Lost At Sea

Just look at this fabulous book cover created by Tatiana Fernandez.  I think it looks awesome!  Feel free to check out her website at:

http://tat-94.wix.com/viladesign
 

Fickle Fate

Well, Fate has intervened again.  Along with that nasty convergence of the force.  Life likes to throw me both the good and the bad at the same time, just to keep me on my toes. 

Bad News Part 1 ... Things fell through with the first cover designer that I selected, for one reason or another ~ it just wasn't meant to be.  After a stress filled week, my husband surprised me with a cover from Vila Design.  Tatiana did a great job on the cover for Lost at Sea.  I can't wait to see how the cover for book 2 will turn out.   

Good News Part 2 ... I met with the photographer from Google and did a 4 hour photo shoot.  She said she could make me look beautiful.  I laughed and laughed.  Because that time, has long since passed.  But I hope the pictures turn out.  So at least things are progressing in the right direction.     

Onward and Upward!

An Artist's Touch

A true artist is crafting my new book covers as we speak ... The excitement is building!  I feel like a little kid, giddy and warm all over, I just can't wait to see what a professional can whip up to capture the heart of my little hero. 

I have seen the first digital rendering of Sabin and was totally impressed.  I hope my new book covers will be a cross between Fablehaven and the Artemis Fowl style of book covers.   

A Touch of Publicity

I received a call from Google and they are going to feature my website as a Success Story!  Stay tuned for all the juicy details.  Better yet, be sure to check out www.nauticalmilebooks.com.  I've already done the phone interview and they will be sending out a photographer in the near future.  Now, if only I could lose 25 pounds OVERNIGHT! 

Still very excited! 

! Celebration !

I am in my PJ's, dancing around like a fool BECAUSE I have just broken 10,000 ebook downloads! Wow, what a year and the story is just beginning.  It's been marinating on my brain for quite some time and I hope that with each passing month it just keeps getting better. 

Cheers! 

Sneak Peek! Preview of a Chapter

Chapter 3: Noir Castle in Bloom

The Banshee of the Bay shrieked at the touches of red that muddied her hair.  Ever since dispensing with that meddlesome Aqua Defender, Lady Em, little bits of life clung to the otherwise dead sea witch.  Her fingers burned as she gripped her scalp and properly magic’d herself in the mirror.  Death crawled down the strands of hair until each one succumbed to her will.  Pulling back raven hair with a severed crab claw, she proceeded to place a crown of black pearls upon her head.        

Her fingers outlined her ruby red lips.  What curse is this?  She pressed her lips together until they turned blue.  A satisfied grin curled her lip, until the ruby red came rushing to the surface, again.  Oh mercy me!  She stomped away in a foul mood then killed the first servant she saw. 

“Get me another,” she commanded, looking at the Ancient Mariner slumped on the floor. 

Servants scurried this way and that as lighting zinged from the Banshee’s fingertips.  Ancient Mariners were disposable, having already used a life.  The Banshee didn’t give another thought to the poor soul that lay at her feet.  She let out a heavy sigh and strolled to her throne, as a terrified guard took his place.  Steely blue eyes worried as the Ancient Mariner wondered if the Banshee had regained her cool.  Shaking knees revealed his fear of ending his pathetic existence.  So annoyed was the Banshee that she shot him in the rear with a lightning bolt. 

Her slaves had only covered a thousand nautical miles.  They would have to dig deep and increase the pace to get Noir Castle within striking distance of Aquatica, before the Spring Solstice.   

Despite the deadly black magic that lurked in every corner of the forbidden fortress, an aura of life floated about.  Drifting in, out, around, and in some places, taking root, Grammy’s essence had returned to the sea with a promise of peace.   Velvety petals graced the choking vines that surrounded Noir Castle as black orchids sprang forth from the snakelike tendrils and wove their way around pillars at the entrance.    

Hundreds of Ancient Mariners pounded the sea bed, beating a steady rhythm that vibrated the water as Noir Castle was pulled against the tide.  Several shadowy forms emerged from the bubbly haze sitting astride a couple of great white sharks whose fins sliced through the water and headed straight toward the floating fortress. 

Many Ancient Mariners stood aghast when Hades’ henchmen arrived.  Their broken rhythm was carried with the current and caused the Banshee to scream out in frustration.  Amid the horrible screeching from the insane sea witch, several of Hades’ thugs went in through the black doors.  Three figures made their way through the foreboding corridor but only two knelt in the presence of the wicked Banshee. 

The one left standing was a hulking man draped in darkness.  A towering cloaked figure threw back his hood.  A thick mane swept past his chiseled features and fell to his shoulders.  “I bring news from my Master.  The attack shall proceed as planned.  Our army of hydroids is nearly complete.  I will be leading the attack on Aquatica and as such I wish to question the prisoners, myself.” 

The sea witch snarled.  “Really?  What makes you think you are worthy?”

“It is my birthright to bring down the house of Neptune.”  The stranger lifted his sleeve and revealed a glowing seahorse tattoo. 

 “And to think, I thought you were just a myth!” The Banshee cackled.  “Hmmm…  Interesting.  Very Interesting.”  

“And those I seek?”

“Straight to business, so much like your father … I have been questioning the Defender for weeks.  He knows very little.  Nothing of use has come from his lips.  You will find that I can be very persuasive.”  Her eyes flashed.  “But I regret to inform you that Lady Em was killed in the confrontation.  It was unavoidable.  She practically sacrificed herself for another,” the wicked Banshee hissed.

“Insolent witch!  Lady Em held vital information.  Her ancestors can be traced to the Deep Six Counsel.  Why must your lust for vengeance cloud your judgment, woman?” the thug paced back and forth across the marble floor in front of the black throne running his hands through his long locks of hair.  “I will take custody of the prisoner.  He will tell me what I need to know,” he said darkly.  “His life depends upon it.”

“The prisoner is in the dungeon resting after a dip in the blood sucking leechery.”  The torturous treatment didn’t seem to faze her visitor.  As the Banshee tapped her black fingernails upon her throne her other hand brushed her ruby red lips. 

“My guards will escort you to him, post haste.”  Two Ancient Mariners stepped forward at her command and escorted the evil Meridian to the dungeon.     

Dim light sifted through the bars, where a man lay captive in irons.  Spatters of blood dotted his skin and a leech wriggled across his back.  “Caught this one off the coast of Spain…” A guard sneered jabbing the prisoner with his spear.  The man wrestled with his chains, pulling at them with all his might.  “Easy pickin’s, if you ask me.  These are supposed to be the best and brightest among the Aqua Defenders?  Ha!  I think not.” 

The cloaked stranger entered the cell where the man squirmed helplessly on the cold hard floor. 

Through blood stained eyes the Defender gazed upon his evil host.  “It, it can’t be!  You’re supposed to be dead!” 

“And you’re Balthazar, an Aqua Defender seated at the Circle of Trust.  Now that we know who everyone is, let’s get on with it.  You will tell me all you know.” 

Balthazar raised his head and spit at the Meridian’s feet.  Without delay, the evil Dagon snatched the Aqua Defender up as he gripped the sides of his head.  Glowing hands drained the life force from his prey until Balthazar fell limp in his firm grasp.    

 
“Tenderize him for me,” Dagon ordered dropping the man to the floor.  One of his thugs stepped from the shadows and grinned a toothy grin. 

Balthazar looked his attacker in the eye.  “Feng!  You have betrayed the King, your fellow Meridians and our sacred trust.”  His eyes dropped in disgust as he tried to inch away from the demon child. 

“Would you like to know what happened to Lady Em?”  Black eyes glinted from the face of a child.      

The Defender sobbed thinking of his comrade in arms.  Lady Em had been so full of life.  He closed his eyes and saw this fierce fighter, this woman of honor, he would not, could not let her memory be tarnished.  Compounding his pain was his love for his own family.  How could he protect them when he was gone?  What was to become of his wife and daughter?  He was thankful to have set his precious daughter on the watery path.  May the tides be with you, my little Bebe.  He quietly said his farewells and accepted that each breath may soon be his last.          

“I’ll get even with you, if it’s the last thing I do…” Balthazar managed through painful tears. 

“No.  I think the last thing you will do is tell me where the Portolan Chart is.” 

“Never!” 

Feng grinned a sinister grin and bit into his victim with all the hunger of a tiger shark.  Blood flowed across the dungeon floor.  The Defender had endured weeks of torment at the hands of an insane sea witch, frequent dips into the blood sucking leechery, loss of his life force from an angry henchman, and now devastating teeth tore into him.  The Defender closed his eyes and was no more. 

“You fool!  You were only supposed to wound him.” 

Venomous anger swelled in the chest of Hades’ right hand man as he watched the disgusting display of Feng’s thirst for blood.  “He is of no use to me dead!” Dagon huffed, spinning around and walking out.  The sullen child wiped the blood from his chin.  “Finish your meal then, meet me in the map room,” Dagon called.      

The half shark, half Meridian devoured the rest of the Aqua Defender.  Savoring every last bite, Feng swept his tongue from side to side.  Nothing was better than friends for dinner!    

State of Flux

Some of my readers may wonder what's going on with my books right now ... well I am re-working the storyline.  That means tedious re-writes increasing the backstory on all my characters.  It also means that I've pulled many of my print versions off line until I'm happy with the story.  And they'll come out with wonderful new covers. I'm trying to perfect the storyline ~ that takes time and my little journey is out here for the world to see.   

Happy Writing

A Look at Reading & Writing / An Essay by My Son

This essay was written by my wonderful 18 year old son.  I thought it was interesting and insightful, so I decided to post it. 

Reading and Writing: Are they really that exciting?

By: Kevin McCartney  

CHARGE!!!!! And Earth’s last stand had begun.  Have you ever read something that has transported you to another world, a different time, or in the midst of battle?  Great authors can make you feel the rush, the excitement, and the adrenaline.  A good book can ignite your imagination.  It’s for this very reason that I enjoy reading.  I love reading books that have the power to send my mind off on an adventure into an alternate dimension.   

When I was in the first grade I wasn’t a very good reader and my teacher made sure I knew it.  I felt so inadequate.  Reading was as terrible as getting my teeth drilled.  As a result, my mom had me repeat the first grade.  When I went in on the first day of school, I was prepared for round two with this most horrible teacher.  I even had the same classroom.  But to my surprise, I had a new teacher.  She was encouraging, inspiring, and just plain wonderful.  She was actually on TV for the Reading Rainbow.  Her name was Ms. Harriet Smith.  Yes, I still remember this wonderful lady.

Reading became my life and I loved every second of it.  As I went through school, the books got bigger, the plots more intriguing, and the adventures awe inspiring.  I remember earning the golden library card in the fifth grade which enabled me to check out three books at a time.  What an accomplishment that was!  I felt like Charlie from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  In the seventh grade, I was finally able to finish reading the Harry Potter series.   

As much as I love reading, writing is a whole different story.  I have to write an essay? AHHHH!!!!!  It’s like the bubonic plague.  Having to write to me is a fate worse than death.  My disdain toward writing started when I was in the third grade when I had to write a letter to my pen pal in a foreign country.   

When I got the assignment I thought, this is so cool.  How many people can really say they get to write to someone in another country?  Really, how many?  I went home and was beaming with excitement.  I finished my letter that very night and turned it in the next day.  Half-way through the day, my teacher came over to me and to my astonishment she told me I had to re-write the letter!  I thought no big deal I can re-write it and turn it in, again, the very next day.  Just like before, my teacher came to me and I had to re-write it, again!  I couldn’t believe what was going on.  I had to write that stupid letter ten times!!!  I was in utter disbelief. 

I know that teachers must teach and a part of that is helping their students critic their work.  But as a kid, it feels like they are sucking the life out of my brain.          

Brainstorming with the Boys

After creating Aquatica, I have sought to retrace my steps with new knowledge and insight into my characters: who they are, where they come from, what's really happening behind the scenes.  Going backwards instead of forwards, my boys and I have unravelled part of the mystery of what kind of funeral a Meridian should have and just what happened to Grammy in the first place.  Leading to many rewrites, late nights, thrilling additions, and juicy tidbits.   

Tonight as I sat brainstorming with the boys once again, I smiled.  You know the smile.  A deep knowing smile.  Satisfaction that this is a story worth telling and once it is perfected, it will have real staying power.

To Kevin ... your enthusiasm is contageous, your smile a radiant beacon. 

To Triston ... your quirkiness is unmatched even in the realm of fantasy.

To Kyle ... your boundless energy invigorating and your kung pow is pure WOW! 

To Kasey ... you are a joy and a delight to behold ... and oh those chocolate eyes :-)  

Loving you now and forever, MOM

Tidal Wave

At this point, my website www.nauticalmilebooks.com has washed over 40 states within the US and 32 different countries around the world.  Not bad for having been put together by a girl sitting in her PJ's at the dining room table! 

It's such a joy to see new visitors daily.  Here's the short list of states that have yet to visit my site:  Alaska, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and New Hampshire 

If you have friends and family in these states ... spread the word that the Water Child has come!  I'm closing in on all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico.  It's a personal goal that I fully intend to celebrate.  Dancing, hula hoops, whooping calls and the like will be shouted out from my little doorstep in the dead of night .... I'll appologize in advance to my neighbors.

Legend of the Lunatic Mama

I was joking around with my son, Kyle, and we sat down and wrote this poem.  I hope you enjoy it!

LEGEND OF THE LUNATIC MAMA

By: Donna and Kyle McCartney

There was once a beautiful, kind-hearted, fair haired angel that grew up to become a loving mother.

She made three sisters and two brothers.  She had one more, but they destroyed the other.

Her kids were horrid little monsters that ate her out of house and home.

Who wouldn’t eat their veggies and gave each other wedgies.

Constantly slurping, farting and burping.

Who wouldn’t bathe or brush their teeth.

That fought all day and all night and wouldn’t do anything right.

Jumping on the furniture and bouncing on the bed. 

Her children didn’t listen to anything that she said.

Mother’s face furrowed with a frown, as the kids turned her world upside down.

She ripped at her hair and wrung her hands.  Hormones surged through her mammary glands.

Her heart was filled with dread.  And then one day, the kids came upon her … obviously dead.

Mother tossed and turned in the devil’s keep, undergoing a transformation in her sleep.

She rose with the devil by her side, looking for her children who ran off to hide.

Cracking a whip, she demanded that her kids ~ shut up and sit.

She ordered them to clean up their room or it was doom, doom, DOOM!!!!!

And that was only the beginning; her kids’ heads were spinning …

Gone were the days of dragon’s breath and beating each other half to death!

She’d silenced the slurping, farting and burping.

She’d squashed the wedgie brigade in a single stormy tirade.

Every child let out a thunderous SCREAM, because the Lunatic Mama had invaded their perfect dream.

Mother said with a sinister grin that she’d let the wolves in.

They’d eat every bad girl and boy while stealing their favorite toy.

She had her hands on her hips wielding her newfound power. 

Then shouted over her shoulder as she strutted off to take a refreshing shower:

They were to be nice to each other and take care of one another.

And above all else – cherish their Mother.

Fourth of July Celebration

In observance of the 4th of July, books 1-4 in the Nautical Mile Series will be available for free Kindle download.  Catch up with Remo, Ames, and Sabin in my original tale following the exploits of the Seager brothers.  Explore Treasure Trove, VA and get lost on Fable Sound.  Discover the magic world of Aquatica hidden beneath the waves.  Get ready for adventure and set your course for happy reading! 

Daring to Re-Imagine

It takes a certain amount of bravery to dare to imagine in the first place, but even more courage is needed when you dare to re-imagine.  I have been re-imagining different aspects of my books and have come to several realizations.  Who knew that changing 1 word can have a powerful impact?  For example, part of my stories were set at Sandy Point Marina.  (an imaginary marina, whose name I made up ... come to find out there really is a Sandy Point Marina in MD)  Anyway, I recently decided to call the marina Dagger's Point Marina.  BAM!  That one tiny change had a tremendous impact. 

My stories were initially set on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  But I recently decided to make a place that was all my own and re-imagined the bay as Fable Sound.  Fable Sound is a legendary body of water that holds many secrets and exists only in the realm of imagination.

Another little tidbit involves re-imagining my cast of characters.  It's no secret that I wrote the Nautical Mile Series about my boys.  But giving the written characters an identity of their own has been very freeing.  I can see the fighter, the friend, the savior ... all more clearly by placing the characters in their proper context.  Kevin became Remo (the fighter), Triston became Ames (the friend), and Kyle became Sabin (the savior).  These names reflect a blend of American, French, and Spanish; adding distinct flavor to the books. 

 

Rough Draft of a Chapter

Water rained down as the crew of the Reaper, sounded off.  One by one, every scallywag shouted his name. 

“Marshall.”  “Still here, Sir.” 

“Alfred.”  “No worse for the wear, Sir.”

“What in blue blazes was that?”  “Jacque.”  “Aye Sir, still got me hold on the old life line.”

“Well don’t just stand there.  The water’s trying to take us down.  Man your stations and check those lines,” the captain ordered.  The captain cut the wheel hard right and plotted a course away from the mysterious site where he’d been inexplicable drawn. 

Moments before, his vessel had flipped upside down in the dark waters then righted itself.  Miraculously no one was lost to the sea.  Unknown to the captain was that he’d gained a passenger, a stowaway, during the ordeal, an Aqua Defender fleeing for her life. 

Bebe had propelled herself from the bottom of the ocean and an untimely end, to the top of the Reaper’s mast in an effort to escape fellow Aqua Defender, Feng and the king’s evil son, Dagon.  Feng was committing high treason when he and Dagon had conspired to launch the attack on Aquatica.  Who knew what else they planned to do.  They certainly intended to end her life.  A gesture she was not about to forget any time soon.    

Wind ruffled the red canvas sails on the disheveled Herring Drifter.  Bebe’s long black hair swirled in the breeze as she clung to the top of the mast hoping that the sailors would not notice her perched among the rings used to hoist up the massive sails.  They traveled several nautical miles under fair winds and calm seas.  Bebe had to be certain Feng hadn’t followed her before summoning another ride from the deep. 

She replayed the night’s events over in her head.  Feng had tossed her at the feet of Dagon like a rag doll.  Just wait until I get back to Aquatica, Bebe whispered to herself, clinging to the mast.  Sensing the worst was over Bebe put two fingers in her mouth and let out a high pitched whistle.  She called for Eagala, a sweeping manta ray with wings that soared through the water.  In just a matter of minutes, Eagala burst forth amid shouts from the crew. 

“What magic is this?” the captain shouted.  Everyone stood frozen on the deck.  Men shielded their eyes as they looked up at the manta ray.  Its massive wing span blanketed the ship and cast an impressive shadow across the deck of the Reaper.  It gracefully soared through the air and circled the Herring Drifter.  Bebe mustered her strength and let out a freeing cry as Eagala made its pass over the red sails.  She ripped the golden beads from her wrist and swung her lasso round the manta ray leaving her perch on the vessel that had saved her life. 

Sailors stood in awe on the wooden planks looking at the magical sight, a siren of the sea and her beast flying off into the sunset.  Bebe headed towards the Isle of Sculpin to bide her time with the natives until it was safe to return to Aquatica and reveal Feng for the traitor that he was. 

Bebe’s manta ray skimmed the surface of the water, tipping its wings into cool emerald green waves breaking off the coast of an island.  An exotic, lost world with savage villagers, or so Feng had told her. At this point, the fact that Feng was afraid of the island and the Selachii Tribe was cause enough for her to fly towards it.  She needed a safe haven, a place to hide out for a while.  Treachery was afoot and danger entered the tight Circle of Trust, once again.    

Glittering shards reflected on the ancient coast under the setting sun.  Bebe could see a huge bonfire and a loose ring of villagers dancing and chanting to their sea gods in the watery heavens.  “Trona,” Bebe patted the neck of Eagala.  Her manta ray touched down in a protected cove.  She slid off the ray’s back and looked around.  The cove appeared man made as it was enclosed with black porous lava rocks.  Natives must have brought the lava rocks down from Mount Molo,thought Bebe, a volcano that lay at the heart of the small island.    

She waded through the primitive enclosure as villagers stormed the beach.  Screeching voices were yelling “Shok!  Shok!”  Many were frantically swinging their arms over their heads. 

Bebe was taken by surprise as she was snatched up and hauled to the shore by two seemingly angry villagers.  They released her arms and began speaking in swift foreign tongues.  A village boy approached and introduced himself as Yemi.  He would echo the words of his brothers in a language that she could understand.

Yemi pointed to the cove, “Danger lurks there,” he explained.  Nothing as the danger I just escaped, thought Bebe.  The Selachii Tribe he said, were shark charmers.  Bebe’s water eagle landed just as the villagers had summoned a mighty beast into their shark arena.  Bebe’s eyes quickly darted through the water until she spotted a great white shark, weighing about a ton.  The creature was waking from a trance and shook its head from side to side then honed in on the manta ray.  With a sudden burst of speed, the shark made a beeline towards the unsuspecting ray and opened its wide jaws. 

“Shok!  Shok!” the villagers howled.

Bebe thrust her fingers in her mouth and whistled, signaling the ray to leave.  The shark was closing in and leapt up as the ray took flight.  Baring its jagged teeth in a sinister grin, it bit into the air but missed its mark.  The menacing beast stared into the distance and hit the water hard as the ray flew off.  The manta ray tipped its wings then dove into deeper waters and was gone. 

Bebe let out a sigh of relief.  Yemi introduced her to Zenato, a fierce warrior, shark charmer and slayer extraordinaire.  Zenato held a battle scarred club with several shark teeth embedded into the tip.  Yemi explained that each tooth represented a victory for Zenato.  He was the best slayer in the village.  The more Bebe thought about it, it was the perfect place to hide out from that treacherous betrayer Feng and his tiger shark, shape-shifting self.   

Zenato paced back and forth along the shore.  He worked himself into heated excitement.  Night descended as the high priestess carried a flame to the shark arena and lit several torches along the coast.  Beating drums pounded around her as those from the bonfire made their way to shore.  Yemi explained that the priestess was the tribes’ Kahuna ‘Ana ‘Ana, a woman of great power ~ able to speak to the living and the dead, keeper of the secret knowledge.  The old woman was draped in animal skin and wrinkles.  She anointed Zenato as he prepared to enter the arena and battle the mighty beast he had summoned.  Berries stained Zenato’s skin in strange circular patterns as ‘Ana ‘Ana painted various symbols on the warrior’s chest and arms that were to protect him from the shark. 

Zenato let out a fierce battle cry as he ran to the water’s edge.  The villagers chanted from the shore.  Drums beat faster and faster.  ‘Ana ‘Ana’s loud crisp voice rang out and spoke of the deep respect their ancestors had for the Queen of Sharks.  Zenato slipped into the arena, pinching his nose as he dove beneath the dark water.  He crouched below the breaking waves and gripped his spikey club.  The shark circled the warrior, unaware that it was facing a battle hardened shark slayer.  Two shadows danced under the rolling tide.  Black eyes studied its prey.  The current pulled at Zenato’s feet.  His weight shifted and he found himself struggling for balance.  That’s when the shark darted in and rammed Zenato with its thick snout.  He came up for air, spouting sea water mixed with blood.  The sweet smell of injury was too great for the beast and within seconds, the warrior and the shark were tangled in a life and death struggle. 

Zenato muscled his way to the surface, swinging back his head as his thick locks slung water into the air, and gulped down a breath just before going under, again.  He thrust his club along the underside of the shark and sliced into the unprotected belly of the beast.  Blood spilled in the water, but this time it was the shark’s own blood.  The two continued to spar in the muddied waters.  At the next pass, Zenato pushed his hand through the wound and yanked out the creature’s heart.  The tail of the shark jerked back and forth as it writhed in pain, slowly dying.      

Zenato stepped out the pool, dripping in blood stained water.  Streams of crimson trickled down the warrior’s back from his woolly hair.  Villagers shouted praise as several rushed the arena, pulling the shark to the rocky edge of the enclosure.  The village children ran curious fingers along its slick back all the way to its tail.  Zenato placed the still beating heart on an offering table by the sea.  The high priestess chanted a sad melody, sending the shark’s soul back to the Queen. 

Yemi explained that the shark was a mighty warrior ~ just like Zenato.  He died so that they might live.  It was a noble death and now the shark had a place among the heavens.  Yemi pointed to the midnight sky and a cluster of stars.  He smiled and ran over to the arena and slipped in the crowd that had gathered around the slain shark, for the sight captivated the villagers.  As Bebe looked up at the distant stars, she couldn’t help but notice the outline of a shark glowing.

Several villagers struggled under the weight of their catch.  The shark was heaved onto the shoulders of at least a dozen men and carried back to the village, where the huge fish was placed on poles that hung over the massive bonfire.  Beating drums, tribal dancing, and happy excited chanting filled the air.  Bebe sat in the soft sand beside the tribal Chieftain, Kahuna ‘Ana ‘Ana, and the tribal elders.  It was a place of great honor and they shared it with Bebe, the Aqua Defender.  Yemi strung together several razor sharp teeth from the slain shark and presented it to Bebe.  The boy bowed his head as held out the necklace.  Bebe smiled and slipped it over her long black hair. 

Zenato motioned for her to stand and join in the celebration by dancing for the shark Queen.  Chanters told the story of the shark Goddess that protected the Selachii Tribe.  Villagers joined in a ritual dance that was marked by shark charming rattles clanking in hollow gourds and in rings around their ankles, sweeping hand gestures, and pounding feet that left the senses swimming.      

The next morning, bones littered the sandy stretch where the villagers had feasted.  Tan children gathered them up for use as needles, hair pins, and rough tools.  Yemi took Bebe to the cave of the high priestess.  ‘Ana ‘Ana hovered over a small fire, talking in her native tongue.  She tossed powder into the flames.  The orange fire glowed green and blue.  “The spirits are talking to her,” Yemi explained.  Bebe sat cross legged on the other side of the fire, while Yemi rocked back and forth on his knees.  “She says your Papa speaks of the betrayer, as one you know.”  Bebe hung her head; it was true.  The one who had betrayed her was her mentor and a fellow Aqua Defender. 

“She also says that he has betrayed the trust of many.  Be thankful to have escaped his clutches.  Your father was not so lucky,” Yemi said slowly.    

“Huh!?!” Bebe gasped.  “Did Feng kill my father?”

‘Ana ‘Ana spoke softly.  “Yes,” Yemi replied.  Her words hastened as Yemi tried to translate those flying out her mouth.  “There is more.  The shark devil will destroy all you know.  You must stop him.  The Queen of Sharks demands it.” 

But how? thought Bebe.

“And you must do it without the help of your magical beads.” Yemi looked down at golden beads wrapped around her arm.

“No.  She must be mistaken,” Bebe said, shaking her head.  She placed a hand over the beads her father had given her.  It was all she had left of him. 

Yemi looked into her big brown eyes.  They were filled with worry and dread.  He looked so young and yet spoke the words of an ancient.  “You will have the ability to place him under a trance when the time is right.  Our best shark charmer will show you the mystic ways of the call.”

But why do I have to give up my beads? Horrible thoughts pounded in Bebe’s head.

“You must return to the underwater city and give your beads to a water child, disguised as a groundling.  He will need them if he is to survive the journey that awaits him.” 

Bebe knew instantly that ‘Ana ‘Ana spoke of Sabin Seager, the newest and youngest Aqua Defender to join their ranks.  What could he do?  He didn’t even know the Defenders existed a couple of weeks ago and besides Sabin barely knew their ways, she pouted.

“He is the key.  He alone will unlock the power of the Holy Stone,” ‘Ana ‘Ana’s serious tone broke as she chuckled.  “Never send a man when a child will do.”  Yemi smiled and sat up straight and tall as he shared the words with Bebe. 

Sabin was Lady Em’s grandson.  Bebe remembered her kind words of encouragement after her father died.  She was a shoulder to lean on and showed her how to harness the fire within.  A flash of orange brought Yemi to his feet.  He backed away from the fire, toward the mouth of the cave.  Bebe started to stand when ‘Ana ‘Ana grabbed her arm and rattled off a mystical enchantment.  Their eyes met.  Somehow Bebe knew she would never see the Kahuna again.  She smiled at the old woman and slowly backed out of the cave.                                   

That night, Bebe looked down at clanking shells that wrapped around her ankles.  Spirals of green and gold swirled atop brown shells.  Zenato spoke of a magic melody the snail shells made when jingled just right.  The clanking shells would enable Bebe to charm sharks, put them in a trance or call them to her, if she wished.  She would be protected with every move she made.  Or so Zenato claimed.  She wished she could understand his words, for she felt something was lost in the translation by Yemi.  The village boy did his best to find words she would understand.  Still, Bebe knew the villagers were not only shark charmers; they were shark hunters, stealthy killers of their prey.  As the sun set on the second day, Bebe stood on the glistening shore and called to Eagala.  She was scared but knew she had to face her father’s killer, the devil shark, Feng.  But more importantly, something bigger than that was happening.  Sabin Seager would need her help to ensure the destruction of Aquatica did not come to pass.   

Eagala burst forth from the emerald green waves and soared into the air.  The villagers cheered and rushed the shore, sending Bebe off with a loud farewell.  Kahuna ‘Ana ‘Ana stepped out her cave and waved at the Aqua Defender circling the Isle of Sculpin.  Bebe let out another freeing cry and the waves quickly carried it away.  The siren of the sea and her mighty beast flew off into the setting sun.                           

Sharky Research

Well, I've been doing some research into shark mythology and history for my writing.  I discovered that part of the military base at Pearl Harbor was built on top of an ancient shark arena.  I also uncovered that when a pier collapsed shortly after the military constructed it - the native Hawaiians claimed the Queen of Sharks was not happy and was 'flexing her back'.  I've looked at everything from shark gods, alters and sacrifices, to shark charmers and Kahuna 'Ana 'Ana's (Hawaiian Shaman or mystic healers).  Much of my research became inspiration.

The Junior Novel

Junior Novel / Fantasy Fiction for 3rd to 5th graders ~ I guess that's what to call the Nautical Mile Series.  I can remember my boys reading The Magic Tree House Series written by Mary Pope Osborne.  And ever since then, I've been trying to develop a series as stimulating as the Magic Tree House books were for my boys. 

Every word should have a purpose, choose wisely.  (said the right brain to the left brain)

Clash Over Floating Home Reaches US Supreme Court

Fellow sailor, Fane Lozman, is fighting a crusade against the city of Riviera Beach, Florida.  The city literally rewrote the law in order to seize his floating home and destroy it.  Remember Sleepless in Seattle?  Lozman's home looked similar to that but the city deemed his floating home to be a vessel, despite the fact it had no engine or propulsion system of its own or bilge pump.  Add to that the fact that Lozman had successfully argued in court ~ that the marina he was docked at had resorted to what amounted to bullying in an effort to use eminent domain to expand the marina for the rich.  The city caring less about Lozman's rights than big business, stepped in to help get rid of Lozman by holding secret sessions and rewriting the law in order to seize his home and hastily have it destroyed.  Fane Lozman is a man that can never go home.  Irony is often ironic.  The little guy made it big in the money market, at a time when no one else did!  At least he made enough to continue his crusade and take it to the Supreme Court. 

This is a modern day David and Goliath story.  Rooting for the little guy!  As a sailor, I could be bias but it seems wrong to me that laws can be rewritten to suit whomever the city favors. 

Agent Review

Well another agent is looking at my books.  There is something special and unique about the storyline that captures your attention and draws you in.  I only hope that the path will lead to one of the big 6 publishers and at least some sort of a badly needed payday. 

Right now, I'm mapping out another book in the series that has been started and stopped a couple of times due to other pressing obligations. 

Looking for that magic moment!

The Breeze Racer

The real story of the Breeze Racer begins with a crusty old boat drug to the curb for haulaway by the local trashman.  The find of what was once Ding's Dinghy became the inspiration for the Breeze Racer in my original tale about 3 brothers living near Dagger's Point Marina drawn into the mystery and wonder of another world by their loving grandmother.  A story that has only just started to unfold. 

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin

Being married to an Irish man for nearly 20 years makes me Irish by association.  Wish I could have been in Dublin for the St. Patrick's Day parade.  I heard that over half a million party goers showed up for the British, American, and Russian bands wooing the throngs of people.  While Cardinal Sean Brady prayed for the tens of thousands who had left Ireland in face of tough economic times. 

I'll pray for us all, for tough economic times has befallen everyone. 

Giant Manta Raised from the Depths ...

Giant manta raised from the depths off Africa by ships anchor.  Crew members unknowingly snared a manta ray in the anchor lines from their vessel and hoisted it up.  The manta ray had a wing span of 30 feet! 

It is this type of ray that I envision Sabin to be riding.  The Meridians are Ray Riders and Sabin's Grammy, Lady Em, was one of the best of them! 

The Meridians often paint their rays with alizarin war paint, creating intricate patterns.  Such as the silver diamond back or green waves arching across mighty wings.  The painted rays were inspired by Indian war horses.

Read the entire article on the African manta ray at www.grindtv.com.

Buoyed Up

Contrary to popular belief, buoyed up has nothing to do with the alcohol content in one's blood ... it implies that one is lifted up out of the water.  I am calling for a buoy up due to the impending dread over tomorrow's testing. 

Pray for a red sky tonight!

Burdened or Privaledged?

In nautical terms the burdened vessel must give way to the privaledged vessel.  Typically, the sailboat is considered privaledged over the powerboat.  Therefore, the sailboat is given the right of way and allowed to proceed.  No rule is absolute.  Rare exceptions exist involving unique safety situations.

Like so many rules of the water, this concept can easily be applied to everyday life.  Do you make the Wind or Are you being carried by the Wind?

Which one are you?  Burdened or Privaledged?

Checking the Compass Rose

Checking the Ole Compass Rose to ensure that I'm on course to make my dreams a reality.  I'm making a few adjustments and tacking around to find fresh wind, again.   

The Compass Rose or the Wind Rose, as it was known, first appeared on the Portolan Charts of the 1300's.  The compass typically had 32 points for the various directions of the wind, 1/2 wind, and 1/4 wind.  In Medieval Times, each wind had it's own name.  Of course the Chinese reinvented the compass showing the 12 Zodiac signs.  Some compasses were even reported to point the way to paradise with a cross ... typically this was East, pointing to the birthplace of Christ.  Today's compass is much simpler.  But is it really any easier to navigate to the promised land?  

Stage fright of the Cowardly Clam

Well, I survived my first speaking engagement to a full room of expectant children and parents.  I was trembling when I took to the podium for the Award Ceremony of the first annual Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest and broke into a cold sweat, looking out to a sea of eyes.  I nearly fainted!  The children were just adorable and by the end, I felt much better.  It is difficult for an anti-social person to get in front of a group.  But I did it and didn't pass out .... YEAHHHHHH!     

Spotlight

The Award Ceremony on March 10th will be my first official speaking engagement.  And if that wasn't making me nervous enough, I've just gotten word that it will be covered by 2 reporters!  That is wonderfully delightful!  I hope the Award Ceremony is a huge success, highlighting the Chesapeake Bay, young artists from the first annual Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest, the museum, AND my books :-P

I may have to enter nail biters anonymous after this ... stay tuned for more details!

Making Friends

I have recently been accepted into an author forum on Linked In.  Linked In allows various business professionals the opportunity to connect.  In connecting with other authors, I've come across several noteworthy individuals.  It's inspiring to see so many dedicated individuals honing their craft and perfecting their stories.  I've added a new tab on my website to highlight up and coming children's book authors.  Feel free to check it out. 

What's your next read?   

Read Across America

In observance of Read Across America, celebrated on March 2nd (Dr. Seuss' Birthday) ~ I provided books for my son's 4th grade class and his previous 3rd grade class. Every child received a copy of Salty Summer, book 1 in the Nautical Mile Series.   

The purpose of the Read Across America initiative is to motivate children to read.  Reading is an important factor in student achievement.  Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.  I think that's true because I can see it in my kids. 

I also wanted to keep my promise to Mrs. Kellum.  Last year, when Salty Summer was in production ~ I promised I would bring a copy in for each student.  Well, Salty Summer took forever to be released and it was well into September before the books were available.  I would spend the next 6 months tweeking books 2 - 4 and ultimately crafted a new ending for Salty Summer, interlocking it with the other books in the series.  In wanting to put my best foot forward, I shared the revised version of Salty Summer with the children.  I do hope the kids enjoy the book.   

Read On!

Snow What?

Just the other day, I was dreaming about Spring with sun streaming in through my windows.  And today, snow is falling like powdered sugar ... dusting everything in soft white flakes.  Who knew?  These are no dainty little white flecks of snow, they are HUGE snowflakes the size of quarters.   

It's actually quite beautiful.  Here's to the unpredictability of Mother Nature!

Frosty Cheers!

Carried by the Current

For those of you reading in far off places, Spring is almost here!  I can't wait to feel the sun's golden rays upon my face.  Typing from my cave of a living room, only a few specks of sunlight drift in and dance like glitter on the table.  To my new readers from the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and Pakistan ~ hi!  To my old friends from Russia and France ~ it's another day and I'm glad to be alive.   

I was reviewing the stats from my website and I'm pleased to say that I've had visitors from 13 different countries and 29 states, here in the US.  I am closing in on 4,000 pageviews with an average of 70 new unique visitors per month.  What all this means ... I'm not really sure.  But maybe my message is being carried by the water guardian to the far corners of the earth.  Water, the great traveler, slips in and out with ease.  It washes over us and wipes the slate clean.

Water Traveler, send word that a new Water Child has come, carry it to the very edge of the earth!

Wanting the Best

I see my boys and wonder what future awaits them.  I want the best for them, of course, all parents want the best for their children.  It is interesting to me that Kevin, my oldest, is evaluating his interests in various career paths and has honed in on wanting to be a Marine Biologist.  Can't say I'm surprised.  He loves the water.  He has his diving certification and is interested in exploring the Deep.  This fascination and love of all things water runs deep in all the McCartneys.   

Across the great divide we are all the same - we all want the best for our children. 

For Kevin - Dream BIG Baby!  An ocean of wonders is waiting ...  
Okay, so he wants to be a Marine Biologist or a Pilot (smiling).  Hey~who says you can't FLY through the water? 

A New Beginning

Is there really such a thing?  A fresh start to begin anew ...  Inevitably, it feels that some part of the past influences the future.  Even if we are totally unaware of the smallest shift, it is still there.  And our new beginning, depends greatly on the ingredients already in the soil.

Tend your gardens well ... for you will bare the fruits of your labor.

The Magic of CHANCE!

I once read that Puff, the Magic Dragon was written quite by chance.  One of the authors, Lenny Lipton, has said that he wrote a short poem and laughingly left it on a typewriter for Peter Yarrow ... who added some lyrics and turned it into a song.  The magical realm of Honalee was just that, for Lenny knew nothing of Hanalei Bay or the massive lava cave, large enough for any dragon.  

How is it that a whimsical poem left in jest became forever immortalized as a wonderful children's book?  A book that decades later, I found myself reading to my four year old today.

Isn't it amazing what we unconsciously already know?  Imagine what magic truths we have left to unlock, if we only let ourselves find the key!

Absolute Future

I woke up thinking about the future ... what will it be and when will it get here.  Once it arrives ~ it will no longer be the future, but the present and sadly, in the blink of an eye, it will be the past.

I looked up the definition of future, in my trusty Webster's Dictionary.  It says: The time yet to come.

On Wikipedia the definition is much more grand: The future is the indefinite time period after the present.  Its arrival is considered inevitable due to the existence of time and the laws of physics.  Due to the nature of reality and the inevitability of the future, everything that currently exists and will exist ~ is temporary and will come to an end.  It goes on to say:  In physics, time is considered to be the fourth dimension of the universe.

I guess, I'm dreaming about another dimension.  The fourth dimension!  Careful, everything is starting to make sense!

Feeling Very Weathered and Worn

Just recovering from a bout of the flu.  It left me feeling drained, to say the least.  I don't think I have ever officially had the flu before.  And I don't want it EVER again.  :-P

I've been running ragged for some time now and I think it's high time to make good on that annual New Year's resolution of mine to actually take care of myself.

In the midst of life's mundane drudgery, it's important to remember what life is.  It's the mundane drudgery!

You are free to feel ALIVE!

Returning from a Sea of Edits

As I got my stories ready to be published at Create Space, I found myself editing them ... again.  For the millionth time.  This whole week, I've been lost in a sea of edits.  Literally!  Those tricky commas get me every time.  I recently read that a comma should help add clarity and if doesn't, then ditch it.  That one sentence made SO much sense.  It was like aaahhh!  Okay, not to delude myself.  I still don't get it ... but it seems a little easier. 

Anyway, that's the nice thing about publishing with Create Space ... you can update your book's file at anytime.  If a mistake is brought to my attention, then I can correct it.  If I make a story change, then I can update my book!  Too cool!   

Shedding the Funk

I've been in a foggy funk lately.  I haven't been totally unproductive ... just ignoring my blog.  During this month's retrospective funk, I've been evaluating my options in publishing the Nautical Mile books with Create Space.  I found this process to be much easier than I anticipated and FREE!  I've uploaded the first 4 books and already I am waiting for my proofs to be received in the mail.  Total time from creation to proof ... about 1 week.  Compared to that same process with Tate Publishing ... just over 11 months.

What did Create Space do for me?  Some might ask ...
Well, with their user friendly software I was able to turn my e-books into paperback books.  They offer pre-formatted files to assist the average know nothing user (a/k/a ... me).  So all I had to do was point and click to get my files ready for print.  They also assigned an ISBN number for each book in less than 5 minutes!  Their cover creator software is also pretty cool and I couldn't resist playing with a few newly formatted covers, just for kicks. 

All of that was for FREE!  I'm still in shock.  Considering Tate Publishing (which claims to only publish about 4% of the manuscripts submitted to them) required a $4,000 author investment from me to publish Salty Summer.  Which by the way has a totally new ending, so it interlocks with my other books.  If anyone ever asks why the publishing industry is changing this is definitely one reason why:  Publishing houses of any size gobble up time and money.  If the author has to take control of writing and marketing, then why not publishing and editing?

Pirates on the internet sea BEWARE!

My books have started to show up in a few internet web stores with links back to Amazon.  That in itself is wonderfully amazing ... but there are some sites who are abusing Amazon and their products by selecting products that are totally UNRELATED to their site for the sole purpose of HIJACKING their google ranking. 

I've worked tirelessly to craft and promote my books and I will not idly stand by while their rankings are HIJACKED!  It's time to scrape a few barnacles from the hull Missy; we're going to war!

Convergence

Convergence is where two things come together at the same time.  I believe that good and bad things happen simultaneously for a reason.  Sometimes it's to temper the good with the bad and other times it's so we can cope with things beyond our control. 

My entire life has been about convergence and this mystical dance that God has laid out before me sometimes gets me tangled up in the tiniest details.  If there is a God, HE is definately a SHE!  Because no man would take the time to play such games.     

Just Saying!

Preview of a Chapter

Captain Red Aye was carried into the city as Kyle cautiously zipped ahead of Meridian soldiers on his wild sting ray.  He slid off the wing and landed on red bedrock looking around for his brothers.  An opaque shield lowered over Aquatica as a Meridian clad in battle armor darted desperately toward them.  “Mi Novia!” He shouted.  “Mi Novia!”  He cut through the water, whipping his tail back and forth.  Desperation consumed him as he stretched out his arms.  “Bebe’s detachment didn’t return,” he panted.  “She’s trapped on the other side!” he exclaimed, morphing as he fell to his knees.  His heavy heart beat frantically in his chest. 

Kyle turned on his heel at hearing the gut wrenching news that the second detachment of Aqua Defenders was still trapped on the other side of the shields.  He tried to look through the opaque dome but it was like looking through scratched glass.  He raised both of his hands and pressed on the shield, then watched metallic ripples expanding outward as it flexed.  Purple lightning zinged off the ceiling and illuminated the dark water surrounding him.  Kyle stepped back from the shields and looked down at his glowing hands.  A blue glow radiated from his palms and extended all the way to his fingertips.  He had just escaped from certain death on the back of a golden sting ray, and though it had seemed like an eternity, it had been just a matter of minutes.  The unique glow meant he was connected in some magical way to the creatures of the deep and their life force.  Just as he had been with the stinging nettle that had wrapped itself around his arm on his first mission with Feng.  Delphina, the oracle, had told him it meant he had Neptunium in his blood, and incredibly he was a descendant from the royal bloodline.

An eerie creaking noise surrounded them as the water shuttered.  It felt like an earthquake as war torn Tangled Tower started to settle.  The tower of wrecked ships that had seemed to defy gravity had a huge hole blasted in it.  Lights flickered on and off from the port holes of the high rise.  Tangled Tower appeared to be living quarters for many of the Meridians.  Children’s faces were pressed against circular windows curiously peering out unaware of the danger that lingered.  Wood splintered into a thousand tiny pieces and shot through the water as the building started to collapse. 

Bebe’s friend looked up in terror as the shadow of the building fell across his broad shoulders.  A young boy with sandy brown hair rushed in trying to help the Meridian to his feet.  The twisted building smashed through the water, crumbling all around them.  Instinctively, Kyle threw up his hand in an effort to protect himself and Bebe’s hapless boyfriend.  Blinding white light with streaks of blue shot from his palm and held the building at bay.  Wounded Meridians cried out as the wreckage hung suspended above the boy. 

Another beam of light lassoed the building from the other side and steadied it as Kyle fell back, drained from the use of his newfound magical powers.  Kevin and Triston ran over to the commotion and were stunned to find Kyle lying in the rubble next to the Meridian.  Kevin rushed to Kyle’s side dusting off debris.  “Kyle!  Please be okay!”  Kevin held his breath looking down at his little brother who lay limply on the seafloor.  Kyle’s chest rose and fell.  Kevin took a ragged breath.  “Aaahhh,” he sighed.  Tears of relief welled up in his grey eyes.  “Thank you for saving my brother,” Kevin choked. 

“I didn’t save him.  He saved me,” Bebe’s astonished boyfriend looked down at the pint sized hero at his side.  He was much younger than he had first realized.