Friday, March 5, 2021

When the Stew Badgers the Cook, It's Time to Write

Welcome debut author, Roulf Burrell!

Audra here. Fantasy books wear many hats. Rabbit holes leading to wonderland; Yellow brick roads; Board games sucking players into the  other dimensions. Endless plots filled with fantastic possibilities - Roulf Burrell offers it all by the bucketfuls. Enjoy the adventures of an array of unforgettable characters and share the experience with your friends. 

How you write a fantasy novel is a bit like how you cook up your favorite stew. You prepare and add all your best ingredients. You get out the beans, your favorite meats, and stir it up properly. With fantasy, you set up a world, add mythical characters, splash in some magic and mix it into a respectable three act structure. After it simmers under the heat of tension, you get a delightful word-meal that tantalizes the imagination. The rewarding end to a good recipe.

But why do you write a fantasy? That is quite a different question entirely. Imagine you open the cupboard and a bag of beans steps forward, hops down onto the counter and insists you prepare a pan of water so they can relax in the pool and begin to soften. You open the icebox door and find the leftover ham, still clinging to the bone, arguing with the hamburger as to who makes better stew. They both turned to you, insist you include them, exclude the other meat, and put the light out. The salt is claiming to be de-iodized kosher and refusing to mix if the ham is allowed. The bay leaf, who is running from the Food and Drug Administration, will only stay if the meal is Keto compliant. And the canned tomatoes are indeed stewed, ala the Smirnoff bottle on the shelf next to them. You collect the whole complaining lot, deciding for your own sanity you'll turn them all into stew–and quickly fire up the pot.

This absurd illustration strikes close to the mark as to why I wrote my fantasy, Riddley Bundleforth and the Banshee Bell. Some of these pesky mythological creatures whipped up in my mind wouldn't leave me alone. They demanded a story.

The female banshees kept arguing with each other. I assumed male banshees existed, but the females definitely screamed about that. I am the author, so I insisted one male must hang around to continue the species. The females, or 'shees as I call them, quickly made his life as harsh and nasty as their faces. By the way, they informed me they take great satisfaction in their gruesome visage.

It turns out this lone, unlucky male carries with him the entire potential from the other males. This allowed those males to flee life with the female ‘shees, which they were zealous to do. So the ‘shees take out their frustrations on him and accidently crack the castle bell.

The castle blacksmith should've been quite happy at her forge; a bell to fix. Being half ogre, she has tremendous strength, a natural bent towards working with metal, and thicker skin that is troubled less by hot sparks and flame. So imagine my irritation when she began to complain to me that she wanted a suitable husband. I saw she had too much ogre to suit most men, but not enough ogre to survive an encounter with males of that nasty species. I wanted to be an author. Now I'm a matchmaker for every discontented, half-monster, iron monger waving a hammer?

My vain little Fairy Queen took it as an insult if "the wrong sort of creature" copied her gown,
or crown, or anything else about her. Of course, some evil gremlins found this out and did exactly that. Being both a royal queen and a gentle fairy, she promptly declared war.

Then my leprechaun started whining because his pot at the end of the rainbow didn't have any gold in it. And this is my fault, how? Because I put him in this castle teaching and making magical candles. He was supposed to be filching dwarven coins and taunting dragons for their jewels. Well, pardon me, Mr. Lucky Charms.

The headmaster interrupts to tell me that the frost giants who cool the palace are feuding with the fire sprites who heat it. They all want more gold, but nobody at my castle has any. Who ever heard of the air conditioning system not getting along with the furnace? Does your washer and dryer fight over whether they get paid or when they are serviced? Of course not. Even as I shoo the headmaster away, a tiny four-legged step stool kept running back and forth, insisting on retaining the services of a carpenter.

Only one solution—throw them all out of my head and onto some paper. I could create a proper world to live in, which might allow me more serious writings, like Gone with the Killed Mockingbird or Gatsby's Great Expectations. A book befitting an author of my abilities.

But something stopped me. My conscience. It didn't seem fair to leave all of them there struggling with their issues when, with a few taps on my keyboard, I could provide some badly needed resolutions. If I took care and skill, I might produce an entertaining story for the folks in my life. For you see, I also imagined these mythical types could help each other! That’s a lesson which my own world needs!


So it's with a small amount of pride, but a tremendous amount of mental relief, that I offer up my maiden effort in the fantasy genre. It's a genteel fantasy, full of curiosities, belief, and light. Reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia in its tone, and Diana Wynne Jones in its style. I hope you’ll give it a read—though I am not responsible if the characters start pestering you as you nod off at nights.

Roulf Burrell
Escape the Mundane. Explore the Magical.

Hey Everyone! Audra here again. To celebrate his debut book, Roulf is offering an ebook of Riddley Bundleforth & The Banshee Bell. Leave a comment and you'll be included in the drawing. Check the Weekend Edition on Saturday!

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Roulf Burrell was an information manager for a quasi-municipal, raw water acquisition and transfer agency (read faceless government bureaucrat) for 25 years before early retirement. Having quit the government, he dropped the “bureaucrat” and rented a face (the picture is the best one he could afford.) Determined to write the kinds of books that had offered him a respite during his troubled teenage years (a time that lasted until he was 50,) Roulf started Riddley Bundleforth & The Banshee Bell.  He is now working on the sequel, Riddley Bundleforth & The Hag Rider.


Website:  https://www.RoulfBurrell.com

Amazon Author's page: Roulf Burrell  





41 comments:

  1. Roulf, I get it, I get it, though I don't write fantasy. Yet. When your characters start pestering you, it is indeed time to start writing. Good luck with your first book -- and second!
    Kathy Bailey
    Friend of Seekerville

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    1. Hey, Kathy! Good to see you! I think there's a little bit of fantasy in every writer, otherwise how else do we explain the voices? Wait, don't answer that! But being able to WRITE the fantasy book well, is a true gift.

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    2. Thanks so much Kaybee. I agree with Audra, there is probably a little bit of fantasy writer in all of us. And a dash of mystery and romance. They all talk to us.

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  2. Good morning, Roulf, and welcome to Seekerville. I hear voices, but they tend to belong to people, LOL. I love peeking into the inner workings of minds who write stories other than romance. It's fascinating to me. And I've got to say, your "voices" are so invitingly unique. Enjoy your day in Seekerville today!

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    1. Thanks Audra. It is a distinct honor to be here.

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  3. I love a good fantasy! This one sounds like so much fun. And yes, our world could use a little help in learning how dragons, fairies, and ogres could get along and realize there is a place for us all :) Welcome to Seekerville, congrats on the debut, and thank you so much for sharing your characters with us here!

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    1. Thanks Glynis. I remember when they first made Penicillin in tablet form. It was so much easier than getting a shot. I hope to do that same thing with stories - make it easier to see how to share and care about others in a delightful setting, while having a fun read.

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  4. Good morning, Glynis! I so agree! Some fantasies are a bit too "out there" for me. I love a good read reminiscent of CS Lewis and of course, my all time favorite Beauty and the Beast! Gotta love it when furniture talks to you!!

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  5. What fun, Roulf! You know, I love reading fantasy novels! But alas, none has ever started pounding in my head to be written. :) I'm glad you were able to put yours on paper! It sounds like an amazing read.

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    1. I'm with you, Missy. I love reading them, but I've got too much reality in my life right now to even entertain fantasy moments, LOL!!

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    2. They are pesky little characters - all wanting attention. I think it's my brain's way of getting out of work-a-day when reality gets too strong. I hope that people will find this story entertaining and a pleasant getaway from today's stress. Thanks for commenting, Missy.

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  6. Roulf, you are a true wordsmith. How could one not want to read this book after that amazingly fun post?
    I’ve been lucky enough to have already read your debut novel and I truly hope you write many more. I write suspense and mysteries and I’m like a peek at your brain. I’m quite sure it’s different, maybe even a different color than mine to create the magical stories you do. Great work.

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    1. Thanks Leslie. As an accomplished author yourself, I appreciate the encouragement. The fairy queen is suddenly assuring me that while female brains have delightful colors with varied names sounding like flowers and spices, the male brain is mostly beige or off white. T'was ever thus.

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    2. Leslie, thanks for stopping by! A fantasy suspense mystery...would that be an appealing new genre??

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  7. Congratulations on your release, Roulf! This sounds like a wonderfully entertaining tale.

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    1. Thank you Mindy. From your lips to God's ears, eh?

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  8. Roulf, I'm several chapters into your book (Riddley is selling his candles in the market) Not only do you create memorable characters, but you magically sprinkle in lots of humor. Love it.

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    1. Gretchen, thanks for your observation. I confess, we miss you being out here in Colorado/Wyoming. Glad you stay in touch.

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    2. Hi Gretchen! I found the characters humorous, whether they wanted to be or not! Good to see you here in Seekerville. I hope you come back!

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  9. Welcome to Seekerville, Roulf! And congratulations on your debut!

    Thanks for the great post! You gave us a fun glimpse into your story world. :-) That poor Mr. Banshee.

    It takes a special talent to write fantasy. I can dream up fantasy stories, but I've never taken the steps needed to turn them into words. Someday, maybe. Until then, I'm having fun with historical romance and cozy mysteries. :-)

    Best wishes on the success of your book!

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    1. Yes, poor Belphin the Banshee has had a rough time of it - as would anyone who has over 30 cranky aunts bossing them around, screaming all the time.
      As a mystery fan myself, I appreciate all the time and talent it takes to write a good mystery. I'd love to read any fantasy you come up with. Thanks Jan for dropping in.

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    2. Hi Jan, Leslie here. I'm just starting to write a cozy series. After 10 books, a new genre for me! Wish me luck :) And isn't Roulf wonderfully zany? I love his descriptions.

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    3. Hi, Leslie! I'm finding that cozies are so much fun! But at the same time, I'm itching to get back to my historical romance. So many genres, so little time!

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  10. Roulf, I have always shied away from fantasy because it seeemed like these creatures were about one chromosone away from demonic characters. But you have pulled me off of my pious high horse as I realize my Christian fiction often deals with rapists, prostitutes, agnostics, arrogant school teacjhers and hypocrite clergy, all of whom could lay claim to tthe required number of chromosones to be constant guests at Satan's banquet. So, where's the line between fantasy and acceptable Christian Fiction? You are jarring my stone boundary markers.

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    1. Dave, I relate to your comment. I too struggled with these issues when I was young. Then I realized that God is both magical (momentarily abrogating physical laws) and displays magic - which we call miracles. His blessings and timing are wonderous. Things like healing, knowing the future, controlling the weather aren't condemned if we beseech God, rather than the dark side, for these things.

      Saul asked the witch of Endor about the future battle and was rebuffed. David asked the Levitical priest about the future (would God grant him victory in battle) and was honored. King Ahaziah has fallen through a lattice and become sick. So Ahaziah inquires of Baal-zebub, god of Ekron, "Will I get well?" Elijah the Tishbite is sent to say this, "Is there no God in Israel, that you inquire of Baal-zebub?" Ahaziah dies, but when Hezekiah asks God, he's given 15 more years.

      I am careful to attribute the magical in my fantasy to the good creator, not the creation. And the characters are responsible before him to use their gifts, talents and magic for good purposes, not evil.

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  11. What a delightful description of what it is like to move a story from head to page. Your story sounds like a wonderful escape, and I wish you all the best with it! Thanks for hanging out at Seekerville today!

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    1. Thank you Erica. Seekerville is a bit of a magical place in its own right, you know. But that's bound to happen when you collect this many of God's artists together in one place.

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  13. Roulf, what a fascinating way to describe your journey with your characters! I'm sure it's a fine preview of your writing style which is light, fun, and good-natured. I wish you the best. I've shared this link on my FB page. Cheers

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    1. I screwed up the buttons, I replied below Ms. Griggs to Marilyn.

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  14. Oh Roulf, this sounds like such a fun book. I used to be a voracious fantasy reader, time no longer allows that now. In addition to C.S.Lewis, my favorite was Piers Anthony - both his Xanth and his Myth series. I love a bit of tongue-n-cheek humor and his books are full of them, starting with the titles. Your books sound like something along the same lines and it's going to the top of my TBR pile now!

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    1. Winnie, thanks so much.

      In the Goodreads author section, I have listed Lewis and Tolkien (of course), but also Piers Anthony. A Spell for Chameleon was a great read, and I didn't tumble to the 3 different girls until the end. Went on to read the series, of course. Fun times for me back then. It's a tickle to think somebody might look back to my story some day and feel the same.

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  15. Marilyn, thanks so very much. I especially appreciate your response, being you're an ongoing mystery writer and are listed on the side bar as well.

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  16. Roulf, I can personally attest to how your mind works after living with it for almost 41 years! I am so pleased for you that a dream you have had since I have known you has become a reality. I am excited to see what adventures Riddley has next, as well as of those of any other creatures that spring from your mind.

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    1. Thank you Wilemenna. I can only say that scripture reminds us that those who find a good "mate" have found a treasure worth more than silver or gold. That my mate was also employed as a Copy Editor didn't hurt either.

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  17. Roulf, a wonderfully delightful blog, full of your own special magic. Congratulations!

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    1. Thank you Donna. And thanks for dropping by.

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  18. I want to say, it has been an honor to be a guest on Seekerville. Thank you Audra Harders for making this happen.

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  19. You are so welcome, Roulf! I'd love to have you as a guest again!

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  20. Hi Roulf, sorry to be slow (super slow) checking in. I got a copy of Riddley Bundleforth & The Banshee Bell. I'm always looking for a new fantasy author for my granchildren, and my children always end up reading them too. I'm looking forward to this.

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    1. Thank you Mary. I trust they will find the story both entertaining and amusing.

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