original images – pixabay
In my fantasy world spring truly arrives with the Crofter’s Moon. The soil warms and the old jenny plods before a hand-held plow. Seeds drop in tidy rows, and sprouts peek from the rich loam, tender promises of harvests to come. Neighbors emerge from their dark hearths, shuttered eyes thrown wide in their hunger for light. Hearts venture in celebration, seeking communion, another lean winter survived. The sun blesses faces and beats on backs as the endless cycles of all life wax and wane. There are chores to be done, but the world feels hopeful and alive.
The Crofter’s Moon shines its full face tonight. Enjoy the coming Crofter’s Moon. May your garden grow a bounty and of your heart flourish with love.
pixabay
Excerpt from the Crofter’s Moon, Dragon Soul Trilogy
Brend’s shoulders rose in a shrug, and he stretched his legs out in front of him, his ankles crossed. “Do you remember what Conall said when he spoke to the lair’s riders? He said, in essence, that the choice to do nothing in the face of cruelty is no different than choosing cruelty itself. I’ve mused over those words since. Every time we look away from ruthlessness, poverty, corruption, and suffering, we’re allowing those things to flourish and grow. Are we saying it doesn’t matter to us? We don’t care enough? We stood by as a people and did nothing when the governors murdered your father. We saw dragons captured and tortured, Morfael exiled, skyriders banned. Then cruelty crouches on our own doorsteps, and we are suddenly outraged. If a child is beaten and we neglect to interfere, who are we to rail when the child grows into a violent man? If we fail to feed the hungry are we choosing to starve them to death?”
Earlin rested her elbows on the table. “You have too much time on your hands.”
“Maybe so.” Brend chuckled. “But reflection is good for me.” He shook her gently by the back of her neck. “I’m trying to choose the Belonging over fear, Earlin, and discover what that means for me. Do the same and you’ll find your way.”
Myths of the Mirror 
I often think the same things. Incidentally, I used to think that spring and early summer were a welcome relief for the ancient people, until I discovered the early Irish called May and June the lean months. It was because all their carefully stockpiled food had run out, and although crops were growing again, nothing had ripened yet. No wonder they welcomed the lactating period of sheep so much… milk and butter and cheese and lamb to eat=no starvation!
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I had March as my “Hungry Moon” for exactly the same reason, Ali. Spring is hopeful, but it isn’t ripe. I helped with the birth of four baby goats on Saturday – what a joy that was 😀
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I’m curious, Diana: How did fantasy come to be your preferred genre as a writer? (Or perhaps you’ve already written a post about this subject that I’ve overlooked…?)
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I’m not big on research, Sean, so I thought with fantasy I could just make up anything I didn’t know. 😀 Well, I learned pretty quickly that there’s no getting around research! I also needed a metaphor for spirit and dragons fit the bill. And, I’ve been a fantasy reader since I was a kid. Writing in the genre is great because it’s so broad and flexible…and, of course, I can make stuff up! 😀
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My former management had me under constant pressure to churn out words; I’d be busy researching and they’d say, “No — just write.” But, researching is writing: If you don’t “go deep,” as Oliver Stone says, you’re not going to produce anything that feels sufficiently different from what we’ve read in other books, what we’ve seen in other movies. For Escape from Rikers Island, I had to do extensive research into gang culture, the NYPD, and Rikers Island itself, the sprawling detention center in the East River most New Yorkers couldn’t find on a map. And the research not only lent my story verisimilitude, but I learned things that suggested pieces of dialogue and action I wouldn’t have had the imagination to conjure on my own. There’s a joy in finally putting pen to paper and, to use the words of my former management, just writing, but taking the effort to research the story and break the back of the plot is, for me, time well spent — in any genre.
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I agree, Sean, now that I’ve had to do it and see the immense value. Plus, if it’s for a book, the research is actually fun or at least interesting. I can think of many instances where it led to details about my characters and their worlds that added depth to the story. I share that little “no research” tidbit because it’s so naive that it makes me laugh 😀 I’ve had many “aha” moments in my short writing career.
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Ideally, a writer should want to research: The subject matter (and general setting) of the story better be sufficiently interesting to you, given how many months (or longer) you’re going to “live inside” the world of the story. And research can keep it interesting at that point when fatigue sets in — when the act of churning out words starts to wear you down. I think that’s where a lot of would-be authors lose interest in their own work: halfway up the mountain. A story idea needs to be more than just exciting to you right now — it needs to sustain your enthusiasm for it when the novelty of the concept gives way to the grind of executing it.
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For me a lot of momentum comes from the characters. I get “involved.” I’ve avoided writer’s fatigue to date. Maybe someday. When do you think your book will be out? Do you have a target?
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My book won’t be published any sooner than ’17. In addition to finishing the manuscript (and writing two “sidequel” stories for simultaneous publication with the flagship novel), I have to put it through beta-reading, then formal editorial, and then I want to talk to some authors I know about my publishing options. At the moment, I’m just focused on getting the material suitable for feedback, trying not to get too far ahead of myself! I have the advantage, with this first book, of not being under any deadlines save the ones I impose upon myself.
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I like that you’re publishing the sidequels at the same time. Smart move 🙂
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They say it’s a smart strategy, especially if you don’t have back catalog, to release several titles concurrently that can “track back” to one another. Escape from Rikers Island isn’t the beginning of series — it was always designed to be a closed-ended narrative patterned after the old Greek underworld odysseys — but the world of the story is so rich and multifaceted, I thought I might tell a pair of “side stories” that address a few (intentionally) unanswered questions in the flagship book, while also serving as perfectly self-contained adventures of their own; one is a short story, the other a novella. I plan to work on those between drafts of the full-length novel.
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I missed my Crofter’s Moon this year 😦
I wish people did good things without aggressive righteousness and trumpet sound. Just naturally. Such people are a great power, and they can make a difference.
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Thank you, Inese. It was cloudy here so I missed the full moon too. But spring is coming regardless. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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Do we still think of others? Or, we are busy-as-always serving the pyramids at work and at home. Whatever, but I’ll do the best possible. Thanks for the like and thoughtful comment.
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Thank you for the visit, Deepak. Wishing you a week filled with sunshine 🙂
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Reblogged this on Ancien Hippie.
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Thanks for the reblog, Penney! Have a great week 🙂
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This is great! Instant connection to these characters!
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Thank you, Lisa. I so appreciate the comment. I like these characters, they’ve taught me quite a bit about life 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
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Everything you write is lovely and full of imagery that plays out right in front of me! Love it!
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Aw. Thanks Lynn. I’m delighted that you think so. Hope you’re having a lovely Sunday and plenty of spring sunshine 🙂
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Thanks so much,you too!
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This was a wonderful way to pull us into your world, Diana. I liked the images you chose to try to capture Springtime which you did so well through images in your words.
I like the Crofter’s moon very much and your people emerging with such evocative description, I can picture them stretching and squinting in the warm, refreshing sunshine.
Brent is a fascinating character reflecting upon how when we tacitly listen and don’t react by expressing through words nor change through our actions we are almost as “bad” as the perpetrators of evil things.
I agree and my parents taught us not to listen to racial slurs nor bigoted conversations without saying quietly, “I disagree” or “I dislike. . .” great post with beauty and one thought provoking character, too. 🙂
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Thanks, Robin, for the thoughtful comment. I like tangling fantasy and reality and using the moon to keep time. Your parents taught you well about not sitting silently by in the face of harm. Enjoye the spring in your neck of the woods. More or your lovely photos please! 🙂
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I like to believe our blogging community has big hearts, open minds and generous spirits. I assume this about writers, musicians and artists. I like your creating a well rounded, caring character, D. 🙂 Happy to keep on posting with more photos, glad you like them.
I watched a movie from the library, “Big Stone Gap,” last night with a fantastic cast. Whoopie, Ashley Judd, Anthony Paglia and Patrick Wilson. It is set in 1978 and made in 2014. There is a line where Patrick asks Ashley’s character, “Do you want to see a milk glass moon?” I thought of you, friend, who appreciates the beauty and pull of the Moon.
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A milk glass moon! Love that. How original 😀
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Nice! Is there a way of determining when Crofter’s Moon is? I browsed through the comments and didn’t see anyone ask. Hopefully I’m not repeating!! 🙂
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This is all made up fantasy. 🙂 In my trilogy, the months were based on the full moons, so I sectioned the book that way and gave each moon a name. The full moon kicks off each month, so the Crofter’s Moon started April 22 and lasts until the next full moon May 21. I’m glad it was intriguing enough to make you wonder. Enjoy the month of the Crofter’s Moon. Happy Spring!
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That’s cool! Thanks for the explanation 🙂
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This moon has been very intense in my neck of the woods. I am so grateful for spring.:0) I love the thoughts expressed in the excerpt.
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Brilliant!
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Thanks, Linda. I’m glad you liked it 🙂 I hope you’re well. I keep checking your blog for posts. Are you writing like a mad woman?
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I am writing Diane but slowly. Family affairs & events took me away from home for a while but I am getting into writing again. I still have to get back to my blog. Soon, hopefully. 🙂
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I figured you were just busy. I’m glad you’re honoring all parts of your life, Linda. I’ll look forward to your posts whenever they resume 😀 ❤
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Thank you Diane. 🙂
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[…] Diana Peach with a look into her fantasy world of Crofter’s Moon (Dragon Soul Trilogy) along with an excerpt for your reading pleasure.. The Crofter’s Moon heralds all that is new and fresh about spring…. https://mythsofthemirror.com/2016/04/22/crofters-moon/ […]
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Thanks for the mention, Sally. Have a wonderful day 🙂
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Reblogged this on Judith Barrow.
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Judith. Have a marvelous sunshiny month of the Crofter’s Moon 🙂
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I love your way of creating an immersive world in our heads, without the “world building” element feeling forced or unnatural. Wonderful writing ❤
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Thanks for the sweet comment, Al. I wish I could say that I plan it that way. Honestly, most of the time I’m just winging it 🙂 Hope the month of the Crofter’s Moon brings you plenty of sunshine!
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Well, if you achieve this through winging it, why would you plan anything ever again?? 😉
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😀
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As always, very descriptive and full of imagery -loved it. 🙂
PS – I bungled migration to a new blog domain. The old one is ruined too. (6 or 7 posts left. trying to rebuild) So please follow my blog here -sharingtidbits.wordpress.com/ (or by clicking my pic) thanks:)
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Will do. Oh no. That’s why my blog hasn’t change in four years. Too scary. Good luck with getting it straightened out!
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thanks a lot. I really appreciate your words. Yes -you are doing the right thing..
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So Trump exists in Brend’s world, too?
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I wrote the book during Shock and Awe, so you’re close 😀
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Wow D!! This is so beautiful!! Thanks for sharing this!!!! I¨ll look at the moon very differently tonight!
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Thanks so much for the visit and the kind comment, Hector. I’ll be heading out soon to admire the moon too. Have a wonderful weekend 😀
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Thank you D!!! The moon is one of the most wonderful views we all have access to and it’s free!
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What a beautiful wish for someone – that their heart flourishes with love. You have a lovely way with words.
The Sorcerer’s Garden finally bubbled to the top of my reading list and I’m about a third of the way through it. Since I only read for a short while at night before going to bed, it tends to take me a long while to get through a book.
It is such an interesting story and of course your writing is wonderful. I particularly liked the “pestilent alliance of delinquents” hahahahaha 😀
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Thanks, Joanne. I’m delighted that you’re giving it a go 🙂 Yay! Thanks for the lovely comment, too. I have to get over and see what you posted for “S” today. Happy full moon to you!
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Happy Full Moon! I love full moons 🙂
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Spring came for a couple of weeks but its disappeared again! I love your writing, though.
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I know, the beginning of spring is a guess here too. But the trees and flowers are declaring that its here and I will take their word for it 🙂 Thanks for the visit, Kathryn. 😀
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Your depiction of spring is so attractive, I can see “Neighbors emerge from their dark hearths”. On our side, they emerge with lips frozen about to produce a smile. 🙂 But now, excerpt from the Crofter’s Moon; most eloquent writing!
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Thanks for reading, Khaya. I realize that spring is happening here and in some parts of the world it’s the beginning of autumn, or always hot or always cold. It’s interesting to think about and I love those aha moments when my perspective does a little shift. Thanks for the lovely comment. Happy Writing 🙂
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Such perfect timing with tonight’s Pink Moon! Wishing you a spring that’s just as lovely as your words here. Just beautiful, Diana. 🙂
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Thanks, Kelly. We are soggy, soggy today. No moon viewing tonight, I’m afraid. I’ll just pretend 😀 Have a great weekend!
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You too! 🙂
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You write beautifully Diana. Conall seems like a man of wisdom. Have a lovely weekend my friend.
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You too! I hope you have some sunshine today and a good view of the moon tonight 🙂
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“the choice to do nothing in the face of cruelty is no different than choosing cruelty itself.”—Love that. Applicable well beyond fiction.
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Yeah. Lots of examples from history. Compassion and activism are a powerful combo! Happy spring to you, Carrie, and thank you for all the ways you make a difference 🙂
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🙂
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How lovely and vibrant, Diane. A crofter’s moon is much like a spring moon, I see. Lovely, thought-provoking piece to share, and rings very true in our world too!
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Thanks for the visit, Lenora. I really like the moon as a time-keeper, the way it connects us to our ancient past. The sentiment about complacency is one I think about a lot; I’m glad it was meaningful 😀
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All your words are meaningful. For example, ‘it connects us to our ancient past’. I honestly never thought of it that way, and overtime I look at the moon I will think about the thousands of civilisations that thrived under its light. 🙂
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Our ancestors looked at the same moon millions of years ago. Cool, huh?
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Deeply philosophical and full of wisdom, Diana. Beautifully written and may that sentiment gather force across the globe. I went out last night to view the almost full moon; basking in its infinity, all-knowing, encompassing. A truly spiritual evocative feeling.
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Aww. Thank you, Annika. I, too, hope for greater compassion across the globe. I’m afraid its pouring rain here today, so I’ll just be imagining the moon – almost as good 🙂 ❤
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Beautifully written. Your writing is a pleasure to read. Be well, happy weekend.
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Thank you for the lovely comment 🙂 Warms my heart and makes me smile. Have a wonderful weekend yourself!
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Thank you.
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Crofter’s moon–Love it! So far, the past week or two has been snow-free, and last week in particular was beautiful! Great excerpt as well, Diana. So poignant!
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Thanks, Julie. It must feel good to have moved beyond the snow! Happy gardening between all the writing 🙂
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Beautifully written Diana. Luckily I don’t need a crofter’s moon for my heart to flourish with love though maybe it increases my capacity to hug.
xxx Sending you Unlimited Hugs xxx
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I agree, David. We can grow that garden in our hearts all year. ❤ Hugs
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Great description. I wish we had more of a spring here. It’s hot now and then comes monsoon. Have a great weekend, Diana. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Our spring is fickle, Suzanne. Hot one day, a frost the next, downpours the next. I know the monsoons bring their own challenges but do they help with the heat?
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Diana, I think what Conall said is full of wisdom and should be read at least once a week by everyone.
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I think so too, Bernadette. Those words had a huge impact on me personally and I became more of an activist as a result. Those darn characters making me live up to their expectations! Thanks for the visit and have a great weekend 🙂
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Great writing, Diana! I love the term Crofter’s Moon!
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Thanks, Noelle. Full moon tonight. I hope spring has arrived in your neighborhood. 🙂
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It’s come and gone – the azaleas and our weeping cherry are shedding their blossoms. Trees are in full leaf!
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It’s getting that way here, too. Still a chance of frost, but this week it was in the 90’s. Fickle, fickle spring 😀
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Very nicely penned. 🙂
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Thanks, Richard 🙂 Spring has arrived.
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Hooray! Here too 🙂
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You do capture my fantasy! Love it!
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Thank you. I can get rather lost in myself. I forget what’s “real.” Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
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Thank you, you do the same.
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