Jeffrey L. Kohanek's Blog, page 5

The Beginning of the End

It’s been a while since I shared a blog post. That darn thing called life has been in the way, limiting how much time I could spend writing. Well, it’s a new year and I’m back. Let’s do this.

I began constructing the world of Issalia and Brock’s story almost three years ago. Now, I find myself writing the conclusion of the third and final book in the series. As Brock’s journey nears the end, I've found it an unexpected struggle to finish what I started so long ago. It’s not that I don’t want to complete the book. I’d love to get it done so I can share it with others as soon as possible. However, I found it a challenge to make it live up to my expectations.

Like many authors, I begin the writing process with an outline that identifies the major events and plot elements that I want to include. That outline is nothing more than a map, reminding me of the places that the plot needs to hit along the way. An outline does not define HOW I reach my final destination. In fact, HOW I navigate through the plot is often a surprise, coming to me organically as the words flow out. It is this “HOW” that eluded me when I entered the final chapters of the trilogy. I believe that I owe it to the readers and to myself to ensure that the conclusion to Brock’s journey lives up to the rest of the adventure. After all, I’m emotionally invested in these books and I hope that my readers feel the same way.

When I hit this veritable wall, I wanted to avoid the issue so badly that I shifted from writing new content to pouring through the existing chapters with a round of detailed edits. This bought me a month and then I was again forced to work on the ending. Who knew it would be so difficult?

I’m pleased to report that I had a breakthrough in the past week and the HOW came together, shaping nicely into something that makes me proud. With a new sense of momentum, I now have a clear path to completing this novel and plan to contact my editor next week so we can begin the next phase.

An Empire in Runes, which is the third book in The Runes of Issalia series, is set to release in April 2017. I’m excited to share it with you because I think you’ll love it.

A Writer's Journey

Three years ago, I knew little of what was involved in writing a book. I wasn't aware of the various routes to becoming published or of the methods that modern authors and publishers use to promote their books.

By the time I had my first book published, I realized that the knowledge gained through the process had value and that there were other aspiring authors who, like me, would appreciate insight on the writing and publishing process. Accordingly, I put together a workshop to share my experience with others.

In late May 2016, I took my first spin at the workshop by speaking to English classes at Fountain Valley High School, the same school that my daughter attends. On November 1st, I was able to take another stab at it by presenting at the Huntington Beach Public Library. In both cases, I found the experience quite rewarding. Attendees were engaged and asked some excellent questions at the end of my presentation. I truly enjoy interacting with interested readers and I hope to inspire others to make their dream of authoring a book become a reality.

If you are in southern California and would like me to come and speak at your high school, middle school, library, or another public forum, please contact me. My WRITER'S JOURNEY workshop is FREE and is suitable for anyone 12 years and older.

 

The Value of Entertainment

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It’s an old saying but still holds true today. Art, in its various forms, is subjective as is its value to an individual. Entertainment is often a form of art, whether it’s a film, TV show, music, video game, or in written form such as a book or magazine. In our digital world, the range of prices one might pay for entertainment is quite wide, ranging from a free download to hundreds of dollars for a concert ticket. In the end, the human mind and spirit require some form of entertainment to make life more enjoyable. Once you forego all forms of entertainment, life becomes dull and gray.

As a reader, I have spent as much as $30 on a newly released novel that I just couldn’t wait to read. At the same time, I have downloaded free books onto my Kindle and have come to find that they can provide just as an immersive and imaginative reading experience as the $30 hard cover. Which is correct? What value should be placed on a wonderful 8-hour journey of the imagination, which undoubtedly required hundreds or thousands of hours for the author to create?

Every day, millions of people willingly spend $11.00 at the cinema or $14.99 for a DVD, resulting in three hours of entertainment. Yet, I find readers who balk at any eBook listed for more than $2.99, even from an author who has proven to generate high quality novels. If three hours of movie entertainment is worth $14.99, shouldn’t a 300-page novel be worth twice that price?

Narrative-driven video games often fall into the 8-10 hour range for a single play-through. Even if the game is stellar, much like reading a book or watching a movie, replay value is low until time passes and you’ve forgotten enough of the story so that another round feels satisfying and fresh. Such games retail for $50-$60, yet some readers cry foul if they must pay $20 for a print copy of a 400-page novel that provides the same amount of entertainment.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as is the value of entertainment. I ask readers to place a little more value on the print medium if they wish authors to continue to write and for the medium to continue to exist. Next time you see an eBook priced equivalent to a McDonald's value meal, consider its entertainment value. The eBook will last far longer and consuming it is a much healthier alternative.

Virtual Fantasy Con Guest Author Paulina Woods

Hi. This is Jeffrey L. Kohanek, author of The Runes of Issalia epic fantasy series and I’m your host for this stop in the Virtual Fantasy Con Blog Hop Hunt. 

If you would like to find out more about the Hunt, please click here - http://vfcscavengerhunt.weebly.com/

Somewhere on this page is a hidden number. Collect all the numbers from all the authors’ posts, and then add them up. Once you’ve added all the numbers, and if I am your last author, please head to the official website and click on the ENTER HERE page to find the entry form. Only entries will the correct number will qualify to win.

I’m pleased to host Fantasy Author Paulina Woods for today's Virtual FantasyCon’s Blog Hop Hunt.

Why I Do What I Do

I love watching Criminal Minds and every episode they start and end with a quote. I have to admit I watch for the drama but stay for the quotes because many times they leave me with something to think about. One of my favorites is said by the character named Spencer Reid, when he quoted Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, "All acts performed in the world begin in the imagination." Whenever I start to get boggled down with my writing or my day job starts to drive me insane I pull this quote up and think about what it means to me.

I grew up in a devote Christian home. To some this means church every Sunday but in my household we went to church everyday but two, Monday and Tuesday. Girls did not cut their hair, wear pants, talk loudly or make friends with boys. Boys were the leaders and protectors of the girls. There were no TVs, bad books or non-Christian music. Yes it sounds like a boring and abusing childhood but in reality my siblings and I never knew we were missing out because we had our imaginations.

We dreamed up worlds and went out in the backyard and made it come to live. From the fictitious Jamestown to the land of candy we lived out our days in childhood bliss. But I think the most exciting part of this time was when I was able to sit down and write. I wrote poems, plays, short stories, children books, hell anything I could think of. I would have my siblings act it out and dreamed of one day writing the next big play, remember I didn’t watch TV so didn’t think of movies. I wanted to hear my name on the lips of every person who ever belittled me in school. I wanted my teachers to see my name and weep. I wanted the people in my church to see me and not see a weak girl who needed a man to take care of her. And so I imagined that all this was possible.

I dreamed of being the alien who landed on the planet. I dreamed of being the single confident woman who took over the world. I dreamed of one day leaving my small town and making a name for myself. And two years ago I finally stepped out of my imagination and started to make things tangible in the real world. I have steadily become all I wanted to become, baring the alien, and I hope to one day see my name light up a movie screen as people clap. Until that day arrives I will continue to do what I do best, imagine.

Books & Buy Links

Two siblings, each with a dark past, must learn to lean on their mates and help save the world.

Enter a world full of witches, warlocks, gargoyles, and other mythical creatures. Watch them fall in love as they try to navigate a world out to kill them.

Stone Guardian (Witches Amulet Book One)
Captive Guardian (Witches Amulet Book Two)

Element - Fire (Healer/Destroyer)
Royal House - Purple

Milcah was born to rule. Stolen soon after birth, her magic was locked and she was forced to live a normal life, with no knowledge of her heritage.
Raised by a detached parent, she learned to depend on herself and her best friend, Mary, for support. While on a road trip across country she's forced to find shelter in an abandoned town called Beacon.
She finds her destiny and learns about her past, which will lead to the salvation or damnation of the world, and a mate who can give her everything her heart desires. Can she let go of her 79 insecurities and accept her mate's love?

Prepare for Your Quest

I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming release of my latest novel, The Emblem Throne. It is the second book in The Runes of Issalia series and releases on October 6, 2016.

When can you place an order? VERY SOON!

On Friday, September 23, I will reveal the book cover and will begin accepting preorders on my website, JeffreyLKohanek.com. Not only will you receive a SIGNED first edition print copy of the book, but you also get it at a special discounted price when ordered before October 5. Preordered copies of The Emblem Throne will ship out on October 14.

Wait, there’s more.

If you have yet to read The Buried Symbol, I am offering a SERIES bundle deal. Place an order for the bundle and you will receive books I & II at a discounted bundle price along with a coupon for $2.00 off book III, which releases in spring 2017.

Come back on Friday to see the new book cover(teaser below) and to place your preorder.

[image error]

Connecting with Readers

Today’s authors have numerous means to connect with readers, far exceeding what was available twenty years ago. The growth of the internet and the advent of social media have dramatically expanded the possibilities for unknown authors to gain a following. While it is paramount for authors to take advantage of these tools, nothing can truly replace face-to-face interaction. Accordingly, I have a busy fall schedule with a steady stream of personal appearances, where I hope to find new readers and meet my growing list of fans. Here is what is currently scheduled:

September 2-3: My fall tour kicks off at Meta Con on Labor Day weekend in Minneapolis, where I will be hosting a booth with another Minnesota-born author, Christopher D. Schmitz. On Friday and Saturday of the event, I will be there selling and signing books, meeting readers, and answering questions.
September 7: I am the featured author at Barnes & Nobel Bella Terra in Huntington Beach, CA, where I will be signing books and meeting readers from 6pm to 8pm to raise funds for the Fountain Valley High School PTSA.
September 17-18: Come see me at the Long Beach Comic Con. It will be a fun event with cosplay and prize giveaways for attendees who stop by my booth.
October 6: October begins with the launch of my new novel, THE EMBLEM THRONE, the second book in THE RUNES OF ISSALIA Look for pre-order specials to appear on my website in mid-September with copies of the book shipping out in mid-October.
October 9: You can’t make it to any of the locations I have listed? Join me online as I participate in Virtual Fantasy Con as a featured author of Epic Fantasy books.
October 15: I am the featured author in Black Rose Writing’s booth at the Vegas Valley Book Festival in historic downtown Las Vegas.
October 16: You can’t make it to any of the locations I have listed? Join me online for Virtual Fantasy Con as it features authors who write YA Fantasy books.
October 28-30: I am hosting my own booth at Stan Lee’s Comikaze at the LA Convention Center. It will be three days of fun for attendees who to revel in comics, cosplay, and geek culture. Yes, my books can be lumped into that last bucket.
November 1: Are you interested in learning more about my writing process and about the possible routes to publication? I invite you to attend my workshop, A Writer’s Journey, at the Huntington Beach Public Library at 6pm to kick off …..month at HBPL.

Beyond the events listed above, I will somehow squeeze in a launch party for THE EMBLEM THRONE in the third week of October, despite the fact that I am also in the process of remodeling a house and moving.

No matter how busy I am, I will always have time for my fans. I sincerely thank those of you who have read my book and am extremely grateful to those who have provided reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other book-related sites. I hope to see you amidst my upcoming events.

Sitting Upon The Emblem Throne

I began seeking a publisher once I finished writing The Buried Symbol, a novel that is part of a larger story designed to span three books. Still entrenched within that story and seeing a clear path for where to take it, I decided to work on the second book while conducting my search. Although it took me a whole year to write the first draft of book 1, I was able to crank out a draft of book 2 in just four months, completing it before I even found my publisher.

With a contract signed and a release date to meet, the editing and production cycle for The Buried Symbol required my attention, while my draft of the sequel gathered dust. By the time I began editing book 2, The Buried Symbol was about to release and my productivity was limited with the distraction of marketing and sales efforts.

Here comes the good news: On August 13, 2016, almost a year after I began writing it, I submitted the final copy of book 2 to my publisher. Yes! It feels so good!

Before I discuss the book’s contents, I want to thank my family members for their roles as beta readers and send a special thanks to my editor, Sheryl, for doing a wonderful job in challenging me to produce the best book possible.

Now, about the book:

While Brock remains the protagonist throughout the series, The Emblem Throne reveals more about the other main characters, exposing their backgrounds and motivations so readers feel more connected to them. Expect more magic, more discoveries, and a lot more action in book 2. In fact, I find it almost exhausting because so much happens in the last third of the book. This is necessary because the payoff is coming in book 3 with a lot more action and there is no time to drag things out. Hopefully, readers will be surprised by what occurs and what is revealed.

I have included a synopsis of book 2, The Emblem Throne, below as a preview. Look for it to go up for pre-order in September. I thank all who purchased The Buried Symbol. Without you, there would be no second book.

The Emblem Throne will release for print on October 6, with the eBook following two weeks later.

-Jeff

A Synopsis of THE EMBLEM THRONE: Book II of The Runes of Issalia

Journey on a magical quest to save the world

In pursuit of their dreams to become Masters within the Ministry, Brock and his friends resume their training at the Academy, an institution founded on magic, science, knowledge, law, and combat. Unbeknownst to them, an expansive web of conspiracies and deceit exists within the Ministry and the Academy, hidden behind a veil of benevolence and piety. The exposure of one of these secrets forces Brock and his friends to flee the institution with their lives in the balance.

Joined by a fierce Tantarri warrior, the group embarks on a dangerous quest beset with monsters, both human and beast, to locate a throne that has been lost for centuries. Guided by the cryptic words of an ancient prophecy, and backed by a forbidden magic that they are still learning to wield, they journey across the continent to save humanity from extinction.

And now, for a little insight...

Here is a transcript from a recent author interview that featured yours truly. Enjoy.

Today I have the privilege of having Jeffrey L. Kohanek, author of the book, The Buried Symbol, for an author interview. If you leave a comment below before the end of July, we’ll put your name in a hat, and one lucky responder will receive a copy of The Buried Symbol, book one in The Runes of Issalia trilogy. So, don’t forget to drop a comment below for a chance to win!

 

Thanks for joining us today, Jeff! What inspired you to start writing a fantasy novel?

From a young age, I’ve felt driven by an internal desire to create. With an early love for heroes with super powers, I found my childhood-self creating my own comic books. In my adult life, I’ve spent a number of years writing in a business-marketing role, which allows for creativity but not to the extent that I would like. Two years ago, I decided to harness that creativity in a new way and focus on writing novels.

I had ideas in my head about a world, a magic, and a story that I wanted to tell. Inspired by other amazing fantasy authors, I spent the next year writing the first book. Six months later, I signed with a publisher and have been on a wild ride ever since.

I was that way as a kid, too. Bet there's a lot of guys who hoarded comic books, but creating our own, that's a different story. What authors have most influenced your life? What did you like about their work?

Different authors have influenced various points of my life. In grade school and middle school, I first grew to love fantasy novels during my journeys to wondrous lands such as CS. Lewis’ Narnia and J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth. In my teens, my love for epic fantasy grew to a crescendo with David Eddings’ Belgariad and Raymond E. Feist’s Riftwar series capturing my imagination, leaving me enthralled with the idea of discovering magical abilities and learning to harness them. When I finally decided to write The Runes of Issalia trilogy, it was with the desire to instill that same sense of wonder in my readers.

More recently, I would say that my favorite authors are Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, and Patrick Rothfuss. I consider Jordan to be the king of worldbuilding, Sanderson to be the best at creating interesting magic systems, and Rothfuss to be a grand storyteller. When you read my series, you should see some influence from each of the authors listed as they have all shaped my work in some manner.

 

I can see some of Jordan in your writing, especially the good/bad magic of Saidin vs.Saidar. I would agree on his worldbuilding, it's amazing. Your Issalia is pretty immersive as well. Not only present day, but it seems to have a very rich history, which I'm sure we'll get a peek at in later books.

Brock is an overcomer, sort of like Aladdin at the beginning. Tell us about him. Was there a real-life inspiration behind him?

I often gravitate toward the underdog, finding their ability to succeed against difficult odds to be extremely compelling. Thus, featuring a protagonist that is the classic definition of an underdog was as easy choice for me to make.

Brock is the embodiment of the human spirit, refusing to give up though he has little history of success in his past. As the story progresses, things become easier for him partly because of his dramatic status change and partly because he finds himself in a position that takes advantage of his natural abilities.

I modeled Brock after myself, but a better version of myself. While he certainly isn’t perfect, I wanted a protagonist is likable and perhaps even inspirational. He is small of stature, but has a big heart. He has good intentions, but is willing to break the rules when necessary. He is selfish enough to look out for himself, but shows compassion toward others whenever possible. Brock wants to do the right thing because that where his moral compass points him, even if doing the right thing is against the law or against popular opinion.

 

The plight of the Unchosen in The Buried Symbol is similar to several people groups in our world today who are discriminated against, treated as a bit less than ‘people’. The Untouchables in India comes to mind. Was there something that inspired this facet of your novel?

The evils of discrimination is definitely an underlying theme in the book. By placing the reader behind a main character who is treated like a social outcast, it provides perspective that I hope will have positive impact. However, I cannot lie and say that was my only goal. The existence of Unchosen is a critical plot element for the series, leading to a number of secrets that come to light during the story. The first reveal occurs near the end of book one, but there is more to come as the plot unfolds.

I know what you mean, but of course saying more would be introducing spoilers. :-)

The idea of Runes being a source of power, or a way to identify or harness power, is new to me. Was there something that gave you the idea, or was that something you dreamed up on your own?

Rune magic in various forms exists in other fantasy works. However, the particular approach I took is something that I dreamed up while reading book two of The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. Having an engineering background, I gravitate toward magic systems that are logical, considering magic to be a kind of science that we haven’t yet discovered. When readers follow the story, I want them to feel as if they know how to work this magic and can put themselves in Brock’s position as he discovers the limits of his abilities.

Is that common to engineer authors? Magic 'mechanics' or science, is intriguing to me as well. 

What was your favorite chapter (or part) in the book, and why?

Three specific chapters jump out at me, but they likely aren’t what you think.

I love the chapter where Brock has a flashback dream of his childhood, drawing tears every time I read it.
I also really like the chapter where Brock and Ashland first kiss because it stirs memories of how it felt to be seventeen and fall in love for the first time.
However, my favorite chapter is the morning after Brock’s first experience drinking wine at The Quiet Woman inn. Fantasy books often feature dark taverns filled with rude men groping pretty waitresses. I created The Quiet Woman to be the opposite of that trope, filling it with women drinking coffee or wine and feeling welcome and empowered. Since it rarely has male patrons, Brock’s gregarious nature quickly makes him a favorite of the women who frequent the inn. When Tipper describes Brock’s antics from the previous evening, Brock groans in embarrassment at what he did while under the influence of too much wine. In addition to making me laugh, I see the chapter as a good lesson for all ages as to what can happen when you abuse alcohol. I wrote the chapter from experience, knowing that I need to keep the lesson in mind as well. As a side note, I’m known to take my shirt off and do some acrobatics from time to time, so you know where that part of the story came from.

Is there a message in your novel that you hope your readers will grasp?

I don’t want to sound preachy, nor make my book seem that way. However, if my writing can influence some readers to be a bit more compassionate, I’ve made the world a better place. I also hope to inspire others to overcome the obstacles in their life.

I’d love to read more of Brock and Tipper and their friends at the Academy. When will the sequel be out, and how can readers nab a copy?

Book 2, The Emblem Throne, is releasing on October 6, 2016. Readers will be able to pre-order signed print copies from my website in early September. It will also be out in print and ebook formats with major book retailers after the release date.

How can readers get in touch with or follow you?

Website:              http://jeffreylkohanek.com

Facebook:           http://facebook.com/JeffreyLKohanek  

Twitter:                http://twitter.com/JLKohanek  

Goodreads:        https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29910761-the-buried-symbol  

Amazon:              http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Symbol-Jeffrey-L-Kohanek/dp/1612966926/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8  

B&N:                     http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-buried-symbol-jeffrey-l-kohanek/1123737047?ean=9781612966922  

 

For the original interview, visit: : 

Influencing Your World

Governments and societies have a dramatic effect citizens' lives, shaping their views, beliefs, and perception of the world. History and the daily news have shown time and again the level of influence that governments have on society. Accordingly, when a fantasy author chooses a government to build a world and story upon, it can have a dramatic impact on numerous elements, including character motivation and plot.

Consider Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Series) and the aristocracy that rules Westeros. The nobles are forever scheming against one another, jockeying for a better position of power regardless of how it impacts the lower classes. That environment creates an inordinate amount of deceit and betrayal, resulting in drama and intrigue at every turn. Nobles who attempt the high road, hoping to circumvent the selfish nature of the game, find themselves at a disadvantage to those who ignore the moral implications for their acts. George R. R. Martin's plot revolves around this dynamic, making it as critical to the story as any other aspect of the series.

This is but one of many approaches an author might a society upon. Dystopian societies have proven popular of late, particularly in teen fantasy novels. The worlds within these stories are often controlled by a fascist government, ruling with an iron fist, or by a socialist government where the leaders hide behind false propaganda used to convince citizens to donate everything to the greater good. In either case, the lower class suffers greatly while those at the top enjoy the spoils. Social inequity and injustice become a plot motive, urging a protagonist to push back and inspire the lower class into a rebellion, similar to The Hunger Games trilogy.

For The Runes of Issalia series, I chose to build my story around a theocracy. The Issalian Empire is a caste-based society with the Ministry acting as the ruling class, dictating the laws in addition to guiding the spiritual lives of citizens, all in the name of their god, Issal. While most governments only control the laws and economy that effect daily life, theocracies are designed to also dictate the spiritual beliefs that impact an individual’s afterlife. Possessing this unnatural level of influence upon the citizens of the Empire naturally creates the opportunity for the Ministry to be fraught with corruption. This concept enabled me to create a plot wrapped about a series of conspiracies, dating back hundreds of years. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed that give clues to the extent of the conspiracy and the corruption that hides behind the cloaks of Ministry leaders. Those who have read book one have an inkling to the extent of their lies, but you must read on to discover the depths of their deceit.

Fantasy authors can weave many types of tales, focusing on various aspects of the fantastic. Regardless of plot, government and society structure will play a role. Consider the various types of government that you've been exposed to when reading fantasy novels. Kingdoms ruled by monarchs are certainly the most common but even among those, you may find unique aspects that make one world more intriguing than another. For aspiring fantasy authors, I suggest that you strongly consider these elements and choose wisely, for it can greatly influence the story you tell. 

My Quarterly Author Newsletter

The article below is an excerpt from my first quarterly author newsletter, which was emailed to subscribers today. To get the whole scoop, including the special surprise, you can subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of my Author Website.

It's been two months since The Buried Symbol was released. The reception from readers and critics thus far has been great, although I could certainly use a few more reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other reader sites. As for book sales, it appears to be going as well as can be expected for a first-time author working with a small publisher, but I have nothing to compare against. What I can tell you is that I love receiving feedback from readers and it encourages me to push forward with the sequels.

For readers eagerly awaiting book two, The Emblem Throne is releasing in October!

With my publishing contracts for books two and three now signed, I am back to working against a schedule. Thankfully, the second book was written months ago and merely must endure a sequence of edits. As for book three, An Empire in Runes, I still have much work to do. The book is over half written but deserves a delicious ending to cap-off the series. With my focus now shifted back to editing book two, it will be months before the first draft of book three is complete. Look for an update in my October newsletter. In the meantime, check the progress graphs for each book below.

If you or someone you know would like to purchase a SIGNED copy of The Buried Symbol, visit my WEBSITE and use code LostMagic at checkout and receive a 20% discount.

Lastly, I've included a special treat below, just for newsletter subscribers. 

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive an inside scoop about my upcoming books and author events.