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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
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Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Yes, Readers, I See You!
Today I want to emphasize how much I appreciate the opportunity to connect with my readers. One of the best experiences for me is when a reader, whom I know personally, reads one of my books and shares with me along the way, their reactions. It is such fun to see and hear them try to figure out the next step, or to comment on a favorite character, or to share their feelings about a surprise twist that they hadn't expected. These conversations are crucial to my understanding of other readers--those whom I do not know personally. Somehow, these conversations allow me to "see" and "hear" those readers, as well. This concept relates to the excerpt that I chose today. Chaya has lived a life of anonymity. Until now, only her childhood nanny, Ophelie, connected with her on a personal basis. But here, Marshall (aka Mansur) reaches out to Chaya. I can imagine her sense of relief when he does--even though she doesn't expect he can help her in any other way. In our world today, sometimes we need to put down the devices and engage with people, one on one, eye to eye. The sense of acceptance and connection we get when we do so, helps us in significant, meaningful, although largely unquantifiable, ways. Do you agree?
Book Excerpt
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“I remember almost nothing of the evening after that,” Chaya said after a quiet minute, having returned to the present, “except that I ended up with Cark.” Her eyes pooled with tears.
“How did he—”
“Afford it?” She grimaced. “It seems he’d just come into an inheritance—a very large one. He spent the entire amount to purchase me, and he’s never let me forget it. Because of it, he’s never been able to buy himself a better position.”
“But he’s never sold you.”
“He can’t afford to. He lost half his fortune with the taxes on his inheritance, then spent the remainder on me. The only way he could come out even—in his mind anyway—would be to sell me for twice the price he paid.” She smiled, though her eyes teared up. “No one would pay that exorbitant a price for someone previously owned. In fact, no one would pay half that price.”
The Oathtaker bit his lip, lost in thought. “So, when was that?”
“Seven years ago.”
“Dear Good One!”
Her eyes darted his way, dancing with recognition. “I knew it! Not only are you from Oosa—you’re a follower. A follower of Ehyeh.”
He swallowed hard. He wanted to kill Tanith and Cark. He wanted to help Chaya. The intensity of his feelings surprised him.
“I’m so sorry,” he said.
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