From Romance to Dragons… by Grace Augustine #amwriting #fantasy #mythology @mallidalli

From Romance to Dragons…

By Grace Augustine

When I was approached last year to contribute a story to a 14 story dragon fantasy anthology, STOKING THE FLAMES II, my first thoughts were, “How wonderful they want me to participate!” “I can’t wait to do this.” Then, reality struck. Why did I agree to write something I knew nothing of? I write romance…romance for the over 50 crowd, contemporary romance, metaphysical romance, Christian romance suspense, sweet romance, steamy romance…surely there was some story I could concoct that centered around a dragon—with romance, of course.

Soon, I was researching Norse mythology for names and gods/goddesses, trying to fit them into my imagination. That was when SECRETS OF DALGAARD CASTLE was born. I certainly found interesting information while researching Norway, her customs, her folklore, and her mythology.

Without revealing too much, I will try to give you a taste of the story...

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Norway is a vast land and the tiny kingdom of Taydaryn is only a miniscule portion. Taydaryn had been ruled by countless queens…all white, fair, good dragons, too.

Brenna Dalgaard was a successful clothing designer with her own thriving global business centered in Chicago, IL in the United States. The eldest daughter of Queen Isara and King Amarice Dalgaard, she was heir apparent to the throne.

When King Amarice died in a bloody battle to save Taydaryn, Queen Isara ruled the country by herself. Many secrets happened during this time that will are revealed throughout the book.

Brenna received notice that her mother was in ill and beckoned to come to Norway. She did. She also tried to talk her younger sister, Eldra, to accompany her. Eldra, of course, would have no part of it.

Following the Queen’s death, the question of who would take the crown was foremost in the minds of all. A series of events cause injury and mayhem throughout Dalgaard Castle and the kingdom of Taydaryn.

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I’m afraid to say more for fear of revealing the entire story to you.

I was presented an opportunity to participate in A HAUNTINGLY WINTER ANTHOLOGY and the only thing I could think to write was a companion piece to SECRETS OF DALGAARD CASTLE, five years in the future, during Winter Solstice. The story was accepted and will appear in this anthology which will release in November. It is the story of Odin and Skadi as told by Queen Brenna Dalgaard during a winter solstice fundraiser.

I recently participated in the Iowa Library Association State convention as an author presenter. It was a fabulous way of networking with libraries as well as with other authors. While at this event, I received an email congratulating me that the cover of this dragon fantasy love story was up for cover of the week at Crème de la Cover at InD’tale magazing. This story certainly has woven its way through my heart and the hearts of others. It was the most purchased book at this convention.

Will I write another dragon fantasy/mythology? I have no clue. Currently I’m trying to complete a holiday sweet romance, keep up with my day job (editor) and finish up some acrylic paintings for Christmas gifts.

I do think Eldra and Martrand’s story should be told, so I’m sure when those characters start talking to me, I will be telling the world about these two characters.

Grace Augustine

Secrets of Dalgaard Castle

Dalgaard Castle stood proud among modern homes as a reminder of the battles of yesterday. Centuries ago, the bloodiest of wars between the Fire Dragon Guard and the Ice Dragons, who ruled Taydaryn, destroyed much land, homes, and lives—including the Queen’s husband, Amarice. Brenna Dalgaard, the elder daughter of Queen Isara and King Consort Amarice, lived in two worlds. She loved her small Norwegian home, but also loved her thriving designer clothing business in Chicago. Brenna traveled home as much as her life would allow. Tirdon, Assistant to the Prime Minister of Taydaryn, continues to support and uphold the laws of the kingdom and aide in any way possible. Amarice had faith in him to place him in this position with the command of keeping an eye on his elder daughter, Brenna. Tirdon and Brenna have danced around each other their entire lives. A misfortunate accident brings the two closer than either thought possible. Will an ancient secret split them forever or bring their love for each other out of the shadows?

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Grace Augustine

Internationally known author, Grace Augustine, was born in Shelby, Montana and grew up in Cut Bank, Montana (dubbed as The Coldest Spot in the Nation). Her work career has taken her from title and abstracting to administrative assistant church work to co-owning a small town weekly newspaper to her current profession as a floral designer.

Grace thinks of herself as a "Jill" of most trades and is not afraid to learn new things. "If you can't learn something new each day, there's something wrong," she says.

The ideas for her Acorn Hills series stem from her growing up years as well as the issues she has had to overcome along the way. "I've developed a new romance category...for the over 50 crowd...I'm calling it the salt and pepper genre. My books deal with real life issues, overcoming adversity, maintaining a positive outlook, and so much more. Just because we are 50 yrs old or older doesn't mean that life stops. We all still want attention and affection and adventure! We want to experience all life has to offer. We use our age as wisdom to share with those around us. We are sexual, sensual, and sensible," Grace explains.

Augustine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in July of 2003. Her thoughts on that "It may slow me down, but if I can at all do it, I will. Sitting and feeling sorry for yourself isn't the answer...living your life with an open, joy-filled heart is."

Grace loves to hear from readers, you can find her: Website • Facebook • Edits With A Touch Of Grace • Twitter.