Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

Hoary Tales

February 17, 2016 Marissa Campbell Leave a comment

I feel naked without my online Oxford English Dictionary, but at $19.99US a month, I had to let it go. That leaves me with relying on free internet resources when searching the etymology of words. I still use my beautiful, hoary glue-bound 1977 copy of The Living Webster for my definitions, but the OED was handy for finding out where and when words originated and when they came into common usage. Bear with me then as we navigate the world of free sources together.

Today’s magical word is hoar: whitish grey; venerable, ancient, or old; white or grey, often referring to age. I particularly like hoarfrost, which is a whitish mist. The hoary old mule lazed about the meadow. The poor young thing is always surrounded by a horde of hoary men.

From what I can piece together, the word first appeared in the 1200s. It was in common usage by the 1500s. These dates make it a perfect word to include in my Avelynn series.
Bertram was certainly a hoary character. He might even be the hoariest in the cast of characters floating around in my head. He was an ancient druid, and he had long white hair, both particularly hoary details. I liked Bertram. He was a kind-hearted soul but had a mysterious edge about him. He walked a fine line between politics, religion, and familial obligations.

SPOILER ALERT
(If you haven’t read the first book in the series, you may want to skip this next paragraph)

We lose touch with Bertram and many of the characters from the first book as Avelynn’s journey pulls her elsewhere. In the second book, Avelynn finds herself in Wales and becomes embroiled in one of the hoariest of human conflicts: politics and power, not to mention another hoary issue: desire and deception. We get to meet an entire cast of new characters, each with their own agendas and goals. Despite the current predicament Avelynn sees herself in, she still yearns to solve problems and conflicts created in the first book. Home is never far from her mind.

Stay tuned to the series for all the thrilling details from the hoary ninth century.

In gratitude,

Marissa xo

Conversations with the Goddess

Should I Switch from Coffee to Wine

November 30, 2015 Marissa Campbell Leave a comment

Dear Goddess: I have the best chiropractor in the world, but her ergonomic roller chair bothers me. The oversized spongy rubber ball positioned on three legs with matching polymer casters is not only ribbed but also purple. Dr. M insists that it aids in back support, but I see other sinister utilities, some of a sexual nature. Should I switch from coffee to wine?
A.B.

In this instance, a potion stronger than wine is required to make peace with the purple, ribbed bulbous sponge. If you can obtain your own ergonomic roller chair, we encourage you to put it through several unconventional uses until you no longer fear the chair and instead embrace it for all its wondrous possibilities. You may then return to coffee.
Goddess keep you,
AINE

Avelynn

Avelynn Monster Swag Giveaway

November 25, 2015 Marissa Campbell Leave a comment

As a huge thank you to all the wonderful people who have purchased a copy of Avelynn, I am running a Monster Avelynn Swag Giveaway!

You must have purchased a copy (either ebook or paperback) of Avelynn to enter. If you haven’t purchased your copy yet, the contest will stay open until December 31st. Lots of time to get in your Christmas shopping! 😀

Included in the prize lot: T-shirt (size medium or large), mug, mouse pad, notebook, pen, two bookmarks, and two Avelynn cover magnets.

Also included is a necklace with a Prosperity Rune engraved on the pewter pendant.

You can earn BONUS entries by posting a review to one of the book sites listed. Post to all 5 sites and earn an extra entry!

Good Luck!
To enter the contest click here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and conditions will apply. Contest open to North American Residents only. 🙂

In gratitude,

Marissa xo

Avelynn

Avelynn in The Globe and Mail

November 23, 2015 Marissa Campbell Leave a comment

I received the best early Christmas present EVER. Avelynn was featured in Canada’s The Globe and Mail, our national newspaper. Here’s a sneak peek:

“Ontario-dwelling Marissa Campbell’s debut, Avelynn, is a must-read for Diana Gabaldon fans – but also for anyone in the mood to escape into an enchanting, romantic world vividly portrayed…Campbell writes about Alrik and Avelynn’s star-crossed love affair in a gorgeous, breathless manner that should cement her status as a Canadian author to watch.”

To read the full review click HERE!

I am ecstatic and so humbled.

What a wonderful day. <3

In gratitude,

Marissa xo

Conversations with the Goddess

How Do You Watch Your Children Make Mistakes

November 17, 2015 Marissa Campbell Leave a comment

Dear Goddess: When your children are fledgling adults and make choices you can see are clearly stupid, how do you find the balance between fear and anxiety over their choices and letting them make their own mistakes?
M.M.

I am the Goddess of death and rebirth, of destruction and transformation.
You stand here today, a product of your greatest mistakes and your biggest triumphs. You overcame adversity and surmounted obstacles placed in your path. You are stronger because of your experiences. You have gained wisdom and insight. You have lived and you have learned. You would not be the person you are today had you not struggled and fell. Trust that you have guided your children well, that throughout the turmoil, they will know they can turn to you. Be there, stand by their side, but let them falter. They will grow and become stronger because of it. The watching will not get easier, but hold fast to your faith that all will work itself out—that one day, despite your worries, they will forge their own paths and make you proud.

Goddess keep you,
BADB

Conversations with the Goddess

How Do I Spice Up My Sex Life?

November 6, 2015 Marissa Campbell Leave a comment

Here is today’s Conversation with the Goddess:

Dear Goddess, how do I spice up my sex life?

W.M.

I am the Goddess of passion and desire. Let go of your fear. Be bold. Give your fantasies room to breathe and grow. Experiment. Your partner’s reaction will surprise you. There’s something you’ve been wanting to try for a while now. Go for it. You’ll both enjoy it. Don’t be afraid to play.

Goddess keep you,

MACHA

Conversations with the Goddess

November 6, 2015 Marissa Campbell Leave a comment

In my debut historical novel, the Goddess plays an important role in Avelynn’s faith. But who are these mystical beings? Not only am I going to introduce you to the Goddess and her four distinct personalities, but I’m going to start blogging from their unique perspectives. Have a question for the Goddess? Wondering about love? Need strength and encouragement to apply for that new job? Let the Goddess help.

All comments and posts are for fun and entertainment purposes only. They are not meant to replace advice or guidance from a doctor or therapist.

If you’re ready to play, sit back and enjoy a conversation with the Goddess.

Aine

Is the creative, bubbly sprite. A Maiden, she is young at heart and playful, yet she embodies wisdom. She governs over magic and music, poetry and art. She is the gateway to enlightenment and higher planes of consciousness.

Symbols: North, Swan, Winter, Mental, Air, Moon and Stars

Macha

Is the Queen. She is the embodiment of feminism and femininity, empowerment and independence. She is the most passionate of the four sisters, governing over love and desire. Sultry and strong, she is like a kick-ass Venus.

Symbols: East, Horse, Spring, Spiritual, Fire, Sun and Sky

Danu

Is the Mother. She is the nurturer, the giver, and the sustainer. She governs over the home and hearth, over marriage and motherhood. She is judge, weighing and guiding morals, virtues and vices. She is warm and approachable, kind, and nonjudgmental.

Symbols: South, Cattle/Boar, Summer, Physical, Earth, Hills and Plains

Badb

Is the Crone. No old hag, Badb shape shifts and lures men to her bidding. She is dangerous and powerful. She can grant you strength and courage, but can just as easily strike you down with death and destruction. She promises rebirth. Like the phoenix, you will come through adversity transformed. She is sassy and calculating, alluring and captivating.

Symbols: West, Wolf/Raven, Autumn, Emotion, Water, Oceans and Rivers

In gratitude,

Marissa xo