Martyn Stanley's Blog - Posts Tagged "dark-fantasy"
The Blood Queen
The Blood Queen is coming! It's going to be long and different. We're going to learn what 'Deathsworn' means and we're going to have a much better feel for who Vashni really is. I can't wait to get it finished and out there!
Martyn
Martyn
Read any of 'The Deathsworn Arc'?
If you have, did you enjoy it? If you did, how about supporting it by voting it on one or two of these lists:-
https://www.goodreads.com/list/book/1...
Can you remember the story? Why not have a go at the trivia questions! Book 1 quiz can be found here:-
https://www.goodreads.com/trivia/work...
Book 2 quiz is here:-
https://www.goodreads.com/trivia/work...
Enjoy!
Martyn
https://www.goodreads.com/list/book/1...
Can you remember the story? Why not have a go at the trivia questions! Book 1 quiz can be found here:-
https://www.goodreads.com/trivia/work...
Book 2 quiz is here:-
https://www.goodreads.com/trivia/work...
Enjoy!
Martyn
More progress!
I've been through the second edit of the chapter with the big fight scenes of 'The Blood Queen'.
It's been tough - but I'm through it and happier with the text. I think it's tough to write an action scene without overdoing the long sentences. One thing I try to keep telling myself is 'short, sharp, punchy sentences' of course the best writing has an ebb and flow of long and short sentences and this keeps the text interesting. My sin is to use too many, too long sentences - but I think my editing is working well to correct it.
Isis Sousa has more or less finished the image for book 2! I have a new blurb, I'm just waiting for my proofer to go through book 2 with me. The new book 2 should be the definitive version.
I didn't want to make editorial changes, but some of the material in book 2 is very strong and has the potential to put sensitive people off the series. The new version will be a much more rounded story, with less outright sadistic treatment by the villains.
The main thing early readers need to know, that they missed if they read the first edition - is that the Verkreath has a human helping them. He's a main character, you haven't missed much though. All book 2 tells you is that he exists and that he was assisting the Verkreath. We learn little more about him in book 3 : The Blood Queen. Book 3 is more focused on Cormaroth, the Empress, the Heart Stones and the Isharian Church. Of course you can image 'The Truth' has a part to play in the story, a big part to play.
I really can't wait to get the definitive book 2 out and the definitive book 3 out, but I can't rush it. I will not repeat my early mistake of releasing books before they're ready. I know it seems I've slowed down a lot, but when I write book 4 I will be proofing and editing as I write, so the finished article won't be such a monster to edit. Book 3 is longer than I originally said too! It's now 90,000 words, 50% longer than the first two books. I hope that doesn't put you off though, it needs to be that long - because a lot happens in book 3.
Martyn
It's been tough - but I'm through it and happier with the text. I think it's tough to write an action scene without overdoing the long sentences. One thing I try to keep telling myself is 'short, sharp, punchy sentences' of course the best writing has an ebb and flow of long and short sentences and this keeps the text interesting. My sin is to use too many, too long sentences - but I think my editing is working well to correct it.
Isis Sousa has more or less finished the image for book 2! I have a new blurb, I'm just waiting for my proofer to go through book 2 with me. The new book 2 should be the definitive version.
I didn't want to make editorial changes, but some of the material in book 2 is very strong and has the potential to put sensitive people off the series. The new version will be a much more rounded story, with less outright sadistic treatment by the villains.
The main thing early readers need to know, that they missed if they read the first edition - is that the Verkreath has a human helping them. He's a main character, you haven't missed much though. All book 2 tells you is that he exists and that he was assisting the Verkreath. We learn little more about him in book 3 : The Blood Queen. Book 3 is more focused on Cormaroth, the Empress, the Heart Stones and the Isharian Church. Of course you can image 'The Truth' has a part to play in the story, a big part to play.
I really can't wait to get the definitive book 2 out and the definitive book 3 out, but I can't rush it. I will not repeat my early mistake of releasing books before they're ready. I know it seems I've slowed down a lot, but when I write book 4 I will be proofing and editing as I write, so the finished article won't be such a monster to edit. Book 3 is longer than I originally said too! It's now 90,000 words, 50% longer than the first two books. I hope that doesn't put you off though, it needs to be that long - because a lot happens in book 3.
Martyn
1000 words of 'Mad God'
Well, I've had a busy weekend. I spent all day outside on Saturday, digging, mixing concrete, barrow-ing concrete, filling skips, driving the dumper and the digger (until the digger burst a hydraulic hose - guess we over-worked it?)
I suppose it's a sacrifice from having a large plot of land, living semi-rurally and developing as you go. It rained heavily all day, but strangely I wasn't miserable about it, I actually found it quite cathartic. We put an 8 foot wooden gatepost in, I put a stone one in last weekend - that was actually harder.
I've pushed on with my edits of 'The Blood Queen' and discussed some interesting plot tweaks with my primary beta-reader, so I can get a bit more character in now, and tie some loose ends up better later.
I've also written over 1000 words of 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God' my main gripe is that I haven't finished my book proposal! I really want to get this done. A publishing deal might not increase my revenue - it might make it go down. However it will strengthen my 'brand' and lend my stories credibility.
I'm really excited about part 4, I changed perspective and started writing from the point of view of the condemned girl who is to be burned at the stake as explained in book 3. It's a great, fresh way to start the book. I think it's going to be really exciting. I can't wait to explore her emotions and fears. I've really enjoyed writing this scene so far.
On a lighter note, I also actually tried to begin tackling my 7 year old daughter's 'Lego Hell' literally for a long time her floor has been 70% covered in bits of Lego, with just a narrow path to her bed. It doesn't help that her 3 year old brother loves to break up her models and spread the bits around, before pinching key components and hiding them in his 'hoarding drawer'. So I spent a couple of hours scouring the floor for bits and re-building models with her, and we cleared most of the floor, built the castle, built several vehicle and generally made a massive impact. There's still LOTS to do. I could spend a week building Lego's with her and we'd still be in a mess. I used to love Lego as a child, I'm learning to hate it and fear it as an adult... Building the castle was fun, but actually pretty tricky when all the bits are mixed, together, mixed with other bits and in some cases built into other random creations she or her brother has thrown up.
I almost feel the best advice to anyone who wants their child to enjoy Lego is not to buy models, but buy sets with no instructions and just let them be creative - although it could mean the sea of painful Lego bricks carpeting the floor ends up even greater and intimidating...
I suppose it's a sacrifice from having a large plot of land, living semi-rurally and developing as you go. It rained heavily all day, but strangely I wasn't miserable about it, I actually found it quite cathartic. We put an 8 foot wooden gatepost in, I put a stone one in last weekend - that was actually harder.
I've pushed on with my edits of 'The Blood Queen' and discussed some interesting plot tweaks with my primary beta-reader, so I can get a bit more character in now, and tie some loose ends up better later.
I've also written over 1000 words of 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God' my main gripe is that I haven't finished my book proposal! I really want to get this done. A publishing deal might not increase my revenue - it might make it go down. However it will strengthen my 'brand' and lend my stories credibility.
I'm really excited about part 4, I changed perspective and started writing from the point of view of the condemned girl who is to be burned at the stake as explained in book 3. It's a great, fresh way to start the book. I think it's going to be really exciting. I can't wait to explore her emotions and fears. I've really enjoyed writing this scene so far.
On a lighter note, I also actually tried to begin tackling my 7 year old daughter's 'Lego Hell' literally for a long time her floor has been 70% covered in bits of Lego, with just a narrow path to her bed. It doesn't help that her 3 year old brother loves to break up her models and spread the bits around, before pinching key components and hiding them in his 'hoarding drawer'. So I spent a couple of hours scouring the floor for bits and re-building models with her, and we cleared most of the floor, built the castle, built several vehicle and generally made a massive impact. There's still LOTS to do. I could spend a week building Lego's with her and we'd still be in a mess. I used to love Lego as a child, I'm learning to hate it and fear it as an adult... Building the castle was fun, but actually pretty tricky when all the bits are mixed, together, mixed with other bits and in some cases built into other random creations she or her brother has thrown up.
I almost feel the best advice to anyone who wants their child to enjoy Lego is not to buy models, but buy sets with no instructions and just let them be creative - although it could mean the sea of painful Lego bricks carpeting the floor ends up even greater and intimidating...
Publishing & Getting Published.
Despite my best attempts, I've never managed to get my books really 'moving'. I did about fifty copies in April, which was okay - but I'd like to be doing 50 a day, every day. Is that realistic? I have no idea.
I'm working on books 3 and four simultaneously now - editing 3 and writing 4. I have a second series in mind.
If I'm going to be able to pour as much time as I'd like into my writing, I need it to pay it's way a little more. To be frank I'd prefer to just be a writer, but I couldn't live on royalties alone at the moment.
To that end I'm still pursuing a publishing deal with someone who can get books in print and get them into wider distribution.
This morning I sent off a lengthy Book Proposal with synopsis, chapter synopsis, competing books, author profile, two manuscripts and a brief summary synopsis of the series. It was hard work putting it together. I just hope I get somewhere this time. I do have a 'plan B' to get wider distribution, but I want to rule out the traditional publishing route for this series first. If I can't secure a print deal - then I'll try again with my second series (still in my head at the moment!)
Writing is easy, getting into a position where writing is your primary source of income is NOT easy. Still, I will keep trying - I haven't failed until I've stopped trying. Even if I don't sell a single copy of Deathsworn Arc: The Blood Queen I am going to finish the series. Even if my series isn't a commercial success, I'm writing a second series. Writing has been a great source of direction.
I've also paid for my Creative Writing Module as part of my Open Degree with the Open University. It starts in October. Hopefully anything I put out after the course will be even higher quality, stronger writing than my earlier efforts.
I've written no more 'Mad God' yet, I'm going to perfect that first 1000 words first and make my first chapter as good as I can get it before I write on.
I'm working on books 3 and four simultaneously now - editing 3 and writing 4. I have a second series in mind.
If I'm going to be able to pour as much time as I'd like into my writing, I need it to pay it's way a little more. To be frank I'd prefer to just be a writer, but I couldn't live on royalties alone at the moment.
To that end I'm still pursuing a publishing deal with someone who can get books in print and get them into wider distribution.
This morning I sent off a lengthy Book Proposal with synopsis, chapter synopsis, competing books, author profile, two manuscripts and a brief summary synopsis of the series. It was hard work putting it together. I just hope I get somewhere this time. I do have a 'plan B' to get wider distribution, but I want to rule out the traditional publishing route for this series first. If I can't secure a print deal - then I'll try again with my second series (still in my head at the moment!)
Writing is easy, getting into a position where writing is your primary source of income is NOT easy. Still, I will keep trying - I haven't failed until I've stopped trying. Even if I don't sell a single copy of Deathsworn Arc: The Blood Queen I am going to finish the series. Even if my series isn't a commercial success, I'm writing a second series. Writing has been a great source of direction.
I've also paid for my Creative Writing Module as part of my Open Degree with the Open University. It starts in October. Hopefully anything I put out after the course will be even higher quality, stronger writing than my earlier efforts.
I've written no more 'Mad God' yet, I'm going to perfect that first 1000 words first and make my first chapter as good as I can get it before I write on.
More Agent Interest!
After another round of submissions inquiries, I've had several more requests for manuscripts!
I'm dabbling with the idea of trying my luck with YA and NA specializing agents. My fear is that 'Deathsworn Arc' is a little bit old for YA. I suppose I perceive YA as being 'teen' novels. Now I don't think my books are very suitable for under thirteen's. I actually think they are probably best suited to fifteen plus, maybe fourteen plus?
Superficially they are fantasy adventure stories. However they deal with some adult themes and they have some graphic violence in them.
They look at attraction, racism, inter-race relationships, senescence, longevity, the meaning of life, purpose, faith, morality, pragmatism, the notion of bravery and honor...
They also have a deeply routed theme of atheism and pragmatism. I can't explain why, but over the last few years I've become ruthlessly logical and rational, perhaps even a little 'cold'. I wonder if it's partly because of the increased presence of religious extremism in the news, and partly because my mother seems to be inclined to believe in anything and everything. I can't believe in anything, unless there is strong observable, repeatable evidence for it. When I rationally consider the existence of a creator god, I find it impossible to find a rational, logical route to one existing. I can find many rational, logical routes for primitive humans inventing a god and then later developing the idea.
When I decided to use my fantasy series to explore atheism and loss of faith, I wasn't sure it was a good idea. I try to keep it subtle, and keep the story about the characters. There's still a risk these themes could put off deeply religious people. That's a risk I'm willing to to take. A wise man once told me, if you want your work to be loved by some, you have to accept it might be hated by others. When you're trying to evoke strong emotions in your readers, you are taking a risk. Nobody likes a flat roller-coaster, or a plot without twists, people get enjoyment from being surprised.
I always like to have story elements cross books too, I want every book to feel both complete in it's own right, but also a part of a bigger story.
I managed to go through about 30 pages with my beta-reader come editor last night and managed to implement about 10 pages of edits! I'm now ready to start editing the chapter called 'The Challenge of Burgess'
Anyone who has read book 2 will know this chapter involves a duel... Or two :)
I'm dabbling with the idea of trying my luck with YA and NA specializing agents. My fear is that 'Deathsworn Arc' is a little bit old for YA. I suppose I perceive YA as being 'teen' novels. Now I don't think my books are very suitable for under thirteen's. I actually think they are probably best suited to fifteen plus, maybe fourteen plus?
Superficially they are fantasy adventure stories. However they deal with some adult themes and they have some graphic violence in them.
They look at attraction, racism, inter-race relationships, senescence, longevity, the meaning of life, purpose, faith, morality, pragmatism, the notion of bravery and honor...
They also have a deeply routed theme of atheism and pragmatism. I can't explain why, but over the last few years I've become ruthlessly logical and rational, perhaps even a little 'cold'. I wonder if it's partly because of the increased presence of religious extremism in the news, and partly because my mother seems to be inclined to believe in anything and everything. I can't believe in anything, unless there is strong observable, repeatable evidence for it. When I rationally consider the existence of a creator god, I find it impossible to find a rational, logical route to one existing. I can find many rational, logical routes for primitive humans inventing a god and then later developing the idea.
When I decided to use my fantasy series to explore atheism and loss of faith, I wasn't sure it was a good idea. I try to keep it subtle, and keep the story about the characters. There's still a risk these themes could put off deeply religious people. That's a risk I'm willing to to take. A wise man once told me, if you want your work to be loved by some, you have to accept it might be hated by others. When you're trying to evoke strong emotions in your readers, you are taking a risk. Nobody likes a flat roller-coaster, or a plot without twists, people get enjoyment from being surprised.
I always like to have story elements cross books too, I want every book to feel both complete in it's own right, but also a part of a bigger story.
I managed to go through about 30 pages with my beta-reader come editor last night and managed to implement about 10 pages of edits! I'm now ready to start editing the chapter called 'The Challenge of Burgess'
Anyone who has read book 2 will know this chapter involves a duel... Or two :)
Cover for 'The Blood Queen' is back on!
Had a pretty dismal weekend for sales of The Deathsworn Arc, 'The Last Dragon Slayer' sold one copy in the UK.
Not sure why things have dried up so suddenly.
I'm still hoping the release of 'The Blood Queen' will revitalize sales. The cover is back on, I've given feedback and I'm waiting for a new WIP.
I'm still editing and polishing my first 1000 words of 'Temple Of the Mad God' and I'm waiting for my beta-reader come editor to read the rest of 'The Blood Queen' before I start attacking it with my proof-reader.
I had some rejection from publishers and agents recently too. I may have to accept self-publishing is my only option for Deathsworn Arc and look at traditional publishing for my second series. I really need to understand why 'The Deathsworn Arc' isn't being picked up. I know it's a good story, I get generally good feedback. Readers enjoy it, I think people enjoy book 2 more than one, perhaps because the companions are not so much the bunch of strangers thrown together, as they were in book 1.
I do wonder if it's the atheist, free-thinking themes of the series that puts agents off. I find the topic of faith and religion fascinating though, and I don't know if I can write anything without involving it at some level.
Perhaps my fortune will improve with the release of book 3 'The Blood Queen' ?
Not sure why things have dried up so suddenly.
I'm still hoping the release of 'The Blood Queen' will revitalize sales. The cover is back on, I've given feedback and I'm waiting for a new WIP.
I'm still editing and polishing my first 1000 words of 'Temple Of the Mad God' and I'm waiting for my beta-reader come editor to read the rest of 'The Blood Queen' before I start attacking it with my proof-reader.
I had some rejection from publishers and agents recently too. I may have to accept self-publishing is my only option for Deathsworn Arc and look at traditional publishing for my second series. I really need to understand why 'The Deathsworn Arc' isn't being picked up. I know it's a good story, I get generally good feedback. Readers enjoy it, I think people enjoy book 2 more than one, perhaps because the companions are not so much the bunch of strangers thrown together, as they were in book 1.
I do wonder if it's the atheist, free-thinking themes of the series that puts agents off. I find the topic of faith and religion fascinating though, and I don't know if I can write anything without involving it at some level.
Perhaps my fortune will improve with the release of book 3 'The Blood Queen' ?
I've seen a WIP!
The latest cover WIP by Isis Sousa is very, very close.
It's a really great image. I'm desperate to share it, but I need to get closer to finishing the text. I am going to incorporate the portrait of Saul from the cover into the book 1 profiles. Vashni is looking great.
I feel a little bit scared about releasing book 3. I've had such great feedback for book 2, that I think the change of pace and tone in 3, well - it could go either way. My biggest concern is that not enough people press on to book 2. I get great feedback for book 1, but book 2 is still not really moving. In some respects I think - should I have written one, 2 million word epic? It'd take a long time though - and I don't know if readers would be prepared to invest their time to read so much into a new author - plus I'd lose the chance to allow feedback to shape the series.
Book 4 is well underway at least, and I think the opening is very, very strong.
More rejection from agents and publishers today! I'm not perturbed though! If they won't take me on, then I'll Lightning Source my paperbacks, set them up with a non-sale return policy and send some postcards out to book stores.
I am also planning on de-KDP Selecting the entire series at some point. So Kobo and Barnes and Noble readers should be able enjoy them too!
It's a really great image. I'm desperate to share it, but I need to get closer to finishing the text. I am going to incorporate the portrait of Saul from the cover into the book 1 profiles. Vashni is looking great.
I feel a little bit scared about releasing book 3. I've had such great feedback for book 2, that I think the change of pace and tone in 3, well - it could go either way. My biggest concern is that not enough people press on to book 2. I get great feedback for book 1, but book 2 is still not really moving. In some respects I think - should I have written one, 2 million word epic? It'd take a long time though - and I don't know if readers would be prepared to invest their time to read so much into a new author - plus I'd lose the chance to allow feedback to shape the series.
Book 4 is well underway at least, and I think the opening is very, very strong.
More rejection from agents and publishers today! I'm not perturbed though! If they won't take me on, then I'll Lightning Source my paperbacks, set them up with a non-sale return policy and send some postcards out to book stores.
I am also planning on de-KDP Selecting the entire series at some point. So Kobo and Barnes and Noble readers should be able enjoy them too!
Big Cover Reveal! What do you think?
Well, it's here!
The big cover reveal for book 3!
I haven't created the book listing on Goodreads yet, as I don't have the blurb ready. However the cover is I think, READY!
Do you like it?
Let me know what you think in the comments!
Martyn
The big cover reveal for book 3!
I haven't created the book listing on Goodreads yet, as I don't have the blurb ready. However the cover is I think, READY!
Do you like it?
Let me know what you think in the comments!
Martyn
More work!
I'm still looking at the covers.
Isis Sousa has mocked up a bolder cover with bigger text and more emphasis on the author:-
https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/h...
Here's the old one:-
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.ne...
I'm still not sure whether to emphasize the series name as the brand or the author name. I do think the book title should be a little bolder.
What do you think? Which cover looks best?
Isis Sousa has mocked up a bolder cover with bigger text and more emphasis on the author:-
https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/h...
Here's the old one:-
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.ne...
I'm still not sure whether to emphasize the series name as the brand or the author name. I do think the book title should be a little bolder.
What do you think? Which cover looks best?
