world of Nardva

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November Update – Interviews, Book Events & Specials

Hard to believe that’s it’s almost December.  The last few months have brought a slew of conventions and other opportunities along with a few family crises.

Friday Feature Interview

In November, I was thrilled to be interviewed by Eric Klein about the world of Nardva. My last interview with Eric focused more on the Under the Mountain series, whereas this one highlighted the Akrad’s Legacy series. So, in case you want to know more about the behind the scenes of world-building, here is the interview:

 

For this week’s Feature Friday Futures Jeanette O’Hagan returns to tell us about her Akrad’s Legacy Series Akrad’s Children and Rasel’s Song.

Can you describe your world or setting?

The Akrad Legacy series is set in Tamra, one the Five Lands and part of a southern continental mass on an earth-like planet, Nardva. This is a fantasy world with shapeshifters and other wielders of mystical gifts and mythical creatures like the koraktil, though the vast majority of the people and animals are not magic users.

How did you build this concept, what research did you do?

The world took shape over many years, developing in complexity and scope as I imagined the exploits, relationships and challenges of different characters, starting with Agwynallen when I was eight or nine years old.

I’ve researched geographical land forms, weather and climate, how far and fast people and horses can travel, the phases of the moon (there are two in Nardva), sailing craft, fighting techniques, architecture, marriage costumes, poisons, underground caverns, and whatever else my various characters and world needs at the time.

Why did you choose this setting?

Most of the early stories I imagined were set in the northern hemisphere, but many years ago I had a lucid dream of a young girl holding a lantern near a fountain, at night. That became a book, the book became an idea for a series and I decided to set those stories in the southern hemisphere of Nardva.

What’s unique about your world?

I can think of four possibilities. Firstly, Nardva has two moons (not in itself unusual ins spec fic) but, in a reckless moment, I decided any descriptions of the different phases of the moons should be correct over time. That means, if I change the timeline in my draft, I also need to shift the moon phases to match. For that reason, I had to axe “the crescent of Argenti hanging like a silver reed boat in the western sky” because Argenti would be a half moon, not a crescent at that time. Keeping track is quite complicated and I suspect, I’m the only one who notices the difference. Read more here.

Book Events

After few face-to-face book events in 2020, 2021 has been a feast.  Meeting people who love fantasy, who are keen to buy books – some new readers to Nardva, some enthusiastic readers returning for more – is fantastic.

This Year  I have been at
*Supanova Gold Coast (with Rendered Realms) – 17-18 April 2021
*Omega Writers Book Fair – 31 July 2021
*Cooparoo PC Book Fair – 28 August 2021
*The inaugural Logan Writers Festival – 11-12 September 2021
*Supanova Brisbane – 6-7 November 2021

Unfortunately, Oz Comic Con was postponed, first to December and then to next year, but really it’s been a fabulous year for meeting new and old fans.

Looking forward to meeting more readers next year.

Congratulations to the Winner

Thanks everyone who commented on the interview with the wonderful Claire Buss.

I’m thrilled to announce the winner of a book from the Roshaven series.
(And sorry for the delay, see above reference to family crises.)

The winner is

….drum roll…

Babs Mountjoy.

Congratulations Babs. If you can let me know which book you would like to receive – The Rose Thief (book 1), The Silk Thief (book 2) or The Bone Thief (book 3). and Claire will be in touch 🙂

 

Black Friday /Cyber Monday Sales

Sales Bonanza – 5 books all 99c each

 

*Under the Mountain Boxed Sets 1-3 & 4-5
*Ruhanna’s Flight and Other Stories

*The first two books in the Akrad’s Legacy Series

This is almost my entire body of work (apart from poetry and several short stories) – available in  electronic form for $5 US – but only for a few more days.

Don’t miss out. Grab a bargain & start reading. Enjoy #epicfantasybooks #blackfridaydeals
Follow the link (or check out Amazon, Kobo, ITunes etc)

Wishing you all the best for the Season.

Jeanette

It’s Been Too Long – 2021 Update
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It’s Been Too Long – 2021 Update

Hard to believe we’re halfway through 2021. Last year was a tough one for so many. For family reasons I needed to take a hiatus from writing, but in 2021 I’m finally back into the swing of things – including this blog.


This is what I’ve been up to:

Release of Rasel’s Song – book 2 in the Akrad’s Legacy series.

A rebellious prince, a mysterious stranger, a realm at risk

Prince Mannok fumes at his royal parents for exiling his half-sister, Ista. When his age-mate, Dinnis, discovers the would-be royal assassins poisoned in the palace cells, it seems not all the killers have been captured and Prince Mannok’s life is at risk. Even though Mannok knows securing the succession is vital to the stability of the realm, he rejects all his parents suggestions, and embraces danger on the border, taking Dinnis with him.

Rasel, a young shapeshifter, is fascinated by the the warrior Tamrin, in spite of the tragic betrayals of the past. She longs to restore the peace so her people no longer need to live in the shadows.

 Will Rasel’s unexpected arrival bring peace to Tarka or heighten the turmoil and danger? Will Mannok make peace or provoke a bloody confrontation? Will Dinnis unmask the elusive assassin before someone close to the throne dies?

Rasel’s Song is the exciting second book in the epic kingdom fantasy, the Akrad’s Legacy series. It is available at range of retailers. Find your copy here.

Gold Coast SupaNova in April

Rendered Realms – Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones and Jeanette O’Hagan – had a great time at the recent Gold Coast Supanova in April this year. After a year of no conventions due to the pandemic, it was fantastic to meet up with fans, enjoy the fabulous cosplay, and sell -and sign – our books in person.

Current Projects

I’m currently working on edits of Lumi’s Allegiance – Book 3 in the Akrad’s Legacy series. Lumi is a secondary character in Akrad’s Children and plays a bigger role in Rasel’s Song. As the daughter of the cunning and sinister, Lord Haka, she finds her loyalties stretched and splintered between her family and her beloved Prince.

Looking ahead

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) July 31 2021

I’m part of the panel and will also have a table at the upcoming Omega Writers Book Fair 31 July 2021. If you are in the vicinity why not drop in and say hello.

OZ Comic Con (Brisbane) September 2021

I’m planning to be at the Oz Comic Con convention in Brisbane this year. Keep an eye out for the Rendered Realms Stand.

And finally


Until June 30 – The Series Starters Sale

Haven’t started reading Under the Mountain series or the Akrad’s Legacy series? The first book in both series is on sale until the end of the month, along with Ruhanna’s Flight and Other Stories (a collection of short stories mostly set in Nardva, including Heart of the Mountain). Why not start your adventure in Nardva today. Check out my books on Amazon here or other retailers here.

That’s it for now. Promise it won’t be over year between posts this time round. Happy reading.

Jeanette O’Hagan

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February Round-up

What a month February has been –  a month of extremes of weather for one thing. I’m glad to escaped the worst of it here in steaming hot Brisbane, but feel for everyone who has suffered loss from bushfires or wildfires, the Sahara-dessert levels of heat south of the border or Antarctic cold of the polar vortex across the Pacific, from earthquakes, storms, drought and other disasters.

It’s been something of a deluge on the publishing scene for me in much more pleasant ways – frantic, crazy and fantastic -with four new books due for release in February-March, several events both online and in person, and two promotions.

New Releases

Shadow Crystals

Shadow Crystals – Book 4 in the Under the Mountain series

She will do anything to save her people.

Delvina, Zadeki and the delegation lead by Danel must seek answers from the haughty Vaane, but they find the Lonely Isles in turmoil. Will Delvina find the way to open the Gate in time to prevent her people from starving? Will she be reunited with her twin, Retza? And why are the Forest Folk so secretive? As tensions increase, Delvina must discern friend from foe and defeat the shadows in her own heart.

Join Delvina and her friends on their quest to save the Glittering Realm under the mountain.

Set in the world of Nardva, Shadow Crystals is the fourth and penultimate novella in the Under the Mountain series.

Continue reading →

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Ruhanna’s Flight

Ready to read new stories? Do you prefer print to e-book? Read on.

Ruhanna’s Flight and Other Stories

Over the last few years, a number of my short stories have been published in different anthologies. Have you ever wished that they were in one book? Now, many of Nardva tales connected to Tamra and the Five Lands are combined into one beautiful volume – Ruhanna’s Flight and others stories.

 

Tales of wonder, romance, adventure – dip into the world of Nardva with this collection of stories.

Now available for pre-order 99c USD — Ruhanna’s Flight and other stories – a collection of stories from the world of Nardva – some previously published, others brand new.

* * *Ruhanna’s Flight – Ruhanna’s father is coming for a rare visit from the capital. When everything goes terribly wrong, she discovers a mysterious gift that could save her — if it doesn’t kill her first.

* * *Heart of the Mountain – When shapeshifter Zadeki slams into the mountain side, he finds himself trapped in a strange underground realm. Can he escape or is he there for another reason?

* * * Rendezvous at Alexgaia – In her last mission, Space operative Dana secured the Infinity Cube at the cost her partner’s life or at least his humanity. Will Neon’s sacrifice be for nothing or will Dana be able to retrieve the key to the mysterious cube’s use?

Also Anna’s Dilemma, The Herbalist’s Daughter, Lakwi’s Lament, Moonflame, Withered Seeds, Space Junk, Rookie Mistake, Inferno and more.

Thanks to Bhri Stokes for the cover design.

Release date 6th March, this delightful volume is available for pre-order at the special low price of 99c USD

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079VVQHL3/

Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B079VVQHL3/

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079VVQHL3/

As always, if you read and enjoy my stories, please consider leaving a review on Goodreads and/or Amazon – or recommend them to a friend.

Also, don’t forget  On the Horizon Book Bundle is also available for pre-order (which includes Akrad’s Children as well as stories for Charis Joy Jackson, Mirren Hogan, Stephanie Barr and over 18 other fantasy and sci-fi authors).

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zqiFLM

Everywhere else: http://bookae.org/horizon/

Books in Print

Do you love the smell of a paper and ink book?

 

Print version of Heart of the Mountain and Blood Crystal have been available on Amazon since last year. I’m also working on having them available for wider distribution through Ingram Spark, as well as print version of Akrad’s Children and for  Ruhanna’s Flights and other stories.

Book Fairs and Conventions

I’ll be at two events in the next couple of months. If you live in or are visiting South-East Queensland, I’d love you to drop in and say hello.

Omega Writers Book Fair (March 10th)

Meet over twenty authors including Gary Clark (creator of Swamp), Kathy Hoopmann (All Cats have Asperger Syndrome), and Young Adult speculative fiction authors Lynne Stringer (Verindon trilogy), Adele Jones (Blaine Colton Trilogy), Jenny Woolsey (Ride High Pineapple) and myself.  Find out more at the FB event page or Omega Writers website.

Supernova Gold Coast (April 27-29th)

Once again I’ll be sharing a table with Lynne Stringer, Adele Jones, this time at Supernova on the Gold Coast. This will be a fabulous event – with a great line up of stars, including Peter Calpadi, Pearl Macki and John Barrowman from Doctor Who. Wow!  Find out more about the convention here or Adele, Lynne and myself here.

Next post I hope to have an interview from an emerging Australian science-fiction writer.

Jeanette

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Blood Crystal Scavenger Hunt

Over the last three weeks, Blood Crystal has been touring a round of fabulous blogs. Today, we arrive at the final stop.

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

Isn’t it strange how, when we are waiting, time seems to stop moving. It’s almost as though we are caught in amber, caught between the moments, as though time itself has been freezed-framed and whatever we are waiting for will never arrive (or is that just me?).  The temptation is to give up.

And then, in a pivotal instant, there is the knock of the door, the arrival of a friend, the opportunity we’d hoped for.

Patience is rewarded.

As a writer, we want it all to happen from finishing writing the book, to publishing it, to gaining thousands of readers – but at each step of the journey we find ourselves waiting and in need of patience and persistence.

As a reader, with a great book we enjoy the journey – both inpatient to get to the end and, at the same time, never wanting it to end. Then we can’t wait for the sequel 🙂

At one point in the Blood Crystal, the twins Delvina and Retza head off on a treacherous journey to find help from Zadeki and his kin. They face a number of different challenges due the extreme terrain and their own unfamiliarity with the ‘outside’. At one point they run out of food and it seems they will never reach their goal.

Delvina placed the last of their dried mushroom and slithers of smoked cave fish into Retza’s mug and poured some of the steaming melt water over it. Saliva flooded her mouth at the tantalising smell. She offered the mug to her twin, giving him her own share in mute apology. If there was a source of food in the barren wilderness, neither she nor Retza had been able to find it. He gulped down the broth and then thrust the cup into her hands, half full.

She shook her head. ‘It’s yours.’

‘We both need to be strong.’

Once she swallowed the delicious mouthful, she stood and gathered her gear. Retza groaned and did the same. Ducking her head, she stepped out into the soft grey light that seemed to linger as the sun dipped down behind the jagged skyline. Retza stumped in front of her and took the lead and the full force of the buffeting wind for this shift. She clutched the copy of the instructions the old Scrybe had written out for her. A soft sorrow welled up and brought tears to her eyes. It was hopeless, beyond crazy. Perhaps they should go back.

Is their patience and persistence rewarded? You’ll have to read Blood Crystal to find out.

Last question for the Scavenger Hunt. What is Delvina and Retza’s final meal as their food runs out during their journey?

Scavenger Hunt

Blood Crystal Scavenger Hunt will run throughout the Blood Crystal Blog Tour. Each blog will have a reflection or memory related to themes within Blood Crystal and a related question. The first person to answer all NINE questions  right will win a $50 Amazon voucher. The runner up will receive copies of both Heart of the Mountain and the sequel Blood Crystal.

Please give your answers in the comments below.

Here are the Questions with links to the different blogs to find the clues.

Blog 1 Jeanette O’Hagan Writes: Where do Glow Worms live and what kind of animal are they?

Blog 2 The Vince Review: What mineral used to be mined in the Adelaide Hills town of Callington?

Blog 3 Lynne Stringer: What do the agents need more than Sarah?

Blog 4 Cindy Tomamichel: What is Trajan’s secret fear?

Blog 5 The Write Flourish: What is the name of that underground location which Nola toured?

Blog 6 David Rawlings Author: Who has to go on a perilous journey in Blood Crystal?

Blog 7 Adele Jones Author: What is the name of the mine associated with the pollution of Dee River

Blog 8 Adam Collings:  The formations that hang down from the ceiling of a cave, are they stalactites, or stalagmites?

Blog 9 Jeanette O’Hagan Writes (here): What is Delvina and Retza’s final meal as their food runs out during their journey?

I’m looking forward to seeing your answers.

Comment Winners

Announcing the winners who commented on the different stops on the way. Thank you for everyone who took time to stop by, read and leave a comment. I loved reading through the different comments and found it hard to choose.

One person deserves a grand-prize as she give thoughtful and interesting answers on every single blog. Way to go Nola Passmore.

So without more ado, I’ll detail the winners of a copy of Heart of the Mountain. (If you’ve already have a copy, you can nominate a friend to receive a copy or nominate one of my other e-books instead – The Herbalist’s Daughter, Lakwi’s Lament or Blood Crystal).

Winners:

Overall winner – Nola Passmore for the most comments – always interesting and entertaining 🙂

Blog stop 1  – this was so hard to choose, but I loved Susan Preston’s answer.

Blog stop 2  – Adam Collings

Blog stop 3  – Badger

Blog stop 4 – Paula Vince

Blog stop 5 – Sally Poyzer

Blog stop 6 – Adele Jones

Blog stop 7 – Linsey Painter (also receives her choice of a book in the Blaine Colton trilogy from Adele Jones)

Blog stop 8 – some great answers & hard to choose, but as others have already received a prize, Christine Dillon (also receives a copy of Lynessa’s Curse by Adam Collings).

Honourable mentions to Lynne Stringer and Cindy Tomamichel  🙂

And a big thanks to my wonderful blog hosts – Paula Vince, Lynne Stringer, Cindy Tomamichel, Nola Passmore, David Rawlings, Adele Jones and  Adam Collings. Please, check out their blogs for some great content 🙂

Until Next Week

I’ll announce the Scavenger Hunt winners next Friday – so you still time to enter, but remember the first two to get the all the correct answers wins.

 

Jeanette

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Heart of the Mountain is here.

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Heart of the Mountain: a short novella.

HeartMountainCoverRevealx250

Count down to Launch

I hosting an E-launch of Heart of the Mountain on Facebook

2-4pm Australian EST, Saturday 30th July 2016.

Join in the fun on the FB event page for competitions, prizes, and release details. https://www.facebook.com/events/596826930491016/

Love you to join the event if you’re a lover of fantasy or fantastic adventures 🙂.

Heart of the Mountain: A Short Novella

Twins Delvina and Retza’s greatest desire is to be accepted as prentices by their parents’ old crew when they stumble across a stranger. Trapped under the mountain, young Zadeki’s only thought is to escape home to his kin. Peril awaits all three youngsters. Will they pull apart or work together to save the underground realm?

YA Fantasy Adventure in the lost realm deep under the mountain.

The adventure continues with Blood Crystal, Story 2 in the Under the Mountain series.

Heart of the Mountain now set up on Goodreads 🙂
https://www.goodreads.com/…/…/31276257-heart-of-the-mountain

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Reflections

I originally wrote Heart of the Mountain for the Glimpses of Light anthology, but it soon took on a life of its own and grew too big for the designated word limit. I loved the story and have developed it into a short novella (or long short story).

It is the first in the adventurous tales of young Zadeki. The events of this story occur many years after ‘Ruhanna’s Flight’ (my eventual successful submission for Glimpses of Light) but a few centuries before the events of the Akrad’s Legacy series and the other Tamrin Tales (such as ‘Fever’, ‘The Herbalist’s Daughter’ and ‘Lakwi’s Lament’).

The story, in part, is inspired by other great story tellers such as J R R Tolkien, Jeanne DuPrau’s City of Ember, Frances Hardinge’s A Face Like Glass, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon and my own vivid memories of descending into the depths in an Underground tour of Mt Isa Mines, Mt Isa. I have endeavoured to make this story my own.

My heartfelt thanks to my wonderful editors, Nola Passmore (of The Write Flourish), Paula Vince and to my redoubtable critique partners and beta readers Nicole Nugent, Kathleen Hillenberg, Suzanne Hay-Bartlem, Raelene Purtill, Julian Green.

I also had fun with the cover design and appreciate the tough and truthful critiques of my young artists in residence, as well as suggestions from Suzanne Hay-Bartlem, Kathleen Hillenberg, Christina Aitken, the Swinburne Creative Writing Critical Friends and the Omega Writers Science-Fiction and Fantasy Groups.

I’m especially grateful for my family—my loving husband Tony, my precious children, my parents Tom and Jean Curtis—who instilled in me a love of faith and fantasy—and siblings, Tom Curtis, Frank Curtis and Kathleen Hillenberg, whom I’ve shared many wonderful adventures.

Most of all, I’m grateful to my Maker in whose creative footsteps I can only hope to follow.

 Jeanette O’Hagan  July 2016