Hey, everyone! I’m super excited to have a first time guest to my site today. D L Finn is no stranger to the blogging and writing world and she has a brand new release to talk about. Denise, take it away!
Thank you for having me here today, Joan, to share the release of my children’s book “Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories.”
The last story in this collection, “Goldie,” focuses on the small cat-sized animals, the fisher and Humboldt marten. They are not animals I’ve seen in my forest, but they live in the coastal redwood forest where the story is set.
They are both a part of the weasel family and are cute but feisty. I wouldn’t want to run into one when walking, especially if they felt threatened. The fisher weighs between 4.5 to 12 pounds, while the Humboldt marten is much smaller at 1.5 to 3 pounds. Both are carnivorous and prefer the older forests.
Although there has been a steep decline in the Humboldt martens, they are not extinct, as once thought. They have been recently added to the Federal endangered list. The fisher has limited protection depending on where they live. Both weasels were once highly sought after for their pelts, and their territories are now limited, which is why the fairies have taken an interest in protecting them.
Fun Finn Facts
1. If I sit quietly in the trees, I can feel their wisdom.
2. I’ve heard a fairy sing.
Blurb
When reality and magic meet in the forest
It’s 1969, and twelve-year-old Daniel Burns is camping in the redwood forest with his family. Danny wants to listen to his music and read, but his family has other plans. S’mores around the campfire and stories end their first day. The family is sleeping soundly in their secluded tent when Danny wakes up and finds his sister, Colette, is missing. Assuming she went to use the outhouse, he goes after her. When he finds his sister, they discover there is a thin veil between reality and fantasy.
Two bonus short stories offer a glimpse into the magical world that finds Danny and Colette. These hidden beings not only share our world but have a role in protecting their forest.
Excerpt
GOLDIE
2005
The full moon filtered down through the giant trees, bathing the forest in a glow that made it easy for the fairies to see. A woodpecker had done its job clearing out the insects it found in the old redwood. As the tree grew, so did an opening that became an animal den. A fisher—a member of the weasel family—nestled there with her four babies. Her long, fluffy tail, half the length of her sleek body, was protectively curled around her brood.
Goldie and her little brother, Oren, quietly watched them sleep. It had become Goldie’s habit to check the animal dens to make sure they were safe. The fishers, who were no bigger than the cats humans kept as pets, held a special place in her heart. They were adorable, with their big, bearlike ears, pointed faces, and huge eyes. Their dark brown fur was so soft it was hard not to pet them. They didn’t trust tree fairies, and she didn’t blame them. The fairies would zap animals, birds, or insects that developed too much curiosity or mistook them for food.
Oren spoke in a voice Goldie strained to hear. “I’m watching for owls.”
Not wanting to wake the fishers, Goldie responded in a softer tone. “Thanks. They are pests.”
Oren nodded solemnly and looked behind him. They’d seen a brown-and-gray horned owl hunting earlier in the evening. Its yellow eyes had widened in hunger as it dove at them. A quick jolt was all the discouragement it needed to stop bothering them. Would those birds ever learn fairies weren’t on their menu?
Oren had settled in a holding pattern, looking over Goldie’s head into the den. They made eye contact, and she jerked her head in a motion to leave. Their silver wings glowed at night, making the fairies easy targets if they weren’t careful. They rested briefly on a lower branch of the redwood.
Oren smiled as he swung his bare feet, making the branch sway. “Thanks for bringing me along this time, Sis.”
Purchase Links:
Author Bio
D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include adult fiction, poetry, a unique autobiography, and children’s books. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
D. L. Finn Links:
63 Responses
Thank you for having me here today, Joan:) Your website is definitely a beautiful place to visit. The fairies and I are thrilled to be here!.
I’m delighted to have both you and the fairies here today. And you are welcome to visit anytime! Wishing you all the best with the book.
Thank you for this great feature. I am sure the book is not only a wonderful read, its bringing the children closer to the nature, and sensitizes to protecting nature. Thank you to Denise, for writing it. This Humboldt marten really looks very intelligent, as all the weasels are doing. 😉 Have a beautiful Friday, and a wonderful weekend! Michael
Thank you, Michael 🙂 I wanted to share my love of nature. They are beautiful animals that do appear intelligent to me too. You have a beautiful Friday and weekend as well!
They are definitely very intelligent. Our former cat had two wild of them as friends. Really, he walked with them like an old couple. Lol Thank you, Denise! xx Michael
Wow, that’s amazing, Michael. That’s something special to watch. Our cat used to hang out with the wild raccoons, I was always worried he’d get attacked but they seemed to like him.
Thats really special, Denise. Racoons could become very angry too. We have to tell it our politicans. They should take them as role model. 😉 Have a beautiful weekend, Denise! xx
I completely agree, Michael!
:-)) Thank you, Denise! Enjoy a wonderful week! xx
I’m a nature lover too, Michael. So glad you stopped by today to wish Denise well.
:-))
Those little guys sure are cute! I agree wtih all that Michael has said above: a very important message while also fun reading. Wishing you the very best wishes with this release, Denise. I love those Finn Facts 🙂
Joan, thanks so much for showcasing Denise and her latest book today 🙂
Thank you, Harmony. I’m just sharing the love I have for nature and all that live within it. They are very cute aren’t they? 😉 I’m happy you enjoy the Finn Facts, I have fun coming up with them.
Thank you for visiting, Harmony! It was a pleasure having Denise here today.
Thank you for the terrific interview. It is always good to know the author behind the story.
Thank you, Antoinette! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and meeting the fishers and martens, along with the fairies. I agree its fun to get to know tbe persin behondvthe words 🙂
…the person behind the words. My fingers got ahead of me…lol
I also enjoy hearing about authors. Thanks for stopping by today, Antionette!
How wonderful seeing Denise here today! I loved the excerpt, the cute photos, and the presentation — thank you, Joan, for bringing sunshine to this rainy day. 💗
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Gwen. I loved sharing some of the animals that crossed the fairies path.
I’m an animal lover, Gwen. It was nice learning more about these delightful creatures.
I would like to hear a fairy sing. I bet it’s beautiful. Good excerpt, and I learned something about the Humbolt marten and the fisher!
Thank you, Priscilla:) Yes, a sweet tone that I will never forget. I learned a lot about them writing this, which is a fun part of researching.
I’m sure their voices are delightful. Thanks for stopping by today Priscilla.
Great interview, ladies! I love those little cuties and the excerpt. Congratulations, Denise!
Thank you, Jill:) Yes, are they cute? Glad you enjoyed the excerpt too!
Those animals are cute, aren’t they? Thanks for stopping by today, Jill.
What great photos–and an education about Fishers and Martens. Also a wonderful excerpt, and two thoroughly enchanting Finn Facts.
Thanks for hosting Denise today, Joan!
Thank you, Mae 🙂 I had fun learning about them and found them rather cute, so had to share their pics. Happy that you enjoyed the Finn Facts too!
Denise’s Finn facts are fun to read. Thanks for stopping by, Mae.
They’re so cute! I’m sorry you never saw one in person. Maybe someday. Great post, Denise. Best wishes with your new release.
Thanks for hosting, Joan.
They are very cute. Thank you, if I run across I will now know what they are after the research:) Thanks, Staci!
Aren’t they cute? You know me and my love for animals. Thanks for stopping by today, Staci.
Another interesting post along this tour. I’ve seen our version of martins in the forest, and we regularly see mink on the stream at work. Idaho also has fishers and wolverines, but I’ve never seen one. We rarely spot an otter or badger. There are skunks in town, but we generally smell them before we see them.
That’s great you’ve been able to see the martens and minks. Maybe you’ll get to see the fisher and wolverines. I enjoy watching the the sea otters when I go to the ocean. We have a skunk on our property and get a whiff of him once in a while and caught him on camera. They are cute but that smell!. Thanks, Craig:)
They really are cute, but from a distance for sure. We also see weasels that turn ermine white in winter.
We don’t have any of those where I live, Craig (except the skunks and river otters). I think there are badgers in the western part of the state. I’d love to see a mink.
They’re all so interesting and animated. Always a thrill to see any of them.
River otters are a blast to see. They are entertaining and I’m sure the mink are as well.
What lovely backstory on Martins. They are feral animals but so cute. I know they’re hunted for their fur but really, they’re so tiny–leave them alone!
Nice excerpt too, Denise!
Thank you, Jacqui 🙂 Yes, very cute. I agree, I don’t need their fur! Glad you enjoyed the excerpt.
I totally agree, Jacqui. Let these little creatures live. Thanks for stopping by.
I loved hearing about the fishers and martins, Denise. Best wishes on the book. Thanks, Joan for hosting Denise today.
I’m glad you enjoyed learning a bit about them, John 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you for stopping by, John!
😁
These are two animals I am not familiar with, Denise. Thank you for sharing the photos as that gives a great visual. I am looking forward to reading this new book! I know I am in for an entertaining treat!
I ran across these two animals researching what lived in rhe redwoods forest. They caught my eye. I’m glad you liked the pictures. Yay! I hope you enjoy meeting the fairies, Jan 🙂
I’m looking forward to this as well, Jan. I’ve heard of Fishers and Martens but have never seen one.
Hi Denise, another lovely post about this book. I don’t think we have these particular creatures here in South Africa, but we do have bush babies which have very big eyes. Thanks for hosting, Joan.
I’m going to have to look up bush babies, Robbie. I love wildlife.
Thank you, Robbie 🙂 Bush babies with big eyes sound adorable, I will have to look them up to see if I’m right.
We used to watch the weasels building their dam and we thought they are very clever. These two animals look like weasels but I haven’t heard of them. This is another wonderful post for your release tour, Denise. Congratulations on your success with the new release. Thank you for hosting, Joan!
Thanks for your visit, Miriam. I enjoyed learning more about these delightful little animals. And the Finn facts are fun!
My pleasure,, Joan. Denise has the Finn facts on all of her book tours. They are lovely.
That must have been interesting to watch them build the dam. I’ve never seen that. I haven’t ran across these weasels either, but I will be looking from now on. I’m happy you enjoyed this post, Miriam, thank you xo
I watched the nature documentaries by David Attenborough.
Well done on this post, Denise.☺️
They look cuddly, though I know they’re fierce! Great post and excerpt, Denise. Wonderful to see you on Joan’s blog 🙂
They do look cuddly, don’t they? I love having Denise here and hope she comes back soon! Thanks, Jacquie.
They do look so cuddly, Jacquie, but those claws say otherwise…lol. Thank you 🙂
Hi, Joan! I’m happy to see Denise on your lovely blog. I love the wonderful theme of this book and how it’s written to bring readers closer to nature. Great excerpt!
Thanks for hosting, Joan!
Thanks, Vashti. I’m delighted to have Denise. I also love how she brings readers closer to nature. I’m a big nature lover myself.
Thank you, Vashti. Anytime we can be closer to nature I’m all for it!