Brendan Carroll's Blog: Working my way back, page 3
March 28, 2012
New Avatar/New Attitude
I've been lax in my blogging and my reading lately because I've allowed myself to slip into a sort of Doldrums of Despair due to illnesses in my immediate family and friends.
It seemed the only one NOT sick was me, and I was spinning my wheels, going here to there to here and not leaving any time at all for my writing, editing, reading and blogging.
I had to sit down and do a serious self assessment and figure out where I could work in more time for the things I live for while still fulfilling my obligations to friends and family.
Well, I have made a New Year's Resolution three months late, but hey, better late than you know.
So first of all I looked over the sites I usually haunt and the various profiles I have made for myself and I was appalled to see the haphazard, disparate 'stuff' I had put together.
I started cleaning house and like all Spring Cleaning, the more I did, the better I felt.
I changed my avatar to match my by-line or creed: Only a Fool can rule the World.
I had used this phrase hither and thither, never once thinking much about it. Until it suddenly occurred to me that not everyone (or hardly anyone) would know what the hell I was talking about, so I thought I would explain it a little.
The Fool in this case is the Fool Card from the Tarot Deck. The Fool is like the 'Child' that is spoken of in various theologies and philosophies, the open-hearted, open-minded, trusting soul that knows all things are as they should be in the Universe and he also knows that whatever happens, happens because it is for us to absorb and assimilate for our betterment no matter how terrible it seems at the time. The Fool knows that he is immortal and that eventually, he will make his way home to God or the Master of the Universe or the Creative Mind or what have you.
Once you have come to the realization that you are immortal, you rule the world and the world no longer rules you.
It was the memory of this idea that pulled me up out of my rut and set me on the right path again.
It seemed the only one NOT sick was me, and I was spinning my wheels, going here to there to here and not leaving any time at all for my writing, editing, reading and blogging.
I had to sit down and do a serious self assessment and figure out where I could work in more time for the things I live for while still fulfilling my obligations to friends and family.
Well, I have made a New Year's Resolution three months late, but hey, better late than you know.
So first of all I looked over the sites I usually haunt and the various profiles I have made for myself and I was appalled to see the haphazard, disparate 'stuff' I had put together.
I started cleaning house and like all Spring Cleaning, the more I did, the better I felt.
I changed my avatar to match my by-line or creed: Only a Fool can rule the World.
I had used this phrase hither and thither, never once thinking much about it. Until it suddenly occurred to me that not everyone (or hardly anyone) would know what the hell I was talking about, so I thought I would explain it a little.
The Fool in this case is the Fool Card from the Tarot Deck. The Fool is like the 'Child' that is spoken of in various theologies and philosophies, the open-hearted, open-minded, trusting soul that knows all things are as they should be in the Universe and he also knows that whatever happens, happens because it is for us to absorb and assimilate for our betterment no matter how terrible it seems at the time. The Fool knows that he is immortal and that eventually, he will make his way home to God or the Master of the Universe or the Creative Mind or what have you.
Once you have come to the realization that you are immortal, you rule the world and the world no longer rules you.
It was the memory of this idea that pulled me up out of my rut and set me on the right path again.
March 16, 2012
Sample Sunday ~ March 18
I have a couple of reviews noting that The Knight of Death is not truly representative of the fantasy genre. I'm thinking the notion may stem from one or two things. The first being that the book starts off an epic series and it deliberately starts the action off rather slowing, dealing with mysteries, lies, deceit and a number of modern trials and tribulations that might happen to almost anyone. As the book progresses, the truth of the situation unfolds and the reader is slowly drawn into the realization that not everything is as it seems. There is something truly mysterious and other-worldly about the protagonist, Sir Mark Andrew Ramsay. Nor is everything quite right about his so-called "Brothers" of the Order of the Red Cross of Gold. Although, they have apparently been around for a long time, the fact of their humanity or their humanity-affected existences have given them all the right and privilege to make all the mistakes that mortals make. Any reader with insight into mythology will remember that the gods and the supernatural beings of old had numerous nasty habits and made profound mistakes. Being immortal does not make a man smarter, nor does it make him greater than the heart that beats in his chest.
Here's a small excerpt with a hint of the supernatural, or if you prefer, fantastical element exposed.
"The black stallion wandered aimlessly into view. The subdued light under the trees slanted through millions of translucent green leaves and the trunks of the trees cast deep shadows across the stream. Their gnarled roots formed fantastic shapes along the banks, piling up against one another in a slow, but inexorable struggle for space. A few yards upstream from where she waited, a graceful weeping willow of considerable age added mystery to the beauty of the backdrop against which the velvet animal assumed the proportions of a mythical creature. She half-expected to see wings on his back. The trailing tendrils of the willow partially obscured the dark rider atop the black horse like a living beaded curtain of light green.
He did not appear to be seated in the saddle, but rather perched precariously on top of the stallion. The horse moved out of the willow’s covering branches and she drew a sharp breath. She had followed the right man. He sat with his knees up, his head leaning into the horse’s neck. One pale hand was visible, entangled in the long mane while the reins dragged in the water. Was he dead in the saddle? Was that possible? The horse slowly made its way toward her until a break in the trees allowed the slanting rays of the morning sun to illuminate the area like a stage provided by nature and just for a moment, she thought she saw dozens of tiny green, yellow and blue orbs floating around him. Then the illusion was gone as the lights seemed to flee in every direction at the very instant she drew the breath. The horse took a step or two and then stopped.
The rider jerked slightly and the horse took another step or two and stopped again. Not dead. She watched in silent fascination as this process was repeated again and again. He wasn’t dead, nor was he quite asleep. It was unbelievable. He was close enough now that she could see narrow stripes of darkly glistening liquid running down the saddle and under the horse’s belly. This was the source of the spots that she had been following along the trail.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J6ORUI
Here's a small excerpt with a hint of the supernatural, or if you prefer, fantastical element exposed.
"The black stallion wandered aimlessly into view. The subdued light under the trees slanted through millions of translucent green leaves and the trunks of the trees cast deep shadows across the stream. Their gnarled roots formed fantastic shapes along the banks, piling up against one another in a slow, but inexorable struggle for space. A few yards upstream from where she waited, a graceful weeping willow of considerable age added mystery to the beauty of the backdrop against which the velvet animal assumed the proportions of a mythical creature. She half-expected to see wings on his back. The trailing tendrils of the willow partially obscured the dark rider atop the black horse like a living beaded curtain of light green.
He did not appear to be seated in the saddle, but rather perched precariously on top of the stallion. The horse moved out of the willow’s covering branches and she drew a sharp breath. She had followed the right man. He sat with his knees up, his head leaning into the horse’s neck. One pale hand was visible, entangled in the long mane while the reins dragged in the water. Was he dead in the saddle? Was that possible? The horse slowly made its way toward her until a break in the trees allowed the slanting rays of the morning sun to illuminate the area like a stage provided by nature and just for a moment, she thought she saw dozens of tiny green, yellow and blue orbs floating around him. Then the illusion was gone as the lights seemed to flee in every direction at the very instant she drew the breath. The horse took a step or two and then stopped.
The rider jerked slightly and the horse took another step or two and stopped again. Not dead. She watched in silent fascination as this process was repeated again and again. He wasn’t dead, nor was he quite asleep. It was unbelievable. He was close enough now that she could see narrow stripes of darkly glistening liquid running down the saddle and under the horse’s belly. This was the source of the spots that she had been following along the trail.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J6ORUI
March 9, 2012
Good Day!
Well, I don't know why I'm here writing to tell you the truth, but I just thought I needed to say something. I'm having such a wonderful day, I just wanted to share it with someone. I've been rather depressed lately and then suddenly, yesterday, it seems I came out of it as if someone poured sunshine on my soul.
It's raining, soaking wet and chilly outside, but I'm feeling better than I have in a long, long time.
In fact, I'm going to the rodeo tonight and it's Pink night, so I've decided to wear a pink cowboy hat. Reba McIntyre is the singer slated for the show. I'm looking forward to it immensely in spite of the weather, the news and the state of the Union.
So, just remember, my friends, even in the depths of depression, a ray of sunshine can drop into your life and make things much better. Sometimes, you might have to look for it. I assure you, it's out there somewhere waiting for you to find it.
Now back to work!
It's raining, soaking wet and chilly outside, but I'm feeling better than I have in a long, long time.
In fact, I'm going to the rodeo tonight and it's Pink night, so I've decided to wear a pink cowboy hat. Reba McIntyre is the singer slated for the show. I'm looking forward to it immensely in spite of the weather, the news and the state of the Union.
So, just remember, my friends, even in the depths of depression, a ray of sunshine can drop into your life and make things much better. Sometimes, you might have to look for it. I assure you, it's out there somewhere waiting for you to find it.
Now back to work!
December 7, 2011
Hounds of Oblivion
My new book: Hounds of Oblivion is now available on Amazon.com for Kindle and Smashwords.com in other eBook formats. It is the story of two long time friends, one a writer and one a constable in a small town. Clint brings home an ancient set of mismatched armor from a foreclosed storage unit he owns and strange things start happening, both to him and his fiance.
A string of hideous murders point to him as the possible culprit and the FBI is looking at him as the best suspect. Constable Dillon doesn't want the FBI to arrest his friend and determines to solve the crimes before the FBI does. What he and Clint discover is not something easily dealt with through conventional terms.
Constable Dillon calls on his Native American upbringing and his Shamanistic Grandfather for help when he discovers the nature of the problem they face.
Both Clint and Dillon are soon thrown into the strange world of the Egyptian mythos as they battle for their lives and the lives of the women they love.
Or at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A string of hideous murders point to him as the possible culprit and the FBI is looking at him as the best suspect. Constable Dillon doesn't want the FBI to arrest his friend and determines to solve the crimes before the FBI does. What he and Clint discover is not something easily dealt with through conventional terms.
Constable Dillon calls on his Native American upbringing and his Shamanistic Grandfather for help when he discovers the nature of the problem they face.
Both Clint and Dillon are soon thrown into the strange world of the Egyptian mythos as they battle for their lives and the lives of the women they love.
Or at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
December 4, 2011
Merry Christmas Season! Wow!
Just got back from buying a tree. Got a nice Fraser fir from Lowe's at a great price. 8 footer. Now I have to find and untangle the lights. Always fun.
But I'm feeling better about Christmas this year than I have in a few years and that is always a good thing.
Still working hard on the horror tale, trying to get it up and running for Christmas. Guess I'll put it up for $.99 at Amazon to start with and see how that goes.
I'm having fun writing it. My first foray into the horror genre, though I've always wanted to write one. I'm hoping it has an original theme and has some audience appeal. I would like to have a black background on my cover, but I'm not good enough to change it up. I got a little input on it from some of you and a few from Kindleboards and FB. Some liked it and others tore it up pretty bad. So, since I like it, I'm going with it until something better comes along.
But I'm feeling better about Christmas this year than I have in a few years and that is always a good thing.
Still working hard on the horror tale, trying to get it up and running for Christmas. Guess I'll put it up for $.99 at Amazon to start with and see how that goes.
I'm having fun writing it. My first foray into the horror genre, though I've always wanted to write one. I'm hoping it has an original theme and has some audience appeal. I would like to have a black background on my cover, but I'm not good enough to change it up. I got a little input on it from some of you and a few from Kindleboards and FB. Some liked it and others tore it up pretty bad. So, since I like it, I'm going with it until something better comes along.
October 23, 2011
New Series
The Apprentice Diaries, a new collaborative series by myself and D'Lani Elliott, is on track for a very near Halloween publication on Amazon. The books will be aimed at a YA audience, but will follow the original Assassin Chronicle Series fairly closely in some instances. The series may answer some questions for the readers of the Assassin Chronicles concerning the adventures from the point of view of the younger members of the Order of the Red Cross of Gold.
Have a wonderful Halloween!
Have a wonderful Halloween!
October 10, 2011
As Above, So Below
[image error] I saw this image posted on Facebook and was profoundly impressed by how true the old adage is: A picture is worth a thousand words.
If I could chose one (or in this case, two) pictures to express my entire philosophy of life, religion, politics, the Universe and Proof of Divine Intelligence, this image would say everything I could ever write and more.
With that said, there is no more to be said. LOL!
If I could chose one (or in this case, two) pictures to express my entire philosophy of life, religion, politics, the Universe and Proof of Divine Intelligence, this image would say everything I could ever write and more.
With that said, there is no more to be said. LOL!
September 11, 2011
August
The first book of the Assassin Chronicles went free on the first of August and I gave away a little short of 12000 copies during the month. On Sep. 1, the price went back up to $2.99 so I put book number three The Head of the Crow on sale for $.99 in appreciation of the <12000 people who downloaded the book.
I am anxiously awaiting comments and reviews and have mixed emotions about giving that many books away. It was fascinating however to what the number grow by the minute for the first few days.
How wonderful it would be to someday have those numbers grow again, but for paid works.
I'm not one to publicize my sales, but they are not too shabby. I'm not an Amanda Hocking by any means, but neither do I have vampires in my books (except one or two) and I don't have orcs or werewolves or zombies, but I do have fairies, dragons, djinnis, the un-dead, the UNCREATE and a lot of mythical, mysterious, mystical stuff that will give your brain a work out.
I have noticed, however, that people either love my books or they hate them. Not much middle of the road here.
So I'm off to a good start in September and I'm working on a new series called Apprentice Diaries, roughly based on the Assassin Chronicles, which will be aimed at a younger (YA) audience.
So here's to a great September, hoping for lower temps, more rain and a lot more sales.
I am anxiously awaiting comments and reviews and have mixed emotions about giving that many books away. It was fascinating however to what the number grow by the minute for the first few days.
How wonderful it would be to someday have those numbers grow again, but for paid works.
I'm not one to publicize my sales, but they are not too shabby. I'm not an Amanda Hocking by any means, but neither do I have vampires in my books (except one or two) and I don't have orcs or werewolves or zombies, but I do have fairies, dragons, djinnis, the un-dead, the UNCREATE and a lot of mythical, mysterious, mystical stuff that will give your brain a work out.
I have noticed, however, that people either love my books or they hate them. Not much middle of the road here.
So I'm off to a good start in September and I'm working on a new series called Apprentice Diaries, roughly based on the Assassin Chronicles, which will be aimed at a younger (YA) audience.
So here's to a great September, hoping for lower temps, more rain and a lot more sales.
August 8, 2011
Featured This Week
My work along with an 'about me' section is now posted at Tracey Alley's World. Also please remember that my first Assassin Chronicles novel is currently FREE at Amazon.com, B&N.com, Smashwords, et al.
I would love to have everyone try my work risk free. If you like the first one, I'm told that the others get better as they go along. I don't know if that is true, but I've had many readers tell me that it's true.
http://tinyurl.com/4oarjz6
I would love to have everyone try my work risk free. If you like the first one, I'm told that the others get better as they go along. I don't know if that is true, but I've had many readers tell me that it's true.
http://tinyurl.com/4oarjz6
August 6, 2011
The Red Cross of Gold I:. The Knight of Death
This sample is from the Knight of Death, which currently free at Amazon.com, Smashwords, B&N, etc.
I chose this particular passage because it shows a bit of the religious philosophy held by some of the characters. If you are of a religious character or your personal beliefs are very strong about Christianity, Islam, politics, Catholicism, etc., then I would caution that many controversial subjects arise in the Assassin Chronicles. Since the series is about the Templar Knights and they were considered heretics in the Middle Ages, some of their doctrine and beliefs may be objectionable to some, but remember this is a work of fiction, the characters are imaginary and the opinions and beliefs expressed in the novel are merely speculative fiction and not intended to offend or insult anyone.
Otherwise, read and enjoy because the book was written out of love for the mysteries of life, of God and love and the dark natures of men as well as women.
“Of course he is right,” Dambretti crossed the room and threw himself down on the springy bed. “Times have changed. You know this better than any of us. It is now a crime to persecute them. The authorities protect their rights, but this is far better than the treatment we were all subjected to in the past. I would rather have us all free from such injustices, including them, than to worry that an Inquisitor should show up at the door on any given night to drag us away to the dungeon. I spent enough time there. I, for one, can accept this as the Will of God and I suggest you do the same, Brother Thomas. It will all work out in the end and all will be saved, blah dee blah dee blah! As it is written, so let it be done. None will be lost and that is according to the Will of God. I, like you, am appalled and repelled by the blatant disregard for the teachings of the Christ in this day and age. At least some of the Christians of old thought they were right, but ignorance, like a wine stain on linen, does not go away by itself. The healer is right. We need to make use of what God provides, no matter how we might feel about it personally and we must… give thanks for it.”
“You,” Beaujold turned on him vehemently. “You seemed to enjoy it, my Brother. Perhaps you have spent too much time alone. And only moments ago you pressed your dagger at my throat for insulting Mark Ramsay. Perhaps you would do better to find yourself a woman.”
“Brother Thomas,” Simon exclaimed and then cast a scowl at Dambretti for provoking the man again. “We will do well not to argue and fight among ourselves.” He glanced at Christopher who still stood by the door, looking very pale and put out. The apprentice had no idea what they were saying. He didn’t speak French or Italian. He looked ready to bolt at any moment as if he was sure they were talking about him.
Brendan Carroll
I chose this particular passage because it shows a bit of the religious philosophy held by some of the characters. If you are of a religious character or your personal beliefs are very strong about Christianity, Islam, politics, Catholicism, etc., then I would caution that many controversial subjects arise in the Assassin Chronicles. Since the series is about the Templar Knights and they were considered heretics in the Middle Ages, some of their doctrine and beliefs may be objectionable to some, but remember this is a work of fiction, the characters are imaginary and the opinions and beliefs expressed in the novel are merely speculative fiction and not intended to offend or insult anyone.
Otherwise, read and enjoy because the book was written out of love for the mysteries of life, of God and love and the dark natures of men as well as women.
“Of course he is right,” Dambretti crossed the room and threw himself down on the springy bed. “Times have changed. You know this better than any of us. It is now a crime to persecute them. The authorities protect their rights, but this is far better than the treatment we were all subjected to in the past. I would rather have us all free from such injustices, including them, than to worry that an Inquisitor should show up at the door on any given night to drag us away to the dungeon. I spent enough time there. I, for one, can accept this as the Will of God and I suggest you do the same, Brother Thomas. It will all work out in the end and all will be saved, blah dee blah dee blah! As it is written, so let it be done. None will be lost and that is according to the Will of God. I, like you, am appalled and repelled by the blatant disregard for the teachings of the Christ in this day and age. At least some of the Christians of old thought they were right, but ignorance, like a wine stain on linen, does not go away by itself. The healer is right. We need to make use of what God provides, no matter how we might feel about it personally and we must… give thanks for it.”
“You,” Beaujold turned on him vehemently. “You seemed to enjoy it, my Brother. Perhaps you have spent too much time alone. And only moments ago you pressed your dagger at my throat for insulting Mark Ramsay. Perhaps you would do better to find yourself a woman.”
“Brother Thomas,” Simon exclaimed and then cast a scowl at Dambretti for provoking the man again. “We will do well not to argue and fight among ourselves.” He glanced at Christopher who still stood by the door, looking very pale and put out. The apprentice had no idea what they were saying. He didn’t speak French or Italian. He looked ready to bolt at any moment as if he was sure they were talking about him.
Brendan Carroll
Working my way back
Fighting off depression and writer's block is tragic.
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