Hugo Negron's Blog, page 6
September 5, 2020
An interview with Aaron Fogleman, Content Manager/creative guru behind the awesome As-Tech Multimedia website!
As I've mentioned before, there are a lot of amazing creative people out there, and getting to know them, and their work, has been as much fun as creating Forging of a Knight. I've been lucky to have had the opportunity to showcase a few on this page - folks I've met through conventions, book signings, and literally from just bumping into them on a grocery trip! I'm humbled by their passion, ideas, and willingness to be interviewed here, and Aaron is no exception! A fellow Gen-Con attendee and friend, I'm pleased to share his brainchild - As-Tech! Read up on it below, and then go check it out!!
HN: Hi Aaron - thanks again for taking the time to be interviewed! Let’s begin with telling us a little bit more about who Aaron Fogleman is and what fueled the concept behind As-Tech!
AF: Ya know…I really hate the ask, “Tell us more about yourself,” hahahaha. But basically, I’m a dreamer. I have big ideas, big visions, and I have finally decided to try to see As-Tech Multimedia through to the end, whatever end that might be.
As-Tech Multimedia, put simply, is a platform for showcasing independent creators and content.
HN: When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
AF: I don’t know that I ever decided I wanted to be a writer, it just sort of happened. It morphed as an extension of being a storyteller. I have been a GM for table top RPG games for a while, and I started to run a fantasy (D&D) game in a world I created, and as the adventures grew and gained more scope, starting to write about the world to tell the ongoing story, that isn’t part of the players main adventure path, just started. Like I said, it just kind of happened.
HN: How did you develop the concept/idea for As-Tech?
AF: Long story shortened; Years ago, I tried to start a little business, not much more than a side hustle, really. I would go and do things related to computers for people. I had just gotten out of the Air Force, and was taking some classes at the local university, started talking with another student and we get on the subject of computers since his wasn’t really powerful enough to help with his projects in his graphing design class. I told him; I could build him one that might last the rest of his program. I asked him what his budget was, and that was that. I started doing little computer service jobs around campus and in the community, Assembling of Technology (As-Tech) was born, and As-Tech, the name as brand, has pretty much stuck with me ever since. Years later, after I started writing and got serious about possibly publishing my stuff, I was going to self-publish, and found a couple of other people who were thinking about the same thing, I decided I wanted to build a space to help first time authors, no matter the genre or medium the write in, get their work out as well, now it has muted in to an idea for a multimedia platform for independent creators who want to expand their audience and not get caught up in the clutter of YouTube or Apple, Google, Stitcher, I-Heart Radio or whatever service and for people who may want to write…to start a blog very easily without having to build their own site or slug through other blogging platforms such as Tumblr.
HN: Which aspects were the most fun to develop? Which were the most challenging?
AF: Content! Creating content and figuring out what type of content we want on the site, at launch, is by far the most fun. Developing the concept. The most challenging, getting it to look the way we want it to. I’m not the person actually building the As-Tech Multimedia site, the person doing it is a programmer, working with the code in the back end, so he has to write the code, we see how it looks, I give him the go/no-go and we try move on from there. The site has actually been in development for almost a year, now and we will continue to make changes not only in appearance, but presentation throughout the site.
HN: What are your plans long-term for the website? Do you have additional/different works in mind?
AF: The first thing we are going to introduce to the site is a membership to As-Tech Multimedia. We want to put our own social media community tab to allow visitors to the site to keep in touch with either a specific piece of content, i.e. Our Own Little Corner of the Geekdom since there is not only the podcast but a companion blog, if one were to “follow” that, they would receive updates whenever new content was posted, or a specific creator, Sildark, for instance, is one of the hosts of the Geekdom podcast, and hopes to be writing posts for the blog, as well as starting his own unique blog (and videos, when that page is fully up and running.)
We aren’t stopping there, either. We are going to start an actual internet radio station, with regular programing and everything…as soon as we learn how all that is done. We have started a pseudo-radio show with As-Tech Multimedia Live! on Spreaker, but it’s not exactly what the endgame is for us. We are also going to be introducing an actual journalistic news outlet as part of the overall multimedia experience, and of course begin publishing books or comic/graphic novels or periodicals completing what began the transition of the idea of As-Tech from it’s roots to where it is now. I’m looking at building a mobile app (which is very different from building a website) and eventually, we want to do our own hosting for some of the content, even.
HN: As an author, I share the challenge of getting the word out on my books. What have you had to do to win broader exposure and branding for As-Tech?
AF: Right now, just word of mouth, and social media, really. As we generate revenue from the website and expand our operations over there, we will bring in other advertising stream, increasing our online presence and appeal, hopefully. As-Tech Multimedia will always be looking to increase the number of creators we support as well as including our own social media community to the site which will help increase our ability to get our creators out there. It’s a process, that is really just getting started. We are excited to see where things go in the future.
HN: This question will start off sounding like an old joke – a person walks into a bar (or convention or bookstore) and bumps into Aaron Fogleman – what would be your elevator pitch to showcase your work?
AF: Elevator pitch:
“Hey, how are ya? I’m Aaron, the Creator and Content Manager for As-Tech Multimedia. We are interested in promoting smaller or new creators and their content. Head over to http://astechmultimedia.com/ see what we’re all about. We have a lot of great content and always looking for new creators to join the team.”
HN: As an author, it’s sometimes difficult to finally say a product is finished, no matter how many times you review or edit. Is there anything you would go back and change in your completed works? Where there ideas you had in mind for the website and then decided NOT to include?
AF: Oh, definitely! I have been working on a script for a graphic novel for years. I’ve finished it scrapped it, in it’s entirety, re-written it, scrapped that, and started on it again and changed the format, so much stuff, for me It’s never right. It happens less with podcasts and short form blog posts, though, but those feelings linger.
Sometimes, I’ll go back and listen to an old episode of a show and think, “…yeah, maybe I should have cut that,” or “Oh, dang it, they never finished that point,” or event the occasional, “Whoops, there used to be something there, I wonder if I should have cut that…” but it’s trial and error sometime. Ultimately, you make the decision and you do it.
As far as the website goes, I had plenty of plans, that got taken out. They weren’t completely dismissed though, and we are planning to put all of those into the site moving forward. They just were feasible in these early iterations. As I’ve said, As-Tech Multimedia has some growing left to do.
HN: I have an 8 year old son, and structuring time around him can be challenging! I’ve lost count of the times he nearly pressed the delete button on something I was working on…how do you find time to carve out your ideas?
AF: Luckily, my ideas are my work, right now. I’m dedicated full time to running the site and creating content for the site.
Provided life doesn’t get in the way.
HN: Do you have a certain method you use when you write – i.e., a certain room, music, mood, etc., to help get you in the right writing frame of mind?
AF: No, and I probably should develop one, haha. It would probably help me be more productive. I write when the inspiration hits me. I might see or hear something, and it spurs a idea for a scene, and that’s when I get to work writing my fiction, when it come to my articles, it’s all about reaction to outside stimuli.
HN: What are you reading right now?
AF: Right now, I’m doing a re-read of Aqua from Tracy Korn before I start on the rest of her Elements Series books. I just finished Hal Elrod’s, The Miracle Morning. Then I plan on moving to the rest of your series, Forging of a Knight.
AN: Where can people go to find out more about Aaron/As-Tech?
Go to the website, http://astechmultimedia.com/ to see the latest post available are. If you have an idea or something you’d like to share with us and become part of the Team, send us an email to astechmultimedia@gmail.com
You can also check us our on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/As-Tech-Mult...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AsTechMultiNet
You can find me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/afogleman/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/geekynerdbo...) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/A_M_Fogleman)
HN: Hi Aaron - thanks again for taking the time to be interviewed! Let’s begin with telling us a little bit more about who Aaron Fogleman is and what fueled the concept behind As-Tech!
AF: Ya know…I really hate the ask, “Tell us more about yourself,” hahahaha. But basically, I’m a dreamer. I have big ideas, big visions, and I have finally decided to try to see As-Tech Multimedia through to the end, whatever end that might be.
As-Tech Multimedia, put simply, is a platform for showcasing independent creators and content.
HN: When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
AF: I don’t know that I ever decided I wanted to be a writer, it just sort of happened. It morphed as an extension of being a storyteller. I have been a GM for table top RPG games for a while, and I started to run a fantasy (D&D) game in a world I created, and as the adventures grew and gained more scope, starting to write about the world to tell the ongoing story, that isn’t part of the players main adventure path, just started. Like I said, it just kind of happened.
HN: How did you develop the concept/idea for As-Tech?
AF: Long story shortened; Years ago, I tried to start a little business, not much more than a side hustle, really. I would go and do things related to computers for people. I had just gotten out of the Air Force, and was taking some classes at the local university, started talking with another student and we get on the subject of computers since his wasn’t really powerful enough to help with his projects in his graphing design class. I told him; I could build him one that might last the rest of his program. I asked him what his budget was, and that was that. I started doing little computer service jobs around campus and in the community, Assembling of Technology (As-Tech) was born, and As-Tech, the name as brand, has pretty much stuck with me ever since. Years later, after I started writing and got serious about possibly publishing my stuff, I was going to self-publish, and found a couple of other people who were thinking about the same thing, I decided I wanted to build a space to help first time authors, no matter the genre or medium the write in, get their work out as well, now it has muted in to an idea for a multimedia platform for independent creators who want to expand their audience and not get caught up in the clutter of YouTube or Apple, Google, Stitcher, I-Heart Radio or whatever service and for people who may want to write…to start a blog very easily without having to build their own site or slug through other blogging platforms such as Tumblr.
HN: Which aspects were the most fun to develop? Which were the most challenging?
AF: Content! Creating content and figuring out what type of content we want on the site, at launch, is by far the most fun. Developing the concept. The most challenging, getting it to look the way we want it to. I’m not the person actually building the As-Tech Multimedia site, the person doing it is a programmer, working with the code in the back end, so he has to write the code, we see how it looks, I give him the go/no-go and we try move on from there. The site has actually been in development for almost a year, now and we will continue to make changes not only in appearance, but presentation throughout the site.
HN: What are your plans long-term for the website? Do you have additional/different works in mind?
AF: The first thing we are going to introduce to the site is a membership to As-Tech Multimedia. We want to put our own social media community tab to allow visitors to the site to keep in touch with either a specific piece of content, i.e. Our Own Little Corner of the Geekdom since there is not only the podcast but a companion blog, if one were to “follow” that, they would receive updates whenever new content was posted, or a specific creator, Sildark, for instance, is one of the hosts of the Geekdom podcast, and hopes to be writing posts for the blog, as well as starting his own unique blog (and videos, when that page is fully up and running.)
We aren’t stopping there, either. We are going to start an actual internet radio station, with regular programing and everything…as soon as we learn how all that is done. We have started a pseudo-radio show with As-Tech Multimedia Live! on Spreaker, but it’s not exactly what the endgame is for us. We are also going to be introducing an actual journalistic news outlet as part of the overall multimedia experience, and of course begin publishing books or comic/graphic novels or periodicals completing what began the transition of the idea of As-Tech from it’s roots to where it is now. I’m looking at building a mobile app (which is very different from building a website) and eventually, we want to do our own hosting for some of the content, even.
HN: As an author, I share the challenge of getting the word out on my books. What have you had to do to win broader exposure and branding for As-Tech?
AF: Right now, just word of mouth, and social media, really. As we generate revenue from the website and expand our operations over there, we will bring in other advertising stream, increasing our online presence and appeal, hopefully. As-Tech Multimedia will always be looking to increase the number of creators we support as well as including our own social media community to the site which will help increase our ability to get our creators out there. It’s a process, that is really just getting started. We are excited to see where things go in the future.
HN: This question will start off sounding like an old joke – a person walks into a bar (or convention or bookstore) and bumps into Aaron Fogleman – what would be your elevator pitch to showcase your work?
AF: Elevator pitch:
“Hey, how are ya? I’m Aaron, the Creator and Content Manager for As-Tech Multimedia. We are interested in promoting smaller or new creators and their content. Head over to http://astechmultimedia.com/ see what we’re all about. We have a lot of great content and always looking for new creators to join the team.”
HN: As an author, it’s sometimes difficult to finally say a product is finished, no matter how many times you review or edit. Is there anything you would go back and change in your completed works? Where there ideas you had in mind for the website and then decided NOT to include?
AF: Oh, definitely! I have been working on a script for a graphic novel for years. I’ve finished it scrapped it, in it’s entirety, re-written it, scrapped that, and started on it again and changed the format, so much stuff, for me It’s never right. It happens less with podcasts and short form blog posts, though, but those feelings linger.
Sometimes, I’ll go back and listen to an old episode of a show and think, “…yeah, maybe I should have cut that,” or “Oh, dang it, they never finished that point,” or event the occasional, “Whoops, there used to be something there, I wonder if I should have cut that…” but it’s trial and error sometime. Ultimately, you make the decision and you do it.
As far as the website goes, I had plenty of plans, that got taken out. They weren’t completely dismissed though, and we are planning to put all of those into the site moving forward. They just were feasible in these early iterations. As I’ve said, As-Tech Multimedia has some growing left to do.
HN: I have an 8 year old son, and structuring time around him can be challenging! I’ve lost count of the times he nearly pressed the delete button on something I was working on…how do you find time to carve out your ideas?
AF: Luckily, my ideas are my work, right now. I’m dedicated full time to running the site and creating content for the site.
Provided life doesn’t get in the way.
HN: Do you have a certain method you use when you write – i.e., a certain room, music, mood, etc., to help get you in the right writing frame of mind?
AF: No, and I probably should develop one, haha. It would probably help me be more productive. I write when the inspiration hits me. I might see or hear something, and it spurs a idea for a scene, and that’s when I get to work writing my fiction, when it come to my articles, it’s all about reaction to outside stimuli.
HN: What are you reading right now?
AF: Right now, I’m doing a re-read of Aqua from Tracy Korn before I start on the rest of her Elements Series books. I just finished Hal Elrod’s, The Miracle Morning. Then I plan on moving to the rest of your series, Forging of a Knight.
AN: Where can people go to find out more about Aaron/As-Tech?
Go to the website, http://astechmultimedia.com/ to see the latest post available are. If you have an idea or something you’d like to share with us and become part of the Team, send us an email to astechmultimedia@gmail.com
You can also check us our on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/As-Tech-Mult...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AsTechMultiNet
You can find me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/afogleman/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/geekynerdbo...) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/A_M_Fogleman)
July 12, 2020
CONTEST TIME!!!
Well, with Forging of a Knight Book 7, Against the Alliance, out in paperback and soon to be ebook format, it seems like a good time for another fun contest – this time brought to you by that happy go lucky Arch-Mage Mulvanen, interviewed by Schmuck the dwarf!
Schmuck: Well, Mulvanen, it seems like congratulations are in order!
Mulvanen: Yes, I agree. Those annoying orcnes are finally out of the School, as are those troublesome knights! The cable bill alone was becoming a headache, and that’s not including the streaming subscriptions to watch The Island of Dr. Moreau the orcnes kept ordering…like they know how to work the flat-screen, anyway!
SCHMUCK: Er, yes, I guess that could be a problem.
Mulvanen: Problem? You don’t know the half of it! Money don’t grow on trees, you know, even for wizards! Sure, we have all the School servants bartering from their respective villages, cheese for clothes, or eggs for bedsheets, but what were the orcnes providing, hmm? What were the knights?
SCHMUCK: I actually meant…
Mulvanen: Nothing, I tell you! Sure, the orcnes could help track and hunt game, and maybe lend an arm or two, I guess, but the mess they left behind wasn’t worth it! If I hadn’t been able to expand our shovels to giant size with my magic, we woulda been up to our armpits in…
SCHMUCK: So I was referring to congratulations on Book 7, Against the Alliance being finally out.
Mulvanen: EH? Oh, that. Well, I guess. At least there is a good scene with me in it! It’s about time the author finally came around to that! I had to insist upon the matter. I finally had it with all this supporting character nonsense and went to see him personally.
SCHMUCK: You did?
Mulvanen: Of course! An Arch-Mage of my caliber deserves better. I showed up in impressive manner – eyes glowing, arches of elemental fury darting off my frame, the whole bit…I even rented out a flying griffon from those accursed high elves to seal the deal, since it was quite aways from the School. But you know what he did?
SCHMUCK: I couldn’t imagine…
Mulvanen: Hmmph! He said I had to find somewhere to park the griffon way in the back because the zoning laws in his village require all talons to remain within the parking lines! Can you believe it? Just try and keep a griffon still for more than two minutes! It can’t be done!
SCHMUCK: Well, I…
Mulvanen: Way in the back was WAY in the back. By the time I walked back 5 or 6 blocks, I realized at this rate, I was going to lose my security deposit so I transformed into an owl and flew the rest of the way. I must have missed him as by the time I got to his house again, his drapes were down and the lights were out…bad coincidence, to be sure!
SCHMUCK: Yes…I am sure that is what it was. So what did you do?
Mulvanen: I had a bunch of notes in my robe for how things went in a scene that I felt he should include so that I, mighty Mulvanen, should be given his due – so I stuck them in his mailbox before I left.
SCHMUCK: But didn’t you lose that fight? I’m surprised you were ok with sharing that.
Mulvanen: Watch it there, Schmuck!
SCHMUCK: Sorry, I meant no offense. So you’ve been telling him the tales all along, eh?
Mulvanen: Of course! You think he made this stuff up all by himself? I have the bills to prove it! Do you know how much an inter-dimensional long distance call costs these days? And that’s not even going into your kingdom’s stewards that keep track over all this. I really had to put the magic whammy on them to keep their grubby hands out of things. What are they called again? The ABC? ACT? I know it starts with an A…
SCHMUCK: FCC?
Mulvanen: That’s it!
SCHMUCK: Okay…so anyway, what is this contest?
Mulvanen: I can see you are a dwarf that goes straight to the point, just like me. I can respect that, even coming from a Schmuck.
SCHMUCK: Thank you. I…
Mulvanen: Well, I had to change it a bit…at first, see, I wanted it only to be based on the Arch-Mages, or rather myself specifically. Cassandra is doing a good enough job, I guess, and the students are progressing along nicely under my patient and loving guidance – I mean, I might make them cry now and then, but tough love wins the day, in my book. Getting back to Cassandra, she…
SCHMUCK: Gee, look at the time! I really don’t want to make you spend even more of it on this interview…
Mulvanen: Egads, you’re right! Good thinking, Schmuck.
SCHMUCK: So the contest…?
Mulvanen: Well, I wanted to see which reader could give the best description of why they find me so amazing, but I was drowned out by Cassandra and those silly knights to include everyone. Ingrates!
SCHMUCK: So what do readers have to do, and what is the prize?
Mulvanen: Pfhhh! Easy enough, I would imagine. Readers who are interested in participating in this contest merely have to send in their favorite character from any book in the series and why they like him, her, or it so much, what makes them so unique, so interesting, and that’s it! I was going to review all the entries, but for some reason Cassandra doesn’t trust me, so she’s joining in along with Qualtan and his annoying band of ninnies to help judge on this. Readers will have up to August 15th to turn in their favorite choice.
SCHMUCK: How do they send it in?
Mulvanen: I was thinking either owls or flying monkeys, but I guess that’s already been done before. All they have to do is send an email to findthemahzakim@hotmail.com by August 15th. The winner will be picked early September and notified back by email and the winning entry shared on the author’s Facebook page and Goodreads blog page.
SCHMUCK: That’s great…now, about the prize?
Mulvanen: The prize – a free signed paperback copy of Book Seven, Against the Alliance!! And there’s more!
SCHMUCK: More?
Mulvanen: Yes, you Schmuck! In addition they can also choose either a Knights Templar Pen holder, OR a very cool Forging of a Knight T-Shirt!
SCHMUCK: By my beard!
Mulvanen: So there you have it. I hope you do a good enough job of it and make sure everyone is told! Otherwise, I’ll be coming back to see you, and it won’t be with this smile!
SCHMUCK: Um…what smile?
So there you have it! Write up your fav character from the series, and send it on in to findthemahzakim@hotmail.com by August 15th!
Schmuck: Well, Mulvanen, it seems like congratulations are in order!
Mulvanen: Yes, I agree. Those annoying orcnes are finally out of the School, as are those troublesome knights! The cable bill alone was becoming a headache, and that’s not including the streaming subscriptions to watch The Island of Dr. Moreau the orcnes kept ordering…like they know how to work the flat-screen, anyway!
SCHMUCK: Er, yes, I guess that could be a problem.
Mulvanen: Problem? You don’t know the half of it! Money don’t grow on trees, you know, even for wizards! Sure, we have all the School servants bartering from their respective villages, cheese for clothes, or eggs for bedsheets, but what were the orcnes providing, hmm? What were the knights?
SCHMUCK: I actually meant…
Mulvanen: Nothing, I tell you! Sure, the orcnes could help track and hunt game, and maybe lend an arm or two, I guess, but the mess they left behind wasn’t worth it! If I hadn’t been able to expand our shovels to giant size with my magic, we woulda been up to our armpits in…
SCHMUCK: So I was referring to congratulations on Book 7, Against the Alliance being finally out.
Mulvanen: EH? Oh, that. Well, I guess. At least there is a good scene with me in it! It’s about time the author finally came around to that! I had to insist upon the matter. I finally had it with all this supporting character nonsense and went to see him personally.
SCHMUCK: You did?
Mulvanen: Of course! An Arch-Mage of my caliber deserves better. I showed up in impressive manner – eyes glowing, arches of elemental fury darting off my frame, the whole bit…I even rented out a flying griffon from those accursed high elves to seal the deal, since it was quite aways from the School. But you know what he did?
SCHMUCK: I couldn’t imagine…
Mulvanen: Hmmph! He said I had to find somewhere to park the griffon way in the back because the zoning laws in his village require all talons to remain within the parking lines! Can you believe it? Just try and keep a griffon still for more than two minutes! It can’t be done!
SCHMUCK: Well, I…
Mulvanen: Way in the back was WAY in the back. By the time I walked back 5 or 6 blocks, I realized at this rate, I was going to lose my security deposit so I transformed into an owl and flew the rest of the way. I must have missed him as by the time I got to his house again, his drapes were down and the lights were out…bad coincidence, to be sure!
SCHMUCK: Yes…I am sure that is what it was. So what did you do?
Mulvanen: I had a bunch of notes in my robe for how things went in a scene that I felt he should include so that I, mighty Mulvanen, should be given his due – so I stuck them in his mailbox before I left.
SCHMUCK: But didn’t you lose that fight? I’m surprised you were ok with sharing that.
Mulvanen: Watch it there, Schmuck!
SCHMUCK: Sorry, I meant no offense. So you’ve been telling him the tales all along, eh?
Mulvanen: Of course! You think he made this stuff up all by himself? I have the bills to prove it! Do you know how much an inter-dimensional long distance call costs these days? And that’s not even going into your kingdom’s stewards that keep track over all this. I really had to put the magic whammy on them to keep their grubby hands out of things. What are they called again? The ABC? ACT? I know it starts with an A…
SCHMUCK: FCC?
Mulvanen: That’s it!
SCHMUCK: Okay…so anyway, what is this contest?
Mulvanen: I can see you are a dwarf that goes straight to the point, just like me. I can respect that, even coming from a Schmuck.
SCHMUCK: Thank you. I…
Mulvanen: Well, I had to change it a bit…at first, see, I wanted it only to be based on the Arch-Mages, or rather myself specifically. Cassandra is doing a good enough job, I guess, and the students are progressing along nicely under my patient and loving guidance – I mean, I might make them cry now and then, but tough love wins the day, in my book. Getting back to Cassandra, she…
SCHMUCK: Gee, look at the time! I really don’t want to make you spend even more of it on this interview…
Mulvanen: Egads, you’re right! Good thinking, Schmuck.
SCHMUCK: So the contest…?
Mulvanen: Well, I wanted to see which reader could give the best description of why they find me so amazing, but I was drowned out by Cassandra and those silly knights to include everyone. Ingrates!
SCHMUCK: So what do readers have to do, and what is the prize?
Mulvanen: Pfhhh! Easy enough, I would imagine. Readers who are interested in participating in this contest merely have to send in their favorite character from any book in the series and why they like him, her, or it so much, what makes them so unique, so interesting, and that’s it! I was going to review all the entries, but for some reason Cassandra doesn’t trust me, so she’s joining in along with Qualtan and his annoying band of ninnies to help judge on this. Readers will have up to August 15th to turn in their favorite choice.
SCHMUCK: How do they send it in?
Mulvanen: I was thinking either owls or flying monkeys, but I guess that’s already been done before. All they have to do is send an email to findthemahzakim@hotmail.com by August 15th. The winner will be picked early September and notified back by email and the winning entry shared on the author’s Facebook page and Goodreads blog page.
SCHMUCK: That’s great…now, about the prize?
Mulvanen: The prize – a free signed paperback copy of Book Seven, Against the Alliance!! And there’s more!
SCHMUCK: More?
Mulvanen: Yes, you Schmuck! In addition they can also choose either a Knights Templar Pen holder, OR a very cool Forging of a Knight T-Shirt!
SCHMUCK: By my beard!
Mulvanen: So there you have it. I hope you do a good enough job of it and make sure everyone is told! Otherwise, I’ll be coming back to see you, and it won’t be with this smile!
SCHMUCK: Um…what smile?
So there you have it! Write up your fav character from the series, and send it on in to findthemahzakim@hotmail.com by August 15th!
July 3, 2020
Evil Influences and those that can help!
The theme of evil runs throughout Forging of a Knight, and those that do battle against it: Those That Stand in Shadow, the Yanaan, and the Mah-Zakim, among others. The Alliance has confronted them, as has the School. Various Orders of knighthood have done so as well, and of course our main protagonist, Qualtan, and his knightly and not-so-knightly buddies have spent most of the series doing so. Having magic powers, knowledgeable priests, and friendly wizards seem to make rooting out evil presences rather easy.
But outside of their fantasy world, such abilities have been identified with others.
They can be called healers, soothsayers, and psychics. Spiritualists, palmists, and those that can cast out evil presences from homes. People who feel they can see clarity from behind the veil of life. There can be tricksters, and many frauds, but also those who honestly believe they can assist others and have received positive/appreciative results from those they have helped.
Here is someone I know that falls under the latter. He was gracious enough to answer some questions and offer his own advice to any who may be interested.
Tell us a little about yourself.
.At this point in my life I wish to remain anonymous do to career challenges. Don’t get me wrong I strongly believe in my God gifted abilities that have graciously given me the opportunity to help others time and again. So you may call me Phoenix if you wish. I am a Psychic Medium.
When did you start experiencing paranormal phenomena?
I started experiencing paranormal activity and the sight to see people’s lives when I was 8 years old. It was as if I went from living my life as a normal little boy to understand things and seeing things that other people were not. I knew when adults were lying to each other and to myself. I knew answers to questions I’d hear people talking about that a child should not even experience for another decade. It all happened in one day.
Was this something you shared with others or kept to yourself?
I started telling my parents when this gift began, but I don’t think they understood the scope of what was happening. I remember telling different things I was experiencing and they told me I was imagining things, I was listening to adults talk and shouldn’t anymore. I began to tell them what I saw and again the answer was always my imagination. It’s ok now I understand them thinking that way, but my imagination wasn’t answering questions to things I couldn’t possibly know.
When did you know you could assist others?
I learned to accept what was happening to me and knew I wasn’t “dreaming/imagining” things. I would help other kids find things if they lost something. Tests at school became really easy lol especially multiple choice. I listened to people and began to give advice by suggestions instead of saying what I really knew. “You might want to try that bike Billy. The blue one looks girlish.” I saw him hurt himself pretty badly riding that blue bike. I will be in line at a store and hear someone on a cell. “I’m coming over tonight, what time do you want me to come?” I suggest to this person I heard we’re getting some really bad weather tonight. Really bad. Oh no!! Yeah probably a good idea to stay in if you can help it. I saw she was in a car crash in the rain. I’ll hear someone arguing on their cell. They get off extremely mad. I hear them in their mind how they’re going to tell this so and so off then they get out of wherever they are at. I’ll say “I’m sorry but I couldn’t help but hearing you argue. Maybe it’s good idea to talk to this person when you have claimed down. I know I’ve gone off on people right after a phone call that and regretted it. Just smile back.”
What do you actually perceive/see that others cannot?
It’s really hard to say specifically. I perceive something through feelings. Sometimes it’s like watching a movie play out. Sometimes I’ll just understand the outcome in a split second. When I do Angel Card Readings for people as I draw the cards I have information about their lives I should have no idea. I tell them and it always is happening in their lives. I don’t know most of these people, idk where they live or anything about them until I do the reading and then I will know more about them then I even want to know. Sometimes it can be disheartening to know an evil heart.
How do you know what to do in dealing with such phenomena?
It’s definitely a learning process. As a kid you just see a lot and experience sights. As an adult I try to help when I think I can make a difference. A lot of times I’ll see things and hear people and just know I’m not meant to help this person. Part of their journey is to live through that situation to make their own decisions and challenges. You just know.
What have been the end results of your encounters?
Blessed to say almost everything has turned out just fine. I think starting at such a young age gave me the courage to know when to act and when to just listen to my intuition.
Does this minimize loss/death in your eyes based upon what you have seen/have done? How do you feel about aging/death after having these experiences?
I become sad just like everyone else when someone passes away. But I know I will see that person again. No doubt. I know they will be going through changes of their own on the other side. Learning about their new eternity. Death does not scare me. Going through life is the challenge. There is a heaven and there is another place. Some call that other place hell. It does exist. I don’t believe the Lord would want someone to be on fire or terrible hurting for eternity. I believe it’s a place where you are alone. All alone forever. No friends no pets just that person with nothing to do but think about the pain and suffering they caused others forever. That sounds like hell to me. It feels like a loving God would choose that for souls who don’t belong in heaven.
How do you balance these experiences with everyday life?
Good question Hugo! It gets easier as I get older. When I was younger I would think my God is this going to end. I don’t want to feel everyone’s feelings. I don’t want to see terrible things. But then I learned it’s a special gift. My life purpose is to help others. To service. I turned this gift into a chance to make a difference. A chance to mend a broken heart. A chance to help those who cannot help themselves.
Is it challenging to explain this gift with others?
Absolutely! I try every time someone asks and know it’s hard for them to understand. It brings me so much joy and peace to speak to others like myself. We truly understand and appreciate what we go through. It’s like hugging a long lost friend you so desperately needed to see again. I believe a psychic is not able to help themselves. Only another psychic can see their life. Now I’ve had other psychic people tell me that’s not true. So me being me lol I ask them. “You know every single thing that will ever happen to you?” The answer is always no are you joking? Well then you do need others like yourself from time to time. They eventually say yes.
What would you tell people with regards to the afterlife?
I would tell them if you are following the right path you will be rewarded beyond anything you could possibly imagine. This of course is with guidance from your Guardian Angel, spirit guides and other angels who try to keep you on the right path. If you are choosing to be evil and heartless you have no idea what lays ahead of you in death. I don’t think God has space for an evil monster next to Mother Teresa.
Does what you have seen follow any specific religious system that you have studied/know about? Are your experiences more general with regards to such belief systems or completely separate/unique?
I’ve learned to let people believe in what they believe. God for me was learned in a life of Catholic upbringing. I see the Lord as the creator of all that has ever been. He could be the all powerful alien who started it all. He could be the Universe. All religions point back to the creator so that is how I see him/her to all. He is a loving God and forgiving. That is unless you live your life to spread evil and sorrow. There is another god “like” thing in charge of them. We call that entity Satan, Devil, Lucifer or the Bringer of evil. We are all tempted by this thing, but the light will shine bright to show you away from it. I try to help those who need me to go to God. Blessed to be able to do see it and do it.
Are there things people can do to better visualize/feel/see the positive experiences you have?
Lol it took me 25 years to convince my loving wife I had the sight. It’s not easy for anyone to understand these gifts other people have been given. All I can say is if you need help I will be there and you can tell me for yourself.
Are there things people should NOT do to protect themselves from attracting evil influences?
There are many ways to stay on the right path. Prayer and meditation. Living a good clean existence to help others. Even if you don’t have special gifts you can still help others. Just be a good person to those who may need you. Darkness and evil will crawl back in the blackest of holes when it’s sees the good work of God and it’s angels. Evil will try and try hard, but it will fail in the light of truth.
If anyone would need your assistance, how could they reach you?
For now I will say that they can contact you and I’ll see if there is something I can do for them. As I tell everyone I have helped. I’m always here if you need me.
Thank you, Phoenix, for sharing your story and your interest in helping others.
But outside of their fantasy world, such abilities have been identified with others.
They can be called healers, soothsayers, and psychics. Spiritualists, palmists, and those that can cast out evil presences from homes. People who feel they can see clarity from behind the veil of life. There can be tricksters, and many frauds, but also those who honestly believe they can assist others and have received positive/appreciative results from those they have helped.
Here is someone I know that falls under the latter. He was gracious enough to answer some questions and offer his own advice to any who may be interested.
Tell us a little about yourself.
.At this point in my life I wish to remain anonymous do to career challenges. Don’t get me wrong I strongly believe in my God gifted abilities that have graciously given me the opportunity to help others time and again. So you may call me Phoenix if you wish. I am a Psychic Medium.
When did you start experiencing paranormal phenomena?
I started experiencing paranormal activity and the sight to see people’s lives when I was 8 years old. It was as if I went from living my life as a normal little boy to understand things and seeing things that other people were not. I knew when adults were lying to each other and to myself. I knew answers to questions I’d hear people talking about that a child should not even experience for another decade. It all happened in one day.
Was this something you shared with others or kept to yourself?
I started telling my parents when this gift began, but I don’t think they understood the scope of what was happening. I remember telling different things I was experiencing and they told me I was imagining things, I was listening to adults talk and shouldn’t anymore. I began to tell them what I saw and again the answer was always my imagination. It’s ok now I understand them thinking that way, but my imagination wasn’t answering questions to things I couldn’t possibly know.
When did you know you could assist others?
I learned to accept what was happening to me and knew I wasn’t “dreaming/imagining” things. I would help other kids find things if they lost something. Tests at school became really easy lol especially multiple choice. I listened to people and began to give advice by suggestions instead of saying what I really knew. “You might want to try that bike Billy. The blue one looks girlish.” I saw him hurt himself pretty badly riding that blue bike. I will be in line at a store and hear someone on a cell. “I’m coming over tonight, what time do you want me to come?” I suggest to this person I heard we’re getting some really bad weather tonight. Really bad. Oh no!! Yeah probably a good idea to stay in if you can help it. I saw she was in a car crash in the rain. I’ll hear someone arguing on their cell. They get off extremely mad. I hear them in their mind how they’re going to tell this so and so off then they get out of wherever they are at. I’ll say “I’m sorry but I couldn’t help but hearing you argue. Maybe it’s good idea to talk to this person when you have claimed down. I know I’ve gone off on people right after a phone call that and regretted it. Just smile back.”
What do you actually perceive/see that others cannot?
It’s really hard to say specifically. I perceive something through feelings. Sometimes it’s like watching a movie play out. Sometimes I’ll just understand the outcome in a split second. When I do Angel Card Readings for people as I draw the cards I have information about their lives I should have no idea. I tell them and it always is happening in their lives. I don’t know most of these people, idk where they live or anything about them until I do the reading and then I will know more about them then I even want to know. Sometimes it can be disheartening to know an evil heart.
How do you know what to do in dealing with such phenomena?
It’s definitely a learning process. As a kid you just see a lot and experience sights. As an adult I try to help when I think I can make a difference. A lot of times I’ll see things and hear people and just know I’m not meant to help this person. Part of their journey is to live through that situation to make their own decisions and challenges. You just know.
What have been the end results of your encounters?
Blessed to say almost everything has turned out just fine. I think starting at such a young age gave me the courage to know when to act and when to just listen to my intuition.
Does this minimize loss/death in your eyes based upon what you have seen/have done? How do you feel about aging/death after having these experiences?
I become sad just like everyone else when someone passes away. But I know I will see that person again. No doubt. I know they will be going through changes of their own on the other side. Learning about their new eternity. Death does not scare me. Going through life is the challenge. There is a heaven and there is another place. Some call that other place hell. It does exist. I don’t believe the Lord would want someone to be on fire or terrible hurting for eternity. I believe it’s a place where you are alone. All alone forever. No friends no pets just that person with nothing to do but think about the pain and suffering they caused others forever. That sounds like hell to me. It feels like a loving God would choose that for souls who don’t belong in heaven.
How do you balance these experiences with everyday life?
Good question Hugo! It gets easier as I get older. When I was younger I would think my God is this going to end. I don’t want to feel everyone’s feelings. I don’t want to see terrible things. But then I learned it’s a special gift. My life purpose is to help others. To service. I turned this gift into a chance to make a difference. A chance to mend a broken heart. A chance to help those who cannot help themselves.
Is it challenging to explain this gift with others?
Absolutely! I try every time someone asks and know it’s hard for them to understand. It brings me so much joy and peace to speak to others like myself. We truly understand and appreciate what we go through. It’s like hugging a long lost friend you so desperately needed to see again. I believe a psychic is not able to help themselves. Only another psychic can see their life. Now I’ve had other psychic people tell me that’s not true. So me being me lol I ask them. “You know every single thing that will ever happen to you?” The answer is always no are you joking? Well then you do need others like yourself from time to time. They eventually say yes.
What would you tell people with regards to the afterlife?
I would tell them if you are following the right path you will be rewarded beyond anything you could possibly imagine. This of course is with guidance from your Guardian Angel, spirit guides and other angels who try to keep you on the right path. If you are choosing to be evil and heartless you have no idea what lays ahead of you in death. I don’t think God has space for an evil monster next to Mother Teresa.
Does what you have seen follow any specific religious system that you have studied/know about? Are your experiences more general with regards to such belief systems or completely separate/unique?
I’ve learned to let people believe in what they believe. God for me was learned in a life of Catholic upbringing. I see the Lord as the creator of all that has ever been. He could be the all powerful alien who started it all. He could be the Universe. All religions point back to the creator so that is how I see him/her to all. He is a loving God and forgiving. That is unless you live your life to spread evil and sorrow. There is another god “like” thing in charge of them. We call that entity Satan, Devil, Lucifer or the Bringer of evil. We are all tempted by this thing, but the light will shine bright to show you away from it. I try to help those who need me to go to God. Blessed to be able to do see it and do it.
Are there things people can do to better visualize/feel/see the positive experiences you have?
Lol it took me 25 years to convince my loving wife I had the sight. It’s not easy for anyone to understand these gifts other people have been given. All I can say is if you need help I will be there and you can tell me for yourself.
Are there things people should NOT do to protect themselves from attracting evil influences?
There are many ways to stay on the right path. Prayer and meditation. Living a good clean existence to help others. Even if you don’t have special gifts you can still help others. Just be a good person to those who may need you. Darkness and evil will crawl back in the blackest of holes when it’s sees the good work of God and it’s angels. Evil will try and try hard, but it will fail in the light of truth.
If anyone would need your assistance, how could they reach you?
For now I will say that they can contact you and I’ll see if there is something I can do for them. As I tell everyone I have helped. I’m always here if you need me.
Thank you, Phoenix, for sharing your story and your interest in helping others.
April 26, 2020
Goblin's Hollow
Goblin Trolls. Elven Trolls. Gorgolites, Dark Shifters, and more! These are the rather unique takes on various fantasy spawned creatures found in Goblin's Hollow - stories "based on a land of mystery and magic located in one of the other thirteen realms of existence; a community of crossbred magical beings."
Written by Jessica Minor, she has developed quite the menagerie in her Goblin tales - found (currently) only on Wattpad. Wattpad, for those who haven't yet experienced it, is a site for people of all ages to share written tales and poetry in a community of both amateur and established writers. I'm a member, and I had the opportunity to read some of Jessica's works, and meet her at a Peoria Con where she stopped by my booth to sample my own books and talk fantasy.
Her stories were so interesting to me I just had to reach out and get her to talk a little on her series.
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
JM: Wanted to be a writer when I was 4. My mother read Stephen King to me and that was it.
How did you develop the ideas for your stories?
JM: My ideas come in the middle of the night... Meditation helps.
Which projects were the most fun to develop?
JM: The goblins hollow series.
What are your plans long-term for your writing?
JM: Different work may be a goblins hollow prequel.
This question will start off sounding like an old joke – a person walks into a bar (or convention or bookstore) and bumps into Jessica Minor – what would be your elevator pitch to showcase your work?
JM: Magical youth friendly universe of cross bred creatures.
As an author, it’s sometimes difficult to finally say a product is finished, no matter how many times you review or edit. Is there anything you would go back and change in your completed works?
JM: Time to write is hard I tend to devote a few late nights to it.
Do you have a certain method you use when you write – i.e., a certain room, music, mood, etc., to help get you in the right writing frame of mind?
JM: I listen to Irish rock when I write.
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
JM: Wanted to be a writer when I was 4. My mother read Stephen King to me and that was it.
How did you develop the ideas for your stories?
JM: My ideas come in the middle of the night... Meditation helps
Which projects were the most fun to develop?
JM: The goblins hollow series.
What are your plans long-term for your writing?
JM: Different work may be a goblins hollow prequel
This question will start off sounding like an old joke – a person walks into a bar (or convention or bookstore) and bumps into Jessica Minor – what would be your elevator pitch to showcase your work?
JM: Magical youth friendly universe of cross bred creatures.
As an author, it’s sometimes difficult to finally say a product is finished, no matter how many times you review or edit. Is there anything you would go back and change in your completed works?
JM: Time to write is hard I tend to devote a few late nights to it.
Do you have a certain method you use when you write – i.e., a certain room, music, mood, etc., to help get you in the right writing frame of mind?
JM: I listen to Irish rock when I write.
What are you reading right now?
JM: I'm reading the gunslinger by Stephen King.
Where can people go to find out more about Jessica Minor?
JM: To find me I'm on Wattpad and Facebook.
Thanks again, Jessica - if you are on Wattpad, look for Goblin's Hollow!
Written by Jessica Minor, she has developed quite the menagerie in her Goblin tales - found (currently) only on Wattpad. Wattpad, for those who haven't yet experienced it, is a site for people of all ages to share written tales and poetry in a community of both amateur and established writers. I'm a member, and I had the opportunity to read some of Jessica's works, and meet her at a Peoria Con where she stopped by my booth to sample my own books and talk fantasy.
Her stories were so interesting to me I just had to reach out and get her to talk a little on her series.
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
JM: Wanted to be a writer when I was 4. My mother read Stephen King to me and that was it.
How did you develop the ideas for your stories?
JM: My ideas come in the middle of the night... Meditation helps.
Which projects were the most fun to develop?
JM: The goblins hollow series.
What are your plans long-term for your writing?
JM: Different work may be a goblins hollow prequel.
This question will start off sounding like an old joke – a person walks into a bar (or convention or bookstore) and bumps into Jessica Minor – what would be your elevator pitch to showcase your work?
JM: Magical youth friendly universe of cross bred creatures.
As an author, it’s sometimes difficult to finally say a product is finished, no matter how many times you review or edit. Is there anything you would go back and change in your completed works?
JM: Time to write is hard I tend to devote a few late nights to it.
Do you have a certain method you use when you write – i.e., a certain room, music, mood, etc., to help get you in the right writing frame of mind?
JM: I listen to Irish rock when I write.
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
JM: Wanted to be a writer when I was 4. My mother read Stephen King to me and that was it.
How did you develop the ideas for your stories?
JM: My ideas come in the middle of the night... Meditation helps
Which projects were the most fun to develop?
JM: The goblins hollow series.
What are your plans long-term for your writing?
JM: Different work may be a goblins hollow prequel
This question will start off sounding like an old joke – a person walks into a bar (or convention or bookstore) and bumps into Jessica Minor – what would be your elevator pitch to showcase your work?
JM: Magical youth friendly universe of cross bred creatures.
As an author, it’s sometimes difficult to finally say a product is finished, no matter how many times you review or edit. Is there anything you would go back and change in your completed works?
JM: Time to write is hard I tend to devote a few late nights to it.
Do you have a certain method you use when you write – i.e., a certain room, music, mood, etc., to help get you in the right writing frame of mind?
JM: I listen to Irish rock when I write.
What are you reading right now?
JM: I'm reading the gunslinger by Stephen King.
Where can people go to find out more about Jessica Minor?
JM: To find me I'm on Wattpad and Facebook.
Thanks again, Jessica - if you are on Wattpad, look for Goblin's Hollow!
April 13, 2020
Forging of a Knight, Book Five, wins an award!
Literary Titan, a book reviewer recognized by these organizations...
San Diego Writers and Editors Guild
East County Magazine
TaleBlade Press
Loiacono Literary Agency
Pulp Literature.com
...recently reviewed Book Five, Knighthood's End, and did a nice editorial review which you will find posted on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and others. As such, they give out awards to books they wish to especially acknowledge on a monthly basis, and mine qualified in the Silver Category as per below. Woo hooo!
Qualtan, Vanessa, Glaive, take a bow...not you, Prince Termenon…!
https://literarytitan.com/2020/04/08/...
San Diego Writers and Editors Guild
East County Magazine
TaleBlade Press
Loiacono Literary Agency
Pulp Literature.com
...recently reviewed Book Five, Knighthood's End, and did a nice editorial review which you will find posted on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and others. As such, they give out awards to books they wish to especially acknowledge on a monthly basis, and mine qualified in the Silver Category as per below. Woo hooo!
Qualtan, Vanessa, Glaive, take a bow...not you, Prince Termenon…!
https://literarytitan.com/2020/04/08/...
February 16, 2020
of Deeds and Heraldy
Funny the recollections that bring you back in contact with the past.
Back in the 1980’s as a kidling, I purchased a beautifully rendered “Deed” from a company known as Historic Estates, Ltd. ran by a Tom Collins, which, in turn, was offered through another company called The Worldwide Treasure Bureau, which sold coins, artifacts, and other collector-type items via mail.
The "Deed" (which I’m sure is worthless for some supposed area named Batham Gate Estate) would be emblazoned with my name, surrounded by a score of amazing Heraldic imager. From what the accompanying literature with the "Deed" provided, it was near a town called Tideswell following the modern Batham Gate road leading to Bradswell in merry ol' England. A novelty item, I was interested more in the Heraldic art than from any freehold ownership which the supposed Deed promised.
Anyway - I kept that artwork all of these years, and since these two entities - Historic Estates Ltd. and Worldwide - are gone/defunct from what I can gather online, I thought to find if the artist who was mentioned as "owner of the Unicorn Studio" in the back of the “Deed’s” enclosed literature (who created the art for the Deed) was still around and active.
I soon found what I believed to be the artist's website and figured it was worth a shot to reach out!
Well, guess what, it WAS the same artist after all of these years - Andrew Stewart Jamieson! He remembered that project and was as polite and friendly as can be to someone referencing such an old work. In fact, he had never been sure if his idea for the work had ever been used, so here I was, able to confirm that from 30+ years ago by sending him an image of that selfsame "Deed" representing his work and the bio they had included of him at the same time - man, 30+ years - has it really been THAT long?!
Check out his awesome art at his website - and thanks, Andrew, for your responses and reciprocation!
http://www.jamiesongallery.com/
Back in the 1980’s as a kidling, I purchased a beautifully rendered “Deed” from a company known as Historic Estates, Ltd. ran by a Tom Collins, which, in turn, was offered through another company called The Worldwide Treasure Bureau, which sold coins, artifacts, and other collector-type items via mail.
The "Deed" (which I’m sure is worthless for some supposed area named Batham Gate Estate) would be emblazoned with my name, surrounded by a score of amazing Heraldic imager. From what the accompanying literature with the "Deed" provided, it was near a town called Tideswell following the modern Batham Gate road leading to Bradswell in merry ol' England. A novelty item, I was interested more in the Heraldic art than from any freehold ownership which the supposed Deed promised.
Anyway - I kept that artwork all of these years, and since these two entities - Historic Estates Ltd. and Worldwide - are gone/defunct from what I can gather online, I thought to find if the artist who was mentioned as "owner of the Unicorn Studio" in the back of the “Deed’s” enclosed literature (who created the art for the Deed) was still around and active.
I soon found what I believed to be the artist's website and figured it was worth a shot to reach out!
Well, guess what, it WAS the same artist after all of these years - Andrew Stewart Jamieson! He remembered that project and was as polite and friendly as can be to someone referencing such an old work. In fact, he had never been sure if his idea for the work had ever been used, so here I was, able to confirm that from 30+ years ago by sending him an image of that selfsame "Deed" representing his work and the bio they had included of him at the same time - man, 30+ years - has it really been THAT long?!
Check out his awesome art at his website - and thanks, Andrew, for your responses and reciprocation!
http://www.jamiesongallery.com/
November 23, 2019
Brief Excerpt from Forging of a Knight, Against the Alliance
With the last book of the current series, Forging of a Knight, Book Seven, Against the Alliance, getting the editorial polish, I wanted to share a rough draft snippet preview from the upcoming epic to end the epic...
Qualtan did as the dragon asked. Unable to see, he followed the hulking form, using it as a shield to counter the portal’s bright effect. Passing its wide entry, the luster subsided, and the knight found himself in a familiar form: a triangular passageway of glossy mineral stone. The dragon’s claws clacked loudly on the red and pink streaked floor, the apex of the ceiling too high and too dark to see. Clearly, it was a passage for a dragon to use, and Qualtan’s wonder grew again at the dragon he would next see. After reaching an arch of gold, the Ward paused, and directed the knight to move forward.
“Here we part, human visitor. I have brought you in, and must soon return to my post.”
Qualtan stared up at the dragon’s stony face. “Does he know…?”
“Yes. He has seen you since you entered the tower. He can see much when he wishes. He surely watches your School even now and can tell you of what happens.”
“Ward…” Qualtan bowed. “Thank you again for your courtesy.”
The dragon was pleased with the action, bobbing its own head quickly in response. “Respectful. Very respectful.” He said, retreating from the passage back to the outside.
“Will I see you again?” The knight asked, as the Ward readied to fly.
The dragon half-cocked its head at the knight. “Should you return to the tower someday, you might, but I do not think you would wish to travel there again, for that would mean further demand from us, and to ask thus would require more of a sacrifice than you will already be forced to give.”
The dragon fell from view, and then with its wings spreads wide, arced back into the curls and vapors of the sky.
“Sacrifice?” Qualtan said, confused over the dragon’s cryptic words. So, there would be a price, he thought, just as Amali had said. He spun around and faced the golden portico, a deep, dark passage beyond it, leading to that which had taken him from the School to now to reveal. His father and uncle had stood before the Dragon King, and now his turn had come. Days ago Death warned the armies of their former allies had begun their attack. The war had started. So much time had passed, all of the School was in peril, yet he had succeeded; with one step forward, and then the next, he would meet the one being that could help them, the grandest creature of them all. He was alone, in a land devoid of human settlement, of any habitat, except that of the dragons. He had become used to such journeys, standing before the Mah-Lahkt, the Mah-Zakim, and Those That Stand in Shadow. His soul had grown ancient from such secret knowledge, his mind stung by images horrific and joyous that would never leave, yet he was not diminished, despite all that he had seen. This final marvel stood to meet next, and he would do so for those that he was responsible for, for those that now battled, and for those that gave him love, for the love that he gave back.
“My uncle, my father, I am with you now. Guide my path and let me do as you did.” The knight took his step forward, and then the next, and then the one that followed. He felt Aurelus and Eucradus with him, or perhaps he only hoped. Either way, their presence strengthened his resolve, and he began to move faster, quicker, into the murky, cloying depths. His sword’s light gave his steps a place to follow, and soon a pulsing wave of faerie color twinkled in the distance. It waxed and waned, timed as if in breath, and Qualtan knew it came from the inhalations and exhalations of the Master of the Great Beasts somewhere ahead.
Step after step. So many corridors, so many passages, where such wonder had sat in wait. Rourst appeared before him, as did Mosh, and the rest of the orcnes as they fled together in the under-earth realm of the Dokahlfar and the Vartahlfar. They left, and Darksiege appeared, the knight’s forced companion within the evil one’s own citadel, both stalking as one towards their mutual foe. The scratching and biting sounds of undead ghuls took over, and Qualtan saw Glaive and Trunkhoel at his sides, daring their way through graveyard tunnels. The past, leading him now to his future. Step after step. The colors gestured to him. No matter the words of Death, or King Prelance, or the elves of Hermstingle; he had transcended the role he had yearned for, and would transform it further still.
Qualtan now heard the Dragon King’s respiration. It reverberated through the passage, a deep and heavy susurrus, and he knew the dragon was waiting. Step after step. The corridor twisted, and the dragon would soon be there. He had read of dragons as a child, been told tales of dragons by his uncle, and now had seen them for himself. The greatest dragon of all was just a few more steps away and he would stand in duplication of his father’s greatest effort.
Step by step. The colors grew, filling space all around. The knight entered its embrace, hearing the dragon’s labored effort, a pounding hammer that drove him down with physical force, yet he did not falter. The passage turned, and the knight walked into that which awaited him.
Qualtan did as the dragon asked. Unable to see, he followed the hulking form, using it as a shield to counter the portal’s bright effect. Passing its wide entry, the luster subsided, and the knight found himself in a familiar form: a triangular passageway of glossy mineral stone. The dragon’s claws clacked loudly on the red and pink streaked floor, the apex of the ceiling too high and too dark to see. Clearly, it was a passage for a dragon to use, and Qualtan’s wonder grew again at the dragon he would next see. After reaching an arch of gold, the Ward paused, and directed the knight to move forward.
“Here we part, human visitor. I have brought you in, and must soon return to my post.”
Qualtan stared up at the dragon’s stony face. “Does he know…?”
“Yes. He has seen you since you entered the tower. He can see much when he wishes. He surely watches your School even now and can tell you of what happens.”
“Ward…” Qualtan bowed. “Thank you again for your courtesy.”
The dragon was pleased with the action, bobbing its own head quickly in response. “Respectful. Very respectful.” He said, retreating from the passage back to the outside.
“Will I see you again?” The knight asked, as the Ward readied to fly.
The dragon half-cocked its head at the knight. “Should you return to the tower someday, you might, but I do not think you would wish to travel there again, for that would mean further demand from us, and to ask thus would require more of a sacrifice than you will already be forced to give.”
The dragon fell from view, and then with its wings spreads wide, arced back into the curls and vapors of the sky.
“Sacrifice?” Qualtan said, confused over the dragon’s cryptic words. So, there would be a price, he thought, just as Amali had said. He spun around and faced the golden portico, a deep, dark passage beyond it, leading to that which had taken him from the School to now to reveal. His father and uncle had stood before the Dragon King, and now his turn had come. Days ago Death warned the armies of their former allies had begun their attack. The war had started. So much time had passed, all of the School was in peril, yet he had succeeded; with one step forward, and then the next, he would meet the one being that could help them, the grandest creature of them all. He was alone, in a land devoid of human settlement, of any habitat, except that of the dragons. He had become used to such journeys, standing before the Mah-Lahkt, the Mah-Zakim, and Those That Stand in Shadow. His soul had grown ancient from such secret knowledge, his mind stung by images horrific and joyous that would never leave, yet he was not diminished, despite all that he had seen. This final marvel stood to meet next, and he would do so for those that he was responsible for, for those that now battled, and for those that gave him love, for the love that he gave back.
“My uncle, my father, I am with you now. Guide my path and let me do as you did.” The knight took his step forward, and then the next, and then the one that followed. He felt Aurelus and Eucradus with him, or perhaps he only hoped. Either way, their presence strengthened his resolve, and he began to move faster, quicker, into the murky, cloying depths. His sword’s light gave his steps a place to follow, and soon a pulsing wave of faerie color twinkled in the distance. It waxed and waned, timed as if in breath, and Qualtan knew it came from the inhalations and exhalations of the Master of the Great Beasts somewhere ahead.
Step after step. So many corridors, so many passages, where such wonder had sat in wait. Rourst appeared before him, as did Mosh, and the rest of the orcnes as they fled together in the under-earth realm of the Dokahlfar and the Vartahlfar. They left, and Darksiege appeared, the knight’s forced companion within the evil one’s own citadel, both stalking as one towards their mutual foe. The scratching and biting sounds of undead ghuls took over, and Qualtan saw Glaive and Trunkhoel at his sides, daring their way through graveyard tunnels. The past, leading him now to his future. Step after step. The colors gestured to him. No matter the words of Death, or King Prelance, or the elves of Hermstingle; he had transcended the role he had yearned for, and would transform it further still.
Qualtan now heard the Dragon King’s respiration. It reverberated through the passage, a deep and heavy susurrus, and he knew the dragon was waiting. Step after step. The corridor twisted, and the dragon would soon be there. He had read of dragons as a child, been told tales of dragons by his uncle, and now had seen them for himself. The greatest dragon of all was just a few more steps away and he would stand in duplication of his father’s greatest effort.
Step by step. The colors grew, filling space all around. The knight entered its embrace, hearing the dragon’s labored effort, a pounding hammer that drove him down with physical force, yet he did not falter. The passage turned, and the knight walked into that which awaited him.
October 22, 2019
Saying thanks...!
Thanks to everyone for the Forging of a Knight likes and love! It's a wonderful thing to share the weary march through the Darklight Forest where glowing trees watch and wait, take in the airy domed roofs and flowered ports of Tringolm, capital of Turinthia, and stalk carefully through that boisterous den of thievery and debauchery known as the Woodworm Ports with friends new and old. Hail and well met to all!
October 2, 2019
Book Signing at Barnes & Noble, West Dundee, IL!
Come by my book signing Sat October 26th at the Barnes & Noble in West Dundee!!
Just in time for Halloween - I will be signing copies of Book Six in my Forging of a Knight series, Darksiege Triumphant! Goodies and fun galore! Stop in to say hi and grab a copy! By Urgsh, you shouldn't miss it!
https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/eve...
Just in time for Halloween - I will be signing copies of Book Six in my Forging of a Knight series, Darksiege Triumphant! Goodies and fun galore! Stop in to say hi and grab a copy! By Urgsh, you shouldn't miss it!
https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/eve...
