October went by in a blur. Not only have I been busy working on a book launch (scroll down for more details on that), but I also had the opportunity to join a taiko workshop for beginners. Taiko is a Japanese drumming style, and it's one of my favorite artistic forms: part music, part performance, and all percussion. When I lived in Japan as an English teacher, I saw taiko performances at almost every local festival. I've got to beat on a taiko drum once or twice, but mostly my experience with the art form centered around a popular video game called "Taiko Drum Master" which, of course, has brightly colored drum mascots.
Me standing next to a taiko mascot, circa 2004. Yes, there is a man inside that costume. I hope he was short.
It's been a much more rewarding experience getting to play real drums through Eugene Taiko, a local Japanese arts organization. We've been practicing twice a week, learning the basic rhythms and a song called Renshu. There is a lot of precise movement that goes into a performance, including stance form. I'm still not great at it, but it's an effective form of exercise, as my sore arms can attest.
Eugene Taiko's drums. They have names like "Kaminari" and "Kokoro," which means "lightning" and "heart" respectively in Japanese.
As promised in my last newsletter, I have a sneak preview of Mom of the Chosen One. The first three chapters showcase the relationship between single mom Melissa Hartley and her teenage daughter Regan. I worked extra hard not to make Regan a teenage brat. She's supposed to be as likable as my sarcastic, middle-aged protagonist. The first few chapters give you a good idea of their interactions throughout the series.
NOTE: Amazon has dropped support of MOBI files on many of its ereader devices. If you're having trouble, I recommend trying to upload the EPUB version, or read the PDF version on a computer.
I've also got my proof copies back for the physical versions of the book. I'm so excited! I've never done a hardback book before and it feels so good in my hands.
Hardback proof on the left, paperback proof on the right.
Don't leave me hanging! Let me know what you think of the preview by emailing me at [email protected]. (You can also brag if you have better taiko skills than me. I won't be jealous, I promise!)
Fantastic Fantasy Reads
Myrtlewood Mysteries is a women's paranormal fiction series featuring a small town with endless secrets, a house with a mind of its own, and an amazing mother-daughter duo. The fifth book in this amazing, binge-worthy series, Delectable Magic, came out last week.
Bedsocks and Broomsticks is a brand new cozy fantasy written by my friend, UK author Gemma Clatworthy. If you like British settings, sarcasm, and magic (one of the world's best literary combos), this book's for you.
The complete Relic Guardians series is available for just over $1 per book. Fans of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones will enjoy this fast-paced contemporary fantasy adventure series filled with magic, action, and kick-ass characters.
Until next time, happy adventuring!
-DM Fike
Stories by DM Fike
Available in Ebook, Paperback, and Kindle Unlimited
Magic of Nasci Nature Wizard series
A secret society of wizards live in our national forests, protecting nature against supernatural threats. Ina may command the four elements at her fingertips, but she can’t stop the savage creature leaving corpses along the Oregon coast. Will summoning forbidden lightning defeat her enemy, or will the storm destroy Ina first?
Legends of Llenwald Portal Fantasy Trilogy
As Avalon gets pulled toward a secret world where others covet her legendary powers, she must decide whom to trust—an amnesiac fairy, a shapeshifting trickster, or even her former doctor—all of whom may only be exploiting her for their own gain.
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