T.D. Wilson's Blog, page 27
April 3, 2013
It is official! The Epherium Chronicles:Embrace is ...
It is official! The Epherium Chronicles:Embrace is now an Amazon Best-Seller! At the time of this post it ranks 1,558 in total sales in the Kindle Store. It is #5 in the top 100 Science Fiction Space Operas and #13 in Science Fiction Military.
Woot! Now lets keep it there! Crucible, the second book in the series, comes out April 26th!
March 31, 2013
One of the great things about running a blog or even writ...
One of the great things about running a blog or even writing a book is working with others to promote not only your own work, but theirs. One way to do this is to provide author interviews. Another blogger has recently posted an interview with me on his website. Please check it out here: http://rastephensonauthor.blogspot.com/2013/03/author-interview-td-wilson.html. If you are author and interested in having an interview with me or Mr. Stephenson, please contact us via our blogs and we will be sure to get you a list of questions.
March 27, 2013
Mark Your Calendars!Coming April 26th!The Cygni system wa...
Mark Your Calendars!
Coming April 26th!
The Cygni system was just one space-fold jump away. One more jump to a new world with a fledgling colony that Earth desperately needed. Its importance resonated in Captain James Hood's mind, but could he reach the colony in time or even defend it against attack.
So much depends on him now, but Hood’s confidence is shaken. Only a few days earlier, a deceptive trap by a mysterious vessel nearly claimed his ship and the lives of his crew. On the journey to the new colony, Hood was so focused on encountering Earth’s old enemy, the Cilik’ti, that he was oblivious to the undermining activities of a new and elusive foe. They had managed to turn his strategic and tactical strengths against him; something few had ever accomplished.
Now, the specter of self-doubt resurfaced inside him. Hood knew it as a brutal mind-killer for all military commanders. It was something Hood thought he cast aside long ago.
Hood needed to get to Cygni and fast. The plot to derail his mission to Cygni cost him something more important than just his confidence. It cost him time—time the colonists at Cygni may not have. With the Cilik’ti and his new adversary still out there somewhere, the consequences for the colony could be dire if he didn’t reach them first.
What will Hood and his crew find when they arrive at the colony? Hood didn’t know, but one thing was certain. If he didn’t win his battle within, the fate of the colony would be sealed.
Crucible is the second book in the exciting sci-fi series, The Epherium Chronicles.
Coming April 26th!
The Cygni system was just one space-fold jump away. One more jump to a new world with a fledgling colony that Earth desperately needed. Its importance resonated in Captain James Hood's mind, but could he reach the colony in time or even defend it against attack.
So much depends on him now, but Hood’s confidence is shaken. Only a few days earlier, a deceptive trap by a mysterious vessel nearly claimed his ship and the lives of his crew. On the journey to the new colony, Hood was so focused on encountering Earth’s old enemy, the Cilik’ti, that he was oblivious to the undermining activities of a new and elusive foe. They had managed to turn his strategic and tactical strengths against him; something few had ever accomplished.
Now, the specter of self-doubt resurfaced inside him. Hood knew it as a brutal mind-killer for all military commanders. It was something Hood thought he cast aside long ago.
Hood needed to get to Cygni and fast. The plot to derail his mission to Cygni cost him something more important than just his confidence. It cost him time—time the colonists at Cygni may not have. With the Cilik’ti and his new adversary still out there somewhere, the consequences for the colony could be dire if he didn’t reach them first.
What will Hood and his crew find when they arrive at the colony? Hood didn’t know, but one thing was certain. If he didn’t win his battle within, the fate of the colony would be sealed.
Crucible is the second book in the exciting sci-fi series, The Epherium Chronicles.
March 25, 2013
In anticipation for the release of the next Epherium Chro...
In anticipation for the release of the next Epherium Chronicles novel, Crucible, I have placed the first book, Embrace, on sale for $0.99 until April 26, 2013.
You can find it here:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/... with the coupon code PW87U
March 20, 2013
My family took a trip to the land of Oz this weekend. &nb...
My family took a trip to the land of Oz this weekend. I was highly optimistic about this film. I am a huge Sam Raimi fan and I really wanted to see what he planned to do with this storyline. We saw the 2D version of the film, and from that vantage I could easily tell it was made for 3D. The story was good, but not great. Perhaps I am too jaded as an old fan of the Dorothy classic. After all, The Wizard of Oz is a fantasy epic in all its glory. Also, I had the pleasure of seeing the play Wicked on stage and that musical and back story was a brilliant adaptation for Oz. I know the book was much darker, but the musical lightened it up and made it fun.
I found that the story here for Oz was superficial. It needed something more, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I know that Robert Downey, Jr was originally supposed to play the Wizard and I think he may have been the best choice. James Franco did well with the con-man side, but when it came to how he truly cared for the people of Oz and Glenda, it didn't come through. Michelle Williams did play a very enchanting Glenda, but in this version she was the Good Witch of the South... I was always under the impression she was the Good Witch of the North. The other two witch sisters played by Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis were ok as the "Wicked" witches, but I did like the back story of how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be (Mila Kunis). It was very Disney-like.
All in all, I give this a rating of 6 out of 10. For kids, they will like it, albeit a few scary parts for them. It seems set up for a remake of Dorothy's adventure, but will really need to step up for all us fans of the classic film.
March 5, 2013
My job offers very weird quirks. Well, I needed to ...
My job offers very weird quirks. Well, I needed to travel to Washington, DC this week and it turned out that one of my favorite authors was conducting a book signing in Baltimore. That man was R.A. Salvatore. I had to go and it was well worth it. I got a chance to listen to his stories about creating some of my favorite characters. It was a great time. I was able to share some of my experiences writing and my reasons to self publish.
I did ask him about his Star Wars: Vector Prime novel. It was the Star Wars publishers that asked him to kill off Chewbacca and I know he took a lot of heat from fans. Wow. What would I do? Turn down a chance to write a spectacular novel for one of the most popular Sci-fi universes today? I doubt I would either, but I know it had to be hard. Killing off a beloved character had to be super hard and I imagine Karen Traviss had to feel the same when she killed off Mara Jade Skywalker in Sacrifice.
This trip already was a win for me and I hope to complete it by finishing The Last Threshold.
March 4, 2013
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Review
Ok, I have been quiet after my viewing of the first of the trio of Hobbit movies. I wasn't sure what direction Peter Jackson was going to go. I loved the movie. It shined with his usual grand spectacle as the LOTR series did, but I am still wondering could this have been done in just the originally planned 2 films instead of 1.
I know Mr. Jackson has really added a great deal to the story. He has tapped more Tolkien works (The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales) for some great backstory related to Dol Guldur and Sauron (Cough..) I mean, The Necromancer. Radaghast's visit sets off a great controversy for the White Council and
I believe Jackson intends to show the Elvish assault on Dol Guldur to oust hum from the fortress.
The initial visage of Smaug was very pleasing and the second movie will indeed be something to see.
I give Mr. Jackson a 8.5 for this one. I love Tolkien and the entire genre, but two hours and forty five minutes for movie #1 was too much..... Another movie that I didn't want to leave, lest I miss something, but my bladder just couldn't take it...sorry.
Jack: The Giant Slayer
Ever been to one of those movies that you just couldn't run to the bathroom or you might miss something important? Well, this movie was one of those for me. I love Jack: The Giant Slayer. It had a good mix of humor, romance, giants smashing stuff, bad guy intrigue (I love Stanley Tucci... he always plays the subtle villian), and good special effects. It also wasn't too scary for kids... If my two 9 year olds can handle it, it is ok for that age.
Since movies are rated on 10 point scales, I give this one a 9.
January 19, 2013
Cold Days by Jim ButcherMy Review:I have been a hug...
Cold Days by Jim Butcher
My Review:
I have been a huge Harry Dresden fan from the very first book, Storm Front. Jim Butcher has done a phenominal job with this series.
Cold Days is set just after the last installment Ghost Story, where Harry Dresden was believed to be dead. For all intensive purposes, he was. His spirit was running around trying to put together the pieces of who killed him.
Now, Harry has been brought back, thanks in part to some powerful help, aka Mab, The Fae Queen of Air and Darkness. In order to save his daughter two before Harry's demise, he made an agreement to become the Winter Knight and serve Mab. She certainly wouldn't let a small thing like death get in the way of Harry living up to his end of the bargain.
Now, I'm not going to offer spoilers here. I just want to give you my thoughts and let you read and make up your own mind. Cold Days was well crafted and as always. Full of twists and turns, but there did seem to have the feeling that there was always something bigger and nastier that had to come his way. I would have preferred more of older enemy that continues to be the protagonist here. Of course there is Mab, many of the other Winter and Summer Courts to contend with... Perhaps, I am just hankering for a early standoff with another member of the dubious and yet unmasked, Black Council.
This book focuses more on the Fae and his newly bonded island... yes, I said island... Demonreach. Like Changes, much about Harry's life, his surroundings, and his future are being altered and as much as he fights with it, there seems to be little he can do to stop it.
Mr. Butcher grasp of Harry's demeanor and how he conveys his friend's views of him, now that he is the Winter Knight is superb. The book did seem to stall for me just abit about 1/3 the way in. Not sure if it was intended to put as the reader state of "Oh well", or not. At one point, I could tell it seemed lost.. I counted "Hell's Bells!" three times on one page.
Overall, I think Cold Days was another fantastic Dresden Files novel, but it was not Mr. Butcher's best. I give it 4.5 out of 5, but I am anxious to see what Harry will do next.
Oh and P.S. Give Murphy one of the Swords already!
My Review:
I have been a huge Harry Dresden fan from the very first book, Storm Front. Jim Butcher has done a phenominal job with this series.
Cold Days is set just after the last installment Ghost Story, where Harry Dresden was believed to be dead. For all intensive purposes, he was. His spirit was running around trying to put together the pieces of who killed him.
Now, Harry has been brought back, thanks in part to some powerful help, aka Mab, The Fae Queen of Air and Darkness. In order to save his daughter two before Harry's demise, he made an agreement to become the Winter Knight and serve Mab. She certainly wouldn't let a small thing like death get in the way of Harry living up to his end of the bargain.
Now, I'm not going to offer spoilers here. I just want to give you my thoughts and let you read and make up your own mind. Cold Days was well crafted and as always. Full of twists and turns, but there did seem to have the feeling that there was always something bigger and nastier that had to come his way. I would have preferred more of older enemy that continues to be the protagonist here. Of course there is Mab, many of the other Winter and Summer Courts to contend with... Perhaps, I am just hankering for a early standoff with another member of the dubious and yet unmasked, Black Council.
This book focuses more on the Fae and his newly bonded island... yes, I said island... Demonreach. Like Changes, much about Harry's life, his surroundings, and his future are being altered and as much as he fights with it, there seems to be little he can do to stop it.
Mr. Butcher grasp of Harry's demeanor and how he conveys his friend's views of him, now that he is the Winter Knight is superb. The book did seem to stall for me just abit about 1/3 the way in. Not sure if it was intended to put as the reader state of "Oh well", or not. At one point, I could tell it seemed lost.. I counted "Hell's Bells!" three times on one page.
Overall, I think Cold Days was another fantastic Dresden Files novel, but it was not Mr. Butcher's best. I give it 4.5 out of 5, but I am anxious to see what Harry will do next.
Oh and P.S. Give Murphy one of the Swords already!
December 16, 2012
Hello again fellow Sci-fi/fantasy lovers!It was an awesom...
Hello again fellow Sci-fi/fantasy lovers!
It was an awesome past few days. I spent a glorious week in the hap-hap-happiest place on Earth. That's right Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I'm back now and ready to post away.
First of all, I would like to reach out to all my indie author brethren out there. Let's face it. Self marketing your novel is hard work. I know. But, there are some places to help. One of them is The Author Marketing Club. They have some great resources and links to sites that help promote your book for free. Yes, free. There are some other that offer more for a fee, but it's managable on a tight marketing budget. Here is a link for more information.
Author Marketing Club - Book Marketing & Selling Tips for Authors
I will be posting my review of Jim Butcher's Cold Days later this week. Still hip deep in this one, but even with vacation time, I haven't had time to finish it.
All I have time for tonight, but more to follow during the week. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is definitely on my to do list and I encourage all everyone who likes a good fantasy stort to check it out.
T.D. Wilson
It was an awesome past few days. I spent a glorious week in the hap-hap-happiest place on Earth. That's right Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I'm back now and ready to post away.
First of all, I would like to reach out to all my indie author brethren out there. Let's face it. Self marketing your novel is hard work. I know. But, there are some places to help. One of them is The Author Marketing Club. They have some great resources and links to sites that help promote your book for free. Yes, free. There are some other that offer more for a fee, but it's managable on a tight marketing budget. Here is a link for more information.
Author Marketing Club - Book Marketing & Selling Tips for Authors
I will be posting my review of Jim Butcher's Cold Days later this week. Still hip deep in this one, but even with vacation time, I haven't had time to finish it.
All I have time for tonight, but more to follow during the week. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is definitely on my to do list and I encourage all everyone who likes a good fantasy stort to check it out.
T.D. Wilson
