Modern Song for a Medieval Story

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KnightInShiningArmor 

As I jogged in the cool morning air today, listening to one of my 80’s mixes, the song, The Glory of Love by Peter Cetera was among the variety. Listening to it again, I thought, “If I had to pick a modern representation of Shadows of Valor, The Glory of Love would be it!” I first heard the song in The Karate Kid II and was immediately hooked. It’s been a favorite of mine ever since. I often get shivers (the good kind) when Cetera sings, “Just like a knight in shining armor from a long time ago. Just in time I will save the day. Take you to my castle far away.” Such a great song! Anyway, here it in on Youtube, vocal and lyrics only. Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwXwLU4HihA

Select Musical Compositions in SHADOWS OF VALOR

After having an e-mail conversation with my publisher last night (taking up several messages back and forth), I was obliged to accept that ALL of my musical compositions wouldn't make it into SHADOWS OF VALOR as an addendum. Only ONE is promised to be in there at this point, and I still don't know which one it is. But, don't worry, I had my cry and today I feel better. A grateful attitude has returned to my heart that I'm getting published AT ALL, and by an AWESOME publishing house, Jolly Fish Press, and that the work of fiction I slaved over for years will see book shelves. I'm giddy and excited and happy over that fact *HUMBLE GRIN*

THE SAMARITAN’S PISTOL by Eric Bishop - A ROCKY MOUNTAIN THRILLER

When I see this cover I think, good old-fashioned "James Bond" thriller, but in a WESTERN! The color contrast is striking and sharp!

"Fast-paced and as big as the land it rides through . . . filled with rugged characters who resonate with the sounds and feeling of the true West. A remarkable debut novel . . ."—Andrew Smith, author, The Marbury Lens, Ghost Medicine, Winger, and Stick.

Overview (by Jolly Fish Press):

Even among his small town neighbors, Jim is a content man. Despite the emotional baggage from his time serving in Desert Storm, he successfully runs a ranch, owns several beautiful horses, and makes extra cash as a wilderness guide for wealthy tourists. He's a modern-day cowboy. That is, until he runs into an ongoing mob-hit while riding in the mountains. Now, his most beloved horse is bleeding to death, three mobsters are dead from his smoking gun, and a wounded criminal is begging for his help. Jim has to make a decision. He can either high-tail it out of there, or accept a tempting offer made by the criminal—a promise of millions in stolen mafia cash for any help he gives. Of course, only an idiot would turn down such an appealing offer when they’re marked for death anyway. Besides, Jim’s good nature cannot allow him to leave someone for dead, even a criminal. Soon, Jim finds himself on a trip to retrieve a truckload of stolen money near the Las Vegas strip, right under the Mafia’s nose. But even if they escape with the cash, will Jim’s conservative neighbors provide sanctuary for their local Samaritan, and how far will the mafia go for revenge?

ON SALE AUGUST 24, 2013!

ADULT / THRILLER / ACTION-ADVENTURE

350 PAGES, 6” x 9”

INGRAM

Hardcover ($28.99): 978-1-939967-12-1

Trade Paperback ($16.99): 978-1-939967-13-8

Ebook ($7.99): 978-1-939967-14-5

About the author:

ERIC BISHOP is known to his friends and family as an “author version of Clint Eastwood.” As the owner of a successful marketing firm, Bishop spends most of his time on his Utah ranch writing with the music of his adolescence bouncing off the walls. When he's not writing, Bishop enjoys spending time with his wife and four lovely daughters at his home in Nibley, Utah. Unlike Jim, Bishop hasn't had any run-ins with the Mafia. Yet.

Find Eric Bishop online here:
Facebook: facebook.com/Eric.Bishop.374
Twitter: @ericbishopwords
Website: www.eric-bishop.com

HOBO Spider Infestation!

©Mandy Howe, www.Spiders.us

So we've been having some uninvited, and unwanted, guests come through our basement abode lately (we're talking up to 4 a night when they enter through unknown cracks when the sprinklers outside water their webs). Yes . . . it's the poisonous HOBO spider *shivers*. Bleh. After doing our research and determining that they are indeed Hobos (and not the common harmless grass spider of similar features), my in-laws have contacted an exterminator. In addition, we spent the entire day cleaning and vacuuming the basement, setting out Hobo spider traps, spraying spider poison along the outside foundation cracks, removing webs outside along with the wood piles and other items sitting against the house. I managed to catch, crush and flush (say THAT five times - LOL) most of the spiders, but I kept a few for my father who wanted to "have a look at them." Nothing like a good old infestation to get me to deep clean my house - LOL! I'm sure no matter how bad your day is going, it's not any worse than the Hobo spiders' day when I catch them. *SMASH* And don't come back, you varmints!

http://www.spiderexpert.com/faq.htm

http://hobospider.org/

Strands of Pattern: Elsie Park on Medieval Weapons & Shadows of Valor

Strands of Pattern: Elsie Park on Medieval Weapons & Shadows of Valor: Jeff, thank you for having me as a guest! I enjoy you blog posts and comments, and I’m honored to be here. Shadows of Valor is my debu...

SHADOWS OF VALOR, a medieval romantic fiction by Elsie Park

Deceit, greed, inner struggle, betrayal, and love—this is the foundation and driving force for Shadows of Valor, Elsie Park’s debut novel.

Shadows of Valor is an outstanding historical fiction with substantial romantic elements. Blurring the psychological haze between justice and revenge, Shadows of Valor brings new meaning to the Dark Knight. As the legendary shadow of Graywall is summoned to protect the spawning deceit of the kingdom, the reader is taken on a chivalric adventure through the muddy and mired streets of medieval England, where evil is as inescapable as the shadow that lurks behind its walls.

See the trailers on Youtube: 

Trailer 1
Trailer 2
One Brave Knight (ballad featured in the book)
Original trailer by Yelena Baykova

Full Synopsis:

On the surface, Graywall is content and booming. Lord Shaufton, who presides over the city, is a fine ruler. The poor are well-cared for, the area is popular, and morale is high—but within Graywall’s roots, something dark is stirring. This darkness threatens to overpower the once-peaceful town, until a mysterious figure appears: The Shadow.

As much a figure of fear to the unruly as legend to the innocent, The Shadow is an enforcer of justice and aid to the King. Due to an outrageous export tax set by King Edward, smuggling has tainted the kingdom, so The Shadow is sent to hunt the smugglers down. Contrary to legend, The Shadow is simply a man known as Sir Calan who, although talented and just, struggles to keep his dark thoughts of revenge from becoming ruthless action.

Due to sheer coincidence, The Shadow learns of a deadly plot against Lord Shaufton on a journey to Graywall. Now, he must enter a pseudo courtship with Lord Shaufton’s daughter under his original guise of Sir Calan, all while old emotions are stirred by the lovely Elsbeth, Lord Shaufton’s niece. Elsbeth, it seems, is the only woman who can heal his troubled soul, but she has a story of her own. What transpires is a glorious tale full of deceit, greed, inner struggles, betrayal, and most of all—love.

Purchase here:
Barnes and Noble Paperback
Barnes and Noble NOOK
Amazon Paperback
Amazon KINDLE
Indigo Kobo
Or any other bookstore

About the Author

From a student of piano, botany, zoology and criminal justice to a wildland firefighter, police officer and currently a wife and mother of four beautiful girls, Elsie has worn many hats. It was only a matter of time before she wrote a novel (or two). While on an LDS mission to Italy, Park was inspired by the history surrounding the country, especially enjoying the many castles and ancient Roman structures found throughout the beautiful landscape. She felt it radiate through her soul and slowly, yet surely, a story was born. 
Blog: elsiepark.blogspot.com
Facebook: authorelsiepark
Twitter: elsiepark1

Medieval-style Tunics for Book Launch

So I ordered myself a cute medieval-style tunic top with bell sleeves for my book launch and subsequent signings for SHADOWS OF VALOR from the internet company “Holy Clothing” (the name playing on the term “Holy Cow!” I believe). Tunic pictured below:

My cute little girls, when they saw what I’d ordered, yelled, “We want one, too!” Hmm, the top was a little too pricy for ordering three more, not to mention they didn’t come in kids’ sizes. What to do?

I went through my costume patterns and picked out a pattern for a medieval dress with bell sleeves that I planned to shorten, making it into a shirt (instead of the long dress the pattern was for), but I would have to make each one from scratch, something I could do, but that would take considerable time.

Then the thought hit me: Why not get some pre-made modern dresses and simply modify them to what I wanted. Brilliant! So off we went to the local thrift store and found some dresses for $5 apiece and a gold-colored bed sheet for $2 for the bell sleeves on one of the dresses. I set to work and got the projects done within a few hours.

The girls modeled their new tunics for me and I got some cute shots. We’re ready for the book launch on September 7, 2013!

My First Book Giveaway!

I'm excited to announce my first signed ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) giveaway for SHADOWS OF VALOR, hosted by Goodreads.com. It's open to the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Australia! You go to the link I've provided - http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/59708-shadows-of-valor - and simply enter for free (you might have to create a profile on Goodreads, though, before you do, unless you already have one). The dates run for only four weeks (July 21 - Aug 17), afterwhich, Goodreads picks a winner, sends me the winner's mailing address, and I sign the ARC and send it to that lucky person ALL BEFORE MY BOOK IS NATIONALLY RELEASED! Cool, huh!? So go forth! Enter to win. I've provided ONE copy for this giveaway. If I have a good response, I'll do another giveaway after the first one ends.

My Interview on Tayla Durham's blog!

Hey everyone, my sweet, young writer friend, Tayla Durham, is having me as a guest on her blog! SO WONDERFUL! I answered 10 interview questions she came up with about myself and SHADOWS OF VALOR. Here's the link if you're interested: http://twistedviolinist.blogspot.com/2013/07/interview-with-elsie-park.html

Rachel K. Johnson: Interview with Elsie Park

Rachel K. Johnson: Interview with Elsie Park: I'm here introducing Elsie Park, a debut author and a friend whose book Shadows of Valor  is coming out September 7, 2013. ...