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ASHLEY KATH-BILSKY

~ Best-Selling Author, Historical Romance, Epic Fantasy & Literary Fiction

ASHLEY KATH-BILSKY

Category Archives: Historical Fiction

CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE OF BOOKS & THE PROMISE OF THE NEW YEAR WITH ME AT AN AUTHOR EVENT – 14 Jan 2017

06 Friday Jan 2017

Posted by Ashley Kath-Bilsky in Ashley Kath-Bilsky, Between the Shadows, BOOKS, Historical Fiction, HISTORICAL ROMANCE, THE SENSE OF HONOR 'SPECIAL EDITION', WHISPER IN THE WIND

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auld-lang-syne1

Happy New Year!  

Whether you were happy or sad to see 2016 end, with the dawning of each New Year there is always the promise of starting fresh, beginning anew.  Of individual growth, learning from past mistakes, making resolutions for a healthier lifestyle,  or persevering toward goals that often make you feel like a never-gonna-make-it long distance runner.

Well, on the theme of persevering toward one’s goals, I am pleased to announce that I will be participating in an Author Event and Book Signing on 14 January 2017 at the North Richland Hills Public Library in North Richland Hills, Texas.  Although I’ve participated in many book signings over the years, having an opportunity to personally speak with readers about writing and my books is (to be honest) somewhat daunting to consider.

What do I talk about? The process of writing a book? How historical research is not only time-consuming but — more often than not — makes this writer feel like she has fallen into a never-ending rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland?

entering-a-world-of-imagination   Do I confess that many times I considered giving up writing altogether, especially when confronted with the daily realities of  2016?  Frustrated beyond belief, I felt like a helpless witness to a train wreck of violence, division, and political party maneuverings that endorsed contempt for anyone who had an opposing viewpoint, aided and abetted by a ratings motivated, biased media as they juggled with one another to occupy the center ring in what had become the circus of our lives.

Should I say the reason I write historical rather than contemporary fiction is because it’s a means of escape? After all, what better way to forget about the present than to journey into the past? And there is a wonderful sense of control when creating compelling characters and intriguing plots where challenges in life are faced, scars heal, mysteries are solved, light overcomes darkness, and love always wins.

To be honest, there is truth to all of these statements. But the bottom line is I am a storyteller at heart.  And I love history.

Here is another truth.  We all need a means of escape at times. Whether it is in the pages of a book, watching movies about superheroes, going to concerts, or turning off electronic devices to make precious memories with your family, one thing is certain. There is only so much ‘reality’ we can take these days.

And yet, what almost always happens when you think you are escaping, is that you learn more about life, about yourself, and that despite our differences, we are all connected — whether we admit it or not.  Perhaps we think there is little we can do to change the world, but there is much we can do to change how we deal with it.

And so, I write.

So, if you are in the Dallas-Ft. Worth neighborhood, and you love books and libraries, I hope you will stop by the North Richland Hills Library on Saturday, 14 January 2017.  What better way to celebrate a New Year than in a library? Sounds great to me. 🙂

~ AKB

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BETWEEN THE SHADOWS (THE LEGION OF MITHRAS) – NOW AVAILABLE!

06 Sunday Dec 2015

Posted by Ashley Kath-Bilsky in Ashley Kath-Bilsky, Bedlam, BOOKS, ENTERTAINMENT, ghosts, Hampton Court Palace, Historical Fiction, HISTORICAL ROMANCE, London, Paranormal, Regency England, Scotland, Supernatural, Suspense-Thriller

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Between the Shadows Title

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to announce BETWEEN THE SHADOWS (THE LEGION OF MITHRAS)  is now available in print and e-book (Kindle) format. Availability in Nook e-book formats is also available.

BETWEEN THE SHADOWS is a stand-alone novel, and the first book in THE LEGION OF MITHRAS series. Readers of my romance novels should be aware this is not a sensuous or formula romance with a final HEA.  This is a continuing series, intended to keep the reader spellbound and engaged as to what happens next and how the characters move forward toward a final resolution.  There is, however, a romance element introduced in BETWEEN THE SHADOWS that will become more prominent as the series progresses. Having said that, this book is not Historical Romance, but Historical Fiction with gothic mystery/suspense/thriller,  paranormal/supernatural, and romance elements.

I am super excited about this book, and cannot wait to hear what you think about it.  A great deal of research went into the book, and I even included a glossary at the back of the book which addresses characters, places, events, and some Scots-Gaelic terms.

But, let’s delve deeper into what BETWEEN THE SHADOWS is about? And what is THE LEGION OF MITHRAS?

secret passageway - The Sense of Honor - AKB  BETWEEN THE SHADOWS is a haunting historical paranormal mystery/suspense/thriller set in 1813 England and Scotland.  What can I say except I love plots that keep you guessing and in suspense.  Original plots that offer both dark and light moments, and an unforgettable journey for the reader.  As a writer, I personally feel that incorporating all these exciting sub-genres into this series will offer something unique, exciting, and unforgettable for readers age 15 to adult.

The Regency period, especially in 1813, was a tumultuous period in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. King George III was mentally ill and unable to fulfill his obligations as monarch. His Royal Highness Prince George Augustus Frederick, was named Prince Regent in 1811. In addition to the ongoing Napoleonic Wars, Britain was also engaged in the War of 1812 with the United States of America. So, what better time to add another threat into the mix? And introduce a remarkable heroine who begins a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and often terrifying challenges that can change her world.

Thus, when an ancient evil rises to threaten the world of the living and the realm of the dead, 19-year old Patience Sinclair is recruited by a covert group of young, extraordinary English lords, known as The Legion of Mithras, to help save mankind.

Patience Sinclair has lost everything—her family, her freedom, and the young man she loves. Yet three years of exile in the highlands of Scotland has made her more determined than ever to prove she deserves to be free. The time has come to embrace what she is, and the gift she has kept hidden from the world.

Hampton Court at night

However, returning to London is not without danger. Each step Patience takes puts her in the terrifying path of a serial killer, and an evil unlike anything she has ever known.

When fate reunites her with Viscount Leighton, Patience discovers there are others with supernatural abilities they have closely guarded. Can she and the Viscount move beyond the pain of their past, learn to trust love, and work together with the mysterious, secret Legion to conquer evil? Or, will darkness win?

You won’t want to miss learning about PATIENCE SINCLAIR and the powerful members of THE LEGION OF MITHRAS. What is the secret they have also hidden for years?  What is the evil that grows and threatens humanity? This book marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Patience Sinclair and the Legion members that will not only redefine their existence, but their importance in the future of their country.

THE LEGION OF MITHRAS members are introduced in BETWEEN THE SHADOWS, yet their unique abilities will see them rise to become a unique, secret organization within the British government as the series progresses. Their supernatural abilities and importance can be compared to fictitious covert groups (i.e. X-Men, X-Files) that are called upon to investigate and deal with extraordinary, paranormal or mysterious situations that cannot be resolved through ordinary channels like the military.  And since BETWEEN THE SHADOWS takes place in 1813, when the British government was involved in two wars, clearly, they were not equipped to handle the life-threatening threat revealed in BETWEEN THE SHADOWS.

Another way to reference the secret existence and importance of THE LEGION OF MITHRAS in this series, would be to think of them as a fictitious ancestor to MI-6 (Military Intelligence, Section 6) of the British Government’s Secret Intelligence Services), but with supernatural abilities.

Just remember, BETWEEN THE SHADOWS and THE LEGION OF MITHRAS are ‘fictional’.

Now, doesn’t that sound exciting?

Between the Shadows #31 Final Front Cover  The Kindle version of this book is $3.99.  However, if you purchase the beautiful Print  version of this title for $12.50 at Amazon, you can buy the Kindle version for just .99 cents.

The EPUB version of BETWEEN THE SHADOWS is also available for $3.99 on Nook.

The print version of BETWEEN THE SHADOWS is available for purchase ($12.50) from Amazon Worldwide, and most online and independent booksellers.  If they do not have it in stock, they can get it for you from the distributor. Or, better yet, ask them to carry your local bookstore to carry the series in-house.

Thanks so much for your continued support.  Enjoy the adventure!  ~ AKB

Between the Shadows - full cover

Music to Write By – Dario Marianelli

20 Saturday Jun 2015

Posted by Ashley Kath-Bilsky in Ashley Kath-Bilsky, Bedlam, BOOKS, Dario Marianelli, ENTERTAINMENT, FILM, Historical Fiction, HISTORICAL ROMANCE, HISTORICAL YOUNG ADULT FICTION, MUSIC, Paranormal

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Academy Awards, Ashley Kath-Bilsky, Between the Shadows, Composers, Dario Marianelli, Film, Indiana Jones, Jane Eyre, John Williams, Musical Score, Pride and Prejudice, Schindler's List, Soundtracks, Steven Spielberg, Writing

Decided to take a break from doing final edits on Between the Shadows (my soon-to-be-released Historical Gothic Thriller), to officially thank someone who helped me during the lonely, often grueling writing (and editing) process.  Not that we’ve ever met, or he’ll read this, but thank you to the brilliant composer Dario Marianelli.  And since tomorrow, June 21st, is his birthday…Happy Birthday, too!

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If you take a moment to think about it, how often one life can touch and impact another life without realizing it. A kind word, a smile when you feel as if your life sucks, an outstretched hand when you have fallen…again. But even beyond a physical presence, the work of an artist can touch your heart, or inspire you as well.

Music plays an important part of our lives and our memories. Think about the impact it has on your favorite films. Steven Spielberg is a genius when it comes to directing, producing, editing, and understanding the impact of music on film. There is a reason why he chose the amazing John Williams to score his films. From the stirring march that connected us to Indiana Jones, to the powerful yet emotional theme to Schindler’s List, the music and film became one and helped tell an unforgettable story. And let’s not forget the terror that accompanied the shark in Jaws.

For certain, music has been center stage in my life, largely due to the influence of my mother, a professional musician and singer. And so it is that I can honestly say that music has enhanced every aspect of my life. There is a soundtrack to my life. I am sure there is one to your life as well.  My soundtrack consists of songs my mother sang to me, school concerts, Broadway musicals I attended, movies I watched, rock groups and symphonies that I love. Don’t believe me? There are 3,108 songs on my phone right now.

Music brings comfort, happiness, a connection to your spirituality and faith, and also helped me endure some soul-searching moments of darkness and despair. Music (at least for me), also triggers the imagination and can take you on an adventure just like a book. All you have to do is close your eyes and listen.

As a kid, I would listen to music doing homework. So, not surprisingly, I find that I not only write better listening to music — but it helps the editing process, too. I make a playlist of music for the time period of a particular book, or listen to a motion picture soundtrack (nothing with lyrics) that fit the mood, scene, etc. And that leads me to composer Dario Marianelli.

Jane Eyre Soundtrack

Right now, I am listening to the motion picture soundtrack from Jane Eyre composed by Dario Marianelli. Hauntingly beautiful, this score inspired me whilst writing this particular book. It also helped me to navigate the journey of its heroine, Patience Sinclair, and capture her emotions and essence.

I’m halfway through with line edits. When a writer gets to this final lap in the creation of their book, you scrutinize every word, every line. Does the scene convey what I want the reader to feel and visualize? Does the narrative enrich or weigh down the book? Is it too wordy? Not enough description? Does the dialogue sound natural as well as accurate for the time period? Will the character connect with the reader emotionally? Will her situation resonate with the reader, whether they are female, male, young, old, etc. Or, will they just not care and toss the book aside?

I have even been reading scenes aloud to hear the pacing and flow of narrative and dialogue, with music from this score playing in the background. As I listen to this soundtrack for the umpteeth time, whilst reading my finished book, I am filled with such emotion. It has indeed been a journey, and there were times I found a new direction because of something music inspired.

Image - Bjorn Ewers

A novelist begins their journey of crafting a book with this glimmer of a story inside them. Very much like making a tapestry, each thread is important as one weaves the tale. You must have balance. There must be both light with dark, good and evil. Above all, for me, there must be a plot that keeps the reader emotionally invested and interested. [Image by Bjorn Ewers]

This particular book, the first in a series, has been a struggle. The waters were choppy at times. I’ll be honest, more than once I thought maybe I should just forget it.  As a historical novel set in the Regency period, research is involved that must be accurate yet not distance a reader. The plot of this book is very dark, frightening. The emotional, as well as physical, journey of the heroine is such that nothing can be rushed. Without giving too much away, she is somewhat of a tortured soul who must learn to embrace who she is, what she is, and find strength on her own. She must learn to not care what others think about her, but be true to herself.

Without question, having others to encourage and support you are important, but what if you don’t have someone? What if all you have is yourself?  Do you just run away from life? Give up, give in, and hide? Never prove to yourself (and anyone else who doubts you) that you deserve to live and be happy? 

Much as we all want to be loved and find love, you cannot be happy until you are happy with yourself. Whatever time period you live in, there are challenges that must be faced and conquered if one is to survive. Patience Sinclair in Between the Shadows is a young woman, just 19 years old. Her story evolves as she evolves. Although there is a romantic element, her journey is more a historical thriller than a ‘happily ever after’ formula romance. You don’t know if Patience will find love or even survive.

It is that unpredictable, unexpected suspense that I hope will keep readers involved, and that will also attract young adult and new adult readers as well. Readers who expect sensuous love scenes in this book might be disappointed, but readers who want an exciting plot with a developing love interest will (I hope) embrace the book.  

Ultimately, a writer must listen to the character — very much as  you might listen to your child. You have to stop worrying about whether or not anyone will read the book. Scary thought, but true nonetheless.  Still, I have never been one to write ‘formula’. Even writing romance, I like plots, and sub-plots. For example, I once pitched a book to an editor from a big NY publishing house. She sat there, gripping the sides of her chair and said, “It sounds really scary”. She wanted a typical romance, a formula romance. No twists. No turns. Oh, they might have to face some difficulty, but the reader always knows everything will be okay. Only the setting or names of the characters are changed, etc.

Ironically, other publishers didn’t know how to market the book either. Is it a romance novel, or a mystery-suspense? It had too much plot for them. Another editor asked, “Can you get rid of the smuggling?” Um, no — especially since it played an important part of the plot.

The_Sense_of_Honor_1_copy (1)

One editor said, “I had to think while reading this book.”  I restrained myself from saying, “And that’s a bad thing????”  By the way, that book [pictured] went on to win critical acclaim, numerous awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Romantic Mystery and Suspense, and is an international best-seller, self-published by yours truly.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to read a book where I know what will happen. I don’t want to watch a movie where I know what will happen either.  It’s the twists and turns in life that are exciting. The stumbling blocks we all face, (often by whatever cards fate dealt us as children) that can make us weak or strong. A victim or a survivor. Anything can be a learning experience. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? But if you can be true to yourself; if you can face those challenges and press on, you invariably will realize there was a reason for those challenges. There IS a reason for you!

You will grow from that setback, that illness, or whatever life tossed at you. You will NOT let others define you. And you will be stronger for having had the journey. This is what Patience Sinclair has to share with those who will read her story.

Now, as I work on final tweaks and edits, and I listen to the score from the Jane Eyre motion picture, composed by Dario Marianelli, I realize how much this music–his music–helped guide me to write Between the Shadows.

Dario Marionelli - Academy Award for 'Best Original Score' - Atonement (2007)

For those not familiar with his work, Dario Marianelli also composed the music for “Pride & Prejudice” (2005) and Anna Karenina (2012) both of which earned him Academy Award nominations. He WON the Oscar for “Best Original Score” for Atonement (2007).

The next time you watch a film, take a moment to truly listen to the score and how it strengthens a scene and enriches the overall experience of the film. If you are a writer, I strongly recommend making a playlist of music to write by, too. If it is a historical work of fiction, find music of the period.  Unless you like to tap your feet and sing along when you write, stick to instrumental music.

Anyway, just wanted to share my experience writing Between the Shadows with you, and my gratitude for the music of Dario Marianelli.  

Have a wonderful day, and stay in touch for the release date of Between the Shadows.

Now, back to edits. :)))  ~ AKB

Westerns on the Air – The Golden Age of Radio Revisited

30 Saturday May 2015

Posted by Ashley Kath-Bilsky in Ashley Kath-Bilsky, BOOKS, ENTERTAINMENT, FILM, Historical Fiction, HISTORICAL ROMANCE, WESTERN

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Ashley Kath-Bilsky, Best-selling author, ENTERTAINMENT, Film, Golden Age of Radio, Greg Bell Media, Gunsmoke, Historical Fiction, Radio Classics, Sirius XM, suspense, Sweethearts of the West, Television, Westerns, William Conrad

cowboystuff

As some of you may know, I also write historical fiction set in the American West, and am a contributing author at Sweethearts of the West. On the 30th of each month, you will find my monthly post.

For the month of May, I am addressing the popularity of westerns during the Golden Age of Radio, and some of the wonderful programs from that era that are available today.

From a writing standpoint, it is interesting to see how these fast-paced programs were written, performed, and produced. From an entertainment perspective, the radio dramas are filled with suspense, action, great performances, and sound effects that really engage the imagination and make each episode both visual and powerful. if you like audio books, you will love hearing some of these.

So, if you like westerns, or would like to learn more about the original Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke and other classic radio shows from this era, as well as where you can listen to (or purchase) these programs, please visit:

http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com/2015/05/westernson-air-golden-age-of-radio.html?spref=fb

Thanks! ~ AKB

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  • American League is founded November 30, 2021
    On January 28, 1901, professional baseball’s American League is founded in Chicago. The league plans for a 140-game schedule, 14-man rosters and a players’ union. Franchises are in Baltimore (Orioles), Boston (Americans), Chicago (White Stockings), Cleveland (Blues), Detroit (Tigers), ...

BETWEEN THE SHADOWS ~ THE LEGION OF MITHRAS

Historical Paranormal Thriller with Supernatural and Romance Elements.

THE SENSE OF HONOR

International Best-Seller in Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, and Mystery-Suspense Fiction genres. Available Now as "Special Edition" by Author.

WHISPER IN THE WIND

WHISPER IN THE WIND made its debut on Amazon's Best-Seller List for Time Travel Romance and Time Travel Romance Paid Kindle.
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