The Story Man
Randy Lindsay is known as the Story Man. That's the name that his wife gave him because he has the tendency to turn everything into a story. Even trips to the grocery store result in ideas for strange and interesting tales.
If there is anything Randy enjoys as much as crafting stories it is discussing the craft of storytelling. Workshops, podcasts, and conventions are his version of Disneyland. Whether you are a fan of his stories or want to learn to be a better storyteller Randy invites you to be a part of the Story Man journey. |
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BATTLEMENTALS
Battle what? Don't pretend you weren't wondering what it meant and how to pronounce it. That's the name for the creatures in Randy's middle grade fantasy books. Just think of Battling Elementals (battle-mentals). You can find out more in the Battlementals section, but it's better to read about them in his book.
Since the beginning of time, fantastic creatures have lived in the magical land of the Battlementals. These elemental forces war with one another in order to dominate the universe. As long as the power of the six elements remains relatively balanced there isn’t a problem, but when one of the six elements grows too powerful it is time to summon heroes from earth and send them on a dangerous quest to restore the elemental balance.
Chase Freeman is a boy with a heart for adventure stuck living in dull Drifter Flats. Nothing exciting ever happens in his small town—until he sees the strange ball of light streaking across the sky. Along with his best friend Jordan, her little brother Luke, and Harlan the smartest boy in school, they follow the light to an American Indian medicine circle. Drawn into the middle of it, the four friends are suddenly teleported to the Battlemental dimension along with the school bully Brendan and his friend Lena.
As the universe systematically starts to disappear, Chase and his friends race to assemble the Harmonicon in a land filled with bizarre creatures in the middle of an elemental war. In order to succeed the six heroes must learn to work together, but can they do that before it’s too late?
Chase Freeman is a boy with a heart for adventure stuck living in dull Drifter Flats. Nothing exciting ever happens in his small town—until he sees the strange ball of light streaking across the sky. Along with his best friend Jordan, her little brother Luke, and Harlan the smartest boy in school, they follow the light to an American Indian medicine circle. Drawn into the middle of it, the four friends are suddenly teleported to the Battlemental dimension along with the school bully Brendan and his friend Lena.
As the universe systematically starts to disappear, Chase and his friends race to assemble the Harmonicon in a land filled with bizarre creatures in the middle of an elemental war. In order to succeed the six heroes must learn to work together, but can they do that before it’s too late?
Pounce is the son of the tiger-folk chieftain. When his honor is challenged, Pounce must prove he is worthy to take over for his father someday. He is given a grand quest to earn his name of maturity and the right of leadership, but it seems impossible. How could anyone find the lost Saber tribes of the Eastern Jungles? And if he doesn’t, he’ll be banished forever.
With no other choice, Pounce begins his journey across the treacherous realm of Fire, but soon finds he is not alone. A human girl with a secret and two gazelle-folk trying to get to the city of Torch View decide to join him. Danger lurks around every bend and the four unlikely companions find themselves battling elemental monsters and Fire creatures. Unable to turn back, Pounce must rely on the help of his new friends to uncover the secret of the Riddle of Fire and continue his quest. When lives are on the line, will Pounce have the strength and courage to finish the quest or will he fail and be banished from the friends and family that he loves?
This coming of age fantasy adventure is the second book in the Battlemental universe and combines action and humor to show that people from different backgrounds often make the best friends. Several interior illustrations depict the heroes and some of the strange creatures they meet. Pounce and the Riddle of Fire is a middle grade novel in the style of Brandon Mull (Fablehaven) and Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief).
With no other choice, Pounce begins his journey across the treacherous realm of Fire, but soon finds he is not alone. A human girl with a secret and two gazelle-folk trying to get to the city of Torch View decide to join him. Danger lurks around every bend and the four unlikely companions find themselves battling elemental monsters and Fire creatures. Unable to turn back, Pounce must rely on the help of his new friends to uncover the secret of the Riddle of Fire and continue his quest. When lives are on the line, will Pounce have the strength and courage to finish the quest or will he fail and be banished from the friends and family that he loves?
This coming of age fantasy adventure is the second book in the Battlemental universe and combines action and humor to show that people from different backgrounds often make the best friends. Several interior illustrations depict the heroes and some of the strange creatures they meet. Pounce and the Riddle of Fire is a middle grade novel in the style of Brandon Mull (Fablehaven) and Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief).
STORY TELLING
There are plenty of places you can go to learn how to write a story. Which is good news if you happen to be an author. However, storytelling is about more than writing a short story, a novel, or a screenplay. Storytelling is a part of our everyday life and has been since cavemen* gathered around the community fire at night. Advances in technology may have changed the way we tell our stories, but they haven't replaced the need to share our thoughts and experiences with others. It is Randy's goal to demonstrate how storytelling can help you express your thoughts and ideas better in an environment that has become increasingly impersonal.
* The use of the word cavemen is meant to include cavewomen. And cavekids. Oh, and cavepets as well.
* The use of the word cavemen is meant to include cavewomen. And cavekids. Oh, and cavepets as well.
Pam and Nick Eaton are featuring Randy and the Battlementals novel on their website during the entire month of March. Click on the button below and you will be whisked away to the magical land (website) of Lord of the Books. There you can read exclusive interviews with Randy and leave comments asking your own questions. While you're there, you can browse through the other reviews the Eaton's have posted. But before you go, please take a moment to fill out the super-quick survey below.