Friday, May 28, 2021

Friday's Great Read

 

I am so pleased to have my good friend and fellow author, D. L. Finn with us today to tell us about her newest work TREE FARIES AND THEIR SHORT STORIES. Since I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak, I can tell you it’s a keeper just as D. L. is herself.

 


Thank you, Sandra, for having me here today to talk about my latest release, “Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories.”

In my stories, I mention a few things that are dear to me, including my love of trees and nature, which usually shows up in my writing. There is a lot of debate going on right now about how to fix our state’s fire danger. I won’t debate the theories, but I will share what we’ve done on our property.

Over the years, we’ve selectively cut trees on our property, and more recently, we’ve cleared further away from our house for safety and insurance purposes. The only downside I’ve seen to getting rid of the underbrush and natural plants is weeds with stickers on them replace them. I’ve picked many stickers out of my socks.

But it was nice to open things up and explore more into our forest, or as we call it, the Magical Trail. It’s here we’ve put up some housing for our local fairies.

Although we’ve never seen a fairy living in the houses, I know they are there and keeping us safe.

 

Fun Finn Facts:

1.       I believe in fairies.

2.       I’ve stood inside a redwood with my entire family in complete darkness.

 


Blurb:

When reality and magic meet in the forest

It’s 1969, and twelve-year-old Daniel Burns is camping in the redwood forest with his family. Danny wants to listen to his music and read, but his family has other plans. S’mores around the campfire and stories end their first day. The family is sleeping soundly in their secluded tent when Danny wakes up and finds his sister, Colette, is missing. Assuming she went to use the outhouse, he goes after her. When he finds his sister, they discover there is a thin veil between reality and fantasy.

Two bonus short stories offer a glimpse into the magical world that finds Danny and Colette. These hidden beings not only share our world but have a role in protecting their forest.

Excerpt from a short story:

Roselle

2004

Roselle stopped midair to admire the pink, orange, yellow, purple, and red that filtered through the redwood forest as the sunset. She carefully scanned the area to make sure no one was watching, and then, with a huge grin, she dove into a double roll.

“Woo-hoo!”

Her twirling skidded to a halt when an older fairy from the school office flew directly under her. Her always-braided gray hair had yellow flowers woven in like she was meeting someone special. The fairy made a sharp turn and shot out of sight without acknowledging Roselle’s childish frolicking.

Roselle couldn’t hold back a smile. It was hard to contain her exuberance because the forest was the best place to live. Everything about the redwood trees was amazing. They made tannin, a natural insect repellent that gave them that wonderful red tone and protected them from fires.

The only downside to a smaller number of insects was fewer birds, which she loved the most. The bright yellow Wilson’s warbler was her favorite. They added so much color to the deep green forest, and the male had a little black cap that she found endearing. Right now, her warblers and many others were on their way south as fall left summer behind, which also meant they would have winter bird visitors soon.

She found the year-round birds, the great horned owl and red-tailed hawk, beautiful but annoying. Those birds could ruin a peaceful moment like this. Both seemed to forget fairies weren’t their meals. Roselle reminded them with a powerful jolt that felt like a mini lightning strike. It didn’t hurt them, but they didn’t like it, either.

Her carefree moment quickly passed when she flew by her school. She sighed deeply and headed for the forest floor. “Darn paper’s due tomorrow. Why did I wait to write it?”

The paper stood between her and the upcoming fall break. It was normally a time when she could roam the forest uninterrupted and take in the deciduous trees as they burst into red, orange, and yellow. However, this break wouldn’t be the same without her human friends, Wren and Sierra. Roselle missed their company and all their silly jokes, including the ones about her putting off getting things done.

Sierra would say, “If they had an award for procrastination, you’d win first place.”

Wren would add, “But you’d be late and miss the ceremony.”

Okay, maybe she did put things off until the last moment and might be late for school now and then, but at least, at some point, it all got done. When Wren and Sierra left for college two months ago, it was like she lost a part of herself.

Purchase Links:

Amazon

SMASHWORDS

Author Bio:


 

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include adult fiction, poetry, a unique autobiography, and children’s books. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

D.L. Finn Links:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

D.L. Finn blog

 

 

 

 

64 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Congratulations to D.L. Finn. I enjoyed reading the story of how she loves forests, fairies, and standing with her family inside a redwood tree. I enjoyed meeting Roselle. It was a great blurb and I wish D.L. the best in this latest release. And thanks go to you, Sandra for supporting other artists, including D.L. Finn.

Valerie-Jael said...

Sounds great, good luck to D.L. with the new book. Of course there are fairies! Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Elizabeth! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the except and blurb. I won't ever forget standing inside that tree! I agree many thanks to Sandra for all her support to others.

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Valerie! It's good to met another fairies believer! Have a great weekend, too. xoxo

Elephant's Child said...

Congratulations to D.L.Finn and hooray for trees and their fairies. And thank you for the generous support you offer so many people. Here and elsewhere.

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you SO much for having me here today, Sandra. The post is beautiful and the welcome always warm and cozy. Sending you a ton of hugs xoxo

Hot guys said...

Well, thanks for the sneak peak, Sandra! 🙂

Harmony Kent said...

I think this book is right up my street. Best of luck with your latest book, Denise. I love that you stood inside a Redwood with your entire family! Fingers crossed all those fire measures keep the fairies and you all safe :) xx

Sandra, thanks for showcasing Denise and her new book today :)

Staci Troilo said...

I can't imagine standing inside a tree, let alone with my family. What an experience!

Best wishes, Denise.

Thanks for hosting, Sandra.

CS Boyack said...

I do love old forests. All the best with your new book.

Christine said...

Sounds good

Jan Sikes said...

I believe in fairies too, Denise. And, I have seen one. When my little Sydney was just a few months old, I lived with them and took care of her. One day after I put her in her crib for a nap, I sat in the rocker to do meditation and I saw two green fairies flitting around her crib. I'll never forget the awe I felt. I look forward to reading this story!! Best wishes, and thank you for hosting, Sandra!

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you:) Yes, hooray for trees and their fairies!I agree, Sandra does offer wonderful support.

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you for sharing in the sneak peek :)

D.L. Finn said...

I'm happy to hear that, Harmony:) It was a very cool experience to be inside a tree. Fingers and toes crossed we sail through the fire season with a bit of fairy magic. Xo

D.L. Finn said...

Thanks, Staci:) It was a moment I'll never forget. I've been searching for pictures from they day. Might not have made it to the computer:)

D.L. Finn said...

Me, too, Craig. There's a lot of magic there. Thank you!

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Christine :)

D.L. Finn said...

I got chills reading that, Jan:) What an amazing gift you received that day to see them! Thank you for sharing it. Xo

Sandra Cox said...

Forest and fairies are synonymous with Denise;)
Thanks to both of you for the kind words, I was thrilled to help get the word out on this wonderful book.

Sandra Cox said...

Great sums it up quite nicely:)
Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

Yes indeed. Hooray for trees, their fairies and Denise.
And right back at ya on support. Yours is life saving.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm doing the happy dance to have you here and for your new release. It's magical.
Hugs received and returned.xoxoxo

Mae Clair said...

Congratulations to Denise on her new release! What a great excerpt and I love the book cover. This sounds wonderfully magical.

Sending a big hello to you too, Sandra. Hope all is well!

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Mae:) Glad you like the except and cover. Yes, there is some magic in there.

John Howell said...

Congratulations to Denise and thanks to Sandra.

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, John :)

Adam said...

Sounds like a good book

J.P. Alexander said...

Parece un genial libro, te mando un beso

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Congratulations and best of luck with the new book!

nashvillecats2 said...

Congrats to D.L. Finn on this book and good luck, sure it will be a success.

Yvonne.

robbiesinspiration said...

Hi Sandra, thank you for hosting Denise. This is a lovely excerpt.

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Adam :)

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you!

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Elizabeth!

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you very much, Yvonne!

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Robbie :) xo

Sandra Cox said...

You bet. It's always fun to have Denise visiting.

Sandra Cox said...

Entirely my pleasure, Harmony. Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting Denise.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm thrilled to have Denise visit.
Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting her, Staci.

Sandra Cox said...

Old forests are wondrous aren't they, Craig?
Thanks so much for stopping by to support Denise.

Sandra Cox said...

It is:)

Sandra Cox said...

Entirely my pleasure, Jan. And what a wonder seeing fairies.

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Mae, How are you and how's that kitty? So glad you stopped by.
Denise's story is definitely magic:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for stopping by to support, Denise, John:)

Sandra Cox said...

It sure is, Adam:)

Karen Ingalls said...

I most definitely believe in fairies. I would love to stand in the middle of all trees...become one with each and learn.
Congratulations, Denise.

Magic Love Crow said...

Looks amazing! Congrats!
Hope you're having a great weekend Sandra! Big Hugs!

Computer Tutor said...

Congrats to Denise! This looks delightful.

D.L. Finn said...

I do believe they have so much to offer us, Karen! I sit among the trees as often as I can. Thank you :) xo

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, so happy you think so!

D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Jacqui! I had a lot of fun with this one.

Sandra Cox said...

It is for sure, J.P.
Hugs,

Sandra Cox said...

It's a keeper, Elizabeth:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for Denise's well wishes, Yvonne:)

Sandra Cox said...

It's a great excerpt. Thanks for stopping by Robbie.

Sandra Cox said...

Wouldn't standing in the middle of all trees be amazing, Karen?

Sandra Cox said...

Amazing sums it up nicely.
Hope your weekend has been wondrous.
Big hugs received and returned,

Sandra Cox said...

It is delightful for sure, Jacqui:)

Lowcarb team member said...

Of course there are fairies, just ask my grand-daughter!

Sounds great, good luck with the new book.

All the best Jan

PS Happy Wishes for the new month of June, it will soon be here.

Sandra Cox said...

So what does your grand-daughter say about fairies.
June 1 is just hours away.
TREE FAIRIES is definitely a wonderful book:)
Take special care, Jan.

American News said...

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D.L. Finn said...

Thank you, Jan :) Your granddaughter sounds very wise!

D.L. Finn said...

My granddaughters would agree with your grandaughters about fairies, Jan :) Thanks you!