Happy Thanksgiving

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

A Perfect 10 with J.M. Goebel

This gallery contains 5 photos.

Don Massenzio Today, I have the distinct pleasure of featuring author J.M. Goebel on this edition of A Perfect 10. Please enjoy this special installment of A Perfect 10 If you want to check out past interviews, you can find … Continue reading

More Galleries | 2 Comments

Baron Arthuru Kernaghan: Main Villain in the Wings

Dracula from Castlevania

The titular Warlord of the Forgotten Age is none other than Baron Arthuru Kernaghan who hasn’t made too many appearances on this blog.  Not as many as you would think in the series too.  Being sealed and trapped, he can’t get involved in the action unless there’s a special situation.  The Baron appears in prologues to show how he’s responding to previous actions and pushing some influence on what is about to happen.  He can appear through communications with his agents or a scene might show what he is doing during the adventure.  The truth is that he’s had to be a powerful, menacing villain who doesn’t get into the action until the final battle.  Needles to say, it wasn’t easy putting him together and I am happy that people have acknowledged his presence.

The origins of the Baron is rather slim since he never made an appearance in the D&D game that Legends of Windemere is based on.  We heard of him and ran into his son, Stephen Kernaghan, as well as the Lich.  Yet, the Baron was a mystery because he was locked away.  Don’t even think we uncovered the reason why, which meant I was working with a clean slate.  He didn’t even have the same name.  Originally, he was Baron Loquacious VonGalderon, but that didn’t work well when I was testing it with beta readers long ago.  That and the first name means ‘talkative’, which didn’t fit him.  He was also a vampire, which had been overdone by the time I got to him.  The other problem was that I didn’t want him to designate how I would do vampires since I was considering moving the Dawn Fangs into Windemere.

So, I had to build the Baron up to make him menacing while absent.  He had to compete with the Lich, Trinity, Stephen, and other villains who were all a motley crew of evil.  He needed to be at the top, which wasn’t easy.  I played around with his name first and then decided he would have magic, swordfighting, and immortality.  Why would he have that last one?  Because he was a mortal warlord who rose to become the God of Destiny, but was swiftly overthrown by Gabriel.  He still had the power to rival a god and now was protected by the Law of Influence, so they sealed him in Vir’s Castle, which is found in the Chaos Void.  Out of pettiness, Gabriel even erased the Baron from history and mortal memory, so his existence has been festering in the subconscious of nearly every living creature.  A reason for this is because he committed some of the most evil acts in Windemere history when he was a warlord.  The only way to eliminate him entirely is to use mortal agents who will adventure to develop enough powers to have a chance at winning, which is where the champions come in.

That’s the overall origin of the Baron that I developed as I was nearing the introduction of his legend in Allure of the Gypsies.  As the series progressed, I designed more and more of him.  One of the biggest pieces for the Baron’s origin was the fact that Dariana was his daughter.  At first, I was going to have it that he had his way with Zaria when he was a god, but then I had Stephen being the monstrous rapist that got what he deserved in the end.  The Baron was coming out more rational than his son, which meant it didn’t make any sense that it would have happened that way.  His relationship with Zaria evolved to a new wrinkle in his legend.  This is a slight spoiler, so I’ll put a break:

Continue reading

Posted in Legends of Windemere | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

An odd bit of world building

coldhandboyack's avatarStory Empire

I gang, Craig here today. Some of this has been on my mind lately, and I’m trying to avoid a political rant. I generally avoid those like the plague in my public persona. We’re going to put this soapbox away, still discuss the topic, but from an author’s point of view.

Many of us write stories that are fantasy, other worlds, or even other dimensions. We’ve discussed before how we still need to do a bunch of research, but these kind of stories also require some world building. My topic today is something that’s rarely thought about; economics.

I always think of economics like a pyramid.

The lowest, and most structurally important level, I call industry. It’s kind of a misnomer, because agriculture also forms one of the stones. These are businesses that produce something, tend to ship it away, and bring money back into the local economy.

Industry produces…

View original post 906 more words

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Teaser Tuesday: Awakening of Luke Callindor

It’s hard to do excerpts from Legends of Windemere: Warlord of the Forgotten Age since there are spoilers everywhere.  Nearly all of Chapter 1 is off-limits because it reveals something from Ritual of the Lost Lamb.  So, I’m putting a ‘More’ break and hoping I don’t reveal too much.  Enjoy.

Continue reading

Posted in Legends of Windemere, Teaser Tuesday, Warlord of the Forgotten Age | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

A Perfect 10 with Aidan Reid

Unknown's avatarDon Massenzio

Today, I have the distinct pleasure of featuring author Aidan Reid on this edition of A Perfect 10.

Please enjoy this special installment of A Perfect 10

If you want to check out past interviews, you can find them in the following links:

A.C. FlorySteve BoseleyKayla MattMae ClairJill SammutDeanna KahlerDawn Reno LangleyJohn HowellElaine CouglerJan SikesNancy BellNick DavisKathleen LopezSusan ThatcherCharles YallowitzArmand RosamiliaTracey PaganaAnna DobrittKaren OberlaenderDeby FredericksTeri PolenDarlene FosterRobert Rayner, C.C. NaughtonSherry RentshlerLinda BradleyLuna St. ClairJoan HallStaci TroiloAllan HudsonRobert EggletonPaul Scott BatesP.C. ZickJoy LennickPatrick Roland

View original post 907 more words

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Happy Release Day to… N. N. Light’s Book of Daily Inspiration #books #motivation #IARTG

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Multiple Series in a Single World

Some sci-fi series about balls of space gas taking a trip?

This is something I’ve been planning for a long time and it doesn’t always come across.  In fact, I might have already made a few posts about this ultimate goal or big plan or whatever you want to call it.  The thing is that I’m still not sure people always realize that Windemere is more than Legends of Windemere.  I do mention future series at times and try to note that they’re going to be in the same world, but it doesn’t always come across. Let’s hope I can change that here.

Legends of Windemere will be ending in December and next year will see the start of War of Nytefall.  This series is about the rise of the Dawn Fangs and the ensuing vampire civil war.  On the surface, it looks like it’s a vampire story while the previous series was fantasy.  Yet, they’re both in Windemere and the Dawn Fangs have appeared in my first series.  One of the main characters of the new series even shows up in The Mercenary Prince to . . . get involved.  That’s one of the big tricks that I’ve tried to do over the years.  Peppering some hints and laying the groundwork for the future series is essential for the opener.  Not easy though since people won’t figure out the clues until the new stuff comes out.  So, one could say that this is for me and to build bridges that can hopefully create re-reading.

Talking as a planner/plotter, I’ve had to create tons of notes to make sure I don’t mess up my continuity.  Imagine me writing War of Nytefall, which happens before Legends of Windemere and having Clyde destroy the city of Gaia.  Well, that doesn’t make any sense since it’s a prosperous city in the future and there was never any mention of that kind of destruction.  All monsters need to be described the same way as well as any characters that can cross over.  This is easier when having someone like Mab appear in a series that takes place later.  Even vampires change over time and it makes people curious to find out what turned her into the person she is.  Now, this is only for doing a prequel type series in the same world.  It’s almost like an upside-down tree where you plant the seeds that will grow into the past instead of the future.  The hints and winks I put in ‘Legends’ for ‘Nytefall’ are the after-effect of previous events instead of foreshadowing of the future.  At least in terms of publishing order.

This has all been about the two series with a little tip toward others because I’m going to have series/books that take place before and after Legends of Windemere.  I’ve had to plan and consider what I’m carrying over from other books.  This gets more complicated as I put out more series too.  Having info from one carrying over to another is easier, but then you get to a point in the future where you’re weaving threads between everything.  For example, Gaia will be showing up in a lot of post-Great Cataclysm stories because it’s a big hub.  I have to remember any changes that take place in previous stories, so I need to keep notes or take my time sifting back through older books to get it right.  Characters who survive their adventure can show up or be mentioned in the future, but I have to remember who they interacted with.  Having a surviving champion meet with Darwin Slepsnor can alter them enough that they have a different thought on wandering adventurers when they run into Sin.  Aging is something to consider too in order to forge a wide, tapestry world.

So, what are some tips that I’m trying to keep in my head?

  1. If I doubt my memory on something then I need to check.  My subconscious might be more aware than my active memory.
  2. Continuity is so important that I have to stay vigilant.  One mistake can undo more than one series at this point.
  3. Note everything that I fear I might forget.
  4. Outlines are my friends because spontaneous cameos can cause trouble.  Sudden uses of old locations are okay though since I never know when a scene will work in a nearby location.  At least with prequel-types.
  5. Remember that a change in one series as I’m writing can alter the plans for the ones I haven’t written yet.

Honestly, this is the big dream I’ve had of creating a vast world, so the last 5 years have actually been Stage 1.  Guess you could call The Life & Times of Ichabod Brooks is 1.5 since it’s slight connections.  Nothing like Stage 2 where I tackle another series that will evolve Windemere even more.  That’s a big part of this too.  I’ve always considered the world to be a character, which means it needs to evolve.  Unlike the champions, Dawn Fangs, and other cast members, Windemere will grow with every story and may never come to a true end.  That’s actually a little scary.

Posted in Legends of Windemere | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

A Perfect 10 with Lorinda Taylor

This gallery contains 9 photos.

Don Massenzio Today, I have the distinct pleasure of featuring author Lorinda Taylor on this edition of A Perfect 10. Please enjoy this special installment of A Perfect 10 If you want to check out past interviews, you can find … Continue reading

More Galleries | 2 Comments

Kero’s World by Victoria Zigler Now in Audiobook

Written by Victoria Zigler – and now with an audio edition read by Giles Miller – the “Kero’s World” stories are all about the adventures of my West Highland White Terrier, Kero, who made that journey across the rainbow bridge a little over three years ago. So, read his stories, and see the world from the point of view of a little white dog.

***~~~***

Book 1 – Kero Goes Walkies

If there’s one thing Kero loves more than going for a walk, then it has to be going for a walk that takes him to more than one place. Today his walk will take him both to the park and to the beach. What will he find there? Who will he see? And what will a little dog like him think of it all?

Buy “Kero Goes Walkies” as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback – in some cases two or more of these formats – from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 2 – Kero Celebrates His Birthday

It’s Kero’s birthday, and his humans are doing everything they can to make it a special day for him. What will Kero think of all the fuss and attention? And what exactly makes a birthday special for a dog anyway?

Buy “Kero Celebrates His Birthday” as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback – in some cases two or more of these formats – from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 3 – Kero Gets Sick

Kero isn’t feeling well at all, and that means only one thing: a trip to his least favourite place in the world… The vet! What will the vet do to make Kero feel better? And will Kero think it was worth the trip to the vet in the end?

Buy “Kero Gets Sick” as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback – in some cases two or more of these formats – from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 4 – Kero Celebrates Halloween

Something strange is going on, and Kero doesn’t know if he’s more confused or frightened. All he knows for sure is that the humans are calling it Halloween. Will Kero be able to make sense of this Halloween thing? Or is it just too scary and confusing for a little dog to understand?

Buy “Kero Celebrates Halloween” as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback – in some cases two or more of these formats – from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 5 – Kero Goes To Town

Kero’s very excited to find he’s going to town with his humans. He’s sure there must be loads of great things to do there, after all the humans go there all the time. But what kinds of things can a little dog do in town? And will it be as much fun as he thinks it will?

Buy “Kero Goes To Town” as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback – in some cases two or more of these formats – from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 6 – Kero Celebrates Christmas

Christmas is here, and with it comes snow and Santa Paws – whoever he is. What will Kero think of the snow? Will he be able to make sense of all the holiday activity? And will he be able to stay up long enough to catch this mysterious Santa Paws?

Buy “Kero Celebrates Christmas” as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback – in some cases two or more of these formats – from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

Book 7 – Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge

Kero is sicker than he’s ever been before, and has been for a while now. It looks like it’s time for another trip to the vet. But this time Kero’s human won’t be bringing him home; it’s time for Kero to cross the rainbow bridge! What does this mean? And what will Kero find on the other side of the rainbow bridge?

This is the final book in the “Kero’s World” series, and tells the story of the saddest and very last chapter in the life of a beloved dog, as he goes to the place where all of us must go eventually.

Buy “Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge” as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback – in some cases two or more of these formats – from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.

The book also has a page on Goodreads.

***~~~***

“Kero Celebrates His Birthday” book excerpt:
“Post’s here! Post’s here!” Kero barked excitedly.

But, of course, neither his human nor the postman could understand him, so they had no idea that was all he was saying.

“Hush Kero,” said his human as she rushed down the path to grab the post from the poor frightened postman. “It’s just the postman.”

“That’s what I said,” Kero barked.

But, of course, she didn’t understand him, and just told him to be quiet again, which Kero thought was very unfair.

When his human took the post inside with her, Kero decided to go too. After all, he was always interested in inspecting anything that came in to his territory, so he had to check the post. He felt it was his duty; part of his job as protector of his home and human.

“There’s one for you, Kero,” his human told him as he jumped up on the sofa beside her to sniff at the post she was holding.

Sure enough, she held out something which smelled very much like it contained dog treats.

“Open it! Open it!” Kero barked excitedly, nudging the small parcel with his nose to make sure his human knew what he wanted her to do.

She still didn’t understand why he was barking, but the way he was nudging the package made it perfectly clear to her what he wanted. So, she opened it for him.

Inside was something with pictures and writing on it that Kero’s human said was a birthday card. He sniffed it politely, but was much more interested in the other item in the package. His nose had been right, and there was a pack of dog treats.

***~~~***

About the author:
Victoria Zigler is a blind poet and children’s author who was born and raised in the Black Mountains of Wales, UK, and is now living on the South-East coast of England, UK. Victoria – or Tori, if you prefer – has been writing since she knew how, has a very vivid imagination, and spends a lot of time in fictional worlds; some created by her, others created by other authors. When she remembers to spend some time in the real world, it’s mostly to spend time with her hubby and pets, though sometimes to indulge in other interests that capture her attention from time to time. To date she has published 8 poetry books and more than 40 children’s books, with more planned for the near future. She’s also contributed a story to the sci-fi and fantasy anthology Wyrd Worlds II.
Author links:
website, blog, Goodreads, Facebook Author Page, Twitter, Google+.

Posted in Guest Blogging, Spotlight | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments