Monday, December 9, 2013

Christmas Mission / Dragon draws Bunnies / The Ghost of Aquinnah Blog-tour / Diamonds & Dust Release

Christmas Holidays have been my yearly nightmare for many centuries. December knew me as Grinch Scrooge dragon. Last year and out of love for a child, I decided to break the curse cast over Christmas. I was only 50% successful despite of my best effort. This year the Holidays promise to be twice as challenging and difficult than last year. I'm gearing up already. Actually I've been preparing myself since late November for this Mission: Impossible or Miracle: Possible.

I will need all of my patience, every ounce of dragon wisdom, my complete reserve of fortitude, skill and energy. I am praying to the Higher Powers for help. Some pure hearts are counting on my dragon magic and I don't want to fail them.

If the dragon could ask a Christmas gift from you, I sincerely ask for your prayers. Pray for peace in the house where I and my kin are gathering. Pray for safe trips for all of us who will be on the roads on difficult days. I don't like to travel on this season because people get crazier than usual, but dragon must do what dragon must do. Pray for safe arrivals and safe returns. I will be forever thankful.

After this week, my time online will be scarce so this is my last post of the year. Dragon and dwarves will return to the cave on January 8th.  Hopefully, I'll have a couple successful missions to report then.

But before I go off the grid, I give you something to entertain yourselves during my absence. First, I'll brag.

Finally, my not so secret wish to be interviewed by Tammy Theriault got to her ears! I have no idea how it happened. I also have no idea about any elf-disguised dwarves hidden on a tree near her home (or the overgrown red possum stalking from said tree.)

Anyway, I want to invite you to drop by Tammy's place and read Father Dragon's interview with this stunning lady. I am very impressed with her ability to come up with questions at the same time she swatted away suspicious conga dancing "elves". I guess they mistook her for Gloria Estefan.



If you haven't been interviewed by Tammy Theriault yet, what are you waiting for? It is really fun and a memorable experience. Check her blog and send her an e-mail. It's faster than stalking, take my word for it.

And now a ghost story to scare the dwarves into good behavior. I am honored to have Julie Flanders as my guest during December. This is part of the Blog Tour for her new book The Ghosts of Aquinnah. Be welcome, Julie. Best of luck for you and your book!
   

The Minot Lighthouse Ghosts

The Gay Head Lighthouse, which my great-great-grandfather was the keeper of in the 1800s, is located on the cliffs of Aquinnah on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. It plays a key role in my novel The Ghosts of Aquinnah, in both the present day story and the story which takes place in the 1880s.

I love lighthouses and Father Dragon tells me the dwarves love ghost stories, so I thought I would combine the two for this post. But before I get to the ghost story, let me say thank you to Father Dragon and to all the dwarves for hosting me here today! Your hospitality lives up to its legendary reputation and I'm so grateful for the warm welcome.


The Minot Light (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The ghost story I've come here to tell is about the Minot's Ledge Lighthouse, which sits approximately a mile off the coast of Cohasset, Massachusetts. Built to warn ships of the dangers of the submerged granite ledge of the same name, the lighthouse was constructed in the mid-1800s and rose 114 feet above the water.

From the time it began operating in 1850, the Minot's Ledge light was considered unsafe. Huge Atlantic waves that were nearly as tall as the lighthouse itself would crash down on it during storms. In the winter time, the doors and locks would freeze shut, trapping inhabitants inside or, much worse, outside.

On April 11, 1851, the lighthouse keeper went ashore and left two assistants named Joseph Antoine and Joseph Wilson behind to man the light in his absence. Shortly after, a terrific storm descended on Massachusetts, bringing torrential rain and fierce wind that lasted for days. On April 16, Cohasset residents were awakened in the middle of the night by the incessant ringing of the Minot's Ledge fog bell. The bell rang throughout the night and a rescue party was sent out to investigate the situation in the morning. But the party found nothing to investigate, as the lighthouse was gone, completely demolished by the towering waves and swept away into the sea.

In 1860 a new lighthouse was constructed and still stands today. But remnants of the original light and that terrible night in April appear to have remained at the site. Keepers reported strange knocking sounds in the lighthouse and stated that the fog bell would often begin ringing by itself for no reason. After the lighthouse became fully automated in the 20th century, numerous boaters have reported seeing two men hanging off the side of the lighthouse, apparently clinging to girders in spite of the fact that the current lighthouse has no girders.

Some of the boaters have stated that they have heard one of the ghostly men screaming in a language other than English. Joseph Antoine's first language was Portuguese.



Blurb:

A brilliant flash of light transcends through time.

Another freezes a cloaked figure within a frame of salty mist as waves crash against a rocky shore. Her harrowing expression shadows the beacon to a pinprick. 

By the next blaze, she is gone. Only the lighthouse remains.

Hannah’s eyes blink in step with each heartbeat. Images of her deceased parents and Martha’s Vineyard explode like firecrackers inside her mind.

She shakes her head. 

For weeks this eerie woman dressed in nineteenth century garb has been haunting my webcam, but tonight she stared into my soul. 

Why? ...

Who is she? ...

Casting aside months of research on historic lighthouses, Hannah drives to the coast and boards a ferry. 

What is the strange connection she has to this mysterious woman suspended in time?

Hannah finds out. 

But, it’s not at all what she expects...

Hannah unravels a century old murder.

Buy The Ghosts of Aquinnah:  Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords ~ Ink Smith Store

About Julie:


Julie Flanders is a novelist and freelance writer in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a life-long love affair with the ocean and has spent more summer vacations than she can count on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. When not writing, Julie can be found playing with her pets, reading, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and watching too much television. The Ghosts of Aquinnah is Julie’s second novel. Her debut novel Polar Night was released in February, 2013 by Ink Smith Publishing.



Find Julie at: 

It's Launch Day!

Diamonds and Dust

by River Fairchild
Book 1 of the Jewels of Chandra series

Magic is real. So is betrayal.
Two heirs. A Kingdom of dust on a troubled world. One might resurrect it. One might destroy it all.

Archaeologist David Alexander investigates the cave where his father disappeared and hurtles into another world, one filled with magic and bizarre creatures. The mad ravings in his father's journals of icemen and dragons may not be fantasies after all.

Buy it here:


About the author:

River Fairchild is somewhat odd, brandishes a dry sense of humor, owned by several cats. Lives in a fantasy world. A fabricator of magic. Makes stuff up and spins tales about it. Believes in Faerie crossings and never staying in one place for very long. Speculative Fiction wordsmith. The secret to her stories? Spread lies, blend in truths, add a pinch of snark and a dash of tears. Escape into her world. She left the porch light on so you can find your way down the rabbit hole.
Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon /



Dragon and dwarves wish both Julie and River success with their wonderful books. We also wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you have peace, light and love in your hearts, for they are the source of all blessings. Take care, my friends. See you next year!

63 comments:

  1. Christmas is a difficult time for many of us (including me) for a variety of reasons. The expectations are huge, and losses/gaps in families keenly felt.
    You, and everyone else have all the positve wishes I can muster (and I muster well) for safety, for peace, for happiness.
    I have already been severely tempted by both of the new releases you have featured in this post. Very severely tempted.
    You will be missed until you return - safe and happy holidays.
    Off to see that interview now.
    Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to read Julie's book yet but I hope soon enough, I'll get it. Yes, Christmas is always a difficult time.Thanks for the positive wishes!! Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
  2. Wishing you peace ad happiness over the holidays, Al. See you back in the cave next year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. NORM !!!

    (If you know the show CHEERS, you will understand when I say that I am glad to see you, even if I got your name "wrong," Al :)

    Have yourself a very Merry Christmas - and to all the Diaz Dragons :)

    PS: You certainly have my prayers coming your way :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can always count on you, my friend. Although you'll have to explain me about the Cheers thing. Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
  4. I hear ghostly screaming in any language, I'm out of there!
    Congratulations to River.
    And many prayers for you, my dear dragon friend. I will miss you this next month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you, I'd be out of there too. :)

      Delete
    2. :) That was indeed a spooky story. Thanks for your prayers, Alex. They're welcome!

      Delete
  5. Holidays should be called holly-daze... it's sometimes so consuming and it's better to tackle it to the ground. All the best to you, I look forward to your next adventure...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Holly-daze, hahahaha. Once again you nailed it! My best to you too!

      Delete
  6. That ghost story gave me chills.

    Praying for you, Al.

    ReplyDelete
  7. We will all miss you dear Dragon. I hope your travels will be safe and your arrivals filled with joy. I love Christmas and wish you the very best during this season and I hope you will have good health from now forward.

    Loved the ghost story, good luck with the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I'll miss you, grandmother. Thank you. :) My best wishes to you and your loved ones. Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
  8. Thanks again for featuring me here, Al! And I am sending you tons of hugs and good wishes for Christmas. I know the holidays can be very stressful sometimes and I hope you are able to get through them without too much stress and pressure.

    And congrats to River and to you for your interview at Tammy's place. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I spend a few hours yesterday looking for pictures of the Minot Lighthouse. We really loved that story. We shall invite you more often, hahaha. Thank you, Julie! Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
  9. Thank you for featuring my book, Al! And Julie tells fine ghostly tales, doesn't she? I didn't realize the dwarves could be scared into good behavior...are you sure? ;)
    My toasty-warm thoughts will be with you during the holidays, Father Dragon. That is a rather tight tangle of Christmas lights you've gotten yourself wound into...
    Off to read your interview at Tammy's. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like my tales. :D Congrats again!

      Delete
    2. Yes, River, dwarves can be scared into good behavior. You just have to pick the right tales to tell them, hahaha. Thanks a lot and plenty of dragon hugs!

      Delete
  10. You are highlighting some of my favorite authors today! All blessings to you over the holidays. May it be a time of celebration and delight and may all the yukky stuff stay away. SHs to carry you through.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lots of blessings to you too, my dearest friend. I will pack my SH and take them with me! Dragon SH for you!

      Delete
  11. Congratulations to Julie! That was a neat ghost story. I think I've seen that lighthouse on one of the Ghost Hunter shows.

    You are a brave soul to have an interview with Tammy, Father Dragon. I barely survived my meeting with her! My thoughts are with you throughout the holidays. It can be incredibly stressful time of year. Hugs for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was really fun, Christine. So much my dwarves want to get interviewed as well, but after their show, i don't think they'll get invited, hahaha. Thanks a lot!

      Delete
    2. those dwarves are still in a time out, Al. :)~~

      Delete
  12. My prayers are with you master Dragon! here's hoping for an uneventful holiday season, as calm and as comforting as it can be.

    And to Julie: what a spooky story! Totally gave me chills. Have your family history so deepely steeped in the history of the island must make all the associated ghost stories that much more exciting for you. I'm working on my reading list and deciding what needs to be read first- your story is high on the list! Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Beverly. Enjoy the holidays and Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
  13. Congrats River C! If I see any ghosts shouting Portuguese near that light house I'm out of there. First I need a passport and to actually learn a single word of the language. Nice scary story Julie I'm sure the dwarfs loved it and this was a great tour stop. Many prayers to your success in all things Father Dragon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I would most likely flee as well. I just can't stop thinking about how it would be, hehe. Thanks a lot for the prayers. :D

      Delete
  14. A great and very full last post of the year! I'll send all my best thoughts for a harmonious gathering in the dragon cave. May you and the dwarves have joy and peace and lots of good stuff to taste. My best to you and yours this season and always. I'm sending some special Dragon Scale Salve just in case you need something soothing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for the length. It was meant to be reading material for a month, hahaha. May you have a great holiday season, C. Lee. And I am sure I will need that Salve, thanks for thinking on that. :) Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
  15. Having some trouble replying to individual comments now so let me just say thank you Christine, Bev, and Sheena-kay! And thank you again for hosting me, Al. Many hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Have a wonderful and safe holiday, Father Dragon! I send you oodles of good wishes.

    That's a creepy story, Julie.

    You all should read her new book, it's fantastic.

    Woo hoo for our very talented River. Looking forward to reading her latest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot for the good wishes. We all wish you lots of blessings, Mary. Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the book plug, Mary! You rock. :)

      Delete
  17. Hope you have a good break, see you in the new year!

    mood

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure. Thank you and Happy Holidays, Moody!

      Delete
  18. Eek! Scary story, Julie. I can't imagine how those poor lighthouse keepers felt as the building disintegrated around them.
    Congrats to River on her new book! :-)
    Keeping you in my thoughts, Al, and crossing my fingers that all goes well this holiday season. Have a good, safe, and peaceful Christmas and New Year. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do hope you enjoy your Holidays as well. I appreciate all that good vibe. I know it will make a difference. Dragon hugs!!

      Delete
    2. Lexa, I know, it must have been terrifying. I second your EEK!

      Delete
  19. Very spooky story Julie! What a great lead in to The Ghosts of Aquinnah! Congrats to River! Father Dragon, Looking forward to your interview over at Tammy's. Have a merry Christmas, and a very happy and HEALTHY New Year! I'll be sending lots of good thoughts your way!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Julie! Yes, yes, very healthy for everybody. Thank you very much for that. Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
    2. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Julie, thank you!

      Delete
  20. Well Al, that was a fully packed last post :) I hope all your travel and Christmas plans work out. That little dragon is sooo adorable; I just want to tickle his tummy, lol.

    Julie's books sounds spooky; I love ghost stories.

    ......dhole

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A bit long, uh? :) Hahaha, adorable dragons are the perfect dragons for this season. Thanks for the good wishes, Donna. Take good care of yourself. Plenty of dragon hugs!

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Donna! I love ghost stories too.

      Delete
  21. I hope for all the best in your end-of-years trials and joys Al. I've seen the promos for that book all this week. It looks very cool.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Al, I will be praying for your safe arrival and return. Look after yourself.

    Btw, that dragon looks more cute than fierce.

    Wishing you Merry Christmas in advance. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Merry Christmas to you too, Rachna. Lots and lots of dragon hugs!

      Delete
  23. Al, I hope I'm not too late to wish you a Feliz Navidad. I'm doing the same...wrote a post about PBC and am taking the rest of the year off until the 8th.

    Many prayers that you survive the holidays!

    M.L. Swift, Writer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Never too late, Mike. Never too late. I read your post and I think it's a good idea. Well, there might just be a little sign from us before that. ;) Thanks and hugs!

      Delete
  24. Safe travels and peace during family gatherings. Yeah, that's a worthwhile prayer. I'm especially praying for you and the dwarves to have a safe, peaceful, and maybe even a little merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, LD. We all send you good wishes and plenty of hugs for this Holidays! :)

      Delete
  25. Happy Holidays, Father Dragon, peace and love sent your way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And to you too, Yolanda! I just uploaded your beautiful poem and it is now in my Special Stuff page. I don't get tired to read it. :D Thank you very much. Dragon Hugs!

      Delete
  26. Hi Al - I'll be thinking of you over the Christmas period .. always a few challenges with family. I'd disappear further into my cave and read books .. sneak out for a tongue taste .. dragons and their helpers need foddering ..

    Have a happy festive season ... we'll see you around ... cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  27. Greeting my Father Dragon friend,

    I'm terribly late in finally getting here. Such is the life of a celebrity. It's most good of you to make mention of our writing friends. And you, good friend, are in the magical thoughts of the wee folks, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar, my son, Tristan, and yes, my humble self, Gary.

    A peaceful, positive holiday season to you and all your loved ones.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete