Hugo Negron's Blog - Posts Tagged "those-that-stand-in-shadow"
Forging of a Knight and other new quests
IN THE BEGINNING…
The idea for this series started a LONG way back – grade school, as a matter of fact. A fascination with historical books on fantasy and mythology, and being influenced by works written by J.R.R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, the Hildebrandt Brothers (does anyone remember their foray into writing fantasy, Urshurak?), Robert E. Howard, and a host of others, gave way to an interest in writing about it. All of these writers created their own worlds, and populated them with unique cultures, creatures, heroes, and villains. My first tinkering was definitely not up to par. If anyone can recall the old Thundarr cartoon, my initial stories strongly paralleled it!
Over time the adventures of Qualtan grew into the occasional hobby – writing a new chapter here, removing an old chapter there. As reality kicked in (school, jobs, bills, worrying about money to PAY those bills, etc.) the stories become lost in piles of old memories and were only rediscovered when I moved out on my own. At one point, they ended up as trash, being thrown out as a childhood exercise in boredom. But for some reason, I went back to that trash can a few hours later and retrieved them, thinking they deserved a better review. The creative spark was rekindled, and the process of writing a new chapter here, removing an old chapter there, began again.
Fast forward years later, and my wife took an interest in my stories as I poured through what was now an enormous pile of paper, notebooks and random notes. Despite the years of on and off again writing, the stories had now grown with me and their basic premises were memorized. As I talked about them, and how neat it would have been to have seen them in novel form, she asked me why hadn’t I ever tried to do anything with them. I thought, camaan, to go through them all, make sense out of all the details, maturate the storylines, why bother?
Why not?! was the answer.
Why not, indeed? So I took the first story, and over a year, polished, updated, and clarified. I hired an editor to do clean-up, an illustrator to draw the cover, and found lulu.com in order to bind, prepare and set up for online epub and hard copy accessibility.
So now we are nearly at the “go live” stage – sure, there’s magic, monsters, and strange, wonderful places to visit within this first tale, but there are also lessons in friendship, trust, expectations, and that little naiveté all of us can have when starting off into something brand new, that almost always gets tempered with a slight dash of disappointment, a pinch of cynicism, and a spoonful of real vs. assumed expectations. This is something we can all relate to, whether you’re carrying around a mystic sword or not.
And this is only the start…both here and on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Forging.of.a.... I'll be adding snippets on the characters, updates on what is coming next and some great giveaway contests as well as we lead up to the release of the first book in the Forging of a Knight series...
The idea for this series started a LONG way back – grade school, as a matter of fact. A fascination with historical books on fantasy and mythology, and being influenced by works written by J.R.R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, the Hildebrandt Brothers (does anyone remember their foray into writing fantasy, Urshurak?), Robert E. Howard, and a host of others, gave way to an interest in writing about it. All of these writers created their own worlds, and populated them with unique cultures, creatures, heroes, and villains. My first tinkering was definitely not up to par. If anyone can recall the old Thundarr cartoon, my initial stories strongly paralleled it!
Over time the adventures of Qualtan grew into the occasional hobby – writing a new chapter here, removing an old chapter there. As reality kicked in (school, jobs, bills, worrying about money to PAY those bills, etc.) the stories become lost in piles of old memories and were only rediscovered when I moved out on my own. At one point, they ended up as trash, being thrown out as a childhood exercise in boredom. But for some reason, I went back to that trash can a few hours later and retrieved them, thinking they deserved a better review. The creative spark was rekindled, and the process of writing a new chapter here, removing an old chapter there, began again.
Fast forward years later, and my wife took an interest in my stories as I poured through what was now an enormous pile of paper, notebooks and random notes. Despite the years of on and off again writing, the stories had now grown with me and their basic premises were memorized. As I talked about them, and how neat it would have been to have seen them in novel form, she asked me why hadn’t I ever tried to do anything with them. I thought, camaan, to go through them all, make sense out of all the details, maturate the storylines, why bother?
Why not?! was the answer.
Why not, indeed? So I took the first story, and over a year, polished, updated, and clarified. I hired an editor to do clean-up, an illustrator to draw the cover, and found lulu.com in order to bind, prepare and set up for online epub and hard copy accessibility.
So now we are nearly at the “go live” stage – sure, there’s magic, monsters, and strange, wonderful places to visit within this first tale, but there are also lessons in friendship, trust, expectations, and that little naiveté all of us can have when starting off into something brand new, that almost always gets tempered with a slight dash of disappointment, a pinch of cynicism, and a spoonful of real vs. assumed expectations. This is something we can all relate to, whether you’re carrying around a mystic sword or not.
And this is only the start…both here and on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Forging.of.a.... I'll be adding snippets on the characters, updates on what is coming next and some great giveaway contests as well as we lead up to the release of the first book in the Forging of a Knight series...
Those That Stand in Shadow - and other updates
Whew! Well, finally got a chance to continue my blog insights into some of the main characters of Forging of a Knight. It has been pretty hectic of late - in the real world, I was invited to present at a local church gathering on resume development/interviewing techniques, been super busy at work trying to fill a ton of roles, and then I wrenched my shoulder while working out (which made me wish for Qualtan's recuperative powers!). But a break in the action has come at last...the Wizard Con is coming to IL next week, and I’m all set for it – costume and all!
Forging of a Knight has also been busy. Some local libraries are now carrying (and signing out) copies, one entry was sent to a Writer's Digest book contest, and another to the Frankfurt, Germany book fair, in the hopes of getting more exposure. Fingers crossed...!
So anyway, onto the Bad Guys!! Those That Stand in Shadow, also known as the Evil Ones, the Dark Ones, and probably a few more titles – offspring from demonic beings called down to sow their seed upon their human worshippers. Instigators of the Great War, which lasted over five decades, purveyors of evil, and near victors against the combined forces of good during the Final Battle. Only the surprise appearance of the Master of the Great Beasts, the one-eyed Dragon King, and his kin, an army of dragons, was able to break the Dark Ones’ power and begin their eventual defeat. One by one, they were tracked down and captured: Thorngagg, his twin brother Narthagg, Mulnornn the Red, and Yog the Hated. Only antler-headed Darksiege, and the leader of the Dark Ones, the spider-like Shaz, escaped to continue their plotting and planning. They wield deadly magic, Giant-strength, and their most infamous power - the vampire-like ability to drain the life force from living beings to feed upon. Although Darksiege disappeared, Shaz remained stationed in his citadel, like a true spider in its web, waiting with infinite patience to strike again. Although the Alliance claimed victory, Aurelus, one of the great Arch-Mages, and architect of the alliance that rose up against the Evil Ones, could not convince them to complete the act and attack Shaz' keep. Weary of war, they were content to focus on the reconstruction of their lands and countries, satisfied in keeping a wary eye on the lands of Shaz, but unwilling to commit more lives in yet another war.
So Aurelus, undefeated in war, was defeated in the council chambers by the very Alliance Kings he had brought together. All he could do was ensure the memory of the Dark Ones would never be forgotten, and to be prepared for their eventual return…
Forging of a Knight’s second book is already in the draft stage. In it, we have a far more complex storyline, and a far more complex group of characters to learn about. Jesepha, the strong willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a strange mystery of his own; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; the dashing merchant lord Visandus; Qualtan, Glaive, and a host of others. All of them, working together against a new threat that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror that will involve other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege at last! And THAT is still just a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
Up next – the Arch-Mages! Who are the wizards besides Aurelus that make up this special group?
Forging of a Knight has also been busy. Some local libraries are now carrying (and signing out) copies, one entry was sent to a Writer's Digest book contest, and another to the Frankfurt, Germany book fair, in the hopes of getting more exposure. Fingers crossed...!
So anyway, onto the Bad Guys!! Those That Stand in Shadow, also known as the Evil Ones, the Dark Ones, and probably a few more titles – offspring from demonic beings called down to sow their seed upon their human worshippers. Instigators of the Great War, which lasted over five decades, purveyors of evil, and near victors against the combined forces of good during the Final Battle. Only the surprise appearance of the Master of the Great Beasts, the one-eyed Dragon King, and his kin, an army of dragons, was able to break the Dark Ones’ power and begin their eventual defeat. One by one, they were tracked down and captured: Thorngagg, his twin brother Narthagg, Mulnornn the Red, and Yog the Hated. Only antler-headed Darksiege, and the leader of the Dark Ones, the spider-like Shaz, escaped to continue their plotting and planning. They wield deadly magic, Giant-strength, and their most infamous power - the vampire-like ability to drain the life force from living beings to feed upon. Although Darksiege disappeared, Shaz remained stationed in his citadel, like a true spider in its web, waiting with infinite patience to strike again. Although the Alliance claimed victory, Aurelus, one of the great Arch-Mages, and architect of the alliance that rose up against the Evil Ones, could not convince them to complete the act and attack Shaz' keep. Weary of war, they were content to focus on the reconstruction of their lands and countries, satisfied in keeping a wary eye on the lands of Shaz, but unwilling to commit more lives in yet another war.
So Aurelus, undefeated in war, was defeated in the council chambers by the very Alliance Kings he had brought together. All he could do was ensure the memory of the Dark Ones would never be forgotten, and to be prepared for their eventual return…
Forging of a Knight’s second book is already in the draft stage. In it, we have a far more complex storyline, and a far more complex group of characters to learn about. Jesepha, the strong willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a strange mystery of his own; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; the dashing merchant lord Visandus; Qualtan, Glaive, and a host of others. All of them, working together against a new threat that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror that will involve other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege at last! And THAT is still just a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
Up next – the Arch-Mages! Who are the wizards besides Aurelus that make up this special group?
Thanks to all!
I just wanted to give a quick "shout out" and say thanks to the 466 people who entered my giveaway for free copies of Forging of a Knight!
To those five entrants that won, books will be shipped out shortly! I hope you enjoy the story, the characters, and the first of the Forging of a Knight series! Feel free to let me know what you thought!
Also wanted to say thanks to local libraries in Bartlett, Schaumburg, and Elgin, IL for carrying a copy!
To those five entrants that won, books will be shipped out shortly! I hope you enjoy the story, the characters, and the first of the Forging of a Knight series! Feel free to let me know what you thought!
Also wanted to say thanks to local libraries in Bartlett, Schaumburg, and Elgin, IL for carrying a copy!
GEN CON 2013! Updates, and more...
Hello out there!
Here in Illinois, we are finally digging through some actual snowstorms that took effect after a record setting period of no-snow for this time of year. I’m actually happy we didn’t take down our Christmas tree since we are finally getting a “white post-Christmas”…
Onto some news! I will have a booth set up at Gen Con in Indianapolis this year Aug 15-18th! I will be hawkin’, sellin’, and beggin’ my book Forging of a Knight, along with Book Two, Rise of the Slavekeepers in my REAL metal suit of armor (not a full suit, as I wouldn’t want to shake someone’s hand and then collapse from dehydration, but suit enough!). This is a great event for fantasy buffs, and there will be games, contests, and costumes galore:
http://gencon.com/
If you plan on going, please stop by and visit me in the Author’s Avenue to talk fantasy, books, Forging of a Knight, or just to say “hi”!
Speaking of which, Book Two is still with my editor. I will hopefully be able to share some preview work on the cover and additional tidbits as it progresses.
As I speak (or write), I am halfway through the rough draft for Book Three. This is going to be a really fun read – I wish I could share some details, but the plot revolves around things that happen in Book Two and I don’t want to spoil it until Book Two is out later this year and people have had a chance to read it. I will say this – enemies become allies, and some characters introduced in Books One and Two will return and join forces, along with new companions, in a race against the ruling member of Those That Stand in Shadow and his agents to stop the unleashing of an even greater terror! For those who read Book One, they may recall Amali the Ancient, and the fact that his home resided in the Third Continent. They may also recall the reference to a race of corrupt demon worshippers called the Yanaan during a brief conversation between Amali and Aurelus. That will give some hints as to who may be appearing. From Turinthia to the sweltering Third Continent where sits the empire of Zubadi, the story will cover two continents, new lands, new heroes, and new foes! Okay, so maybe I spoiled it a little bit…
I also wanted to give a shout out and say THANK YOU to two people who have really supported Forging of a Knight with their kind words, reviews, and assistance in putting the word out there. They deserve mention here.
They are:
Jasper de Joode – Forging of a Knight’s first official reviewer, back when he was at www.fantasybookreview.co.uk. Now you can find his awesome reviews at http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/
Brian Beam, author of The Dragon Gem:
"With nothing to go on but a vague dream which may or may not be memory, Korinalis Karell has traveled Amirand for three years in search of his birth parents. With a magical Contract to fund his journey and a magic talking wizard cat named Max to keep him out of trouble, Korin has made his way through the world with no success in finding them.
However, what starts out as a seemingly simple Contract job to find a stolen gem for a count quickly turns into a fight for survival that brings about revelations about Korin's life that turn his world inside-out and upside-down.
With the aid of a mediocre wizard who happens to be the daughter of the most powerful wizard in Amirand, a chatterbox Kolarin, and Max, Korin sets out to discover the secrets of his past so that he may live to see his future.
This is a firsthand account of Korin's journey as he chases down thieves, is chased down by a dragon and gods-forsaken creatures of death, and finds out that life just never seems to get easier."
Find out what he’s up to next at:
https://www.facebook.com/brianbeamauthor
A humble thank you to you both – you are truly Knights of the Order!
Here in Illinois, we are finally digging through some actual snowstorms that took effect after a record setting period of no-snow for this time of year. I’m actually happy we didn’t take down our Christmas tree since we are finally getting a “white post-Christmas”…
Onto some news! I will have a booth set up at Gen Con in Indianapolis this year Aug 15-18th! I will be hawkin’, sellin’, and beggin’ my book Forging of a Knight, along with Book Two, Rise of the Slavekeepers in my REAL metal suit of armor (not a full suit, as I wouldn’t want to shake someone’s hand and then collapse from dehydration, but suit enough!). This is a great event for fantasy buffs, and there will be games, contests, and costumes galore:
http://gencon.com/
If you plan on going, please stop by and visit me in the Author’s Avenue to talk fantasy, books, Forging of a Knight, or just to say “hi”!
Speaking of which, Book Two is still with my editor. I will hopefully be able to share some preview work on the cover and additional tidbits as it progresses.
As I speak (or write), I am halfway through the rough draft for Book Three. This is going to be a really fun read – I wish I could share some details, but the plot revolves around things that happen in Book Two and I don’t want to spoil it until Book Two is out later this year and people have had a chance to read it. I will say this – enemies become allies, and some characters introduced in Books One and Two will return and join forces, along with new companions, in a race against the ruling member of Those That Stand in Shadow and his agents to stop the unleashing of an even greater terror! For those who read Book One, they may recall Amali the Ancient, and the fact that his home resided in the Third Continent. They may also recall the reference to a race of corrupt demon worshippers called the Yanaan during a brief conversation between Amali and Aurelus. That will give some hints as to who may be appearing. From Turinthia to the sweltering Third Continent where sits the empire of Zubadi, the story will cover two continents, new lands, new heroes, and new foes! Okay, so maybe I spoiled it a little bit…
I also wanted to give a shout out and say THANK YOU to two people who have really supported Forging of a Knight with their kind words, reviews, and assistance in putting the word out there. They deserve mention here.
They are:
Jasper de Joode – Forging of a Knight’s first official reviewer, back when he was at www.fantasybookreview.co.uk. Now you can find his awesome reviews at http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/
Brian Beam, author of The Dragon Gem:
"With nothing to go on but a vague dream which may or may not be memory, Korinalis Karell has traveled Amirand for three years in search of his birth parents. With a magical Contract to fund his journey and a magic talking wizard cat named Max to keep him out of trouble, Korin has made his way through the world with no success in finding them.
However, what starts out as a seemingly simple Contract job to find a stolen gem for a count quickly turns into a fight for survival that brings about revelations about Korin's life that turn his world inside-out and upside-down.
With the aid of a mediocre wizard who happens to be the daughter of the most powerful wizard in Amirand, a chatterbox Kolarin, and Max, Korin sets out to discover the secrets of his past so that he may live to see his future.
This is a firsthand account of Korin's journey as he chases down thieves, is chased down by a dragon and gods-forsaken creatures of death, and finds out that life just never seems to get easier."
Find out what he’s up to next at:
https://www.facebook.com/brianbeamauthor
A humble thank you to you both – you are truly Knights of the Order!
Cover image for Book Two of the Forging of a Knight Series
Hi all - I just wanted to share this, as I was so excited with the results. My illustrator, Lora Lee, completed the front AND back cover images for Forging of a Knight, Rise of the Slavekeepers, which should be out around October this year at the latest. I was hoping it would be ready by August 14th when I will be boothing for my book in full armor at the Indy Gen Con this year, but the timing just couldnt be done. Still, it should be a fun time out there as I will have handouts showing the cover, discussing the series overall and saying hi to all the fellow mythological/fantasy buffs at the convention!
You can check my initial drawing for the cover and her translation of it at the Forging of a Knight facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/Forging.of.a...
The second book in the Forging of a Knight series! Qualtan has become a knight at last. With Glaive, the half-orcne thief by his side, he will join a host of new allies: Jesepha, the strong-willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a mysterious secret; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; and the dashing merchant lord Visandus.
They will stand together against a new menace that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror, involving other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege, one of Those That Stand in Shadow, at last! Should they somehow prevail, it will just be a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
You can check my initial drawing for the cover and her translation of it at the Forging of a Knight facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/Forging.of.a...
The second book in the Forging of a Knight series! Qualtan has become a knight at last. With Glaive, the half-orcne thief by his side, he will join a host of new allies: Jesepha, the strong-willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a mysterious secret; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; and the dashing merchant lord Visandus.
They will stand together against a new menace that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror, involving other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege, one of Those That Stand in Shadow, at last! Should they somehow prevail, it will just be a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
Forging of a Knight, Rise of the Slavekeepers, is here!
Forging of a Knight, Rise of the Slavekeepers, is live on the Kindle!
At last, Book Two is out - and just in time before Halloween! It will be available soon in paperback version at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and other online vendors, as well as for the NOOK and iBookstore!
Both paperback AND an epub version are currently available at lulu.com.
But for those looking for Kindle accessibility, here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9UB85M
New heroes, new villains, and an ending that will hint at the biggest threat of all in Book Three of the series coming out next year!
The second book in the Forging of a Knight series! Qualtan has become a knight at last. With Glaive, the half-orcne thief by his side, he will join a host of new friends: Jesepha, the strong-willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a strange secret; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; and the dashing merchant lord Visandus.
A seemingly routine mission will unravel into one of greater horror, involving inter-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege, one of Those That Stand in Shadow, at last! Should they somehow prevail, it will just be a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
I'll be setting up a giveaway of 5 free signed paperback copies soon, so be on the lookout for it...
At last, Book Two is out - and just in time before Halloween! It will be available soon in paperback version at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and other online vendors, as well as for the NOOK and iBookstore!
Both paperback AND an epub version are currently available at lulu.com.
But for those looking for Kindle accessibility, here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9UB85M
New heroes, new villains, and an ending that will hint at the biggest threat of all in Book Three of the series coming out next year!
The second book in the Forging of a Knight series! Qualtan has become a knight at last. With Glaive, the half-orcne thief by his side, he will join a host of new friends: Jesepha, the strong-willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a strange secret; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; and the dashing merchant lord Visandus.
A seemingly routine mission will unravel into one of greater horror, involving inter-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege, one of Those That Stand in Shadow, at last! Should they somehow prevail, it will just be a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
I'll be setting up a giveaway of 5 free signed paperback copies soon, so be on the lookout for it...
Book Three of the Forging of a Knight Series
It’s coming...
They have been hinted at – heroes of glorious legend, villains of infamous fable – some have made their presence known, while others only by name: Aurelus, Amali, Termenon, Qualtan, Jesepha, Darksiege, and Shaz.
Now, heroes of the past and present will unite against Those That Stand in Shadow. From the steaming jungles of the Third Continent to a Prison Planet forged by angels, the Arch-Mages and their champions will find themselves in a race against time to prevent Shaz and his agents from finding the Dark Ones’ demonic fathers and releasing them from bondage. Enemies will become allies, and allies will become foes in the ultimate confrontation with evil that will span two continents, new lands, and new terrors!
Forging of a Knight, Book Three: Prison Planet of the Mah-Lahkt…coming in 2014…
They have been hinted at – heroes of glorious legend, villains of infamous fable – some have made their presence known, while others only by name: Aurelus, Amali, Termenon, Qualtan, Jesepha, Darksiege, and Shaz.
Now, heroes of the past and present will unite against Those That Stand in Shadow. From the steaming jungles of the Third Continent to a Prison Planet forged by angels, the Arch-Mages and their champions will find themselves in a race against time to prevent Shaz and his agents from finding the Dark Ones’ demonic fathers and releasing them from bondage. Enemies will become allies, and allies will become foes in the ultimate confrontation with evil that will span two continents, new lands, and new terrors!
Forging of a Knight, Book Three: Prison Planet of the Mah-Lahkt…coming in 2014…
Forging of a Knight at By The Sword!
Forging of a Knight is now available for purchase at By The Sword at bytheswordinc.com! Check out their great fantasy/medieval reproductions and products:
http://www.bytheswordinc.com/p-37936-...
http://www.bytheswordinc.com/p-37937-...
http://www.bytheswordinc.com/p-37936-...
http://www.bytheswordinc.com/p-37937-...
