Dreamspinner Press discussion

What were your thoughts about A Lieutenant's Love? It's a historical, military fantasy of men always on the edge of battle. It speaks of inevitable losses which occur, yet also of the relationships that form and love that can grow even in desolate fields.

Thanks to Dreamspinner Press, "A Lieutenant's Love" was released in Kindle format on 2 May 2011, with the new cover I designed: http://www.amazon.com/A-Lieutenants-L...

Gorgeous cover!

I loved ALL!!! It is well written and a beautiful story. Do you have anything else about these characters? I usually am not a big fan of historical fiction, but loved this piece. It was easy to picture in my head.

Thanks Nancy, I thought the slightly sentimental/nostalgic riding scene fit the story nicely.

♥ ♥Lynn ♥ ♥ wrote: "I loved ALL!!! It is well written and a beautiful story. Do you have anything else about these characters? I usually am not a big fan of historical fiction, but loved this piece. It was easy to pic..."

At the moment, I don't have any other work with these characters although the general consensus has been that they need to have their story continue.

When I get settled back in Germany next month, I will likely sketch something out as I had thought about writing of their journey onward. Going back to Jarryd's homeland and family or possibly finding a new frontier to explore are a couple of ideas.

YAY!! I would love to see what happens after they ride away. They are great characters!

Did I read somewhere that you use to be in law enforcement? Ever thought of doing a piece like that?

Yes, I was in law enforcement for a number of years. It was my first profession, started at 21.

I had planned and began writing a story involving officers. As with most of my work, it's semi-autobiographical in nature, and was a kind of "prep work" as I reached the part of my memoir which detailed my career and relationships when I used to patrol.

When I did the interview with Sarah Black about "Lieutenant's Love", she asked how my uniform days influenced my work. The battlefield scene and its aftermath was directly from an incident in which my lover, who was a state trooper, was nearly lost in the line of duty.

I remember that scene and I couldn't imagine watching that. I am really sorry to hear that. I think you could write a great piece centered around a cop. A man trying to kill the man he is to protect type of thing.

Giving you a huge HUG!

I haven't read the story yet, but the premise is quite intriguing. It's high up on my wish list! The cover (new Kindle one) is lovely. I'm ex-Army myself, and know a thing or two about the relationships that can blossom in the shadows of the battle-field. That bond between people who fight together is unlike anything else I've ever known. I very much look forward to reading this story.

The emotional level surges, the adrenaline, the facing of the unknown or known threats and death, it is quite different than anything else. I suppose because percentage wise most people are never in such situations to form those kind of bonds. The side is that, sometimes, "regular" life doesn't compare to it, so in a way, you always seek it or those who can understand your desire. I hope you enjoy it, Cherie.

Thanks for the hug, Lynn :-) It was very much needed these days...

I have a feeling that I shall enjoy it, very much. *bumping said book to the very pinnacle of Mount TBR*
If you're in need of hugs Red, please be welcome to one from me as well. My little Frankie (daughter) says I give good ones.
(((hugs)))
I even sent a few spares for you.

I appreciate that, Cherie, from both you and little Frankie.

It's a great site with a great staff, and I'm pleased to announce that starting today at Top2Bottom Reviews:

In honor of the release of A Lieutenant's Love for the Amazon Kindle, complete with a beautiful new cover, Red Haircrow is offering the opportunity for THREE lucky contestants to each win an E-Copy of that book, as well as the choice of any one of his other titles: Night Shift, Katrdeshtr’s Redemption, The House of Doom, Dreams and Desire, or The Coat: Secrets of a Hatcheck Boy. That’s right! Three fans will win A Lieutenant’s Love and a choice of a second book.

Entering is easy: simply leave a comment on this post at Top2Bottom Reviews before 11:59pm EST on Friday, May 20, 2011 and you’re automatically entered to win.

Red will conduct a random drawing and contact the lucky winners!

Good Luck!


Also, don't miss my interview at their site: "Songs of the Universal Vagabond" http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.co... and my guest post "Sailing Into Summer With Red Haircrow!" http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.co...



Reviews:

"Haircrow's magnificent command of language, skill in showing events using a minimum of words had me spellbound from beginning to end." --Rainbow Reviews

"The language is beautiful, the descriptions drew me in, the deep emotions evident in both main characters held my attention. Even if you don't normally like historicals, this is one I don't think you want to miss." --Serena Yates at Queer Magazine Online

"...Beautifully written, the story took me away with the almost poetic way that it is written..." --The Romance Reviews

"A poignant ending and a gift for expressive language and imagery are the hallmarks of this brief but deeply romantic tale. It reaches the emotions of lovers of a good romance and tugs at the heartstrings." --Top2Bottom Reviews


LINKS:

My Blog/Website: http://redhaircrow.com/

My Review/Interview site: http://flyingwithredhaircrow.wordpres...

My Twitter: http://twitter.com/redhaircrow

My Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

My Articles at Queer Magazine Online:
http://www.queermagazineonline.com/in...

My Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/TheRedhaired...

All Current Books and Works in Progress at my GLBT Bookshelf Page:
http://bookworld.editme.com/redhaircrow


As always, any feedback, comments or queries can be directed to theredhairedcrow at gmail.com, I return reply as soon as possible.

♥ ♥Lynn ♥ ♥ wrote: "YAY!! I would love to see what happens after they ride away. They are great characters!


While cleaning out my office yesterday in preparation for my move back to Germany, I came across a series of notes and plans for a continuation of "A Lieutenant's Love." So definitely looking forward to seeing what that's all about after I get settled again.

New Release: The Angel of Berlin, from Flying With Red Haircrow, 23 May 2011.

Description: "When Robin, a young university student, saves the life of a beautiful youth, he finds he's made a devoted friend. But without memory and voice, the newly named Angel is a mystery, occasionally exasperating with his child-like qualities yet with touches of darkness which makes Robin wonder what kind of being he's really taken in."

A speculative fantasy of magical realism and innocent love set in modern Berlin.

My latest posting at my website Songs of the Universal Vagabond, about this tale. http://redhaircrow.com/

This looks bloody brilliant. Can't wait to get my hands on it! Er, and have enough time to actually read it!!

Cherie wrote: "This looks bloody brilliant. Can't wait to get my hands on it! Er, and have enough time to actually read it!!"

That's my problem also at the moment. I've queues of books to read and just so little time to concentrate on them.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

It's in the queue, Red, and as soon as I get my schedule worked out to my satisfaction (I'll have to make sure there's time in it for some reading as well) I'll be able to start nibbling away at all those books I want to read. Hope everything is going swimmingly with your move!

We're in limbo at the moment. I'll get a second wind closer to move time (even though its only a couple of weeks away) :-)

May it all go well for you.

Red wrote: "While cleaning out my office yesterday in preparation for my move back to Germany, I ..."

I can not wait! Have you moved yet? Settled in? Ready to get started? I swear I am not pushy, lol!

I hope your move goes well. I hate packing! You never realize how much stuff you have until you have to move it all. Good luck!

I agree. I've been in the US just under two years and accumulated thousands of books. 2 more weeks, and they are the issue. I'm a collector of all kinds but especially rare and hard to find so determining what to do with those is hard. I want to take all of them but cannot.

As far as other items like clothes, etc. I give everything away to charity. I only take a couple of changes, my laptop & documents, and that's about it. Except for my weakness of books, having too many physical goods always makes me feel stressed. Strange I know, but I feel happiest with just the necessary stuff to get by.

Thanks both of you, Cherie and Lynn!

For those who might be interested, though here is well enough, at my Q&A group there is more direct and personal information, questions and conversations, please visit the Goodreads group http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/4...

Joined!

3 Winner Giveaway just started for my latest release,The Angel of Berlin at Bibrary Bookslut, drawing takes place on June 13th. All you have to do is comment to be entered for a chance to win. http://bibrary.blogspot.com/2011/06/g...

I love that story!

I'm glad you liked it, Sylvia. For some, it's a little on the weird side I know LOL

Signed up! Little jealous how quickly it came together for you. I think of my stories when dreaming as well. I guess my characters know when I don't have 4 kids screaming for my attention.

The story dreams don't happen often in that way for me, that's why I make a point to try to jump to it when it's still "upon" me or it's lost. Doesn't always happen, because of a varieties of reasons, but when I can, I do.

Received my 1st review for my latest release, "The Angel of Berlin" by Sally Sapphire at her site Bibrary Bookslut. It is a speculative fantasy set in modern Berlin, and was given 5 stars. Always a gratifying feeling.
http://bibrary.blogspot.com/2011/06/r...

She also did a review of my vampire fiction tale, , "Katrdeshtr's Redemption",The Night Cat, Book 1, for Queer Magazine Online. You can find a link to it from her site: http://bibrary.blogspot.com/2011/06/r...

10 June--Am over at Coffeetime, Romance & More forums, it's open excerpt/promo day for all authors. A great way for writers to advertise and readers to get new ideas for their next books. http://coffeetimeromance.com/board/fo...

After leaving the USA, a nice day/layover spend in Warsaw, Poland, my son and I are now back in Germany, at a lovely lakeside home with a good friend.

I've a work in a progress, Hazardous Confessions, based on actual events we were surprised with! And hopefully it will be complete in another week or two :-)

Looking forward to chatting with everyone again!

Glad you made it safely!!

Great reviews of The Angel of Berlin had been received from Bibrary Bookslut and Top2Bottom Reviews, 5 out of 5 stars! It was released 23 may, 2011.



“No matter what he’s writing about, Red has an absolutely gorgeous style to his writing, with a narrative voice that is almost hypnotic.

This is a story that began with a dream, and that dreamlike quality comes through in the story. Red draws us into his dream with beautifully seductive language, painting a picture in our minds that is, at the same time, both vivid and subtle.” Bibrary Bookslut

“There is no doubt Red Haircrow has a gift for descriptive prose; the vivid imagery the author presents through the selection of language sketches a picture for the reader that is rich in feeling and atmosphere. It is, in its way, quite poetic, and in the case of The Angel of Berlin lends to the dream-like quality of this lovely fantasy.” –Top2Bottom Reviews

Through 31 July 2011, my titles "The Angel of Berlin" and "Katrdeshtr's Redemption, The Night Cat Book 1" will be 50% off their cover price to help celebrate Smashwords annual Summer/Winter Sale. So if you've been thinking about buying, here's a great opportunity to get a special deal! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Does that sale take money out of your pocket? I don't like buying from sales that take away from the author.

It's a voluntary choice to participate in this sale, and we decide how much percentage off our books are. It's not mandatory and writers can opt out at any time. It's basically for ad/mkrt without giving your stuff away for free (unless you want to), and they do a huge worldwide extra campaign to promote your work. Plus even if someone doesn't buy my books, it's their choice after all, they may see something else they like if they follow my link there. It can help out other writers.

Traditional publishers give away a number of copies for review purposes, contests, etc. all the time. In that, they make the choices, not the author. I enjoy some aspects of being contracted to a t-publisher, but I like being able to make my own decisions in some things. And Smashwords lets me do that and takes less from writers than traditional publishers do, by far. Mark does a superb job with promoting and encouraging "Smashers" and their work. Kind of an extended explanation, sorry, but I love the site and all the opportunities they provide. And my personal expression regarding: http://flyingwithredhaircrow.wordpres...

Since I'm finally settled for the conceivable future, anyone who's interested is welcome to add me on Facebook.

My personal account is Red Haircrow, and my author account is The Redhaired Crow. You can also find a new fictional character page for Katrdeshtr, a.k.a. Vlody, of my series, The Night Cat.

Very pleased to announce I'll be teaming up with a very special friend, Nephylim to write a series of books, anthologies, etc. on my creation, The Children of Driy.

How does it feel to be intergendered? What if it isn't a curiousity or issue at all, but your whole world, people and background are based upon there being three genders?

With an entire world build upon the Driynan, this is an idea that will be open to all authors who wish to participate and join in the world of the Children. The history, the background, the beliefs, the reality of the Driynan.

I am very excited to finally unveil my creation and look forward to others journeying to this world and creating characters that highlight its many beauties and dangers, and of course, love will always play a key role.

Check back for updates, or if you have any questions or wish to be a part, just write.

Just started a collaboration to write a series of books based on my world and people called "The Children of Driy" with a fellow writer and excellent friend, Nephylim. This is the series about a race of androgynes as created by an androgyne author (yea that's me) so many of the facts will be biographical in nature. For many, learning what life can be like for those of use who are dual, this will be very eye-opening. There will be everything from stories of romance and love, to politic intrigue, and darker tales of those who've struggled with their existence.

This is a work I'd like to share with other authors who are interested in and understand the vision of what I wish to create. I've built the world, history, religion, language and basis, and others can reinforce and expand the Driynan universe.

http://theredhairedcrow.wordpress.com/

What a great idea, I would love to read it. When do you expect the first release?

Sunday afternoon in Berlin, and my new roommate who is a well-known film producer, screenplay writer and base guitarist is practicing in the living room. It's a nice backdrop to creativity.

(Yes, for those who read I moved to a small town. I did indeed, but it was a bit quiet for my mind at the moment :-)

Sylvia wrote: "What a great idea, I would love to read it. When do you expect the first release?"

Neph and I are hard at work trying to get the first anthology complete and edited. There's five stories for it already, and we hope to add at least five more. It will rather be serialized in a way, as the stories will continue in subsequent volumes.

We're shooting for September 15th for the 1st release!

You work fast :) I'm very curious about this world you are building.

Not so fast really :-) The Driynan are an idea I first had when I was a young teenager. It was rather easy to dream of a world where you were the norm and not seen as the freak. The five stories I mentioned were written several years ago.

The structure of the "world" was developed over time but I finally decided to give it true flesh and form and search for others who wish to help expand the theme.

I'm glad it is materializing now and that the waiting will not be so long for me :-)

Recently published Songs of the Universal Vagabond, which is the first volume collection of writing, essays and articles first posted to my website and Queer Magazine Online.

Also a recent review of The Angel of Berlin on Brief Encounter Reviews http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...

Basics complete: the Facebook business page for Indie Publisher-Flying With Red Haircrow. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flying...

I had offered a sample of stories (three) to readers, to see how they would react to the concept, and I was pleased with the positive reception. When I proposed the idea to author Cheryl Headford, it was great to experience her enthusiasm also.

Our goal is to open this world and people to other authors who'd like to contribute.

A new review at BITTEN BY BOOKS for Katrdeshtr's Redemption , The Night Cat, Book 1.

"The author really gives readers a sense of who his characters are, including their backstories, which is no small feat considering the story is just over twenty pages.

The writing is striking in its beauty, and I was hooked by the very first paragraph: “The air of the late summer night was close and humid, warm as the breath of a living thing, alive with nocturnal denizens both creeping and flying. Stretched out on an ancient rock emanating a chill from deep within its heart, Katrdeshtr the Night Cat leisurely watched a young man swimming in a dark pool below.” The words bring to life Kat’s world and create a scene with an undercurrent of dangerous things to come as Kat stalks his prey.

Katrdeshtr’s Redemption is a fierce story of love, jealousy and awakening and is only the first entry in The Night Cat series by Red Haircrow."

To read the full review, please visit: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/44644/ka...