Oh, Can-a-da, I’m in seventh heaven this week, visiting the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia! We’re staying at the Fairmont Empress, a stately hotel overlooking the gorgeous harbor. It’s cold, with a bit of drizzle and overcast skies, and I am lovin’ it–perfect #InspirationResearch venues for book 5. The Fairmont Empress is chock full of nooks and crannies, perfect to curl up in to read or write. We’ve been exploring the stately chambers and rooms–it’s a breath taking castle venue for sure, bringing much inspiration for my next Cherrywood Hall adventure with it’s detailed, carved mouldings and elaborate, stone masonry. And have I mentioned the chandeliers (Jewel on the Crown, 250,000 crystals–that’s a lot of bling)? #Swoon…
I have to say the sunsets over the harbor are just over the top. I love how the buildings light up at night, adding even more enchanting colors to this marvelous sky/seascape. We love watching the seaplanes take off and land in the harbor too–what a way to travel! We’re off to explore this exciting city with planned visits to Craigdarroch Castle, the Royal BC Museum, the Butchart Gardens, and for our final day–high tea at the Empress. More pics and stories to follow! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
The plans/plotlines/characters are in place, editors and proofing services secured, so now we just need to get this little gem written. I am tickled pink with this new story. The cover has been completed but I have some awesome #bookcover animations and audio production in the works for my #cover reveal from the fabulous Morgan Wright and Gee Gee Music Productions. Enhancements are underway, stay tuned…dun-dun-dun…Check out Morgan’s fabulous animation services here to learn more:
Witchery and lore galore this week from the writers of Twitter….
Author Elijah Barns, The Shadow Cutters, Book 2, the Witch and Jet Splinters, 5 STARS
Unbelievable treks and giggles galore in this second book by Author Barns in his Witch and Jet Splinters fantasy series. An encounter with a conniving Herne the Hunter with dubious ties makes Witch Jinny Lane in the need for a holiday! Jinny and her adorable feline companion Jetty are off on a road trip like no other with witchy friends Riz and Lou. They’re off to see the fairie hills in Scotland, traveling in style in a posh motor coach that happens to be a fav of a few, ahem, smelly goblins–but before the trip begins, we first are swept away to ancient Egypt in a time-machine, where one of the travelers learns of surprise royal origins…there is never a dull moment with this crew–expect the unexpected!
As we travel back to the present, the motor coach journey begins, and new pets (and old) join the witches on their journey, including a tarantula who tragically was believed to be lost forever, a beloved former pet who has magically returned as an impressive Indian fruit bat, a green alien cat with two tails and an encyclopedic mind (there’s a story with this one!), and a fabulous crow with a heart of gold. As this witchy group travels the Scottish country side, they encounter more witches, shadow cutters, and even Satan himself, Mr. Nick–who is rumored to have a bit of a past with one of one of the ladies…
I was absolutely enchanted and delighted with this latest story from Author Barns. His stories are cracking reads–filled with fantastical adventure (and sometimes the odd mis-adventures), hilarious dialogue ( yes, witches and animals do talk to one another, frequently!), and witty storylines filled with charmed creatures that storm your imagination. The ladies are coming into their own in this story, and the pets will keep you laughing and gobsmacked with their adorable antics. This is a must read series for me, feel good fun and lore galore–highly recommended! I can’t wait until the promised book 3 is done!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Loving these custom bookmarks from the fabulous Sonia (@IsaScribe)!
My customer #bookmarks arrived from my Twitter friend, Sonia. I love the graphics and glittery paper–they remind me of the décor in Cherrywood Hall! These will be great, custom giveaways for my books–love them!
And of course it wouldn’t be a trip with V without some royally inspired cocktails!Â
The first pic is of the Empress 75, a specialty house cocktail made with gin, prosecco, Cointreau, St. Germain and the luscious grapefruit juice pearls served on the side–Yummeaux! The lovely violet concoction is a specialty gin, the Empress 1908, that gets its vivid violet hue from an infusion of pea blossoms, who knew?
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S.Exclusive. Enquiring minds want to know….While in the air, getting ready to land at the Victoria airport, my sleuthy eyes happened to hone in on a mansion that has been in the news quite a bit lately due to a former #royalcouple who are now on the path of financial independence….I think I spotted the ‘secret’ Russian hideaway….Gemma and Rikkhe agree, what say you?? 🙂 #AlmostRoyalReporterÂ
