Stephen Brooke's Blog: Stephen Brooke's Scribblings
November 25, 2024
Stories
I have set up an archive of my short stories, both those published at some point and those that haven't been seen elsewhere. This is at: https://storiesofstephenbrooke.blogsp...
Some appeared in the poetry and vignette collection 'Retellings' and some in my short story collection 'Lands Far Away,' both available from Arachis Press (arachispress.com) in print or as free ebooks.
Some appeared in the poetry and vignette collection 'Retellings' and some in my short story collection 'Lands Far Away,' both available from Arachis Press (arachispress.com) in print or as free ebooks.
August 23, 2024
The City and the Sword
Today, August 23 2024, is the official release date for my novel The City and the Sword. This is a tale of Qala the Pirate Queen when she was a girl—an origin story, if you will. Although not intended as a Young Adult title, it could certainly be seen as one.
One may order print or download free ebooks at the Arachis Press site (arachispress.com) or go directly to the print listing at our store.
https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bro...
One may order print or download free ebooks at the Arachis Press site (arachispress.com) or go directly to the print listing at our store.
https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bro...
July 14, 2023
Release and Reviews
Tomorrow (July 15 2023) is the official release of my latest novel, the fantasy title STONES IN THE SEA. It is available right now in the Arachis Press Store as print and ebook:
PRINT: https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bro...
PDF: https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bro...
EPUB: https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bro...
Whether the print will show up on time at retailers is always a guess.
On another subject, it may be noted that I removed most of my reviews here of 'old' books, leaving mostly my own work and a smattering of contemporary books, many from authors I know (whether in person or on line). I'll stick with that approach from here on.
PRINT: https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bro...
PDF: https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bro...
EPUB: https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bro...
Whether the print will show up on time at retailers is always a guess.
On another subject, it may be noted that I removed most of my reviews here of 'old' books, leaving mostly my own work and a smattering of contemporary books, many from authors I know (whether in person or on line). I'll stick with that approach from here on.
May 19, 2023
From the Beginning
My latest fantasy novel, 'Stones in the Sea,' is set for released on July 15. This will be the earliest of all the related tales that make up what I've dubbed the Annals of Izan. Most of the fantasy work fits somewhere into the cycle. Here's the back cover blurb:
Where to sail but west after escaping his Chilean prison? Into the depths of the Pacific voyaged Yankee seaman Dick Brown, seeking refuge and rest beyond the horizon. What he found was another world, one where his coming had been prophesied, where his destiny was tied to the mystic gems known as the Jewels of the Elements. On lost islands, in mountain fastnesses, Dick discovers that destiny and his place in a new world. STONES IN THE SEA, a novel by Stephen Brooke.
I'm now working on a non-fantasy novel, set in Vietnam in 1966, part of my Wilk series. The story was in fact the genesis of the whole concept of my Polish adventurer Wilk but I wrote a couple other novels about his career first. Back to the beginning with this one (although it should actually be at the the end of his saga).
Where to sail but west after escaping his Chilean prison? Into the depths of the Pacific voyaged Yankee seaman Dick Brown, seeking refuge and rest beyond the horizon. What he found was another world, one where his coming had been prophesied, where his destiny was tied to the mystic gems known as the Jewels of the Elements. On lost islands, in mountain fastnesses, Dick discovers that destiny and his place in a new world. STONES IN THE SEA, a novel by Stephen Brooke.
I'm now working on a non-fantasy novel, set in Vietnam in 1966, part of my Wilk series. The story was in fact the genesis of the whole concept of my Polish adventurer Wilk but I wrote a couple other novels about his career first. Back to the beginning with this one (although it should actually be at the the end of his saga).
February 2, 2023
New
I don't like new unless, of course, it refers to a new book by me! There will be one of those coming on April 21 (my birthday), the latest poetry collection. The new novel, the mystery 'These Remembered Hills' was launched at the beginning of the year and should be out there and available in most formats. Print 'everywhere,' PDF and EPUB only at Arachis Press for the moment. Kindle, nowhere—we no longer deal directly with Amazon, though they carry the print editions of my (and all Arachis Press) books.
I also don't like the new layout here. Many pages are practically unreadable in my browser. Optimized for phones, maybe? I rarely get online with a phone so I wouldn't know. I am not sure whether it is worthwhile to be on GoodReads at all anymore, other than perhaps to keep my own author profile updated.
I also don't like the new layout here. Many pages are practically unreadable in my browser. Optimized for phones, maybe? I rarely get online with a phone so I wouldn't know. I am not sure whether it is worthwhile to be on GoodReads at all anymore, other than perhaps to keep my own author profile updated.
December 2, 2022
Those Hills
I have completed another novel, with all edits done, and expected release date will be set soon. There have been delays but we should be able to schedule it now. This one is definitely a mystery (as opposed to action, suspense, crime, etc) and could probably be called a ‘cozy mystery.’ It is certainly close to being one, with the typical amateur detective, small town setting, relatively leisurely pace. Our protagonist may be just a little more active that one usually finds.
But it is admittedly as much or more about characters and relationships as it is about solving crimes (two murders which may or may not be related—you must read to find out). There’s no hurried pace, no rushing from one crisis to another. I’ve done that in other books.
I’ve also done something similar to this tale with my Cully Beach novels, in terms of pacing and story. There are admitted similarities between my protagonist here, Jim Fry, and the Ted Carrol of those books, but he is a much better adjusted and less troubled sort. Just maybe a little too full of himself at times. And the voice is third person rather than first.
The new novel, titled “These Remembered Hills” is set in the Hocking Hills of southeastern Ohio I knew as a kid. Very old memories indeed; I’ve set the plot in 1962, with Jim returning to the family farm after a stint in the navy. In the countryside, in the towns of Logan and Athens, in caves and on cliffs, he pursues answers to the riddles he has found there.
It is not a long novel and I consider that a good thing. I hate long-winded narratives and more so in books of this sort. It weighs in at just about 61,000 words. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if a sequel came along eventually.
But it is admittedly as much or more about characters and relationships as it is about solving crimes (two murders which may or may not be related—you must read to find out). There’s no hurried pace, no rushing from one crisis to another. I’ve done that in other books.
I’ve also done something similar to this tale with my Cully Beach novels, in terms of pacing and story. There are admitted similarities between my protagonist here, Jim Fry, and the Ted Carrol of those books, but he is a much better adjusted and less troubled sort. Just maybe a little too full of himself at times. And the voice is third person rather than first.
The new novel, titled “These Remembered Hills” is set in the Hocking Hills of southeastern Ohio I knew as a kid. Very old memories indeed; I’ve set the plot in 1962, with Jim returning to the family farm after a stint in the navy. In the countryside, in the towns of Logan and Athens, in caves and on cliffs, he pursues answers to the riddles he has found there.
It is not a long novel and I consider that a good thing. I hate long-winded narratives and more so in books of this sort. It weighs in at just about 61,000 words. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if a sequel came along eventually.
June 24, 2022
The Plain
We're a couple days out from the release of my fantasy novel The Plain of Silver. This is the long-awaited (by me!) sequel to the four books that make up Donzalo's Destiny. With a little time and work, more should follow, creating a new sequence I am dubbing Destiny's Daughter.
But, as ever, I've many other projects going. I did run right through writing the Donzalo books, one after the other. Those were my first fantasy novels; in fact, I'd written only one novel of any sort before them (the mainstreamish YA, The Middle of Nowhere), and then turned away from this sort of epic fantasy to fast-paced adventures. I have certainly learned things since Donzalo (not that there is anything wrong with those books).
We have been getting out new editions of pretty much all my books over the course of this year. Pretty close to done with that and on to other things, it is to be hoped. Keep tuned!
But, as ever, I've many other projects going. I did run right through writing the Donzalo books, one after the other. Those were my first fantasy novels; in fact, I'd written only one novel of any sort before them (the mainstreamish YA, The Middle of Nowhere), and then turned away from this sort of epic fantasy to fast-paced adventures. I have certainly learned things since Donzalo (not that there is anything wrong with those books).
We have been getting out new editions of pretty much all my books over the course of this year. Pretty close to done with that and on to other things, it is to be hoped. Keep tuned!
May 14, 2022
Epic
I am not at all a fan of Modern Epic Fantasy (Martin, Sanderson, etc). Maybe I’m not a fan of the epic at all; oh, sure, Tolkien pulled it off. Eddison, perhaps, though I’m not sure his novels fit the genre as it is defined today.
I’ve marketed my four Donzalo’s Destiny novels as an epic tale but I’m not so sure they fit either. I am fairly sure a typical fan of the above mentioned authors would probably not care for them. Just as a typical buyer of mainstream bestsellers might not care for my mainstream books.
My own tastes in fantasy—and early influences—have tended more to authors such as Lord Dunsany and James Branch Cabell. And, of course, there are plenty of mainstream writers of the past, Rudyard Kipling, Evelyn Waugh, Jane Austen, whom I would certainly choose to read over pretty much anything—epic fantasy or whatever—being published today.
Perhaps my stuff is unfashionable but that is quite all right with me. I should have my fiftieth title out by next year and intend to keep going as long as I last. Incidentally (well, not really), the first book of the Donzalo sequel, The Plain of Silver, will be out on June 26. The start of a new epic!
I’ve marketed my four Donzalo’s Destiny novels as an epic tale but I’m not so sure they fit either. I am fairly sure a typical fan of the above mentioned authors would probably not care for them. Just as a typical buyer of mainstream bestsellers might not care for my mainstream books.
My own tastes in fantasy—and early influences—have tended more to authors such as Lord Dunsany and James Branch Cabell. And, of course, there are plenty of mainstream writers of the past, Rudyard Kipling, Evelyn Waugh, Jane Austen, whom I would certainly choose to read over pretty much anything—epic fantasy or whatever—being published today.
Perhaps my stuff is unfashionable but that is quite all right with me. I should have my fiftieth title out by next year and intend to keep going as long as I last. Incidentally (well, not really), the first book of the Donzalo sequel, The Plain of Silver, will be out on June 26. The start of a new epic!
February 6, 2022
Not Reading?
When my reading list here stalls it is a sign that I am writing. Oh, sure, I could be sick or on surfari to stay, but it's pretty likely to be the writing thing.
In some form. Maybe editing, maybe formatting. I did finally get onto the long-awaited (by me) sequel to my epic four-volume work Donzalo's Destiny. The first book of Destiny's Daughter, 'The Plain of Silver,' is slotted for release on June 26 2022. Before then, a poetry book should appear on April 21, titled 'Ticking.' After those two? No telling. I might even read.
I have been kept busy, too, by revamping many of the older books as we changed our distribution some at Arachis Press. New dedicate Kindle versions at Amazon--we always kind of ignored Amazon and let our distributor handle them but are now sending the ebooks directly. Revisions to many of the print books are coming or have already, and we are adding PDF versions (at the AP store) for those who prefer those.
I'll continue to occasionally update here. Of course, my main blog is https://theluckylad.blogspot.com/ for any who might wish to follow.
In some form. Maybe editing, maybe formatting. I did finally get onto the long-awaited (by me) sequel to my epic four-volume work Donzalo's Destiny. The first book of Destiny's Daughter, 'The Plain of Silver,' is slotted for release on June 26 2022. Before then, a poetry book should appear on April 21, titled 'Ticking.' After those two? No telling. I might even read.
I have been kept busy, too, by revamping many of the older books as we changed our distribution some at Arachis Press. New dedicate Kindle versions at Amazon--we always kind of ignored Amazon and let our distributor handle them but are now sending the ebooks directly. Revisions to many of the print books are coming or have already, and we are adding PDF versions (at the AP store) for those who prefer those.
I'll continue to occasionally update here. Of course, my main blog is https://theluckylad.blogspot.com/ for any who might wish to follow.
September 5, 2021
On Tira
Officially, my latest fantasy novel, The Walls Between the Worlds, releases on October 2 but in practice it will be rolled out over this month of September. It already up in the Arachis Press store for any who would want a sneak preview of the not-yet-approved print version. EPUB, PDF, and Kindle versions will follow. I piddle about with the sequel; whether that will be my next finished novel or not, I could not say.
I do want to say a few words about Tira, a secondary character in the novel: I’ve never written a transsexual character before or, at least, not a major character (If minor characters in other books were trans, it had no bearing on the stories nor was it mentioned in the texts. Only the author was aware of it.). Nor would I include one now for the sake of being ‘inclusive’ or anything of that sort (such as attracting an audience among LGBT readers). She fitted the story; it is as simple as that. There is a tradition in many societies, as far apart in space and time as the modern Philippines and the ancient Scythians, of transsexual individuals becoming shamans and priests, of having a special insight into the spiritual world. Be that as it may; I do not claim this for Tira even if she is a wizard and prophet. She is an individual, a character in my book, and that is all I intended.
I do want to say a few words about Tira, a secondary character in the novel: I’ve never written a transsexual character before or, at least, not a major character (If minor characters in other books were trans, it had no bearing on the stories nor was it mentioned in the texts. Only the author was aware of it.). Nor would I include one now for the sake of being ‘inclusive’ or anything of that sort (such as attracting an audience among LGBT readers). She fitted the story; it is as simple as that. There is a tradition in many societies, as far apart in space and time as the modern Philippines and the ancient Scythians, of transsexual individuals becoming shamans and priests, of having a special insight into the spiritual world. Be that as it may; I do not claim this for Tira even if she is a wizard and prophet. She is an individual, a character in my book, and that is all I intended.
