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  • Series Timeline/ Dwemhar Realms Books
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  • Store
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  • Kindle Vella Stories

My *new* thoughts about the Liliana Nirvana Technique

12/13/2015

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Back in August of 2014 I posted plans to follow the Liliana Nirvana technique or more so thoughts to do so... The idea of this is to release multiple works at once followed by another work approximately 30 days later. The idea here, in brief, is rapid shot exposure of your name and books hopefully taking multiple spots on the Amazon Hot New Release list and stoking the ever-burning mysterious fires of the Amazon algo system to hopefully propel yourself into decent sales...

... but I didn't do it and here is why.

1. I wasn't ready

I was still learning the ropes of Indie publishing. I was new to Twitter and I knew nothing of Facebook ads (actually I didn't have a Facebook page). I also did not have my covers and considering Saints of Wura was my first trilogy, I was still learning about WRITING AND EDITING a trilogy. I'm not going to get into it now but consistency is king and sometimes that consistency gets dethroned inadvertently causing plot issues.

2. Book Three was not in a concrete state

I still changed stuff... not small stuff either, fairly large plot-centric ideas that I've warped a bit from the original forms. Heck, I was missing a whole sub-plot that developed in book two. This is really an experience issue more than anything. Thankfully, I'm not new anymore. :)

3. Financial Issues

The mere costs of pushing 4-5 books at once is prohibitive to this for *most* new authors. I've struggled for a myriad of reasons just to deliver book three and finish out the trilogy. I feel this technique is best employed once you have a few books out or if you have that one hit wonder that shoots up the lists and you then have the income to work on that many books at once.

SO? What is the point of this you ask?

As I close out this year I will have one complete trilogy. (YAY!) But I'm already on book three of a *new* 5 book series set in the same world as my first three. I am strongly considering attempting this (The Liliana Nirvana Technique) again, perhaps even with crowd funding to help financially support it. But my reason is one that I didn't have before... my readers.

I didn't have many readers back in August of 2014. Now I do and I am beyond thankful for them! I don't want to make people wait. I want to provide an escape into a fantasy world just as quickly as I can write it and deliver a story that delivers everything that readers expect. I don't want to give you one book and make you wait 6 months. I want you to have a new set of books. This aspiration may seem strange but the truth is there are a lot of much more well know indies producing a novel a month. This isn't an impossible feat and it is one that I aspire to because of my love of creation. 

3 years ago the world of the Saints of Wura was merely a snowy mountain, an assassin, and a vampire lord. Now, that world has grown to five novels, numerous short stories, and at least three additional novels that are in the plotting phase... and to think, it all started off as a simple sentence.

We will see what 2016 brings. :)


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New Release! Arcane Awakening is LIVE!

5/22/2015

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At just pass midnight on 5/21/2015, Saints of Wura Book Two, Arcane Awakening, went live on Amazon! As of an hour ago I spotted it on the Amazon Hot New Release list and those that preordered their copies had them delivered to their Kindles automatically. (preorders are cool like that!)

To those of you that preordered the book and those that have went on to by it after release this is a huge THANK YOU!!! You guys are awesome!

If you haven't had a chance to grab a copy or are just interested in general, head here to check it out!

For now, it is priced at .99 but that price IS temporary and will go up within the week. So if you haven't got it yet please do! It is also available on Kindle Unlimited if you are subscribed to that. :)

Also, if you have read any of my work, I would love for you to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reviews help others to decide if they wish to read a work and within a competitive ebook marketplace can be a deciding factor on someone trying a book out!

Book 3 is in the editing stage and will be out in August. Join my mailing list above to be notified when I have news of pertaining to all things Saints of Wura.

May the gods of the North be with you all.
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A Refuge In The North

5/14/2015

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Within the heights of frigid rocks and barren peaks stands a refuge in the north, a flickering flame of burning hope, and at one time no more than the vents of the homes of the Snow Dwarves. Elinathrond was a city made for all that could reach it to hide from the evils of men and the curse spread from the southern gods.

When the wars between gods in the ethereal lands came to the world of their creation, the kingdoms of men, elves, and dwarves clashed against one another. It was the latter two that fought together in the end and were the last to stand in open war for their own people. Those between the gods it began, it became a fight for survival for many. Those of magic fought those against magic. It was a holy crusade for men and a desolation for those that could no longer call men 'friend'. The gods of the south had deceived men to their own ends and suffering was unending.

Many magical races fled north into the mountains and within the walls crafted by dwarven hammers in haste. The city of Elinathrond at its height was impregnable. The Black Shards, crystalline gargoyles had unceasing gazes to watch the walls and lands beyond them. Any entity breaching their gaze of ill intent would become as ash. Even now within the walls is a Temple to the god of the North Wura, the trickster upon the polar lights, and a Priory to Kel, the war-god. Each stand as sources of hope for the people.

At last, there is the Estate, the home of the caretaker of the city in charge of guarding the sacred vein of magic burning deep within the mountain. An ever-burning source of magic to protect the people from the ravages of the curse meant to be their undoing, to be their bane.

But Elinathrond is fading, the city is weakening, and the world of men send one to undo all what that has been done to protect those of magic. The Winemaker shall be the one to undo all that is within the sacred refuge...

Read more in book one: 
Winemaker Of The North
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Special Offer Before The Upcoming Release!

5/14/2015

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ON SALE NOW!!
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Kindle Countdown of Winemaker Of The North

Hello everyone!

Its just a few days before the release of Arcane Awakening, the next book in the Saints of Wura trilogy and I cannot wait for you to read it! In preparation for the release and as a special prior to it, I have a Kindle Coundown deal for book one, Winemaker Of The North. Right now it is only .99 for the first book! Head over to Amazon quickly because after tomorrow the price goes up to 1.99!
 
Also of mention, the sequel is only .99 as well. That's two fantasy tales for under a price of a cup of coffee! :D After the release of book two, the price WILL go up so act now and secure your copy at a lower price!
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A few notes

3/7/2015

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Hello everyone!

I wanted to share a few bits of news tonight and also take the time to thank everyone that has purchased Winemaker of the North! Since release, it has spent much of its time on two hot new release lists and has gained TWO five star reviews! I appreciate everyone that has supported me now and before! If you haven't checked it out, follow the link above or the cover image to the right!

In the coming two weeks there will be a cover reveal of a new short story! This one will be directly related to the Saints of Wura world and can be enjoyed whether or not you've read Winemaker of the North! (If you have read it, you will gain some interesting knowledge on two prominent characters!

Arcane Awakening, the next book in the Saints of Wura series, is in the editing stage now. The preorder is on Amazon at this time.

I'm busy right now working to finalize not only the upcoming short story but also two others. I WILL be offering these stories to those on my mailing list first. So if you've not joined yet, do so above!

Have a good night everyone!


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Winemaker of the North Interview- Slatnichor

3/3/2015

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Interview of Slatnichor, a dwarf of Harrodarr.

The door opens proceeding the heavy clumping sounds of iron rimmed boots. The chair scoots out and above the height of the table I can barely make out a scruffy face. At the table now is Slatnichor, a dwarf of Harrodarr.

Me:
"Welcome, sir dwarf. May I get you a drink? I know your journey was a long one."

Slatnichor:
"No, no. If you can only direct me to where I can get you a drink. I will get it for you. I am thankful to have journeyed to your world for but a time. Never have I read of such an occurrence in all the books of the Estate! At least not the ones Brethor has for me to read!"

*the dwarf scuttles off, finding a nearby pitcher of water before pouring each of us a glass*

Me: "Well now that my thirst is quenched, let us talked about you. Slatnichor dwarf of ---"

Slatnichor: "Call me Slats. It is what they call me at Elinathrond."

Me: “Slats. Got it. So tell me how a dwarf has helped the city of Elinathrond. What defenses against outside forces have you taken part of? Any smithing?”

Slats: “Smithing! Ha! Now there is an assumption I would expect! I love to take a hammer and pound out some roasting hot ore but alas, this dwarf has not done such a task in some time. I chop wood and if not chopping wood, Cusis has me making pies aside from my normal servant duties. Although, I dare say I am any good at pie making.”

Me: “So you are a servant, pie-maker, woodsman?”

“Wood-dwarf. I am no man. I do not care for many men, nor does the elf. She and I had quite the ordeal the last time those bastard men of the Legions were near us. A lot of good dwarves and elves died.”

Me: “You speak of the tragedy in Taria. I believe readers of this will learn soon of that travesty.”

Slats: “That is a sad memory and I wish not to remember it right now. There is already too much sadness in the city to think of what happenings were before our time. Elinathrond was suppose to be safe. I digress from our topic,  of much history I do enjoy and of lately my reading has taken me to the subject of wine-making.”

Me: “Are you preparing for the arrival of the new winemaker?”

Slats: “Yes, I am. I am to be their assistant.”

Me: “Have you been an assistant before?”

Slats: “I have had interest but Loria, the previous winemaker, had a less than patient times with dwarves. He was of the old thinking, he fought against the dwarves many times. I am too young to remember such happenings but I know of them. He was a good elf but stubborn, if I can say without dishonoring him.”

Me: “I understand he died in a fire?”

Slats: “Died is one wording of it, Cusis and I believe he was killed but we are not sure who did it. I am wary of being in the winery for that reason no doubt!”

Me: “Wine in the north, an odd choice don’t you think? Grapes that far north? Is Elinathrond not very cold?”

Slats: “You must understand that our wine is much more than a fine drink. I dare say it is a life-force, and one that has run out--- oh dear, I must get going!

*Slats leaves the table and head towards the door*

Me: “Wait! I had a few more questions!”

Slats: “Sorry dear sir, come to the estate and we will share some wine and talk of it! I must hurry, I left pies in the oven! Cusis told me not to burn the pies again! He is going to kill this dwarf!”

*The door slams shut and I am alone again*

Another interview with a character from Winemaker of the North is available! Click here to meet a mage and decide yourself if he is for good or ill.

Read more of Slats and the city of Elinathrond in the sword-and-sorcery novel Winemaker of the North!




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Winemaker of the North Interview- Ustavis

1/10/2015

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Interview of Ustavis, Mage of Elinathrond

I sit in a dark room at a candlelit wooden table.  I await Ustavis. A snap in the air and a white flash. I shield my eyes and blink trying to see pass the spots. I hear the chair scape against the ground and my vision begins to clear. An old man in a white robe holding a large wooden staff comes in to view and is now sitting across from me.

Ustavis: “Greetings.”

Me: “”Greetings to you. You have travelled far to meet with me.”

Ustavis: “I do not know the distance from the City of Elinathrond to this place but my home is the last refuge of magic in the lands and is where I am at least for a time. You seek to ask me questions? Let us get on with it, I am a busy man.

Me: “Well I was not planning to ask you but just a few questions and it is more so to allow others to get to know you.”

Ustavis: “Very well.”

Me: “What is your name and your particular profession?”

Ustavis: “Ustavis and I’m a Wandering Mage as it is called in these days not a profession but what the stars and the moon have blessed me with. I have travelled much in search for an end to the curse of the lands.”

Me: “So are you a healer too? Do you seek to help the people of Elinathrond?”

Ustavis: “I seek to help some of them.”

Me: “Why not all of them, it is a sickness of those of magic, if I understand it right?”

Ustavis: “You do not understand it and are as gullible as those of the city if you believe that nonsense, it is much more than some winter cold or old man’s affliction. It was a deliberate assault upon all creatures of magic be they Elf, Dwarf, Fairies, or those like myself that can use magic.”

Me: “Okay, so why not help all of those of the city?”

Ustavis: “Because not all deserve it and some should be more careful within the short hours of daylight to not get burned in their own lies.” *angry grimace*

Me: “Okay… well I’m not sure of what you mean, but can I continue my questions?”

Ustavis: “Of course.” *smiles* “I brought us some wine.”

Me: “Wine, well I do not drink when I’m doing interviews but thank you.”

Ustavis: *shakes head* “Well I can say some would rather wish to have some of this wine, seeing as the Winemaker of Elinathrond has died.”

Me: “Has he?”

Ustavis: There was a horrible fire. He did not escape.”

Me: “A tragedy, so he was killed in a fire?”

Ustavis: “Yes. The smoke can be quite thick in the narrow chasm leading towards the winery. He was one of the last remaining Elves too. His daughter was devastated…  Elves are curious creatures, give them a garden and some fairies to help tend it and you can qualm any sadness they have.”

Me: “I’m sure there is more depth to an Elf than that?”

Ustavis: “Let us finish your questions, I grow tired.”

Me: “Very well, is it true that most cannot leave the city?”

Ustavis: “Well anyone can leave but Brethor forbids it, except for myself.”

Me: “And Brethor is the Lord of the city? How do you have special privilege?”

Ustavis: “We have an understanding and well yes, he is Lord of Elinathrond, ruling above us from his highly estate in upmost rightful rule.” *sarcastic tone*

Me: “I sense you do not like him.”

Ustavis: “But a piece of a greater plan, dear sir. I have no qualm that cannot be dealt with in a manner of choosing but the time is not right. A new Winemaker is coming and I do look forward to his arrival.”

Me: “That was actually a good lead in to my final question, do you know of this man coming?”

Ustavis: “I know of him being sought but not much more. I sense his coming will bring great happiness to the city but I hope I can speak to him before any lies are spread to him.

Me: “Is there any other comments you wish to tell the reader?”

Ustavis: “Only one, and it is to those within the walls of Elinathrond: Leave now.”

*flash of light, Ustavis dissapers.*



Thank you for reading. Learn more of Ustavis in my fantasy novel available now: Winemaker of the North!

You can also read another interview, this one with a dwarf, click here!


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Dark and Dreary News

9/23/2014

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Call it an unfortunate happening, a heap of bad omens, or simply life, but I will be pushing off the release of Saints of Wura Book One: Winemaker of the North. Unexpected and significant financial issues have made it impossible for me to meet my 2014 release target.

The good part of this is that when this book is released, the sequel will be released at the same time! I am working to finalized my edits of Saints of Wura Book Two and will publish them together as soon as I can. That is the plan, at least!

It honestly saddens me that I cannot meet this goal like I had planned but with Book 1 and Book 2 sharing a release date of early 2015, you can look forward to Book 3 not too long afterward. Who knows, maybe it can happen sooner? I will see. If by a some act of the Heavens it is possible, that will make a happy blog post!

Take care for now and don't worry, blog posts will still be coming as normal and I am constantly adding to my WIPs! 2015 should be an exciting year!

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An Idea Worth Entertaining

9/7/2014

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As I sit here looking over the soon-to-be finalized cover for Saints of Wura Book 1, I look at my mailing list and am happy that I have had such interest! With that interest, I feel more than that may be needed. But not from them, but from myself!

I am an unknown, in a sea of even more unknowns, swimming beneath the shadows of lesser unknowns, and finally the household name authors on the surface of the ocean of books who have fans far and wide. The fact is, those whom have expressed interest this early in my publication process without much more than a blurb and a stock photo, have found what they've read to be something they want to read more of.

What more could I want?

I want to do something for those on this list ahead of the actual publication. I will be thinking of what this is. If you are one of those on my mailing list, thank you! If you are new and want to know what all this talk is about, head here to read of Winemaker of the North, my upcoming novel. You can also head here to see my current release.

 For a reader to go out to a bookstore and buy a book from a well known author is one act, but to take a chance and show interest in an unknown indie author, it is quite a different act altogether.

Thank you all for reading!




J.T.



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The Liliana Nirvana Technique -my thoughts

8/21/2014

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*NOTE: As of 12/13/2015 I wrote an updated post about this subject. You can read it by clicking here.*

Liliana Nirvana: I happened over this great post by Hugh Howey recently and it has stuck with me. Check it out here at his blog.

The essential Idea is to publish multiple works all at the same time, specifically 5 works, with 1 additional book ready to go a month later. As these are being read and discovered, write your next one and continue on. Almost like a pseudo backlist....

First, I very much like this idea. As someone whom is standing on top of multiple nearly done works. (i.e. lacking editing and covers but otherwise complete) it is a publishing strategy I very much might explore.

As an essentially unknown indie author, I could go from one published book to six and then seven a month later. If someone likes one book they *might* go look for another and rinse and repeat.

Potential Pitfalls

Crappy work- This is saying someone lacks the actual patience to write quality stories and just mass publishes cheaply done boring plots that do nothing but scream "I lack the ability to actually write this fast and don't care about my reader."

This is no good. It reminds me of when I see a cheap cover or read a blurb and see not only typos but numerous glaring mistakes in the grammar. With so many free grammar/ spell checkers, why is this even happening?

Cost- As with any business investment, you need funds and sitting on any novel while your work to write more can be difficult. One thought would definitely be crowd funding through Kickstarter or GoFundMe but if that method falls through or if your muse takes a hike. there isn't too much you can do about it secondary to saving up your money a little bit at a time.

Failure- In the end, there is no guaranteed path to success, no golden road, or obvious glaring flashy neon sign of which way you should go. If you think this might work for you, do it! In a world of instant gratification and immediate *more, more now* such as binge watching a full season of your favorite show on Netflix, (we've all done it!) appealing to your readers with a massive show up with a list of titles is like throwing chum into the water followed with a bucket of fish.... get 'em coming and then you'll get a feeding frenzy! At least, that's the idea, right?

But that leads to a last thought that I haven't mentioned yet, you must write quality stories and it would likely help if they were at least loosely related. In my own case, I have three novel length works forming a trilogy, a related novella in progress, and some standalone similar genre short stories.

Will I do this? I'm not sure. I'm exploring it. It seems viable but we will see. I know for now, Saints of Wura Book 1 is due out by the end of the year. Book 2 will follow early next year, perhaps, I will use this strategy then.

Until next time,

J.T.




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(M.A.S.) My personal issue

8/17/2014

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Too much of a good thing...


   Manuscript Accumulation Syndrome (M.A.S.) 
      So that is what I'm calling this inherent need to continue writing new stories even though I have so many projects to edit it is unreal. I do indeed get 'Writer's Block' but somehow I've managed to accumulate enough works over the course of two years I actually had to tell myself not to create any more novel length manuscripts. At least until NaNoWriMo... I will be doing that. Regardless of the fact I plan to also book my first novel out at that time.
     So what does the upcoming year look like? Here is the current line up of W.I.P. that are all within a bit of work of being ready for my editor.

1.
Saints of Wura Book 1: Winemaker of the North
2. Saints of Wura Book 2 (Title not revealed yet)
3. Saints of Wura Book 3 (Title not revealed yet) Ok... this one might need a bit more than just a "bit of work" but it counts!
4. Hunter's Reckoning (Short story based off the
blog series)
5. Trouble In East Texas (Novella sporting Zombies, Mages, Paramedics.. what could go wrong?)
6.. Redemption (Dystopian Fantasy Novel set in first-person POV)
    
     I am looking at writing a short prequel for the Saints of Wura Series that likely will be released with Saints of Wura Book 2. With that, I am also looking to write a short story involving a character from Book 2 that I feel has a very interesting back story. More about that as it comes time for book 2!
That is all for now. Thank you for reading! If you haven't gotten a chance yet, go take a look at the short story collection
Raven's Requiem available now on Amazon and free to Amazon Prime members! If your read it, review it! Thank you for your continued support!
(And if you feel you too are suffering from M.A.S. there is no support group.... but feel free to write a book about one if you wish!)
JT

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Cover Reveal for Raven's Requiem

7/24/2014

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Good morning everyone! I'm happy to reveal the cover for my upcoming short story collection Raven's Requiem! I'm working the last kinks out of the formatting but it should be available by the end of the month! I've updated the Release page and if you would like, send me a message and I will let you know when it is available! Those of you on my mailing list, please check your e-mail!

Thank you for your support! I'm happy to share this with you!




If you are interested, my cover was made by The Cover Collection!



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'Raven's Requiem' page added

6/19/2014

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Good evening,

I hope this post finds you well and without a moonlight shrouded squawking Raven outside your door. If that is the case, peace be with you, I doubt you will finish reading this....

.........Okay...... awkward, so to whoever is still with us congratulations, you have continued life but I dare you to read more of this murderous Raven and perhaps in the end it will not seem so deadly in itself.

In case you do not know, my first short-story collection, Raven's Requiem, will be released soon. It will be my first released work and I will even be giving away free copies to select readers! It is one of multiple tales of the macabre that I am excited to soon share with you.

Join my mailing list to get up-to-date info on this as well as Winemaker of the North, my first novel! 

For more information on Raven's Requiem, head here!












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Updates for the end of May

5/31/2014

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So between writing a new short story based off of Hunter's Reckoning, awaiting my editor to return my short stories for me to go over, perusing covers at thecovercollection.com, and continued editing of Winemaker of the North, I feel I've been quite busy! (at least in my mind!)

Perhaps the most exciting part of the recent week has been my email inbox receiving messages from those wishing to be a part of my eventual novel release! I have a ton of thanks to give out to each of you! Thank y'all. Seriously! If you are interested yourself about it go here to take a look!

I am still thinking late June into early July for the release of the short story collection. Look for updates and the (eventual) cover reveal!

Off to edit a bit now.....I promised my kids that they could get to hear one of daddy's stories tomorrow night but I defineitly need to make sure it sounds good. Little critics like none other. :)



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It is officially a rough draft!

5/26/2014

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So if you follow me on Twitter you may already know this, but I spotted my muse running in an open field. With a well aimed arrow I crippled the fleeing bastard and dragged him kicking and screaming to my cave. I used two chains this time....

I wanted to turn Hunter's Reckoning into a first person short-story that is actually something I would want to compile into an e-book. Following an exhaustive few hours, the end result was a horrid but complete almost 8000 word short story. Not too shabby for a much shorter "outline". In the end it is a first draft and has permission to suck!

It was mostly painless. I added to the plot a bit and assured the story came full circle in a believable way. The most difficult part of this ordeal was changing from my typical third person point of view past tense to a first person present tense .

Example:

My normal: The hunter looked at the barmaid, she smiled at him but he was not here to be cordial and he turned his glare away as he took a seat.

The change: I look at the barmaid. She smiles at me and I avert my eyes, walking pass her to seat myself.

Not too hard in that very simple, rough sample. But getting into the flow of writing and switching into first person past tense was too easy. I continually had to work to keep myself in the right mindset and using the correct words.

I found an interesting site that talks more of first person present tense here. I agree that it puts the reader in the story and literally in the action, but as a complete change from my comfort zone, it does not make the writing process any easier!

Has anyone else tried their hand at writing in a drastically different tense than their norm? Do you have any tips to switching from one way to the other?

Let me know in the comment section below!


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Writer Problems

5/17/2014

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  • I shouldn't complain. No, seriously, I shouldn't. I have an issue that is quite the opposite of what most authors tend to struggle with on a daily basis. I have too many ideas, too many WIPs, and focusing my drawn arrow of attention is becoming difficult as my muse fires burning pots of creativity all over the palisade wall. Excuse me, I need to duck now. *flames erupt at either side of me*

    Anyone that has read this blog, knows of Hunter's Reckoning, also known as my attempt to write in different form. It was fun, but I had no intent of doing anything with it. Now, I work to rewrite it in a first person present tense tale and already, the thoughts of this being a precursor for a novel has entered my mind. Great, a novel! Except....

    I have a trilogy written that I am busy editing, with at least a novella more, that I wish to add to those stories. I have a collection of short stories, of the horror/ supernatural genre, that should be out by June. I also have another novel that I plan to return to and work on, a dystopian/ dark fantasy story.

    So if you are suffering from the termed "Writer's Block" what can you do? I will dedicate a future post to this subject but for a quick stab at it:

    •  Stop making the excuse you have "Writer's block".

    A daring statement, but giving yourself a reason you are not writing that is something other than "I have a knife jabbed in my eye" or "Both my arms are broken" seems to be just an excuse.

    Even if you cannot bear to write on your current WIP, pen a short story, have some random dialogue between side characters talking about what your main characters are doing, describe how it would might feel to have something actually jabbed in your eye. But write, and do it for as long or as short as you wish. One method I have used when nothing else could get me going was to scribble a few lines of prose related to what I am writing on a notepad. Sometimes just getting pass the mental "block" is as easy as ignoring that it even exists. Besides, your stories aren't going to write themselves. Get to it!

  • As far as my own work I am excited, to tell the truth. I am fortunate to have written what I have and that my family has supported me, even when I have annoyed my wife with ramblings of fantastical worlds, cultures, creatures, battles, etc. .... at least she hasn't had me committed as I dolled on explaining why this character did this action like they are a real person.... :)

    I am also thankful I have gathered Twitter followers as I have. I hope that when my short story collection comes out, those that have enjoyed my 140 character short stories and stanzas of poetry, will also enjoy a slightly longer group of tales!

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    New content soon!

    5/13/2014

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    So following the blog series Hunter's Reckoning, I have decided that while I still work on Winemaker of the North, it is time to get an e-book out to the world. The odd fact is that while my novels are of the fantasy genre, it seems my first short-story and short-story collection will deal primarily with the macabre and paranormal. Quite a differing branch of fiction than my typical!

    Thecovercollection.com will likely be the place I purchase my cover from. (I have technically picked it, but I am deciding between 2 or 3 right now.) The process seems easy as far as purchasing and having it made, but I will be sure to further review them here after I use their services. I am excited!

    Pricing is still up in the air. But I will likely follow my own advice as I wrote it a few weeks ago here. 

    I hope you will try a sample when it comes available. I will post further information on Twitter as it is appropriate as well as announce it here, as soon as it is available!





    Comments

    Post Blog Series and Future Plans

    5/3/2014

    Comments

     
    Good morning!

    I recently completed a short-story blog series titled Hunter's Reckoning and was happy that not only did I have some retweet and favor the link on Twitter, but that in general I had consistent site visits on each day that I posted a new part of the tale.

    THANK YOU to all that took the time to come read as well as to return and read the consecutive parts!

    I did hope to get a few comments (good or rightly negative if was the opinion of the reader!) but knowing I had readers was enough!

    I enjoyed providing a short work of fiction for potential readers that cost them nothing and hopefully provided some entertainment. Obviously, it was not enough material for an actual book and I would never try to make someone pay for such a small story.

    But could the "Hunter" continue into a full fledged novel? Yes. But I do not feel forcing a story that is not novel material into 60,000 words of filler. Why waste the time writing something that doesn't hold the potential to stand on its own?

    I know as I move forward I will want to provide free-to-read type content as a supplement to future novel length works like Winemaker of the North. I think of the appendixes of Lord of the Rings as a partial inspiration to this. It was extra content, not plot centric, but interesting to someone whom had read the book. It helped finish up the "curiosity" of the reader. How many people *just* reading the book itself actually knew that Legolas and Gimli went into the West in the times after the end of Return of the King?

    "But who cares Jeremy? I watched the movies and read the books and I didn't really care THAT much about it."

    That's fine. That is why I will not make someone pay for it, or pay extra for it, per se. It very well might be included  within an e-book but I want to make it to where additional tidbits will be available here. I enjoy learning more about the "world" of fantasy be it within novels, games, or even movies. Look at Elder Scrolls V Skyrim, the writers and developers of that game created an entire world that you are free to explore and do as you wish with separate "sub-plots" some completely unrelated to the main story arc, and people love it. There are even in game books to read telling of the lore and histories!I am excited to create this fantasy world and share it with you. In the future I will post of the cultures that inspired some of my races and peoples as well as develop a map of the world in which Saints of Wura Book 1: Winemaker of the North takes place in.

    In the meantime, be sure to read the first-person tale, Hunter's Reckoning.

    Thank you for reading!




    JT

    Comments

    Questions for Indie Authors

    4/19/2014

    Comments

     
    Hello all!

    So, I am seeking some answers!

    Aside from random posts on Twitter and what editing I have begun on "Winemaker 2", I have continued to debate if I should publish a collection of short stories I have. The total word count comes out to around 10,000 words, or 40 traditionally printed pages. I also have a single work of around the same length that while not as near publication as the collection, would work as a stand alone story on Amazon.

    Here are my questions:

    If you are an author, have you found that publication of your short stories (in a collection) as a  successful strategy to furthering your brand and exposure? If you haven't done so, are you looking to do this yourself or do you have your own opinion on selling short stories and/ or micro-fiction. What success (or lack of success) have you had?

    Feel free to comment below as well as post links to your own work as it relates to the questions above.

    Take care!









    Comments

    Updates 4/10

    4/10/2014

    Comments

     
    I have finally finished my revised scene map for my second book in the Winemaker of the North series. In case you're wondering, I'm calling it Winemaker 2.

     I know, very imaginative. (and surely to change!)

    I believe I've also found an editor for Winemaker of the North and after receiving word from my beta reader, it seems the overall story is liked and now time for fine tuning! I cannot believe the little things that can be found. Even after I've read through it multiple times... I'm frequently asking myself:"How the heck did I miss that?".

    This goes to prove the fact that writers need an editor no matter how many times we go over something or how perfect we think it is, it isn't.

    Considering above I mentioned the Winemaker stories are a series, I will tell you that books one, two, and three have been written. Second round editing is well underway for Winemaker 2 and well book three, very much a first draft.

    At this same time I'm still working to improve my short story collection as well as crafting sparks of poetic ramblings on Twitter.








    Comments
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