This series of novels started in 1998 with a dream. Not a dream of wanting to do or accomplish something … but an actual dream. Much like how all of my writing comes about.
I had experienced the same sort of thing some 19 years prior with an amazing dream that continued playing in my head like a movie when I fell asleep at night. After the third night I started to write it all down and a year later I had enough to fill two volumes!
Unlike the Aynslie McCallum Adventure Series, that story didn’t go anywhere, nothing but rejections and disappointment and I swore I wouldn’t write like that again. It’s too all consuming and takes up your whole life. Lo and behold, despite my resolve, another dream finally took hold and I had to write it all down to stop the replay in my head. This time, friends and family wouldn’t let it be. I was told the story had to be published … Irish Rain, Faeriedust dreams and soon, Mist of Eire, are the result of their support and persistence. I’ve traveled to Ireland and Scotland and this spring headed back to Ireland for research and inspiration. It always amazes me to explore the Emerald Isle after writing only to find much of what I have written is surprisingly accurate, it only has to be tweaked a bit!
About a girl from Manitoba who travels to Ireland for a horse trekking vacation, the story is set in present time and is woven around her adventures and misadventures. It is a coming of age story that I have been told is very realistic and believable and suitable for mature, older teens and adults. A must for anyone who has dreamed of exploring the world from the back of a horse, still enjoyable even if you’ve never been near a horse, for you will feel as if you have.
Fortunately, my supporters weren’t misguided in their enthusiasm. for Irish Rain has been very well received and Faeriedust dreams is following right behind. Mist of Eire is due for release in a few weeks and I can hardly wait to see what kind of reception it gets. The fan base for the Aynslie McCallum Adventure Series continues to grow and this is a good thing, for there are already 5 in the series, 2 waiting in the wings and many scenes in my dreams that tell me more will be coming! I appreciate all the support and enthusiasm I have received from fans of the story, and enjoy the comments and emails.
RIDE THE WORLD
If you’re dreaming of riding horseback on trails anywhere in the world, just like Aynslie McCallum in the series, check out www.hiddentrails.com They have trail riding adventures in almost every country around the world. There are rides to suit every level of rider and even things to do for the non-riders who might want to go along.
Like Aynslie, you can stay at Inns, B and Bs and even a thatch roof cottage or two. There is also the option of staying at a manor house or castle. The countryside in Ireland and Scotland is breathtaking and hospitality always a plus. Be an adventurer … travel and live life to the fullest.
I love to browse the catalogue and dream of the places I’d like to go. Future plans include Argentina and Chile and I think Hidden Trails will be the way to go. Am I going because the book goes there? I guess upcoming novels will tell that story, but you’ll have to wait and see. For now you can view the pictures of our last trip to Ireland and Holland as I get them posted.