While my last post talked about being ready to write, finding my rhythm has taken both some time, and a lot of crumpled paper. Thankfully, my recent tech distractions have gotten me all fired up. Things are finally starting to get done, and that includes the latest chapter of “A Man Named Zephyr.”
Goodreads Giveaways have always been a useful tool for new and independent authors in need of exposure. I have used them several times in the past to promote my book “A Boy Named Zephyr“, and I had planned to use them to help promote the release of its upcoming sequel, “A Man Named Zephyr”. Those… Continue reading
Starting in October, I am embarking on a new project intended to expand both my writing, and my visibility. This project will be posted on Patreon, and takes the form of a small, monthly, writing collection.
While a Rose by any other name would smell as sweet, the same rarely holds true for a poorly named character. A name is not just an identifier. A meaningful name can give insight into not only the character’s role and personality, but also the culture of their world and their origins.
My wife and I recently paid a visit to a new bookstore in Russellville called Dog Ear Books. It is a nice place with a great atmosphere and a good selection. After only a few minutes inside however, I found myself looking at the countless books around me from a new author’s perspective. The experience… Continue reading
Editing a book is a difficult job, especially if you’re doing it yourself. No matter how closely you pay attention, and how sharply you focus, as the hundreds of pages go by, things slip through. Below are three tips for better editing that have been working well for me.
Marketing a book is far harder than writing it, especially as a new author. Since the release of A Boy Named Zephyr, I have tried several different approaches to marketing. Below are a couple methods that are cheap and easy to get started with, and have worked decently for me as a new author.
When I work on a project, my preference is to stay locked onto it until it’s done. It’s when I’m already working on a project however, that I tend to have my best moments of inspiration. Unfortunately, they are rarely related to the what I’m working on. With a minimum of two more books left… Continue reading
To celebrate the great progress I have been making, I would like to offer a sneak preview of the upcoming Gemsong Saga Volume 2: A Man Named Zephyr. The second volume of the series introduces the major players within the Lutian Nobility, and several new factions. Expect a release before the end of the year.
Of all the things that make a person unique, their personal memories are among the most important. Memories change the way a person sees and experiences the world. Memories can influence a person’s beliefs, and also the choices they make. Adding those personal memories to your stories then, can flavor them in a way that… Continue reading
The details in your book help to pull the reader into your world and make it more authentic and believable. Inundate the reader with too many details though, and they can quickly stop caring. With space and reader attention span at a premium, the quality and impact of the details you choose becomes vitally important.
Space has always been the bane of my writing. With novels, it’s a struggle to fill a chapter with enough pages. Everywhere else, it’s a challenge to keep things concise. While I’m still trying to nail down the former, the latter has been helped by using Twitter’s 140 character limit to help guide me to… Continue reading