Happy New Year’s Eve and farewell 2016

Posted on December 31, 2016 by Cindy Young-Turner

MP900441004I think I’m just one of many who will be very happy to send the end of 2016. It’s been a rough year. So many celebrity losses, and the recent loss of Carrie Fisher (not to mention her mother Debbie Reynolds) has affected me the most. Along with David Bowie and Alan Rickman. Were there really more celebrity deaths this year or were there just more that had an impact? I can’t say for sure.

While I’m celebrating the end of 2016, the new year also brings a lot of uncertainty. We face a new presidency and no one has any idea what will happen. Many parts of the world are still in turmoil. More than ever, we need to come together as a global community. We need to stand up for what’s right and support each other. We cannot be complacent about this, not when there is so much at stake. As much as I loved Rogue One, one of the most important messages of the movie is that people have to be willing to stand up and fight for what they believe in. I have hope that we can do this.

So here’s to 2017. May it bring you peace, love, and happiness. And lots of writing!

Posted in Musings | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Rebellions are built on hope

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Cindy Young-Turner

It feels as if millions of voices have suddenly cried out in grief.

I finally saw Rogue One today and planned to write a post praising the movie, but that praise is tempered by my sadness at the death of Carrie Fisher. I got the news while we were having lunch after the movie and it was all I could do not to burst into tears in the restaurant. Carrie Fisher was an icon from my childhood. When I think of princesses, I don’t think of Disney. I think of Princess Leia. There weren’t many strong female role models in the SF and fantasy that I saw in the 70s, but Princess Leia was huge for me. I  loved Leia’s strength and feisty attitude. And Carrie Fisher was much more than Leia. I haven’t read her books, but now they are going on the list. She was brave and honest and funny. She was open with her struggles with mental illness. She will be greatly missed. I hope that wherever she is, she is one with the Force.

As for Rogue One, it was amazing. I definitely liked it as much as Episode VII. Jyn is another amazing, strong female character. I love her flaws and her courage. I love the backstory of this important piece of the rebellion.  Plus it shows us a different and darker side of the Alliance. But we are still rooting for Jyn and the rebels all the way. They never lose hope and never forget what they are fighting for.

Thank you, Carrie, for reminding us that hope is still out there.

Posted in Musings | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Thief of Hope holiday sale and book 2 teaser

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Cindy Young-Turner

It’s hard to believe the holidays are almost upon us! Like many, I’m ready to be done with 2016 and move on to 2017. It has been a year.

Are you looking for a last-minute gift idea? Books make great gifts! All this week Thief of Hope is on sale for Kindle on Amazon. The prequel, Journey to Hope, will be free 12/20-12/24. If you don’t have your copy yet, now is the time! Here are the links:

Thief of Hope for Kindle

Journey to Hope for Kindle

And just an update that I’m still hard at work on book 2 in the series. I’m looking forward to getting in some writing time during my upcoming days off over the holidays. Here’s a brief excerpt and stay tuned for more updates on progress!

Excerpt from Thief of Destiny:

“Now I’m going to play an ancient tune,” Tam announced to the crowd. He turned in Sydney’s direction and gave her a wink, seeming to ignore Llyr. “I doubt you’ll hear the like of it again in this world.”

This time he sang in words Sydney couldn’t understand. Even though she didn’t know their meaning, she felt the longing and the sadness evoked by the lyrical words. In an instant, her mind was transported to the field of red and purple flowers in the realm of the Tuatha, and she could almost see the blue sky above and feel the sun on her face.

“How dare he,” Llyr hissed. He grabbed her hand so tightly it hurt, breaking the spell Tam had cast with his song. “He has no right to such knowledge!”

The song ended. For a moment the audience was silent, and then a thunderous applause filled the tavern. Tam gave a little bow, directed toward Llyr.

“Don’t,” Sydney whispered, pulling on Llyr’s arm to keep him in his seat. It was clear that the song was from the Tuatha and she wondered if a song could have magic. “We’ll talk to him afterward, all right?”

Llyr took a deep breath and gave her a nod.

After that Tam shifted the tone and played a few raucous, bawdy songs, apparently favorites of the crowd. His last set shifted again to a series of tunes that, to Sydney, sounded like veiled threats against an unnamed king and the nobility.

Surely these tunes weren’t about Willem, but when she heard the words “Bastard King” she had a sinking feeling that they were.

© Cindy Young-Turner

Posted in Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Get out there and vote

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Cindy Young-Turner

An ugly election season is finally almost over. Those who know me know where I stand on the issues, and if you’ve read my blog posts you can probably figure it out. But no matter who you vote for or what issues are dear to you, please get out and vote. Your vote does count and we are fortunate enough in this country to be able to have that choice. Some people fought long and hard to have the opportunity to vote. So do it! And whatever happens, the sun will still rise tomorrow and we can get back to the business of figuring out how to come together.

“Our daughters daughters will adore us and they’ll sing in grateful chorus,
Well done, sister suffragette!”
-Mary Poppins (rather appropriate for this historic election)

Posted in Musings | 3 Comments

Flash fiction challenge winner

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Cindy Young-Turner

I’m excited to announce that I have the winning entry to this week’s Flash Fiction Challenge at Indies Unlimited! Check out their post for the photo prompt: http://www.indiesunlimited.com/2016/11/05/cindy-young-turner-wins-flash-fiction-challenge/

And here’s my flash fiction piece:

Solo

(originally posted at Indies Unlimited)

First mate’s log, the former Trident

Day 1 adrift. I spot a ship in the distance but I do not think they can see me. Time runs short. Those deadly, spiteful creatures continue to torment me.

Day 2 adrift. The ship is closer but they still cannot see me. The white devils surround me now. If you read these words, I beg you not to be deceived by them. The white dolphins. Captain said they were good luck when we spotted them leaping near the ship’s bow. They seemed to like it when the cabin boy played his drum.

Day 3 adrift. I fear this will be my last day. The ship is still too far away and my voice only croaks out a call for help. The dolphins circle closer. I thought I glimpsed a drum around the neck of one of them. I keep imagining those last hours on deck, the white beasts flinging themselves at the ship, ramming holes and leaping so high they tore down the mast. The screams of my shipmates as they were flung into the sea and the red waters churning about me as I clung to a piece of wreckage. Their teeth gleam in the night.

First mate’s log, the Pequod

Found the wreckage of the Trident. The lone survivor died not long after we pulled him on board. Something about the white devils. Ahab is certain he meant the white whale. Have only spotted a pod of white dolphins.

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments