Marsha A. Moore - Seeking a Scribe - Giveaway, Excerpt,Character Interview, Review.

Seeking a Scribe: 

Enchanted Bookstore Legend One

by Marsha A. Moore

Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves fantasy novels, but until she opens a selection from bookstore owner Cullen Drake, she has no idea he’s a wizard character who lives a double life inside that volume…or the story’s magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love.

His gift to Lyra, the Book of Dragonspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain following divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate from the fantasyland. Friendship builds anew. Attraction sparks. But Lyra doubts whether a wizard is capable of love. She’s torn—should she protect her fragile heart or risk new love?

Opening the book’s cover, she confronts a quest: save Dragonspeir from destruction by the Black Dragon before he utilizes power of August’s red moon to expand his strength and overthrow the opposing Imperial Dragon. Lyra accepts the challenge, fearing Cullen will perish if evil wins. Along with magical animal guides, Cullen helps her through many perils, but ultimately Lyra must use her own power…and time is running out.

Review:

Fantastic Characters! Well written with relatable personalities and love-able attitudes. The Plot flowed well, and the pace was good. I found the writing style great, with well written out world settings. I loved the originality of this story. Lyra is the only one to defeat the black dragon and the story really draws you in, making you feel as it it is you who must complete this. You've gotta read this!

My Rating 5 stars!

purchase link:
http://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Scribe-Enchanted-Bookstore-ebook/dp/B007JVYSSI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331740464&sr=1-1

Character Interview:

Where do you live?

I’m from Tampa, but I often spend time during summers at my Aunt Jean’s Lake Huron cottage. Since I teach college, it’s easy to have time to vacation there during school breaks. It’s so relaxing looking over the open waters and watching the fishermen and boaters going by—a great place to write. I’m hoping to write a novel there this summer.

How old are you?
35

What are you called? Nick name?
Most call me Lyra, but my real first name is Adalyra and my full name is Adalyra McCauley. The only ones who use my full given name are the Guardians—the Imperial Dragon, the Unicorn, the Tortoise, and the Phoenix. Oh, and the alchemist, Eburscon; he’s always too stiff and formal for me, a bit pompous.

How would you describe your looks?

I keep in shape, but I’m not an athlete. I like cycling, walking, and gardening. I have long blonde hair with some stubborn waves that I wish I could control.

In Twitter Fashion use 140 characters or less, sum your personal ad for us. (If you were to have one)

Adventurous, caring, educated, nice-looking woman wishes to build long-lasting friendships.

What kind of childhood did you have?

I had a great childhood, with a caring and close family. Many have passed and I miss them.

What do you do for a living?

I teach college in Florida, American Literature and Fantasy special topics.

How do you deal with conflict and change?

I often journal the twists and turns life gives me. That way I seem to be able to step back and understand them better.

Who else is in your life?

My Aunt Jean is my only living close relation. In the past year, I lost my parents in a car accident. Shortly after that, my husband and I divorced. But, Jean is like a second mother,
since I’ve visited her often all my life. I’m glad to have the chance to spend a few months of my summer helping her. She’s battling cancer, and it’s my turn to give back to her for all the care she’s given me through the years.

What are your goals or motivation?

Helping others brings me a lot of satisfaction.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love reading fantasy novels, journaling, flower gardening, taking walks in nature, doing
silly things just to laugh. I also like playing with dragons. They really are lots of fun and
not scary like most people think.

Who are your best friends? How did you meet the person of your dreams?

Cullen Drake, the owner of Drake’s Bookstore, has been my best friend on and off. He was my playmate when I was a girl, a wizard character in my favorite fantasy book. I had such a crush on him. Then, when I grew up, unfortunately I lost that book and had no way to find him. Thankfully, he found me recently, and our friendship is even better than before. We have so much in common. Being a wizard, he didn’t age much, so we look about the same age even though he’s actually two hundred years old.

Describe yourself--what is your best quality? What is your worst?

My best quality is caring for others. I like to help out. Sometimes that can be a problem when I don’t seem to take care of myself and my own needs as well.

What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?

That I’ll help good folks however I can, whether I can use my new magic skills or not.

What is your biggest secret--the one thing you don't want ANYBODY to know?

I really regretted losing my copy of the magic Book of Dragonspeir. After that, my adult life in the real world seemed so hard in comparison.

What are you most afraid of?

That I’m scared of having no family.

What do you want more than anything?

I want family around me to care for and enjoy happy times with.

Excerpt:

Chapter One: Licorice Memories

The smell of anise greeted Lyra as she opened the door to Drake’s bookstore. It took her back to happy childhood memories. Licorice-shoe-string-rewards for following her parents’ requests to stay on the dock while they secured the family’s pleasure boat to its trailer. The aroma brought a fleeting remembrance of times long gone, a treasure now that her folks had recently passed. At ease with the familiar scent, she settled into browsing through rows of antique bookcases. 

The shop owner stuck his head around a set of shelves. “Do you like tea?” 

“Yes, I do.” Before she could finish speaking, he disappeared. “Is that the wonderful smell?” she called out. 

Kitchenware clinked in the back room. Receiving no answer, Lyra followed the noises, scanning collections as she walked. This bookshop appeared established, but surely she would have remembered it from her last visit to the Lake Huron village five years ago. Books were her passion, especially fantasy. She paused in front of that section and studied its titles. 

The owner appeared, holding a pewter tray with a teapot, two cups, sugar jar, spoons, and napkins, which he laid on the corner of an old library table. She watched him carefully pour the tea and hand her a cup. He was about her age, mid thirties or a bit older, and handsome. His medium brown hair, peppered with gray at the temples, grazed his shoulders in wavy layers, and his beard was trimmed into a neat goatee. He wore long shorts, a knit golf shirt, and sandals—typical casual attire for this island resort community.  

She set down her bag from the drugstore and accepted his offer with a smile. “Thanks. My name’s Lyra.” She blew across the hot surface of the tea to cool it and then inhaled the anise-scented steam. She closed her eyes to fully enjoy the memory. “Ah!” 

“Afternoons of boating and licorice with your parents? Right?” he asked.Her mouth dropped open. How did he know that?  

He slurped from his cup. “Go ahead, take a sip. My folks gave me the same reward for taking my kid sister along on bicycle rides.”  

Forgetting all about the tea, she asked, “How do you know my childhood memory?”

“Taste it.” His lips curled into a sly grin as he took another gulp. 

She cautiously took a tiny sip, just enough to wet her lips and the tip of her tongue.  The flavor flooded her mouth, and her mind swam with wonderful memories. The taste transformed into that of gigantic popcorn balls the sheriff’s wife down the street made for Halloween trick-or-treaters, accompanied by images of Lyra’s costume—a red, fringed gypsy skirt borrowed from Mom. Next came a pumpkin flavor and vision of holding a cold piece of “punky-pie” in her five-year-old hand. Another swallow returned her experience back to anise. “What is this? How did you know?” 

“Let me introduce myself.” His grin spread into a smile as his eyes met hers. He took a step closer. “I’m Cullen, Cullen Drake, and I know many things. What I don’t know is what sort of books you like to read.”  

His keen interest caused heat to rise in her cheeks. “Well, actually I have several favorites, all fantasy and magical realism. You have a number of authors I like in this section.” She turned to refer to the shelves behind her, but found non-fiction hunting guides instead. “This case held classic fantasy a moment ago!”  

Cullen put down his cup. “It moved. It’s over here, and I have just what you want.” He slid an old-fashioned library ladder along its track, set the locking device, and climbed straight up to the top shelf.  

Lyra followed, walking between four comfortable leather club chairs grouped on a Persian rug. A portrait of a young girl and a man wearing a cloak caught her attention. Something seemed familiar in the child’s smile.  

The noise of books sliding on shelves distracted her. She moved to the base of his ladder and glanced up. The ceiling of embossed tin panels decorated with Victorian teardrop chandeliers and paper Chinese dragons made a unique combination, to be sure.  

But Lyra was more curious about the strange happenings in the store and its owner.  He was certainly odd, although not the bookish, geeky sort who usually ran bookshops she frequented. He had an athletic frame and strong legs.  

“Can’t find it!” he exclaimed and quickly descended. His brow furrowed, he dusted off his hands on his shorts. “I’ve got to find that volume for you. If you don’t mind me saying, there’s a sadness about you. The book will make you happier than you’ve been since those days of licorice shoe strings.”  

“After magical tea and shifting bookcases, I almost believe you.” She laughed to cover her concerns. Even four months after it was final, she worried that the loneliness she felt after her divorce blazed like a beacon on her forehead. But, Cullen knew so much—it startled her…actually, intrigued her. Her ex didn’t ever see inside her, didn’t want to. This man read her as though he knew her. Did he? He seemed so familiar.  

“Once I find that book, I promise, you’ll be pleased.” He stroked his goatee. “Hmm. Where did I last see it?” The twinkle in his gray-blue eyes captivated Lyra. “Will you be here for the week? I can look for it and call you later.” 

“I’m staying the rest of the summer with my elderly Aunt Jean. She owns a lovely cottage at the end of Walnut overlooking Lake Huron. I thought I’d keep her company and give her time away from her nurse during my teaching break. While I’m here, I plan to write my novel.” 

“Great! You’re a writer? What do you teach?” 

“Yes, and I teach American Literature at Southern University in Florida. Seems like you already would’ve known that since you jumped into my childhood memories,” she stammered, attempting some humor. Taking a long draught of the tea, her mind filled with memories of her pet dachshund wiggling next to her, displacing a row of dolls. Another part of her past he knew—impossible! Her forehead beaded with sweat. 

“No, only thoughts associated with a lot of emotion, like the happiness of snuggling with your dog.” 

“How?” she exclaimed, shaking her head. “I don’t understand.” Her mind swam, trying to grasp what happened. She desperately needed some fresh air. With trembling hands she set the cup down. 

“I realize it must seem odd, but the book I’m looking for will help explain.” He leaned closer with a smile that somehow reassured her. “This is Saturday. If you can come by next Wednesday morning, I think I should have it for you by then…if you’d like.” He paused and looked into her eyes, waiting for a reply. 

“Yes…I’m curious.” In spite of the confusion, she found herself agreeing.  

“Wednesday will work.”  

“Fine. Let me take down your number in case I can’t find it.” He walked to the counter and located a notepad and pen. She dictated her number and full name, which he repeated, “Lyra McCauley, a lovely Celtic name for a pretty lady.”  

“I think I need to go now. Thanks for the tea.” With shaking fingers, she collected her shopping bag and headed toward the door.  

He escorted her out and offered his hand to shake, the corners of his goatee lifting into an inviting grin. “Enjoy the rest of your weekend.” 

Lyra smiled and looked into his eyes, trying to discern his unusual clairvoyant gift. “You too.” The initial touch, of his palm against hers, sent electrical shivers along her arm. She jerked, yet didn’t let go, fascinated by the strong emotions flashing through her mind—attraction, excitement, and acceptance. After an awkwardly long pause, she dropped his hand, half-stumbled over the threshold into the sunshine, and took a long, deep breath. 

She ambled to an outdoor café a couple blocks farther down Tenth Street, while her mind buzzed with questions. How did he know those things about her? She dropped onto a seat at an empty table, shaded by an umbrella. He was fascinating and frightening at the same time…and familiar. Her divorce and loss of her parents left her lonely. He intrigued her. 

“May I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?” The waitress interrupted with a bright young voice, a college student working a summer job.Startled back to reality, Lyra murmured, “Just water, please.” Alone in a crowd of lunch goers, her thoughts returned to the bookstore and many unanswered questions.  

The waitress placed a glass of water in front of her.She almost hated to drink and remove the sweet aftertaste of anise from her tongue.

Author Bio:
Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Her creativity also spills into watercolor painting and drawing. After a move from Toledo to Tampa in 2008, she’s happily transforming into a Floridian, in love with the outdoors. Crazy about cycling, she usually passes the 1,000 mile mark yearly. She is learning kayaking and already addicted. She’s been a yoga enthusiast for over a decade and that spiritual quest helps her explore the mystical side of fantasy. She never has enough days spent at the beach, usually scribbling away at new stories with toes wiggling in the sand. Every day at the beach is magical!

Website: http://MarshaAMoore.com
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Goodreads author page http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamoore
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