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?

Walk with the Wind,

William

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

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

Read the sample and decide for yourself

I think it's amazing the varied amount of stories that are out there right now. Just looking through the Twitter and Facebook members that I have connected with reveals so many different ideas. So many writers with so many interesting stories. The tough part is getting a bit of the attention onto yourself. I've built up a pretty decent following on Twitter in a short time and have a lot of Twitter friends that Retweet my stuff, which is awesome and thank you. However, after having my tweets shared with thousands of people, I take a look at my Amazon page and I haven't sold a single book more. Strange.
I suppose that people are hesitant about buying from an unknown author, but most of us have free samples that can be read. Once you've read the sample, you should be able to tell if it's your thing or not. Does the writer have a decent style? Is the dialogue believable? Characters interesting? I know that in my experience, I have read samples that fall on both sides. On Twitter, I have found books that interested me, but after reading the sample, decided 'No, thanks'. I have also read some that were great. I suppose it takes time to wade through the lackluster stuff and find the gems. Maybe people don't want to take the time to read a sample?

Well, I promise you, I do not write lackluster stories. Read the sample from A Dream of Storms and decide for yourself. The sample can be downloaded with the link to your right on the Amazon page. If you do not have a Kindle, download one of Amazon's Free Kindle Reading Apps. Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Walk with the Wind.

William

An Emotional Response

Hello,
I suppose it's time for another blog post, eh? The writing on Shards of S'Darin has slowed down a bit due to life getting in the way. Cracked radiators and baby ear infections will do that. So, lately I have not met my personal goal of writing 1,000 words a night. Sometimes I only get 500 and some nights I haven't written at all. I make notes constantly, though. There are scraps of paper all over my desk as I write this. Ideas for names and plot points and ideas that I forgot and need to go back to add. I think one of the most difficult things about writing a sequel is making sure you don't contradict or change something from Book One. Sometimes I have to check the spelling on a name or any number of details about characters and places. So, a copy of A Dream of Storms is always close by.
A friend of mine recommended my book to someone they know and the response was, "Oh, I don't like that Dungeons and Dragons stuff." I wasn't really sure what to say in that situation. I believe that Dungeons and Dragons was inspired quite a bit by Tolkien's writing. So, what makes a fantasy book Dungeons and Dragons stuff? The fantasy genre existed before Gary Gygax created the role playing game, right? RPG's get a bad rap, I think. 
Anyone that has read the reviews for A Dream of Storms, has seen reviewers that compare my writing to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. I'm kind of on the fence about those comparisons. I mean, it is an amazing feeling to be compared to one's hero, but at the same time, he is considered the god of fantasy writing. How could my writing compare to that? Doesn't seem possible. I do appreciate those reviewers, though. I re-read the reviews occasionally. It's a good feeling when people have an emotional response to something that you have created. I hope that I can continue to reach people in that way. It's the same with my artwork. When people feel inspired, afraid, sad, happy after seeing a drawing or painting or when reading a scene that I have written, I have done my job.

A Dream of Storms on Amazon.com

So, you say you don't know where to purchase my book? Well, take a look HERE! You can either purchase the paperback or download the Kindle book. In case you were not aware, you do not have to own a Kindle to read a Kindle-formatted book. Amazon has free software to read it on most electronic devices including PC, Mac, android phone, iphone, ipod, etc. So, what do you say? Read the sample and see if the book is something you would be interested in. 5 star reviews on Amazon!

The Day after All Hallow's Eve

How was everyone's Halloween? For the first time in a long time, I did not dress up. I've been sick with a head cold and sinus problems. Also, we have a baby that would not leave my make-up alone if I painted my face like a demon. So, we went out trick or treating with our two children. Having the baby helped us rake in the candy. Lol.
So, what kind of crazy costumes did you see?

Still forging ahead on the second book in my fantasy series. People ask me everyday, some in person, some here on the internet, when is the second book coming out? Don't worry, I'm working hard on it. You don't want me to rush it and give you a sub-par story, do you? I think that if you enjoyed Book One, Book Two will give you even more of what you loved. You'll get to know all of the characters that much better, good and evil. You love the good ones even more and hate the villains with a passion. Stay tuned.

William