Fantasy? Why not?

by Jena Galifany

Fan·ta·sy

[fan-tuh-see, -zee] noun, plural fan·ta·sies, verb, fan·ta·sied, fan·ta·sy·ing. noun

1. imagination, especially when extravagant and unrestrained.

2. the forming of mental images, especially wondrous or strange fancies; imaginative conceptualizing.

3. a mental image, especially when unreal or fantastic; vision: a nightmare fantasy.

4. Psychology . an imagined or conjured up sequence fulfilling a psychological need; daydream.

5. a hallucination. 

(Courtesy of Dictionary.com)

Okay, now we have the dictionary description of Fantasy. I particularly enjoy number one. 

Imagination. The beginning of all fantasy writing is imagination. It is the "what if" and the "how about" that live in our mind just behind the reality of life that we are forced to live with.  It is seeing things in a new and different way. It's believing that the world could be so much better, so much richer, so much more to ones own liking. 

Extravagant. Absolutely. Everything about fantasy should be extravagant. The characters should all be over the top in looks, elegance, riches, abilities and even evil. The men should be everything a man can be, according to the writers' whims. So hot you can get a sun tan by standing too near. So hot, to actually be in physical contact with could leave his brand on your soul. The women are no slouches either. Perfect build, perfect hair, make-up, eye color, skin tone and attitude. 

Unrestrained. Wow! That opens the doors to almost anything the heart desires. That man you always wanted to get your hands on? He's yours for the taking. He'll do anything and everything to please you. There are no consequences to your actions. There will never be a negative to your positive. No accidents, no back-lash. Absolute freedom of personal expression. 

Can you imagine this kind of freedom in your lifetime? It can happen when you write. It's all right there, at your fingertips. Find a keyboard and start with a small expression of your own fantasy. Build a character that you'd love to work with. One that you'd love to be, for that matter. After all, you are your characters. You are in their head, thinking their thoughts, living their lives, and leading them in the direction you want them to go. 

In fantasy, you can add magic, dragons, flowers and Fae to help your characters along. There are not longer limits to the world of fantasy. It can be crossed with other genres. How about this idea?

Boy meets Girl with a stick. Dragon grabs Girl. Boy hunts Dragon. Boy finds Dragon with Girl with a stick. Boy battles Dragon. Dragon flame broils Boy. Girl rolls eyes and points stick at Dragon. Girl flame broils Dragon and invites the village to a feast. Village roasts Girl at stake because Dragon tasted just like liver. The End.

Well, it needs a little work. I can fill in a few more details and add some clever dialogue but you get the idea. Fantasy can be a fun way to pass the time and is one of the most popular genres on the market. If you haven't tried it yet, I suggest you give it a shot. It can lift your spirits, even if you write it strictly for yourself. 

I wrote about a fantasy man, Velcon, in 1979. In 1989, I met him and we've been married since 1990. I've told you about Steve before so I won't bore you with the details again. I have a manuscript that I wrote in 1979 that needs a good going over. It is a fantasy. It's titled "The Ice Child" and some day I will publish it. Then the world will know more about Velcon Vespersley and his lady love, Jena' Galifany. Yes, that is where I got my author name.

Excerpt from "The Ice Child" 

After traveling what seemed like miles, the party came to the maze. Velcon kept himself between Cavoth and Devlin as well as having Caleth by his side. It was more simple to keep the mystery person from the child with the child in the lead with Alverian. Velcon decided that the next time they came to an outer door, he could be ready to free Dawnia and Jena from their current condition. All that was required was a little timing, some help from Caleth and Devlin, and a lot of luck, mixed with a few spells. Telepathy would have to be employed to tell Caleth and Devlin what to do as, chances were, he wouldn't get the opportunity to speak with them alone. Simple, right?

Velcon wondered why Cavoth hadn’t taken them all under mind possession. Why hadn’t he noticed the relic Devlin found? But, then, maybe he had. He tried once to take her. Velcon had to travel back to Gaelfar, if only for a split-second, for the components for the spells needed to free the women.

Velcon though about the maze as they entered it. This would be a good time to go. He quickened his steps and came up beside Alverian and Devlin. Velcon concentrated to gain Alverian‘s attention. "After I pass you, walk behind her, following her footsteps."
Alverian dropped back as Velcon walked ahead. Velcon's long strides quickly carried him forward until he put some distance between them.

Alverian paced Devlin's steps to stay between Cavoth and the youngest member. Suddenly, Velcon spun around, and threw blue-black handfuls of light over the entire party. His six companions stopped in their tracks, suspended in mid-motion. With a long look at Jena, Velcon filled his hands once again with the blue-black mist and poured it over himself. His destination: Gaelfar.

* * * *

The shop keeper never quite got used to his customers popping in and out as they pleased. He lost more stock that way. Magic users and thieves were always showing up just long enough to take what they wanted and disappear without paying for it. The sudden appearance of a person somewhat unnerved the small man.

Lithmar was glad to see that the day came to a close, when he could ward his store and retire upstairs with his family to enjoy the privacy and quiet. Only moments to go and his dream would became reality.

"And why not close a few moments early. The day has brought a good income already. What is a few more moments going to matter?" He jumped from his tall stool, and stepped around the end of the counter, starting toward the door. His steps were halted by a blue black cloud of shimmering air, followed by the appearance of one of his best customers suddenly standing before him.

"The mighty Velcon." He clapped his hands with delight. He took Velcon by the arm and firmly held him. "Welcome, my friend. Come and have mead with me. I was just closing up..."

Velcon returned Lithmar's welcome with a quick smile and, releasing the little man's arm, stepped around him. "I must have supplies. Dawnia and Jena, their lives depend upon my haste. Here." He moved from one shelf to the next, Lithmar following him from aisle to aisle. "Take these things to the counter. I know the others would most likely have them but I must be sure." Velcon handed several items to Lithmar, a small piece of iron, a vial of pure water, a string of chanting beads, and various other items.

"Spell components, I see. Bad, is it? Dawnia and Jena? Did Jena try for another black stone?"

Velcon wasn't listening as he grabbed this way and that for any item which might come in handy.

Lithmar frowned at Velcon‘s distraction. "Well, I am sure that when you have more time, you will explain it all to me. Don't worry about that," Lithmar told Velcon as he reached for his pouch of gold coins. "I'll remember what you owe when you have more time and I have a shortage of funds, my friend."

Velcon offered an appreciative smile. "I wish I had time for that mead. It would do me well. But, if I fail, the bill may just have to be forgotten on this plane of existence. If so, I will pay you in the next. Fare well, my friend." Velcon was gone as suddenly as he had appeared, his purchases with him.

Lithmar thought to himself, "Velcon, I can trust but I surely wish he would use the door once in a while."

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Fantasy can take you anywhere, at any time, you want to go. I hope you've enjoyed this little piece of the first book I ever attempted to write. With a bit of luck, "The Ice Child" may make it to publication some day. That's just another one of my fantasies.

Cheers,

Jena Galifany

http://jenagalifany.bravehost.com

How Quickly the New Year is Flashing By by Jena Galifany

Am I the only one noticing how quickly January is slipping by? Didn't we just have New Years Eve and now we are half way through the month? I told my husband I need a hobby that I hate. He wanted to know why. I explained that when I am doing something I hate, the time goes by a lot slower.

This year I plan to make a few new beginnings. I want to write, not one but two books this year. I have the beginnings of a dozen story lines and would like to see if I can get more than one out by the end of 2013. The hard part is deciding which story line to pursue first. Would you like to take a peek and help me decide?
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#1 Media Lies (Contemporary Romance) - A married couple, Ben deeply in love, Constance falling out of love.  Their marriage has become the greatest roll they've ever played, keeping their fans from knowing the trouble their relationship is in.

Benjamin Chandler and Constance Remington completed the scene with a long, breathtaking kiss – H.E.A. all the way. 

The director shouted, "Cut! That's a wrap! Fabulous!"

Ben and Connie took their time separating from one another. His dark eyes sparkled as he gazed at her, his fingertips stroking her jaw line. She lowered her chin, and a shy blush colored her perfect face as he pulled away, but only slightly. They slowly smile, obviously pleased with their performances, and with each other. The lovers lingered in their own world for a moment longer, and only then noticed the entire crew watched them. Connie broke the spell first, offering a bright smile to the crew as they burst into applause.

Ben offered his hand to Connie. He pulled her gently close once again. He moved to her side, held her hand as he presented her to the crew to take her bow. She tried to present him, but he refused, again directing the glory to her. After thanking the crew, Ben escorted his lady to their private trailer.

* * * *
Enter dressing trailer. Lighted make-up mirror, two fabric chairs, a table with champagne in a bucket, full size bed with a mountain of pillows in the corner.

Connie entered the boxy trailer, the smile still on her perfect lips as she moved to the center of the room and turned around. Ben followed her in, and closed the door. He wore his media smile until the door clicked closed and locked. His face relaxed as he turned to Connie.

She frowned, stepped forward and slapped him across the face. He laughed, and caught her hand before she repeated the assault. Indignant, she tugged her hand free. "I hope you enjoyed that kiss because it's the last one you'll ever get."
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#2  For One Kingdom  (Fantasy) - Erin wanted to find out about the winged creatures that were reported to live in the distant caverns in the desert. In a world where no one in their right mind would leave the safety of a locked building after dark, Jaycee and Erin settle an argument in the worst possible way. When one of the winged creatures takes off with Jaycee, Erin has to rescue her friend when their challenge goes awry.

Ashur - For One Kingdom

Jaycee narrowed her eyes.  "You knew I didn't want to go out there.  You just had to make me look bad, didn't you?"

Erin grinned.  "You make yourself look bad.  I don't have to do it for you."

"You're a bitch!" Jaycee lept from her perch, hands on hips.

"You're a coward… and a liar." Erin folded her arms and leaned against the counter.

"You'd like to think so." Jaycee looked close to tears.

"I know so.  Prove otherwise." Erin offered a lopsided grin.

Jaycee straightened her back and narrowed her eyes again.  "No problem.  Outside.  Now."

Erin stood, and dropped her arms to her sides.  "Get serious. That isn't courage. That's stupidity."

"What’s the matter, Erin? Too scared?" Jaycee headed for the door. 

Erin pulled her door closed as she ran after the red haired woman. She fell into step beside Jaycee as they reached the lift. "This is going to be rich."

"You have no idea." Jaycee paled as the lift carried them to the roof.

A klaxon sounded as the lift stopped at the top.  "Warning.  You are approaching an open area after Black Out is in effect. No protection is available beyond the doors." The metallic voice repeated the warning twice before Jaycee grinned and punched the button to open the doors.

The cool air rushed into the lift as the two women looked out at the night sky.  Erin drew a deep breath, amazed at the sight of so many stars.  She couldn't remember how many years it had been since she'd seen the night sky. With the black out, every star displayed its brilliance, and competed for her attention.

"Let's go," Jaycee prompted. Her whispered voice pulled Erin from her over-awed preoccupation. She stepped cautiously out of the lift, and looked both ways before she took too many steps. Erin followed, unable to take her eyes from the glittering display overhead.

The rooftop was quiet and dark. Shadows fringed the edge of the roof, and the black continued all the way to the city's outer walls.  Since all of the community houses were the same height, they appeared connected by black walkways, and tempted Erin to walk to the edge of town half a mile away.

"A lot of good it does to black out the town," Erin commented. "The stars light up everything anyway."

"Shh. I know. That's how I saw the creature grab that woman. I admit it scared me. It would have scared you, too. Three Commitables were stalking her. I knew they'd catch her. She tried to keep to the shadows, but they saw her when she crossed the alley. She had to be an innocent that got left out, the poor thing."

Jaycee settled on her belly at the edge of the roof, waved Erin to join her, and pointed down.  "There. That's where she was." Jaycee curled her hair behind her ear as she gazed down at the street five stories below. "The Commitables were only a few steps from her and she was screaming her lungs out."

Erin sat beside her, wary of the darkness around them as she chanced a look down.  She gathered her long hair, and twisted it into a cable to keep it out of her face as she scanned the street. 

"She ran into a dead end, didn't she?"

"She should have stayed on the main street. She would have had a chance to get away." Jaycee pointed toward the far end of the alley. "She ran about half way to the end when he showed up.  He skimmed over the rooftop and dived into the alley. He landed right in front of her.  His wings blocked the alley."

Erin took measure of the alley with her gaze. "He must have a ten to twelve foot wingspan. That's amazing."

Jaycee nodded, and licked her lips, an excitement in her eyes. "He was amazing.  He was only wearing shiny black trousers. I think they were leather but not like his wings. His wings were dull, thick. I could hear them beating from here."

"What did he look like?" Erin felt the excitement grow in her as Jaycee shared the experience.

"He had dark eyes and the longest hair I've ever seen on a man. It flowed around him as if the wind swirled it, like liquid silver." Jaycee locked her gaze on Erin.  "There was no wind that night, though. Strange."

"Really strange," Erin agreed. "How could you tell he had dark eyes from here?"

"I saw them when he took off with her. He flew right over me, right here." She rolled on her back, looked up, and screamed.

Erin rolled to look up into the face of the man Jaycee had described.

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Decisions, decisions. And that is only two of my new beginnings. I'd love to hear your views on these excerpts. It may help me decided which way to go in this new year. I'd appreciate the help. Either way, I plan on writing these stories and many more, enjoying each new beginning that comes my way.

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If you'd like to see more of my work, visit my WEBSITE.
My books are available at Whiskey Creek Press and Red Rose Publishing.

Cheers!
Jena

THE CASE OF THE NEW IDENTITY...

Have you ever wondered why Halloween is so popular? Could it be that maybe for one day we all can dress up in costumes and pretend to be someone were not? Children love pretending to be characters from Batman, Ninja Turtles, Pirates, princesses, ballerinas, to super star diva. I know my children when they were little wanted to wear their costume around the house before, during and after Halloween. It wasn't only Halloween when they loved to pretend to be something they weren't. I had a whole trunk full of costumes they would dive into all year round.

As adults, are we all that different? When given the opportunity, would you like to pretend to be someone else for a day? I confess I do. I suppose that's why I'm so excited to use my pen name.  I feel like I have two different lives. One where I'm a wife, mother, medical professional with one identity; the other where I have this obession to be an author. So do I peel off my scrubs when I get home and adorn my costume to become this super writer... (It's not really a costume, just my pajamas). Yes, I do! Well...probably not really a super writer...not yet...working on that. But I do enter another world, a world I create. For a few hours each day, I do become a different person. I live inside this different world. Can I leap tall buildings on a single bound? No, but I can do mutiple things at one time, write, promote, answer emails, update Novel Works... If I'm needed back in the real world I have a couple of safeguards, my phone and my dogs. If I'm needed, I know. Well, most of the times. I have been accused of ignoring my phone. My dogs, though, I can't ignore.  

Now I have a name to go along with this personna of mine. Carrie James Haynes. I have always wanted to use a pen name. Besides, I've had this name ready since before my first book was published. Carrie James Haynes. A nice ring, don't you think? I think it sounds like an author. Does my pen name mean anything? I'm not sure, probably not to anyone else. Out of all the names I could have created, why Carrie James Haynes? Mainly, I like it. The issue really isn't the name, but that I'm getting to use it. It's like donning a costume- this new identity of mine. One of my friends asked me if I was going to let anyone know that Carrie Jame Haynes was really me. I laughed. I'm not keeping it a secret. If you google Carrie James Haynes, my name pops up. So it's not a secret identity. But what a pen name means to me is freedom. Kinda a license to create. Hiding behind a name. So in essence Carrie James Haynes is a character that I have created. And, yes, I have begun to talk about her in third person. 

So what prompted this pen name after all this time? I decided to publish a manuscript myself and perhaps it gives me the courage to try this new adventure. Will it succeed? Only time will tell, but I'm having fun with it. Could it be I like the control? Could be. I haven't felt I've had any control on my writing since I began trying to get published. Ah, but, I do miss an editor!!! I thank my FB friends for finding me someone to do my cover. I hadn't a clue what I was doing making a cover. So happy with Graphicx Z. Love my cover. Love my story. 

Whispers of a Legend, Part One- Shadows of the Past is only the beginning of the legend. It's not what I normally write. I've had it stuck back in my closet for years. One of the first pieces I attempted. I didn't even try to do too much with it. So this is perfect for me to try out. And the best part for everyone, Shadows of the Past is FREE. Hopefully by the end of the week, it will be on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, etc... Right now it's only on Smashwords. 

Still, don't forget about OCTOBERFEST WITH BOOKS. The contest is still going on. If you're here, so easy to enter. Follow out blog. Love to have you. I promise you the least you can get is a copy of Shadows of the Past.

Also, this week on Novel Works, I have Crescent Moon Press coming in. Great week ahead. So much to do, so much going on. All good! 

You will find Jerri Hines' next release, The Judas Kiss, out this coming January with Whiskey Creek Press. A historical romance. She's excited because it’s the first in the Tides of Charleston series. You will find her other books, Dream Walker and Patriot Secrets, at most ebook stores. Follow her on Facebook- Novel Works is her fan page where I recommend books, authors, blogs… She's also on Twitter @jhines340. Don't forget the contest rules on her blog. Don't pass up the chance to win! You can also find her first release under her pen name, Whispers of a Legend, Part One-Shadows of the Past. Coming soon to Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.