Thursday, February 28, 2019

A Sneak Peek at What's Inside: Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

       The final book in the Harrowbethian SagaEena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soulwill be released on April 26th, 2019. The book is up for pre-order right now at Amazon and Smashwords. To wet your whistle while you wait, I'm posting a few excerpts from the book. Don't worry, no spoilers here. Enjoy your reading!




__________________________________________________________

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

“You will want to stand close by, but don’t touch it. Just allow your hands to hover. Pretend an atmosphere of acidic gas exists between you and the gemstone, and if you get too close, the acid will eat the flesh off your fingers.”

“That won’t actually happen, will it?”

“No, Amora. I’m just warning you not to touch it.”

“Why? What if I do?”

“The enchantment will fail.”

“From a simple touch?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because why?”

Edgar groaned a sound of annoyance. “Because if you touch it, the stone will suck out your living essence in the most painful manner possible and consume your flesh before turning your bones to powder.”

Her face twisted up imagining the agony of such a death. The worst part was that being immortal, she would somehow survive it.

“You’re lying,” she quickly decided.

“Am I?”

“You just said the flesh won't be eaten off my fingers.”

“If you don’t believe me when I tell you not to touch it, feel free to test the outcome of such folly for yourself.”

“I think I’d rather not.”

“A wise choice. Shall we move on?”

__________________________________________________________


“To offer your life in defense of another is a valiant, honorable way to die.”

__________________________________________________________


“It doesn’t ever change. Does the sun not set in your dreams?”

Eena grinned at his profile, remembering the first time Ian had noticed the same peculiarity. “No. It never sets.” She watched his brow wrinkle as he wondered at the view.

“What good is a stagnant sunset?”

Eena looked at the auburn lights. The question made her think for a moment. “Well, it’s always exactly what I want it to be, right between day and night.”

“But I thought the beauty of a sunset was watching it change, marveling at the shift in colors as they intensify and then eventually fade.”

“All that leaves you with is darkness,” she muttered.

He turned to look at her. “You’re afraid of the dark?”

She shook her head. “I’m afraid of what happens in the dark.”

A look of concern questioned her meaning.

     “Nightmares,” she explained. “And solitude. And loneliness. The dark is where monsters come to life and people feel the need to leave you. Life is never secure in the dark. You never see things clearly in the dark.”

__________________________________________________________


(You look the same.)

(I’m not using it yet.)

(Don’t you think a test run would be a good idea?)

She nodded. (Probably.)

Her eyelids closed as she concentrated on a mental image of the person she wished to impersonate. Her desire was to appear exactly as the immortal leader, Pallador. Calling on the powers of the dragon’s blood, she willed its enchantment alive. It was Ian’s astounded whisper that told her the charm was working.

“Whoa!”

Opening her eyes she fully expected to see Ian staring at the shining gems on the dragon's blood. Instead, he was staring at her with a look that was more or less disgusted.

(That’s really you?) he asked, looking her up and down as though she had turned into some sort of lizard creature.

(Yes, why? What’s wrong with me?) Her gaze dropped to check for herself. All she observed was her tawny dress pulled in at the waist by Edgar’s hideous, glowing belt. She glanced at one arm and then the other, both sleeved in the same billowed silk. Her fingers flailed, still the same short, slender digits.

(Oh crud,) she breathed. (It’s not working.)

(Oh, it’s working alright,) Ian disagreed.

Eena glanced up to find him grinning with real amusement.

(You’re a dead ringer for the guy. Ghost robe, bug eyes, bony fingers, in need of a serious haircut. Exactly like him.)

(Really?)

(Really.)

(Cool,) she breathed and then added, (That’s not very nice how you described him.)

(It’s accurate.)

_______________________________________________________


Shanks snickered with delight. “It’s the end result that matters, doll. Only the victor walks away with his head intact. Every soldier on this ship knows that as well.”

Eena glared hard at the smirking giant. “Oh, and one more thing. Kira really hates you.”

Shanks broke out in such a fit of laughter that even Kode found it contagious. Niki smacked her boyfriend on the back of the head for being insensitive.

(Kira did not say that,) Ian groaned critically.

(So what? It’s true,) Eena grumbled. (I hate him too.)

(I don’t know why you let the guy get under your skin. Who cares what he thinks? You have nothing to prove to him.)

Eena glared harder at the laughing Viidun as she thought about what bothered her most. It was the way Shanks acted, as if he considered himself superior to everyone. The thug was always bossing people around, snubbing their opinions, surpassing others at even the most trivial accomplishments. But the worst thing was that he honestly saw himself as invincible.

(The guy is full of himself, so what? Just let it roll off your back.)

If only simple advice were as simple to carry out.
_______________________________________________________


She covered her mouth while her promised one slipped back into the rock he now considered his eternal tomb.

Pallador took possession of the scarlet gem and returned it to its dark hiding place. Eena couldn’t move. She stood frozen, facing the wall of mirrors, staring at a pathetic image that mourned in endless repeated reflections. This would be her agonizing eternity if she agreed to stay in Tribanees. This would be her hell—seeing her beloved day after day after day, unable to feel his touch or know his physical affections. This was no blessing in tragedy. Cursed be the immortal that believed time was more precious than love. Her answer to Pallador’s offer was an irrefutable and definitive no.


__________________________________________________________


“What secrets?” Eena blurted out.

Kira answered the question by defensively listing them out 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 felt a rise of 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 fresh waterworks 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.”

__________________________________________________________


Kira pointed to each surrounding Mishmorat as she went on. “You are part of our sisterhood, girl, which means for life. We rely on you, and we need you to rely on us. We’re sisters, trusting in each other always. If I don’t know what’s happening in your life, there’s no way I can help. And if I can’t help, then I’m of no value. Don’t do that to me.

__________________________________________________________


“Brazen it out! Throw away the scabbard! Grit your teeth, buckle down, and die with your boots on! Or in other words, be determined and resolved until you accomplish the thing you set out to accomplish.”

__________________________________________________________








Saturday, February 23, 2019

Pre-Order The Final Book in the Harrowbethian Saga

I did it!
With an ample amount of sweat and tears and precious muse-moments, I created an entire epic saga, taking it from those first few written words typed out during the days before a Christmas long-past to a six-book adventure that was only twelve years in the making. That is a LOT of invested time and energy. But oh, how I have fallen in love with the completed work! I am well-pleased with the solid ending. One perk of writing your own stories is getting to create the endings of your choice.

Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul is book number six in the Harrowbethian Saga. It is the culminating chapters of Queen Eena's fantastical, heroic, and romantic adventure. It might surprise you how things wrap up. I won't give away too much of what happens, though A LOT happens. It will make you smile and cry and roll your eyes and hopefully laugh in the right spots. I dare you not to daydream about the story when responsibilities force you to put the book down.

Where can you get a copy? Right now it is available for pre-order on Amazon or Smashwords. The ebook and paperback versions will be released on April 26th, 2019--a fitting date because the very first book in the Harrowbethian Saga was published on April 26th, 2012. And, to make it more special, that is my sister's birthday.

This adventure has been a joy for me to write. It is a tremendous accomplishment to finally, after twelve years, bring the Harrowbethian Saga to an end. I hope you will love this crazy story as much as I have loved writing my daydream to life. As always, happy reading!


The sixth book in the Harrowbethian Saga and  
the grand finale to Sha Eena's story:

The young queen of Harrowbeth is determined to set things right, but doing so means breaking a few big rules. Joined by a select group of Harrowbethian militiamen, as well as a handful of Viidun warriors and a few spunky Mishmorat sisters, Queen Eena sets off for Laradine—the home world of the immortals.

There in the land of Tribanees, with the support of her traveling companionship, she intends to confront the immortal governing body and convince them to undo a terrible wrong. But persuading immortals to concern themselves with the troubles of temporary beings may prove to be a futile waste of time. Things get carried away, plans are drastically altered, and before long Eena starts to wonder how many wrongs it will take to finally set things right.




Friday, February 8, 2019

The True Story of a U.S. Soldier

Have you ever wondered what it was really like being drafted to fight in a war? Do you fully comprehend the sacrifices made by those who served as soldiers in wars past? Would you like to hear the true story of one of those soldiers?

Vietnam Diary: A Memoir for my Posterity by Lanny H. Starr is an autobiographical account told by the author. He was drafted into the Vietnam War and served a two-year tour of duty as an Army Sergeant. Following are a few reviews of the book:

"A very human and insightful tour of duty of a true patriot. Thank you Mr. Starr for serving our great country honorably in Vietnam, and sharing your story with us. I highly recommend this memoir, and sincerely hope that you, your family and fellow veterans are proud of their service."

"One of the most interesting books that I read...A must read. I felt like I was there. Thank you for your service."

"Great read really puts things about this time in our history in perspective. Glad to hear he got home OK."

"Very intense reading and you can feel how much this Nov cares about his men.glade you made it back home."

"This book was hard to put down because my mind kept coming back to the same staggering understanding: This isn't fiction; these things actually happened!"

Monday, February 4, 2019

Author Podcast Interview

     I'm excited to announce I was interviewed by the lovely Vikki J. Carter on her author podcast. It was a pleasure to visit with her and talk about the different aspects of writing, editing, and publishing. Listen to Authors of the Pacific Northwest this month and catch the interviews of many interesting authors. Listen for mine on February 25th! I'll be reading from my written works at the end of the interview. Hopefully, I don't sound as nervous on the air as I felt.

Saturday, January 5, 2019

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





Monday, December 31, 2018

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:





















Saturday, December 8, 2018

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!



Monday, October 29, 2018

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.




Tuesday, October 9, 2018

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!


Wednesday, October 3, 2018

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