Jamison Stone's Blog, page 23
August 13, 2017
Baby Freya and Shadow of the Moon
Baby Freya is now 2 months old! Jeez! The past few months has been a whirlwind of love, excitement, family, and sleep deprivation!
Despite the newfound groggy-eyed joys of fatherhood, I have still been hard at work not only on RUNE's sequel (Oath of the Apprentice), but also on an exciting new Indie Video Game project called Shadow of the Moon (which takes place chronologically between The Rune Chronicles books 1 and 2). I'm so excited to tell you about this game I'm shaking... Or is that the coffee which is currently keeping me awake?! The world may never know...
Many of you might remember Shadow of the Moon from the collaborative Inkshares video game anthology I was a part of called Too Many Controllers. Yes, that same book which "won" the Nerdist and Inkshares Video Game Publishing Contest. (And yes, thanks for asking, I am still sore about the book being canned.) Well, some friends and I were talking about how TMC being canceled shouldn't be the death of such a great story. We were sad, however, because Shadow of the Moon was written with video game mechanics at its core, and therefore, did not really read well (make sense) as a stand alone literary work.
I kept on trying to figure out a way around this because Shadow of the Moon's female protagonist, Zera, is featured heavily as a main character in The Rune Chronicles Book 2: Oath of the Apprentice. I could not get over how cool Zera's background and unique motivations were and desperately wanted readers to have a chance, if they were interested, to know more about her and why she was such a bad ass. Sadly, try as I might, I could not find a good fix to the logistical story problems and was stumped for months!
Well, during the days following Freya's birth I came to the crazy conclusion that if I could not "write" a solution for the story dilemma, the only "logical" course of action was to actually turn Shadow of the Moon into a full fledged indie video game! GG EZ Fix!
I must have been profoundly sleep deprived because changing mediums would add a huge, exponential multiplier to the amount of work required. Like, There are no words which can adequately describe how much more effort making a video game, even an indie, will be. But I have been working on this project for two months now, and trust me folks, Zera's story is, hot damn, well worth it! Truly.
Seen above is Zera, the protagonist of Shadow of the Moon, and I have so much more I'm dying to share with you all! We have art, game design mechanics, real to life martial arts, and even code for our custom SDL game engine (which should run a playable demo soon.) Its crazy awesome how much cool shit will be in this game! And the story, oh how the story has grown and evolved!
All of this is thanks to our amazingly talented team. Despite my sleepless nights, I have been able to gather a super dedicated group over at Apotheosis Studios to help me transform my novella into a Rogue-like Action-Adventure, 2D Top Down, RPG Video Game of epic, pixelated proportions! (Think Hyper Light Drifter meets Darkest Dungeon meets Bastion. Yes, you heard me right--we are not fucking around. This game is the real deal.)
I am leading this fearless indie dev team as Creative Director/Writer and so far we have 2 other writers/designers, 1 programmer, 1 editor/marketer, 2 "interns", a wolf, and a viking baby! What could possibly go wrong?!?! If you want to join our ranks, hit me up at @StoneJamison (Currently we are looking for a pixel and/or sprite artist, and music composer, btw!)
I'm also super excited to say that I will documenting our game progress right here on this blog with an Apotheosis Studios Indie Game Dev Blog Series! I have so much more to share (and some really killer art) but will save those additional details about the game for the "official" blog series, so stay tuned! And yes, I will be doing all of this with a new baby. Many believe I have lost my mind, which if true, should make this game and RUNE's sequel pretty freaking awesome, haha!
(Best part is this pic was unstaged! Haha! Pretty epic!)
All jokes aside, buckle up Masters and Apprentices and get ready for many more blog posts to come. I am so excited to not only share developments and updates on Shadow of the Moon game development, but also how my wife and I raise our Viking Ninja baby girl.
And in case you are wondering how one raises a little viking ninja baby girl in 2017... Well, I'm not really sure, but I figure age and gender appropriate toys (swords, obviously!); good role models (bad ass active duty Army musician mommy and Zera of Shadow of the Moon!); and a loving, strong, and supportive daddy (I'm still growing out my "Ragnar viking harcut") is a good place to start!
Stay tuned, I'll let yo know how it all goes!
For more more pictures follow me on Instagram HERE:
https://www.instagram.com/stone.jamison/
Oh, and P.S. if you have not yet posted a review for Rune of the Apprentice on Amazon Dear god, please do so! We currently have 66 reviews, but need 100+! It really helps! Thank you!
July 7, 2017
Balticon / Penguicon Pictures!
Had a great time at Balticon 51! So wonderful to share my epic Inkshares fantasy novel Rune of the Apprentice with my Balticon peeps! The crowd was loving RUNE and it was an honor to be among so many wonderful artists and writers! Balticon is always a favorite for me, and I am stoked to go back next year!
Also, had an awesome time (Last picture) at PenguiCon2017
June 30, 2017
My Author Hangout Hosted by Geek Questioner Podcast!
My Goodreads Author's Q&A Hangout hosted by Geek Questioner Podcast, recorded live on May 18th, 2017.
In addition to Q&A we had an awesome community discussion regarding my novel 'Rune of the Apprentice' published by Inkshares!
To learn more about the book go to www.RuneOfTheApprentice.com
We had guest appearances by fellow authors Rick Heinz, Evan Graham, Brian Fitzpatrick and a few others including Tom Rushford, Annette Holland, Charlie Hoover and many more!
Was a blast hanging out with everyone, and I look forward to the next one! Thanks again!
p.s. If you have not yet left RUNE an Amazon review, please do so here: www.RuneOfTheApprentice.com It will only take a moment and it really helps! Thank you!
February 24, 2017
Military Family Charity Donations, MP3 Audiobook CD, and New Vai’kel Map!
Military Family Charity DonationsMP3 Audiobook CD New Vai’kel Map!
1. Military Family Charity Donations
Excited to say we have our final pre-order royalties numbers all figured out! The grand total came to $2,806.33 (again, this was triple checked/confirmed by Inkshares)! So very excited to get these hard earned funds to our four designated Military family charities! With February nearly over, it has been both suggested and requested that I wait until next quarter (just over a month from now) to submit, and I will follow up with you all both here and on my blog once the donations have been made!
Additionally, if you all remember, when my Inkshares campaign ended in October of 2015, I also made my own independent $10,000.00 discretionary grant to ’Our Military Kids’ to support their fabulous work. Although not connected to my RUNE campaign or my pre-order charity pledges, I had really wanted to do all in my power to aid these communities. ’Our Military Kids’ no doubt put those funds to good use, and will do likewise with their share of the new funds they are soon to receive!
Thank you all for your help and support in this. We were able to raise a good deal of money for some great organizations! Yay!
2. MP3 Audiobook CD
Shiro has an important announcement! The MP3 Audiobook CD of Rune of the Apprentice is now available! It’s only $9.99 and super awesome! Not only a perfect collector’s item, this is a wonderful option for those who want the audiobook, but just don’t like digital. And no, I’m sorry I don’t think they are making a cassette tape edition, so we will all have to settle with only CDs! I highly suggest you listen to a free sample HERE! Enjoy!
3. New Vai’kel Map!
Amazing artist M. S. Corley and I are 95% done with the new Vai’kel map! How exciting! For the next update, I think I am going to do an entire post showing exactly how I made it (with pictures of each step along the way) but for now you can have a seek peak below! Again, I cannot speak more highly of M. S. Corley (if you remember he did RUNE’s cover) and am so excited to show you all the finished map soon! Super stoked to also collaborate with him on the cover art for RUNE’s sequel, Oath of the Apprentice.
Alright, that’s all for now! Thank you all for your support with the charity campaign! I am so proud of our community for making this happen! And, lastly, if you have not yet reviewed RUNE on Amazon and/or Goodreads, good god, please do! THANK YOU! :)
"I was immediately captivated by the world created by Stone; the world of a teenage boy, Aleksi, cast out of innocence into the machinations of adult politics and manipulation. Aleksi is forced into a life of danger, uncertainty and the possibility for a hopeful, better future. He has the skills and the magic, does he have the courage?" ―David Atekpatzin Young, Native American Storyteller and Healer, author of Chicansimo and A Magic Feather
January 30, 2017
Rune Audiobook - Amazon Best Seller?!?
I'm speechless... Even after 4 months, RUNE Audiobook is:
#148 Amazon Best Seller in Science Fiction >Adventure
#231 Amazon Best Seller in Fantasy >Epic
Check stats for yourself and/or listen to a sample click here: http://amzn.to/2kM27pT
Wow... Just wow... RUNE has 88 ratings for the audiobook (and 48 ratings for hardcopy) with a 4.4 star average! Thank you everyone who have rated! If you have not yet added your stars please do! I'm so very happy you all enjoy the audiobook so much!
January 19, 2017
Awesome Art, Reviews, Podcasts, and Sequels!
Awesome ArtNeed Your Amazon Stars TodayPodcast Interview on Geek QuestionerSequel
1. Awesome Art
"The light meant only one thing—Rudra was right, Aleksi’s Rune had begun to awaken."
I wanted to highlight some awesome RUNE art by Andrea Olalia @andreaolali. She was SUPER helpful during my Boston Prudential Center Barnes & Noble signing, and in addition be being a really great person, is a wonderful artist, too! Thank you Andrea!
2. Need Your Amazon Stars Today
Super happy to report RUNE has a 4.6 average for its 37 reviews on Amazon! BUT I NEED YOUR STARS, TOO! It only takes a few clicks, but has a HUGE impact! Please click HERE to add your review now!
Please, please, please don't wait! Your review is important and only with YOUR help will I hit the "magic Amazon algorithm number" of 100 reviews (again, we have 37/100). Hitting the 100 mark kicks Amazon marketing in to full gear and it will take you less than a minute to do. Click HERE to add your stars now, THANK YOU!
3. Interview on Geek Questioner Podcast
I had an awesome time with Charlie Hoover and Markus Christopher during my podcast interview for Geek Questioner! We talked about cosplaying as Aleksi, being a lifelong gamer, having Ripley as a mom, the awesomeness of Amanda Palmer & Neil Gaiman, looking through Palpatine's calendar, idiot xenobiologists, audio book production, and so much more! You can listen to the interview HERE!
4. Sequel
RUNE has been an awesomely wild ride and it's far from over! I've been hard at work on the sequel and in a month or two will have a final version of the map of Vai'kel completed, too! It's been SUCH a blast to write the continuing adventures of Aleksi, Domadred, Beck, Saiya, Brayden, Fa'ell and all the rest. Stay tuned for images of Vai'kel and a more detailed update on the sequel soon!
I know it may seem unrelated, but your Amazon review for RUNE is truly important, and actually has a deep impact on the sequel's publication! For the sake of everyone on Terra, do not tarry! Please post your review NOW! THANK YOU!
"Jamison Stone cleverly weaves fantasy and realism to create a rollicking naval adventure that is immediately captivating. With plenty of suspense, interesting characters, and an imaginative story, Rune of the Apprentice is a very memorable read, indeed!" -Rear Admiral Bill Roberts, USN(ret)
December 7, 2016
RUNE UPDATE
1. Signings
Been having a blast traveling all over doing book signings and events for RUNE! The support from readers, friends, family, and random awesome people have been so wonderful! HUGE shout out to Alex Benton, Rick Heinz, Peter Parcell, Dana Kingsbury, and Chris Stone for hosting me! You guys rock! THANK YOU!
2. Reviews!
RUNE needs your stars! So far we have 24 reviews and we need 100 for Amazon’s magic algorithms to kick in. I’ve been told that when we get 100, RUNE will get bumped up to the next level of Amazon promotion which is hugely important! So, PLEASE log in and add your review HERE. I know it’s a pain, but even just your stars are truly impactful!
As you can see above, RUNE has an awesome average of 4.7 stars on Amazon. Again, we have 24 reviews but need 100 which means that we NEED NEED NEED your stars! Even if writing reviews online is not your thing, at least just add stars by 1) going HERE, 2) clicking the "Write a customer review" button, and 3) adding stars. This should take you only a minute but has a huge impact. We are a quarter of the way to the important "100 reviews" mark, so please, please, please add yours today!
3. Audiobook
OK, this is so awesome! I’ve been listening to the audiobook and am in love with how it came out! Our narrator, Kevin T. Collins, has done a truly wonderful job and I could not be more pleased! I HIGHLY recommend folks go check out a sample HERE. And better yet, you can get it FREE if this is your first Amazon Audiobook!
Hearing my words recounted in such a stunning way is such a surreal experience, and I know you will enjoy it, too! Seriously, go listen to the sample! Additionally, the story and voice seems to be resonating well with other listeners, too, because currently the audiobook’s Amazon Best Sellers Rank is:
#130 in Books >;; Audible Audiobooks >;; Science Fiction >;; Adventure
#211 in Books >;; Audible Audiobooks >;; Fantasy >;; Epic
Pretty good rankings, eh? Kevin T. Collins has different voices for each character and reads elegantly, matching the flow and cadence of the story perfectly. But don’t take my word for it, go check out the sample and remember you can get the audiobook for FREE if it’s your first Amazon Audiobook! Yay!
4. She-Fi Video Interview
Another really cool thing: very excited to share a video interview with Aimee Dansereau and Sarah Cooke of She-Fi. They both really enjoyed the book and it was a blast speaking with them about some of the deeper aspects behind/within the story and characters. Their blog/vlog is dedicated to their love of "all things nerdy" and it was an honor that RUNE received such high praise from them.
Below is their review and click HERE to watch the interview.
“Rune of the Apprentice” is a fantasy and science-fiction adventure ride through a rich world of runes, magic, technology, stunning natural settings, beautifully eclectic and diverse cultures and people all set during a time of war and political upheaval. The characters are sympathetic and compelling. Jamison Stone has put a lot of imagination, passion, and detail into telling this story, and we can’t wait to read his future novels." --She-Fi Review
5. Military Family Charities
Just wanted to give a quick update on this. Several months ago, Inkshares switched over to a quarterly royalty payment system which means that I have not yet been paid for all of the RUNE pre-order royalties. When I do, however, I will make a dedicated blog post with a breakdown and then submit the actual donations themselves. How exciting! Thank you all!
“Rune of the Apprentice” is so much more than just about a runaway apprentice. It is a story about destiny, magic, pirates, and spaceships! This world that the author has created leaps off the pages and drags you into a magic world... Gods, magic, and more await the reader! The characters were great. Each had their own voices and had great depth. “Rune of the Apprentice” ends on a killer cliffhanger, so be warned!! I really can’t wait for the next one!" --Night Owl Reviews
p.s. And remember, PLEASE write a review today (or at least add stars) on Amazon! We need 100 reviews and are a quarter of the way there! THANK YOU!
October 25, 2016
Hardcovers Shipping This Week!
Hello Masters and Apprentices!
Hardcovers Shipping This Week!Exclusive Letter In Hardcover EditionSignings / EventsReviews1. H ardcovers Shipping This Week
For the past few weeks, I feel like I have been in a mental daze as I’ve watched RUNE’s official release date quickly approach. This emotive state of tense anticipation--filled with excitement, fear, and hope--is now coming to its apex, because after so many long months of waiting, the physical copies of Rune of the Apprentice are finally being shipped out!
This whole experience has been been both an exciting and terrifying experience. Some of you will be surprised to hear this, but I am actually a deeply introverted person. So going to conventions and meeting new people and sharing such an intimate thing as my first novel has been personally challenging beyond words. (In truth, the only way I could do it was by dressing up in cosplay!) Although immeasurably stress provoking, putting myself out there in such a personal way--and risking humiliation, failure, and ridicule--has forced me to grow in ways I never imagined possible. You all have allowed me this opportunity to share myself on such a visceral level, and for that I am eternally grateful. It is my deepest hope that you enjoy the epic journey that is Rune of the Apprentice and take as much pleasure in its world and characters as I have.
In that vein, many of you have already downloaded your ebooks and told me via email and Twitter (@stonejamison) how much you are enjoying the novel--thank you so much for your kind notes! It also warmed my heart to see a new blog review posted by THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS yesterday. Words cannot describe the joy I feel when learning of a new set of readers who resonates so deeply with my story and its characters. RUNE was a labor of love and I am filled with gratitude knowing that people are enjoying reading it as much as I enjoyed writing and sharing it with the world. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for making this experience possible not only for me, but each and every reader, too!
(An excerpt of THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS review is at the bottom of this update -- but click HERE to read the full version.)
2. Exclusive Letter In Hardcover Edition
Sadly, due to logistics outside of our control, we were unable to get the hardcovers signed by launch date. In fact, Inkshares actually had to perform some publishing magic to get the books printed and shipped to you on time.
BUT to make it up to you all, I have personally (at my own expense) designed and printed a special letter to be included in each physical copy of the novel. This letter includes the fateful and prophetic message to RUNE’s main character, Aleksi--sent by his exiled mentor, Master Rudra. This is the letter which not only spurs the epic journey of Rune of the Apprentice, but also serves as a cryptic guide to our young hero upon his tumultuous adventure.
Embedded within the letter is both guidance and warning to Aleksi, and although confusing (for both him and you, the reader!) it is my hope that having your own physical copy will help you discern, decipher, and be able to find each and every prophetic hint and reference hidden within Rudra’s message. Seriously, every line of this letter is in direct reference to the events of the story and directly correlate to Aleksi’s trials and tribulations. I think I will run a special giveaway for people who can find all of the references. Think you "catch’em" all?
The only way to get this physical version of the letter is either by pre-ordering the book like you all have, or meeting me in person at a convention or book signing. I have also included a brief thank you note from me at the end, too. I want to mention, I won’t be the one physically folding and inserting these letters into the books being shipped to you this week--that noble task was graciously accepted by Elena Stofle of Inkshares, who has truly earned over a thousand thank-you’s (there are a lot of books being sent out, folks.) I have been folding my own set of letters in preparation for upcoming signings, and I can tell you this is no small feat.
Which leads me to my next topic...
3. Signings / Events
As a reminder to Boston people, this Saturday at 2:00 pm is the Official launch of RUNE at the Prudential Center Barnes & Noble so please come get your copy signed and/or tell a Massachusetts friend about the event! But if you do not live close to Boston, fear not, we have some other awesome signings scheduled. Here is our ever growing list below!
Oct 29th, Barnes & Noble Prudencial Center - Boston, MA (2:00 - 4:00)Nov 10th, Proctor Academy - Andover, NH (all day)Nov 11th, Buffalo Books - Ithaca, NY (5:30 - 7:00 pm)Nov 13th, South Maryland Comic Con (all day)Nov 18th Bookends & Beginnings - Evanston, IL (6:00 - 7:30 pm)Nov 19th, Barnes & Noble Napersville - Napersville, IL (12:00 - 2:00)Dec 1st, Fort Lee Exchange - Fort Lee, VA (all day)Dec 9th, Langley AFB - Hampton, VA (all day)Dec 12th Third Eye Comics - Annapolis, MD (7:00 pm)I will be making Facebook events for each of these signings on RUNE’s Official Facebook page HERE so please head on over and hit it up with a "like" so you don’t miss the invite!
4. Reviews
I cannot stress this enough: Rune of the Apprentice and I NEED NEED NEED your review on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble! I know it’s a pain, and most people don’t know what to say--but just stars a few honest words is all that is required, and that small time investment from you will help both this project and me tendentiously. You can start posting reviews on all three sites NOW, so once you have read the book, PLEASE click the links below and share your stars and review. And if you have already read the book, please post your review NOW! It really means the world to me and will have a profound impact on the book’s success. THANK YOU!
This has already been a really long update, so I will keep my sign off quick: Words cannot convey the feelings in my heart. I am so humbled to be able to have my book in your hands. It is both an honor and privileged. Thank you.
"With Jamison Stone, you get a writer who clearly understands the epic fantasy audience, yet also must find a way to appeal to readers who rarely explore these kinds of books. I belong to the latter group. The key here is to excel at characterization and plot, as Stone does. In addition, I found that Stone’s writing has an almost poetic allure where there is a beautiful and insightful rhythm to his word choices. Stone’s writing style is quite seductive. Like an artist, Stone uses descriptive words as his brush, meticulously painting each character... I applaud Stone for demonstrating his incredible writing ability, psychological insight and descriptive flair in his first novel. Rune of the Apprentice offers readers a memorable experience." --THE NERDY GIRL EXPRESS (click HERE to read the full review.)
September 30, 2016
I was interviewed on Jayme Beddingfield's podcast Too Many Words!
I was interviewed on Jayme Beddingfield's podcast "Too Many Words!"
I hop on at 8 min in. Jayme and I talk writing, the path to creating 'Rune of the Apprentice,' how music helps set the mood for scenes, and media's responsibility to demonstrate diversity. I had a great time and am super excited to come back again for a full, in depth discussion about RUNE in in late November / early December and also talk more about Jayme's Fantasy/Sci-Fi novels, too! You can listen HERE!
iTunes: https://goo.gl/RSm378
Stitcher: https://goo.gl/6iffnP
Jayme Beddingfield is the author of the urban fantasy novel, The Highly Capable, and her new novel The Shadow Bearers is currently funding on Inkshares. Go check it out HERE!
September 23, 2016
Live Video Interview at Annapolis Comic Con and Cosplay!
Masters and Apprentices,
With October just around the corner... the November 1st Rune of the Apprentice launch date is nearly here! Yay!
The next few months will be a crazy Runic blur of conventions, signings, and events! So exciting! My wife Becca and I just got back from Annapolis Comic Con and had a blast! You can watch an interview I did with Landon of Reaper Legion Network below! (Reaper Legion is awesome, for those who love sick beats with a powerful message, I highly suggest you check out Landon’s very successful rap--it’s a wild mix of social justice and geek culture. So freaking cool! The interview he did with me is on their brand new YouTube Channel dedicated to science, technology, geekdom, and education. Love it!)
In other news, Rune is off to the printers! Yay! Not only does this mean that you all are one step closer to getting your copies, but that also means that I was able to upload the final version of the Rune’s Prologue on Inkshares!
As always, Becca and I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported us on this wild Runic adventure! Best part is that the awesomeness has only just begun! The next few months will be crazy--and this is only Book 1! We have signings across the country and events galore and want you all to join us! Once everything is finalized I will be making Facebook events so all interested can come, get some free swag, and join in on the Runic epicness!
Next convention will be the 2016 National Book Festival at the Library of Congress, here in DC! I’m super excited! After that it’s New York Comic-Con! I’ve got a lot planned for NYCC, so stay tuned! Will be a fun time filled with epic Cosplay!
Oh, yeah, and as seen below, even Spider-Man picked up a copy of Rune! So, make like Spidey and swing by Amazon to snag that 25% pre-order discount! It won’t last long and with a Nov. 1 release, Rune makes the perfect holiday gift!
Lastly, I will end with a new and recurring segment called "Praise for Rune of the Apprentice" where I will highlight a review/blurb posted online. This one is from D. L. Wainright, author of The Hollow Sun and Fractured Masks who I met at Balticon. She loved Rune and is a really great author, too! Enjoy and hopefully see many more of you in person, soon!
"Stone is a masterful world-builder, and I felt like I was truly stepping onto Terra from the moment I started reading. There is a depth and complexity to the world and characters that breathes life into the narrative itself. Reading Rune of the Apprentice was a fun and magical adventure that left me thinking about the world and its characters long after I put the book down." ―D. L. Wainright, author of The Hollow Sun and Fractured Masks
