Perfectly executed, this one doesn't miss a beat...
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Friday, April 7, 2017
Update: The Great Tree: Undrastormur, Part 2
Just a quick update... The early beta reader notes are starting to come in. I got one yesterday from Eirikur, my pal from Iceland. He
works for the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and keeps me
honest on Norse terms (names, etc.). For example, he told me that "the 'Einherjar' are a
select group and their name should be capitalized instead of lower
case." and that "The correct name of Thor's second
goat is "Tanngnjóstur" which would sound like "Tanngnjost"
in English." Mythology geek that I am, I love this kind of stuff. It means a lot to me to be as "authentic" and true to the era as possible. Thanks, Eirikur!
"Einherjar" (the ghostly warriors of Norse mythology) by Sebastian Horoszko / Kraków, Poland https://www.artstation.com/artist/sebastianhoroszko
"Einherjar" (the ghostly warriors of Norse mythology) by Sebastian Horoszko / Kraków, Poland https://www.artstation.com/artist/sebastianhoroszko
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Monday, February 20, 2017
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
"Walking Out of War" Excerpt and Invitation to Pre-Order
Author Scott Bury's nonfiction/memoir Walking Out of War is now available for pre-order. Just follow this link to its Amazon page. The book officially debuts on February 22nd.
Here's a brief description followed by an excerpt:
Walking Out of War: A True Story
Ukraine, 1944:
After the Soviets burned the Ukrainian city of Ternopyl to the ground
to crush the stubborn Nazi occupiers, they rounded up every remaining
Ukrainian man around for the Red Army’s final push on Germany. Maurice
Bury, Canadian citizen, Ukrainian resistance fighter and intelligence
officer, is thrust once again into the death struggle between Hitler’s
Germany and Stalin’s USSR.
Fighting across the Baltics in the autumn of 1944 is tough and bloody. Then the Red Army enters Germany, where they’re no longer liberators—they’re the long-feared Communist horde, bent on destruction and rape. The Communists are determined to wipe Nazism from the face of the earth. And the soldiers want revenge for Germany's brutal invasion and occupation.
Maurice knows his only way out of this hell is to survive until Nazi Germany dies, and then move home to Canada. But to do that, he’ll have to not only walk out of war, but elude Stalin’s dreaded secret police.
Fighting across the Baltics in the autumn of 1944 is tough and bloody. Then the Red Army enters Germany, where they’re no longer liberators—they’re the long-feared Communist horde, bent on destruction and rape. The Communists are determined to wipe Nazism from the face of the earth. And the soldiers want revenge for Germany's brutal invasion and occupation.
Maurice knows his only way out of this hell is to survive until Nazi Germany dies, and then move home to Canada. But to do that, he’ll have to not only walk out of war, but elude Stalin’s dreaded secret police.
Excerpt:
Maurice and the Truck
Maurice and the Truck
Latvia, October 1944
Maurice took out his pack of cigarettes from his inside
pocket. They were damp, too, but he managed to light one and held the match for
Stepan to light his, too. Even our cigarettes have to come from America. And
they’re better than Russian cigarettes, too.
“Dig in, boys,” said a sergeant from another
company. “Captain wants you to raise a berm along here,” he swept his arm
along, indicating a line from a stand of burnt trees to a blasted barn. “Four
men stand watch behind it at a time. The rest can sleep in what’s left of that
barn.” He left to order other men to raise temporary, rudimentary defenses on
the other side of the little camp.
The men shoveled and made a low dike with a shallow
moat in front of it, good enough to hide behind and protect them against
bullets. A lieutenant took three other men into the barn’s roofless loft as
look-outs, even though they would not be able to see anything on this rainy
night.
The berm complete, Maurice and a few other men set
up the Maxim behind it and then huddled in the slightly dryer lee of a burned
shed to eat their mobile rations. “Even our food comes from America,” he
muttered, and surprised himself when he realized he had spoken aloud.
“Those cowboys know how to cook, too,” said another
young soldier that Maurice did not know. He opened his tin can of rations. “This
ham is very tasty.”
“It’s better than what we used to get,” said
Maurice. Damn. I shouldn’t have said that.
“What did you used to get?” asked Taras around a
mouthful of food.
“Just the Russian garbage. Sometimes, it was just
stale bread.”
“When was that?”
Think fast, Maurice. “During training. The
food was crap in the Donbas.”
The others nodded as if that made sense, and
Maurice stifled a relieved sigh.
“Think the war will be over soon? Fritz is on the
run,” said the man who liked the ham.
“It’s still a long way to Germany, and Hitler doesn’t
want to give up any land,” Serhiy Koval said.
“France has been liberated, Belgium and Luxembourg
too, and I heard that the Canadians have entered Holland,” said the ham lover. “Bulgaria
and Hungary have turned against Germany, too. Germany can’t last.”
Maurice laughed bitterly. France had been
liberated, or most of it, anyway. Italy soon would be completely free of Hitler.
But what about Latvia? Estonia had declared itself a free country when the Red
Army drove the Germans out, but its government had to flee the Soviets, too.
Latvia would soon be firmly in Stalin’s grip.
And Ukraine? The Red Army had rolled across its flat
fields in a matter of months, rolling up the Germans almost as quickly as the
Germans had taken the country in 1941. Ternopyl had been destroyed in the
fighting. The fall of Hitler’s empire would be the rise of Stalin’s.
A truck groaned up to the barn and parked for the
night. The driver got out and three other men jumped out of the back and
started unloading. Maurice shivered and felt water seeping through the canvas
uppers of his boots. He looked longingly at the truck’s cabin. He thought
fleetingly of climbing in the back once it was unloaded, but did not want to
risk an officer’s ire. Instead, he walked up to the front of the truck and
leaned against the grill. The engine’s damp heat suffused him, strengthened
him. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, thinking deliberately of his
mother’s kitchen, of Katerina’s bed, of warm sunshine on the hills. For a
delicious minute, he was no longer at war, but studying again beside his sister
Hanya, sitting by the pietsch, his huge cat on his lap, a heavy book balanced
on the table.
It couldn’t last. The sergeant walked into the barn,
turning slightly as he passed Maurice. “Bury, you’re on first watch. Get up to
the line.” Then he disappeared behind the blackened and splintered wall.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Cover Reveal: "Walking Out of War" by Scott Bury
Author Scott Bury plans on releasing Walking Out of War, the third book in his nonfiction/memoir trilogy, on February 22nd.
Until then, here's the cover (which I think looks cool).
Scott describes his trilogy as "based on the experiences of my father-in-law, a Canadian drafted into the Soviet Red Army in World War 2."
The first two books in the series are titled Army of Worn Soles and Under the Nazi Heel.
I'll update you when the third book is set up for pre-orders.
Until then, here's the cover (which I think looks cool).
Scott describes his trilogy as "based on the experiences of my father-in-law, a Canadian drafted into the Soviet Red Army in World War 2."
The first two books in the series are titled Army of Worn Soles and Under the Nazi Heel.
I'll update you when the third book is set up for pre-orders.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Back to the Source - A Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) Documentary
If, like me, you're fascinated by medieval-style hand-to-hand combat, especially swordplay, then you must watch this beautifully produced documentary.
It's about a growing group of dedicated martial artists who are using period source material (primarily treatises and instruction manuals written by medieval sword masters) to revive this storied martial tradition.
It's about a growing group of dedicated martial artists who are using period source material (primarily treatises and instruction manuals written by medieval sword masters) to revive this storied martial tradition.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Winner Winner NaNoWriMo Dinner!
Okay, I don't know what that headline means either, but I do know I won the 2016 National Novel Writing Month challenge today. Woo hoo! Clocking in at a little over 50k words (see stats diagram below) at around 11:00p on 11/26.
Did I finish Elvenking, the third book in the "Leonard the Great" series? Nope. Not by a long shot. A quick outline check tells me that I've got eight or more chapters left and previous experience tells me that I've got around 30k+ words to go before I'm completely finished with the first draft.
During the editing portion of my noveleering, I tend to cut out a good 20k and usually end up with a complete MG fantasy novel that's around 60k words, give or take a few grand.
That's cool. As I mentioned in my announcement post, I wasn't expecting to complete the first draft of this novel, just write the first 50k words of it.
In case you haven't guessed it already, I use the NaNo challenge to jumpstart me into action and move me past my paralysis at the thought of starting a huge writing project like a novel. So far I'm 5 for 5 in beating the challenge (knock on virtual wood), so I guess it works for me.
If you've ever had that itch that says you should at least try to write a novel before you croak, I recommend giving National Novel Writing Month a shot. Like it did for me, it could be just the thing you need to help you stop itching and start writing!
Monday, October 31, 2016
iAi Featured Book of the Month: "The Secret Voice" by Bob Nailor
The year is 1961. In a quaint, rural NW Ohio town, secrets are coming
to light. Daniel Yoder, an Amish boy with a dream, wants to attend high
school
against the strict rules of the Amish church. Surprisingly, the Bishop
and Daniel's father both agree to let him attend. At school, Daniel
meets the
newly-hired chorus teacher, Julie Bronson, the sole black person in the
all-white community. Julie discovers Daniel has the gift of song and
tries to
encourage his talent. Together, can this pair conquer adversity and the
stresses pitting them against both religious stereotypes and racial
prejudices?
Everyone has secrets - some kept better than others. Still, secrets tend
to surface. Nobody can hide from who they truly are in... The Secret
Voice.
To purchase Bob's book, please visit its Amazon Page.
To learn more about Bob and all of his books, please visit his Official Website.
To purchase Bob's book, please visit its Amazon Page.
To learn more about Bob and all of his books, please visit his Official Website.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
NaNoWriMo 2016: I'm Back!
After a five year absence, I've decided to give the National Novel Writing Month challenge another try. This year, my novel project is Elvenking, the third book in the Dragonfriend series.
As many of you know, the NaNo challenge is to write a complete 50k word novel during the month of November. I fudge just a little on that (Hey, it's allowed!) by saying I'll be writing the first fifty thousand words of my novel, but not necessarily completing it.
I've finished four NaNo novels to date and self-published two of those four (I'm querying a third).
The NaNo "word count/percentage completed" widget is now residing in the column to the right. Starting at midnight on Nov. 1st, you'll be able to keep track of my daily progress. Feel free to praise or mock me, depending on how I'm doing.
If you're looking for a writing buddy, I'm sillyroger over on the NaNo site. There's no obligation to being a "buddy," but I do find it motivating to see how my friends are doing throughout the month.
Are you taking the NaNo challenge? If so, good for you. It's a little scary, but very satisfying. Try it!
p.s. The cheesy cover for Elevenking is just something I mocked up to motivate me. The finished product will look much better!
UPDATE: As of Saturday, 11/12, I'm at 26409. That's just over halfway there!
As many of you know, the NaNo challenge is to write a complete 50k word novel during the month of November. I fudge just a little on that (Hey, it's allowed!) by saying I'll be writing the first fifty thousand words of my novel, but not necessarily completing it.
I've finished four NaNo novels to date and self-published two of those four (I'm querying a third).
The NaNo "word count/percentage completed" widget is now residing in the column to the right. Starting at midnight on Nov. 1st, you'll be able to keep track of my daily progress. Feel free to praise or mock me, depending on how I'm doing.
If you're looking for a writing buddy, I'm sillyroger over on the NaNo site. There's no obligation to being a "buddy," but I do find it motivating to see how my friends are doing throughout the month.
Are you taking the NaNo challenge? If so, good for you. It's a little scary, but very satisfying. Try it!
p.s. The cheesy cover for Elevenking is just something I mocked up to motivate me. The finished product will look much better!
UPDATE: As of Saturday, 11/12, I'm at 26409. That's just over halfway there!
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Goodreads Review: Beowulf: A Tale of Blood, Heat, and Ashes
Beowulf: A Tale of Blood, Heat, and Ashes by Nicky Raven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This "translation" flows well and is a great way to ease younger readers into a true classic. The artwork is superb. Recommended.
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This "translation" flows well and is a great way to ease younger readers into a true classic. The artwork is superb. Recommended.
View all my reviews
Friday, September 30, 2016
iAi Featured Book of the Month: "The Old Mermaid's Tale" by Kathleen Valentine
(Novel - 132k words. Love Story, Coming-of-Age, Historical - Paperback or eBook) In
1960 when Clair Wagner's friends are showing off their new bikinis at
the local swimming hole and planning weddings, Clair is plotting her
escape from her rural farm-community life. She is headed for college on
the shores of Lake Erie with plans for the future and dreams of
a "handsome sailor with the constellations of the Northern Seas in his
eyes".
Into her life comes Pio, a beautiful Italian fisherman, who longs for a life of adventure on the Great Lakes under the aurora borealis. Clair soon meets Gary, the dashing son of a wealthy shipping magnate, who introduces her to Canal Street on the waterfront where she encounters The Old Mermaid Inn, a tavern that, as Gary tells her, "deserves its reputation".
But The Old Mermaid Inn, with its giant painting of a seductive mermaid, is home to some fascinating people including Tessie, the owner and original mermaid, and the intriguing Baptiste, a Breton mariner injured in a shipwreck, who earns his living as a musician.
Into her life comes Pio, a beautiful Italian fisherman, who longs for a life of adventure on the Great Lakes under the aurora borealis. Clair soon meets Gary, the dashing son of a wealthy shipping magnate, who introduces her to Canal Street on the waterfront where she encounters The Old Mermaid Inn, a tavern that, as Gary tells her, "deserves its reputation".
But The Old Mermaid Inn, with its giant painting of a seductive mermaid, is home to some fascinating people including Tessie, the owner and original mermaid, and the intriguing Baptiste, a Breton mariner injured in a shipwreck, who earns his living as a musician.
With Pio, Clair
discovers passion, with Gary she gains entry into the world of the
commercial waterfront, and with Baptiste she discovers all-consuming
love. But as her relationship with Baptiste grows she discovers he is
far more complex and mysterious than she could imagine. He has secrets
and his secrets will alter her life forever.
Set against the backdrop of Great Lakes shipping legends and lore, The Old Mermaid's Tale is
in part a coming-of-age story, in part a history of a transformative
time in America, and throughout a love story of grand proportions that
pays homage to the importance of story-telling in our lives. (Also available in Boxed Set with Depraved Heart and Each Angel Burns for Kindle only.)
"The
soul, they say, is divine and the flesh is iniquity. But I am a
musician and I ask this - without the wood and the strings of the
violin, where would the sonata find form?" - from the Prologue
You can learn more about "The Old Mermaid's Tale" by going HERE.
About the author... From the Allegheny Mountains where she grew up, to the Gloucester
seaport
where she writes, Kathleen Valentine loves nothing more than
listening to the stories that people tell while sitting on front
porches, gathered around kitchen tables, or swapped in coffee shops and
taverns. Her collection of legends, folklore, and tall tales are woven
into her fiction. The award-winning author of novels, novellas, &
short story collections, as well as books of knitting patterns, & a
cookbook/memoir about growing up Pennsylvania Dutch, Valentine has been
listed as an Amazon Top Selling Author in Horror, Mystery/Suspense,
Cooking, and Knitting. As a writer her primary interest is delving into
the psychology of her characters. Her stories are sometimes mysterious,
sometimes funny, usually romantic, and frequently frightening. Her
characters range from lost children and grumpy old folks, to mysterious
men and women who are not to be trifled with.
She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, America's oldest seaport.
She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, America's oldest seaport.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Can Writers Monetize a Con Visit?
I had an interesting exchange with Shea Fontana, a writer friend of mine. She was wondering if it's possible for a writer to monetize a con visit (Comic-Con, Dragon Con, etc.). Here it is...
How about you folks? Any thoughts on or experience with this subject? If so, please share in the comments.
Here's a link to an enlightening post by sci-fi pro author Chuck Wendig entitled "The Pros And Cons of Pro Cons (For Writers)" It's a real eye opener!
Shea: Does anyone have good resources on how to business at Cons (especially for writers)? I like going to them and hanging out with the fans, but losing several days of potential work every time is not ideal... No paid vacation in freelance life...
Roger: Shea, I've wondered about this, too. In general, I think it's much harder for a writer to monetize a con visit.
Artists are able to justify renting a booth to sell prints and self-pubbed comics/graphic novels, etc., but unless you have successful indie titles of your own (or are able to work out some sort of appearance deal with your publisher/studio), I'm not sure how it would work for a writer. Plus, those booths can be pricey.
Most of the writer success stories I've run across involve booth rentals and/or popular sci-fi/fantasy/youth authors who do signings (often on someone else's dime).
Over the years, I've been invited to reading festivals (the book equivalent of a con) where, in exchange for appearing on panels and doing readings and signings, etc., they paid for travel and lodging expenses and gave a small per diem. Maybe asking for at least that level of "payment" when you're invited to a con can take some of the sting out of taking an unpaid vacation.
I'm not sure if that's the kind of info you're looking for, but hopefully it's at least a little bit helpful.
Shea: This is exactly what I'm looking for! Artist can do commissions and sell prints, so maybe they can make a little cash (but from all accounts, not much). But even if I could get wholesale books to sell, being a "merchant" sounds like a certain circle of hell. So I guess it's just a publicity/networking play...
How about you folks? Any thoughts on or experience with this subject? If so, please share in the comments.
Here's a link to an enlightening post by sci-fi pro author Chuck Wendig entitled "The Pros And Cons of Pro Cons (For Writers)" It's a real eye opener!
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