Martyn Stanley's Blog, page 8
May 13, 2014
Publishing & Getting Published.
Despite my best attempts, I've never managed to get my books really 'moving'. I did about fifty copies in April, which was okay - but I'd like to be doing 50 a day, every day. Is that realistic? I have no idea.
I'm working on books 3 and four simultaneously now - editing 3 and writing 4. I have a second series in mind.
If I'm going to be able to pour as much time as I'd like into my writing, I need it to pay it's way a little more. To be frank I'd prefer to just be a writer, but I couldn't live on royalties alone at the moment.
To that end I'm still pursuing a publishing deal with someone who can get books in print and get them into wider distribution.
This morning I sent off a lengthy Book Proposal with synopsis, chapter synopsis, competing books, author profile, two manuscripts and a brief summary synopsis of the series. It was hard work putting it together. I just hope I get somewhere this time. I do have a 'plan B' to get wider distribution, but I want to rule out the traditional publishing route for this series first. If I can't secure a print deal - then I'll try again with my second series (still in my head at the moment!)
Writing is easy, getting into a position where writing is your primary source of income is NOT easy. Still, I will keep trying - I haven't failed until I've stopped trying. Even if I don't sell a single copy of Deathsworn Arc: The Blood Queen I am going to finish the series. Even if my series isn't a commercial success, I'm writing a second series. Writing has been a great source of direction.
I've also paid for my Creative Writing Module as part of my Open Degree with the Open University. It starts in October. Hopefully anything I put out after the course will be even higher quality, stronger writing than my earlier efforts.
I've written no more 'Mad God' yet, I'm going to perfect that first 1000 words first and make my first chapter as good as I can get it before I write on.
I'm working on books 3 and four simultaneously now - editing 3 and writing 4. I have a second series in mind.
If I'm going to be able to pour as much time as I'd like into my writing, I need it to pay it's way a little more. To be frank I'd prefer to just be a writer, but I couldn't live on royalties alone at the moment.
To that end I'm still pursuing a publishing deal with someone who can get books in print and get them into wider distribution.
This morning I sent off a lengthy Book Proposal with synopsis, chapter synopsis, competing books, author profile, two manuscripts and a brief summary synopsis of the series. It was hard work putting it together. I just hope I get somewhere this time. I do have a 'plan B' to get wider distribution, but I want to rule out the traditional publishing route for this series first. If I can't secure a print deal - then I'll try again with my second series (still in my head at the moment!)
Writing is easy, getting into a position where writing is your primary source of income is NOT easy. Still, I will keep trying - I haven't failed until I've stopped trying. Even if I don't sell a single copy of Deathsworn Arc: The Blood Queen I am going to finish the series. Even if my series isn't a commercial success, I'm writing a second series. Writing has been a great source of direction.
I've also paid for my Creative Writing Module as part of my Open Degree with the Open University. It starts in October. Hopefully anything I put out after the course will be even higher quality, stronger writing than my earlier efforts.
I've written no more 'Mad God' yet, I'm going to perfect that first 1000 words first and make my first chapter as good as I can get it before I write on.
May 12, 2014
1000 words of 'Mad God'
Well, I've had a busy weekend. I spent all day outside on Saturday, digging, mixing concrete, barrow-ing concrete, filling skips, driving the dumper and the digger (until the digger burst a hydraulic hose - guess we over-worked it?)
I suppose it's a sacrifice from having a large plot of land, living semi-rurally and developing as you go. It rained heavily all day, but strangely I wasn't miserable about it, I actually found it quite cathartic. We put an 8 foot wooden gatepost in, I put a stone one in last weekend - that was actually harder.
I've pushed on with my edits of 'The Blood Queen' and discussed some interesting plot tweaks with my primary beta-reader, so I can get a bit more character in now, and tie some loose ends up better later.
I've also written over 1000 words of 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God' my main gripe is that I haven't finished my book proposal! I really want to get this done. A publishing deal might not increase my revenue - it might make it go down. However it will strengthen my 'brand' and lend my stories credibility.
I'm really excited about part 4, I changed perspective and started writing from the point of view of the condemned girl who is to be burned at the stake as explained in book 3. It's a great, fresh way to start the book. I think it's going to be really exciting. I can't wait to explore her emotions and fears. I've really enjoyed writing this scene so far.
On a lighter note, I also actually tried to begin tackling my 7 year old daughter's 'Lego Hell' literally for a long time her floor has been 70% covered in bits of Lego, with just a narrow path to her bed. It doesn't help that her 3 year old brother loves to break up her models and spread the bits around, before pinching key components and hiding them in his 'hoarding drawer'. So I spent a couple of hours scouring the floor for bits and re-building models with her, and we cleared most of the floor, built the castle, built several vehicle and generally made a massive impact. There's still LOTS to do. I could spend a week building Lego's with her and we'd still be in a mess. I used to love Lego as a child, I'm learning to hate it and fear it as an adult... Building the castle was fun, but actually pretty tricky when all the bits are mixed, together, mixed with other bits and in some cases built into other random creations she or her brother has thrown up.
I almost feel the best advice to anyone who wants their child to enjoy Lego is not to buy models, but buy sets with no instructions and just let them be creative - although it could mean the sea of painful Lego bricks carpeting the floor ends up even greater and intimidating...
I suppose it's a sacrifice from having a large plot of land, living semi-rurally and developing as you go. It rained heavily all day, but strangely I wasn't miserable about it, I actually found it quite cathartic. We put an 8 foot wooden gatepost in, I put a stone one in last weekend - that was actually harder.
I've pushed on with my edits of 'The Blood Queen' and discussed some interesting plot tweaks with my primary beta-reader, so I can get a bit more character in now, and tie some loose ends up better later.
I've also written over 1000 words of 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God' my main gripe is that I haven't finished my book proposal! I really want to get this done. A publishing deal might not increase my revenue - it might make it go down. However it will strengthen my 'brand' and lend my stories credibility.
I'm really excited about part 4, I changed perspective and started writing from the point of view of the condemned girl who is to be burned at the stake as explained in book 3. It's a great, fresh way to start the book. I think it's going to be really exciting. I can't wait to explore her emotions and fears. I've really enjoyed writing this scene so far.
On a lighter note, I also actually tried to begin tackling my 7 year old daughter's 'Lego Hell' literally for a long time her floor has been 70% covered in bits of Lego, with just a narrow path to her bed. It doesn't help that her 3 year old brother loves to break up her models and spread the bits around, before pinching key components and hiding them in his 'hoarding drawer'. So I spent a couple of hours scouring the floor for bits and re-building models with her, and we cleared most of the floor, built the castle, built several vehicle and generally made a massive impact. There's still LOTS to do. I could spend a week building Lego's with her and we'd still be in a mess. I used to love Lego as a child, I'm learning to hate it and fear it as an adult... Building the castle was fun, but actually pretty tricky when all the bits are mixed, together, mixed with other bits and in some cases built into other random creations she or her brother has thrown up.
I almost feel the best advice to anyone who wants their child to enjoy Lego is not to buy models, but buy sets with no instructions and just let them be creative - although it could mean the sea of painful Lego bricks carpeting the floor ends up even greater and intimidating...
May 9, 2014
The Killer Mile and the Blood Queen
Well, I didn't get around to reading any more of Clarkson's rants last night.
Instead I was at an event - the Mow Cop Killer Mile assisting with the timing.
It's an interesting event. It's a very, very brutal road running race. It's only 1 mile, so not very long. However every single step is uphill. One section is 1 in 4 that's a 25% incline.
You can read a bit about the event and it's history here:-
http://www.mowcop.info/killermile/kil...
I was timing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd - all went well until they decided to run the last two races at the same time. Meaning taking 12 times and segrating place, race and male and female. No disrespect but sometimes it's tricky to establish whether a runner is male or female!
I have run the grueling event myself. You can see me, number 879 in the red T-shirt here:-
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/h...
It was 2009 and I came in 116th/192 with a time of 12 minutes, 22 seconds.
The fastest in my race was 8 minutes 22 seconds, and the slowest was 21 minutes and 1 second. So I thought my time and place was pretty respectable for an unfit guy who 'doesn't do sport', that started training for his first running event the night before the event!
The fastest man on the night was club runner Steve Vernon at 6 minutes 22 seconds. You can see the event for that year here:-
http://www.mowcop.info/killermile/kil...
You can see a video of the steep part her: - I can't spot me though, that was my year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDrNN...
I ought to run it again some time. If I do I should prepare a bit more and get fit first!
When I got home last night I managed to actually go through ten pages of edits on the Blood Queen so finally some progress!
If you like running and you can get to Staffordshire in May one year, you should do the Killer Mile, it's a real experience!
Instead I was at an event - the Mow Cop Killer Mile assisting with the timing.
It's an interesting event. It's a very, very brutal road running race. It's only 1 mile, so not very long. However every single step is uphill. One section is 1 in 4 that's a 25% incline.
You can read a bit about the event and it's history here:-
http://www.mowcop.info/killermile/kil...
I was timing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd - all went well until they decided to run the last two races at the same time. Meaning taking 12 times and segrating place, race and male and female. No disrespect but sometimes it's tricky to establish whether a runner is male or female!
I have run the grueling event myself. You can see me, number 879 in the red T-shirt here:-
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/h...
It was 2009 and I came in 116th/192 with a time of 12 minutes, 22 seconds.
The fastest in my race was 8 minutes 22 seconds, and the slowest was 21 minutes and 1 second. So I thought my time and place was pretty respectable for an unfit guy who 'doesn't do sport', that started training for his first running event the night before the event!
The fastest man on the night was club runner Steve Vernon at 6 minutes 22 seconds. You can see the event for that year here:-
http://www.mowcop.info/killermile/kil...
You can see a video of the steep part her: - I can't spot me though, that was my year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDrNN...
I ought to run it again some time. If I do I should prepare a bit more and get fit first!
When I got home last night I managed to actually go through ten pages of edits on the Blood Queen so finally some progress!
If you like running and you can get to Staffordshire in May one year, you should do the Killer Mile, it's a real experience!
May 8, 2014
The Temple of the Mad God
First of all, I've entered a Goodreads book giveaway!
For this:-
I really enjoyed Isis's 'Duskland' and I'm really excited about this illustrated version! So why not enter yourself? It's for a signed copy!
Yes I'm biased, Isis Sousa is my illustrator for Deathsworn Arc and is also becoming something like an estranged friend. Her writing is interesting though. Duskland has a very surreal feel to it. It reminds me a little of 'Una Pura Formalita' in it's style and pace.
Secondly I've actually started 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God'. I know, I know, 'Deathsworn Arc 3: The Blood Queen' isn't out yet, the cover is still being perfected, the editing and proofing is still churning away. In my defence it's nearly 50% bigger than the first two books, it's over 80,000 words. It's also more complex, the plot is more complex, more backstory is revealed with some major twists, more characters... And more exploration of the theme : 'Criticism of religion' namely the Isharian Church. I need to handle this sensitively, it needs to be subtle and thought provoking, I don't want to preach, I just want to question.
I know it's turning out to be the longest wait ever, but it will be worth it, 'The Blood Queen' is going to be really, really special.
I also want to write book 4 more slowly, so editing and proofing isn't such a complete nightmare. So I'm going to take my time and perfect it as I go along. I know what happens, it's going to be another big book, time will get stretched out more in this one too.
Oh, I am going to release an anthology of the first three parts soon too! But my first priority is my book proposal for a publisher who is showing some interest, then finishing book 3.
Busy, busy!
Martyn
For this:-
I really enjoyed Isis's 'Duskland' and I'm really excited about this illustrated version! So why not enter yourself? It's for a signed copy!
Yes I'm biased, Isis Sousa is my illustrator for Deathsworn Arc and is also becoming something like an estranged friend. Her writing is interesting though. Duskland has a very surreal feel to it. It reminds me a little of 'Una Pura Formalita' in it's style and pace.
Secondly I've actually started 'Deathsworn Arc 4: The Temple of the Mad God'. I know, I know, 'Deathsworn Arc 3: The Blood Queen' isn't out yet, the cover is still being perfected, the editing and proofing is still churning away. In my defence it's nearly 50% bigger than the first two books, it's over 80,000 words. It's also more complex, the plot is more complex, more backstory is revealed with some major twists, more characters... And more exploration of the theme : 'Criticism of religion' namely the Isharian Church. I need to handle this sensitively, it needs to be subtle and thought provoking, I don't want to preach, I just want to question.
I know it's turning out to be the longest wait ever, but it will be worth it, 'The Blood Queen' is going to be really, really special.
I also want to write book 4 more slowly, so editing and proofing isn't such a complete nightmare. So I'm going to take my time and perfect it as I go along. I know what happens, it's going to be another big book, time will get stretched out more in this one too.
Oh, I am going to release an anthology of the first three parts soon too! But my first priority is my book proposal for a publisher who is showing some interest, then finishing book 3.
Busy, busy!
Martyn
May 7, 2014
The Blood Queen Draws Closer!
I have finally given my wonderful cover artist and fellow author Isis Sousa some much needed direction.
I hasten to add that her original art was superb, she captured my vision perfectly. The trouble was, when I presented that vision to my beta-reader team, they thought it looked too modern. I hate admitting I'm wrong, but as a writer, trying to create a better product - it's critical that I can.
On this occasion I was wrong, we talked about some ideas on how to rectify the image, which will mean a little dabbling with some descriptions so the text fits the cover - but I think the result will be stunning.
I'm really excited about this book, I expect the cover to be really exciting and enticing - it will be the first time I release a brand new book with a professional cover off the bat so hopefully it will kick-start the sales machine.
I hasten to add that her original art was superb, she captured my vision perfectly. The trouble was, when I presented that vision to my beta-reader team, they thought it looked too modern. I hate admitting I'm wrong, but as a writer, trying to create a better product - it's critical that I can.
On this occasion I was wrong, we talked about some ideas on how to rectify the image, which will mean a little dabbling with some descriptions so the text fits the cover - but I think the result will be stunning.
I'm really excited about this book, I expect the cover to be really exciting and enticing - it will be the first time I release a brand new book with a professional cover off the bat so hopefully it will kick-start the sales machine.
May 6, 2014
The Blood Queen.
It's drawing closer!
I have an incredible cover, it looks great. Theoretically it just needs lettering - but something seems somehow off with it? I don't know what though! There just seems something isn't quite how it should be?
I love it and in many ways it seems perfect - but there's something I can't put my finger on...
I still need to finish editing and polishing it of course. I need to start thinking about my blurb too. I've never been too happy with my book 1 and 2 blurbs, I don't think they're very enticing - but I don't really know how I could improve them, without spoiling some of the big plot twists.
Book 3 also has the companions facing confrontations with the Isharian Church. I think the atheist aspect of the books is important - yet people don't seem to pick up on it... Part of me thinks I should shout about the atheism, because it's subtle and part of me thinks I should leave it in - but not mention and let people discover for themselves. I am trying to be balanced. The Isharian Church has it's problems, and is responsible for evil in Torea, but I want to portray it as also responsible for good!
I wish I could get it out sooner - I'm really waiting for time to sit down with my editor at the moment, and I need to work out what needs changing about the cover. It's really special though, so I don't want to share it until it's ready.
I will get there! Sorry for the long delay, I just want it to be as good as possible before I release it this time.
Martyn
I have an incredible cover, it looks great. Theoretically it just needs lettering - but something seems somehow off with it? I don't know what though! There just seems something isn't quite how it should be?
I love it and in many ways it seems perfect - but there's something I can't put my finger on...
I still need to finish editing and polishing it of course. I need to start thinking about my blurb too. I've never been too happy with my book 1 and 2 blurbs, I don't think they're very enticing - but I don't really know how I could improve them, without spoiling some of the big plot twists.
Book 3 also has the companions facing confrontations with the Isharian Church. I think the atheist aspect of the books is important - yet people don't seem to pick up on it... Part of me thinks I should shout about the atheism, because it's subtle and part of me thinks I should leave it in - but not mention and let people discover for themselves. I am trying to be balanced. The Isharian Church has it's problems, and is responsible for evil in Torea, but I want to portray it as also responsible for good!
I wish I could get it out sooner - I'm really waiting for time to sit down with my editor at the moment, and I need to work out what needs changing about the cover. It's really special though, so I don't want to share it until it's ready.
I will get there! Sorry for the long delay, I just want it to be as good as possible before I release it this time.
Martyn
May 2, 2014
A Free Story...
I've started playing around with Wattpad. I've been meaning to do this for some time. I wanted to scratch out some rough prequel stories to 'The Deathsworn Arc' so I started one for Korhan. It's very rough, it's unedited and unproofed - just me scratching out a story. It begins as Korhan and Harald enter Torea for the first time.
Please feel free to read it and share it as I write it. I'll be adding to it regularly and I may do the same for Vashni, Brael, Votrex and Saul at a later date.
You can find it here:-
http://www.wattpad.com/40626548-death...
Please feel free to read it and share it as I write it. I'll be adding to it regularly and I may do the same for Vashni, Brael, Votrex and Saul at a later date.
You can find it here:-
http://www.wattpad.com/40626548-death...
Lists.
I've got some votes on this list :-
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
Best Indie Fantasy Books, I can't argue!
I've also got a few votes on this one:-
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/5...
'What to read after Harry Potter'
Now I question whether it really is a great post-potter read. I suppose the trouble is, people say 'Harry Potter' and I think Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Now, that was Harry's first year at Hogwarts. When J.K. Rowling wrote Potter she was really writing for kids I think. Part of Potter's success is in that as Rowling's readers grew up, her stories grew up too. By the time she's on 'Deathly Hallows' the plot has become very complex and the themes have become very dark - it's quite a dark book, certainly not one I would say is great for children.
My first book Deathsworn ARC 1: The Last Dragon Slayer is quite adult I think - but not 'that' adult. I'd say it's upper YA, lower NA. I don't think it's as adult a book as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows so maybe it is a good post-potter read? I suspect it's probably a bit of an over-lap read. The Verkreath Horror is a dark book, it's a more adult read than the first one.
For book 3, the soon to be release 'Blood Queen' I don't know. It's bigger, I think the plot becomes more complex and there's more character development, plus some surprising twists. I don't think it has the dark, dark tone of Verkreath though - there's perhaps a little more 'hope' in 'The Blood Queen' even though I still haven't gotten to the stage where all hell breaks loose in Torea.
I can't wait to finish it and get some feedback on it. I'm a little nervous about it, because it's big and it's different - most of it takes place in a city... But I'm really excited too, I feel like I'm really starting to get into the story now! I've more or less written book 4 in my head. I can't wait to start it!
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
Best Indie Fantasy Books, I can't argue!
I've also got a few votes on this one:-
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/5...
'What to read after Harry Potter'
Now I question whether it really is a great post-potter read. I suppose the trouble is, people say 'Harry Potter' and I think Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Now, that was Harry's first year at Hogwarts. When J.K. Rowling wrote Potter she was really writing for kids I think. Part of Potter's success is in that as Rowling's readers grew up, her stories grew up too. By the time she's on 'Deathly Hallows' the plot has become very complex and the themes have become very dark - it's quite a dark book, certainly not one I would say is great for children.
My first book Deathsworn ARC 1: The Last Dragon Slayer is quite adult I think - but not 'that' adult. I'd say it's upper YA, lower NA. I don't think it's as adult a book as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows so maybe it is a good post-potter read? I suspect it's probably a bit of an over-lap read. The Verkreath Horror is a dark book, it's a more adult read than the first one.
For book 3, the soon to be release 'Blood Queen' I don't know. It's bigger, I think the plot becomes more complex and there's more character development, plus some surprising twists. I don't think it has the dark, dark tone of Verkreath though - there's perhaps a little more 'hope' in 'The Blood Queen' even though I still haven't gotten to the stage where all hell breaks loose in Torea.
I can't wait to finish it and get some feedback on it. I'm a little nervous about it, because it's big and it's different - most of it takes place in a city... But I'm really excited too, I feel like I'm really starting to get into the story now! I've more or less written book 4 in my head. I can't wait to start it!
April 30, 2014
Great review, a little 'spoiler-heavy' though.
http://readingisawayoflife.blogspot.c...
Also, don't forget! If you bought an earlier version of 'The Last Dragon Slayer' or 'The Verkreath Horror' please email:-
kindle-generalist@amazon.com
To request the latest version the ASIN's for both are:-
'The Last Dragon Slayer' : ASIN: B009ECABOA
'The Verkreath Horror' : ASIN: B00BU8DS0A
Also, don't forget! If you bought an earlier version of 'The Last Dragon Slayer' or 'The Verkreath Horror' please email:-
kindle-generalist@amazon.com
To request the latest version the ASIN's for both are:-
'The Last Dragon Slayer' : ASIN: B009ECABOA
'The Verkreath Horror' : ASIN: B00BU8DS0A
April 29, 2014
Important Notice to Anyone who has purchased 'Deathsworn Arc: The Last Dragon Slayer'
Have you purchased The Last Dragon Slayer?
Is your version number earlier than 6.1?
Please, please consider updating to the latest version, it's infinitely superior and the latest Verkreath Horror is too!
It's really easy to update, just email this email address:-
kindle-generalist@amazon.com
From your Amazon Kindle Linked Email and ask to swap your book for the latest version.
Use the ASIN to identify the one you want updating. For book 1, 'The Last Dragon Slayer' it's : ASIN: B009ECABOA
For book 2 'The Verkreath Horror' it's ASIN: B00BU8DS0A
I promise you will get a much better version. You will lose any highlighting or notes and that kind of thing - but I honestly think it's worth it.
This won't be a regular need, when I started out I assumed people got updates automatically. It turns out even if you bought it, deleted it and removed it from your library - you are still locked into an archive version unless you request the new version!
This won't be an issue affecting book 3 'The Blood Queen' it's limited to the first two books and any changes in future will be so minor they won't be worth doing.
If anyone has any problems updating to the latest version let me know and I will try to assist.
All the best,
Martyn Stanley
PS: The Countdown deal is still on! If you enjoyed The Last Dragon Slayer why not tell your friends? It's going for a song on Amazon at the moment!
Is your version number earlier than 6.1?
Please, please consider updating to the latest version, it's infinitely superior and the latest Verkreath Horror is too!
It's really easy to update, just email this email address:-
kindle-generalist@amazon.com
From your Amazon Kindle Linked Email and ask to swap your book for the latest version.
Use the ASIN to identify the one you want updating. For book 1, 'The Last Dragon Slayer' it's : ASIN: B009ECABOA
For book 2 'The Verkreath Horror' it's ASIN: B00BU8DS0A
I promise you will get a much better version. You will lose any highlighting or notes and that kind of thing - but I honestly think it's worth it.
This won't be a regular need, when I started out I assumed people got updates automatically. It turns out even if you bought it, deleted it and removed it from your library - you are still locked into an archive version unless you request the new version!
This won't be an issue affecting book 3 'The Blood Queen' it's limited to the first two books and any changes in future will be so minor they won't be worth doing.
If anyone has any problems updating to the latest version let me know and I will try to assist.
All the best,
Martyn Stanley
PS: The Countdown deal is still on! If you enjoyed The Last Dragon Slayer why not tell your friends? It's going for a song on Amazon at the moment!
