Derek Barton's Blog, page 17
June 26, 2019
Bi-Monthly Goals for July & August 2019 — Derek Barton
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Well…this has definitely been a challenging yet rewarding year. Unfortunately, events have substantially impacted my writing production.
At the beginning of April, I gave you my goals for April & May. Now, I won’t go into detail or give any excuses, but me and my family had to face and overcome some serious medical obstacles followed by financial hardships. I was so derailed that I lost most of June as well still working things out.
The dust has settled and overall, we are sitting better than where we even started the year. However, like any sudden change, it takes time to recover and adapt.
I do want to apologize to you, my core fans, and ask for your forgiveness and patience.
My work schedule has done a 360 degree shift on me and thus, my writing time has been severely compromised. One of my priorities this month will have to be to determine when and where to write. As I have stated in the past that I write mainly after 10 PM when my family goes to bed. Now I am working from 8 AM to 4:30 PM versus 11:30 AM to 8 PM — not too mention the two hours of driving time… But, I repeat, I am not wanting to give you excuses, only facts which I’ll have to find a work-around.
I promise you: Writing and developing my collection is too important for me to throw away or forget about. Adjustment, flexibility, good attitude and drive will help me find a path through.
Here were my goals and results from April & May:
Complete the outline for the third book in the Wyvernshield Series — partially completed; more chapters to work though.
Complete the outline for the new web saga, Juxtaposed — succeeded on this goal, but need to publish the third installment.
Complete the outline for the new Evade Series (crime/horror series) — no writing or outlining yet done on this storyline unfortunately.
Rework the covers of my books — partial success as I revamped the Elude Series which I’m quite happy with. Still need another artist or somehow figure out what I want for my new covers for the Wyvernshield Series.
Begin a four-part guest blog swap with fellow writer Adam Mitchell and complete a Blog Interview with him! — success as I published the interview (see here if you haven’t had a chance to read it) and have done 3 of the 4 guest blogs with him so far.
And by the way…I recently did an in-depth interview with my voice actress, Laura Richcreek on the Wyvernshield Series. That is in the editing stage but soon to be released. STAY TUNED FOR THAT! It was fun to do and we get into a lot of the minute details and reasons behind the plot twists in the two books. >>SPOILERS ALERT<
My Goals for July & August:
The last goal blog, I proposed goals and put some dates of completion with them. This time I’m going to try putting Priority Levels on them — I will work from the top down which will keep me focused on what’s most important for me to complete.
Complete the total outline for the third book of the Wyvernshield Series. Highest Priority.
Maintain a two-week production of the chapters for the web series, Juxtaposed. Highest Priority.
Develop and begin the Evade Series outline. Medium Priority.
Find a cover artist or design the Wyvernshield book covers myself. Medium Priority.
Develop a book trailer for Wyvernshield Series. Lowest Priority (stretch goal).
There are many other things I want to do, but time is very limited so I hope these goals can be accomplished. With luck and with the better financial position, I hope to do more appearances, giveaways, and book signings by the end of the year! Thanks for everyone’s support and I appreciate everyone sticking around to see what’s in store for the future.
June 17, 2019
Reviews of Audible Book AND 80s & 2019’s Movie Versions of Stephen King’s Pet Sematary — Derek Barton
Pet Sematary
by Stephen King — Horror Novel
Released on November 14, 1983 — 561 pages
Narrated by Michael C. Hall (of the Dexter television series)
MOVIE ADAPTIONS:
1989 Pet Sematary — Screenplay written by Stephen King — Starring Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne & Denise Crosby
2019 Pet Sematary — Screenplay written by Jeff Buhler — Starring Jason Clarke, John Lithgow & Amy Seimetz
This review post I wanted to do a little different as this book is one of my favorites from Stephen King and to some fans, the 1989 movie was one of the best movie renditions of his books.
Recently, King released a new audio version narrated by the talented Michael C. Hall who played the vigilante/serial killer on the HBO television hit, Dexter. And this last April, the film reboot was made of Pet Sematary. I felt it was fitting to give you a review of all three.
The Synopsis:
When Dr. Louis Creed takes a new job and moves his family to the idyllic rural town of Ludlow, Maine, this new beginning seems too good to be true. Despite Ludlow’s tranquility, an undercurrent of danger exists here. Those trucks on the road outside the Creed’s beautiful old home travel by just a little too quickly, for one thing…as is evidenced by the makeshift graveyard in the nearby woods where generations of children have buried their beloved pets.
Then there are the warnings to Louis both real and from the depths of his nightmares that he should not venture beyond the borders of this little graveyard where another burial ground lures with seductive promises and ungodly temptations. A blood-chilling truth is hidden there—one more terrifying than death itself, and hideously more powerful. As Louis is about to discover for himself sometimes, dead is better…
PET SEMATARY (1989)
The Review:
I will admit right now that I am very biased about this film for three reasons: One – the late Fred Gwynne did an absolute stellar performance as Jud Crandall, the well-meaning neighbor, two – Dale Midkiff who starred as Louis Creed, the patriarch of the family as he gives a very emotional performance through the film and three – Brad Greenquist who plays the ill-fated jogger, Victor Pascow, who tries time and time again to warn Louis of the supernatural dangers.
These memorable characters and the roles they played in this tragic tale just stick with you long after you’ve read and/or seen the movie. Jud Crandall a lifetime resident of Maine, comes to life on the screen with his thick Northeastern accent (“Ayup”) and quirky sayings like “The heart of a man is stonier, Louis.” And of course, “Sometimes…dead is better!”.
Overall, I have found this movie aged very well with the retelling, most of the acting and the physical special effects.
PET SEMATARY (2019)
The Review:
I applaud the effort this reboot made to give some new insight to the reasons why the Micmac Indians burial ground “soured” and became tainted with ghastly evil. The writers delved a tad deeper into “the Wendigo” creature that traveled between our realm and the realm of the dead. They also played up the enchantment the land held over the local children — how they had funeral marches and maintained the Pet Sematary grounds.
The other highlight they accomplished was a better version of Churchill, the Creeds’ cat (as seen above). Its evil stare would for sure lock you in your tracks should you ever come across it on your path.
However, those are the only two highlights for this version. Very poor writing (I even wondered at times if Jeff Buhler even read the original book) as the plot veers erratically and key conversations and events in the book are just haphazardly placed in the film at times.
Another knock against the film is the underuse of John Lithgow’s incredible acting talent. Also, they took away the Jud Crandall accent as well as most of his character building interactions with Louis. Instead of trying to scare the audience with Zelda, Rachel Creed’s dead sister, they should have focused on what made the 89 film a classic: its character stories.
This version tried too hard to introduce its own vague ideas (I won’t go into any detailed spoilers) but the unnecessary jump scares and changes to plot points were beyond annoying and the ending was over-the-top and frankly dumb.
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The Narratio n:
Michael C. Hall was born February 1, 1971, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Michael is a graduate of NYU’s Master of Fine Arts program in acting. He is known for the titular character “Dexter” in Dexter (2006) and as mortician “David Fisher” in Six Feet Under (2001). His most recent performance on Broadway was as “Hedwig” in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”.
Battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma during his run on Dexter, but the disease has been in remission since January, 2010.
Michael does a fantastic job of the voices and the pacing of the story, even channeling Fred Gwynne to perform the classic version of Jud Crandall. Choosing this actor who has a way of delivering great sarcasm with subtly was a great choice for this story.
The Rating:
In summary, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the original book and the audio version. As well I would recommend seeing the 1989 film as it brings King’s suspense and dark undertones to the screen, but don’t waste your time and money on the new 2019 Pet Sematary. Hollywood’s attempt to reboot or “resurrect” this story was a dismal failure… Or as Jud Crandall would say, “Dead is better.”
By DEREK BARTON — Author of the ELUDE series (Parts I, II & III — a Horror/crime thriller), IN FOUR DAYS: a Horror-Suspense Novella and co-author of The Hidden (all available on Amazon & Kindle) . Also author of the Dark Fantasy novel series CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS and THE BLEEDING CROWN (also available on Audible.com!).
June 9, 2019
Fast-forward The 80s & 90s! — Derek Barton
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Thought I would have a little fun today and I would blog about the recent trend of horror film remakes. Usually I don’t like most remakes or even “prequels” which often are poor retelling of the same crappy story as before. But since Hollywood will still make them, here is a small list of three films from the 80s and 90s that I would like to see. These three have yet to attract enough attention for a remake or reboot.
I’ll be honest with you, the inspiration for this post is due to a recent viewing of the first of three films:
ARACHNOPHOBIA (1990)
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STORY: A species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to the U.S. in a coffin and starts to breed and kill.
While I do like Jeff Daniels, I felt this was an unusual choice for the lead actor. This film is very confused on whether it wanted to be a horror or a comedy film. There are great horror comedies like Shaun of the Dead or Dale & Tucker vs Evil but this film didn’t handle either element well. While the film didn’t resort to heavy CGI (which wasn’t as available as it is today), the special effects still didn’t age well. Really would love to see a great rendition of it, even though I, myself, am an arachnophobic. 
May 25, 2019
JUXTAPOSED: Chapter Two — Derek Barton
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CHAPTER TWO — THE ENDDAWN ENCAMPMENT:
Thomass stretched his neck, staring up into Enddawn’s blackened skylights high overhead. A massive storm crashed and raged over the building, flickers of lightning streaked along the storm’s underbelly.
It’s another record-breaking storm…just like the one on the night she died.
A thunderclap set off a brief spark in his mind’s eye — his sister, running right behind him through gales of pouring rain. The Crest’s raid on his village had already separated them from their father. Her tiny hand ripped violently from his grip. An explosion from a cannon cluster only yards ahead of them had launched the pair to the left and on top of a rubble pile. Moments later, the soldiers found him, semi-conscious, covered in her blood as he lay a few feet below her impaled body. Ppt. PPt. PPt. Phantom drops pooling on his chest.
The faint clatter of hail snapped him back to reality as it bounced off of the skylight glass, almost drowning out Overseer Thressden’s words.
No one here is ever that lucky.
As if he had the same thought, the Overseer of Kav’zera’s prison encampment gripped the microphone stand attached to a gray cabinet. He stood upon a floating metal platform, hovering above the crowd. He angled the mic closer to his face. His voice was a deep bass and a bit on the gritty-side.
“…The incursion into Bre’oal has interrupted our normal supply caravans. I understand that some of you have been harking this as a positive, a victory of sorts for your fellow traitors among the Yularis.” He paused and his eyes scanned the crowd of youths standing in line formation in front of him. Not a single face was raised or a pair of eyes upturned to meet his.
The first rule at Enddawn impressed upon newcomers, normally on the receiving end of an ionized baton, is that no one is ever to look in the face of the Crest Overseer or any of the Malatt guards.
“Meal rations will be reduced to two half-meals per day until further notice. I realize this might seem taxing or harsh to some of you, but in such violent times as these, one must be resolved and steadfast. To be shining examples to those around you who might be seeking direction. Your sacrifices and efforts to make sure the colonists eat before you are recognized by me and the Council. The Crest will always be there — to take responsibility for you. President-General Rhiet may not understand your recent betrayals, but he’s given you this gift of a second chance to join society. You are here to re-educate yourselves and—”
“—that’s hopeless!” Thomass uttered the curse barely hidden in a hacking cough.
Sudden and shock-induced laughter erupted through the crowd of eighteen prisoners. Everyone’s eyes found him as he stood in a tight-knit group of four. He’d only been brought here two months before, but already he’d won the loyalty of many of the ex-patriots.
Realizing what happened, everyone tightly held their breath and waited for a new storm to burst. Thomass leaned and peeked past his closest ally, Rovunn, to the side where the carbon glass reflected the Overseer’s image.
“You’re screwed,” Rovunn whispered. Worry registered in the black boy’s eyes.
Overseer Thressden, thick in a frame which was more iron muscle than any fat, stared in stony silence. His piercing black eyes matched his salt-and-pepper flat-top hair and matching thin goatee. The man made no movement and seemed to be seeing Thomass for the first time ever. Capturing Thomass’ image of stark white hair, heavyset body and crystaline blue eyes.
“Indeed, some of you will never come to appreciate the blessings of the Crest,” Overseer Thressden continued. He then took a deep breath and pressed forward with his speech of prepared propaganda.
Thomass didn’t know if he was spared or if the Overseer hadn’t actually seen him. Either way, he knew his mouth had nearly cost him again.
On the other side of Rovunn, Welleum, a thin boy with shaggy sandy hair, slid his right boot to the side, dragging a parcel of white paper. Rovunn checked to see where the guards were then with care stepped lightly over the paper and slid it to Thomass.
After copying Rovunn’s spot-check of the Malatt, he slowly dropped down, pretending to tie his boot. Lifting his foot, he read:
L.S. 4 HERNANDEZ @ 23
BRB DODGENS?
Using the end of his bootlace which he’d dipped previously into pencil shavings, he marked a Y on the note next to the name Dodgens, the guard who they intended to bribe.
‘Bout time! That cockroach won’t do this again after tonight.
Charells, one of Thomass’ group, was recovering in the infirmary for his stolen food rations. “L.S.” was the abbreviation for “lesson-session” which is what Hernandez was going to get for snitching on Charells to the Malatt.
As Thomass stood, he slid the note with his boot down the line intended for the prisoner Elexendar. The idiot bent down and picked up the paper without thought, reading it before his face. Greige, a dark, olive-skinned boy snatched the paper out of the his hands and ate the note.
“ENOUGH!” The Overseer roared as he swept the hoverplate down right above their bowed heads.
“EXPLAIN — DON’T MAKE ME WAIT!”
Thomass could feel the waves of heat from the plate’s engines. He knew the man was directly over him. His shaking hand came up and swiped nervously at his long bangs.
Before he realized what he did, he looked up at the man. “I, uh, I’m sorry, uh, Overseer, sir. I just ne—”
Intense rolling pain coursed along his left side and down through his boots. The series of electrified stingers gripped the muscles in his calf so sharply his toes even curled by reflex. As he sprawled onto his back in pure agony upon the concrete floor, Thomass could not even remember the rest of what he was going to say.
At the front of the prisoner lines, the Overseer landed his hoverplate. Two sets of hands gripped Thomass’ arms and drug him on his back. The Malatt then pressed his face to the floor before Overseer Thressden as he removed a charged Viperglove from a shelf in the cabinet.
“Prisoner Thomass, why have you stopped answering me?” His fist, wrapped in a red metal gauntlet, rained down and struck between Thomass’ shoulders.
“I asked you for a reason for your lack of engagement.” Another strike landed on his right hand breaking two of the boy’s fingers.
The Overseer coated in a fine sheen of sweat shook his head. “I don’t think you understand the language we speak here.” The fist then cracked the left kneecap.
“You seem unwilling to speak to me. You’ll have some time to think about it in The Shaft.” Thomass didn’t know where the last strike hit him as the metal Viperglove blasted him into unconsciousness.
***
A set of handcuffs dug deep into Thomass’ wrists, blackened welts formed in a loop. The tips of his boots barely touched the floor as he was suspended from chains in a blue neon-lit shaft.
Voices, muted and slurred, whispered to him. The words chanted in a sing-song tempo.
Open to your Mind, Open to your Message.
This is not the end of your Tale.
Speak with the freedom of Death.
There was an unusual accent, a foreign element to the speech. He was almost entertained by it. A faint smile crept over his lips.
“Who’s there?” Thomass mumbled, his lips cracked and baked by the neon lamps.
Something is wrong!
Who said that?
Did someone follow us?
The voices clashed and clouded together as the whispers were said at the same time.
“Who’s there?” Thomass repeated, a little louder this time.
There was no response and he was met only with silence. However, the pain in his back and hands, especially his right began to speak to him.
So this is what they’re all afraid of? This is The Shaft?
He’d gotten a few worse injuries in some of the Yularis clashes than what the Overseer had done to him, but he doubted he’d see the infirmary soon. Yet when he first came to the Enddawn Encampment, all they talked and gossiped about was what happened in The Shaft. Terrible, nightmarish stories.
Dae j’da Vos Liad Damnos.
Dae j’da Vos Liad Damnos.
Dae j’da Vos Liad Damnos.
Again, the strange voices echoed in the quiet of The Shaft. This time he realized he hadn’t truly heard the words. They rang out in the recesses of his mind.
Am I mad? Am I actually still dreaming?
Liad Damnos, tell me your name.
Thomass… Who of the Viles are you?
And the voice actually replied.
My name is Alexander.
May 19, 2019
Sentinels of the Shield (Character Backgrounds – Rough Drafts) — Derek Barton
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So, as you know, I am working diligently on the development of the third and final book for my Wyvernshield fantasy series. Right now the working title is tentatively called Swimming in the Ashes.
To be completely honest with you, I have been stuck in my outlining process and overwhelmed by the complexity of the story I want to tell you. In an effort to work out the kinks, I have done a deep dive into the resource and reference material I will need to tell the tale.
I thought you might like a sneak peek and look behind the curtain at how I world-build. Here is an excerpt of my work, delving into some minor characters that will be introduced in the book. These ten people will all be in the lands of Tayneva (some old regions and some yet explored). In The Bleeding Crown, I got to explore quite a bit of Aberrisc. Now in this book, I want to explore much more of the globe of Tayneva, giving you all a glimpse of the lands, forests, seas, and mountains where my characters live and breathe.
To better understand these little bios, I need to provide you a snapshot of the politics of Tayneva at present. Currently, there are thirteen unique countries or areas on the two land masses of Tayneva. The larger continent is home to two political affinities: the Keliada Alliance and Rovmantysa Front. Their political and military agendas have set them apart for generations. The balance for global power had been tilted mainly toward King Jehah II’s Keliada Alliance when they gained the new allegiance of the war-tribes of the Kraat Mountains. However, Wyvernshield, a former ally to the Keliada Alliance has cut off all connections and remains in question.
In these short background stories, you may note the (A), (N), and (E) designations. These letters stand for that specific land’s political stance. (A) for an ally to the Keliada Alliance. (N) for a nation that has neutral political connections — Risa, Corrta Vasts and the city-state of Wyvernshield hold this designation. (E) is a known enemy and allied with the Rovmantysa Front.
Sentinels of the Shield:
Areth Ryeton – Profession: Blacksmith – Lives in the small city of Y’bora, Nyemante (A). An athletic, young man of 24 years, black hair and blue eyes. Due to being orphaned at the age of three, he has a strong passion for justice and protection. His parents were killed on a family trip by road bandits. He works hard at making weapons “to protect the innocent”. His skills have earned him a small shop with an apprentice. He doesn’t have any children, but his girlfriend is one of the city guard. He has average intelligence, but a very good sense of humor.
Shondra Basque – Profession: Mending Nurse – Lives in the farming village of Korael, Risa (N). An attractive slender woman of 28 years, honey brown hair with vibrant green eyes. A very giving woman who has worked her whole life at developing her Mending skills. She has dreams of one day going to a larger Mending School perhaps in Keliada or Trudora. Works in a local hospelle. Her husband and son are forest scouts/hunters.
Shei Goldendaar – Governor’s daughter – Lives in a small town called Rouse Gardens, Rovmantysa (E). Short for her seventeen years but has long brown hair and blue eyes. In spite of her family’s wealth, she is very down to earth in spirit and attitude. Often has a sarcastic wit. She always gives of herself and volunteers her days helping the local townsfolk. She studies history and politics in hopes that she can make a difference in the world. She has ambitions of being a leader as her father and maybe even more. Her mother died shortly after her birth, so her father is very over-protective and sometimes controlling.
Komay Naha – Profession: student teacher of the blind – Ramanon, Risa (N). Only eight years old with reddish brown hair and green eyes. Exceptionally bright and cheerful, but a bit insecure due to a large smattering of freckles all over her face and arms. She has been working with her mother at a school for the blind for less than a year. Her father died defending Wyvernshield in the Viestrahl Horde Battle. They fled Wyvernshield and moved to Risa.
Broud Vaesko – Profession: Candlemaker – Lives in Falldew, Trudora (A). Seventy-two, he is a wisened ex-soldier living in semi-retirement as a candlemaker. He has white hair and brown eyes. He is outgoing and has a dry wit sense of humor. His shop does alright, but he mainly works for the interaction with people as he has no family. Has an old, female collie dog, Kayray, which he worries about should something ever happen to him.
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May 13, 2019
JUXTAPOSED — Chapter One — Derek Barton
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Since The Hidden has been finally completed and now out for sale on Amazon and Kindle, I have been thinking about a new series for my blog. This is a rough draft of Chapter One.
Series Synopsis:
Parallel realities, Tayneva and Kav’zera, two worlds with vast differences, have become suddenly entwined.
Tayneva — The island nation of Risa is home to the Temple of Kove. Always a place of sanctuary for any in need. A group of six clergy students find adventure and purpose through an unexpected source.
Kav’zera — The Enddawn Encampment, a military youth prison houses revolutionary agents who rose against The Crest Tyranny. A group of six rebels may get their one chance at freedom.
Can these two groups of boys learn from one another? Will they help each other at the risk of their own lives?
CHAPTER ONE — TEMPLE OF KOVE:
Alexendar was transfixed, his focus locked ahead, his head and heart conflicted. As a young clergy student, a Bhik-sunii at the Temple of Kove, this was developing into a bad habit for him. Often lost within his inner thoughts and emotional turmoil, the Fathers were noticing Alex’s marks were slipping within the student ranks.
Early morning sunlight warmed the large cathedral and washed over the first four rows of pews.
“Welcome back from your extended holiday break,” Superior Tressmen spoke out from behind a wooden podium, his voice a deep but monotone bass. He was tall and slender beneath ornate tan robes. “We know this is a taxing time of the year, yet we are grateful for all your efforts in your studies. Also, The Fathers and I are aware of the sacrifice you and your families had to undertake to return to the temple. In times as these, we must be resolved and steadfast. To be shining examples to those around the world that look for our direction. With a shielding hand to protect us, our Father, Lord Rhote demands strict observance, yet also he demands the continence of stone in our beliefs and thoughts.”
Alexendar was in the third row by the outside aisle, among five other boys sitting nearest to a row of towering, stained-glass windows. They were all bored, tuning out the lecture. Of the clergy class of eighteen boys that spread out among the cathedral, these six were an especially tight-knit group.
Alex’s hand came up subconsciously and brushed aside his sandy brown mop of long hair. It was blocking his view of the drama unfolding — a silver-furred spider with a red cross down its back crept down a cord of its web, advancing upon a struggling ice-blue fly.
His heart ached to snatch out the poor insect, saving it from a gruesome death in the mandibles of the spider. On the other hand, the spider’s web was hanging in the inside corner of one window frame. Few opportunities to eat had presented itself these last couple days. Alex had noted the spider’s presence one day during the vespers hour the week before.
How do you put more priority on one soul over the other? Its nature and its fate. Yet should I act? Do I have the right to interfere?
Alex winced, groaning softly as the spider wrapped spindle legs about the fly and slowly rotated its victim.
Thomess who sat next to Alex was a heavier boy with stark white hair and round features. With a smirk on his lips, mirth in his eyes, he nudged Romunn who sat on his right with his elbow. He poked a chin toward Alex, both witnessing Alex’s emotional reactions.
Romunn, a dark-skinned youth from a fishing village outside of Rovmantysa, shook his head and whispered, “Such a lost little princess…”
“And me without a lace tissue for all of his tears!” Thomess added.
“Perhaps it is not too late to go to Mending School so he might save all the world one day!”
Alex finally caught wind of the other boys’ taunts, his cheeks darkened. “Shut it!” He punched Thomess in the ribs.
Laughter erupted from the others around them and interrupted the Superior’s lecture. The balding, thin man paused and glared at the group.
Satisfied with his warning, he straightened his shoulders and continued, “Yes, the rest of the world may be obsessed with this new queen in Wyvernshield and what her actions may mean. However, we as emissaries of Rhote must be absolute and without bias. While the armies of the Keliada Allliance or the Rovmantysa Front swirl about in chaos, remember we cannot afford such ties, such luxuries. We are neutral so that there is always in every land, country, and continent a Temple of Sanctuary.”
Romunn leaned over and whispered to Alexendar, “You take everything too serious. We were only poking fun.”
“I know. Sorry.” He shrugged, more embarrassed than before.
Gregge, the shortest boy among the newest Bhik-sunii, sat behind Romunn. He had black hair and olive-toned skin. “We have to go tonight. I swear I have it this time.”
Alex twisted his head slightly to acknowledge the boy and still look like he was paying attention to Superior Tressmen. “I am willing. How about you guys?”
The two eagerly nodded their heads then looked at their remaining conspirators, Willeum and Charlse. Willeum was similar to Alexendar in features but he kept his brown hair short and cropped. Charlse had freckles and spiked red hair.
“Where at?” Willeum asked too loudly.
Shushing him, Charlse smacked the boy in the back of his head.
“ENOUGH!” the Superior bellowed.
The cathedral was immense and elaborate for this was the primary center of worship to Rhote, but the concrete wall of silence which fell upon the Bhik-sunii, made the room grow exponentially.
Not a breath was taken in the expanse of the cathedral. Every back stiffened and every shoulder straightened. The Superior was usually a tolerant man, and many considered him like a father away from home, but there were times another side had surfaced. This provocation revealed that side once more.
“EXPLAIN!”
Again, not a breath was taken.
Superior Tressmen gripped the wood podium, then he snatched up a thick tome of worship in front of him and slammed it immediately down like a clap of thunder.
“EXPLAIN! I AM LISTENING!”
Alex’s hand returned to his forehead and swiped nervously at his long bangs. He shifted in his seat, trying to prepare his words, starting to rise. Thomess’ arm crossed his chest, pressing him down. Then he glanced over at Romunn.
Trembling slightly, Romunn rose from his seat and faced the offended cleric. “Father, I apologize for my behavior. I did not mean any disrespect or to take away from your message for today.”
“What were you doing then, Cam Romunn?” Tressmen’s voice still tinged with fury.
The boy kept his head down. “I found out there is a testing this afternoon which I failed to study properly for over the holiday. I was asking the others what they knew of the lesson.”
“Right.” The Superior’s tone spoke loud and clear he was not believing this story. “Anything else you want to add? Anyone else here wish to elaborate?”
When none of the boys spoke, he noisily gathered his tome again in his arms. “In the future, I expect better use of my time and yours, Cam Romunn. Since you felt obliged to share with everyone and ask of everyone to share in your dilemma, I will ask that everyone share your penance for today by doing an extra three sets of vesper studies.” His words were immediately drowned out in a chorus of groans. “And… Cam Romunn, after completing your testing this afternoon, you have an appointment with me in my study before the dinner hour. We will adjourn now so that you will all have time to thank Cam Romunn and the others…and begin your work on the vespers.”
It was not long before the six youths gathered at their favorite spot of shade from several Okia trees on the temple grounds.
“I cannot believe you did that,” Charlse was marveling at Romunn, shaking his head.
“He would not have had to if you were not all mouth and no brains,” Alex snapped at the redhead.
“It was Willeum who got Superior Tre—”
“—What? No! It was you,” Willeum shouted as he shoved the boy off his feet and into the dirt.
“Hey, guys, stop! If you get caught fighting, then tonight is totally called off,” Thomess exclaimed.
All chatter and the fight ended instantly as all eyes shifted to Gregge. He nodded and answered their unasked question.
“Yes. I found it — The Ritual of Delann-Vaik.” A toothy grin spread across his face. “It has to be the right one. I mean, it says right in its title, The Call Through Death. I mean I might need some help later with some of the translation and gestures, but this will work.”
Alex shook his head. “I know you are the best in the class for the ancient languages and such, but do you really believe you have translated the words right? This will not be like last year?”
Gregge rolled his eyes, thrusting his arms into the air. “When are you going to let that drop? When will I hear the end of it?”
“Look, Gregge,” Charlse growled at him. “You nearly got us all expelled and half the temple garden burnt. We were lucky that rainstorm covered everything up. You have to be sure!”
Romunn laughed, “Hey that fire got us out of graoul soup for a month. I think you should do it again! Gregge, I believe you.”
Everyone laughed as they normally did at Romunn’s jokes.
“I am sorry you have to get the Belt,” Gregge said.
“Just make it worth it tonight.”
Thomess pulled out of his pocket a small brown pouch. “I have some extra oron-root. Anyone want some?”
As they relaxed, sitting on the ground, and sharing the contents of the pouch, Romunn asked quietly, “You guys have to promise you are not going without me. I mean, I may be a little…slow walking tonight after my appointment with Superior Tressmen, but I want to be there.”
Alex who was sitting in his usual spot next to Romunn, put his arm over the boy’s shoulders. “You would never be left behind. You ought to know that by now.”
April 28, 2019
The Hidden — NOW ON AMAZON!
An unseen terror stalks mankind – preying upon the weak, the lost and the outcasts that society will not miss. Lottery winners Nate and Zelda Malone thought their luck and fortune had forever changed. It has… Fate has chosen them for an extremely dangerous new path and an encounter that will forever haunt them.
This terrifying collaboration by T.D. Barton and myself is a unique ‘werewolf’ origin story that takes place in the 90s. Fans of Stranger Things and Stephen King’s IT will love this nostalgic but intense horror tale!!
If you have the courage, step now into a dizzying, heart-pounding tale of terror that you will never forget – if you survive the telling.
April 24, 2019
Audible Book Review of Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” — Derek Barton
American Gods
by Neil Gaiman — a Contemporary Fantasy Novel
Released on June 19, 2001 — 674 pages
Narrated by Ron McLarty and a full ensemble cast
I have been for over a year now getting Audible books so I decided I would review and share my opinion on some of them with you. Enjoy!
American Gods is now a STARZ Original Series produced by FremantleMedia North America starring Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, Emily Browning, and Pablo Schreiber.
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From watching the first episode of the television series, I was hooked on this story. American Gods has become a classic tale and this novel highlights just how much Neil Gaiman is an innovative author and a dynamic storyteller.
One of his biggest strengths is his use of visual depictions. He paints the scene so vividly in your mind, you can’t help but feel like you are standing in his story world. This appeals a lot to me as this is the type of writer I aspire to be and have worked hard at refining my skills at imagery and visual writing.
The Synopsis:
Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life.
But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow’s best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and a rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself.
Life as Wednesday’s bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined. Soon Shadow learns that the past never dies . . . and that beneath the placid surface of everyday life a storm is brewing — an epic war for the very soul of America — and that he is standing squarely in its path.
The Review:
As I stated above, I loved the writing style and his way with words to produce a play within your mind’s eye.
The story itself…well, I liked it, sort of… It is very unusual and at times wanders way left, then zigzags suddenly back to the right. It keeps you engaged, but sometimes frustratingly confused for long periods.
While I was disappointed somewhat in the meandering plot, I did find that I loved the characters so much I had to continue forward to the end. They were obviously very well thought through, fleshed out with tons of back story, and rich with flaws, strengths, and desires. He could challenge even Stephen King’s skills in making such memorable and deeply-moving characters.
I would definitely encourage every avid reader to give this story a welcome chance and experience the rollercoaster ride that American Gods is for themselves. He didn’t leave a huge amount of loose ends at its conclusion and thus, has never written a sequel in the eighteen years since its original publication. However, the television series could possibly prompt him to with the resurgence of interest in this storyline.
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The Narratio n:
Narrated by Ron McLarty and several other cast members.
A native of East Providence, RI–Ron McLarty is a veteran actor, accomplished playwright, prolific audiobook narrator, and acclaimed novelist.
McLarty is also noted for his body of work as one of the country’s leading audiobook narrators having done over 100 titles including the narration of books authored by Stephen King, David Baldacci, Anne Rice, Richard Russo, Elmore Leonard, Ed McBain, and Scott Turow, among many others. He is the recipient of numerous Audie Awards.
This is the first audiobook I have heard using more than two voice actors. It was very well produced and the voices were not melodramatic or over-the-top as one might expect with such a fantasy tale about the gods that roam America.
The Rating:
In summary, I was not totally thrilled with the development of the story but definitely blown away by his characters and the writing of this novel. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND (but I did warn you of the “exotic” plot!). I will definitely be checking out more of his work in the future!
By DEREK BARTON — Author of the ELUDE series (Parts I, II & III — a Horror/crime thriller), & IN FOUR DAYS: a Horror-Suspense Novella (available on Audible.com!) . Also the Dark Fantasy novel series CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS and THE BLEEDING CROWN (both available on Audible.com!).
April 15, 2019
Interviewed by Adam C. Mitchell — Derek Barton
Check out this great interview I did with fellow writer, Adam C. Mitchell.
Having a chat with… Author Derek Barton
I had the privilege to chat with American Horror Author Derek Barton a head of him launching a 4 part guest blog series on this site. Check out his Interview below, my review of his book on the Author Review Page ” Consequences Within Chaos” and his first article on the blog tomorrow…
1. Name
Derek Barton
2. Place of Birth
Small town in Indiana
3. Present Occupation (other than author)
A sales supervisor for a healthcare call center. (snooozzzzeee)
4. Hobbies
Hiking, video games, movies
5. Memberships in Organizations
I am a member to several Facebook groups but nothing outside of that.
6. Current Book Description Just finished my last installment of the Elude series I have been writing. It follows a desperate cat-and-mouse chase between a young ex-con, Vic Vicente, and a sadistic serial killer who keeps placing bodies and blame on Vic. The core of the story is how Vic has to elude the detectives on his case and elude the real murderer using only his wits and street instincts.
Book Blurb: Stepping blindly into a horrific murder scene, a young ex-con, Vicente Vargas, must flee from the police while eluding the real killer who continues to pin more bodies on him in this intricate cat-and-mouse game. Cut off from all friends and family, tried and convicted by the press, Vic must survive on his wits and cunning on the gritty streets of Phoenix, Arizona long enough to clear his name.
7. How did you come to write this book?
I liked the idea of a serial killer who chooses a “patsy” for his crimes only his pawn doesn’t behave in the expected patterns. The killer’s flaw is his own racism.
8. Other publication’s you have out (books listed in order of release:)
A/ Consequences Within Chaos
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYT2OS9/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
B/ In Four Days
C/ The Bleeding Crown
D/ Elude: Part One
E/ Elude: Part Two
https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/books/book-detail-page?ie=UTF8&bookASIN=1728977983&index=default
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9. Blogs and Websites (With links):
Author website @ https://rivyen.wordpress.com/
Facebook Page @ https://www.facebook.com/NovelistDerekBarton/
Twitter Accont @ https://twitter.com/Rivyen
and my Patreon Page @ https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16518751
10. Are there any special markets where we can find your work?
Not at this time.
11. Are there any book-stores where we can browse your work?
I am at a local bookstore called Bookman’s Exchange in Phoenix, Arizona. A small selection of my earlier works.
12. Do You have a mailing list?
Yes, I do for a monthly newsletter which I update my core fans with my progress, what book giveaways I am running and where I can be found for personal book signings.
13. Any reviews of your work you would like to share?
Yes, William Bitner Jr, an online book reviewer, read and wrote up a great review of Elude: Part Three. Check it out here: https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpress.com/2019/04/10/elude-part-three-by-derek-barton/
14. Do you have any Endorser or specific people you would like to thank for whatever reason?
Yes, I would like to thank and give a shout out to my patrons Susanna Willey, Deborah West & Jon Paul Rai on Patreon.com. Their help and support mean a lot and let me do more for my entire fan base than I could alone.
15. What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
What is the first book that made you cry? I remember sitting in my class in grade school reading Watership Down and the character Bigwig was ensnared. I thought he died, and I burst into tears in the middle of class…pretty embarrassing, but I had my own rabbit and it hit a nerve.
16. In your opinion what is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
Of course, plagiarism is the worst offense any writer can make, but I think another issue I have noticed is this “writers selling to writers” trend. Professional writers offering “expert” tips, strategies, etc to help less experienced writers and they just pour out the same information found everywhere for free online with exorbitant fees or monthly payments. I am not saying that there isn’t good reference material out there, but it seems like too many writers are profiting and making a big paycheck off the backs of less experienced or successful writers.
17. Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It can definitely do both, but if the thrill of telling a story or entertaining someone isn’t there then you should rethink what you are in it for. I love it where a fan or a reader wants to discuss an event in one of my stories and wants to know the reasons behind my decisions. It means that I touched them, and my story engaged them – it’s such a great interaction and motivation to me. Writing keeps me breathing!
18. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
A trap I fell into was the belief I could do my own editing. It seems easy enough to just go back through and read your work, but editing is a completely different mode of thinking and analyzing. You really need to hire out for it. The other trap I see is the lack of building your email list. Putting your book on Amazon won’t be enough to build your platform. You have to keep shouting in that crowded room of a thousand new faces on Amazon. If you don’t market or make yourself seen, your work will be never noted and go unseen.
19. What is your writing Kryptonite?
Not having an outline. I’m a total plotter. Writer’s block to me is an empty white screen and no notes on the side to follow. In fact, until I really saw the benefit to an outline, I never completed a story I wrote until in my thirties. I would always start strong, peter out and flounder in the middle and never reach the end of the stories. All I had accomplished was a drawer filled with half-attempts.
20. Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
No, I haven’t. However, I cannot find time to sit and read. I’m a huge audiobook fan and that is the only way I can get through books now. Too many responsibilities require my time so I make use of driving time, standing in line, working out, and other opportunities to pop on my audio book. It is another reason I have even gotten three of my stories on Audible.com. Consequences Within Chaos, The Bleeding Crown and In Four Days are all in audio book formats. Elude is the process of being made into an audio book.
21. Have you got a pen name you use?
No. I have no use or desire to create one at this time.
22.. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
To me, you have to do a bit of both to be successful. Give the reader what they’re looking for but with a touch of a twist or something unique added.
23. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have my father who was always an inspiration for me to become a writer. I have several friends that are writers (Nesa Miller, Adam Mitchell, Logan Fox, Jon Paul Rai and Susanne Lambdin) that I ask questions or seek advice often. It’s a journey and everyone can learn something new from anyone. And we all become stronger for sharing experiences, sharing services and sharing support.
24. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I am definitely trying to build a world of work within the fantasy side of my writing (Consequences Within Chaos and The Bleeding Crown). My horror stories (In Four Days and Elude) accidentally became linked when one of the surviving characters in In Four Days became a perfect fit for a character needed in Elude. And now, I am working on a new horror/crime series called Evade that will have another big connection to In Four Days.
To read the rest of the interview CLICK HERE!
April 9, 2019
Bi-Monthly Goals for April & May 2019 — Derek Barton
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Time for a goal check-in!
In January, I opted to break away from the Bi-Monthly goals and introduced a new goal system. As you may recall, it was a goal system defined by Sarrah Cannon in her YouTube video How To Make 2019 Your Best Year Yet.
The essence of her system revolves around Main Goals, Projects, and Tasks. You set two or three “main” general priority goals to focus on. Then you break down those goals by deciding on Projects that will accomplish those general Main Goals. With each Project Goal, you detail and define what Tasks you are taking to get the Project finished.
Here are the goals I worked up for the first quarter:
My MAIN GOALS are as follows:
Increase my site visitors by 25% = 232 visitors — (2018 1st Quarter’s results were 186 visitors) ACTUAL RESULT: 243 visitors (Success!)
Complete one of three books for the year 2019 ACTUAL RESULT: Published Elude: Part Three the first week of April (Partial success).
PROJECT GOALS are as follows:
Goal to Increase Site Visits —
Three Monthly Giveaways
Two Book-signings
Weekly Blog Posts
Goal to One of Three Books for 2019 —
Write & Publish Elude Part Three
TASK GOALS to Increase Site Visits as follows:
Develop three unique site giveaways (signed book copies, amazon cards, audiobooks)
One Book-signing set in January (Superhero Saturday); call and set up another for February or March
Update each week a blog post (web sagas, goal-setting blogs, etc) for a total of at least 12 blogs in the 90 days.
TASK GOALS to Complete Elude Part Three as follows:
Complete Bullet Outline
Write the rough draft (30,000-word count left)
Go through 3 waves of edits
Cover & Blurb (already completed)
Publish on Kindle & Amazon by 3/31/19
While I did accomplish my goals, I felt like the extra month gave me too much leeway — gave me an out and I was not as “driven or pushed” as I have been with the Bi-Monthly goal system.
A couple positives did come out of the trial run: I was able to get a weekly blog done for the three months which was a nice plus and also I increased my site traffic by almost 31% versus the 25% I was shooting for.
So… I may not have felt like I was productive, I did accomplish some objectives. That being said, I’m going to try to do a combination of the two systems and see if that works for me.
First I am going to set myself five Main Goals that are a bit more specific than the general “Main Goals” as with Cannon’s approach. Also, I am going to give myself a bit of an established timeline completion date (not a deadline but more of an expectation).
MAIN FOR APRIL & MAY GOALS:
Complete the outline for the third book in the Wyvernshield Series (possibly titled Swimming in the Ashes). Due date by May 15th.
Complete the outline for the new horror web saga (no title yet). Due date by April 30th.
Complete the outline for the new Evade Series (crime/horror series). Due date by May 31st.
Rework the covers of my books. (I have been hit over the head several times by more successful authors that my books were not cohesive or didn’t express the right genres. “If you confuse the reader immediately, they will not bother figuring it out and move on.” I write in two genres so I’m going to have to do a better job at making it more obvious.) Due date by May 31st.
Begin a four-part guest blog swap with fellow writer Adam Mitchell and complete a Blog Interview with him! (This will be my first ever blog swap and should be a lot of fun!) Started by April 15th – the interview and First Blog on May 1st.
My April & May months may only 5 goals for the Bi-Monthly system which usually had 10, but these are some tough objectives and come with imminent goal dates. And along the way, I want to get a video done for my fantasy series as I watched several videos on book trailer production and think I’m up to it…but where can I get in that extra time?
WISH ME LUCK!
