Stephen Brooke's Blog: Stephen Brooke's Scribblings, page 2
May 29, 2021
Walls
Well, gosh and all golly! I haven't posted here since December? And imagine all the interesting things that have happened since...
Okay, actually I've barely left the house since then. That did let me write a fair amount, as well as getting work edited and published. That includes getting OD Pike's latest SF novel, Among the Many Worlds, published. My own stuff? The time travel novel, When Man Was Young, the poetry collection, The Moon and I, both appeared earlier this year. And a short story collection, fantasy-oriented, will be out on Aug 7. That would be Lands Far Away. As with my poetry books, the ebook edition will be free but, of course, one may purchase it in print.
And I completed another fantasy novel, The Walls Between the Worlds, which is now slotted for release on Oct 2. Not quite my usual fast-paced adventure (it did grow to 88,000 words) but in somewhat the same neighborhood. This books slips in nicely between my Mora and Wizardry series, chronologically, and there should be a sequel...or two...or three. Lots of other projects, as usual. I may concentrate on a mainstream novel now, but one never knows when a different project my stand up and demand to be written. That's pretty much what happened with 'Walls.' I think it may have been the quickest write ever, once I sat down—and I hadn't planned it at all nor had any idea I would write such a book.
Okay, actually I've barely left the house since then. That did let me write a fair amount, as well as getting work edited and published. That includes getting OD Pike's latest SF novel, Among the Many Worlds, published. My own stuff? The time travel novel, When Man Was Young, the poetry collection, The Moon and I, both appeared earlier this year. And a short story collection, fantasy-oriented, will be out on Aug 7. That would be Lands Far Away. As with my poetry books, the ebook edition will be free but, of course, one may purchase it in print.
And I completed another fantasy novel, The Walls Between the Worlds, which is now slotted for release on Oct 2. Not quite my usual fast-paced adventure (it did grow to 88,000 words) but in somewhat the same neighborhood. This books slips in nicely between my Mora and Wizardry series, chronologically, and there should be a sequel...or two...or three. Lots of other projects, as usual. I may concentrate on a mainstream novel now, but one never knows when a different project my stand up and demand to be written. That's pretty much what happened with 'Walls.' I think it may have been the quickest write ever, once I sat down—and I hadn't planned it at all nor had any idea I would write such a book.
December 10, 2020
What's Goin' On
Once again, I have taken a rather long time between posts here at GR. Whether that matters any is debatable. Anyway, I did publish one more book since the last blog, though I said I didn't know if I'd get anything else out in 2020. That was a children's chapter book, DAISY DAYS, that came to shape rather quickly...after I had thought about it for seven years since I wrote my last chapter book, THE CONTRARY FAIRY. They are set in the same world, which I doubt I shall ever visit again (though one never knows).
So right now I'm working on several projects and not a one of them is ready for publication. I'll almost certainly get a time travel novel, WHEN MAN WAS YOUNG, out next. Beyond that is anyone's guess (mine included). And there will be another poetry collection in 2021, tentatively titled THE MOON AND I. I'll slip it into the schedule wherever there is a book-sized hole.
Reviews: I said a year or so back I was not going to review 'old' books anymore. Then a few months later I went back on that and started up again (in the mean time, I read quite a few that never got reviewed and maybe never will). I do feel writing reviews is a useful exercise for a writer; it makes him put into solid form what he likes and dislikes, and can apply this to his own work. But I'm going to quit again. There's just no time to work up a review for every book I read--I'll just stick to new stuff from here out. I suppose I should probably read some!
So right now I'm working on several projects and not a one of them is ready for publication. I'll almost certainly get a time travel novel, WHEN MAN WAS YOUNG, out next. Beyond that is anyone's guess (mine included). And there will be another poetry collection in 2021, tentatively titled THE MOON AND I. I'll slip it into the schedule wherever there is a book-sized hole.
Reviews: I said a year or so back I was not going to review 'old' books anymore. Then a few months later I went back on that and started up again (in the mean time, I read quite a few that never got reviewed and maybe never will). I do feel writing reviews is a useful exercise for a writer; it makes him put into solid form what he likes and dislikes, and can apply this to his own work. But I'm going to quit again. There's just no time to work up a review for every book I read--I'll just stick to new stuff from here out. I suppose I should probably read some!
July 30, 2020
Chaos
Well, this has been a messed up few months since I last posted anything here. I released a book during that time—or tried to. My distributor (Lulu) decided to do a total revamp of their site and process just around the time the CV struck, with the resulting chaos. Wilk, my second novel of the Polish spy/adventurer, is available 'everywhere' in print but ebook distribution is still messed up. Both are available direct from Arachis Press.
I, of course, have continued to write. My life hasn't changed much (more on that below) and I've churned out another fantasy novel, 'City of Wizardry,' sequel to 'The Ways of Wizardry.' A little weightier than my usual offerings at close to 80,000 words. It should be out on Oct 10 and we'll talk more about it as release approached (or arrives). Currently, I am at work of a mainstream novel set in Naples FL in 1968. The year I graduated from high school there, so it's more personal, perhaps, than most of my writing. It's not about 'me' though, but revolves about three young women and their last summer before leaving home to find their futures at college, etc. I almost decided to use a pen name for this one but think I should put my own name on a novel so closely related to my own life events.
My own life events: I contracted the CV back in March. There was some serious shortage of breath (not bad enough for hospitalization) that still lingers. Maybe it always will. I wrote about it in my main blog not so long ago: https://theluckylad.blogspot.com/2020... Maybe it will be material for fiction someday, not that it is all that interesting, in and of itself.
Expect more books beyond the release of 'City of Wizardry.' Maybe not this year but certainly next. I'll keep churning 'em out.
I, of course, have continued to write. My life hasn't changed much (more on that below) and I've churned out another fantasy novel, 'City of Wizardry,' sequel to 'The Ways of Wizardry.' A little weightier than my usual offerings at close to 80,000 words. It should be out on Oct 10 and we'll talk more about it as release approached (or arrives). Currently, I am at work of a mainstream novel set in Naples FL in 1968. The year I graduated from high school there, so it's more personal, perhaps, than most of my writing. It's not about 'me' though, but revolves about three young women and their last summer before leaving home to find their futures at college, etc. I almost decided to use a pen name for this one but think I should put my own name on a novel so closely related to my own life events.
My own life events: I contracted the CV back in March. There was some serious shortage of breath (not bad enough for hospitalization) that still lingers. Maybe it always will. I wrote about it in my main blog not so long ago: https://theluckylad.blogspot.com/2020... Maybe it will be material for fiction someday, not that it is all that interesting, in and of itself.
Expect more books beyond the release of 'City of Wizardry.' Maybe not this year but certainly next. I'll keep churning 'em out.
May 30, 2020
On Ratings and Reviews
If I give a novel here three stars, that means I like it. It is a good rating. It doesn't mean I loved it, however. Using the GoodReads system of five stars, this would be what I intend with each ranking:
Five Stars for ‘Great’ — and there are few indeed that reach this.
Four Stars for ‘Very Good’ — seek them out.
Three for ‘Good’ — I do recommend these as being worth ones while.
Two for ‘So-so’ — I am neutral on my recommendation for these. Take them or leave them.
One Star for ‘Not Recommended’ — a waste of time, but not necessarily awful.
and finally No Stars for ‘Avoid This Crap’ — stuff I find unreadable and probably did not finish.
I'm just putting this out here so there are no misunderstandings.
Five Stars for ‘Great’ — and there are few indeed that reach this.
Four Stars for ‘Very Good’ — seek them out.
Three for ‘Good’ — I do recommend these as being worth ones while.
Two for ‘So-so’ — I am neutral on my recommendation for these. Take them or leave them.
One Star for ‘Not Recommended’ — a waste of time, but not necessarily awful.
and finally No Stars for ‘Avoid This Crap’ — stuff I find unreadable and probably did not finish.
I'm just putting this out here so there are no misunderstandings.
May 9, 2020
All My Troubles
Although I said I wouldn't post reviews here anymore (except ones of 'new' work) I do find myself writing out my thoughts on some of the older/classic works I've been reading. So I might drop one of those in occasionally. It's not a biggie one way or the other.
Anyway, my latest poetry collection appeared a little while ago (A Poet's Day) and I'm working toward the release of my second Wilk novel, appropriately titled 'Wilk,' on June 6. The second Wilk to be written, but actually the first chronologically, taking place nearly forty years before 'The Dictator's Children'
We're hoping it is out on June 6 anyway. Our distributor chose this time to completely revamp their site and it's a mess. I am unable to approve the print edition for distribution (though it is, at least in theory, available direct from them) nor upload the ebook. We'll have to hope it's all sorted out soon or the official release date will have to be rolled back.
And for once, I do not actually have a new book ready to go later on, only works-in-progress. Do expect something before this end of this most strange year, however.
Anyway, my latest poetry collection appeared a little while ago (A Poet's Day) and I'm working toward the release of my second Wilk novel, appropriately titled 'Wilk,' on June 6. The second Wilk to be written, but actually the first chronologically, taking place nearly forty years before 'The Dictator's Children'
We're hoping it is out on June 6 anyway. Our distributor chose this time to completely revamp their site and it's a mess. I am unable to approve the print edition for distribution (though it is, at least in theory, available direct from them) nor upload the ebook. We'll have to hope it's all sorted out soon or the official release date will have to be rolled back.
And for once, I do not actually have a new book ready to go later on, only works-in-progress. Do expect something before this end of this most strange year, however.
December 27, 2019
On Review
One may have noticed — but most likely didn’t — that I no longer post reviews and ratings. That’s largely a matter of time management. I do like to review books and I do think it helps my own understanding of craft but I decided enough was enough and I had best concentrate on my own writing (and a multitude of other tasks, some maybe even important).
These are review of ‘old’ books, which are the bulk of what I have posted here. I admittedly read very little that is new. That, too, is something that should change, although there are a multitude of older works out there for me to read and enjoy (or not), often free via Project Gutenberg, etc.
So, any new reviews here at Good Reads are likely to be of new books, if and when I might read any. I am willing to do so and do occasionally review books by friends and acquaintances. If I became serious about reviewing new work I would probably set up a site/blog for that purpose. We’ll see how things go there.
In the mean time, I continue to churn out my own books. The next fantasy novel set among the Mora, ‘Warrior of the Moon,’ will be released on Feb 15, followed by a new poetry collection, ‘A Poet’s Day,’ on April 21 (my birthday), and the historical adventure ‘Wilk’ on June 6. Anything beyond that is still being written!
These are review of ‘old’ books, which are the bulk of what I have posted here. I admittedly read very little that is new. That, too, is something that should change, although there are a multitude of older works out there for me to read and enjoy (or not), often free via Project Gutenberg, etc.
So, any new reviews here at Good Reads are likely to be of new books, if and when I might read any. I am willing to do so and do occasionally review books by friends and acquaintances. If I became serious about reviewing new work I would probably set up a site/blog for that purpose. We’ll see how things go there.
In the mean time, I continue to churn out my own books. The next fantasy novel set among the Mora, ‘Warrior of the Moon,’ will be released on Feb 15, followed by a new poetry collection, ‘A Poet’s Day,’ on April 21 (my birthday), and the historical adventure ‘Wilk’ on June 6. Anything beyond that is still being written!
November 21, 2019
Beyond the Smoke
It is, at this time, about a week until the official release of my third Cully Beach mystery, 'Smoke.' This will complete an arc I began in 'Shaper' and continued through 'Waves' of upheavals in Ted 'Shaper' Carrol's placid personal life as surf-shop owner in the small Florida Atlantic Coast town of Cully Beach—most notably a romance and marriage (which will happen a bit after the close of 'Smoke'). If I return to Cully Beach sometime in the future, it is likely to be years later on and Ted may no longer have the lead role.
In the course of 'Smoke' we get to visit the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs Florida. This is a definite example of 'write what you know.' I first visited the FFF in 2001, the year in which I set this novel, and it was indeed quite smoky from wild fires that dry spring. That the smoke can also be a metaphor should be fairly obvious! :) All three books in this trilogy are, in some degree, 'Catholic novels' in that Ted does have to deal with some questions of faith along the way. Again, writing what one knows.
So what is to come? My next fantasy novel, 'Warrior of the Moon,' set in the world of the Mora and the first of a new trilogy (The Sleeping Sky) is set for release on Feb 15 of next year, to be followed by a poetry collection, 'A Poet's Day,' on April 21 (my birthday, which is why it is not the usual Saturday event). Beyond that, nothing is set but expect a second Wilk adventure novel and maybe the second Sleeping Sky book sometime in 2020.
I'll keep writing them—you keep reading them!
In the course of 'Smoke' we get to visit the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs Florida. This is a definite example of 'write what you know.' I first visited the FFF in 2001, the year in which I set this novel, and it was indeed quite smoky from wild fires that dry spring. That the smoke can also be a metaphor should be fairly obvious! :) All three books in this trilogy are, in some degree, 'Catholic novels' in that Ted does have to deal with some questions of faith along the way. Again, writing what one knows.
So what is to come? My next fantasy novel, 'Warrior of the Moon,' set in the world of the Mora and the first of a new trilogy (The Sleeping Sky) is set for release on Feb 15 of next year, to be followed by a poetry collection, 'A Poet's Day,' on April 21 (my birthday, which is why it is not the usual Saturday event). Beyond that, nothing is set but expect a second Wilk adventure novel and maybe the second Sleeping Sky book sometime in 2020.
I'll keep writing them—you keep reading them!
September 8, 2019
And So We Move On
'The Crocodile God' is out there now, as scheduled, and I've been moving on. As promised there will be another poetry collection next year, toward which I am making a desultory effort. So many pieces from which to choose, and it always seems the ones I like best are unsuited to the theme of the book. Maybe I'll have it together before summer—to some degree it is intended to fill the cracks between novel releases.
So, novels. As mentioned, 'The Crocodile God' is out. I also had a sci-fi novel published under a pen name earlier this summer. I guess I shouldn't say what that name is, huh? But you are free to attempt to figure it out. My next Cully Beach 'cozy mystery' (sort of cozy, anyway) of surfer/amateur detective Ted 'Shaper' Carrol is scheduled for a November 30 release and, beyond that, I have finished another fantasy novel set in the land of the quasi-Polynesian Mora folk, titled 'Warrior of the Moon.' That will be first in a new trilogy (The Sleeping Sky), following the Malvern and Mora trilogies. Probably to appear on Feb 15, 2020.
Right now, working on a pair of novel projects. One is a mainstream novel set in the summer of 1968 in the very real Naples FL where I grew up. It is likely it will be under a pen name as it veers into 'women's fiction' territory (as did my novel Asanas, which is under my own name). The other is another Wilk action adventure, set somewhat earlier than 'The Dictator's Children.' Almost thirty years earlier, in fact, right after WW1, and set in revolutionary Russia and China. I'll finish one or the other of those. And then finish the other but maybe slip in the writing of the sequel to 'Warrior of the Moon' first. And so we move on.
So, novels. As mentioned, 'The Crocodile God' is out. I also had a sci-fi novel published under a pen name earlier this summer. I guess I shouldn't say what that name is, huh? But you are free to attempt to figure it out. My next Cully Beach 'cozy mystery' (sort of cozy, anyway) of surfer/amateur detective Ted 'Shaper' Carrol is scheduled for a November 30 release and, beyond that, I have finished another fantasy novel set in the land of the quasi-Polynesian Mora folk, titled 'Warrior of the Moon.' That will be first in a new trilogy (The Sleeping Sky), following the Malvern and Mora trilogies. Probably to appear on Feb 15, 2020.
Right now, working on a pair of novel projects. One is a mainstream novel set in the summer of 1968 in the very real Naples FL where I grew up. It is likely it will be under a pen name as it veers into 'women's fiction' territory (as did my novel Asanas, which is under my own name). The other is another Wilk action adventure, set somewhat earlier than 'The Dictator's Children.' Almost thirty years earlier, in fact, right after WW1, and set in revolutionary Russia and China. I'll finish one or the other of those. And then finish the other but maybe slip in the writing of the sequel to 'Warrior of the Moon' first. And so we move on.
June 17, 2019
In Fall
Another novel written and, to some degree, edited---the third of my Cully Beach mysteries, title 'Smoke.' This one is perhaps more a true mystery than the first two, which were closer to mainstream-with-a-crime-element. Indeed, 'Smoke' fits pretty well into the cozy mystery slot. I have a tentative release date of November 30, if all goes well.
In the mean time, the fantasy novel 'The Crocodile God' is still set for release on Sept 7. That would be the second book in the Crocodile Chronicles, featuring Qala the (retired) Pirate Queen. I am in the midst of final proofreading of the formatted-and-ready-to-publish version. Adventure both in the mortal realm and the home of her former lover and a father of her child, Xido---the Crocodile God of the title. His divine relatives, as usual, get involved.
Beyond and into 2020? I guess I don't have 20-20 vision! Do expect another poetry collection sometime next year, to be titled 'A Poet's Day.' British readers might get the joke in that title.
In the mean time, the fantasy novel 'The Crocodile God' is still set for release on Sept 7. That would be the second book in the Crocodile Chronicles, featuring Qala the (retired) Pirate Queen. I am in the midst of final proofreading of the formatted-and-ready-to-publish version. Adventure both in the mortal realm and the home of her former lover and a father of her child, Xido---the Crocodile God of the title. His divine relatives, as usual, get involved.
Beyond and into 2020? I guess I don't have 20-20 vision! Do expect another poetry collection sometime next year, to be titled 'A Poet's Day.' British readers might get the joke in that title.
May 2, 2019
Summer
It is only a couple days till the 'official' release of The Dictator's Children, my adventure spy novel set in 1948 Cuba, Florida, and Central America. Available at most vendors already and the rest of them soon! So what else is coming up this summer?
I have been involved in the editing (and more) of a new science fiction novel by Oliver Davis Pike, title Alienese. A short, quick-paced piece, i.e. right up my alley. My publishing venture, Arachis Press, will be putting it out. Despite having thirty some books in our catalog, AP remained, strictly speaking, a self-publishing effort. With this I can legitimately claim to be an indie publisher, right? :)
Alienese will be out on July 6. On September 7, my next book will be released, the second Crocodile Chronicles novel, The Crocodile God. Come Fall and Winter? We'll see!
I have been involved in the editing (and more) of a new science fiction novel by Oliver Davis Pike, title Alienese. A short, quick-paced piece, i.e. right up my alley. My publishing venture, Arachis Press, will be putting it out. Despite having thirty some books in our catalog, AP remained, strictly speaking, a self-publishing effort. With this I can legitimately claim to be an indie publisher, right? :)
Alienese will be out on July 6. On September 7, my next book will be released, the second Crocodile Chronicles novel, The Crocodile God. Come Fall and Winter? We'll see!
