What You Don't Know About My Novels

If somebody asked me, “What is it the one thing I do not know about your novels?”, the answer would be that my first three novels, Fires of Belenus, Cult of Camulos, and Swords of Artaius comprise a trilogy. Each is the story of a young man transforming from a naïve youngster into a ruthless warrior chief, whom when provoked, becomes a monster, given to fits of rage viewed as demonic possession by his peers. The story has been described as Mr. Hyde meets Cu Chulainn the Irish folk hero. Eoan, son of Athair is corrupted, by travails and personal loss that slowly transform him into a ruthless killer. The demonic episodes become more violent and harder to control until he fully evolves into the ruthless warrior, Artaius the Bear.  

Each story is an adventure that ramps up the severity of the ordeals Eoan must overcome. Initially, he must save a young woman he loves from being sacrificed to Belenus, the god of fire. In Cult of Camulos he is enslaved by Romans and must fight his way home to protect his family from Ualu the greatest warrior in Celtica. In Swords of Artaius his tribe is being overrun by an invasion of Cimbri Warriors and after losing all that is dear in his life, he transforms completely, losing all but a shred of his humanity and launches a merciless, one-man assault on the invaders. He struggles to find his way back to sanity with the comfort of Lughin, but the gods always demand a “price.”

Central to the conflict is his great sword Clach na Adhar, hence the series title “Sword Saga.” I admit it is a Mcguffin, a constant thread helping weave the plotlines together. Each novel stands alone, but I suggest you read them in order. 

Book I: Fires of Belenus, Book 2: Cult of Camulos, Book 3: Swords of Artaius
Available on Amazon

Connecting With Readers

When authors gather it seems there is always someone, often new to writing, who questions why a well-written novel (like his or her own 😁) fails to make significant sales, while a novel written in an unorthodox style or rudimentary pros can be a best-seller. Of course, many factors can influence a novel’s success; like if your book was featured in Oprah's book club, but I think for a novel to be successful, it needs to connect emotionally with an audience.

When I read the first Harry Potter novel, “Sorcerer’s Stone”, I was taken aback at J.K. Rowlings’ writing style, thinking it was below my grade level. I read the story long ago and remember little of the plotline. However, I do remember that Harry had to sleep in a tiny room built under the stairs, and live with foster parents that treated him poorly. I remember a young orphan, trying to piece together his life, while malevolent forces were gathering around him. Rowlings masterfully seeded the story with brief glimpses of his parents and and the mystery surrounding them. Like millions of readers of all ages, I was entranced in the story.

Another book comes to mind, “News of the World”, by Paulette Jiles. In this story Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd is a professional newspaper reader who, shortly after the civil war, goes from town to town in Texas reading the News of the World,  newpaper aloud on street corners, collecting dimes from his listeners. After a reading in Wichita Falls, he is asked to take a young girl, who had been captured and raised by Kiowa Indians back to her only relatives in San Antonio. The young girl speaks no English and identifies completely with her Kiowa upbringing. The trip to San Antonio takes several weeks and they encounter many adventures that serve to break the barriers between the hardened ex-army officer and savage girl. When he finally drops the girl off with her uncle, the Captain realizes that they would be an abusive family and in a crowning moment he steals the child back and fosters her himself.

At first, I found the writing to be strange. The syntax and style echoed rural Texas. Much of the punctuation was omitted, including quotation marks. Those thoughts were short lived. Paulette Jiles welds together a touching and exciting relationship between the unlikely travelers that had me eagerly turning the pages. 

Writing fiction is a creative exercise and there are infinite ways for authors to put words to paper. It is just— that sometimes the words reach out touch the reader. For this, I can only offer that you must feel the emotion as you write it. I read somewhere: “If you don’t feel it, no one else will.” I took that to mean: if you don’t get a tear in the eye or lump in your throat as you write, neither will the reader. And this isn’t just for sad stories. Your comedy better make you laugh and your action better get your heart racing. Feeling the words deeply yourself is your chance of reaching out to a reader. I used to joke when I was writing commercial brochures that I was really writing poetry. It just wasn’t in verses and didn’t rhyme. Okay, it also wasn’t very emotional either, but I was trying to connect with a inreader. Now that I have learned this valuable secret; do I have a best-seller? No. But I believe these words and I am feeling the dream when I write and enjoying it.

William H Russeth 

Check out my books on Amazon.  

Writing Historical Fiction? Research is essential.

I find one of the most enjoyable things about writing a historical novel is doing the research needed

to recreate the setting. My novel, Belerion Odyssey, is a fictional adventure of pirates that raid and trade their way from Greece to England circa 480 BCE. The storyline touches on several actual historical events as well as Greek Myths for inspiration. Above all things the ancient Greeks were seafaring traders and pirates. To facilitate their success in trade they established the first coin based monetary system. To write the tale an understanding of commerce and trade was a vital component.

I am sure we have all heard reference to a talent of silver. The talent was foundation of their currency. It was equal to about 57 pounds (26 kg) of silver. That is about $15,000 in today’s market ($16.41/Oz). How did they decide on 57 pounds? They shipped olive oil and wine in somewhat standardized ceramic jugs called amphora. An amphora filled will water held 39 liters and weighed about 57 pounds (26 kg). This became a talent of silver and standard unit of measure throughout the Greek world. Amphora and water were readily available in any port to create a weight that could be placed on a balance.  

The talent was further broken down in 60 minae and 1 minae equaled 100 drachma. The drachma is another unit you may have heard of before. These coins were adopted by the Romans and used for thousands of years. The drachma was further broken down to 6 oboloi. These smaller units were more like our dollars: for example; an oboloi could buy a loaf of bread, new sandals would cost about 10 drachma, a slave cost 200-300 drachma. One of the major values of the talent was that one talent was cost of operating a Greek war vessel for one month. The ships were rowed by paid labor, not slaves. The navy could not afford to purchase slaves for this purpose.  

My advice to anyone considering writing a historical novel is to be sure you enjoy doing the research and become fascinated with some of the details. 

Swords of Artaius

By William H. Russeth

Historical Romance ● 326 pages ● Cover art by Pat Evans

Set in ancient Gaul 200 years before the Roman conquest, “Swords of Artaius” is a thrilling, fast moving adventure with mythological overtones and a strong element of romance. The fates of two desperate souls collide who find themselves clinging together in the face of a massive invasion of barbarous tribes led by the dreadful chieftain, Morga Raven Wings. 

As they run for their lives, they watch the invading horde sweep through Celtica behind them, scourging the land and ravaging the impregnable fortress, Lugdunum. They find solace in each other’s arms, believing each night together will be their last. Artaius, cursed with episodes of unbridled anger, finds inner peace and relief from the demons that haunt him with Lughin’s affection. Trapped in the Brigantes stockade, the last bastion of protection, the only thing standing between them and annihilation is the bear-like trance and rage of Artaius the Bear.

Excerpt:

Long moon shadows striped the forest floor. Her eyes strained into the depths of the wood. She turned and jerked her head to the night sounds and leaves rustling around her. A dark shape streaked across an open glen, then another, and then two more. Her hand reached for the knife and she stood slowly, sliding up, with her back pressed against the tree trunk. Edging around the bole, she peeked behind it. Black shapes loped out of the forest and lined up on the edge of the trench. Bushy tails wagged and pointed ears twitched. The largest wolf snarled and a bolt of fear stopped her heart, then it started pounding. Wolves were not a part of the plan. Their yellow eyes caught the moonlight and glowed maliciously. Her chest seemed as if it would explode. A wolf could easily jump the ditch. The pack paced impatiently along the rim of the trench as if they could sense the trap. An animal jumped forward landing on the thin saplings. It squealed in surprise and tumbled through the cover, disappearing into the trench. She felt pawing and snarling circle around her as the animal frantically paced at the bottom of trench. The others growled and followed above their fallen comrade, ringing the tree and Lughin.

“Morga!” Lughin screamed in terror. “Morga!”

The wolves stopped. The largest animal’s ears perked up, his head cocked, and the pack scampered away in unison into the darkness, abandoning their companion. Lughin sighed aloud in relief. It was over; the trap was compromised and Morga would have to come. Leaning against the tree, she slid down and slumped over on the ground until the dead silence disturbed her. Even the wolf trapped below in the insidious ring was silent. She lifted her head and opened her eyes slowly. A tall lean figure stood across the trench.

Red Poppy Festival - Georgetown Texas, April 24-25

Red Poppy Festival - Features Local Authors

It wouldn't be spring in central Texas without Georgetown's RED POPPY FESTIVAL.

You’re sure to find a book you’ll love at the San Gabriel Writers’ League tent at the Red Poppy Festival in Georgetown, Texas on April 24-25.

Ten member authors will be offering books on a wide variety of subjects and genres including mystery, historical fiction, memoir, children’s books, science fiction/ fantasy, romance and more! Several authors who will be there autographing their books are: Ann Bell, James Bell, Margie Boyd Joan Upton Hall , Julie Hannah , Helen Nardecchiah , William Russeth , Sylvia Dickey Smith , Jane Thompson, and June Venable.

You’ll find their tent on the east side of the courthouse on Main Street. Come by and enter to win a free book. If you are anywhere near historical Georgetown, Texas, please drop by and say howdy.

Easter Egg Hunt

Most the kids were bigger than me and I had to carry a huge basket, a “hand-me-down” that dragged on the ground when I walked.

Pastor John inspected the chalk line. When all toes were behind it, he yelled, “Go!”

Children stampeded across the park to the pine grove where the eggs were hidden, not plastic candy-filled eggs, but real eggs colored with bright dyes.

I went down, tangled in my basket. The turf tasted pungent and felt slimy cold against my cheeks. I looked down at my muddy shirt and rose to my feet.

The stampede had reached the pines. Most kids were bent over or on all fours, harvesting eggs. I discarded my ruined basket and charged into action. It was hard to make my way against the rush of children returning with full baskets.

I headed for the tree in the far corner of the park, hoping nobody had made it that far. I could not believe it, a glimmer of pink. An egg had been overlooked. I breathed a sigh of joy and carefully bent over to pick up my prize. Fatso Jim Bass came out of nowhere. His elbow flipped me aside and sent me sprawling across the lawn.

I closed my eyes and rolled over under the pine tree. I am going to stay here forever.

Something cold tickled my cheek. Leaves rustled. Two baby rabbits were playing. One had sniffed me. The mother rabbit sat stoically behind them, standing with her ears erect, eyeing me intently. I reached out to pet one of the bunnies. Mother had enough and bounded away. The young ones followed. Three white tails bounced across the yard.

I smiled to myself and I was ready to abandon my sanctuary. Then I saw it, a beautiful yellow egg, shining in a beam of sunlight filtering through the tree where the mother rabbit had been sitting.

William Russeth

Fires of Belenus
High Adventure in Ancient Celtica
http://www.wings-press.com/

Child-Eating Monster Terrorizes French Town

The Tarasque monster
was reported to have
killed several children
in the town of Tarascon
in Southern France.

http://whrusseth.blogspot.com

Kiss the Stone, But Cut the Blarney

Get the Jump on

St. Patrick's Day

with a quick visit
to Blarney Castle.

http://www.whrusseth.blogspot.com/  

May the worst thing in your day be a blessing.

W H Russeth
Fires of Belenus
High Adventure in Ancient Celtica
http://www.wings-press.com/

Merry Christmas

Fires of Belenus Promotional Trailer

Listen to "Fires of Belenus"

A chapter from my novel "Fires of Belenus" was selected and read on the British internet program the "Celtic Myth Pod Show".
The show is done live from, Eastbourne by the Sea. The reading is done by Gary Colcombe, moderator of the show. Gary is known for bringing Celtic tales and myths to your fireside in the finest bardic tradition. As story tellers go, there is none better.

The story appears in Summer Special part II and it is the second feature in the program. The narration has been enhanced with sound effects and music, a truly professional job.

Just click on the link below to the pod shows site. The show is available in every format available. Once you on the site it will lead you to the program.

http://www.celticmythpodshow.com/

Take Care
William Russeth
"Fires of Belenus" Wings-Press: http://www.wings-press.com/

For more information and excerpts visit the website:http://mysite.verizon.net/resr5omo/whrhomepage/

Review from Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction.

Title: Fires of Belenus 4/10/08Author: William H RussethGenre: Historical Adventure/RomanceLength: 377 PagesPublisher: Wings ePress (Dec 2007)

In Fires of Belenus, William H. Russeth pens an adventurous tale smartly written. You will shiver in the presence of Druids, cower before merciless warriors, and hope in the true spirit of one young man named Eoan. With a little romance to soften this ancient Celtic world, Mr. Russeth weaves a story that is not only entertaining, but surprising in its revealing and intriguing conclusion. I do so want to tell you the ending, but I must refrain. All I can say, is, read the book! You won’t be disappointed.Reviewed by Lynda Coker, Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction

Did you know the Irish discovered America?

Thought I would put out a blurb to jump start St. Patrick's day.

It's true; an Irish Monk, named St. Brendan, may actually have discovered America years before the Leif Erickson or Christopher Columbus. In 583 AD, St. Brendan used a boat fashioned from an ash framework and tanned hides treated with pitch to sail across the North Atlantic Ocean. The boat was called a currach and this type of vessel is still used on Ireland’s west coat.

St. Brendan documented his voyage with a manuscript describing his visits to many islands in search of the ‘Promised Land’ that is still in publication today. Christopher Columbus visited Ireland a few years before his famous voyage to read the St. Brendan Manuscript.

In 1976 Tim Severin built a currach and using a stepping stone path across the North Atlantic, he stopped at the Aran Islands, Hebrides, Faroes and even Iceland to prove the small, but durable currach was capable of making the trip.

Well, that’s the story.

May the worst thing in your day be a blessing and drink with care this St. Patrick’s day. Remember, you cannot drink all day, unless you start in the morning.

William Russeth

Author “Fires of Belenus” Wings ePress, http://www.wings-press.com/

Check out my website for excerpts and info.
http://mysite.verizon.net/resr5omo/whrhomepage