I am very excited today to welcome author Poppy Dennison to Joyfully Jay! Poppy has just released a new book, Mind Magic, and is here today to talk to us more about it and to give away a copy to a lucky commenter (be sure to leave a comment below to enter).
Welcome Poppy and thanks for joining us today!
One of the things I love most about paranormal and fantasy books is the world-building. There’s a bit of ownership to it: this is my world and I’ll make my own rules! In paranormal, there are certain rules and tropes that are “tried and true,” but authors are still allowed to play in the sandbox, even if they bend or break those rules.
As I began creating the Magical world in Mind Magic, I became fascinated by the symbolism of the number three. The most known example of this is in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost), but trinities in spiritualism go much further. In fact, as I researched, I realized that you can find threes everywhere.
-Animal, Vegetable, Mineral
-Three wishes from the genie
-Three little pigs
Mind Magic began with one of these trinities. I wanted a world where three types of magic existed, a magical Triad. In this world, it became Mind Magic, Body Magic, and Soul Magic. Different magical species have different types of magic.
Simon has the first type of magic as a mage: Mind Magic. This power manifests in different ways. Some mages can do powerful spells that can alter a person’s thoughts and actions, some can alter the very reality around them. Simon, as an apprentice, hasn’t been trained in those advanced areas, but he does have some psychic abilities. Unfortunately, he hasn’t learned how to tune out some of the voices he’s “not supposed” to hear. Voices like the werewolf cubs crying out for help.
The rules of Simon’s world are strict. Different magical species should not mix. The cubs are shifters and have Body Magic. Simon isn’t supposed to go anywhere near them. Simon knows this rule, has memorized it much like he’s memorized the others. The problem for him comes in putting that particular rule into practice. His instincts are to do his part, but he’s not allowed. The cries are coming from werewolf cubs. Werewolves have Body Magic, and therefore, Simon has to avoid contact with them at all costs.
But…but…they’re only kids! Simon has to make a choice that ends up turning his world upside down. He saves the kids, but at a high price: he can no longer be around other mages or complete his training.
The power of three becomes a major point of plot for this story, as for the first time, the different types of magic come together. No one knows the consequences, but Simon is willing to take another risk, especially once he meets Gray, the alpha werewolf.
Simon is learning what it means to be a mage, to have one of the three powers prevalent in this world. The cost is high, but sometimes taking a risk has a bigger payout in the end.
Mind Magic Blurb
Magical species must never mix. According to the rules, Simon Osborne should ignore the children’s cries for help. After all, they’re werewolf cubs, and he’s an apprentice mage. But for once in his life, Simon breaks the rules and rescues the cubs, saving them from a demon intent on draining them of their magic.
Of course, all actions have consequences, and Simon’s bold move earns him the displeasure of his peers and the attention of the cubs’ alpha, a man named Gray Townsend.
The last thing Gray needs is a mage in his life, but Simon did save his son. Since Simon is now a friend of the pack, Gray doesn’t have much choice about it—or the forbidden attraction that goes along with it. Unfortunately for the alpha, he needs Simon’s help to track down the demon behind the kidnappings—before it strikes again. Simon and Gray must join forces to protect the pack, even as they struggle to resist the temptation that threatens to destroy them both.
Available now from Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, and ARe
Bio
A sassy southern lady, Poppy Dennison developed an obsession with things that go bump in the night in her early years after a barn door flew off its hinges and nearly squashed her. Convinced it was a ghost trying to get her attention, she started looking for other strange and mysterious happenings around her. Not satisfied with what she found, Poppy has traveled to Greece, Malaysia and England to find inspiration for the burly bears and silver foxes that melt her butter. Her love of paranormal continues to flourish nearly thirty years later, and she writes steamy love stories about the very things that used to keep her up all night. If her childhood ghost is lucky, maybe one day she’ll give him his own happily ever after.
Visit her on her web site: http://www.poppydennison.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poppydennison
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PoppyDennison
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5108648.Poppy_Dennison
If you would like to win a copy of Mind Magic, leave a comment below to enter. We’d love to hear any examples you have of the “power of three.” The contest will close on Tuesday, May 8 at 11:59 pm EST. Thanks so much Poppy for stopping by today!
- By entering the contest, you’re confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
- Winners will be selected by random number.
- If you win, you must respond to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. Please make sure that your spam filter allows email from Joyfully Jay and leave your email address if it is not in your profile.
>Sounds really interesting – I like the sound of the magic in the world 🙂
>I agree, sounds interesting! Please count me in!
>Sounds wonderful! The last book in my Gathandrian fantasy trilogy (also including a mind-reader called Simon, weirdly!!) is based on the themes of Faith, Hope and Love. I do like a good trinity :))
Also, I'm the 3rd child of a 3rd child, and my mother always does things in 3s – e.g. her children(!), her house numbers and even her shopping. Do you think we need help?!
:))
Anne
xxx
>This reminds me of the show Charmed, three sister witches that said spells with "the power of three." Thanks for the post! I saw the post on Chicks & Dicks and loved the blurb!
>Thanks pointycat! I really hope you enjoy it. I had a blast working on it and creating my own magical sandbox to play in. 🙂
>Good Luck Tracy! *crosses fingers for you*
>Um…well…maybe a little? *g* There is something about the power of three though. I don't quite understand what it is to be honest. I read a lot of information, but in the end I just went with "three is good". And oh, I like the Faith, Hope and Love idea! Sounds intriguing!
>Yay for Charmed! I did come up with the title of this post from the show. *g* Of course, I didn't make the connection until I googled something about the power of three for researching the second book in the series and Charmed came up. I chuckled and said "I knew I'd heard that somewhere!".
I'm glad you saw the Chicks & Dicks post and that you loved the blurb! Hope you enjoy the book as much!
>I am really looking forward to this story. And that cover… can I just say *Yum*? 🙂
>The only 'three' I can think of is from wedding vows… 'Love, Honor and Cherish'. The holy grail of romance… 🙂 Please count me in for the contest.
chellebee66 at gmail dot com
>The book sounds great, so please enter me in the draw!
The first 'trinity' that came to my mind were the Mystic Apes – Mizaru, Kikazaru & Iwazaru – depicting "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Not a bad way to live one's life!
qbeeqt at yahoo dot com
>This books sounds so interesting with the three types of magic and the strict rules in thier world.
Please include me in your contest.
Jess1
strive4bst at yahoo dot com
>Thanks Possum! And yes, Anne Cain knocked my socks off with that cover! She captured Gray so perfectly it was scary! I still drool on it. LOL
>Oh, good one Michelle! Yes…that is the holy grail of romance. Hmm. I think I feel a plot bunny coming on!
>Oh that's an awesome one Maya! I hadn't thought of that one, but yes, it's perfect! And it shows that there are examples of the power of three in so many cultures.
Good luck on the contest!
>Good luck on the contest, Jess1! I'm glad you think the three types of magic sound interesting!
>This looks enjoyable – I like fantasy stories.
diannakayATgmailDOTcom
>I think this look amazing and I've hear it's good.
acosmistmachineATgmailDOTcom
>Sounds like a good book! I'm one of three sisters and watch out when we get together 🙂
smaccall AT comcast.net
>This looks like a fantastic book! I love to get immersed in new fantasy worlds and learn their rules 🙂
-Mandy Beyers
beyerlein AT sbcglobal.net
>Thanks diannakay! I really hope you enjoy it! It's a mix between paranormal and fantasy, which is my favorite type of read.
>*blushes* Thanks E.E. I hope you enjoy it. I've been thrilled with the response!
>LOL Bookwyrm369! I have a younger brother and sister and we *always* get into mischief when we get together–and we're all in our thirties! I hope you enjoy Mind Magic!
>Thanks Mandy! I hope you enjoy it. The world building was my favorite part of the process and I'm so happy with how it all came together!
>3 indeed is a powerful number and i got mine – the rule of three! that's 3 attempts, 3 demands, etc. most of the time, if i don't get what i want or receive any feedback after 3 tries, etc. i move on. there are exceptions of course and sometimes i give in to my rule of four but that's another story lol!
please count me in for the drawing! thanks Poppy for being gracious!
aobibliophile(at)gmail(com)
>oops! i typed my email addy all wrong! here's the correct one
aobibliophile(at)gmail(dot)com
>Wow. I have not read a lot of paranormal or fantasy stories, Poppy, but this story with the three types of magic sound so interesting.
Sharon
schofield726[at]comcast[dot]net
>Sounds fascinating…
I have 3 daughters and now 3 granddaughters, only girl progeny (so far, LOL).
Maybe that's the Power of Three…
Sue
corieltauviqueen(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk
>Hello Poppy & Jay,
I really found your Guest Post "Mind Magic and the Power of Three" very intriguing with the symbolism of the number three. These 3 Books sounds Amazing; a World where three types of magic exist. A Magical Triad: "Mind Magic", "Body Magic", and "Soul Magic" & different magical species will have different types of magic. WOW I LOVE this, especially since Paranormal/Fantasy is my Favorite Genre, but I guess my name kinda guess that away. LOL Thank you for sharing about Simon & posting a Blurb of "Mind Magic". I definitely have to get this Series, I am sooooo Fascinated, you already have me hooked!
I really don't have any examples of the "power of three" but I guess it's kind of bizarre that since I have lived on my own…which is too long ago to remember lol…I have always had 3 dogs. I don't know what it is about 3 dogs, but it's just the perfect number for me. I know, I'm weird. LOL
I would very much appreciate the opportunity to be considered in your very generous giveaway of a copy of "Mind Magic". Thank You!
Take Care Ladies & Happy Cinco de Mayo,
PaParanormalFan (Renee’ S.)
paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com
>Ooooh, please add me to the drawing.
When I hear "power of three" I think of The Charmed Ones ^.^ Loooooved that TV series. I mean, I seriously LOVED it. Saw every episode (and made a replica of the house in the old Sims game – ahem, yeah, I'm lame). Man, now I want to watch the series all over again, hehe.
As for the Three Little Pigs – that's been the favorite book of one of my sons since he was a small baby (he'd always pick it and still does sometimes).
And more three: My family. I'm an only child, so it was just me, my mom and dad. Now it's just me and my two sons (mom and dad are still alive but we don't live under the same roof). So there ^.^