A Nun Grading Papers @Solsticepublish

As many of you know, I’ve had to switch computers recently and it has been challenging to say the least.  A bright spot was a document someone sent me years ago and I didn’t even realize I still had.  Enjoy!

Can you imagine yourself to be the nun that is sitting at her desk grading these papers all the while trying to keep a straight face and maintain her composure!   

 

PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WORDING AND SPELLING.

IF YOU KNOW THE BIBLE EVEN A LITTLE, YOU'LL FIND THIS HILARIOUS!  

IT COMES FROM A CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEST KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN.

THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED.

INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN.

1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.

2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.

3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT.

4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.

5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.

6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.

7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS .

8, THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

9 THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.

10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.

11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA. THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.

12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.

13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.

14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.

15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.

16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.

17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION.

18. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.

19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.

20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.

21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.

22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.

23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.

24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.

25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.

So I Needed a Haircut @Solsticepublish

Well the print copy of “The Sapphire Crucible” has been delayed by 5-7 days.  Amazon is taking some time to get this done.  They did discover the error in the pricing for “Quest for the Red Sapphire” and have set that back to its original price.  I went and had my hair cut today.  I have had the same lady cutting it for over 7 years.  She does a great job and knows what I like.  I let it grow too long this time and am going into a very busy time at my day job.  It had to be cut today and my regular stylist was not working.  So I figured, “What’s the harm in going to someone else?”  I’m sure you can guess where this is leading.  I had a very nice lady cut my hair.  Let me start with the positive things.  Since she didn’t know me she hadn’t heard all my stories and jokes.  My normal lady knows everything about me.  It was fun to talk to fresh ears that had never been bored by my stories.  On the other hand, I told the lady today what I wanted and she didn’t interpret it the way my usual lady does.  The result was traumatic.  She would cut for a while and then find the colic on the back of my head was sticking up.  So she would cut some more from all over.  Then it did it again.  So she cut shorter.  Ordinarily I don’t pay much attention while my hair is being cut but I began to perk up when I saw the woman wrinkling her lips to the side as she tried to figure out what to do with the unruly hair with which she had to contend.  I became nervous as she would snip and look, then snip and look.  The longer she worked, the more scared I became.  I started to picture what it would look like if time-lapse photography were used and you could watch my hair getting shorter and then popping up in the back.  Then it would go still shorter and pop up again.  After a while she said, “That colic of yours is really troublesome.”  That’s never what you want to hear while sitting in the stylist’s chair.  It hadn’t been troublesome for 7 years.  Why was it a problem now?  She stopped when I presume she had the back straightened out.  Then she asked, “Do you want it shorter?”  I haven’t had this little hair since I was born.  So I told her to stop.  I usually use gel to hold my hair in place but I don’t think that will be much of a problem right now as there is little to hold down except my colic.  If I comb my hair the way I normally do it all stands up.  I don’t blame the stylist.  She thought she was doing as I asked.  I blame myself.  This must be how people feel when they cheat on their spouses.  I feel violated and like I was wrong to go to another woman for my needs.  I wish I could take it back but it is done and there is nothing I can do about it.  My stylist will forgive me, I hope.  She’s a good woman and I’m lucky to have her there normally.  I just need to forgive myself and find a way to keep this blasted hair from standing up in the back  When I returned home, I texted my wife and told her how much I missed her.  You truly don’t appreciate something until it’s gone.

Paperback Coming Out @Solsticepublish

If everything goes right, tomorrow “The Sapphire Crucible” will be out on paperback.  I was told by my publisher that it should go live then.  Look for it on Amazon.  I will provide the link as soon as possible.  No one seems to have caught that “Quest for the Red Sapphire” is still only .99 on Kindle!  The promotion ended but somewhere someone dropped the ball.  Regardless, their blunder is your gain.  If you were thinking of giving Book 1 in the Sapphire Chronicles a shot this is as good a time as any.  Get your copy before they find the error.  My struggles with Windows 8.1 continue.  Now it keeps telling me it needs to repair disk errors but every time I repair them, the same message comes up again after the restart.  I did manage to get my printer and camera working.  The task of finding 13 years’ worth of pictures and over 1000 songs and then finding the right home for them is daunting.  I seem to be all consumed with this task and all my 13 year old daughter can ask is, “When can I play SIMS?”  Well, we each have our priorities in life.  Have a good night all.  I will be working on this tomorrow.

After The Crash @Solsticepublish

I’m back!!  On Wednesday my old Windows Vista computer finally died on me.  It has been devastating.  My whole world was wrapped up in that computer.  But I was smart.  I backed up my important files on an external hard drive and in the cloud at Norton.  So I went out and spent what seemed like a ridiculous amount on a new computer and warranty. (I have to have the warranty.   I can’t fix this stuff)  I took it home and found I had a new and powerful enemy.   Its name is Windows 8.1.  IT IS EVIL!  My hard drive was not compatible with it and my Norton files downloaded over 2 days to who knows where. The product key for my Microsoft Office was on an email in my old system but I do not seem to be able to read my old emails in this new system.  So I chatted with Microsoft and begged for the product key.  They wanted the email address, mailing address, name and date of the order.  I was able to locate all of that.  Then they wanted the last 4 digits of the credit card used to buy it.  That was 3 years ago and the card was lost and replaced.  They could not help me without it.  So while I was in chat mode I called my bank’s 24 hour line and explained that I needed those numbers.  The associate said that the numbers would have been deleted after the new card was issued.  Then she checked with her supervisor.  They found them!  So I proudly gave the numbers to Microsoft and they gave me my activation key.  Without it I would not be talking to you now.  I have been fighting with this machine since Wednesday night.  This is exhausting and I still have yet to find any of my pictures, music or emails. But at least I’m back on my blog which makes me happy.  Apparently none of my old software is compatible with 8.1 except for Office.  I still don’t know what 95% of this stuff is.  When I ask friends for help they answer with things like, “Dude, you have Windows 8.1?  That’s, like way different.”  No kidding.  Can you help?  “No.  Maybe if it was Windows 7.”  Well it’s not Windows 7.  I can’t even get that on a new computer.  Microsoft dictates what we will use and we as consumers are just supposed to adjust.  Until this incident I actually thought I knew a few things about computers.  Now I am starting over.  It’s like trying to learn a new language where they don’t use the same letters as English.  I’m spent for the night but I am back.  Sorry it took so long.

First Review Is In @Solsticepublish

Today I received my first review of “The Sapphire Crucible”.  It is posted on Amazon and Goodreads.  Here is the Amazon link. http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Crucible-The-Chronicles-ebook/product-reviews/B00JL0P6IG/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1  Pick up a copy of the book today at http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Crucible-The-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00JL0P6IG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398206341&sr=8-1&keywords=sapphire+crucible  And strangely enough, “Quest for the Red Sapphire” was supposed to go off sale but it is still listed for .99 so get one while you can.  http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-Sapphire-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DZ100MO/ref=sr_1_2_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1398206341&sr=8-2&keywords=sapphire+crucible  My computer is being temperamental so I might be hit and miss with my blogs.

Blog Appearance @Solsticepublish

Elizabeth McKenna has been kind to feature me on her blog this fine Easter Sunday.  It is technically a cover reveal but also talks about “The Sapphire Crucible” and me.  Take a few moments to check it out and have a Happy Easter.  http://elizabethmckenna.com/my-blog/

An Important Day @Solsticepublish

I don’t write my blog on Mondays and Fridays due to other commitments.  As a result I did not have a chance to honor Friday, April 18th.  This is an important day to me.  You may wonder what significance this day holds.  In history, this this the day in 1942 when Jimmy Doolittle led his raid on Tokyo.  In 1906 there was the Great San Francisco Earthquake.  Conan O’Brien and actors James Woods and Rick Moranis all celebrated birthdays.  79 years ago another person was born on April 18th who would have a profound effect on my life; my Mother.  Her name was Janice Marie and she was perhaps the kindest, most loving human being I have ever known.  She always saw the good in people.  Regardless of the enormous list of character flaws, she would always point out what was good in another person.  Never one to draw attention to herself she sacrificed without regret for her family and always thought of others first.  She was also right up there with my father as one of the most quotable people I have ever known.  Some of her sayings were odd but strangely true like, “You may not remember where you went or when it was but you’ll remember what you ate.”  Other quotes were more profound.  “When all your friends have gone and you feel alone and deserted, your family will still be there.”  Above all else she was a believer.  She believed in her faith, her family, and in the underlying goodness within humanity.  My mother always encouraged me, particularly in my pursuit of writing.  Even when I was told by others that I was wasting my time writing, she told me my work had merit and that I should keep striving to do better…as long as I kept a day job to pay the bills.  For years she pressed me to publish my work but I never felt it was ready.  Then she came down with cancer and went through treatment.  She told me it was in remission and flew out with my father to see me and my family.  Everyone could see how sick she still was except me.  I wanted to believe the story.  My mother went for a drive with me one night and told me she had shared parts of my first book with friends and they loved it.  She made me promise to have the book published.  After so many years I was surprised by the sudden rush.  To borrow a line from “West Side Story”, my mother “…Never asked the time of day from a clock.”  But she was asking, in fact pleading with me to publish my work.  So I promised.  When she returned home she went straight into hospice and I never saw her alive again.  It took a few years but I have kept my word by releasing my first two books with more to come.  Somewhere out there I like to think she is proud of me.  I know that I am proud to be her son.

Last Day of Sale, Interview, Miri @Solsticepublish

Tomorrow’s the last day for the .99 download sale of “Quest for the Red Sapphire.”  Here’s the link.  http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-Sapphire-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DZ100MO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397581610&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+for+the+red+sapphire  Let me first thank my good friend Angel Dunworth for having me as a guest on her blog yesterday.  Here is the link to the interview http://streetlighthalo.blogspot.com/2014/04/interview-with-rival-gates-guest-blogger.html  As promised, today I am introducing you to a new character in “The Sapphire Crucible” named Miri.  That is the short form of her full name Mirianna.  Here’s her introduction.  Enjoy.

“You’ll give us answers,” one yelled as he locked the door. “If you don’t I’m sure Hugon would be happy to interrogate you himself.” They laughed and then descended the stairs.

Between the cells were thick stonewalls that prevented prisoners from seeing each other. They did not, however, deafen sound. The girl cried as she lay on the floor. It was a painful, sorrowful sound. Linvin sat on the other side of the wall trying to think of something to say. His usual greetings seemed wrong at that moment. At last he managed, “Are you hurt?” The sobbing continued. “Miss,” he called out louder, “Are you injured?”

The crying reduced and was interrupted occasionally by a sniffle. “It’s nothing that won’t heal,” she said meekly. “But it doesn’t matter. I will never leave these walls alive.”

Linvin moved closer to the bars by the wall. “My name is Linvin. What is yours?”

There was silence for a few moments and then one soft, beautiful word was spoken in return. “Mirianna,” she replied.

“You seem a little out of place here,” Linvin said.

“Everyone in this tower is out of place,” she answered indignantly. “I suspect that was their purpose in building it. You don’t sound like the usual criminals they bring in here. There must be a different reason you have checked in to this establishment.”

“I have no idea why we are here.” Linvin answered.  

“Sure you do,” Mirianna said. “Everyone knows why they’re here. Some people just don’t want to admit the answer.”

Linvin was caught off guard by her banter. He tried to refocus on her. “Well then, why are you here?” he asked.

Her tone immediately changed. “So that’s your game, is it? They bring me down here and think I will tell you everything just by asking? Nice try Spy. I am wise to you. You can tell that red-eyed sorcerer you work for I have no knowledge of my country’s defenses. You can also tell him if I did know anything, I would never tell him or any of his agents.”

Linvin was stunned by the accusation. “Mirianna, you are mistaken. I am no spy. My kin and I are prisoners just like you.”

Mirianna snapped back. “That is just what a spy would say.”

Linvin sighed. “If I were a spy then why would they put three other people in here with me? Would it not be wiser to have a single person here to whom you could confess?”

Mirianna was silent for a moment and then began to cry once again. “I don’t know what to believe anymore. They have tried so many tricks to make me betray my country. I am just so tired.”

Linvin sighed and thumped the back of his head against the wall. “How about this,” he proposed. “I am not a spy and have no use for any information about whatever country you are from. Since, however, I cannot say what can be heard by others in this place, perhaps we could talk without either of us revealing anything our jailors do not already know.”

After more time Mirianna agreed. “You start,” she told Linvin in a quiet voice from just the other side of the wall.

“Well,” said Linvin as he thought. “My uncle, cousins and I were traveling through the Unclaimed Territory and were caught trying to cross the Mystic River into the Mandrean Empire.”

“Why would you want to come here?” Mirianna asked. “Do you work for them?”

Linvin grew angry. “If I worked for them I would not be in this jail, would I? I thought you were not going to ask me such questions.”

“Do they have any idea why you are here?” Mirianna asked in a softer tone.

Linvin ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “I have no idea what they know or do not know. They have asked us no questions.”

Mirianna was surprised. “Do you mean they have not interrogated you at all?”

“That is correct,” Linvin stated. “We are clueless about their intentions. Why are you here?”

Mirianna put her head on her knees and let her hair cover her face. “I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was ignorant and now what days I have left are at the mercy of these beasts and their masters.”

“Do you have food?” Linvin asked.

“They give me Goblin Biscuits from time to time.”

Linvin took a loaf of bread and stretched it through the closest gap in the bars. “Here,” he said, “Take this. We have plenty of food.”

She paused at the sight of the loaf. “Is this some sort of trick?”

“Yes,” Linvin said sarcastically but with a smile. “I am tricking you into eating bread. Call the guard!”

He changed his voice back to a more pleasing tone. “Look, my arm is growing tired. Either take the bread or leave it on the ground. I was only trying to help. Remember I do not want to know any secrets from you. 45

 

That is unless you would like to tell us a secret way out of here.”

Mirianna laughed as she wiped her tears. Linvin grinned and added, “What, no snappy retort? How disappointing.”

“I have no answer for that question but will gladly entertain ideas,” she said. A moment later Linvin saw a soft, smooth, feminine hand reach for the bread. He was pleased to see he’d gained at least the slightest trust. As it turned out, perhaps he gained more than that. Her hand bypassed the bread and touched Linvin’s skin. The surprised elf dropped the food. Her fingers caressed his slowly and gently as they ran the length of his hand and then interlocked the digits.

“Thank you,” she whispered in a soft melodic voice. He felt like a cool summer breeze had blown across his face. The hairs on his hand rose as she softly released him and picked up the bread.

He basked in the glow of the trifling as she nibbled at the food. After a few moments she spoke.

“By the way,” she called out softly.

“Yes Mirianna?” the eager young half-elf answered.

“Call me Miri,” she said. “I’m sorry I was rude. This place can get to you after a bit. Thank you for the bread. It is the first real food I’ve had in days.”

With that she moved over to a pile of straw she used as a bed. She ate her food and then lay down to rest.

2 Days Left on Sale, Characters Develop @Solsticepublish

There are just 2 days left in the .99 sale for “Quest for the Red Sapphire.”  Buy it here http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-Sapphire-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DZ100MO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397581610&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+for+the+red+sapphire  As I have been posting excerpts over the last while I have taken a step back to realize how much the characters have developed from Book 1 to Book 2 (“Sapphire Crucible”).  Linvin makes better decisions and reaffirms his position as the leader.  Anvar reduces his criticism of Linvin and proves to be of great assistance in the events to come.  Rander takes a while to make a significant change.  When it does happen, however, he finally proves his worth.  Bander has completely turned around from the start of the book.  He proves to be a huge asset to the party.  They have been through so much with quite a bit to go and the characters are developing into very different people.  It’s exciting to read and think back about how they used to act.  Then there is Miri.  Who is Miri, you may ask?  She is the wild card in the scenario.  Tomorrow’s blog will be devoted to her but I will tell you today that she makes a profound difference in the outcome of “The Sapphire Crucible.”  There are a host of new characters who all play their parts.  In the coming blogs I will also talk about Lord Mandrean.  He is a complex character far different from any you have been exposed to so far.  For those of you who like to read an actual book, you will be happy to know that my publisher, Solstice Publishing, is putting the finishing touches on the print version of “The Sapphire Crucible.”  It should be out and available shortly.  I will keep you advised.  For those of you who like the Kindle version, you can download it here: http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Crucible-Chronicles-Rival-Gates-ebook/dp/B00JL0P6IG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397667452&sr=1-1&keywords=sapphire+crucible  Enjoy the read!

Excerpt, .99 Sale Ends Firday @Solsticepublish

The .99 sale of “Quest for the Red Sapphire” ends Friday.  Get yours here http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-Sapphire-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DZ100MO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397581610&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+for+the+red+sapphire  before it’s over.  Today I am going to treat you to another excerpt from “The Sapphire Crucible.”  If you thought Hugon was intimidating, wait till you read about Necromancer.  Enjoy the read.
Hovering just off the ground was a diminutive Human man, no bigger than Rander with his arms outstretched to the sides. He was adorned in a white silken robe with gold embroidery at every edge. Handcrafted sandals of the finest quality covered his feet. He lowered his arms and the light and wind dissipated. His face could be discerned.
His skin was white as snow. It was as though he had never been in the sun. A gray beard obscured much of his lower face and dipped down to his chest. As the breeze subsided, his hair fell back around his head. The short salt and pepper locks fell gracefully around his face. Even with that, the most notable feature was only just coming into view.
The man’s eyes were sunken deep into their sockets. There were no pupils or irises in the eyes. They glowed in a combination of red and orange hues. Their appearance in the darkened cavities of the skull was that of smoldering coals in a blacksmith’s forge. They gazed about the room as the man set down on the ground. The goblins shook with fear. Even the obstinate Hugon cowered on the floor.
The man spoke with a voice that was both amplified and at a screeching pitch. “Word has reached me that my prisoners have arrived. You did not inform me as I had ordered. WHY.” The walls shook from his voice.
Hugon crawled forward with his belly impeding his progress. “Great Necromancer, we received no orders telling us to inform you.”
Necromancer grew enraged at the statement. “Do not lie to me, Vile Vermin.” He held out his palm. A wind blew through the room and gathered the ashes from the scroll. Drawing together in a vortex, it deposited the remains in his hand. With the soot in his possession he closed his fingers. The ash changed back into the scroll. Opening the parchment he read it to himself. “I seem to have found the orders,” he said as he dropped them in front of Hugon. The Jailor did not move.
Without notice Necromancer reached out one hand and unleashed a plume of fire the like of which no one but a Lava Giant had ever seen. The flame poured over the quivering bodies on one side of the room. The entire area was enveloped in liquid flame. After a few short moments, he pulled his hand back and the fire withdrew back to his palm. All the goblins on that side of the room were gone. No trace was left to show they’d ever existed. The elves had been in that area as well, but they were unscathed. Their skin had not even risen in temperature.
Just by lifting one forefinger, Necromancer surrounded Hugon in a shell of magic, which was nearly invisible. It lifted him off the ground. With a shift of his finger Necromancer sent him flying across the room until he collided with the wall of the tower. Then he soared across to the far side and again struck the wall. The process was repeated several times before Necromancer deposited the massive goblin where he’d previously lain.
Necromancer walked forward and stopped just short of Hugon’s face. The Great Goblin immediately tried to kiss his feet. Repulsed by the action, Necromancer stepped back. Then he spoke. “Were my orders unclear?”
“No,” answered Hugon.
“Then I must assume you chose to ignore them. Is that right?”
“Yes,” answered the timid Hugon.
Necromancer placed his hands behind his back and paced before the goblin. “Did you know any of the goblins I just eradicated?”
“Yes”
“Were you friends with any of them?”
“Yes,” answered Hugon.
“Perhaps you wish to join them in the Hereafter?” Hugon simply shook his head. Necromancer stopped walking. “Then consider this your only warning. If you ever disobey me again there will not be enough dust left from your body to bury.” Then he turned his attention to the remaining goblins. “Just to make sure this refuse does not choose to test me, if he disobeys me you will all share in his fate. If he cannot follow orders for himself, perhaps he will for you.”

Author Spotlight @Solsticepublish

Tiffany at A TiffyFit’s Reading Corner was kind enough to do an Author Spotlight on me on her blog.  You can read it at tiffyfit.blogspot.com/2014/04/author-spotlight-rival-gates-author-of.html   Both “Quest for the Red Sapphire” and “Sapphire Crucible” are shown there.  Remember, “Quest for the Red Sapphire” is still only .99 at  http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-Sapphire-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DZ100MO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388726338&sr=8-1&keywords=quest+for+the+red+sapphire  Enjoy the reading!

New Release Spotlight @Solsticepublish

Michael Long from MichaelScifan.us was kind enough to do a new release spotlight on his web site.  Check it out at http://www.michaelscifan.us/new-release-sapphire-crucible-rival-gates/

Sapphire Crucible is Out! @Solsticepublish

The day is finally here.  "Sapphire Crucible" is out on Kindle.  It will be available on paperback down the road.  For those of you who have read "Quest for the Red Sappire", you are in for one wild ride!  Helen Alexander posted a Character Interview on her web site to get you in the mood.  http://helenalexander.weebly.com/2/post/2014/04/interview-with-hugon-from-the-sapphire-curcible.html?fb_action_ids=10152261534788654&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210152261534788654%22%3A498779340233889%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210152261534788654%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D
To buy the book go to Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Crucible-Chronicles-Rival-Gates-ebook/dp/B00JL0P6IG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397106188&sr=1-1&keywords=sapphire+crucible#_

Cover Reveal, .99 Sale @Solsticepublish

I have been honored to appear on the Katie’s Corner blog with a cover reveal for “The Sapphire Crucible”.  http://crasyabout.blogspot.com/  It is sown the page a bit as it was first published yesterday but had “Quest for the Red Sapphire” on the blog.  Speaking of the first book, it is still on sale at Amazon for .99!  That’s a steal.  You can find it here.  http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-Sapphire-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DZ100MO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397061003&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+for+the+red+sapphire

New Book Interview @Solsticepublish

Author Helen Alexander has been kind enough to interview me about “The Sapphire Crucible”  You can read it at http://helenalexander.weebly.com/blog.html  She runs a great web site and blog.  I am honored to make my appearance there.  Remember “Quest for the Red Sapphire” is still .99 on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-Sapphire-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DZ100MO/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1396935088&sr=8-1&keywords=quest+for+the+red+sapphire

Sale Continues, Excerpt @Solsticepublish

The .99 sale on “Quest for the Red Sapphire” continues.  “The Sapphire Crucible’s” debut on Kindle is only 4 days away!  I am stoked for this.  Just to tease you a little more, here’s another excerpt.  Enjoy!
“Sergeant Hugon...these are the Elves taken prisoner at the river crossing,” the Human Captain stated as he dropped a rolled scroll on the table. “They are not to be mistreated.”
Hugon angrily opened the document and struggled to read its contents. Then he began to laugh. Moving the parchment over to a lantern on the desk, he set the orders ablaze. “That’s what I think of your orders. I do as I please with my prisoners.”
The Captain drew his sword. Hugon stood quickly and took hold of his club. The other goblins in the tower drew their weapons and rallied behind the Sergeant. In spite of the insurmountable odds against him, the Captain held his position.
“I want you to acknowledge that you have taken custody of the prisoners,” the Captain said with his blade pointed directly at Hugon’s heart. “You will be accountable for any deviation of the orders from this point forth.”
The Goblin Master snorted and answered, “I have them now, Human. Now be about your business. I wouldn’t want you to get your pretty uniform dirty.”
The Captain looked at the jailor with disdain and sheathed his weapon. “Goblin scum,” he branded as he turned and left.
After the Captain exited, the gates were closed and Hugon turned his attention to Linvin and his family. Using one hand for each, he picked up the twins by the chest and examined them. “So these are the Dangerous Elves that everyone is in fear of? Ha.” Hugon threw them aside and looked at the others. “I presume you are Anvar Greenlith.
The paper said you were not to be unchained under any conditions. Seems you’re some sort of Magician or somethin’. You look mighty old for anyone to be scared of you.” He shoved Anvar to the ground and stepped on him with his foot. “I could just squash you like a worm. You’re nothin’ but a feeble old elf.” He began to slowly press down on Anvar with his foot.
Linvin could not stand the sight. “Leave him alone, Gutter-Rat,” Linvin cried angrily.
Hugon removed his foot from Anvar and turned his attention to Linvin. With two fists full of Linvin’s shirt, Hugon lifted him into the air and drew his face close. The great elf was weak and sick but still stubborn. He stared straight back at the monstrous creature.
“So you’re the little half-breed that has everyone so upset. You look pretty harmless to me. Kind of like a bug. I guess maybe them Humans is afraid of bugs?” The other goblins started laughing.
Linvin replied. “You must be the pathetic Goblin Pet your Human Masters chose to guard the mean, nasty little Elves. What a sad commentary on you. So scared of us are you that you need to keep us shackled. I do not blame you though. Slaughtering all those goblins in the Territory was quite easy and actually a good deal of fun for us. I would be scared of us too.”
Hugon threw Linvin against the wall and turned to the goblins who traveled with the prison wagon. “They killed goblins?”
“At least an entire patrol,” the shivering voice of one of them said.
Hugon was furious and quickly showed his displeasure by uncoiling his whip. Without a thought he began to lash Linvin with vigor. “You want to play games with me Boy?” Hugon shouted as the thick leather tore through Linvin’s clothes. The victim curled into a ball to protect his face. Unrestrained, the leather sliced through his skin with ease and did not stop until it struck bone.
“How do you like that?” Hugon screamed as the other goblins cheered his torture of Linvin. “I think I’ll give you one lash for every goblin you’ve killed. If there’s anything left of you after that, I’ll show you the lower levels where we can really have some fun.”
Linvin watched his tormentor closely. When the whip headed his way again Linvin held up his shackles and let it wrap itself around the chain. Then he grabbed the weapon and pulled it from the goblin’s hand. “I am Linvin Grithinshield,” he said from his knees. “No one puts leather to me and lives.”

.99 Sale @Solsticepublish

With “The Sapphire Crucible” coming out on Thursday April 10th it seemed like a good time to have a sale on Book 1 of the Sapphire Chronicles, “Quest for the Red Sapphire”.  Right now it is on sale at Amazon for download at .99!  Here is the link http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-SapphireChroniclesebook/dp/B00DZ100MO/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1396751547&sr=8-1&keywords=quest+for+the+red+sapphire  If you want to be up to speed when the next part comes out, this is the perfect time to purchase the first instalment for less than a buck.  Enjoy the read.

Post and Excerpt #Solsticepublish

Here’s a cover reveal and another exclusive book excerpt.  Thanks to the good folks at “Between the Lines for fitting me in.  Enjoy!  http://wp.me/p47cK4-y1  Remember “The Sapphire Crucible” comes out on Amazon 04/10/14!

An Excerpt From Sapphire Crucible @Solsticepublish

It’s official.  “The Sapphire Crucible” will be released on Amazon Kindle on Thursday, April 10th.  In the meantime I have decided to whet your appetites with some small excerpts from the new book.  Enjoy…
At that moment a goblin along the side of the wagon struck Linvin again with his spear handle. From the front of the column came an order to halt. “Assembly.” cried the voice. The escorting soldiers fell into line along the road and stood at attention.
A human soldier mounted on a horse rode slowly before them. He wore a fine suit of plate-mail armor and a red tunic, which ran diagonally across his torso before changing into a cloak across his back. A short sword hung at his side and a long sword was sheathed on his saddle.
The man handled his horse with such precision that his mastery on the stead was evident. He addressed the goblins like children. “Were my orders unclear?”
The goblins answered in unison, “No Captain.”
Reaching the end of the formation, the Captain turned his horse about and slowly went back the other way. “Then either you chose to ignore the orders or you are too dim-witted to comprehend them.” He dismounted in front of the last goblin to strike Linvin. Drawing his short sword, the Captain towered over the soldier at such close range he could see the goblin quiver. “So which is it, soldier? Did you choose to ignore me or are you just a two legged animal?”
The goblin weighed the choices and could not find a response that would exonerate his behavior. When he did not answer, the Captain’s annoyance increased. In a fluid movement, he seized the soldier by his filth-laden hair and slit his throat. The goblin fell to the ground and died moments later. His murder drew no gaze from the other soldiers. The rest of the troop remained at attention and did not dare to follow the fall of the body with their eyes. Such empathy could prove fatal.
The captain wiped the blood from his sword on the dead man’s shirt. Then he replaced the weapon and mounted his horse. “His lack of answer leads me to believe you are all feebleminded and unwilling to follow orders. Perhaps now you will understand my directions. You will not converse with the prisoners. You will not harm the prisoners. You will not come into contact with their property. You will not unshackle them for any reason. These are the standing orders of Lord Necromancer. If you feel inclined to disobey ANY of these orders, I will kill you where you stand. Your friend was fortunate. Had Lord Necromancer been here your comrade would have died a prolonged, agonizing death. If he is displeased when we arrive, we may all share in such a fate. He does not have my sense of mercy. Am I not merciful?”
“Yes Captain.” yelled the goblins.

Just A Week To Go! @Solsticepublish

I’m so excited.  “The Sapphire Crucible”, the long awaited sequel to “Quest for the Red Sapphire” is all ready to go.  I am just waiting to have approval of the date from my publisher, Solstice Publishing.  Over the months that the first book has been out I have been peppered with questions.  They come in all shapes and sizes.  Who was behind the murder of Linvin’s parents?  Does Rander keep his word and get with the program?  Do they get to keep the Red Sapphire?  Does anyone die?  Is there much action?  Do we get to see Falconfeather more?  Will there be any romance in this book?  How does the key play a part?  Then there’s the most frequent question, did they get caught?  Those and many more questions are going to be answered in “The Sapphire Crucible”.  It is killing me not telling you.  Tentatively it is due out around April 10th but I need confirmation from Solstice.  If the questions you just read didn’t make sense, you should probably read “Quest for the Red Sapphire”.  It will be on sale for only .99 starting April 5th.  That book will open up a whole new world for you.  Then you will be as anxious as the other readers to find out what happens in “The Sapphire Crucible”.  One person commented at hearing the name, “Sapphires aren’t put into a crucible.  What does it mean?”  I just smiled and said they were in for some rude awakenings in the sequel.  The answers are coming.  You just need to wait for about another week to find them.  Until then think about your questions.  Many of the loose ends will be tied in the new installment.

My New Guest Post @Solsticepublish

Today I have been honored to be a guest blogger on the site, “To Read or Not To Read”.  I have an article there about magic in books.  Take a few minutes to check it out at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014/04/magic-cure-all-of-fantasy.html  Happy reading.