At 231 pages, Shards of S'Darin is really taking shape. The first book in the series, A Dream of Storms was only 286 pages in total, so this one is getting close to the same length. With the new book, I am not even close to concluding it, so it will be much longer. I don't want to give away anything, but those that have read the Work in Progress have loved it so far.
I am still working on the horror novel with David Woods. The storyline is cool, we are just figuring out how exactly we want to share in the writing chores. The intro so far is very creepy and disturbing, everything horror should be. I enjoy writing this story because I can write in a current and more modern style and I can curse like a sailor. That wouldn't be appropriate in the land of Kirkaldin, would it?
I want to thank all of the readers out there that have given my first book a try. I know a lot of you only read the book because I offered it free on a few sites, but I don't have a problem with that. I got some really good reviews and appreciate all of them. Now, A Dream of Storms is no longer free on Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Itunes, etc. I have changed the price to 99 cents, which I still think is a steal for a good fantasy story. All of these sites offer the reader the opportunity to read a sample of the book. If you haven't yet done so, please check out the sample. It may be something you would be interested in. Honestly, the thing that aggravates me is that when my book was free on Smashwords, I would get 3 or 4 downloads a day. Now that it's free, I haven't had a single person buy it for 99 cents.
Tomorrow, my family will celebrate Christmas. Yes, it's a day early, but that's the way it has to be. We're cooking a turkey and yes, I helped. I am definitely not the cook in the family. So, everyone reading this have a great holiday and feel free to drop me a message or leave a comment.
Walk with the Wind, brothers and sisters.
William
Friday, December 23, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Too many stories...
I have so many ideas for stories, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, paranormal, that I couldn't possibly write them all before I die. I am effectively working on three stories at once right now. Shards of S'Darin, (Book Two of the In the Shadow of the Black Sun series), my horror collaboration with David Woods and a new horror story written in a completely different style for me, influenced by Lovecraft. Strangely, I have yet to read a Lovecraft book, so far only listened to the audiobook of The Dunwich Horror, but I've always been aware of his mythos. I just got them all as ebooks, so now I have no excuse. I just know that he wrote in a style reminiscent of older times. This is what I am trying to do with my new story. Of course, Shards is my main focus and so, too, will the third book in the series be, but it's a lot of fun to spread my wings a bit and write something completely different on the side. I came up with the craziest idea while shaving this morning, rather grotesque, really. Perhaps you'll read it later?
William
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Creation...
So, I've really had to learn how to flip that switch in my mind lately. The switch that changes my attitude from fantasy to horror and back again. I'm writing both Shards of S'Darin and the new horror book (title currently a well-guarded secret) at the same time. It's not that difficult, both stories being so different. I've always been a fan of several different genres and have always wanted to take a stab at them. The horror book is set in modern times, so my writing style is much more casual and loose. My collaborator, David Woods and I have decided to alternate chapters. I've begun the first one, then he'll take the next. We've decided to keep the chapters relatively short, so that one writer doesn't 'take over' the story too much. Each should have a fair share of input.
I'm also working on some artwork for other author's books. Many people noticed the cover on A Dream of Storms and liked it a lot. Once they discovered that I had drawn and painted it, they inquired about having my art in their books as well. That's something else that I thoroughly enjoy, bringing other people's ideas to life. I've always done it. Years ago, working at a comic book shop, I would be constantly asked to draw people's characters (often role-playing characters) or superheroes. It was always great to see their expressions when they were handed my representation of their ideas. When their imaginations can be brought to life, they are very happy and I get a feeling of satisfaction.
So, here I sit with my little boy, watching him during the day, writing while he naps. Will what I write make a difference in the grand scheme of things? Who knows? But, when even one person writes to me and expresses how much they love my stories or characters, I get that same sense of satisfaction. I just love to create, whether it is with the written word or through art or music. I suppose I will always be creating even if no one ever experiences it but myself. I can't help it.
William
I'm also working on some artwork for other author's books. Many people noticed the cover on A Dream of Storms and liked it a lot. Once they discovered that I had drawn and painted it, they inquired about having my art in their books as well. That's something else that I thoroughly enjoy, bringing other people's ideas to life. I've always done it. Years ago, working at a comic book shop, I would be constantly asked to draw people's characters (often role-playing characters) or superheroes. It was always great to see their expressions when they were handed my representation of their ideas. When their imaginations can be brought to life, they are very happy and I get a feeling of satisfaction.
So, here I sit with my little boy, watching him during the day, writing while he naps. Will what I write make a difference in the grand scheme of things? Who knows? But, when even one person writes to me and expresses how much they love my stories or characters, I get that same sense of satisfaction. I just love to create, whether it is with the written word or through art or music. I suppose I will always be creating even if no one ever experiences it but myself. I can't help it.
William
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Horror on the Horizon
So, as you know, I am currently working on the follow-up to A Dream of Storms. Shards of S'Darin continues the story of Hagan, Vasparian, Gorin and the others and their efforts to stop the armies of Mournenhile. What will it take to defeat the dark lord? The Pith, the foul creatures brought into existence by Mournenhile, are destroying everything in their path. New characters and places. More glimpses into the history of these characters. I wish I could publish it right now, but it's not even half complete.
What you may not know is that I am collaborating on a horror novel as well. A friend, David Woods (follow him on Twitter, if you like) and I are currently outlining the story, creating characters and their names, locations and events. I've always loved horror and have always wanted to try my hand at it. We'll see how well the story works once we're finished. I love it so far.
One thing that I hate about writing is that you can write for hours and only have 3 more pages. They keys are clacking away, non-stop. You look at the clock. You look at your page count. Huh? Oh well, every page counts. A few pages a day adds up to a finished story.
I truly hope that all of you out there that have read A Dream of Storms have enjoyed the characters (good and evil) and the plot. It only gets better from here on out. These characters belong to you now as well and I do feel a responsibility to treat them with respect. If you haven't left a review for the book, please do. It will help convince others to try it. Many thanks to those that have gone out of their way to contact me and send me their compliments. I appreciate it.
Until next time.
Walk with the Wind
William
What you may not know is that I am collaborating on a horror novel as well. A friend, David Woods (follow him on Twitter, if you like) and I are currently outlining the story, creating characters and their names, locations and events. I've always loved horror and have always wanted to try my hand at it. We'll see how well the story works once we're finished. I love it so far.
One thing that I hate about writing is that you can write for hours and only have 3 more pages. They keys are clacking away, non-stop. You look at the clock. You look at your page count. Huh? Oh well, every page counts. A few pages a day adds up to a finished story.
I truly hope that all of you out there that have read A Dream of Storms have enjoyed the characters (good and evil) and the plot. It only gets better from here on out. These characters belong to you now as well and I do feel a responsibility to treat them with respect. If you haven't left a review for the book, please do. It will help convince others to try it. Many thanks to those that have gone out of their way to contact me and send me their compliments. I appreciate it.
Until next time.
Walk with the Wind
William
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)