Books I've Written
Zollocco
A woman, having escaped from a dying Earth, lands on a planet governed by sentient forests in the solar system Imenkapur. At first, the forest Zollocco doesn't want her there, but slowly changes its "mind" after realizing that the woman is trying to live in harmony with the forest. She is captured by, and made the property of, the Toelakhan, an interstellar corporation not in agreement with the forests' stewardship of the planets. She escapes, and runs from planet to planet, meeting other civilizations and living in tune with the forests. She is made a priestess of the forests, but the Toelakhan is always one step behind her, wanting their property back...
Zollocco is a story of the quest to return to a place that feels like home. This is the novel for all nature lovers who work to protect the earth from global warming.
"I read this as an e-book over 4 years ago and the story has lingered in my mind since then. It is unique in that it is science fiction, yet spiritual, and environmentally conscious. I have purchased the book in a "physical" form so that I can read it again and again." Tracey Fritz
Zolloco was an 2001 Eppie finalist in sf.
"This one is very good." Paul Lappen
Compulsion Reads: “Foreshadow is a beautifully written fantasy tale that wraps readers in poetry, new mythology and magic. ...If this is the precursor for things to come in the series, we are in for quite an adventure.”
Kirkus Reviews: "...magic and dragons are commonplace, gods and goddesses take an active role in the lives of mortals, and poets are high-ranking, powerful individuals...A large, colorful cast of royal household members and royal subjects add both humor and drama to Tristabe-airta's tale..."
Royal swords possess the unhuman strength and temperament of their ancestors, dragons. Burta, a young royal sword, resents that she must always defer to Tristabé-airta, Princess Royal of Allsongs, a poet. But Burta is so skilled in arms she expects to win the Allsongs’ Contending and that will make her Tristabé-airta’s liege. The problem is, though, she is trapped between the monster that hunts her and the deadly drop down the cliff to the turbulent sea. In Book Two of the Saga of the Dragon Born, all the poets of Allsongs, including Tristabé-airta, must unite their power to rescue Burta. Once rescued, will she unwisely keep a secret close to her heart that will be a rending betrayal to Allsongs’ best hope and defense, Tristabé-airta?
In this third book, Banished, Tristabé-airta, banished from her father’s kingdom of Allsongs, must find a mentor so that she can advance in her training in magic. But no one wants to teach a miscreant, especially one who pulled from the ocean ten waterspouts and destroyed a village with them. On the road alone and prey to griffons, ruffians, and a frightening god who lusts for her, Tristabé-airta must find a way to improve her control over her magic.
And Allsongs? Allsongs must prepare for a truly terrible winter, having banished the one person with the magical ability to right the weather–Tristabé-airta.
In this the fourth and final book, Allsongs, Tristabé-airta must face the curse that was set upon her in her infancy–she must offer herself to a dragon’s fire. Before she faces the dragon, she must finish her training in magic and arms to fight the monsters escaping The Direlands and the dragon which is preying on dragon eggs and human families. Even if she accomplishes all this, Prince Mickrsoss, Heir of Allsongs, her former lover, has dreamed Tristabé-airta will return to wrest Allsongs from him for his choosing another for his bride. If Tristabé-airta dares challenge him in battle for Allsongs, he will fight her to the death. Although Tristabé-airta is prophesized to be Allsongs best defense, Mickross has dreamed true…
Review: Haunted Reader
"The Demeter Project is a collection of fourteen stories from the pen of accomplished author Cynthia Joyce Clay (author of "Zollocco" and "Romance of the Unicorn").
This book is worth purchasing and reading even if it contained only the wonderfully cogent Introduction, in which author Clay discusses the status (and meaning behind) the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and myth, from a perspective of gender identity. Beautifully written, and clearly thought-provoking, this is one "Introduction" that must not be skipped over or avoided!
Ms. Clay's view is that myth is transformative and depictive: that is, myth-including fantasy and science fiction-tell us, show us, illustrate for us, what happens when we evolve, when we mature, or conversely, when we regress. The point of myth is to bring us to an understanding of our nature and of our evolution as individuals (and species). Ms. Clay mentions that she writes what she would like to read, and I think this wise advice for any writer as well.
I think my favourite "myth" story in this collection is the incredibly beautiful "Crayon Tree." Words fail me to describe the impact of this story. Additional choices for me would be "The Rental," and "The Aurora Mask," and of course "The Icebox of Vengeance." Yet every story is a delight, every "myth" so worth the reading. My personal advice to readers of this collection is: don't rush, don't make haste. Sit with the book-read one story and one story only at a setting-then set the book gently aside (or close your Kindle) and think, ponder, meditate on what you have just read. Let the individual story speak to you first, before you try to speak back to it."
Susan Tuttle, Amazon Reviewer
"This book [Vector Theory and the Structures of Literature and Drama] should be the basic textbook in all literature/journalism/drama programs and appreciation courses, both for the reader/viewer and the writer. Ms. Clay's revolutionary insights into what makes a story interesting and memorable encompass all formats and genres, leaving nothing to chance. And even if the reader does not have a grounding in science (like this reviewer), the logic of Clay's arguments is inescapable. Meticulously researched, with example after example from both drama and literature, this book is not a one-time read; new insights and "aha's" arrive with each rereading. A note of caution: this might seem like a "small" book, but Clay has packed an immense amount into each page. I found it helpful not to try to analyze what I was reading, but rather to allow it to wash over me and let osmosis begin absorbing the deeper meanings into my psyche. It must have worked: after reading Vector Theory the first time, I was able easily to understand why two novels and one movie were not satisfying experiences - which in itself brought me satisfaction of a sort. And I have a deeper understanding now of the interconnectedness of all life's events to bring to my own work. Kudos to Cynthia Clay for bringing what is, for most of us, intrinsic knowledge into the light of day. This is one book you'll never be sorry you read!"
Professor Ronald Hutton's Review: The Oestara Anthology of Pagon Poetry.
The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft
Bristol University,
Leading historian on Paganism
'As a collection, Pagan poetry can hardly get better than this: the contents are sensuous, moving, endearing, stark and intoxicating by terms: occasionally within the same poem!'
Rochelle Weber,Roses and Thorns Reviews
"The Romance of the Unicorn is a marvelous ride on a flying carpet through a magical world of wise women, gallant men, and magical creatures. It carried me away from my humdrum world with its suspenseful quest and gentle humor. I loved the strength of the women in this world and the balanced relationships between the genders. It is a fairy tale for our time."