Readers Circle: Helen Henderson's Windmaster Legacy

Readers Circle Guest Helen Henderson

 Hello and welcome to the Readers Circle. Sadly, summer is just a memory now, so no longer the Summer Readers Circle. I have had a wonderful time hosting guest authors this summer and giving away prizes. 

Talented author Helen Henderson finishes up this season's round of Readers Circle get-togethers. She explains why she wrote her book and shares an excerpt from the books to hook you on that story. Leave a comment below to enter the drawing for the eBook, romance fantasy novel, Windmaster Legacy, so be sure to leave a comment below! The deadline to enter is Sunday, September 27 at 9:00 PM EDST.

Welcome, Helen!

Windmaster Legacy by Helen Henderson

romance fantasy

Choose between magic, survival, or the life of a loved one.

 Why Helen Wrote Windmaster Legacy by Helen Henderson

Windmaster Legacy is the second book set in the world of Windmaster. The series began as a short story. The story of the archmage Dal and Ellspeth, captain of Sea Falcon, haunted me enough that I again put pen to paper. The short story served as the synopsis. Add in some storyboarding, a few images for inspiration and the romance fantasy, Windmaster, came into being. I didn’t want to leave the world of the falaire, and even though I don’t like the deep blue, I liked hanging out with mages and stayed with them.

Since Windmaster did not end on a cliff-hanger, imagination had to work overtime to come up with another story to tell. Eventually, Lord Dal and Captain Ellspeth told of their plans to journey to his mother’s homeland. A documentary on the Australian outback and a picture of Uluru (also known as Ayer’s Rock) provided the setting. While I know I will never visit Australia in person, the research for and writing of Windmaster Legacy allowed me to visit there vicariously.

A series is more than two books, and while there is already a third novel set in the world of Windmaster, there is another one that deserves a mention. Coming October 2020, Windmaster Golem covers the story of the archmage and his lady and takes it to the next generation.

Excerpt: A short excerpt from Windmaster Legacy that introduces the reader to Lord Dal, on the occasion of his formal petition for a handfasting to Ellspeth.

 A man’s ringing tones overshadowed whatever else Mirrim intended to say. “I request permission to speak to the council of the House of Cszabo.”

 A sigh of relief escaped Ellspeth at the recognition of Dal’s voice. She turned and saw him standing in the open doorway of the council chamber. For a moment his eyes, filled with pride, rested on her. Before she took a step, the minute shake of his head squashed her urge to rush to his side. What is going on? Dal’s here before my guild council…in ceremonial garb.

 He’s still the dockworker you thought he was at your first meeting, even though he is in formal wear. How could Dal be there and not say anything? A question ringed with anger rushed forward. How long has that bilge rat been standing there?

 Dal’s smile flashed.

Long enough to share in your joy. Within a heartbeat, that smile disappeared. Even without the difference in his clothing, Ellspeth could tell the dockworker had been replaced by the son of a chieftain. A suspicion as to why Dal had come solidified when Fraunces moved to stand at the wizard’s left, his plain clothes a striking contrast to Dal’s embroidered, fur-trimmed leather tunic. Another old friend, Timmel, the head of the Bard Guild, was in the doorway at Dal’s other side. When Fourth Seat waved the trio forward, Ellspeth wondered how many of the council were in on whatever Dal had planned. They accorded a first-time visitor full courtesies.

 With a stern glare, Mirrim quieted the room. “I have been in negotiations with Lady Eilidh, chieftain of Clan Daimh, ruler of three holds in the Mtwan Mountains. On behalf of her son, Dal, Archmage of the World, member of the ruling council of wizards, and former lieutenant of Telarim the Red, Lady Eilidh has petitioned a handfasting between Lord Dal and my daughter, Ellspeth.”

 Fear mixed with questions swirled in Ellspeth’s mind. Why is my mother doing this in public? What if the council denies the request? She steeled herself to bear the council’s ruling. Formal ceremony or not, approval of the council or not—Dal is yours for as long as you both shall live.

Click on the links to download Windmaster Legacy from your favorite online bookseller. Amazon  Kobo  additional ebook sellers

UPDATE: Helen Just found out that Windmaster Golem, the next book in the tale of Ellspeth and Dal, is being released on October 10th! 

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About Helen:

Although the author of several local histories, and numerous articles on the topics of American and military history, antiques and collectibles, my first love is fiction.

My work in the museum and history fields enables a special insight into creating fantasy worlds. The descendent of a coal-miner's daughter and an aviation flight engineer, my writing reflects the contrasts of my heritage as well as that of my Gemini sign. My stories cross genres from historical westerns to science fiction and fantasy. In the world of romance fantasy (or if you prefer more romance with your action, fantasy romance), I authored the Dragshi Chronicles and The Windmaster Novels. I invite you to join me join on travels through the stars or among fantasy worlds of the imagination. Happy Reading!

 

 Connect online with Helen:

Helen's Website 

BooksWeLove Publishing Author Page  

Amazon Author Page  

Facebook  

Twitter  

Goodreads  

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Your Words, Your Life Story: A Guide for Sharing Memories

You can write your story.

How many times have I preached to you on this blog to write your story? Your life story? I don't mean the overwhelming task of writing about your whole life from the time you were born to the present. Your life story is made up of lots of stories. I bet you can think of one right now that you tell around the family dinner table. Doesn't it always get a laugh or spark more tales of comforting memories? That's where you start writing--the familiar stories of your life.

Why? Look at the image below for reasons why you should share your story with family and friends and perhaps, publish it for the whole world to read!

Four reasons to tell your story.

I began leading workshops on writing life stories in 2003.  In the chapters in this eBook I share all that I have learned while presenting the lessons to participants.  The exercises and writing prompts will spark your memories. 

Begin today writing down your experiences during this COVID crisis. Yes, you are an eyewitness to history. Let future generations hear the real story of the 2020 pandemic. Don't let the media spin what they want people to know. 

If you are not a writer, in the book I suggest websites to help you use video and audio to tell your stories.

Remembering the good old days makes the winter fly by. Grab this book and get started. When you're finished, please leave a short review on your bookseller's page so readers will find this guide to help them tell their stories. Thank you.

My Facebook group, Your Life Story and Memoir Circle, is another way of helping you along the path to writing your story. Click here to join the group.

Your friendly Lifestorytelling Evangelist,

JQ Rose

Click here to download the guide now at your favorite online bookseller.

Click here for the paperback version which includes a journal to record the exercises in the eBook and to jot down memories. 

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Please leave a comment below and you will be entered in the drawing to win.

Wishing you a Happy Fall Season!!