Lissette E. Manning

Marsha:  Lyra, Cullen, come in. Have a seat. I’ve brewed a pot of Earl Gray. We’ve all been so busy touring with your first starring roles in Seeking a Scribe, let’s sit and relax a bit. May I get you a cup?

Cullen: *winks at Lyra*

Marsha:  *glances over her shoulder at Cullen as she pours the drinks* None of that funny, magical business. *hands them cups, places a tea tray on the side table, then settles in a chair* Did I brew it to suit for you, Cullen. *smiles*

Cullen: *takes a sip* Brewed well enough, but seems to be missing something. *sets his cup down to add a lemon wedge from the tray and twists his silver dragon ring until the blue topaz eyes glow slightly*

Lyra: Good tea, Marsha. Thanks. We’ve been so busy saving the Alliance from the Dark Realm of the Black Dragon, we haven’t had a chance to relax. *takes another sip* Ah! Anise. And memories of licorice candy as a treat after my family boating trips. *face lights with a big smile as she looks at Cullen* Taste yours again, Marsha!

Marsha: *cautiously takes a sip* Mmm. German chocolate cake—my favorite birthday cake when I was a girl. *glances at Cullen* Thank you for the nice memory…sweet of you.

Cullen: *nods* A small token of my gratitude for allowing Lyra and me to meet again. I was beginning to lose hope I’d find her again, after she lost her copy of the enchanted Book of Dragonspeir when she grew up. We had such fun together when she was young, but that was for a reason…the Imperial Dragon needed her to help him block evil actions by the Black Dragon once she became an adult. But, he lost track of her and assigned me to the task.

Marsha: How long did you search for Lyra?

Cullen: Twenty-five years. I’d almost given up. I’m ever grateful for your help in authoring this book.

Marsha: Not a problem. Lyra, what was it like going back into Dragonspeir as an adult?

Lyra: When I reentered as an adult, I met with each of the four Guardians—the Phoenix, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Imperial Dragon—Guardians of Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. We traveled through all the peaceful parts of the Alliance side of Dragonspeir to meet them. Then, I had to face a hard task, a quest to save their world and Cullen’s source of magic that keeps him alive. I wasn’t sure I could do it. It was really hard, physically and mentally. I wanted to quit many times.

Marsha:  I know you suffered a lot, dear. What is the Black Dragon like? Why is he trying to destroy the Imperial Dragon?

Cullen: The Black Dragon is leader of the Dark Realm that opposes the Alliance, led by the Imperial Dragon. The two factions have existed longer than anyone knows—even the Tortoise, our oldest Guardian. The antagonism is older than time itself in Dragonspeir. There have been several leaders in those titled roles. *leans forward and twists his dragon ring until its blue topaz eyes spark with light* The Alliance has been in control of power for centuries and the Dark Realm is hungry for overthrow. We’re on highest alert.

Marsha: High alert—I think I need to get busy and write more, but that’s fine. I had the best time writing the first book. I liked tagging along with the two of you. Cullen, why was Lyra the chosen one?

Cullen: She was marked for appointment to the position of the new Scribe, inherited from her ancestors.

Marsha: Hmm. True, but I think there’s more. After all, Sire Drake, you aren’t an expert on mystical astronomy like the Imperial Dragon (and me). We know a bit more. *slurping her tea with a sly grin*

Lyra: I’ve wondered about all that, but I wouldn’t trade a moment. The adventures have been great, and I’ve made good friends like I’ve wanted for a long time, especially Cullen. Actually, they all were my friends before, but somehow when I lost my copy of the Book, I forgot…no, everything about Dragonspeir seemed to slip into the back of my mind. Once Cullen gave me that lost copy he found, and I opened it, all the memories flooded back…the best friends ever!

Marsha: Yes, you’ve made special friendships with the talking guides, animals and plants who’ve helped you along your quest. On this tour, interviewers keep asking where I came up with them, but I really don’t have a good answer. They seemed to just appear. *raising an eyebrow at Cullen* Now that I think about it, I’ll bet you used your sorcery skills to guide how I wrote those characters. Lyra, what has made you close to those guides?

Lyra: Oh! I love them all. Kenzo, the giant tiger owl and Cullen’s assistant, is such a loveable guy. He stays with me through thick and thin. Cranewort, the giant old sentry tree serves as gatekeeper at the Crossroads. He’s been like the father I lost, always keeping an eye on me with his clairvoyance while I’m in Dragonspeir. His hugs with his branches folding around me are the best! There are so many others, I hate to forget to mention…like Noba, Cullen’s familiar. He’s a tiny pseudodragon and has a heart of gold. And Bero—the leader of the herd of blue deer. His strength and steadfastness help me endure. They’re all great!

Marsha: I know what you like about Cullen, but our readers don’t. Lyra, what’s special about our esteemed wizard?

Lyra: When I walked into his shop, Drake’s Bookstore…he was handsome, but a bit strange…especially his tea. And then his bookstore was even stranger, with moving shelves.  *looks sideways at Cullen* But, what really got my attention was when you knew what my memories were before I even said anything.

Cullen: *grins sheepishly* I needed to get your attention without scaring you off.

Lyra: Actually, it was really nice having someone want to know me, want to understand me for a change. *smiling* Don’t let the high sorcerer title scare you, Marsha.  He’s really a softie!

Marsha: And, Cullen, what makes Lyra so special?

Cullen: Without magic, or perhaps it is magic…either way, she can seem to read people’s hearts, mine especially.

Marsha:  Cullen, how long have you lived in that fantasy world? Will I ever get you to be able to live in Lyra’s world, apart from Dragonspeir?

Cullen: I simply can’t. I stay in Dragonspeir part-time and have since Lyra was born, thirty-five years ago. Actually, I’m required to reside in Dragonspeir, since the magic of the Alliance is what enables me to stay alive, to fool death after two hundred years. That is the real problem Lyra and I face. I’m tied to that world, while she can only be a guest, granted permission by the Imperial Dragon. Her time there is very limited, unless she spends much time training to use her magical abilities.

Lyra: Unfortunately, although I’ve inherited lots of power from my ancestors, I don’t really know how to use enough of that power, only what comes to me intuitively. I have much I want to learn. I’d like to be in Dragonspeir with him more…that’s our goal.

Marsha: Okay, another reason for me to get back to writing. *sets down her cup* See you both at my keyboard very soon!

Available for purchase via: Amazon.

Synopsis:

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.

About The Author:

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!

Connect With Her Online:

Website: http://www.MarshaAMoore.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarshaAMoore
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marshaamooreauthorpage
Fantasy Faction Staff Page: http://fantasy-faction.com/staff-members?uid=38
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamoore
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100564214132835514192/posts