Cathie Dunn writes...

After a break of a couple of years, my Sunday series, My Place , is back. At My Place , authors chat about the locations of their novels, how they came to choose them and a bit about them. Intrigued, as you're new to it? Well, let's start! Today, I want to extend a warm welcome to Ailsa Abraham , author of fantasy romance novels, Alchemy and Shaman's Drum . A white witch and shaman herself, the characters in her books share her knowledge.  Welcome to My Place , Ailsa! ~~~ A Capital Idea! Many thanks to Cathie for inviting me over to talk about the settings and inspirations for my books Alchemy and Shaman's Drum .  Those of you who have already read them will notice that the main Temple and the Guild of  Black Shaman are situated in a city only known as “the capital”. This was quite deliberate. I wanted the world in which the characters are living to be as real to the reader as their nearest metropolis. I mention the underground but those exist in many ...

Today, I'm hosting fellow Crooked Cat author, Ailsa Abraham. With the feast of Beltaine (or Beltane) upon us, she has looked at modern day celebrations. Fascinating! Oh, and don't miss out the giveaway on her website - see link below! BELTAINE NOW Beltaine is coming and there will be a lot of articles explaining what it is and how it started but not many which cast a light on the way modern neo-Pagans celebrate the festival of the Goddess and her Lord's “wedding”. I put that in inverted commas because I am trying to be discreet, in none of the many erudite works I have read to the sacred couple make any vows. These days, rather like Christmas or Bonfire Night, the celebration of Beltaine can be a huge public affair or a very private one, with all possibilities in-between. Probably the biggest Beltaine Bash in the UK is in Edinburgh and involves processions, fire dancers, music and the traditional pairing off of couples to go up to the wild on Arthur's S...

Today on my blog: A character interview! ~drum roll~ Meet Iamo and Riga from the highly entertaining futuristic fantasy romance, Shaman's Drum by Ailsa Abraham . Shaman's Drum delves into the world of darkness, where demons threaten to take over. Two lovers from opposite sides of the energy spectrum unite in their fight against the dark forces.  Meet Riga & Iamo! 1) Riga, you're one feisty female. Your fighting skills are renowned. How do you reconcile the 'tough girl' image with your softer side?  To be honest, Cathie, I didn't think I had one until I started having feelings for Iamo. Yes back in my teens I had a hopeless crush on someone very unsuitable but it came to nothing. After that I just decided to concentrate on my career.  For a long time I found myself very uncomfortable with my feminine side. It is a cliché because it is true but when you meet a man that makes you feel like a real woman, then you live up to that.  My tough girl ima...

I'm thrilled to share news of a fabulous new release by Crooked Cat Publishing. This time it's Shaman's Drum by author Ailsa Abraham , a futuristic, fun, feisty, dramatic and romantic fantasy adventure! As people from different walks of life come together to fight a bunch of nasty demons, Shaman's Drum shows how believers of different faith groups can work together. Oh, and there's a hearty dollop of romance between the two main protagonists, too! But will they be granted their ultimate wish? Find out in this exciting read! So, check out her fab teaser below! Over to Ailsa... Blurb: England in the near future.  Mainstream religions have been outlawed, and the old gods rule again.   Iamo has been a priest of the Great Mother and is sworn to celibacy, but his love for Riga, a Black Shaman, a magical assassin, caused him to break his vows. After being imprisoned apart from each other for three years, Iamo accepts an offer to earn them both a pardon and the po...