What's Under Your Christmas Tree? Blog Event. Hywela Lyn.

Welcome! For those of you just joining me, it’s all about Christmas at this blog. Now through December 25th, sixteen authors and jewelry vendors are visiting A Writer’s Mind to share some heart-warming holiday stories and offer some fabulous giveaways. As an added bonus, everyone who comments on any of the posts between now and Christmas Day is entered for a chance to win the grand prize, a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

It's time to continue my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event. Today and tomorrow I’d like to welcome over romance author and dear friend, Hywela Lyn. Lyn is graciously giving away to one lucky commenter a PRINT copy of Dancing with Fate and a hand-crafted Christmas ornament from the Christmas Tree Farm in the UK.

Let’s hear from Lyn now! From Lyn’s lips to this blog…

THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

I love Christmas – as long as it doesn’t start too early! I like to have the ‘magic’ feel fresh and new, so we don’t put the decorations up until a week before the great day and in keeping with tradition, don’t take them down until 5th January, 12th Night.

I really enjoy the build up to Christmas, and one of the things that makes me feel Christmas is really close is choosing our Christmas tree from the CHRISTMAS TREE FARM. After our artificial Christmas tree at last gave up the ghost and went to the ‘great artificial tree farm in the sky’ my husband and I decided, to revert to the real thing.

There are a number of reasons why we decided to go ‘real’. For each tree sold from the farm, another is planted, Since it absorbs carbon dioxide and 'breathes' out oxygen, each tree is helping reduce our collective carbon footprint. Although an artificial tree can be used for several years, the noxious chemicals produced in their production do nothing to help the fight against global warming, and they are certainly not biodegradable like a real tree. Also, it’s a great day out and we can take our dog Bouncer as well.

At the entrance to the farm is a full size Father Christmas. A little wooden fox greets visitors as they go through the gate and we pass by the little workshop where animated elves are busy making the gifts for Christmas and preparing Christmas trees. (Although one in this picture seems to have decided it was time for a mug of tea!)

The Farm uses two Shire horses, Thomas and Ambassador, who are working forestry horses. They are owned and trained by Steven Jones, who is a highly skilled forester based in Wales. Shire horses are a breed of horse which was used as draft animals on English farms for centuries. They are believed to be descended from English "Great horses" which were also used to carry armored knights in medieval times. Shires stand at least 17 hands tall (5ft 8in - 6ft/1.7m-1.8m) and weigh slightly less than one tonne.

Despite their size, the horses have a very gentle temperament. The horses leave the fields in much better condition than modern tractors. Tractors running over the ground can damage the soil structure and reduce its fertility by compacting it. Horses weigh less than tractors and their hooves spread that weight over a larger surface area. As a result, even in wet weather, the field is not damaged by the use of the horses, and the farm tracks are left un-rutted.

At the end of the rows of trees is a corral where we love to make friends with the horses, who, in this picture, were having a well deserved rest.

We spend a long time choosing our perfect tree. There are many different varieties and sizes to choose from. Choice made, while our perfect tree is being ‘netted’, we visit the Christmas Tree Farm shop. It is always like a fairy land, with a huge selection of beautiful ornaments and decorations - and close to the counter, a full size sleigh with a moving Santa on his sleigh drawn by a beautiful reindeer.

There are also woodland animals in various places around the shop, with twitching noses and paws, looking very realistic. They also sell things like magical reindeer food and special keys that only work for Santa, for houses with no chimneys. The display changes slightly each year, but it is always full of enchantment.

Before I leave, do you know the legend of the Christmas tree? This legend comes down from the early days of Christianity:

In Britain, Saint Wilfred was a monk who was helping to spread Christianity among the Druids. One day he struck down a huge Oak tree, which in the Druid religion was an object of worship.

As the tree fell to earth, it split into four, and from its centre grew a young Fir tree, pointing its topmost branch towards the sky. The crowd gathered around the monk gazed in amazement.

Wilfred dropped his axe and turned to the watching people. "This little tree shall be your Holy tree tonight," he said, "It is the sign of eternal life, for its leaves remain green all year round. See how it points toward the heavens. Let this be called the tree of the Christ Child. Gather round it, not in the wilderness but in your homes, surrounded with loving gifts and gestures of kindness." And so it is, to this day.

Sky here. Oh, I’d love to visit the Christmas Tree Farm! It certainly sounds like my kind of place. Thank you so much for sharing these stories, Lyn. I didn’t know the tale behind the Christmas Tree. While I mourn to hear of any Oak being chopped down, I love the part about the fir being a sign of eternal life.

AUTHOR BIO

Hywela Lyn lived in Wales for most of her life, and the beautiful countryside and legends inspired her to write. Although she now lives in a small village in England, she is very proud of her Welsh heritage and background. She enjoys weaving romantic tales of the future, and distant, mysterious worlds. Her pen name is a combination of her first two names.'Hywela’ is Welsh and her first name but it was never used and she has always been called by her second Christian name, Lyn. One thing remains constant in her writing: The power of love. Love, not only between her hero and heroine, but between friends and siblings, and for their particular world and the creatures that share it.

She is crazy about all animals, especially horses. She lives with her long suffering husband, Dave, and her animal family includes two horses, two ferrel cats and an adopted Jack Russell terrier called Bouncer.

Lyn’s first novel, 'Starquest', a futuristic romance, and and the sequel ‘Starquest’, 'Children of the Mist' are available in Ebook format or print from the Wild Rose Press and she is currently working on the third stories in the series. (Please watch her blog for more details) She has recently self published her fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' featuring Terpsichore, Muse of Dance, on Smashwords.

This was originally one of nine stories in the Wild Rose Press anthology ‘Song Of the Muses.'

Lyn loves to hear from fellow authors and readers and can be found at her...

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

VIDEO: ‘DANCING WITH FATE’

Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win a print copy of Dancing with Fate, a Christmas tree ornament from the Christmas Tree Farm and a $100 gift certificate to Amazon. Contest ends Tuesday, November 29th, 12 AM, EST.

Book Trailer Breather. Time to kick back and watch Hywela Lyn's trailers. Last chance to win!

It’s the weekend at last! Time to wind down at A Writer’s Mind. How so? By enjoying a Book Trailer Breather! If you’ve been popping in throughout the week you know that I’ve been featuring romance author Hywela Lyn and her fabulous characters from Dancing with Fate. Well, today I’ll be sharing the book trailer for that title as well as a few others.

CONTEST ~ Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win an Ecopy of Dancing with Fate. Two winners drawn.

What Lyn had to say about Dancing with Fate’s trailer…

"This was fun to make, and although trailers are quite time consuming, didn’t take as long as the first one I made. Since this edition is a re-publication of the story originally published with The Wild Rose Press, I wanted it to be different, but to still have similar elements of legend and mystique. I was able to use several of the original pictures, but also incorporated one or two new ones. I tried to put as much movement in as possible, by incorporating a video of clouds and one of flames and a fireball. The clouds were also used in my futuristic novel ‘Children Of The Mist’ but I tinted it different colours and used it in a later frame.

The music was the most time consuming part. I went back to Kevin Mcleod’s great site http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/ and spent a happy hour or so searching for the right piece. (It’s easy to get sidetracked there, because he has so much great music for all genres and moods.) I really liked the piece I had for the original trailer, but of course didn’t want to use that again. I found a piece of Celtic music which I like but unfortunately each time I tried to download it for some reason it only downloaded a short section which was not long enough for the trailer. I hope you like the one I finally came up with – another Celtic piece – Skye Cuillin (I’ve been to the Cuillin hills, they’re on the Isle of Skye and quite spectacular, cutting across the whole of the island. Although the Cuillins are Scottish and my story takes place in 5th Century Wales, I felt it had the right ‘feel’ for the story, and I could imagine Terpsichore dancing languorously to it."

DANCING WITH FATE. Purchase now through Smashwords.



STARQUEST



CHILDREN OF THE MIST



Learn more about Hywela Lyn, her books and everything she's up to at her Website.

Lyn is also one of the owners of Author Roast & Toast Blogspot. Swing over to meet tons of top-notch authors every week!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Sky

Character Blowout. Day #2. Like Greek Mythology? Hero Myrddin is Interviewed. Two Chances to Win!

Welcome to the second day of A Writer’s Mind’s END OF WEEK CHARACTER BLOWOUT. This blog event gives you a more in-depth look into the characters from some of your favorite romance tales. Sort of like The Newlywed Game done blog style.

This week it’s my pleasure to interview Terpsichore (Muse of Dance) and Myrddin ab Morfryn. I got to know these characters a few years ago when Lyn and I were part of The Song of the Muses Anthology. I can’t tell you what a truly wonderful story this is and I don’t just say that because Lyn is a dear friend, but because this story will ‘wow’ you. I never expected this tale to go where it did and by the end I had chills running through my body. The good kind! Lyn’s imagination ties in so well with folklore, it’s downright awe-inspiring.

CONTEST ~ Comment on any of Hywela Lyn’s posts this week and be entered for a chance to win an Ecopy of Dancing with Fate. Two winners will be drawn!

Okay, ready to relax? It’s time to grab a hot cup of tea (or whatever your device) and enjoy a superb interview with the hero from Dancing with Fate. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Terpsichore. As you’ll see I added snippets from her interview alongside Myrddin’s.

SKY: Tell us a little bit about yourself, Myrddin.

MYRDDIN: I was born in Carmarthen, Wales, in the 5th Century AD. I had a fairly unconventional childhood and I always felt a little different. It wasn’t until I met Terpsichore and her half brother Apollo, however, that I realized what an amazing destiny was in store.

(Terpsichore’s response… I’m one of the nine daughters of Zeus. I inspire people to dance - I’m sure you’ve heard of me and my eight sisters. After all, we’re with you all at various times in your life even though you may not realize it.)

SKY: Ah, a Welshman. *Sky fans herself and tries not to swoon.* Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Terpsichore, what thoughts come to mind?

MYRDDIN: She was the most beautiful creature I had ever laid eyes on. I thought for a moment I was imagining this perfect woman who stepped out from the waterfall and began dancing like I’d never seen anyone dance before.

(Terpsichore’s response… I was dancing at the time - and I’d been bathing in the falls so I wasn’t actually wearing any clothes. I wondered how long he’d been watching me. It wasn’t that I minded, but my instructions were not to draw attention to myself, and he was staring!)

SKY: She has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? Hands down, she appreciates one of your traits…what do you think that is?

MYRDDIN: Apart from her sense of humour, her sweetness, her perfect figure and beautiful face, her hair fascinates me. It reaches her feet and is as soft as a Welsh mist caressing the tips of the mountains.

She always gazes into my eyes as if she can see eternity in them – perhaps she can, all I know is we can spend hours just holding hands and gazing into each others’ eyes.

(Terpsichore’s response… I love his humility - and his gentleness. He didn’t seem to realize the power he had within him at the time - and even if he did he didn’t make a song and (if you’ll exuse the pun) dance about it. I think what he likes most about me is that I make him laugh - that and my looks I suppose, after all the daughters of Zeus are goddesses and as such very beautiful)

SKY: So romantic! She has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? You figure there’s probably a trait she might want to change about you… care to share?

MYRDDIN: She is so impulsive. I wish she’d be a little more cautious, it gets her into trouble sometimes, but I have to admit she keeps things interesting!

(Terpsichore’s response… He’s pretty near perfect in my eyes – but he can be a bit over protective at times, even now. )

SKY: Love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing you’ve done for her?

MYRDDIN: I’d like to turn that around if I may. The single most romantic thing she’s ever done for me was to sacrifice her beautiful long hair when she thought it would save my life. She was so proud of her hair, thank the gods it grew again, even thicker and longer than before. In return I do my best to ensure every single moment is magical and full of romance for her.

(Terpsichore’s response… He was nearly killed trying to protect me, can’t get more romantic than that!)

SKY: She has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? She can’t stare at you enough… but where is she staring? Now’s the time to gloat about your thick head of hair. *Sky sniggers* Truth! Do you think it’s your eyes? Chest? Etc.

MYRDDIN: Funnily enough she gazes at my eyes more than any other part of me. (Well most of the time, anyway.)

(Terpsichore’s response… My eyes are always drawn to his eyes. They are the most subtle shade of blue, like Aegean sea beneath the softest summer sky – oh and his voice, it still sends shivers of delight through me, so rich and mellow. For him, I suppose it’s my hair, it’s really long, you see, down to my feet and he loves to run his hands through it.)

SKY: How do you think Terpsichore would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?

MYRDDIN: Oh, it’s difficult to choose just one. There are so many things we enjoy doing together. Making love in the moonlight has to be tops, followed by long gallops through the woods - and she’s taught me some of her dances, although of course I’ll never dance the way she does, but any excuse to hold her in my arms, the thrill never wears off!

(Terpsichore’s response… *Giggle* You mean besides the obvious? Well, dancing together of course, I’ve taught him steps he’d never even heard of before. Apart from that we love riding the horses, Sal and Harri, and racing each other across the Elyssian fields, and afterwards bathing in the Spring of Hippocrene together before – well you get the picture!)

SKY: You and Terpsichore don’t see eye to eye on what issue?

MYRDDIN: She loves water – well the muses are water nymphs so I suppose it’s only natural – but I wish she’d cover up after bathing when there are other Olympians around. I know they believe clothing is superfluous, but she has such a lovely body and I admit it – I get jealous and want it to be for my eyes only!

(Terpsichore’s response… There aren’t many things we don’t agree on, although I don’t think he really approves of me bathing naked in the falls if there’s anyone else around. He doesn’t mind if it’s just him of course, but he’s never really got used to the fact that we Greeks are proud of our bodies and enjoy showing them off!)

SKY: She said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it?

MYRDDIN: She told me "I would stay with you as a mortal myself, and not count it a sacrifice.” How amazing that she would was willing to give up her immortal life for me!

(Terpsichore’s response… He told me: “I love you, with all my heart and soul, more than life itself.” What woman or goddess wouldn’t want to hear those words?)
What an utterly romantic interview! Thank you so much for joining me today, Myrddin.

If you haven’t read this wondrous story yet, pick up your copy now at Smashwords and Amazon.

Visit Lyn’s Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Myspace

Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win! Contest ends Sunday, November 6th at 12 AM, EST.

Be sure to return tomorrow to feast your eyes on some of Lyn’s spectacular book trailers!

~Sky

Character Blowout. Terpsichore, Muse of Dance, has been Interviewed. Two Chances to Win!

Happy Thursday everyone! As many of you know, the end of the week at A Writer’s Mind often means it’s time for my Character Blowout. This fun event is all about seeing how well the characters from some of your favorite romance tales know one another.

Back in July, I welcomed over Hywela Lyn to chat about the re-release of Dancing with Fate. Regrettably, there was a death in my family and I had to cancel all remaining blog posts. Well, I’m thrilled to be able to finally share Terpsichore and Myrddin with you. These characters are absolutely delightful and I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with them as much as I did!

CONTEST ~ Be sure to comment over the next few days. Two lucky commenters will be picked to win an Ecopy of Dancing with Fate. Contest ends Sunday, November 6th 12 AM, EST.

Today, I’m welcoming over Terpsichore, Muse of Dance. Before we begin interview this intriguing muse, let’s learn a bit more about the story…

When Terpsichore, the Greek Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit 5th Century Wales, and help the people regain their love of dancing, 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.

Interview time!

SKY: Tell us a little bit about yourself, Terpsichore.

TERPISCHORE: Thank you for having us and for giving us the opportunity to talk about each other – what fun!

I’m one of the nine daughters of Zeus. I inspire people to dance - I’m sure you’ve heard of me and my eight sisters. After all, we’re with you all at various times in your life even though you may not realize it. I was perfectly content with my life on Olympus, inspiring individuals, playing the lyre and dancing for Apollo our leader and my half brother, until he and my father decided to send me on a mission to 5th Century Wales. I little knew then what lay in store for me.

SKY: Ohhhh, Wales… sounds fabulous! Remembering the moment you first laid eyes on Myrddin what thoughts come to mind?

TERPSICHORE: I was dancing at the time - and I’d been bathing in the falls so I wasn’t actually wearing any clothes. I wondered how long he’d been watching me. It wasn’t that I minded, but my instructions were not to draw attention to myself, and he was staring! I also have to admit I thought he was one of the most striking and interesting mortals I’d ever seen - there was definitely something rather special about him.

SKY: He has one trait you adored from the start. What is it? You know without doubt he appreciates one of your traits. Share what you think that is.

TERPSICHORE: I love his humility - and his gentleness. He didn’t seem to realize the power he had within him at the time - and even if he did he didn’t make a song and (if you’ll exuse the pun) dance about it.

I think what he likes most about me is that I make him laugh - that and my looks I suppose, after all the daughters of Zeus are goddesses and as such very beautiful, and in all modesty, I know he couldn’t take his eyes of me when he first he saw me. (Of course I was naked at the time which might have had something to do with it, *Grin*.)

SKY: He has one trait you’d change if you could. What is it? Oh yeah, there’s a trait you know he’d change about you…fess up!

TERPSHICHORE: He’s pretty near perfect in my eyes – but he can be a bit over protective at times, even now. He’s not exactly bossy but he does try to stop me from doing things on the spur of the moment, not that I take much notice of course, I’m a muse!

SKY: Ah, love is in the air. What is the single most romantic thing he’s done for you?

TERPSHICORE: He was nearly killed trying to protect me, can’t get more romantic than that!

SKY: He has a feature that draws your eye every time. Care to share? His eye constantly roams to a particular part of your person. Tell, tell!

TERPSICHORE: My eyes are always drawn to his eyes. They are the most subtle shade of blue, like Aegean sea beneath the softest summer sky – oh and his voice, it still sends shivers of delight through me, so rich and mellow. For him, I suppose it’s my hair, it’s really long, you see, down to my feet and he loves to run his hands through it.

SKY: How do you think Myrddin would answer the following… Our favorite thing to do together is…?

TERPSHICHORE: *Giggle* You mean besides the obvious? Well, dancing together of course, I’ve taught him steps he’d never even heard of before. Apart from that we love riding the horses, Sal and Harri, and racing each other across the Elyssian fields, and afterwards bathing in the Spring of Hippocrene together before – well you get the picture!

SKY: You and Myrddin just don’t see eye to eye on what issue?

TERPSICHORE: There aren’t many things we don’t agree on, although I don’t think he really approves of me bathing naked in the falls if there’s anyone else around. He doesn’t mind if it’s just him of course, but he’s never really got used to the fact that we Greeks are proud of our bodies and enjoy showing them off!

SKY: He said one thing to you that you’ll never forget. What was it?

TERPSICHORE: He told me: “I love you, with all my heart and soul, more than life itself.” What woman or goddess wouldn’t want to hear those words?

What a fabulous interview! I can’t wait to hear what Myrddin has to say tomorrow!

Can't wait? Purchase Dancing with Fate HERE.

Visit Lyn’s Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Myspace

Best Always

~Sky

MIDWEEK MEET & GREET. Interview with Hywela Lyn. Contest. TWO winners will be drawn!

Welcome! This is a much delayed post due to the fact when I last featured Lyn, a family emergency came up and I had to cancel all blog posts. I thought, however, to put this up now as I have Lyn's wonderful characters visiting over the next several days. 

Lyn is also hosting a fantastic contest. Two lucky commenters will be chosen at week’s end to win an Ecopy of DANCING WITH FATE. So comment on any of Lyn’s posts the remainder of this week and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win!

So let’s get to know Lyn a bit better…

SKY: Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself. Did you always want to be an author? When did you first start writing? What have you published?

HYWELA LYN: Hello Sky. Thanks so much for this opportunity and for having me as your guest.

I think I started writing as soon as I could read. I used to like to embellish stories I’d read and then a friend suggested I write a ‘proper story’ when I was about fourteen, so that’s when I got serious. It took a while for me to realize that being a ‘writer’ was actually something attainable and not something that only ‘famous’ people did.

To start with, I wrote short stories which I had published in various magazines, including ‘The Lady’. Then I had the idea for a full length Western Historical, which I submitted to various British publishers without success (hardly surprising really, I hadn’t the vaguest idea of structure or point of view, besides which the UK wasn’t publishing many Westerns.) Several years later, I started reading Science Fiction and Fantasy and it wasn’t long before I decided if I couldn’t get a Western published, I’d try writing Science Fiction.

‘Starquest’ started out as a short story, but I got fond of my heroine and the short story became a full length novel. I began to realize that everything I wrote turned into a romance, so when I started looking for a publisher, and came across The Wild Rose Press, this seemed the obvious place to submit, even if it was in the US. The Wild Rose Press accepts email queries; the internet makes everything so much easier (and cheaper.) I was lucky enough to have ‘Starquest’ accepted, and this was followed by a sequel ‘Children of the Mist.’ Between the publications of these two books, I was invited to join eight other others to write a story in an anthology about the nine muses. I chose Terpsichore, muse of dance, and her story became ‘Dancing With Fate.’ I have now regained my rights to this story and published it as a ‘stand alone’ novella with Smashwords. 

It will also soon be available in print from Createspace

SKY: I like to write at night. Inspires me. Where and when do you like to write? Why?

HYWELA LYN: I love to write at night too. I’m a ‘nightowl’ and don’t really wake up until midday. Unfortunately, my husband is a ‘Lark’. I’ve tried getting up early to write, but my brain just doesn’t function at that time of day, so we’ve reached a compromise, and go to bed around 1 a m. Too late for him really, and still a bit too early for me - but sometimes in marriage compromises have to be made and it’s probably not a good thing for me to sit up into the early hours, night after night, which I would do if left to my own devices! :)

SKY: You know you’ll always pen a particular genre. What is that? You might also dabble in other genres. Care to share what those are and why?

HYWELA LYN: Well, as I mentioned above, my first love was the historical ‘Western.’ I’ve always loved the stars though, and wondered what it would be like to travel to other planets, so it was natural that I should gravitate towards Science Fiction /Futuristic. The way I look at it, space exploration is very similar in its concept to opening up the West all those years ago. Only instead of horses there are starships, and alien civilizations instead of Indian villages, but the stories are still about courageous men and women exploring unknown territories and dangers. As for Fantasy, I just love mixing myths and legends in my imagination and coming up with something new. And we all love to have a little ‘magic’ in our lives, don’t we.

SKY: Oh yes, I’m all about magic! We writers are often urged to write what we know. Have you? Perhaps implemented a scene from your life or somewhere you’ve traveled. Tell, tell!

HYWELA LYN: Although my romantic ‘sub-genre’ is Fantasy and Science Fiction, which means research and imagination rather than actual ‘knowledge’ I draw on the beautiful landscape of rural Wales, which I do know very well, for the settings in many of my stories. This is especially true of ‘Dancing With Fate’ which is actually set in 5th Century Wales. Of course when it comes to other planets, I exaggerate and distort these landscapes a little, but I feel the mist sweeping over the mountains is just as beautiful whether it’s in the Welsh countryside on Earth, or a distant planet ‘far, far away.’

I also frequently use my love and knowledge of horses and most of my stories have a horse (or unicorn) somewhere in their pages.

SKY: Let’s get down and dirty. Writers typically love to read. You especially enjoy certain authors for a good reason. What are they? Their use of prose, voice, characterization, etc. You’ve got pet peeves as well. What are they?

HYWELA LYN: I have a very eclectic range of reading – everything from Tolkein to Daphne du Maurier and Anne McCaffrey to Zane Grey. All these authors have the gift of writing characters that one cares about and can identify with, as well as weaving intriguing and interesting plots. For me the story is hugely important, and I love to be surprised by the twists and turns – but the characters have to be people I can empathize with and really care about. Even villains can have a certain ‘charisma’ which makes you want to read on while hoping for their demise! Although none of the above writers could be considered ‘romance writers’ per se, they all have a strong love interest running through most of their stories. (Arwen and Aragorn, Max de Winter and his nameless wife, Lessa and F’lar, Jane Withersteen and Lassiter, for instance.)

Peeves? Not too many, but while, like most of us, I don’t want to read about a weak, sniveling heroine, I don’t like the opposite extreme either, where the ‘kickass’ heroine is so strong and independent, you wonder that she even feels the need for a love interest, and ‘femininity’ seems to be a word she’s never heard of. I dislike heroines who are so strong and self sufficient, they’re really little more than ‘men with curves’ if you know what I mean!

SKY: I so hear ya, Lyn! You’re writing or have written the book that will always hold a special place in your heart. What is it and why?

HYWELA LYN: Oh definitely the first book I had accepted for publication, although I did enjoy writing the others. ‘Starquest’ really is that old cliché ‘the book of my heart’ though. While I was writing it I lived and breathed as my heroine, Jess, and acted out scenes in my head while I walked my dog or rode my horses, and at night before I went to sleep. Forget counting sheep – working out an exciting scene, or working on the romantic scenes was guaranteed to have me ‘out like a light’ just as I got to the crucial bit! My heroine still talks to me, as do some of the other characters – and two of them demanded their own stories. One has since been published and one is the book I’m currently working on.

SKY: We’re all guilty. Though we like variety, we tend to adore a certain type of hero and heroine. What does your perfect hero look like? Tell us about his personality. Same goes for the heroine.

HYWELA LYN: For some reason which I’m not sure of, I’ve always liked dark haired heroes although the hero of ‘Dancing With Fate’ is blond. I also like them tall, perhaps because I’m so short myself, I’m not sure, LOL. Anyway, another thing I like my hero to have is nice eyes, the kind that look straight at you, and have a warmth and a depth to them. Of course he should be strong and brave, but I also want my perfect hero to be gentle and considerate, and not to be afraid to show his feelings, especially when it comes to the heroine! I like my heroines to be spunky and pretty. Long, red hair for preference (I have a ‘thing’ about ‘flame coloured’ hair) but again, several of my heroines are dark haired, including Terpsichore in ‘Dancing with Fate’. I want her to be have an inne strength and courage, but to retain her femininity and sensitivity - sweet and sassy and every inch a woman!

SKY: What’s next for you? What are you currently writing?

HYWELA LYN: I’m currently working on the third in the ‘Starquest’ series. I need to give one of the characters from he first book his own H.E.A. He keeps nagging at me and won’t leave me alone until I do! After that – well I might just dust off that old ‘historical western’ and give it a complete new revamp!

SKY: Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten?

HYWELA LYN: Oh I believe in living in the ‘here and now’ and not thinking too much about the future (unless it’s in one of my stories, of course. I’ve had the rug pulled out from under my feet too many times to be confident in making plans, besides, I like surprises (if they’re nice ones) and being spontaneous. I would love to have a best seller though (LOL, wouldn’t we all!) and to have written a few more books - and hopefully be living back in my beloved homeland of Wales.

SKY: There’s no doubt in mind that you’ll right a best seller, Lyn. You’ve such a talent with words! Here goes. The grand finale. Share with us one thing you think readers would be surprised to know about you.

HYWELA LYN: Apart from books and horses, I’m also crazy about steam engines. I love these huge workhorses of another age. There is something really romantic about a steam roller or train, something that modern machinery just doesn’t have. I think perhaps I should write ‘steam punk’. I might have a go at it one of these days.

SKY: I never knew that about you, Lyn! I love steam engines too and *Sky hangs head* I never knew what the sub-genre ‘steam punk’ was until now! I thought it was some 80’s punk sort of genre. LOL! Great interview, Lyn. Thanks so much for sharing!

HYWELA LYN: Thank YOU Sky, my dear friend. You ask the best questions!

SKY: Thank you! They come out sounding even better when I have a great interviewee to question. *winks*

What reviewers are saying about some of Lyn’s titles…

STARQUEST

"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'

LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS

Read full review HERE

Children Of The Mist:

"This book is wonderful! There are few books that hold my interest to the point where I can't bear to put it down, but Children of the Mist is most certainly at the top of this list."

Reviewed by Orchid, The Long and Short Of It Reviews (Five Star Plus Best Book Review)

Read full review HERE.

Hywela Lyn’s Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Myspace

Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win an Ecopy of Dancing With Fate. TWO chances to win! Contest ends Sunday, November 6th, 12 AM, EST.
 
Be sure to swing in again tomorrow as the heroine from DANCING WITH FATE joins us here for A Writer's Mind, End of Week Character Blowout!
 
Best Always,
~Sky

MONDAY COVERS IT. Hywela Lyn's BRAND NEW cover for Dancing with Fate. Contest!!!

Happy Monday All!

This week it’s my pleasure to welcome back talented romance author and cherished friend, Hywela Lyn. As many of you know It’s all about starting your work week out right here at A Writer’s Mind with my Monday Covers It feature.

Lyn has relaunched her title, DANCING WITH FATE and I have to say… I LOVE this cover!

CONTEST ALERT! Hywela Lyn is graciously giving away an Ecopy of DANCING WITH FATE to TWO lucky commenters this week. So be sure to comment on any of Lyn’s post this week for your chance to win! Contest ends Sunday, July 24th, 12 AM EST.

Time to 'hear' from Lyn. Let's learn the scoop behind this cover’s creation…

“The cover was designed by my friend and fellow author, the talented Miss Mae. I didn’t give a lot of input in fact, I didn’t need to. She read the story and immediately picked up on the fact that my heroine, Terpsichore, loves to bathe in waterfalls. She came up with this stunning waterfall and a lovely, mysterious young woman who fits my idea of Terpsichore perfectly. The glowing bubbles add to the mythological effect.”

A little more about this story…

When Terpsichore, the Greek Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit 5th Century Wales, and help the people regain their love of dancing, 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.

What critics are saying…

"Sweet Terpsichore may be immortal, but she has the same feelings and urges as any woman, and I wanted her to find happiness with Myrddin. With poetic prose and sizzling romance, this story is a must read for mythology and fantasy fans alike."

Aubrie Dionne
Romantic Science Fiction and Fantasy
Get Swept Away to Other Worlds...

"Greek Mythology has rarely been so much fun to read. Hywela Lyn builds an excellent love story even with all the tongue twisting names that add even more fun to the tale."

Reviewer: Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio Rating - Five Hearts

PURCHASE LINK Dancing With Fate at SMASHWORDS. 

Visit Lyn's Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Myspace

Be sure to swing in tomorrow as I welcome Hywela Lyn to A Writer's Mind,  Midweek Meet & Greet!

Cheers

~Sky