March Book Sale

For the month of March, Diane McGyver’s Northern Survival is reduced from $4.99 to $0.99. Download your copy at Amazon. It is available to Kindle Unlimited Members.

Northern Survival

Olive Tweed planned her trip for two years. She’d vacation at Summer Beaver, gather the research material needed to write the next book and spend a few days hiking the vast wilderness. When she is called home unexpectedly and boards a chartered plane, she never dreamt it would crash, leaving her alone with a man who knew nothing about survival or the woods. If they don’t put aside their differences and work together, they’ll never escape alive.

“Northern Survival” was inspired by a video created by a pilot who recorded the crash of his small plane in Northern Quebec. The only reason he survived was because the plane had a parachute.

If you love stories of adventure, survival challenges and characters who test each others ability to endure, you’ll love “Northern Survival”.

Book Quote (Olive): “You don’t believe me now but wait. You’ll see. The first night you lay in bed surrounded by four walls with the window closed, you’ll wonder where those sounds are. You’ll start to wonder if everything on the planet is dead. It will be so quiet, so void of life you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a tomb.”

Book Quote (John’s perspective): He rested his cheek against the top of her head. In their short time together, they had endured more than some married couples. In the real world, they’d have parted after the first disagreement, never to see each other again. But, here, where they existed purely for each other, their time together had created a connection he couldn’t deny. They were friends in spite of their differences or perhaps because of them.

Book Quote (Olive’s perspective): She stared at the bright red apple with streaks of green. Her mouth watered at the thought of the juice that would spring forth when her teeth dug into its flesh. She’d seal her lips around the bite and suck the sweet liquid in slowly to fill her mouth with joy.

Book Quote (John’s perspective): The woman was like books he’d read, ones that were slow to start, ones he often put down to pick up later because something nagged at him to return to the story but didn’t excite him enough to read every day. Books like that didn’t capture his full attention until he was three-quarters of the way through, then he was hooked and devoured the rest like the final bites of a juicy steak.

Book Quote: John: “Incredible. You shouldn’t have seen 50. How do you feel?”

Olive: “Like I’m 23 again except I love life more. I’m here for the fun of it, the adventure. It’s why I don’t watch TV, avoid the news and don’t spend energy on the junk society thinks is important because it’s not. Each day, I’m living.”

He laughed. “Even here? With a city boy lost in the woods?”

“You make it challenging, but I enjoy the hike. I’d prefer more food, better accommodations, cream for my tea but…” She twitched her nose. “It could be worse. I’m alive and well, and that’s all that truly matters.”

Northern Survival – a book you’ll burn through in a weekend.

Book Sale

From now until February 29th, the entire Castle Keepers fantasy series by Diane McGyver will be on sale. The regular price per book is $4.99. During the sale period, they will be $0.99 each. Grab your copies today.

All McGyver’s books are available at Amazon.

All McGyver’s books are available to Kindle Unlimited Members.

BOOK 1: Shadows in the Stone

When bandits seize his child, one man sacrifices everything to save her.

The most important thing in Corporal Bronwyn Darrow’s life is rising in the ranks at Aruam Castle. His goal is to be captain of the guard one day. The last thing he needs is distractions. When a woman and a child are forced into his life, tensions escalate, and he’s caught between his drive for promotion and what his heart desires. If you love stories of adventure mixed with magic and romance set in archaic landscapes, you’ll love McGyver’s “Shadows in the Stone”. Unlike many fantasy novels, family plays a central part in this story, so be prepared for the hero to receive unwanted motherly advice.

“Shadows in the Stone” is the first book in the Castle Keepers epic fantasy series. It will introduce readers to a unique cast of characters who want to control their own destiny. Brace yourself for the ride to another time and place.

Shadows in the Stone Amazon Review: What I particularly enjoyed in this solidly mainstream fantasy is its fresh focus on established themes. It’s like an award-winning movie director telling the person behind the camera to lower or raise the picture in the viewfinder for a new angle. The fantasy world McGyver has created has the magical beings you might expect, but you’ll see them in new ways and see their story with fresh insights. 

BOOK 2: Scattered Stones

Honour is nothing without the ones you love.

Five years. That’s how long Bronwyn Darrow has been searching for his daughter who is trapped in that elusive Blackvale Castle dungeon.

He’s grown desperate during that time and when he learns she’s being transferred, he’s willing to sacrifice everything, including his honour, to rescue her.

Scattered Stones is the second book in the Castle Keepers epic fantasy series. It continues the adventures of the characters introduced in Shadows in the Stone and takes readers on a journey across Ath-o’Lea to find the young girl named Isla.

BOOK 3: Revelation Stones

Some must get lost to find themselves.

After five years in prison, Isla of Maura is rescued when mercenaries break into the dungeon. Burdened with guilt, she flirts with death while she learns to trust her newfound companions. When she’s caught in a feud between ancient dwarf families, she must sort truths from lies, friends from enemies. If she fails, she may kill the wrong person.

BOOK 4: Healing Stones

A good man isn’t down until everyone who matters has lost hope.

Isla of Maura hasn’t seen Liam Jenkins for six years, since they pledged to unite. Her thoughts often drift to him and not long ago, his thoughts invaded hers.

She sets out to find him, but the man she finds is far from the one in her childhood memories, and the secrets he keeps threaten her life and the lives of her travelling companions.


McGyver Featured at South Branch Scribbler

Today, author Diane McGyver is featured at South Branch Scribbler in its Story Behind the Story section. Read what inspired this fantasy author to write Dragons in the Dungeon here: Story Behind the Story with Diane McGyver.

McGyver is the author of several books, including her most recent, Dragons in the Dungeon. This novel is on sale for the month of February to celebrate Fantasy February.

It’s available at Amazon to all readers, including Kindle Unlimited members.

Celebrating Fantasy February

For the month of February, Diane McGyver’s Dragons in the Dungeon eBook will be on sale for $1.99. It’s regular $4.99. It’s always available to Kindle Unlimited members. Pick up your copy today at Amazon.

Description

Ryan McCormac is addicted to playing Mediaeval Dungeon Adventures with friends every Friday night. He’s so consumed with the role-playing game that he wishes he could find a spell to transport him into that world where he could create his own campaign. One day, his wish comes true. But his friends aren’t there, and the world is nothing like he thought it would be. Every day he fears for his life. The people are soulless, the landscape is colourless and the magic is nowhere to be found. The only way home is to find another like him and sacrifice them.

After five years, he’s finally found someone from his world. Now he just has to get her to the wizard who can perform the spell. Simple right? Except she’s a gatherer and before he reaches the wizard, she’s gathered several friends who plan to save her.

If you played Dungeons and Dragons in the 1980s, you’ve got this. You know the feeling of joining friends on a quest, choosing your race, be it dwarf or elf, your profession, possibly fighter or thief, gathering your gear and exploring endless dungeons. This story is a tribute to those days when life was good, music was better and days were endless.

August Book Sale: “Shadows in the Stone”

For the entire month of August, the first book in the Castle Keepers series, Shadows in the Stone, will be 99 cents. It’s regular price is $4.99.

Here’s what a few reviewers on Amazon had to say about Shadows in the Stone by Diane McGyver.

It’s like an award-winning movie director telling the person behind the camera to lower or raise the picture in the viewfinder for a new angle. The fantasy world McGyver has created has the magical beings you might expect, but you’ll see them in new ways and see their story with fresh insights.

This may be fantasy but the characters are very real. Ms. McGyver has created characters you care about as they deal with their personal demons, suppressed feelings, secrets, magical powers and unrequited love.

This story took me to a different place and even yet some things have stayed with me. Diane Lynn McGyver created a whole new world, with characters the reader quickly cares about, and suspense, drama and mystery to keep the pages turning.

To start reading Shadows in the Stone today, download your copy from Amazon.

COMING SOON: “House of Songs”

When Genge Toutant and his twin sister Ginger set off on a hike to Cape Split, they never dreamt only one of them would return. Little did they know, demons had set a trap to capture the life essence of unsuspecting victims.

House of Songs is a novella written by John D. Grant of Nova Scotia. It is scheduled for release near the end of October.

We are in the middle of designing a cover for House of Songs. Here are a few we’ve come up with. Which one grabs your attention? They are only mock-ups for now. So ignore any lines around the edges.

Top (left to right): 1, 2, 3, 4

Middle (left to right) 5, 6, 7

Bottom (left to right): 8, 9, 10, 11

Historian John N. Grant appears in “The Laker”

Author and historian John N. Grant was interviewed for “The Laker”. Here is an excerpt.

EAST HANTS: Hidden on a side road straddling the Halifax and East Hants County line lives John N. Grant, an historian well-known and respected in his field, both in history and in genealogy.

The retired university professor has several books to his credit. Three of the most recent publications focus on school history and one provides details on ships patrolling Maritime waters during the First World War, ships that never existed according to the Canadian government.

One might say A History of Oldfield Consolidated School 1962-2017 hits close to home. In fact, it’s very near where Grant lives.

Continue Reading at “The Laker”: Local historian writes books on schooling, mystery war ships

Review: “The One We Forgot to Love”

A review for The One We Forgot to Love by Sandy Totten has been published by the Miramichi Reader.

The One We Forgot to Love by Sandy Totten, published by Quarter Castle Publishing, first got my attention with the storyline of mental illness as an “invisible opponent and the loved ones who share those struggles.” The story is that of a child with mental illness, as told through the first-person account of each of the four family members in a back-and-forth progression. Each chapter begins with the name of the family member and proceeds with the chapter being dedicated to the views and recounting of that character.

Continue Reading: The Miramichi Reader

Buy your copy today at Amazon.

eBook Sale: “Northern Survival”

Northern Survival by Diane McGyver will be on sale for the next week. Read it now for only $2.99.

“Best story I’ve read in awhile. Interesting..unusual..well written. Loved the way their relationship developed as they learned to respect and trust each other.” AMAZON REVIEW

“This was the kind of story that sounds real. I like those. I could see this happening.” AMAZON REVIEW

“The best adventure/romance I’ve read in many years. Best of all, no irrelevant padding of the word count.” AMAZON REVIEW

Pick up your copy today at AMAZON.

“A History of Oldfield Consolidated School 1962–2017” Excerpt

John Grant Oldham Consolidated School history

Here’s a little of what you’ll find in A History of Oldfield Consolidated School 1962-2017 by John N. Grant.

The Oakfield School District was named in honour of the estate and community established by Major (later Lieutenant-General) John Wimburn Laurie (1835-1912). Laurie arrived in Nova Scotia in 1861, and he married Francis Robie Collins at St. Paul’s Church in Halifax in 1863. Her father, Enos Collins (1774-1871), was an entrepreneurial businessman who accumulated one of the greatest fortunes in British North America, and her mother, Margaret Haliburton Collins, was a member of the provincial gentry, a descendent of both Sir Breton Haliburton, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, and Charles Inglis, the first Lord Bishop of the province.3 Collins apparently hoped the young couple would settle near Windsor where he owned land, but they set their hearts on Grand Lake. In 1865, Laurie purchased 500 acres of land there and called the estate ‘Oakfield’. One of his descendants later recorded that it “was a shock to their many friends in society when Col. and Mrs. Laurie closed their house on Morris Street [Halifax] and moved 25 miles away to the house they were building in the woods on the shores of Grand Lake.”4 The closest settlement was Fletcher’s Bridge, which Laurie eventually renamed Wellington in honour of the great British war hero and political leader, Arthur Wellesley, (1769-1852), the Duke of Wellington.

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The title of McGyver’s next fantasy novel is…

Epic fantasy author Diane McGyver delivers a stand-alone fantasy novel that breaks all the rules in Dungeons and Dragons. From dancing between two worlds to delivering characters who don’t look like they should, she takes on the challenge of sending reluctant would-be heroes on the quest of their lives.

This is the perfect novel for traditional fantasy readers and for those who fell in love with the role-playing game in the 1980s. Grab your character sheet, roll those dices and let’s start the adventure.

It begins March 23, 2023.

The title of this epic adventure is Dragons in the Dungeon.

John N. Grant’s New eBook

Up until this week, A History of Oldfield Consolidated School 1962 – 2017 by John N. Grant had been available only from the author and only in paperback form. That has changed.

The booklet, which contains 50 pages of extensive research on the many schools that went into forming Oldfield Consolidated School, is now available as an eBook exclusively at Amazon.

This allows Kindle Unlimited members to access the book.

Download your copy today.

The eBook contains seven coloured images of the school. It also mentions staff, teachers, students and those involved in the consolidation process.

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Coming October 25th

We’ve signed a new author. His name is John D. Grant, not to be confused with non-fiction author John N. Grant. John D. Grant writes fantasy. We’ve accepted his novella. We’ll share more about the story soon.

Release Date: October 25, 2022

Romance Collection

Are you looking for a great story laced with romance? Look no further than our Romance Collection.

Looking for more adventure than romance? Read Northern Survival.

Looking for a story about a woman coming to the crossroads in her life with a touch of romance? Read The Salvation of Mary Lola Barnes.

Looking for a future thrust into archaic times laced with innocent first love? Read Natural Selection.

Looking for a hot and heavy, drop your clothes at the bedroom door romance? Read A December Knight.

Have you written a similar romance? Is it ready for the world to read? Submit it. It might the next book added to our Romance Collection.

To learn how to submit, check out General Submissions.

We Design Books for Self-published Authors

Not everyone wants their book published traditionally. While there are many benefits to having a book published the traditional way by a publishing house with everything taken care of for the author, there are drawbacks.

What are those drawbacks? The author doesn’t decide on the cover design. They might not even get the title they want. The publisher may suggest or demand changes to the story the author is not happy about. The publisher decides where and when the book is sold, how much it costs and the advertising for it.

Since they take the biggest risk, they also get a higher royalty cut. Most authors receive 10% or less in royalties. When I see authors who have multiple books published traditionally and still need a day job, that tells me being a traditionally published author is not the dream job most of us thought it was.

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Missing Information Regarding Vitamin D in “Fluid of Life”

A major problem we have in life is the inability to ask questions we don’t know to ask. I discuss this in my recent book, Fluid of Life – What doctors never told me about my blood.

As if to prove this point, a week after this book launched, material I was reading inspired me to ask a question. That question provided an answer that if I had thought about it, I would have guessed it. However, I never knew to ask, so I hadn’t thought about it.

The question was: Do chickens that get exposed to sunlight have more Vitamin D in their eggs than chickens raised in enclosed facilities?

I asked this question because Vitamin D is essential to our over-all health, and it plays a role in iron absorption. One of the foods said to contain Vitamin D naturally is eggs. According to a simple search online, 1 large raw egg has 41 IU of Vitamin D. Preparing it changes this slightly, but not a lot.

However, that’s not the full story. When I looked for answers to my question, I found various ones, but they all said the same thing: chickens exposed to sunlight produce eggs with higher Vitamin D.

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