Portrait of a Dad

Posted by LediaR on June 17, 2012
Posted in: Father's Day. Tagged: , , , . 7 Comments

A picture is worth a  thousand words. I would like these photographs of my children, Adrian Orion Runnels and Shayla Michal Runnels, as children, and their dad, Michael (Mike) Bruce Runnels to tell a story about an amazing dad.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

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A Saga of Seduction in Japan: Tale of Genji (The first novel ever written) Part Four

Posted by LediaR on June 13, 2012
Posted in: Classics, Japanese Culture, Ledia Runnels, Literary Article, Novel, Relationships. Tagged: , , , , , , . 4 Comments
A scene of the Chapter "YOKOBUE "(Fl...

A scene of the Chapter “YOKOBUE “(Flute) of Illustrated handscroll of Tale of Genji (written by MURASAKI SHIKIBU(11th cent.). The handscroll was made in about ACE1130 and stored in TOKUGAWA Museum, Japan. The handscroll were separated to each sections and mounted to frame for conservation. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Another of Genji’s special talents is his attention to important and intimate details. The way he seduces the object of his desire is to adapt to their moods with tacit details that fill their sights, and sounds while swirling them into a fantasy of delectable scents that will later remind them of the pleasure of his company. This is shown to perfection when Genji is enticed by the beautiful Tamakazura. As Genji shows his regard for the much younger woman, she is made uncomfortable by his attentions. She feels his behavior is inappropriate since she thinks Genji is her father or in the least her protector. In fact her real father is Genji’s former brother-in-law, the Lady Aoi’s brother.

To win Tamakazura, Genji uses his considerable charm, ingenuity and consummate accomplishment on the koto of which he is a master. His majestic playing of the seven-string instrument won her when none of his other tactics did.

The modern reader no doubt sees Hikaru Genji as an incorrigible Don Juan, a shameless rake. Yet Ivan Morris tells us in The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Ancient Japan that for the modern reader who inhabits a monogamous society, The Tale of Genji provides valuable insight into a world where polygamy is the order of the day. The possession of numerous wives and consorts is normal and actually a respectable means of behavior for Heian gentleman.

In the Heian aristocracy, large families have an important advantage, one being that women tend to die young. Also the fact that women are almost completely dependent on men, therefore, a wealthy man who possesses numerous wives and concubines is not labeled a lecher. In fact, it is considered a status symbol.

The type of disapproval our modern-day societies would put on unfaithful husbands is instead directed at the man who has only one or two wives. He is considered anti-social.

The way Genji comports himself during his romantic liaisons falls into the proper ways a courtier is expected to behave. A Reader’s Guide: the Tale of Genji gives us the appropriate guidelines for ladies and gentlemen of the aristocracy. They should “compose delicate poetry,” written in a certain way with just the proper “shade of the ink”. Even “the selection of the paper” is important, the texture, the color. All these nuances are “meticulously scrutinized for evidence of courtly sensibility” (49).

In the Encyclopedia of Erotic Literature we find more valuable information such that the particular way a courtier paints their calligraphy is very important. They should prepare special music that would entice an erotic encounter. In this way, both men and women carry on their romantic affairs around the standing screens posed between them.

The reason for much of this painstaking decorum is that the women of the upper had few options to deal with the mind-numbing monotony of their lives. These were love and literature. They must have something exciting to fill their days.

In regards to Genji, it is not only his astonishing looks, his sensitivity, and his remarkable artistic talents that elevate him as the ideal male. It is the way in which he savors each of his romantic encounters and their various, individual virtues with almost religious devotion. In Heian Japan, an era when a man could walk away at anytime for any reason, leaving the woman destitute if he chose, once Hikaru Genji gives his support to a woman, he never withdraws it, even though he may have lost all interest in her as a mistress. In fact, he builds a magnificent mansion with rooms enough to house all his women.

THE END

Copyright 2008 by Ledia Runnels

Enjoy!

If you are just now reading this article, Part One begins here: http://creativemusingsoflediar.com/2012/06/11/a-saga-of-seduction-in-japan-tale-of-genji-the-first-novel-ever-written-part-one/

Works Cited

Brulotte, Gaetan. Encyclopedia of Erotic Literature. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2006. 680, 682.

Greenway, Robert. The Art of Seduction . New York: Penguin Books, 2001. 55, 271.

Morris, Ivan. The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in

Ancient Japan. New York: Kodansha America, 1994. 236-237.

Puette, William J. A Reader’s Guide: The Tale of Genji. Massachusetts, 1992. 49, 63, 104.

Murasaki Shikibu. The Tale of Genji. Trans. Edward G. Seidensticker. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2007. 3-454.

Sei Shonagon. The Pillow Book. Trans. Meredith McKinney. New York: Penguin Books, 2006. 17, 30.

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A Saga of Seduction in Japan: Tale of Genji (The first novel ever written) Part Three

Posted by LediaR on June 12, 2012
Posted in: Classics, Drama, Japanese Culture, Ledia Runnels, Literary Article, Novel. Tagged: , , . 2 Comments
2000 Yen banknote with The Tale of Genji (take...

2000 Yen banknote with The Tale of Genji (taken from the Genji Monogatari Emaki) and Murasaki Shikibu (taken from the Murasaki Shikibu Diary Emaki). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From a very young age, Genji’s true passion is for his step mother, Fujitsubo, only five years his senior, the same age as his wife Aoi. After the untimely death of Genji’s birth mother, the emperor is to the point of inconsolable grief. He is told about a “lady famous for her beauty” (15). Fujitsubo, also called, “‘the lady of the radiant sun’” because she ranks beside Genji in the emperor‘s affections (16). Her resemblance to Genji’s dead mother is uncanny. For this same reason, and that Genji seems to have little emotional connection to his own wife, Fujitsubo is for him “a vision of sublime beauty” (18).

Although their relationship is in every way forbidden, Genji manages a night alone with the beautiful Lady Fujitsubo. Afterwards, she is found pregnant with his child. No doubt suffering from humiliation and various other unpleasantries, she becomes ill leaving the tenderhearted Genji quite beside himself with concern for her. Much to his sorrow, from this day forward, Fujitsubo will not see him alone.

In his search to fill the empty place left in his heart, Genji meets the child Murasaki, the ten-year-old niece to Lady Fukitsubo. Murasaki will one day become the “true” love of Genji’s life:

A “sudden realization brought him close to tears: the resemblance to Fujitsubo, for whom he so yearned, was astonishing” (88).

From the beginning, the little girl is also quite fond of Genji:

“She would be the first to run out and greet him when he came home, and she would climb on his lap, and they would talk happily together” (111).

While Murasaki is still a child, Genji encounters the Lady of the Misty Moon during a cherry blossom festival. He has little trouble enticing the lady into his bed:

“She came (could he believe it?) to the door. Delighted, he caught at her sleeve. ‘Who are you?’ She was frightened. ‘There is nothing to be afraid of… (He assured her). Quickly and lightly he lifted her down to the gallery and slid the door closed. Her surprise pleased him enormously. Trembling, she called for help. “It will do you no good. I am always allowed my way”, Genji assures her (152).

Robert Greene tells us that “This “self-belief is half of Genji’s charm.” In fact another’s resistance “does not make him defensive; he (merely) retreats gracefully, reciting a little poetry, and as he leaves, the perfume of his robes tails (is left deliciously) behind him” (Greene 65).

Another of Genji’s conquests is the Lady of the Orange Blossoms, the younger sister of one of his deceased father’s former consorts. Genji quietly makes his way to where the younger sister resides. She has never seen a visitor of such “unsurpassed good looks” (217). His manners are tender and she is soon convinced that he would never lie to her when he whispers sweet things in her ear.

Continued… http://creativemusingsoflediar.com/2012/06/13/a-saga-of-seduction-in-japan-tale-of-genji-the-first-novel-ever-written-part-four/

Copyright 2008 by Ledia Runnels

Enjoy!

If you are just now reading this article, Part One begins here: http://creativemusingsoflediar.com/2012/06/11/a-saga-of-seduction-in-japan-tale-of-genji-the-first-novel-ever-written-part-one/

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A Saga of Seduction in Japan: Tale of Genji (The first novel ever written) Part Two

Posted by LediaR on June 11, 2012
Posted in: Classics, Japanese Culture, Ledia Runnels, Literary Article. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
Scene from Murasaki Shikibu's Tale of the Genji

Scene from Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of the Genji (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Despite all this, Genji is not perfect. Impulsive to a fault, he follows his heart, more often than not, though it may lead to disastrous results. Particularly in the case of several wives or consorts to other men that invariably catch his attention. One such infamous encounter results in Genji’s banishment from court, though only temporarily it is a sorrowful time in his life.

Still, for many other women, Genji fills the order as Sei Shonagon would say of “Things that make your heart beat fast—“ one being a “fine gentleman (who) pulls up in his carriage and sends in some request” (30). One thing for certain, Genji savors each and every one of his conquests with a singular devotion.

The next to succumb to Genji’s charms is his step-mother, Kokiden, mother of the present heir apparent, Genji‘s older half-brother. “Admitting the boy to her inner chamber, (Kokiden) was pleased (even)…reluctant to let him go. She had two daughters, but neither could compare with (Genji) in beauty” (13). All this, even though in the recent past Kokiden proves a deadly rival against Genji’s birth mother.

At age 12, Genji is married to the Minister of the Left’s daughter. His boyish charm is enough to win over his father-in-law, though Genji’s wife, Aoi–five years his senior, is less than enthusiastic about the relationship.

As a young man of seventeen, Genji bewitches an even younger boy, Kojimi, age 12 and the boy’s reluctant older sister, Utsusemi, the wife of a government official:

“The two voices, very sleepy, resembled each other. (Utsusemi said,) “‘And where is our guest? (Kojimi’s) voice was low. ‘I saw him. He is every bit as handsome as everyone says’” (41).

Genji searches to find Utsumei alone. “His manner was so gently persuasive that devils and demons could not have gainsaid him” (32). “(Utsumei) was bathed in perspiration and quite beside herself at the thought of what… the others… would be thinking… Yet the sweet words poured forth, (from Genji’s lips) the whole gamut of pretty devices for making a woman surrender” (43).

As Utsusemi flees Genji’s further advances, she leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Nokiba-no-ogi. Though a bit startled by the unexpected visitor, Nokiba is quite happy to give her time and attention to the charming young man. “The girl beside him had a certain young charm of her own and presently he was deep in vows of love” (54).

On another occasion, Genji finds himself whisked into a passionate search to find a mysterious lady that has given him a “heavily scented white fan” to place a plucked white flower in, “known as ‘evening faces’” (58). Later Evening Faces, as the lady is referred to, is found to be the mother of another young woman who Genji will love, Tamakazura.

Even people who have nothing in common with Genji are drawn to him. On occasion someone may receive a “little poem from him or (having) been treated to some little kindness found him much on their minds. No doubt it distressed them not to be always with him” (63).

Continued… http://creativemusingsoflediar.com/2012/06/12/a-saga-of-seduction-in-japan-tale-of-genji-the-first-novel-ever-written-part-three/

Copyright 2008 by Ledia Runnels

Enjoy!

If you are just now reading this article, Part One begins here: http://creativemusingsoflediar.com/2012/06/11/a-saga-of-seduction-in-japan-tale-of-genji-the-first-novel-ever-written-part-one/

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A Saga of Seduction in Japan: Tale of Genji (The first novel ever written) Part One

Posted by LediaR on June 11, 2012
Posted in: Classics, Japanese Culture, Ledia Runnels, Literary Article. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 6 Comments
English: Prince Genji - chapter 5 of The Tale ...

English: Prince Genji – chapter 5 of The Tale of Genji (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many things can be said of Murasaki Shikibu’s fictional account of the Heian aristocracy, set in eleventh century Japan. Yet the true heartbeat of The Tale of Genji, is the recurring rhythm of artful seduction that pulsates through Hikaru Genji, i.e. the shining genji, the novel’s main protagonist.

It is thought that Genji’s character is most likely based on the real-life man, His Excellency, the Grand Counsellor, Fujiwara no Korechika. Korechika is described in The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon as a man of incredible charm with a hypnotic effect on women. Shonagon goes on to describe Korechika as arriving at court “wearing a rather soft and supple cloak in the cherry-blossom combination, over deep violet gathered trousers of heavy brocade and white under-robes.” He arranges “the sleeves of his wonderfully glowing deep scarlet-purple damask cloak for (optimal) display” (17).

The fictitious version of Korechika starts life as the son of the emperor. In The Tale of Genji: A Reader’s Guide, Genji or as he is sometimes called, Lord Hikaru is describes as a beautiful son, who is so magnificent that he is a possible rival to the title of the crown prince. Robert Greene in The Art of Seduction refers to Genji as one who never lost certain childlike charms from his personality, an attribute that others find irresistibly alluring.

The first to fall under the Shining Genji’s spell is none other than the emperor of Japan, Genji’s own father:

“The emperor’s thoughts were on his youngest son even when he was with his eldest… (The emperor) made constant inquiry after (Genji)” (7).

Though Genji is described as having “the face of one who should ascend to the highest place and be father to a nation…” (14) He is nevertheless striped of any imperial title and appointed to the non-royal Gin clan. The reason for his fall from grace can be attributed to the fact that Genji’s mother is “…a lady not of the first rank, whom the emperor loved more than any of the others” of all the wives and concubines” (3). Despite all this, Genji retains the position of most beloved son to the emperor.

Notwithstanding this political setback, Genji is far superior in deportment and disposition to most anyone else so “that few find it in themselves to dislike him” (13). As it turns out, he is a child wonder with inexplicable talent, like the musical prodigy Mozart. When Genji is only seven years of age, “he (recites) the ceremonial reading of the Chinese classics” (13). The aristocrats of the royal court had never before heard or seen such talent in one so young.

Not only is Lord Hikaru an extraordinarily handsome man as well as the beloved son of the emperor with uncanny artistic talents, he has seemingly unlimited time and wealth that enables him to retain the wild independence that makes a child so gloriously charming. These are just a few of the ways he is able to have such a provocative effect on most everyone with which he comes in contact.

Continued… http://creativemusingsoflediar.com/2012/06/11/a-saga-of-seduction-in-japan-tale-of-genji-the-first-novel-ever-written-part-two/

Copyright 2008 by Ledia Runnels

Enjoy

Jack Sprat, the Midnight Brat: Part Two

Posted by LediaR on May 29, 2012
Posted in: Adventure, Creative Writing, Fairy, Fantasy, Ledia Runnels, Magic, Modern Fairy Tale, Short Story, Urban Fantasy. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

In the next instant, he flicked a crystal, the size of teardrop, toward the water. Then, feet planted against the skateboard, Jack whirled away from the fountain that filled rapidly with soap bubbles.

“You!” A gruff voice called.

Jack glanced up to see a security man on horseback frowning down at the sudsy mess. A secret smile tugged at the man’s lips.

He means me. Jack smirked.

Crouching low, he spun around the corner to where the trees danced with white and orange lights. The pungent scent of pumpkin pie spice tickled his nose as he rolled by a store front. Behind the plate-glass window, fairy dolls dangled from wire branches of makeshift trees as if the nymphs floated on the autumn air.

He wasn’t supposed to be here. But being naughty was what Jack loved best.

His mask slipped the smallest bit and Jack yanked it back in place, making sure his wild hair covered the tiny peaks of his ears. If the humans saw what he really was, they would absolutely freak…

***

Francesca felt worn out and sad as she hurried by a sign posted at the side of the street. It read: NO SKATE BOARDS ALLOWED!

The air was muggy at best. Not the crisp chill most would affix to Halloween twilight. To escape her bad mood and the strangely warm evening, she ducked inside a corner boutique where sultry dresses hung behind the plate-glass window front. A jingle of chimes at the door made it seem like she stepped inside another world. The artificially generated air wove a current, cool and inviting around jewelry that sparkled from wire stands.

Behind the sales counter there stood a diminutive fairy. When she turned, her silvery hair cascaded like ripples from a waterfall to caress her tiny waist.

Francesca noticed a flash of someone passing by the window, followed by a sparkle of golden light that lingered in the air. Something like magic drew her outside toward the children splashing in the fountain.

She stopped at water’s edge, longing to kick off her shoes and dip her toes into the water. At that precise moment, someone took her by the hand, hauling her sideways.

Her breath caught in her chest as she glanced up to see a young man on a skateboarder. His longish red hair jagged up  like lightning from his head. A twinkle of mischief lit his wild green eyes.

Was it her imagination or did she see small peaks at the top of his ears? Like an elf!

Before Francesca could think another thought or even catch her breath, she found herself running beside him. Much to her surprise, she kicked off her shoes and jumped on the back of his skateboard.

For some strange reason, she would never fully understand, it seemed like the natural thing to do. So, she gave her whole self to the coming adventure. Whatever lay ahead now had to be better than the hellish day she’d had at work…

Continued…

Copyright 2007 by Ledia Runnels

Enjoy!

Image above from Word clip art.
 
Legend of the Tengu Prince — Finally Available on Amazon.com!

http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Tengu-Prince-Volume-1/dp/1453853308/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335789431&sr=8-1

Synopsis:

Fantasy Action Adventure set in feudal Japan.

During a time of civil war, Karasu Hinata is born the son of a powerful warlord. When he is still a child, his family castle is taken by a rival clan. His father and mother are murdered right before his eyes.

Barely escaping with his life, he is spirited away by the king of the tengu. The shape-shifting raven leads him to the hidden mountain retreat of a sect of mystic warriors. Mountain priests who practice the magic of Shugendo.

Ten years have passed. The time has come for Karasu to leave the mystic’s protective lair and face his demons in the world beyond. But the fiend that haunts his nightmares is also the one that shattered his life. More than a bad dream, it wants him dead.

In Legend of the Tengu Prince, nothing is as it seems. Shape-shifting creatures, both good and evil, populate the magical world of feudal Japan. And a young man will pay the ultimate price for a deadly rival spawned in the mists time. This riveting first volume of a epic fantasy adventure will leave you stunned and begging for more.

Related articles

Jack Sprat, the Midnight Brat: Part One

Posted by LediaR on May 27, 2012
Posted in: Adventure, Creative Writing, Fairy, Fantasy, Ledia Runnels, Magic, Modern Fairy Tale, Short Story, Urban Fantasy. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Throwing rocks to ripple in the pond, he waited. Any moment now and the portal would gape open. It began as a tiny light twinkling the same way a star appears from outer space, but spread like a wild-fire until it glowed as tall as Jack’s head and wide as his shoulders.

Jack stepped closer. For a moment, he stood waiting at the edge of his world. An uncomfortable feeling grabbed at his chest. A shiver of apprehension tracked through him. He tilted his head in contemplation, peaking outside where the ball of fire in the sky, they called it the sun, was an orange smear across the darkening sky, making the dirt of the other world look that much dingier, Jack grimaced.

Tossing his head back, he snapped his fingers and a board with wheels appeared in his hand. He spun a wheel with one finger, a devilish smile lifting one side of his lips. He took a deep breath and dove head first through to the other side.

Sliding by on his skateboard, the sound of happy laughter drew Jack like a witch’s spell. He spun around a corner of the market place to find children stomping and splashing in a shallow fountain. Blue, green, orange and pink lights glistened up from beneath the water to shine on the little one’s faces.

Adults gathered at the edge of the pool. Among them sat a woman in tapered, cream-colored slacks. Her golden hair blew every so slightly in the evening breeze. It was the look on her face that bothered Jack the most, superior and smug as if she was too good to stand among the common folk.

She narrowed her blue gaze toward a slightly plump, smaller woman who had the audacity to get in bare feet and ankle-deep with a little boy. Hands beneath the child’s arms, she swung him just above the splashing water. The little one’s squeals of joy made Jack’s heart swell with happiness.

The fairy knelt low. He could disappear with just a thought. The wheels of the skateboard he rode whirled, blending with the chirping of crickets.

Smooth as butter, Jack picked up a rock from the ground. He gave it a toss so the smooth stone landed exactly where he wanted it.

Kerplop!

It hit the puddle of mud just so. A stream of the black gunk splattered from knee to ankle on the haughty woman’s not-so-perfect-now cream slacks.

A bubble of laughter started in Jack’s throat. He doubled over, slapping his knees, yet never once did he teeter the slightest bit off the board on wheels.

The woman jumped to her feet. A scream of horror tore her perfect face. Now we’re having fun, Jack smirked.

The little boy swinging from his mother’s hands gazed wide-eyed in the fairy’s direction. Of course you know me. Jack gave the child a wink.

Continued… http://creativemusingsoflediar.com/2012/05/29/jack-sprat-the-midnight-brat-part-two/

Copyright 2007 by Ledia Runnels

Enjoy!

Image above from Word clip art.
 
Legend of the Tengu Prince — Finally Available on Amazon.com!

http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Tengu-Prince-Volume-1/dp/1453853308/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335789431&sr=8-1

Synopsis:

Fantasy Action Adventure set in feudal Japan.

During a time of civil war, Karasu Hinata is born the son of a powerful warlord. When he is still a child, his family castle is taken by a rival clan. His father and mother are murdered right before his eyes.

Barely escaping with his life, he is spirited away by the king of the tengu. The shape-shifting raven leads him to the hidden mountain retreat of a sect of mystic warriors. Mountain priests who practice the magic of Shugendo.

Ten years have passed. The time has come for Karasu to leave the mystic’s protective lair and face his demons in the world beyond. But the fiend that haunts his nightmares is also the one that shattered his life. More than a bad dream, it wants him dead.

In Legend of the Tengu Prince, nothing is as it seems. Shape-shifting creatures, both good and evil, populate the magical world of feudal Japan. And a young man will pay the ultimate price for a deadly rival spawned in the mists time. This riveting first volume of a epic fantasy adventure will leave you stunned and begging for more.

Related articles

Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera, Japan)

Posted by LediaR on May 18, 2012
Posted in: Creative Writing, Japanese Culture, Japanese Mythlogy, Magic. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 8 Comments

The sun sets behind Mount Hoju as you hurry through the forty temple buildings scattered in the midst of the old forest, across sheer cliffs over-looking the tiny village of Yamadera. Purple twilight filters through the canopy of grandfather Cryptomeria trees. In the near distance you hear the ringing of the evening bell that calls the monks to worship Amida Buddha, the blessed protector of humankind.

A view half way up the Yamadera temple complex.

A view half way up the Yamadera temple complex. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Halfway down the stone path, you enter Nio-mon gate. The carved stone tunnel serves as both the entrance to and exit from the sacred site. The last faint rays of sunset slant through the arched tunnel as the walls seem to press in like an invisible force. Your gaze shifts back and forth toward the rows of statues that line the tunnel. Beneath flickering torchlight they stand. Three images on each side, six in all carved identically.

Shoki!

The word hisses through your mind as flames of torchlight sputter eerily against the walls and the stone guardians of the spirit world. The statues’ eyes of limestone seem to follow your every movement. When you stop to look directly at the sculptures, you see only stillness, only carved rock.

You have heard the monks speak of the “Shoki, Demon-queller” who brandished swift swords of justice to bar the wicked from entering all holy places. At one time, Shoki lived on the earth as a human man, a physician of kindly, yet hideous countenance. Now Shoki returns from the spirit world when called upon to serve as avenger against evil.

Bristled beards sweeps the faces of the carved stone above six menacing grins. You hold your breath, half expecting the stone guardians to declare you unworthy, though you have done nothing to incur their wrath, so menacing are the statues of Shoki.

In the wavering light, it seems their feet break loose from the slabs of rock. You can feel their cold fingers clutch your throat. Throw you to the ground to grind your face into the dirt. Your ribs ache as if the sharp steel of all six flashing swords slice into you. You expect nothing more than to see your blood run red against the dirt and stone path.

But it is all a dream. The statues have not moved from their spot and you stand staring mouth agape at them, while you are altogether safe and sound.

As your feet clear the gate, a gasp of relief rushes from your lips. Though the passage has taken, but a few moments it seems like the long stretch of eternity.

The remaining stone steps down the mountain are a blur of motion beneath your swiftly moving feet. You run from the cliff’s edge down the side of the mountain, winding your way toward Mida-hora. The volcanic crag of sheer rock face, carved by human hands and years of wind and rain, juts like a finger toward Heaven. It is said that the crag serves as a boundary dividing this world from the next, its weathered countenance sweeping toward the lush valley below.

Long shadows of nightfall creep around you alongside ephemeral shapes that appear, gliding through the rock wall. The kami, spirits of the departed, waver around you dancing to the rhythmic drums of Obon—dance of the dead, that thrums on the air from Yamadera Village…

EXTRA!

 
Legend of the Tengu Prince — Finally Available on Amazon.com!

http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Tengu-Prince-Volume-1/dp/1453853308/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335789431&sr=8-1

Synopsis:

Fantasy Action Adventure set in feudal Japan.

During a time of civil war, Karasu Hinata is born the son of a powerful warlord. When he is still a child, his family castle is taken by a rival clan. His father and mother are murdered right before his eyes.

Barely escaping with his life, he is spirited away by the king of the tengu. The shape-shifting raven leads him to the hidden mountain retreat of a sect of mystic warriors. Mountain priests who practice the magic of Shugendo.

Ten years have passed. The time has come for Karasu to leave the mystic’s protective lair and face his demons in the world beyond. But the fiend that haunts his nightmares is also the one that shattered his life. More than a bad dream, it wants him dead.

In Legend of the Tengu Prince, nothing is as it seems. Shape-shifting creatures, both good and evil, populate the magical world of feudal Japan. And a young man will pay the ultimate price for a deadly rival spawned in the mists time. This riveting first volume of a epic fantasy adventure will leave you stunned and begging for more.

Manic Mode! “Self-Publishing in Free Fall” Part Two

Posted by LediaR on May 17, 2012
Posted in: Creative Writing, Ledia Runnels, Self-Publishing, Techniques of Fiction. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 10 Comments
GA writer barnstar in tr.wiki

GA writer barnstar in tr.wiki (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My journey as a writer began when my two younger sisters and I would would lie awake in our bunk beds. While they listened, I made up stories resembling fairy tales to tell them. Later, in high school, I wrote free verse poetry, inspired by pop/rock songs such as Neal Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and “Make it With You” by David Gates of the pop-rock band, Bread. The stories and poetry I created took little more than imagination and heart to construct. Which is important, but…

A secret that I share when asked about my personal journey as a writer is that from elementary to high school, grammar was not an easy subject for me. I struggled constantly with simple things such as sentence structure and proper spelling. To this day, commas still drive me crazy. So, before venturing into the terrifying, wonderful world of self-publishing, I had first to learn the “rules” of writing, whether nonfiction or fiction was the desired outcome. To create compelling fiction, I would need a strong understanding of story structure, character, plot, scene, action, and dialogue.

There are scores of books on writing technique lining the shelves of my bookcase. At one time, I had so many that I loaded up the beginner books and gave them away to the local library and my weekly writers’ group. Over the years, I have taken correspondence writing course, attended writer‘s conferences, as well as taking literature and writing courses in college. I still study and listen to authors that I admire teach me the tricks of the trade. All the while, I continue to write and hone my skills. I know if I want to sell my writing, I must first become a skilled writer.

Determination and the willingness to make my dreams come true have proved powerful tools for me. That coupled with hours upon hours of writing and rewriting to get the desired results. To remind myself of what it takes to write well, I think about how to create a beautiful, livable house. Only a skilled architecture will do to draw up the plans. After that, I would trust only experienced carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other craftsmen to build it. It is the same when it comes to creating sellable writing.

 Continued…

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