prologue to my new novel

Snowflakes, as large and fluffy as downy feathers, seemed to dip and spin in perfect rhythm to the erratic tempo of the wind. Their dizzying dance swirled around Mist House; effectively transforming its hard-edged brick walls into a soft pastel blur yet the frenzied motion failed to obstruct the view of its Eastern windows. These glassy surfaces, as observant as dark pupils of human eyes, watched while the Grant family and their unusual visitors laughed and frolicked in the snow-filled meadow below. At the same time, windows on the Northern side of the house directed curious stares into the silent woods but with no way to warn the family; they could neither remind the Gazer that she’d forgotten to repeat the binding spell, nor were they capable of intervening in the scene playing out beyond their reflective gaze.

Mist House could only wait as it had for almost two hundred years — in silence.
Snow-burdened limbs and branches stood out in sharp contrast to one extraordinary shadow as it detached from the base of a tall ash tree. For a few minutes, the amorphous shape slithered restlessly back and forth just inside the tree line and then, as if throwing a temper tantrum, it swelled into a seven-foot monstrosity. Seemingly infused with a roiling substance resembling filth-engorged oil, the specter thrust upwards from the ground, its dark silhouette twisting and jerking like a thing gone mad.

Then with a mighty lunge …As the sun fell from the sky, primal instinct told the creature that the Gazer had forgotten to repeat the binding spell. No longer held against its will by magic words … after two hundred years, the Mindcatcher was finally free…no longer held prisoner beyond the dark edge of the woods.

From my Studio

I'm new to blogging so haven't thought a lot about what I want to say however, I'm just going to introduce myself. My name is Linda and I'm a visual artist, fiction writer, event planner and give private art lessons in my studio. I received permission from the Mayor of Zanesville, our county commissioners and ODOT to close down our historical Y-bridge (the only one like it) for a two-day arts festival in August so planning this event keeps me pretty busy. I have 15 volunteer committees working to plan and facilitate this exciting event that will, hopefully, bring tourists to our city and infuse money into our local economy as well as let people know the quality of the many artists working in the Zanesville area.

My large paintings are mostly oils and depict serious contemporary issues adversely affecting females. I also paint fantasy, landscapes, illustrate scenes from my stories, as well as capture illusive moments from my past. I'm currently working on a series of nudes for an exhibit with a fellow artist.

I've completed five young adult fiction novels and another novel (mainstream) that tells the story of a young gay artist growing up in the mountains and the reclusive mentor who not only teaches him to paint but also encourages him to go into the world to seek his true identity while persuing a career as a professional artist...Linda Regula