A-musing the World Blog Event. Time to Dance! Comment for a chance to win big!

Welcome to my A-musing the World Blog Event. As many of you know, I’ve had a different muse of inspiration and the author who wrote her tale visit each week. This week it’s a pleasure to welcome back my dear friend, talented author Hywela Lyn. Her muse? None other than Terpsichore, Muse of Dance! As I love to dance, I’m especially pleased to have Terpsichore visiting my blog. In Lyn’s fantastic tale, Dancing with Fate, her contribution to The Song of the Muses Anthology, Terpsichore loses her heart to Myrddin.

Before you read on, keep in mind that there is a contest this week. Two winners will be drawn. One wins an Ecopy of Dancing with Fate and a Tshirt with Dancing with Fate's cover on it. The other, a $5 gift certificate to Digi Books Café. How do you enter to win? Be sure to answer the following question in a comment at the end of this post. What is Terpsichore’s task? Click here to find the answer. (Hint: you might just find what you’re looking for on the right hand side)

Okay, it’s time to get to know Terpsichore a bit better!

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost.

But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way.

Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE.

SKY: Thanks so much for joining me this week!

LYN: Thank you so much for having me and Terpsichore here, Sky, it’s always a real pleasure to visit your Blog.

SKY:  And it's such a pleasure to have you! Tell us a little bit about yourself. How long have you been writing? Do you have a genre preference? What have you published thus far?

LYN: Well, first of all, my name, because I think this confuses a lot of people. Hywela Lyn is a combination of both my first names., Hywela being a very old Welsh name. I have always been called Lyn by both my family and friends, so it’s what I answer to. But when I started writing I thought it would be a shame not to ‘Hywela’ as well, so I just dropped my surname. I was born and lived in rural Wales, until my marriage, when circumstances necessitated my moving to a small village in England. I love the countryside and being out in the open, can’t stand busy towns and cities and love all creatures great and small. I have two horses, who keep me poor, although I wouldn’t part with them for anything, and a rescued Jack Russell . I’ve loved books since I was a small child and have made up stories for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved fantasy, although I’m also a keen Western historical fan. I discovered Science fiction in my early teens and really enjoy writing stories set in the far future. I’ve always loved the stars and been intrigued by the prospect of space travel, so writing futuristic romance helps me play out my fantasies in my mind. It’s pretty much the same with fantasy. I can escape to a time and place far away from our own world and lose myself in the adventures of my characters. Apart from ‘Song Of The Muses’ I have two futuristic romances published with The Wild Rose Press – The ‘Book Of My Heart’ ‘Starquest’, and a sequel ‘Children Of The Mist’. I am currently working on a third in the series.

SKY:  I can't wait to read it! (I know, I'm SO impatient!) Back to business, when you first knew you were going to be part of The Song of the Muses Anthology, what was your first thought?

LYN: Pure excitement to start with - then –“ wow, what have I let myself in for? I know hardly anything about the nine muses, I’d better start finding out!”

SKY: Did you find yourself researching Greek Mythology quite a bit while writing your story or were you already a guru in this genre?

LYN: No, not at all! As I mentioned before, I knew very little. The only study of Greek Mythology I’d undertaken had been at school, and that was er, let’s just say, quite a while ago. So I had to stock up on books and search the internet – and I have to say it was a very enjoyable experience, and quite an eye opener when I realized just how much the various legends contradicted each other. In a way though, that was quite helpful because it meant I could introduce slight twists without compromising the original stories.

SKY: Let’s chat about your muse. What drew you to her? As she was literally your inspiration, share a little about how you formed an entire story around her?

LYN: By the time I’d finished researching Terpsichore, I had become fascinated by her, and realized she was quite a complex character. There had to be more to her role in eternal life than merely inspiring people to dance, so I decided that since dancing is such a happy and carefree occupation (unless you happen to be a ‘celebrity’ taking part in a television contest, of course) she would also be responsible for bestowing an uplifting of spirits to accompany her gift. I had Apollo send her to 5th Century Wales to re-invigorate the Celts after many years of fighting back their invaders – and that’s when I realized that she and Myrddin were destined to be to meet and fall in love.

SKY: Indeed they were! Time to crawl inside your muse’s head romance style. I’d love to read an excerpt from your story that revolves around her interacting with your hero. Pull us in─lead out with three words you feel could be a mini title for this glimpse inside your tale!

LYN: In the early hours just before dawn, Terpsichore nearly succumbs to demon magick and is saved by Myrddin. ( A ‘brat’ is a type of shawl worn in medieval Wales)

‘Dawning of Passion’:

Eos in her chariot had started her journey across the sky and the pearly light showed their camp and the two horses grazing nearby. Never had anything looked so welcome. Never had Terpsichore felt so safe in a man's arms.

He set her down, near the fire, and wrapped his own brat around her. He wore only his truis, and was bare-chested. "You're trembling, you'll catch your death of cold...but that would be better than the fate which almost befell you."

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed up at him. Neither her tears nor her trembling had anything do with her recent encounter. Being so close to him unnerved her even more than the fiendish fiery lights. The thought of his protective arms around her, just a few moments ago, sent searing heat through her veins. There could be no point in trying to deny it any longer. Despite her vow, she'd fallen in love with this mortal. She loved him more than she'd ever loved any man, or any god, either. She looked at his slim body, firm and athletic without being too muscular, golden hairs sprinkling his broad chest, and she ached to touch him.

Slowly she stood, and placing her hands on his shoulders, pressed her face against him for comfort, inhaling his cool, masculine scent. It reminded her of pine and musk and warm evenings with the tang of the sea. The feel of his bare skin against her face did things to her over which, goddess or not, she had no control.

Once more, his arms enfolded her. She felt the touch of his lips against her hair.

"You're safe now, Cora. I won't let anything happen to you."

He mistook her longing, her desire, for fear. Could he not feel the beating of her heart, or did he put that down to fright as well? She took a deep breath. She was a goddess. She would not be seen to be weak and frail, like a mortal woman.

She drew back from him a little, and gazed up into his eyes. "I know, and I thank you for...saving...me from..."

The words stuck in her throat as she once again lost herself in his eyes. His face wore such a gentle expression, so much concern in his eyes. His lips were so close to hers.

"From what, Cora? Did you know they were the Ellylldan? Do you realize how much danger you were in?" He brushed the hair from her face with the back of his hand.

At his touch, fire coursed through her body. Terpsichore held her breath and pressed even closer to him. Clasping her hands around his neck, she hungrily drew his mouth down to hers. As he returned her kiss, she parted her lips and his tongue first teased, then slid between them and caressed her own. He deepened the kiss until she felt delirious with the ecstasy of it. Her heart thudded so hard it was almost painful. This man would drive her to madness. Did mortal women feel like this?

She tingled from head to foot, and a sweet ache throbbed deep within her. She molded her body to his, her breasts burning against his chest. Never before had she felt this way when a man kissed her...never had she wanted any man so much. Never had she felt so nearly mortal.

She felt his arousal, and closed her eyes in surrender.

SKY: Super excerpt, Lyn. Hero time! Introduce us. What does he look like? Where’s he from? Why was he lucky enough to hook up with one of the nine muses of inspiration?

LYN: Ah, now, Myrddin is deceptively mortal and has a destiny involving another famous figure of legend from the far off mists of time, a destiny that even Terpsichore is yet aware of. Tall and blond, a pale skinned and handsome Celt, he immediately strikes her as being set apart from ordinary men. She senses a strength about him. To quote from the book – ‘The man reminded her of a tree that would bend in a storm but not break.’ He is a man who is in tune with nature and the elements, but has not yet realized his true talents. He and Terpsichore meet by accident and are instantly drawn to each other, although neither want to admit it. In this excerpt, he is slowly starting to admit to himself that he is strongly attracted to Terpsichore, despite being betrothed to another.

At his campsite, Terpsichore unsaddled her mare and Myrddin was pleased to note the two horses soon grazed contentedly together.

While they ate the succulent fish, Myrddin studied his guest. Close up she was even more breathtaking. High, delicate cheekbones, full, coral pink lips—large sea green eyes with lashes so long and thick they cast shadows on her face.

Had he imagined the soft radiance surrounding her at the waterfall? It must have been an illusion, a trick of the light. She looked perfectly normal now, if 'normal' was the word for one so lovely. She was surely hiding something from him, though. Why had she not given him her family name? It had not escaped his attention that she had told him he could 'call' her Cora, and not that it was actually her name.

He noticed she ate very delicately, although she appeared to enjoy her meal. He tried to contain his own hunger and to eat a little more slowly. He did not want to give the impression he was a ruffian— not that she looked the type who was easily perturbed and she'd already indicated she was capable of taking care of herself. He somehow felt he wanted to give her a good impression of himself, though. He sighed. What was he thinking? What did it matter what impression he gave her? She would most likely be leaving the next day, and anyway, he should not be thinking of any woman other than Gwendolyn. Certainly, he should not be thinking the kind of thoughts that crept into his mind every time he looked at Cora.

SKY: Just to mix it up, make you think─if you could’ve chosen one other muse to write about in this anthology, which one would it have been? Why?

LYN: Oh, that’s difficult. They’re all so fascinating in their own ways. I could say Urania, but then Masha did such a wonderful job telling her tale, I don’t think I could have done half as well. Besides, I have a feeling that the muses themselves actually chose each one of us to be the narator of her particular story, and one should never argue with a muse – that would be like ‘dancing with fate! (A slight groan of disgust is heard coming from the direction of Lyn’s muse, who clips her lightly across the head at the very thought!)

SKY: Thanks for visiting and sharing!

LYN: Thank you Sky, I’ve loved being here with you, with Terpsichore at my shoulder! I’ve also really enjoyed reading about my eight fellow muse authors and their muses.

Eager to read this tale? Purchase Dancing with Fate here.

Watch a trailer for Dancing with Fate!



As I do every week, I encourage my guests to share another story they’ve published. Lyn’s decided to share her fantastic tale titled Starquest. Here’s a bit more about it…

STARQUEST

When Jestine Darnell is rescued from her sabotaged starship by the crew of the Destiny her only objective is to complete her mission and keep her promise to save a world from slavery. Love is the last thing on her mind. However, she has not counted on losing her heart to Kerry Marchant the ship’s second in command, who makes his distrust of her painfully obvious, despite the chemistry between them. The completion of her mission has consequences neither of them could have foreseen.

Enter Dahll Tarron, who becomes involved in a long and dangerous quest to find the Destiny. Fates become intertwined, perils shared, culminating in the realization that sometimes love may be so close there is a danger it will not be recognized until it is too late…

Short Excerpt:

When the soft knock came, she knew immediately who it was. There was no one else it could be at this hour. She activated the remote lock control, turning away as the hatch slid open.

“Jess, we need to talk.”

“I...I thought we had.”

"There’s something you've not told me. I sensed you were holding something back just now.” Kerry’s voice was soft, almost persuasive.

She turned to face him, although she avoided meeting his eyes. “There’s nothing. I’m not hiding any dark secrets from you, if that’s what you mean. You needn’t worry about the ship any more.”

“I’m not. But there is something troubling you.”

“Even if there were, why should you care?” she asked, a sharp edge to her voice that she hadn’t intended. “You’ve made it fairly clear you don’t like me very much. I’ll try and keep out of your way, until we reach Phidia.” She turned away again, so he would not see the colour she felt once more rushing to her face.

“That won’t be necessary. And...it’s not that I...dislike you.” He hesitated.

She frowned. Kerry Marchant did not normally appear to have difficulty in finding the right words, but for once, he seemed to be struggling.

“Why,” he asked at last, “do you suppose I kept quiet about the gun and risked the safety of this ship?”

“I really have no idea,” she replied uncomfortably, thrown off-balance by his sudden change of attitude.

“I was hoping you would return it, or hand it over to Jon or myself. I didn't want to believe you were plotting some kind of treachery against us, so I waited. When it became obvious you did not intend to put it back, I decided to have it out with you myself. I was hoping you had a good reason for your actions.”

“I know I should’ve told you the truth in the beginning,” she confessed, trying not to let her voice give her away. There was some comfort in the knowledge Kerry’s previous cool behaviour toward her had been mainly because he'd known of her deception. “I realise that now.”

“It would have saved time if you had not been so suspicious of us.”

Interpreting his words as criticism, she hesitated for a moment, unable to cope with the awkwardness between them any longer. She did not understand why he'd come to her cabin like this. He’d said he thought she was concealing something, and yet he no longer seemed to believe she was a threat to the ship. She turned to face him, while still not quite looking into his face. She ignored the heat burning her cheeks. She tried not to think about the strange sensation in the pit of her stomach, spreading until it tightened across her heart, which insisted on playing a perfidious cacophony against her ribs. They could not go on like this until they reached Phidia. “Look, I know you and I haven’t exactly hit it off. I can understand why you didn’t trust me, but now you know my reasons for not being honest with you in the first place, can we at least attempt to get along? Can’t we try to...just...be friends?”

“Oh no, Jess. I doubt if you and I could ever just be friends.”

So he would not even give her that. She was about to make a sharp retort, when she saw the expression in his eyes, the way he looked at her, and realised with a feeling of shocked disbelief, what he was implying.

The lovely, lovely descriptions never slow the action, but manage still to convey emotion and carry the narration forward. This is an incredibly original tale, and for all the science fiction trappings is truly a classic quest for love, and the romance, which at first seems very much at the periphery, will become not only a primary motivation, but the chief joy of the tale. Adventure may be the main motif, but the heartwarming side will be a surprising bonus."

Snapdragon' ~LASR

(Read full review HERE)

Watch a book trailer for Starquest!

Lyn's ‘Purchase’ Page at The Wild Rose Press.
Visit Lyn at her Website or Blog.
You can also find her at Facebook and My Space
and Terpsichore has her own My Space too!

I hope you all enjoyed getting to know Terpsichore better. Doesn’t she sound fabulous? Don’t forget about the contest. Be sure to answer the following question in a comment at the end of this post. What is Terpsichore’s task? Click here to find the answer. (Hint: you might just find what you’re looking for on the right hand side) Contest ends November 5th 12 PM EST.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

~Sky