Wednesday, August 23, 2017

What Love Means



I stand in the night and stare up at a lone star, wondering what love means.  You whisper your desire—do I love you?  I dare say yes.  But my eyes drift back to that solitary star; my mind is plagued with intimate uncertainty.   
What art thou, Love?  Tell me.   
I contemplate what I know—the qualities love doth not possess.  Love lifts no cruel or unkind hand, for it seeketh no harm.  It shirks from constraints and demands, for tyranny is not love.  A boisterous voice never crosses love’s lips, for to speak with thunder chases its very presence from the heart.  Love inflicts no pain, no fear, no misery, but conquers all such foes.  It is said love is not selfish, yet it does not guilt those who are.  On a heart unwillingly given it stakes no claim.  Love is nothing from Pandora’s box; it is no evil, sin, or sorrow unleashed on this world.   
My eyes glimmer as the star I gaze upon twinkles with brightness I do not possess.  I recognize my smallness—my ignorance of the One whose hands placed that star in the heavens for me.   
He is love.  By His own mouth He proclaimed it.   
Again the whispered question hits my ear—do I love you?  I dare say yes.  But my eyes squint tight, wishing on a lonely star, wondering what love means. 

 



Friday, August 11, 2017

10 Things You Want to Know About the Book

The fourth book in the Harrowbethian Saga has been released! Eena, The Two Sisters is now available for purchase at most online book-retailers. Feed your curiosity with the following ten things you want to know about the book:


1. The book stars 17-year-old Queen Eena of Harrowbeth.

2. Two unscrupulous immortal sisters seek to gain their freedom at any cost.

3. Killer dragons are involved.

4. This book brings readers to the two-thirds mark in the Harrowbethian Saga.

5. The story was inspired by the author's fantastical youthful daydreams.

6. A love triangle builds and intensifies. Or is it a love quadri-angle?

7. Global maps of Eena's planet, Moccobatra, are included in this book.

8. A crazy and unexpected proposal is made. Make that two.

9. A traditional Harrowbethian birthday game is explained.

10. Learn to speak a few lines in the Bethan language.






Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Early Reviews of Eena, The Two Sisters

In one week, I will be releasing the 4th book in the Harrowbethian SagaEena, The Two Sisters.  I know it has been a long wait for some.  Let me tell you, it will be worth it! I thought you might enjoy a few reviews from my beta readers.  Yes, I have some amazing beta readers who help me mold my works in progress.  Maybe their comments will get you pumped to read this next book in the saga for yourself.


"This is the 4th of the Harrowbethian Saga. It is a a science fiction, love novel about a young queen who is confronted by enemies who appear unbeatable and who pose a deadly threat to her and her people. She, her fiance and her protector battle against enormous odds and what appear to be a hopeless struggle. This is probably one of my favorites of the four. It is packed with adventure, romance, mystery and delivers quite an emotional punch towards the end. It about breaks your heart, lots of sniffles, however, this book is not the end of the saga."~ Arlene

"Eena continues her struggle against two immortal sisters bent on freeing themselves of their prison on Eena's planet. In order to further his own agenda of getting Eena to forfeit her responsibilities as queen and join him, Edgar constantly splits up Eena and Derian and throws her across the globe with Ian. It certainly makes for an interesting love triangle (quadri-angle?). All hope of not freeing the witches and/or escaping alive seems lost." ~ LeiAnn


"A lot of interesting things happen in this book, and I am honestly torn on what I think of them. This book is the hardest to review, because if I say anything, it might spoil it for others reading the book. I can say I really like this cover. It has beautiful colors and a nice perspective. There are some definite surprises in this book. I am certainly curious where it might lead next. My mind is full of question marks." ~ Jackie


Monday, July 24, 2017

Richelle E. Goodrich Author Interview by Arvenig

Recently, I was granted the opportunity to be interviewed about my experiences becoming an author. I talked a little about the books I have published since that pivotal turning point in my life. The interview is posted on Arvenig.it  or scroll down to read it here.   Enjoy!


Posted on 22/07/2017 by Arvenig

Hi everyone!
This is the nineteenth post of my featuring authors series. Today I’m going to feature Richelle Goodrich that has written The Tarishe Curse, Making Wishes , Eena, The Dawn and Rescue (The Harrowbethian Saga #1), and many other ones! In this post there will be a bio about the author and one of her books, an interview and a giveaway!
To see other authors I featured click here! To be featured contact me here!

About Richelle Goodrich:
Richelle is a native of Washington State, graduated from Eastern Washington University with bachelor’s degrees in Liberal Studies and Math/Science Education. Her quotes have been published in a number of books including the Oxford Philosophy Being HumanCourse Book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas in Canada, and in a Revlon magazine ad campaign. She has a strong love of the arts―drama, choir, sketching, painting, literature. This author writes whenever and wherever opportunity presents itself. She describes herself beautifully in the following quote:

“I like bubbles in everything. I respect the power of silence. In cold or warm weather I favor a mug of hot cocoa. I admire cats―their autonomy, grace, and mystery. I awe at the fiery colors in a sunset. I believe in deity. I hear most often with my eyes, and I will trust a facial expression before any accompanying comment. I invent rules, words, adventures, and imaginary friends. I pretend something wonderful every day. I will never quit pretending.”
~ Richelle E. Goodrich


About the book Eena, The Dawn and Rescue:
Sevenah Williams lives a quiet farm life with her parents and best friend, Ian. Life is good and predictable until the unexpected yanks her from the only reality she remembers. Forced from home, her tragic and forgotten past is pieced together revealing that Sevenah is in fact heir to the throne of Harrowbeth; she is the last living of royal blood able to don a peculiar heirloom necklace. Given the new name, Eena, she and Ian set off for a new home, dodging nightmarish enemies in the process. All the while great powers granted by the enchanted necklace slowly emerge and develop.

Eena is assisted by militia sent to retrieve their queen, commanded by the bossy and intimidating Captain Derian. Though Ian and Derian endeavor to protect her, Eena is abducted by a charming, silver-tongued man. She finds herself forced to choose sides in a civil war she hardly understands. Which rival has the power to convince her of his nobleness and gain her ultimate support?


Arvenig: Tell us a little about yourself and your background!
Richelle: My name is Richelle E. Goodrich. I am native to the Pacific Northwest area of the United States. I attended Eastern Washington University in my younger years and graduated with two bachelors degrees: BAEd Natural Science/Mathematics and BA General Studies. I am married and have three teenage boys who are nothing alike. I love all forms of art and literature, especially imaginative epic sagas. I have authored fourteen original works, eight of which are self-published and available for purchase in ebook and paperback forms online. I write poetry and life quotes, as well as fantasy-scifi-romance sagas and moving novels that appeal to both young adults and seasoned adults. My personal favorite self-authored book is Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher because many events in the story were taken from the lives of my friends. It is a realistic story mingled with moments of make-believe. My absolute favorite book of all time is Les Miserable by Victor Hugo.


A.: When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

R.: Quite honestly, my interest in writing was sparked later in life. While in school I concentrated more on the sciences, mathematics , and art. Writing was less appealing to me. It wasn’t until I turned 38 that I had a flicker of inspirational thought that spurred me to attempt to write a book. It was meant to be a fun challenge. It took me two years to complete my first book–Eena, The Dawn and Rescue–during which time I fell in love with storytelling. I never thought I would love writing as I now do. If you would like to read a more detailed account of how I came to be a writer, visit my blog post, Whatever Made You Want to Write a Book? http://regoodrichnews.blogspot.com/2012/05/whatever-made-you-want-to-write-book.html?m=1


A.: Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
R.: The Harrowbethian Saga was written purely as a world of fantasy in which to get lost. If a message does exist in its pages I would say it is this: getting to know yourself is a never-ending journey filled with surprises.
Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher was written to shake people up. It is meant to make readers peel away their blinders and pay closer attention to where their help is needed.
My three quote/poetry books–Smile Anyway, Making Wishes, and Slaying Dragons–are filled with motivational, inspirational, and thought-provoking messages for every day of the year.


A.: What are you working on at the moment?
R.:
I am presently working on the final touches for the cover to the 4th book in the Harrowbethian Saga–Eena, The Two Sisters. Its official release date is set for August 10th, 2017. Preorder options will be available in July. Afterwards, I will dive right into editing the 5th book in this epic saga–Eena, The Tempter’s Snare. The 6th book will follow–Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon’s Soul. It is the final book in the series.


A.: Any last thoughts for our readers?
R.:
When you find an author you like, one whose works you truly enjoy, the kindest, most helpful thing you can do is post reviews and ratings for his/her books at online book sites like Goodreads, Librarything, Amazon, BarnesandNobles, Kobo, iTunes, etc. It is a tremendous help to a struggling author. It can also be a sweet form of praise that affects the hopeful heart of any writer.




Saturday, June 24, 2017

Cover ART for Book IV in the Harrowbethian Saga

To be released August 10th, 2017!

Book IV in the Harrowbethian Saga
Eena, The Two Sisters

COVER ART REVEAL!

Who wouldn't want to ride on the back of a dragon?


Preorder Eena, The Two Sisters
for KINDLE    NOOK   KOBO    iTUNES



Prepare for unpredictable trials and adventure with the young Queen Eena.
Read the first three chapters on Richelle E. Goodrich's author blog.

Queen Eena sees her world crumbling, chiefly the lives of those she loves most. Affected by a compassionate heart, she tries to console one man who mourns for a lost love while endeavoring to assure another she does indeed plan to marry him... someday. But emotions are sensitive and doubts strong, especially when provoked by the lying tongue of an immortal scoundrel.

All the while, the young queen continues to search for a way to defeat two devious, indestructible sisters who seem capable of manipulating outcomes regardless of Eena's attempts to thwart them. The closer she gets to fulfilling the final demands of these witches, the more it appears only one way exists to save herself and her world—by agreeing to join the enemy. But would that make her a hero or the ultimate traitor?




Look for the beginning books in the Harrowbethian Saga.








Saturday, June 17, 2017

I Learned from my Father

      Lately, my house has been a frenzy of graduation prepping, picture taking, formal ceremonies, and congratulatory parties. I am blaming all of this wonderful craziness for allowing Father's Day to sneak up on me. So here I stand on the threshold of Father's Day, realizing I have yet to write down any personal thoughts. No better time than the present.

     It seems to me that much of what we gain from a father—what we learn from him—comes through observing the way he lives his life. What I wrote two years ago I still believe to be true.


"The greatest lessons I learned from my father didn't come from lectures or discipline or even time spent together. What has stuck with me is his example. From watching, I chose whether to be or not to be like him."
Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway


     Example is a mighty teacher, but that was not all my father offered me. He was good for words of advice that fell from his mouth more than once. One of his top maxims helped solidify my self-confidence at a young age: "Do your best and nothing less." He told me this when I first started school, and I took those words to heart, believing on some internal level that it was my duty. As a result, I put forth my best effort in school and in developing budding talents. That full effort to "do my best" made my accomplishments more impressive than they might have been otherwise. In the process, I earned compliments and recognition that bolstered my developing confidence. Thanks to my father, I have seldom considered any goal above my ability to achieve.

     Another repeated word of advice I heard often was "Don't waste your time worrying about what other people think of you. So long as you can look yourself in the eye every morning with a clear conscience, that's all that matters." I will admit, criticism and praise both affect me. Words have that power over most human beings. But this advice from my father did help develop a most unique and useful ability. I take criticism and hold it apart from me like a book which I read and evaluate and then toss aside if my own opinion differs. Likewise, I have learned to treat praise in a similar manner, appreciating kind words but then setting them aside rather than internalizing what might puff up my ego. My father taught me to form my own opinions and to be true to them. People will enter and exit my life, but I am eternally stuck with me. So, as Shakespeare declared, "To thine own self be true." I do not mean in an egotistical or selfish manner, rather showing sincerity and goodness to oneself. The same as you show to others.

     I recall one day coming home from work—one of my first jobs after high school—and grumbling to my father about how difficult the work was and how my boss wanted a greater amount of production from me than I felt able to give. I wanted to quit. And why not? I was unhappy. The job was a menial position that could easily be replaced by another. Why return to more days—weeks—months of having to endure criticism from a grumpy boss? My father set the bar for me at that moment, one I would sustain for the rest of my life. He said, "You don't quit. Struggling at work, being unhappy, feeling disliked, enduring rebuke, or any other hardship that might come along is no excuse to quit. You get in there and you work hard. You make yourself reliable and teachable and available. And after all of that, if they fire you then fine—they fire you at your best. But you don't quit."

     So I went back to my lousy job and did as my father said. I worked hard. I learned to move faster. I found ways to make better use of my time. By the end of that year, my grumpy boss promoted me to assistant supervisor overseeing the other workers. I was given the task of scheduling hours and granted the power to fire and hire employees in certain positions. My father taught me that rewards do come to those who stay the course and endure well. You don't quit.

     There are many other things I learned from my father, other words of advice that helped shape my character. I won't list them all. I think I turned out alright by him. So I would like to say "Thank you, Dad" for the valuable lessons. I love you and wish you a very happy Father's Day.






Tuesday, June 13, 2017

The Unique Rewards of Friendship


     “What is so rewarding about friendship?” my son asked, curling his upper lip into a sour expression.  “Making friends takes too much time and effort, and for what?”
I sat on the edge of his bed, understanding how it might seem simpler to go at life solo.
“Friendship has unique rewards,” I told him.  “They can be unpredictable.  For instance...”  I couldn’t help but pause to smile crookedly at an old memory that was dear to my heart.  Then I shared with my son an unforgettable incident from my younger years.
“True story.  When I was about your age, I decided to try out for a school play.  Tryouts were to begin after the last class of the day, but first I had to run home to grab a couple props for the monologue I planned to perform during tryouts.  Silly me, I had left them at the house that morning.  Luckily, I only lived across a long expanse of grassy field that separated the school from the nearest neighborhood.  Unluckily, it was raining and I didn’t have an umbrella. 
“Determined to get what I needed, I raced home, grabbed my props, and tore back across the field while my friend waited under the dry protection of the school’s wooden eaves.  She watched me run in the rain, gesturing for me to go faster while calling out to hurry up or we would be late.  
“The rain was pouring by that time which was added reason for me to move fast.  I didn’t want to look like a wet rat on stage in front of dozens of fellow students.  Don’t ask me why I didn’t grab an umbrella from home—teenage pride or lack of focus, I’m not sure—but the increasing rain combined with the hollering from my friend as well as my anxious nerves about trying out for the play had me running far too fast in shoes that lacked any tread.  
“About a yard from the sidewalk where the grass was worn from foot traffic and consequently muddied from the downpour of rain, I slipped and fell on my hind end.  Me, my props, and my dignity slid through the mud and lay there, coated.  My things were dripping with mud.  I was covered in it.  I felt my heart plunge, and I wanted to cry.  I probably would have if it hadn’t been for the wonderful thing that happened right then.  My crazy friend ran over and plopped herself down in the mud beside me.  She wiggled in it, making herself as much a mess as I was.  Then she took my slimy hand in hers and pulled us both to our feet.  We tried out for the play looking like a couple of swine escaped from a pigsty, laughing the whole time.  I never did cry, thanks to my friend.
      “So yes, my dear son, friendship has its unique rewards—priceless ones.”


This story is from the book, Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year, by American author and poet, Richelle E. Goodrich