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| Paul J Bennett's Medieval Musings |
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| October 3, 2020 |
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October is upon us, and with it, the cooler weather. With our new gazebo, we are still trying to take our breaks outside, but the cold (and wet) weather just hasn’t been cooperating. We’ve had quite a bit of rain this week, though it’s not so bad when you can stand under an awning. The real issue is the wind, which seems to blow the rain everywhere. Luckily, our outdoor furniture dries fairly quickly.
I must say it’s a little odd, sitting outside in a jacket or sweater, with a blanket over our legs, but at least the air is fresh. You’d think the dogs would welcome the outdoor time, but all they seem to do is sit on the grass and watch the world go by. Daisy is particularly interested in whoever might walk by the house, but Tilly is more concerned with the squirrels. That being said, they both behave themselves, letting out only the occasional bark, or howl in the case of Daisy.
Lucky for us, the weather app says it’ll be a little warmer next week.
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Have you seen these reviews for Tempered Steel?
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'I loved it' - J G
'Truly excellent origin story' - John
'Another cracker from Mr Bennett' - Sean O
'I am looking forward to the next' - Chuck D
'This is going to be a very rewarding series' - MV
'I am so excited for it and highly recommend this book and series.' - J G
'This is a very good start to another splendid series by Mr. Bennett.' - Deborah
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This Week's Review:
Not Another Happy Ending(2013)
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Time for another movie review. Just to mix it up a little, I thought I might review a romantic comedy that we found on iTunes. It's called 'Not Another Happy Ending' and stars Karen Gillan (Dr. Who, Guardians of the Galaxy) as an author suffering from writer's block. This seemed like a good fit for us since I always enjoy seeing how writers are portrayed in movies.
The movie takes place in Scotland and concerns a young writer named Jane Lockhart, who has tremendous success with her first book. Key to the story, however, is the fact that her story tells the pseudo-history of her own childhood, which is very depressing. She wins an award for it and falls in love with a seasoned screenwriter. The trouble is, she's under contract to write a second book, and something is stopping her from writing the last chapter. In addition, she begins to see and actually interact with the character in her new book, who complains about not having an ending.
This movie very much has an 'indie' feel to it. It was made in 2013, just after Karen Gillan finished her role as Amy Pond (Dr. Who), but before she gained fame for her role as Nebula in the Guardians of the Galaxy. She displays some comedic chops here, ably assisted by Stanley Weber and a young Ian De Caestecker (Fitz from Agents of Shield). The humour is definitely low key, but there are a few laugh out loud moments.
I should also warn you there is some nudity, principally a naked person exposing their butt, and 'strategically placed objects' to block anything else, all done to heighten the comedic effect.
If you enjoy a fairly typical Rom-Com with a superior cast, this is the movie for you.
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Did you catch my latest Facebook Live Session?
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This time I spoke about some of the different ceremonies in my books and followed it up with a ceremony for my latest book, Tempered Steel.
My next Facebook Live will be on Monday, October 19, as the twelfth is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. If you can't join me live, let me know if you have any questions you would like to ask, and I will answer them on the Video.
And, honestly, I'm not sneezing in the gif of the video below. That's just the clip it decided to pick!
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A Look Back at
Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic
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In the days of the Role Playing Game that inspired the Heir to the Crown series, I had created the character of Albreda. She was meant to reveal a prophecy of doom, a common enough occurrence in the fantasy genre. When it came time to write Sword of the Crown, I decided to expand upon that, making her an Earth Mage. Rather than have her traditionally trained, I decided on the concept of the ‘Wild Mage’; a person who has developed their magic without a formalized education in such things. It soon got me thinking about her background and the circumstances that had led to her acquiring her magic. This led me to write The Call of Magic.
Albreda is a fun character to write, principally due to the fact that she doesn’t mince words. I decided that this would be a trait she had as a child, and so the early chapters became important in establishing her independent streak and a lack of respect for authority. She is, of course, still an important figure in the Heir to the Crown series, but in this tale, she is less certain of herself and perhaps a bit more fearful.
The story culminates with her coming to grips with her newfound abilities, a rather satisfying end to the first part of her life. Is there more to come? Most definitely, but it won’t be anytime soon as I already have enough stories to keep me busy for the foreseeable future.
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'I really enjoyed this well-written and intriguing story. I couldn't put it down.' - Dianne L
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The Call of Magic: For so long she tried to resist... but the woods call, beckoning her with their secrets.
Never one to shy away from adversity, Albreda grew up the day her mother died.
Now, her courage is put to the test when she finds herself lost in the mysterious and dangerous Whitewood, fighting for her life.
Discovering there is so much that she does not understand, she embarks on an adventure that will change her life forever.
Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic, is the origin story of the Witch of the Whitewood, Mistress Albreda. It can be read at any time but is best when read between books four and five of the Heir to the Crown Series.
Grab your copy today and learn how a wild mage unleashes the magic within!
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Congrats to Marguerite for winning last week's eBook Giveaway! Based on your votes, the newsletter will continue to hit your inboxes on Saturdays.
Remember, all you need to do answer the question below, then you will automatically be entered into the Giveaway to win your choice of any of my ebooks, even the recently released Tempered Steel!
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| Do you like an epilogue at the end of your books? |
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| You have now entered the Giveaway! Good Luck! |
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This week saw me finishing Fury of the Crown, or at least the first draft of it. Carol and I were looking at the dates, and it occurred to us that I wrote this story in seven weeks; I think that’s likely a new record for me! I didn’t set out to write at such a fast pace, but once the story started flowing, there was little I could do to hold it back. This book resolves a number of storylines, yet still manages to leave some threads for the next one, War of the Crown.
Now that I’m done, I shall take a couple of days and go over outlines for other books, making changes here and there, and possibly adding some extra details. I find this gives me a nice break from the task of writing, while still keeping me immersed in each series. Next on the docket will be Warrior Knight, the first book concerning the adventures of Ludwig Altenburg. He was introduced in Tempered Steel as Charlaine’s love interest. Now that Charlaine has gone on to become a temple knight, I can begin the story of his rise to power.
Well, I suppose I should get back to work now.
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Until next time, here's another excerpt from
The Frozen Flame: Book Three
Flames
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"Why do they hate us so much?"
"This isn't about your people, Athgar," said Natalia. "It's about power."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I don't think the Church cares who they're fighting. It's the chance to flex their muscles, don't you see?"
"No," said Athgar, "I don't. Explain it to me."
"This is probably the only place on the Continent where so many Temple Knights are gathered. I think they see it as an opportunity to hone their craft."
"By killing? Isn't that against their beliefs?"
"People can justify anything if they set their minds to it. The Therengians are seen as outsiders. Think back to Runewald. Everyone there hates the idea of the skrollings. It's no different here, except the roles are reversed."
"I suppose that's true."
"It is," said Natalia, "but it's also sad. People fear what they don't understand. You and I have experienced life amongst the Orcs. To us, they are our friends, but to outsiders, they are barbarians. They likely see the Therengians the same way."
"Except that Therengia was once a great kingdom."
"I think that makes them even more fearful. To be honest, I doubt the locals even know it's the Therengians who are out there."
"They must know they're fighting someone," insisted Athgar.
"True, but I doubt they know the full story. Whoever leads this army wants the populace behind him. I imagine they will have painted the enemy as vicious cutthroats, eager to kill and ravage. It's all part of the politics of war."
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Can't wait to hear more about Kargen and Shaluhk?
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Check out these featured books that are free, discounted, or new releases.
These authors are returning the favour by sharing my books with their readers.
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Recreance: When darkness rises, the young are called to stand against it.
Oren had always simply accepted the Ministry's authoritarian rule, until the day his mother and father were executed. With death on his heels, he is thrust into the unforgiving wastelands, where his only hope for survival lies with an enigmatic old blademaster who might well be insane.
When Clem's home life falls apart, she finds herself stealing to survive...and getting rather good at it. She agrees to a high stakes Ministry heist and discovers a secret so dangerous, people are willing to die for it. On the run for her life, she escapes into the wastelands beyond the city walls...MORE
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Legends of Gilia: Epic omnibus! Three COMPLETE trilogies and three bonus chapters! Over 90% off the individual books!!
Kingdoms will fall. Men will reign. Washed ashore on the land of Ruyn, Ealrin Bealouve is a man with no memory of his past. Desperate to discover who he was and return to his homeland, Ealrin journeys through a continent ruled by elves, dwarves, and men.
But a growing hatred threatens to destroy the peace that has held the continent together for centuries. Ealrin must choose. Will he abandon his quest to remember his past, or join the fight against genocide... MORE
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Gates of Eden: More than 1200 pages of druids, dragons, demigods, and danger fill this modern Arthurian epic boxed set.*
Legacies are forged through sacrifice.
Readers of Theophilus Monroe’s Voodoo Academy from the Gates of Eden: The Voodoo Legacy series will naturally adore the Druid Legacy. Combined with Celtic mythology and Arthurian lore, this druid urban fantasy is a compelling installment in the Gates of Eden world. With magical fantasy adventure romance, a snarky male hero, and a plethora of characters taken straight from Arthurain lore and the Celtic world of myth, this time travel epic fantasy will keep readers enthralled from start to finish... MORE
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The King's Shadow: Two princes lead a war-broken people. One rules while the other serves in the shadows, haunted by encroaching death.
Halavant overthrew his queen mother to save his people from slavery, and now she seeks his life. Yosyph acts as the new king's eyes and ears, but being invisible comes at great cost and his life is slipping away.
To save his closest friend, Halavant travels to the land of the skin-carving Carani, leaving Yosyph to rule a troubled people despite his ill health and the nobles on the verge of rebellion... MORE
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Featured Book Deals & Giveaways
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While you wait for the release of my next book, here are some great stories for your TBR pile!
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Extra Book Deals & Giveaways
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