Sarah provides a lot of good advice in this article. As someone who designs book covers for other people, I find myself in a bind at times because the client, the person paying my bills, isn’t necessarily interested in my input. They just want me to create the cover based on what they envision. When I suggest that putting five characters on the cover is going to make it too busy, and much too difficult to distinguish at a small size, they often tell me to go pound sand and then find someone who will make the cover without providing advice. But you as the writer looking for someone to make a cover for you can benefit from Sarah’s article and either make a decent cover yourself or commission a cover that doesn’t suck.
Blog
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Writing by Nose: Use all the Senses
One of my many great faults is relying on eyes/vision too much. It’s an ongoing battle to expand my use of senses.
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Relationships and Anthologies
I am very pleased with the relationship I have with Chris Kennedy Publishing. Their contract is very clear and fair for participating in an anthology. I’m still thrilled that I had the opportunity to participate in one of their Four Horseman anthologies – “Luck is Not a Factor”.
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A day short and a dollar late
Short stories have always been a challenge for me since they tend to be plot driven at the expense of character development. Still, I think it’s a skill worth developing if only to force myself to work tighter.
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It’s Finally Out? Yes, really!
I cannot believe I am actually typing these words. Volume Three of the Chronicles of Shadows – Exile’s Legacy – is finally freakin’ out! Yes, I am as stunned as you, good reader. In addition to the story itself, I redid the primary map and updated it to show that Teresland is no longer around and to show the area where Raven’s crazy forest is proliferating. There is a new map as well which depicts the Badlands where Croaking Wisdom’s people live and where the city-state of Uhtheim stands, home of the mysterious Dragon Queen. My maps still won’t be winning any beauty contests, but I do think they are much improved over the original.
Oh! You want to know where the actual book is, what it looks like and stuff. Well, okay, I guess I can help out in that area. Currently, only the ebook version is out. I expect the print version to go live around Wednesday (1/23/2019) after I have a chance to review the proof copy Amazon is sending me. You can check out Exile’s Legacy here (click image):
If you don’t mind, after you’ve read the book, please, please, leave a review. Reviews both good and bad provide legitimacy when potential new readers are considering whether to read a series. In theory, you can leave a review using this link: Leave a Review for “Exile’s Legacy”
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Additional Classes
I haven’t watched any of these videos yet, but I perused them and there are a ton of topics covered. There is bound to be at least one which will prove entertaining and maybe even informative.
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Reality bites, at least where traditional publishing is concerned
Being a control freak, my desire to self-publish over traditional publishing has always been firmly in place. Amazing to live with the possibility of doing just that without having to resort to utilizing an expensive company to do all of that for you.
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On Villainy
If you have a spare 1/2 hour watch the video attached to this blog. It’s fascinating to see how the nature of literary villains/heroes can be broken down. In truth, I’d never considered the idea of an anti-villain. The video is intended for working with evil characters in a gaming setting, but it’s just as useful for writers.
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Couple of Things
Hi ya! Another little update to let you know things are moving in the right direction. I have sent the manuscript for Book III (now officially titled “Exile’s Legacy”) to my editor and I hope to start seeing some edited chapters showing up in my inbox in the next few days. While I await those chapters, I have been working hard on the new cover and I am pleased to say it is nearly complete. I will hold off on the big reveal for a bit more.
In other news, a military sci-fi anthology called “Luck is Not a Factor” came out today. It features nineteen stories by as many authors, one of whom is yours truly. The anthology takes place in the Four Horseman Universe created by Chris Kennedy and Mark Wandrey. The stories surround a number of mercenary groups in the far future after the human race digs itself out of a bad situation and takes their badass selves to the stars. This new book, as well as a couple of its predecessors “Fist Full of Credits” and “Tales from the Lyon’s Den” serve as great introductions to the 4HU. Lots of varied perspectives. Some funny. Some heart-wrenching. Many full of hardcore action.
