Choosing character names proved much more difficult and important than I had first imagined. An author can choose a name at random and run with it--I believe Douglas Adams chose the name "Zaphod Beeblebrox" as an idiotic placeholder name for his galactic president in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and the name just stuck. Or, an author can choose a name that fits the character. I chose the name Gwen for its Celtic history, as well as its meaning of "white light," an appropriate moniker for a girl with magic. Aidan means "little fire," chosen both for his magic and his red hair. Ellie came from cycling through lists of baby names until one jumped out at me with her bubbly personality.
Merlin was easier--he came equipped with his own name! His pseudonym was a little tricker, but nothing I couldn't handle. I played around with a variety of names that sounded vaguely like "Merlin," and Merry Lytton seemed to fit. My choice was confirmed during my research for Ignition. Armed with a stack of dusty tomes about fifth century Wales from my university, I opened the top one--published in the early 1900s--to find it dedicated to "Lord Lytton." It tickled me to think of Merry as a Lord Lytton, and I decided it was fate.
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I'll be selling both of my books in person this weekend at two locations. Come get a copy for your favourite person this holiday, or just come by and say hello. There will also be a draw to win a free copy of Isle of Enchantment, book two in the Breenan Series (due in March). I would love to see you there!
Saturday November 21st: Doncaster Elementary, 1525 Rowan St Victoria BC, 10am-3pm Sunday November 22nd: Caleb Pike House, 1589 Millstream Rd Victoria BC, 10am-4pm Ignition has been getting around lately. My local newpaper, the Saanich News, ran an article about it, and the University of British Columbia's newspaper, the UByssey, interviewed me. And just a few days ago, the Bibliophilic Book Blog ran a review. Now more people can enjoy Merry's adventures!
It's finally launch day for Ignition, my newest novel for adult urban fantasy lovers! What's it all about? So glad you asked:
"Merlin, the legendary King Arthur’s mysterious magician, is immortal and living in present-day Vancouver, when the earth begins to tremble from magical causes. Something—or someone—is forcing a volcano to erupt, and Merlin must use his concealed talents and practiced charisma to save a town of innocent people before disaster strikes." Ebooks are available right now on Amazon and Kobo Books, and Amazon.com has paperbacks. Unfortunately, it will be a few weeks before paperbacks are available on Amazon.ca, but I will post when they are ready. Check out Ignition's page for purchasing links.
CBC just released an article about four dormant volcanoes in BC, that have the potential to become active at any time. The unpredictability of such a massive destructive force is a scary notion.
Coincidentally, that's exactly what my new novel, Ignition, is about. The difference is, what if the activity of the volcano has less to do with geology, and more to do with magic? Magic that only one man might have the ability to defend against? Intrigued? Read more here. Ignition now has an official release date! Expect to see it on Amazon and Kobo Books on May 30th. Next weekend Mark of the Breenan and I are going to an event--the Victoria Women's Expo. It's on March 7/8 at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria, BC. It's going to be a huge event, with tons of vendors catering to all things women (think chocolate, ladies... oh yes).
As a vendor, I am allow to spread 2-for-1 coupons far and wide. So please--print off tickets, forward to your friends and co-workers and second cousin twice removed. It should be good fun! Come say hello if you're there--I will have a draw you can enter to win a signed copy of Ignition, my new novel coming in Summer 2015. Hope to see you next weekend! The exciting news this week is the launch of my new book trailer. I had a lot of fun searching for just the right photos and music to do Mark of the Breenan justice. It's on my home page so it's easy to find (www.emmashelford.com). I hope you enjoy, and pass it on if you know someone who might like it!
Mark of the Breenan now has a home--at Ivy's Bookshop! This cozy neighbourhood bookstore is snug in the heart of Oak bay Village in Victoria, BC. I encourage you to check it out if you're in the area. And if you're looking for a good read, head on over to the teen fiction section and pick up Mark of the Breenan ($11.99). Happy reading!
On November 1st, The Prospect Lake Christmas Craft Fair kindly hosted my first public appearance with my new book, Mark of the Breenan. To mark the occasion I dressed up in my medieval finery--as close to an Ellie-costume as I could manage--and brought along my little stack of books.
It was a great success. I met some wonderful people that day with encouraging comments, many of whom bought a book. I'm very excited for them to read it. Mark of the Breenan is now out in the world. |