Tag: Canadian artist

The Lion of the Sea Release Day!

Published on by Micheline Ryckman1 Comment

“Perhaps the present, no matter how messy, is the perfect time to live.”

Family is not always blood, and home is where the heart is. It took Dain Alloway years to understand these foundational truths. Now the captain of The Maiden, surrounded by the found family he loves, Dain sets out to end a centuries-old genocide and prevent an oncoming war. But when the girl he loves is torn from his arms, Dain might be forced to choose between saving just her, or saving them all.

“Good morning from Canada, my Whimsies! 🎉⚓️THE LION OF THE SEA IS HERE!!! ⚓️🎉

What a whole lot of craziness we faced last year, right?! Oh my word! Not only were we all slapped with this ongoing pandemic and a LOAD of other madness, but once again, I faced some very hard personal health struggles. It was so nuts that there were days I wondered if I’d ever finish this second book in The Maiden Ship trilogy. But, somehow, despite everything, I did! 😅 And it feels like an epic feat that I get to share this story with you TODAY! WOOT WOOT!!! 🎉 TMS was my debut novel, and I’m hoping–praying you all enjoy my sophomore novel just as much. 🤞🤞🤞

I’m just so grateful to those who take a chance on reading my books, it’s an honour that you would give up precious hours of your life to my writing. 🙈💓🙇🏻‍♀️ I cannot express how much that means to me—sending love and hugs to you all today!!!❤️❤️❤️ ” ~ Micheline Ryckman

The Lion of the Sea is the second novel in Micheline Ryckman’s, The Maiden Ship, series, and it releases today! This YA fantasy adventure is chalk full of action packed scenes. You’ll rejoin a loveable cast of characters from the first book and meet some nasty pirates and alluring mermaids along the way.

You can purchase the paperback through our shop here or you can also purchase it through AMAZON in paperback and ebook format as well.
Happy reading!

 

The Maiden Ship Back Story

Published on by Micheline RyckmanLeave a comment
My firstborn was only three months old when I developed the story of The Maiden Ship. That was twenty-one years ago. The book didn’t get far back then because the demands of a new marriage, a new child, and so many other life callings forced me to set the story aside. It wasn’t until 2018 that I revisited The Maiden Ship. And that decision was brought on by several major life events: a mix of chronic health struggles, my firstborn leaving home for college (don’t let anyone ever tell you it’s easy when your children leave home—it is not), and a severely injured drawing arm. Art has always been my lifeline, and when my arm went, and that privilege was taken from me, a bout of depression inevitably followed. It was a tough season, and I was desperate for a creative outlet. I needed something to keep me sane amidst the chaos and pain.

So, I wrote.

Typing with my non-dominant hand took some getting used to. The process was arduous, and sometimes I used dictation when the pain was too severe. Yet, word by word, this book saved my life. This tale gave me a reason to wake up each day; it gave me a purpose. I am so thankful for this story.

I poured so much of my own personal life journey and lessons into this novel, and I’m hopeful that the premise and messages in this story will speak to the hearts of those who read it. <3

Quick Update

Published on by Micheline RyckmanLeave a comment

If you happen to follow along on my social media sites IG and Facebook you’ll know exactly what I’ve been up to lately. It’s been  a busy fall season, but so many good things are coming! The most exciting news, however, is that on November 1st I’ll be posting the cover reveal and release date for THE MAIDEN SHIP! That’s right, my debut novel is finally complete, and I’m  super excited about sharing this fantasy adventure with you all!  (Pssst… The book will also be available for pre-order that day as well.)

So check back in on NOVEMBER 1st!!!

From Adversity to Creativity

Published on by Micheline Ryckman2 Comments

Isn’t it amazing how adversity can redirect our path? Most of you know that my drawing arm was severely injured six months ago, and for nearly five of those months I could not create art. It was an immense blow, not only financially, but emotionally. In addition to other chronic health struggles, this injury pushed me to my limits, and for the first couple of months I struggled through a profound depression. Eventually I sought professional counselling services, and for the sake of my mental health, I worked hard towards finding another creative outlet.  

It was writing that I steered towards. It was something I could do despite my physical state, I could dictate verbally when the pain was too great, and I could use my good arm to type on the better days. It became a way to get the pictures out of my head without being able to draw them, and it gave me a sense of purpose amidst the suffering.

Years ago, when my children were small, I started a novel called, ‘The Maiden Ship’. However, as work and the demands of life accumulated I set writing aside. After nearly a twenty year relapse I returned to this book, and I returned to it because of adversity. Surprisingly, I managed to finish the novel just as my arm slowly began healing at the five month mark. The book is completed and now in the editing phases. The thing is, if these struggles had not happened to me, I very likely would have never written the book. I would have been too busy making art. (Which is still obviously my favourite thing to do in the world. 😉 )

I know this is the first book I’ve ever attempted on my own, so it’s definitely not going to be a New York Times bestseller, but that was never the point. If, in the end, only three people read it, I’m good with that because, honestly, this novel has already proven it’s worth, it saved me. That’s what makes it special. 

All that to say, this is my first drawing related to my new novel, and I promise to share more details about these characters, the synopsis, and the release date soon, but for now, if you’re interested, take a peek at my Maiden Ship story highlight on Instagram to read some quotes and see some character aesthetics. 😘

If you read all the way down to here, then you are my hero, and the truest WHIMSY at heart. You are loved! ❤️