The Readers’ Passport

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

August 2006 – Page 2

Visiting the Overlord’s Domain

(Heart and Soul Series)

 I'm coming to visit The Overlord's domain in the Inner Sanctum of the Outlaw Sector for a few weeks. What should I pack? As many weapons as you can and lots of back-up.  This is one of the worst places in the Outlaw Sector, and The Overlord has no hesitation in having some pretty awful things done to you.

Are there any laws, natural hazards, rough areas or other dangers that I need to know about?  Watch out for the critters that come out of the ground and drag you down.  The climate can be hot or cold, depending.  Some think it's more to do with otherworldly (dark) influences, but no one really knows except The Overlord.  As for what else may be there, no one really knows that either.  Tourists have never returned to tell us.

Where should I check out first?  I'd advise escape routes.  Know where the docking bays are, know every way you can get there.  Scout out the guard areas, and see who lurks the most.

What might I expect to eat in a typical meal here? Well, isn't that an interesting question?  Sumptuous food, mostly almost raw meat, anything your heart desires...including human meat.  Maybe. 

What's the easiest way to get around? In his fortress - walking.  Outside - walking.  Outside his domain - travel discs, space ships, planet shuttles...preferably your own.  Don't trust the locals too much.  Their transport could lead you anywhere.  They like tourists, but not in the way you think.

Is there anything else I need to know before I set off? I'd think twice and choose another destination.  However, if you like to fight for your life, like the uncertainty that you may or may not come out alive, can handle seeing sights that will curdle your blood and make you vomit, then by all means go ahead.  Make out your will first.

Stepping Out in Bean Town

One of my favorite T-shirt slogans goes something like this: Boston. A great place to visit, but you wouldn’t want to park there.

Locals know just how true it is, which is why so many of them opt for public transportation over car ownership. It only makes sense in a city
where curbside spaces are scarcer than sunny days in Seattle and the cost for a reserved parking tops what some people pay for a
two bedroom apartment in other parts of the country.

Fortunately, Boston is also one of the best walking cities in the U.S. It’s relatively compact, fascinating sights around every bend, and an excellent public transportation system the locals call the T. And when your feet or the T won’t get you where you need to go, a taxi will.

With that in mind, here are my five best pieces of advice for making the most of a trip to Bean Town.

1) Forget the car rental; leave the motorhome in
storage. 

2) Pick up a good map and circle the sights you want to see.

3) Bring a good pair of walking shoes.
 

4) Explore the birthplace of America's independence with a walk along the Freedom Trail.

5) Try the clam chowder at Union Oyster House. It’s the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S.  How’s that for taking a bite of history?

Visiting the Shrine of New Beginnings

(Windwalker)

             Like many travelers before me, I came to the village of Chock on my way to the Shrine of New Beginnings. Many people walked the cobbled streets, moving gradually toward the same destination. Patience is a virtue, I realize, as is tolerance of one’s fellow man, but the slow, crawling pace along a road full of strangers challenged my ideals. I kept my head raised, looking for a glimpse of our destination.

            To reach the shrine, it is necessary to make the long climb up the Sacred Stairway, a rout carved into the rock of the mountain. Pilgrims journey to give thanks for their home in this land, and for the new beginning their ancestors found here. For tourists such as myself, the Sacred Stairway and Shrine of New Beginnings may mean very different things indeed. Those of us who come from further afield have our own purposes, perhaps always seeking some new sight or experience, or hoping for the moment of sublime insight that will transform our lives. Most who come here are people from nearby settlements in the valley however.

            Following the local tradition, I purchased Gardenias, to give as an offering at the holy place and to ward of evil. I have no idea what the origin of this practice is, or why I should expect to ward off evil at such a sacred site, although I did ask one or two of my fellow travelers. I gather it is a Jonnick tradition, a symbol to represent thankfulness and its long roots in history add a certain feeling of significance to this simple act.

            The climb is a long, hard one, too demanding for the ill or frail. I understand that the challenge of undertaking the climb is part of the celebration. Talking to my fellow travelers, I came to appreciate something of the pride they take in this ascent, and in the considerable efforts undertaken to build the long stairway to the simple shrine. I cannot begin to imagine how many people labored, or for how long, to create this passageway to perform this rite to honor those who forged the way. The sight of it moved me, and as I climbed I thought of all those hundred, thousands perhaps whose feet had passed the same way.

            From the grassy area surrounding the humble shrine, it is possible to see the sea. After the hard climb, that vast expanse of water seems like a gift to the soul. I stood amongst many others, deeply affected by the great arc of the sky, and this vision of the distant waters. I made my offering at the shrine. The irritation I had felt in the press of the crowds evaporated, as the peace of the place entered my heart. To visit this place is to be touched by something profound.

Visiting Misty Cove

(Widow’s Walk)

I'm coming to visit Misty Cove, Massachusetts for a few weeks. (In 1841 in Widow’s Walk) What should I pack?  For August, cool clothes that are comfortable for working. You might want to pack a sweater or jacket for the evening in case the temperature drops.

Are there any laws, natural hazards, rough areas or other dangers that I need to know about? The ocean can be unpredictable and it is more unsure, they further out you sail. Our families learned that many years ago. This is the time of the year when we tend to have gale storms. Our boats and the fishermen can be at the mercy of the sea when a gale is brewing.

The town of Misty Cove usually has a low crime rate. Our biggest problems are illness that our doc cannot cure and the men and boys we lose at sea.

Where should I check out first? Many of our people are involved in the fishing industry. You could visit the Misty Cove harbor and docks. Our ships come from Essex and you can tour the Essex Shipyards. We have several lighthouses nearby, including: Eastern Point and Thatcher Island. Rockport is just north of Misty Cove and if you want to travel a little ways, Boston is about 40 miles away. On the way to Boston, you can stop over in Salem, Mass.

What might I expect to eat in a typical meal here? We eat good hearty meals. Each meal this time of year will contain foods from our gardens. That could be potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, peas, and much more. Anyone who is fortunate enough to have knowledge of herbs, will enjoy fresh herbs in their recipes. Most of our people like meat and potatoes. But, we also have our share of seafood. We are known for our seafood since our men are fishermen. They travel long distances to bring back the best seafood for our town and to sell to people from miles around.

What's the easiest way to get around? Carriage or horse and buggy would be best. If you are an experienced horseman or woman, there is a stable in town where you can rent a horse. Many of our people travel through town with a buckboard. There is a train stop close by which will take you to Boston or points north. Another option is to take a boat to any point on the northeastern coast or some long distance trips to eastern Canada. Many ships are in and out of our harbor and you can book passage on one of these.

Nikki Leigh

Visiting Estraguil

(Strange Fruit, Tara’s Honour, Illyan Daughter)

I'm coming to visit Estraguil for a few weeks. What should I pack?  Stout boots are a must as the only way to get around most of the forest is on foot. Something to keep the rain out and something warm to sleep under will serve you well. Bring your sling and your spear as the hunting is good. Metals are popular for trading and stories will win you friends.

Where should I check out first? It’s best to start in an inhabited area and find a guide. Small communities are called trefs, and tend to blend in to their environment. Stay on the main forest paths, or follow the rivers. Going into the deep forest is likely to lead to you being horribly lost, or left at the mercy of the flora and fauna. 

What might I expect to eat in a typical meal here? Freshly caught meat, assorted leaves, fruits and nuts. There may also me small cakes made from bitten grass. While meats tend to be cooked, most vegetable matter is eaten raw. Alcohol is available but normally people drink rainwater.

What's the easiest way to get around? For ease, travel along the rivers in the small boats –called bartys. Otherwise you will have to go on foot. The Maisrians who live in the mountains use hand-gliders, but they won’t let you use them because flight is a kith secret, and if you found out how to do it, they would have to kill you.

Bryn Colvin

The Readers’ Passport

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

August 2006 – Page 4

Fiction for Autumn 2006

Kitty McKenzie, Anne Whitfield - Victorian historical comes out in print September 19th. Samhain Publishing

Soul of the Forgotten, Angela Verdenius – Futuristic romance Wings Press

Tara’s Honour, Brynneth N Colvin – Fantasy murder mystery whiskey creek press

The Phoenix Rebellion Book IV: End Game – by Gail Delaney from Triskelion

Widow’s Walk, Nikki Leigh – Historic Women’s Fiction/Romance paperback edition book surge

Windwalker, Donna Sunblad – Fantasy Epress

Non-fiction for Autumn 2006

365 Foolish Mistakes Smart Managers Commit Every Day: How and Why to Avoid Them, Shri Henkel Atlantic – Available NOW (Reviews for Management Mistakes)

Retire Rich With Your Self Directed IRA: What Your Broker & Banker Don’t Want You to Know About Managing Your Own Retirement Investments.  Nora Peterson Atlantic – NOW Available

How to Open a Financially Successful Pizza & Sub Restaurant: Get Your Slice of the Pie, Shri Henkel  Atlantic

The Readers’ Passport

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

August 2006, Page 5

New Reviews

Stormy View 

http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/stormyviewleigh.htm

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/June/Kristen-StormyView.htm 

The Enormous Parsnip

http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/theenormousparsnipcolvin.htm

Widow's Walk

 http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/June/LindaL-WidowsWalk.htm

 http://ecataromance.com/reviews?type=&id=1088

 http://www.enchantedramblings.net/reviews/review0266.html

Pumping Your Muse
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/06/13/114844.php
http://www.writersmanual.com/show.php?id=2&uid=35
http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Pumping-Your-Muse---Book-Review&id=86355
http://epress-online.com/pumping-your-muse-SUNBLAD/meet-the-author.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?id=86355
http://www.girlposse.com/cgi-bin/stories/display.cgi?id=265

The Readers’ Passport

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

August 2006 – Page 6

Stormy View Contest

 "Who Should Play ME in the Movie?"

(August - September 2006)

As an author, people frequently ask me which actors or actresses would play my characters in a movie based on my books. I honestly don’t know and I though you could offer your suggestions. I encourage you to read the book, but in the mean time, you can read some of my thoughts about the characters. I am happy to add comments from others who have read the story. If you want to add specific thoughts about any or all of the characters, feel free to send them to me and I will add you to the page.

I want your suggestions on which actors and actresses should play the characters in Stormy View. I've supplied some details on each character in case you haven't read the book... yet. I'll accept all your suggestions in August and everyone will have a chance to vote for the best cast members in September. The winner will receive a "pamper yourself" gift basket in October. Any questions or to submit your entries, please email: nikki-leigh@excite.com

No suggestion is too silly – I look forward to your ideas. Remember, in October we will share suggestions for the characters in Widow’s Walk.

Stormy View – Chapter 1 - http://www.nikkileigh.com/sv_-_chap_1.htm

More details about the contest - http://www.nikkileigh.com/stormy_view_-_movie_contest.htm

Strange Fruit contest

To enter a draw to win a copy of ‘Strange Fruit’ – erotic fantasy ebook by Bryn Colvin, simply visit http://bryncolvin.mysite.orange.co.uk and follow the instructions from there. A winner will be chosen at random from participants, with the draw taking place on the 31^st August.

" In At the Deep End" contest

Advanced warning - running throughout September. If you have read any books by Bryn Colvin, Brynneth N Colvin, or Mistress Nimue, you can win a free electronic short story – ‘In at the deep end’ (Swing erotica, previously published in an anthology from Venus Book Club). All you have to do is email me – bryn@hollowhills.fsnet.co.uk and tell me which book you have and what the dedication says. Every correct entrant wins a story.

August and September Contest

 For the months of August and September, I'm offering the chance to win a beautiful ceramic coffee mug with the logo for The Phoenix Rebellion on it.

 All you have to do to enter is either sign my guestbook on 'either' of my websites, or join the website update mailing list at either site.  For each one you do, you are eligible to win, up to four chances.

Visit http://www.gaildelaney.com/HomePage.html

Or

The Readers’ Passport

Where Readers and Authors Mingle

August 2006 – Page 7

Nikki Leigh will be in attendance at the Book ‘Em Writer’s Event in Waynesboro, VA on October 14, 2006. For more information, visit – www.bookem.org and her artwork for Widow's Walk was voted Cover of the Month for May http://www.erinaislinn.com/BookCoveroftheMonth.htm

EPRESS-ONLINE'S ‘Pumping Your Muse’ shoots to #1
Epress-Online's PUMPING YOUR MUSE by Donna Sundblad hit #1 on Fictionwise's general interest best sellers list. PUMPING YOUR MUSE is a popular selection for aspiring writers as it drives the imagination through a series of world-building drills. Each chapter extracts elements from the real world to construct a believable fictional realm while giving birth to naturally emerging characters. A must have for the seasoned author suffering from writer's block or fledgling writers looking for inspiration and guidance http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/GeneralNonfictioneBooks.htm

Reader’s Station authors have had some great reviews - Kitty McKenzie by Anne Whitfield has been given 5 stars by Euro reviews and 4 ½ kisses from Romance Divas. Soul of the Forgotten by Angela Verdenius received 5 Stars from gottawritenetwork.com. Widow’s Walk and Stormy View by Nikki Leigh both received 5 Angels and a “Must Read” from Fallen Angel Reviews.

 We invite your questions or comments about The Readers Passport.

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