John H. Carroll's Blog, page 8
April 13, 2013
Fantasy maps of Ryallon
Introduction
A while back, I did a post on how I make my maps. http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2011/05/mapmaking-for-fantasy-worlds.html As I write, I add to my maps. So I'm doing this post to show you the updated versions for my books. I've also named what was formerly "The Northern Continent". It is now Nulanea. There are more continents on Ryallon, the closest being Antilea and Pomelea, but this is the only one I have mapped.
All of the smaller maps here are in Nulanea. I've also changed the font from Carolingua to Fairydust to match the fonts on my covers.
Nulanea
The Continent of Nulanea. This is the northernmost continent on Ryallon. This map is found in the Willden, Wyvern and soon to come Crazed Trilogies.
Eddland
The Kingdom of Eddland. This is the setting of the Wyvern Trilogy. In the first book, Pelya travels on back roads from Dralin to Settatt where the Blue Wyverns are located. Book 2 will begin there and continue to Zimth, the capital of Swelth (Not my best names, I know, but . . .) It will go elsewhere after that, as will book 3.
Eddland is a country of trade and merchants. It also has vast orchards, farmland and wineries. It has become wealthy over the last few centuries.
Soaarth
The country of Soaarth. This one of the settings for the Crazed Trilogy. You may notice 2 capitals. It is the only country in Nulanea with such a thing. Aest is where the senate resides. They make the policies and laws of the kingdom.. Thea is one of the most active seaports in the world and where the executive branch of the country rests. The entire coast is filled with trade, but the northern coast is rife with piracy. The Partade Marshes are toxic to people and are the home a hostile race called Marbu.
The chief crop is parthmellya, a fast growing plant from which paper is made out of, most of which is exported through Aest, which keeps a tight control on it. Soaarth is also known for wineries and a vast variety of herbs grown found in its forests and hills.
Greffen Province and Cothbern
The Greffen Province of Paruuth and the city of Cothbern. This is the setting of Rain Glade. Paruuth is a kingdom that has been impoverished by war between its provinces. The peasants are poor, most never seeing a copper in their lives. The Greffen province is tucked into the enchanted Grendia Forest in the southwest corner of the kingdom. It is surrounded by impassible mountains on two sides.
Cothbern is a completely unremarkable village where Rain, the main character of Rain Glade, lives.
This area may or may not be in the Crazed Trilogy. We'll have to see.
Willden Forest and Kethril
The Willden Forest where the Willden Trilogy takes place, and Kethril, where book 3 of the trilogy happens. It is one of the largest forests in the world and filled with magical beasts and Druids. The Caaldith Mountain range borders the east side of it.
The "Valley" at the bottom is where Tathan and Liselle were raised. It is nearly unreachable through treacherous mountain passes to Swelth and Klizania, and through an ancient road through the Willden.
Kethril is where the 3rd book of the trilogy takes place and is also the namesake for that book.
Those are all the updates for now. I hope you've enjoyed them. I'll do another update in a year or so as I add more. :)
All my best,
John H. Carroll
All images copyright John H. Carroll
A while back, I did a post on how I make my maps. http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2011/05/mapmaking-for-fantasy-worlds.html As I write, I add to my maps. So I'm doing this post to show you the updated versions for my books. I've also named what was formerly "The Northern Continent". It is now Nulanea. There are more continents on Ryallon, the closest being Antilea and Pomelea, but this is the only one I have mapped.
All of the smaller maps here are in Nulanea. I've also changed the font from Carolingua to Fairydust to match the fonts on my covers.
Nulanea
The Continent of Nulanea. This is the northernmost continent on Ryallon. This map is found in the Willden, Wyvern and soon to come Crazed Trilogies.
Eddland
The Kingdom of Eddland. This is the setting of the Wyvern Trilogy. In the first book, Pelya travels on back roads from Dralin to Settatt where the Blue Wyverns are located. Book 2 will begin there and continue to Zimth, the capital of Swelth (Not my best names, I know, but . . .) It will go elsewhere after that, as will book 3.
Eddland is a country of trade and merchants. It also has vast orchards, farmland and wineries. It has become wealthy over the last few centuries.
Soaarth
The country of Soaarth. This one of the settings for the Crazed Trilogy. You may notice 2 capitals. It is the only country in Nulanea with such a thing. Aest is where the senate resides. They make the policies and laws of the kingdom.. Thea is one of the most active seaports in the world and where the executive branch of the country rests. The entire coast is filled with trade, but the northern coast is rife with piracy. The Partade Marshes are toxic to people and are the home a hostile race called Marbu.
The chief crop is parthmellya, a fast growing plant from which paper is made out of, most of which is exported through Aest, which keeps a tight control on it. Soaarth is also known for wineries and a vast variety of herbs grown found in its forests and hills.
Greffen Province and Cothbern
The Greffen Province of Paruuth and the city of Cothbern. This is the setting of Rain Glade. Paruuth is a kingdom that has been impoverished by war between its provinces. The peasants are poor, most never seeing a copper in their lives. The Greffen province is tucked into the enchanted Grendia Forest in the southwest corner of the kingdom. It is surrounded by impassible mountains on two sides.
Cothbern is a completely unremarkable village where Rain, the main character of Rain Glade, lives.
This area may or may not be in the Crazed Trilogy. We'll have to see.
Willden Forest and Kethril
The Willden Forest where the Willden Trilogy takes place, and Kethril, where book 3 of the trilogy happens. It is one of the largest forests in the world and filled with magical beasts and Druids. The Caaldith Mountain range borders the east side of it.
The "Valley" at the bottom is where Tathan and Liselle were raised. It is nearly unreachable through treacherous mountain passes to Swelth and Klizania, and through an ancient road through the Willden.
Kethril is where the 3rd book of the trilogy takes place and is also the namesake for that book.
Those are all the updates for now. I hope you've enjoyed them. I'll do another update in a year or so as I add more. :)
All my best,
John H. Carroll
All images copyright John H. Carroll
March 29, 2013
Wyvern Chapter 1
Wyvern - Chapter 1
This is the first chapter of my upcoming book, "Wyvern", Book 1 of the Wyvern Trilogy. It will be released in April.
Pelya’s sapphire-blue eyes sparkled in the heavy afternoon sun. She slouched in the saddle, studying the village resting at the intersection of two insignificant roads that cut through the endless farmlands of Altordan.
Sounds of a few industrious townsfolk and children at play drifted above the maddening buzz of insects that had dominated her hearing since leaving Dralin. A mild breeze alleviated the worst of the fall heat and rustled tomato vines that dominated the landscape.
Altordan was a large country existing primarily to protect and provide for Dralin, its capital. Well-maintained highways spoked outward like a jagged wagon wheel from the city to other countries, but Pelya was avoiding those. They were crowded and she wanted peace and solitude to think.
Honey, her beautiful chestnut warhorse with blonde mane, flicked a tail at biting flies. A disinterested packhorse tethered to Pelya’s saddle nosed a bit of grass that had grown in the middle of the rutted road. It whinnied, probably wanting a true meal.
A family wearing simple clothing and wide-brimmed hats collected ripe tomatoes amongs the vines in the distance to Pelya’s right. They kept glancing in her direction as though worried she would steal their livelihood.
It wouldn’t be hard if she were so inclined. Pelya adjusted the chain-reinforced leather sword belt around her waist. She was a master with the pair of enchanted swords that rested in sheaths at her hips.
She wouldn’t steal from the worried family. Pelya had spent her entire life in the Dralin City Guard learning that it was important to protect people, not harm them. Her father had raised her along with more than a thousand Guardmembers she called her aunts and uncles.
She didn’t wear that uniform anymore. Now, a form-fitting black tunic and pants, both with intricate designs of mystic silver thread, covered her powerful, six-foot frame. She looked down at the priceless clothes. Even after days of dust and mud on the road, they were spotless thanks to enchantments Ebudae had sewn into the clothing.
A twinge of distress twisted Pelya’s heart. More than anyone, she missed the impudent and powerful wizardess who had been her best friend. Pelya tugged at her long, jet-black braid with a gloved hand to knock the feeling away. It didn’t help, so she gave Honey a gentle nudge with polished boots and continued toward the village.
Six days had passed since her banishment from Dralin for killing a chancellor of the High Council. The events kept looping through her memory. She and others had uncovered a plot to overthrow the High Council and create a new god. A battle in the ruins below Dralin had destroyed the god and foiled the plot, but even that couldn’t save her from banishment. To make matters worse, Pelya had been having nightmares about the battle and the yellow-eyed monks who had been possessed by the god.
Pelya rode into the quaint village. A hodgepodge of small businesses, the largest of which was a two-story inn, surrounded the main intersection. Pelya was grateful for its presence. She had camped under the stars since leaving, and while her clothes might stay magically clean, her body didn’t.
A burly blacksmith with cropped hair stopped hammering on a plow. She waved at him and received a surprise smile and wave of his hammer in return. There was also a tanner’s shop, a woodworker and a small market she might visit the next day to resupply. The buildings were painted and well maintained by the hardworking folk.
A group of elderly women wearing bonnets and long, pastel dresses sat in a shady area under some trees. They stopped their sewing and stared at Pelya for a moment. She greeted them with a wave as well. They briskly nodded in return before going back to work. Pelya ignored the way they huddled together and whispered. It was what old women did.
Across the intersection from the inn, a soldier came out of a small building. He was straightening the chain shirt he had just put on before taking his sword belt from an apprentice who hadn’t quite reached manhood. The apprentice was wide-eye and unsure in his steps as he brushed aside too-long hair while checking his own sword.
Pelya dismounted as she reached the intersection so she would be eye level with the men and not so intimidating.
The soldiers approached with determination. The elder of the two had a great deal of grey in his carroty hair and a hitch in his self-important step. The muscular arm he held up in greeting belied his advanced age. His vibrating, tenor voice carried through the quiet air “Hello traveler. I’m Sergeant Pifflin of the Altordan army. What’s your business here?”
“Just passing through, Sergeant.” Pelya hoped he wouldn’t be too friendly. “I intend to spend the night at your inn and then be on my way. You’ll get no trouble from me.”
“See that we don’t!” Sergeant Pifflin puffed out his chest. “I may not be in my prime, but I can still hold my own.” He stepped forward as though to intimidate Pelya. “I’ve got the might of Altordan behind me too. Something happens to me and you’ll have the army to deal with.”
Pelya was half a foot taller and could have taken him even when he was in his prime. She had just finished killing a god, so the threat of an army didn’t impress her. Instead of telling the man that, she merely repeated herself. “You’ll get no trouble from me.”
“Ah, well, good then.” Sergeant Pifflin hooked his thumbs in his belt. “Where do you hail from?”“I’ll be at the inn, Sergeant.” Pelya led her horse around him and toward the stables.
The man stared after her for a minute before turning to his apprentice and shrugging. The apprentice shrugged back.
As Pelya entered the inn’s stable yard, a chipper young woman in her mid-teens came out of a stall, brushing hay off durable pants and a light shirt. Her voice was as lively as her manner. “Hi! I’m Terry. Would you like your horses cared for?” She pulled strands of her ponytail to tighten it in the string that bound it.
“Yes, I’ll be spending the night. Do I pay you or the innkeeper?”
“You’ll pay my pa. He’s the innkeeper.” Terry took the reins Pelya handed her and looked at Honey in admiration. “She’s a beaut!”
Honey nuzzled the girl’s neck.
“Her name is Honey. She’s the finest steed you’ll ever meet.” Pelya detached her saddlebags and slung them over her left shoulder. They had her most valuable possessions.
“I’ll take the best care of them both. Shall I bring in the rest of your bags?” Terry asked.
“After the horses are cared for.” Pelya handed her a silver coin.
Terry took it and then tried to hand it back. “You’ll want to pay pa inside. He handles all the money.”
Pelya shook her head. “I’ll pay your pa. That’s for you.”
Terry’s jaw dropped. “A silver? For me? I can’t.” She tried to hand it back, but Pelya was already walking away.
Upon entering the bright common room, Pelya stood for a moment and looked around. The shutters were open on the windows to let fresh air circulate. Straw littered the floor to soak up mud and spills. The stools and table were sturdy wood, likely made by a local artisan. Four old men stopped talking to stare at her from a table near an open window. She nodded at them and they nodded back.
Near the stairs, Terry’s pa sat behind a counter that served as the bar and the hotel desk. He was a stout man with clean clothes and short, tangled hair. He waved Pelya over with a hairy hand. “Can I help you?”
She went over. “How much is a room for one night and meals? I also have two horses to be stabled, one of which is a warhorse. The other is a packhorse.”
The innkeeper stood in alarm. “A warhorse?” He looked toward the door Pelya had come in. “Terry . . .”
“Is fine,” Pelya reassured him. “Honey likes her. How much?” She pulled out her coin purse and undid the strings. She had more coin and gem pouches hidden within her shirt.
The innkeeper looked at the door again before sitting back down. “It’ll be three coppers for the room, two for the meals, not including ale . . .” he noticed the quality of her clothes, “. . . or wine if that’s what you prefer. I’ve got a few bottles, but they’re expensive. Not much call for it out here. The warhorse is another three coppers and the packhorse two, so . . .” He did the math in his head. “Ten copper pieces, or one silver.”
It was much less than Pelya, used to city prices, had imagined. No wonder Terry had been so surprised by the tip. Pelya fished out two silver, hardly lightning the pouch at all. She pushed them forward on the counter. “I’ll want a bath as well. Keep the extra.”
The innkeeper picked up the coins with an expression of surprise on his face. “Thank you. That’s more than generous.”
Pelya considered for a moment. “I should let you know that I also gave Terry a silver piece. I don’t want you thinking she came by it dishonestly.”
Surprise became astonishment. “For a girl?”
Pelya leaned forward intimidatingly. Her voice gained an edge. “Yes. For a girl. Where’s my room and where can I get the bath?”
The innkeeper shrank back. “Your room is the last one on the right. It’s the quietest. I’ll send someone when we have the bath ready for you.” He composed himself. “Will you take meals down here or in your room?”
“I’ll take dinner in my room and breakfast down here.” Pelya moved to the stairs.
He called after her as she climbed. “Did you want to use one of our locks? It’ll be no charge for you.”
“I have my own.” A moment later, Pelya reached the second floor and headed down the narrow hallway. There were six plain doors on each side and a second stairway at the other end with a rope blocking it, likely for servants.
Pelya entered her room and set the saddlebags on the lone table. The bed had a straw mattress and clean sheets with a crocheted blanket and a pillow. A nightstand had a candle, a pitcher of water and a bowl for washing up. Two chairs were the only other things in the room.
Pelya went to the window and opened the shutters. There were a few houses lining the street behind the inn and a group of young children playing. She wondered what it would have been like to be raised in a village like this.
She sat at the edge of the bed and stared blankly at the wall until there was a knock at the door sometime later. Pelya groaned from stiff muscles as she stood and went to open it.
Terry stood there with Pelya’s bags. “I have two more trips, but it won’t take me long at all. Oh, and your bath is ready.”
“Thank you.” Pelya took the bags. “I let your father know that I gave you a silver, so don’t hide it from him.” She closed the door, leaving Terry to stare wide-eyed. Pelya’s hunch had been correct. She opened the door again and saw Terry slipping under the rope of the service entrance. “Where is my bath?” Pelya asked.
Terry unhooked the rope. “It’s down here in the back. I can take you.”
“One moment.” Pelya retrieved her lock from her saddlebags. She closed the door and hooked the lock on the latch made for that purpose.
She didn’t think anyone would try to steal her things, but to be on the safe side, she cast a simple alarm ward on the door. It was something Ebudae had taught her. A few loose strands of braided hair gusted around Pelya’s face as the magical breeze of casting swirled. It wasn’t a strong spell, or the breeze would have been fiercer. Terry’s jaw hung open when Pelya turned to her. “What’s wrong, Terry?”
“You’re a wizard? I thought since you wear swords . . .”
Pelya moved past her and headed down the stairs. “I’m not a wizard, but knowing the occasional spell is convenient. No more questions now.” At the bottom of the stairs, she stepped aside to let the girl take the lead again.
Terry stopped and opened her mouth to ask another question, but Pelya’s warning glance was enough to shut it.
After a long bath, Pelya retired to her room. When dinner came, she ate without tasting. She locked the door from the inside after finishing and putting the wooden tray of empty dishes on the floor of the hall.
Pelya sat on the bed, brought her knees up and broke down into quiet tears. The young woman was beginning to feel the burden of being alone. She missed her father. She missed Ebudae. She missed the Guard and all her aunts and uncles.
Pelya longed for the sounds and smells of the chaotic city. There was always danger in Dralin. Staying alive was a vague proposition on the best of days. She missed the adventures with Ebudae into the ruins underneath the city.
Now she was out in the world farther than she had ever been before, resting in a quiet little inn. There was no danger. Anyone with a silver piece was rich. At times in her travels, there wouldn’t be a building or a person in sight. She could stand on a rock and stare for miles in every direction. It was unnerving.
Pelya dozed off a few times in between fits of crying. It was terrible to be alone.
She was not handling it well.
***
Pelya saw fear in the milky-yellow eyes of the god. He wore a brown robe spattered with iridescent gold. His arms reached out for her.
Then it switched to a different face mutated by anger with eyes of yellow fire. The robes were violent red. Its arms flailed as though scolding her.
A woman’s face rotated into view. Her robes were a riot of colors that pained the senses. She had no eyes and her hands were clasped to her chest in despair and confusion.
A thousand monks surrounded Pelya. Their yellow eyes blinked in unison.
Pelya sat upright in a cold sweat. She threw aside the covers and scanned the room. To her relief, there were no monks, nor a Crazed God.
The floor was cool under her feet as she moved to the window. In the east, a touch of morning light lined the horizon with the promise of another clear, warm day. At one of the houses, the silhouette of a woman yawned and stretched on the front step in anticipation of the day.
Pelya sat on the bed and buried her face in her hands for a moment, trying to find the willpower to make it through another day. Eventually, she gathered her bags and heading downstairs.
The morning innkeeper, a young man who was probably the innkeeper’s son, served her porridge for breakfast. He didn’t notice her glum manner as she ate quickly and slipped out of the empty common room.
Terry was sleeping in the stables next to Honey’s stall. She jumped up, startled when Pelya dropped the saddlebags noisily. “Huh? Oh! I was hoping to catch you before you left.” Terry wiped the sleep from her eyes. “I wanted you to know that I took the best care of both horses. I bathed them and had the blacksmith come and check their shoes.”
“That isexceptional service. Thank you. Can I trust you with these saddlebags while I get the rest of my things?”
“Let me get them for you! Then I’ll get your tack and gear on the horses. You sit and take it easy. Have you had breakfast?”
“Yes.”
Terry waited, expecting more of an answer. “. . . Oh. Can I enter your room or is the lock still there?”
“You can enter. There is no lock and I’ve removed the wards.” Pelya greeted Honey, who snorted and bumped her cheek over the gate of the stall.
“I’ll be done in a bit then.” Terry ran off.
Pelya went out to the stable yard. It was empty. She decided to stretch and exercise.
It didn’t take Terry long to bring down the bags and pull the horses out of their stalls.
After stretching, Pelya felt limber, so she drew her main sword. As with almost any weapon purchased in the City of Dralin, it had magic. This was partially because there were so many mages and their apprentices to enchant them and partially because a person needed one to be effective in battle against the wizards that populated the city. The sword was made of light steel and darted through the air like a hummingbird while she practiced with it.
She drew her secondary sword and did a cursory examination. It was shorter than her main, but much more deadly. The blade was the width of two fingers at the crossbar. Its sharpened edges tapered gradually to the point. The metal glistened in the dawn light, showing no runes even though it held powerful magic. The blade didn’t look like steel, silver or any other metal she had seen, it was softer somehow. Pelya stepped back and hefted it. It was very light and the braided hilt fit nicely in her hand.
Pelya rolled her shoulders and spun the blades. She moved her legs and began the drills that would keep her sharp and ready for battle. Each thrust and parry was precise. Normally, she exercised every morning to stay limber. The last few days had been an exception and she could feel it in the tightness of her muscles.
When Pelya stopped, Terry cautiously came forward. She had been watching for a while. “Your horses are ready. Honey is eager to go.”
Pelya saw the warhorse stomping energetically. She would have to give her a run to work off some of the extra energy.
“I’ve never seen anyone move like you do.” Terry fidgeted with a horse brush in her hands. “Who are you?”
“I’m no one.” Pelya sheathed the swords and went to Honey. She put her foot in the stirrup and mounted effortlessly. Looking around, Pelya saw that they were alone, so she leaned over and slipped Terry two more silver pieces. “I haven’t told your father about these. If you ever leave, go anywhere but Dralin.”
Pelya retrieved the lead of the packhorse. As she left the stables and inn behind, she realized she had never learned the name of the village.
This is the first chapter of my upcoming book, "Wyvern", Book 1 of the Wyvern Trilogy. It will be released in April.
Pelya’s sapphire-blue eyes sparkled in the heavy afternoon sun. She slouched in the saddle, studying the village resting at the intersection of two insignificant roads that cut through the endless farmlands of Altordan.
Sounds of a few industrious townsfolk and children at play drifted above the maddening buzz of insects that had dominated her hearing since leaving Dralin. A mild breeze alleviated the worst of the fall heat and rustled tomato vines that dominated the landscape.
Altordan was a large country existing primarily to protect and provide for Dralin, its capital. Well-maintained highways spoked outward like a jagged wagon wheel from the city to other countries, but Pelya was avoiding those. They were crowded and she wanted peace and solitude to think.
Honey, her beautiful chestnut warhorse with blonde mane, flicked a tail at biting flies. A disinterested packhorse tethered to Pelya’s saddle nosed a bit of grass that had grown in the middle of the rutted road. It whinnied, probably wanting a true meal.
A family wearing simple clothing and wide-brimmed hats collected ripe tomatoes amongs the vines in the distance to Pelya’s right. They kept glancing in her direction as though worried she would steal their livelihood.
It wouldn’t be hard if she were so inclined. Pelya adjusted the chain-reinforced leather sword belt around her waist. She was a master with the pair of enchanted swords that rested in sheaths at her hips.
She wouldn’t steal from the worried family. Pelya had spent her entire life in the Dralin City Guard learning that it was important to protect people, not harm them. Her father had raised her along with more than a thousand Guardmembers she called her aunts and uncles.
She didn’t wear that uniform anymore. Now, a form-fitting black tunic and pants, both with intricate designs of mystic silver thread, covered her powerful, six-foot frame. She looked down at the priceless clothes. Even after days of dust and mud on the road, they were spotless thanks to enchantments Ebudae had sewn into the clothing.
A twinge of distress twisted Pelya’s heart. More than anyone, she missed the impudent and powerful wizardess who had been her best friend. Pelya tugged at her long, jet-black braid with a gloved hand to knock the feeling away. It didn’t help, so she gave Honey a gentle nudge with polished boots and continued toward the village.
Six days had passed since her banishment from Dralin for killing a chancellor of the High Council. The events kept looping through her memory. She and others had uncovered a plot to overthrow the High Council and create a new god. A battle in the ruins below Dralin had destroyed the god and foiled the plot, but even that couldn’t save her from banishment. To make matters worse, Pelya had been having nightmares about the battle and the yellow-eyed monks who had been possessed by the god.
Pelya rode into the quaint village. A hodgepodge of small businesses, the largest of which was a two-story inn, surrounded the main intersection. Pelya was grateful for its presence. She had camped under the stars since leaving, and while her clothes might stay magically clean, her body didn’t.
A burly blacksmith with cropped hair stopped hammering on a plow. She waved at him and received a surprise smile and wave of his hammer in return. There was also a tanner’s shop, a woodworker and a small market she might visit the next day to resupply. The buildings were painted and well maintained by the hardworking folk.
A group of elderly women wearing bonnets and long, pastel dresses sat in a shady area under some trees. They stopped their sewing and stared at Pelya for a moment. She greeted them with a wave as well. They briskly nodded in return before going back to work. Pelya ignored the way they huddled together and whispered. It was what old women did.
Across the intersection from the inn, a soldier came out of a small building. He was straightening the chain shirt he had just put on before taking his sword belt from an apprentice who hadn’t quite reached manhood. The apprentice was wide-eye and unsure in his steps as he brushed aside too-long hair while checking his own sword.
Pelya dismounted as she reached the intersection so she would be eye level with the men and not so intimidating.
The soldiers approached with determination. The elder of the two had a great deal of grey in his carroty hair and a hitch in his self-important step. The muscular arm he held up in greeting belied his advanced age. His vibrating, tenor voice carried through the quiet air “Hello traveler. I’m Sergeant Pifflin of the Altordan army. What’s your business here?”
“Just passing through, Sergeant.” Pelya hoped he wouldn’t be too friendly. “I intend to spend the night at your inn and then be on my way. You’ll get no trouble from me.”
“See that we don’t!” Sergeant Pifflin puffed out his chest. “I may not be in my prime, but I can still hold my own.” He stepped forward as though to intimidate Pelya. “I’ve got the might of Altordan behind me too. Something happens to me and you’ll have the army to deal with.”
Pelya was half a foot taller and could have taken him even when he was in his prime. She had just finished killing a god, so the threat of an army didn’t impress her. Instead of telling the man that, she merely repeated herself. “You’ll get no trouble from me.”
“Ah, well, good then.” Sergeant Pifflin hooked his thumbs in his belt. “Where do you hail from?”“I’ll be at the inn, Sergeant.” Pelya led her horse around him and toward the stables.
The man stared after her for a minute before turning to his apprentice and shrugging. The apprentice shrugged back.
As Pelya entered the inn’s stable yard, a chipper young woman in her mid-teens came out of a stall, brushing hay off durable pants and a light shirt. Her voice was as lively as her manner. “Hi! I’m Terry. Would you like your horses cared for?” She pulled strands of her ponytail to tighten it in the string that bound it.
“Yes, I’ll be spending the night. Do I pay you or the innkeeper?”
“You’ll pay my pa. He’s the innkeeper.” Terry took the reins Pelya handed her and looked at Honey in admiration. “She’s a beaut!”
Honey nuzzled the girl’s neck.
“Her name is Honey. She’s the finest steed you’ll ever meet.” Pelya detached her saddlebags and slung them over her left shoulder. They had her most valuable possessions.
“I’ll take the best care of them both. Shall I bring in the rest of your bags?” Terry asked.
“After the horses are cared for.” Pelya handed her a silver coin.
Terry took it and then tried to hand it back. “You’ll want to pay pa inside. He handles all the money.”
Pelya shook her head. “I’ll pay your pa. That’s for you.”
Terry’s jaw dropped. “A silver? For me? I can’t.” She tried to hand it back, but Pelya was already walking away.
Upon entering the bright common room, Pelya stood for a moment and looked around. The shutters were open on the windows to let fresh air circulate. Straw littered the floor to soak up mud and spills. The stools and table were sturdy wood, likely made by a local artisan. Four old men stopped talking to stare at her from a table near an open window. She nodded at them and they nodded back.
Near the stairs, Terry’s pa sat behind a counter that served as the bar and the hotel desk. He was a stout man with clean clothes and short, tangled hair. He waved Pelya over with a hairy hand. “Can I help you?”
She went over. “How much is a room for one night and meals? I also have two horses to be stabled, one of which is a warhorse. The other is a packhorse.”
The innkeeper stood in alarm. “A warhorse?” He looked toward the door Pelya had come in. “Terry . . .”
“Is fine,” Pelya reassured him. “Honey likes her. How much?” She pulled out her coin purse and undid the strings. She had more coin and gem pouches hidden within her shirt.
The innkeeper looked at the door again before sitting back down. “It’ll be three coppers for the room, two for the meals, not including ale . . .” he noticed the quality of her clothes, “. . . or wine if that’s what you prefer. I’ve got a few bottles, but they’re expensive. Not much call for it out here. The warhorse is another three coppers and the packhorse two, so . . .” He did the math in his head. “Ten copper pieces, or one silver.”
It was much less than Pelya, used to city prices, had imagined. No wonder Terry had been so surprised by the tip. Pelya fished out two silver, hardly lightning the pouch at all. She pushed them forward on the counter. “I’ll want a bath as well. Keep the extra.”
The innkeeper picked up the coins with an expression of surprise on his face. “Thank you. That’s more than generous.”
Pelya considered for a moment. “I should let you know that I also gave Terry a silver piece. I don’t want you thinking she came by it dishonestly.”
Surprise became astonishment. “For a girl?”
Pelya leaned forward intimidatingly. Her voice gained an edge. “Yes. For a girl. Where’s my room and where can I get the bath?”
The innkeeper shrank back. “Your room is the last one on the right. It’s the quietest. I’ll send someone when we have the bath ready for you.” He composed himself. “Will you take meals down here or in your room?”
“I’ll take dinner in my room and breakfast down here.” Pelya moved to the stairs.
He called after her as she climbed. “Did you want to use one of our locks? It’ll be no charge for you.”
“I have my own.” A moment later, Pelya reached the second floor and headed down the narrow hallway. There were six plain doors on each side and a second stairway at the other end with a rope blocking it, likely for servants.
Pelya entered her room and set the saddlebags on the lone table. The bed had a straw mattress and clean sheets with a crocheted blanket and a pillow. A nightstand had a candle, a pitcher of water and a bowl for washing up. Two chairs were the only other things in the room.
Pelya went to the window and opened the shutters. There were a few houses lining the street behind the inn and a group of young children playing. She wondered what it would have been like to be raised in a village like this.
She sat at the edge of the bed and stared blankly at the wall until there was a knock at the door sometime later. Pelya groaned from stiff muscles as she stood and went to open it.
Terry stood there with Pelya’s bags. “I have two more trips, but it won’t take me long at all. Oh, and your bath is ready.”
“Thank you.” Pelya took the bags. “I let your father know that I gave you a silver, so don’t hide it from him.” She closed the door, leaving Terry to stare wide-eyed. Pelya’s hunch had been correct. She opened the door again and saw Terry slipping under the rope of the service entrance. “Where is my bath?” Pelya asked.
Terry unhooked the rope. “It’s down here in the back. I can take you.”
“One moment.” Pelya retrieved her lock from her saddlebags. She closed the door and hooked the lock on the latch made for that purpose.
She didn’t think anyone would try to steal her things, but to be on the safe side, she cast a simple alarm ward on the door. It was something Ebudae had taught her. A few loose strands of braided hair gusted around Pelya’s face as the magical breeze of casting swirled. It wasn’t a strong spell, or the breeze would have been fiercer. Terry’s jaw hung open when Pelya turned to her. “What’s wrong, Terry?”
“You’re a wizard? I thought since you wear swords . . .”
Pelya moved past her and headed down the stairs. “I’m not a wizard, but knowing the occasional spell is convenient. No more questions now.” At the bottom of the stairs, she stepped aside to let the girl take the lead again.
Terry stopped and opened her mouth to ask another question, but Pelya’s warning glance was enough to shut it.
After a long bath, Pelya retired to her room. When dinner came, she ate without tasting. She locked the door from the inside after finishing and putting the wooden tray of empty dishes on the floor of the hall.
Pelya sat on the bed, brought her knees up and broke down into quiet tears. The young woman was beginning to feel the burden of being alone. She missed her father. She missed Ebudae. She missed the Guard and all her aunts and uncles.
Pelya longed for the sounds and smells of the chaotic city. There was always danger in Dralin. Staying alive was a vague proposition on the best of days. She missed the adventures with Ebudae into the ruins underneath the city.
Now she was out in the world farther than she had ever been before, resting in a quiet little inn. There was no danger. Anyone with a silver piece was rich. At times in her travels, there wouldn’t be a building or a person in sight. She could stand on a rock and stare for miles in every direction. It was unnerving.
Pelya dozed off a few times in between fits of crying. It was terrible to be alone.
She was not handling it well.
***
Pelya saw fear in the milky-yellow eyes of the god. He wore a brown robe spattered with iridescent gold. His arms reached out for her.
Then it switched to a different face mutated by anger with eyes of yellow fire. The robes were violent red. Its arms flailed as though scolding her.
A woman’s face rotated into view. Her robes were a riot of colors that pained the senses. She had no eyes and her hands were clasped to her chest in despair and confusion.
A thousand monks surrounded Pelya. Their yellow eyes blinked in unison.
Pelya sat upright in a cold sweat. She threw aside the covers and scanned the room. To her relief, there were no monks, nor a Crazed God.
The floor was cool under her feet as she moved to the window. In the east, a touch of morning light lined the horizon with the promise of another clear, warm day. At one of the houses, the silhouette of a woman yawned and stretched on the front step in anticipation of the day.
Pelya sat on the bed and buried her face in her hands for a moment, trying to find the willpower to make it through another day. Eventually, she gathered her bags and heading downstairs.
The morning innkeeper, a young man who was probably the innkeeper’s son, served her porridge for breakfast. He didn’t notice her glum manner as she ate quickly and slipped out of the empty common room.
Terry was sleeping in the stables next to Honey’s stall. She jumped up, startled when Pelya dropped the saddlebags noisily. “Huh? Oh! I was hoping to catch you before you left.” Terry wiped the sleep from her eyes. “I wanted you to know that I took the best care of both horses. I bathed them and had the blacksmith come and check their shoes.”
“That isexceptional service. Thank you. Can I trust you with these saddlebags while I get the rest of my things?”
“Let me get them for you! Then I’ll get your tack and gear on the horses. You sit and take it easy. Have you had breakfast?”
“Yes.”
Terry waited, expecting more of an answer. “. . . Oh. Can I enter your room or is the lock still there?”
“You can enter. There is no lock and I’ve removed the wards.” Pelya greeted Honey, who snorted and bumped her cheek over the gate of the stall.
“I’ll be done in a bit then.” Terry ran off.
Pelya went out to the stable yard. It was empty. She decided to stretch and exercise.
It didn’t take Terry long to bring down the bags and pull the horses out of their stalls.
After stretching, Pelya felt limber, so she drew her main sword. As with almost any weapon purchased in the City of Dralin, it had magic. This was partially because there were so many mages and their apprentices to enchant them and partially because a person needed one to be effective in battle against the wizards that populated the city. The sword was made of light steel and darted through the air like a hummingbird while she practiced with it.
She drew her secondary sword and did a cursory examination. It was shorter than her main, but much more deadly. The blade was the width of two fingers at the crossbar. Its sharpened edges tapered gradually to the point. The metal glistened in the dawn light, showing no runes even though it held powerful magic. The blade didn’t look like steel, silver or any other metal she had seen, it was softer somehow. Pelya stepped back and hefted it. It was very light and the braided hilt fit nicely in her hand.
Pelya rolled her shoulders and spun the blades. She moved her legs and began the drills that would keep her sharp and ready for battle. Each thrust and parry was precise. Normally, she exercised every morning to stay limber. The last few days had been an exception and she could feel it in the tightness of her muscles.
When Pelya stopped, Terry cautiously came forward. She had been watching for a while. “Your horses are ready. Honey is eager to go.”
Pelya saw the warhorse stomping energetically. She would have to give her a run to work off some of the extra energy.
“I’ve never seen anyone move like you do.” Terry fidgeted with a horse brush in her hands. “Who are you?”
“I’m no one.” Pelya sheathed the swords and went to Honey. She put her foot in the stirrup and mounted effortlessly. Looking around, Pelya saw that they were alone, so she leaned over and slipped Terry two more silver pieces. “I haven’t told your father about these. If you ever leave, go anywhere but Dralin.”
Pelya retrieved the lead of the packhorse. As she left the stables and inn behind, she realized she had never learned the name of the village.
March 14, 2013
What goes into building a fantasy city
Rome wasn't built in a day.
Yes. I know, but I'm not trying to build Rome. I'm trying to build a city for my book.
Probably Rome
That must be a very impressive book if you need a city to house it in.
No, no. I'm not housing the book in a city, I need to build an imaginary city.
So that your imaginary emo bunnies have someplace to live?
*Sigh* You're just not getting the point. I'm writing a book. In it, the characters are visiting a city, so I need to describe it to the reader. That's what I mean about building a city.
And don't call my emo bunnies imaginary.
Sorry.
It's okay. So about that city I'm building . . .
Why do you need to build a city for your characters?
I'm glad you asked. Stories need settings. Does the book occur in a city, a desert, a forest? . . .
I don't know. It's your book, silly.
Quit interrupting. The point is that the setting needs to be developed for the reader. So I'm going to explain the process I go through in writing a city setting.
Neat!
Right? Okay. So I've decided I need a city in my current book. I spent some time coming up with a name for it. "Aest" (I originally named it Amarash) I've also decided that it will be the capital city of the kingdom it's in.
So now I have to decide how much of this city to describe. That depends largely on how much time my characters are going to spend there. If they're are just passing by, I can say they saw the city in the distance and leave it at that. If they're staying for the night, I have to tell a little bit more. If they're going to interact with anyone or anything in the city, then I need to go into a fair amount of detail.
The city I've described the most in the world of Ryallon is Dralin. The first book of the Dralin Trilogy is named Dralin, which gives a few clues to as to how much I had to explain it. I went into great detail about the building styles, politics, people, dress, weather and just about anything else. Dralin is its own character.
What does the writer need to know about the city? What does the reader need to know?
You might think that the writer needs to know everything about the city, and many do. I used to spend a great deal of time going over the details, but my writing style has changed. I only figure out what I need in order to tell the story now. It saves a great deal of time. Occasionally, I'll figure out more details for my own curiosity, but I don't always share them.
Then I look at it from the character's perspective. What's important to them. What do they notice? This is all the reader needs to know too. They need to see the city from the characters' eyes. They need to see the parts the characters interact with.
Aest
So I'm building the city of Aest and the characters are going to stay there for a few days, maybe a couple of weeks. It's important to give a good amount of information. These are some of the things I'm going to look at describing to the reader.
1. What does the city look like, sound like, smell like, taste like and feel like? I believe it's important for a writer to communicate to all of the reader's senses. There are a lot of details that goes into this.
2. What are the people like? More than anything, this will tell the reader what the city is like.
3. What are the politics like? This will go a great deal in influencing the reader's perception.
4. How powerful is/are the religion(s)? This can have great affect on the city.
4. Is it at peace, war torn, or under the threat of war? A surprising detail that establishes the mood of the people and affects the appearance of the city.
5.What is the weather like? This is a detail that helps to establish mood.
6. What's the air quality? An odd fact that can help add detail and mood.
7. Does it have a sewer system? Vital for thieves guilds, assassins and secret entrances into anywhere.
Appearance
What does the city look like? Start with how the buildings look. Are they wood, stone, or possibly tree houses? Are they run-down? Are they well built? Does the city have a wall? These details can tell the reader a lot.
You can also add whether or not there are parks or statues, a sign of wealth and concern for the citizen's comfort. Are the streets paved?
What does the city smell like? Do people refuse to bathe? Is the city thick with smog? Is there trash in the streets? Does it leave a bad taste in the mouth?
What does the city sound like? Do people shout and yell at each other? A marketplace is always noisy except at night. Is there a low hum of noises? Do children laugh in the streets? Perhaps it's quiet because people are afraid to come out of their houses.
What does the city feel like? You can tell the reader that it's grimy, or that the air is clean. You can say that your readers get an uncomfortable sensation from walking down an alley.
These details really help immerse the reader into your story. Don't over describe though. Try to slip in a few details about it in between conversation if you can.
People
This will tell the reader more about the city than anything. Try to establish this right away. Have your character talk to someone that represents the average person. The attitude of the people on the street will help to explain the prevailing mood. People will be different at day than night.
Also, have your character talk to a guardsman or soldier of the city and use it to describe whether the people are oppressed or happy by the manners of law enforcement. A guard that challenges the character makes the city hostile. A welcoming guard makes the city friendly.
Innkeepers are one of your most useful resources. They have all the information about the town, as do inn patrons. Is the inn expensive or run down?
Shopkeepers are another good source of setting the mood. Do they trade freely? Do they haggle? Are they honest or dishonest?
Probably people
Politics
Is the city a small town run by a mayor or council? Does the military run it? Is it perhaps the capital of the country, as in the case of Aest.
Is the government just or corrupt? This is probably the most vital piece of information that will determine how the main characters are treated.
Religion
Religions tend to bring order to a city. If there is a large religious presence, then a city is more likely to have strict laws and moral codes. If there is no religion or system of belief, (like a monestary, or Druid grove) then it the town is likely to be lawless. Too much religion can create a suppressive environment for the citizens and make it difficult for your characters to accomplish anything.
You can also have negative religions, like a death cult, or temple of trickery. Those will add completely different flavors to your city.
War
If a town is at peace, it will likely have happy citizens that walk around freely, and children playing in yards. Information will be freely given. The weather is likely to be sunny and the season likely to be spring. You'd be amazed at how much weather affects the opinions of the reader. Flowers will grow and birds will sing in the tree. Houses are likely to be painted and clean.
If the threat of war looms, people will be nervous and huddle in groups. There will be lots of frowns. Soldiers will patrol the streets and be suspicious of any newcomers. The weather will likely be cloudy.
And if war has beaten the city down, there will be feral dogs and rats on the streets rather than people. The citizens will be huddled in their homes or in taverns, worried that their drink may be the last. Shadows will be everywhere and the weather is likely to be too hot or cold in the middle of summer or winter. Buildings will be in disrepair.
Another side affect is cripples and homeless. War leaves people broken. A beggar's guild is very likely in a war torn city.
Weather
In the last section, I mentioned weather. This doesn't apply to just cities, but every scene in just about every genre of book.
Sunny days show hope, but too much sun can beat down and oppress the characters.
Rainy days are sad, but a light shower can wash away worries and the day's heat.
Blizzards get people lost. Utter cold drive despair into the stoutest of hearts. However, a light fluffy snow can be fun for children to play in.
Weather is quite simply one of the most effective tools a writer can use to set the mood of a scene.
Probably weather
Air Quality
Here's something few writers think of. Is it smoggy? Are there a few chimneys with smoke. Is it a nice, pleasant village with trees and pure air? Dralin, in my world, is filled with pollution, both magical and mundane. It clogs the air and even poisons people. Air quality is an underutilized detail in writing often times.
Sewer system
Sewer Systems are very useful for hideouts, especially in D&D style stories. But in addition to hideouts for thieves, rats and human waste, they also help to tell how clean the city is. A good sewer system will allow trash and waste to flow from the streets. A city or town without one can flood easy and is likely to have trash built up in the streets as London was in the dark ages. As with London, that can lead to disease and plagues.
Probably a sewer
Conclusion
There are countless other details, but these are a good start for things to consider while city building. As far as my city of Aest goes, it's a capital city with a castle, a university and a fair amount of adventure to be had. :)
All my best,
John H. Carroll
Yes. I know, but I'm not trying to build Rome. I'm trying to build a city for my book.
Probably RomeThat must be a very impressive book if you need a city to house it in.
No, no. I'm not housing the book in a city, I need to build an imaginary city.
So that your imaginary emo bunnies have someplace to live?
*Sigh* You're just not getting the point. I'm writing a book. In it, the characters are visiting a city, so I need to describe it to the reader. That's what I mean about building a city.
And don't call my emo bunnies imaginary.
Sorry.
It's okay. So about that city I'm building . . .
Why do you need to build a city for your characters?
I'm glad you asked. Stories need settings. Does the book occur in a city, a desert, a forest? . . .
I don't know. It's your book, silly.
Quit interrupting. The point is that the setting needs to be developed for the reader. So I'm going to explain the process I go through in writing a city setting.
Neat!
Right? Okay. So I've decided I need a city in my current book. I spent some time coming up with a name for it. "Aest" (I originally named it Amarash) I've also decided that it will be the capital city of the kingdom it's in.
So now I have to decide how much of this city to describe. That depends largely on how much time my characters are going to spend there. If they're are just passing by, I can say they saw the city in the distance and leave it at that. If they're staying for the night, I have to tell a little bit more. If they're going to interact with anyone or anything in the city, then I need to go into a fair amount of detail.
The city I've described the most in the world of Ryallon is Dralin. The first book of the Dralin Trilogy is named Dralin, which gives a few clues to as to how much I had to explain it. I went into great detail about the building styles, politics, people, dress, weather and just about anything else. Dralin is its own character.
What does the writer need to know about the city? What does the reader need to know?
You might think that the writer needs to know everything about the city, and many do. I used to spend a great deal of time going over the details, but my writing style has changed. I only figure out what I need in order to tell the story now. It saves a great deal of time. Occasionally, I'll figure out more details for my own curiosity, but I don't always share them.
Then I look at it from the character's perspective. What's important to them. What do they notice? This is all the reader needs to know too. They need to see the city from the characters' eyes. They need to see the parts the characters interact with.
Aest
So I'm building the city of Aest and the characters are going to stay there for a few days, maybe a couple of weeks. It's important to give a good amount of information. These are some of the things I'm going to look at describing to the reader.
1. What does the city look like, sound like, smell like, taste like and feel like? I believe it's important for a writer to communicate to all of the reader's senses. There are a lot of details that goes into this.
2. What are the people like? More than anything, this will tell the reader what the city is like.
3. What are the politics like? This will go a great deal in influencing the reader's perception.
4. How powerful is/are the religion(s)? This can have great affect on the city.
4. Is it at peace, war torn, or under the threat of war? A surprising detail that establishes the mood of the people and affects the appearance of the city.
5.What is the weather like? This is a detail that helps to establish mood.
6. What's the air quality? An odd fact that can help add detail and mood.
7. Does it have a sewer system? Vital for thieves guilds, assassins and secret entrances into anywhere.
Appearance
What does the city look like? Start with how the buildings look. Are they wood, stone, or possibly tree houses? Are they run-down? Are they well built? Does the city have a wall? These details can tell the reader a lot.
You can also add whether or not there are parks or statues, a sign of wealth and concern for the citizen's comfort. Are the streets paved?
What does the city smell like? Do people refuse to bathe? Is the city thick with smog? Is there trash in the streets? Does it leave a bad taste in the mouth?
What does the city sound like? Do people shout and yell at each other? A marketplace is always noisy except at night. Is there a low hum of noises? Do children laugh in the streets? Perhaps it's quiet because people are afraid to come out of their houses.
What does the city feel like? You can tell the reader that it's grimy, or that the air is clean. You can say that your readers get an uncomfortable sensation from walking down an alley.
These details really help immerse the reader into your story. Don't over describe though. Try to slip in a few details about it in between conversation if you can.
People
This will tell the reader more about the city than anything. Try to establish this right away. Have your character talk to someone that represents the average person. The attitude of the people on the street will help to explain the prevailing mood. People will be different at day than night.
Also, have your character talk to a guardsman or soldier of the city and use it to describe whether the people are oppressed or happy by the manners of law enforcement. A guard that challenges the character makes the city hostile. A welcoming guard makes the city friendly.
Innkeepers are one of your most useful resources. They have all the information about the town, as do inn patrons. Is the inn expensive or run down?
Shopkeepers are another good source of setting the mood. Do they trade freely? Do they haggle? Are they honest or dishonest?
Probably peoplePolitics
Is the city a small town run by a mayor or council? Does the military run it? Is it perhaps the capital of the country, as in the case of Aest.
Is the government just or corrupt? This is probably the most vital piece of information that will determine how the main characters are treated.
Religion
Religions tend to bring order to a city. If there is a large religious presence, then a city is more likely to have strict laws and moral codes. If there is no religion or system of belief, (like a monestary, or Druid grove) then it the town is likely to be lawless. Too much religion can create a suppressive environment for the citizens and make it difficult for your characters to accomplish anything.
You can also have negative religions, like a death cult, or temple of trickery. Those will add completely different flavors to your city.
War
If a town is at peace, it will likely have happy citizens that walk around freely, and children playing in yards. Information will be freely given. The weather is likely to be sunny and the season likely to be spring. You'd be amazed at how much weather affects the opinions of the reader. Flowers will grow and birds will sing in the tree. Houses are likely to be painted and clean.
If the threat of war looms, people will be nervous and huddle in groups. There will be lots of frowns. Soldiers will patrol the streets and be suspicious of any newcomers. The weather will likely be cloudy.
And if war has beaten the city down, there will be feral dogs and rats on the streets rather than people. The citizens will be huddled in their homes or in taverns, worried that their drink may be the last. Shadows will be everywhere and the weather is likely to be too hot or cold in the middle of summer or winter. Buildings will be in disrepair.
Another side affect is cripples and homeless. War leaves people broken. A beggar's guild is very likely in a war torn city.
Weather
In the last section, I mentioned weather. This doesn't apply to just cities, but every scene in just about every genre of book.
Sunny days show hope, but too much sun can beat down and oppress the characters.
Rainy days are sad, but a light shower can wash away worries and the day's heat.
Blizzards get people lost. Utter cold drive despair into the stoutest of hearts. However, a light fluffy snow can be fun for children to play in.
Weather is quite simply one of the most effective tools a writer can use to set the mood of a scene.
Probably weatherAir Quality
Here's something few writers think of. Is it smoggy? Are there a few chimneys with smoke. Is it a nice, pleasant village with trees and pure air? Dralin, in my world, is filled with pollution, both magical and mundane. It clogs the air and even poisons people. Air quality is an underutilized detail in writing often times.
Sewer system
Sewer Systems are very useful for hideouts, especially in D&D style stories. But in addition to hideouts for thieves, rats and human waste, they also help to tell how clean the city is. A good sewer system will allow trash and waste to flow from the streets. A city or town without one can flood easy and is likely to have trash built up in the streets as London was in the dark ages. As with London, that can lead to disease and plagues.
Probably a sewerConclusion
There are countless other details, but these are a good start for things to consider while city building. As far as my city of Aest goes, it's a capital city with a castle, a university and a fair amount of adventure to be had. :)
All my best,
John H. Carroll
March 4, 2013
Book review: Priscilla the Great
"Priscilla the Great" by Sybil Nelson
http://www.priscillathegreat.com/
Description
Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn’t hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, an organization dead set on turning children into killing machines.
Add an older brother annoyingly obsessed with Christina Aguilera, mischievous baby twin brothers who could scare the sin off of Satan, and parents more puzzling than a Rubik’s cube in the Bermuda triangle and expect a smoking page-turner!
You can get this book at
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WSQNZ2
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/priscilla-the-great-sybil-nelson/1100449649
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Priscilla-the-Great/book-7KpQtrEyJUCaGRvNHj2VeQ/page1.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/58005?ref=johnhcarroll
My Review
If Nancy Drew had a child one of the X-Men, you'd have someone almost as awesome as Priscilla the Great. This story is written for preteens through young adults, but it's an excellent read for all ages. As far as why I chose to read it instead of one of my normal fantasy books, well . . . slight confession: I've read all the Nancy Drew series, most of the Hardy Boys, all the Tom Swift, all the Cherry Ames . . . and lots of other books geared to young adult. It's what I read before someone introduced me to my first Xanth book at the age of 14. I've actually had this one in my Kindle for over a year now (along with a bazillion other books, or however many the Kindle holds)
I really, really, really enjoyed this book. Priscilla is a likable character who goes through the standard frustrations of a 12 year old, but also has a few twists thrown in. She's not without her personality flaws, but they're realistic and the reader can totally sympathize with them. She's got a brothers that make her life difficult, as brothers are supposed to do, and an overprotective father. Her mother is always absent, which upsets Priscilla more than perhaps anything. A couple of boys and a best friend complicate matters, as they should. That's their job after all.
Then information about the Selliwood Institute starts to appear. I can't tell you too much without giving spoilers. Mix in shady experiments, children, government plots and you get a story that's filled with adventure, danger and mystery. There's no end to the suspense. I started reading and didn't stop until I had finished the story a few hours later.
The only negative I found was that certain things stretch believability a little bit, but it wasn't enough to detract from the story, and it might not be a problem for it's target audience, which is probably people under the age of 40. *chuckling*
I highly recommend this book for preteens on up. It's a great story with characters that the reader can relate to. I've already purchased the next in the series and will be getting more as I finish each one. Oh yeah, there's about 8 or so of them, so it's plenty to keep a reader interested.
About the Author
Sybil Nelson lives in Charleston, SC. She is a former math teacher and has a master’s degree in mathematics from the College of Charleston and bachelor’s degrees from Washington and Lee University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in biostatistics and continues to write in her spare time. To date, Sybil has completed eight novels.
Disclaimer
I have decided to review books that I enjoy. I am an avid reader of fantasy, so most of them will be in that genre. I'm not taking any requests, just reading what catches my eyes. You'll find that most of these are from Indie Authors. The way I figure it, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster and Piers Anthony (my favorite authors) already have enough reviews, but Indies could always use a few more.
It is important to note here that while I am a writer, I am doing these reviews as a reader . I also know a number of the authors I will be reviewing. This is not an exchange of reviews, nor have I been solicited by those authors to write the review. If I don't like a book, I won't review it. At no time will I ever accept any form of payment for a review. When I say that I'm am doing this as a reader, I mean it. I get nothing in exchange.
All my best,
John H. Carroll
http://www.priscillathegreat.com/Description
Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn’t hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, an organization dead set on turning children into killing machines.
Add an older brother annoyingly obsessed with Christina Aguilera, mischievous baby twin brothers who could scare the sin off of Satan, and parents more puzzling than a Rubik’s cube in the Bermuda triangle and expect a smoking page-turner!
You can get this book at
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WSQNZ2
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/priscilla-the-great-sybil-nelson/1100449649
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Priscilla-the-Great/book-7KpQtrEyJUCaGRvNHj2VeQ/page1.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/58005?ref=johnhcarroll
My Review
If Nancy Drew had a child one of the X-Men, you'd have someone almost as awesome as Priscilla the Great. This story is written for preteens through young adults, but it's an excellent read for all ages. As far as why I chose to read it instead of one of my normal fantasy books, well . . . slight confession: I've read all the Nancy Drew series, most of the Hardy Boys, all the Tom Swift, all the Cherry Ames . . . and lots of other books geared to young adult. It's what I read before someone introduced me to my first Xanth book at the age of 14. I've actually had this one in my Kindle for over a year now (along with a bazillion other books, or however many the Kindle holds)
I really, really, really enjoyed this book. Priscilla is a likable character who goes through the standard frustrations of a 12 year old, but also has a few twists thrown in. She's not without her personality flaws, but they're realistic and the reader can totally sympathize with them. She's got a brothers that make her life difficult, as brothers are supposed to do, and an overprotective father. Her mother is always absent, which upsets Priscilla more than perhaps anything. A couple of boys and a best friend complicate matters, as they should. That's their job after all.
Then information about the Selliwood Institute starts to appear. I can't tell you too much without giving spoilers. Mix in shady experiments, children, government plots and you get a story that's filled with adventure, danger and mystery. There's no end to the suspense. I started reading and didn't stop until I had finished the story a few hours later.
The only negative I found was that certain things stretch believability a little bit, but it wasn't enough to detract from the story, and it might not be a problem for it's target audience, which is probably people under the age of 40. *chuckling*
I highly recommend this book for preteens on up. It's a great story with characters that the reader can relate to. I've already purchased the next in the series and will be getting more as I finish each one. Oh yeah, there's about 8 or so of them, so it's plenty to keep a reader interested.
About the Author
Sybil Nelson lives in Charleston, SC. She is a former math teacher and has a master’s degree in mathematics from the College of Charleston and bachelor’s degrees from Washington and Lee University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in biostatistics and continues to write in her spare time. To date, Sybil has completed eight novels.
Disclaimer
I have decided to review books that I enjoy. I am an avid reader of fantasy, so most of them will be in that genre. I'm not taking any requests, just reading what catches my eyes. You'll find that most of these are from Indie Authors. The way I figure it, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster and Piers Anthony (my favorite authors) already have enough reviews, but Indies could always use a few more.
It is important to note here that while I am a writer, I am doing these reviews as a reader . I also know a number of the authors I will be reviewing. This is not an exchange of reviews, nor have I been solicited by those authors to write the review. If I don't like a book, I won't review it. At no time will I ever accept any form of payment for a review. When I say that I'm am doing this as a reader, I mean it. I get nothing in exchange.
All my best,
John H. Carroll
February 27, 2013
How to add a Table of Contents for Amazon using Word, html and Mobipocket
Introduction
Recently, Amazon began insisting on a Table of Contents for their books. They don't want just any table of contents, they want one that registers with the Kindle devices.
It's taken me two years to figure out how to do this, largely because I figured out a different system that worked well enough.
Note: This tutorial is on how to make a working Table of Contents starting with Microsoft Word. There are other ways of making it if you use other programs. Also, if you are an expert at html, then I'd recommend using Sigil or some other way of editing your html document. You'll probably get a much cleaner file.
However, if you're a self-taught self publisher like me who doesn't wish to break their brain, I'm making this about as simple as possible. :)
Smashwords
This is not how you do it with Smashwords. They primarily take Word documents and they don't want Microsoft Word's pregenerated Table of Contents. If you want to make one for them, I recommend using this tutorial: http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-make-clickable-table-of-contents.html
Table of Contents in Microsoft Word.
Note: I'm using Word 2010.
Okay, so the first thing you need to learn about is heading styles in Microsoft Word. You need these to get the rest of it to work. I'm going to show you how to add heading styles to your Title and Chapters. If you already know how to do this and have it in your file, you can skip to the next section. :)
1. Up at the top of your document, you'll see heading styles. (Image 1) You'll want to modify your heading to your preferences. I modify Heading Style 1 for the Title and Heading Style 2 for the Chapters. If you don't have chapters, you can still do this for the beginning or any section breaks. Usually, you need at least two points of reference. I use "Beginning" and "Author Notes" if I don't have chapters as in this story. (If you don't have author notes, I recommend adding them. Tell the readers who you are and what other books you have for sale)
Image 1
2. Okay, so I have "Beginning" and "Author Notes" under Heading 2 style. Now lets add the Table of contents. If you go to your "References" tab, there's a section to create a Table of Contents. Click on that and go to "Insert Table of Contents" near the bottom. (Image 2)
Image 2
3. In this next image, there's a lot going on. At the bottom left, you'll see "Show levels:". I only use 2 levels. If you have a reason to use more do so, otherwise, switch it to 2. We'll come back here in a minute. For now, click on "Modify". (Image 3)
Image 3
4. This opens up the different styles for your Table of Contents. You can check them each out, or you can click on "Modify" in the style box to modify the style of your selection. In this one, you can center your table of contents, change the font, make it bold or many other things. If you click "Format" at the bottom left corner, you can change the paragraph stylings, such as indentation and spacing before and after lines. (Image 4)
Image 4
5. Next, you want to click on "Options" (Image 3). This will bring up "Table of Contents Options." Here, I get rid of the "1" in Heading 1. You don't want the Title in your table of Contents . . . unless you do, in which case you can leave it.
Image 5
6. Okay, once you have everything set to the way you want it, click okay and go back to the Table of Contents (Image 3) and uncheck "Show page numbers". Ebooks don't have page numbers, so you don't want them in there. You do, however, want to make certain that the box on the right "Use hyperlinks instead of page numbers" is checked. Click "OK" and you will have this: (Image 6)
Image 6
7. You'll find that if you hover over "Beginning" or "Author's Notes", you'll be able to ctrl-click to each section. If you have chapters instead of "Beginning", they'll all be there. On the line above that, I manually type in "Table of Contents".
8. Next, you want to save your document as "Web Page Filtered". (Image 7)
Image 7
html
9. Now you want to go to the html version of your document and open it with notepad to edit it. You'll get a page like this: (Image 8)
Image 8
10. The thing you want to add here is <a name="toc"></a> (You can just copy and paste that) before the line with Table of contents. (Image 9). You can do a ctrl-f to find the words. What this does, is it tells the next program, and Amazon that this is where the Table of Contents is. After you've done that, you want to save the file.
Image 9
Mobipocket
Mobipocket http://www.mobipocket.com/en/downloadsoft/productdetailscreator.asp is the tool I use to convert the html file into an ebook that I can upload to Amazon.
11. Open up Mobipocket and you'll get a screen that looks like this (Image 10) Go to the section that says "Import from Existing file". Choose "HTML document". That will lead you to a page where you add your document. In the section that says "Choose your file" click "Browse" and find the html version of your book. Once you've selected it, click "Import".
Image 10
12. Next you want to add a cover image. Click on "Cover Image" and add the file (Image 11) Then update.
Image 11
13. Next, you want to click on "Guide". (Image 12) Add a "New Guide Item". Under "Type", click the drop down menu and select "toc". Then, next to Filename, is another Browse button. Click on that and find the document folder that Mobipocket has created. Mine is under "Documents", "My Publications", "Phairyphant". Then you go in there and select the new html version of your book that Mobipocket created.
Image 12
14. Now you edit the section with the file. Under "Filename" you want to go to the end of the filename and add #toc behind "html". Then click "Update". (Image 13)
Image 13
15. Now you go to the little gears at the top where it says "Build". Click on that and it'll put all of it together. You'll have the option of "Open folder containing book". You'll want to make sure that's checked. There, you'll find your book. (Image 14)
Image 14
16. Next, you'll want to check it in the Kindle Previewer. (Image 15) At the top, click on "Go To". Then you click on "Table of Contents". If it takes you to the Table of Contents, then you've done it all right. :) If it gives you an error message, then something went wrong along the way.
Image 15
17. Upload that file to Amazon and hopefully sell lots of books. :)
I hope this helps. If you have any questions, you can leave them in a comment and I'll do my best to answer.
All my best,
John H. Carroll
Recently, Amazon began insisting on a Table of Contents for their books. They don't want just any table of contents, they want one that registers with the Kindle devices.
It's taken me two years to figure out how to do this, largely because I figured out a different system that worked well enough.
Note: This tutorial is on how to make a working Table of Contents starting with Microsoft Word. There are other ways of making it if you use other programs. Also, if you are an expert at html, then I'd recommend using Sigil or some other way of editing your html document. You'll probably get a much cleaner file.
However, if you're a self-taught self publisher like me who doesn't wish to break their brain, I'm making this about as simple as possible. :)
Smashwords
This is not how you do it with Smashwords. They primarily take Word documents and they don't want Microsoft Word's pregenerated Table of Contents. If you want to make one for them, I recommend using this tutorial: http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-make-clickable-table-of-contents.html
Table of Contents in Microsoft Word.
Note: I'm using Word 2010.
Okay, so the first thing you need to learn about is heading styles in Microsoft Word. You need these to get the rest of it to work. I'm going to show you how to add heading styles to your Title and Chapters. If you already know how to do this and have it in your file, you can skip to the next section. :)
1. Up at the top of your document, you'll see heading styles. (Image 1) You'll want to modify your heading to your preferences. I modify Heading Style 1 for the Title and Heading Style 2 for the Chapters. If you don't have chapters, you can still do this for the beginning or any section breaks. Usually, you need at least two points of reference. I use "Beginning" and "Author Notes" if I don't have chapters as in this story. (If you don't have author notes, I recommend adding them. Tell the readers who you are and what other books you have for sale)
Image 1
2. Okay, so I have "Beginning" and "Author Notes" under Heading 2 style. Now lets add the Table of contents. If you go to your "References" tab, there's a section to create a Table of Contents. Click on that and go to "Insert Table of Contents" near the bottom. (Image 2)
Image 2
3. In this next image, there's a lot going on. At the bottom left, you'll see "Show levels:". I only use 2 levels. If you have a reason to use more do so, otherwise, switch it to 2. We'll come back here in a minute. For now, click on "Modify". (Image 3)
Image 3
4. This opens up the different styles for your Table of Contents. You can check them each out, or you can click on "Modify" in the style box to modify the style of your selection. In this one, you can center your table of contents, change the font, make it bold or many other things. If you click "Format" at the bottom left corner, you can change the paragraph stylings, such as indentation and spacing before and after lines. (Image 4)
Image 4
5. Next, you want to click on "Options" (Image 3). This will bring up "Table of Contents Options." Here, I get rid of the "1" in Heading 1. You don't want the Title in your table of Contents . . . unless you do, in which case you can leave it.
Image 5
6. Okay, once you have everything set to the way you want it, click okay and go back to the Table of Contents (Image 3) and uncheck "Show page numbers". Ebooks don't have page numbers, so you don't want them in there. You do, however, want to make certain that the box on the right "Use hyperlinks instead of page numbers" is checked. Click "OK" and you will have this: (Image 6)
Image 6
7. You'll find that if you hover over "Beginning" or "Author's Notes", you'll be able to ctrl-click to each section. If you have chapters instead of "Beginning", they'll all be there. On the line above that, I manually type in "Table of Contents".
8. Next, you want to save your document as "Web Page Filtered". (Image 7)
Image 7
html
9. Now you want to go to the html version of your document and open it with notepad to edit it. You'll get a page like this: (Image 8)
Image 8
10. The thing you want to add here is <a name="toc"></a> (You can just copy and paste that) before the line with Table of contents. (Image 9). You can do a ctrl-f to find the words. What this does, is it tells the next program, and Amazon that this is where the Table of Contents is. After you've done that, you want to save the file.
Image 9
Mobipocket
Mobipocket http://www.mobipocket.com/en/downloadsoft/productdetailscreator.asp is the tool I use to convert the html file into an ebook that I can upload to Amazon.
11. Open up Mobipocket and you'll get a screen that looks like this (Image 10) Go to the section that says "Import from Existing file". Choose "HTML document". That will lead you to a page where you add your document. In the section that says "Choose your file" click "Browse" and find the html version of your book. Once you've selected it, click "Import".
Image 10
12. Next you want to add a cover image. Click on "Cover Image" and add the file (Image 11) Then update.
Image 11
13. Next, you want to click on "Guide". (Image 12) Add a "New Guide Item". Under "Type", click the drop down menu and select "toc". Then, next to Filename, is another Browse button. Click on that and find the document folder that Mobipocket has created. Mine is under "Documents", "My Publications", "Phairyphant". Then you go in there and select the new html version of your book that Mobipocket created.
Image 12
14. Now you edit the section with the file. Under "Filename" you want to go to the end of the filename and add #toc behind "html". Then click "Update". (Image 13)
Image 13
15. Now you go to the little gears at the top where it says "Build". Click on that and it'll put all of it together. You'll have the option of "Open folder containing book". You'll want to make sure that's checked. There, you'll find your book. (Image 14)
Image 14
16. Next, you'll want to check it in the Kindle Previewer. (Image 15) At the top, click on "Go To". Then you click on "Table of Contents". If it takes you to the Table of Contents, then you've done it all right. :) If it gives you an error message, then something went wrong along the way.
Image 15
17. Upload that file to Amazon and hopefully sell lots of books. :)
I hope this helps. If you have any questions, you can leave them in a comment and I'll do my best to answer.
All my best,
John H. Carroll
February 25, 2013
How to start a story
Beginning failure
Yesterday, I sat down at my computer and opened a document that already had a short story idea. I had convinced myself that I would bust it out in a day or two.
Then I sat there, staring at the screen, wondering how in the world to write it. Keep in mind, I've written 8 short stories, 2 novellas and 7 novels by this point. Yet I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out how to write this one. I mean, I knew the plot. I knew the characters, I knew what was going to happen and everything. But I didn't know how to write it!
This was very disturbing to me, to say the least. So I've spent the last day trying to figure out what happened. Why couldn't I write a story?
It finally came to me that I desired to just dump the entire story onto the page. I just wanted the words there and magically delicious. "Poof!" as Vevin (One of my characters) would say.
However, writing doesn't work that way. It's like a fine wine that is best sniffed and sipped at first and then rolled across the tongue and savored over time. I wanted to chug the bottle in one gulp. *sigh*
So I tried to figure out how I was supposed to start the story and then it hit me.
I said, "Ow".
Beginning success
Starting a story isn't really all that easy, but I have a method that's worked for me in everything else I've written. However, I never realized before that that's what I was doing. What is it you ask? . . . Or perhaps you don't ask? . . . Hmmm . . . I'll take a chance that you are asking.
I get to know my first character. When I start a book, nothing else matters but that first character in the scene. I begin by telling where they are and how they feel about where they are. I find out if there's danger or a person to talk to. I find out what the weather is like and how my character feels about it. I find out why the character is there.
Nothing else matters, not the story, not the plots, not the ending; nothing.
Once I know who my character is and have a basic understanding of them, then I begin developing the story. It really doesn't matter if I have an outline or an ending, because the character I've created may choose not to follow that path. If I try to force the character along it, then I find myself losing interest in the story.
My characters are the most important aspect of my books. Everything else is secondary. When I say character, it doesn't actually have to be a person or an animal. In the Dralin Trilogy, the city itself is just as much of a character as the people within it. It starts with a young couple named Sheela and Frath, but I'm introducing Dralin to the reader just as much as anyone else.
I have a few stories floating around, ready to write. Now that I realize what my own method is, I'll be sure to remember to slow down at the beginning. I won't worry about what's supposed to happen next, but instead, I'll get to know the character. I'll let them tell me their story instead of me trying to tell them.
It's fun to write this way. I think my characters become more real when I let them have their personality and be who they want to be. Instead of working, I'm listening to a story and taking a journey.
Author's note:
Writers spend far too much time telling how things must be done to write a book (*cough*StephenKing*cough). What I've told you here is merely how I write. Perhaps something similar would work for you, perhaps not. There are just as many methods of writing as there are writers, I believe. I talk about my methods largely because this entire process is a journey for me. I often have revelations and like to write them down so I understand myself and can improve in the future. If it helps others, well, that's just a bonus. :)
All my best,
John H. Carroll
Yesterday, I sat down at my computer and opened a document that already had a short story idea. I had convinced myself that I would bust it out in a day or two.
Then I sat there, staring at the screen, wondering how in the world to write it. Keep in mind, I've written 8 short stories, 2 novellas and 7 novels by this point. Yet I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out how to write this one. I mean, I knew the plot. I knew the characters, I knew what was going to happen and everything. But I didn't know how to write it!
This was very disturbing to me, to say the least. So I've spent the last day trying to figure out what happened. Why couldn't I write a story?
It finally came to me that I desired to just dump the entire story onto the page. I just wanted the words there and magically delicious. "Poof!" as Vevin (One of my characters) would say.
However, writing doesn't work that way. It's like a fine wine that is best sniffed and sipped at first and then rolled across the tongue and savored over time. I wanted to chug the bottle in one gulp. *sigh*
So I tried to figure out how I was supposed to start the story and then it hit me.
I said, "Ow".
Beginning success
Starting a story isn't really all that easy, but I have a method that's worked for me in everything else I've written. However, I never realized before that that's what I was doing. What is it you ask? . . . Or perhaps you don't ask? . . . Hmmm . . . I'll take a chance that you are asking.
I get to know my first character. When I start a book, nothing else matters but that first character in the scene. I begin by telling where they are and how they feel about where they are. I find out if there's danger or a person to talk to. I find out what the weather is like and how my character feels about it. I find out why the character is there.
Nothing else matters, not the story, not the plots, not the ending; nothing.
Once I know who my character is and have a basic understanding of them, then I begin developing the story. It really doesn't matter if I have an outline or an ending, because the character I've created may choose not to follow that path. If I try to force the character along it, then I find myself losing interest in the story.
My characters are the most important aspect of my books. Everything else is secondary. When I say character, it doesn't actually have to be a person or an animal. In the Dralin Trilogy, the city itself is just as much of a character as the people within it. It starts with a young couple named Sheela and Frath, but I'm introducing Dralin to the reader just as much as anyone else.
I have a few stories floating around, ready to write. Now that I realize what my own method is, I'll be sure to remember to slow down at the beginning. I won't worry about what's supposed to happen next, but instead, I'll get to know the character. I'll let them tell me their story instead of me trying to tell them.
It's fun to write this way. I think my characters become more real when I let them have their personality and be who they want to be. Instead of working, I'm listening to a story and taking a journey.
Author's note:
Writers spend far too much time telling how things must be done to write a book (*cough*StephenKing*cough). What I've told you here is merely how I write. Perhaps something similar would work for you, perhaps not. There are just as many methods of writing as there are writers, I believe. I talk about my methods largely because this entire process is a journey for me. I often have revelations and like to write them down so I understand myself and can improve in the future. If it helps others, well, that's just a bonus. :)
All my best,
John H. Carroll
February 20, 2013
Why many of my short stories are no longer free
Sad Day
Most of my short stories are now $.99 instead of free, in spite of the fact that I originally intended to leave them free forever. In addition, I will be charging for future short stories that I write, including the Demented Children stories. :( I'm still leaving the first books of my trilogies free and one of the Demented Children books free at a time. It'll alternate throughout the year.
Why they were free in the first place.
For two reasons. One was the obvious marketing aspect. Most readers buy the books of the authors they know. The best way for me to get people to want to buy my books is to give them a sample of my writing.
The second reason was that I enjoy giving them away for free. Life is hard and often times many people can't afford a lot. There have been times when I've spent my last few dollars on a book rather than a meal. At a couple of points in my life, I've been homeless. If I got a few dollars, I would buy a used book and sit in the park while reading it. Also, a lot of young readers don't have a big allowance for books, so it's really nice to have free ones available.
Why they are not free now.
The self-publishing world is changing fast. What worked a year ago is ineffective now. Giving away hundreds of thousands of copies of my stories was an excellent way to get people to know who I am and gauge whether or not they like my writing style.
That's no longer the case. Amazon is especially eager to put the brakes on free books. When I gave away Rojuun in January of last year, I gave away about 25,000 books in the first two months. When I gave away Dralin this year, I got about 4000 downloads. That's even taking into account that my timing and marketing were better. Part of this is due to a glut of free ebooks on the market and part of it is due to adjusted algorithms that sweeps books under the rug much faster.
I've also noticed similar trends with Apple and B&N. It's getting much harder to compete and they're adjusting how they calculate sales and which books to highlight.
Now, an actual sale where money is exchanged causes my popularity to jump a bit, bringing me closer to the eyes of the masses. Therefore, if I sell a book at $.99, it doesn't just give me $.35, it also makes me more noticeable. The more noticeable I am, the more likely bookstores are to feature my books.
The more books I sell, the more likely I am to be able to make a living off of my writing. If I can do that, I can write more books and that's a win for everyone except the people who hate my writing!
I've mentioned in the past that I really don't know what I'm doing. Most of this is just guesswork based on observations I make about the market. All I can say is that I'm doing my best to write as many books as I can and hopefully make a living off of it at some point in the future.
I still have 3 books for free, "Rojuun", "Dralin", and "Drippy the Peg-Legged Rainbow".
I wish you all the very best and hope you find many wonderful stories to read. :)
John H. Carroll
Most of my short stories are now $.99 instead of free, in spite of the fact that I originally intended to leave them free forever. In addition, I will be charging for future short stories that I write, including the Demented Children stories. :( I'm still leaving the first books of my trilogies free and one of the Demented Children books free at a time. It'll alternate throughout the year.
Why they were free in the first place.
For two reasons. One was the obvious marketing aspect. Most readers buy the books of the authors they know. The best way for me to get people to want to buy my books is to give them a sample of my writing.
The second reason was that I enjoy giving them away for free. Life is hard and often times many people can't afford a lot. There have been times when I've spent my last few dollars on a book rather than a meal. At a couple of points in my life, I've been homeless. If I got a few dollars, I would buy a used book and sit in the park while reading it. Also, a lot of young readers don't have a big allowance for books, so it's really nice to have free ones available.
Why they are not free now.
The self-publishing world is changing fast. What worked a year ago is ineffective now. Giving away hundreds of thousands of copies of my stories was an excellent way to get people to know who I am and gauge whether or not they like my writing style.
That's no longer the case. Amazon is especially eager to put the brakes on free books. When I gave away Rojuun in January of last year, I gave away about 25,000 books in the first two months. When I gave away Dralin this year, I got about 4000 downloads. That's even taking into account that my timing and marketing were better. Part of this is due to a glut of free ebooks on the market and part of it is due to adjusted algorithms that sweeps books under the rug much faster.
I've also noticed similar trends with Apple and B&N. It's getting much harder to compete and they're adjusting how they calculate sales and which books to highlight.
Now, an actual sale where money is exchanged causes my popularity to jump a bit, bringing me closer to the eyes of the masses. Therefore, if I sell a book at $.99, it doesn't just give me $.35, it also makes me more noticeable. The more noticeable I am, the more likely bookstores are to feature my books.
The more books I sell, the more likely I am to be able to make a living off of my writing. If I can do that, I can write more books and that's a win for everyone except the people who hate my writing!
I've mentioned in the past that I really don't know what I'm doing. Most of this is just guesswork based on observations I make about the market. All I can say is that I'm doing my best to write as many books as I can and hopefully make a living off of it at some point in the future.
I still have 3 books for free, "Rojuun", "Dralin", and "Drippy the Peg-Legged Rainbow".
I wish you all the very best and hope you find many wonderful stories to read. :)John H. Carroll
February 13, 2013
Book Review: Brynn the Exorcist
"Brynn the Exorcist" by A L Fetherlin
Description:
This novel is the first in a Christian Horror trilogy. The concept of the series is straightforward, fast-paced, and compelling. God had not been an important feature in Brynn's life until she met the outwardly arrogant pastor Anthony. Archangel Gabriel revealed that they have been chosen by God to complete a task and must comply however overwhelming and frightening their new path will become. They struggle with their unnatural inheritances, family confrontations, personal assaults from demons, and hostile visits from fallen angel, Lilith, before they figure out how to save the innocents possessed by evil.
Join Brynn Duvaine and pastor Anthony Russo as they fight for God against the growing evil in the first book of A.L. Fetherlin's Christian Horror series, 'Brynn, the Exorcist.'
You can get it at Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/81318?ref=johnhcarroll
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HAA8DW
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brynn-the-exorcist-a-l-fetherlin/1105098417
You can also get it in paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Brynn-Exorcist-Book-One-Volume/dp/1466454520
Review
It's very difficult reading a book written by a friend, and in the interests of full disclosure, I consider A L Fetherlin a very good friend. :) I'm always afraid I won't like a book by a friend. It's happened a couple of other times with other writers. In those cases, I didn't leave a review or even let them know. Shhhh.
But I did enjoy this one! It's very far out of my typical genre of epic fantasy. I've had a few odd looks when I've told people that I was reading Christian Horror, but if you think about it, it's the perfect category. Demons and angels fighting for the souls of ordinary humans where the ultimate prize for us is Heaven or Hell.
Brynn the Exorcist is book 1 in a series currently being written. It introduces the characters Brynn Duvaine and Anthony Russo to the reader. Brynn is a psychologist working with victims of the worst sorts of violence from their childhoods. Anthony is a pastor suffering from the worst sort of disease any person of god can suffer, Vanity.
I came to like Brynn right away. She's a strong female lead who begins as a skeptic about anything slightly out of the normal. Making it harder is that the forces of evil try to encourage that skepticism. Sometimes it takes great willpower and some divine assistance to rise above it. Once she overcomes that skepticism, she proceeds with devout determination and courage. Brynn suffers and has doubts, as all people do, but she pushes through and does what she believes to be right. She is a true heroine who I came to feel a connection to.
Pastor Anthony goes through moments where he believes himself to be brilliant and moments where he believes himself to be a failure. There is much more happening behind the scenes that the author hasn't told us yet though. I believe there will be more revealed in future books.
My favorite characters are the demons that possess us innocent humans. I'm totally claiming possession the next time my wife blames me for something. ;) But the demons are delightfully evil and each has its own twist. If anything, they could be even more vile, as could Lilith. I occasionally wished I could be even more frightened.
On the negative side. I didn't like the husband at all. He didn't seem to have a lot of redeeming qualities, and the ones he did have, he lost sight of along the way. Also, there were a few instances where I was told a conversation, or something else happened, but I think it would have been better to read about it while it happened. The last thing was some mild head hopping between characters without a *** break in perspective. It either wasn't too terrible, or I'm just becoming use to it in books these days. None of the negatives were enough to detract from a superb story that was well-written and well edited. :)
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror, especially with demons. There is heavy Christian revelation and enlightenment, but it's very thoughtful and adds to the story rather than detracting.
About the Author
A.L. Fetherlin was born in the middle of central Illinois to people and then moved away.
The mother of three, ruler of none and almost obsessive admirer of most things Scottish and British, AL has virtually no time to herself. AL enjoys stories about death in any form and God in all forms.
Disclaimer
I have decided to review books that I enjoy. I am an avid reader of fantasy, so most of them will be in that genre. I'm not taking any requests, just reading what catches my eyes. You'll find that most of these are from Indie Authors. The way I figure it, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster and Piers Anthony (my favorite authors) already have enough reviews, but Indies could always use a few more.
It is important to note here that while I am a writer, I am doing these reviews as a reader . I also know a number of the authors I will be reviewing. This is not an exchange of reviews, nor have I been solicited by those authors to write the review. At no time will I ever accept any form of payment for a review. When I say that I'm am doing this as a reader, I mean it. I get nothing in exchange.
All my best,
John H. Carroll
Description:
This novel is the first in a Christian Horror trilogy. The concept of the series is straightforward, fast-paced, and compelling. God had not been an important feature in Brynn's life until she met the outwardly arrogant pastor Anthony. Archangel Gabriel revealed that they have been chosen by God to complete a task and must comply however overwhelming and frightening their new path will become. They struggle with their unnatural inheritances, family confrontations, personal assaults from demons, and hostile visits from fallen angel, Lilith, before they figure out how to save the innocents possessed by evil.
Join Brynn Duvaine and pastor Anthony Russo as they fight for God against the growing evil in the first book of A.L. Fetherlin's Christian Horror series, 'Brynn, the Exorcist.'
You can get it at Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/81318?ref=johnhcarroll
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HAA8DW
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brynn-the-exorcist-a-l-fetherlin/1105098417
You can also get it in paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Brynn-Exorcist-Book-One-Volume/dp/1466454520
Review
It's very difficult reading a book written by a friend, and in the interests of full disclosure, I consider A L Fetherlin a very good friend. :) I'm always afraid I won't like a book by a friend. It's happened a couple of other times with other writers. In those cases, I didn't leave a review or even let them know. Shhhh.
But I did enjoy this one! It's very far out of my typical genre of epic fantasy. I've had a few odd looks when I've told people that I was reading Christian Horror, but if you think about it, it's the perfect category. Demons and angels fighting for the souls of ordinary humans where the ultimate prize for us is Heaven or Hell.
Brynn the Exorcist is book 1 in a series currently being written. It introduces the characters Brynn Duvaine and Anthony Russo to the reader. Brynn is a psychologist working with victims of the worst sorts of violence from their childhoods. Anthony is a pastor suffering from the worst sort of disease any person of god can suffer, Vanity.
I came to like Brynn right away. She's a strong female lead who begins as a skeptic about anything slightly out of the normal. Making it harder is that the forces of evil try to encourage that skepticism. Sometimes it takes great willpower and some divine assistance to rise above it. Once she overcomes that skepticism, she proceeds with devout determination and courage. Brynn suffers and has doubts, as all people do, but she pushes through and does what she believes to be right. She is a true heroine who I came to feel a connection to.
Pastor Anthony goes through moments where he believes himself to be brilliant and moments where he believes himself to be a failure. There is much more happening behind the scenes that the author hasn't told us yet though. I believe there will be more revealed in future books.
My favorite characters are the demons that possess us innocent humans. I'm totally claiming possession the next time my wife blames me for something. ;) But the demons are delightfully evil and each has its own twist. If anything, they could be even more vile, as could Lilith. I occasionally wished I could be even more frightened.
On the negative side. I didn't like the husband at all. He didn't seem to have a lot of redeeming qualities, and the ones he did have, he lost sight of along the way. Also, there were a few instances where I was told a conversation, or something else happened, but I think it would have been better to read about it while it happened. The last thing was some mild head hopping between characters without a *** break in perspective. It either wasn't too terrible, or I'm just becoming use to it in books these days. None of the negatives were enough to detract from a superb story that was well-written and well edited. :)
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys horror, especially with demons. There is heavy Christian revelation and enlightenment, but it's very thoughtful and adds to the story rather than detracting.
About the Author
A.L. Fetherlin was born in the middle of central Illinois to people and then moved away.
The mother of three, ruler of none and almost obsessive admirer of most things Scottish and British, AL has virtually no time to herself. AL enjoys stories about death in any form and God in all forms.
Disclaimer
I have decided to review books that I enjoy. I am an avid reader of fantasy, so most of them will be in that genre. I'm not taking any requests, just reading what catches my eyes. You'll find that most of these are from Indie Authors. The way I figure it, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster and Piers Anthony (my favorite authors) already have enough reviews, but Indies could always use a few more.
It is important to note here that while I am a writer, I am doing these reviews as a reader . I also know a number of the authors I will be reviewing. This is not an exchange of reviews, nor have I been solicited by those authors to write the review. At no time will I ever accept any form of payment for a review. When I say that I'm am doing this as a reader, I mean it. I get nothing in exchange.
All my best,
John H. Carroll
February 5, 2013
Do it yourself Valentine's Day love poem
I like writing poems, even though I’m not all that great at it. It’s a curse. *sigh* This particular poem is something I wrote as a do-it-yourself project where it could apply to anyone. It’s not great, but it’ll do in a pinch for anyone who just can’t weave words. I hereby give you permission to use it in any way that doesn’t include making money from it.
This love poem can be used any time of the year, but is especially useful on Valentine’s Day. The language is such that it can apply to man or woman of any orientation.
Everything in italics is a customizable option. Choose one, delete the others, un-italicize it.
*** section *** marks the 6 different sections of the poem. In most cases, there are options where the entire verses can be personalized. Delete the parts that don’t apply.
Seriously: delete the extra parts and get rid of the italics once you choose the word you like, otherwise it’s going to look very lame when you give it to your significant other. ;)
A Poem of Love *** section 1 ***
My darling wife, husband, fiancé, lover, partner, girlfriend, boyfriend.Thank you for being in my life.You mean so very much to me.I don’t always tell you how much I love, adore, admire, worship, care about you, think you’re totally awesome.
You brighten my days with your light.You make my nights bearable with your warmth.Your presence brings joy to my heart.Your kiss, hug, embrace, touch makes life wonderful.
*** section 2 ***
Option 1: For a new relationship, this:
Meeting you has been the best experience in my life.It feels like I’m walking on air when I’m with you.The clouds are smiling as we pass them by.Stars twinkle in approval when we soar through the atmosphere.
The touch of your hand thrills me.The sound of your voice brings me joy.The sight of your smile makes my knees weak.The gaze of your eyes fulfills me.
Option 2: For a long relationship, this:
Our lives together have been the grandest adventure of all.We have seen and done so many things together.Our journey has been filled with good times and difficult ones.And there is much more to be explored.
The touch of your hand still thrills me.The sound of your voice still brings me joy.The sight of your smile still makes my knees weak.The gaze of your eyes still fulfills me.
*** section 3 ***
Option 1: If life has been hard, this:
There have been so many challenges for us to face lately.Every time we move forward, we get pushed back.Just getting through to the next day seems impossible.The universe seems determined to see our failure.
You keep me going.You make those challenges bearable.You help me to take each impossible step.You are my success.
Option 2: If life has been good, this:
We have met every challenge presented to us.We step forward whenever life would push us back.Every day is brighter when I’m with you.The universe basks in our triumph.
You keep me going.You make every challenge bearable.You help me to take each wonderful step.You are my success.
*** section 4 ***
Option 1: If the target person has had hard times, this:
Lately it seems like the world has been out to get you.I’ve seen you suffer at the treatment of others.Your confidence has been shattered.It hurts me to see you in so much pain.
You are the most amazing person I have met in my life.Others do not see your potential as I do.You don’t always see your own abilities.Look and see how wonderful you are in the reflection of my eyes.
Option 2: If the target person has been successful, this:
The world is in awe of your ability.Others look to you for inspiration.You are poised and self-assured.You are a leader in all that you do.
You are the most amazing person I have met in my life.You have the potential to change the world.I am better for knowing you.Look and see how wonderful you are in the reflection of my eyes.
*** section 5 ***
Add if the person has children, delete if not.
When I look at our children, it fills me with wonder.There is so much hope in their eyes.The world around them frightens us.But we give them love, compassion and the tools to succeed.
*** section 6 ***
When I’m not with you, it hurts.When I’m not with you, there is an emptiness within.When I’m not with you, sorrow fills me.When I’m not with you, the smile disappears from my face.
I give you this poem.To tell you how magnificent you are.To let you know how beautiful, handsome you are.I am the luckiest man, woman, person in the world for having you by my side.
I hope this is helpful to all you lovebirds out there.
All my best,
John H. Carroll
February 1, 2013
What month Indie Authors get paid for ebooks
Pay schedules for Indie Author publishing.
Every once in a while, someone gets confused about when each vendor pays royalties for books sold. This is a list for self-publishing through online stores like Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, Kobo and Createspace. This is when U.S. residents get paid.
Note: I do not directly publish to Apple, therefore I do not know their pay schedule.
Amazon KDP, B&N Pubit
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With Amazon's KDP and B&N's Pubit you get paid every month if you've made $10. It's usually on the last day of the second month after the end of the month. Therefore:
January gets paid March 31st.
February gets paid April 30th
March gets paid May 31st
April gets paid June 30th
May gets paid July 31st
June gets paid August 31st
July gets paid September 30th
August gets paid October 31st
September gets paid November 30th
October gets paid December 31st
November gets paid January 31st
December gets paid February 28th
Createspace
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With Createspace, you get paid even faster, the last day of the first month. You get paid after earning $10
January gets paid February 28th.
February gets paid March 31st
March gets paid April 30th
April gets paid May 31th
May gets paid June 30th
June gets paid July 31th
July gets paid August 31th
August gets paid September 30th
September gets paid October 31st
October gets paid November 30th
November gets paid December 31st
December gets paid January 31st
Kobo
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With Kobo, you only get paid after you've made $100. Their pricing language states:
Payment will be issued on a monthly basis if your content has generated over $100.00 USD. If after 6 months, your content has not generated over $100.00 USD, we will deliver all of the earnings your content has generated at that point.
Now, I haven't earned enough to receive a check, but the wording indicates that you would get paid sometime in the month after you've successfully accumulated $100 worth of earnings, so the same schedule as Createspace.
Smashwords
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With Smashwords you get paid quarterly. You need to make $10 if you're getting paid by paypal or $75 if you're getting paid by check.
January, February, and March get paid April 30th
April, May and June get paid July 31st
July, August and September get paid October 31st
October, November and December get paid January 31st.
If you distribute to Apple, B&N, Kobo and other stores, Smashwords updates the royalties as they receive them. I've been published with Smashwords for 2 years now and the frequency of updating has inconsistant (understatement). However, I have learned to take a long-term viewpoint with them as I plan to be a writer for the rest of my life. They do update, and they do pay, which are the important things.
International residents.
Note: This is if you live in the U.S. International payments are well . . . lets just say I'm glad I don't have to deal with the crap international writers do. From what I understand, you have to make $100 on Amazon and then you get paid a check (or if you're European, cheque), which is problamatic because most banks are no longer taking cheques across the pond.
Smashwords takes out 30% to pay to the U.S. IRS unless you go through a complicated, time-consuming and expensive process of filling out paperwork.
I hope this helps other writers. If anyone should find any inconsistancies with this list, or have something to add, please feel free to mention it in the comments below. :)
All my best,
John H. Carroll
Every once in a while, someone gets confused about when each vendor pays royalties for books sold. This is a list for self-publishing through online stores like Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, Kobo and Createspace. This is when U.S. residents get paid.
Note: I do not directly publish to Apple, therefore I do not know their pay schedule.
Amazon KDP, B&N Pubit
[image error]
[image error]
With Amazon's KDP and B&N's Pubit you get paid every month if you've made $10. It's usually on the last day of the second month after the end of the month. Therefore:
January gets paid March 31st.
February gets paid April 30th
March gets paid May 31st
April gets paid June 30th
May gets paid July 31st
June gets paid August 31st
July gets paid September 30th
August gets paid October 31st
September gets paid November 30th
October gets paid December 31st
November gets paid January 31st
December gets paid February 28th
Createspace
[image error]
With Createspace, you get paid even faster, the last day of the first month. You get paid after earning $10
January gets paid February 28th.
February gets paid March 31st
March gets paid April 30th
April gets paid May 31th
May gets paid June 30th
June gets paid July 31th
July gets paid August 31th
August gets paid September 30th
September gets paid October 31st
October gets paid November 30th
November gets paid December 31st
December gets paid January 31st
Kobo
[image error]
With Kobo, you only get paid after you've made $100. Their pricing language states:
Payment will be issued on a monthly basis if your content has generated over $100.00 USD. If after 6 months, your content has not generated over $100.00 USD, we will deliver all of the earnings your content has generated at that point.
Now, I haven't earned enough to receive a check, but the wording indicates that you would get paid sometime in the month after you've successfully accumulated $100 worth of earnings, so the same schedule as Createspace.
Smashwords
[image error]
With Smashwords you get paid quarterly. You need to make $10 if you're getting paid by paypal or $75 if you're getting paid by check.
January, February, and March get paid April 30th
April, May and June get paid July 31st
July, August and September get paid October 31st
October, November and December get paid January 31st.
If you distribute to Apple, B&N, Kobo and other stores, Smashwords updates the royalties as they receive them. I've been published with Smashwords for 2 years now and the frequency of updating has inconsistant (understatement). However, I have learned to take a long-term viewpoint with them as I plan to be a writer for the rest of my life. They do update, and they do pay, which are the important things.
International residents.
Note: This is if you live in the U.S. International payments are well . . . lets just say I'm glad I don't have to deal with the crap international writers do. From what I understand, you have to make $100 on Amazon and then you get paid a check (or if you're European, cheque), which is problamatic because most banks are no longer taking cheques across the pond.
Smashwords takes out 30% to pay to the U.S. IRS unless you go through a complicated, time-consuming and expensive process of filling out paperwork.
I hope this helps other writers. If anyone should find any inconsistancies with this list, or have something to add, please feel free to mention it in the comments below. :)
All my best,
John H. Carroll
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