Over Halfway There

     Yes, I am still working on editing book VI―the big finale―of the Harrowbethian Saga, but the good news is I'm over halfway done. So far, I'm loving this last big adventure that awaits Queen Eena. Here's a little excerpt from the book. It's hard to share some of the exciting parts because they would be spoilers to the story. This excerpt, however, needs no spoiler alert, so enjoy!

     “What secrets?” Eena blurted out.

     Kira answered by defensively listing them on her fingers. “How about the fact that Derian was coming for you in a few short days, or the fact that Gemdorin was forcing you to search for some magic gem we were all unaware existed. How about the knowledge of your unusual powers that you stupidly used to infect the Ghengats, which was also a secret you kept to yourself until it was discovered by Gemdorin, making it too late for us to do anything about preventing you from being beaten half to death! You hide things as if you think your abilities are so superior to what the rest of us can possibly contribute!”

     Eena shook her head adamantly. “That’s not what I think…”

     “It’s how you behave. It’s how you come across to everyone. Your selfish actions speak a helluva lot louder than your hollow words or your foolish intentions.”

     The young queen could feel tears burn her eyes. “My intentions are not foolish. All I ever meant to do was protect those around me.”

     “By keeping us in the dark? That’s not protection, girl. That’s neglect.”

     Eena sniffled as tears ran down her cheeks. Her face twisted up, confused. “People get hurt when they’re involved in my problems!”

     “In our problems.”

     “No! My problems!” she insisted.

     Kira threw up her arms. “There you go being all selfish again!”

     Eena sucked in a ragged breath, almost crying out the next question. “How do you figure that’s being selfish? I’m trying to keep everyone safe!”

     “And what did I just get through telling you about that idiotic notion?”

     Eena looked up at the ceiling. She raised her palms in frustration as she bawled. “I don’t know what else to do! What do you want from me?”

     Kira stepped forward and knelt in front of her tortured sister. Her hand rested gently on Eena’s knee as the Mishmorat’s gruff countenance melted. A softer, kinder voice answered the desperate question.

     “We want you to understand that the world doesn’t rest on your shoulders. You’re only responsible for a small portion of what happens daily on Moccobatra. Life isn’t dependent upon you alone, Sha Eena. It’s dependent upon all of us. We’re a team. We work together doing our own part. We need you to be part of our team, not a single entity existing on your own.”

     ― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

Looking Back

   Six years ago, I published my first book. I'll admit, holding that smooth paperback copy in my hands, thumbing through the printed pages, was a thrilling experience. I could hardly keep from smiling knowing that every word comprised my own original story. 

     At that same time, I introduced myself on social media. I felt a burst of excitement with every new follower, and I learned to appreciate the slow and steady increase in book sales and internet posts and interviews and every other small event that helped me as a poet and novelist.  

Sometimes it is fun to look back and see how far you've come. Today, on the brink of a new year, it seems like the perfect time for such personal reflection. So here goes.

Six years ago, 40 people "liked" my most popular book quote on Goodreads. Two years ago that number reached 237 "likes." Today, my most popular book quote on Goodreads has 310 "likes."

Six years ago, 8 people considered my writing good enough to call themselves a fan or follower on Goodreads. Two years ago, the number reached 149. Today, 206 people follow me on Goodreads.

Six years ago, I started out with 3 followers on Twitter. Two years ago, that number increased to 887. Today, 1849 people follow me on Twitter.

Other accomplishments include 13,552 visits people have made to my author website, 441 followers on my Facebook author page, 397 followers on my Instagram page, and 122 followers on my Tumblr page. 

From that first book published in April of 2012, nine others have followed. 

I am grateful to all who have supported me as a poet and author. Thank you for purchasing my books. Thank you for leaving kind comments and reviews at Amazon, Goodreads, and other sites where books are sold. Thank you for telling your friends and acquaintences about my works. 

2019 promises to be a good year for writing. Slowly but steadily, I am moving closer to my goal of finding real success as a poet and novelist. Sometimes it is consoling to look back and clearly see that.

Happy New Year, all!


You can follow me on the following social sites:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RichelleEGoodrich/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/REGoodrich

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richellegoodrich/

Author Website – https://www.richellegoodrich.com

Author Blog - https://regoodrichnews.blogspot.com/

LibraryThing - https://www.librarything.com/profile/REGoodrich

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/regoodrich/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/regoodrich/

Tumblr - http://regoodrich.tumblr.com/

Google+ - https://plus.google.com/u/0/105426719345785938668

Goodreads Profile - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5082833.Richelle_E_Goodrich

Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Richelle-E.-Goodrich/e/B008A6A5W4/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vu00_tkin_p1_i9

Book Giveaway!

It's the season of giving, so what better way to celebrate than by giving someone a special gift? That's why I am doing a book giveaway! These books are very special to me. They certainly took a great deal of time and effort to write.

So how do you enter to win a signed copy of one of my books? Glad you asked. Just visit my author Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/RichelleEGoodrich/ 
Then scroll down to the ENTER TO WIN post. "Like" the post and comment which of the six pictured books you're interested in. You can read summaries of my books either on Amazon (just search my name) or on my official author website: https://www.richellegoodrich.com 

A winner will be drawn on December 20th, 2018. I will post the winner on my author Facebook page that day. 

Good luck! 

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

Update: 12/20/2018

And the winner of my book giveaway is DeAnn Smith! Congratulations, DeAnn, you won a signed copy of Smile Anyway!

How about a second winner since it is the season of giving? Okay! And the second winner is... Colm Boyle! Congratulations, Colm, you won a signed copy of Eena, The Dawn and Rescue!

And thanks to my amazing son with the Christmas llama for drawing the names out of a hat!

A NEW Addition Today for The Tarishe Curse!

Hold onto your magic charms because The Tarishe Curse continues TODAY! I have posted the next installment in my ongoing Hallows Eve tale on my author blog for your reading pleasure. I hope you enjoy it! 

And oh, watch out for the witch; she is a hideous creature.

This is a developing online book with new chapters added by the author every Halloween. Visit The Tarishe Curse website to read this story in the making.

Summary: Catherine fights every Hallows Eve to protect her village from creatures of the night. She has sworn to avenge the deaths of loved ones, but a witch's curse may prove a stumbling block impossible to overcome.

A thrilling piece of fantasy fiction from the Queen of Werefolk's point of view. It is challenging enough for Duvalla and Kresh to protect their young family in a world of Hallows Eve creatures, but such a feat proves near impossible when a witch bent on vengeance against the werewolves casts a Tarishe curse that manipulates both heart and mind. The fight is not only with the sword but an internal struggle to love the ones Duvalla has sworn under a spell to hate, and hate the one who through evil enchantment manipulates her heart.

Read The Tarishe Curse

       It was seven years ago that I sat down to write a werewolf story for my friend, Cathie Duvall, who is without a doubt one of Halloween's biggest fans. I remember thinking it would be fun to surprise her with a short story suitable for the spooky holiday. I never thought she would ask me what happens next in the story. I had no plans for "what next," so I never expected that our friendly conversation would result in a Halloween tradition that is now in its seventh year! 

       Since that October of 2012, I have added yearly installments to what has become an ongoing tale about the Queen of Werefolk and her entanglement with evil witches, a lonely warlock, desperate vampires, merciless gargoyles, and oh yes, hideous trolls. Writing annual chapters to The Tarishe Curse has become my Hallows Eve tradition, one I'll admit is a real challenge for me. Typically, I plan out my stories from beginning to end before jotting the first sentence on paper. But this tale I created year by year without any idea where it leads. I still don't know for certain how to wrap up the crazy tale. With a wild twist, I hope!

       If you have yet to discover the curse suffered by Queen Duvalla and her werewolf pack, start reading the The Tarishe Curse today.

       Happy Hallows Eve reading, everyone!

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