Scales and Stingers

Welcome to Jinaari Althir, from Scales and Stingers: Heroes of Avoch, Book One, a low fantasy by K. M. Warfield.

Jinaari kept his hands folded in front of him, ignoring the urge to adjust the collar of the formal uniform he wore. He’d been able to avoid official duties for years now. Maybe winning the title of Lord Defender of Avoch was a mistake, he thought. He pushed the idea aside. First and foremost, he was one of Garret’s Paladins. Crown Prince of Avoch, and all that went with it, meant nothing to him. When his God told him to enter the contest, he didn’t question it. Ever since he first entered the chapterhouse as an initiate, he knew he would obey all of Garret’s Laws. The man at the door nodded once, and Jinaari did the same. Like it or not, it was time to be a diplomat. If Avoch went to war, Queen Titania would be a useful ally.

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Character Questions

Are you a leader or a follower? I’m a leader. But I’d rather lead my friends, or my brother Paladins, over ruling all of Avoch.

What is your greatest fear? Having one of my chosen family perish when I could’ve prevented it.

Author Questions

What was the inspiration for your series? A 3+ year long D&D campaign. The story’s different, and set in my own world, but I immortalized 7 of the characters from the game in the series.

Who do you want to read your stories? Gamers, or anyone who understands what it’s like to have friends who accept you for you. The friends that are family.

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Scales and Stingers

Thia Bransdottir is shunned for being half Fallen, a race feared by many. She tries to disguise her lineage, but her lilac eyes make it impossible. When her Father is killed, she is taken to the cloister to be a servant of her faith. Jinaari Althir is sworn to protect Thia from the disgraced half of her heritage. Under his holy vows, he must keep others from killing her for their prejudice and using her for her power. He must succeed, there is no room for failure. Trust for someone like Thia is difficult. Jinaari may say he is there to protect her, but can he truly do his best when he knows she is of the Fallen? Will Thia stay safe in order to fulfill her purpose or is she fated to die for her origins?

Get it here!

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K. M. Warfield

Born in the late 1960’s, K. M. has lived most of her life in the Pacific NW. While she’s always been creative, she didn’t turn towards writing until 2008. Writing under the name of KateMarie Collins, she released several titles. In 2019, the decision was made to forge a new path with her books. The Heroes of Avoch series, along with a new pen name, are the end result.

When she’s not writing, she loves playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends, watching movies, and cuddling up with her cat. K. M. resides with her family in what she likes to refer to as “Seattle Suburbia”.

You can find K. M. at her website or CounterSocial, Facebook and Twitter.

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

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Queen Titania’s Court, 2023

The dawn air was soft with mist as you ventured into the swamp. You had to hurry — the herbs you meant to gather would be spoiled within the hour. Silently the reeds parted. Out slid an enormous snail with a fantastic leather saddle perched atop the dome of its shell. A little goblin in smart livery tugged on the reins and tipped his hat to you.

Tall oak trees shaded your path that sunny day. You caught a flash of something white, and heard a piercing cry. Moments later, an elegant bird with trailing plumes drifted down to you. It angled its head and extended a pearly wing for you to climb aboard.

The sea at dusk was turbulent, hardly settled from the storm that had passed earlier. Yet as you hiked along the shore, there somehow was a boat. A little coracle bobbed and danced as if the water was perfectly calm. A single oar poked out, just waiting for you to take hold.

You were walking alone late at night, fearing no one, for nothing in your city is more deadly than you. A self-driving car glided to the curb just ahead of you. With a sprightly chirp-chirp, it popped its door open and idled invitingly.

By land, by sea or by sky, you have come on this mystical night. All people and beasts who know the power of magic are summoned and made welcome. The Midsummer Night Ball is now under way. Welcome to Queen Titania’s Court!

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Order of Appearances

6/4, K. M. Warfield, “Scales and Stingers”

6/7, David Lee Summers, “A Cast of Crows”

6/10, Sanan Kolva, “Ghost and Guardian”

6/14, Sheryl Hayes, “Chaos Unleashed”

6/17, J. C. Simonds, “The Midsummer Wife”

6/21, Janna Ruth, “Ghosts of the Catacombs”

6/24, Joyce Reynolds-Ward, “Becoming Solo”

6/28, Lyndi Alexander, “The Elf Child”

7/1, Fredericks, “Masters of Air & Fire”

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

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Reminder

That short story? I finished it. A quickie at just under 1,000 words. Now I discover that the anthology I intend it for doesn’t actually begin reading until November. Okay, fine. I’ll be super ready for it.

Meanwhile, I still need authors for Queen Titania’s Court! If you know a fantasy author, please mention it to them. This page has all the details. To see some of last year’s gala, start here.

Our weather has been turning out super nice this week, so I’m off to a garden show. Have a great weekend, all of you!

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

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Advance Notice

This is the first call for my summer book event, Queen Titania’s Court! If you’ve been following for a few years, you know what it’s about. But for any new readers, here are the deets:

Coming up in June, this humble blog will host Queen Titania’s Court, a celebration of fantasy books. Titania, Queen of all Faeries, summons magical people and beasts from every corner of the fantastic world to join her for a grand ball on Midsummer Night.

This invitation is for any and all fantasy writers, especially independent authors. Each day in the month of June, I’ll feature one author’s book. Pick ONE character from ONE of your books to attend the Midsummer Ball.

This is the fourth year I’m hosting this event. It’s been fun every year, and hopefully it helped some fellow authors draw attention to their work. There’s always room for more guests, so here’s where I appeal for your help. If you are a fantasy author, you are welcome to participate. Or if you know some fantasy authors, I hope you’ll suggest it to them.

***IMPORTANT! You have to e-mail me in order to take part. You can’t just comment on a blog post! ***

Check out this page if you want all the details. My e-mail is there, too. To see some of last year’s gala, start here.

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

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A Fond Farewell (Queen Titania’s Court)

As dawn draws near, Queen Titania steps down from her throne. After many lively dances and much good conversation, the magical moon is setting. Titania circulates through the diminishing throng, bidding her guests farewell. Occasionally she speaks with the fey folk who have made the evening’s success possible. The elves in charge of the feasting are apologetic over running short of honey cakes, while goblin guardsmen report a single incident of dueling was quickly resolved.

It is of little concern compared to the personal and diplomatic connections that were established this night. Now, all about the festival hall, the guests whisk away to their domains of origin. Mystic portals close one by one and enchanted music fades…

Until another year has passed, and the summer moon glows brightly once again!

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This is where I thank all of you for making Queen Titania’s Court such a wonderful success. I appreciate everyone who participated, whether you offered up your own book or merely commented on a post. I’m especially amazed and grateful for the contingent of New Zealand authors who bring international exposure to Queen Titania’s Court.

I hope you all reap the rewards of your effort, whatever that means to you. Perhaps a few books sold, or new followers for your own blog, or just a chance to talk shop with new friends.

Thank you so much. I hope to see you again in 2023!

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

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Queen Titania’s Court: Introduction

You were at work, the midnight shift, when the overhead radio crackled. Canned music faded away. A silvery voice called your name…

You were at school, searching the library for a certain book. Deep among the shelves, a pair of jeweled eyes peered out. A clawed hand beckoned…

You were on vacation, camping among old growth forest. As darkness fell, fireflies lit the sky. Their flickering gleam spelled out a message…

You were in your garden, rooting out weeds, when your spade clanged against a buried object. You worked to dig it out. Instead of a stone, you uncovered a trapdoor…

The call has gone out, and the path has opened. You are invited to join a fantastic gathering of magical people and creatures. Denizens of all realms, whether Elfin, Angelic or Demonic, are summoned to Queen Titania’s court for her Midsummer Night Ball!

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Scheduled Books

June 1:      Amberley Martin, The Rogue and the Peasant

June 4:      Janna Ruth, A Drop of Magic

June 8:      David Lee Summers, Breaking the Code

June 11:    Lyndi Alexander, The Lost Chord

June 14:    Jamie Sands, Onesies and Ouijaboards

June 16:    Jillian St. Kevern, The Secretary and the Ghost

June 18:    Sheryl Hayes, Chaos Hunt

June 21:    Ash Banks, Margin Street Zeroes

June 23:    M. H. Bonham, That Dragon Was In No Way My Fault

June 25:    Sam Schenk, Running Interference

June 28:    Deby Fredericks, Prisoners of the Wailing Tower

July 1:       Grand Finale

It’s going to be a super fun month of books and fantasy. I hope you’ll all enjoy and share!

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

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Queen Titania’s Court

My vacation distracted me, but I’m still working on Queen Titania’s Court. If you missed it the first time, here are all the details!

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Coming up in June, this humble blog will host Queen Titania’s Court, a celebration of fantasy books. Titania, Queen of all Faeries, summons magical people and beasts from every corner of the fantastic world to join her for a grand ball on Midsummer Night.

This invitation is for any and all fantasy writers, especially independent authors. Each day in the month of June, I’ll feature one author’s book. Pick ONE character from ONE of your books to attend the Midsummer Ball.

If you’re a fantasy author, or if you know some fantasy authors — especially independently published — I hope you’ll suggest it to them.

Check out this page if you want to know more! To see some of last year’s gala, start here.

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

Read Full Post »

It’s That Time

It’s that time again. Time to begin planning for my summer book event, Queen Titania’s Court!

Coming up in June, this humble blog will host Queen Titania’s Court, a celebration of fantasy books. Titania, Queen of all Faeries, summons magical people and beasts from every corner of the fantastic world to join her for a grand ball on Midsummer Night.

This invitation is for any and all fantasy writers, especially independent authors. Each day in the month of June, I’ll feature one author’s book. Pick ONE character from ONE of your books to attend the Midsummer Ball.

The organizing process for Queen Titania’s Court begins in early April, but it isn’t too soon to start thinking about it. If you’re a fantasy author, or if you know some fantasy authors — especially independently published — I hope you’ll suggest it to them.

Check out this page if you want to know more! To see some of last year’s gala, start here.

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

Read Full Post »

A Fond Farewell (Queen Titania’s Court)

As the music fades and the last guests depart, Queen Titania relaxes on her throne. This evening was a personal and diplomatic accomplishment. So many attended the Grand Ball! Some are casual visitors, others whose friendship will grow and deepen with time. Perhaps the connections forged this evening will even prevent a war or two.

Already a host of brownies and other sprites appear and begin the process of clearing away leftovers and removing the most precious relics for safekeeping. This festival hall, with its connection to so many realms, can only exist for a few glorious hours. Soon the tides of magic and nature will dissolve it back to its mundane state.

Until then, the glow of her triumph lights the hall better than any sun.

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This is where I thank all of you for making Queen Titania’s Court such a wonderful success. We had more authors this year, and I appreciate every one of you. Especially those who didn’t know me and took a chance on a stranger’s promise of free publicity. I am especially grateful to everyone who reposted or retweeted the blog. You all made this so much fun.

I hope you all reap the rewards of your effort, whatever that means to you. Perhaps a few books sold, or new followers for your own blog, or just a chance to talk shop with new friends.

Thank you so much. I hope to see you again in 2022!

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

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No Longer Lost

I FOUND THE MISSING E-MAILS!! Somehow they were being shunted into a hidden folder. The fairies must have done it. Yeah, that’s my story.

Now that I’ve recovered them, I made a new folder just for things related to Queen Titania’s Court, and set up a “rule” to sort all those e-mails into it. There were a lot more replies than I had realized, so now I’m hastily going through and letting everyone know I didn’t ignore them. I hope to get that set in the next few days, because Queen Titania’s Court is supposed to start in a couple of weeks. Yikes!

So, once again, if you know someone who had reached out about Queen Titania’s Court and not heard back, please let them know to try again.

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Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my website, Facebook, Instagram and/or CounterSocial.

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