Windmaster Legacy, a romantic fantasy from Helen Henderson

Please help us welcome Helen Henderson to the blog this week. Helen is here to share her book Windmaster Legacy, a romantic fantasy. Welcome, Helen! We are all excited to hear more about Windmaster Legacy.

 

Q&A with Helen Henderson:

Where is your favorite place to write?
There is something about the water that summons the muse. When in the mountains, the writing space was a rocking chair on the porch of a log cabin overlooking a tranquil lake. At home it was a bench on the fishing pier. The roof provided shade. Boats motoring up the channel took the mind to distant lands while the breeze calmed the soul.

What inspires you as an author?
Inspiration can appear in many forms. Photographs of places I’ve been, or wish to go to, for the basis of settings in fantasy worlds of imagination or lands beyond the stars. People-watching adds to the realism of character attitudes and descriptions. Although it seems that each novel I write has its own unique musical inspiration, some songs translate from book to book, while other tunes help create one book, then go back into the CD pile. The haunting tones of the “Lonely Man Theme,” the piano solo played at the end of each episode of “The Incredible Hulk,” have applied to a character, a fantasy setting, and even a scene of leave-taking on the eve of battle. “Ireland’s Call” by Celtic Thunder has provided the emotion baseline for duty and honor. Period instrumentals or celtic harp and flute tunes help create the fantasy setting. A favorite tune when capturing the antics of the magical equine breeds of falaire, seidheirn, and seisag is the old Irish quickstep, “Garryowen.”

Why do you write romance and why your genre of romance?
I originally started out writing historical westerns and sword and sorcery fantasy. The tales were full of action and adventure. Then I joined a critique group and romance learned to take its position alongside action. As to what sub-genre of romance my novels fall into? Although my to-be-finished drawer contains stories that include science fiction and historical westerns, the Windmaster Novels and the Dragshi Chronicles are fantasy, romantic fantasy, or fantasy romance depending on the storyline. Imprisoned in Stone is a dark fantasy with strong romantic elements. And, my newest release, Windmaster Legend, is either a love story or a romance (happily-ever after ending required), depending on the ending the reader chooses.

What are you working on next and when can we expect to see it?
A novel set in the world of Windmaster that I started during NanoWriMo (also known as the crazy month for authors when we try to write 50,000 words in a span of a month) is demanding to be finished. And a twist on a dragon shifter story is fighting for equal time. As to when the world will be exposed to the magic and dragons? That depends on what roadblocks life throws my way and what slots are open in the publisher’s calendar. I’m hoping for a late 2020 release.

What would you do if you couldn’t write?
I would still need the act of creating something. It might be baking or photography. And if my fingers allow handicrafts including crocheting, knitting, and beading, with a little embroidery thrown in. Two things that definitely wouldn’t be on the list are singing and dancing.

How do you spend your free time?
As the years have passed and I’ve aged, non-writing activities have changed. Bicycle riding and antique and air shows gave way to cross-stitch embroidery and crocheting. Somethings, such as caring for home and hearth, haven’t changed. Currently, writing time is sandwiched between caregiving tasks.

About Windmaster Legacy:

Newly handfasted to the dark-haired archmage Lord Dal, Ellspeth and her husband escort his mother to her ancestral lands. While Dal searches for Bashim, a rogue mage, mercenaries under his control attack. Dal’s mother is severely wounded and Ellspeth is captured. Her sole hope for escape is Nobyn, an untrained wizard going through the throes of awakening magic. However, Nobyn is Bashim’s apprentice and under the mage’s total control.

Dal must make an impossible decision whether to rescue his wife, cure his mother, or thwart Bashim’s plans. More than who lives or dies is at stake. He might be able to live with his guilt over the death of a loved one, but could he survive killing the future of magic.

Windmaster Legacy Available At:

Excerpt from Windmaster Legacy:

An ancient lover’s melody drifted from Dal’s vicinity. One chord led into another, then another until a tune formed in Ellspeth’s mind. Splashing from the tub provided the tempo she needed for the chorus. Taking up her flute, she played the composition until it was set in her fingers and her mind.

“I’ll write it down in the morning,” she muttered to herself, her soft voice not disturbing the serenity of the atmosphere.

“That song is very good,” Dal said. “I could see the two lovers asleep in each other’s arms, the mountain sprites dancing around them.” He tossed Ellspeth the pouch containing her writing tools. “What do you plan to do with the music? We should get back to Katheul long enough before the holiday that Timmel can use it for the turn’s end celebration.”

“That’s all right,” she said, playfully lobbing the pouch back at him. “I have both the melody and words firm enough in my mind I can write them down whenever I please. There are a couple of verses I think I’ll change after I’ve slept on them.”

Ellspeth’s brow creased as she broached a subject she wanted to discuss. “I did have a thought earlier.”

“About?”

She waited until Dal crossed the floor and put his arms around her waist before she answered his question. Even then she delayed, leaning back against his chest. His skin still damp from the bath cooled the heat rising in her own. Taking a deep breath, Ellspeth quietly said, “Karora.”

Although Ellspeth could not see his face, she felt his arms tighten.

“She’ll be a good mate for Fraunces,” he whispered into her ear. “Although there has been no formal declaration, I’m sure she will travel with us. Vanora already agreed to be Karora’s mount. And Greum said he thought Aranin would make an interesting companion.”

The pressure eased as Dal raised an arm and pointed out the window. “Aren’t those stars Iol and Pelra, the lovers who were turned into shipfish? You told me the tale on our first sail together.”

“Yes.”

“I remember something else about that sail,” Dal’s voice held a hint of mischief.

Ellspeth closed her eyes at the memory of how she had rejected magic. “I almost lost you.”

Dal’s arms moved to Ellspeth’s shoulders to turn her around to face him. “There was no way I would have let you go. From our first meeting on the dock, magic or no magic, I knew we would spend our lives together. The servants are gone for the evening and Eilidh stayed at Kurrin’s clanhold. We have the house to ourselves tonight.”

Moonlight showed the desire on his face.

About the Author:

Although the author of several local histories, and numerous articles on the topics of American and military history, antiques and collectibles, Henderson’s first love is fiction. Her work in the museum and history fields enables a special insight into creating fantasy worlds. The descendent of a coal-miner’s daughter and an aviation flight engineer, her writing reflects the contrasts of her heritage as well as that of her Gemini sign. Her stories cross genres from historical westerns to science fiction and fantasy. In the world of romantic fantasy, she is the author of the Dragshi Chronicles and The Windmaster Novels. In her books, she invites you to join her on travels through the stars, or among fantasy worlds of the imagination.

She loves to hear from readers. Find her online at

Helen’s Social Media Links:

 

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