D.B. Swift's Blog
May 8, 2016
Domain Name Changes
Dropping the website dbswift.com back down to dbswift.blogspot.com
I don't want to deal with Google any more than I have to.
I don't want to deal with Google any more than I have to.
New stuff coming
Developments to follow.
=D
=D
March 17, 2014
Updatery
It's been a while since I have posted any updates here, so I thought I should let my reader(s) know that I have not, in fact, fallen off the face of the planet, been hit by an asteroid, abducted by aliens, or quit writing. Life has been busy with the new baby, the ever expanding schedule for my older kids, and general chaos. However, now that I'm about 6 months post partum, I'm getting back to writing, and it's going well. I've reached the good bits of Inheritance, there toward the end when the crap really hits the fan. It is slow going, partially because I have rewritten a few areas because the story took on a mind of its own, and because I'm trying not to make any horribly embarrassing mistakes that I will just have to go back and change later.
In the meanwhile, while I've been stuck on a treadmill at the gym, I've pretty much plotted out a novel that I am considering releasing as a web serial. We'll see. I liked releasing Gap in the Fence that way. The only thing I don't like so much is that I would also need to write it in advance, just because it's long and complex. I'm back and forth on it.
Speaking of Gap in the Fence, although I am devoting all writing time to Inheritance at the moment, the sequel to GITF is started, and I anticipate finishing that before beginning any new. That is the ideal, anyway. It's hard to have the self-control to finish one project before starting something bright and shiny and new. But the last thing I want is to have a dozen half finished manuscripts sitting around, so I really try to be good ;)
I may add a book list somewhere on this site to keep track of books I've really enjoyed throughout the year. I've not been reading much fiction lately (I go between reading tons of fiction and tons of non-fiction), but I have loved some of the non-fic stuff I've been reading.
Anyway, that's all I have for now. I'll post another update when I finish Inheritance and send it off for edits.
In the meanwhile, while I've been stuck on a treadmill at the gym, I've pretty much plotted out a novel that I am considering releasing as a web serial. We'll see. I liked releasing Gap in the Fence that way. The only thing I don't like so much is that I would also need to write it in advance, just because it's long and complex. I'm back and forth on it.
Speaking of Gap in the Fence, although I am devoting all writing time to Inheritance at the moment, the sequel to GITF is started, and I anticipate finishing that before beginning any new. That is the ideal, anyway. It's hard to have the self-control to finish one project before starting something bright and shiny and new. But the last thing I want is to have a dozen half finished manuscripts sitting around, so I really try to be good ;)
I may add a book list somewhere on this site to keep track of books I've really enjoyed throughout the year. I've not been reading much fiction lately (I go between reading tons of fiction and tons of non-fiction), but I have loved some of the non-fic stuff I've been reading.
Anyway, that's all I have for now. I'll post another update when I finish Inheritance and send it off for edits.
August 15, 2013
Not Gone, Just Busy!
Busy working away on my next 2 novels, that is. The sequel to Affinity that I'm calling Inheritance (at least until something better pops into my head--don't hold your breath on that one), and Ties that Bind, the sequel to the stories of Gap in the Fence. Ties that Bind will be a novel, not a serialization. Serializing was really fun while it lasted, but I am more comfortable writing in a novel format. Some day I will hash out a few more shorts to put up here on the blog, but I'm too busy these days with real life demands.
I'll post more as I zero in on the finish line. I'm about 2/3 finished with Inheritance--I think. I reserve the right to make it much longer if that is where the story takes me. Anyway, just writing this is cutting into my writing time, so I'm going to get back to it. But before I go, I want to shout a big THANK YOU to all of my readers who have enjoyed--and given feedback--on the two books I have published in the last year. It's great fun to write, and even more fun to write something that others enjoy.
I'll post more as I zero in on the finish line. I'm about 2/3 finished with Inheritance--I think. I reserve the right to make it much longer if that is where the story takes me. Anyway, just writing this is cutting into my writing time, so I'm going to get back to it. But before I go, I want to shout a big THANK YOU to all of my readers who have enjoyed--and given feedback--on the two books I have published in the last year. It's great fun to write, and even more fun to write something that others enjoy.
April 25, 2013
Freebies!
In celebration of Gap in the Fence hitting its first ever free promo on Amazon, I'm putting Affinity up for free on Smashwords starting today and lasting through Sunday only. Here's the link https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/251457A few wield unthinkable power--and some would kill to control them. One rainy Seattle night, Mariah's past comes back to haunt her: a conman ex-boyfriend with trouble hot on his heels. When Mariah disappears, her brother Charlie must assemble the pieces of a preternatural mystery that will take him to the ends of the earth—and beyond. Affinity is the thrilling introduction to the Affinity Cycle.
April 24, 2013
Gap in the Fence Omnibus Free on Amazon: Thursday and Friday only!
Free for a limited time only! This promotion will last from April 25-26.
You can find Gap in the Fence here:
http://www.amazon.com/Gap-Fence-Omnibus-ebook/dp/B00CAWW1B2/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_QBWE
Tell your friends!
April 12, 2013
Gap in the Fence: Omnibus now available
The Gap in the Fence Omnibus edition is now available to purchase. It contains all four of the stories that originally appeared on this website, although they have been revised and polished. It also includes a sneak peak of the next story in the saga--one that is turning out to be a full book by itself. If you enjoyed the first four stories, consider telling your friends about this book.
You can find it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Gap-Fence-Omnibus-ebook/dp/B00CAWW1B2/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_3_QR81
You can find it on Barnes and Noble here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gap-in-the-fence-omnibus-db-swift/1115088632?ean=2940016691695
Over the next few days it will become available on Kobo. The Smashwords Edition is forthcoming. Up next is Inheritance, the sequel to Affinity that I had put aside while I worked on Gap in the Fence. Now that GITF is complete, I will return to Inheritance. So far, the first "draft"is over 50% complete, and I feel as if I have really hit my stride. Though I make no promises, it feels as if I'm to that part in writing a book where it becomes easy. That is, except for the whole sitting down and writing, despite the crumbs on the the counter and the cobwebs in the corners. ;)
April 9, 2013
Before and After: Gap in the Fence, a cover story
While I was working on the four stories that comprise Gap in the Fence, I felt I needed some sort of cover image, since they were to be published on most major eBook sites, not just this website. Unfortunately, I did not know how to make a cover, and I knew nothing about fonts. Well, a few months later, after an excellent 6 week workshop on the subject, I am here to unveil the new eBook (and eventually paperback) cover for Gap in the Fence. The omnibus edition is on its way, now that the cover is finished. The sequel, Ties that Bind, is turning into quite a story, and will end up a full book by itself. I'll announce when the eBook is available.
Now on to the new cover!
Drumroll, please.....
© Michele Cornelius | Dreamstime.com
Cover Design © 2013 by D.B. Swift
and as you may recall, here is the old cover...rather ugly and sad...
Photo and cover design © 2012 by D.B. Swift
Now on to the new cover!
Drumroll, please.....
© Michele Cornelius | Dreamstime.comCover Design © 2013 by D.B. Swift
and as you may recall, here is the old cover...rather ugly and sad...
Photo and cover design © 2012 by D.B. SwiftFebruary 20, 2013
Gap in the Fence Omnibus Update and Recommended Reading
I am wrapping up the final story for the Gap in the Fence Omnibus edition. It will go out for edits and beta readers next, and then, once the collection is cleaned up, it will be ready to publish. I hope to make it available as an eBook by early spring.
The final story for the collection is longer than any of the other stories, and has made itself quite complex in some ways as Micah navigates his first year of high school, friends, and the pesky creatures on the other side of the fence. I'm having great fun writing it, and I hope you will enjoy reading it as well. It will be the bonus story in the omnibus edition, so it will not appear here first, as the other stories did. I don't have a lot of time to blog, but I will update as the collection nears completion.** As always, I welcome your emails if you have any questions or comments. The first story, Don't Drink the Water, is available to read for free here on the website. You can also find it for free on Kobo and Amazon.
As I wrap up Gap in the Fence and plug along on Affinity #2 (Inheritance), I am also doing research for another book whose title you may have noticed in the writing progress section. That novel is an epic fantasy, and as I have been hunkered down doing research for it, I came across a book to recommend. If you have any interest on the history of Guerrilla warfare or terrorism (not the same thing), then I must recommend Max Boot's Invisible Armies: And Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present.
Once again, I am recommending a book before I have even finished reading it, because it's that good. His primary thesis is that guerrilla warfare--rather than conventional warfare, has been the norm throughout history. Boot manages to cover huge swaths of history at a decent pace while still offering adequate detail. His writing style is engaging, and he treats this sometimes controversial subject with fairness. His observations are enlightening, and he manages to cover some of the nastier bits of history without being judgmental (most of my college professors could not manage this). He points out similarities between movements throughout history, as well as the reigning philosophies of the time. This book is quite enlightening as well as enjoyable to read. If you love history, or want to understand modern terrorism or guerrilla warfare better, I highly recommend this book.
**Update: 4/12/13: The proposed bonus story took on a life of its own, and will now be a forthcoming novella/novel. I could not wrap it up and make it fit without ruining the story, though I did try ;) While I am sorry if it disappoints readers of the website, I think it will be much more fun to let that story go where it wants. More is better, right? :)
The final story for the collection is longer than any of the other stories, and has made itself quite complex in some ways as Micah navigates his first year of high school, friends, and the pesky creatures on the other side of the fence. I'm having great fun writing it, and I hope you will enjoy reading it as well. It will be the bonus story in the omnibus edition, so it will not appear here first, as the other stories did. I don't have a lot of time to blog, but I will update as the collection nears completion.** As always, I welcome your emails if you have any questions or comments. The first story, Don't Drink the Water, is available to read for free here on the website. You can also find it for free on Kobo and Amazon.
As I wrap up Gap in the Fence and plug along on Affinity #2 (Inheritance), I am also doing research for another book whose title you may have noticed in the writing progress section. That novel is an epic fantasy, and as I have been hunkered down doing research for it, I came across a book to recommend. If you have any interest on the history of Guerrilla warfare or terrorism (not the same thing), then I must recommend Max Boot's Invisible Armies: And Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present.
Once again, I am recommending a book before I have even finished reading it, because it's that good. His primary thesis is that guerrilla warfare--rather than conventional warfare, has been the norm throughout history. Boot manages to cover huge swaths of history at a decent pace while still offering adequate detail. His writing style is engaging, and he treats this sometimes controversial subject with fairness. His observations are enlightening, and he manages to cover some of the nastier bits of history without being judgmental (most of my college professors could not manage this). He points out similarities between movements throughout history, as well as the reigning philosophies of the time. This book is quite enlightening as well as enjoyable to read. If you love history, or want to understand modern terrorism or guerrilla warfare better, I highly recommend this book.
**Update: 4/12/13: The proposed bonus story took on a life of its own, and will now be a forthcoming novella/novel. I could not wrap it up and make it fit without ruining the story, though I did try ;) While I am sorry if it disappoints readers of the website, I think it will be much more fun to let that story go where it wants. More is better, right? :)
January 11, 2013
Publishing Update
The original four stories that formed the novella Gap in the Fence are available through Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble. An omnibus edition with bonus story is forthcoming. Each individual story is 2.99 (US). The first story will remain available to read for free here on the blog. I am already forming another story in the world, as well. Hopefully that will show up later in the year.
I'm nearing the half-way mark on Inheritance, as well. Now that Gap in the Fence is finished, I will be working almost exclusively on that novel until it is finished.
That's all for now!
I'm nearing the half-way mark on Inheritance, as well. Now that Gap in the Fence is finished, I will be working almost exclusively on that novel until it is finished.
That's all for now!
