January 15, 2016 by Jeanette

Congratulations

I’d like to congratulate

Kate Hillenberg

for winning a copy of Like a Girl anthology in my recent Glimpses of Light Blog Tour Giveaway.

Jeanette

Be challenged, captivated and moved by these imaginative reflections on faith, help in time of need, joy in the midst of tragedy, and surprising encounters with God.

During 2015, the International Year of Light, twenty-one authors from Australia and the United States have come together to explore the theme of ‘glimpses of light’—finding light in dark places—through short stories, poems, flash fiction and creative non-fiction.

Glimpses of Light includes contributions from respected and award-winning authors and poets Jo-Anne Berthelsen, Paula Vince, Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones, Jo Wanmer, Jeanette Grant-Thomson and Ellen Carr, as well as exciting new talent.

Profits from this anthology go to CBM Australia, giving sight to the blind.

Like a Girl Plan anthology

Fourteen Authors from around the world have contributed their stories to raise money for PLAN Australia.

‘Like a Girl’ is a celebration of the strength and resilience of women, told in a variety of genres and voices, the proceeds of which will help empower girls and women all over the world.

Featuring stories and poems by Jeanette O’Hagan, Avril Sabine, V. Hartman Di Santo, Kathryn Hogan, Mary Grace, Coralyn Swift, Christina Aitken, Mark Taylor, D.L Richardson, Mimi Emmanuel, Erin Yoshikawa, Druscilla Morgan, Michelle John and Mirren Hogan.

January 8, 2016 by Jeanette

Glimpses of Light Blog Tour

Previous Blog Stop

In the last stop on the blog tour, Jo-Anne Berthelsen talks about how she came to write ‘Revelation’ for Glimpses of Light. It is a beautiful story, all the more special as it drawn from real events. Jo-Anne loves communicating through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of six published novels and one non-fiction work, Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual journey.

Glimpses of Light

Glimpses of Light started with a flash of inspiration – why not write a collaborative charity anthology to celebrate the 2015 International Year of Light. It has been exciting watching that small kernel blossom into a book. Both Nola and I were thrilled at the number and quality of entries we received, the enthusiasm of our contributors and the willingness to work with us during the different stages of editing, proofing and publishing. I love each of the stories, poems and reflective pieces.

My fantasy story was fun to write – it follows the adventures of a young woman, Ruhanna, who is expecting her father’s visit for her name-day when things begin to go very wrong. Here’s an excerpt:

Ruhanna sighed and began to step backwards when the carving of an albatross on a box, half covered by a goatshair scarf, caught the honey-hued rays of sunlight. She picked it up and slid open the beautifully fitted lid. Inside, on soft fabric, was an intricately carved pen of whale bone, inking stone and fine metal nibs.

‘This is perfect. How much?’

The old woman’s eyes brightened ‘Twenty Royals.’

‘Oh, no, far too much.’

They spent the next few minutes haggling. Ruhanna shook her head, regretting her impulsive enthusiasm. Favula was hard to beat down.

‘As you wish, fifteen Royals, but you drive a hard bargain. That’s most of my savings.’ But it was for her father. It was worth it. Her feet felt like dancing. He was coming from the Big Island tomorrow.

‘That’s a good choice, gentle lass.’ The old woman brushed her dark hands against Ruhanna’s silvery-white skin. ‘They say a sacred albatross guided our people across the ocean wastes after the Sundering, back in the mists of time when the old world ended.’

Ruhanna curved her lips in a polite smile, as she ran her hands over the soft toromo wood of the box and the bright green gems for the bird’s eyes. Mariam told the same far-fetched tale. ‘Why would a speechless bird do that?’

Favula’s hands stilled in packing away her treasures. ‘Some say the Maker sent it, others that the first Flame King himself took the shape of the bird and led the way to the Lonely Isles. Of twenty ships that set out only seven arrived at the Big Island, three wrecking on the chancy Twin Heads.’ She waved in the direction of the narrow entrance to Safety Bay beyond which lay the harbour town of White Havens. It could be tricky sailing, which is one reason the lighthouse had been built. Favula caught Ruhanna’s wrist in a tight grip, her voice low. ‘Some say your mother had the blood of the old kings and queens. Though your hair be brown, with your sea-green eyes, I reckon it could be true.’

Ruhanna’s heart began to thump. She moistened her suddenly dry mouth. ‘I don’t know what you mean. Father is Royal Minister of Shipping and Mines and a loyal subject to the Sea Dragon Throne.’ She tried to pull her arm free, but the old woman’s grip was surprisingly strong.

‘The winds are changing. Best be careful, child.’ Favula laid a roughened finger beside her nose, her mouth stretched wide in a gap-toothed smile. She released Ruhanna’s arm and chuckled.

The old woman’s hulking grandson, Benin, appeared behind her. ‘Hush Gramma, the Royal Guards will hear. Take no heed, Gentle. We are loyal subjects of King Nebunar.’

Zobar strode from where he had been standing, talking to the chandler, his brows furrowed over his mist-grey eyes. He took her arm. ‘Come Miss Ruhanna, we best be going. It will be dark soon.’

The sun had already disappeared behind the hump in the middle of the island, bleeding the sky with oranges, reds and purples. Beyond the dock the waves of the strait stretched out in a bloody reflection of the sky. The guards were looking her way.

Ruhanna drew her cloak around her, thankful for its warmth against a sudden gust of the wind. She gripped the gift she had selected for Baba and followed Zobar, ignoring the intense gaze of the Royal Guards.

Glimpses of Light is available through Amazon.com ($12 US plus postage for print book or $3.50 US for kindle)

Giveaway

I’m offering a chance to win a print copy of Like a Girl anthology to the best answer on what’s your favourite genre and why. And one extra chance to win your choice of either Another Time Another Place OR Let the Sea Roar if you sign up to my email Newsletter – to keep in touch with future publications and news.

Anthologies on Amazon Central

Next Stop Blog Tour

Sci-fi author, Adam Colling’s is hosting the next stop on the blog tour. Adam has recently published his novella ‘Lynessa’s Curse’ – set in a futuristic medieval Mars. He draws inspiration from his over-active imagination, life experiences and faith and is currently writing a space opera series set in the same universe as his GOL story, ‘A Light To My Path’. Adam discusses books, movies and computer games on his YouTube show: Stories with Adam Collings.

Adam will be posting on 12 January. In the meantime, you can check out his blog at www.adamdavidcollings.com

Jeanette

Less than three days before the Goodreads Giveaway of Glimpses of Light ends.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Glimpses of Light

by Jeanette O’Hagan

Giveaway ends January 10, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

January 1, 2016 by Jeanette

Happy New Year 2016

December 26, 2015 by Jeanette

Highlights of 2015

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and fantastic New Year in 2016

2015 has been a whirlwind of a year for me. Here are some of the highlights.

Writing:

In January I did the Month of Poetry (writing over 30 poems), in July I wrote 30,000 words on Mannok’s Betrayal in Camp NaNo and 50,000 words on Jared’s Choice in November. In addition, I wrote 4 or 5 short stories.

Study:

I was thrilled to finish the Masters of Arts (Writing) through Swinburne University of Technology in July, attending the graduation ceremony last week. I have since enrolled in Year of the Edit.

Publication:

The publication of my story ‘The Herbalist’s Daughter’ in Tied in Pink seems to have broken the drought on publication. Since then I’ve had poems and short stories published in six other anthologies. (Five of the seven anthologies are listed on my Amazon Central page.)

‘Thunderstorm’ and ‘Floating’ in Poetica Christi’s Inner Child anthology

‘The Real Thing’ (second prize) and ‘Tree Dreaming’ in FAWQ’s Brio anthology (SVS Concepts)

‘Broken Promises’ in Another Time, Another Place anthology (Swinburne Students)

‘Lighthouse’ (poem) and ‘Sandy – Perfect Plans’ in Let the Sea Roar (By the Light Books)

‘Ruhanna’s Flight’ in Glimpses of Light (By the Light Books)

‘A Long Time Ago’ and ‘Brisbane Summer ABCs’ (poems) and ‘Lakwi’s Lament’ in Like a Girl (Far Horizons)

I’m working on publishing a longish short story Heart of the Mountain (11,000 words) in January 2016. More on that soon 🙂

Jeanette O’Hagan

Giveaway:

For the chance to win one of two copies of Glimpses of Light – enter the Goodreads giveaway.

During 2015, the International Year of Light, twenty-one authors from Australia and the United States have come together to explore the theme of ‘glimpses of light’ through short stories, poems, flash fiction and creative non-fiction.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Glimpses of Light

by Jeanette O’Hagan

Giveaway ends January 10, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

October 31, 2015 by Jeanette

It’s all happening

Phew! I’ve hardily had time to catch my breath since July. So many exciting things happening. And best of all – six of my short stories and seven poems are either published or about to be published in seven different anthologies and one e-book(let) between December 2014 and December 2015.

So – here are some of the highlights:

Conference at Bacchus Marsh (October 2015)

Last weekend I had a fabulous time at the Christian Writers Conference at Bacchus Marsh – meeting up with old friends and discovering some new ones. It was a full program with inspirational messages, workshops and connecting in an idyllic location.

On the Saturday, I gave a workshop of Creating a Sense of Place in fiction and creative non-fiction. I also had the opportunity to promote Tied in Pink anthology (particularly appropriate in Breast Cancer Awareness month) and two upcoming anthologies that my publishing business By the Light Books is launching in the next month or two.

I’m looking forward to next year’s conference in Sydney and an exciting year in 2016.

NaNoWriMo

In July I completed 30,000 words & editing equivalents on Mannok’s Betrayal. This third book in the Akrad’s Legacy Series is proving the hardest to write. I’m am very close to finishing the first draft – though editing and typesetting the two anthologies has taken my attention in the last couple of months.

Tomorrow, on 1^st November – I start NaNoWriMo again with an enthusiastic group of friends. While I could be a NaNo rebel and edit during this month – I’m pining to write something new so will be aiming to write the last 50,000 words on Jared’s Choice (book 5).

Short-listed

I was thrilled to learn that two of my poems (‘The Real Thing’ and ‘Tree Dreamings’) were short-listed for the Toowoomba Writers’ Festival Literary Prize and will be published in the associated anthology.

Graduation

In June I finished my last subject for Master of Arts (Writing) with Swinburne University of Technology – and will be graduating in the week before Christmas.

Up Coming New Releases

In December last year Tied in Pink Romance Anthology (profits for breast cancer research) was released with my story ‘The Herbalist’s Daughter’ which continues Anna’s adventures in the palace begun in Fever.

Since then, I’ve had a number of other poems and short stories accepted for publication. I was expecting a few of these to be published by now but unavoidable delays means that it’s all happening in the months of November and December – with the exception of the Inner Child anthology (launched in July). Here’s the schedule for 2015:

July 2015 Poems ‘Thunderstorm’ & ‘Floating’ in Poetica Christi’s Inner Child anthology (available from here).

14 November 2015 Poems The Real Thing & Tree Dreamings shortlisted in Toowoomba Writers’ Festival Literary Prize anthology (presentation at Toowoomba Writer’s Festival)

15 November 2015 E-Launch of Like a Girl anthology (editors Mirren Hogan and Christina Aitken)– promoting girls education through Plan Australia. My story ‘Lakwi’s Lament’ and poems ‘A Long Time Ago’ and ‘Brisbane Summer ABCs’ are in this anthology.

28 November 2015 Probable E-Launch of Glimpses of Light anthology (editors Jeanette O’Hagan and Nola Passmore) – stories and poems of hope. With 21 authors (including several award winning novelists and poets) and 27 stories and poems, this anthology explores light in the midst of dark situations and supports the Christian Blind Mission. My story ‘Ruhanna’s Flight’ is part of the anthology.

5 December 2015 – E-Launch of Another Time, Another Place – an anthology of stories by Swinburne University of Technology Post-graduate writing students and a foreword by Professor Josie Arnold. My story ‘Broken Promises’ has been included in the anthology. You can view the book trailer here.

14 December 2015 – E-Launch of Let the Sea Roar (editor Madeleine Calcutt)– inspirational stories of women facing different challenges in life. My story ‘Sandy: Perfect Plans’ and poem ‘Lighthouse’ are included. This story is the only contemporary one – all my other short stories are fantasy set in the world of Nardva.

26 December 2015 – probable E-launch of the Kindle version of my short story (11,000 words) Heart of the Mountain.

I’ll be posting more information over the next few weeks 🙂

So, it looks like it’s going to be a busy few months – and I’m working towards publishing the first few books in the Akrad’s Legacy series in 2016.

I do hope you can join me in some, if not all, these launches of fabulous mix of anthologies. Maybe, you’ll find something to add to your Christmas list and/or an enjoyable way to support some great causes. Certainly there is many hours of great reading in these different collections of short stories and poems.

Now where is that to-do list …

Jeanette

July 20, 2015 by Jeanette

Blog Award Tour

My co-editor in Glimpses of Light anthology, editor at The Write Flourish, poet and writer, Nola Passmore tagged me for the Blog Award Tour. Nola has over 150 short pieces (short stories, flash fiction, poems, and devotions) published and is currently writing her first novel, with parallel modern and historical narratives which intersect on Nova Scotia, Canada. It all sounds intriguing and I’m looking forward to reading it. You can read more about her current writing projects here.

Nola has asked me to answer the following four questions as part of the blog tour.

1. WHAT YOU’RE WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

I’m got a few things going at the moment. I’ve in the middle of co-editing an anthology Glimpses of Light, I am doing final edits of my story that has been accepted for another anthology (Like a Girl) and I am in the middle of Camp NaNo racing to complete Mannok’s Betrayal – editing and filling in the gaps. This is the third manuscript of my Akrad Children’s trilogy – a secondary world YA fantasy with romantic elements, adventure and courtly intrigue. My short story ‘The Herbalist’s Daughter’ (published in Tied in Pink anthology in December last year) is set in the same story world.

2. HOW DOES YOUR WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS IN YOUR GENRE?

My novels are not typical Young Adult (YA) in that they are multi-protagonist and generally cover more than a year though the point of view characters are teens to early twenties with themes of loss, relationships, identity, belonging, and coming of age. Because it is secondary world fantasy courtly intrigue with multiple points of view, it does have some co-incidental correspondences with Game of Thrones (though without the level of violence and graphic sex). It differs from a lot of other fantasy is that it is not set in a obviously European medieval society but uses the Southern Hemisphere for inspiration and has, I believe, strong female characters who aren’t necessarily ‘kick-ass’ warriors.

3. WHY DO YOU WRITE OR CREATE WHAT YOU DO?

I write because it is exhilarating and my stories entertain me. I write because the stories are there, inside of me, and they want to get out. I have had the idea of the Akrad cycle or series (which may end up about 14 books) since the 1980s and the fictional world of Nardva since I began imagining it at the age of nine. The stories have grown and flourished over time. I want to see these stories to take shape beyond my imagination. I also hope, that my stories can inspire a sense of hope and meaning, the value of human life, the beauty and complexity of our world as well as its challenges and horrors, and also as sense of the One who spoke it into being and seeks to renew and restore all things.

4. HOW DOES YOUR WRITING/CREATIVE PROCESS WORK?

Once I have an idea for a story, I think through a rough outline or work out major plot points, usually including the beginning and the end. I might write this outline done (in bullet points). I spend a lot of time allowing the story to incubate, and spend time daydreaming, allowing the characters to inhabit the scenes, to speak and act and to do surprising things. These days – as I am at this stage with three or four novels ahead of those I am currently working on, I write these ideas down in notebooks to refer to later. I also draw maps, model buildings, draw out family trees etc. Then I sit down and write, often adapting the imagined scenes so they fit into chapters and the (rather rigid) structure of a novel. I might have to leave things out or change things as I go, solving plot problems or issues of pacing or characterisation. I will research issues as they arise in writing the narrative (to ensure verisimilitude) and also make sure that the novel fits in with the others in terms of timeline, family and political relationships and the realities of my fictional world. Once the first draft is finished, the editing process begins. Though often, I prefer to move on to the next book as the ideas and stories continue to percolate.

Thanks, Nola, for giving me the opportunity to share some thoughts about my current projects and writing process.

I’d now like to tag three friends and fellow authors Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones and Alison Stegert:

Lynne Stringer is an editor and author. She has published her popular Verindon trilogy (The Heir, The Crown, The Reign) and has another contemporary novel ready to publish. She’ll be answering these four questions on her blog on Monday 27th July. In the meantime, you can check out her writing at her website http://www.lynnestringer.com/

Adele Jones has published a fast paced, YA thriller Integrate. The sequel Replicate will be published later this year and she also has a historical romance on the cusp of publication. She’ll be answering the same questions on her blog on Monday 3^rd August. You can check out her writing at her website http://www.adelejonesauthor.com/blog/

Alison Stegert has a blog looking at internet safety (e-Quipped) and writes fantastic middle grade adventures. She’ll be answering these four questions on her blog on Monday 10th August. In the meantime, you can check out her writing at her website http://ali-stegert.com/

Thanks for taking the time to follow my current writing adventures 🙂

Jeanette

July 13, 2015 by Jeanette

Catching Up

A big apology for taking so long to write an update. Okay, so I have no real excuse other than being rather busy. What have I been doing since February?

Finished

Last month I complete the final unit of the Master of Arts (Writing) at Swinburne University of Technology. Hard to believe it gone so fast. I started the Masters in 2012. The very first unit inspired me to dust off the novel I’d written decades ago, and start again after a long break from writing fiction. Now, three and a half years later, I have four books close to or beyond first draft, a few others plotted or started, and countless poems and short stories written. I’ve made a bunch of new friends, discovered a whole community of writers and learned so much about the craft. It has been, as they say, a blast – and is only just the beginning of my writing journey.

Launch

I was thrilled to learn that two of my poems Thunderstorm and Floating will be published in Poetica Christi’s 2015 Inner Child anthology. The launch of the anthology will be on Saturday July 25th at the Lutheran Hall, 711 Station St, Box Hill. It’s a bit far for me to travel but I can’t wait to get a copy of the anthology in my hands. Copies will be available at the launch or directly through Poetica Christi.

Accepted

I’ve currently got three short stories accepted for publication – one contemporary and two secondary world fantasy:

‘Sandy: Perfect Plans’ in Let the Sea Roar anthology (to be published by By the Light Books in August)

‘Broken Promises’ – part of the Barrakan Tales set in the Northern Hemisphere of Nardva – is to be published in a historical themed anthology by past and current Swinburne students called Another Time, Another Place to be published this year.

and

‘Ruhanna’s Flight’ – connected to the Tamrin Sagas – in Glimpses of Light anthology to be published in November this year by By the Light Books in conjunction with Christian Writers Downunder.

I’ve been involved in the editing and publishing Glimpses of Light and Let the Sea Roar.

I’m also hoping to release on Kindle my short story / short novella Heart of the Mountain later this year.

I am following up professional edits on Akrad’s Children.

I’ll post publication details once they become available.

July Camp NaNoWriMo

This July I’ve teamed up with some friends to form 2 cabins in the July Camp NaNoWriMo. This is a cut-down version of the NaNoWriMo challenge. For one thing, you can set your own goals. And NaNo rebels are not frowned upon. I decided it was time to finish Mannok’s Betrayal (the third in the Akrad’s Children‘s trilogy). I’ve been working through gaps that need filling in, and editing. Following the rubric – one hour of active editing equal 1000 words, I’ve done 21700 words in the last 12 days – and have had to increase my goal from 20,000 to 25,000 to 30,000 words. I’m thoroughly enjoying immersing myself in the story and loving it. I had to tear myself away from the Five Lands to write this post.

Well that’s enough about me for now.

Three Rivers Road

I would however also like to give a shout out to my friend ‘Jane Batholomew’ – who has written an Australian contemporary drama Three Rivers Road. This is not a Young Adult book. It follows the adventures of a nurse in the remote communities in the Kimberley, Western Australia – and gives insight into the people, the challenges and the landscape. It includes romance and drama but doesn’t sugar coat the realities. ‘Jane’ draws from her own experiences of nursing in remote communities across Australia. You can purchase a copy here.

As you can see, quite a lot has been happening. I’ll won’t wait so long next time to give you the news. And once I get the chance to catch my breath, I’m planning to put another short story in from the Tamrin Tales on this website – this time following Haka or Rokkan’s perspective – as requested by our Scavenger Hunt winner.

Watch this space!

Jeanette O’Hagan

February 3, 2015 by Jeanette

Tied in Pink Giveaway

Writing in January

It’s hard to believe it’s February already. I completed the Month of Poetry 2015 having written 33 poems – some serious, some humorous, some long, many short. I posted the poems up on my Facebook page each day. As always, it was a lot of fun and I blog about it here.

I also finished a first draft of “Broken Promise” – a fantasy adventure set in the same world as the Akrad Legacy series and Tamrin Tales – but on a different continent. I am hopeful of having a few stories published this year in anthologies.

The Big News – Tied in Pink GoodReads Giveaway

But the big news is the that you have the opportunity to win a beautiful print copy of Tied in Pink. As I mentioned before, my story “The Herbalist Daughter” features in this anthology – and it takes up Anna’s story though both Naetok and Rokkan also feature. Tied in Pink is available in Kindle or print form (more info here).

Tied in Pink is a charity anthology – with all the profits going toward Breast Cancer Research – and each story has an Easter egg – the mention a pink ribbon. Each of the 14 authors added a dedication to their stories. I gave a copy of Tied in Pink to two best friends whose lives have been significantly touched by breast cancer – and look forward to giving a copy to another couple of friends similarly affected soon.

For the next 9 days, we are running a GoodReads Giveway of Tied in Pink. It finishes on the 10 February 2015 – 4 days before Valentine’s Day. It’s easy to sign up HERE if you are already in GoodReads. And I’d love you to visit and follow my author’s page as well which includes a regular update on blogs from Jeanette O’Hagan Writes among other things.

If you are not a member of GoodReads – you might just want to join up. It’s a wonderful community of readers, a great way to keep track and review your favourite books and authors and to discover new books to read. (I blogged about GoodReads here).

So best of luck on the giveaway.

And if you do win the book or buy it and read it – we would love you to leave an honest review on Amazon, GoodReads, BookLikes and/or your blog (if you have one).

My first box of books arrive.

Jeanette

3 February 2015

January 11, 2015 by Jeanette

Writing Milestones

Hoping you have all had a wonderful holiday season. Apart from contemplating taking our Christmas Tree down – the last several weeks have been crammed with holidays, family, celebrations and some exciting writing milestones. I’ve been a bit slack keeping you up to date – so my apologies.

November

Writing Retreat

In the last week of November, I joined eight other lovely writers for a Writing Retreat. It was a hoot – with lots of laughter, talking, food, encouragement, inspiration – and even some writing done. It was a great idea. A particular highlight was my writing friends cheering me on as I crossed the finishing line for NaNoWriMo (once I got over the writer’s block induced by having such an expectant audience 😀 ).

NaNoWriMo

Which brings me to my second news – completing NaNoWriMo again this year. The aim of NaNo (or National Writing Month in November) is to complete 50,000 words on a novel. I started writing Jared’s Choice (the forth book in the series) and was happy to get a good chunk of this work completed. In the meantime, I’ve asked a professional editor to a good look at Akrad’s Children.

December

Tied in Pink Anthology

December has been particularly exciting for me, as on the 14th December (the day before my birthday) Tied in Pink anthology was released. Tied in Pink is a romance anthology with 15 stories by 14 different authors, with all profits going to breast cancer research. My short story, ‘The Herbalist’s Daughter’ carries on Anna’s story. Anna, if you remember, is the protagonist of Fever. The anthology has some beautiful, heartwarming, gripping and/or funny stories from both veteran and aspiring authors. Here’s my Good Reads review :). Both print and e-books are available from Amazon.

With the publication of Tied in Pink – I now have an author’s page on Good Reads and Amazon. I would love you to follow me there – and, if you haven’t already, on my author’s page on Facebook or on Twitter. I will shortly be starting an email subscription list to notify when I post blogs and other news.

January

Month of Poetry

I am currently participating in Month of Poetry once again. The aim is to write a poem a day in the month of January. So far I’m on track and have been posting my attempts on my Facebook page.

#instacollage

I was particularly thrilled to receive an email yesterday informing me that one of my poems that I wrote last year has been accepted for publication in an anthology. Only 25 poems are accepted each year. More news on this later.

So, as you can see, it’s been a busy and exciting time. I do plan to write a story on Haka, Rokkan, Martal or Naetok as requested by Nicky, the winner of the Scavenger Hunt and will post it on the website for you all to read.

Jeanette O’Hagan

11 January 2015

November 26, 2014 by Jeanette

Winner of the Scavenger Hunt

The winner of the scavenger hunt – for the best answer submitted – is Nicole N. from Melbourne. Congratulations Nicole on winning a $50 US book voucher from Amazons.

Nicole has suggested that ‘A story about either Naetok, Haka, Rokkan or Martal Kapok would be very good. They are the crux of the kingdom and the power.’

That gives me plenty of scope – so keep an eye out for a new story about one of these characters.

As for what items were stolen, the identity of the thief and the motivation behind the theft – all is revealed in Part Two of The Missing Necklace.

Read Part One here.

Part Two: The Missing Necklace

Anna stood as still as a statue, a crimson cushion in her hands. Surely the Kupanna’s precious lapis luzuli necklace couldn’t have be stolen. There were guards at almost every door.

The Kupanna shook her head. ‘The necklace must be mislaid.’

‘Maybe a maid took it, Mama, like Anna or Rianda.’

Young prince’s Naetok’s piping voice jarred Anna. A shiver ran down her spine. What would happen to her if she was blamed? Dismissal, a whipping or worse. How like Natok to shift blame.

Prince Rokkan stared at his younger brother. ‘Really? Anna doesn’t have a reputation for sneaking off with things or getting up to mischief.’

Naetok squirmed and scowled. ‘I didn’t take it. Maybe you did, Rokku.’

‘Come let’s not squabble. Surely no one in this room would take my necklace.’ Kupanna Suraya tucked her distraught daughter on her shoulder and patted her back to soothe her. Another gust of wind blustered its way into the room, swaying the tapestries against the lime-washed wall and rustling the leaves of the pot plants. ‘Please, could someone please close the doors to the balcony?’

Rokkan’s golden eyes narrowed. ‘You know, mother, my blue stone ring went missing the other day.’

Anna put down the cushion she had picked up looking for the necklace and closed the balcony doors. Now that the Prince mentioned it, it wasn’t the only thing that had gone missing. She turned around. ‘Yes, your Highness, and Princess Lakwi’s rattle went missing on the day of the picnic.’

Rianda brought her fingertips to her mouth. ‘And my wool.’

The Kupanna shook her head. ‘Why would anyone be interested in stealing wool? And what thief could get past the guards to sneak into our chambers.’

Prince Rokkan’s eyes brightened. ‘I think I know, mother, where to find the thief and your necklace.’