Blogging the Fading Lands

The moment the huge, glowing orange ball of the Great Sun touched the horizon, the waters of the Bay of Flames lit up as if they'd caught fire. Across the vast expanse, dolphins and whales broke the surface of the waves to watch the sun's descent and dance on the fiery waves.

"It truly is magic," Ellysetta whispered as tingling warmth and breathtaking wonder washed over her.

"Aiyah. Every night, so long as the Fading Lands still exist, this is Lissallukai's great and lasting gift to this world: a moment of pure magic to celebrate the greatest magic of all."

Enchanted, Ellysetta turned to Rain, her body bobbing and sliding against him in the rhythmic rock of the waves. "What is the greatest magic?"

"Life, Ellysetta." His hands slid up to cup her face and carry her lips to his. "And love."

Her arms wound about his neck, holding him close. All the world around them burned with the cooling fire of the setting sun, while between Rain and Ellysetta the now familiar flame of passion ignited.

"Aiyah, she murmured against his lips. "The greatest magic."
     ~ Ellysetta Feyreisa and Rainier vel'En Daris

It's here! It's here! KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series, is finally here!!!

Thank you to everyone who joined me on the blogs to countdown the days to KING's release. I hope you enjoy the book!

And don't forget to sign up for my announcement list to be included in all regular giveaways hosted on the www.clwilson.com website!

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Renee

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Kathy
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Kaisquared

Autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Angel24kis
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - LadyVampire2U

Winners, please email me with your blogger name and your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Final Question: Do you have / have you ordered your copy of KING yet? LOL.

Okay, seriously, this is a free-for-all post - so post a comment about anything you want (except spoilers to KING, if you've already read it!) and your name will go in the hat for the final grand prize drawing - a Celebrate the Magic of Love basket chock full of goodies, including autographed copies of LORD, LADY, and a KING ARC, plus an assortment of aromatic candles, candies, trinkets and treasures to help you celebrate love and romance in a fantastic fashion.

"Do you love me, Rain?"

"More than I knew it was possible to love."

"And if I cannot save the tairen..."

He stepped close and laid his fingers on her lips, silencing her. "I will love you still. All the stars will fall from the heavens before I ever stop."
     ~ Ellysetta Feyreisa and Rainier vel'En Daris

My apologies for being so late with today's post and the announcement of yesterday's winners. I was travelling back from my weekend in Knoxville, and my flight out last night didn't make it in time for me to make my connecting flight. So...long story short, I spent last night at a hotel near the Knoxville airport and spent all day today travelling. Had an incredible morning view of Washington DC (believe it or not - I flew north to come south...lol) We landed right across from the Capitol building, the Washington Monument, the mall, the Smithsonian, the Jefferson memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. It was beautiful and rather surreal.

Only ONE more day until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series! Tomorrow is the big day!!!

You only have two more chances to win the autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards I'm awarding to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog! So enter now! And don't forget to sign up for my announcement list to be included in all regular giveaways hosted on the www.clwilson.com website!

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Daydree

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Kerrie Howard
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - LilGTO1966

Autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Sarga
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Mandy

Winners, please email me with your blogger name and your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS, an autographed copy of KING, an autographed poster of LADY, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: Do you attend any sci-fi/fantasy or romance conventions / conferences - and if so, which ones do you attend? If you've never been, have you ever considered attending one?

"Meiveli, shei'tani. Welcome to Dharsa."     ~ Rain to Ellysetta

Only TWO more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

You only have two more chances to win the autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards I'm awarding to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog! So enter now! And don't forget to sign up for my announcement list to be included in all regular giveaways hosted on the www.clwilson.com website!

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Meljprincess

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Cynthya
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Mandy

Autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Bittybye2000
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Firefox Cowgirl

Winners, please email me with your blogger name and your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS, an autographed copy of KING, an autographed poster of LORD, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: Rampant speculation time! If you could decide the fate of any character in the book which character would that be and what would you do to/for them?

"Your mate has had a very bad day."
         ~ Vadim Maur to Elfeya.

Only THREE more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Brittany4340

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - SassyEggs
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Cool Breeze

Autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Kat
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Terri Rainier

Winners, please email me with your blogger name and your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS, an autographed copy of KING, an autographed poster of KING, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: Where do you usually go to get books? Big chain stores, independent book stores, grocery stores, library, used book store, online stores, author's site, swap with friends?

**Sing whatever song rises in your throat, kitling.**
     ~ The tairen Steli, to Ellysetta.

Only FOUR more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Robin

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Lady Wildcat
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Julie (non-blogger)

Autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Icarii
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Lee Anne

Winners, please email me with your blogger name and your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS, an autographed copy of KING, an autographed poster of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: What secret/mystery would you most like to see revealed by the end of Rain and Ellysetta's story? (i.e. by the end of QUEEN OF SONG AND SOULS)

"Humility isn't a poison draught. It wouldn't kill you to try a sip."
     ~ Belliard vel Jelani advising Gaelen

Only FIVE more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series! (You can count on one hand now!! woo hoo!)

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of KING OF SWORD AND SKY- Sandra

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Disco Dancing Robot
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Maered

Autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Aymless
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Mehwish

Winners, please email me with your blogger name and your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS, an autographed copy of KING, an autographed poster of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS , and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: What is your idea of "the perfect read"? And do you have particular themes/storylines you prefer above others?

"This, Feyreisa, is the Hall of Scrolls, repository of all Fey knowledge since the dawn of the First Age."
     ~ the shei'dalin Venarra v'En Eilan to Ellysetta Feyreisa

Only SIX more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Cristina

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Tetewa
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - AmandaB

Autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Mailbeme
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Kat

Winners, please email me with your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS, an autographed copy of KING, an autographed poster of KING, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: As Ellysetta was an avid fan of Fey poetry, many of the chapters in the books begin with a verse or quote. What is your favorite poem, song, or quote from LORD OF THE FADING LANDS or LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS? (for the purposes of today's blog, if you prefer to quote a line from the book instead of one of the chapter quotes, feel free.)

**So long as we live, there is hope. A thousand years we have suffered. A thousand more would I, just for what few bells he grants us together. Do you love me any less?**
     ~ Elfeya, to her shei'tan, Shan

Only SEVEN more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Wendy (this is the first Wendy, not the Wendy with the bookcase avatar - even though you both are in the hat!)

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Sweetpeasmommy
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Caitlin Hoy

Autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Krysia
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Bookwurm

Winners, please email me with your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS, an autographed copy of KING, an autographed poster of LADY, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: How did you come to be a reader, and what are your favorite types (genres) of book to read?

**The Fey have a saying: 'The slopes of Fey'Bahren run dark with the blood of enemies, fools, and prey.' Which may have something to do with the fact that a tairen's idea of negotiation is a warning growl before he rips and roasts you with fang and flame.**
     ~ Rain Tairen Soul, explaining the true nature of tairen to Ellysetta

Only EIGHT more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Noreen

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Kathleen
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - LadyVampire2U

Autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Charity
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Amy

Winners, please email me with your mailing address at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS, an autographed copy of KING, and autographed poster of LORD, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: What is your favorite scene from LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS?

"A sword in the sheath is safe, but that's not what Fey steel was made for."
     ~ Tevan Fire Eyes, first Feyreisen of the Fading Lands

Only NINE more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series! We're into single digits! YAY!!!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Maureen f.m.

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - RaiderLadd
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - TrulyWonderful

Autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Charity
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Katiebabs

Winners, please email me off-blog at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADNIG LANDS, an autographed copy of KING, and autographed poster of LADY, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: How many books a week do you read, and where do you usually get them (buy new, buy used, swap with friends, library, ebook?)?

**Your mate needs feeding**
     ~ Sybharukai, makai of the Fey'Bahren pride to Rain

Only TEN more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Anna

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Melissa P.
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - HMC

Autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Julie (the one on blogger)
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Noreen

Winners, please email me off-blog at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS, an autographed copy of KING, and autographed poster of KING, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: What was your favorite scene from LORD OF THE FADING LANDS?

**Trust me, Ellysetta.**
         ~ Rain Tairen Soul to his truemate

Only eleven more days until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - **PATTY**

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Charity
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - BittyBye2000

Autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Amanda
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Janet

Winners, please email me off-blog at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LORD, an autographed copy of KING, and autographed poster of LORD, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: Where is your favorite place to read? (in the bathtub, in a reading alcove, at the library, at the coffeeshop, on an airplane, etc.)

**Aiyah, you should fear us. We are fierce.**
    ~ Ellysetta Feyreisa to {Ha! Not gonna tell you! :P }

Twelve days to go until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Maureen

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Sandra
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - ~Katie

Autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - SonPari
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - KJway

Winners, please email me off-blog at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LADY, an autographed copy of KING, and autographed poster of KING, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: What branch(es) of magic (Air, Earth, Fire, Water, Spirit, Azrahn) would you most like to master and why?

"One look upon her face and you will know as I do--without a single doubt--that she is everything all Fey warriors have sworn to protect. You cannot help but love her."
~ Belliard vel Jelani, reassuring his friend Tajik vel Sibboreh, General of the Eastern Army, as they await Rain and Ellysetta's emergence from the Faering Mists

Thirteen days to go until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series!

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed books, cover posters, and collector cards to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

To kick off the countdown, I decided to give away one of each of the available prizes to yesterday's posters. You can win multiple times - but you can only win the same prize once (ie, no one will win two copies of KING, but one person could win a copy of KING, LORD and LADY if they are selected three times.)

Yesterday's Winners:

Autographed poster of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Charity
Autographed poster of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Faith
Autographed poster of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - Amanda

Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Brindlemom
Set of autographed Tairen Soul Collector Cards - Katiebabs

Autographed copy of LORD OF THE FADING LANDS - Janet
Autographed copy of LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS - Rebekah1974
Autographed copy of KING OF SWORD AND SKY - ~Katie~

Winners, please email me off-blog at cheryl@clwilson.com to collect your prizes.

Prizes to be awarded to today's responders include an autographed copy of LORD, an autographed copy of KING, and autographed poster of LADY, and one of two autographed sets of collector's cards.

Question of the Day: What are your favorite places to go online for book recommendations? (Review sites, discussion boards, blogs, etc.) Post the links!

"Mela, your son returns."
   ~ Gaelen, upon passing through the Faering Mists


There are only fourteen days left until the release of KING OF SWORD AND SKY, book 3 in the Tairen Soul series.

From now until the book release date, I will be giving away autographed copies of LORD, LADY, book cover posters, collector cards, and KING OF SWORD AND SKY, to names drawn from the comments posted on each day's countdown blog.

Question of the Day: Who is your favorite character from the series, and why?

Come join me this week at the Romantic Times Magazine website (www.romantictimes.com) for "Ask the Author" in the RT Magazine online forums. Post your questions, comments, what have you.

Don't be shy! See you there!

The last time I was at DragonCon was 20 year ago when I was much younger and slimmer and DragonCon was called the Atlanta Fantasy Fair. Well, the AFF merged with another con to become DragonCon and it's now the biggest science-fiction/fantasy convention in the world, with over 45,000 attendees this year.

Want to talk about fun, wild, and wacky? DragonCon is it! It's got a little something for everyone who loves sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal or horror books, comics, TV, or film.

I attended as an exhibitor and a guest speaker in the Writer's Tracks for paranormal/fantasy romance. And while the show was an incredible opportunity for me to meet current readers and those who haven't yet discovered the Fading Lands, one of the other truly delightful aspects of the con was the wonderful costumes of the attendees.

I've got pictures galore (unfortunately, I'm having a love-hate relationship with my blackberry camera now, because i can't stop from moving the camera when I push the button, and half my wonderful pix came out fuzzy and blurred - wah!). I've got more pix on a kodak camera, but I need to get those developed so I can share.

But here are a few of the fabulous costumes at the show:

Here "The Littlest Stormtrooper" meets Boba Fett. This child, who couldn't have been more than three, was adorable and quite the ham. Everywhere he went, the camera's came out and he posed like a pro. Here, I was waiting for the elevator at the Hyatt Regency, and cutie-pie saw Boba Fett standing there. He put his storm trooper helmet on, gripped his laser rifle in attack position, and pushed his way through the adult kneecaps to challenge Boba to a shootout. Too cute!

A group of adults who loved the delightful fantasy romance movie, Enchanted, got together to dress up as all the main characters (and the biker who got struck in the helmet by the flying poison apple). They had Giselle in her wedding gown, Prince Edward, the hero's girlfriend in her Kings and Queens ballgown, the Evil Queen, and the Evil Queen's henchman. Also (not shown) they had another lady dressed up as Giselle in her teal-colored curtain dress. Their costumes were exquisite and everyone totally looked the part.

These folks came costumed as the cast of the Narnia movies. The snow queen was in particular brilliantly done.



These ladies were fabulous as characters from classic Disney. The Queen of Hearts, Alice, and one of the Queen's handmaids from Alice and Wonderland, plus a beautiful Cinderella. I don't know if they made or bought their costumes, but each of them was absolutely perfect in their role.




Not to be outdone on the Disney front, the evil fairy, Malificent, and a beautiful Sleeping Beauty also made an appearance on the con floor and posed together for all the madly flashing cameras.





Star Wars characters remained a strong presence at the con, and this beautiful girl dressed up as Princess Amidala / Padme in her "picnic" gown. She and her mother made the costume from scratch and hand-embroidered the bodice and drape. Iw as told this young woman went on to win one of the costume contests for this gorgeous gown. The picture doesn't do it justice - she was stunning.



Lest you think movies were the only influence in the costumes of the con, this woman garbed herself as a winged angel/gargoyle. I'm sorry my flash didn't work better, because this was an incredible costume. You could literally stand one foot away from this woman, and unless she moved, you really thought she was a statue carved from stone. Fabulous!



Last, but not least, I had a chance encouter with a DragonCon regular - Ik, the Troll - who kindly paused to pose with me for the camera. (Clearly the person who used my blackberry is much better at pressing the button without moving his hand!)


These were just the tiniest fraction of the amazing costumes on display all weekend at DragonCon. I know I will be back again next year as well many of my very favorite novelists, movie and TV stars, and artists. The con is always Labor Day weekend, always in Atlanta, and it is an event not to be missed. I hope you'll join me there next year!