Brock E. Deskins's Blog: The Mind of Brock, page 16

The Sorcerer's Abyss is done!...almost

I'm finishing up the epilogue tomorrow and the first draft is finished! Yay! I have already started my first self-proof. That leaves only a second self-proof before I send it to my other proofer. Once I get it back, I'll proof it again and release it! There is no reason I should not have it out by December 1st! I'm thinking up a new cover idea and will work on it after I send the book away for proofing. If you are working on a cover for the contest, keep it up and let me know! I am gong to replace all my covers by the new year or at least try.

Back to work

I just moved into my new house and am set up, so I guess I better get back to work. I was on a real roll before the chaos of moving hit and I hope I can recapture it. If I can, I should have a first draft completed in about a week. I hope you all take a look at my contest idea. I would love to see some cover ideas and hope I can announce some winners at the end of next month. If you are not the artistic type, maybe you know someone who is? Spread the word.

Contest idea

I'm not sure if this will come across as cheap way for me to get cover art, but here it goes:

I am looking to replace all my book covers with something more eye catching. I propose a contest. You all send me your cover concepts (should be around 1500x2400 pixels) and I will choose a winner for each book. Each winner will receive a free copy of ALL my current books as well as my upcoming The Sorcerer's Abyss. (Possibly in advance of Amazon release. Almost definitely)

NOTE: I have to actually get images I like. I cannot guarantee a winner if there are only a few entries and none are suitable. If I have a hard time choosing, I will post the covers on my Facebook page and let the people vote on them. I think this could be fun! Is this reasonable, or am I out of my mind? Oh! You also get cover credit!

Let's start today and end the contest on Halloween!

Progress for August 2012

Going great! Over 70,000 words and I feel like I am nearing the home stretch. Sales are horrible. Come on, people! I'm trying to buy a house and I need your money to do it! LOL!I don't know what it takes to get more eyes drawn to my books, but I need to figure it out. Blogs, Facebook, and such does not do it. I had hoped giving away over 3000 copies of book 1 would spur some sales but so far it has not. If you have any marketing ideas I am very open to them.

Abyss progression

I had a great writing surge yesterday and completed one of the most intense chapters yet. I like the way the book is coming together and I think most readers will see a great improvement in my delivery and character development over the last book. At 63,113 words put on "paper", I am feeling much more comfortable with my progress. I was concerned I was going to finish what was in my head too soon and have to develop significant more content. Seeing new reviews of book 1, I feel as if it is still in beta and will require significant retooling. I hate going back over and tweaking it so many times but that is my own fault for applying small patches and not doing the full overhaul it needs. So many projects, so little time.

FREE Sorcerer's Ascension!

I am re-releasing The Sorcerer's Ascension with new content and improved editing for FREE starting on August 3rd through August 6th on Amazon.com

 If you have not been reading Brock's Sorcerer's Path saga, now is the time to start! Thousands of readers have been spellbound by this engaging, epic saga that starts with a young boy of privilege whose life falls into disaster. His struggles slowly turn him as hard and unforgiving as the streets upon which he must survive. Possessing an indomitable spirit, Azerick Giles focuses his monumental will upon surviving and bringing retribution upon those who have wronged him.

NOTE: In the original press release I stated you could get it on Smashwords.com, but do to Amazon's restrictive policies I was required to remove this book from Smashword's site. I apologize to my Nook readers and to anyone else that is affected by this. There are some free apps that will convert a kindle publication to Nook's format. 

Some fixes to book 6 cover

A reader kindly pointed out that I had described Klaraxis's throne as being constructed of bones so I made some changes. They aren't blackened. Perhaps I will change that or just go with a more natural look.

First draft of my next cover

Not sure if I should have the naked butt or cover it with something. Perhaps it is a sign of my pathetic loneliness, but I find myself partial to the naked butt. Ha!

Newsletter info

You can now read my newsletter by clicking on the link beneath the the email link. This will allow everyone to read previous newsletters. Please still sign up for them to get the first view!

Coming together well

I'm 10k + words into book 6 and it's going well. I started my newsletter and sent out the first installment only to find mailchimp, in accordance with federal laws, posted my personal information in the newsletter. I guess I am going to have to go get a P.O. Box to remain legit. If I have already attracted the attention of any stalkers, please bring pizza and beer. You should know I am a bit of a beer snob so it better be a quality brew. How did you like the first one. What would you like to see i future newsletters? I rally have no idea what the hell I'm doing. HA! Tell your friends to buy my books. MY sales are slipping faster than a club-footed penguin on a melting ice shelf.