Cornelius Elmore Addison's Blog, page 3
July 29, 2015
First 'official' review from Kirkus
The first official review returned from Kirkus last night. I opened it while peeping through a gap in my fingers, fearing what might lie written inside. Imagine my surprise when they mentioned two of my greatest heroes! So I am pleased to share with you the best bit ... I removed the little spoiler:
"Tom is a down-to-earth narrator, and his dream making is as clever as Roald Dahl’s in The BFG (1982). His adventures are also reminiscent of traveling through Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, and the driving later subplot of the book ... ends well. Although the book is the first in a planned series, the story feels complete and self-contained. It also includes QR codes to play the music included in the book, which is a nice touch for readers with the proper technology." Kirkus Reviews
Tom Thorneval: Dream Merchant Extraordinaire
I certainly hope you agree!
"Tom is a down-to-earth narrator, and his dream making is as clever as Roald Dahl’s in The BFG (1982). His adventures are also reminiscent of traveling through Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, and the driving later subplot of the book ... ends well. Although the book is the first in a planned series, the story feels complete and self-contained. It also includes QR codes to play the music included in the book, which is a nice touch for readers with the proper technology." Kirkus Reviews
Tom Thorneval: Dream Merchant Extraordinaire
I certainly hope you agree!
July 20, 2015
The Human Heart
Last night I wondered at the human heart and how it deals with the burdens that get placed upon it. Is it not remarkable that most of us simply choose to carry on despite all of life’s disappointments and doubts that spring from within us, as well as the doubts that, imagined or not, we may think others have in us and our dreams?
Don't worry - this will not be a melancholic post ;) Quite the opposite, in fact. It is written in the spirit of wishing to share the following story with you, and here I mean you, the person reading this, and not a general you. I suspect there may be a reason you are reading this, and perhaps it is because the Old Shadow of Despair has come to visit you after its visit to me last night.
Most of the time it arrives after I complete some bout of creative activity that ends with me saying ‘why am I doing this? Is there any point?’ Like an old, unwelcome relative the Shadow appears at those moments, sets me on my couch and informs me of the things I am doing wrong, and what I should be doing. Normally I humour it until it goes away and I get on with my work.
But last night, in its dark and hooded cloak, it got the upper hand and refused to leave. It took hold of the conversation. I nodded absently in agreement, occasionally imagining the 'guest' as a phantom, part reaper and part shadow, sitting oppressively close, its black and nebulous tendrils reaching into and around my heart to ensure that I really felt its presence.
Halfway through the ‘visitation’ I wondered how many other people it had to bother that night, and why it wished to stay so long with me. Because, outwardly, nothing was wrong. There was no sign above my door saying “Despair: Please visit and stay a while”. I was not one of the millions of people seeking asylum in the world. I had not lost a loved one, been abandoned, imprisoned, isolated, or received a note from the doctor confirming the worst. I was simply another person who had decided to become a conjurer of tales, for better or worse, but in the hope that, after some years, it would be for the better.
I lay there on my couch listening until finally it released its grip ... no doubt to collect its thoughts and carry on. Fortunately, having been visited by this creature before, I knew how to drive it away again. I went to my bookshelf and ran a hand over the spines. Often I close my eyes when I do this, trusting that what I pull out will be right for that moment. I did this now and turned to a random page. I opened my eyes and this is what I read:
“There are situations in which one is cut off from the opportunity to do one’s work or to enjoy one’s life; but what can never be ruled out is the unavoidably of suffering. In accepting this challenge to suffer bravely, life has a meaning up to the last moment, and it retains this meaning literally to the end. In other words, life’s meaning is an unconditional one, for it even includes the potential meaning of unavoidable suffering.”
It was Mr Viktor Frankl sharing his thoughts with me through the passages of time. I returned to the couch. By way of an electronic portal I had been given (and finally figured out), I typed in “facing despair”, and this time Mr Paulo Coelho from Brazil replied to me:
“A warrior of the light often despairs. He thinks that the feelings he had hoped to awaken are nowhere to be found. Many afternoons and nights he is forced to adopt a position of the defeated, and no new event can bring back his enthusiasm. His friends comment: “perhaps your fight has come to an end.” The warrior feels pain and confusion upon hearing these comments, for he knows that he has not come as far as he wished. But he is determined, and does not abandon that which he set out to do. Then, when he least expects it, a new door opens.”
I was no longer listening to the muttering creature beside me, who nevertheless seemed preoccupied with its own thoughts. Instead, I looked out into the night sky and let my fancy roam toward the stars. I imagined myself a traveller on a long and stony road in a dry and barren land. It was a hot day, I had travelled far, my feet were sore, and my throat dry. There were no trees to give shade, so I slumped down beside the path, the sun beating down.
‘Why am I doing this?’ I asked, staring ahead. ‘Is there any point going on?’
The road seemed to wind on forever, and I had forgotten how many years I had already been travelling it. Then, though the distant haze behind me, I saw a man approaching. When he arrived, he shared his water with me. I thanked him and he carried on. Soon, a second man appeared in the haze. This man shared some of his food and carried on. I watched him disappear, rose up refreshed and continued on with my journey.
*
The dark creature had disappeared by now, probably to visit the next unfortunate man or woman somewhere (perhaps you) and I was alone again. ‘In the morning,’ I said to myself, ‘I will share my moment beside the dusty way.’
But is it not unfair to take sustenance from those who have gone on before us and not leave something for the other weary travelers coming behind?
Of course.
So here is a piece from my friend and fellow author W P Blythe. I hope it may be of use to you, my fellow traveller …
The Immortal Coil
The living sun and the heartbeat of life
Pulse eternal in the temples of our minds;
Their immortal loop a coil of joy
That weaves an endless melody
Within the spirit of all mankind.
That whispering melodic symphony
Of power and passion and love
That hums on every sunbeam
To our yearning despairing hearts
and glows.
Don't worry - this will not be a melancholic post ;) Quite the opposite, in fact. It is written in the spirit of wishing to share the following story with you, and here I mean you, the person reading this, and not a general you. I suspect there may be a reason you are reading this, and perhaps it is because the Old Shadow of Despair has come to visit you after its visit to me last night.
Most of the time it arrives after I complete some bout of creative activity that ends with me saying ‘why am I doing this? Is there any point?’ Like an old, unwelcome relative the Shadow appears at those moments, sets me on my couch and informs me of the things I am doing wrong, and what I should be doing. Normally I humour it until it goes away and I get on with my work.
But last night, in its dark and hooded cloak, it got the upper hand and refused to leave. It took hold of the conversation. I nodded absently in agreement, occasionally imagining the 'guest' as a phantom, part reaper and part shadow, sitting oppressively close, its black and nebulous tendrils reaching into and around my heart to ensure that I really felt its presence.
Halfway through the ‘visitation’ I wondered how many other people it had to bother that night, and why it wished to stay so long with me. Because, outwardly, nothing was wrong. There was no sign above my door saying “Despair: Please visit and stay a while”. I was not one of the millions of people seeking asylum in the world. I had not lost a loved one, been abandoned, imprisoned, isolated, or received a note from the doctor confirming the worst. I was simply another person who had decided to become a conjurer of tales, for better or worse, but in the hope that, after some years, it would be for the better.
I lay there on my couch listening until finally it released its grip ... no doubt to collect its thoughts and carry on. Fortunately, having been visited by this creature before, I knew how to drive it away again. I went to my bookshelf and ran a hand over the spines. Often I close my eyes when I do this, trusting that what I pull out will be right for that moment. I did this now and turned to a random page. I opened my eyes and this is what I read:
“There are situations in which one is cut off from the opportunity to do one’s work or to enjoy one’s life; but what can never be ruled out is the unavoidably of suffering. In accepting this challenge to suffer bravely, life has a meaning up to the last moment, and it retains this meaning literally to the end. In other words, life’s meaning is an unconditional one, for it even includes the potential meaning of unavoidable suffering.”
It was Mr Viktor Frankl sharing his thoughts with me through the passages of time. I returned to the couch. By way of an electronic portal I had been given (and finally figured out), I typed in “facing despair”, and this time Mr Paulo Coelho from Brazil replied to me:
“A warrior of the light often despairs. He thinks that the feelings he had hoped to awaken are nowhere to be found. Many afternoons and nights he is forced to adopt a position of the defeated, and no new event can bring back his enthusiasm. His friends comment: “perhaps your fight has come to an end.” The warrior feels pain and confusion upon hearing these comments, for he knows that he has not come as far as he wished. But he is determined, and does not abandon that which he set out to do. Then, when he least expects it, a new door opens.”
I was no longer listening to the muttering creature beside me, who nevertheless seemed preoccupied with its own thoughts. Instead, I looked out into the night sky and let my fancy roam toward the stars. I imagined myself a traveller on a long and stony road in a dry and barren land. It was a hot day, I had travelled far, my feet were sore, and my throat dry. There were no trees to give shade, so I slumped down beside the path, the sun beating down.
‘Why am I doing this?’ I asked, staring ahead. ‘Is there any point going on?’
The road seemed to wind on forever, and I had forgotten how many years I had already been travelling it. Then, though the distant haze behind me, I saw a man approaching. When he arrived, he shared his water with me. I thanked him and he carried on. Soon, a second man appeared in the haze. This man shared some of his food and carried on. I watched him disappear, rose up refreshed and continued on with my journey.
*
The dark creature had disappeared by now, probably to visit the next unfortunate man or woman somewhere (perhaps you) and I was alone again. ‘In the morning,’ I said to myself, ‘I will share my moment beside the dusty way.’
But is it not unfair to take sustenance from those who have gone on before us and not leave something for the other weary travelers coming behind?
Of course.
So here is a piece from my friend and fellow author W P Blythe. I hope it may be of use to you, my fellow traveller …
The Immortal Coil
The living sun and the heartbeat of life
Pulse eternal in the temples of our minds;
Their immortal loop a coil of joy
That weaves an endless melody
Within the spirit of all mankind.
That whispering melodic symphony
Of power and passion and love
That hums on every sunbeam
To our yearning despairing hearts
and glows.
July 16, 2015
A Winner and a Tour Announcement
The lucky winner of the second giveaway has been selected and will soon be sent a pre-release, dedicated copy of Tom Thorneval - Dream Merchant Extraordinaire (pictured here hard at work dreaming).
Don't worry if you missed out. There is another chance to pick up a free digital copy ahead of the release date next month. If you host a blog and would like to welcome Tom on his rambling tour of the internet running from 24 - 28 August, contact Candace at CBB book promotions by signing up here.
You can also discover more about Addison's Tales storyworld and select which date you'd like to host. The cool part is that each blog on his whistle stop campaign will feature a unique postcard of Tom taken in front of his wagon somewhere different on his journey - just as if your blog was that spot in the forest. Interested? Reserve a spot now!
July 1, 2015
Preview now available for Tom Thorneval
Today I added the preview PDF of "Tom Thorneval - Dream Merchant Extraordinaire" to Goodreads. In the Preface, you will discover my thoughts about the tale that has required the input of many talented people, including musicians, animators, illustrators and dreamers. After much umming and arring on my behalf, I have decided that the first published edition will also carry this unusual Preface. The reason I was in two minds to add it was that I wanted to leave it up to you, dear reader, to decide on what Tom's tale is all about. But on the other hand, since this is my first paperback in the world, and it containing some rather unique approaches to storytelling, I realized that it would be remiss of me not to introduce myself or to explain why I write stories in the hope they appeal to people of all ages.
So in the end I gave readers a choice: I placed the Addison's Tales star in the Preface to divide my acknowledgements from my thoughts about the tale, so that readers can leap over the second half of the Preface to draw their own conclusions; or, alternatively, complete the Preface to understand the spirit in which Addison's Tales are being created. That star has also been added to the ebooks at the points where Tom sings, so that readers with internet connection can simply tap the screen to hear the songs and carry on reading. So on that note, I do hope you enjoy reading the first few chapters of Tom's tale and his song "Got to get to Mary", both of which I trust will introduce you to a pleasant little chap with more than just a handful of dreams ... and his stoat Wix, of course, whom you will find to be quite a fiend indeed.
So in the end I gave readers a choice: I placed the Addison's Tales star in the Preface to divide my acknowledgements from my thoughts about the tale, so that readers can leap over the second half of the Preface to draw their own conclusions; or, alternatively, complete the Preface to understand the spirit in which Addison's Tales are being created. That star has also been added to the ebooks at the points where Tom sings, so that readers with internet connection can simply tap the screen to hear the songs and carry on reading. So on that note, I do hope you enjoy reading the first few chapters of Tom's tale and his song "Got to get to Mary", both of which I trust will introduce you to a pleasant little chap with more than just a handful of dreams ... and his stoat Wix, of course, whom you will find to be quite a fiend indeed.
June 15, 2015
Music and songs from Addison's Tales now ready to learn on MuseScore
The songs from Addison's Tales are now available on MuseScore from the Addison's Tales channel. Take a look at the videoscores created for Tom Thorneval, where two of the musicians from the production play in time with the notes, helping readers to also learn the melodies.
MuseScore
Got to get to Mary is the first Enlivened Rhyme (a scene sung from a book) in 3D. Here is a glimpse:
MuseScore
Got to get to Mary is the first Enlivened Rhyme (a scene sung from a book) in 3D. Here is a glimpse:
June 8, 2015
Tom has appeared fully formed at www.addisonstales.com
Tom Thorneval has now appeared fully formed on my sideboard. Head to Addison's Tales and drag the screen around until you discover the little Dreammaker. A tap will bring up his story. Wander around and discover the other character's stories as well. If you are wondering why some are transparent and the others fully formed, you will just have to read The Dream ;)
June 2, 2015
Congratulations to the 5 First Reads winners
The winners have been notified for our first Goodreads "First Reads" giveaway, and the books are set for dispatch today. Thank you to all those who participated and congratulations to the 5 winners! I hope you enjoy Tom's adventure as he battles to reach the side of Mary. Yet who is this delightful creature that stands in his way?
May 31, 2015
Mary from Tom Thorneval - Dream Merchant Extraordinaire
For the first giveaway competition for Tom Thorneval, I thought I would give you a glimpse of his true love Mary. Will she be waiting for him at the end of his adventure to the Grand Goblin Fair? The answer lies in the pages of Tom's tale.
May 11, 2015
Glimpse at the first 3D Enlivened Rhyme from the Addison's Tales musical storyworld
A little glimpse at the next Enlivened Rhyme from the Addison's Tales storyworld:
This first animated 3D production from the Addison's Tales musical storyworld gives a glimpse into the imaginings of Tom Thorneval, the half-fairy dream merchant from Thales, as he sings of his true love Mary.
The scene occurs at the start of Tom's adventure to the Grand Goblin Fair, where he plans to sell all the dreams he has spent the last few years creating. After the fair, and with his wagon (hopefully) laden with the gold, he intends to return to Mary and ask for her hand in marriage. If only life were that simple ...
The novel "Tom Thorneval - Dream Merchant Extraordinaire" is set for European publication in August 2015, with the audio book set to follow in 2016. This animated production allows readers to see and listen into Tom's imagination in a way that blurs the distinction between book, video and music.
The animation is being submitted exclusively to festivals throughout 2015 as a standalone "Enlivened Rhyme" from the Addison's Tales storyworld.
This first animated 3D production from the Addison's Tales musical storyworld gives a glimpse into the imaginings of Tom Thorneval, the half-fairy dream merchant from Thales, as he sings of his true love Mary.
The scene occurs at the start of Tom's adventure to the Grand Goblin Fair, where he plans to sell all the dreams he has spent the last few years creating. After the fair, and with his wagon (hopefully) laden with the gold, he intends to return to Mary and ask for her hand in marriage. If only life were that simple ...
The novel "Tom Thorneval - Dream Merchant Extraordinaire" is set for European publication in August 2015, with the audio book set to follow in 2016. This animated production allows readers to see and listen into Tom's imagination in a way that blurs the distinction between book, video and music.
The animation is being submitted exclusively to festivals throughout 2015 as a standalone "Enlivened Rhyme" from the Addison's Tales storyworld.
April 29, 2015
New Poster for Tom
Here is the promotional poster for Tom Thorneval. I feel it captures to mood well enough, with Tom facing away from the light that is spilling out of the storyworld behind him.
There is a bit of light magic that Tom is yet to discover and doesn't even believe exists. Much of the story concerns the paths Tom takes to discover that magic, with a special plot device that even allows readers to send Tom down a path to discover the identity of his nemesis, or down another so that both reader and he carry on the story unaware of the real trouble maker behind all his woes.
