Steven R. Burke's Blog, page 4
September 27, 2012
Coming Soon...
The title for the third installment in The Guardian Chronicles is called The Dark Tide. I am currently editing the book which will take 2 months to complete. Also, I am writing the first of three novellas called Origins. These stories are also set in the world of Tuwa and will have bearing on the chronicles story line. In addition to this, I am also re-editing The Broken Council and The Fallen Guardian. I first want to thank my brother Doug to being able to help me go through the first two books.
I am also working on a new website that will launch this fall: http://www.stevenrburke.com/. David Cothran is building the site and I excited to see the progress he is making. I am also looking for art work for the website, The Dark Tide, and Origins. I am also wanting to sell t-shirts on the new site with images and quotes from the books.
I look forward to releasing the third book before Christmas. I will be publishing through CreateSpace, an Amazon company. I have learned so much over the past two years about the publishing industry and feel that a strong online presence is the best way to reach a wider audience. I look forward to this new chapter in my writing career. Stay tuned for future updates!
I am also working on a new website that will launch this fall: http://www.stevenrburke.com/. David Cothran is building the site and I excited to see the progress he is making. I am also looking for art work for the website, The Dark Tide, and Origins. I am also wanting to sell t-shirts on the new site with images and quotes from the books.
I look forward to releasing the third book before Christmas. I will be publishing through CreateSpace, an Amazon company. I have learned so much over the past two years about the publishing industry and feel that a strong online presence is the best way to reach a wider audience. I look forward to this new chapter in my writing career. Stay tuned for future updates!
September 1, 2012
Guardian Chronicles Update
There are several exciting changes coming soon to my series. The third book, The Dark Tide, is in editing. Also, a new website is in the process of being built. In addition to these announcements, the next chapter in the novella Origins will be posted the evening of Labor Day.
I want to thank all those who are continuing to help and to support me and the series. I look forward to hearing from all of you what your thoughts are about the novella and the third book.
Remember to check back here this next week for some other, more significant announcements. I hope you all enjoy your holiday weekend responsibly.
I want to thank all those who are continuing to help and to support me and the series. I look forward to hearing from all of you what your thoughts are about the novella and the third book.
Remember to check back here this next week for some other, more significant announcements. I hope you all enjoy your holiday weekend responsibly.
August 23, 2012
Book 4 Started
I am happy to say that the first chapter of book 4, tentatively titled Orb of Nitesh, has been completed. The book picks up right where 3 ends. It is very exciting and I must say that for a first chapter of a book, this is my favorite that I have done to date.
I am currently looking into the publishing of book 3, titled The Dark Tide. The discussions are ongoing and I hope to have some news within a couple of weeks.
The second chapter for the novella Origins is nearing completion as well. I hope to have this ready next week.
I am currently looking into the publishing of book 3, titled The Dark Tide. The discussions are ongoing and I hope to have some news within a couple of weeks.
The second chapter for the novella Origins is nearing completion as well. I hope to have this ready next week.
August 6, 2012
Origins - Chapter 1
The Island
A solitary figure’s hair flared out behind him as the wind slammed into the island. He was a man of considerable size and had a stoic look as he stood as if rooted like a tree. It was not clear just how old this man was or what his current disposition. The wind clearly had no effect on him as he looked out toward the open sea. Storm clouds swirled several miles offshore as it approached the tropical island. The Mairi Sea began to heave in response to the approaching disturbance. Bits of debris began to swirl around the statuesque figure in the surf. None of this seemed to interfere with whatever it was he was looking at.
The sun disappeared behind the angry clouds as the storm made landfall. It was only then that the man turned and walked back into the tropical trees. The man did not hurry or even bother to pull up his cowl as the rain and wind began to ravage the island. After a short time of walking nonchalantly, he came to a small cave entrance that was on the side of a small rise in the center of the island. His course altered as he headed toward the dark hole. As he was about to enter, he looked over his shoulder and smiled in the same direction he had been staring. Then, his body shimmered like a mirage in the heat of a desert and disappeared into the hill through the cave entrance.
The rock wall that the mysterious man entered no longer had a cave entrance visible. It was as though it had never been. The storm raged for hours over the small island in a way that seemed to defy the laws of nature. After an hour or two, the storm should have moved on. It was as though it was being held in place in order to maximize the level of destruction. The lightning strikes started fires that were quickly put out by the deluge of rain.
Inside the only hill on the island there was a massive cavern some hundred feet high. Light filled the entire room as though it was from the sun even though there was no opening to the outside. There were bookshelves built into the stone walls which were filled with ancient books bound in leather. There was a section where scrolls were stored in cylindrical slots in the wall. There were comfortable reading chairs scattered around the cavern with blue lanterns. There were stone tables sporadically spaced on the floor.
The red haired man who had just entered the hill walked slowly into the room with a large leather bound book that fell open as he sat down. He turned pages until he found some complex spells that dealt with permanently changing one’s appearance. His red hair clashed starkly with his dark skin. Hidden beneath his long mane of hair were pointed ears. Looking past the hair, he looked very similar to a dark elf. The dark elves were not the most trusted race in the lands of Tuwa. This was knowledge that he had learned from his time spent in this most unusual library.
As he was reading, he began muttering to himself. Slowly, his eyes changed from a gray to a brown with red mixed in. After a minute of chanting, he closed his eyes. He did not open them for a few minutes. When he did look up, the new color had taken hold. The dark elf was going through the painful and extremely dangerous method of changing his appearance permanently. He blinked furiously as though something was stuck in his eyes.
“I am still not used to the hair and now you have gone and mucked with your eyes” Sheri’dam said with disgust. She could not get used to her husband’s new look. She was proud to be what she was. In Tuwa they were mistakenly referred to as dark elves. In their homeland on the other side of the Mairi Sea they were known as the High Eldar. They were actually related to the Eldar of Tuwa though darker in skin because of their living in the high altitudes of Mount Hacu, the highest point in all of Zurkian.
“This is not Zurkian my love, we are associated with those vile dark elves that are wreaking havoc on middle Tuwa because of our appearance. We must alter our appearance to make it safely to Renshaw Forest. Are you still refusing to change your look?” He gazed at her with a soft look that did not quite have the same effect when his eyes were gray. His eyes just looked too weird with brownish red eyes.
“I know that we must make the change…I just wish it was not permanent. What if we went back to Zurkian once the uprising is over?” She had a pleading look in her gray eyes as she gazed at her husband. Her skin was not quite as dark as her husband and she was had a decidedly lean, muscular body.
“Sheri’dam my dear…we can never go back. You know that. We were exiled for our part in the resistance. If we do go back, we will go back in our new image and under our new names” he said soothingly to his wife. He set the book aside and stood. He gently took Sheri’dam’s hands in his and looked down into her gray eyes.
“I know…it is just hard to turn our backs on those we left behind” she said quietly. She bowed her head in shame at the thought.
“I would not call it leaving them behind. We were not given an option to stay. We will return there if we are ever able to. Right now we need to go to our brethren in Renshaw. Their power has waned from what I have learned since their arrival in Tuwa. Apparently the land is not quite as magical as Zurkian. That is why I brought some of the magical devices with us before we departed. I am using those devices in my change so we can retain our power.” He was holding her at arm’s length with his hands on her shoulders. He looked tenderly into her eyes and tried to convey his understanding.
“I understand…you are right. Let’s get on with it then. I want blonde hair and blue eyes. Don’t lighten my skin too much though, I do not want to turn red every time I venture outside” she said with a reluctant smile.
“As you wish darling, let’s not delay any longer. They apparently know we are here on the island” he said with a look over his shoulder. Thunder shook the walls of the cavern every few seconds.
“Tavin, could we wait to leave for the mainland for another few days? Going from one conflict to another is tiresome” she said with a pleading tone in her voice.
“Elena, you must remember to start calling me Zaiden” he replied with a meaningful twinkle in his eye.
“Fine, Zaiden, can we wait for a few days before we leave? I need to get used to our new appearances” she replied haughtily. She turned slightly and looked at him from the corner of her eye.
“As you wish my lady” he said with a low bow.
Elena and Zaiden emerged from a small cave that appeared only momentarily. They walked hand in hand toward the western beach. The cave they had emerged from disappeared slowly behind them. They both had light tan skin, pointed ears, and looked exactly like the Eldar of Tuwa. They looked at one another with small smiles as they made their way through the underbrush of the tropic forest. The damage from the storm some days earlier still remained and made their trek more difficult.
After some time they emerged from the dense foliage and debris to look out over the water. Small branches, palm leaves, and drift wood covered the normally pristine beach. They both looked off into the distance as though they could see what they were looking for. Zaiden took his wife by the hand and led her to the water’s edge. As the warm water soaked their feet, they both took one final look at the tropical island. It was clear that it was not the forest but their home in Zurkian that occupied their thoughts.
Elena put her slender arm around her husband and hugged him close. They looked down at their feet as the sand began to super heat. The sand grew white hot for a few moments and then all that was below them turned to glass. Zaiden held tighter to his wife as the glass disc rose slowing into the air some ten feet up. Once it reached that height, it tilted forward slightly before propelling itself and its riders forward. The velocity with which they were traveling was hard to adjust to. The glass disc stayed high enough to not hit any waves as it hurtled toward the mainland of Tuwa.
After what seemed hours of traveling at high speeds, the glass disc lowered itself onto the shores of Eolande. There was no real beach here, just a rugged cliff that met a dense forest at its precipice. The trees looked peculiar to the new arrivals as the needles had a bluish hue to them. They were exceptionally tall trees that did not resemble anything from their homeland. The difference made them sad and happy at the same time. This land would be very different from Zurkian and they wondered just how different the various races would be. They had never heard much about the people here because no one had ever come to Tuwa and then returned home to Zurkian. They were adventurers setting out on a quest they never intended to have.
“How far is it to this Renshaw where the Eldar live?” queried Elena quietly. The glass disc lowered them to the rocky terrain and then turned back into sand.
“If the information we gathered from those sailors was accurate, Renshaw would be several weeks from here if we walk. I think that it would be wise to remain on foot and to use well-traveled paths. We need to learn what we can of this place before we reach our cousins” replied Zaiden. He looked down at his wife tenderly as they took their first steps toward the cliff wall ahead of them. They had hope in their hearts that this new chapter in their lives would be less dangerous and have a better ending.
Rain started to fall hard and fast as the beasts watched the two tall unknown figures make their way up the narrow path carved into the cliff. The deluge would have obscured the pair; however, the red wolves of the southlands have exceptional sight. The wolves growled in anticipation as they made their way along the cliff’s edge. They were intent on surprising their next meal.
As the red wolves skirted the cliff edge the two tall creatures they were stalking vanished into the forest. As they rounded a bend at a brisk walk flames erupted from one of the pack. One of the poor beasts howled in pain and stumbled to the ground. The rain intensified and the flames were put out within moments. The wolves came to a stop and looked for the source of the attack. They had not anticipated a magic assault this close to the home of the guardians.
“We are not easy prey…consider this the only warning to turn around” boomed a seemingly disembodied voice. There was a commanding quality in the speaker’s voice which immediately caught the wolves’ attention.
“Who are you? You are in the realm of the guardians and they forbid the use of magic in their lands?” The beast spoke to the mind of the perpetrator as is the way of the wolf to communicate telepathically. The wolves’ hair stood on end as they looked for their elusive meal.
“I know not these guardians you speak of and I certainly do not care what their rules are. We answer to no one. Now, choose! Stay and die, or leave in peace” their prey spoke to their minds. This unsettled the hungry beasts.
“No two legged fire wielder is a match for us!” roared the lead wolf in reply. The wolves had honed into where they thought the pair was. They rushed all at once to the spot they thought the voice had come from not realizing that the speaker had communicated to them via telepathy. This should have been a warning.
As the wolves neared a small clearing they spotted their prey. They looked like dark Eldar to their eyes and one happened to be a female. Immediately the beasts directed their first attack at her thinking that she would be the weakest of the pair. Their lust for blood blinded them to the trick. As they leapt toward the female, the dark Eldar vanished. An intense wall of fire sprang to life and had them entirely surrounded. One of the beasts swiped at the flames with one of its huge paws and it caught fire. The yowling was deafening.
“I warned you! Now, let us see if we cannot come to some sort of an agreement. I do not take pleasure in needless killing; however, I will do what I must. If you will answer some questions for me about this land, I will set you free. You and your kind will never attack my kind again as part of this deal. Or, I can end you all now. It is your choice.” Zaiden spoke in his calm, commanding voice.
“What is it you want to know” growled the leader of the pack. He was clearly not happy about being trapped so easily and did not like being dictated to. However, his desire to live won out.
A solitary figure’s hair flared out behind him as the wind slammed into the island. He was a man of considerable size and had a stoic look as he stood as if rooted like a tree. It was not clear just how old this man was or what his current disposition. The wind clearly had no effect on him as he looked out toward the open sea. Storm clouds swirled several miles offshore as it approached the tropical island. The Mairi Sea began to heave in response to the approaching disturbance. Bits of debris began to swirl around the statuesque figure in the surf. None of this seemed to interfere with whatever it was he was looking at.
The sun disappeared behind the angry clouds as the storm made landfall. It was only then that the man turned and walked back into the tropical trees. The man did not hurry or even bother to pull up his cowl as the rain and wind began to ravage the island. After a short time of walking nonchalantly, he came to a small cave entrance that was on the side of a small rise in the center of the island. His course altered as he headed toward the dark hole. As he was about to enter, he looked over his shoulder and smiled in the same direction he had been staring. Then, his body shimmered like a mirage in the heat of a desert and disappeared into the hill through the cave entrance.
The rock wall that the mysterious man entered no longer had a cave entrance visible. It was as though it had never been. The storm raged for hours over the small island in a way that seemed to defy the laws of nature. After an hour or two, the storm should have moved on. It was as though it was being held in place in order to maximize the level of destruction. The lightning strikes started fires that were quickly put out by the deluge of rain.
Inside the only hill on the island there was a massive cavern some hundred feet high. Light filled the entire room as though it was from the sun even though there was no opening to the outside. There were bookshelves built into the stone walls which were filled with ancient books bound in leather. There was a section where scrolls were stored in cylindrical slots in the wall. There were comfortable reading chairs scattered around the cavern with blue lanterns. There were stone tables sporadically spaced on the floor.
The red haired man who had just entered the hill walked slowly into the room with a large leather bound book that fell open as he sat down. He turned pages until he found some complex spells that dealt with permanently changing one’s appearance. His red hair clashed starkly with his dark skin. Hidden beneath his long mane of hair were pointed ears. Looking past the hair, he looked very similar to a dark elf. The dark elves were not the most trusted race in the lands of Tuwa. This was knowledge that he had learned from his time spent in this most unusual library.
As he was reading, he began muttering to himself. Slowly, his eyes changed from a gray to a brown with red mixed in. After a minute of chanting, he closed his eyes. He did not open them for a few minutes. When he did look up, the new color had taken hold. The dark elf was going through the painful and extremely dangerous method of changing his appearance permanently. He blinked furiously as though something was stuck in his eyes.
“I am still not used to the hair and now you have gone and mucked with your eyes” Sheri’dam said with disgust. She could not get used to her husband’s new look. She was proud to be what she was. In Tuwa they were mistakenly referred to as dark elves. In their homeland on the other side of the Mairi Sea they were known as the High Eldar. They were actually related to the Eldar of Tuwa though darker in skin because of their living in the high altitudes of Mount Hacu, the highest point in all of Zurkian.
“This is not Zurkian my love, we are associated with those vile dark elves that are wreaking havoc on middle Tuwa because of our appearance. We must alter our appearance to make it safely to Renshaw Forest. Are you still refusing to change your look?” He gazed at her with a soft look that did not quite have the same effect when his eyes were gray. His eyes just looked too weird with brownish red eyes.
“I know that we must make the change…I just wish it was not permanent. What if we went back to Zurkian once the uprising is over?” She had a pleading look in her gray eyes as she gazed at her husband. Her skin was not quite as dark as her husband and she was had a decidedly lean, muscular body.
“Sheri’dam my dear…we can never go back. You know that. We were exiled for our part in the resistance. If we do go back, we will go back in our new image and under our new names” he said soothingly to his wife. He set the book aside and stood. He gently took Sheri’dam’s hands in his and looked down into her gray eyes.
“I know…it is just hard to turn our backs on those we left behind” she said quietly. She bowed her head in shame at the thought.
“I would not call it leaving them behind. We were not given an option to stay. We will return there if we are ever able to. Right now we need to go to our brethren in Renshaw. Their power has waned from what I have learned since their arrival in Tuwa. Apparently the land is not quite as magical as Zurkian. That is why I brought some of the magical devices with us before we departed. I am using those devices in my change so we can retain our power.” He was holding her at arm’s length with his hands on her shoulders. He looked tenderly into her eyes and tried to convey his understanding.
“I understand…you are right. Let’s get on with it then. I want blonde hair and blue eyes. Don’t lighten my skin too much though, I do not want to turn red every time I venture outside” she said with a reluctant smile.
“As you wish darling, let’s not delay any longer. They apparently know we are here on the island” he said with a look over his shoulder. Thunder shook the walls of the cavern every few seconds.
“Tavin, could we wait to leave for the mainland for another few days? Going from one conflict to another is tiresome” she said with a pleading tone in her voice.
“Elena, you must remember to start calling me Zaiden” he replied with a meaningful twinkle in his eye.
“Fine, Zaiden, can we wait for a few days before we leave? I need to get used to our new appearances” she replied haughtily. She turned slightly and looked at him from the corner of her eye.
“As you wish my lady” he said with a low bow.
Elena and Zaiden emerged from a small cave that appeared only momentarily. They walked hand in hand toward the western beach. The cave they had emerged from disappeared slowly behind them. They both had light tan skin, pointed ears, and looked exactly like the Eldar of Tuwa. They looked at one another with small smiles as they made their way through the underbrush of the tropic forest. The damage from the storm some days earlier still remained and made their trek more difficult.
After some time they emerged from the dense foliage and debris to look out over the water. Small branches, palm leaves, and drift wood covered the normally pristine beach. They both looked off into the distance as though they could see what they were looking for. Zaiden took his wife by the hand and led her to the water’s edge. As the warm water soaked their feet, they both took one final look at the tropical island. It was clear that it was not the forest but their home in Zurkian that occupied their thoughts.
Elena put her slender arm around her husband and hugged him close. They looked down at their feet as the sand began to super heat. The sand grew white hot for a few moments and then all that was below them turned to glass. Zaiden held tighter to his wife as the glass disc rose slowing into the air some ten feet up. Once it reached that height, it tilted forward slightly before propelling itself and its riders forward. The velocity with which they were traveling was hard to adjust to. The glass disc stayed high enough to not hit any waves as it hurtled toward the mainland of Tuwa.
After what seemed hours of traveling at high speeds, the glass disc lowered itself onto the shores of Eolande. There was no real beach here, just a rugged cliff that met a dense forest at its precipice. The trees looked peculiar to the new arrivals as the needles had a bluish hue to them. They were exceptionally tall trees that did not resemble anything from their homeland. The difference made them sad and happy at the same time. This land would be very different from Zurkian and they wondered just how different the various races would be. They had never heard much about the people here because no one had ever come to Tuwa and then returned home to Zurkian. They were adventurers setting out on a quest they never intended to have.
“How far is it to this Renshaw where the Eldar live?” queried Elena quietly. The glass disc lowered them to the rocky terrain and then turned back into sand.
“If the information we gathered from those sailors was accurate, Renshaw would be several weeks from here if we walk. I think that it would be wise to remain on foot and to use well-traveled paths. We need to learn what we can of this place before we reach our cousins” replied Zaiden. He looked down at his wife tenderly as they took their first steps toward the cliff wall ahead of them. They had hope in their hearts that this new chapter in their lives would be less dangerous and have a better ending.
Rain started to fall hard and fast as the beasts watched the two tall unknown figures make their way up the narrow path carved into the cliff. The deluge would have obscured the pair; however, the red wolves of the southlands have exceptional sight. The wolves growled in anticipation as they made their way along the cliff’s edge. They were intent on surprising their next meal.
As the red wolves skirted the cliff edge the two tall creatures they were stalking vanished into the forest. As they rounded a bend at a brisk walk flames erupted from one of the pack. One of the poor beasts howled in pain and stumbled to the ground. The rain intensified and the flames were put out within moments. The wolves came to a stop and looked for the source of the attack. They had not anticipated a magic assault this close to the home of the guardians.
“We are not easy prey…consider this the only warning to turn around” boomed a seemingly disembodied voice. There was a commanding quality in the speaker’s voice which immediately caught the wolves’ attention.
“Who are you? You are in the realm of the guardians and they forbid the use of magic in their lands?” The beast spoke to the mind of the perpetrator as is the way of the wolf to communicate telepathically. The wolves’ hair stood on end as they looked for their elusive meal.
“I know not these guardians you speak of and I certainly do not care what their rules are. We answer to no one. Now, choose! Stay and die, or leave in peace” their prey spoke to their minds. This unsettled the hungry beasts.
“No two legged fire wielder is a match for us!” roared the lead wolf in reply. The wolves had honed into where they thought the pair was. They rushed all at once to the spot they thought the voice had come from not realizing that the speaker had communicated to them via telepathy. This should have been a warning.
As the wolves neared a small clearing they spotted their prey. They looked like dark Eldar to their eyes and one happened to be a female. Immediately the beasts directed their first attack at her thinking that she would be the weakest of the pair. Their lust for blood blinded them to the trick. As they leapt toward the female, the dark Eldar vanished. An intense wall of fire sprang to life and had them entirely surrounded. One of the beasts swiped at the flames with one of its huge paws and it caught fire. The yowling was deafening.
“I warned you! Now, let us see if we cannot come to some sort of an agreement. I do not take pleasure in needless killing; however, I will do what I must. If you will answer some questions for me about this land, I will set you free. You and your kind will never attack my kind again as part of this deal. Or, I can end you all now. It is your choice.” Zaiden spoke in his calm, commanding voice.
“What is it you want to know” growled the leader of the pack. He was clearly not happy about being trapped so easily and did not like being dictated to. However, his desire to live won out.
July 5, 2012
Short Story Coming Soon
I have determined that this summer I am going to post chapter by chapter the short story, yet to be named, about General Yukio. Things you will learn about him is how old he really is, where he comes from, the source of his powers, and his true intentions.
The editing process has been slower than I had wanted for The Dark Tide, however, I have time off in a couple of weeks, so I will plow through it then.
Currently I am reading the Wheel of Time series again. I cannot remember exactly which book I left off on but this way I will be ready for the final book coming out in January. I have also been reading various books I have won off of goodreads.com...I really enjoy the opportunity to read what other authors have done. There are some brilliant ideas out there.
The editing process has been slower than I had wanted for The Dark Tide, however, I have time off in a couple of weeks, so I will plow through it then.
Currently I am reading the Wheel of Time series again. I cannot remember exactly which book I left off on but this way I will be ready for the final book coming out in January. I have also been reading various books I have won off of goodreads.com...I really enjoy the opportunity to read what other authors have done. There are some brilliant ideas out there.
June 3, 2012
Steven R. Burke Website Updated
I have finally reached a place where I am able to spend more time on my books. With that time I have finished writing the third book, tenatively titled The Dark Tide. I have several people who are helping review it for me and I am hopeful to get the editing completed relatively soon so I can send it to the publisher. So, in preparation for that I have decided to actually update my author website http://theguardianchronicles.tateauthor.com/. Please take some time to go and check it out.
I have switched my professional focus from people management to project management which has helped me to focus more on writing. While it was sad to leave behind people and processes I had built for over 8 years, it was a good change. I feel that I am able to spend more time with my wife and my son. Life is changing and change is good. I think that being able to change and being willing to embrace the change it vital.
I have switched my professional focus from people management to project management which has helped me to focus more on writing. While it was sad to leave behind people and processes I had built for over 8 years, it was a good change. I feel that I am able to spend more time with my wife and my son. Life is changing and change is good. I think that being able to change and being willing to embrace the change it vital.
May 31, 2012
Dark Tide Editing
I know that some people may think that a writer loathes the idea of editing, however, for me it is a chance to make the story better. Writing a story is very much like what a sculpter does. I have some great help from a couple of friends and I really hope that I can knock out the editing by the end of June.
I already have several ideas flowing for book 4, The Orb of Nitesh. I hope that I will be able to start on that before the summer is out. I have taken a bit of a break to spend more time with my family. My son has autism and he just turned 3 years old this past Tuesday, so we have been working with the school district to get him into an all day pre-school for children with autism. I am happy to report that we were successful.
I have made a career change this month that has allowed me to better balance my time. Moving from people management to project management has been quite a change, however, after eight years it is good to have new challenges.
I look forward to working on the books some more this year and will not let myself get too distracted. I do have three short stories that relate to the world of Tuwa based on certain characters that are screaming to see the light of day. We will see where that goes. Until next time friends!
I already have several ideas flowing for book 4, The Orb of Nitesh. I hope that I will be able to start on that before the summer is out. I have taken a bit of a break to spend more time with my family. My son has autism and he just turned 3 years old this past Tuesday, so we have been working with the school district to get him into an all day pre-school for children with autism. I am happy to report that we were successful.
I have made a career change this month that has allowed me to better balance my time. Moving from people management to project management has been quite a change, however, after eight years it is good to have new challenges.
I look forward to working on the books some more this year and will not let myself get too distracted. I do have three short stories that relate to the world of Tuwa based on certain characters that are screaming to see the light of day. We will see where that goes. Until next time friends!
April 10, 2012
Book 3 Complete
“They are here!” shouted Adair with a steely glint in his eye. Warmth once again filled the room and the fire roared back to life.
Last lines of book 3, tentatively titled The Dark Tide!
Last lines of book 3, tentatively titled The Dark Tide!
March 10, 2012
Pioneer Books Signing
Had a great time at Pioneer Books in Orem, UT. Was pleased to talk with a young couple about writing and my story. I always enjoy a book signing in a book store that reminds you of what a book store is supposed to be like. The walls lined with books from ceiling to floor.
I hope to be able to go back to the store to do another signing. My next book signing will be in a few weeks on March 31st. I hope to see some of you there as well.
I hope to be able to go back to the store to do another signing. My next book signing will be in a few weeks on March 31st. I hope to see some of you there as well.
February 18, 2012
Book Signings
So, had a book signing at Barnes and Noble two weeks ago. It was a huge event with 30 local authors here in Utah. It was so good to rub shoulders with other fantasy and fiction authors. My favorite part was talking to the up and coming authors. One had to be around ten or eleven years old. He came prepared with questions and even shared his story with us. That boy is going places.
Have a change in positions at my work, so I will be able to finally finish book 3. I am still inclined to call the third installment "The Dark Tide". I am planning on some time off in March to finish the book. I have three more signings coming up. I have one at Pioneer Books in Orem, UT on Saturday March 7th from 1-3pm. I have another one on March 31st (another Saturday) at eBorn Books in teh mall in Sandy, UT from 2-4 pm. The last signing will be at The Dancing Yetti Coffee Company in Draper, UT from 1-3 pm on April 7th.
I am currently reading a really engaging fantasy story by M.L. Hamilton called "Emerld". She does a fantastic job of grabbing your attention right away. I have to thank goodreads.com for making it possible to get to know authors like her who have such a great story to tell. I know that she does book giveaways monthly on goodreads.com, so go and get her out.
Have a change in positions at my work, so I will be able to finally finish book 3. I am still inclined to call the third installment "The Dark Tide". I am planning on some time off in March to finish the book. I have three more signings coming up. I have one at Pioneer Books in Orem, UT on Saturday March 7th from 1-3pm. I have another one on March 31st (another Saturday) at eBorn Books in teh mall in Sandy, UT from 2-4 pm. The last signing will be at The Dancing Yetti Coffee Company in Draper, UT from 1-3 pm on April 7th.
I am currently reading a really engaging fantasy story by M.L. Hamilton called "Emerld". She does a fantastic job of grabbing your attention right away. I have to thank goodreads.com for making it possible to get to know authors like her who have such a great story to tell. I know that she does book giveaways monthly on goodreads.com, so go and get her out.
