers through the cool water. “So, we’re seeking the guidance of a nymph-turned-turtle-turned-fountain. How is that helpful?”

“Nothing at Olympus is what it seems, even the fountains,” Tari tossed over her shoulder. “You’ll learn to look beyond the illusions.”

A choking cough erupted behind me, nearly knocking me to the floor. I spun around, coming face to face with an animated terrapin. It shook its scaly metal head, spraying me with spit.

The turtle stretched out its rumpled neck, narrowing its eyes. “It’s not polite to stare, dear.”

Tari slid in beside me. “Oh, good. They’re awake.”

PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST

Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS

Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!

Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.

Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1): Secrets of the Sphinx

April 22, 2014July 18, 2014 / WriterlySam / 11 Comments

Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus

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 iron entrance gates and pillars perched with four early 19th century French stone sphinxes, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!

Secrets of the Sphinx

THE FOUR limestone lionesses rose from their pillared perches, stretching the stiffness from languid limbs. One by one, they pounced upon the pavement, their human mouths curved in menacing grins.

“For the record,” I muttered under my breath, “I think this is a terrible plan.” Conri and Seok slipped between us and the beasts, nodding their heads in silent agreement. Only Tari seemed to keep her cool.

They edged closer, circling us like sharks, the clicking of their stone paws against the pebbles tapping out the steady rhythm of our downfall.

“We were told to seek your counsel,” Tari announced boldly, though her hands were balled at her sides to steady their shaking.

The slinking sphinx nearest me growled through her crumbling crevices. I’d be testy too, if I was missing half a nose. “What you seek, you must not find,” she snarled.

“A world in darkness you will bind,” growled another, her wicked tail whipping through the air.

The sphinx eyeing Seok purred, her dry tongue darting past cracked lips, “Pawns have the power–the key to unwind.”

A gravely voice roared from the fearsome feline behind me, “And undo the demise of all mankind.”