Kyle Belote's Blog, page 14
December 16, 2020
Updates: FTTC, Vol II, THOLAC
Plans for 2020 took a sharp turn, and I didn’t meet my publishing aspirations of two books this year. I’ve had setbacks along the way, the biggest culminating in the firing of my longtime editor. I’m currently in the talks with a lawyer to see what options are available and get the dispute resolved.
That out of the way, let’s move on to better news: Flawed to the Core. This book on writing will be published in 2021, and today, I filed the copyright. Maybe I’ll publish it for my birthday this year. Still need to hunt for a decent cover; haven’t seen many though.
In other news, Vol. II will be heading to a new editor at the end of March. It will be our first collaboration together, and I’m excited to be working with a professional from the UK. As to how long term this partnership will be, who knows, but I hope it’s for years to come.
THOLAC, and the world of Atar, is a place I’ve been visiting a lot over the last few weeks. There was an explosion of words on the page, I put down about 40k in two weeks, and its current word count is hovering near 90k. For those of you who don’t know what that means, it’s about a 300 page novel at the moment. I’m still a decent ways from the end, and to be honest, I don’t know what the end will be, which is kind of exciting. I hope it takes me by surprise.
That’s it for this round, short and sweet. I shall return…
If you enjoyed this content, check out my books, The Bearer of Secrets, The Demon’s Fate, The Dark Portal, and For Heathens of Heaven on Amazon. All works are available on Kindle Unlimited, eBook, and print. Reviews can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
November 27, 2020
Delayed Release For Vol. II
The adage of “no news is good news” isn’t necessarily true. About six weeks ago, I sent my book to my editor for the second round of edits. I’ve tried contacting her many times, and all inquiries have been ignored. Not a single returned email, text, or phone call. It’s not hard to contact someone, request for more time, give a reason as to the delay, or just update someone. If you can post to a Facebook page, you can update your paying clients.
At this point, I’m considering this a bust, and I’m back to square one in the editing phase. To cap it off, I’m going to have to raise money again and hire another editor. It ain’t cheap, but I’m in the hunt.
That said, the second release for 2020 has been pushed back to 2021. I really hoped to publish two books this year, but it’s just not feasible at this point. Even if I were to get it back today, I’d still need to go through it, file a copyright, get it ready for publishing, advertise, and set a release date.
However, a silver lining: I’m steadily plodding along in THOLAC, my latest novel, and I’m about 44k into it. I’ve got a solid cast of six individuals and many others in important, supporting roles. I’m not sure where it’s going to end up story-wise, but it’ll be longer than The Demon’s Fate but shorter than The Bearer of Secrets. Just a guess at this point. If the story doesn’t find its unequivocal ending, there could be sequels. Fingers crossed.
That’s it for this round, short and sweet. I shall return…
If you enjoyed this content, check out my books, The Bearer of Secrets, The Demon’s Fate, The Dark Portal, and For Heathens of Heaven on Amazon. All works are available on Kindle Unlimited, eBook, and print. Reviews can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
November 10, 2020
Latest Project: THOLAC
It’s almost been a month since I’ve written a blog. I’m not the greatest at keeping up with it, and for the handful of people who do come visiting, I thank you, and I’m sorry.
I’ve kept busy in all aspects of my life, and there are few precious hours in the day. I have been spending more time in the world of Atar for The House of Lust and Candor (THOLAC). I’m nearing the first third of the book’s completion.
The original idea of bounty hunters has been expanded to a more globular aspect. New characters were introduced to give the novel a more rounded feel instead of a straight-shot linear approach. As with all my writings, I get ideas as I’m doing things around the house, and I go write them down and find where to slip them in. My notes section is filling up. The cast is filling up with four main characters, two side characters, and a plethora of one-shot or minor appearances. They may get fleshed out more as the story goes or reinserted later.
How does this connect with the Dire Universe? The magic system. I’ve decided to tether all my stories through magic if not direct tie in with characters and events. I’ll reveal more as time goes on, but it could be well into 2022 before this novel reaches the public eye.
I’m working on other things in the world of writing: finishing up the final self-edits for Volume III, started editing Volume IV, still brainstorming for The Demon’s Fate sequel, and finishing the final touches on my book on writing. I also hope to release this in 2021.
That’s it for this round, short and sweet. I shall return…
If you enjoyed this content, check out my books, The Bearer of Secrets, The Demon’s Fate, The Dark Portal, and For Heathens of Heaven on Amazon. All works are available on Kindle Unlimited, eBook, and print. Reviews can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
October 11, 2020
Flawed to the Core: Creating Memorable Characters and Writing
With 2020 winding down and nearing my sequel’s release to The Bearer of Secrets, I’m glancing ahead to 2021. Next year, like this one, will have two book releases. One is the third installment to the Dark Legacy series, and the other is a book on writing.
With so many books on the craft, you might ask why I’d release another into the wild. To be frank, I never thought to do one, but it’s been hinted to me over the years by a few people. The latest person hounded me about it until I agreed just to shut her up. I, of course, say that with amity.
I’ve read a book or two on writing, one for dummies, and the other by a writer revered at the highest levels in the penning world. Neither was a knockout, either by lacking substance or just overrated. True, I did take a few things away from those books, and while that’s the goal, both fell flat on delivery.
So, what makes my book better or different? For starters, it’s written by a pantser for pantsers. True, others can learn a thing or two within, but it speaks to pantsers on a level that most books lack. Yes, it covers elements you can scope on the internet like enneagrams. Still, I also cover how I build my characters–something I think unique, provides a template, establishes writing rules, and delves into the realm of self-editing. There are other elements, such as self and story preparation, world-building, and story structure. Each gives a foundation, building off the last until you have a well-polished manuscript. Moreover, I don’t pull punches. There are hard truths within, but you’ll also find kernels of enlightenment and motivation along the way.
All said, expect this book release in the early part of 2021, both in ebook and physical copy.
If you enjoyed this content, check out my books, The Bearer of Secrets, The Demon’s Fate, The Dark Portal, and For Heathens of Heaven on Amazon. All works are available on Kindle Unlimited, eBook, and print. Reviews can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
October 8, 2020
Back Jacket Blurb–Mark of the Profane
In the last few days, I’ve narrowed my choices on the back jacket blurb for the upcoming release of Vol. II. Since the release is still a few months away, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a little bit and build anticipation. So, without further ado…
“There’s a monster in everyone, and I embraced mine to save us all.”
The cogs of war churn through Ralloc’s domain, and defeat is inevitable. Xilor’s hordes sweep forward, dragons rule the sky, and all resistance has been shattered. Yet, the dark lord has remained absent on the battlefield.
With the success of their valiant stand at Cape Gythmel, two additional squads of Krey mobilize to Dlad City, falling under Xenomene’s calculating command. Her enemies close in from all sides, and someone she once called ally has left her for dead.
And Starriace, battered, broken, and beaten, journeys down a dark path to claim her revenge. She leaves a trail of bodies in her quest to overthrow Xilor and unlock the mysteries of the brimstones. But all decisions have a cost, and some prices bring desolation.
The stage is set, and new elements bring chaos to the embattled. Lies, betrayal, and untold atrocities are just the beginning in this epic sequel to The Bearer of Secrets.
Catch the first in the series: The Bearer of Secrets. Other books include: The Demon’s Fate, The Dark Portal, and For Heathens of Heaven on Amazon. All works are available on Kindle Unlimited, eBook, and print. Reviews can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
October 1, 2020
Writing Update: Vol II and Character Book
I know it’s been a hot minute since I visited, but I’ve been exceedingly busy. For the five of you that read my blog, welcome back. Where to start? Besides working, I’ve been studying and editing and chapter swapping with beta readers and critiquers. The studying is about 100 hours of videos and reading, and I’m about 30 hours into it. So, I’ll be chipping away at this tree for a while.
Volume II, now Mark of the Profane, has been to the editor and returned to me for the first round of notes. I’m going line by line throughout the book and making corrections myself and agreeing or disagreeing with my editor. I swear, this is like the 30th time I’ve read this book. I found many minuscule things that I hadn’t noticed before that irk me, so I’m correcting. Sorry, I’m OCD and a perfectionist. That’s probably why it’s taken me 3 years to publish this next volume. So, I’m more than halfway through with it. It’ll then go back to the editor for another round which will take about a month. I’d like to get it out by Nov 10th, but I don’t think I’ll make that date. Should be available by Christmas, and if you’re lucky, maybe by Thanksgiving.
The other project: the self-help book. So, you can thank a critiquer of mine for this, but she pushed me to write a book on writing and building characters. Never really thought people would be interested in my way of doing things, but she is. So, alas, I wrote a book. The title is Flawed to the Core: Building Memorable Characters and Writing. A mouthful, I know, but it fits the premise nicely. Expect this out in the early part/first half of next year.
And you’re in luck! Volume III will also be released next year. So, two years with two releases back to back. Who knew? I’m finishing up on my self-edit, and like Mark of the Profane, it’ll be out in the latter part of the year.
For those of you who missed it, The Dark Portal, my horror novella is on sale now. It ties in with my main fantasy series, yet a stand alone. Pick it up, just don’t try to read it before bed.
That’s all I’ve got for now. I shall return.
If you enjoyed this content, check out my books, The Bearer of Secrets, The Demon’s Fate, The Dark Portal, and For Heathens of Heaven on Amazon. All works are available on Kindle Unlimited, eBook, and print. Reviews can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
Vol: II Cover–Mark of the Profane
Short and sweet, I made my selection on a cover for Mark of the Profane. Thought I’d share it with you all. Stay tuned for another blog incoming soon.
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September 7, 2020
Various Works Update
Though it has been a while since my last post, I have kept busy in other mediums, primarily sketching and painting. It comes and goes in bursts. Since this blog covers my writing works, we’ll stick to that.
I did something out of the norm, a social experiment if you will, and I’ve got to say it has made me reevaluate my faith in humanity or the populace’s level of effort if you will. I won’t say anything else about it, at least not yet. The experiment isn’t done yet, but with only seven days into it, the rest of the month looks rather bleak. I might write about it afterward.
Mark of the Profane, Volume II of The Dark Legacy Series, is with the editor and undergoing its first round of edits. I haven’t received any feedback yet other than, “It’s good to be editing for you again.” I’m chomping at the bits to hear the first round of feedback. The tentative end of the first round is September 15th, so we’ll see what comes. I’m eyeing a Nov-Dec release date. MOTP will receive two rounds, and in between the first and second, my editor will be combing over another book I’ll be sending to her, a self-help, how-to book on building memorable characters and great writing. There’s a foreword by my good friend David Williamson, you can check out on his site here.
Volume III of the series is set to go to the editor during the first half of next year. I’m be keeping that woman busy for a while it looks like, but I guess that’s a good thing. I don’t plan too long of a hiatus between novel releases, either my main fantasy series or other works. If I can keep the pace of one a year, I’ll be happy.
Volume IV is a beast. The original word count is 402,000 words. I have begun edits and rewriting it, but I plan to take my time. I don’t like to rush my work. The earliest I can see it being released is in 2022, but it may be pushed to 2023. We’ll see. Volume V is a shorter entry, a stand-alone within the series, and 75% written. I haven’t touched it in years, so I will need to go back in, read it, make notes, finish, rewrite, and then start edits.
As for the House of Lust and Candor, I’m still letting it stew for a while. I wrote four chapters just to see what I’m dealing with. Suffice to say, it’s on the back burner for now. I’ve started working on another novella, but I don’t know what will come of it. I may write it as something therapeutic and never release it, or I might publish it, we’ll see. Suffice to say, it will hold less fantastical elements than most of my writings, but I do foresee something of that kind working its way into the story.
That’s all for this post. I shall return…
If you enjoyed this content, check out my books, The Bearer of Secrets, The Demon’s Fate, The Dark Portal, and For Heathens of Heaven on Amazon. All works are available on Kindle Unlimited, eBook, and print. Reviews can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
August 18, 2020
Volume II: Headed to the Editor's Desk
Coming Soon–Volume II
My first book, The Bearer of Secrets, was published in late 2017. As my first novel, an epic, grimdark fantasy, which is considerable in size, was a daunting task. Since then, I’ve gone on to publish other works and establish the shared Dire Universe. From folks I know to the reviews I’ve read, one thing keeps circling back, when are we getting Volume II?
Well, the time has come.
Good news for anyone who’s read my first book and hoped for the sequel, it’s going to the editor by the end of the week. Apparently, Uncle Sam never received my initial tax filing, so I resubmitted. With funding available, I can get the book edited.
Back in Feburary to April time frame, I went through Volume II and did a massive self-edit. I followed my second rule of writing, to whittle, chisel, and sculpt, and I took a scapel to it. From the original, first draft word count of 329,000, I’ve cut it down to 246,566. It’s closer in length to the first novel, but longer.
The original title was meant to be Shadowcasters, a magical ability that some can use. Subsequent rewrites and editing have lessened this aspect of the plot to something muddled in the background. A new title is needed.
Enter the three titles that made it to the final round: Dark Lord Rising, Usurper, and Mark of the Profane. I like each in their own way.
Dark Lord Rising is fitting because not only is it referring to the antagonist, but the morally-gray, anti-hero protagonist turning to a darker path. It’s a title that could be used for both.
Usurper is another title that can fit many characters and have numerous meanings. Many plotlines center around some usurption of authority or power, from minor squibbles over smaller roles to those of more significance. Further, it’s simple, pointed, and powerful.
Mark of the Profane is the last entry, and it took me a while to warm to it. This is a small plot element in this book but significant in subsequent novels. Further, it peers deeper into the culture of the Krey, my bloodlusting beserkers, who many have said they are a favorite.
So, I’ve decided on a title. Though Usurper is my favorite, Mark of the Profane will be the title of the second novel. It mirrors the first novel in length of words, and matches nicely with the third and fourth book titles.
That’s all for this post. I may be writing a few more in the coming days or weeks on various topics. I shall return…
If you enjoyed this content, check out my books, The Bearer of Secrets, The Demon’s Fate, The Dark Portal, and For Heathens of Heaven on Amazon. All works are available on Kindle Unlimited, eBook, and print. Reviews can be found on Goodreads and Amazon.
