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
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
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!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Hire an Elven translator...
Hey!
Any fans of The Walking Dead out there? I've seen the first season and really loved it. The writing is really great with natural sounding dialogue. It's based on a comic book series produced by Image Comics which is really well done as well. The thing about the story is that the characters are very interesting so it doesn't really matter the setting, I would still be into the story. It just happens to be about a zombie apocalypse. I suppose if you are disgusted by gurgling undead and their dangling body parts, you should stay away, but otherwise check it out. I dig it.
In novel news, I am nearly at 50,000 words on Shards of S'Darin. That's page 152 for those counting. By now, the characters have taken over. I have no more control. Dwarves are everywhere, Pith are everywhere, the Rot is rampant, Deckard is a replicant. I hope you all enjoy book two. I've put a lot into it and I hope it shows once it's published. As always, I appreciate your support and feel free to contact me. I promise to send a reply, but I might write it in Elven so hire a translator.
William
Any fans of The Walking Dead out there? I've seen the first season and really loved it. The writing is really great with natural sounding dialogue. It's based on a comic book series produced by Image Comics which is really well done as well. The thing about the story is that the characters are very interesting so it doesn't really matter the setting, I would still be into the story. It just happens to be about a zombie apocalypse. I suppose if you are disgusted by gurgling undead and their dangling body parts, you should stay away, but otherwise check it out. I dig it.
In novel news, I am nearly at 50,000 words on Shards of S'Darin. That's page 152 for those counting. By now, the characters have taken over. I have no more control. Dwarves are everywhere, Pith are everywhere, the Rot is rampant, Deckard is a replicant. I hope you all enjoy book two. I've put a lot into it and I hope it shows once it's published. As always, I appreciate your support and feel free to contact me. I promise to send a reply, but I might write it in Elven so hire a translator.
William
Thursday, October 13, 2011
How is everyone?
Hey everyone,
It's been a few days since I've posted here, so I thought I would let you in on what's going on in my world. I've been working a lot on Shards of S'Darin. I've made very good progress on it. I have a few friends that are reading it as I write it (aren't they the lucky ones) and they love the direction that it is taking. It's sitting at 41,500 words right now and I've just started Chapter Seven. More Stone Trolls, the Dwarves have been introduced, Creatures, Dragonbuck.
On a side note, if you like fantasy then you know about Game of Thrones. Everyone is talking about it, so I decided to watch a few of the tv episodes. I haven't read the books. Should I? Anyway, I like the series so far, but I really don't think I would call it fantasy. Just my opinion. It seems more historical, but maybe things change later on in the story. I am a fan of Sean Bean, though.
So, I hope everyone is doing well and feel free to shoot me an email. I will respond to every one of them.
Thanks,
William
It's been a few days since I've posted here, so I thought I would let you in on what's going on in my world. I've been working a lot on Shards of S'Darin. I've made very good progress on it. I have a few friends that are reading it as I write it (aren't they the lucky ones) and they love the direction that it is taking. It's sitting at 41,500 words right now and I've just started Chapter Seven. More Stone Trolls, the Dwarves have been introduced, Creatures, Dragonbuck.
On a side note, if you like fantasy then you know about Game of Thrones. Everyone is talking about it, so I decided to watch a few of the tv episodes. I haven't read the books. Should I? Anyway, I like the series so far, but I really don't think I would call it fantasy. Just my opinion. It seems more historical, but maybe things change later on in the story. I am a fan of Sean Bean, though.
So, I hope everyone is doing well and feel free to shoot me an email. I will respond to every one of them.
Thanks,
William
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Shards of S'Darin update
I will let you guys in on a little secret... It is very difficult not to just blurt out the things that you are writing. The events and new characters of my book are just begging to be experienced and I really want to share it with you, however....I will wait, of course. I will tell you that I am very happy with the way things are progressing in Shards of S'Darin. I have just begun Chapter Five and the story is really taking shape. I cannot wait for the world to read it. If you loved the characters from Book One, just wait.
Also, let me restate that I have met many great people online since publishing my first book, A Dream of Storms. Readers, writers, artists, etc. So many supportive people and it really helps to keep me inspired. I know a lot of writers have a hard time keeping it going. Writing is a very lonely experience. It has to be. For me, I need silence for the most part, so I write late at night after everyone is asleep. It is the only time that I can be uninterrupted. Anyone else out there want to talk about their writing routine? Anyone out there listen to music while writing? I find that I become distracted by the music (I think that's because I am a musician and my mind picks apart the different tracks).
Alright, that's enough for now. I have to finish 1,000 words tonight. That's the personal goal that I have set for myself and I've been able to meet it so far.
Good night. (Check local listings, it may be morning where you are.)
William
Also, let me restate that I have met many great people online since publishing my first book, A Dream of Storms. Readers, writers, artists, etc. So many supportive people and it really helps to keep me inspired. I know a lot of writers have a hard time keeping it going. Writing is a very lonely experience. It has to be. For me, I need silence for the most part, so I write late at night after everyone is asleep. It is the only time that I can be uninterrupted. Anyone else out there want to talk about their writing routine? Anyone out there listen to music while writing? I find that I become distracted by the music (I think that's because I am a musician and my mind picks apart the different tracks).
Alright, that's enough for now. I have to finish 1,000 words tonight. That's the personal goal that I have set for myself and I've been able to meet it so far.
Good night. (Check local listings, it may be morning where you are.)
William
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