Martyn Stanley's Blog - Posts Tagged "high-fantasy"
April 11th Progress Report!
I am now 50% through the work-through with my proofreader of 'The Verkreath Horror' The definitive version (Hopefully.) Will be uploaded in a matter of days. The cover is ready, and the polish and edit is progressing lightning fast.
My first, rough edit of 'The Blood Queen' is nearly, nearly there. I'm on the second to last chapter and having removed overused words I'm trimming some sentence lengths down. I expect to have the rough edit done in days.
The cover has started too! I think it's going to be really special. It will feature Vashni and Saul this time, but Vashni as you haven't seen her before...
I've had some great, really encouraging reviews lately too! I was starting to feel a little disheartened. Everything seemed to stop moving as I waited for my proofer and editor to catch up. Now I'm feeling good and ready to press forwards.
If anyone likes 'The Deathsworn Arc' please consider dropping me a vote or two on some listopia lists. Nothing encourages me to write like seeing the visibility of 'Deathsworn Arc' increase!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Thanks!
All the best,
Martyn
My first, rough edit of 'The Blood Queen' is nearly, nearly there. I'm on the second to last chapter and having removed overused words I'm trimming some sentence lengths down. I expect to have the rough edit done in days.
The cover has started too! I think it's going to be really special. It will feature Vashni and Saul this time, but Vashni as you haven't seen her before...
I've had some great, really encouraging reviews lately too! I was starting to feel a little disheartened. Everything seemed to stop moving as I waited for my proofer and editor to catch up. Now I'm feeling good and ready to press forwards.
If anyone likes 'The Deathsworn Arc' please consider dropping me a vote or two on some listopia lists. Nothing encourages me to write like seeing the visibility of 'Deathsworn Arc' increase!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Thanks!
All the best,
Martyn
The definitive 'Verkreath Horror' draws near!
I'm now on the third to last chapter with my proofer! The definitive version of TVH should be uploaded within a week! Look for the new cover with Brael and Votrex.
The Blood Queen is coming along nicely too! I have a lot of work to do on it. It needs a polish and a tweak here and there - but it's a big book, 50% bigger than the previous two it's 90,000 words long.
There are new characters and concepts and a significant portion of the story takes place in a city.
I think it's perhaps a risky book, it's more different to Verkreath Horror than Verkreath Horror is to Last Dragon Slayer, but I like the story. I can't wait to get it finished!
The Blood Queen is coming along nicely too! I have a lot of work to do on it. It needs a polish and a tweak here and there - but it's a big book, 50% bigger than the previous two it's 90,000 words long.
There are new characters and concepts and a significant portion of the story takes place in a city.
I think it's perhaps a risky book, it's more different to Verkreath Horror than Verkreath Horror is to Last Dragon Slayer, but I like the story. I can't wait to get it finished!
The Blood Queen Draws Closer!
I have finally given my wonderful cover artist and fellow author Isis Sousa some much needed direction.
I hasten to add that her original art was superb, she captured my vision perfectly. The trouble was, when I presented that vision to my beta-reader team, they thought it looked too modern. I hate admitting I'm wrong, but as a writer, trying to create a better product - it's critical that I can.
On this occasion I was wrong, we talked about some ideas on how to rectify the image, which will mean a little dabbling with some descriptions so the text fits the cover - but I think the result will be stunning.
I'm really excited about this book, I expect the cover to be really exciting and enticing - it will be the first time I release a brand new book with a professional cover off the bat so hopefully it will kick-start the sales machine.
I hasten to add that her original art was superb, she captured my vision perfectly. The trouble was, when I presented that vision to my beta-reader team, they thought it looked too modern. I hate admitting I'm wrong, but as a writer, trying to create a better product - it's critical that I can.
On this occasion I was wrong, we talked about some ideas on how to rectify the image, which will mean a little dabbling with some descriptions so the text fits the cover - but I think the result will be stunning.
I'm really excited about this book, I expect the cover to be really exciting and enticing - it will be the first time I release a brand new book with a professional cover off the bat so hopefully it will kick-start the sales machine.
The Temple of the Mad God
First of all, I've entered a Goodreads book giveaway!
For this:-
I really enjoyed Isis's 'Duskland' and I'm really excited about this illustrated version! So why not enter yourself? It's for a signed copy!
Yes I'm biased, Isis Sousa is my illustrator for Deathsworn Arc and is also becoming something like an estranged friend. Her writing is interesting though. Duskland has a very surreal feel to it. It reminds me a little of 'Una Pura Formalita' in it's style and pace.
Secondly I've actually started 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God'. I know, I know, 'Deathsworn Arc 3: The Blood Queen' isn't out yet, the cover is still being perfected, the editing and proofing is still churning away. In my defence it's nearly 50% bigger than the first two books, it's over 80,000 words. It's also more complex, the plot is more complex, more backstory is revealed with some major twists, more characters... And more exploration of the theme : 'Criticism of religion' namely the Isharian Church. I need to handle this sensitively, it needs to be subtle and thought provoking, I don't want to preach, I just want to question.
I know it's turning out to be the longest wait ever, but it will be worth it, 'The Blood Queen' is going to be really, really special.
I also want to write book 4 more slowly, so editing and proofing isn't such a complete nightmare. So I'm going to take my time and perfect it as I go along. I know what happens, it's going to be another big book, time will get stretched out more in this one too.
Oh, I am going to release an anthology of the first three parts soon too! But my first priority is my book proposal for a publisher who is showing some interest, then finishing book 3.
Busy, busy!
Martyn
For this:-
I really enjoyed Isis's 'Duskland' and I'm really excited about this illustrated version! So why not enter yourself? It's for a signed copy!
Yes I'm biased, Isis Sousa is my illustrator for Deathsworn Arc and is also becoming something like an estranged friend. Her writing is interesting though. Duskland has a very surreal feel to it. It reminds me a little of 'Una Pura Formalita' in it's style and pace.
Secondly I've actually started 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God'. I know, I know, 'Deathsworn Arc 3: The Blood Queen' isn't out yet, the cover is still being perfected, the editing and proofing is still churning away. In my defence it's nearly 50% bigger than the first two books, it's over 80,000 words. It's also more complex, the plot is more complex, more backstory is revealed with some major twists, more characters... And more exploration of the theme : 'Criticism of religion' namely the Isharian Church. I need to handle this sensitively, it needs to be subtle and thought provoking, I don't want to preach, I just want to question.
I know it's turning out to be the longest wait ever, but it will be worth it, 'The Blood Queen' is going to be really, really special.
I also want to write book 4 more slowly, so editing and proofing isn't such a complete nightmare. So I'm going to take my time and perfect it as I go along. I know what happens, it's going to be another big book, time will get stretched out more in this one too.
Oh, I am going to release an anthology of the first three parts soon too! But my first priority is my book proposal for a publisher who is showing some interest, then finishing book 3.
Busy, busy!
Martyn
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
'The Blood Queen; - Add it now!
I've created the file for 'The Blood Queen'
The Blood Queen
It's not finished. I've come upon an issue that warrants some jiggery pokery, in order to keep the characterization realistic.
Personally I think my original version of events was fine. However my beta-reader, come muse, come editor thinks otherwise and he's read a lot more books.
It will slow me down, but I'm still aiming to get the book fully edited and polished and released for mid July.
I will try to announce the release date a week in advance.
The Blood Queen
It's not finished. I've come upon an issue that warrants some jiggery pokery, in order to keep the characterization realistic.
Personally I think my original version of events was fine. However my beta-reader, come muse, come editor thinks otherwise and he's read a lot more books.
It will slow me down, but I'm still aiming to get the book fully edited and polished and released for mid July.
I will try to announce the release date a week in advance.
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?
