Escapism and Speculative Fiction: Reading and Writing

Why do I like to read and write speculative fiction? It's because of the escapism it brings.

This world is full of darkness and life is full of difficulties. Therefore, I like to get away from it all for a while. Or, I like to read and write about overcoming these obstacles. Speculative fiction definitely offers this ability.

Furthermore, it allows my imagination to soar. How wonderful is that? The imagination is remarkable and is definitely a gift.

So, read on. Enjoy.

Spec fiction, or spec lit, is definitely weird. But, in the times we live, it's a bizarre blessing.

Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy and Publishing by Stacy

The Hunt for Tanpres #6

How was he supposed to explain to her what she was about to face once they got to the Northern Kingdom? He practiced this speech a million times before, however, now that the time was here, words seemed to minimize the reality of it and her experience. Hence, he calculated what would be most appropriate.

Before he could say anything, she added, “How long of a flight do we have, pilot?”

He turned his face toward her for a second as his massive wings expanded across the crystal blue sky. “As long as we desire.” Was he coy or serious? She wasn’t sure. She shivered. It was January in Denver and that typically meant cold. This year was no exception. “Queen Megan, are you chilled?”

She was frigid, but had too much fun at the same time. “Yes.” Her teeth chattered.

“I’m sorry about that. I wasn’t thinking. I was too excited to have you with me again. You should have hollered. I can produce fire and can warm my skin for you. Let me know if I need to warm up more or cool off, please, ma’am. I’m your heater or air conditioner.”

She felt warmth under her legs and hindquarters like bun warmers in a car. She felt better almost instantly. “Thank you. That’s much better. It’s a good temperature.” She tried to pay him a compliment since he seemed to care for her and adore her. She didn’t want to be rude if he wanted to take care of her.

“I’ve saved the hardest conversation for now, while we were in the air so that it would be harder for you to get upset, which I know you will.” Bakari warned her. “Just remember that what I’m about to tell you wasn’t my choice, but it’s a matter of tradition.”

Uh-oh. From her experience, tradition usually meant something unpleasant that a person was forced to endure whether they cared for it or not. Thus, it didn’t sound good to her. What did he mean? “Then, tell it to me very quickly and forgive me if I scream. It wouldn’t be directed toward you, though.”

Yes. That was what he was afraid of. Would she accept things as they are? She had no other choice. But, the question in his mind was how hard she would make it on herself and everyone else involved. “You weren’t the only one that was voted on yesterday, my queen.”

Blog Queen (Or Blog Nut, depending on how you look at it.)

I am now finished adding blogs. I hope not to add any more because this is more than a full-time job keeping up with each of these. I want to touch on the topics most important to me, though, and help people to see life from a fresh perspective--and let people know they aren't the only one who... (You fill in the blank.)

Please check out whatever blog tickles your fancy.

My main blog is and will always be:

www.storiesbystacy.blogspot.com/

My daily blogs are:
www.storiesbystacy.blogspot.com/
www.speclitstoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday Blogs:
www.sacredstoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/
www.writingstoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/

Mondays and Wednesdays Blog:
www.momstoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/

Tuesdays and Thursdays Blogs:
www.journalstoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/
www.marriagestoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/
www.usastoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/

From the Crazy Writer and Blogger,
Stacy Duplease

The Hunt for Tanpres #5

Chapter 2

BAKARI FELT WHOLE again having his girl with him. He had cared for her since the day she was conceived and the time apart was painful to him. Both her parents, King Carmi (Car-me) and Queen Elyda (El-lie-da) Astoria, had been killed in a terrorist attack from a quite large exploding fruit that killed 21 others. Therefore, the new generation of royals were voted upon and the King had already taken the throne and was anxiously awaiting her arrival. He lived in the Northern Kingdom and would help her to understand the way things work in the kingdom and in the Outer World.

King Dryden (Dry-din) Astoria of Saphir (Saff-ir) Philo (Fuh-eye-lo) was his full name. He took the name of Astoria because all the royals in the history of the Northern Kingdom took that as a last name. Dryden’s mother was Saphir and father was Philo. Hence, he’s Dryden Astoria of Saphir Philo. He was the husband of Queen Megan Astoria. The only problem was that she didn’t know it yet. It was an arranged marriage voted on by everyone in the kingdom that were eligible to vote, and they would have to find a way to make it work as a couple. It was how things were done here.

The children that were hidden away in the Other World never came home to parents that were alive. After all, the only time the new royals took office was when both parents had died. That’s why Bakari was assigned to be her guardian. He was to protect her and was always nearby.

The dragon watched her grow into the beautiful woman she was and that was what kept him going. She brought him joy. In many ways, it could be argued that he was far more of a parent to that darling girl than just a sage or a protector.

He spent his life watching her and studying up on the histories of both worlds for her. He didn’t want to get her too terribly confused and had learned everything that he could about both worlds. It was his job to do so. He was her teacher, a dragon of wisdom, her protector, and her watcher. He chronicled everything she had ever done and just enjoyed her to the depths of his heart, mind, and soul. She was his delight. It was a bond like between father and daughter. The only hard part was that it was one-sided. He hoped to win her and that she would bond to him.

Oh, yes. He had a great deal to get her acquainted with, whether she was ready or not. The timetable was given to her and wasn’t her choice to make.

Bakari couldn’t help but smile when he took off into the air. She screeched a shout of joy that showed her normally carefree nature. She felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement pour forth from her. She had just learned a new sense of freedom as she soared through the air across Denver and was mountain bound.

“We cannot be seen, by the way. I went invisible and you followed suit since you’re on my back.” He informed her. This was insightful and would help her to understand more than what she already did.

Good. That made her feel better. She had wondered about that, but since this wasn’t real, she decided it really didn’t matter. She was still curious, however, about the depths of her overactive imagination. “That’s probably a good thing. I can only imagine what Denver would have to say about a flying dragon with a journalist on his back traveling across the city to the Rocky Mountains along I-70 Westbound.”

How was he supposed to explain to her what she was about to face once they got to the Northern Kingdom? He practiced this speech a million times before, however, now that the time was here, words seemed to minimize the reality of it and her experience. Hence, he calculated what would be most appropriate.

Before he could say anything, she added, “How long of a flight do we have, pilot?”

The Hunt for Tanpres #4

He cut to the chase. "You were voted to be the new Queen, girl."

Megan's confusion grew. "Voted? How?"

This got a little more complicated. "Four of our people from different families and backgrounds from each of the kingdoms were carried here by their guardians and were watched by their guardians. There was a full account documented on each of you. The Northerners voted that you're the best fit for this generation. We're a democracy. There are 300,000 Northerners of the proper age to vote and be part of the army. They voted you into office. You got over 99% of the votes, I’ll have you know. That was the highest voting rate that we’ve ever had for one candidate.” Bakari took the liberty to explain some of the process to her. She might find it beneficial to know.

“Why did they vote on me? They don’t even know me and I surely didn’t put myself in for the office.” This sounded too strange to her, but she still found her hallucination interesting. She might learn something from all of this, or would at least be entertained. Thus, she went along with it.

Bakari ignored her and continued to inform her of useful things. “You just so happen to be of blood ties to the last three royals. That, too, is quite uncommon. Blood matters less than morals and wisdom. Shall we go?” He intentionally held some of her secrets close to his own chest and would wait until the time was right to release them to her.

That stopped her dead in her tracks. “Go? You don’t expect me to follow you, do you and go with you? You’re a stranger to me and you want to take me to a strange land? You’re even stranger being a dragon, but who’s keeping score?” Megan teased him and hoped that he would appreciate her humor.

Bakari’s huge dark brown eyes with eyelashes that were two inches long looked into hers and he shook his head in disbelief. She was going to be a tricky student and he hoped to teach her everything he knew and more. He bowed toward her. “Come, my queen. Get on my back. I’ll be careful not to cut you with my scales.” His eyes showed humor then.

She chuckled to herself. “You want me to ride on your back? I always thought that it would be an adventure to drive 120 miles per hour in my car, but I never had the nerve to do that. What makes you think that this would make me feel any less uneasy?” She would love to fly, though, truth be known. She had always dreamt of it when she was a little girl. Wait a minute. “Bakari?” Her tone showed that she wasn’t pleased.

“Yes, ma’am?”

She had triggered a memory. “When did I come here?”

“When you were six months old.”

“Then, how do I recall flying before?” She couldn’t help but wonder.

Bakari laughed at her question and his face beamed. “You remember? You weren’t supposed to remember.” She had a memory of him even after all this time. “I came to visit you up until you were five years old. It’s at that age that you’re supposed to fail to remember everything well, so I thought it was safe to visit you up until then. Well, I guess I goofed.” He gazed up toward the heavens and spoke aloud. “Forgive me, Sir.”

“Who are you talking with, dragon?” She had a feeling that she already knew the answer even before she asked the question. She just wanted to be told just in case she was wrong.

“The Infinite.”

Megan smiled as the knowledge had come to her. She had no doubt. “Oh. God.” She put her own label on him.

“That’s what you Other Worlders call him. We call him the Infinite in the Outer World. He’s one in the same.” He explained to her as he bent at his knees in order to give her easier access to his back. “Come on. I guarantee that you’ll have the ride of your life.” He smiled at her and his eyes turned playful as his bushy eyebrows moved in expression.

“By the way, however long you’re in the Outer World, Megan, you’ll be gone only one second here in Denver. Then, when you’re gone from the Outer World, and are in the Other World, no matter how long, it’s one second in time there that has passed as well. Thus, you’ll never lose time as you travel back and forth, except for one second. You’ll age the same in each and will feel like you live two entire lifetimes, but will only age one lifetime, don’t worry. You’re just going to live out of two different worlds. Thus, I guess that you could say that you’ll have the best of both worlds.” It was his turn to show her his humor. It made her smile and chuckle.

“Very well, then. Let’s get out of here.” She climbed onto Bakari’s back and felt both regal and on top of the world. She knew that he would keep her safe. Even though she had clearly lost her mind, she couldn’t help but feel curious as to where her dream might take her and was glad to have such a joyful and knowledgeable companion for the journey.

I'm Back from Vacation & Movies

Greetings! How is everyone. I'm back from vacation and am ready to start to blog again. I will do more tomorrow.

Until then...

Movies:
Has anyone seen the new Star Trek movie and the new Terminator? What about Angels & Demons? What do you think? I saw all three while on vacation and enjoyed all of them. I have to admit, I dreaded seeing the new Terminator movie as I wondered how good it could possibly be, but quickly discovered it was no mistake. The movie was fantastic. It was probably my most favorite of all three. Star Trek is almost a tie, however. I thought it was excellent and look forward to seeing what the franchise does with it.

Stacy Duplease

When I Return

Reminder of Vacations:

I'm going to be out of touch from Wednesday, May 13 to Tuesday, June 2nd and will start to check email and get back into the swing of things on June 3rd. I'm going to the Colorado Christian Writing Conference (CCWC) in Estes Park and then going on a road trip with my husband.

When I Return:

When I get back, I will be able to devote more time to this blog, and writing blogs about The Hunt for Tanpres and Cammi's Story. I'll also start to write the second book of each.

Take care.

Stacy Duplease

What I'm Reading

I'm on a fantasy kick at the moment and just finished reading James Patterson's Angel Experiment: Book 1 of the Maximum Ride series. It was fantastic. I'll wait a bit before I purchase book two. I have other reading to do. Are there any fans of this author or series?

Now, I've started to re-read:
A Game of Thrones/A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

It's been so long since I read it I forget most of it. Therefore, I might as well say this is my first time (again). Are there any fans of this author or series?

Don't forget to check out my other blogs at: www.storiesbystacy.blogspot.com and www.momstoreisbystacy.blogspot.com.

I'm also on Twitter at: Storiesbystacy

Getting ready to add my new installment of The Hunt for Tanpres.

What I

The Hunt for Tanpres #3

Chapter 1 Cont.

Why was it that she felt more at ease now. He did seem to be friendly and was almost cute. His face was playful and endearing; although, she assumed that when he was angry, he would be formidable. He was an animal in appearance, but he took on human qualities. "Are you real? If so, how can you be? Dragons are a myth and can’t speak because they are only myth. What I’m experiencing is a hallucination that makes me think you’re real. You can’t be. Great! That means I’m hearing voices, too. This is not good. I don’t have time for a nervous breakdown or to develop schizophrenia. So I guess I don't need to ask the question in the first place." She tried to take some deep breaths and re-center herself.

"You doubt." The huge dragon face about 2-1/2 feet up and down and 1-1/2 feet side to side frowned.

How was that possible? How can a dragon express emotion? She couldn't help but notice how he was displeased. Gulp. She just upset what could be a man-eating fire-breathing dragon. Clearly, she was out of her mind.

Bakari shrugged his shoulders. "That's fine. You won't have any other choice shortly." He had no doubt whatsoever about that. The truth would be seen square on and she would have to face it.

Megan could tell that he was almost hurt by her doubt. She took a step closer as she felt the desire to comfort him. Her reaction was odd, she thought. He moved his long neck and brought his face a little closer to her. She wanted to touch him and see if he was solid in form. He looked it, but he had appeared, disappeared, and reappeared, after all. When she took another step toward him, she held out her hand to touch his face.

"It's okay." He bat his eyes at her and moved his head closer to her after he offered her reassurance. She cupped what would be his cheek with her palm and he swung his head into it like a cat and let out a loud rumble that showed pleasure and was almost like a purr. His skin had ripples from the scales, yet was soft. She felt a bond with him. That was strange. Why did she?

"I can change my coloring and skin. I make my skin hard like this in battle or in danger." Megan felt that happen underneath her palm. "Now, please remove your hand. I'm going to sharpen my scales. Carefully touch them and see for yourself. Don't be cut, though."

She saw silver blades outline each of the scales, but as she felt them, they were even harder skin with rough areas that could slice whoever touched him. She observed that the armor would keep him safe. She was absolutely intrigued. "Wow!" Then, Bakari made his skin soft once again.

He was glad to see her amazement. It did his heart good. Soon, she'd learn that he would do anything for her and would risk his life for her. She was his queen. He had known her for a long time. "Megan?" His voice was soft.
"Yes?" What did he want?

The dragon would slowly explain things to her. "Have you ever had the impression that you had more of a story than you could ever put your finger on? Like there was more to you than you knew or understood? Like there was something different about you?"

"Yes." She didn't have to think about it. She already knew.

"You were an orphan from day one, here in this world. We took you in a basket as a baby and put you in a police car where you were safe from the elements and where we knew he'd find you." Bakari the dragon started to fill in the gaps for her.

Megan knew that she was adopted, but not much else. Her parents wanted her to remember that they chose her and chose to keep her and make her part of their family. "Yes. My father, Jonah. He's a cop. My mama is Daphne. They adopted me. How did you know?"

"We chose them. They couldn't have children and wanted them so desperately, but couldn't afford it because of your mother's cancer treatments. They paid $100 for court costs and raised you with the values we hold dear." Bakari knew that she would feel confused and would need to rectify her uneasiness.

"Huh." She was intrigued and still wondered how he knew these things. "Where are you going with this?"

"You live in the Other World here on earth and you are known as an Other. We live in the Outlands in the Outer World, which we call the Outer or the Outlands. We have five kingdoms: the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and Middler. You're the chosen queen of the Northern Kingdom."

She felt like an alien or like she was in a science fiction type of time warp or something. This kept growing more strange by the second. She felt as though it were true somehow and couldn't help but wonder what it meant exactly. "Why do you say chosen?" She realized that making this remark inferred that she believed in any portion of his story. She hoped he knew better.

He cut to the chase. "You were voted to be the new Queen, girl."