Nav Logan's Blog, page 42
March 2, 2014
The Gathering of the Clans- one time only Free promo
To celebrate the pending release of Book One of the Storm-Bringer Saga: Maerlin's Storm on paperback shortly, I am offering a one-time free offer on the Amazon Kindle version of Book Two: The Gathering of the Clans. It will be available for a limited period for FREE between the 5th of March and the 9th of March across both UK and .com sites. (Normal price £199) ASIN number B00GTXNB5I I hope you enjoy it.
March 1, 2014
February 27, 2014
Paperback edition update
I got a pleasant surprise this morning- after the initial shock of the phone call from the delivery man at 9am whilst I was still sick in bed- It was the draft paperback version of Maerlin's Storm. The book looks great, and at first glance the only change needs to be to the map (which I'll get around to as soon as my flu finds a new home)
It's taken Eleven years to get this far, with it sitting discarded on the shelf for many years and the last 13 months the book has been through two complete editing and proofreading cycles and multiple small changes, but its finally close to perfection...or as close as it will ever be. I should be available to buy as a paperback shortly, so I'll keep you all posted. Also, I'm about to begin the whole process again with he second book The Gathering of The Clans.
Now that I have the book, all I need is a swanky coffee table to casually place it on..
It is a 6" x9" glossy cover on creme paper and with my own personal ISBN numbers, I am not only the Author, but also the publisher. Printing was done by Createspace and I think will cost $15.99 USD, £9.99 GBP or £11.99 in yoyo's. The book is 366 pages long plus bumph so I hope that works out as value for money. I'm sure it won't warm the house like a bag of coal but you might spend a happy hour snuggled up to a good book.
Many thanks
Nav
It's taken Eleven years to get this far, with it sitting discarded on the shelf for many years and the last 13 months the book has been through two complete editing and proofreading cycles and multiple small changes, but its finally close to perfection...or as close as it will ever be. I should be available to buy as a paperback shortly, so I'll keep you all posted. Also, I'm about to begin the whole process again with he second book The Gathering of The Clans.
Now that I have the book, all I need is a swanky coffee table to casually place it on..
It is a 6" x9" glossy cover on creme paper and with my own personal ISBN numbers, I am not only the Author, but also the publisher. Printing was done by Createspace and I think will cost $15.99 USD, £9.99 GBP or £11.99 in yoyo's. The book is 366 pages long plus bumph so I hope that works out as value for money. I'm sure it won't warm the house like a bag of coal but you might spend a happy hour snuggled up to a good book.
Many thanks
Nav
February 11, 2014
editing and proofreading service
As an author, I love reading (and writing) reviews. They are a way for the the reader to show their appreciation for the long hours of writing, editing, proofreading, agonizing over covers, blurb etc. Admit it, it's nice to be given a pat on the back every once in a while, and even the bad reviews can be of benefit, if we take on board the critique and aim to improve our service to the readers.
Well, a short while ago, I did exactly that. Much though I have spent a whole heap of time checking and rechecking my work, and got friends and family to do likewise, I knew there was still errors in it. They seemed to grow whenever I turned my back. So, in preparation of my hopefully soon launch of Maerlin's Storm on paperback, I took a leap of faith and hired our own KUFfer David Wailing, to have a look over my book and make any suggestions for improvements.
This is a review of his service; Storywork Editing Services and the website address is www.storywork.co.uk. (a WIP I gather).
I have to say that he has been very easy to work with. His attention to detail is excellent and his critique very educational. I can easily see what I have been doing wrong, and can correct it. He also gave a lot of helpful advice.
The service gets a five star rating from this happy customer.
Well, a short while ago, I did exactly that. Much though I have spent a whole heap of time checking and rechecking my work, and got friends and family to do likewise, I knew there was still errors in it. They seemed to grow whenever I turned my back. So, in preparation of my hopefully soon launch of Maerlin's Storm on paperback, I took a leap of faith and hired our own KUFfer David Wailing, to have a look over my book and make any suggestions for improvements.
This is a review of his service; Storywork Editing Services and the website address is www.storywork.co.uk. (a WIP I gather).
I have to say that he has been very easy to work with. His attention to detail is excellent and his critique very educational. I can easily see what I have been doing wrong, and can correct it. He also gave a lot of helpful advice.
The service gets a five star rating from this happy customer.
February 7, 2014
New Author Profile
Many years ago, when I was just a small boy gazing in wonder at his first pubic hair, I decided that I was going to become a tramp. I was going to drop out and go to Strathclyde. Why Strathclyde, many asked? God only knows, but every man must have a goal in life. Being an engineer or a pilot didn’t cut it for me. My soul was filled with wanderlust and the need for adventure.
So, after leaving home, I dropped out. I even went to Strathclyde, passing through it in a sleepy haze while being rocked gently to slumber in the passenger seat of an unknown truck.
Since then, I have done many things and seen many places, always following my instincts and trusting in my destiny. I am self taught in many things, a jack of all trades and a master at none, but I’ve always got by. A strong self belief, confidence and my stubborn Ulster will has brought me through many adversities. I try to be the best I can be and often fail, but I continue, nevertheless.
I have been writing since I was that small boy, my mind always wandering. Mainly, it was poems and the occasional short story. Maerlin’s Storm was first written over a decade ago. It wasn’t something I planned to do. I didn’t wake up and say, I am going to be an author; far from it. Like many things in my life, it all started with a dream. The next morning, I wrote a poem about it. Later, the poem became a story. It grew from a small seed and suddenly became a beanstalk. People read it and enjoyed it, but then life became busy again and for many years the story sat, collecting dust.
I tried writing a follow up, but it initially petered out due to other commitments. It would have stayed on the shelf, forgotten, but my wife bought me a kindle. (She may live to regret that moment of madness, but I love her dearly for it.)
So, after leaving home, I dropped out. I even went to Strathclyde, passing through it in a sleepy haze while being rocked gently to slumber in the passenger seat of an unknown truck.
Since then, I have done many things and seen many places, always following my instincts and trusting in my destiny. I am self taught in many things, a jack of all trades and a master at none, but I’ve always got by. A strong self belief, confidence and my stubborn Ulster will has brought me through many adversities. I try to be the best I can be and often fail, but I continue, nevertheless.
I have been writing since I was that small boy, my mind always wandering. Mainly, it was poems and the occasional short story. Maerlin’s Storm was first written over a decade ago. It wasn’t something I planned to do. I didn’t wake up and say, I am going to be an author; far from it. Like many things in my life, it all started with a dream. The next morning, I wrote a poem about it. Later, the poem became a story. It grew from a small seed and suddenly became a beanstalk. People read it and enjoyed it, but then life became busy again and for many years the story sat, collecting dust.
I tried writing a follow up, but it initially petered out due to other commitments. It would have stayed on the shelf, forgotten, but my wife bought me a kindle. (She may live to regret that moment of madness, but I love her dearly for it.)
January 18, 2014
First review of The Gathering of the Clans
5.0 out of 5 stars Really liked book 2!, 17 Jan 2014
By
Pafos2109 "pafos2109" (Scotland) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Gathering of the Clans (The Storm-bringer Saga) (Kindle Edition)
Bought this after reading book 1, Maerlin's Storm which I had thoroughly enjoyed. This was also a great read. Even if the book gave me a few curve balls in the direction the story went it kept me hooked and I really enjoyed it. I still hold out hope that one aspect of it will go the way I think in book 3, but that's the romantic in me lol! New characters are colourful especially Sile and Malachi who add to the story but my favourite is still Cull. I look forward to Book 3 later this year. I don't like to give too much away in a review as it can spoil it for readers but I have to say this was a very enjoyable read.
By
Pafos2109 "pafos2109" (Scotland) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Gathering of the Clans (The Storm-bringer Saga) (Kindle Edition)
Bought this after reading book 1, Maerlin's Storm which I had thoroughly enjoyed. This was also a great read. Even if the book gave me a few curve balls in the direction the story went it kept me hooked and I really enjoyed it. I still hold out hope that one aspect of it will go the way I think in book 3, but that's the romantic in me lol! New characters are colourful especially Sile and Malachi who add to the story but my favourite is still Cull. I look forward to Book 3 later this year. I don't like to give too much away in a review as it can spoil it for readers but I have to say this was a very enjoyable read.
January 15, 2014
A snippet of a rough draft of Book Three of the Storm-bringer Saga: The Black Knights of Crom Cruach
The wisp of smoke drifted west over the rooftops of the city, defying the southerly breeze. Gliding lower, it slipped into a high window, and into the room beyond. The small flurry of smoke slunk along the walls, hugging the carpet as it crossed the bedroom and oozed silently under the closed door, into the hallway beyond. Slowly, it descended the grand spiral staircase, coiling around magnificently crafted balusters like a cobra slipping through dense forest. The smoke, however, was even more silent and deadly.
Reaching the ground floor, the smoke changed colour, blending with the cream marble of the mansion's flooring as it made its way through the house. It passed guards and servants alike, and none noticed its passing. Finally, it eased through the open doors of the grand dining hall, where the celebrations were in high humour. Music and laughter filled the room, people dancing and eating, dressed in all their finery.
The eddy of pale smoke coiled around an immense marble pillar and slowly crept higher, coiling upwards until it reached an overhanging balcony. Here, ladies fanned themselves and old people pretended to be watching the event below, whilst secretly dozing behind their masks.
The vapour settled within the shadow of the ugly face of a gargoyle and seeped into the unseeing granite eyes.
Far, far away from the city, a slim young woman sat, shrouded in incense, chanting softly. Her features were hidden beneath the cowl of the loose robe she wore, and defied the flickering light of the solitary candle within the chamber. Only her hands were visible, revealing the coiling snakes and intricate knotwork of the multi-colour tattoos the crept up her sleeves.
Deep within the dark hood, her eyes opened, but she did not see the candle or the room in which she sat in asana pose. Instead, he eyes looked out upon the great banqueting hall of Manquay, and studied the figures upon the raised dais at the far end of the hall.
She watched the new king of the Dragons, noting how well he hid his discomfort. Her eyes briefly passed over the faces of the High King and Queen of Tir Pect, reading the sullen but silent fury within the eyes of Queen Medb Ni Béar and the tension around the eyes of the king, Conchubhar MacTíre.
Sweat broke out on her brow, and ran slowly down her cheeks. It also ran down her back as she continued the ancient chant. Exerting her will over such a great distance was difficult and tiring work, and she must finish soon before exhaustion consumed her. The shadowy eyes within the gargoyle swivelled and studied the things that others would not see; the darker shadows, within the shadows, the places where guardians lurked in silence. So it was true then. The young aspirer to the throne of the High King of Dragania was well watched. This would explain why they had come to her. They had failed and failed again. Forewarned, the young dragan was securely beyond the reach of her would-be employers. A contract had been taken and they had failed to certify his death. She wondered idly, how many men they had spent before they finally accepted the inevitable. By acting rashly, they had denied the one chance at getting close enough to kill the young man, and now, he was beyond their reach.
She had seen enough and the shadowy smoke around the gargoyle drifted off and dissipated, as she released it. She rushed across the astral plane and returned to her body, within the blink of an eye. Finally, the chanting stopped and she lay back and breathed deeply. Her mind replayed all that she had seen, analysing every detail and storing it away.
Time passed as she lay still, her mind a whirl of activity, while her body lay reposed. In one graceful movement, she rose and walked over to the candle, snuffing out the flames with her fingertips, and disappearing into the darkness. She disappeared from sight, and only the soft swish of the door announced her departure from the sacred chamber.
Some time later, a raven flew from the high tower that perched on the very edge of the castle on the peninsula of the isolated island, overlooking the vastness of the Sea of Hunger. It headed away from the sun, gaining height as it travelled towards the distant mountain range. Attached to its ebony leg, was a small silver clasp, and within the clasp, a small piece of parchment. The note contained no words, merely a number. Her would-be employers would weep and wail and gnash their teeth when they read the note, but they would not be surprised at the cost. They would have known the cost before they contacted her. Eventually, they would pay and the young king would die. In the meantime, the king would live, breathe another day and perhaps spawn another generation of Dragan kings, if he was lucky. It would take time to gather such an enormous amount of hard cash, even for the most wealthy, and the price was always paid, in advance. The legendary Shadowy Hand of Macha did not preform her art on the mere word of a merchant, or even that of a king. Gold and precious gems were her only bond of trust. She would wait patiently and prepare herself, waiting for the galley to deliver her price, in full, to her little dock at the edge of the known world.
In the meantime, she had more important things to consider. She had a children's birthday party to prepare for. She had promised her oldest girl something special this year. Her daughter was growing fast, and soon would be old enough to begin her training. It would soon be time to put away the dolls and toys, and take up the family business, just like she had done and her mother before her, going back over countless generations.
Reaching the ground floor, the smoke changed colour, blending with the cream marble of the mansion's flooring as it made its way through the house. It passed guards and servants alike, and none noticed its passing. Finally, it eased through the open doors of the grand dining hall, where the celebrations were in high humour. Music and laughter filled the room, people dancing and eating, dressed in all their finery.
The eddy of pale smoke coiled around an immense marble pillar and slowly crept higher, coiling upwards until it reached an overhanging balcony. Here, ladies fanned themselves and old people pretended to be watching the event below, whilst secretly dozing behind their masks.
The vapour settled within the shadow of the ugly face of a gargoyle and seeped into the unseeing granite eyes.
Far, far away from the city, a slim young woman sat, shrouded in incense, chanting softly. Her features were hidden beneath the cowl of the loose robe she wore, and defied the flickering light of the solitary candle within the chamber. Only her hands were visible, revealing the coiling snakes and intricate knotwork of the multi-colour tattoos the crept up her sleeves.
Deep within the dark hood, her eyes opened, but she did not see the candle or the room in which she sat in asana pose. Instead, he eyes looked out upon the great banqueting hall of Manquay, and studied the figures upon the raised dais at the far end of the hall.
She watched the new king of the Dragons, noting how well he hid his discomfort. Her eyes briefly passed over the faces of the High King and Queen of Tir Pect, reading the sullen but silent fury within the eyes of Queen Medb Ni Béar and the tension around the eyes of the king, Conchubhar MacTíre.
Sweat broke out on her brow, and ran slowly down her cheeks. It also ran down her back as she continued the ancient chant. Exerting her will over such a great distance was difficult and tiring work, and she must finish soon before exhaustion consumed her. The shadowy eyes within the gargoyle swivelled and studied the things that others would not see; the darker shadows, within the shadows, the places where guardians lurked in silence. So it was true then. The young aspirer to the throne of the High King of Dragania was well watched. This would explain why they had come to her. They had failed and failed again. Forewarned, the young dragan was securely beyond the reach of her would-be employers. A contract had been taken and they had failed to certify his death. She wondered idly, how many men they had spent before they finally accepted the inevitable. By acting rashly, they had denied the one chance at getting close enough to kill the young man, and now, he was beyond their reach.
She had seen enough and the shadowy smoke around the gargoyle drifted off and dissipated, as she released it. She rushed across the astral plane and returned to her body, within the blink of an eye. Finally, the chanting stopped and she lay back and breathed deeply. Her mind replayed all that she had seen, analysing every detail and storing it away.
Time passed as she lay still, her mind a whirl of activity, while her body lay reposed. In one graceful movement, she rose and walked over to the candle, snuffing out the flames with her fingertips, and disappearing into the darkness. She disappeared from sight, and only the soft swish of the door announced her departure from the sacred chamber.
Some time later, a raven flew from the high tower that perched on the very edge of the castle on the peninsula of the isolated island, overlooking the vastness of the Sea of Hunger. It headed away from the sun, gaining height as it travelled towards the distant mountain range. Attached to its ebony leg, was a small silver clasp, and within the clasp, a small piece of parchment. The note contained no words, merely a number. Her would-be employers would weep and wail and gnash their teeth when they read the note, but they would not be surprised at the cost. They would have known the cost before they contacted her. Eventually, they would pay and the young king would die. In the meantime, the king would live, breathe another day and perhaps spawn another generation of Dragan kings, if he was lucky. It would take time to gather such an enormous amount of hard cash, even for the most wealthy, and the price was always paid, in advance. The legendary Shadowy Hand of Macha did not preform her art on the mere word of a merchant, or even that of a king. Gold and precious gems were her only bond of trust. She would wait patiently and prepare herself, waiting for the galley to deliver her price, in full, to her little dock at the edge of the known world.
In the meantime, she had more important things to consider. She had a children's birthday party to prepare for. She had promised her oldest girl something special this year. Her daughter was growing fast, and soon would be old enough to begin her training. It would soon be time to put away the dolls and toys, and take up the family business, just like she had done and her mother before her, going back over countless generations.
January 14, 2014
Promotional offer on Book Two of the Storm-bringer Saga
I'm glad to announce a premier promotion of the recently released second book in the Storm-bringer Saga: The Gathering of the Clans, on Amazon.co.uk for all UK and Irish readers.
Starting on the 15th of January and running for the full week, the second book of the Storm-bringer Saga will be available for the bargain price of $0.99 on Amazon.co.uk.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gathering-Cla...
ASIN: B00GTXNB5I
The Blurb: Conal has lived most of his life with a price on his head but as he approaches manhood, the list of people trying to kill him, continues to grow. He must attend the Gathering of the Clans and be declared a man, before he can claim his right to the throne of the Dragon Clan.
Meanwhile, Maerlin's dreams are still troubling her. The Gods has been manipulating her for her whole life. Now, it's time for Maerlin to make her own destiny.
At the quiet monastery of Leithban, the tranquillity of the monks' daily lives is torn asunder when a blind stranger arrives at their door.
Malachi's simple life of debauchery as a court jester is about to get wildly out of control. Is it possible to be a fool and a hero at the same time?
Regards
Nav
Starting on the 15th of January and running for the full week, the second book of the Storm-bringer Saga will be available for the bargain price of $0.99 on Amazon.co.uk.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gathering-Cla...
ASIN: B00GTXNB5I
The Blurb: Conal has lived most of his life with a price on his head but as he approaches manhood, the list of people trying to kill him, continues to grow. He must attend the Gathering of the Clans and be declared a man, before he can claim his right to the throne of the Dragon Clan.
Meanwhile, Maerlin's dreams are still troubling her. The Gods has been manipulating her for her whole life. Now, it's time for Maerlin to make her own destiny.
At the quiet monastery of Leithban, the tranquillity of the monks' daily lives is torn asunder when a blind stranger arrives at their door.
Malachi's simple life of debauchery as a court jester is about to get wildly out of control. Is it possible to be a fool and a hero at the same time?
Regards
Nav
December 20, 2013
Promo update
The Gathering of the Clans Promotion
Hi all.
I'm glad to announce a premier promotion of the recently released second book in the Storm-bringer Saga: The Gathering of the Clans, for the Yuletide period. Starting just after the winter solstice (22nd) and embracing the whole tinsel period, until the 29th of December. The second book of the Storm-bringer Saga will be available for the bargain price of $0.99 on Amazon.com. Sadly, it's only available on Amazon.com, so you might need to make a change from Amazon.co.uk if you use this one. It'd only take a moment and isn't permanent or contagious
http://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Clans...
The Blurb: Conal has lived most of his life with a price on his head but as he approaches manhood, the list of people trying to kill him, continues to grow. He must attend the Gathering of the Clans and be declared a man, before he can claim his right to the throne of the Dragon Clan.
Meanwhile, Maerlin's dreams are still troubling her. The Gods has been manipulating her for her whole life. Now, it's time for Maerlin to make her own destiny.
At the quiet monastery of Leithban, the tranquillity of the monks' daily lives is torn asunder when a blind stranger arrives at their door.
Malachi's simple life of debauchery as a court jester is about to get wildly out of control. Is it possible to be a fool and a hero at the same time?
Regards
Nav
Hi all.
I'm glad to announce a premier promotion of the recently released second book in the Storm-bringer Saga: The Gathering of the Clans, for the Yuletide period. Starting just after the winter solstice (22nd) and embracing the whole tinsel period, until the 29th of December. The second book of the Storm-bringer Saga will be available for the bargain price of $0.99 on Amazon.com. Sadly, it's only available on Amazon.com, so you might need to make a change from Amazon.co.uk if you use this one. It'd only take a moment and isn't permanent or contagious
http://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Clans...
The Blurb: Conal has lived most of his life with a price on his head but as he approaches manhood, the list of people trying to kill him, continues to grow. He must attend the Gathering of the Clans and be declared a man, before he can claim his right to the throne of the Dragon Clan.
Meanwhile, Maerlin's dreams are still troubling her. The Gods has been manipulating her for her whole life. Now, it's time for Maerlin to make her own destiny.
At the quiet monastery of Leithban, the tranquillity of the monks' daily lives is torn asunder when a blind stranger arrives at their door.
Malachi's simple life of debauchery as a court jester is about to get wildly out of control. Is it possible to be a fool and a hero at the same time?
Regards
Nav
December 16, 2013
Happy Birthday to me
Fifty years ago, I was squeezed through a tiny hole and came into the world. After years of expensive therapy, I've got over the trauma and rejection ... and I don't think I've suffered any lasting brain damage.
They say that life begins at forty, so I'm looking forward to my teen years and being a right brat...again.
They say that life begins at forty, so I'm looking forward to my teen years and being a right brat...again.
