Virgil Allen Moore's Blog

So far, I've found it funny just how hard it is to get a review as an independent author. I know there are people that know far more than I do about how to get a review, but I admit I am clearly not one of them. 

With that said I took the time to get an honest review and it turned out to be a very fair review that I was proud to read. 

However one thing always perplexes me: where do I get my book professionally edited??? I've looked online with no result except for scams or very exorbitant prices. I've asked others with no results. With the only suggestion being peer review. So of course I went to Grammarly. I've used that software for the last 2 years and it's corrected a whole hell of a lot of my errors. But, I'm still amazed that there are errors pointed out that the software didn't catch. Small things here and there, which when spoken don't sound wrong at all to the ear, but when written seem to be a portal straight to evil. Or at least that's what it seems like when they're pointed out. 

It is with all this in consideration, that I am very happy to boast about the fact that my books will be made into audiobooks. Because generally an audiobook listener doesn't gripe about a typo, a syntax error, or even a run-on paragraph. It truly is liberating to see the differences in the reviews of a independently published book on Kindle and the same book on Audible. With The Spellmonger series being my most precious poster child for success. His first book was trounced by reviewers for spelling errors and other issues with the Kindle book. But the Audible version lacks nearly all of that and only focuses on what people liked or disliked about the book. It's a real eye opener when you realize that with the spoken word as a medium for a story, what prevails is the story itself. 

So with that said, I do have a text review as a link below. Check it out and I hope it helps you decide if you want to download the book this weekend for free through Kindle. 

http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...

Nicess The Wanderer Review

Sincerely, 

Virgil Allen Moore

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Calling all those that so get this email! 

If you missed the last giveaway of Nicess The Wanderer, this weekend will be your chance. 

Friday, March 25th to Sunday March 27th, the book will be free on Kindle. 

And if you enjoy my work, please, please write a review. I know there are those that are triggered by several elements of this book, and that I can't help and won't. I stand by my writing. However, I was hit by those two people right out of the gate. And so far, no one has taken a chance on the book. So please, if you have any interest in the book. Read a few chapters or even the whole book, and write a review. Even if you hate it, put it in writing, not just a starred review rating. Your words mean a lot to me. 

Sincerely, 

Virgil Allen Moore

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 I've done a few things sine my last post...

Mainly, I wrote out that book I was thinking of and decided not to beat myself over the head with two years of submissions. Yes, I know that's the correct way to a full career as a writer, but I've come to the conclusion that isn't for me. I'm an amateur writer with a very niche audience. That doesn't sell well when trying to advertise to the masses. Plus, I tend to hand splling errrrerrss. And that does detract from the story when reading. Granted, Grammarly has helped in that greatly. 

So, with that said, I've done a few things to help the process of actually getting the stories that you, the very few and devoted will enjoy and appreciate, to you in an easier format. And for that reason, I've been working with two amazing producers on Audible. They will be bringing my new book, Nicess The Wanderer to Audible later this year. 

I'm also working with a talented producer to start to bring back The Redgold Series. Beginning with Special Science Report 1192 and then going from there. But since I've already written the same main story three times with Demon Vampire, and frankly, I'm not up for another rewrite at this time, I'll be attempting a new take. One of the major things I've seen in the positive reviews for the series is about the character Del and his story of love and loss. This has been such an overarching mention that even the negative reviews speak of him fondly. So, I'm sensing a trend here;) A lot of you like the stoic dedicated and focused young man that is willing to work hard for his goals. Okay, I can run with that. When I have the time, which will be later this year, in between writing the rest of Drawing Power, the second book in the Immutable Magic series with Nicess, I'll be retelling Del's story. Now I am aware that based in my prior timelines, that probably means sometime in the next three years, but I will try to stick to this year if possible. 

Since one of the major issues for Demon Vampire's story was that I had too many stories and jumped back and forth between the timelines, I'll be focusing on one. Del's own book. Obviously, the bulk of the story is already in Demon Vampire, but I'll be fleshing out all that into at least a solid novella around 30,000-45,000 words. It'll be voiced on audible of course. And I'll be releasing it in hardcover for those that cherish the story.

Now, back to Nicess The Wanderer. 

I'll be holding a free book giveaway next weekend on 1.29.22-1.30.22. That's two days to download the book for free. It's normally only $0.99, but for those that are always on the fence about getting a book, this is for you. To everyone else that can afford a buck, have at. But, read the sample chapters first. This book is outlandish, bombastic, painful at times, and has things that may trigger a lot of people. So be forewarned. For he rest of you that actually take the time to read it for the steady power climb of magical insanity and the thirsty nature of the main character, I honestly hope you enjoy it. I had a blast writing it and I think it shows. 

I know it's been a long journey this past decade. But I have found my passion for writing again. And I've reaffirmed my hatred for marketing as a whole. So besides sharing the book a few times here and there, I'm not doing it. I'm relying solely on you. Tell a friend or write a review for my books. That's all I ask. Two sentences to a friend or copy and paste something general about the way I write. It would help me more than you know. 

I also want to thank you all in advance for your support. No, I don't have a Patreon account, and I don't ask for donations. So, don't worry about that. All I ask for is a little time for a review. That's what keeps me going sometimes. Writing is supposed to be fun and I've found that level of enrichment again. 

Sincerely, 

Virgil Allen Moore 

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12 years ago I remember submitting 187 query letters. That was painful. The amount didn't hurt, only getting used to the silence. At the time I didn't really know that the silence is normal in this industry. 
Last night I began to consider something. I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks lately, and a single audio publisher kept coming up. So I began to do a little research. I found that this company publishes almost everything I like. I found that they tend to choose stories that they enjoy. And I found that they're willing to work with authors that have tried to put their work out there already. They seem like a really good company. And that's why this is such a hard decision. 

This is the stack of returned mail from that campaign 12 years ago. I've had it on my bookshelf ever since. Actually it was on top of my bookshelf out of my line of sight, for a good reason. I didn't think about it until I pulled it down, but even looking at the stack of envelopes brings me pain. At the same time I'm still considering inviting that pain back. I want to do it again. I want to try again with the experience that I now have. I've written more. I've read more. I've grown up. And more importantly I understand more. I know to expect a lot of silence. I know to expect rejection. And I know when not to get overly excited when the first glimmer of interest is shown. Temperance is a wonderful teacher in that regard. Of course I can say this now, but back then I felt like a small slug of metal being hammered into a shape that I didn't want to be. And with all that comes back to me, like a weight on my chest, I still want to try again. 
I miss my characters. I miss getting to know them and their adventures. I miss knowing what they think and how they would react to anything I would throw in front of them. I want them back. And I see this as a way to rekindle my connection to them. 
So yes, I will try again. I will be more selective this time around in my queries, but I will try. 
This weekend I will be writing the first query. The first step is to follow the signs on the road laid out by an agent. When every marker and correct maneuver has been made, I see myself getting to the end of that road. From there it'll require more hard work. More rewrites. And I know at least a little more pain. But as I said, I'm willing to try again. 
Bring on the pain. 
Sincerely, 
Virgil Allen MooreSubscribe To http://feeds.feedburner.com/DemonVampire

This is a little different than my normal writing, but I've been a bit too lazy lately and this it seems has picked me back up, so I'm running with it.

This is the first chapter of my new story, The White Mage, Nicess the Wanderer. I hope you enjoy it.




The White Mage



I am the god-damn phoenix down mother fucker that goes ba-bump in the nightmares of all those who Wilhelm their last.I am the white mage.At least that's what I think I am in this world. Where ever the hell this is, I seem to know it a little too well.At the edge of town, there is an inn with a bar on the first floor. It’s the place where everyone knows my name. And why shouldn’t they know my name? I’m the one that saves their lives on a weekly basis. All manner of adventurers come through, but they all ask for one thing if they’re smart. And where can I find a healer? And the barkeep points to a table in the back where I usually sit. Most of the time, it’s a large burly He-Man that wants someone to keep him healthy for an upcoming raid on whatever threat of the week. Other times it’s a lone ranger looking to stop a bent wizard trying to raise an army of mutant orcs. And yet still I’ll get the occasional twit that asks me to bring back their dead loved one that passed more than ten days ago. But the answer to all but a few of them is the same. Fuck off; I’m busy. And that’s when most swords, bows, or fists are drawn and readied to strike. It’s my mouth that gets me into these kinds of trouble. A year of it and you’d think I’d have my fair share of cuts, scars, and bruises. But, you’d be wrong. For if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s preventing damage before it ever happens. A simple Sanctuary spell with a side of Shield on the ready is all I ever really need. And less than an hour later, another one walks right back up to the bar, and it starts over again. It’s a fresh cup of mead, but the same story. And until then I wait patiently.For what? If not something new, then something old. New spells. At least to me. Each time I accept work, cure a disease or raise the recently dead, it’s in my never-ending search for knowledge. I can make food and water, even shelter through spells. Unlike all other clerics of my station that were called to their position by a higher power. I sought out the meaning of existence and for a deity in this world that suited my needs. At least to listen to my bitching for a while when I first got here and didn’t understand where I was. I still don’t know what this is exactly, or where I am supposed to be, Hell, Limbo, or even another dimension, but it’s real enough for me. So I proceeded to worship a point in my mind with the singular goal of obtaining more understanding of the fabric of this life. Most often than not I’ve found it’s while I’m nursing a cup of mead and remembering my old life. And it’s with that power that I operate as a healer. I don’t say prayers; I don’t meditate for spells, I don’t even have to think to prepare them. I know them. And I know that I’ll always have access to the ones I need when I need them. Call it what you will. I call it convenient.So that’s how my evenings would go. I’d shoot down nearly every request that wasn’t related to a spell in the most callous way possible. Then I’d smile at the end of the day. On occasion, I’d end up in a cave or a tent for a week with smelly adventurers that didn’t know what soap was. Or sometimes I’d end up getting lucky and sleeping in a comfortable bed in town. That was my norm. Until the night it wasn’t.There were eight people in the bar that night, not including the owner, when a thin tower of everything I’m not, wrapped up in tight leather, walked in.Legs slid up to me without asking around for a healer. She said something, and I didn’t listen to anything except the tone of her voice. It was calm, smooth. I don’t even remember saying, okay, but I knew I had accepted something after the entire room stopped and looked in my direction.“Good, so you’ll help me get back the broach?” Her voice was almost too quick. But since my comprehension had come back to me, my face sunk when I realized what had happened. “Are you okay?”She had noticed, and I took a moment to regain my composure. “Of course I am. I’m-” I thought about my regular line of bravado and snark. It didn’t seem right. “-The-“Her bright eyes stared at me in the silence. “Are you sure you can help me? You don't look that strong for a caster.”My lips didn’t move, my hair just furled and eye twitched. I glared at her. I must have seemed partially ominous. Besides the dirty white robe, I’m not much. I’m not very threatening. On a wet day, I'm a hundred and fifteen pounds. And that includes my everyday carry.“Are you sure you’re the white mage?” 
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The third season, after that night with the orc, my spoon had become stained with red blood. The DM took my character sheet and wrote down, "Red Wooden Cooking Spoon" under one of my attack slots. It was now a magical weapon that had a +1 to attack and damage with an unknown critical bonus. He said I could feel power covering from the spoon as I held it. So I kept on holding it.

  In towns, it was always in my hand. Whenever there was a fight, I was immediately ready to attack. And based on the rules in 3rd edition, I would normally have to spend an action to draw my weapon. But since no one questioned my spoon as a weapon, I usually got the first strike in. By this point, my spoon was doing actually slicing damage. I hadn't gotten a critical, but that was about to change.

  We were in a fight with some bandits and had gotten to fifth level. Everyone was kicking ass, except for me. First tier wizards are still not great fighters when with a magical spoon. So I was more or less barely holding my own. Until I rolled a critical natural twenty. As it landed, the DM explained that I felt a rush magic surge through the spoon and tear open the armor of my bandit. A second later, his intestines spilled out onto the ground and he died. Everyone turned to me in awe. I held the spoon high and grinned at the other bandits in game. Their moral dropped and they gave up.

The DM took my sheet again and wrote down, "Red Wooden Cooking Spoon of Disembowelment." It has an automatic kill on a natural twenty attack roll. I was gaining strength, but I was still a two and a half foot aquatic pixie. At this point in the game, we were seventh level, about to turn eight. I had managed to stay alive and I was starting to do some damage with spells for a change, using my spoon as a wand.

All was well until we decided to steal a few magic items.

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On my second challenge, the party has received a contract to hunt down a pack of six orcs. But before we were to leave, the group wanted to resupply. The ranger went to the fletcher, the barbarian went to the blacksmith, and the monk went to the cemetery to meditate. I asked to go to the magic shop. The

Again, we traveled outside the city and were attacked immediately by our prey. This was a running joke in the group to speed up finding the combat. In the same way as the last, I called out my enemy, one this time.

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I wanted to tell you about my first time I ever min/maxed a character.

The idea of a min/max is to get a few select traits of a character to be as high as the rules will allow by lowering the rest of the characters traits as much as possible within the rule set. Usually, it's a broken character. Doing massive amounts of damage in combat and never being able to reliably open a simple unlocked door. But broken can be fun. And at the time, a friend of mine wanted to start a first level any alignment campaign in 3rd edition dungeons and dragons. Since I had only played once several years ago and since I had read more of the supplemental books since then, I wanted to min/max.

  My concept was pretty fun. At the time, monster races were there thing to do and my DM was pretty slack about it. I liked the entire idea of wizards, after my fun experience with my last character, and thought of ways to improve things. I didn't like being hit in combat, so I chose of all things a Nixie. An aquatic pixie that has a swim speed, can breathe under water, and had a size category adjustment of +4 to his armor class. Meaning that he was hard to hit and could run if in a tight spot. The world I was everything had lots of rivers and streams, so I thought it was a great idea to mitigate the risks of being a wizard at low levels.

  I was incredibly wrong.

  During our first adventure, my group left to stop a band of kobolds from ransacking the travelling merchants in the area. A human ranger, a were-rhino barbarian, and an undead wight monk, and me a Nixie, set forth down the path out of town. The next morning we were attacked by eight kobolds with spears. As you might imagine, the DM was being nice and only sent one after me and the rest against the main party. And all too quickly, the ranger, barbarian, and monk had taken down seven kobolds. And then there was me. I blew my only magic missile and did one point of damage. Then it was on to my only weapon, a dagger. The first strike from the kobold landed with a lucky roll, and did two points out of the six health I had to start. My next attack swung beside him and missed. Then another lucky roll. There damage, I was down to one point of health. At this time, I had run away over a hill in an attempt to single out the enemy. Ironically, it was this reason why the rest of my group didn't come to help. I wasn't in ear shot anymore. The kobold was down to three points of health and I needed a miracle. I lunged and prayed and rolled an attack of nine and missed. Three next swing at me took me down to negative health. I yelled in pain and I was unconscious. The rest of the group finally heard me and was able to save me from the final blow.

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When I was sixteen, I had been transferred to my second high school and ended up talking with a group of kids that liked to play Magic. About a month into knowing them, one of them showed me a new book they had been reading; Dungeons and Dragons 3.0. At this point, I had never heard of pen and paper role-playing games at all. So I asked about it, and we all decided to start a game. He let me borrow the book, I read a good amount of it, and I made a character. First time ever, a gnome wizard with an owl familiar and a dagger. All black clothing (I was sixteen), and white hair ( I played a lot of Final Fantasy 7), and he was four foot tall (the DM was slack on the personal non-game details).

  The first session the DM told us we were in a medium sized town and asked us where we were and what we planned to do. I told him I was in the town square meditating near the well. He told me there was no town square. So I asked to go to the market. He said there was no market. I was a little confused as to why a medium sized town wouldn't have either, but I went with it. I then asked if they had a weapons shop. He finally said yes, and I started walking to the shop. It was early morning, and the DM went to the other players, asking what they wanted to do. My turn came around again. I arrived at the weapons shop to find a very large creature sleeping on a heavy display case. This is about a week from the first time I picked up the book and about ten minutes into my first session ever. So what did I do as a level one wizard? I cast sleep on the half-orc creature that happened to be the shop owner. The DM looked at me with confusion. His longtime friend turned to him with an oh god. It dawns on the DM what I am about to do as I immediately walk into the back of the shop and start opening the crates and taking everything I can into my backpack. I get several rounds of stealing in before I simply walk out. The DM informs me that I get about two blocks down the street when I hear screaming coming from the direction of the weapons shop. 

  On the third turn of the session, I met up with the rest of the party members, and they decided to go to the weapons shop. I said nothing in character. When we got there, there were two hulking guards and the half-orc staring down all of my party members, except me, the lowly wizard gnome.

   I hope you enjoyed this little story. If you did, comment and let me know, I have almost twenty years of these stories and I'm more than willing the write about them or possibly do a video on them.  Subscribe To http://feeds.feedburner.com/DemonVampire

 I'll be hosting an AMA on Creating People May 30th.
https://authorsama.amafeed.com/creating-people-ama-writing-characters-that-feel-act-and-react-as-504630
Want to know how to write the perfect character for your story? Ask Me Anything and find out how.

Have you ever wondered how to come up with a good character for your story? What makes a good character? What traits should you give them to stand out as a protagonist? Should them be young, old, short, tall, or green? What are the things you should think about when thinking about them? What should your readers think about them? I'll be covering all that and allowing everyone to Ask Me Anything on the subject. Anything from your specific ideas to what should you add or subtract from a character concept.  Subscribe To http://feeds.feedburner.com/DemonVampire