WHY AND WHAT I WRITE!

Dear Readers,
This post is a bit different from my typical posts about horses, horses and more horses! I was invited by author Ann Goldfarb who writes Time Travel/Mysteries to participate in a "Blog Hop."  A "Blog Hop" allows readers of a blog to get connected to other blogs. All of the authors are asked to answer the same four questions...questions that are typically asked of authors. I really enjoy doing school visits and these are the type of questions that I am asked by the students. So, here is your chance to learn a little bit about the life of an author! I hope you enjoy it.

1. WHAT AM I WORKING ON?
Right now I have a few irons in the fire. As you know, I have just released "Riding Colorado III-Day AND Overnight Trips With Your Horse." That is, obviously, a non-fiction trail guide book. In writing non-fiction, the best part is the research. In this case, "research" means I have to personally visit places and trails all over the state with my horse. How fun is that! Returning home, cleaning out the trailer and doing laundry, then sitting down and writing up all that I did is not as much fun. That is where writing fiction, and fantasy in particular, wins out for my heart. Right now, I am making final decisions with my publisher on the third and final book of The Mist Trilogy: "The Rising Mist." I am so excited about it. I have just re-read the entire book and love it! (I know...author's always love their books! But this one really is good!!!)

All horse-lovers are going to enjoy this fantasy. As in the other two books of The Mist Trilogy, this is the story of the noble and great horses that are chosen to become unicorns when they die and the first boy and girl who are allowed to become unicorn riders. In the beginning of this book, Nicholas and Bethany and their unicorns are sent on several missions to earth to rescue animals, particularly horses, that are in danger. My favorite chapters involve the Legion of the Unicorn members saving ten of the Lipizzan stallions form Vienna that have been kidnapped and held for ransom. They return from this adventure to Celestia only to find a crisis awaiting them. The evil unicorn, Hasbadana, has kidnapped Nicholas's sisters. Urijah, the Lord of Celestia, sends Nick and Bethany to the Dark Kingdom to confront Hasbadana and bring the sisters home. Instead, Nick and Bethany are themselves imprisoned in a swirling mist of darkness deep within the crumbling stone walls of Hasbadana's castle. When Urijah willingly sacrifices himself to take the place of the humans, Nick is determined to find a way to free Urijah. I think this is the best book of the trilogy and that you will enjoy it even if you are not a horse-lover! It will be released by Two Harbors press in late July 2014. I can't wait!

2. HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?

I have never read a fantasy that is at all like The Mist Trilogy. Horse stories are one thing. Fantasies are another. The combination of horses and unicorns is unique. I also combine real locations with the fantasy world of Celestia, the home of the immortal unicorns. In addition, because I love art, I insert bits of information about famous artists in all three books. Look for that!

3. WHY DO I WRITE WHAT I DO?

First, Why do I write? I grew up in a family of artists. My mother's art form was ballet. My grandmother and aunts' art medium was painting. My outlet for creative expression is writing. I love to paint pictures with words. I chose to write for middle grade readers because I want them to love to read. I am thrilled every time I get letters from readers that have loved my books. They make me cry! I am over-joyed when I get the occasional letter from a mom who tells me that my books made their child love to read. That makes the many lonely hours in front of the computer completely worth it!

Second, I write what I am passionate about...most of my books, both fiction and non-fiction center around horses. I think I must have been born with manure in my blood. I have been horse-crazy since birth. I have worked hard all my life in order to be with horses. I supported my own horse as a teenager by babysitting, cleaning houses, etc, etc. Now I use my book royalties to help support my horses. (Notice I wrote "horses." I have three!)

4.  HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?

I have learned some handy tricks over the ten years that I have been a professional author. First, regardless of how great you are as a writer, there is no getting around the fact you have to put in the time. And it takes a lot of time! I have the over-arching story in my head when I start to write and I write and write and write until the entire story is done. That means I don't look back until the entire story is done. Then I go back and reread and revise and alter as seems necessary. Another trick I have learned is to never stop writing for the day at the end of a chapter. Stop in the middle of a paragraph or even right in the middle of a sentence. That way, when you return to your writing, you already have a start. Beta Readers are also helpful. but remember, it is your book. You don't have to take their suggestions. However, I am always open to what they have to say and I appreciate their comments. 

Here is the cool ad that was created to announce the release of "The Rising Mist." How do you like it?

Now, I know you horse-lovers also love to eat! I have the blog for you. Michele Morris is an award winning cookbook writer and amazing food photographer. Her book: "Tasting Colorado" (of which I have purchased several copies for gifts,) was the winner in the Colorado Author's League Book Awards non-fiction category. Her next beautiful cookbook, "Tasting Washington," will be out soon!

Click here to visit her blog in the author "Blog Hop."     www.cookingwithmichele.com 

She will help you create the food you have always dreamed of. She will answer the four questions about being an author that I did above. 

Another great author to discover is Sandy Whelchel. Sandy is the author of the award winning book: Fox and Geese and has recently released the historical saga: Willow Switch. she is the author of six non-fiction books, three fiction books and five coloring books as well as numerous short stories and articles. Her blog was a finalist in the Colorado Author's League writing awards Blog division for one of her articles. 

Her blog is perfect for history buffs! You can access it by clicking here:

www.authorsandy.wordpress.com/tag/sandy-whelchel

I was invited to participate in this "Blog Hop" by time travel/mystery writer Ann Goldfarb. Please visit her blog by clicking here: www.timetravelmysteries.blogspot.com

HOW TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY

 Everyone has a birthday now and then. If you are getting up there, you would rather not keep track any longer. However, my test riders from my "Riding Colorado" books and I have a fun tradition. Whenever we have a birthday, we go on a birthday ride. The birthday girl gets to choose where she wants the group to go. Since I have written three trail guide books for Colorado, it is a tough decision. I know so many great trails! However, yesterday, I chose to stay close to home so we could have cake with one of our riders who is recuperating from a terrible event (Her heart stopped! It's a miracle that she is still alive. Her husband performed CPR for 15 minutes until the paramedics arrived. I'd say that qualifies as a "terrible" event wouldn't you?) Anyway, I chose to go to one of the new day trips in "Riding Colorado III". It is a new open space created by Douglas County called "Lincoln Mountain." I am the leader in the line above riding my wonderful thoroughbred and cover boy Kit. I love that horse as you know if you have been reading my posts for a while. One thing I love about Colorado that is obvious from the picture is that you can see forever! Having grown up in Oregon, surrounded by trees, I couldn't believe that the sky was so big when I arrived in Colorado. Now I get claustrophobic when I return to Oregon. I want someone to cut down those trees! (I know, I know, my Oregon readers will think I'm nuts!)

Anyway, if you have a birthday coming up, gather some friends and go for a trail ride. Better yet, plan a trip with your horse and your friends to Colorado. If you want to know where to go, buy Riding Colorado III-Day and Overnight Trips With Your Horse. I have previewed campgrounds, resorts, cabins and Bed and Breakfasts that will host both you and your horse. In addition, I have reviewed trails around each destination. Riding Colorado III is available on Amazon.com

Happy Trails to You!

SPOILING YOUR FUTURE UNICORN!

If you are a true horse-lover, you will be able to relate to me and my life. In fact, if you were born a horse, you would wish you had been purchased by ME! My horses are loved, pampered and spoiled to the core! This cartoon makes me laugh as I think about how my horses are treated:

 If you are like me, this is your life:

1. Your horse gets new shoes every 8 weeks...you haven't had a new pair of shoes for two years.

2. Your horse's "clothing," blankets, saddle pads, etc., are all newer than anything hanging in your closet.

3. Your horse gets regular check-ups from the vet, including teeth exams...you don't even know your doctor or dentist's names.

4. You sit in your old, junker car while your horse rides in his fancy new, padded trailer with extra matting on the floor.

5. Your horse eats the finest feeds and supplements while you dine on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

6. Your horse's stall is fresh and clean with sweet smelling shavings...who has time to wash your bed linens?

7. Your horse's coat shines like a new penny from hours of brushing...how long has it been since you have been to a beauty parlor. (What's a beauty parlor?)

So, when other people say we are "Horse Crazy," I think they are emphasizing the "Crazy" part. I also think they are right! But we have to laugh at ourselves. Right?

Contact me at my website: www.behindthemist.com and tell me the crazy things you do for your horse!

MORE ABOUT RIDING COLORADO III

My third equestrian trail guide book is now available!

Want to see what it's all about?

View this video!

http://youtu.be/FNIWI1sexos

Riding Colorado III is now available on Amazon for a great discount! Just $17.95!!!

Click Here:

Riding Colorado III-Day Trips and Overnight Trips With Your Horse

RIDING COLORADO III--Day AND Overnight Trips With Your Horse

ANNOUNCING! ANNOUNCING!! 

I have just released my third equestrian trail guide book for Colorado. What's different and unique about this book? This book is perfect for you even if you aren't lucky enough to live in Colorado. If you have a  horse and a horse trailer and a dream to ride in the beautiful Colorado mountains, then you need this book. It has 17 destinations throughout the mountains where you can go and bring your own horse. Whether your tastes lean toward the cozy comfort of a Bed & Breakfast, the variety found at a resort, or camping in the rustic wilderness, Colorado's mountains have a place for you and your horse! I made a careful evaluation of both the human and the horse accommodations as well as descriptions of some of the trails found in the area that you might want to explore.

The cover picture was taken of me on my thoroughbred (future unicorn) Kit. He is now 23 years old and has been my constant companion since he was six. I love that guy, as I have said in previous posts. In this picture, we are seen riding in the Dolores River Canyon in the southwest corner of Colorado.

 Here we are at a resort in the northern area of Colorado called Beaver Meadows.

Here is one of my test riders, Tia on her horse Rain, in Big Meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Here is Larry, another test rider, and me on Kit, at Fooses Creek in the middle of the state. 

So, no matter what part of the state you go to, you will have a fabulous time!!!

It will be available on the website soon. If you can't wait, email me at:

mjevansbtm@gmail.com and I can arrange to have one mailed to you.

Just $19.95!

While you are driving to Colorado with your horse, listen to the audio version of Behind the Mist! 

It is fabulous!

 Available NOW on the website or on Amazon:
www.behindthemist.com

JOE CODY: CREATING A REINING DYNASTY IN CELESTIA

Not all noble and great horses are thoroughbred race horses or movie/t.v. stars. Take Joe Cody for example. He is arguably the most famous and influential American Quarter Horse ever! Little Joe was born on Tom Cochran's ranch in Buckholt, TX in 1952. As a yearling, he was purchased by Robert F. Roberts of Tyler, TX. With Doc Spence in the saddle, he earned the AQHA Championship in reining in 1955...just a 3 year old! 

He was eventually purchased by the well-known breeder, photographer, magazine publisher (Practical Horseman and Performance Horseman) and movie producer (The Horse America Made,) C.T. "Tom" Fuller of Catasauqua, PA. In 1964, Tom moved the stallion to Willow Brook Farms where he became the basis for his quarter horse breeding operation. This was all thanks to his daughter's love of horses I might add and a groom who brought two of Joe's daughters to the ranch. Tom decided he loved the mares so much, he might as well own their father.

Joe Cody is considered the founding sire of Reining horses even though he won championships in both reining and cutting. A little side note, just before Tom bought him, he was invited by the government of Bermuda to perform reining and cutting at their agricultural fair and he stunned everyone with his performance.

Both Joe Cody and C.T Fuller have been inducted in the AQHA Hall of Fame. Joe Cody died in 1989 at the age of 37 and is buried on Willow Brook Farm. 

A little commentary: Tom Fuller's father had purchased the land for the farm in an effort to keep the area rural and to stop development and industrial encroachment. Currently, much of the farm is now under the airport when the land was taken (stolen) by the government claiming eminent domain! 

GREAT NEWS! I have just finished writing my third equestrian trail guide book for Colorado: Riding Colorado III - Day Trips and Over-Night Trips With Your Horse.  YES- Over-Night Trips! So, all you Colorado wanna-be's who have always dreamed of riding your horse in the Colorado Mountains can find out where to come! I'll let you know when it is published. For a sneak preview, here is the picture for the cover: 

Start planning a summer trip to Colorado!

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