Undawnted Presents: A WordCrafter Blog Tour, My Backyard Friends, Meet Heather Hummingbird & Review of "Heather Hummingbird"

Introduction

Heather Hummingbird is a busy little hummingbird bird who earns the nickname Hyperactive Heather which her forest friends have given her. She’s constantly on the move, gathering insects and nectar, chasing bees, or migrating from her winter to her summer home and back. But she always finds time to help out her friends, even when her help is only grudgingly accepted.

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Mini-Interview with Heather Hummingbird
[Interview with Heather Hummingbird]

Forgive me if I don’t perch for very long. You see hummingbirds have lots of energy, so if I zip away suddenly, don’t worry. I’ll be right back. I’ll just be working up energy that is building up, like this .Zwippp.

Ziiing.

Were you afraid to speak to an eagle?

Well, no. I’d seen Ethan around the forest. He’s a big bird, but he’s a fledgling. I might even be older than him, so I wasn’t scared of him. Zwiiiipp.

Ziiiiiing. I couldn’t help but notice his curious behavior and when I realized I could help him, I did.
 

How did it feel to make a friend?

Well, I was glad to have him as a friend that autumn, when I couldn’t fly south on my own. That’s for sure.
 

How did it feel when you had to part with your new friend?

The trip south was a long one, and I felt really close to Ethan by the time we arrived. I knew he had to go back to the forest he knew, but it was sad watching him go. But I didn’t let it keep me down because I knew I’d see him again the next spring, and I did. Zwiiip.

Ziiiing

Thanks for having me here today, but I need to go find some flowers to recharge. You’d be amazed by how much nectar is required to keep up this pace. Bye. Zwiiiiip Zwing.

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My Review

My Backyard Friends, Heather Hummingbird edition, is a cute read for adults and children alike. Heather goes on her own adventure as she zips around the landscape. She meets other animals to be her friends.

Beautiful and insightful, this book guides readers on a path toward wisdom only found with a wildness full of backyard friends. 

Be sure to Pre-Order your copy below.

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Fun Facts About Hummingbirds

• Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly forward, backward, sideways and upside-down. They are also the only birds that can hover in mid-air.
• They have the highest metabolism of any bird species. They consume twice their weight each day.
• Hummingbirds can beat their wings 70 times per second, and 200 times per second when diving. The males do elaborate aerial acrobats during the mating seasons to attract the females, traveling high up into the air and looping around to dive back down toward the ground, making a high-pitched whistling.
• Some species of hummingbirds migrate up to 2,000 miles twice a year.
• Their hearts can beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
• Hummingbirds migrate great distances from their summer to winter homes and back, up to 3000 miles each trip, 6000 miles per year.
• Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, averaging 8.5 cm long and weigh between 2.5–20 grams.
• Hummingbirds have forked tongues and have tiny hairs on the tips of their tongues to help lap up nectar.
• “On most hummingbirds, the coloring of the feathers does not come from pigmentation, but instead from prism-like cells within the top layer of feathers.
• The colors you see depend on the angle of the light when it hits the feathers.
• When hummingbird feathers reflect light, which make the gorget (throat patch) look like it’s glittering from certain angles, but at other angles will make the feathers look dull.” (Southwest Audobon. “Fun Facts About Hummingbirds”. 
• https://southwest.audubon.org/conservation/fun-facts-about-hummingbirds)
• When they are low on energy and no food source is available, hummingbirds go into a torpor state to conserve their reserves.

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Pre-order the My Backyard Friends books here:

Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/u/471vzj

Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/u/3LL5K7

Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home (Ages 6-8): https://books2read.com/u/md2YLO

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About Kaye Lynne Booth

Kaye Lynne Booth is a freelance writer, editor, multi-genre author and independent publisher. She holds dual MFA in Creative Writing – Genre Fiction and Screenwriting, and an M.A. in Publishing. To earn her publishing degree, she worked under the mentoring of International Bestselling author, Kevin J. Anderson on the Gilded Glass: Twisted Myths & Shattered Fairy Tales editorial team from Western State Colorado University and WordFire Press and she compiled and edited Weird Tales: The Best of the Early Years 1926-27, under Jonathan Maberry.

 

About Robbie Cheadle

South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

Find out more about Robbie Cheadle on her blog here: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/

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Undawnted's DL Mullan can be booked for your online Blog Tour, Book Event, Book Review (w/ARC), Interview, Writing Conference, or Genre Convention. Ms. Mullan has years of experience in public speaking, readings, presentations, events, and tours.

Book a quality author and presenter with Undawnted: Bookings online form. 

Become a Saint in Summer Time 2023

Welcome to the Initiation part of the Hero's Journey. In this cycle of storytelling, we learn about testing our hero/ines with allies and enemies, crossing the threshold to adventure, and discovering their mentors and helpers. 

On Undawnted, we find the hero within by using our imaginations. The Saint trilogy follows Eavanlee and Girard on the journey to become their own heroes to themselves, each other, and the residents of Communion, Louisiana. 

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The Saint book series is a great way to pass the time by the pool. With three romance-driven, drama-induced, and action-packed installments published, these stories will leave you hungry for more and satisfied at the end. 

It's easy to purchase Saint through Lulu.com: 

• Saint in the Big Easy
• Saint in Communion
• Saint and the Devil You Know 
  

 

Soon this trilogy will be available through Book2Read and other fine retailers!

Sign up for A Novelist Idea Newsletter for Early Access to news and updates, as well as Release Parties and more! 

Learn. Grow. Master... with Undawnted.

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A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

DL Mullan has begun sharing her knowledge via A Novelist Idea Newsletter. If you too want to become a Fearless Phile, then subscribe to her newsletter on Substack. 

Her innovative style teaches writers how to reach their creative potential, and write more effectively.

Learn. Grow. Master… with Undawnted.

 

 

 

Ignite Your Imagination with the Saint Trilogy

August 2022 has been a busy time for Eavanlee Lewis, she defeated the Devil of the Damned, learned about the Order of the Pure, and battled against a Damned Army. 

What did you do this summer? 

In this three-part novelette series, Eavanlee learned how to navigate her personal relationships while tending to her Saint duties. She broke up with a cheating fiancé. She found love again, as well as a community in Communion, Louisiana. 

It seemed that this character found her path by becoming the change she wanted to see in the world. That is how the Hero's Journey works!  

Ignite Your Imagination by falling in love with Saint!

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The Saint Trilogy is now available, with all three books in this series downloadable as PDFs from Lulu via Sonoran Dawn Studios Fiction Author Spotlight page.

Visit the Saint Trilogy dedicated pages for more information, downloadable freebies, and links to their individual download pages. 

• Saint in the Big Easy
• Saint in Communion
• Saint in the Devil You Know 
  

 Saint is a part of Undawnted's Exclusive Legacy Universe.

 

Summer is Coming to a Close

On Undawnted, we follow the meteorological seasons. September 1st, therefore, is the beginning of our Autumn Cider Seasonal Reads programming. The season lasts until November 30th of each year. 

But don't fret, Undawnted is still in the Summer Time swing! 

We have one more publication for this season that has yet to be released: Saint (III) in the Devil You Know. The exciting and heartwarming conclusion to the Saint trilogy. 

This August we have re-released Saint (I) in the Big Easy, published Saint (II) in Communion, and now the last installment will go wide on August 30, 2022.

We are elated to bring you these novelettes! 

This series is tied into Undawnted's Exclusive Legacy Universe. So, there is sure to be some weird and creepy prologues and epilogues to tantalize your senses.

What is next for Eavanlee and Girard? The answers lie in the upcoming Legacy Universe Taskforce Crossovers. 

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If you would like an invitation to the Member's Only activities, then subscribe to A Novelist Idea Newsletter. Subscribers always get the goodie bag. Contests, freebies, events, parties, projects, tours, and more!  

Have a great and spiritual day, 

Team Undawnted

Undawnted's Exclusive: Legacy Universe Begins with The Story of Vigdis and Adalbrandir

What if you knew the true story of the gods and how these immortals came to Earth? Who would you tell? 

Vigdis discovered the reality of the ancient gods. She and her mortal lover, Adal, confronted the pantheon of liars, murderers, and thieves.  

This story is the mythological tale of how Vigdis and Adal became twin swords in the care of their son, Jacobous for an eternity. 

If you would like more information, please visit Undawnted's dedicated page for this publication: The Story of Vigdis and Adalbrandir.

This short story is available for purchase through our link to Lulu.com:

Download your copy of The Story of Vigdis and Adalbrandir (PDF).

 

*****

Join the Legacy

Undawnted has created its own fictional universe with a common foundation: Legacy. Legacy is a multi- generational, millennium secret organization. A series of novels will exist inside this universe. 

Legacy is a global crime-fighting unit dedicated to defending humanity against the  negative effects of supernatural forces. A paranormal law enforcement division, through specified taskforces within Legacy, sends special agents to investigate and halt activities against the mortal realm. All the while, the organization keeps humanity ignorant of its existence and the unseen forces behind the everyday curtain of normalcy.

When ghouls, goblins, magicians, sorcerers, werewolves, and the plethora of undead become rogue actors, who are you going to call?

The Special Agents with the Legacy Taskforce.

If there are paranormal problems, you can bet that one of their special agents has already been assigned to the task.

Nothing is what it seems.

Legacy special agents are what monsters fear.

 

For more information, visit Undawnted's dedicated page for the Legacy Universe.  

Legacy: Paranormal Law Enforcement Division

Undawnted has created its own fictional universe with a common foundation: Legacy. Legacy is a multi- generational, millennium secret organization. A series of novels will exist inside this universe.

You can join the universe by keeping up on the original stories that live inside Legacy. From short stories, novellas, and full-length novels, Legacy is from the unique creative mind of Undawnted's own, DL Mullan.

Marvel has S.H.I.E.L.D.

Undawnted has Legacy. 

Join the universe of possibilites. 

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Undawnted has created its own fictional universe with a common foundation: Legacy. Legacy is a multi- generational, millennium secret organization. A series of novels will exist inside this universe. 

Legacy is a global crime-fighting unit dedicated to defending humanity against the  negative effects of supernatural forces. A paranormal law enforcement division, through specified taskforces within Legacy, sends special agents to investigate and halt activities against the mortal realm. All the while, the organization keeps humanity ignorant of its existence and the unseen forces behind the everyday curtain of normalcy.

When ghouls, goblins, magicians, sorcerers, werewolves, and the plethora of undead become rogue actors, who are you going to call? 

 

The Special Agents with the Legacy Taskforce.

Visit Undawnted's Supernatural Superhero Series and become a part of the universe:

Legacy Taskforce
Legacy Universe/Badges

Nocturnal Redemption: In the Eye of the Beholder Makes Its Return to Publication

What can a formatting issue do to your project?

Well, get it pulled for one thing. So Nocturnal Redemption: In the Eye of the Beholder was set aside. Now the vampire novel is back in action!

The cover art was even enhanced to reflect the better formatting.

Now there are numbers on each page and chapter headings where they should be. Yay!

I hope you enjoy the beginning of this epic love story.

Saint in the Big Easy is Completed

The new Summer Reads series: Saint is off to a fantastic start!

Saint in the Big Easy is now complete and ready for its mid-July debut. Around ten thousand words, this novelette epitomizes summer: fun, fast, and epic. 

Saint is a cross between The Dresden Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the Three Musketeers. A supernatural tale of the forces of good and evil who are vying for control of humanity. Fasten your seatbelt! It's going to be quite a ride.

After a relationship breakup, Eavanlee Zilpha Lewis finds herself wandering in the Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans. In the evening, she makes a wish on Marie Laveau's tomb. Will she, will she not... find love?

Little did Eavanlee (ˈē-vən-lē) know that her answer lies in the adventure of the heart and soul. A dark, mysterious stranger leads her on a journey past her preconceived notions and straight into the heart of the matter.

If the universe permits, the next two books in the series will also be released this summer. So look forward to:

Saint in the Big Easy

Saint in Communion

Saint in the Devil You Know

Have a great and wonderful day!

 

*****

Update: The Saint trilogy is available online as an eBook from many fine retailers: Saint. 

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A writer at heart, Undawnted's own creative spark, DL Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, Ms. Mullan has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. Ms. Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. As an independent publisher, she produces her own book cover designs as well as maintains her own websites. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.

Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series.

With her education and experience in writing, DL Mullan shares her knowledge via her newsletters. If you too want to become an Undawntable, then subscribe to one of her newsletters on Substack.

Imagination, unleashed.

Short Stories Section Update: Season Side Up! Series

I had this idea pop into my head. A brilliant idea, I may add. This idea was to fashion a series of books about the seasons. 

Now that concept is nothing new, so I have to put a twist on the idea to make it mine. I will combine poetry, maybe some original digital art, and of course package the books up for entertainment. 

Kind of like a diary but without the teenage angst! 

When I get more into writing these little gems, I will let you know what direction I am heading in for sure. 

Right now, I am just so excited about these books, especially the book cover art. Isn't this one fabulous? You can view the rest of the book series on the Short Stories section.

Divine inspiration. The muse descended and she brought chocolate! Good, Muse. Keep the creativity flowing! 

Have a great and wonderful day!

Just Leaving It Hanging

A fellow writer had brought up the subject of using cliffhangers for novel endings. 

My response was to use cliffhangers if you are going to answer the question in the next book of a series, but if you only write one book, then make sure to resolve everything by the end. 

My stories are not long as a full length novel. I write shorter novels, but not less complex ones. 

I make sure there are subplots and character developments. In the end the stories are completed and the reader feels they have taken a journey with my protagonists. Yet, to spur on interest for the next book, I give a little taste of what is to come... with a cliffhanger in some, but not all cases. 

Someone reacted indignant to this use of cliffhangers as disrespect to readers and to yourself as a writer. I do not agree. If you have everything pretty much sewn up and there is a last minute act or realization, then the reader can decide if the next book will be for them or not. 

I am upfront that I am writing a book series, not a stand along book. So the reader has to expect something to cross over into the next story line. Or why would it be a book series? 

So In the Name of Blood had the main character, Riley Austen, have an epiphany at the end of the book... to be carried on in Book II. Will this series go to Book III? I am letting the characters decide. Many times the characters also decide the end of the novel. Riley sure did. That ending even surprised me!

With Nocturnal Redemption, I can go either way: a clear cut ending or a cliffhanger... 

As writers, should we not tease our readers a bit? 

Have a great and wonderful day!