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bewitchingbooktours · 2 years ago

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Seekers: The Winds of Change by Troy Knowlton #YAFantasy

Seekers: The Winds of Change

Seekers Saga

Book One

Troy Knowlton

Genre: YA Fantasy

Date of Publication: July 12th, 2022

ISBN: 979-8840330708

ASIN: B09VDBYBK7

Number of pages: 356

Word Count: 86000

Cover Artist: Lara Lampert, 99designs

Book Description:

After an assassination attempt that could lead to an all-out war, Tyras and Oren, two young Seekers of the Argan Empire, are each given secret missions in an attempt to thwart the coming chaos. Both tasks require the Seekers to venture through the war-torn continent of Tiarna where the young men face mortal danger, horrible monsters, and hostile groups – all challenges Seekers are trained to combat.

Luckily, the two Seekers also find guidance, friendship, and romance along the way. However, powerful and mysterious forces are conspiring behind the scenes and both Tyras and Oren will have to overcome a host of obstacles, including their own inner demons, in order to maintain a glimmer of hope for success.

With war imminent and the unknown ahead, will the Seekers triumph, or will they be swallowed by the turbulent, relentless Winds of Change?

Set in a new, masterfully created high fantasy world, Seekers: The Winds of Change is perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir and We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faisal.

Amazon

Excerpt CHAPTER 1- THE PHANTOM IN BLUE

The night sky was like A dark and shifting ocean, pitch-black and ominous. Strong winds kicked up swaths of desert sand into the horizon. The waves of brown earth raged across the heavens with a low roar. The rough weather spewed thousands of coarse, rocky grains that tore into anything standing in their path. It made the inhabitants of the Koterran mining camp miserable. The small encampment sat at the edge of a large rift in the sands, where precious iron and sandstone had already been torn from the earth. Webs of scaffolding hugged the edge of the chasm and stretched deep into the hole below. The tents of the camp were arranged in two circles. A dozen or so constituted the outer circle, and five made up the inner circle, the largest of which housed the spoils of the dig. A robust campfire sat in the center, which shone defiantly against the darkness of the wild night.

Serana sat on a rock at the edge of the campfire’s light and peered off into the distance. She wondered why her father made the decision to send her to this bizarre corner of the kingdom to guard this tiny, insignificant camp. A whole party of knights accompanied her, which seemed unnecessary. There’d been reports of bandits attacking caravans in the area, causing the High Commander to take action. He’d entrusted his daughter with organizing the camp’s protection. On the surface it made sense, but this was a job for regional guards, not Serana and thirty royal knights. Perhaps there’s some other reason, besides bandits. What if there’s a threat too dangerous to reveal, one he wanted to keep secret? The idea both terrified and excited her.

A powerful gust of wind smashed through the circling encampment like an ocean tide crashing against rocky shores. It ripped through the tents and carried enough force to extinguish the fire, shrouding the camp in near-total darkness. Bedlam ensued as miners and knights ran around in that darkness, fumbling like blind infants, trying to find where they had left their torches.

Serana didn’t join in the hysteria. She listened through the commotion, blocking her ears from the miners’ squabbling and sensing outward. She could feel a presence approaching the camp’s edge. She squinted at the outer circle of tents and saw the shape of a figure moving across them, like a predator circling its prey. Her hand reached for the sword at her hip, but she stopped short.

She realized there was a danger in having her weapon drawn, with so many people running around in the dark. In her moment of hesitation, she lost sight of the figure. She shouted a command to her knights: “Gather your bearings and spread out. We aren’t alone!”

Most of the soldiers had already lit their torches and were quick to follow their leader’s command. They began fanning out toward the camp’s edge, swords in hand. Serana scanned back and forth, observing their progress, watching and waiting for one of them to spot the unknown assailant.

A sharp noise cracked through the air, like a tree branch snapping under heavy duress. Serana looked in the direction of the sound and noticed that one of the torches had gone out. She called out to the knight holding it. No response. She ran toward the shadowed area, hand on her sword hilt. She made it halfway to the perimeter when she noticed movement on the roof to her right. Serana instinctively drew her blade and slashed upward as a figure leapt from atop the tent, vaulting over her. Her weapon missed its mark, only managing to cut a small amount of fabric off the edge of the intruder’s cloak. A dark blue scrap of cloth blew off into the wind. That cloth and its color were enough for Serana to understand what kind of enemy she faced. The blue of the material, coupled with the acrobatics, identified the invader as a Seeker of the Argan Empire. Serana turned around and bolted back toward the campfire, shouting as she ran, “Knights, hurry back to the center of camp; the trespasser is going to the supply tent!” Her soldiers had the tent encircled mere moments after the order had left her mouth. She knew that she had the Seeker cornered. She paused at the tent’s entrance, signaling for two of her most trusted knights to follow behind her. They shuffled to her side, and the three of them entered the tent, swords drawn and ready.

Upon passing the threshold, she saw the Seeker sitting on a pile of sandstone, holding the artifact in his gloved hand. The emerald orb, roughly the size of an apple, glittered in the faint torchlight. It had a perfect round shape and gave off a pulsing green luminescence.

The Seeker ignored Serana, staring at the artifact with curious eyes. He spoke to the Koterrans in a tired and dismissive tone. “Well, I have what I’ve come here for. Let me leave in peace, and there won’t be any trouble. I’ve no quarrel with any of you.”

Serana’s fury boiled out of her. “You’re in no position to be making orders, Seeker! How dare you invade our camp in the middle of the night, like some blue phantom coming to haunt us. That artifact belongs to the Kingdom of Koterra, and I’m not letting you steal it from us. If you want this to end peacefully, you’ll hand it over right now!”

The Seeker turned and looked at the Koterran, his blue eyes perfectly visible even in the night’s darkness. He looks young for a Seeker, she thought. He couldn’t have been much older than her, and she was a couple years shy of her second decade. His pale skin reflected the orange tint of the torch fire, and his messy brown hair poked out from under the blue hood of his cloak. His deep blue eyes shimmered in the flickering firelight, giving off a slight luminescence of their own. The Argan foreigner had a calculated look on his face, as if his mind focused on something far, far away.

A few tense moments passed wherein both parties seemed to be sizing each other up. The Seeker’s voice broke the silence.

“You know as well as I do that I can’t do that. Under imperial law, all artifacts of the Lost Kingdom must be impounded and sent to the Archive at Arga for safekeeping. I’m doing you a favor, really. Get out of my way and let me do my job!”

“Watch your tone, Argan! You’re far away from your empire, and there are plenty of dungeons in Koterra that I’d be happy to toss you in.” Serana clenched her teeth together, adrenaline mixing with her rage as she squeezed the hilt of her blade.

The Seeker lowered his gaze and shook his head. “Well, I can’t say that I didn’t give you a choice. I would suggest that you duck and cover.”

Serana only had a few seconds to ponder his cryptic words before the explosion knocked everyone off their feet. Debilitating ringing echoed through her ears. It was the last thing she heard before going unconscious. The blast disoriented everyone except the Seeker, who had braced himself for it, knowing that it would arrive at the perfect time. A flurry of sand, broken tents, and rubble showered the poor Koterrans, subduing them. The Seeker found it easy to escape in the chaos, and he made his way through the camp with little resistance. He’d almost reached its edge when the second explosion went off. He hadn’t counted on this, and the surprise rattled him, sending him flying into the dark envelope of the tumultuous night.

About the Author:

Troy Knowlton has always had a burning desire to tell stories. He started at a young age by drawing maps of made-up continents and fantasy kingdoms. The empty kingdoms beckoned to be given life, and his work eventually blossomed, leading him to create full narratives and characters for his worlds. He currently lives in California where he works as an X-Ray technologist and teacher when he isn't writing. He's also a great lover of history, currently working to earn his bachelor's degree in History and Political Science.

Website: www.troyknowlton.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/troy_knowlton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TroyKnowltonWrites

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22334349.Troy_Knowlton

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pallavivyas · 4 years ago

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#childdevelopment #lifeskillsforkids #parenting #socialskills #changeseekers #changebelievers #youths #youngindia #criticalthinking #growthmindset #mindfulness #skills #knowledge #lifeskillsteacher #preschool

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teritcrawfordca · 7 years ago

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How to Have a Greater Impact in Your Small Business

Every week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. The show takes place every Wednesday on Twitter from 8-9 pm ET. This is excerpted from my recent interview with Joanne Sonenshine is Founder + CEO of Connective Impact, a company focused on bringing like-minded organizations together to improve how we utilize resources and address the crises of our time. She is also author of ChangeSeekers: Finding Your Path to Impact. For more info: www.connectiveimpact.com

SmallBizLady: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TRIGGERS AND OUTCOMES IN LIFE THAT CAUSES CHANGE?

Joanne Sonenshine:

That’s a good question. Typically, people may consistently struggle to find true satisfaction in their professional career, year deeply for meaning and/or fulfillment. This may result in resigning from your job and taking the risk to start a new business. However, determine is what it takes to be successful and loving what you do can change the trajectory of your life. Many people also realize there could be substantial lessons learned and lead to a circuitous path to find their own method of impact the world. Thus, becoming a ChangeSeeker.

SmallBizLady: YOU MENTIONED A CHANGESEEKER, WHO ARE THEY?

Joanne Sonenshine:

ChangeSeeker’s are amazingly inspiring people who are truly changing the world around us each day. They are those who have navigated significant person or professional challenges to seek out a more impactful career, starting a small business and having more meaning in their lives. ChangeSeeker’s inspire others to want better for themselves.

SmallBizLady: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS BEING A CHANGESEEKER?

Joanne Sonenshine:

ChangeSeeker’s can expect to be more confident in their own personal and business pursuits. They tend to recognize and embrace a change in their lives, find greater meaning and be at peace. Additionally, they welcome the opportunity to resonate with others and carry on the fight to make the world a better place.

SmallBizLady: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES IN BALANCING LIFE AS A BUSINESS OWNER AND LIFE, IN GENERAL?

Joanne Sonenshine:

Typically, the greatest challenge tends to be balancing yourself. As small business owners, you need to remember that it’s impossible to perform all the roles in your life well, all the time. Therefore, it may require compromise and sacrifice being the “best” parent or spouse to ensure your business is operating at capacity. Try and balance out the time you spend with your family and between work.

SmallBizLady: HOW WILL A CHANGESEEKER KNOW THEY ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH?

Joanne Sonenshine:

I don’t think there’s one answer for this, because there isn’t even one “right path.” Your career or business journey can take a series of twists and turns, and in some cases, have questionable results. Once you find yourself in a position that seems to be the be-all and end-all, often there are opportunities or decisions that make you question whether there’s more in store. Frankly, that’s part of the excitement—staying curious and pushing forward, not doubting yourself, your business choices and staying true to what drives you—your inner voice.

SmallBizLady: What are the steps TO FINDING fulfillment?

Joanne Sonenshine:

It will take dedication, focus and risk before many people will find what is going to truly inspire them to fulfill their career, personal development, and small business goals. This could mean that you will need to stop being the person you thought you were and embracing the person you need to become. Try redefining your personal and profession intent. Redirect your focus and energy without drastic consequences. Being successful at self-direction on a path toward true impact means finding the confidence from within to take risks, make mistakes and apologize for failures, and move on without second guessing yourself. This takes experience, knowledge gathering, and practice to find true fulfillment.

SmallBizLady: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO BEGINNERS?

Joanne Sonenshine:

Tell yourself to “just go.” Like the Nike slogan, “Just Do It.” Don’t overthink, just keep moving forward and follow the senses that guide you towards the next hurdles and decisions.

SmallBizLady: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR “PATH” HAS INTERFERENCE BY TRYING TO MANAGE THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS?

Joanne Sonenshine:

Expectations carry a weight that makes decision-making fraught with hesitations and uncertainties. Having confidence, moving forward despite hurdles and trusting your gut will keep you moving, whether it’s in the ‘right’ direction or not. The experiences you gain are all critical to the journey. Who you are, and ultimately who you become, is built on multiple layers of expectation. Your path shouldn’t be based on what is expected of you, or what dues you have paid, but instead on where you see need, where you can provide value, and ultimately where you can have the most impact.

SmallBizLady: HOW DOES THE CONCEPT OF “FLEXIBILITY” PLAY IN THE VARIOUS PATH-CHANGES IN LIFE?

Joanne Sonenshine:

Stay true to your beliefs, which is the opposite of being flexible.

Recognize when a situation is just not right.

Be honest, both with those around you and yourself.

When it’s time to move forward, it’s just time to move forward

SmallBizLady: HOW VALUABLE CAN RELATIONSHIPS BE IN THE SUCCESS OF YOUR CAREER AND BUSINESS?

Joanne Sonenshine:

Valuable does not even do the importance of relationship building justice. Having close friendships, knowing those in your network as people that have interests and passions of their own, and listening with intent to what makes people tick can be the most pivotal elements of your personal and business journey.

SmallBizLady: AFTER JUMPSTARTING YOUR LIFE, CREATING AND HAVING A GREATER IMPACT IN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS, WHAT’S NEXT?

Joanne Sonenshine:

The beauty of not knowing is that the potential is unlimited. Focus on never reaching the end of what’s possible.

If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9 pm ET; follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter.

Here’s how to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/1hZeIlz

The post How to Have a Greater Impact in Your Small Business appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

from Teri Crawford Business Tips https://succeedasyourownboss.com/how-to-have-greater-impact-in-your-small-business/

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teritcrawfordca · 7 years ago

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Who’s on #Smallbizchat September 2017

#Smallbizchat is a weekly conversation where small business owners can get answers to their questions. The focus of #Smallbizchat is to end small business failure by helping participants succeed as your own boss.

Please join us live on Twitter every Wednesday 8-9 pm ET. Here’s how: follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter and follow the hashtag #Smallbizchat and click here for directions to join the weekly conversation.

This month, we’ll be on Twitter talking about launching and growing a product based brand, having a greater impact, creating a brand experience, and getting your business unstuck.

Here is a list of who is on #Smallbizchat in September.

September 6th – How to Launch and Grow a Product Based Brand, @INDIEbusiness

Donna Maria Coles Johnson is an attorney, author, and entrepreneur mentor. She is the founder of the Indie Business Network, which trains the next generation of entrepreneurs who make the products they sell. Visit her site at www.indiebusinessnetwork.com.

September 13th – How to Have a Greater Impact in Your Small Business, @jsonenshine

Joanne Sonenshine is Founder + CEO of Connective Impact, a company focused on bringing like-minded organizations together to improve how we utilize resources and address the crises of our time. She is also author of ChangeSeekers: Finding Your Path to Impact. For more information, visit www.connectiveimpact.com.

September 20th – Be Unforgettable: 6 Tips to Creating A Brand Experience, @Kreative_Eye

Teanna Ross is the CEO of Kreative Eye. She works with entrepreneurs and small business owners to brand and market their business. Learn more at www.kreativeeyedesign.com.

September 27th – How to Get Your Business Unstuck, @barrymoltz

Barry Moltz gets business owners growing again by unlocking their long forgotten potential. With decades of entrepreneurial experience in his own business ventures as well as consulting countless other entrepreneurs, Barry has discovered the formula to get stuck business owners unstuck and marching forward. After successfully selling his last operating business, Barry has branched out into a number of entrepreneurship-related activities. He founded an angel investor group, an angel fund, and is a former advisory member of the board of the Angel Capital Education Foundation. Barry’s fifth book “How to Get Unstuck: 25 Ways to Get Your Business Growing Again” is currently available on Amazon. For more information, visit: www.barrymoltz.com

Every Thursday morning on Melinda’s blog, a complete Q&A interview from each #Smallbizchat is posted as a recap http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com

The post Who’s on #Smallbizchat September 2017 appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

from Teri Crawford Business Tips http://succeedasyourownboss.com/whos-on-smallbizchat-september2017/

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teritcrawfordca · 7 years ago

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3 Lessons to Beat the Fear While Starting Your Small Business

Guest Article

How many times have you thought that life would be easier if you worked for yourself? Or perhaps your time more productive and outcomes more impactful if you avoided a lengthy commute, strict working hours, or conflicts with managers? It took me more than three jobs, many frustrating bosses, and a clear need to find greater fulfillment to realize that working for myself was the answer to the growing challenges in my professional life.

The idea had crossed my mind over the years, how to seek greater impact in my various positions. I often grew frustrated where momentum within my current corporation seemed to stall, or action was less forthcoming. I preferred a fast pace, and a constant challenge. My father, a retired small business owner, would say that starting my own business would help me find solace, supporting myself based on my passions, my ongoing need for self-motivation, and a pledge I had made to myself to only seek positions that allowed me to contribute to the greater good. I questioned how hanging out my shingle was even realistic, given my role in helping support my family with two small kids. The desire to effect change and be fulfilled was a priority, so I had to put aside fears and trepidation and make the shift. In doing so, I learned 3 valuable lessons:

1. Prioritize Your Goals: I spent sixty days writing a business plan, researching consulting models, talking to attorneys and accountants, and learning as much as I could about entrepreneurship. Luckily, there is so much insight and knowledge to be shared that it was easy for me to find information both online and from referrals. The challenge became narrowing my focus onto what I was truly capable of. I had to be realistic about my skillset, my niche, and what people would actually pay me for. This leads to #2…

2. Leverage Your Network: I reached out to those within my network whom I trusted and respected, asking their thoughts about my initial ideas. I asked them about what services they would pay for, where their needs lay, and what types of gaps existed that could call for consulting expertise. One of the most critical elements supporting my work now is managing my network and relationships. It amazes me how often paths crisscross and reattach in different ways. I have been able to reconnect with so many colleagues over the years, and it keeps me learning, inspired, and curious. You never know when someone in your network can be of help, and everyone really does like to help each other! Intensive networking made the process of starting my own business much easier.

3. Keep What’s Working and Cut the Rest: Figuring out the financial elements of starting my own business meant taking significant risks, assuming paying clients would be slow to develop. While not to be ignored, the financial risk was something I could not obsess over. I had to trust my gut and assume the business plan, which at this point was well defined and honed in, would guide me. By sticking to my strengths, not veering from my core services, and being clear on financial terms, I was able to begin making a bit of money while doing work I loved.

I launched Connective Impact in January 2014. It was a proud moment, representing years of struggle to find a career identity that brought fulfillment. Starting my business allowed me to stay true to my word that creating lasting change was my primary motive. In the end my goal was that simple, and yet keeping tabs on my network, being honest about what I was capable of, being an active listener, while staying focused on my core services allowed me to build a successful consulting business

Stepping outside the fear is not easy, but once that trepidation subsides, it’s time to jump in and start your own business. By operating independently and seeking work with substantive impact, I have found a joy that is unlike any professional experience yet. Try it, you might really get into it.

About the Author

The post 3 Lessons to Beat the Fear While Starting Your Small Business appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

from Teri Crawford Business Tips http://succeedasyourownboss.com/3-lessons-beat-fear-starting-small-business/

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