Steve Wilson's Blog, page 5
June 16, 2013
Audio books
My publisher sent some exciting news a few days back. He is auditioning actors for the audio book versions of both 'Red Sky at Morning' and 'Tempest of Fire'.
Personally I think John Noble ('Fringe', 'The Lord of the Rings') would be an excellent choice. He would also be perfect to play the role of Andrei Ulyanov should the first book be adapted for the screen (hey, I can dream, can't I?).
The goal is to have the books ready by fall, but that's just tentative. I'll keep you posted. Till then, keep reading.
Steve Wilson
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Personally I think John Noble ('Fringe', 'The Lord of the Rings') would be an excellent choice. He would also be perfect to play the role of Andrei Ulyanov should the first book be adapted for the screen (hey, I can dream, can't I?).
The goal is to have the books ready by fall, but that's just tentative. I'll keep you posted. Till then, keep reading.
Steve Wilson
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May 31, 2013
'Tempest of Fire' is now available
After months of editing and proofreading, the second book in the Michael Neill series is in print (and also available in Kindle edition).
Readers will find a new locale for Neill's next assignment, with new friends and enemies, as well as the threat of a formidable weapon.
Here's the link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Tempest-Fire-Mi...
Currently the paperback is posting some very good numbers in terms of the sales ranking. I am thankful for that, and hope it continues as the marketing campaign progresses!
Steve
Readers will find a new locale for Neill's next assignment, with new friends and enemies, as well as the threat of a formidable weapon.
Here's the link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Tempest-Fire-Mi...
Currently the paperback is posting some very good numbers in terms of the sales ranking. I am thankful for that, and hope it continues as the marketing campaign progresses!
Steve
February 5, 2013
Book Three Is Underway!
Starting a new novel is always an exciting time. On February 2, I began the next book in the Michael Neill series.
A lot of research has gone into the third installment--that process started months ago, focusing on Polish history, inter-continental ballistic missiles, Russian geo-political dynamics, foreign assassins...
... and the waltz.
The first pages have consumed much of my time over the past few days. It's an unusual beginning to a Michael Neill novel, targeting a historical period that's always intrigued me. I'm setting a good pace, and I hope to finish this book before the end of the year. Fans of the first book will be pleased to re-acquaint themselves with some familiar characters.
'Tempest of Fire' is now being read by my publisher. When I get his thoughts on the book I'll let you know. I've tweaked the front and back covers quite a bit over the past few months, and I'll be revealing that imagery very soon.
Till then, keep reading!
Steve
A lot of research has gone into the third installment--that process started months ago, focusing on Polish history, inter-continental ballistic missiles, Russian geo-political dynamics, foreign assassins...
... and the waltz.
The first pages have consumed much of my time over the past few days. It's an unusual beginning to a Michael Neill novel, targeting a historical period that's always intrigued me. I'm setting a good pace, and I hope to finish this book before the end of the year. Fans of the first book will be pleased to re-acquaint themselves with some familiar characters.
'Tempest of Fire' is now being read by my publisher. When I get his thoughts on the book I'll let you know. I've tweaked the front and back covers quite a bit over the past few months, and I'll be revealing that imagery very soon.
Till then, keep reading!
Steve
January 27, 2013
'The Shadow Militia', a review
I was recently asked by my publisher, Skip Coryell, at White Feather Press, to review his latest novel. Skip's a pretty prolific writer, with nine books to his credit. Several of those are fiction. His latest, 'The Shadow Militia', is the second book in a trilogy begun in 'The God Virus'. Here are my thoughts on the book:
"Skip Coryell isn't the type of author who pens conventional fiction. In his latest effort, The Shadow Militia, the grid is down, and modern-day conveniences are a thing of the past--available only for those who have prepared for the sudden collapse of society. The Shadow Militia's premise is two-edged; terrible for contemplation, but eerily plausible. In a culture content with allowing `someone else' to wrap them in a blanket of protection, the breakdown of civil order could hinge on the lack of everyday necessities--and the destructive greed of those with little regard for human life. Coryell's dystopian world embraces a scenario where the essentials are denied to the American populace, and with chilling results.
Dan Branch is caught in a fight for survival, along with his son, Jeremy, Dan's wife, Jackie, and their infant daughter, Donna. Each have a background of loss and desperation (depicted in the first book in the series, The God Virus), with Dan giving his family a tenuous grasp on their continued existence. It's a day to day battle to push through to the next challenge, and the threats are varied as they travel to Iroquois City.
Arriving at their destination, Dan finds another side to his Uncle Rodney, a man whose past has been purposely hidden in shadow. And with good reason; the elder Branch, now the commanding General of the Shadow Militia, has lived a lifetime waiting for the collapse of civilization, anticipating the brutal conflict that will result in an end-time civil war.
A principled man, Rodney has a respectable war machine of his own. But these weapons are held in check, and the reader is left to wonder just what the General is holding back. Rodney's foresight will secure the lives of an enclave of survivors, and ensure their protection against an ominous enemy called the `golden horde'.
At the outset, Coryell keeps us guessing about this nemesis. For newcomers of the saga, he shields his readers from a full description, drawing back the curtain slowly, allowing the audience to plumb the depths of their own fears to conjure up a suitably threatening visage. The author employs this tactic to great effect--before providing the unsavory details of the story's antagonists.
The Shadow Militia is the second in a three book arc (The Saracen Tide is next), and the writing in this installment is among Skip's best. Coryell hits his mark when framing the narrative in richly descriptive paragraphs. Occasionally, he reveals his characteristically dry wit (a Prius is destroyed during the course of one battle, reduced to `fuel-efficient pieces'). And the author describes military tactics and strategies as easily as General Branch slips into a fresh set of camouflaged fatigues. A strong advocate of 2nd Amendment rights, Skip is a Certified NRA Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer.
While Hollywood often depicts the post-apocalyptic world in settings like Los Angeles, New York, or a host of other major cities, The Shadow Militia is set in a locale many readers can easily relate to--northern middle America. Coryell's second book in The God Virus is the story of pharmacists and factory workers, nurses and retirees--all common folk, coming to terms with the unimaginable. At times the narrative will set your teeth on edge, but like any good piece of fiction, its message will stay with you long after you've read the last page."
Check out Skip's novel on Amazon, and keep watching for other titles coming soon from White Feather Press!
Till then, keep reading.
Steve
"Skip Coryell isn't the type of author who pens conventional fiction. In his latest effort, The Shadow Militia, the grid is down, and modern-day conveniences are a thing of the past--available only for those who have prepared for the sudden collapse of society. The Shadow Militia's premise is two-edged; terrible for contemplation, but eerily plausible. In a culture content with allowing `someone else' to wrap them in a blanket of protection, the breakdown of civil order could hinge on the lack of everyday necessities--and the destructive greed of those with little regard for human life. Coryell's dystopian world embraces a scenario where the essentials are denied to the American populace, and with chilling results.
Dan Branch is caught in a fight for survival, along with his son, Jeremy, Dan's wife, Jackie, and their infant daughter, Donna. Each have a background of loss and desperation (depicted in the first book in the series, The God Virus), with Dan giving his family a tenuous grasp on their continued existence. It's a day to day battle to push through to the next challenge, and the threats are varied as they travel to Iroquois City.
Arriving at their destination, Dan finds another side to his Uncle Rodney, a man whose past has been purposely hidden in shadow. And with good reason; the elder Branch, now the commanding General of the Shadow Militia, has lived a lifetime waiting for the collapse of civilization, anticipating the brutal conflict that will result in an end-time civil war.
A principled man, Rodney has a respectable war machine of his own. But these weapons are held in check, and the reader is left to wonder just what the General is holding back. Rodney's foresight will secure the lives of an enclave of survivors, and ensure their protection against an ominous enemy called the `golden horde'.
At the outset, Coryell keeps us guessing about this nemesis. For newcomers of the saga, he shields his readers from a full description, drawing back the curtain slowly, allowing the audience to plumb the depths of their own fears to conjure up a suitably threatening visage. The author employs this tactic to great effect--before providing the unsavory details of the story's antagonists.
The Shadow Militia is the second in a three book arc (The Saracen Tide is next), and the writing in this installment is among Skip's best. Coryell hits his mark when framing the narrative in richly descriptive paragraphs. Occasionally, he reveals his characteristically dry wit (a Prius is destroyed during the course of one battle, reduced to `fuel-efficient pieces'). And the author describes military tactics and strategies as easily as General Branch slips into a fresh set of camouflaged fatigues. A strong advocate of 2nd Amendment rights, Skip is a Certified NRA Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer.
While Hollywood often depicts the post-apocalyptic world in settings like Los Angeles, New York, or a host of other major cities, The Shadow Militia is set in a locale many readers can easily relate to--northern middle America. Coryell's second book in The God Virus is the story of pharmacists and factory workers, nurses and retirees--all common folk, coming to terms with the unimaginable. At times the narrative will set your teeth on edge, but like any good piece of fiction, its message will stay with you long after you've read the last page."
Check out Skip's novel on Amazon, and keep watching for other titles coming soon from White Feather Press!
Till then, keep reading.
Steve
January 10, 2013
The Giveaway Continues
Just a quick reminder--the giveaway for 'Red Sky at Morning' is in full swing on www.thechristianmanifesto.com. Go to their home page and click on the 'Giveaway' link on the top right.
Still working on the outline for book three. The second manuscript, 'Tempest of Fire', is in the hands of the publisher. I'll keep you posted...
Till then, keep reading!
Steve
Still working on the outline for book three. The second manuscript, 'Tempest of Fire', is in the hands of the publisher. I'll keep you posted...
Till then, keep reading!
Steve
January 5, 2013
Better Late Than Never
I just read the date of my last posting. Wow. With the holidays, family visits and the like, I have really neglected my blog!
But enough of that. By now, many of you are aware that (alas!) 'Red Sky at Morning' did not win in its category for the 2012 Lime Awards (on www.thechristianmanifesto.com). That was a little disappointing, but I do rejoice at three very important details.
First of all, 'Red Sky at Morning' received a 5 Star rating on the site, and once again, the characterizations of the book's protagonists were a big part of that.
Secondly, while I was hoping for a good review, the book received an exemplary one--and was nominated as a contender for excellence in fiction. I hadn't expected that, and I'm very grateful for the reviewer (thanks again, Susan), and the staff at thechristianmanifesto.com.
Lastly, as near as I can tell, 'Red Sky at Morning' was the only debut novel to be nominated in any of the categories. All told, these accolades have been both encouraging--and humbling.
There will be a 'Red Sky at Morning' book giveaway on thechristianmanifesto.com beginning January 7th. You can click on the 'giveaways' link on the top of their website for more details. And now that I've brought everyone up to speed on that...
Book two, 'Tempest of Fire', is now in the hands of the publisher; I expect he'll be reading it in the coming weeks, and when I know more, so will you. Please pray that this book will both entertain and generate spiritual thought. My goal is to write engaging military/espionage thrillers--fiction that will expose readers to the reality of faith in the lives of those who wear our nation's uniform.
Work continues on the outline for book three. I'm up to more than a dozen pages, with several more to go before work on the actual manuscript begins. I have to say, I'm especially excited about the story for this one, as well as what will be revealed for the main characters.
More about 'Tempest of Fire' next time. Till then, keep reading.
Steve
But enough of that. By now, many of you are aware that (alas!) 'Red Sky at Morning' did not win in its category for the 2012 Lime Awards (on www.thechristianmanifesto.com). That was a little disappointing, but I do rejoice at three very important details.
First of all, 'Red Sky at Morning' received a 5 Star rating on the site, and once again, the characterizations of the book's protagonists were a big part of that.
Secondly, while I was hoping for a good review, the book received an exemplary one--and was nominated as a contender for excellence in fiction. I hadn't expected that, and I'm very grateful for the reviewer (thanks again, Susan), and the staff at thechristianmanifesto.com.
Lastly, as near as I can tell, 'Red Sky at Morning' was the only debut novel to be nominated in any of the categories. All told, these accolades have been both encouraging--and humbling.
There will be a 'Red Sky at Morning' book giveaway on thechristianmanifesto.com beginning January 7th. You can click on the 'giveaways' link on the top of their website for more details. And now that I've brought everyone up to speed on that...
Book two, 'Tempest of Fire', is now in the hands of the publisher; I expect he'll be reading it in the coming weeks, and when I know more, so will you. Please pray that this book will both entertain and generate spiritual thought. My goal is to write engaging military/espionage thrillers--fiction that will expose readers to the reality of faith in the lives of those who wear our nation's uniform.
Work continues on the outline for book three. I'm up to more than a dozen pages, with several more to go before work on the actual manuscript begins. I have to say, I'm especially excited about the story for this one, as well as what will be revealed for the main characters.
More about 'Tempest of Fire' next time. Till then, keep reading.
Steve
December 6, 2012
It's Official
I mentioned in my previous post that 'Red Sky at Morning' had been nominated for a Lime Award for Excellence in Fiction. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and kudos!
I learned a few days ago that the book is now a finalist in the 'Suspense, Speculative & Thriller' category. I'm very humbled by that, being an author with only a debut novel to his name. God is good! Four other authors have also been nominated in this category; Matthew Quirk, Robin Parrish, Mike Dellosso, and Ronie Kendig. These are established authors, and whatever happens, it's an honor to be in such good company.
The winners in each category will be announced on December 14th. I'm looking forward to hearing the results. I'll keep you posted.
Keep reading!
Steve
I learned a few days ago that the book is now a finalist in the 'Suspense, Speculative & Thriller' category. I'm very humbled by that, being an author with only a debut novel to his name. God is good! Four other authors have also been nominated in this category; Matthew Quirk, Robin Parrish, Mike Dellosso, and Ronie Kendig. These are established authors, and whatever happens, it's an honor to be in such good company.
The winners in each category will be announced on December 14th. I'm looking forward to hearing the results. I'll keep you posted.
Keep reading!
Steve
November 29, 2012
The Christian Manifesto
Nothing gets an author's blood flowing like a good review. 'Red Sky at Morning' just got another one from a very prestigious site called thechristianmanifesto.com. You can read it here:
http://thechristianmanifesto.com/arch...
Additionally, the book is now a Lime Award Nominee on the same site. I must admit, I was hoping for a good review, but I didn't expect to receive such a glowing endorsement.
This couldn't have come at a better time. I'm about a week away from submitting the second book in the series to my publisher, Skip Coryell at White Feather Press. I am still quite new to the publishing world, but I know that good reviews certainly don't hurt sales, and could potentially generate interest in sequels.
I'm also pretty excited about the outline for the third book in the series. More on that later; I think I'm getting ahead of myself, especially since the second book hasn't even gone to press yet!
Keep reading,
Steve
http://thechristianmanifesto.com/arch...
Additionally, the book is now a Lime Award Nominee on the same site. I must admit, I was hoping for a good review, but I didn't expect to receive such a glowing endorsement.
This couldn't have come at a better time. I'm about a week away from submitting the second book in the series to my publisher, Skip Coryell at White Feather Press. I am still quite new to the publishing world, but I know that good reviews certainly don't hurt sales, and could potentially generate interest in sequels.
I'm also pretty excited about the outline for the third book in the series. More on that later; I think I'm getting ahead of myself, especially since the second book hasn't even gone to press yet!
Keep reading,
Steve
November 10, 2012
For Our Veterans
Today is the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, an elite branch of the military that I am proud to have been a part of. To all my brother Marines, happy birthday!
Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, and I'm extending my appreciation to all our veterans, in each branch, for the service they have rendered to our country. I respect the sacrifices made by the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Guard and Reserve forces who safeguard our freedoms.
Unfortunately, more sacrifices are on the horizon. The Department of Defense budget is once more on the chopping block. Sequestration looms, which will trigger even more cuts. $487 billion is scheduled to be removed from the military's operating expenses over the next ten years.
In this generation where we are using far fewer 'bayonets and horses', the men and women of our armed forces are being asked to do more with less. Funding is constricted. Training opportunities are getting a second look. Squadrons have been stood down. And in recent months, I have heard it said that these cuts are in line with the military's wishes, and that the top leadership of our armed forces don't want more funding.
I strongly disagree with that. Leaders who take that position are looking out for themselves. I was never an officer in the Corps, but I have heard it said that young Lieutenants and Captains in the Marines who are more interested in their careers might as well kiss them goodbye. In the Corps, taking care of your people is the first order of business. It's the primary function of leadership.
For an enlisted man like myself, it is probably impolitic to speak so freely, but candor is encouraged in the Marines. "You can always tell a Marine, but you can't tell him much."
My posting today has nothing to do with my writing, but everything to do with my passion for the military, and that is a big part of the reason I write about characters who serve. There will always be ways to economize and be better stewards of military spending, but the current administration is taking things too far. Sadly, we have become a nation of takers, instead of a population willing to serve and sacrifice. The evidence of this can be seen in everyday life. The percentage of active military members in our society is less than 1%. The percentage of veterans at large in America is higher, but still a minority. I'm not saying that everyone should serve in the armed forces; that should flow out of a deeply held sense of commitment. But I do feel that too often, U.S. citizens are all too willing to let 'someone else' take that oath of enlistment.
Take the time to express your thanks to a man or woman serving in uniform. It doesn't have to be showy; in fact, most of our military would probably appreciate a subtle or even anonymous expression of our gratitude. And don't forget, every position in the military has been filled by a volunteer.
Keep reading!
Steve Wilson
Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, and I'm extending my appreciation to all our veterans, in each branch, for the service they have rendered to our country. I respect the sacrifices made by the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Guard and Reserve forces who safeguard our freedoms.
Unfortunately, more sacrifices are on the horizon. The Department of Defense budget is once more on the chopping block. Sequestration looms, which will trigger even more cuts. $487 billion is scheduled to be removed from the military's operating expenses over the next ten years.
In this generation where we are using far fewer 'bayonets and horses', the men and women of our armed forces are being asked to do more with less. Funding is constricted. Training opportunities are getting a second look. Squadrons have been stood down. And in recent months, I have heard it said that these cuts are in line with the military's wishes, and that the top leadership of our armed forces don't want more funding.
I strongly disagree with that. Leaders who take that position are looking out for themselves. I was never an officer in the Corps, but I have heard it said that young Lieutenants and Captains in the Marines who are more interested in their careers might as well kiss them goodbye. In the Corps, taking care of your people is the first order of business. It's the primary function of leadership.
For an enlisted man like myself, it is probably impolitic to speak so freely, but candor is encouraged in the Marines. "You can always tell a Marine, but you can't tell him much."
My posting today has nothing to do with my writing, but everything to do with my passion for the military, and that is a big part of the reason I write about characters who serve. There will always be ways to economize and be better stewards of military spending, but the current administration is taking things too far. Sadly, we have become a nation of takers, instead of a population willing to serve and sacrifice. The evidence of this can be seen in everyday life. The percentage of active military members in our society is less than 1%. The percentage of veterans at large in America is higher, but still a minority. I'm not saying that everyone should serve in the armed forces; that should flow out of a deeply held sense of commitment. But I do feel that too often, U.S. citizens are all too willing to let 'someone else' take that oath of enlistment.
Take the time to express your thanks to a man or woman serving in uniform. It doesn't have to be showy; in fact, most of our military would probably appreciate a subtle or even anonymous expression of our gratitude. And don't forget, every position in the military has been filled by a volunteer.
Keep reading!
Steve Wilson
October 23, 2012
Book Two is Now Complete
This weekend I finished the second book in the Michael Neill Adventure series. That's not to say that it's ready to be published; I'll be spending the next month or so proofreading the manuscript, editing the text for continuity, and working on the design for the front and back covers. Then it's off to the publisher for his review.
I'll reveal the title of the book in the coming weeks. I'll also be revising my web page (www.stevewilsonauthor.com).
Till then, keep reading!
Steve
I'll reveal the title of the book in the coming weeks. I'll also be revising my web page (www.stevewilsonauthor.com).
Till then, keep reading!
Steve
