Stuart Aken's Blog, page 235

The Month of March; a Busy Time!

Those of you who follow my blog will be well aware that I’ve been rather active during March. So I’ll make this brief, if you don’t mind.
I’ve written 25 posts for this blog and some others as a guest, read 3 books and reviewed 2 of them. I’ve done a deep edit on 25 chapters, averaging 4,000 words apiece, of the third book of my epic fantasy. I’ve read two writing mags and updated the writing contests page twice. And I’ve worked with my editor in the preparation and participation in the launch of my latest book. That was Joinings: A Seared Sky, for those who haven’t been paying attention!
So, no contests entered, and no stories written or submitted to journals. But a new book on the stocks, which must count for something, surely? I committed to publishing four new books this year. One done, another three to go.
The chart, explained: Writing - initial creation of stories, blog posts, reviews and longer works.Editing - polishing of all written work to make it suitable for readers.Research - discovery of info for story content, market research, contests and blog posts.Reading - books and writing magazines.Networking - emails, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and comments.Admin - story submission, blog posting, marketing, organisation, tax, and general admin tasks.Related articles Launching a Novel: How it *should* be done!

The Full Reveal and 5 Stars

I’d always intended to reveal the full wraparound cover for the paperback today. And here it is. I love it and pass on my thanks publicly to designer Heather Murphy.
By sheer coincidence, I also got my first review this morning, and it’s a 5 star affair. So, rather than me wax lyrical (as if!) I give you the words of a reader who bought the book. May many more be forthcoming like this!


Joinings is the first book in Stuart Aken’s Seared Sky trilogy. And that guarantee of more to come will be music to the ears of fantasy fans. It is hard to imagine anyone getting to the end of this and not thirsting for more. The opening scene is gripping. It hooked me in and then I was compelled to read the rest. Aken weaves a complex tale through a meticulously constructed fantasy world showing us fascinating glimpses of different ways of life, different beliefs. The dangers of a society in thrall to superstition and corrupt government are well drawn, as are the characters. There are no pantomime baddies here, no clichéd heroines, but well-rounded characters whose destinies we can’t help but follow. Tumalind and Okkyntalah; Dagla Kaz, Jodisa-Li, Aklon and the rest of the cast create a very real world with real problems and challenges. But it doesn’t get lost in big picture stuff. There are solid and compelling human stories at the core of this excellent book. The only real problem: it’s a big book and it’s hard to put down. But when it comes to books, that’s just the sort of problem I love to be faced with. I’m watching out for the next.Review by Dr.P.GrubbRelated articles Launching a Novel: How it *should* be done! Romancing the Fantasy - Stuart Aken

Win a Signed Edition.

Yesterday was the launch party for Joinings, A Seared Sky. I spent 12 hours online, answering questions and interacting with readers who attended. A common theme during the day was positive feedback about the event. Dan Grubb, owner of Fantastic Books Publishing, had put a great deal of effort into organising and supporting this launch. I had no previous experience of such things, having allowed my other books, self-published, to promote themselves! A naïve decision, I now recognise, but that’s experience for you.

The day was active, participatory, fun and effective – we sold quite a lot of books!
One feature that helped attract readers was the offer of a couple of contests. Recognising that many potential visitors would be involved in the general Mothering Sunday activities and unable to attend, we thought we’d extend the opportunity to participate.
So, if you’d like the chance to win a signed print edition of Joinings, A Seared Sky, or one of the signed full-colour maps, take a visit to the launch page (just click this link and it’ll whisk you magically to the spot). Once there, at the top of the page you’ll find a welcome message. Click on ‘See more’ and a long list of links will appear, leading to various events, buying links and, most importantly, the contests. Give those a click and have a go. You never know; someone has to be a winner, why not you?

Please note that this is a limited time offer. You’ll need to do the deed by midnight GMT today, which is when the contest will close. Good luck.
And for those of you who'd just like to buy the book, here are the links:Both formats UK;  Both formats US; 

Today’s the Day!

The launch party is off the ground, or will be, from 12:00 noon (BST).  You can join in the fun and excitement of the launch of my epic fantasy trilogy. Book 1, Joinings, (A Seared Sky), is published today in print and ebook formats. More than a book, it’s a work of love and craft in preparation for years and brought to you by the added skills of a brilliant publisher, Fantastic Books Publishing.
This unique novel will delight all adult readers (because of the themes addressed, I advise a reader age of 15 and above).
The launch is an online event so everyone can attend and join in the fun. There’ll be giveaways, signed print editions, interaction with the author, interviews, videos and more. It’s easy to get involved; click this link and you’ll be whisked to where everything’s happening. I’ll be at the party for as long as I’m able. Come along, ask questions, join the gang here, interact.
For those unable to make it, here are the links to buy the book:
Both formats UK; 
Both formats US; Related articles Romancing the Fantasy - Stuart Aken It's Here! The Promised Cover Reveal.

The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 1

Can it really be the day before the launch of A Seared Sky: Joinings. 
Excited? I can’t wait!

In the spirit of that well-loved seasonal song, I offer you the 12 days of countdown.
In reverse order.
And, on the final day of countdown, I give to you
One ominous omen:  
The Skyfire – searing the sky to burn the underserving?
Who will burn? Will the omen lead the way to resolution or disaster? Find out when you read A Seared Sky: Joinings, launched in print and ebook formats, by Fantastic Books Publishing, tomorrow. There’s a great party full of fun, giveaways and more. And it’s virtual, so you can join in from anywhere in the world. One click here, and you can be one of the first to get the paperback or ebook; or both!

We want as many of you as possible to be involved, so we’ve decided to start at 11:00 GMT, that’s 12:00 noon BST, and I intend to be on hand for at least 12 hours, and, if I can keep awake, longer. For your own time equivalents, here are some pointers for the start (come along once you’ve woken up, if you’re in the early slots): PST – 03:00, AST – 07:00, IST – 16:30, EST – 06:00, MST – 04:00, CT – 19:00, CST – 05:00, CET – 12:00, Rio de Janeiro – 08:00, EET – 13:00, South Africa – 13:00, Sidney – 22:00.Related articles Romancing the Fantasy - Stuart Aken The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 4 The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 3 The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 2

It's Here! The Promised Cover Reveal.

Okay, Fantastic Books Publishing and I have been teasing you with bits of the cover and hints about releasing it in full.
The book, in case you’ve not yet heard of it, is the first in the epic fantasy trilogy, A Seared Sky, and is titled, Joinings.

Well, with the publisher’s agreement, I’m revealing the fantastic cover of the ebook, which shows only the front, of course. 

I love it! I'd be fascinated to learn your reactions. Stick a comment down there with your views.

To see the full wrap-around for the print version, you’ll have to wait until launch day, 30 March.

You can, of course, come along to that and perhaps pick up a giveaway, maybe grab a signed copy of the print book, join in the fun, ask me questions. It starts at 12:00 noon BST and I’ll be there until my eyelids refuse to stay up any longer.

You can pop along from anywhere in the world because we’re doing this online to give the maximum number of readers the chance to join in. And all you have to do, is click this link to get there.

The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 2

What? Only 2 days until the launch of A Seared Sky: Joinings. 
Excited? Too right, I am!

In the spirit of that well-loved seasonal song, I offer you the 12 days of countdown.
In reverse order.
And, on the second day of countdown, I give to you
Two terrifying fire mountains:
Mount O’bo – alive with ash, rumbling with threatYlcrat – fiery island threatening to engulf
Will they burn? Will they escape the red-hot flows? Discover all when you read A Seared Sky: Joinings, launched in paperback and ebook formats on 30 March, by Fantastic Books Publishing.
Come, join the party and enjoy all the fun of the book launch, wherever in the world you dwell. Virtual and online so everyone can be there. Just a click away; right here. Be amongst the first to get the paperback or ebook; or both!Related articles The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 5 The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 4 The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 3

The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 3

Yin Yang via  https://openclipart.org/Are there really only 3 days to go until the launch of A Seared Sky: Joinings? 
No wonder I’m excited!

In the spirit of that well-loved seasonal song, I offer you the 12 days of countdown.
In reverse order.
And, on the third day of countdown, I give to you
Three themes a threading:
Good versus evil – what epic fantasy could exist without this one?Hypocrisy in religion – unusual for the genre, but a spur to great adventureLove conquers all – of course it does! Uncommon in epic fantasy, but bringing another layer to the complex story.
Which characters are good, which evil? Who is most guilty of hypocrisy? Who is in love, and will their romance end in triumph or tragedy? Find out when you read A Seared Sky: Joinings, launched on 30 March by Fantastic BooksPublishing.
Come along to the party and enjoy the fun of the book launch, wherever in the world you live. Virtual, online so that everyone can ‘attend’, and only a click away; right here. You can be one of the first to get the paperback or ebook; or both!

The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 4

4 days to go until the launch of A Seared Sky: Joinings.  Excitement rising!
In the spirit of that well-loved seasonal song, I offer you the 12 days of countdown. Mine are in reverse order.
And, on the fourth day of countdown, I give to you
Four fearsome frozen mountain ranges:
Prolanq Mountains – distant background mysteryMountains of Chakanh – high pass to evil?The Unnamed Mountains – a barrier breached?Mountains of Geldakq – forbidding cold in tropical climes
Which of our players knows the world, fights evil forces, risks the great unknown, faces the implacable, relentless frozen wastes? Find out for yourself, with the publication of A Seared Sky: Joiningson 30 March, by Fantastic Books Publishing. Join the party fun of the book launch, wherever in the world you live. It’s virtual, it’s online, it’s just one click away; right here. And you can be one of the first to get the paperback or ebook; maybe both!
Related articles The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 11 The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 6 The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 5

The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 5

Only 5 days to launch of A Seared Sky: Joinings.  Rising excitement!

In the spirit of that well-loved seasonal song, I offer you the 12 days of countdown.Mine are in reverse order.
And, on the fifth day of countdown, I'd like to give to you

Five forests full of mystery:Western Forest – the fearsome terzet horn lurks The Greenreald – a welcome retreat, but stay away from Mhortag’s TreadGreat Forest – wild men in a wild placeForest of Treshahn – peaceful idyll, perhaps?Groves of Ytraa – great sentinels from the beginning of time

Who will wander through the trees unhurt, face death and madness under darkest canopies, idle beneath widespread boughs, tremble at the sound of fierce beasts unseen? Discover for yourself, with the publication of A Seared Sky: Joinings on 30 March, by Fantastic Books Publishing. Join in the multiple fun of the book launch party wherever in the world you live. It’s virtual, it’s online, it’s a click away; right here. And be one of the first to get the book in paperback or ebook format, or both!Related articles The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 11 The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 6 The 12 Days of Launch Countdown: Day 9