The Equinox

Mankind has followed the cycles of the Sun for millennia. Stone circles like this, dating back more than 3,000 years, are aligned to the Solstices and the Equinoxes. In my novel, Knight of Dreams, (from the Tales of Lochnire series) ancient Standing Stones play a part in bringing 12th century hero, Sir Angus of Lochnire and 21st century heroine, Kelsey Sayer together.

At the Autumnal (fall) Equinox (Sept. 23, 2007, 5:51 A.M. EDT), the sun appears to cross the celestial equator from north to south. This marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The word "equinox" means (equal), and "nox" (night). It refers to the time that occurs twice a year when the nighttime is equal to the daytime -- each being 12 hours in duration

The Ancients were attuned to, and celebrated these changing times in the year. A cluster of megalithic cairns are scattered through the hills at Loughcrew, about 55 miles North West of Dublin in Ireland. Longhcrew Carin T is a passage tomb which is designed so that the light from the rising sun on the spring and autumn equinoxes penetrates a long corridor and illuminates a backstone, which is decorated with astronomical symbols.

In Knight of Dreams a similar thing happens. As the sun strikes atop the tallest stone, a timeline opens, allowing the the two lovers (who have already met in their dreams) to come together.

(Excerpt Knight of Dreams) ...Angus stood atop a circular mound near the tallest Standing Stone waiting for the sun to send a beam of luminous light to the other side. Suddenly a glowing circle whirled and glistened before him like water inside a spinning pond, yet it stood upright. He reached out to touch it. It felt like air. Closing his eyes, he pulled on his warrior's courage and took in a breath as he stepped through the fluid shimmer...

Knight of Dreams, Copyright © 2006

Kaye

What I'm Writing

The Reappearing Dance Shoes

It happened again- my favorite dance shoes— gone. The only thing I could imagine was that I had lost yet another pair at the gym through my scattered spacey-ness, my favorite ones stolen from a locker several months ago. And now my new pair? This was not cool. A few weeks ago, I hurt my knee and had to stop my spirited dancing until it healed. I carelessly forgot about my exercise gear during that time.

The other day I looked for them and found the empty shoebox that had once contained the dance shoes. My heart dropped and my face must have turned ten shades of white. Oh, no, where were they? I searched everywhere and still no shoes. My friend even helped me look. Neither one of us turned up even a shoelace.

Several hours later, after the search had ended and I gave up, I aimlessly traipsed through the house on a last-ditch effort. I called to my friend, “Wouldn 't it be nice if I could just make them appear. Maybe I can wish them back...” I joked, but searched the hall closet anyway for the third time. A sweater fell to the floor by my feet. Behind it was a black Jacket. I honestly thought I looked behind that jacket at least once before. I pulled it down. There, on a hook were my shoes all nice and neat in their little mesh bag.

I was so overjoyed that I hugged those shoes all evening. I must have put them in the back hall closet the day I hurt my knee, though I don’t remember doing it. Strange and odd things happen sometimes. And my friend will forever believe that I wished those shoes back into existence again! It's a given that I’ve been wrapped up in parallel timelines and alternate realities lately while writing. Maybe some of my creative energy carried over into my real life. Who knows? But if I really can manifest shoes, just think what else I can do-- how about a great publishing contract and a bestseller? I’ll take that now, please...!!
Kaye
What I'm Writing

Layering... lay down your sword

Sometimes I think the plotting and researching for a book is more fun than the actual writing, well at least the revisions part! That's the way it is for me. And I'm still working on layering what needs to be there in Barefoot Dancer. But layering is the part I like. You know--when you go over the story and come up with things that would make it better or fix something that just isn’t exactly right for the character... Like for instance, in part two of the Shadow Realm scene, Michael (hero) has to face the Celtic Ancients who created the curse that’s been plaguing his preternatural family for centuries. And has separated him from his beloved Kim (heroine). But finally Michael, refusing to fight anymore, puts down his sword and bows before them. In the original version, he engages in battle with the Ancients. I like the non-violent version best. It fits well with the hero’s healer image that is the crux of part one. Little things can change a story and make it so much better.

Kaye

What I'm Writing