tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14776110383431947272024-03-18T22:38:56.465-05:00Hen PeckingRM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-10415986520675664322012-03-19T13:23:00.001-05:002012-03-19T13:23:18.730-05:00Moving the BlogThe time has come to move to greener pastures. So I will no longer be updating this site. You can go directly to my <a href="http://www.rosabrand.com/" target="_blank">website</a> to get the latest and greatest. I'll maintain this blog feed there, but eventually it'll go all the way of the earth.<br />
<br />
Thanks for following me here and I look forward to seeing you at my new <a href="http://rosabrand.net/the-blog/" target="_blank">home</a>.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-26280394227434556982012-03-09T10:48:00.000-06:002012-03-14T15:40:18.534-05:00Mirror Song: Chapter Three<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI5FmfsugAVxvV84DNkIsMdyX2Qq3TW38r5HrISLJnnhts5rG9vfzZlQI2ROiWmnylME0RG66LwpaeZ1my4ycQNRm0YQKv4EvTbvGID_0mjh2z5NG9kEPvK0qUt_Mr2jc9zasm93qynE/s1600/Mirror+Song+Cover+%2528Med%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI5FmfsugAVxvV84DNkIsMdyX2Qq3TW38r5HrISLJnnhts5rG9vfzZlQI2ROiWmnylME0RG66LwpaeZ1my4ycQNRm0YQKv4EvTbvGID_0mjh2z5NG9kEPvK0qUt_Mr2jc9zasm93qynE/s200/Mirror+Song+Cover+%2528Med%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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Queyanna was already inspecting the horses when Rhiona
approached the group. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona sensed the horse’s apprehension. She reached out to
him and gently stroked his face. Her inner-song also reached out and touched
his. The notes blended in a song of tranquility, where the meadows were green
and the grasses sweet. It soothed the beast. Within moments, the gelding
relaxed under her touch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Queyanna was
doing the same thing to a cream drafts hitched to the wagon. Her daughter also
had the gift to speak with horses, a long standing tradition in their family.
She felt pride at knowing her daughter was so proficient at it, maybe even more
so than her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona noticed Ean watching them, though mostly watching
her. She showed him her back as she joined Queyanna in soothing the other
horses. The rest of the Fostering Group continued to pack the wagon and tie
their bags to their respective saddles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Once everyone was ready, Rhiona offered a few words. “We
are about to embark on a new mission, one more dangerous than previously
thought.” A brief glance at Ean was enough to explain why. “The people of this
world do not realize the threat they pose on themselves and their world as they
stretch the limits of their Order and Chaos magics. It will be up to us to
teach them to curve their appetite for one or the other to achieve a balance.
In that, I hope they will understand the benefits and let go of their
traditions to embrace new ones. We must be their example in everything we do.
Our inner-song must be strong that they may blend with theirs to show them a
better way to live. In so doing, we will release their dependence on such
corrosive magic-practices that they may become something more. Hopefully, this
will entice them to accept their greatest potential as a people and a world and
embrace Transcendence. Doing this will cause us to expand our own measure and
grow stronger in Harmony.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She looked at the younger faces surrounding her—those who
had only a few missions under their belt versus those only beginning their
calling as a soldier of Harmony. There was so much potential in each of them,
just as there was potential for this world to achieve Transcendence. “I won’t
lie to you and tell you this will be easy. In fact, it will try you more than
anything else ever has. But the rewards when your charges accept harmony into
their lives will outweigh everything else. You will experience a fullness of
heart and know your struggles and trials were well worth the effort. So prepare
yourselves for the challenges ahead, but never lose hope. Keep your eyes
focused to the skies and remember you are part of a great universal
consciousness. You are one with Harmony.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The little speech seemed to bolster the Fostering Group’s
mood, as she had hoped. Such speeches were common when embarking on a new
mission, but not always effective. Thankfully, this one was. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ean stood nearby with arms crossed. Despite putting him on
the spot during the speech, he was gracious enough to help her up onto the
wagon bench. However, he gave her backside a good smack before it hit the seat,
which caught the attention of several people in the Fostering Group. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She scowled up at him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He jumped down and walked away with a smirk. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The edge to her anger faded when she watched him help the
other men load the last items onto the wagon. Under the blazing sun, he began
to sweat immediately which made his tunic cling to his muscular form. She found
herself envying that tunic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Queyanna wiped her forehead with her handkerchief and
mounted an elegant brown. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He climbed over to the wagon bench and grabbed the reins.
“It’s not as comfortable as a coach, but I have plenty of water and the cooler
prairie lands are not far.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona edged over in the bench to give him room, feeling
like a young maiden once more. The glance he gave her told her he was looking
forward to this as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Their brief reverie was interrupted when Queyanna
injected, “I’ll drive.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Before either Rhiona or Ean could object, her daughter was
off the brown and stepping onto the wagon. Rhiona had hoped that after all
these years her daughter would accept their relationship. Clearly, she had not
and it wasn’t just because it was against the rules. Queyanna didn’t approve of
Ean. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Queyanna handed him the reins to the brown. “You can ride
this one, <i>Scout.</i>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Irritation punctuated each inflection of his words when he
replied, “Yes, Admiral.” He jumped down and mounted the brown. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Queyanna did love her uncle, but there was the past she
wouldn’t let go of. Rhiona didn’t understand why her daughter held onto the
past with such determination. Queyanna’s father had done terrible things to
both of them, but that didn’t mean her daughter was defined by it. There was so
much potential there, but Queyanna didn’t see it. Like her father, she was a
perfectionist. Failure wasn’t an option. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona regularly reminded Queyanna to be patient and kind
to herself. These were traits important to have if she were to ever become an
ambassador like her. But it didn’t seem to matter. Her daughter had her own way
of doing things, things that got her into trouble. Rhiona tried not to think of
that, as well as the intergalactic professorship she had forfeited in order to
save Queyanna from a terrible situation that changed both of their lives. She
didn’t mind helping her daughter, but her life seemed like one long string of
sacrifices where she got the short end of the stick. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ean’s expression was stoic, but under that reserve she
could see the regret. He adored Queyanna, had spoiled her when she was a child,
and gave her all his attention whenever he was at home between missions. And
she seemed to adore her uncle as well. There were even times when all was quiet
and the three of them sat together under the stars that their inner-songs
blended so well one would think they were a family and that Ean was the
patriarch. But sadly, he wasn’t. That time of bliss ended abruptly too, when <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Markham</st1:city></st1:place> appeared and saw
how close his brother had gotten to his family. His jealousy tore the family
apart and further scarred Ean who then withdrew from society and gave himself
entirely to his work to the point of being a recluse. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Queyanna’s chiding voice cut through her thoughts,
speaking in her mind. <i>“Mama, this is the last place you and Uncle Ean should
be reminiscing</i>.<i>”</i> Her expression remained impassive, but the tone of
her thoughts to her mother cut deep. <i>“Someone is bound to have noticed the</i>
<i>portal-jump variance, and I don’t want our hosts suspecting any romantic
ties between you and Uncle Ean. They will claim subterfuge, like Gelone.” </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rhiona felt her face flush. <i>“Gelone was the direct
result of a corrupt politician wanting to use Harmony Magic to gain an
advantage over his rival. It had nothing to do with my relationship with Ean.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Queyanna argued, <i>“We can’t afford another mistake,
Mama. This Fostering Group is already getting too much flack for our low effective
rate. If we don’t return with a Recommendation for Transcendence for this
planet, my days as a Fosterer will be over and your reputation will be in a
sink hole.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona shot Queyanna a glare. <i>“You think I don’t know
that? I wasn’t just hatched yesterday.”</i> Her daughter was about to say
something, but stopped her by declaring, “We better move on before we
experience more discord from the warring factions.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
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Ean nodded, nudged his horse and took the lead. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The entire entourage rode across red rocky terrain where
the dirt was dry and hard for hours. Canyon after canyon, it all looked the
same. Rhiona had never liked the desert, unlike Ean who found it fascinating.
It amazed her how they could be such opposites and yet love each other so
passionately. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The sun bore down on her, enough that her robes became a
second skin. The red rocks and sand eventually gave way to sage and prairie
grasses. When they reached a stream, they stopped. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ean dismounted and then helped Rhiona down. He handed her
a clean handkerchief, which she made good use of around her neck and on her
face. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The rest of the Fostering Group took the opportunity to
let their horses drink from the stream and to spread out some food for lunch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona handed the handkerchief back to Ean. “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He winked and untied his canteen that he then handed to
her. “Drink this.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She also hadn’t noticed how dry her mouth had gotten.
Gladly, she accepted the canteen and took several long pulls of the clean harmonized
water. Even as it touched her lips, she felt her body renewed. “How is it that
you know what I need exactly when I need it?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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With a lopsided smile, he leaned close and whispered,
“Because I take care of my baby.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
His bravado made her chuckle. She handed him the canteen,
which he accepted and drank from as well. Watching him retie the canteen to his
saddle, she realized he was right. He had always taken care of her. Even when
he wasn’t around he made sure she was cared for. She might feel lonely for him
or resented the fact he loved his work at times more than her, but he almost
never failed to be there when she needed him. Almost. The one time she needed
him most, he was gone. But it was her fault, after all. She was the one who had
abandoned him first. A question burned in her mind, one she had to voice. “Why
did I ever let you go?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The question caught him off guard. He paused at the
saddle, thought for a bit and then asked in a low voice, “Does it matter now?”
He rested his hand on the saddle and turned to her. “I could blame my brother
for going to the High Council to petition them to switch our link from me to
him, but I won’t. I could blame the Council for trying to manipulate me into
giving up my work with technology without magic, but I won’t. I could even
blame you for not believing in me, but I won’t. The truth is it doesn’t matter
anymore. Our souls merged once, and I still carry that with me, but that is in
the past.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Her eyes burned. Didn’t he realize she did believe in him
now? “So all this flirting is just a passing fancy?” Bitterly, she added, “You
know what? Don’t answer that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She turned to walk away, but he grabbed her hand and
pulled her close, completely disregarding protocols. Typical Ean. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“It’s more than that and you know it,” he said for only
her to hear. “I love you, that hasn’t changed. What I meant was that I can’t
change the past. I can only look to the future.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“And what future is that?” She looked up at him, afraid of
the answer but needing it anyway. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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His features softened as he touched her face. “A future
where no one will ever question my claim to you and you will be mine and only
mine.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The blatant declaration was shocking and insolent, as well
as exciting. “Truly? This is what you wish for?” she whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
His fingers ran along her jaw to her lips. He leaned
closer, his eyes half closed, as though preparing for a kiss. He stopped short
of her mouth and breathed, “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She could almost taste him through that warm rush of air,
even feel his tongue probing and exploring her mouth. She wanted it, needed
it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Ambassador Rhiona!” Queyanna called from the wagon.
“Whenever you’re ready, we can depart.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The intrusion broke the trance. It angered Rhiona enough
that she was ready to quit the mission, drag Ean back home to have her way with
him and scream ‘to hell’ with her daughter’s objections. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Just then another rippling set of discordant flats
undulated through the ground, this time stronger. Then they heard the
screeching sharps filling the air with such intensity that the world seemed to
lurch back and forth. The crashing of magic from Order probes and Chaos scries
threatened to pummel the Fostering Group with discord. These magics were being
sent by the warring factions to investigate the magic rifts caused by the Fostering
Group’s portal-jump into this world. With each passing, excruciating moment,
Rhiona felt her body weaken. Her legs gave out under her and she grabbed for
Ean’s tunic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
A single Chaos scry was easy enough to contend with, as it
wasn’t as invasive as an Order probe, but together they were destructive to the
point that a Harmonic could go mad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ean held her against him firmly, his feet rooted to the
ground. Somehow he had managed to learn how to survive such onslaughts
virtually unscathed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
There was the slightest of adjustments in her inner-song,
something she hadn’t done herself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She looked up at his face where the strain of his efforts
was plainly evident. Even so, he remained in control and through him she was
able to withstand the rest with no further negative effect. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The music she heard within was familiar, patient and
gentle, yet unyielding. It was a portion of Ean’s inner-song, masculine and
true. And it strengthened hers to where she could stand on her own again.
Looking around to the others in the group, she realized they too had been
touched by his inner-song and were staring at him with dismay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She turned back to him and blinked. “How…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
He bent down and kissed her passionately in answer.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-82935992647978213922012-03-02T10:35:00.001-06:002012-03-02T10:36:24.776-06:00Mirror Song: Chapter Two<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI5FmfsugAVxvV84DNkIsMdyX2Qq3TW38r5HrISLJnnhts5rG9vfzZlQI2ROiWmnylME0RG66LwpaeZ1my4ycQNRm0YQKv4EvTbvGID_0mjh2z5NG9kEPvK0qUt_Mr2jc9zasm93qynE/s1600/Mirror+Song+Cover+%2528Med%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI5FmfsugAVxvV84DNkIsMdyX2Qq3TW38r5HrISLJnnhts5rG9vfzZlQI2ROiWmnylME0RG66LwpaeZ1my4ycQNRm0YQKv4EvTbvGID_0mjh2z5NG9kEPvK0qUt_Mr2jc9zasm93qynE/s200/Mirror+Song+Cover+%2528Med%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Rhiona’s eyes scanned the desert landscape. She didn’t
know quite what to make of it. Most of the vegetation was dying. There was an
element of beauty hidden beneath the sands, as though a verdant paradise had
been locked away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She heard the sharp notes of the landscape’s music, along
with the flat notes rumbling deep in the earth. The chords swelling in the sky
competed with the thunderous drums below. The sound grated against her nerves,
yet through the discord there was promise. Each set of chords was good, strong
and vibrant. With a little help, the earth and heavens could align and generate
a magnificent symphony. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
It was as Ean had mentioned in his report—Printia had
potential for Harmony. The question remained whether the people were ready. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
There was no discernible path to civilization from where
she stood. For all practical purposes, they were in the middle of nowhere.
There was no reception, no entourage, and no opposition. This was discouraging.
If this world was as eager for Harmony as Ean had reported, there should have
been more interest than this. Instead, there was only sand and rock. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The group was sitting at the bottom of a wide canyon. Only
a dried riverbed offered some direction to follow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona coughed. Her throat was getting dry in this
wasteland and the discord in the world wasn’t helping matters either. It was
irritating her Inner-Song, the music unique within all beings, forcing her to
consciously harmonize within to keep from becoming as discordant as this world.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona turned to Ean who was standing next to Queyanna.
When he saw her, a lopsided smile formed on his lips. There was a contemptuous
reply in her expression, one that held no smile. The longing was still
there—the need to feel his arms around her and kissing her softly as he had
years ago. But she could not indulge in such frivolity. She was on a mission,
both sacred and practical. Still, that mouth of his… The things he used to do
with it still made her hunger. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
His smile widened. The man knew what she was thinking.
Damn him! She could hide nothing from him, especially her desire. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Her eyes moved away from him with casual indifference. She
knew what that look would do to him and she relished how it tortured him. He
wanted her as badly as she wanted him and she was going to make him suffer,
just as he was torturing her with that knowing gleam in his eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ean was the only man she had ever truly loved. Had her
office been that of a simple sergeant, she would have foregone propriety and
kissed him on the spot. Perhaps she should shock him by doing it anyway, and
shock the entire group while she was at it. But she was an Ambassador. Such
gestures of impropriety were forbidden. Then again, she wasn’t much for playing
it by the rules. Of course, that’s what got her in trouble in the first place.
And her daughter, Queyanna, had inherited her rebellious nature. Given all that
had happened to her in recent years, it was best that Rhiona display nothing
but the best example for her. Giving into temptation never served either of
them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona approached Ean. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He bowed with an effortless sweep, reached for her hand
and pressed his lips to it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She managed to maintain an implacable expression, though
her mind went wild imaging where that mouth could be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Welcome to Printia, Ambassador Rhiona,” he offered in a
deep baritone voice. His thumb stroked the back of her hand. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She inclined her head in a proper greeting. “Thank you,
Scout.” Her inner-chords betrayed her for only a second, releasing a light
series of notes that blended with his Inner-Song, revealing their mutual
affection. She cleared her throat while taking control of her faculties once
more and pulled away. “Where is everyone? Why isn’t there a receiving party?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He rested his hands behind him. “As I mentioned to your
daughter, the Admiral<i>,</i> the mounts and wagon are beyond those rocks
here.” He indicated a nearby ridge. “It was thought best to keep this as quiet
as possible, given Bryhton’s recent actions against Lenkinar in their
subversion efforts. This spot was chosen as the best portal site, where no one
would think to travel.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona saw that Queyanna was leading the group down the
dried riverbed. When she turned back to Ean, his face was but a few inches from
hers. She did not move as he leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Shall we
join them or would you prefer to remain here for a time?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The feel of his breath against her skin and the warmth of
his body so close to her brought her back to the moment he first kissed her.
Back then, they had been surrounded by pine trees and stood at the crest of
rocks near a waterfall. He had made her beg for the kiss. And she recalled how
desperately she had begged him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Her eyes were watching his lips, feeling the inexhaustible
need rising within. They were so close, she thought. So close that all she had
to do was lean over and their lips would meet. How she had relished that kiss
when he had given it to her. It was long and sensual, teasing and provocative,
hungry yet controlled. Heavens, how she wanted him to kiss her now as he had
then! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“Yes,” she breathed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
A mischievous grin formed on his lips. His voice was low
and sensual. “Yes what, Baby?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Hearing the familiar endearment after so many years
brought the ache back in her chest. At one time she had hated him calling her
that, but now she couldn’t imagine living without hearing it. The man was
insufferable, knew how to tempt her, but he wasn’t a fool either. He knew as
well as she did that they couldn’t afford breaking the rules. Not now,
especially given all that had happened to Queyanna. And neither of them dared
talk about that openly either. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ean was more than a scout in harmonic society. He was a
respected medic, renowned for his cures even for the most discordant patients.
He used to travel often throughout the universe lecturing on herbs and other
medicinal therapies. As a professional, he earned a long list of commendations
for his work in particularly discordant planets. His reputation led him to
receive the highest honor a Harmonic could hope for—the Song of Valor. Yet,
despite such notoriety, he had chosen this job over more lucrative and
illustrious positions in The High Seat, which was the central government of all
harmonic civilization. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She wanted to believe he did it to be near her, but he had
kept his distance from her for a very long time…until now. It was curious that
he suddenly had an interest in her again, given his adamant wish that they not
work together again. But he had requested her specifically for this assignment.
What was he planning? Revenge? If so,
could she blame him given what she had done to him years ago? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona shook her head. “No…I mean…yes…we should follow
them.” And quickly she started towards the Fostering Group.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ean followed easily, his legs moving as though she weren’t
racing towards the group. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She cleared her throat and congratulated herself for
managing a professional tone as she said, “I am most intrigued by the mention
of the balance mages in your report. Why aren’t we working with them?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ean offered his arm to her. “The terrain is rough through
here. It would be best if you allowed me to assist you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She hesitated a moment, pondering the wisdom of touching
him again, but then accepted it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The gleam returned to his eyes as he walked with her like
a dignitary escorting his consort. “To answer your question, I would have
invited the balance mages if I knew where to look. Unfortunately, they have
remained aloof with the rest of the world. And perhaps, it is better for them.
There are rumors that they reside in an island south of Tervelvan, but the
waters to travel there are traitorous. Those who have ventured there are not
heard from again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She stopped, aghast. “Do you suspect foul play?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
His brows wrinkled in thought. “I don’t think so. There is
magic involved, of that I am sure. However, given the geological history of
that area I would suspect something natural over something deliberate or
nefarious. It could be a triangular anomaly, as we’ve seen in other worlds.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“That could be why they settled there, using it as a
natural defense in order to remain hidden,” she thought aloud. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He nodded. “That is what I surmised.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Her eyes idly traced the shape of his lips, realizing too
late the effect it was having on her. She watched as the corner of his mouth
curled into that incorrigible lopsided grin again. When the tip of his tongue
ran along his upper lip, she practically melted into his arms. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He chuckled, clearly relishing her torment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Her eyes narrowed at him. She wanted to punch him in the
face as much as she wanted to kiss him. Instead, she spun around and marched
around the bend of rocks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Behind her, Ean laughed openly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Below in a canyon was a small team of horses hitched to a
long wagon. Approximately, half a score of horses were nearby, tied to various
blackened gnarled trees. There was a young man offering water to one of the
mounts. The fair young man looked to be in his late teens, his face dotted with
freckles. Despite the youthful appearance, there was intelligence in his
expression. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The fostering group was approaching the young man when
suddenly a tremor erupted from the east, bearing the heavy flat notes of chaos.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
It brought Rhiona to her knees, making every bone in her
body vibrate with pain. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
In that instant, a gust of wind slashed across the sky
above with a sound of screeching sharps. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She covered her ears, but nothing could spare her the
onslaught of violent discord that followed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Both the earth and the skies shook from the clashing of
magic between order and chaos, felt by the Harmonics as waves of earthquakes
that shook them down to their bones. They all fell as Rhiona had, struggling
against the pain that undulated through them from the two warring magics. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Surprisingly, Ean stood not far from her with his legs
spread apart, riding the tremors as though his feet were rooted deep into the
earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
When the shaking ebbed, he scooped her up into his arms
and helped her to her feet. He kept his arms around her to steady her and
gently brushed the dirt off her cheeks with his fingers. “I’ve got you, Baby.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She met his gaze, horrified. “What was that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“The war between Lenkinar and Bryhton has escalated,” he
said as he brushed the dirt off her robe. “The order and chaos mages send
powerful spells against one another in an effort to weaken one another’s
forces.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She pushed his hand away. “They’ll destroy this planet if
they keep that up!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He helped her get her footing back and stepped away. “I
know.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You should have mentioned this in your report, Ean,” she
chided. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
His jaw tightened. “I have reason to believe it can be
stopped.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rhiona closed her eyes, trying to regain some harmony
despite being so jarred by the experience and by Ean’s antics. It took a
minute, but she removed the discord from within her and brought some semblance
of harmony back to her Inner-Song. Afterwards, she turned to him and ordered,
“You will not keep secrets from me, scout. If the council had known this they
would not have approved these intervention measures.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He hooked his hands on his hips and shook his head. “Rules
and regulations. That’s all you ever think about, not the people involved or
the potential lost. You haven’t changed a bit.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Those words pierced like a knife. He wasn’t talking about
her devotion to protocol. This was about what she had done to him years ago,
how she had ruined him with a simple declaration. But she wouldn’t have done it
if he had followed the rules. That was his problem. The man lived to go against
the grain, to find new ways to bend the rules and get away with it. In her
youth, she thought it was exciting until she had to try to find a place in his
wild life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Normal was not in his sphere of existence. Their passion
had been great, but the nights alone wondering where he was and waiting for
years with no word left her depressed and dejected. In the end, she chose what
she thought was the right thing for both of them. She had no idea that instead
it would almost destroy him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She gestured to her team who were still struggling from
the after effects of the earthquakes. “What of them? Do they not count as
‘people’ too or are they to be fodder for your whims?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He lifted his hand. “Enough. I will not argue with you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“You will follow my orders, scout,” she stated tersely.
“This is my mission and only I am the representative of Harmonic society to
these people. You will report <i>all </i>facts you have gathered about this
planet to me. Do I make myself clear?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He looked at her squarely as anger smoldered in his eyes.
“Yes, Ambassador. Shall I make arrangement for your return to Adrane?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Adrane was the capital planet of the Harmonic Galactic
Society and the first place she would want to go to report his behavior and
have him removed from his job. He was testing her to see how far she would take
this little battle. It wouldn’t be the first time she met with The High Seat to
report against him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
As much as she wanted to remind him who was in charge, she
also loved him still. Very much. She shook her head. “I will lead the efforts
to introduce Harmony into Lenkinar’s society, but they must prove themselves
worthy of it. It is clear this world has not been prepared adequately for the
conversion. Which means I will not only have to do part of your job teaching
them about harmony, I will have to find ways to guide them away from using
order magic with such reckless abandon.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He stepped closer to her, the discord of his anger
reaching into her trying to take control of her Inner-Song. “I will introduce
you to Lenkinar’s society and you will follow my lead before you make any
judgment against them. I have lived among them. I know their ways. You do not.
I have good reason to believe that Printia can be saved and already explained
all that needs to be known to The High Seat. They agreed with my assessment
that Printia has the potential of becoming part of Harmonic civilization. You
don’t have to believe me, but you do have your orders by The High Seat to work
closely with me. If you meddle in Lenkinar’s affairs and attempt to sabotage or
disrupt their development in harmony, I can and will have you removed from this
assignment. Do <i>I</i> make myself clear?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Ean rarely got this angry or excited about anything.
Whatever caused him to be so vehement in his defense meant it was important.
That she couldn’t deny him. However, if he wasn’t so damn close to her
grandmother, the High Priestess in The High Seat, she would have cut him down
to size. Her grandmother adored Ean and truly believed he was the one who would
sire the prophesied Promised One who would bring harmony to the universe. But
Rhiona ended that opportunity when she rejected Ean and took his brother as her
mate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Rather than fight, she replied, “Quite.” <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
A weary chuckle escaped his lips. “You are still such a
prima donna.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
She felt the rush of discordant chords of anger flush her
face. “And you’re still a lecherous brute.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He leaned close to her and winked. “Only with you, Baby.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
“I will not dignify that with a response,” she growled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
He grinned. “You already have.” Again, he winked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
That bastard!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-69302923462099655042012-02-24T13:48:00.000-06:002012-02-25T11:53:42.164-06:00Mirror Song: Chapter One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI5FmfsugAVxvV84DNkIsMdyX2Qq3TW38r5HrISLJnnhts5rG9vfzZlQI2ROiWmnylME0RG66LwpaeZ1my4ycQNRm0YQKv4EvTbvGID_0mjh2z5NG9kEPvK0qUt_Mr2jc9zasm93qynE/s1600/Mirror+Song+Cover+%2528Med%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI5FmfsugAVxvV84DNkIsMdyX2Qq3TW38r5HrISLJnnhts5rG9vfzZlQI2ROiWmnylME0RG66LwpaeZ1my4ycQNRm0YQKv4EvTbvGID_0mjh2z5NG9kEPvK0qUt_Mr2jc9zasm93qynE/s200/Mirror+Song+Cover+%2528Med%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
The brilliance of harmony burst open into infinite points of light dotting the expanse of darkness. Much of the universe unfolded before Queyanna, like the birth of something within her, realized and formed in a swelling of music that came from the deep. The music was familiar to her. She had sung with its choruses many times before. There were parts of those chords contained in her inner-song, the sweeping movements that revealed the essence of her being. <br />
<br />
It has been sung that the maxim of all existence is held within each note, each brush of a chord, reaching into humanity. To those who can hear, song is the substance of the universe. She thought about that, thought about the beings out there, out at each point before her, waiting for the music to touch them. She could hear the music that formed each solar system, its unique series of chords in spectrums of sound that rang throughout the universe, revealing each system’s course and promise. She had visited many of these planets—some remote, some well known. Then there were those that were still a wilderness. She was eager for these in particular, eager to see what symphony would unfold. <br />
<br />
There had been much to plan, much to prepare for the long journey to a tiny planet in the farthest reaches. It had a particular kind of liveliness in its music that declared its place in the universe. She didn’t remember seeing it before, but the enthusiasm to know who lived there, to hear their songs, made her eager to go. She had never considered any other vocation than fostering planets into harmony. Harmony was a very extensive kind of magic, a science that required much study and understanding, and she loved being one of those who taught it. <br />
<br />
The High Priestess told her once that she was tall among the Great Ones of harmony, having sung her own mix of notes that had already touched many lives. Queyanna had laughed, and thought it strange. <br />
<br />
The High Priestess was her great-grandmother. Queyanna was born third in the line of the Promised Ones, who had been prophesied to bring harmony to every corner of the universe. Having the title proffered many opportunities to Queyanna, including the calling of admiral to her mother’s fostering group. It was a wonderful privilege, most of the time. <br />
<br />
She was an independent soul, much like her mother, a Horse Charmer who rode the free herds that roamed near her home. The winds knew her name, and had carried her song to the ends of the planets she had visited. <br />
<br />
None questioned her fortitude held in her hazel eyes that demonstrated her resolution. They were eyes that had seen much, eyes that had known the bitterness of pain and the elation of achievement, eyes that had cowered in shame and rose in triumph, eyes that held a deep secret. <br />
<br />
Practicality was paramount in everything she did, even in the arrangement of her long, wavy dark hair that was always kept in a braid. Let those women who wish to portray fragility have their hair ornaments, their baubles, she thought. Let them deceive their suitors with painted faces and flowing gowns, with their cunning acquiescence, hiding their manipulative natures, their utter discord. Queyanna was no such woman. She was a woman of lucidity, a woman of reason. She was proud and strong. She had walked the halls of powerful men, and met them squarely as an equal. <br />
<br />
She was a woman of stature; a woman who knew that one day the Promise would be fulfilled. One day, worlds upon worlds would hear the song of harmony, all would sing their songs in one accord, and she would be there when it happened. Queyanna would be there to make sure every person’s song had an opportunity to be heard, that everyone would get a chance to add his or her unique set of chords. But that time had not yet come; the universe was still troubled with discord. She could see it in the flickering points. <br />
<br />
The tiny planet had its own troubles. Its song was marred by the corrosive tendencies found on such magic worlds. Printia was a world split between order and chaos—a planet in a race against the inevitable, destruction or harmony. <br />
<br />
She stood before the lush grasslands of the Embarking Zone, watching as the dots swirled until they coalesced into a haze. At the center, a misty point of light developed, and grew in a circular motion until it was a large luminous sphere that barely touched the ground. The wind from the sphere brushed the grasses, releasing their tinkling notes. Music filled the air with such sweetness and serenity that even the ancient oak and maple trees beyond chimed along with the trembling of their springtime leaves. The smells of lilacs and fruit blossoms mixed with the more predominant rose fragrances from bushes that dotted the vast compound in clusters, giving the sense of strings being gently caressed. Petals emitted delicate high notes that played fluid scales in time with the steady low melody of the earth. Pigeons cooed, larks sang, and robins called in exultant rapture. Bees were already buzzing from flower to flower, working in a systematic rhythm with the environment. Everything moved with the true clear notes of harmony, notes that echoed against the glittering granite walls of the naturally integrated superstructure behind, its own music adding breadth to the symphony. It was the planetary capital, home to the High Council, and the School for Cadets. The sun peaked from the tips of the nearby evergreen mountains to the east, adding warm flats to the music. Shadows willingly drew back like wisps of yawning fairies ready to slumber. <br />
<br />
She turned to the couple singing. They were Linkers, the connective power between the home planet and other worlds. The couple’s song moved and drove the music in a duet that rose above all other sound. The song was one Queyanna knew well. At times, she would even sing quietly along. It had a bittersweet melody that always touched her deeply. It was an ordinary song, really. Common enough. With a steady movement, and only one key and one tempo change. Within the notes was the long nights of loneliness to come, the pang for the desire of a touch. It also held the elation of achievement, of the joy knowledge could bring. It was a portal-jump spell song. <br />
<br />
Some portal-jump songs led to other places on the planet, those were merely a duet singing melody, and some even led to other dimensions, which required multiple voices singing complex rhythms and chords. This portal-jump song simply led to another world. <br />
<br />
The luminosity of the sphere, and the music peaked at a forte. Mists inside the orb cleared to reveal a dry and arid landscape within. The key changed and the tempo slowed. <br />
<br />
Next to Queyanna stood her mother, the Ambassador Rhiona. She was the epitome of grace and beauty. Few women possessed a greater command of the feminine spirit, as this woman did. She was almost a head shorter than Queyanna, but dwarfed her in strength of magic. Everything about her was harmonic. Down to her lithe hands and her warm brown eyes that held quiet understanding. Her innocent smile had softened even the most rigid hearts. She was the granddaughter of the High Priest and High Priestess, and second in the line of the Promised Ones. Queyanna glanced at her own masculine hands, noting the contrast to the supple hands beside hers. She moved her hands behind her, and bit back a sigh. <br />
<br />
Rhiona turned and gently nodded to Queyanna to prepare for the portal-jump. Queyanna scanned the fostering group just behind the two women. In all, there were a total of fourteen individuals in the group. Each stood ready, wearing their tan uniforms and an array of weapons. At their feet were their large duffel bags, filled with items they would need for the mission ahead. Several individuals were doing some last minute reviewing of the planet’s cultural report that contained political, social, and cultural information. This was her mother’s group, a group that had had success on previous missions introducing harmony to other worlds. Now it was Printia’s turn. <br />
<br />
The baldric sat comfortably over her shoulder. Queyanna’s fingers touched the familiar smooth wooden grip of the harmony-blade at her side. The cool sharp notes of the steel resonated with her, keyed to her inner-song. She was rather fond of her leaf-bladed sword, as she had forged it herself with the help of her great-grandfather. <br />
<br />
As the winds grew from the opening portal, long chestnut tresses lifted into the air, forcing Queyanna to step aside to keep from swallowing them. Rhiona was the only one in the fostering group allowed the luxury of loose hair. Everyone else wore their hair in a braid or had it cut short for practical reasons. <br />
<br />
As admiral, it was Queyanna’s duty to pass through the portal first. She waited and watched the orb until the figure of a man could be seen within. He walked to the center of the orb, and then waved. She recognized him; he was her father’s brother, Ean. She had called him Uncle Ean, as well as other things. Ean had been sent to Printia to scout any prospects, and ultimately was the one who had prepared the cultural report. She waved back. <br />
<br />
Anticipation welled within her; a tense sort of excitement that made one forget what difficulties lay ahead. Each planet was unique, and offered its own blend of music that impressed her. She loved meeting new people, intelligent people who were the movers and shakers of a world, and discovering what motivated them. She had been fascinated by the tenacity of these individuals that struggled against so many odds. These men and women were their own symphony—their own motive power—and she had always felt the most at ease with them. This planet promised to be special, a combination of adventure and intellectual stimulation, according to her uncle’s report. It was the kind of planet Queyanna had hoped to foster since the beginning of her calling. <br />
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The time had come to for her to pass through the portal. She picked up her mother’s duffel and then her own. She sang a climatic transitioning spell under her breath, in order to acclimate her body to tolerate the higher temperatures at the location where they entered Printia. With deliberate care, she stepped towards the orb, already feeling the heat radiating from within it. This hot already, she thought. It was staggering to consider it, especially since it was still morning where her uncle stood. <br />
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As she crossed into Printia, the sound of the music from the couple warped until she emerged on the other side, where only the faintest melody could be heard. She surveyed the desert-like canyon that stretched out for miles in all directions. The orange wind-eroded formations that surrounded her offered a breathtaking contrast to the azure sky. Pungent smells of sage filled her nose, threatening to make her sneeze before her nose could finally adjust to the aromas. The same wind that swept the desert in a relentless, steady motion, made her braid whip about. She stood still, absorbing the music of the planet. <br />
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The flat notes of the desert rocks moved with an unbroken drone, as if it were reaching into the depths to find relief from anxiety. Violent sharps from the winds abraded against the flats with opposite purpose, its screeching sounds were arrogantly proud, rolling in a blatant gratification of its own. At times, the sharps and flats joined in a symphony that made one feel a sense of calm, a sense of progression towards an achievable triumph. But then it was gone before it could be reached, and the forces of music returned to their contest of ability, waging a battle that, had it form, would have been brutal indeed. The music was unbalanced, a combination of noise and drums that held no cohesion. <br />
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Queyanna could hear the off-key notes from the dying brush. Sage lay like skeletons scattered throughout the desolation of dirt, brittle remnants of what was once a vibrant valley. It became clear to her, as the dull screeching off-key sharps reverberated from the vegetation, the rocks, and the dirt, that the land was slowly dying, dying from order and chaos poisoning. A cracked and dried riverbed snaked around the nearby ridge, appearing like the shed skin of a reptile left to rot with the rest of the desert. She could hear the quiet moaning of chaos magic from the crusted sand that once sustained life. <br />
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The rocky ground was drenched in a liquid heat. Wallowing flats of chaos bulged and bubbled, exploding into licks of air that distorted the horizon. Down below, where earth and fire melded as one, chaos magic moved with reckless abandon, its monotonous thrums threatening to burst into the sky with blazing fury. <br />
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It wasn’t the evidence of order and chaos, but rather the extremity present that bothered her. It made her listen with anxiety. <br />
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Off-key sharps of order pealed from the west, screaming in a rage that struck her inner-chords like a hammer. She winced from the impact and the discordance it caused within her, clenching her teeth as she began shifting the notes of her inner-song, adding on-pitched notes where the threads of a chord had been ripped away, until finally she was back to some semblance of inner-harmony. She turned to her uncle with an incredulous expression. He offered a rueful smile, and then shrugged. <br />
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She approached Ean as the flats of chaos rumbled through the ground, quaking in a release of energy that this time plucked her inner-chords, shaking them until her inner-song wilted to discord once again. She blinked. It wasn’t possible, she thought to herself. How could a planet still exist with this much order and chaos? Quickly, she worked on harmonizing herself as the dust settled back to the ground. With this level of order and chaos, destruction would not be long in coming. <br />
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She thought that there was something peculiar about the corruption of the planet, as though the slow deterioration reached a certain point, and was stayed by some unknown force. It was a momentary notation, something she knew she would have to think about further later. <br />
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“Are you alright?” Ean asked with a lopsided smile that was the man’s signature. <br />
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Queyanna looked at him, realizing that she had forgotten he was there. “Yes, I think,” she said. <br />
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He chuckled, his eyes scanning the scene. “You’ll get used to it.” <br />
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Her eyes followed his. “Is it like this everywhere?” <br />
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“No, only here, in the Great Desert in Tervelvan. It’s much less violent in Lenkinar, where we are headed.” He glanced at her jacket, decorated by a single golden ring around the left cuff. “You’ve gone up in the universe.” <br />
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“I received my calling as admiral for Mama’s group nearly fifty years ago.” Queyanna turned back to him. He still had the sparkle for the love of life in his dark-blue eyes, the same attentive awareness in the muscles of his face. He wasn’t tall, nor was he short, however, his manner suggested a presence great and soaring, as to incite one to match it. <br />
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One side of his mouth inclined once more. He offered her a hug. She knew by the delay of his release that he had missed her. “I’ve been on this planet for almost seventy years, and have not seen you since I was at the cliff-house you and your mother share.” He stepped back, taking a good look at her. “It is good to see you, and to see what you’ve grown to be.” She could hear the pride in those words. He turned and swept his hand over the scene. “Welcome to Printia, Sunshine.” <br />
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Her eyes bore the gleam of a smile on an expressionless face. She remembered the name with a fondness from the days when she was a little girl, riding on his back as though he were a horse. “Thank you,” she said, her tone as serious as her uniform. “However, I would prefer if you refrained from calling me that in front of the fostering group.” <br />
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He laughed. “Of course, Sun…I mean, Admiral.” <br />
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She shook her head, chuckling. A thought entered her mind. She frowned, her eyes searching. “Where are the wagon and horses?” <br />
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He pointed toward a small ridge. “There, on the other side. I have someone waiting with them.” <br />
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Queyanna nodded, and then gestured for the rest of the fostering group to pass through the portal. She and Ean watched as the group filed onto the planet, each one experiencing the environmental music much as she had. <br />
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Within the orb, back home, were families and friends that had gathered to see them off. One member of the fostering group had yet to enter Printia. It was the Linker, Sabia. Queyanna saw that tears were streaming down her face. <br />
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Sabia was tall, like all the Yuley people, with tan skin and thick muscular tone. The cropped, black hair fell barely above her shoulders. Usually, the woman had quite a formidable presence. However, now, there was a soft sadness to her appearance, one that touched all that watched her. Her consort, and fellow Linker, a man equally tall, stood before her, also with tears on his cheeks. The two looked into one another eyes as their mouths, fully open, sang the climax of the song. For that moment, Queyanna knew that more than just glances were exchanged. It was the intimate thoughts between lovers as well. Sabia reached out, and held up her palm to him. He reached out in like manner, pressing his palm on hers. Their fingers interlinked momentarily in a symbol of their union, and a parting gesture. She let her consort go, and touched his face one last time, before turning and stepping onto Printia. Queyanna put her hand on the tall soldier’s shoulder. Her dark-skinned hand met Queyanna’s, and the two lifelong friends stood gazing at the tall, burly Linker waving the circular gesture of harmony to his wife. She waved back, and then nodded. The bittersweet song of the portal-jump spell had finally reached the coda. The Linkers sang two notes that faded into a pianissimo and left the end open, summing the prodigious opportunities and the anxiety of what lay ahead. Then, the tranquil vision of Queyanna’s home world gently faded as the portal collapsed and the mists dissipated.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© 2012 by RM Brand.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Use, including copying, printing and/or distribution, without prior permission by author is prohibited.</span>RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-77545233065673070152012-02-24T13:45:00.000-06:002012-02-25T11:53:28.948-06:00Mirror Song: Prologue<br />
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"How cohesion occurs is not by accident or some ecological anomaly, but rather in the infinitesimal resonance of music that breathes life into all creatures, and gives value to the minerals. Air is not just air, but a suite of notes that move in tune with the rest of the universe. Even in the vacuum of the cosmos is held the faint notes of harmony that those who have ears to hear can feel and touch.<br />
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When order, the sharp notes of the harmonic spectrum, and chaos, the flat notes of the harmonic spectrum, are separated, a dialectic forms which causes each to contribute to destruction. In contrast, when order and chaos are united in harmony, the two magics contribute to creation.<br />
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We must learn to master the connective music within and without ourselves. Such mastery comes through training, and simply listening. Why can’t everyone hear these seemingly inaudible melodies? Not all are willing, and moreover, not all have the strength to hear and absorb the core values into themselves."</div>
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<u>Introduction to Harmonics: Lesson Manual</u><br />
Chapter 1 – The Basics of Harmonics<br />
312 Edition<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© 2012 by RM Brand. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Use, including copying, printing and/or distribution, without prior permission by author is prohibited.</span>RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-67637167725821830562012-02-15T15:08:00.002-06:002012-02-15T15:10:14.850-06:00Cover Art for Book Three: Dawn of JusticeJust finalized the front cover for Dawn of Justice, book three in The Judge Chronicles. Edits are still underway, but we're getting closer to a release date, which I'll announce in the coming weeks.<br />
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<br />RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-82885842443673677342012-01-21T09:59:00.004-06:002012-02-15T15:43:58.705-06:00Enter Another World: Feral Nature<br />
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<b>Just released: Feral Nature, book #2 in The Judge Chronicles</b></div>
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Maria has finally made it to Jacob’s world, but things don’t go as smooth as she had hoped. Jacob is captured before she can step foot on his world. And when the time arrives, the Shaoque is unrelenting in his pursuit to capture her and use her against Jacob to obtain the Stones of Ornak. However, she won’t make things easy for the Shaoque. As she fights to stay alive, she learns to harness a power from a strange black weapon imbued with intuitive energy. But the cost is great. If the Shaoque does not get her, the magic eating her flesh away will. <br />
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Maria must use her wits, her knowledge and her ingenuity if she is to survive long enough to rescue the man she loves.<br />
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Get your copy today for only $3.99 for your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feral-Nature-Judge-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B006ZQU7BA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1327079026&sr=8-7">Amazon Kindle</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feral-nature-rm-brand/1108337817?ean=2940013681064">Barnes and Noble Nook</a> and all other devices at <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/124812">Smashwords</a>. Paperback edition will be coming soon.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-6336380414402363562011-12-23T00:02:00.001-06:002011-12-23T00:02:40.585-06:00The Shaman's Beacon On Sale!Red Sage Publishing is selling The Shaman's Beacon at a 25% discount. Check it out <a href="http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theshaman039sbeacon-613080-144.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eUVgK6CrQqI" width="500"></iframe>
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<i>The Shaman's Beacon book trailer.</i><br />
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Also, I'm very proud to announce my involvement in a project with Christie Craig for her book trailer for <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-mayhem-and-mama-christie-craig/1108034535" target="_blank">Murder, Mayhem and Mama</a> available through Barnes and Noble (for Nook). Watch the video below and be sure to post your thoughts and "Like" it if you, well, liked it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xOjXesDUptM" width="500"></iframe>
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<i>Murder, Mayhem and Mama, by Christie Craig, book trailer.</i>RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-35618781143522455102011-12-15T11:43:00.000-06:002011-12-15T11:43:22.765-06:00New Publishing DatesLife has been a hectic, as I'm sure it has been for you too, and the holidays are upon us so I'm pushing the release date for Feral Nature January 20th and Dawn of Justice March 20th.<br />
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Be sure to check back in January and take advantage of the $.99 ebook sale on By Virtues' Design available now through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Virtues-Design-Judge-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B005V5DOWU" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (Kindle), <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/by-virtues-design-rm-brand/1106615354?ean=2940013277557&itm=1&usri=by+virtues+design" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> (Nook) and <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95979" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> (all other formats).<br />
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You can find other great works of fiction from authors in my area right <a href="http://www.nwhrwa.com/authors.htm" target="_blank">here</a>, from the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-26806903640410954252011-12-12T21:53:00.000-06:002011-12-12T21:53:39.690-06:00Big Announcement Coming!Big news coming this week, one that includes a project I've been working on for a while. Another involves the next installment in The Judge Chronicles and where that's headed.<br />
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For now, pull up a chair and enjoy a nice cold one in a red Solo cup.<br />
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<br />RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-32632796264536278012011-12-01T11:18:00.001-06:002011-12-01T11:33:30.035-06:00Spreading Some Holiday CheerHappy holidays, everyone!<br />
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I love this time of year when everyone is smiling and wishing one another well. I get to see family and friends at parties and get-togethers. And to be honest, that is what makes Christmas wonderful. Presents are nice, and certainly the fact someone took the time to think of me and buy something is sweet, but its the person behind the gift that brings warmth to my heart. So in the spirit of giving and sharing, I've cut the price of my e-book, By Virtues' Design, to only .99 cents for the entire month of December. I hope the story sparks your imagination and encourages you to make your dreams come true.<br />
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I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.<br />
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It'll take a day or two for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Virtues-Design-Judge-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B005V5DOWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322760279&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> to reflect that price, but you can get it now for .99 cents at <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/by-virtues-design-rm-brand/1106615354?ean=2940013277557" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> and <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95979" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-90161698645865273432011-11-27T23:06:00.001-06:002011-11-27T23:25:08.558-06:00Quitting Cold Turkey and Sinking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx3kfy9liXY0CbVkvvQGMLDifTHFPVMYe7OydxzHDFp_OSrR6SeiufpdyFfe8mEo7SZKFPmLTFHXzBhyphenhyphendYm3A3flfAvsMiqKNuoB8JkZAadZyrEbqCsu5WMYT6Q3bosIVri935VRJXOM/s1600/ColdTurkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx3kfy9liXY0CbVkvvQGMLDifTHFPVMYe7OydxzHDFp_OSrR6SeiufpdyFfe8mEo7SZKFPmLTFHXzBhyphenhyphendYm3A3flfAvsMiqKNuoB8JkZAadZyrEbqCsu5WMYT6Q3bosIVri935VRJXOM/s200/ColdTurkey.jpg" width="200" /></a>I hope you've had your fill of tryptophan and gluten inducing comas. I sure have. I'm ready for the peppermint mochas, pfeffernusse, and eggnog. But I'm about ready to quit something cold turkey.
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I don't mean writing or sales. I don't mean dieting. I don't even mean chocolate. What I'm talking about is quitting the excuses. I'm going to become a quitter and tell my resistance to take a hike. Instead of burning daylight on other things, I will be dedicating nine hours a day to writing. All other activities will be taking a backseat. You'd think this was a given, but it isn't. I'm learning first-hand what Kristine Rusch warned me about in The Business Rusch. She recommends not answering the phone, turning off the internet, telling family and friends they are not to disturb you during your "working hours" and close myself off from the rest of the world. Sounds easy right? Nope, it ain't. In fact, it's hard. But one thing I am really good at and that is being tenacious. Thank goodness.<br />
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And as far as sinking, that'll be the price of By Virtues' Design, which will be going on sale for the month of December. I'll be posting more about it in the coming days.<br />
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Feral Nature is coming along and I'm already coming up with some ideas on special effects for another secret After Effects project I'm working on for another author. I've also started on my book trailer as well. I'm very excited about it.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-29868055111691273232011-11-14T19:48:00.001-06:002011-11-14T20:31:12.730-06:00By Virtues' Design: Now Available In PaperbackI'm pleased to announce that By Virtues' Design is now available in paperback. You can purchase it through Amazon's <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3707262" target="_blank">CreateSpace store</a> (eventually, the title will be available via Amazon's main site). You can still purchase ebook versions of the novel for your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Virtues-Design-Judge-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B005V5DOWU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1318554169&sr=8-3],%20Barnes%20and%20Noble" target="_blank">Kindle</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/by-virtues-design-rm-brand/1106615354?ean=2940013277557&itm=1&usri=by+virtues27+design" target="_blank">Nook</a>, and other <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95979" target="_blank">devices</a>.<br />
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As part of the paperback launch, there is a new book trailer. Be sure to watch it in 1080p (high definition).<br />
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The Judge Chronicles series trailer can be seen below.<br />
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<iframe width="509" height="320" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9DvO0gfcrJA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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For more information about the book and the series, along with other titles, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.rosabrand.com/">www.rosabrand.com</a>.<br />
<br />RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-42011423733954794112011-10-29T16:02:00.003-05:002011-10-29T16:25:21.845-05:00Things You'll Learn Reading By Virtues' Design<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>WARNING: Random LOLCats can lead to wheezing and hysterical laughter. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn_3cPkummuDflKvJf7amvHWH4KfrBitJO29f2QHDA_FL27tUP8Kecc1wutKLIFNWPWTY5JOxQv1-Ou6IUJj145gPpc92ehfiITknSsOtXovdcpN1P2jD6JSry6-1ob6b9keaRVPHrnI/s1600/funny-pictures-soon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn_3cPkummuDflKvJf7amvHWH4KfrBitJO29f2QHDA_FL27tUP8Kecc1wutKLIFNWPWTY5JOxQv1-Ou6IUJj145gPpc92ehfiITknSsOtXovdcpN1P2jD6JSry6-1ob6b9keaRVPHrnI/s1600/funny-pictures-soon.jpg" /></a></div>
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If that didn't make you laugh, maybe this will.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K2P86C-1x3o" width="480"></iframe>
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<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And now for something completely different...</span></b><br />
<br />
I was invited to talk a bit about my latest book, By Virtues' Design, at Killer Fiction. Here are a few things you'll learn when you read the book:<br />
<br />
1. Girls beware! Dream men have a nasty habit of leaving their mark on you.<br />
<br />
2. Never cross the protective ward into the land of serfdom, otherwise known as the kitchen.<br />
<br />
3. While visiting Los Angeles, be prepared for an hour commute to the restaurant down the block.<br />
<br />
There are three more listed in the blog post that you can read <a href="http://killerfictionwriters.blogspot.com/2011/10/whats-on-my-kindle.html">here</a>.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-1244814850281811812011-10-26T20:52:00.000-05:002011-10-26T20:52:40.113-05:00World of Wordcraft: Proof Readers Are EssentialI just had to post this here, because never were truer words said--Proof readers are essential.<br />
<br />
Kathleen Yoshida, <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a1002638347/Kathleen-Yoshida/">my editor</a>, and I recently discussed this very topic after reading a number of books written by big name authors like Nicholas Sparks, Stephen King, etc. One would think that publishing houses for these authors would be particularly careful with grammar and punctuation given the amount of money invested in these books. But, these mistakes happen often enough that I wonder what is going on. If these were indie published authors, I could accept the mistakes to a certain degree. But from big names? Um...why?<br />
<br />
Take a read <a href="http://worldsofwordcraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/proof-readers-are-essential.html">here</a>.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-3299693618612577012011-10-21T00:17:00.000-05:002011-10-21T00:21:37.999-05:00Author Spotlight: Teri ThackstonI'm honored to introduce to you all the brilliant author to <i>Border Heat</i>, Teri Thackston. She took some time out of her busy schedule to tell me a bit about her novel. Without further adieu...<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Welcome Teri</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdYTqCrED0YfCeaXXL7yE8pG88WfD1V0nwjacbSrjvP2AuvCrhus5MC6rl43PFnzFVrTbYu2U5_JgfUis3z8Ht_LGObWtzwGF-UCCx-q3bzZ36Y1MLDVW1RQQGqnMokk-LAsppMtfPAo/s1600/BorderHeat-Smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdYTqCrED0YfCeaXXL7yE8pG88WfD1V0nwjacbSrjvP2AuvCrhus5MC6rl43PFnzFVrTbYu2U5_JgfUis3z8Ht_LGObWtzwGF-UCCx-q3bzZ36Y1MLDVW1RQQGqnMokk-LAsppMtfPAo/s200/BorderHeat-Smaller.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog. I’ve been writing stories since I learned to spell, with a serious notion from about age eleven that I wanted to become a published writer. I just love the idea of creating stories…if those stories are romantic, all the better! Of course, it took quite a while to actually become a published writer, beginning with a few short stories from the True Confessions group of magazines, then a story in Woman’s World, and finally my first novel sale to Ellora’s Cave/Blush. That first novel publication was a long time coming, but well worth the wait.<br />
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My latest book, Border Heat, is a thriller with romantic elements, inspired by the illegal drug trade along the Texas border that our country has been enduring lately. I also pulled in the element of wildfires that have so decimated Texas—and other parts of the South—during this year’s terrible drought.<br />
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Murderous drug runners, a wildfire in the Texas desert and the President's runaway daughter…Game Warden Shannon Walker didn't sign up for any of this. Add the arrival of Tucker Daye—a sexy Secret Service Agent that Shannon used to date—unexpected betrayal and a desperate escape into the desert, and the border becomes hotter than Shannon can handle. <br />
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<b>Here’s a short excerpt from the book</b></div>
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She strode right up to him and, with one hand on her hip, she jabbed the index finger of her other hand into his breastbone. “Let’s get one thing straight, Tucker Daye. I am in charge of this facility and this Wildlife Management Area. You and those other spies are welcome to help me and Sgt. Sanchez guard the prisoner, but we call the shots. Got it?”<br />
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Tucker lifted one eyebrow and resisted the impulse to push her finger away. Actually, his stronger impulse was to wrap his free hand around her wrist and haul her up close for a searing kiss on those pretty pink lips. They were entirely too tight for his taste and a long wet kiss would soften them up. He knew that about her, too.<br />
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But with the memory
of Loretta apparently still fresh in Shannon’s mind, the odds on a long, wet
kiss were about as low as his odds of riding a rocket to the moon. Not that it
mattered. He’d made his choice on that score last February.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Besides that there
were two teenage girls eavesdropping on their conversation. So instead of
reacting the way he wanted, he relaxed his body and smiled at Shannon. “We’re
not <i>spies</i>, sweetheart. We’re Secret
Service agents. And I think we might know a little more about handling this
situation than a couple of game wardens do.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her lips thinned
more. “For your information, <i>sweetheart</i>,
Texas game wardens probably receive more rigorous law enforcement training than
you do.” The tip of her index finger pressed harder into his chest. “While you
and your friends are here, you’ll do what I tell you.”</div>
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He cocked his head
to once side. “I’ve missed you, Shannon,” he murmured, aware that the two teens
had grown almost stone still. He lowered his voice a bit more. “Don’t tell me
you haven’t missed me, too.”</div>
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BORDER HEAT is
available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Border-Heat-ebook/dp/B005KLVN32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319135916&sr=8-1">Amazon.com</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/border-heat-thackston?keyword=border+heat+thackston&store=allproducts">BarnesandNoble.com</a> and <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/85525">Smashwords.com</a>. </div>
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I hang out at my website <a href="http://www.terithackston.com/">www.terithackston.com</a> as well as Facebook and Twitter.</div>
</div>RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-20708141876247589552011-10-14T22:32:00.000-05:002011-10-14T22:32:21.213-05:00Now Available: By Virtues' Design<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By Virtues' Design, 1st book in The Judge Chronicles</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wHdas2cCtJf8sClXkEVTmNA35rDBBUI0YwH70cBLYIZxV9GHu8Uh4epZ7O3zKvoczm2hR8XI9wmcHxXzwR57tEUf6SkdhqxNYK0EnQAD0b9Kmme0FB_1VhW8OHLE6esv5sYGfWmOolY/s1600/By-Virtues%2527-Design-Cover-%2528thumbnail%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wHdas2cCtJf8sClXkEVTmNA35rDBBUI0YwH70cBLYIZxV9GHu8Uh4epZ7O3zKvoczm2hR8XI9wmcHxXzwR57tEUf6SkdhqxNYK0EnQAD0b9Kmme0FB_1VhW8OHLE6esv5sYGfWmOolY/s200/By-Virtues%2527-Design-Cover-%2528thumbnail%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Enter a world where wizards battle against necromantic forces in a fight to save mankind from total annihilation. Where a mighty ruler leads his people against the hordes that would weaken the Empire, even as his council plots his ruin from within. Where one woman can change the very fabric of time and space into something beyond imagining. Enter this world where nothing will ever be the same.<br />
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<br />
Read an excerpt <a href="http://rmbrand.blogspot.com/2011/01/by-virtues-design.html">here</a> now.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="244" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9DvO0gfcrJA" width="480"></iframe>
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<b>Summary</b></div>
<div>
A civil engineer meets a magic-wielding emperor from another world in her dreams and not only discovers that he is real, but that he stands at the center of a plot by a necromantic sociopath that threatens to destroy him and her sanity. <br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b><br />
The Empire will fall. Jacob Murak, Emperor of Alinia and keeper of all magic, knows this and there is little he can do but watch and wait. There seems no hope for his people as they are systematically killed in a war meant to weaken his resolve as much as it is to weaken his forces. This is made worse by the magic he must use to fight the enemy, which traps him under the weight of guilt that leaves women battered and him bitter. The twinkling angels in the night sky do not weep for him. They have witnessed his shame. As punishment they send him one of their own, a woman from another world who knows no magic except the inventions she weaves in her mind. This beautiful engineer isn’t afraid to explore his nightmares and face the demon within him. This only deepens his sadness, even as it intensifies his desire for her. He must have her, but the cost will be great. <br />
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Maria can’t believe she’s fallen in love with a man she met in her dreams. Dream men are supposed to stay where they belong, in her head. She is a civil engineer, not a woman prone to flights of fancy, but there is something peculiar about these dreams, something a little too real. Then again maybe her mother is right. Maybe this dream man is just her subconscious trying to help her heal from the wounds of a nasty divorce. But things start to happen—marks appear on her body, the car keys go missing, and then there is a visitor who says he knows about the dreams and where to find her otherworldly lover. Could this be real? Dare she believe? It will take a miracle to be with Jacob, not to mention a whole lot of magic.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>NOW AVAILABLE AT ONLINE RETAILERS</b></span><br />
Order <b>By Virtues' Design</b>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Virtues-Design-Judge-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B005V5DOWU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1318554169&sr=8-3">Amazon</a> (Kindle), <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/by-virtues-design-rm-brand/1106615354?ean=2940013277557&itm=1&usri=by%2bvirtues27%2bdesign">Barnes and Noble</a> (Nook) or <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95979">Smashwords</a> (All). Paperback copies will go on sale November 1st, 2011.<br />
<br />
Additional information on this and other titles can always be found on my website <a href="http://www.rosabrand.net/">here</a>. </div>RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-19521488531282106982011-10-01T14:49:00.002-05:002011-10-01T15:28:43.675-05:00Time To Make The Switch?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh9qhIYXKVRCTpSoWXQX_yoe5SdkdPx6tgNwGiGxJ72OQhM-HxYSz8CoJlnQ-r219paQlmr6LNsdSJIonlTXQddrqTdsJRhisEa0AEAN67iZPZv5pv1MD_Tyn1VtrMkBR3xYYaDtxEFc/s1600/jeff-letter-sprite_0928-C__V167002443_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh9qhIYXKVRCTpSoWXQX_yoe5SdkdPx6tgNwGiGxJ72OQhM-HxYSz8CoJlnQ-r219paQlmr6LNsdSJIonlTXQddrqTdsJRhisEa0AEAN67iZPZv5pv1MD_Tyn1VtrMkBR3xYYaDtxEFc/s400/jeff-letter-sprite_0928-C__V167002443_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today, on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon's front page</a>, is a letter from the Founder, Jeff Bezos. "There are two types of companies: those that work hard to charge customers more, and those that work hard to charge customers less," Bezos states. "Both approaches can work. We are firmly in the second camp." He goes on to introduce their new Kindle products at a much lower price, including one for $79.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7kAkRa_yVW0j2YSgFoA2vCMV0EcDrar-HtlxLaYNzmxhEFrJ2o77CcBL9nbUCKKUCQISPDadeYreVDvIImN7f18m9SyPnJv27rvgaJoCBjUOVjMMUsHzHVTO1qcIehdtChM-AZ7BALg/s1600/Jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7kAkRa_yVW0j2YSgFoA2vCMV0EcDrar-HtlxLaYNzmxhEFrJ2o77CcBL9nbUCKKUCQISPDadeYreVDvIImN7f18m9SyPnJv27rvgaJoCBjUOVjMMUsHzHVTO1qcIehdtChM-AZ7BALg/s200/Jar.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
Many people who once refused to go to a device for their literature have slowly come around. My husband has made the switch, despite his persistent assertions to the contrary. Not only did he take over my Sony eReader, which is now collecting dust due to software issues (don't even getting me started on that!), he has taken over my Nook Color. It is the same one he bought for me for my "everything" gift (e.g., Christmas, birthday, anniversary, Valentines, just because, etc.). Gotta love men who buys their girl a gadget only to abscond with it. I LOVE YOU, CLINT!<br />
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I'm so excited about this, because it means more people will be exposed to other literature not found at your local B&N or big box super-store. Some have argued that these other ebooks do not have the same quality writing/edits one would get from a legacy published novel (a novel published through one of the big houses from New York). That is actually a fallacy. First off, you will find READERS, not critics, providing feedback on titles to help you, the customer, decide whether to buy the book or not. Also, many of these books are priced way below those found at "brick and mortar" storefronts. I suggest giving a few of these author's a try, including Jennifer Bray-Weber's romance novel involving pirates, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Treasure-Romancing-Pirate-ebook/dp/B0051314RE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1305646312&sr=8-1">Blood and Treasure</a>, and Tea Trelawny's vampire-biker paranormal romance/erotic novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Start-Your-Engines-Racers-ebook/dp/B005R3T6P0/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317500849&sr=1-4">Start Your Engines</a>. There are a lot of other authors I could feature here, all of whom are equally talented writers, but it would get overwhelming and my little digits would require vats of Bengay. Not pretty.<br />
<br />
In conclusion, there are many reasons to make the switch to an e-reader. Amazon has just made it a little easier for us by coming out with products at fantastic prices.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-88774444599664361952011-09-26T14:33:00.000-05:002011-10-01T15:23:07.624-05:00RM Brand Self Help Series<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Book Trailers (Part 2): The Script</span></b><br />
<br />
Now that you’ve written the book, got your artist working on
the cover, you want to create a book trailer. Rather than go into the “why”
part, I’m just going to dive right in.<br />
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A book trailer ought to entice your audience to read your
book. Much like a movie trailer, you want to focus only on the main characters
and plot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Watch Movie Trailers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Although there are a few good book trailers out there, movie
trailers still do a better job of enticing people into theatres. And since your
aim is to hook readers to buy your book, this is one place to start. Go to your
favorite movie trailers website (I use <a href="http://trailers.apple.com/">http://trailers.apple.com/</a>)
and start watching trailers to stories similar to yours or that have similar
themes. While you’re watching them, look for how text is presented or words
were used, jot down a few notes as you go (remember, you can always stop or
repeated video as you go). Afterwards,
make a list of movies you love and watch their trailers (you can Google the
movie title and find the trailer that way). Again, jot down what you liked most
from that trailer. While you’re doing all of this, keep your skill set in mind.
Don’t expect to do feature film if you’re not even familiar with PowerPoint. If
you like specific special effects, you will most likely find a how-to on the
web if you take the time to search for it. I mostly used Video Copilot’s
<a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/tutorials/">tutorials</a> for most of my effects. Since
I am writing this for individuals with experience in After Effects or similar
software, I won’t go into what you need to learn as it has a very high learning
curve. As I’ve mentioned before, I suggest you head over to Andrew Kramer’s
<a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/basic/">website</a> here to learn more if you are
interested. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Warning: Do not be tempted to start buying images yet! First
work out the script, then buy the images. Otherwise you will waste money on
images, sounds or movie segments you won’t use. In a later post I will tell you where to find images at a reasonable price, along with music, audio and video segments.<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
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<b>1. Dialogue or Twists<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It helps to narrow down pieces of dialogue or twists in the
story that can either be added as text, sound bites and/or images during the
trailer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2. In The Beginning…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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How do you want to begin your trailer? This is the
introduction to the story. Did you want to start off with a question, a phrase,
quote, or maybe a thought-provoking image that swells with a chord of music? You’re
setting things up, so you want to make sure to show the audience the subject of
the story. I struggled with this, so I watched a few trailers and found the one
that I really liked, I Am Number Four.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="223" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g5djHG3hPu0" width="439"></iframe>
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<b>3. Hit Them Where It Counts<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The middle of your trailer should consist of narrative
(either text or audio*) that tells the audience was is going to happen. It
would be the “what is” part of the Duarte formula, with you working up towards
the “would could be.” Use images, text and music to build tension towards the
big finale. Remember, this is a teaser to hook the audience. So use enough
information to whet their appetite without giving everything away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*You can add audio narratives with <a href="http://www.sonokinetic.net/products/sound-design/trailer-voice/">Sonokinetic’s TrailerVoice</a>. My
next trailer for By Virtues’ Design will include it. </span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4. End With A Bang<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Some have suggested ending your trailer with a cliff hanger,
with everything else leading up to that cliffhanger. I’ve done something similar
with The Shaman’s Beacon. The theme of your story should give you some
inspiration. The music at this point ought to end with a dramatic end (a
drum-hit or crash or even heart beat or flat-line sound). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5. Where and When To Buy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Make sure to put a few seconds (10 ought to be enough) to
display where to purchase the book. It should include a website as well. When
you are ready to upload the video to YouTube of Vimeo, you can add URLs to the description
as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>6. Storyboard the Trailer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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There are plenty of templates out there to help you
storyboard your script. I created my own with 3x5 cards with a simple concept
and related phrase. I then taped it to my hallway wall, which got no lack of commentary
from my peanut gallery loving family. You don’t have to tape it to a wall, but
I prefer to see it in quasi action. Hence the wall. Plus, it’s easier to
picture the movie if its spread all before you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Be prepared to write, rewrite, and get stuck. It took me
forever to do my trailer because I was doing everything from scratch, including
the special effects. I now buy my templates from <a href="http://videohive.net/searches?term=trailers&type=files">Videohive</a>.
This lets me focus on the script and less on the special effects. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Optional: Splash<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I added a splash to the beginning of my video for Red Sage
Publishing, along with an introduction to the author. You don’t have to have
this, but I did it as a courtesy to Red Sage Publishing.<o:p></o:p><br />
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On my next installment, I'll go over the Storyboard process, how to conceptualize an idea into a graphic, text or music. </div>
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<b>Other Resources on Book Trailers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://leannareneebooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/leannas-do-it-yourself-guide-to-book.html">http://leannareneebooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/leannas-do-it-yourself-guide-to-book.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://katenoble.com/blog/2011/05/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-for-5/">http://katenoble.com/blog/2011/05/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-for-5/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-30182889124181236192011-09-19T21:56:00.001-05:002011-09-19T21:56:16.982-05:00I Did It My Way"Brick and mortar" bookstores have been a recent phenomenon. I remember going to “Mom and Pop” book stores to purchase novels. The shift was pretty significant when B&N came on the scene, followed by Borders. You can see how it changed our culture in You've Got Mail so eloquently (BTW, if you haven't seen that movie, get up off of that thang and see it!). Books became hip along with signature coffee. And boy do I love my Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Although these bookstores seems to have been an institution for quite some time, I remember when it wasn't and going to the library was the best way to get a lot of good books.<br />
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Now we have ebooks.<br />
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As demand grows for more and more devices for portability so has the demand for ebooks increased exponentially. The devices make it possible to carry an entire library of books in your purse. AND you can change the font size to suit your reading comfort. AND you can buy excellent novels for a fraction of the price you’d pay for a physical book. It has revolutionized the way we read everything, enough that this time it is a paradigm shift. The reason being now authors can sell their books directly to customers without the middleman. That means higher revenue for the author, but that isn’t simply because of the rate of return. That has more to do with the fact ebooks NEVER become out-of-print.<br />
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Real estate at “brick and mortar” bookstores is limited, but not so at retailers like Amazon, Smashwords and even B&N.com (through PubIt). As an author’s book list grows, so does his exposure. The more books out in publication, the greater the exposure. That’s not to say one should publish a million novels. Quality is still going to win over quantity, and that’s the truth. What makes this a perfect opportunity for an up and coming author like me is I can establish my own career free of the gatekeepers who have controlled the market for so long, allowing you, the customer, open access to any type of novel you wish to buy. We now have a freer market to publish and read literature than we ever have before. And that’s good for everybody. RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-61690355343616678202011-09-10T12:23:00.001-05:002011-09-19T21:58:56.546-05:00Coming soon to an Amazon, B&N and Smashword Store Near You!Just when you thought you had enough of me, I'm right back at you with another release. That's right, yours truly is coming out with a new book titled By Virtues' Design on October 15, 2011. It's the first book in a series that will range from romantic fantasy to epic fantasy. I have written the first three books and already the feedback has been good.<br />
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More information to come!<br />
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For now, just enjoy the cover art created by <a href="http://phatpuppyart.com/">Phat Puppy Art</a>.<br />
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RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-2780942217110909792011-09-07T15:52:00.006-05:002011-09-27T10:48:44.484-05:00RM Brand Self Help Series<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Book Trailers (Part 1)</span></b><br />
Book trailers have become more pervasive than ever before. Where only NY Best Selling authors got this treatment, the average person can now create their very own book trailers using software like <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/movie-maker">Microsoft Live Movie Maker</a> or even <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/aftereffects.html?promoid=DJDRJ">Adobe After Effects</a>. What you use will depend entirely on your proficiency with these resources, but before you open up your Windows Movie Maker and slap some photos together with whizbang transitions, put yourself in your audiences’ shoes and ask what you would want to see. If you’re the author of the book you’re turning into a trailer, then you’re already a natural storyteller. However, this medium is not the same as a novel. Movies engage all the senses except smell (And thank god for that, especially if the book is about refuse!), so you have to approach the story like a presenter. Not a screen writer or an author, but a presenter. The reason for that is presenters bring ideas in a succinct, to the point format that moves an audience into action. <br />
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There are fantastic resources out there to help people present stories in a meaningful way. One such resource comes from Nancy Duarte in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resonate-Present-Stories-Transform-Audiences/dp/0470632011">Resonate</a>. However, I will refrain from getting into the logistics. For the purpose of this blog post, what I want you to keep in mind is that your role as presenter isn’t what you might think. It’s easy to think that as presenters we’re the star telling the story. But that’s not true. The answer lies in the Force…well, maybe not that force, but in the story that redefined science fiction as we know it—Star Wars.<br />
<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>“…We’re not Luke Skywalker, in reality we’re Yoda.”</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> --Nancy Duarte </span></span></blockquote>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Mw7d5cRAE2o" width="500"></iframe><br />
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That’s right. You’re not the star, but the mentor. See how Yoda shows Luke how to lift his fighter plane, tries to help him understand his own strength. Although you won't have to get your audience to lift air planes, you will need to help them resonate with the story by diving into their psyche until they get it. You’re there to help the audience see the challenge and entice them to be part of the journey, to see how the hero overcomes seeming insurmountable odds and cheer when he triumphs. You will need to use your entire arsenal of tools, including: <br />
<ul>
<li>Script </li>
<li>Storyboards </li>
<li>Images </li>
<li>Video </li>
<li>Music </li>
<li>Voice Overs* </li>
</ul>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* This is optional</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
So put on your Yoda ears and start channeling the Force, or whatever you use to get the creative juices flowing. On next week’s post we’re going over scripts, what’s in them, how to create them, and how to build tension.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some Homework </span></b><br />
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Read Tips On Writing A Trailer Script <a href="http://redlotusproductions.wordpress.com/faqs/tips-on-writing-your-trailer-script/">here</a>. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In The Meantime </span></b><br />
Check out this wonderful blog interview by Chris Brogan who sat down with Nancy Duarte to discuss her work. Trust me, its worth watching and she gives you a free sample of her work! Gotta love free stuff.<br />
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RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-22438523830455870732011-08-31T15:35:00.006-05:002011-09-02T23:26:46.155-05:00The Shaman's Beacon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaHXoCsFh8g6xtGqLs3tz7KpKlqHf4KGkjmb0dxg67LtoQSvYOrk14h7XCO-lFrSrYsreuLZTfBxBPyWQsMxRO7YOg17BvGssnwCTbWRzP80D8T9EnhpDBd4_8gKOKfVBqTSDDvLbpoI/s1600/the-Shaman%2527s-Beacon-Sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaHXoCsFh8g6xtGqLs3tz7KpKlqHf4KGkjmb0dxg67LtoQSvYOrk14h7XCO-lFrSrYsreuLZTfBxBPyWQsMxRO7YOg17BvGssnwCTbWRzP80D8T9EnhpDBd4_8gKOKfVBqTSDDvLbpoI/s320/the-Shaman%2527s-Beacon-Sm.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Buy now at <a href="http://www.eredsage.com/store/TheShamansBeacon.html">Red Sage Publishing</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Yee-haw!</span></b><br />
Announcing the release of The Shaman's Beacon, now on sale at <a href="http://www.eredsage.com/store/TheShamansBeacon.html">Red Sage Publishing</a>, available in ebook format for all electronic devices.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What's Inside</span></b><br />
A high-heeled workaholic meets a cowboy while on vacation in Wyoming and learns that not only is her new boyfriend hairy behind the ears, he’s being hunted by werewolf trappers bent on turning him into a designer handbag and her into an accessory.<br />
<div><br />
<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Story Behind The Story</span></b><br />
Clayton McIntyre was the answer to a burning question, “What would a loving and nurturing werewolf be like?” Male werewolves are generally violent, aggressive, and severe. Clayton is the antithesis of the stereotypical werewolf. Sure, he can be a mean hombre when provoked, but his good nature and gentle manner heals even the deepest wounds of the heart. That’s precisely what Linda needs. </div><div><br />
</div><div>As a pack shaman, Clayton gets all the perks of being an alpha without the worries that come with it. That gives him the freedom to practice his craft unabated. He doesn’t limit his treatments to weres only. He reaches out to all with a level of humanity rarely seen in humans or immortals. That’s because he sees the best in people, especially the woman he loves. Things don’t generally faze him, except when Linda decides to take on the pack’s enemies. That brings out the wolf, which leads him to hurt her worse than anything anyone has ever done. It’ll take more than shamanic healing to get her to forgive him and even more to forgive himself. This book is about the healing power of love and what it takes inside each of us to find it.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Book Description</span></b><br />
Linda Menendez vacations to Lander, Wyoming and meets Clayton McIntyre, a Texas cowboy who insists he’s a werewolf. He’s a shaman too, complete with a talisman. She ain’t buying it, until that woo-woo turns into whoa-whoa when she sees a wolf being skinned alive. And not just any old wolf, a werewolf. Despite the implications of that, she won’t sit idly by while their corpses are dumped around the small town in Wyoming she’s fallen in love with. She’ll fight back no matter what it takes, but Clayton doesn’t like that one bit. He’ll hog tie her to keep her safe. But then who will keep him safe? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Clayton recognizes his true mate, Linda, the moment they meet. The picture she carries around is him in wolf form, though she refuses to believe it. He mates with her, bonding her to him, and takes her on a shamanic journey to help her accept who she is and the truth about him. But Linda is one very stubborn woman, especially when she decides to take on the pack’s enemies, including a militia led by a fanatic half-blood intent on skinning weres into extinction. No matter how much Clayton tries to convince her that she can trust him, the woman keeps putting herself in harm’s way. If he can’t get her to slow down she’ll end up in the scrap pile right along with him.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have A Taste</span></b><br />
Linda applied more raspberry lip gloss. <br />
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“Why you putting that junk on?” Clayton waited for her to catch up and put his arm around her. <br />
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She dropped the lip gloss back into her purse and snapped it closed. “Think of it as a deterrent.” After they crossed the side entrance a strong waft of dung hit her. She grimaced. <br />
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Her date, however, wasn’t fazed. He led her past several rodeo crews and asked, “You hinting that I’m a bad kisser?” <br />
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“God no!” That was a little louder than she was going for, enough to get the attention of some cowboys working with a bull. She leaned closer to Clayton. “You’re the reason mothers warn their daughters about men.” <br />
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He chuckled and took her hand. <br />
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Clayton led her past a group of men who were preparing a bareback bronc rigging on a palomino while the rider was securing his gripping glove before his ride. They stopped and the men shook his hand one by one. He introduced her to them as ‘my girl from Los Angeles.’ They all offered her a warm greeting. Clayton might as well have announced she was his wife the way they were so happy for him, as though she signified some important event in his life. They seemed to know something she didn’t and it was disconcerting. <br />
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An older Native American woman with a chambray button shirt called out his name from another chute. He turned and that brilliant smile spread over his face when he saw who it was. She gestured to Linda and spread her hands inquiringly. He drew Linda close to him and shouted, ‘my girl.’ Damn, he sounded so happy and proud. <br />
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Linda’s felt her cheeks flush when a few people turned to look at her. She <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">elbowed </span>him, which felt like hitting a brick wall. <br />
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Clayton bent down and gave her a kiss that nearly knocked her feet out from under her. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The lip gloss was an absolute failure.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Want To Talk About It?</span></b></div><div>I'm all over the place, <a href="http://www.rosabrand.net/">me</a>, my <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/rosabrand">shelf</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/RM-Brand/191074380911525?sk=wall">likes</a>. I do occasionally enjoy a <a href="http://twitter.com/rosabrand">tweet</a> and for you couch potatoes out there, I do have a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/rosabrand">boob-tube</a> channel. So don't be shy! Let's chew the fat with Bubba for a while.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of the work mentioned above from The Shaman's Beacon in any form whatsoever in any country whatsoever is forbidden.</span></i></div>RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-66390688465076206312011-08-16T19:08:00.007-05:002011-08-16T19:27:07.288-05:00Creating A Book Trailer: IntroductionSome of you might be wondering how I put my latest book trailer together. I work as a graphic artist in a civil engineering company, mostly doing layout and some minor special effects. So I have intermediate knowledge on Adobe products, enough to do color correction, enhancements, and illustrations. This made it much easier to learn other Adobe software, specifically Premier and After Effects.<br />
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I was first introduced to After Effects when I began making machinima videos like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IoQvsIBaPk">Edge of Remorse</a> (still my favorite of all time), which led me to seek out tutorials on creating special effects. I found <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/">Video Copilot</a> (VC) on the net and was wow'd (yes, pun intended) by their professional tutorials. I began acquiring their products over time, but eventually the day job took over my life and I had to put my dream of becoming the greatest machinima designer in the world on hold.<br />
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Several years later, I realized I needed to create a book trailer for my upcoming releases. So I went back to VC's web site where I absorbed as much knowledge as I could. Eventually, I created the book trailer you see for The Shaman's Beacon. I still wish I could spend more time on it, but that wouldn't be practical. I'm no After Effects expert by any means, but I tried in my most limited way came up with a script, storyboard, and ultimately compiled the images and scenes until I could put it all together in Adobe Premier, where I added sound effects and a few additional musical tracks.<br />
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I can't teach you everything I've learned for the past five years, but you can learn them yourself at Andrew Kramer's website, which I highly recommend. His products are so popular they have been used in Star Trek, Transformers 3, music videos, and even in Terry Goodkind's promo materials (book trailers, etc.).<br />
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Below I've compiled some awesome samples and/or behind the scene documentaries to whet your appetite.<br />
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The following video is an excellent behind the scenes look at how VC put their <a href="http://www.demoncam.com/">Demon Orb</a> product video together, including how they created the special effects. Great stuff!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V7CzC8jcZJY" width="500"></iframe><br />
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After using VC's products for years and learning from his many tutorials I still have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. BUT, I know enough to be dangerous. If you haven't already, be sure to watch The Shaman's Beacon book trailer <a href="http://www.youtube.com/rosabrand">here</a>.<br />
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There are many throughout the entertainment industry who use VC's products, including the folks that put together Terry Goodkind's latest book trailer, The Omen Machine. Take a look and those of you who are familiar with Andrew's work will see and hear it below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XYgjOmS1ajE" width="500"></iframe><br />
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Below includes music from VC's <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/products/proscores/">Pro Scores</a>. <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/products/opticalflares/">Optical Flares</a> was most likely used as well. <a href="http://www.videocopilot.net/proshop/plugins/trapcode_particular/">Trapcode Particular</a> was also used (the little floating particles) which add a very nice effect.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Npf1UBbzbUI" width="500"></iframe><br />
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The big thing here is to try, try and retry until you get what you want. There are countless tutorials out there and you can even buy pre-made templates for After Effects (like from <a href="http://www.after-effect-templates.com/">CreativeLabs</a>). You do have to have After Effects, but once you do the sky is the limit. That's the hard part--What do you put in your trailer?<br />
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My next post will go over script writing and storyboarding.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477611038343194727.post-34698170248953308672011-08-15T12:56:00.003-05:002011-08-15T12:59:41.390-05:00The Books, the Web, and All Things In BetweenI've got a few things to share with you all. First, I've finalized my book trailer. Take a look and be sure to "Like" the video if you enjoyed it.<br />
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The novel is due for release September 1, 2011. You can pre-order the book now <a href="http://www.eredsage.com/store/product895.html">here</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eUVgK6CrQqI" width="500"></iframe><br />
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I also launched my new web site <a href="http://www.rosabrand.net/">The Hen House</a>. There you'll find what's coming and some quirky things about me. It's a work in progress and no doubt will grow as more books are published.<br />
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I'm currently working on the next novel, By Virtues' Design, that is due for release October 15, 2011. The book cover is done, which I will post soon.RM Brandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18215103768909458896noreply@blogger.com2