Hugo Negron's Blog, page 12
March 22, 2016
Authors Expo 2016
A preview of all the authors (including me) that will be attending this April 16th starting at noon at the Evergreen Park Public Library, Evergreen Park, IL Authors Expo 2016
http://www.evergreenparklibrary.org/i...
http://www.evergreenparklibrary.org/i...
February 27, 2016
Rough draft of Book Five - Forging of a Knight, Knighthood's End, is complete!
Well, 419 pages in and it's done! At least - the rough version is. Now it's time for a couple of re-reads, polish, and then its off to Erin the editor for the official run-through. My left eye can hopefully stop squinting now...
Below is a small preview - Qualtan a villain? A traitor to his knightly Order? His fellow knights Euric and Bartholomew, the King, and his Master Knight, Lord Mountebank, forced to turn against him? Yep, yep, and yep! Why? Well, that's to be continued...
“Open it.” Qualtan repeated.
Sighing, Lord Mountebank removed a key that was always held on his person. The wheels of the door spun and clanked. With a loud hiss, the door unsealed, unfurling like an opened flower. A stone chamber lay beyond. They entered, and the door closed just as quickly behind them. The room was plain and simple, save for the statues of the Arch Mages that surrounded it, and for a large metal pillar nestled in its center. There was a glowing orb that sat above it, half-shielded by a metal visor that curled protectively around its shape. Posts were fitted with flags from the three Alliance nations, and weapons from each adorned the walls. Capped holes along the lower walls kept safe the many transcripts taken within the room. Shelves of crowded journals and wormy books reached high towards a ceiling which passed beyond many levels, accessible by long trailing ladders that clung to metal rails. Qualtan had never seen the interior of the Chamber before and was astonished by its vastness.
Lord Mountebank noted his reaction. “There is much history here, from the first days of the Alliance to the end of the Great War. Your uncle had this place fashioned by dwarves, and it still carries their magic. Look there.” The general pointed to the metal plugs that dotted the walls.
“Do you see those? They are arranged by banner, to reflect all the conversations taken between the Kings, their generals, and the Arch-Mages under each. Talk of battles, our strategies, even the plans for Reconstruction, after the War was over. This room had seen much use back in those days.”
There was one banner that was not from those of the Alliance. It held the image of a shrieking griffon flying over a gentle cloud.
“That shows the mark of Hermstingle, the nation of the high elves!”
“Of course. They were our allies, and their King a closer one to your uncle. Their ruler, Lord Veltrus, aided in your sword’s creation, did he not?”
“He did.”
“His Kind were given this special privilege, separate from the rest. There are notes here, too, from your father.”
“My father?!”
“Yes. Will you allow me to show them to you?”
Qualtan thought for a moment, his grip reflexively growing tighter.
“I mean you no betrayal. I am your prisoner here, after all.” Lord Mountebank reminded him.
With a quick shove, Qualtan released him. Slightly taken aback by his treatment, the general re-ordered his vest and cloak before continuing.
“Look here.”
Lord Mountebank motioned to one of the sealed plugs beneath the Turinthian banner. Using certain motions, he pulled one loose.
“There were many battles your father led for us. He communicated through this Chamber’s use when he traveled with your uncle. Here are some of them. Some are responses in the King’s hand, others are in mine, but a few were written by him, sent back to be stored in his honor.” Lord Mountebank showed the papers to the knight. Qualtan was amazed. His uncle had kept many of his father’s notes and belongings from their various missions, and the First Knight had learned much from the rulers of Hermstingle when he had chance to visit there, but this was something new. The letters made only routine mention; of morale, supplies, the length of travel, and the losses of war, but then Qualtan saw it. A note sent from his father to the King, a statement of thanks, for congratulations given prior to his final mission with Aurelus and Lord Greythorne, his companions at the time. The statement acknowledged the well-wishes he had received for the pregnancy of his wife and the hoped-for birth of a son:
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for the words of kindness received during our last conversation with my brother Aurelus. My heart is indeed lifted, that in such a time as this, when war still burdens the land, that a miracle of life, the magic of female birth, has arisen to bring back my faith that our work shall soon be done. Aurelus tells me it will be a son, and I trust in his magic to know. I send now to this child my love, a message of the soul that I hope he will hear, so far away is he from me, safe within my wife’s belly, protected from this war. Our last mission is soon upon us, and we travel to the lair of Thorngagg. We shall put him to an end, and the power of the Evil Ones, Those That Stand in Shadow, will be surrendered at last. Only Shaz and his lone remaining captain shall remain, and that captain has long since fled. By the time this letter reaches you, our work will have been done and we shall be on our way to returning home. The work of the Alliance has been done, and our futures have been saved. I have plans for my little one, for he will surely follow in my footsteps. Better times are upon us, and the honor of our roles will return. My wife has already picked out a name for him, and I will speak it to him when I arrive. Aurelus assures me his powers will be like mine, absorbed through the magic given my blood, and he will thus serve as I have, when the world is right again. Knighthood will make better sense then than it does now. It is only for that, when the rain of blood has washed away, that I would hope for him to become a knight; never at a time such as this. Hail to your leadership and the honor of the Alliance, King Prelance, and hail to you, Qualtan my son, as your father returns wearily but with final victory.” - Eucradus
Qualtan could not believe the treasure that was now in his hands. His father would indeed be sent additional word of the birth of a son, born during the winter season. That, Aurelus had told the First Knight, had given his father the strength to pursue their last battle, reaching the hidden lair of Thorngagg, but it was to be a bittersweet victory, for his father never returned home to greet his child. Now, that first salute and welcome from his father had at long last been received. Qualtan’s eyes grew soft, and with the image of his father now in his mind, all the voices of guilt and suspicion that still lay within him reached out for one final attempt.
“My father.” Qualtan said with trembling voice.
“Yes. That was him. Does your mind clear at last? Think of what he would have said. Do you realize the danger of your present position? I can forgive this attack on my person, if you so admit it, but you must be placed in immediate confinement until this curse of yours is gone, in order to save you.”
Lord Mountebank had intentionally chosen that letter, knowing full well how the knight would react. He stepped carefully away from him, eyeing the Chamber door. Even Qualtan’s strength could not damage it, and his sword would take too long to break free – enough time to gather up a suitable force to stop this madness once and for all.
The voices were forced back.
“I do not need to be saved. I know what I do. Contact the Arch-Mages.”
Qualtan continued to stare at the letter. Lord Mountebank had backed himself near the door. In a moment he could open it, and then…
Qualtan suddenly looked up and saw what the general was about to do.
Lord Mountebank reached for the door. He was fast, but Qualtan was faster. The First Knight hurled his dagger towards the door. It whizzed past the general’s face, forcing him to fall back.
“You are not leaving yet.”
Quickly, the general spied a sword from the weapons ornamenting the walls and removed it.
“She has made you into a traitor! She will use you to get at your uncle next! You have been a tool of her’s ever since you first met! Bring your mind back, before you go too far!”
Qualtan placed the letter into his belt. “I have already gone too far. You refuse to believe me. You refuse to listen.”
Lord Mountebank cursed. He pointed his sword at the knight.
“Look at yourself, man! You have forced your way here, with me!”
Qualtan calmly resealed the plug. He faced the general. “I do not wish to fight you. You are my Master Knight. Please, just listen to me!”
The scar on Lord Mountebank’s face added a deeper crevice to his frown. “It is too late for that. I will not summon your wizards to you. Your Mah-Zakim has failed. I refuse!”
“Then I will force you to.” Qualtan said softly, unsheathing his blade. It was a dream, a nightmare, all of it, he thought. Perhaps he was not even in this place, but somewhere else, imagining it. How could it be real?
His footsteps sounded on the cold floor as he advanced. Lord Mountebank readied his sword, jabbing and thrusting into the air. He uttered his final words of warning.
“Qualtan, if you strike me, if you dare to raise your blade against me, it matters not that you are under her spell. You will no longer be the First Knight, and I will defend myself as I must, even if I must kill you. Raise your sword and all you have achieved will be at an end. You give everything you have ever done, every honor you have ever received, to the Mah-Zakim. Do you understand?”
“I do.” Qualtan responded, accepting what was to take place at last.
With a cry of battle, the two knights attacked.
Below is a small preview - Qualtan a villain? A traitor to his knightly Order? His fellow knights Euric and Bartholomew, the King, and his Master Knight, Lord Mountebank, forced to turn against him? Yep, yep, and yep! Why? Well, that's to be continued...
“Open it.” Qualtan repeated.
Sighing, Lord Mountebank removed a key that was always held on his person. The wheels of the door spun and clanked. With a loud hiss, the door unsealed, unfurling like an opened flower. A stone chamber lay beyond. They entered, and the door closed just as quickly behind them. The room was plain and simple, save for the statues of the Arch Mages that surrounded it, and for a large metal pillar nestled in its center. There was a glowing orb that sat above it, half-shielded by a metal visor that curled protectively around its shape. Posts were fitted with flags from the three Alliance nations, and weapons from each adorned the walls. Capped holes along the lower walls kept safe the many transcripts taken within the room. Shelves of crowded journals and wormy books reached high towards a ceiling which passed beyond many levels, accessible by long trailing ladders that clung to metal rails. Qualtan had never seen the interior of the Chamber before and was astonished by its vastness.
Lord Mountebank noted his reaction. “There is much history here, from the first days of the Alliance to the end of the Great War. Your uncle had this place fashioned by dwarves, and it still carries their magic. Look there.” The general pointed to the metal plugs that dotted the walls.
“Do you see those? They are arranged by banner, to reflect all the conversations taken between the Kings, their generals, and the Arch-Mages under each. Talk of battles, our strategies, even the plans for Reconstruction, after the War was over. This room had seen much use back in those days.”
There was one banner that was not from those of the Alliance. It held the image of a shrieking griffon flying over a gentle cloud.
“That shows the mark of Hermstingle, the nation of the high elves!”
“Of course. They were our allies, and their King a closer one to your uncle. Their ruler, Lord Veltrus, aided in your sword’s creation, did he not?”
“He did.”
“His Kind were given this special privilege, separate from the rest. There are notes here, too, from your father.”
“My father?!”
“Yes. Will you allow me to show them to you?”
Qualtan thought for a moment, his grip reflexively growing tighter.
“I mean you no betrayal. I am your prisoner here, after all.” Lord Mountebank reminded him.
With a quick shove, Qualtan released him. Slightly taken aback by his treatment, the general re-ordered his vest and cloak before continuing.
“Look here.”
Lord Mountebank motioned to one of the sealed plugs beneath the Turinthian banner. Using certain motions, he pulled one loose.
“There were many battles your father led for us. He communicated through this Chamber’s use when he traveled with your uncle. Here are some of them. Some are responses in the King’s hand, others are in mine, but a few were written by him, sent back to be stored in his honor.” Lord Mountebank showed the papers to the knight. Qualtan was amazed. His uncle had kept many of his father’s notes and belongings from their various missions, and the First Knight had learned much from the rulers of Hermstingle when he had chance to visit there, but this was something new. The letters made only routine mention; of morale, supplies, the length of travel, and the losses of war, but then Qualtan saw it. A note sent from his father to the King, a statement of thanks, for congratulations given prior to his final mission with Aurelus and Lord Greythorne, his companions at the time. The statement acknowledged the well-wishes he had received for the pregnancy of his wife and the hoped-for birth of a son:
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for the words of kindness received during our last conversation with my brother Aurelus. My heart is indeed lifted, that in such a time as this, when war still burdens the land, that a miracle of life, the magic of female birth, has arisen to bring back my faith that our work shall soon be done. Aurelus tells me it will be a son, and I trust in his magic to know. I send now to this child my love, a message of the soul that I hope he will hear, so far away is he from me, safe within my wife’s belly, protected from this war. Our last mission is soon upon us, and we travel to the lair of Thorngagg. We shall put him to an end, and the power of the Evil Ones, Those That Stand in Shadow, will be surrendered at last. Only Shaz and his lone remaining captain shall remain, and that captain has long since fled. By the time this letter reaches you, our work will have been done and we shall be on our way to returning home. The work of the Alliance has been done, and our futures have been saved. I have plans for my little one, for he will surely follow in my footsteps. Better times are upon us, and the honor of our roles will return. My wife has already picked out a name for him, and I will speak it to him when I arrive. Aurelus assures me his powers will be like mine, absorbed through the magic given my blood, and he will thus serve as I have, when the world is right again. Knighthood will make better sense then than it does now. It is only for that, when the rain of blood has washed away, that I would hope for him to become a knight; never at a time such as this. Hail to your leadership and the honor of the Alliance, King Prelance, and hail to you, Qualtan my son, as your father returns wearily but with final victory.” - Eucradus
Qualtan could not believe the treasure that was now in his hands. His father would indeed be sent additional word of the birth of a son, born during the winter season. That, Aurelus had told the First Knight, had given his father the strength to pursue their last battle, reaching the hidden lair of Thorngagg, but it was to be a bittersweet victory, for his father never returned home to greet his child. Now, that first salute and welcome from his father had at long last been received. Qualtan’s eyes grew soft, and with the image of his father now in his mind, all the voices of guilt and suspicion that still lay within him reached out for one final attempt.
“My father.” Qualtan said with trembling voice.
“Yes. That was him. Does your mind clear at last? Think of what he would have said. Do you realize the danger of your present position? I can forgive this attack on my person, if you so admit it, but you must be placed in immediate confinement until this curse of yours is gone, in order to save you.”
Lord Mountebank had intentionally chosen that letter, knowing full well how the knight would react. He stepped carefully away from him, eyeing the Chamber door. Even Qualtan’s strength could not damage it, and his sword would take too long to break free – enough time to gather up a suitable force to stop this madness once and for all.
The voices were forced back.
“I do not need to be saved. I know what I do. Contact the Arch-Mages.”
Qualtan continued to stare at the letter. Lord Mountebank had backed himself near the door. In a moment he could open it, and then…
Qualtan suddenly looked up and saw what the general was about to do.
Lord Mountebank reached for the door. He was fast, but Qualtan was faster. The First Knight hurled his dagger towards the door. It whizzed past the general’s face, forcing him to fall back.
“You are not leaving yet.”
Quickly, the general spied a sword from the weapons ornamenting the walls and removed it.
“She has made you into a traitor! She will use you to get at your uncle next! You have been a tool of her’s ever since you first met! Bring your mind back, before you go too far!”
Qualtan placed the letter into his belt. “I have already gone too far. You refuse to believe me. You refuse to listen.”
Lord Mountebank cursed. He pointed his sword at the knight.
“Look at yourself, man! You have forced your way here, with me!”
Qualtan calmly resealed the plug. He faced the general. “I do not wish to fight you. You are my Master Knight. Please, just listen to me!”
The scar on Lord Mountebank’s face added a deeper crevice to his frown. “It is too late for that. I will not summon your wizards to you. Your Mah-Zakim has failed. I refuse!”
“Then I will force you to.” Qualtan said softly, unsheathing his blade. It was a dream, a nightmare, all of it, he thought. Perhaps he was not even in this place, but somewhere else, imagining it. How could it be real?
His footsteps sounded on the cold floor as he advanced. Lord Mountebank readied his sword, jabbing and thrusting into the air. He uttered his final words of warning.
“Qualtan, if you strike me, if you dare to raise your blade against me, it matters not that you are under her spell. You will no longer be the First Knight, and I will defend myself as I must, even if I must kill you. Raise your sword and all you have achieved will be at an end. You give everything you have ever done, every honor you have ever received, to the Mah-Zakim. Do you understand?”
“I do.” Qualtan responded, accepting what was to take place at last.
With a cry of battle, the two knights attacked.
December 11, 2015
Book Five Updates - Knighthood's End!
Well, here we are at page 207 on the rough draft for Forging of a Knight Book Five: Knighthood’s End, and it’s only now starting to heat up!
Why so dramatic a title? Well, a lot of loose threads are being tied up with this one.
Anyone who has been following the series knows that a cowardly knight by the name of Sir Rutt escaped from the mist-hidden isles of Sargossia during a battle, while Qualtan and the other knights were seeking out the lair of Darksiege, one of Those That Stand in Shadow, way back in Book Two – Rise of the Slavekeepers.
Since then, you’ve been seeing snippets of what happened to him, and where he’s ended up.
His fate is now in the hands of a Lord Thule, and if anyone remembers Book One, they will recall this rather devious merchant lord was Glaive’s former employer, who betrayed him.
Well, these two were bound to meet again to settle the score, and it will include the fate of Sir Rutt, as well as a certain life-leeching Mah-Zakim that was vaguely hinted at in Book One (can anyone figure out where?!) whom Qualtan gets to meet and ends up falling under her spell...or does he?
The curse of the Haegtes (remember her?), could it be finally coming true? For the sake of a forbidden love, Qualtan will find himself on the run with the Mah-Zakim in a race to free her from her curse, or be consumed by it. With everyone turned against him, his powers at their lowest ebb, Qualtan has seemingly gone in opposition to his knighthood, the Alliance, and his friends. Is he in love, or is he being manipulated by the Mah-Zakim? Can such a creature truly love back? If he can find her a cure, how great will the price be that must be paid?
This one is going to bring a bunch of old faces back: Sir Rutt, Lord Thule, his bodyguard M’Shua, and his wizard Caurn. How about Bartholomew and Euric? The return of Cassandra and the other Arch-Mages? Jesepha and Visandus? Termenon the elf prince? Even a certain glow-in-the-dark knight whose horse can fly and whose face turns into a leering skull?
The ending will have quite a surprise, and it’s going to stay, with a cliffhanger that brings back...well, we’ll see. Just getting this close to the midpoint has been exciting, but exhausting, with a lot of tweaks along the way, and this is still just the crude write-up before I need to go back once its all done and iron things out. It’s funny, I’ll write a single statement to summarize a given scene (i.e., “X confronts Y on such-and-such subject; X gets mad at the result”), and then fleshing out that scene takes up like seven to ten pages. Still, that’s the fun part, until I start to look at a list of like 32+ statements and start doing the math…
More to come.
Why so dramatic a title? Well, a lot of loose threads are being tied up with this one.
Anyone who has been following the series knows that a cowardly knight by the name of Sir Rutt escaped from the mist-hidden isles of Sargossia during a battle, while Qualtan and the other knights were seeking out the lair of Darksiege, one of Those That Stand in Shadow, way back in Book Two – Rise of the Slavekeepers.
Since then, you’ve been seeing snippets of what happened to him, and where he’s ended up.
His fate is now in the hands of a Lord Thule, and if anyone remembers Book One, they will recall this rather devious merchant lord was Glaive’s former employer, who betrayed him.
Well, these two were bound to meet again to settle the score, and it will include the fate of Sir Rutt, as well as a certain life-leeching Mah-Zakim that was vaguely hinted at in Book One (can anyone figure out where?!) whom Qualtan gets to meet and ends up falling under her spell...or does he?
The curse of the Haegtes (remember her?), could it be finally coming true? For the sake of a forbidden love, Qualtan will find himself on the run with the Mah-Zakim in a race to free her from her curse, or be consumed by it. With everyone turned against him, his powers at their lowest ebb, Qualtan has seemingly gone in opposition to his knighthood, the Alliance, and his friends. Is he in love, or is he being manipulated by the Mah-Zakim? Can such a creature truly love back? If he can find her a cure, how great will the price be that must be paid?
This one is going to bring a bunch of old faces back: Sir Rutt, Lord Thule, his bodyguard M’Shua, and his wizard Caurn. How about Bartholomew and Euric? The return of Cassandra and the other Arch-Mages? Jesepha and Visandus? Termenon the elf prince? Even a certain glow-in-the-dark knight whose horse can fly and whose face turns into a leering skull?
The ending will have quite a surprise, and it’s going to stay, with a cliffhanger that brings back...well, we’ll see. Just getting this close to the midpoint has been exciting, but exhausting, with a lot of tweaks along the way, and this is still just the crude write-up before I need to go back once its all done and iron things out. It’s funny, I’ll write a single statement to summarize a given scene (i.e., “X confronts Y on such-and-such subject; X gets mad at the result”), and then fleshing out that scene takes up like seven to ten pages. Still, that’s the fun part, until I start to look at a list of like 32+ statements and start doing the math…
More to come.
November 29, 2015
Libraries, Libraries, Libraries!
So for those still looking to give the series a kick on the tires to test it out, why not head out to one of the libraries that has a copy? Below are some local libraries that carry book one in the Forging of a Knight series (and hey, you should be supporting your local library anyway!).If your library of choice doesn't carry a copy, go ahead and ask them to!
Illinois:
Bartlett Public Library, Bartlett, IL
Gail Borden Library, Elgin IL
Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect, IL
Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg, IL
Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton, IL (just added: books one AND two!!)
Indiana:
Knox County Public Library, Vicennes, IN
Mooresville Public Library, Mooresville, IN (check out the cool trailer they had made on the book below...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6N-l...
Illinois:
Bartlett Public Library, Bartlett, IL
Gail Borden Library, Elgin IL
Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect, IL
Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg, IL
Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton, IL (just added: books one AND two!!)
Indiana:
Knox County Public Library, Vicennes, IN
Mooresville Public Library, Mooresville, IN (check out the cool trailer they had made on the book below...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6N-l...
November 26, 2015
Interview with the Book Nymph!
This was a fun interview I did for The Book Nymph's November issue. It starts around page 55 - give it a read!
http://issuu.com/knlee/docs/november_...
http://issuu.com/knlee/docs/november_...
November 12, 2015
Giveaway over
Thanks to everyone who joined the giveaway contest for book four in the Forging of a Knight series, The Stolen Thief.
Edyta, Alan, and Dana, your copies are in the mail! I hope you enjoy the tales, please post a review/comment if you are willing to share your thoughts!
Thanks again to all!
Edyta, Alan, and Dana, your copies are in the mail! I hope you enjoy the tales, please post a review/comment if you are willing to share your thoughts!
Thanks again to all!
November 7, 2015
Here we go!
Written twelve pages so far as the end begins for Qualtan...in Knighthood's End, Forging of a Knight Book Five...
October 24, 2015
Erin Potter, Editor Extraordinaire interview!
By Urgsh's hairy elbows, I've been waiting for this one! Awhile back I posted an interview I did with my cover illustrator Lora Lee - well, here is the other arm to Forging of a Knight - my editor, Erin Potter. She's the one that reviews the text, formats the paragraphs, critiques, comments, edits, proofs, and otherwise helps me polish the stories to what they should be.
So take it away, Erin...!
Hi Erin, to start out, how about sharing some of your background with us?
I am a Canadian editor living in Vancouver, BC. I have been interested in writing since I was a kid, and at the age of 15, I had my own monthly column in my town's community newspaper. I was sure I'd pursue a journalism career after high school graduation, but instead I took Communications (Public Relations and Publishing) in college, and then later completed another program called Print Futures: Professional Writing.
It was during that time of study that I developed my interest in editing. I loved writing but I loved being 'behind the scenes' even more. I especially enjoyed the challenge of editing to fit a space in a document without it being obvious what had been changed. After working in corporate and non-profit communications for a decade [I produced more newsletters, brochures, and annual reports than I'd ever dreamed possible], I decided to leave my full-time career after I had my youngest child. I had ideas for starting a freelance business, but I hadn’t taken the step yet when, in early 2009, my editing business actually found me! A writer I'd met asked me to proof his work, and then his friend also asked about hiring me. The idea for my business was born.
Was it difficult setting up your own business?
Not really. I started researching potential editing opportunities in the relatively new world of online publishing. I got involved with an online writers' network and placed a little ad on the group's website and from that I received four editing clients. Those first clients turned into a few more, and through trial and error with each new project, I learned how to go through the one-on-one editing process, something I hadn’t done much before. I set up a website and posted the valuable testimonials I'd received, and my business grew.
What do you enjoy the most about your work? What do you enjoy the least?
By far, the best thing for me is 'meeting' the writers. I get excited with them about their books; I admire their perseverance in accomplishing their publishing goals, and even if the project itself is not a subject or genre in which I’d normally be interested, I find something fascinating and valuable from my relationship with each author and project. I also love the fact that I essentially get to read for a living, and I've been introduced to some extremely talented authors and fascinating stories I might not otherwise have sought out. Now I work almost exclusively with repeat clients. The editing process is so much more comfortable and positive for me -- and for the author, I suspect -- when we are familiar with each other's work and styles, etc. What do I enjoy the least? I don't enjoy being critical when I worry that I'll crush the author's confidence.
Give us a day in the life - what steps do you usually follow when taking on a new assignment?
I like to read through a new manuscript before I start editing, to gather my impressions from a reader's perspective. I go back to the beginning then and start the on-screen editing process using the track changes function in Word. When I was in school I learned how to do markup with pen to paper using the various editing marks, which can be so time consuming for the editor and author. I am so glad to be working in this time of online editing! After I've made my edits and comments on the manuscript, I review my work and run through the manuscript again until I'm confident I've given it my best attention. And I always work with a cup of chai tea nearby.
What are your goals moving forward?
I started out taking any and every editing project I could and that quickly burned me out. Then I focused on fiction projects only, and got burned out again by scheduling projects back to back for a couple of years without a suitable break in between. During this time, I did not pick up a single book for pleasure reading, and that signaled to me that something needed to change. I now accept projects primarily from regular clients (and sometimes referrals) and that allows me to work on the projects I'm interested in with the authors I admire, while also giving me balance so I can enjoy other interests. I hope to continue this way and I've been fortunate in that I have a lovely, talented group of prolific authors who choose to work with me regularly. I have also been preparing to take an exam for my accreditation from the Editors' Association of Canada and I have my eye on a few other editing and writing courses to keep my skills sharp.
Favorite music, movies, places to travel to?
I have a huge music collection but find myself listening mostly to songs of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whenever I can, I enjoy watching comedies, thrillers, and documentaries, and have a special fondness for the original John Carpenter Halloween movies. I have traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, and various places in the US, but have yet to do much traveling in my own country. Born in Saskatchewan, I have lived most of my life on the west coast of BC. One of my favorite places to visit here is Parksville, on Vancouver Island, for its amazing beaches and beautiful scenery.
What sort of skills do you think are essential for someone interested in getting into the field?
Good writers do not necessarily make good editors, but good editors must have solid writing skills. Beyond that, fiction editors need to be detail people, not just for typos and spelling mistakes but for continuity, consistency, logic, and a host of other issues. They need to be able to see a project as a whole but also get into the finer details of the pieces that put the project together such as character development, voice, pacing, etc. An editor should be well-read and adept with a variety of research tools, and should be able to give constructive feedback to help polish the project, being careful not to put their own voice in the proposed edits. An editor needs to love words!
For anyone interested in having you work on their projects, what’s the best way for them to reach you:
I can be reached at shamrockediting@gmail.com. I plan to have my new website up in early 2016.
Thanks again, Erin!
So take it away, Erin...!
Hi Erin, to start out, how about sharing some of your background with us?
I am a Canadian editor living in Vancouver, BC. I have been interested in writing since I was a kid, and at the age of 15, I had my own monthly column in my town's community newspaper. I was sure I'd pursue a journalism career after high school graduation, but instead I took Communications (Public Relations and Publishing) in college, and then later completed another program called Print Futures: Professional Writing.
It was during that time of study that I developed my interest in editing. I loved writing but I loved being 'behind the scenes' even more. I especially enjoyed the challenge of editing to fit a space in a document without it being obvious what had been changed. After working in corporate and non-profit communications for a decade [I produced more newsletters, brochures, and annual reports than I'd ever dreamed possible], I decided to leave my full-time career after I had my youngest child. I had ideas for starting a freelance business, but I hadn’t taken the step yet when, in early 2009, my editing business actually found me! A writer I'd met asked me to proof his work, and then his friend also asked about hiring me. The idea for my business was born.
Was it difficult setting up your own business?
Not really. I started researching potential editing opportunities in the relatively new world of online publishing. I got involved with an online writers' network and placed a little ad on the group's website and from that I received four editing clients. Those first clients turned into a few more, and through trial and error with each new project, I learned how to go through the one-on-one editing process, something I hadn’t done much before. I set up a website and posted the valuable testimonials I'd received, and my business grew.
What do you enjoy the most about your work? What do you enjoy the least?
By far, the best thing for me is 'meeting' the writers. I get excited with them about their books; I admire their perseverance in accomplishing their publishing goals, and even if the project itself is not a subject or genre in which I’d normally be interested, I find something fascinating and valuable from my relationship with each author and project. I also love the fact that I essentially get to read for a living, and I've been introduced to some extremely talented authors and fascinating stories I might not otherwise have sought out. Now I work almost exclusively with repeat clients. The editing process is so much more comfortable and positive for me -- and for the author, I suspect -- when we are familiar with each other's work and styles, etc. What do I enjoy the least? I don't enjoy being critical when I worry that I'll crush the author's confidence.
Give us a day in the life - what steps do you usually follow when taking on a new assignment?
I like to read through a new manuscript before I start editing, to gather my impressions from a reader's perspective. I go back to the beginning then and start the on-screen editing process using the track changes function in Word. When I was in school I learned how to do markup with pen to paper using the various editing marks, which can be so time consuming for the editor and author. I am so glad to be working in this time of online editing! After I've made my edits and comments on the manuscript, I review my work and run through the manuscript again until I'm confident I've given it my best attention. And I always work with a cup of chai tea nearby.
What are your goals moving forward?
I started out taking any and every editing project I could and that quickly burned me out. Then I focused on fiction projects only, and got burned out again by scheduling projects back to back for a couple of years without a suitable break in between. During this time, I did not pick up a single book for pleasure reading, and that signaled to me that something needed to change. I now accept projects primarily from regular clients (and sometimes referrals) and that allows me to work on the projects I'm interested in with the authors I admire, while also giving me balance so I can enjoy other interests. I hope to continue this way and I've been fortunate in that I have a lovely, talented group of prolific authors who choose to work with me regularly. I have also been preparing to take an exam for my accreditation from the Editors' Association of Canada and I have my eye on a few other editing and writing courses to keep my skills sharp.
Favorite music, movies, places to travel to?
I have a huge music collection but find myself listening mostly to songs of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whenever I can, I enjoy watching comedies, thrillers, and documentaries, and have a special fondness for the original John Carpenter Halloween movies. I have traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, and various places in the US, but have yet to do much traveling in my own country. Born in Saskatchewan, I have lived most of my life on the west coast of BC. One of my favorite places to visit here is Parksville, on Vancouver Island, for its amazing beaches and beautiful scenery.
What sort of skills do you think are essential for someone interested in getting into the field?
Good writers do not necessarily make good editors, but good editors must have solid writing skills. Beyond that, fiction editors need to be detail people, not just for typos and spelling mistakes but for continuity, consistency, logic, and a host of other issues. They need to be able to see a project as a whole but also get into the finer details of the pieces that put the project together such as character development, voice, pacing, etc. An editor should be well-read and adept with a variety of research tools, and should be able to give constructive feedback to help polish the project, being careful not to put their own voice in the proposed edits. An editor needs to love words!
For anyone interested in having you work on their projects, what’s the best way for them to reach you:
I can be reached at shamrockediting@gmail.com. I plan to have my new website up in early 2016.
Thanks again, Erin!
October 5, 2015
Kindle and paperback versions of The Stolen Thief available at last!
Here they are!
Both paperback and ebook versions of Book Four in the Forging of a Knight series, The Stolen Thief, will eventually be cascaded to a variety of online retailers, but are first up ready to go on Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...
If you've been following the series, you'll see some updates on Sir Rutt, the answer to the missing Glaive from Book Three, the re-introduction of some characters from way back in Book One (as well as a mystery character just barely hinted at from the first book as well!), AND a change in Qualtan's direction that will set up the "big one" in 2016! Give it a read - it's perfect timing for that Halloween mood!
Both paperback and ebook versions of Book Four in the Forging of a Knight series, The Stolen Thief, will eventually be cascaded to a variety of online retailers, but are first up ready to go on Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...
If you've been following the series, you'll see some updates on Sir Rutt, the answer to the missing Glaive from Book Three, the re-introduction of some characters from way back in Book One (as well as a mystery character just barely hinted at from the first book as well!), AND a change in Qualtan's direction that will set up the "big one" in 2016! Give it a read - it's perfect timing for that Halloween mood!
September 23, 2015
The Stolen Thief is live!!
Well, partly so!
The paperback version is now available directly through lulu.com - it will show up along with its e-book versions within the next 6-8 weeks on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and a bunch more online retailers.
However, if you don't want to wait that long for the paperback version, you can go to lulu.com now by way of the blue "Lulu Buy Now" button below and get a copy!
"Legend has called them the Ruinous Ones, the Dokahlfar and the Vartahlfar, evil elves and their dwarfish minions that controlled an unknown technological magic, daring to seek power beyond that of the tree and the root. They warred against their own kin, the high elves, and were defeated, fleeing into the dark, driven from the light they had wished to corrupt.
Glaive has gone missing – a secret assignment for the King gone awry. Qualtan decides to search for his half-orcne friend, and in the process, uncover the truth behind the Ruinous Ones. The knight must risk all to escape from a strange new land, fraught with perils and danger, without the benefit of his magic sword. Worse, he will be accompanied by others, servants of Those That Stand in Shadow, in a fragile truce to find freedom…or die."
Book Four in the Forging of a Knight series, The Stolen Thief - and get ready for the shocker that will come in Book Five next year!
The paperback version is now available directly through lulu.com - it will show up along with its e-book versions within the next 6-8 weeks on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and a bunch more online retailers.
However, if you don't want to wait that long for the paperback version, you can go to lulu.com now by way of the blue "Lulu Buy Now" button below and get a copy!
"Legend has called them the Ruinous Ones, the Dokahlfar and the Vartahlfar, evil elves and their dwarfish minions that controlled an unknown technological magic, daring to seek power beyond that of the tree and the root. They warred against their own kin, the high elves, and were defeated, fleeing into the dark, driven from the light they had wished to corrupt.
Glaive has gone missing – a secret assignment for the King gone awry. Qualtan decides to search for his half-orcne friend, and in the process, uncover the truth behind the Ruinous Ones. The knight must risk all to escape from a strange new land, fraught with perils and danger, without the benefit of his magic sword. Worse, he will be accompanied by others, servants of Those That Stand in Shadow, in a fragile truce to find freedom…or die."
Book Four in the Forging of a Knight series, The Stolen Thief - and get ready for the shocker that will come in Book Five next year!
