The Mirror of the Soul...

An ANZAC Slouch Hat Charm

For the Keepsakes Project I have chosen two charms to write pieces around.  The first was a ANZAC Slouch Hat and the second was a Malachite bead.  I knew straight away that I wanted to write pieces that could be used as chapters in 2 of the novels I am writing, but also be stand alone pieces....easier said than done!

The first piece I planned was based around the Slouch Hat and was (original, I know) called "The Boy with the Slouch Hat".  It's been pretty easy to write and I am happy with how it is progressing.  I only have a little bit to add and then it will be ready for editing...

Malachite Beads

The second piece needed a little more research.  I needed to find out what made Malachite special.  It was really interesting research too!  I've never really put much faith in gem stones and their healing power, but finding out about Malachite and other stones was very interesting.  Also, writing the piece proved to be a challenge.  I wanted the piece to come from "A History of Blood Shed" the second of my "Blood Lust" series of books.  I am wanting to write this novel for NaNoWriMo this year, so thought that writing a short piece of the story might get me motivated again.  It did, but also proved very hard.  I want to encourage people to seek out my books through the Keepsakes Anthology, and a lot of what I was writing for the Malachite story was going give away key points from the first book.  I had to be clever.  And I think I have!  I have almost written the first chapter of "A History of Blood Shed" and there is not one mention of the events that take place in the first book!  I am very happy with myself and have taken a brief break from the story (entitled "The Mirror of the Soul") to post this here.

I just hope the Slouch Hat story is as forthcoming!   Maybe I'll even post excerpts of the two stories here when I am finished.  XXXX