Thanksgiving Archives - Archer's Aim

It’s Thanksgiving and I invited the cast of characters from The Bow of Hart Saga over for a little party and a bit of a round-table discussion with a few questions. Here’s how it went:

Me: Thanks for stopping by today for the party, everyone. Has everyone had enough to eat so far?

Tordug: This Thanksgiving is a good idea and this food is much better than all those travel rations you fed us during the series. Those got old (all the characters add their agreement, leaving me a bit uncomfortable).

Me: I’m glad you like the food and sorry about all those rations on the quest.

Corgren: I don’t know about them, but I ate well enough in my scenes. Magdronu set me and his other mages up pretty well with food from Rok (the Beleesh sisters and his brother, Paugren, add their agreement).

Magdronu (in his disguise, thankfully, since he wouldn’t fit in the house as a dragon otherwise): Well, I do aim to treat my servants well as long as they live up to expectations. I’m much better at looking after my own than you are, O Mighty Author!

This doesn’t seem to be going as well as I thought and the villains are already trying to make me look bad. I suddenly remember that they are villains and want to my valuables!

Me: Well, it’s all part of the story, I suppose. I thought it would be a good time to get some of your thoughts about what it was like behind the scenes of The Bow of Hart Saga. Since we’re talking about difficulties, what parts of the series were most challenging for you? Yes, Limbreth.

Limbreth: Well, I found the travel in the mountains tough with all the cold. I mean, several of us almost froze to death. And then we slept rough much of the time. Otherwise, I had a lot of fun and learned a lot.

Athson: For me, it was all the confusion about my surroundings. Trying to figure out the nature of what I saw, especially Spark, kept me on my toes much of the time. I agree with Limbreth, the cold was challenging up in the Drelkhaz. I also think traveling in Chokkra was nerve-wracking with all the trolls hanging about. Thanks for not inviting trolls today, by the way.

Corgren: Hah! Except for the travel in The Bow of Destiny, I was mostly cozy, except for that chase after you up to the Funnel. And I don’t see why at least a few trolls couldn’t come with us today.

Spark barks and growls.

Corgren: Careful, dog or I’ll light you up!

Spark’s growl deepens.

Makwi: If trolls had been invited, I would have rolled a few of their heads across the floor. But it would have livened things up a bit. I don’t know what the rest of them think about the cold or Chokkra but I liked all that. Now fire spells, those kept me on my toes.

Hastra: Spells are really nothing but trouble sent by Magdronu. Eloch took care of those. The cold was challenging but the mystery around the Bow of Hart challenged me. I mean, I’m supposed to know more except Eloch didn’t tell me which was needed, I suppose. We all had a few things to learn on the trip.

Magdronu snorts: Yeah, Eloch kept you in the dark. I’m much better company than him. Where is he anyway? He points at me. Or is it you?

Me: No, Eloch isn’t me.

Hastra: All this talk from you and Corgren about how well you treat people. You stabbed me, my sister and Howart in the heart, literally. You killed almost all of the Withlings and sacrificed countless numbers of dwarves after conquering their home. I don’t think you’re as welcoming as you make yourself out to be. Hastra crossed her arms.

Magdronu snickers: It was all “What Was Needed”, as you Withlings say.

Hastra scrambles to her feet: That’s a rather evil attitude. But I shouldn’t expect any different from you!

Corgren stands, his hand on his dagger: The Great One is right, it was what was needed. He is to rise to preeminence and his ways are different not merely evil!

Limbreth, Makwi, Tordug, Athson and Ralda stand up beside Hastra. This is not looking good and I start re-thinking the merits of this party.

Tordug: Watch it with that dagger, wizard. I might just remember who caused me much of my troubles these last years.

Athson slowly draws his blessed sword: He’s done me a lot of harm too!

Me: Hold it everyone, just simmer down a moment. This is supposed to be a fun party after the conclusion of The Bow of Hart Saga. Let’s all just have some turkey (maybe they will all get sleepy from it and I can avoid damage in the house).

Crowd of Characters: They all descend into finger-pointing, waving weapons, threatening the use of spells and Magdronu puffs up some smoke.

I quickly call an end to the party and start glad-handing the characters as I escort them back to the book series. I really didn’t expect an argument and a near fight. I was hoping for something rather collegial like the special features at the end of a movie DVD. This felt like I had all the cantankerous family members over and it descended into an odd argument. Lesson learned. Speaking of which, I probably should strike a few trouble-makers off my list of attendees for my Alabama-Auburn game party or it might turn out the same – maybe worse! After all, some opposing fans in the rivalry actually do draw swords and other weapons when they watch the game together! I think I’ll have to really think through the list…

More about the Books

Find out about the books at the series page: The Bow of Hart Saga

About the Author

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There are always so many things for which I can be thankful. I have a great family, a good home, reasonably good health and my job. The year has had its ups and downs but I’m still here. However, I wanted to focus on everything for which I’m thankful as a writer.

1. I’m thankful for how far I’ve made it as a writer this year. It has been challenging but I’ve been afforded many opportunities to grow as a writer this year and I’m thankful for each one.

2. I’m thankful for the many connections I’ve been privileged to make with so many other writers. I’ve had a wonderful time sharing the experience with all the regular visitors and followers of this site. Thanks to everyone for reading so often and sharing your support and comments. It has been a pleasant surprise since I was rather hesitant about even blogging.

3. I’m thankful for how much progress I’ve made this year. I want to get into the specifics maybe at a later time but I didn’t start the year with a writing platform. In fact, I didn’t even have a site, email or social media accounts for writing until May. Again, thanks to all the social media contacts, readers and authors for the support. It’s been amazing to share the ride with everyone. The growth has been incredible considering my hesitation to begin all this due to my wife being out of work over the summer. I don’t know how it’s all grown so much except for the support.

4. I’m also thankful for how much I’ve learned about writing and blogging from so many terrific contacts over social media, webinars, membership in Rave Reviews Book Club and at the convention I was privileged to attend locally. I learned so much this year about writing that I’ve been able to put to good use.

5. I’m thankful for how much I was able raise for my novel during the IndieGoGo campaign this year. I didn’t reach my goal but I did raise enough to commission cover art.

It’s been a great ride the latter half of this year. I’m looking forward to holidays, finishing this year and bursting into 2015 with lots of inspiration to continue what I’ve begun. Until then, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I wish everyone a good time with family and friends over a good meal and conversation.

For what are you thankful as a writer this year? What accomplishments and goals have you met? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.