Brian Whiting's Blog: Galactic Blog, page 2
May 30, 2018
Pleasant Surprise
Today I was feeling a bit meh, for the majority of the day. I'm stuck at about 10K words on book #3 in the series trying to decide which direction I want to take the series.
I was doing research on space, and its realistic effects in various environments. When i was directed to a site, I didn't intent to go to. The title of this place got me thinking and I wondered if my 1st published book had gained enough worth to be pirated. So it has. Kinda of bitter sweet feeling.
I went and reviewed my sales history and there was recently a spike in sales over the last week. Which was not a result of my limited advertising, I checked. So, after a short search into my own book online, I learned my book won an award.
https://bookauthority.org/award/Galac...
At first I was super excited. Then I realized my book was surrounded by non fiction book runner ups. I dug a little deeper to find out the website runs a computer algorithm to choose best books based on sales and ratings n such. I am guessing It assumed my book was a non fiction book. This amused me greatly.
I spent some time reading the reviews for my 1st book. I hope you see some writing improvements, especially when it comes to the pace of the 2nd book.
Not exactly sure If the award is whats causing my little jump, but I'm going to bed very appreciative and in a much better mood.
In terms of progress of book # 2 Neighbors. Its still at the Editor. So, I continue to wait, impatiently. With any luck it will still be publishable before the end of July.
I was doing research on space, and its realistic effects in various environments. When i was directed to a site, I didn't intent to go to. The title of this place got me thinking and I wondered if my 1st published book had gained enough worth to be pirated. So it has. Kinda of bitter sweet feeling.
I went and reviewed my sales history and there was recently a spike in sales over the last week. Which was not a result of my limited advertising, I checked. So, after a short search into my own book online, I learned my book won an award.
https://bookauthority.org/award/Galac...
At first I was super excited. Then I realized my book was surrounded by non fiction book runner ups. I dug a little deeper to find out the website runs a computer algorithm to choose best books based on sales and ratings n such. I am guessing It assumed my book was a non fiction book. This amused me greatly.
I spent some time reading the reviews for my 1st book. I hope you see some writing improvements, especially when it comes to the pace of the 2nd book.
Not exactly sure If the award is whats causing my little jump, but I'm going to bed very appreciative and in a much better mood.
In terms of progress of book # 2 Neighbors. Its still at the Editor. So, I continue to wait, impatiently. With any luck it will still be publishable before the end of July.
May 8, 2018
Audio book is Available !
The audio book is now available on Amazon. Let me know what you think of the Sample?
So here's my educated guess at the sequel's release date. 'Neighbors'
The first draft of the Sequel is now complete. Currently, I am re reading and adding tid bits of details. Then I'm sending it to my editor. During that time, Ill have the book designer start on the second book cover.
Three weeks after that I'll have a polished copy.
Then I let advanced readers tear it apart, tell me I'm the worst writer ever and If I want to save the book I need to perform some kind of penance. I'll make some changes. Following that, I get a final look over by a proofreader. (three weeks)
Then I send it to the finished design team, who work on the interior. I'll have the audio producer work on the sequel. (Two Weeks)
Then I'll have a published book ready to go.
So...July.
So here's my educated guess at the sequel's release date. 'Neighbors'
The first draft of the Sequel is now complete. Currently, I am re reading and adding tid bits of details. Then I'm sending it to my editor. During that time, Ill have the book designer start on the second book cover.
Three weeks after that I'll have a polished copy.
Then I let advanced readers tear it apart, tell me I'm the worst writer ever and If I want to save the book I need to perform some kind of penance. I'll make some changes. Following that, I get a final look over by a proofreader. (three weeks)
Then I send it to the finished design team, who work on the interior. I'll have the audio producer work on the sequel. (Two Weeks)
Then I'll have a published book ready to go.
So...July.
April 22, 2018
Progress Update /spoliers
Finished the first draft on the second book. Now I need to start the read and re read to add development to characters, and such.
Recently I looked at all the feedback and I appreciate all the reviews people have left good and bad, though I wish there were less bad reviews..lol Cant please everyone I suppose.
The common comment I seem to get out of everyone is that the first book was a bit fast paced. I think thats kind of my style, However, I am making a concerted attempt to slow it down a little bit. I figure in about a month i can hand off the draft to my editor. Who's asking for more money this time...grr. That was to be expected I guess.
In the area of the Audio book. The production finished just yesterday. I had to request a redo of a few lines, or correct a couple errors. Should be available in about a month they say.
SPOILER ALERTS YAYYYYY!!!!!!
Theres a few new characters in the second book. Two in particular that I really like. Hunger games meets Tomb Raider ( Fena ).
Then there's dumbledor meets the villain in Avatar with the three scars across his face.. Blanking on his name. Except now hes on the good side. (Major Grissom)
Alexs friends started edging out from under his shadow, and of course theres some more death. I've let five people read the first rough draft... No one predicted the deaths. So, theres that at least.
Then of course theres a new alien race. You know my problem is that Ive got soooooo many alien race ideas, it was very difficult to choose the next one they come in contact with. People ask If I write them with their own perspective. I do, in fact when the new race is introduced its from the perspective of the alien race. (for now) it may change of course.
Also, I planted a seed to an overall series mystery. To tell the truth, I haven't narrowed out the ending of this arch yet, the start tho is fantastic. Really gets you engaged in trying to figure it out. I like it.
Anyway right now the book is at 86K words, I plan on adding another 10K in development. Then Ill probably lose 5K or so in the editing.
I am figuring 90K... If that's the case this book will be about 15-20% longer than the first.
Cover art - An idea occurred to me. I am going to keep the same UEF emblem on the cover of every book. I will change the background. AND I will do something to the emblem, something that reflects what occurs in the book. For example book two will have two puncture holes in the emblem, thanks to a Zorn leg. I havent figured out the background yet.
Book three will have tiny claw marks on the bottem left corner in addition to the two Zorn puncture marks. ;)
Anyway, at the advice of COUNTLESS people I will not be doing the interactive authorship thing. . . For now at least. Once I develop a strong fan base, I WILL come back to this idea and make it work.
Recently I looked at all the feedback and I appreciate all the reviews people have left good and bad, though I wish there were less bad reviews..lol Cant please everyone I suppose.
The common comment I seem to get out of everyone is that the first book was a bit fast paced. I think thats kind of my style, However, I am making a concerted attempt to slow it down a little bit. I figure in about a month i can hand off the draft to my editor. Who's asking for more money this time...grr. That was to be expected I guess.
In the area of the Audio book. The production finished just yesterday. I had to request a redo of a few lines, or correct a couple errors. Should be available in about a month they say.
SPOILER ALERTS YAYYYYY!!!!!!
Theres a few new characters in the second book. Two in particular that I really like. Hunger games meets Tomb Raider ( Fena ).
Then there's dumbledor meets the villain in Avatar with the three scars across his face.. Blanking on his name. Except now hes on the good side. (Major Grissom)
Alexs friends started edging out from under his shadow, and of course theres some more death. I've let five people read the first rough draft... No one predicted the deaths. So, theres that at least.
Then of course theres a new alien race. You know my problem is that Ive got soooooo many alien race ideas, it was very difficult to choose the next one they come in contact with. People ask If I write them with their own perspective. I do, in fact when the new race is introduced its from the perspective of the alien race. (for now) it may change of course.
Also, I planted a seed to an overall series mystery. To tell the truth, I haven't narrowed out the ending of this arch yet, the start tho is fantastic. Really gets you engaged in trying to figure it out. I like it.
Anyway right now the book is at 86K words, I plan on adding another 10K in development. Then Ill probably lose 5K or so in the editing.
I am figuring 90K... If that's the case this book will be about 15-20% longer than the first.
Cover art - An idea occurred to me. I am going to keep the same UEF emblem on the cover of every book. I will change the background. AND I will do something to the emblem, something that reflects what occurs in the book. For example book two will have two puncture holes in the emblem, thanks to a Zorn leg. I havent figured out the background yet.
Book three will have tiny claw marks on the bottem left corner in addition to the two Zorn puncture marks. ;)
Anyway, at the advice of COUNTLESS people I will not be doing the interactive authorship thing. . . For now at least. Once I develop a strong fan base, I WILL come back to this idea and make it work.
March 22, 2018
Audiobook and Update
After an extensive selection process I have chosen an audio book producer for my book and its currently in production.
Also, the sequel is currently at 59K unedited words. Keeping steady progress going.
Also, the sequel is currently at 59K unedited words. Keeping steady progress going.
March 5, 2018
Things are fluid.
It seems that interactive authoriship is a bad idea...Legally. Ive been bombarded with private emails and messages telling me not to try this I am posting a sign that says please sue me...
I guess I'll not be accepting ideas.
:((
HOWEVER, It seems I can provide choices of action or direction. And let the readers vote and determine which way they want the series to turn. Thus both idea/ options are mine, your simply choosing the outcome.
I like it.. What do you think
I guess I'll not be accepting ideas.
:((
HOWEVER, It seems I can provide choices of action or direction. And let the readers vote and determine which way they want the series to turn. Thus both idea/ options are mine, your simply choosing the outcome.
I like it.. What do you think
February 26, 2018
Sequel #2 - In Progress A
***Disclaimer*** any ideas or suggestions you post or provide become the property of the author and has full rights over such material.
...Lawyer says I have to say it...
I realize before I ask your input you kinda need at least some very basic facts leading up to the segments I am working on. Having said that, ******SPOILER ALERT******
The sequel starts with a new character that is going thru UEF Orientation and a couple pilots going thru the pilot training program. The government is still plotting against the UEF and new relationships are forming.
The segment I am at right now is the impending Zorn fleet is approaching Earth. There's a twelve hour waiting period where everyone is on edge while they wait for an update and then they must wait an equal amount of time after the update, before the battle starts.
I am looking to add a couple character development scenes, during this waiting period. I'm eager to hear your ideas, maybe I'll incorporate a few.
...Lawyer says I have to say it...
I realize before I ask your input you kinda need at least some very basic facts leading up to the segments I am working on. Having said that, ******SPOILER ALERT******
The sequel starts with a new character that is going thru UEF Orientation and a couple pilots going thru the pilot training program. The government is still plotting against the UEF and new relationships are forming.
The segment I am at right now is the impending Zorn fleet is approaching Earth. There's a twelve hour waiting period where everyone is on edge while they wait for an update and then they must wait an equal amount of time after the update, before the battle starts.
I am looking to add a couple character development scenes, during this waiting period. I'm eager to hear your ideas, maybe I'll incorporate a few.
