About Us
Hello! So, you want to know more about me? Well, let's start with my name "C" stands for "Cynthia," "K" for "Kaye" and "Deatherage" was graciously donated by my husband and is a simply wonderful name for writing Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Adventure--my favorite genres. Because I emersed myself in fairytales, classical myths, and Fantasy throughout my childhood and teenaged years, I became a "medievalist" in college. I earned my B.A. and M.A. at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a minor in Creative Writing and an emphasis in medieval literature. Then I taught at various colleges and universities for about a decade before pursuing my Ph.D. in Old and Middle English (plus a little Old Norse) Language and Literature at Purdue University. I made friends with Beowulf, Chaucer, and numerous Old Norse saga writers over my years of study, many of which were the same sources read and referenced by two of my favorite authors and scholars, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
In keeping with my fantasy/medieval bent, I've taken fencing (which I enjoyed and at which I was fairly proficient) and archery (which I enjoyed and managed to hit the haybale--forget the target). I currently belong to a LARP group (live action role playing) which meets infrequently to battle each other with foam- and duct tape-covered PVC- pipe weaponry.
Currently, I occupy my time as a wife, mother, teacher, and author.
My publications include:
"Final Entry," Star Trek: Strange New Worlds V. New York: Pocket Books, 2002, pgs. 223-238 (possibly available at www.amazon.com )
Poetry published in New Classic Poems: Contemporary Verse that Rhymes; Rhyme and Reason: Modern Formal Poetry; and Poems for Big Kids (Neil Harding McAlister ed. and publisher) as well as in Dragon, Knights, and Angels: The Magazine of Christian Fantasy and Science Fiction (renamed Mindflights), Issues 44 (May 2007) and 51 (December 2007).
NEW! Waysmeet: Poems and Tales of Fantasy and Wonder. Granite City, IL: Athor Productions, an imprint of RudderHaven Publications, 2012. AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT www.amazon.com, www.rudderhaven.com and other online bookstores. Watch for the coming Kindle edition.
Now that you know a little about me, keep on exploring my website--you'll never know what more you might discover!
History of project
My most recent "project" is the publication of my book Waysmeet: Poems and Tales of Fantasy and Wonder. The jacket blurb bests describes its contents:
"Oogles and dragons, fairies and foundlings and a mythical medieval Inn await the curious reader within this volume. In Waysmeet, you'll meet the cheerful innkeeper Bumbleman as he entertains pilgrims in his woodside Inn. The Foundling reveals the origins of a mystical Bard and his magic harp. In Dragon's Lair the hunter becomes the hunted. The Scent of Summer, Under the Loose Floorboard, and Shadow Dancers provide a glimpse of fantasy creatures--some friendly, some mischievous, some mysterious.
The last three entries are short stories designed with a mix of wonder, suspense, and a touch of horror. Footprints follows the adventures of a group of boys on Halloween night. Pandora's Box details the consequences of rebellion mixed with unbridled curiosity and a mystical Chinese box. And lastly, The Thirteenth Hour pays tribute to Edgar Allen Poe, detailing the tale of a man plagued by guilt, fear, and a Gypsy's curse. Lavishly illustrated, there's something for everyone in this volume, so go ahead . . . open the cover and see for yourself!"
Our Community
Currently, I belong to the Idaho Writer's League (www.idahowritersleague.com)
which is a writing and critique group with various chapters throughout Idaho. The poems and stories found in Waysmeet have passed beneath the eyes and pens of many in my chapter whose input I value greatly.