The Realms of a Fantastical Mind

Blog Ring of Power Welcomes Cathrine McLean Catherine McLean writes “Women’s S tarscape Fiction” because she likes a story where characters are real people facing real dilemmas, and where their journey (their adventure-quest, with or without a romance) is among the stars and solar systems, and where there’s always a satisfying ending. Writing as C. E. McLean, Catherine has sold short stories in science fiction, paranormal, and contemporary to hard-copy and online anthologies and magazines. She had two novels published in 2012– Karma and Mayhem  and  Jewels of the Sky. Don’t miss the rest of her five-part interview at: Part 1 – Wednesday, January 30 @ Terri Bruce’s ( www.terribruce.net ) Part 2 – Thursday, January 31 @ T.W. Fendly (http://twfendley.com) Part 4 – Monday, February 4 @ Sandra Ulbrich Almazan’s site ( http://ulbrichalmazan.blogspot.com/ ) Part 5 - Tuesday, February 5 @ Dean C. Rich’s site ( http://deanswritingtime.blogspot.com/ ) ...

In October I took a full month off from doing what I love to do best.  Yes, I took off writing. Have you ever felt that you need to do something over and over again?  Have you felt the need to continue to do something because you've always done it? Try taking a break from that thing that you feel you NEED to do.  I know, it may be impossibly hard, but then, nothing is truly impossible.  So whether it be drinking beer, writing on your blog, or even writing. (I know, it’s a difficult concept, to not write, but bear with me.) I have to say that I did just that in October.  The stopping drinking the beer happened in my house too.  One thing I found out.  Not only did my hubby find out he doesn't need to drink beer, I found out I didn't need to write high fantasy all the time.  It was hard not writing at all, but instead of focusing on what I've been working on, my mind took different twists and turns...

Add caption The forest seemed to darken with each step.  Voices sounded all around me, birds and something else.  I couldn't understand the words that floated just beyond the trees.  My heart fluttered and I wrung my hands together.  It wasn't a good idea to cross that bridge but the damage had been done.  I would have to see this through.  Cursing my curiosity I kept walking.  The canopy held back most of the sun's rays, leaving a constant twilight to press on my shoulders. I stepped into a pine grove.  The sun broke through the towering trees, bringing the daylight back.  I sighed and moved forward with quick steps.  A hush fell around me.  No birds, no voices, I would think my ears had been filled with cotton, if it weren't for the sound of my own foot steps.  I slowed, my heart pounding in my chest. The light of the sun grew brighter.  I closed my eyes against the blaze.  Black spots against my lids blinke...