THE STONE OF MERCY HAS BEEN RELEASED!

I am sorry that I haven't written a post for over a month! I have been so busy with the October 1st release of my newest book. I'm excited about it and am sure you will enjoy it. "The Stone of Mercy-Book 1 of the Centaur Chronicles" is the first of a 4 book series about the land of Crystonia and the Centaurs, Cyclops, Ogres and little Deunde who inhabit it. Crystonia has been without a leader for a century and a half while the larger races battle for the throne. However, by tradition, the ruler will be the one who wears the Silver Breastplate. No one expected that the breastplate would be given to a young Duende girl, however. 

The Stone of Mercy received an excellent review from Feathered Quill and they followed up the review by interviewing me. Here is the text of the interview:

Author Interviews

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Kristi Benedict is talking with M.J. Evans, author of The Stone of Mercy: Book 1 of the Centaur Chronicles

FQ: What was your inspiration for the several different races in this book?

EVANS: I selected races (or species) that would reflect different and competing traits. Some of the traits would logically be held by people hungry for power. For example, the cyclops are not known for their intelligence. Rather, they rely on brute strength. The Centaurs have speed and fighting ability but do so with more finesse and intelligence. The Duende are a made up race taken from the Spanish word that means fairy. They represent the weaker, over-looked and taken for granted species. The fauns, by tradition, have a fun-loving, irresponsible nature. So they were the obvious ones to sell their souls to the Cyclops for protection and then find themselves enslaved.

FQ: Did you do any research on Greek mythology to write about the centaurs, cyclops, etc?

EVANS: I did very little research on the mythology around centaurs, cyclops and fauns because I wanted to create new and unique characteristics in my characters. If I did too much research, that might stifle my creativity. There are many mythological creatures based upon a horse. I think this is because people have always loved and revered horses. I am one of those people. All, but one, of my novels have a horse connection and I love to use the mythological horses as my main characters, however, always with a different twist. My first fantasy series, "The Mist Trilogy," is about the noble and great horses that are chosen to become unicorns when they die. My choice to create a series about Centaurs is a continuation of my love of writing about horses. It is fun for me to include horse behaviors and traits when I write about Tibbals and Tandum and the other Centaurs. Then I get to add human mannerisms as well.

FQ: What demographic were you aiming for with this book, pre-teen or young adult?

EVANS: I initially pictured my readers to be 10 to 14, so Middle-Grade. However, many adults have been enjoying it as well so perhaps it will be well received by young adults as well.

FQ: What is the reason for calling the series "The Centaur Chronicles?"

EVANS: "The Duende Diaries" just didn’t have the same ring to it! Just kidding. I teach English riding lessons and I am always telling my students to become a Centaur...to be one with the horse. After several years of using this phrase, I decided it was time to write a story about Centaurs.

FQ: What do you think are the advantages of using a young girl as your protagonist?

EVANS: As a small, delicate creature, she has an uphill battle to win over the larger races. The Silver Breastplate gives her an unexpected advantage and great power. But, remember, she never aspired to be the queen, consistent with both her station in life and her personality. But her personality is changing with each book of the series, keeping her good qualities but developing more confidence and commitment to her calling. I think it is fun to have a young girl in this position as many girls will be asked to accomplish great things in their lives whether it is to raise a strong family or run a country.

FQ: In the graphic scenes for this novel, such as the attack on the Duende village, how do you decide what details to include so the scene is still powerful but not too overly graphic?

EVANS: I like this question because this is one that I struggle with all the time. The second book has some battle scenes in it as well as will the fourth. I try to picture a PG movie as I write. I want to write books that leave a good message but that are exciting. So it is a challenge to balance both. Some fantasies are even too dark for me. I want to keep it light and fanciful even while describing a battle scene. I don’t want my readers to have nightmares!

FQ: Did your experience with horses help when writing about the centaurs in this novel?

EVANS:I mentioned this in the 2nd question. Yes, I love writing about horses and their personalities. It is so fun using the technique of Anthropomorphism in my writing. My brain just goes right to putting human characteristics on horses because I love them so much and am so familiar with them. For example, when a horse is irritated, he will swish his tail. I had the centaurs do this in the book. They stomp their hooves, rear and kick, just like a horse would.

FQ: Which part of the book did you enjoy writing the most, the beginning, the end, or a specific scene in the middle?

EVANS: I think my favorite scenes are any scene where the Wizard appears. I like that character. In addition, I had fun writing the scenes with the Commander at Fort Heilodius. The bad guys are fun to create!

To learn more about The Stone of Mercy: Book 1 of the Centaur Chronicles please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.

The Stone of Mercy is available in Print only at the present time. It is available on Amazon,

Barnes and Noble, and independent bookstores. 

Autographed copies are available on the website: www.dancinghorsepress.com

Just click here:

Autographed copies are available on the website: www.dancinghorsepress.com

MY READERS ARE ARTISTS, TOO!

The best part about being an author is getting letters from my readers. It makes all the lonely hours in my study sitting in front of a computer worth it. And for a social creature such as myself, that is saying a lot! Now, take it one step further and think how much I LOVE getting art work from my readers! WOW! I just received this fabulous drawing from Kylie. Kylie has read all of my books and has sent me some wonderful letters as well as visited with me at book signings. Here is the picture she just sent me. It's amazing!

Don't forget about the give away of THREE FREE copies of The Rising Mist on Goodreads.com. You must enter by September 25th for a chance to win!

GOOD LUCK!

 

 

    Goodreads Book Giveaway

 

   

       

   

   

     

          The Rising Mist

     

     

          by M.J. Evans

     

     

         

            Giveaway ends September 25, 2014.

         

         

            See the giveaway details

            at Goodreads.

         

     

   

   

      Enter to win

FROZEN'S FANTASTIC FJORDS

In December Tom and I had the fun opportunity to take several of our grandchildren to the new animated movie "Frozen." I loved it! I loved everything about it, especially the music. The animation was spectacular and the story was...well, it was a fantasy and you all know  how much I love fantasies! The Disney movies so often include horses. Usually the horses are big and white and carry a handsome prince. Their breed is unidentifiable. But this time, the horses were actually a fairly accurate portrayal of a true Scandinavian breed of horse: The Norwegian Fjord.

Fjords have long been bred throughout Scandinavia but principally in Norway. They were the favorite of the vikings and were taken to Scotland and Ireland in their longboats. You can read more about the Vikings in my new fantasy entitled "North Mystic." (North Mystic is a fun parody of the Revolutionary War but with Trolls and Leprechauns!) 

The Fjords are short and stocky, technically a pony. Ponies, by definition, are 14.2 hands high or less when measured at the withers. That is the one error Disney made. Their Fjords were much too big. But, regardless of their compact size, these ponies are powerful. They have long been used to pull farm equipment in place of the tractor on mountain fields. 

I first became acquainted with the fjord at a dressage show.

With the traditional black and white attire of a dressage rider, the fjords, with their unique markings, looked so darling! They have a pronounced dorsal stripe that runs the length of their mane, along their back and down their tail.

I remember seeing one pony with his mane trimmed like this:

I thought it was so cool! There is one short scene in the movie Frozen where you see an army of soldiers leaving the village to search for the queen and their manes are trimmed like the one above.

Fjord lovers will brag about their versatility. These ponies are used not only for working as plow horses and pack horses but they will drive and jump and perform in dressage.

Not only are all of those things true but they are also very easy keeps...that means they are easy to keep nice and round...unlike my thoroughbred!

To enjoy more fantasies: check out The Mist Trilogy books-the horse-lover's fantasy for ages 9 and up.

Behind the Mist, Mists of Darkness and The Rising Mist (the latter currently out only in ebook at the moment.)

Or if you want another fun reading adventure, check out North Mystic.

Click here: 

www.behindthemist.com

or

www.northmystic.com

"Like" them on facebook: Behind the Mist and North Mystic

ABANDONED FOAL FINDS A HAPPY HOME

A friend sent me this wonderful story about a little foal who was abandoned by his mother right after birth. That does happen on rare occasions. Thank goodness, this situation had a happy ending. Here is the story she sent me.

Hours after his birth, Breeze was found stumbling around by a farmer. The newborn foal was abandoned by his mother. That's when the farmer took him to Devon-based Mare and Foal Sanctuary where they instantly started caring for him. What happened next is both adorable and heartwarming. Staff put a 4-foot giant teddy bear in with Breeze. The bear's name is Buttons and Breeze quickly warmed up to him. Without his mother, Breeze has found an adorable replacement. The two have been inseparable and they expect Breeze to be just fine. Thanks to the rescuers and those who cared enough to take in this little cutie. And thanks, of course, to Button.

I think I need to rewrite Behind the Mist, Mists of Darkness and The Rising Mist (just released on ebook format) to include a teddy bear!

If you know a horse-lover age 9 and up, be sure to get them Behind the Mist, Mists of Darkness and The Rising Mist. They make great Birthday and Christmas presents!

Just click here:

  www.behindthemist.com

WONDERFUL REVIEW FOR BEHIND THE MIST

If you haven't yet been convinced to read Behind the Mist, perhaps this wonderful review by Brainfood Bookstore in Longmont, CO will do the trick. This appeared in their March Newsletter.

New Book Reviews

Behind the Mist
by Margi Evans

Behind the Mist is an enchanting read that warms the heart and demonstrates the true power of love. This fantasy transpires in the land of unicorns, where these marvelous creatures roam free and magic is everywhere. This is not your average fantasy, but a tale with true morality much needed for today's youth.

Travel with Nick, an experienced Colorado trail-rider, and jazz, a seasoned show horse, as they explore the land of Celestia on their journey to join the legion of the unicorn. Celestia is a land full of magic, beauty, and danger, with surprises and trials for our dual protagonists along every step of the way. Nick and Jazz must trust in each other and banish their fears to let the power of love conquer all. Evans illustrates with ease, the unique powerful bond of a horse and their rider. With detail rich storytelling, anyone with a love for horses will be instantly hooked and everyone else will quickly fall for their charm.

An easy read that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages Evans constructs a world that engages all five senses and creates a sense of yearning for this perfect world. Evans displays her mastery of setting in her debut novel and inspires the imagination. Diverse vocabulary and numerous references to historical artists give Behind the Mist an educational edge lacking in common fantasy. Subtle Christian morals make this an uplifting tale much needed to bring light back into the darkened pages of the currently popular young adult books. Take a journey, go for a ride, and experience the magical world of Behind the Mist.

If you live near Longmont, Colorado, go in and visit this wonderful store. While you are there, pick up your own copy of Behind the Mist and Mists of Darkness.

OR

You can save $1 off the retail price AND get an autographed copy by going to the website: www.behindthemist.com. Both books are also available on all online sites and in ebook format.

FALLING OFF A FUTURE UNICORN IS NOT FUN!

I don't know about you, but even after years of riding my future unicorns, I STILL fall off occasionally. Maybe it is because I can't afford a "finished" horse (if horses are ever really finished!) I always buy the "just-saddle-and-bridle-broke" horse. Yes, the initial purchase price is much less but the medical bills make up for that! Readers of Behind the Mist and Mists of Darkness will know the name of Jazz, the star of those books. He is a beautiful, dark-bay Hanoverian. He also  happens to be 17 hands tall! That is a long way above the ground. Having purchased him as a young and immature 4 year old, I began his dressage training...working up the levels very slowly. He is now 11 and getting ready to compete at third level (see...I told you I was training him slowly.) In any case, over the seven years that I have owned him and worked on training him, I have hit the ground many times. He never bucks or rears but he will whirl when he is startled. I think whirls are harder to stay on than bucks! While the whirls have become far less frequent, they still  happen on occasion. This only serves to remind me of two things...1) I still have to be alert to the warning signs and 2) I am not getting any younger!

With the last conclusion in mind, I want to share with you a funny article that a reader sent me. If you are my age you will be able to totally relate. (P.S. I changed the last line because I don't drink alcohol.) Enjoy!

The Stages of Aging on Horseback

Stage 1: Fall off pony. Bounce. Laugh. Climb back on. Repeat.

Stage 2: Fall off horse. Run after horse, cussing. Climb back on by
shimmying up horse's neck. Ride until sundown.

Stage 3: Fall off horse. Use sleeve of shirt to stanch bleeding. Have friend
help you get back on horse. Take two Advil and apply ice packs when you get
home. Ride next day.

State 4: Fall off horse. Refuse advice to call ambulance; drive self to
urgent care clinic. Entertain nursing staff with tales of previous daredevil
stunts on horseback. Back to riding before cast comes off.

Stage 5: Fall off horse. Temporarily forget name of horse and name of
husband. Flirt shamelessly with paramedics when they arrive. Spend week in
hospital while titanium pins are screwed in place. Start riding again before
doctor gives official okay.

Stage 6: Fall off horse. Fail to see any humor when hunky paramedic says,
"You again?" Gain firsthand knowledge of advances in medical technology
thanks to stint in ICU. Convince self that permanent limp isn't that
noticeable. Promise husband you'll give up riding. One week later purchase
older, slower, shorter horse.

Stage 7: Slip off horse. Relieved when artificial joints and implanted
medical devices seem unaffected. Tell husband that scrapes and bruises are
due to gardening accident. Pretend you don't see husband roll his eyes and
mutter as he walks away. Give apple to horse.

Stage 8: Go to see horse. Momentarily consider riding but remember arthritis
won't let you lift leg high enough to reach stirrup - even when on mounting
block. Share ginger ale with grateful horse & recall "good old days".=

If you liked that, then you are a true horse lover. 

So...you will love reading the first two 

books of the fantasy for horse lovers: 

Behind the Mist and Mists of Darkness. 

They are available where ever books are sold. Or get 

an autographed copy at: 

www.behindthemist.com 

MAN O' WAR - Greatest Horse of the 20th Century

I only know of one horse for whom a heavy metal band was named! Actually, I don't listen to heavy metal bands but I thought it was fun to make the connection with one of the most famous horses of all time. The second scene in Mists of Darkness-Book Two of the Mist Trilogy takes place at Churchill Downs when the evil unicorn Hasbadana sends his oppressive mist to the famous race track to "invite" horses to join his army. So, in honor of Mists of Darkness's impending release, I decided to do another blog post about a famous race horse...clearly one of the noble and great horses that is surely a unicorn now.

Man o' War was born in Lexington, Kentucky on March 29th, 1917. His owner and breeder was August Belmont, Jr. (1851-1924.) The Belmont Stakes had been named after his father. At the age of 65, August Belmont, Jr. joined the U.S. Army to fight in France during World War I. The foal was born while he was away and Mrs. Belmont named it Man o' War in honor of her husband's brave service for his country.

Upon returning from the war, August decided that he was done with the horse racing business and Man o' War was sold at the Saratoga Yearling Auction in 1918 for $5,000. The buyer was Samuel Riddle. The beautiful yearling proved to be a very wise purchase. With Jockey Johnny Loftus riding, Man o' War won 9 our of 10 races as a two-year-old. In those days, there were no starting gates. All of the  horses circled around behind a piece of webbing that was stretched across the track. When the "barrier" as it was called was lifted, the horses started running. In his one loss, it has been reported that Loftus had Man o' War facing the wrong direction when the barrier was lifted and the rest of the field got a big head start on him.

As a three-year-old, Man o' War was 16 and a half hands tall and weighed 1,150 pounds. Clarence Kummen became his new jockey when Loftus was denied a renewal of his license by the Jockey Club. Man o' War was not entered in the Kentucky Derby because his wise owner thought he was too young to go the 1 and 1/4 mile long race. If you have been reading my blog long, you know how I feel about racing these horses at such a young age. Anyway, Man o' War went on to obliterate all of the other horses he raced against until, by the end of the season, no one wanted to race him.

His final race was in Canada against the previous year's Triple Crown winner (though they didn't call it that back then,) Sir Barton. Man o' War won easily.

Man o' War won 20 out of his 21 races and broke numerous world, American and track records. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and the Hall of Fame in 1957. The AP ranked Man o' War as the greatest horse of the 20th Century.

Man o'War retired in Kentucky and sired many fabulous horses. He died on Nov. 1, 1947 at the age of 30.

SEND ME THE STORY OF YOUR NOBLE AND GREAT HORSE. 

Write to me at mjevansbtm@gmail.com

AUTHOR ALAN JORDAN PRAISES MISTS OF DARKNESS

/http://launchparty.max-opp.com/mists-of-darkness-book-two-of-the-mist-trilogy-by-m-j-evans/

I am excited to tell you that author Alan Jordan has featured Mists of Darkness on his site: Launch Party. I appreciate his kind words! Here is just a part of it:

"In the near future, we will be interviewing the author, and you'll be able to hear that interview by returning to this page. Here's a brief summary of the plot, but be aware, the plot is not the important thing here, it's the writing that you'll enjoy:..."

Mr. Jordan his since interviewed me twice, once about Mists of Darkness (that will be coming out in print before the holidays!) and once about life as a writer...writing/publishing/marketing. If you are interested in writing, whether about horses or fantasy, or whatever, you might find the second interview particularly informative.

FUNNY CHAIN LETTER FOR HORSE-LOVERS

This is not my typical post but it was too funny to pass up!

All of you know about those chain letters. The only one I ever tried was a children's book letter. Send a child's book to the top name on the list and within a few weeks you should receive 36 children's books. Well, I sent the book and got the grand total of ZERO books back. So, I wrote off chain letters... until this one!

Dear _________________ (Fill-in the Blank,)

Are you experiencing too many reserves and lower-place finishes due to inferior performance by your horse? Does he forget his own name in the arena? Well, this simple chain letter is meant to bring relief and happiness to you. Unlike most chain letters, it doesn't cost money. Simply send a copy to six other horse owners who are dissatisfied with the way their horses are working and showing. Next, bundle up your horse and send him/her to the horse owner at the top of this list, and add your name to the bottom of the list. Do not use a return address or the postal service may try to contact you. In one week, you will receive 16,436 horses, and one of them should be a real dandy. Have faith in this letter. Do not break the chain. One owner broke the chain and got her own horse back! Isn't that a hoot?! That is your laugh for the day.

MISTS OF DARKNESS will be coming out in print before the holidays. All books that are ordered through the website: www.behindthemist.com will be autographed! You can currently get Mists of Darkness for your Kindle. Just click here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Mists+of+Darkness&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AMists+of+Darkness

MOLLY THE THREE-LEGGED PONY

I, like most equestrians, always figured if the horse loses a leg, the owner loses a horse. While that is true 99.999999999999999999999999% of the time, there is a pony who beat the odds.
Molly was a victim of Hurricane Katrina. She was rescued by Kay Harris. That should have been a happy ending but, alas, Kaye also rescued a pit bull who attacked the pony and mauled her off-front leg. The vets at LSU amputated the leg and fixed her up with a prothesus. Now, this precious pony brings hope to children who have also lost a limb. Watch the news story below.



OTHER NEWS:
Neville the Devil (see the post on June 25, 2012) made it on the Olympic Team. I seem to be focusing on horses (and, therefore people,) who overcome the odds. Most of us are struggling right now. Let us look to our animal friends for good examples of rising above and reaching our potential!

MISTS OF DARKNESS-Book Two of the Mist Trilogy

MISTS OF DARKNESS-Book Two of the Mist Trilogy has been released as a three month exclusive on Amazon's Kindle. So get out your kindle, down load Mists of Darkness and have fun reading about the evil unicorn, Hasbadana, as he attempts to rule the earth! You will love it.

MISTS OF DARKNESS IS COMING OUT SOON!

I have an exciting announcement for you! Mists of Darkness, Book Two of the Mist Trilogy is being released by the end of the month. It will be released first as an ebook with an exclusive on Amazon for three months. So, get your kindles out and add Mists of Darkness. You will love it. If you haven't read Behind the Mist yet, you can download it, too!

Mists of Darkness is the exciting story of the evil unicorn, Hasbadana, as he begins to carry out his plan to rule all of the inhabitants of the earth. A mysterious, thick, black mist descends upon horse venues all around the world. When the mist just as suddenly disappears, horses have vanished. Deep in the wilderness in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Hasbadana begins training his enslaved army.

 You will love reading about Nick and his horse Jazz who have now become members of the Legion of the Unicorn. Jazz has earned  his horn and a new name: Lazari. Nick is the first unicorn rider. They join all of the unicorns of light as they struggle to find a way to stop Hasbadana in his wicked plan.

WATCH FOR IT ON AMAZON!!!