Appreciate Your Dragon Day

January 16th is Appreciate Your Dragon Day.

How did this day come about, you might ask? Well, it turns out that one of my favorite authors is behind this fun day! 

Back in 2004, Donita K Paul who wrote the Dragonspell series decided there needed to be a National Day set aside for these marvelous beasts. 

Crystal, from the White Road Chronicles series, and I both agree. So, in celebration of all things about dragons, I'd like to present some fun things in today's blog that's all about dragons. You can start off by clicking the picture of Alyra and Crystal below for a fun puzzle. Let me know in the comments how you did. 
 
Read on, and at the end, I have a special offer for you...

UPDATE: Winner has been determined and I'll contact that person soon. 
​

Click picture to be taken to a fun puzzle

I've Loved Dragons for as Long as I Can Remember!

I've loved reading about dragons since I was a little kid. Tolkien's Smaug, The Neverending Story's Falcor, and many, many more have engaged my imagination and entertained me with their wonderful stories. 

I loved dragons so much, I had to put them in my White Road Chronicles stories. Above is pictured Crystal, but she has a whole family, each one named after a treasure for the Kingdom of Alburnium that they guard.  You can read about the dragons of Drakensburg in Emanate, book Three.

As  Rubeus Hagrid from Harry Potter said, "They are seriously misunderstood creatures."

Don't you think so? 

Below is a short story I wrote...oh, when I first started my publishing journey. I'd enter these flash fiction contest and The Sacrifice is one of the shorts that got a few positive nods, but didn't actually win the prize for that week. 

Ah well, here is is for your enjoyment! 

​The Sacrifice
A flash fiction short story

 
“Sebastian, don't do this.”

“Already done, Cecilia.” I steered away from the burning rubble that was once my city. A strong gust caught the sails of the ship I’d just conjured in desperation to save her. Foamy spray splashed around the dragon masthead. For a moment, I could have sworn the black marble eyes glowed with her normal fiery orange.

Go, go, go! Not much time left. My spell would only hold for a short while.

We’d lost the battle. The enemy had me surrounded when Cecilia flew into the fray to save me. She took a spear into the one unprotected place over her heart. In my fury, I cast the transformation spell to save her.

“Why did you do it, Cecilia? I would have gotten out, you didn’t need to....”

The ship lurched over a swell causing me to tumble forward. My arms wrapped around the dragon’s neck, now wood instead of scales. “I’m so sorry, Cecilia. I’ll not let you perish.”

A pulsating thrumming vibrated under my splayed, blood-stained hands. Her soothing voice seeped into my heart, escaping through the cracks in the polished wood. “We'll be separated forever.”

“At least I'll know you still live.” Up ahead, spires rose through the salty mist. Dragon's Isle. They'd help her. They'd make her whole again. I only needed to get close enough to bring their attack. The dragons always protected their one last refuge.

“Sebastian?”

“Their fire will bring you healing, Cecilia.”

“But their fire might…. No, don’t do this.”

Winged creatures soared into the sky, blocking out the sun.

“I’m scared, Sebastian.”

“Don’t be afraid. You’ll be free now. I love you, Cecilia.”

“I love you, too. You’ve been my best—”

Flames poured from their mouths. I dove over the side. Heat seared my back as I plunged into the waves. When my lungs threatened to burst, I resurfaced a safe distance away. Cecilia, now returned to her true form, soared into the sky and disappeared behind the black spires.

With a sigh of relief, I floated in the water. She’d thrive with her own kind, protected and hidden from those who would harm her.
​
Now all I needed to do was find a way back home. 

---

What is one of your favorite things about dragons?

Below, I have a few fun activities for you and any kids in your life.  Print the picture below and color your own dragon. Go to my Facebook J. R. Castle page and post a picture of your colored dragon for a chance to be entered for a prize. (U.S. residence only) Or, draw your own dragon and post that. Or you can send me your pictures through my author email. 

I'm eager to see what you come up with! 

Also, click on the dragon origami picture for instructions on how to make your own. They have different versions. 

​Finally, listen to  Cressida Cowell as she takes you through the basics of how to speak Dragonese in the video below. 

Now for the SPECIAL OFFER! 

Leave a comment below, or at my Facebook group to be entered to win a signed copy of Illuminated. 
I can only send this prize to U. S. citizens.  However, if you live outside of the U. S. let me know in your comment. I'll pick one special winner to win an ebook copy of one of the White Road Chronicles ebooks. 

That's two winners! 
I'll pick them by January 24th, so get your comments in as soon as possible! 

#Update! I'm extending the deadline until Feb 10th. So color those pictures or leave a comment for a chance to win a print book of Illuminated. 

Right click on the picture. Hit save as. Then print from your computer and color.