Saturday, December 28, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Cover Comarison
I decided to re-edit the cover for "Prince" before submitting back to the publisher. If you knew your book could get into a bookstore, wouldn't you want it to look its best? So a couple of things I did. I repainted the tree bark so it has more texture. Then I repainted the unicorn's head and neck, extending it a bit more with muscle definition. Don't know why I didn't have that before. I'm very happy with it now.
Featured Blog & Audio Book
I wake up to a surprising email this morning. My second book “Prince” was featured on a Blog called “Free Ebooks Daily“
Link here: http://www.freeebooksdaily.com/2013/12/prince-by-bonnie-watson.html
That’s pretty cool for someone just to randomly select a book from possible millions out there. So thanks again to the person who caught sight of that. Yes, “Prince” is being offered FREE until December 3, then will be offered again for FREE during Christmas day and the day after (12-25/26). It is normally priced at $3.99 for Kindle. Here’s the link directly to “Prince”: http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Blue-Moon-Rising-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B006X28PPG/ref=la_B00703K47Y_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385924952&sr=1-4
Book One “Wisdom” is available for .99 all year round. Steal, right? I’ve also set up an audio book deal with Amazon for two books. One is for “Wisdom”, which I’m currently accepting auditions for. Here’s the link to do that: http://www.acx.com/titleview/A2GB3WDRNK3SB2
I do have a narrator for my Western Fantasy piece “A Partner in Crime”. John Glouchevitch writes his own music and is also an improv actor. Not only will he be the narrator for the story, but he’s composing an original intro as well. I’m very excited about this project!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Short Story Concept
LEVEL OF ORDER
Short Story Concept
Reever Incorporated is a leading manufacturing company in charge of producing one-of-a-kind robotics. It was created by Joshua Reever’s father some sixty years ago when the first robot prototype literally changed the world. But when his father was killed involving a control malfunction, Joshua came up with a theory that involved spoken commands instead of levers and buttons. Called “Key Words”, these commands could be coded as simple everyday terms to control how a robot functioned. Yet, as all things go, the level of complexity and development in these creations called for more complex Key Words to control them. For the people responsible for coding meant increased brain activity, more understanding, but a lot more risks in mental breakdowns. For Joshua and others, this meant that each Creator was tagged with a device that could be controlled using a Key Word, so in the event of a breakdown they could be easily stopped.
As Joshua watches the human race improve from his creations, he begins to yearn for something more. A robot was nothing more than a machine. It could only react as its code allowed.
So what would happen if he created something that responded out of emotion rather than from a controlled environment, as humans did?
CHARACTERS (so far)
1) Joshua (main character)
2) Tripp (office/lab robot)
Short Story Concept
Reever Incorporated is a leading manufacturing company in charge of producing one-of-a-kind robotics. It was created by Joshua Reever’s father some sixty years ago when the first robot prototype literally changed the world. But when his father was killed involving a control malfunction, Joshua came up with a theory that involved spoken commands instead of levers and buttons. Called “Key Words”, these commands could be coded as simple everyday terms to control how a robot functioned. Yet, as all things go, the level of complexity and development in these creations called for more complex Key Words to control them. For the people responsible for coding meant increased brain activity, more understanding, but a lot more risks in mental breakdowns. For Joshua and others, this meant that each Creator was tagged with a device that could be controlled using a Key Word, so in the event of a breakdown they could be easily stopped.
As Joshua watches the human race improve from his creations, he begins to yearn for something more. A robot was nothing more than a machine. It could only react as its code allowed.
So what would happen if he created something that responded out of emotion rather than from a controlled environment, as humans did?
CHARACTERS (so far)
1) Joshua (main character)
2) Tripp (office/lab robot)
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
King Red Shell Complete
From "Healer" Book Three of Moon Rising Trilogy
"Watch it!" Wisdom smacked a crab with his staff while stuffing the prized flute back in his pouch.
"Snap out of it!" Backhanding a sailor was one way to get his attention. The other came from a blood-curdling scream.
Crimson mixed with seawater rolled about deck. One man dropped to his knees and crawled away from a Shell, part of his pants-leg missing - as was his foot.
Wisdom cursed and cast a hand in the crab's direction. Anger fueled a clap of energy that smashed the creature against the ship's railing. It was just enough force to push a hole through the wood, and receive a harsh word from Josephine.
One gone. Ten more to go! Wisdom counted those crawling around deck. He noticed the crew, having come out of their trance, desperately swinging buckets, mops, anything they could fight with. Yet, these were not trained warriors. They had not come prepared to defend against sea creatures. As more crabs joined the first set, a lot of men began retreating to higher locations.
"Wisdom!" Josephine cried.
Too late, the prince's staff was wrenched from his grasp. While the staff clattered one way, Wisdom was thrown another. He hit the deck hard, pulling himself up to the sound of snapping pinchers thrust toward his face. It never touched him, for defensive energy instinctively threw the thing back.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Wind Healer Revamp
A revamped background for Savannah. I wanted a better building than what was previously attempted.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Feasting Time
Easy pickings, right? Or else the Cuckoo bird left a very BIG baby to raise, lol.
I can just see how this would play out:
"No, Mom. Not worms. YOU!"
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Concept Painting: Eastern Clan
More for the background than the figure. The character is Jenario, but his appearance at the Eastern Clan would be slim to none.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Friday, August 9, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Chapter Teaser
From Book Three “Healer”
“Enunciate!” Jenario repeated, as yet again another failed attempt at spell casting landed Abraham on his back against the far wall of the Study. Note paper and books scattered in ripped shreds of crinkled paper, some of the edges even singed.
Coughing from the dust still settling around him, the young man rolled over to pull himself up using a toppled chair. After righting the chair, he continued picking up what was left of his note-taking.
“You neglected to tell me there was another syllable in that one,” he murmured.
“Syllables have nothing to do with it.” Jenario grabbed a paper still curling over itself in midair and slapped it down impatiently on the table.
Abraham kept his gaze down, searching for smaller pieces. They had been at it all day. Jenario taught while his son listened and practiced. Yet practice was quickly becoming a drill, one that required detailed attention, more so for the whereabouts of horn versus his magical outbursts.
With a sigh, Abraham tried straightening out his notes as best he could. Every now and then his nose twitched at the smell of burnt cloth and parchment.
“You’ve a warm spot on your robe, there,” came the surprisingly calm tone of his father.
Abraham followed his father’s comment to the helm of his dark, wine robe, and nearly fell over himself at a hint of smoke beginning to curl from underneath. Dropping the paper, he jerked at the fabric, pulling it up so he could check.
From behind, there came a dry chuckle.
“All that from one word?” Abraham breathed, though he could tell his father was not amused.
Jenario licked a finger to flip through a few pages of his spell book. “You have to learn how to properly pronounce things clearly. If you don’t, you’ll end up with curses.” He lowered his voice. “Like an old friend of mine.”
“Who was that?” Abraham reached down to collect his notes. Unsure what to do with them, he looked to his father in question. “I don’t suppose there’s a way to undo this, is there?”
Jenario raised a dark eyebrow flecked with gray. “For that mishap, you’re lucky. Spell casting can be very rewarding, and very misleading.” He gestured to the opened book. “For the magic-user, there’s the ability to recognize words of power, and then there’s the ability to cast them. I like to call it INTAKE and RELEASE.”
Jenario held up his index finger. “Ever heard of the slave owner Shafari?”
A nod.
Jenario continued, “He was once a companion, and first pupil of mine. It was I who came up with the spells that HE misused, turning them into curses to run a slave compound!”
The same compound that Keith shut down? Abraham wanted to question, but instead asked, “Whatever happened to him?” He pulled his chair up to the table to join his father. He put the remaining paper in front of him.
“Evedentually, the use of curses wore down his talent. Now he’s about as useless as a street magician – illusion. Nowadays, it doesn’t amount to much but a few copper thrown at your feet.”
Abraham sat for a moment, thinking back to the days he only knew illusion. He remembered his chance meeting with the albino Healer, whose words came to him in a sudden realization.
“Illusion can be useful,” he said.
“Illusion is weak!” Jenario slid the book toward his son “You’re better than that! You have the release, Abraham, the ability to use magic. Why settle for something lesser when you can do so much more?”
To emphasis his words, Jenario held up the necklace containing his crimson stone. Its reflective surface captured his son’s inquisitive stare in the candlelight. Just inside rested a piece of the dark horn.
“How do you think I managed to obtain this?” Jenario questioned. “Not with illusion!”
“Enunciate!” Jenario repeated, as yet again another failed attempt at spell casting landed Abraham on his back against the far wall of the Study. Note paper and books scattered in ripped shreds of crinkled paper, some of the edges even singed.
Coughing from the dust still settling around him, the young man rolled over to pull himself up using a toppled chair. After righting the chair, he continued picking up what was left of his note-taking.
“You neglected to tell me there was another syllable in that one,” he murmured.
“Syllables have nothing to do with it.” Jenario grabbed a paper still curling over itself in midair and slapped it down impatiently on the table.
Abraham kept his gaze down, searching for smaller pieces. They had been at it all day. Jenario taught while his son listened and practiced. Yet practice was quickly becoming a drill, one that required detailed attention, more so for the whereabouts of horn versus his magical outbursts.
With a sigh, Abraham tried straightening out his notes as best he could. Every now and then his nose twitched at the smell of burnt cloth and parchment.
“You’ve a warm spot on your robe, there,” came the surprisingly calm tone of his father.
Abraham followed his father’s comment to the helm of his dark, wine robe, and nearly fell over himself at a hint of smoke beginning to curl from underneath. Dropping the paper, he jerked at the fabric, pulling it up so he could check.
From behind, there came a dry chuckle.
“All that from one word?” Abraham breathed, though he could tell his father was not amused.
Jenario licked a finger to flip through a few pages of his spell book. “You have to learn how to properly pronounce things clearly. If you don’t, you’ll end up with curses.” He lowered his voice. “Like an old friend of mine.”
“Who was that?” Abraham reached down to collect his notes. Unsure what to do with them, he looked to his father in question. “I don’t suppose there’s a way to undo this, is there?”
Jenario raised a dark eyebrow flecked with gray. “For that mishap, you’re lucky. Spell casting can be very rewarding, and very misleading.” He gestured to the opened book. “For the magic-user, there’s the ability to recognize words of power, and then there’s the ability to cast them. I like to call it INTAKE and RELEASE.”
Jenario held up his index finger. “Ever heard of the slave owner Shafari?”
A nod.
Jenario continued, “He was once a companion, and first pupil of mine. It was I who came up with the spells that HE misused, turning them into curses to run a slave compound!”
The same compound that Keith shut down? Abraham wanted to question, but instead asked, “Whatever happened to him?” He pulled his chair up to the table to join his father. He put the remaining paper in front of him.
“Evedentually, the use of curses wore down his talent. Now he’s about as useless as a street magician – illusion. Nowadays, it doesn’t amount to much but a few copper thrown at your feet.”
Abraham sat for a moment, thinking back to the days he only knew illusion. He remembered his chance meeting with the albino Healer, whose words came to him in a sudden realization.
“Illusion can be useful,” he said.
“Illusion is weak!” Jenario slid the book toward his son “You’re better than that! You have the release, Abraham, the ability to use magic. Why settle for something lesser when you can do so much more?”
To emphasis his words, Jenario held up the necklace containing his crimson stone. Its reflective surface captured his son’s inquisitive stare in the candlelight. Just inside rested a piece of the dark horn.
“How do you think I managed to obtain this?” Jenario questioned. “Not with illusion!”
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
New Music
Created some new music while I was on vacation. Nothing like getting inspired while you’re away from home!
Click on song title above and it takes you to the hosting site, Newgrounds.com. It’s mostly a gaming/comic site. But it works nicely for my music, too. You’ll be able to comment or download the song as you wish. Enjoy!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
What's This?
Transitioning into the Netherworld of Female Figures? I think not!
Okay, what's with the posing female pictures lately? Seriously, I'm not a big fan of killer mama bods and blossoming bazookas on any given person. So rest assured. I am NOT jumping over into the playboy-type fantasy genre.
Don't get me wrong, though. I could make some killer pics! That's what I see on a lot of fantasy artwork. I think it's mostly guys painting those images. They always want those double barrels with all legs showing. And after a while, it all seems to blur together.
It's one thing to do a commission. But there are limits. I want something "tasteful", not slushy. You don't order a banana split and end up getting a pile of melted sickness. I actually got that one day. It sucked.
The last image I had posted was my own character, Everest. But that's because someone requested a full portrait of her. I thought it would be more pleasing to draw her in that pose because it was a guy who had requested it, not to mention he thought she was hot looking to begin with. So I might as well make it worth the while.
Oh, but wouldn't it be funny to draw my main character as a hot magnet? LOL, yes the only person who would think so would be me. Then again, make it worth looking at and others would think so too. But to the point of the post, I shouldn't be doing those anytime soon unless I get a request. And a limited one at that. You'll notice that Everest has (it's still in sketch mode though) feathers covering her sugary goodness, and the commission has a sword covering her fluffiness.
Alluring, yet tasteful.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Everest Sketch
Quick sketch of Everest in her "mistress" pose. She appears in book two "Prince" when Keith goes to confront Lorens about his unruly brood.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Concept: The Gillieel
The Gillieel, breathes on both land and water. Comes into the shallows to breed, and is the biggest threat to land animals, or humans, for that matter. Creature concept I came up with the other night. Pretty creepy.
So… anyone up for some fishing?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Book Signing for Midlothian, VA
Anyone from the Midlothian area? If so, you're invited to a book signing and live art demo!
Urban Farmhouse Cafe
13872 Coalfield Commons Place Suite 102, Midlothian, VA 23114
This Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 11am - 1pm
Signing will be of book one "Wisdom"
Urban Farmhouse Cafe
13872 Coalfield Commons Place Suite 102, Midlothian, VA 23114
This Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 11am - 1pm
Signing will be of book one "Wisdom"
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Yuri's Home
Hope Yuri's immune to jelly poison... There's a new jellyfish type creature I created called Kha'lari. Those above aren't it. A full-size Kha'lari would take up the entire frame. Its sting would probably be fatal.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Guest Speaker & Road Blocks
It’s always exciting when you’re invited to speak on a subject you know quite well. But how do you plan for the things that don’t go as planned?
That’s what happened when I was invited to a local high school to talk about publishing and art to the students. I arrived thirty minutes beforehand to set up. Looking good, I thought as one of the faculty members came in to assist with the cables, only to find out they needed a second projecter because the main one wasn’t working.
Not a problem, I thought. I’ll just boot up my computer and check the internet connection.
Unfortunately, the internet connection wasn’t working, and I a lot of links to show. As the teachers rolled in the new projector, they tried to find the right cable that would fit my mac. Now, if I had brought an ipad, we would have been set. But none of the cables matched. So one of the teachers brought in her laptop for me to transfer all my powerpoint presentations to. Luckily, I brought one of my flashdrives. With the powerpoints transferred, we opened them up to test.
“Wait! My links are missing!” Not only that, but entire words were missing from the slides. Poof! Gone.
Wow! We had about five minutes left before students started coming in, and I was still fiddling with the thing when they did arrive. What evetually happened was this: we decided to run my laptop and hers at the same time. I would signal when to change the slides. It was fun, though, despite the fact that things weren’t looking so hot. But at least her computer worked. I know I lost some attention when we needed to mannually type in the links to what I needed to show, and sometimes my mac wasn’t timed currently with the current slide. But it still worked out okay.
I did mention one of my favorite authors during the presenation. Trish Terrell had sent me an email early that moring, and the subject matched so perfectly with my talk that I printed the email out to read to the class. Trish was an author I had met back when she only had about three to four books published at the time. I told the students how an agent had said she’d never be published and to give up. But I let them know that they were above people telling them their stuff was worthless. Trish had published about fifteen books since then, and so could they.
Nowadays, the road to publishing can lead down many paths. You just have to pick the one that fits you.
That brings me to another subject.
The Road Blocks of publishing.
I can’t believe what I’m hearing about not being able to get into bookstores. Why? Because of one tiny thing.
POD!!!! The infamous “Print-on-demand” issue. Although I believe it to be cost-effective, bookstores do not. That makes my publisher currently related to “Publish America.” The only bookstore that I managed to set up a book signing with was a local one. All others won’t accept it.
Darn… but I’m not going to worry about it.
Writer’s Market still comes out every year. Heh.
That’s what happened when I was invited to a local high school to talk about publishing and art to the students. I arrived thirty minutes beforehand to set up. Looking good, I thought as one of the faculty members came in to assist with the cables, only to find out they needed a second projecter because the main one wasn’t working.
Not a problem, I thought. I’ll just boot up my computer and check the internet connection.
Unfortunately, the internet connection wasn’t working, and I a lot of links to show. As the teachers rolled in the new projector, they tried to find the right cable that would fit my mac. Now, if I had brought an ipad, we would have been set. But none of the cables matched. So one of the teachers brought in her laptop for me to transfer all my powerpoint presentations to. Luckily, I brought one of my flashdrives. With the powerpoints transferred, we opened them up to test.
“Wait! My links are missing!” Not only that, but entire words were missing from the slides. Poof! Gone.
Wow! We had about five minutes left before students started coming in, and I was still fiddling with the thing when they did arrive. What evetually happened was this: we decided to run my laptop and hers at the same time. I would signal when to change the slides. It was fun, though, despite the fact that things weren’t looking so hot. But at least her computer worked. I know I lost some attention when we needed to mannually type in the links to what I needed to show, and sometimes my mac wasn’t timed currently with the current slide. But it still worked out okay.
I did mention one of my favorite authors during the presenation. Trish Terrell had sent me an email early that moring, and the subject matched so perfectly with my talk that I printed the email out to read to the class. Trish was an author I had met back when she only had about three to four books published at the time. I told the students how an agent had said she’d never be published and to give up. But I let them know that they were above people telling them their stuff was worthless. Trish had published about fifteen books since then, and so could they.
Nowadays, the road to publishing can lead down many paths. You just have to pick the one that fits you.
That brings me to another subject.
The Road Blocks of publishing.
I can’t believe what I’m hearing about not being able to get into bookstores. Why? Because of one tiny thing.
POD!!!! The infamous “Print-on-demand” issue. Although I believe it to be cost-effective, bookstores do not. That makes my publisher currently related to “Publish America.” The only bookstore that I managed to set up a book signing with was a local one. All others won’t accept it.
Darn… but I’m not going to worry about it.
Writer’s Market still comes out every year. Heh.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Guest Speaker
There’s a lot of good things I can get from
here on out. And lots of things going on in the meantime. For starters,
I’ve been invited to a local high school to be their guest speaker.
They’d like someone to talk about their publishing and art experience.
So I’ve been working on a powerpoint
presenation to share with the students. One of the things I wanted was
an art demo toward the end of the session. I’ve also painted a new image
of my main character as part of my notes.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Quit Grinning & Work!
“You’d have more luck with an octopus versus a girl like that, so don’t even think about it!” Mr. Phine brushed past the young man and stepped inside.
Mr. Phine and his grandson, Joseph. A comical pair that you first meet in book two "Prince". Painted in Photoshop.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Blog Hop
THE NEXT BIG THING
What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them. I hope you’ll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy. On this stop on the blog hop, you’ll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to other writers to explore!
My gratitude to fellow author p.m.terrell for inviting me to participate in this event. You can click the following link to learn more about her work. Website: http://www.pmterrell.com/
In this blog hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered some questions about our works-in-progress (giving you a sneak peek). We’ve also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write-the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!
Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!
******
1: What is the working title of your book?
My next book will be called “No’va” and will take place in the past before the rise of the Dark Unicorn.
2. What genre does your book come under?
This particular series is medieval fantasy.
3: What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Prior to the creation of the Dark Unicorn, it introduces the first four humans into the world of No’va as they try to escape their current, ravaged homeland, and eventually lead their people to a location they believe is safe.
4: How did you develop the idea?
There’s another land mass on the other side of the ocean (an ocean I haven’t mentioned in the story as of yet). It’s there that humans will probably live, perhaps on the southern tip where magic doesn’t exit. The name of the land mass will be called Astra. The land they currently live in is called Mayla (for magic-less). My original idea had the people already living in a harash enviroment. I think what will happen is, Mayla is an overcrowded city with strict rules and regulations. There may be a lot of poor who need help and it’s not happening. So four friends rise up to lead the people out. I think what I’ll do is have the people already living away from the big city, and just hint the reason why they left. This way, they’ll be traveling through an unfamiliar landscape, maybe in the dead of winter.
5: Who are the main characters?
The main characters will be the first four humans: Thomas Gracie, Nickademis, Shafari & Jenario Onyx. Those already following the storyline would be familiar with these characters. In book one, it states which path each of the humans chose. One goes for power, the other money, one for healing, and one for knowledge. Of course, none of them start off that way when they leave Mayla. Once they get into the new world, we’ll then meet up with some of the other characters associated throughout the trilogy. But it’s because they are in this new world where magic exists that people begin to change.
6: Where does the story end?
The fourth book will take us up to the point where Jenario creates the Dark Unicorn.
7: How do you plan to transition a novel that takes place in the past to the rest of the books that are in the present?
Well, I didn’t want to focus on one person’s point of view. There needed to be several, like I’ve had throughout the series. So I thought I’d start the novel off with Wisdom being shown the past. That way, we’ll get to see whatever he sees, not just hear one person’s side of the story.
8: How many books do you plan in your Wisdom Novels series?
There will be two trilogies. The first is called Blue Moon Rising, and the second is Red Moon Rising. No’va will be book four that kicks off Red Moon Rising. I also plan to write one more after all six books are complete where the next generation comes into play. And, of course, there’s a whole different ball game going on due to the effect Dark Magic has on the landscape. Once all that is complete, I’ll probably plan some short stories that focuses on some of the side characters or events that didn’t get mentioned in the main storyline.
9: Do you plan any other genres?
I do have a couple of sci-fi books on hold at the moment. I was considering finishing one of them when I complete the first trilogy just to get it knocked off my to-do list. They’re stand-alone books – a good thing, considering the amount of work needed on my next trilogy. The other thing I need to complete is a western fantasy short story series, yes series. Probably about five of them. I completed the first one, received a comment to write more, so I’ll definitely have to swing around to write the second part when I get a chance.
10: As an illustrator, do you paint your own cover art for the books?
Of course! And everyone else’s too! You can check out all my artwork on my main website: http://www.WisdomNovels.com
******
So, who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?
Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blog, next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!
Grace’s blog: http://storytellergirlgrace.wordpress.com/
Mark Covington: http://vmarkcovington.com/
JJ McMoon: http://www.jjmcmoon.com/JJ_McMoon/Writer.html
What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them. I hope you’ll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy. On this stop on the blog hop, you’ll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to other writers to explore!
My gratitude to fellow author p.m.terrell for inviting me to participate in this event. You can click the following link to learn more about her work. Website: http://www.pmterrell.com/
In this blog hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered some questions about our works-in-progress (giving you a sneak peek). We’ve also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write-the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!
Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!
******
1: What is the working title of your book?
My next book will be called “No’va” and will take place in the past before the rise of the Dark Unicorn.
2. What genre does your book come under?
This particular series is medieval fantasy.
3: What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Prior to the creation of the Dark Unicorn, it introduces the first four humans into the world of No’va as they try to escape their current, ravaged homeland, and eventually lead their people to a location they believe is safe.
4: How did you develop the idea?
There’s another land mass on the other side of the ocean (an ocean I haven’t mentioned in the story as of yet). It’s there that humans will probably live, perhaps on the southern tip where magic doesn’t exit. The name of the land mass will be called Astra. The land they currently live in is called Mayla (for magic-less). My original idea had the people already living in a harash enviroment. I think what will happen is, Mayla is an overcrowded city with strict rules and regulations. There may be a lot of poor who need help and it’s not happening. So four friends rise up to lead the people out. I think what I’ll do is have the people already living away from the big city, and just hint the reason why they left. This way, they’ll be traveling through an unfamiliar landscape, maybe in the dead of winter.
5: Who are the main characters?
The main characters will be the first four humans: Thomas Gracie, Nickademis, Shafari & Jenario Onyx. Those already following the storyline would be familiar with these characters. In book one, it states which path each of the humans chose. One goes for power, the other money, one for healing, and one for knowledge. Of course, none of them start off that way when they leave Mayla. Once they get into the new world, we’ll then meet up with some of the other characters associated throughout the trilogy. But it’s because they are in this new world where magic exists that people begin to change.
6: Where does the story end?
The fourth book will take us up to the point where Jenario creates the Dark Unicorn.
7: How do you plan to transition a novel that takes place in the past to the rest of the books that are in the present?
Well, I didn’t want to focus on one person’s point of view. There needed to be several, like I’ve had throughout the series. So I thought I’d start the novel off with Wisdom being shown the past. That way, we’ll get to see whatever he sees, not just hear one person’s side of the story.
8: How many books do you plan in your Wisdom Novels series?
There will be two trilogies. The first is called Blue Moon Rising, and the second is Red Moon Rising. No’va will be book four that kicks off Red Moon Rising. I also plan to write one more after all six books are complete where the next generation comes into play. And, of course, there’s a whole different ball game going on due to the effect Dark Magic has on the landscape. Once all that is complete, I’ll probably plan some short stories that focuses on some of the side characters or events that didn’t get mentioned in the main storyline.
9: Do you plan any other genres?
I do have a couple of sci-fi books on hold at the moment. I was considering finishing one of them when I complete the first trilogy just to get it knocked off my to-do list. They’re stand-alone books – a good thing, considering the amount of work needed on my next trilogy. The other thing I need to complete is a western fantasy short story series, yes series. Probably about five of them. I completed the first one, received a comment to write more, so I’ll definitely have to swing around to write the second part when I get a chance.
10: As an illustrator, do you paint your own cover art for the books?
Of course! And everyone else’s too! You can check out all my artwork on my main website: http://www.WisdomNovels.com
******
So, who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?
Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blog, next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!
Grace’s blog: http://storytellergirlgrace.wordpress.com/
Mark Covington: http://vmarkcovington.com/
JJ McMoon: http://www.jjmcmoon.com/JJ_McMoon/Writer.html
Friday, February 1, 2013
Accomplishments
It’s okay to be proud of something, especially if you know you’ve foot the bill, you’ve spent the time, you’ve made the calls to get your baby out there to the world. I may not be a best-seller, but I DO SELL BOOKS!
I don’t see anything wrong with self-publishing through lulu, through Create Space, or any other POD (print on demand) service. That’s where I started. I bought my own copies and went out selling. As long as you continue to hold the rights to your work, truck it where you please, and get it out there. Sometimes big publishers take notice of you doing well and want to pick it up. But if that’s the case, are you better off without a big publisher?
There are good things to having a nice, traditional publisher. I switched my first novel from lulu to Agile Writer Press in order to get them into bookstores. Thus far, it’s working locally. But this is a test for both of us. We’re both knew to the real world of publishing. Everything we do from here on out is trial and error. So I suppose I’m the guinea pig, but this guinea pig’s trying.
I once sat with an author during a book signing. She had wanted me there because I did her cover art. Would have made some awesome connections if the woman had actually participated herself. Instead, she sat there like a bump on a log and said nothing. Guess who had to do all the work?
Look, if I don’t know you or your book, I’m NOT going to be the best publicist!
So now I know not to just sit quietly at a table. But I tend to do better if other people are around that I know. That might help others as well. Maybe my being with that other author helped her. Maybe…
Last night I attended the James River Writers group and learned a little about what booksellers expect from both publishers and authors when it comes to setting up book tours and getting them in the stores. Some want the publisher to contact them. Some want to speak direclty to the author. It’s was really interesting, and I enjoyed seeing good friends that I hadn’t seen in a while.
On an active note, I also stopped by my high school and spoke with the chair person for the English department. I offered a copy of my novel and art book, and hopefully we’ll see if teachers will be interested in having me speak in their class. That’s always a treat!
And let’s not forget the “GREAT NEWS” of the month! On Saturday, March 16, 2013 I’ll be doing a book signing at the Barnes & Noble bookseller on Midlothian Turnpike. The bookstore is at the Chesterfield Town Center Mall from 2-4pm. I would love for everyone to come out, even if you’re not buying a book, and let’s get that bookstore rocking! Check out my Facebook page if you’re planning to attend!
I don’t see anything wrong with self-publishing through lulu, through Create Space, or any other POD (print on demand) service. That’s where I started. I bought my own copies and went out selling. As long as you continue to hold the rights to your work, truck it where you please, and get it out there. Sometimes big publishers take notice of you doing well and want to pick it up. But if that’s the case, are you better off without a big publisher?
There are good things to having a nice, traditional publisher. I switched my first novel from lulu to Agile Writer Press in order to get them into bookstores. Thus far, it’s working locally. But this is a test for both of us. We’re both knew to the real world of publishing. Everything we do from here on out is trial and error. So I suppose I’m the guinea pig, but this guinea pig’s trying.
I once sat with an author during a book signing. She had wanted me there because I did her cover art. Would have made some awesome connections if the woman had actually participated herself. Instead, she sat there like a bump on a log and said nothing. Guess who had to do all the work?
Look, if I don’t know you or your book, I’m NOT going to be the best publicist!
So now I know not to just sit quietly at a table. But I tend to do better if other people are around that I know. That might help others as well. Maybe my being with that other author helped her. Maybe…
Last night I attended the James River Writers group and learned a little about what booksellers expect from both publishers and authors when it comes to setting up book tours and getting them in the stores. Some want the publisher to contact them. Some want to speak direclty to the author. It’s was really interesting, and I enjoyed seeing good friends that I hadn’t seen in a while.
On an active note, I also stopped by my high school and spoke with the chair person for the English department. I offered a copy of my novel and art book, and hopefully we’ll see if teachers will be interested in having me speak in their class. That’s always a treat!
And let’s not forget the “GREAT NEWS” of the month! On Saturday, March 16, 2013 I’ll be doing a book signing at the Barnes & Noble bookseller on Midlothian Turnpike. The bookstore is at the Chesterfield Town Center Mall from 2-4pm. I would love for everyone to come out, even if you’re not buying a book, and let’s get that bookstore rocking! Check out my Facebook page if you’re planning to attend!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Friday Teaser
This is a snippet from my latest chapter, taken from book three “Healer”
*****
Upon entry, he found Ashpin leaning against the window overlooking the front yard. A few voices floated in from below, those of merchants and items being loaded onto carts.
“You all right?” Wisdom asked. “You were quiet on the ride back yesterday.”
Ashpin shrugged. “Just… thinking.”
Wisdom left the door open as he strolled closer to the window. A series of squeaking carts from below confirmed the merchants leaving for town. “About what Lord Gracie said?”
The boy continued to watch the merchants as he spoke. “Sometimes I have to wonder about all the things my mother talked about while she was sick. I learned to believe the ones when I knew she was aware, and just listen to the ones when I knew it was just…” He finally looked over to the prince. “You know.”
Wisdom remained quiet, and only gave a slight nod in understanding. He recalled when his own mother had taken ill. Never once had he doubted her words to discover what he was or where he came from. Then again, she had been well enough to tell him before the illness completely claimed her, while Ashpin’s mother had lingered in uneasy cycles between truth and fiction.
“Did she ever mention if anything happened to your father?” he asked.
“No.” Back to the window again.
An awkward silence lingered while the prince thought of a way to liven the mood. News of the boy’s father darkened the room; its presence was a testimony to Osha’s warning. There were no more carts outside. The last of the merchants had disappeared under the draping trees a few minutes back heading into town. It was there the prince needed to be, and with that thought an idea emerged.
*****
Upon entry, he found Ashpin leaning against the window overlooking the front yard. A few voices floated in from below, those of merchants and items being loaded onto carts.
“You all right?” Wisdom asked. “You were quiet on the ride back yesterday.”
Ashpin shrugged. “Just… thinking.”
Wisdom left the door open as he strolled closer to the window. A series of squeaking carts from below confirmed the merchants leaving for town. “About what Lord Gracie said?”
The boy continued to watch the merchants as he spoke. “Sometimes I have to wonder about all the things my mother talked about while she was sick. I learned to believe the ones when I knew she was aware, and just listen to the ones when I knew it was just…” He finally looked over to the prince. “You know.”
Wisdom remained quiet, and only gave a slight nod in understanding. He recalled when his own mother had taken ill. Never once had he doubted her words to discover what he was or where he came from. Then again, she had been well enough to tell him before the illness completely claimed her, while Ashpin’s mother had lingered in uneasy cycles between truth and fiction.
“Did she ever mention if anything happened to your father?” he asked.
“No.” Back to the window again.
An awkward silence lingered while the prince thought of a way to liven the mood. News of the boy’s father darkened the room; its presence was a testimony to Osha’s warning. There were no more carts outside. The last of the merchants had disappeared under the draping trees a few minutes back heading into town. It was there the prince needed to be, and with that thought an idea emerged.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Album on Amazon.com
NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH AMAZON. COM AS MP3 DOWNLOADS!!!!
Artist: Supabon
Type: Classical
Tracks (12 minutes)
1) "So We Fall" piano w/ strings, Fall theme music
2) "Transcendence" Trance/remix
3) "No'va" Theme music for novel
4) "First Snow" winter theme music
Sunday, January 13, 2013
SCBWI
This is why I love being a member of SCBWI (society of children's books, writers & illustrators) because I get cool stuff in the mail!
So this morning I was browsing through their quarterly magazine when I came across a site known as issuu.com. So I checked it out. The article written on it suggested that it helped offer free sample chapters for potential readers who might want to try your published works in the future. It's a simple program, it's free, and all you do is click on the link and your book opens up. Simple as that.
Now, I uploaded a PDF version of my novel so that it looks like how it's laid out in the actual book. So that's cool. I don't have to worry about clicking on extra links like you had to do in another version I had uploaded to my site earlier.
This is way better. Way. Better. And fast.
So this morning I was browsing through their quarterly magazine when I came across a site known as issuu.com. So I checked it out. The article written on it suggested that it helped offer free sample chapters for potential readers who might want to try your published works in the future. It's a simple program, it's free, and all you do is click on the link and your book opens up. Simple as that.
Now, I uploaded a PDF version of my novel so that it looks like how it's laid out in the actual book. So that's cool. I don't have to worry about clicking on extra links like you had to do in another version I had uploaded to my site earlier.
This is way better. Way. Better. And fast.
Free Sample Chapter
Discovered this cool little site to upload chapters so people can browse through for free. So here's a little sample for my first novel "Wisdom" using www.issuu.com platform. It's pretty neat!
http://issuu.com/bonbon32
http://issuu.com/bonbon32
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