M.G. Darwish's Blog, page 5
June 26, 2019
New 'Behind the Story' Segment
If you would like to know more about the writing process of a certain book that I wrote, then this is the segment for you. Every month (funny how expectations work right? It used to be daily, then weekly and now it's just... no no, I'm fine) I'll be picking a story that I published and answer a few questions about it. These will contain light spoilers, so that is why I will at least wait 6 months until I do one of these to something that had just been published.
These are the questions that I'll answer every time:
How did it spark?How long did it take?Favorite character?Did something change along the way?Toughest scene to write?Last scene to write?I've got a surprise for you. Kinda. I've already written one about Titanlord! Go read it right away!
Currently, I'm in the process of revamping my website yet again. The previous theme I installed was getting hectic honestly and it became more of a chore to publish something new. Well, that all changed right away with this new theme. I'm planning content from reviews, to tips to other news about my current projects. Just keep in mind I very recently got married. So I have all the time in the world to focus on this (honey, if you're reading this, I'm sorry and I love you).
Regards,
Until next time.
June 24, 2019
Vanity and Hybrid Publishers - Quick Warning to Aspiring Authors
It seems contradictory that whenever we try to influence a change and dare tell aspiring authors and dreamers to 'wake up' and realize their ambitions, write and publish that book, bring that voice they always wanted to reality, that a snake rattles it's poisonous tail and swallows them whole.
I've noticed a resurgence of vanity publishers recently, and I know that I wrote about them before but as a published author in my own country 'Bahrain' I feel it is my duty to write about this again. As to not give anyone the excuse of 'he wrote that about vanity publishers, not us/he wrote that a long time ago and much has changed'. I am here to reiterate: nothing has changed.
Came across an ad that a book publisher has finally opened up in the Middle East (in UAE to be more exact), and decided to look them up. Hell, if that was true then I'd be the first one to submit my work to them. When I did my research however, it turns out that they're actually a hybrid publisher (a cross between a vanity and a traditional publishers) and that just terrified me.
Since I've published Dragon Tooth in 2015, much has changed. A lot of new authors have came up, and I've met a lot of aspiring authors who wanted to publish their works and just didn't know how. The thing is, I can only reach so many of them. Of the people that I don't know and don't contact me, the ones who aren't aware about all this ordeal...etc. That is why I am writing this blog again, to let every aspiring author/artist know this simple rule: you do not pay to publish your book. Publishers should pay you to publish your book.
What is a Vanity Press?
A vanity press is a publisher who offer packages to aspiring authors to publish their books. They prey on the lack of information and research that they have and give them false ideas or dreams of finally becoming a published author (which by the way, isn't that glorifying trust me, at the end, it's just a lot of work).
So, let's go through their bullshit one by one and dissect them one by one:
1: Every author pays for some form of marketing, editing or cover design. You can't expect to write the book and not spend anything.
A: Every SELF-PUBLISHED author pays for cover design, editing and marketing. To say that traditional authors pay anything is quite simply: not true. It is the sole responsibility of the publisher to do everything in their power to make the book as successful as it can be. That is why they offer the author an advance (that is NON-REFUNDABLE) of whatever they think they will sell, and then offer royalties once their recoup their investment. For example: Publisher pays you an advance of 1000 USD to publish your book. They will edit it, format it, design the cover art, distribute it and market it for you (though the marketing kinda is reflective of the effort you, yourself put in as well). You will not get royalties from your book sales until they get their advance back. Sounds fair enough? Almost. If the book happens to not do well, then that is all. If it doesn't sell a single copy, you get to keep the advance at least. That is the risk they take.
2: If you do go the traditional route, they will own all of your rights!
A: Again, completely false. They will own SOME rights, not all of them. They will own distribution rights mostly, all the rest depends on the sort of agreement you sign with them. That is why it is very vital that you read the contract prior to signing it. However, the intellectual property will ALWAYS remain the author's. It is true that they take control of some of the creative process (cover design for example) but when editing, they can recommend or demand you change something because they think it will help sell the book more, and an author might be obliged to listen to them but they always can say: no.
Most aspiring authors don't know that they can self publish using KDP (since CreateSpace is gone now) for FREE. It costs you nothing to publish your books to ALL MAJOR ONLINE RETAILERS. Amazon, Barns and Noble...etc. My books are on Kobo, Google Books, Apple Store, Barns and Noble, Amazon and a whole bunch of others. Vanity Publishers do not have a bigger reach than KDP (owned by Amazon). While there are some paid self-publishing platforms, none of them will demand a giant chunk to do this. I'll explain more in a future post.
3. We are not a vanity publisher!
A: If only people would understand that I am not Dr.Phil (wait, that sounded way better in my head)! I hope you get my point. They will never outright admit that they aren't a vanity publisher because they have been exposed for so long.
4. We are not a vanity publisher, we are a hybrid publisher! We offer both, traditional and-
A: Shhhhhhhhhhhhh... See the point of being a hybrid publisher removes any form of credibility a publisher has. That is to say: they have no standards and every submission will be the same: they will tell you, you didn't qualify for a traditional contract and will quote you a ridiculous amount that they will glorify and call 'amazing deal/your book has great commercial success potential' with promises that 'most authors make their money back within a year' but please remember that this is just the words of a Salesman. Don't be tempted, don't be tricked into hearing what you want to hear.
To not make this blog any longer, I'll stop here. I'll be doing another post really soon with more excuses (comment or reach out to me here if you have any doubts at all).
It is my mission to help any aspiring authors and as such, please do reach to me if you're confused or don't know what to do with a manuscript, I am more than happy to donate my time and help someone realize their dream. I will literally stop everything I'm doing (except sleeping) and text you back. Solid promise.
Until next time,
Write on.
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June 22, 2019
Writing in First Person - My Opinion
I prefer writing in third person limited (as apparent from my 9 published works so far). I always felt uncomfortable reading books that use a first person POV to tell an entire story and while that might be difficult to achieve (as evident by some authors who use multiple POVs in order to tell a complete and coherent story) I've never liked it, nor did I ever think I would write in it.
That of course changed. The dark nights laid atop my roof and I heard a call whisper to me "choose me..." I looked outside my window, and it was pitch black. "Who is it?" I cried unto the abyss. "It's your god damn unfinished book dude. Seriously, get on writing! Oh and, you definitely CAN'T write this in First Person."
I of course, replied "You can't tell a writer what he can or can't do!" - Okay. seriously though, I played around with this style when writing a novella about vampires (the story of why I wrote it will come later) and I just fell in love with a way a story is explored only through the main character. How could I make it more difficult for myself? Make the MC ridiclously overpowered, a mysoginst, and as arrogant and blind to their weaknesses as they can be.
Needless to say, that same novella I wrote was called "Fortier: Blood & Moon" and I had so much fun during the process that I decided to write another novel that would act as a direct sequel to the novella. The most interesting parts of the process was how challenging it was to create any sort of character development within such an overpowered MC. Now as it stands? That novel is on the final stages of editing (I think it's around the 5th draft now) and it is by far one of the most enjoyable stories that I wrote (plot and character wise).
There are so many obstacles you would think by writing in a single POV for the duration of the entire book, however I think that is completely overshadowed by the positives and the story elements that you can implement during when writing in First Person. I hid stuff right in front of the readers and even made the MC oblivious to it in a certain way, and that paid off tremendously in the end.
Until next time,
Write on.
June 19, 2019
BOOK REVIEW: Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Maas
.checked { color: orange; } RatingThis could've been easily a 5, or a 3 to be honest, but I opted for 4, because I really like it. I don't particularly love it, or do I? Alright, so first things first, this was an incredible read that kept me on the edge of my seat for more than I cared to admit. At times it was predictable, but I loved that I just kept on reading nonetheless (and when I reached around the 360 page mark, I panicked and bought the next three books in the series because I didn't want to stop reading this.
However, some of the issues with this book that I found faulty, were how "The Assassin and the Pirate Lord" ended. I felt that it was totally anti-climactic and had it not been for the severe consequences that occurred I honestly would've stopped reading. It seemed so unbelievable and the ending did the book a disservice. Even some of the character development happened in a way that didn't necessary justify how they went about and made choices.
There were a few loose ends, that I hope will be answered in the next books (and I don't mean the main plot or characters, something so vital in the first few pages happens and its just forgotten and fades away, no probing, no questions, no whys and whats. Someone as the King of the Assassin's Second... disappearing would raise a few brows in my opinion.
Overall, I would recommend that you get this. Sure, there are a few problems but the action kept pulling me to the book and didn't allow me to go make a cup of tea -that really says something- the characters jump from pages and you get a genuine concern about their well-being as you see some of them evolve and go through Hell. Awesome, well done, and can't wait to read the rest of the books.
Buy on Amazon
Review: Assassin's Blade
Rating: 4/5This could've been easily a 5, or a 3 to be honest, but I opted for 4, because I really like it. I don't particularly love it, or do I? Alright, so first things first, this was an incredible read that kept me on the edge of my seat for more than I cared to admit. At times it was predictable, but I loved that I just kept on reading nonetheless (and when I reached around the 360 page mark, I panicked and bought the next three books in the series because I didn't want to stop reading this.
However, some of the issues with this book that I found faulty, were how "The Assassin and the Pirate Lord" ended. I felt that it was totally anti-climactic and had it not been for the severe consequences that occurred I honestly would've stopped reading. It seemed so unbelievable and the ending did the book a disservice. Even some of the character development happened in a way that didn't necessary justify how they went about and made choices.
There were a few loose ends, that I hope will be answered in the next books (and I don't mean the main plot or characters, something so vital in the first few pages happens and its just forgotten and fades away, no probing, no questions, no whys and whats. Someone as the King of the Assassin's Second... disappearing would raise a few brows in my opinion.
Overall, I would recommend that you get this. Sure, there are a few problems but the action kept pulling me to the book and didn't allow me to go make a cup of tea -that really says something- the characters jump from pages and you get a genuine concern about their well-being as you see some of them evolve and go through Hell. Awesome, well done, and can't wait to read the rest of the books.
Buy on Amazon
April 5, 2019
Titanlord: of Death & Sacrifice - In Depth Review by OnlineBookClub
3/4 Online Book Club Rating4/5 Amazon Rating
It's been a while haven't it? Well, it's been about a good amount of time since Titanlord has been out however recently, Espie of OnlineBookClub has written a great and in depth review about Titanlord and since it can be tough to find it, I will post it here along with a link to the original page on OnlineBookClub.
P.S: The errors mentioned are fixed and live on Amazon (both Paperback and Kindle editions).
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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Titanlord" by M.G. Darwish.]
People thought seven Titans existed. Others said they were fewer than that; some claimed there could be more of them. What had been more definite was their unmistakable otherworldly power, which was said to be rivaled only by the gods themselves. Even the bravest and staunchest fighters cowered in fear; one could only imagine what could strike anything or anyone that stood in the mighty ones’ way. With all the varying tales and stories about them, they embodied the very essence of the Supreme Architect — the creator of all beings and things that ever existed.
Everything changed when a mortal king defeated and absorbed the Titans' powers. The Capital then had become so stable and unperturbed, with nothing and nobody to challenge its stature. For hundreds of years under the ruling dynasty, its walls and forts remained safe and unmarred by any foe’s weaponry. Even the rebellion had already been quelled. Everyone within the realm had become as complacent as could be. However, should they be?
The present king, Magmar the Thirteenth, already had qualms that the most recent news had been too good to be true. As he sensed, indeed, the famed or infamous Red Hand was still on the loose. They were quite far from a happy ending. It was just the start of more perilous times.
Titanlord: of Death & Sacrifice is a fantasy novel by thriller writer M.G. Darwish. The author says his fear of a penguin revolt is immensely greater than what he'd feel for villains and monsters of any sort. That should say a lot about this work. Although some sources show that this piece has more than 3,000 pages and 750,000 words, don't be too daunted by the length because its e-reader version actually only has 319 (yet power-packed) pages. Expect the unexpected more.
Do you crave for the thrill and mystery of the Lord of the Rings trilogy but don’t mind the absence of hobbits, elves, dwarves or orcs? Do you fancy the awe-inspiring ancient mythology that donned the Clash of the Titans movie or the Percy Jackson series’ stories but also want something on a different league of its own? If yes, then this book's storyline — and all else beneath and in between — could also be for you. With cliffhangers in almost every chapter, it never failed to keep me guessing about what could happen next. Just when I thought I already knew the answers, a subsequent chapter would then lead me to discover that I didn't get everything exactly right. I had to find another piece of the puzzle thereafter.
Who had been telling the truth? Who had been keeping secrets? Who should they trust? Who were the real enemies? Were all the armed struggles justified or were they just causing more harm than good? Who should they turn to? Who should they blame? Should it be the Titans, the king, the Red Hand, the bandits, the demons or the gods? Would there be any hope for them? I really needed to keep on turning one page after another to satisfy my piqued curiosity.
It had taken a while before the main character graced the limelight. Nonetheless, all other previous chapters built everything up on a steady pace enough to prepare me for when that right time came. Did I find a protagonist or an antagonist? Well, I was reminded of the adage that "one man's hero could be another's villain." The words rang so perfectly relevant in the Red Hand's case along with the other characters'. Through vivid descriptions and variations in dialogues, each character had been well developed enough. Such deftly approximated the reality that each human being is uniquely made; everyone has inherent good and bad sides, and yet that fact isn't totally bleak. For instance, I really disdained a character’s obscene language that was quite unsuitable for younger readers. Despite that, I soon found out that the Imperial Captain was more than what he initially seemed to be. In as much as I have rooted for the popular heroes and heroines, there were more twists and turns to the story. Contrary to what they had appeared to be capable of at first, the ones I relegated may have had a bigger role to play. As I read further — and on several occasions — I realized that my preconceived notions and biases got the better part of me. I didn’t mind being wrong either.
The utter heartlessness and grossness of the wanton deaths in the story had been so distasteful. In spite of that, they even made me admit that they were not entirely fictional at all. Such atrocities really existed and may still be existing in today’s reality. Others may even try to justify them; nevertheless, those who suffer and the ones close to them would always choose if not beg to disagree. Love, friendship, innocence, leadership, integrity, loyalty, trust, faith, service, respect, equality, harmony, peace, and courage — these were some of the important values and themes that I gleaned along the way, too.
I should have easily given this piece a perfect rating if not for the sporadic typographical errors on its pages. I am giving it only 3 out of 4 stars at this point. However, it could soon rise and claim the coveted realm of literary glory. Those albeit minute yet still significant details just need to be banished into oblivion for good.
Before I wrap this up, I've also got a confession to make. I might have been compelled by something, but I’d acquiesce anyway. This book's sampling already hit me straight at the center of the target's bullseye. You’re only reading this because I found worth in what I read in the first place. It may have been written by a thriller writer, so it may have seemed so unlike “me.” Yet it wasn't classified under the crime, mystery, thriller or horror genre; thus, I decided to give it a full go. That turned out to be a dread-defying and impulsive yet serendipitously fruitful decision; I didn’t and wouldn’t be able to regret making the choice.
Tastefully written yet in plainer language than expected, Titanlord dealt with ironies and paradoxes, took me to its perplexing world of myths, and challenged me to navigate my way through. I also unearthed the following among many other trinkets of wisdom from the manuscript: "It is often said that what makes one brave is not whether or not fear exists in your heart, but what you do with the fear in your heart."
Original link to review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=102268
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Titanlord will be discount from Today (6th of April 2019) until 8th of April 2019 at 0.99$! Grab your next read and Quell the Titans!
Grab your copy
Regards
May 11, 2018
Titanlord is Published! - Where to Buy
VEDA. POLLUS. MAGNUS.
Well, it's finally time! Titanlord is officially published and available on Amazon and KDP (more stores will come but for now, the ebook will be a KDP exclusive).
For everyone in Bahrain, physical copies will be available on all major retailers in a few weeks (make sure you follow me on Twitter to stay updated on specific locations).
I've been so excited for the release! It has been such a journey and one that I loved sharing with a lot of people as well. So anywho, let's get on with it shall we?
Description:
The Magmars rose in rebellion against the rule of Titans and casting them into forgotten legends and myths. Then the lies began, and just as they rebelled, another gave them a taste of their own medicine when he waged war on them. He was called the Red Hand.
The Red Hand was branded a traitor and an outcast, yet within his grasp lays a deadly sword that is said to rival the power of Titans.
The Crown grew frustrated as they tried all of their tricks to stop history repeating itself, and in process revived a secret so grand it could spell the end itself.
Demons and mythical beasts roam the lands, as everyone tries to make sense of the needless war that continues to this day.
Get it on Amazon:https://amzn.to/2FRVPz6
Find it on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40049421-titanlord
BONUS: Make sure you subscribe to my mailing list for digital goodies on the 7th of June (marking my birthday. Cheesy, I know)!
February 1, 2018
Huge Website Upgrade + Titanlord and Fortier Release Date and News
If you're seeing this, then welcome to the new and enhanced version of my website. I want you to know that this is a giant step that is making me a bit nervous as well, but we started this together, so now let's finish it together as well. This is no longer just a blog, but also a bookstore. No, a website... A mixture or both? Let me try this again: this is where I get to call my writing home. I'll still be blogging about writing and giving you advice where and when I can (honestly, doing this jump is exciting as well as terrifying as well, but I figured since you all were with me since the beginning, it'd be a great idea to involve you all in the process).
In case you're wondering why there has been little update in terms of blog posts and/or book release dates and short stories... Look behind, a unicorn! Didn't work? Damnit.
About the lack of blogs I've been brainstorming a few concepts for a while now, but truth be told, I need your suggestions since I think I covered nearly all aspects of writing (in one way or another) so do let me know what you want me to cover more in depth. Whether it's my writing process, motivation or the horrifying room that all the characters I killed in my books haunt now. But, I have a lot more coming your way so please have patience and bare with me! If you'd like to stay updated, don't forget to sign up to my email list. I'll often send updates or questions there (might even provide some goodies) but more importantly, I won't spam you because I have been spammed before, I'll try to limit the emails to once or twice every month okay? Fair? Good.
Titanlord This. The final draft has been ready, I swear I haven't been slacking off or not writing, I promise. But the problem is that I tried to go the traditional route but eventually opted to self-publish it. Due to creative control, and the whole long process of sending an agent a query, and if they're interested, you have to wait around 6 months average for a response (and some do not allow simultaneous submissions as well).
"So? Self-publish it like you did with Dragon Tooth, what's the big deal?" I hear you asking. But the thing about self-publishing is that there are expenses. Editing, cover design and layout formatting, all that is added up in the total cost of publishing it. I'm trying to perfect it as much as I can so I can give you a solid copy that is worthy of remaining on your bookshelves.
"Okay M, I got you. So now, when's the release date?" Did you ask that? Or was I imagining things? Anyways, the release date is: I DON'T KNOW, PLEASE STOP ASKING IT MAKES ME FEEL BAD, SAD AND DEPRESSED. Okay I may be overreacting a bit, but in truth, I was planning to release Titanlord before the end of 2017 (and we all know how strict I am with deadlines) but I just didn't want to rush the release as I did with Dragon Tooth, I want it to take its time and just hope that you'll appreciate it when it comes out.
"I'm not happy, M, not one bit." Okay okay! How about this, in a few weeks, I'll be releasing a short manga adaptation of Titanlord right here on this website for your... eyly pleasure. Not the prologue, not chapter 1, but the adaptation serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Titanlord and I think you'll love it. P.S: The artist I'm working with is seriously talented and I'm so lucky that she accepted working with me, I mean honestly.
"Okay! Sounds good. I suppose. Let me just head over to the left and sign up to your newsletter!" Why thank you, my friend, I suppose I could release a teaser much earlier to those on the newsletter as well right- what? Whaaaa, I'm not overly advertising anything come on... Okay fine I'll stop.
Fortier: The Long Night If you follow me on social media (@infrangilis), you'll know by now that I am working on another book called (Fortier: The Long Night) which is a direct sequel of (Fortier: Blood & Moon), and I've been having way too much fun with it to be honest and can't wait to release a few chapters early on so you know what you're in for. But trust me, this is not going to be a light-hearted romance vampire story (I saw you smirk a bit... haha, I know what you're thinking of :D).
This "book" is packed with gore, epic battles and convoluted events that will challenge your understanding of the world and history (yes, history). It's still nowhere to be done though, so when I have more information about this, I might do a separate post. But, I might be needing Beta Readers sooner rather later, so if you'd like to Beta Read for me, get in touch! P.S: You don't need to read Blood & Moon to read The Long Night. If you did then you're in for a treat is all.
That's all for now,
Until next time,
Write on.
