Witches of Galdorheim Marked Down

As part of the BIG Teen Summer Read Blogathon, the featured books published through MuseItUp will be marked down. All three of the Witches of Galdorheim books are on sale at Amazon, MuseItUp, and other MuseItUp vendors for only $1.99. Such a deal!

Bad Spelling: Book 1 at Amazon
Bad Spelling at MuseItUp
Bad Spelling at Omnilit
Bad Spelling at Bookstrand

Midnight Oil: Book 2 at Amazon
Midnight Oil at MuseItUp
Midnight Oil at Omnilit
Midnight Oil at Bookstrand

Scotch Broom: Book 3 at Amazon
Scotch Broom at MuseItUp
Scotch Broom at Omnilit
Scotch Broom at Bookstrand

I Visit With Anne Johnson

Before the BIG TEEN SUMMER READ was scheduled where I'll be doing most of my promos for Scotch Broom, Anne Johnson asked me for an essay having something to do with the Witches of Galdorheim. At the time, I didn't even have a cover or a release date for Scotch Broom, so this was a by guess, by gosh write-up about developing a series when all you have is a title for a book.

I hope you find it a worthwhile read. Anne will be visiting me here in June. I look forward to her visit.

SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of The Witches of Galdorheim
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.

Marva Dasef: https://sites.google.com/site/mdasefauthor/books/galdorheim
MuseItUp Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/ScotchBroomMGD
Kindle Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ROH46K/
Scotch Broom Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYnRmbvPp7Q

Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.

While dodging the goddess’ minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat's brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.

Co-Writing a Series

From Edith Parzefall's blog on the Higher Ground Series:

While the mothers slept, their first baby was born:

Canada-based Double Dragon Publishing released the first book in the Higher Ground series: Wind Over Troubled Waters, on April 24th, at night in Europe.

Francene Stanley lives in England, Edith Parzefall in Germany. Edith claims she woke with cramps around two in the morning and feels sure that must have been the time when Wind Over Troubled Waters went online on Double Dragon's website [http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/single.php?ISBN=1-55404-959-8] and amazon.com [http://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B007X57XMS/].

Wind Over Troubled Waters
by Edith Parzefall and Francene Stanley
from Double Dragon Press

Corn World. Britland. After the great flood, only memories, debris and derelict buildings speak of a past civilization. Visions of these disturbing times haunt Cerridwen's dreams. When her dying mother sends Cerridwen to find a mural in Saint Eyes and lead Britland into a better future, the young healer has little choice but to set out on a life-changing quest. Her ability to perceive auras convinces her to accept nature-attuned Trevly's offer of protection.

Bent on adventure and enthralled by the promise of treasure, beautiful Sasha, cunning Aron and uncut Boris join forces to get the most out of life. Their selfish plans collide with Cerridwen's when they learn about a powerful ring and a mural pointing the way to its location.


Note: Edith is hosting me in May for my MG/YA fantasy book. Her books don't fit into the MG/YA category, so I asked her to send me information about her latest release. It happens to be from Double Dragon Press and is hot off the presses.

Scotch Broom - The Last(?) Deleted Scene

The last large chunk lobotomized from Scotch Broom involved an additional character. She bit the dust when I really didn't have anything else I could do with her. People shouldn't just show up for no good reason then disappear without having moved the plot forward at least an inch or two.

When Kat reaches Da Skerries in the Shetlands to stay overnight with the Angstrom family, I gave the Angstrom's a daughter. Daphne has the ability to communicate with non-humans whether animal or magic ultralight. I thought she might come back into the story later, but nothing developed for her, so, poor girl, she had to be excised.

The Scene as It Appears in the Final Version:

After dinner, Kat asked, “Is there someplace covered where Spirit can stay while I’m in England?”

“I’ve just the thing, lass.” Nils led Kat outside and helped her store Spirit in a lean-to shed by the side of the house.

“I’ll be back to get you in the spring,” she assured the little plane.

“Brrrrrrmmnnnnnn grnnnm.”

“I’ll miss you, too.”

When darkness fell, she talked with Nils and Maureen, asking them what they knew of the trows.

“Ah, da guid folk! It’s important to be polite to the trows and speak of them kindly. They can create the mischief if ye don’t. On the whole, though, they be good neighbors.”


The Scene Before Killing Off Daphne:
(Daphne appears when Kat arrives, but doesn't say anything)

After dinner, which surprised Katya because it wasn’t so bad after all, Daphne led her outside to where Spirit sat. “Is there someplace covered where Spirit can stay while I’m in England?”

The quiet girl pointed to a lean-to shed by the side of the house. Katya and Daphne pushed Spirit to the shed, and Katya folded Spirit’s wings up. Daphne seemed interested, so Katya showed her how to raise and lower the wings and explained how the ultralight flew by magic.

Daphne pointed at herself, then to Spirit, then to the sky. Katya nodded. “If your parents say it’s all right. How about you, Spirit? Would it be okay for Daphne to take a flight?”

“Brrrrrrmmnnnnnn grnnnm.”

“He says that’d be fine with him.”

“I know,” Daphne spoke the first words Katya had heard from her.

“Great! You understand him, so that’s even better. Some people don’t. I hope your parents agree. Spirit would like some company.”

When asked for permission, Mr. Angstrom pondered for a moment, then okayed Daphne flying. “So long as the weather’s quiet. You dinnae go out without me or yer mum knowin’.” Daphne nodded.

Katya wondered whether Daphne was quiet to make up for her mother being so loud. She seemed a sweet girl, and smart as well. After getting permission from Spirit for the extra weight, Katya doubled up with her. They took a brief flight at a low altitude while Katya demonstrated the controls. Daphne caught on quickly, and flew them round for a couple of touch-and-goes. Katya was happy that Spirit would be in good hands.

When darkness fell, she talked with Nils and Maureen, asking them what they knew of the trows.

“Ah, da guid folk! It’s important to be polite to the trows and speak of them kindly. They can create the mischief if you don’t. On the whole, though, they be good neighbors.”
 
******
 
I would have liked to keep Daphne, but cooler heads prevailed. Poor girl. Barely got on stage, before her part was cut.

SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of The Witches of Galdorheim
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.

Marva Dasef: https://sites.google.com/site/mdasefauthor/books/galdorheim
MuseItUp Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/ScotchBroomMGD
Kindle Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ROH46K/
Scotch Broom Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYnRmbvPp7Q

Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.

While dodging the goddess’ minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat's brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.

Voting Vids April 21-26

First Duty, a YA SFR (science fiction romance--light on the romance), was featured on the You Gotta Read Reviews Book Trailer contest.

Voting takes place between the 21st and 26th. Click the link above to vote. For my trailer if you're so inclined would be fine with me.

That is all. Except the trailer here, so you don't have to click clear over to YGR to see it. Of course, all my trailers are on my Youtube page at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MarvaDasef/videos

Scotch Broom - More Deleted Scenes

Another extension on a scene that hit the cutting room floor. I think in this case, my critiquers hadn't played darts, so the concepts were confusing. I'd have to concede that. My darts team, ahem, won 9th in the State of Washington. Not bad for a bunch of old duffers.

The Scene as it Ended Up in the Book:

“Da game is 301, double-in, double-oot?”

“Great. Anything is fine.” Rune watched the dart loaner erase the blackboard next to the dartboard and write Barry and Ron at the top. He added the number 301 under each name.

Rune smiled. He ought to make enough for the train in no time at all.

The Deleted Part of the Scene:

“Da game is 301, double-in, double-oot?”

“Great. Anything is fine.” Rune watched as the dart loaner erased the blackboard next to the dart board and wrote Barry and Ron at the top. He added the number 301 under each name.

“Lag for first?”

“Sure. Go ahead.”

Barry stood at the line and winged a dart to the center of the board. It hit just off the bull for nineteen. Rune stepped up and slapped his dart into the eighteen. He wanted to watch Barry’s first round to see how he played the game. And to make sure he didn’t appear quite as good as his opponent...yet.

“I’m up, then,” Barry said, pulling his dart from the board. Rune retrieved his own dart. Barry stood at the line, aimed, moving the dart forward and backward a minute distance until he let it fly. It landed in the ring splitting the twenty wedge. “Guid ain, Barry. Doubled in right off,” the scorekeeper commented.

A lightbulb went off in Rune’s head. Double-in meant you had to put the dart into the doubles ring before the score counted. Barry threw his other two darts. The scorekeeper calculated a moment, then wrote 224 under Barry’s name. Rune counted the score and figured out that the game’s score went down by the count. Double-out, then, must mean you have to end the game with a double as well.

Rune stood at the line. He figured a high score is always a good thing, but he didn’t want to look like a ringer, so he racked up 75 points, just two points fewer than Barry. It’d be safest to match closely.

The game continued for three more rounds. Both players had an even number left. Barry needed a double sixteen; Rune needed a double seventeen. Barry threw and the point stuck just inside the doubles ring. Barry had to shoot a double eight. His second dart was a double, but a double eleven. He scowled at the board, but made no comment. He pulled his darts and stood back for Rune’s play. Rune wondered whether to just end it now. He could see Barry was too good to toy with, so decided he’d just take the double seventeen and be done with it.

Barry held his hand out to Rune. “Nice game. Do ye want to go another?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Rune responded with a smile. He ought to earn his train fare really fast.

*****

What do you say? Do you think this was a good one to dump?

SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of The Witches of Galdorheim
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.

Marva Dasef: https://sites.google.com/site/mdasefauthor/books/galdorheim
MuseItUp Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/ScotchBroomMGD
Kindle Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ROH46K/
Scotch Broom Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYnRmbvPp7Q

Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.

While dodging the goddess’ minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat's brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.

LASR Interview for YA Today!

I gave Long and Short Reviews so much material, they managed to get more than one interview out of it. The first one for SF/F was posted in February. Today, April 18th, the YA Interview appears. Funny. I don't remember what I said, so we can all be surprised.

Another Deleted Scene from Scotch Broom

Some of my best stuff was left on the editor's floor. At least that's how I'd like to characterize some scenes cut from Scotch Broom because of the nagging of my critique partners. Okay. Okay. So we don't need to know every little bit about Kat's stay and the B&B in Thurso, Scotland.

In researching the area where she's tramping about, I found the location of the trainstation. But I knew that a certain someone had to show up before Kat left town. For that matter, she had letters to deliver to the Trow King Connor located within the Otherworld which happens to be an alternate magical reality in the Flow Country of Northern Scotland.

So, she had to find someplace to stay the night. By the time various readers decided that not much was going on at the lovely inn in Thurso, I hacked out the overnight part, and just had Kat go find lunch to give certain someone time to arrive.

Here's the part that stayed in the book which didn't change much until the third from last paragraph:

Kat reached the station and found the schedule tacked up on a corkboard. She went to the ticket window to find out the fare.

“How much to Inverness?”

“That’d be fifteen pounds, thirty pence, lass.”

“When’s the next train?”

“Och. You just missed the morning train. Next train leaves at 19:07.”

“Oh. Well, I...What time did you say?”

“That’d be 7:07 to you. The trains run on a twenty-four-hour clock.”

“Can I buy my ticket now?”

“That you can. It’s an open ticket; you can use it whenever you want. Maybe you’ll enjoy Thurso and want to stay a few days.”

“That’d be nice, but I do have people to meet in Inverness.” Kat handed over the twenty-pound note, and the clerk counted back her change. “I’ll come back this evening.”

“There’s a good fish and chips place right down the road if you’d like a bite to eat.”

“Thanks. I’ll try it out.”
 
Here's the part that was cut:
 
“I do have people to meet in Inverness.” Kat handed over the twenty-pound note, and the clerk counted back her change. She turned away from the ticket window and took a few steps, when the clerk called out to her. “If you’re needin’ a room fer the night, you might try the Waterside. It’s decent and not too dear.”

“That’d be great. Which way?”

“Head north on Princes Street. That’s the street right out there,” he replied pointing to the street on the opposite side of the train platform. “Turn right on Sir John’s Square, then left on Sinclair. Walk quite aways, and take a right on Sir George’s Street, a quick right on Janet and keep going ‘til ya see it. Ye’ll be right by the river.”

"Um, north then Sir George—.”

“Nae, lass, right on Sir John’s, then Sinclair, then Sir George.” The station master paused, and seemed to notice the expression on Kat’s face. “Here. I’ll draw ye a map.”

Kat grinned. “That’d be perfect.”



This photo of Waterside Guest House
is courtesy of TripAdvisor

 She followed the map the station master had drawn. On Janet Street, she stopped in front of an old brick, two-story house. Windows on both floors faced the street, and a single door led inside. Since it looked so much like a private home, she wasn’t sure whether she should knock first or just go inside.

When she got close to the reddish door, she saw a beautiful brass doorknocker. Taking that as a need to knock before entering, she reached toward it. When she touched it, the knocker spoke. “Welcome to Waterside House. Please come in.” Kat jerked back, surprised. While talking doorknockers were the norm on Galdorheim, she didn’t expect to find one in the mundane world.

The door didn’t open on its own, so she grabbed the handle and pushed it. Stepping in, she found herself in a small lobby. To the right, an archway opened to a wallpapered, well-lit dining room. The wallpaper was a little too flowery for her taste, but it was overall a pleasant room. Turning back, she saw a dark-haired woman standing behind the small counter, wearing a dress straight out of the 19th Century MacSears catalog. Kat was certain she wasn’t there when she came in.

“Good day, may I help you?” the woman said in a sweet contralto voice.

Kat stepped to the counter. “I’d like a room for the night. I’m waiting to take the train south tomorrow. I missed today’s.”

The woman consulted a watch hung on a gold chain attached to a brooch. “Just missed it seems. I thought I heard the train pull out, but I’m so used to the sound I don’t notice.”

Pulling a big leatherbound ledger from beneath the counter, she opened it facing Kat. “If you’ll fill out the information, I’ll have the maid check your room. A single, yes?” She tapped on an old-fashioned bellhop bell, which dinged pleasantly.

“Yes. Just me.”

Kat wondered how anybody in the house could hear it, but a door behind the counter opened right away, and a young girl stepped in. She also wore a 19th Century maid’s costume, complete with a frilly white cap over her thick red hair. “Is the single ready?” the woman asked.

“Yes’m, but I’ll go check.” The girl lifted the hinged counter on one end and headed for a stairway to the left.

Meanwhile, Kat had been puzzling over the questions in the Guest Book. Where should she say she was from? Auto plate? What was that? Maybe she’d only fill in the things she knew and see if that sufficed. She wrote the date and her name. That was all she did know. The woman leaned forward to read the ledger upside down, a talent of innkeepers all over the world.

“Where do you live?” she asked.

“On an island north of here. I rode a boat down from the Shetland Islands.”

The woman nodded. “Just write Shetland Islands in the space then. No car? That’s fine. Not many people have them.”

Kat did as requested, then the woman turned the book to face her and made a notation of the check-in time. “One night will be nineteen pounds, sixty pence, including tax, of course.”

Kat unslung her bag from her shoulder and rummaged into the foldbox for another twenty-pound note. She handed it across the counter. The woman handed her a few coins in change. By that time, the maid had come back down the stairs.

“Here’s the key to your room,” the woman said, handing over an old brass key. “Tara will show you the way.”

Kat picked up her bag and followed Tara up the stairway and down a hall to the end room. “The bath is through that door,” she said, pointing out the obvious, since it was the only other door in the room. The room was already opened, so Kat walked in and laid her bag on the single bed. She turned to hand the forty pence to Tara, but she was already gone.

She wondered if the woman at the desk had chosen the decor for the house. A faux wainscot separated the top and bottom of the walls. The bottom wallpaper had vertical stripes of lavender and green wallpaper. The top was lavender with little flowers all over it. The one window looked out onto a pleasant garden.

She flopped down on the bed and bounced a couple of times. Her first hotel room! Kat felt more grown up already. She glanced up to see a black box. It took her a moment to recognize the first television she’d ever encountered. “Well, might as well get cleaned up then find someplace for dinner.” She didn’t have to go far for dinner. A Fish and Chips walkaway sat directly across the street.

* * *



This photo of Waterside Guest House
is courtesy of TripAdvisor

After a good night’s sleep, Kat rose early, repacked, and went down to the dining room. Her room tariff included breakfast. She intended to eat a lot to keep her going all day on the train. She sat at a table for two by the window overlooking the street. The same maid she’d met yesterday, Tara, came to her table and set down a teacup and small teapot.
“Would ye be wantin’ coffee, Miss?” she asked.

“No, tea is fine. Do I get a menu or—?”

“Nae. We serve the full breakfast. It’s what we offer.”

“Okay, but isn’t it wasteful if I don’t like something. Wouldn’t it have to be thrown out?”

“We collect the leftovers to feed to the pigs. Missus has a cousin with a farm.”

“Okay, then. Bring it on.”

Tara curtsied and left the dining room by a swinging door in the back. She soon returned with a huge tray balanced in both hands. Kat watched as Tara laid dishes on the table. Sausage formed in a square, something fried and brownish, scones, another kind of muffin, and a fruit cup.

“What’s that?” Kat asked, pointing at the brown stuff.

“Fried haggis. Will that be all?” Tara asked.

“Um, no, this looks like more than enough.” Wanting to get the flavor of the countries she visited, she thought she should try the haggis. She’d already set the sausage aside since she didn’t eat meat any longer. She stopped before biting into the haggis, remembering that they cooked it in a sheep’s stomach or something like that. Sometimes it’s better to be a vegetarian. She wished they served eggs, but found the scone delicious, especially with the thick jam that came with it.

* * *

Now, wouldn't that have been good scene to keep in the book? Thinking back on it, I wish I'd kept it in. There's so much I learned about Scotland making me want to visit even more. This little B&B is exactly where I'd like to stay when I make that trip.

SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of The Witches of Galdorheim

A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.

Marva Dasef: https://sites.google.com/site/mdasefauthor/books/galdorheim
MuseItUp Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/ScotchBroomMGD
Kindle Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ROH46K/
Scotch Broom Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYnRmbvPp7Q

Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.

While dodging the goddess’ minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat's brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.

Read Me Dead Blog Tour

Hi, my name is Emerald Barnes, and I’m the author of Read Me Dead, a YA Romantic Suspense novel. Follow my blog tour on my website.

READ ME DEAD
Alexia Wheaton’s problems go beyond picking a dress and a date for homecoming.

For seven years, Alex has lived with a painful memory - her parents' horrific murder. As the sole witness, she has kept quiet to protect herself, but when the local newspaper reveals her secret, Alex is plagued with fear that her parents' murderer will soon find her - and silence her forever.

Alex is catapulted into a race against time to save her own life and bring her parents' murderer to justice.

Here is an interview with one of the characters in my upcoming release, Landon Donnelly.

(Q) Can you tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Landon Donnelly. I’m 17, and I play high school baseball. 1st base by the way. (Trust me ladies, he has the body to prove it!) I like to hang out with my best friends and play Halo, and I’m pretty sure that I’m in love with one of my best friends, Alexia Wheaton.

(Q) Oh really? Tell me more about Alexia.

Alex is great. (He smiles, a heart-melting smile at that!) She’s absolutely gorgeous, but she doesn’t believe that. She found her parents’ murdered when she was only ten, and that has definitely taken its toll on her. It breaks my heart to see her in pain.

(Q) She saw her parents murdered? What happened there?

Yeah. Apparently, she and her parents were leaving Mac’s Diner in Bakersville. She fell behind to look at a bike she wanted, and they had turned a corner before her. She didn’t realize it until she heard her mom scream. She went to check on them and saw them being mugged.

(Q) Wow. That must’ve been tough.

Oh yeah. She has to see a psychiatrist about it and all.

(Q) Have they found the person responsible?

(He pauses for a moment) No. But she saw him and then told us about it. But a stupid reporter picked up the story and wrote about it. It’s a whole big mess that Alex has found herself in. Can I tell you a secret?

(Q) Of course.

I’m scared. I’m afraid I’ll lose her forever.

(Q) Did you tell her that?

Yes.

(Q) And?

She cried, but we’ve gotten closer since then. I think things are looking good for us. (He smiles warmly.)

(Q) Good. Good. So tell me Landon. How does your story with Alex end?

You’ll just have to read it and see. Come April 25th, you can read our story.

There you have it! Landon Donnelly speaks about Alexia Wheaton, the main character in Read Me Dead. Thank you for taking the time to read it, and I hope you leave a comment, telling me what you think! If you do, you can win an advanced digital copy of this book!

Like my Facebook page, and enter to win a prize pack that includes a t-shirt, pen, $10 Starbucks gift card and a digital copy of the book!

Links:
http://ebarnes23.wordpress.com/
http://www.emeraldbarnes.us/
http://www.facebook.com/fanpageforemeraldbarnes
http://www.twitter.com/emeraldbarnes

Lining Up the Big Blog Swapathon

Click the banner above to go to the schedule page for all the authors in the blogathon.

As for little old me, I'm creating a swath of characters and topics to be planted all over the place. The best part (although reading my witty posts should be enough for anybody) is that on May 27th I'll post a quiz right here on this blog. The questions are easy and I'll give you the link to where you can find the answer for each question.

Collect your answers and send them to me at mgdasef (at) gmail (dot) com. You know how to make an email address. Rather than posting in comments, everybody has to find their own answers and not crib off somebody else's work. The person who emails me the most correct answers by May 31st will be the winner of the grand prize: All three of my Witches of Galdorheim books and a gift certificate to MuseItUp Publishing's bookstore (good to support one's publisher).

Here's my line up for May. Oh, right, nearly every day I'm posting elsewhere, my host will be posting here on my blog. I did say it was a swapathon, right? And if you leave a comment on one of these blogs, you can win your choice of any one of the Witches of Galdorheim series.

5/1 Penny Ehrenkranz

http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/

5/2 HM Prevost
http://hmprevost.com/?cat=

5/4 Kim Baccellia
http://kbaccellia.livejournal.com/

5/6 Chris Verstraete
http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/p/guest-authors.html

5/8 Teen Word Factory  - Not a swapathon post. No quiz for this one. No giveaway.
http://www.teenwordfactory.com/

5/10 - Emerald Barnes
http://ebarnes23.wordpress.com/

5/12 Barbara Ehrentreu
http://barbaraehrentreu.blogspot.com/

5/14 - Penny Estelle
http://pennyestelle.blogspot.com/

5/16 - Natalie Wright
http://www.nataliewrightsya.blogspot.com/

5/18 - Kate Fuentes
http://www.siredscribblings.blogspot.com/

5/20 - Ardyth DeBruyn will visit me here.

5/22 - Rebecca Russell
http://rryalsrussell.com/blog/

5/26 - Edit Parzefall
http://blog.edith-parzefall.de/

5/27 - Quiz posted on this blog with the links to the answers for each question.

6/1 - Grand prize winner announced

Witches of Galdorheim Sampler

Have a taste of Galdorheim. Free PDF sampler now available at MuseItUp Publishing.

Missing, Assumed Dead Gets Some Press

Missing, Assumed Dead is scheduled to be featured on the Kindle Romance Novels blog today (April 12) and on its sister Facebook page,

If you're a romance reader or writer, I'd invite you to check them out. They also tweet their little hearts out, so follow them on Twitter as well @DonnaFaz and @KindleLuv.

Ms. Donna wouldn't mind if you liked her author page on Facebook as well.

MISSING, ASSUMED DEAD
Prejudice, murder, insanity, suicide: Every small town has its secrets.

MuseItUp Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/Missing-Dasef

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EN73FI
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/missing-assumed-dead-marva-dasef/1107395381?ean=2940032831433
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97277

When Kameron McBride receives notice she’s the last living relative of a missing man she’s never even heard of, the last thing she wants to do is head to some half-baked Oregon town to settle his affairs. But since she’s the only one available, she grudgingly agrees.

En route, she runs afoul of a couple of hillbillies and their pickup in an accident that doesn’t seem...accidental. Especially when they keep showing up wherever she goes. Lucky for her, gorgeous Deputy Mitch Caldwell lends her a hand, among other things. Her suspicions increase when the probate Judge tries a little too hard to buy the dead man’s worthless property.

Working on a hunch and trying to avoid the Judge’s henchmen, Kam probes deeper into the town’s secrets and finds almost no one she can trust. With Mitch’s help, she peels away the layers of prejudice, suicide, murder, and insanity. But someone in town doesn’t like her poking around, and when they show their intentions by shooting her through the police chief’s office window, the stakes are raised. Kam must find out what really happened to her dead relative before someone in this backward little town sends her to join him.

And she thought Oregon was going to be boring.

I Match Wits with Edith Parzefall - She Wins

Edith Parzefall and I chat about how the heck two tech people ended up writing fanciful fiction.

Watch for her release in 2012 from MuseItUp Publishing: Strays of Rio. She'll be visiting me right here on May 26th to tell my readers about the book and its interesting backstory.

About Edith (from her blog):

Hi, my name is Edith and I’m a writer. I just can’t stop making up stories. I invent characters, I plot away. It’s an addiction. Once in a while, when I collapse at my desk and realize I smell bad and the fridge is empty, I try to quit. I venture out into the real world. I meet friends, watch movies, travel… But when I see a keyboard, my fingers itch. I just can’t control myself. Friends watch out for me, drag me away, force me to have fun, but there’s always the point when I sneak back to my computer.

FIRST DUTY Trailer on You Gotta Read

Today (the 10th), my book trailer for First Duty, a YA SFR, is featured on the You Gotta Read Reviews Book Trailer contest.

Voting takes place between the 21st and 26th. I'll post a reminder then.

That is all. Except the trailer here, so you don't have to click clear over to YGR to see it. Of course, all my trailers are on my Youtube page at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MarvaDasef/videos

Ardyth DeBruyn Hosts a Minion - The Skrat

First on today's agenda: A review of Scotch Broom on Sue Perkins' review site.


Ardyth DeBruyn, leading expert on minions of evil lords, examines one of Cailleach's minions, the skrat.

About Ardyth (from her blog):

Ardyth DeBruyn is a native Oregonian with a restless nature and a degree in Anthropology. After hiking over 1500 miles across Europe and living on the Mexican border for a year, she settled back in the Pacific Northwest (for now) to write fantasy stories. She has decided she can type herself into adventures faster than walk. She has fiction published in a number of webzines and two children’s novels, ”Chosen Sister,” with Wild Child Publishing, and “A School for Villains.”

Sue Perkins Talks to Trees

Sue Perkins hosts a grove of rowan trees, which might not sound all that exciting for you, but it is for Kat.

About Sue (from her blog):

Hi, I'm Sue and I grew up in Devon, England. After our marriage my husband and I spent some years travelling the world before starting a family. In 1986 we emigrated to New Zealand and subsequently became New Zealand citizens. My children are now the world travellers while my husband and I live on a 3 acre property at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. I am a graphic artist for a local trade paper. My interests include writing, reading, genealogy and line dancing

Barbara Bockman Hosts a Vampire

All rise and show your respect to Glaistig, Scotland's resident vampire. She visits on Barbara Bockman's blog, Stories a la Mode.

About Barbara (from her blog):

I’ve always loved stories and the interesting way certain people have with words. So I majored in English and Library Science in college, and later, with a Master’s Degree in English, I taught my subject at Pensacola Junior College. Having long wanted to try my hand at it, I started writing stories for children.

Story ideas are all around me. One of the fun things about traveling is learning new facts and feeling the lives of people who lived in those exotic locales. I especially love folk tales and myths.

I also enjoy stories about contemporary children and situations. I like to turn them into mysteries. My family have been indulgent enough to allow me to write about them, as well.

I have benefited greatly by the help given to me by my fellow writers in two critique groups. THANKS! You know who you are!I’m hoping to make more friends through this blog. Please feel free to leave a comment and introduce yourself.

Shiny New Book Release Today

HAPPY RELEASE DAYS FOR SCOTCH BROOM
Now Available On Amazon Kindle

6th Visit Lorrie Struiff's Blog for another excerpt from Scotch Broom. Meet Merry, the b...witch who plagues Kat through her school years.

7th Glaistig, Scotland's resident vampire, visits on Barbara Bockman's blog.

8th Sue Perkins hosts a grove of rowan trees, which might not sound all that exciting for you, but it is for Kat.

9th Ardyth DeBruyn, leading expert on minions of evil lords, examines one of Cailleach's minions, the skrat.

10th Edith Parzefall and I chat about reading and writing fantasy amongst other topics.

SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of The Witches of Galdorheim

A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.

MuseItUp Publishing: http://tinyurl.com/ScotchBroomMGD

Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.

While dodging the goddess’s minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat's brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.
 
The giveaways begin. Leave a comment here to win a free copy of Bad Spelling, Midnight Oil, or this brand new book in the series, Scotch Broom.

Excerpt (Beginning of Chapter 1):
A Winter Abroad
 
Kat lay on her stomach, elbows bent, hands propping up her chin as she read 101 Spells for Household Maintenance. She had trouble focusing on the runes and vaguely wondered whether the last spell she read for unclogging drains called for a plumber or a plunger. Her eyelids kept drooping, and just before she fell asleep, Teddy, her bunny familiar, nudged her nose with his.

Her eyes popped open, and she sat up. “Thanks, buddy. Gotta ace this test tomorrow; then I’ll be free! Graduated and outta here on my first trip alone. I can hardly wait.”

Teddy twitched his nose. “Study.”

Kat heaved a sigh. “I know, I know.” She turned her attention back to the book.

A rap sounded on her door, and a muffled voice yelled, “Decent?”

“Yeah. Come on in.” Kat rolled onto her back and sat up.

Kat’s half-brother, Rune, pushed the door open. “You got albatross mail.” He shoved a dingy, string-tied package at her. “I think Sean should retire old Bosun. He poops on every package he carries these days.”

She took the small package between two fingers and held it over the wastebasket. As she pointed at the string, a tiny spark leapt the gap, cutting it.

Rune craned his neck to look over her shoulder. “What is it?”

“Hey, nosy. This is private.”

Rune grinned, exposing his pointed canines, an inheritance from his vampire father. “It’s another gift from Andy, isn’t it?”

Kat glared at her brother and then peeled the bird-pooped wrapping off. “A book. Well, I like books.” She opened it to the flyleaf to read the inscription: “To My Dearest Kat, Love Andy.”

Kat curled her lip. “I wish he’d stop sending me stuff.”

Rune took the book from her hand. “I think it’s rad he likes you so much. I never hear a word from Nadia.”

“So, how many times have you written to her?”

“Um...I sent a note a couple of months ago, but I didn’t get an answer.”

“You don’t know how lucky you are. I’ve been thinking about this a lot, Rune. We’re witches, well, half-witches, and Andy and Nadia are mundanes. We’re just too different.”

“You’ve got a point, I guess,” Rune answered, head bowed. “Still, I just felt like Nadia and I clicked.”

“Maybe it’ll work out for you guys, but Andy...well, I met him when I didn’t have any magic. Now, everything has changed. I’m powering up more every day. I might even beat you some time.”

Rune grinned. “I doubt that, Kat. I’ve got some vampire tricks you’ll never have.”

“I know, baby brother, but you can’t talk with animals.”

“Well, I, uh. Whatever.” Rune reached for the book again and examined the spine. The letters were too scratched to read. Flipping open to the title page, he let out a loud guffaw. “The Poems of Emily Dickinson! Man, that’s about the most useless thing I’ve ever seen.”

Kat snatched the book out of Rune’s hands. “It’s the thought that counts.” She went to her bookshelf and stuffed the book between Love Philtres and Captivating Potions.

* * * *

MuseItUp's Friday Releases

One of my books is on the April 6th release schedule and you'll be hearing plenty about that. I would like to bring the other books being released the same day as mine.

Nancy Rafter Bell presents Christmas Storm

All Michelle wants for Christmas is peace of mind. The only storm bigger than the one in her heart is the one raging across the Alberta prairie outside her window. Finding an injured stray dog is the last thing she needs. Add to the mixture the handsome new vet who is taking over her beloved Doc’s practice and peace of mind is not in the picture. Cale Benjamin is too nice to be for real. Michelle is still smarting from being jilted by her high school sweetheart fiancé and not in the mood to trust any man, let alone one as drop dead gorgeous as Dr. Cale Benjamin DVM. The injured stray, Storm keeps putting Michelle in Cale’s path whether she likes it or no. She is distressed to find that the handsome young vet is sliding past her carefully erected defenses and into her heart. A few well placed nudges from Doc’s match maker wife Mary help the young doctor’s cause, but will it be enough to make the lady rancher allow him into her life?

The answer lies in the pages of Christmas Storm, find out for yourself.
 
Jen Black Presents Reluctance
 

You’d think he’d be grateful when she saves him from drowning, but Jack is living in his own private hell after the death of his wife.
 
Frances thinks he’s a rude, insufferable idiot. When Holbrook arrives and dazzles the neighborhood with his glorious regimentals, Frances does not care for him, but her mother, dazzled by his looks, claims that he’s admirable husband material even if he is without funds. He thinks Frances is just the heiress for him.

Then the newspaper publishes an ugly letter that, without naming Frances, questions her recent actions and her reputation. Horrified, she believes Jack is the culprit and challenges him…

Elizabeth Coldwell Presents Make Mine a Double
 

ADULT CONTENT. Ronnie has a dull office job and no man in her life. Made to work late by her boss, she feels her Friday night has been ruined, until she steps into a bar she’s never seen before, Lacey’s Lamp. Its mysterious proprietor, Lacey Flowers, tells Ronnie she’s a genie who can grant the innermost desires of women. Persuaded to admit what she really wants is a threesome with two hot men, Ronnie doesn’t believe her wish will come true – until she bumps into her hunky neighbor, Luke, and his equally attractive brother, Jamie...
 
 
 
 
There. Now I feel better about devoting from the 6th onward to my new release, "Scotch Broom," the 3rd book in the Witches of Galdorheim series. Watch my blog for a full month of multiple authors blog swapping with teen reading material. Lots of giveaways and specials.

Let's Go to the Movies

Here's my trailer for my next book to be released APRIL 6TH. I'm ready to go with some kind of grand opening deal. In the meantime, have a look at the trailer for SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of the Witches of Galdorheim.