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!

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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

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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

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!