S.G. Rogers– The Need for Mead

Today, I have another special treat for you. Talented Fantasy YA author S.G. Rogers has come to talk a little bit about her new book, The Druid–ooh, and do I see something interesting in her hands, why, yes! ;) Come on up to the mic, dear. Don’t worry, parents, we’ve got goodies for your little ones too. I think they’ll like this book.

Go ahead,  Suzanne.  tells us a little bit about what you’ve brought.

The Need for Mead

by

S.G. Rogers

Mead

Mead; photo credit: Grapetonix, CC Attribution, Tobias Radeskog

Throughout Norse mythology, many references are made to mead. This nectar of the gods was so highly prized it was on the menu at Valhalla, served by no less than the lovely Valkyrie. Death isn’t so bad when you can belly up to the bar afterwards for a horn of lip-smacking deliciousness, right?

Mead, also called honey wine, is viewed as the Father of Fermentation. It’s not quite as old as dirt, but it dates back to around 7000 BC. Basic mead is produced by fermenting a solution of water and honey. No meadery around the corner? No problem. Brew your own, at home, with this time-tested recipe:

First, use rainwater kept for several years;
Next, measure out a sextarius (which is one sixth of a congius) of water;
Mix the water with a pound of honey;
Expose the mixture to sunlight for 40 days, and then leave on a shelf near the fire.
(If you’re out of rainwater, boiled spring water may be used as a substitute in a pinch)
(Recipe courtesy of Columella, De Re Rustica, AD 60.)

I don’t know about you, but if it’s good enough for Odin, it’s good enough for me.

~ S.G. Rogers

Here here! For those of us who don’t imbibe alcohol, I wonder what a non-alcoholic version might taste like–just a bit of honey and rain water? Mmm…..honey. ;) How about an excerpt of your book, Suzanne?

An adventurous woman meets a romantic hero from the pages of a book, bigger than life and twice as Elvish.

Dani Avery is an ordinary girl wishing for adventure. She never expected to be kidnapped by mythological creatures and taken to a place she thought only existed within the pages of a book. Abandoned in Asgard, Dani must find her way home. Along the way, she meets the handsome Prince Rein. Sadly, the elf is not-so-charming and has issues of his own, leaving Dani disappointed and vulnerable. With nowhere left to turn Dani looks for help among the powerful Immortals, but gets caught in a trap that may leave her stranded and alone in Asgard forever.

Excerpt:

“Right. How about you trade me the magical shield in your pocket for directions to the Rainbow Bridge?”

Dani peered at him. So Rein had been watching her and the Ravens. Although she wasn’t about to give up the brooch, maybe she could strike another bargain with him. According to The Asgard Adventure, elves were supposed to love challenges.

“No deal,” she said. “But I challenge you to hand-to-hand combat. If I win, you show me how to find the Rainbow Bridge. If I lose, the shield is yours and I’ll be on my way.”

The band of elves hooted and hollered in derision, but Rein grinned.

“You’re on,” he said. “Do I get my choice of weapons?”

“No weapons,” Dani said.

“No weapons?” he scoffed. “Fine. I’ll try not to hurt you too much.”

“That’s excellent,” she replied, tossing her backpack to the ground. “I don’t enjoy pain.”

****

The Druid is available in all formats from Musa Publishing and Smashwords, and from Amazon for the Kindle. ($2.99)

Author links:
Blog: www.childofyden.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SuzanneGRogers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/suzannegrogers

Thanks for being with us, Suzanne. Good luck with The Druid! It sounds fun. :) Now, about that bottle next to you….. ;)