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. :) 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. 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 ON SALE NOW!! Kindle Countdown of Winemaker Of The NorthHello 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! 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! ![]() 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! Feel free to share this post via Facebook and Twitter below!
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! 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! 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. *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. Too much of a good thing...
|
Archives
May 2023
Categories
All
|
J.T. WilliamsJoin the J.T. Williams mailing list to be notified of new releases and other news!
|