Vietnam Diary

Hey! I have an incredible treat for you!

So, my dad has been retired for a while, and with all his free time he decided to jot down personal memories about his experiences serving a tour in the Vietnam War. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, along with about 650,000 other men at the time. It certainly was not what he or his parents or his fiancee anticipated. 

My dad finished his story and then, to our surprise, he handed out copies to my mom, my siblings, and me. I read his story from beginning to end, engrossed the entire time. Oh man! It was like watching a war movie on the big screen, only this was real! This was my father's actual, true life experiences! I learned a lot, and felt a lot, reading this personal diary.

Reporting back to my father, I told him that he seriously needed to take these pages and make them into a book. After a little coaxing, he agreed to let me edit the writing, add a few photos from his tour in Vietnam, and have the entirety printed off in paperback form. BUT, it was only to be handed out to close family and friends. 

"Oh come on, Dad. This story would benefit so many people. You really should publish it."

                                     "I don't know."

"Seriously, Dad, it's an eye-opening account. Tons of people would love to read it."

                                     "Well...I'll think about it."

So he thought about it.  And guess what! After handling the final product and browsing through it again, my dad actually agreed to publish his book! This is exciting news! Believe me, you're going to want to read it. Here's the synopsis from the back cover:

"Greetings from the President."
I had just been drafted into the U.S. Army. It was the last thing I expected, and it was certainly not what my parents or fiancee wanted to hear. Enclosed in these pages are my personal experiences from a tour served in Vietnam during the war. This book is written in my own words, a diary for my family and posterity. I hope this recounting will help them comprehend the great sacrifices made by brave soldiers in wartime, sacrifices that protect freedoms we tend to take for granted. This is my true story."

You can get a copy of my dad's book on Amazon.com or Lulu.com in either paperback or e-book form. Don't miss out on this! If you are curious at all about what it was like fighting in the Vietnam war, or if you wonder about the incredible sacrifices made by brave soldiers in defense of our freedoms, or if you like memoirs and reality stories--get this book. Yes, that's my dad on the cover. Sergeant Starr.

Buy now at

Amazon.com

I Hit 300 Likes!

     Today was a milestone day for me. I discovered that my most-popular quote on Goodreads.com hit 300 likes! It's my first quote to cross the 300 mark! Take a look below. 

     Yes, yes, I'm tickled pink about it. I love little triumphs; they keep me going. You should know that this accomplishment didn't happen overnight. It was back in October of 2012 that the above quote was posted on Goodreads. That was nearly six years ago! The point is, it often takes time for the "likes" to add up and for accumulated efforts to pay off. Moral of the story: Never give up! 

I Love Poetry

Why do I love poetry? For many reasons. Because poetry is artistic. Because poems have intrinsic beauty. Because they are a creative means of expression. I love poetry because of the way it manipulates my emotions, much the way music and sunsets and thoughtful gestures do. I write poetry, hoping to convey to the reader what I feel, what I love, what I struggle with, what I hope for. At different times, I appreciate certain poems more than others. If you asked me what my favorite poem was today, it would be the following. It is one I wrote from the perspective of an outsider.​

---

          “I want to hear her laugh.
           To watch sunbeams awaken her visage and shine through her eyes. To see the gray clouds of regret that hang heavy over her head rain away to nothing.
           I want to hear her sunny voice dance on the breeze, as light and free as glossy bubbles, floating up…up…up to pop like hiccups. I want to know the type and form of key I must cut to unshackle even a portion of her joy.
           If I could pluck the winning feather; if my smile could convince; if I could stroke her vocal chords like harp strings and make each treble note ascend to euphoria. Oh, to hear the giggled melody she would release into a world craving the balm of mirth!
           I ache to experience that. I am desperate for it.
           I live for the day I hear her laugh.”

Copyright 2018 Richelle E. Goodrich 

Cover Reveal for the FINAL BOOK in my NEW Saga

I  had an itch to do things differently with this final book in the Harrowbethian Saga and decided to work backwards by completing the cover before editing the story. I know, I know, it means you still have to wait a few months before the actual book is released, but hey—now you have a visual to help your imagination run wild guessing how Queen Eena's adventures will come to an end! That's half the fun about reading a series, isn't it?

Creating this cover was somewhat bittersweet since all the while I knew it was the last one I would illustrate for my very first HUGE writing accomplishment. Who ever thought I would actually write an entire original saga? Not me! However, now that I've scaled that mountain, I'm psyched to try again.

After weeks of contemplating the crazy events that take place in this culminating book, I eventually envisioned the cover I wanted. I chose to showcase Queen Eena elegantly dressed alongside her immortal watch dog, the impish Edgarmetheus. Both characters are dynamic individuals who play vital roles in this book. The background scene is a representation of a new planet you have yet to discover. 

I'm sorry that I can't give a release date for book six entitled, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul, but it will be worth the wait! I can tell you that the paperback copy of book five—Eena the Tempter's Snare—contains the very first chapter of book six. You might want to check it out!

NOW...

Without further ado... 

The Final Cover!

Paperback Version Cover

Quote from the book:

“Compassion only plagues those with hearts, much like a field of thorns only troubles those who bleed.”

~ Naradite

E-book Cover

Copyright 2018 Richelle E. Goodrich

Meet Kahm Derian, Captain of the Kemeniroc

Kahm Derian (Captain Derian) is head of Harrowbeth's national security and commander of a galactic battleship known as the Kemeniroc. He was born into his important position, having taken over as commander some years after his father's death.

Derian is a wise, capable, and cunning leader with a naturally assertive and intimidating personality. He is an expert pilot and a master swordsman. He heads a mallawum team know as the Dragon Slayers that are often favored to win each season of play. It was at a very young age that he learned to wield a sword in order to play the game.

The captain runs a tight ship, expecting nothing but the best from his men and himself. He has earned the loyalty of the soldiers under his command throughout years of service on the Kemeniroc. During an unprecedented civil war that lasted over fourteen long years, he saved their lives in battle numerous times.

Derian fights to protect Harrowbeth and his queen, Sha Eena, although the pair have an uncanny habit of squabbling, voicing contradictory opinions on nearly every subject. Despite being smitten with her, the captain finds himself frequently aggravated by the young queen's impetuous decisions that are often the fault of her inexperienced and tender heart.

You can read more about Kahm Derian and his friends in the Harrowbethian Saga, an epic fantasy/scifi/romance series by American author, Richelle E. Goodrich.

10 Things to Know About Book V

     The fifth book in the Harrowbethian Saga is out now for your reading pleasure! Eena, The Tempter's Snare is available for purchase at most online book-retailers in e-book and paperback form. Get ready to continue Eena's adventures with the following ten things you want to know about the book:

1. Eena is turning 18.

2. The world will celebrate with an extravagant birthday party.

3. Harrowbeth expects their queen to marry within the year.

4. Despite her stubborn nature, Eena has learned to think ahead before acting impetuously. To some extent, anyway.

5. She discovers secrets about the initiation process into an intriguing Mishmorat organization.

6. The dragon, Ascultone, is still determined to end her life.

7. Eena revisits childhood moments spent with Derian, Ian, and Angelle.

8. Edgarmetheus has not disappeared for good.

9. Neither have his wicked sisters.

10. Boundaries blur, making choices harder for everyone.

What are you waiting for?
Read the first 4 books in the Harrowbethian Saga:

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Book V is Out!

Just in case you haven't heard...

                                            ...book 5 in the Harrowbethian Saga is now available on Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and many other online book retailers. Purchase this fun fantasy-romance―Eena, The Tempter's Snare―in e-book or paperback. 

Bonus: chapter one from book six (the final book in the Harrowbethian Saga) is included in the paperback version!

Following is the first early review posted on Goodreads:

Jackie rated it 5 stars 

"It was amazing!

This 5th book in the Harrowbethian Saga was very compelling to me. It may be my favorite in the series so far. I am a big fan of the Mishmorat, Kira, and she is an important character in this book, as she shares the cover with Eena this time. As always, the book ends with a cliff hanger, leaving you wanting more. I am eager to read the final book, to see what happens in the end...but I am also worried, too. I guess maybe I am not ready for the series to end yet."

Want to know more about the Harrowbethian Saga? Here are summaries for books one thru five.

Book I - Eena, The Dawn and Rescue: Sevenah Williams lives a quiet farm life until she stumbles upon a mysterious past and learns she is heir to the throne of Harrowbeth. She is the last living of royal blood able to don a peculiar and enchanted heirloom necklace. Given the new name, Eena, she sets off for a new home—a world plagued by civil war—only to discover that her enemies and allies are near impossible to distinguish.

Book II - Eena, The Return of a Queen: An enemy at their heels, a dragon stone portending the queen's demise, and an armada prepared to battle against all odds in hopes of altering the future.

Book III - Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave: Deep within Lacsar Forest inside the black walls of Wanyaka Cave, a childhood ghost story becomes reality. Two evil sisters and their brother, along with a dragon forced to do their bidding, combine efforts to manipulate Queen Eena into freeing them from their eternal prison. And it seems she hasn't the power to resist.

Book IV - Eena, The Two Sisters: Queen Eena sees her world crumbling, chiefly the lives of those she loves most. She must thwart the evil plans of two devious immortal sisters either by defeating them or doing the inconceivable and joining them.

Book V - Eena, The Tempter's Snare: It is the queen's eighteenth birthday, and all of Moccobatra is eagerly prepared to participate in a world-wide celebration. Within the year, the young queen of Harrowbeth will be married as tradition dictates, but not everyone is happy with her choice of a suitor. Pressures mount and are added upon by disturbing dreams that could possibly change the future of Harrowbeth.

Meet Gavin, Keykeeper of Dreamland

Gavin is a trustworthy young man with a big responsibility. He is the keykeeper of Dreamland, which means he holds the one and only physical key that opens the gates to his homeland. He is a loyal and busy keykeeper, but like most boys, he is also curious, mischievous, and very interested in fun—especially when it involves sword fighting with notorious pirates or bowling with giant ogres or being swallowed whole by big bad wolves.

Gavin loves his home; he loves his parents, despite their wide and watchful eyes that seem to constantly monitor his performance as keykeeper. But his imagination, which works harder then most, keeps him one step ahead of those who try to cross under, through, or over the gates into his world. He is a clever boy with whom it is a genuine pleasure to dream. 

Read more about Gavin in the following books written by Richelle E. Goodrich:


        

Find these stories on Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes&Noble

Meet Kira the Mishmorat

Kira has spotted skin on nearly every area of her body excluding the face. This is because she is a Mishmorat. Her small spots closely resemble the pattern you see on cheetahs.  Mishmorats are recognized by them scattered over naturally bronzed skin. They are also known for jet-black hair that falls in lengths as smooth and glossy as cream.

Kira is athletic and exceptionally strong like most of her people. And, like most female Mishmorats, her graceful mannerisms and sexy sway are hard to ignore. These unique women are known all over the world of Moccobatra as exotic beauties.

Kira has a bold, fiery personality. She looks out for herself, her family, and her initiated sisters who belong to the Mishmorat Sisterhood. She is a friend to young Queen Eena who often refers to the Mishmorat as both frustrating and annoying. Kira is not above employing aggressive or questionable tactics if she believes it will turn the tide her way.

Despite her surly exterior, Kira has a big heart. She wants to fall in love and be loved in return. Nonetheless, do not even think about double-crossing this woman because it may be the last thing you do.

Read more about Kira the Mishmorat and her friends in the Harrowbethian Saga, an epic fantasy/scifi/romance series by American author, Richelle E. Goodrich.

Cover Reveal! Eena, The Tempter's Snare

One of my favorite things about completing a book is the cover reveal. I am an extremely visual person, hence my love for art and performance. To sell me on a book, you simply have to attract my eye with the cover. 

Today I am posting my newest cover for my book—Eena, The Tempter's Snare. The cover shows Kira the Mishmorat and her Harrowbethian friend, the young Queen Eena, inside a secret cave that exists beyond the borders of Harrowbeth. This scene is from book V in the Harrowbethian Saga. It is scheduled to be released next month on April 26th, 2018. 

Front Cover

Back Cover

Meet Miss Annabelle Fancher

             

Annabelle Fancher is the kindest, sweetest child you will ever meet—that is if you can tolerate her smell. 

      An only child, Anna lives in unpleasant circumstances that do not allow for many soapy baths. She is a pretty girl, but poor. Her homelife is such that she frequently goes without what others take for granted.

The sunlight in her life comes in the form of fairy tales. Anna is a ferocious reader who falls in love with every narrated character she meets. You will be hard-pressed to find a child possessing more vivid imagining skills or more humble personal attributes. Delve into Annabelle's fantasy world, meet her beloved fairy tale friends, and empathize with her real-life struggles in the dramatic novel, Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher.  Find it on Amazon.

Five P's for Positive Progress

     At the close of this year, I’ve been contemplating what to write about, going over those things I accomplished and those things I failed to see through during the previous 365 days. I was fortunate to publish two books in 2017: Slaying Dragons―a book of poetry, quotes, and short stories―and Eena, The Two Sisters from my epic fantasy series, The Harrowbethian Saga. My oldest son return from a mission where he served in Tokyo, Japan, and I helped him settle into a dorm room at a state University. I sent my second son to New Zealand where he is currently serving a mission. I worked as a committee chairman for my youngest son’s Boy Scout troop, and I also helped him to prepare for a performance in the local high school musical. I wrote a little poetry and penned a few words of wisdom, but overall I was unable to spend as much time writing as I hoped. There were goals and resolutions on my "to-do" list that were not accomplished.

     Pondering why I was able to see some goals through to the end while others I either partway finished or completely set aside, I came up with what I call the Five P's for Positive Progress. Catchy title, huh? Let's take a look at each one.

1) Priority: The goals I set as top priorities were the ones I saw through to the end. I learned that whatever moved to the forefront of my to-do list was accomplished. Things not considered a priority were neglected.

2) Planning: I have found this to be a huge determiner in accomplishing any goal―planning what, when, where, and how I intend to carry out each step. Writing down the reasons why I want to attain a certain goal motivates me to work at it. Neglecting to plan frequently results in failed attempts.


3) Partitions: My goals were more likely to be achieved when partitioned into small tasks that could be done in short stretches of time. Five or ten-minute tasks I fit into my schedule while time-consuming projects often took a back seat. The impressive thing was watching those five-minute efforts add up to big accomplishments.


4) Preference: The truth is, preferable activities tend to find a way into my daily routine. Goals that I find enjoyable I am willing to sacrifice for, be it a lunch hour or a little sleep. I can get by on five hours of sleep if it means reading a few more chapters in a book I love.


5) Profitable: There is motivation in profit, be it monetary or other benefits. When small accomplishments toward a larger goal result in pleasant rewards, it simply encourages more success toward achieving the end goal.


     This new year I once again made personal resolutions. I want to edit and publish book V and book VI in the Harrowbethian Saga before 2018 comes to a close. My son has challenged me to reach a running goal, one he set for himself as well. I also hope to work on writing more poetry with the intent of putting together a book of my best poems. The Five P's for Positive Progress will help me attain these goals. I know that I have to make them a priority and plan how I intend to accomplish each goal. That plan must include partitioning the whole into small tasks that can fit into my busy schedule. Lastly, I need to make the work both enjoyable and rewarding in order to motivate myself. It is doable!
I hope that these suggestions give you something to ponder as you set your New Year's resolutions. Good luck and Happy New Year! Happy reading too!

"If I must start somewhere, right here and now is the best place imaginable." 

— Richelle E. Goodrich, Making Wishes

Ask the Author

     For me, the absolute best thing about writing is the time I spend in make-believe worlds where I share adventures with characters of my own design. It brings great joy into my days and often helps me cope with real life characters whom, unfortunately, I cannot shape to my liking with an enchanted ink pen.




     I'm inspired to write in a number of ways. I surround myself with pictures and objects that remind me of stories I'm working on, things like dragons, pirates, model sailing ships, glittering butterflies, and my favorite statue of two fairies embracing. One of the best inspirational tools for me is to simply daydream for a while. Soon enough, I'm reaching for a pen and notebook to write down the dreamed adventure.




     First, if you want to be a writer, then WRITE! Spend less time thinking, studying, researching, learning, worrying about the art and just write! Write a sentence, a paragraph, a page every day of your life—about anything and everything. Scribble out a poem, a quote, a set of instructions, a portion of a developing novel, a letter to a friend, and so on. Read your work over and edit it. Then set it aside for a while before reading and editing it again. The point is,writing and re-writing are the exercises for authors that lead to excellence.

     Secondly, READ everything. Read books, articles, recipes, blogs, letters, cereal boxes, and so on. Pay attention to the details that draw you in. Note what causes you to lose interest. Keep a journal of what you learn, and refer to it now and then.

     Thirdly, pick up a basic GRAMMAR book and memorize it; put that knowledge to use.