Steven R. Burke's Blog
November 28, 2018
The Orb of Nitesh Trilogy
The Orb of Nitesh trilogy is the revisitation of the story I began years ago. The first book in the series, Fallen, are the first two books combined together from The Guardian Chronicles. The third book in that series, The Dark Tide, will be the new second book in The Orb of Nitesh series and is called Darkness. This book is 50% done at this point. In 2019 I plan on releasing the definitive finale to Orb of Nitesh trilogy called Legacy.
Fallen is available exclusively on Amazon both for the Kindle and for paperback. Please take time to check it out. I put in a great deal of time and effort into editing the book to be up to a better standard.
Paperback
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Kindle
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Fallen is available exclusively on Amazon both for the Kindle and for paperback. Please take time to check it out. I put in a great deal of time and effort into editing the book to be up to a better standard.
Paperback
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Kindle
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
August 17, 2018
Back to the Habit
After my hiatus from writing to get my MBA, I am finding it quite refreshing to get back to creative writing. I missed my fantasy world a great deal. I can say that I have been at work the last few weeks on re-editing books 1 & 2. This leads me to what I had originally intended for my series. What is that you ask? The series was meant to be a trilogy. That's right! Books 1 & 2 are being reunited, edited, new artwork, and is targeted for re-release this September.
So, some context for those who may just be checking out my work for the first time...The Guardian Chronicles was a 6 book series which had 3 books published thus far. My original intent was to have this be a trilogy. The first publisher of my books thought it would be good to break the books in half, hence why it ballooned to 6 books.
Now, I am happy to say I am going back to my original idea. Book 1 will be released in September. The second installment is currently in edits and I am getting close to finishing the second half. Then next year will see the completion of the trilogy.
Stay tuned for the new title of book 1 and the new trilogy name along with new cover art. Exciting times!
So, some context for those who may just be checking out my work for the first time...The Guardian Chronicles was a 6 book series which had 3 books published thus far. My original intent was to have this be a trilogy. The first publisher of my books thought it would be good to break the books in half, hence why it ballooned to 6 books.
Now, I am happy to say I am going back to my original idea. Book 1 will be released in September. The second installment is currently in edits and I am getting close to finishing the second half. Then next year will see the completion of the trilogy.
Stay tuned for the new title of book 1 and the new trilogy name along with new cover art. Exciting times!
April 1, 2014
Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month and tomorrow, April 2nd, will be the day to Light It Up Blue.
http://liub.autismspeaks.org/welcome
If you know someone who has autism, please show your love and support by wearing blue tomorrow.
My wife and I are blessed with one child, the only one we were able to have, and he has autism and is ADHD. He is the absolute best! You cannot be around him without feeling love. He is an excellent reminder of the most important things in life. I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful son and an amazing wife. She is the perfect mom for our son.
If you do know someone that has a child with autism and are close to the child and the parents, offer to watch the child or children so they can go out as a couple. If that is not possible, then makes sure that they do not feel isolated. Often families who have a child with autism get unintentionally, and sadly intentionally at times, ostracized. Make sure they know they are loved.
http://liub.autismspeaks.org/welcome
If you know someone who has autism, please show your love and support by wearing blue tomorrow.
My wife and I are blessed with one child, the only one we were able to have, and he has autism and is ADHD. He is the absolute best! You cannot be around him without feeling love. He is an excellent reminder of the most important things in life. I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful son and an amazing wife. She is the perfect mom for our son.
If you do know someone that has a child with autism and are close to the child and the parents, offer to watch the child or children so they can go out as a couple. If that is not possible, then makes sure that they do not feel isolated. Often families who have a child with autism get unintentionally, and sadly intentionally at times, ostracized. Make sure they know they are loved.
January 26, 2014
The Power of Thinking Differently
My wife and I are blessed to have a son with autism. He is a joy in our lives and reminds us of the most important things in life. To those who are brave enough to not only write but also share what you write with others, remember that you are the creator and it is ultimately up to you what you write. It is always good to take feedback under advisement and to glean from it that which is useful to your stories. And, like my son reminds us frequently, keep the proper perspective.
One thing I have learned recently is that I, like my son, think differently. I have been looked down on and judged because I do not think like everyone else. This has made my career difficult at times. I notice that high levels of management is less tolerant of different thinkers even though they ask for thinking "outside the box".
Do not get discouraged. Results are ultimately what we are all looking for in life, so embrace your unique way of thinking. I embrace the different ways I think and infuse that into my characters. People like my characters because they have different ways of handling situations. The way I use magic is based on creativity. Limits are based on energy reserves or resources. This makes for some great duels.
What are some ways that you think differently? Who are some of your favorites authors who push you to think differently? I have been reading Orson Scott Card's stories and have been impressed with the deep and meaningful dialog. The challenges to conventional thinking inspire me.
One thing I have learned recently is that I, like my son, think differently. I have been looked down on and judged because I do not think like everyone else. This has made my career difficult at times. I notice that high levels of management is less tolerant of different thinkers even though they ask for thinking "outside the box".
Do not get discouraged. Results are ultimately what we are all looking for in life, so embrace your unique way of thinking. I embrace the different ways I think and infuse that into my characters. People like my characters because they have different ways of handling situations. The way I use magic is based on creativity. Limits are based on energy reserves or resources. This makes for some great duels.
What are some ways that you think differently? Who are some of your favorites authors who push you to think differently? I have been reading Orson Scott Card's stories and have been impressed with the deep and meaningful dialog. The challenges to conventional thinking inspire me.
December 28, 2013
2014 Outlook
2013 has flown by even though it has been extremely busy for my family. Our son finished a great pre-school program for children with autism and entered a new program this fall. Both programs have helped him so much in his progression. He has come so far and it is thanks to their help.
I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife for all of her hard work as well. She is the primary reason our son has done so well. She has a special bound with him and they are literally inseparable. He definitely is the apple of our eyes.
In 2014 I am looking forward to making serious progress on my book series. Also, looking for changes in employment so that I can have a better work/life balance. One thing I learned from 2013 was how important time with the family is and that anything that gets in the way of it is not worth doing.
I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife for all of her hard work as well. She is the primary reason our son has done so well. She has a special bound with him and they are literally inseparable. He definitely is the apple of our eyes.
In 2014 I am looking forward to making serious progress on my book series. Also, looking for changes in employment so that I can have a better work/life balance. One thing I learned from 2013 was how important time with the family is and that anything that gets in the way of it is not worth doing.
October 6, 2013
Know Thyself
It takes many years in this life to become acquainted with oneself. It is not a solitary journey. There are family and friends who help us better understand ourselves. Sometimes how we have seen ourselves is not reality. The discovery is personal and the subsequent sharing is likewise personal. It is a sacred journey.
It is difficult to came fact to face with the truth...not because what you find it is not good, it is just different than you expect. For me, it has taken having a son who is fully on the autism spectrum. The realization of who I am is a hard thing. It is not something I share here, just wanted to reflect on the difficulty of the journey.
In my employ I have managed people and have always told them that they need to get to know who they were. Understanding yourself is liberating. I urge each of you to begin or continue the journey. If you have discovered yourself, accept yourself. That is the phase I am at and it is most difficult.
It is difficult to came fact to face with the truth...not because what you find it is not good, it is just different than you expect. For me, it has taken having a son who is fully on the autism spectrum. The realization of who I am is a hard thing. It is not something I share here, just wanted to reflect on the difficulty of the journey.
In my employ I have managed people and have always told them that they need to get to know who they were. Understanding yourself is liberating. I urge each of you to begin or continue the journey. If you have discovered yourself, accept yourself. That is the phase I am at and it is most difficult.
September 25, 2013
Smashwords.com October Special
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and so I felt like it was time again to do a discount on the first three books in The Guardian Chronicles. I have really enjoyed my experience on Smashwords.com. They allow you to buy and book and get immediate access to any and all electronic versions of the book.
The Broken Council (Book 1 Code - XF88S)
The Fallen Guardian (Book 2 Code - GE33J)
The Dark Tide (Book 3 Code - ZG32K)
Here is my author URL on Smashwords.com:
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
The Broken Council (Book 1 Code - XF88S)
The Fallen Guardian (Book 2 Code - GE33J)
The Dark Tide (Book 3 Code - ZG32K)
Here is my author URL on Smashwords.com:
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
September 20, 2013
Blue vs. Red
In the State of Utah tomorrow is all about the big game between BYU and University of Utah. This is the last year the two teams will meet on a regular basis. As a season ticket holder for BYU I am very excited for this game. I hope that no one gets hurt and that it is a clean game.
It is great to see the pride each side shows in their school and allegiance. I hope that this kind of passion can infiltrate other facets of our lives. We have a child with Autism and he lives his day more fully than anyone I know. I come home from work exhausted, yet when I see him light up I feel completely re-energized.
I have to admit that his favorite color is red, much to my dismay. But here is the thing...he can say the word red and that is pretty amazing. He is my personal hero and I try to be more like him every day.
It is great to see the pride each side shows in their school and allegiance. I hope that this kind of passion can infiltrate other facets of our lives. We have a child with Autism and he lives his day more fully than anyone I know. I come home from work exhausted, yet when I see him light up I feel completely re-energized.
I have to admit that his favorite color is red, much to my dismay. But here is the thing...he can say the word red and that is pretty amazing. He is my personal hero and I try to be more like him every day.
September 14, 2013
Murder Mystery
Wrote a Spanish novella murder mystery for a dinner party. We held the event last night, Friday the 13th. It was full of over acting, family drama and a surprising double murder. It is always amazing to see something you created brought to life by others. It make me think about writing screenplays.
To be clear, if I did go a screenplay, it would be of my books. I would love to adapt my story to the big screen. It would be costly, but in the end I think it would be well received.
To be clear, if I did go a screenplay, it would be of my books. I would love to adapt my story to the big screen. It would be costly, but in the end I think it would be well received.
September 6, 2013
Celebrating Life
It has been an interesting week...in Utah we have had two officers killed, one in the line of duty and one in a plane accident. At the same time a co-worker, who I have the utmost respect for, lost his wife. They have three girls and it was way too soon for her to be taken. My heart goes out to him and my family is praying for them.
Whenever there is death that hits close to home it makes me think of the blessing of life. In the Russian culture they believe that people live on the memories of those that knew them. Life is precious and the Lord can recall us at anytime. Making the most of life while we are here is so important.
It is this perspective that helps me to let negative and attacking reviews of my books roll off my back. Some people feel the need to degrade and mock. There is nothing to learn from those folks, so I do not let them get to me. Life is too short to worry about what others think. Obviously they hurt sales, however, life is not about money.
Remember to live life and enjoy the time you have. Make sure family is your priority and not money. There is no real happiness there. If you are a writer I say this, do not let the critics get you down. You are created something and have shared that with the world...that is brave.
Whenever there is death that hits close to home it makes me think of the blessing of life. In the Russian culture they believe that people live on the memories of those that knew them. Life is precious and the Lord can recall us at anytime. Making the most of life while we are here is so important.
It is this perspective that helps me to let negative and attacking reviews of my books roll off my back. Some people feel the need to degrade and mock. There is nothing to learn from those folks, so I do not let them get to me. Life is too short to worry about what others think. Obviously they hurt sales, however, life is not about money.
Remember to live life and enjoy the time you have. Make sure family is your priority and not money. There is no real happiness there. If you are a writer I say this, do not let the critics get you down. You are created something and have shared that with the world...that is brave.
