Hugo Negron's Blog, page 12
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!
September 14, 2015
Cover Preview Book Four
For those not inclined to use Facebook, here is a pic for Forging of a Knight, The Stolen Thief, coming out this October! Lora Lee has outdone herself again.
I will be having a .99 cent sale on the kindle version of the first book in the series, Forging of a Knight, during the last week of October to commemorate the latest entry to the series...which will really take off when Book FIVE makes its way (fingers crossed!) next year.
The kicker will be a certain character that is somewhat shrouded in mystery that appears in The Stolen Thief - someone who was mentioned waaaay back in Book One in a very off-handed way. This character is going to have a very big impact on Qualtan, as the knight hits a definite turning point in The Stolen Thief. See if you can catch where this mystery character was first discussed in Book One, and by whom! Might be a reward for the person who first finds the quote from Book One, Forging of a Knight...
I will be having a .99 cent sale on the kindle version of the first book in the series, Forging of a Knight, during the last week of October to commemorate the latest entry to the series...which will really take off when Book FIVE makes its way (fingers crossed!) next year.
The kicker will be a certain character that is somewhat shrouded in mystery that appears in The Stolen Thief - someone who was mentioned waaaay back in Book One in a very off-handed way. This character is going to have a very big impact on Qualtan, as the knight hits a definite turning point in The Stolen Thief. See if you can catch where this mystery character was first discussed in Book One, and by whom! Might be a reward for the person who first finds the quote from Book One, Forging of a Knight...
August 20, 2015
THANK YOU!!!
Hello all,
I wrote this on my Facebook author page, but wanted to add it here as well for those not following me there. Just a great big shout out to all of those readers of Forging of a Knight - thanks so much for giving the series a look-see, whether you are loving the characters, reeling from the dastardly plans of Those That Stand in Shadow, or using the paperback versions to balance that shaky coffee table in the kitchen. Many thanks for joining the adventure! With all the options out there vying for time, your interest is helping fuel the storylines ever further, and for that, I am deeply appreciative.
I wrote this on my Facebook author page, but wanted to add it here as well for those not following me there. Just a great big shout out to all of those readers of Forging of a Knight - thanks so much for giving the series a look-see, whether you are loving the characters, reeling from the dastardly plans of Those That Stand in Shadow, or using the paperback versions to balance that shaky coffee table in the kitchen. Many thanks for joining the adventure! With all the options out there vying for time, your interest is helping fuel the storylines ever further, and for that, I am deeply appreciative.
