P.H. Solomon's Blog, page 286
September 16, 2015
Fantasy Authors Unplugged Featuring P. H. Solomon’s The Bow of Destiny
This is continuing feature on Archer’s Aim – Fantasy Authors Unplugged. I hope to frequently share an interview with a fantasy author. If you have authors to suggest and/or questions you’d like to see answered then leave a comment or send me an email. If you are a fantasy author and would like an interview please let me know and we’ll plan one that fits your schedule.
The Long Writing Journey:It goes without saying that the writing process takes a mixture of skill, creativity and serendipity. For me, writing The Bow of Destiny has been a long journey full of distractions of all kinds but I’ve experienced all three of the aforementioned mixture during that time.
When I first started writing, I had no idea what I was really doing. Developing a book is a skill in and of itself. I had some vague notion about what I want to do and how a story should flow – but not the specifics. Back when I started this out of high school many years ago, there wasn’t a lot of material at the tip of the fingers from which to learn. Sure I had basic skill to write a pretty good term paper or essay but that’s very different from writing a work of fiction let alone one that is a fantasy.
Over time, I had to learn what good fiction writing meant. Also over that time, the style and reading sensibilities changed. Once I really committed to writing 4-5 years ago I had to face the fact that what worked for a fantasy book in the ’80’s did not in this new millennium. At that time, I had a finished the manuscript back in the 90’s and had received acceptance from a small press at the time (I turned it down due to the vague contract). I knew I had a pretty good story but many of the fantasy element were dated – even despised in some circles – due to the passage of time.
It meant in many ways that I had to start over with a drastic re-write. Tropes became a major concern. Style became even more important. I needed to balance good vs evil, black and white morals and gray morals (which are more popular in the genre now). The re-write became cumbersome.
But along the way there have been rays of sunshine. I’ve learned many things about editing and producing a book including how to make covers, format a manuscript and what deep POV is. There were interesting changes suggested from alpha/beta readers and my editor, Jessica Barnes. It’s been difficult with all the growing pains but it has been noted by my wife, who’s read many of the changing version, that my writing has improved from many years ago so the work has paid off. I still have a long way to go as a writer but I’ve come a long way too. The Bow of Destiny can’t wait any longer so I set it out for public consumption in less than two weeks. In some ways it’s appropriate that the writing journey has been long and arduous in years just since the book covers a long quest for The Bow of Destiny.
Blurb:
Haunted by his past. Hunted in the present. Uncertain what is real.
Athson has seen things that aren’t there and suffered fits since being tragically orphaned as a child at the hands of trolls and Corgren the wizard. When a strange will mentioning a mysterious bow comes into his possession, he’s not sure it’s real. But the trolls that soon pursue him are all too real and dangerous. And what’s worse, these raiders serve Corgren and his master, the hidden dragon, Magdronu, who are responsible for the destruction of his childhood home. Athson is drawn into a quest for the concealed Bow of Hart by the mystic Withling, Hastra, but Athson isn’t always sure what’s real and who his enemies are. With Corgren and Magdronu involved, Athson must face not only frequent danger but his grasp on reality and the reasons behind his tragic past.
Book Trailer:
Excerpt:
When his dead father touched his hand, Athson almost dropped the arrow. He squeezed his eyes shut. Ignore him. Focus. He took a slow, deep breath. Not this, not now.
“That’s it, slow breaths, steady your hands.” His father helped him nock the arrow.
“You’re not here. You’re dead.” Athson whispered lest he startle his prey. He didn’t need help with the arrow.
“And Athson, make sure you keep that secret I trusted with you.” Ath’s hand dropped away.
“I’ve held my tongue.” Athson’s lip quivered and he forced his hands steady. A memory and nothing more. That’s what he got for forgetting his medicine. But he had kept the secret over the years since his father taught him the bow that day.
Athson knelt on one knee with an arrow nocked and gauged each target. Wind gusted and flattened grass in its weaving dance. Waves boomed against the Sea of Mist’s rocky shore beneath the cliff’s edge two hundred strides distant. The pheasant was trickier, he decided. The rabbit would do. His gaze shifted between the two animals. No shakes, no more old memories while cleaning the kill. He brushed the vane feather with his thumb. But the memory didn’t bode well.
Athson eased into his stance at the shaded edge of forest, waiting unseen by his prey. The wind fell still. He drew the arrow to his cheek, aimed, and exhaled. A litter of kits hopped near his intended meal. He blinked. No killing a mother. He shifted targets and released.
The arrow sprang away in silence and pierced the green-feathered head.
Athson strode from hiding, high grass tangling at his shins. The rabbit and her litter scrambled into their hole. “You’re safe this time.”
He squatted by the pheasant and plucked out chestnut tail feathers. When he cut the striped neck, Athson shut his eyes. The less blood seen, the better, to avoid the memories. Athson yanked his arrow loose with a grunt. “Sarneth sends me to the middle of nowhere so I waste time hunting.” Father plucked the arrows with more care. Maybe his father should have used other things with the same care.
He thrust with his belt-knife and gutted the bird. Torn innards stank. Images flashed behind his eyes of bodies writhing as weapons were yanked free. He swallowed. Why this, why now? He sat on his heels and counted the months since his last fit. Over a year, and his elvish tincture of Soul-ease lay forgotten at the ranger station. Not good. He needed that medicine. He rubbed his temples. Fits were hard, but seeing things later confused him. Days of parsing reality flooded him with dread. Gweld, his elven friend and fellow ranger, would be disappointed at his laxness with the medicine.
He buried the bird’s offal well away from his camp. Athson brushed a hand over his eyes with a sigh. No shakes, no memories. He took a deep breath and marched away, teeth grinding. He needed to seek peace and not anger. The wind picked at foliage and birds called in the forest. But tension clung to his shoulders.
At his campsite Athson hung his kill over his fire from a makeshift spit. Early chill sent him gathering more firewood, a worthless duty at an empty border. He eyed the stand of fir trees, doing anything but thinking. They were a good windbreak but wouldn’t guard against that night’s nip. Building a canopy of fir limbs near the fire at the opening would warm his cold feet.
The breeze rose stiff with the promise of a frigid bite later as Athson gathered armloads of deadwood. “I’ll need that canopy.” The gust blew stiffer.
Athson frowned at the smoke marking his position for miles when he approached his camp and muttered in dissatisfaction. Rocky ground and no smokeless pit-fire. He shrugged off the irritation. “There’re no trolls this far west in the Auguron Forest.”
Racing the dusk while gathering firewood was all the excitement Athson encountered. He snagged another fallen limb, hurrying more now to check his roasting pheasant than to beat nightfall.
The wind shifted and carried the hint of smoke from his campfire. Sudden nausea left him unsteady. Memory of other fire on a different night quickened his heart. Athson snagged the last of the wood for his final armload.
“You take this bag and hide.”
“Leave me alone mother, you’re long gone.” Athson coughed and stumbled over roots.
Smoke curls through the thatch over the rafters. His mother shoves food and a coat into the bag.
That wasn’t now, that was ten years past. He groaned and blinked a tear away.
Athson sank to his knees and coughed against choking smoke. His mother acts calm but he sees fear in her wide, hazel eyes and her rigid movements. Smoke thickens and flames roar beyond the door. The warning horn blows. Screams erupt outside and mingle with joyous snarls of attacking trolls.
Athson’s mother heaves him out the window. “Hide as best you can.”
They both cough. Athson nods and opens his mouth.
The door slams open. His mother snatches an iron skillet and cracks a hobgoblin in the face. The attacker collapses but others leap through the door. His mother yells and flails with the skillet.
Athson ducks away and runs into the night amid the dancing light of burning Depenburgh.
A longer sample is available on the Goodreads page for The Bow of Destiny and at the end of What Is Needed
If you’re a fantasy author and would like to be interviewed for “Fantasy Authors Unplugged” just contact me via
email or one of my social media channels and we’ll set one up.
Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Sign up for my Archer’s Aim Digest mailing list to receive the forthcoming edition of my newsletter with announcements about upcoming releases and events. You’ll receive my a FREE coupon for my short story e-book, The Black Bag which contains a sample chapter of The Bow of Destiny. You’ll also be the first to have news about my books, especially some free offers this summer related to the upcoming release of The Bow of Destiny, the first novel of The Bow of Hart Saga. Speaking of which, it is now available for pre-release orders on Barnes & Noble, iBooks & Amazon – Kindle. Additionally, September’s FREE book, What Is Needed is available at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Smashwords & Amazon.
Filed under: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Blog Tour, Cover Reveal, Editing, Fantasy, Fantasy Authors Unplugged, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, iTunes, Kobo, Mailing List, Marketing, Pinterest, Pre-order, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing, YouTube Tagged: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Release, Book Trailer, Coverart, creativity, Editing, Epic Fantasy, Facebook, Fantasy Authors Unplugged, Fantasy Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, Kobo, Launch, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Pinterest, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Twitter, What is Needed, writing
September 15, 2015
Goodreads Reviews from My Shelf
Just sharing more of my reviews posted on my Goodreads shelf.
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Across the Face of the World by Russell Kirkpatrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the whole series several years ago and read all three books in close succession. Kirkpatrick’s world-building detail is fascinating as are the magic elements he includes. Take the ride with this story and enjoy the adventure and mystery.
Stormlord’s Exile by Glenda Larke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
First let me say I really enjoyed the whole series and the various unique fantasy elements used by the author against the backdrop of political tension over water. All these were consistently used throughout the whole series and even twisted again in this final book. However, this last book left me rather unsettled as to the outcomes. Everything seemed rushed and easily brushed away. I felt that the journey in Khromatis could have used a longer treatment as well as the interactions with the antagonists. The truncations of the various storylines imply to me that there should have been a fourth book to more completely wrap them all up more thoroughly. That being said, while this is rated a three it’s more of a 3.5 to me but not quite a 4. I did enjoy the book otherwise and found it well written.
The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole series. The adventure was high, the tension was constant and the characters engaging. This is one of Brooks better trilogies.
Riddle-Master: The Complete Trilogy by Patricia A. McKillip
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can’t say enough about this series. I read it many years ago and re-visit it every few years. The quality of McKillip’s writing voice is exquisite and her storytelling excellent. It remains as both a deep and entertaining read for me after all these years.
The Memory of Earth by Orson Scott Card
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Read this series years ago. I found the culture, science and plot very interesting. Card is a superb storyteller. This is a very good Sci-Fi series to read.
Heir of Novron by Michael J. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Michael J. Sullivan wove a complex tale through widely varying settings to a satisfying ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this edition and the whole series.
Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Sign up for my Archer’s Aim Digest mailing list to receive the forthcoming edition of my newsletter with announcements about upcoming releases and events. You’ll receive my a FREE coupon for my short story e-book, The Black Bag which contains a sample chapter of The Bow of Destiny. You’ll also be the first to have news about my books, especially some free offers this summer related to the upcoming release of The Bow of Destiny, the first novel of The Bow of Hart Saga. Speaking of which, it is now available for pre-release orders on Barnes & Noble, iBooks (via the iTunes app) & NOW Amazon – Kindle. Additionally, September’s FREE book, What Is Needed is available at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Smashwords & Amazon.
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Filed under: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, iTunes, Kobo, Mailing List, Marketing, Pinterest, Pre-order, Reviews, Science Fiction, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Coverart, Epic Fantasy, Facebook, Fantasy Fiction, Goodreads, Indie Publishing, Kobo, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Pinterest, Reviews, Science Fiction, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, writing
September 14, 2015
Back-To-School Book & Blog Block Party
PHS:
Today’s stop on the RRBC Back-to-School Book & Blog Block Party with C. S. Boyack.
Originally posted on Entertaining Stories:
Today it’s my turn at the Rave Reviews Book Club’s big party. The party runs all through the month of September, and it features some cool prizes. One of the first things I’m supposed to post is whatever today’s prize is. I’ll do that, but first I want to tell you about this great club.
RRBC is made up of authors and readers. We support each other by helping spread the word about each other’s books. I’ve been the beneficiary of this support on several occasions. I was a Push Tuesday recipient. I was promoting Panama at the time, and my Twitter feed blew up before I even got out of bed. I entered a little friendly competition regarding blogging about the club and won that about six months later. My prize was a week long blog tour all set up by folks who know what they are doing. Last…
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September 13, 2015
Writing Updates from Archer’s Aim
Here are updates on my writing:
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I’m updating my calendar soon but I’ll have release appearances all week: 9/28 – 10/2 so check the News page for that information – JUST UPDATED. Here’s the information on the release day event:
The Bow of Destiny releases on 9/28/2015 as an all day web event, part of the Rave Reviews Book Club Back-to-School Book & Blog Block Party ongoing during the month of September. Visitors to the site can leave comments on the book release post to be entered into the giveaway for a chance to win one of the following 4 prizes:
1 Kindle Fire HD 6, 6″ HD Display
1 of 3 $25 Amazon gift cards
The Bow of Destiny is available for pre-release orders and has a sample posted on Goodreads where you can also add it to your shelf.
Also, help support the release announcement via the Head Talker. It’s free and only takes a few clicks.
What Is Needed, the second prequel short story for The Bow of Destiny, has been released. It’s also available on all major retailers for free – see the end of the post for the links to your favorite retailer.
Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Sign up for my Archer’s Aim Digest mailing list to receive the forthcoming edition of my newsletter with announcements about upcoming releases and events. You’ll receive my a FREE coupon for my short story e-book, The Black Bag which contains a sample chapter of The Bow of Destiny. You’ll also be the first to have news about my books, especially some free offers this summer related to the upcoming release of The Bow of Destiny, the first novel of The Bow of Hart Saga. Speaking of which, it is now available for pre-release orders on Barnes & Noble, iBooks (via the iTunes app) & NOW Amazon – Kindle. Additionally, September’s FREE book, What Is Needed is available at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Smashwords & Amazon.
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Filed under: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Blog Tour, Blogging, Cover Reveal, Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, iTunes, Kobo, Mailing List, Marketing, Pinterest, Pre-order, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Tips, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Coverart, Epic Fantasy, Facebook, Fantasy Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, Kobo, Launch, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Pinterest, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, writing
September 12, 2015
#RRBC BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY!
PHS:
Good post from Nonnie Jules and 4Wills Publishing today on the RRBC Block Party ongoing all month!
Originally posted on 4WillsPublishing Author Services:
Location: Louisiana
GIVEAWAYS – 4 Winners:
(for Authors only)
1st prize: FREE Book Trailer ($75 Value)
2nd prize: FREE (7) Day Blog Tour ($45 Value)
3rd prize: FREE (3) Day Weekend Blog Tour ($25 Value)
(for Authors & Readers)
4th prize: Ebook copy of “RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER’S SOUL”
SPECIAL SURPRISE WINfor those who read all the way through. That’s the only way to find the hidden treasure!!!
Welcome to 4WillsPublishing Author Services! We are so excited to be apart of this magnificent blog tour event, RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY, but we’re even more excited to have you join us today! C’mon in and turn up the music, while we give you a little company background. (Get comfy, you just entered a HAPPY zone! And if you leave without reading all the way through, you just might miss something…
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September 11, 2015
Tech Tips for Writers – Scrivener
Screenshot of My Novel WIP – The Bow of Destiny
Many writers are using Scrivener to develop projects ranging from fiction to non-fiction varying in length from articles, blogs, short stories to books. So understanding that usage is high for this software, I wanted to share insights on usage in a short post.
Why you should use Scrivener if you aren’t already? Isn’t is just another writing editor with some tools geared toward writers? Is it a waste of money? The main reason you should put it in the budget or at least give it a try for free is one word: development (and here are additional reasons). Scrivener is a great tool to use for developing almost any kind of writing project. It is organized so that you can store all kinds of information related to the project all in one location. Likewise, you no longer need an outline since you can use the folders in the software as the outline. Using this method you can easily move pieces of your work around until you are satisfied. I’ve been using it for just this kind of structural re-organization of my novel, The Bow of Destiny, duing my current revision. Michael Sullivan discusses how he realized he could make use of Scrivener and even further developed his fantasy world. Troll River Publications posted a useful video for using Scrivener’s tools for outlining.
Editing for Deep POV
I especially like using this software for developing shorter projects like a blog post, article, paper, or even a short story. I used Scrivener to develop my blog serial – What is Needed and will use it in developing my longer projects. It has helped me re-organize my current novel but I’m still learning all the features for editing purposes. If I have trouble editing I get around this by doing a copy/paste from my novel into a temporary file in Microsoft Word to do my heavy editing and then copy/past back into Scrivener. Why do this? Because the whole book is organized in Scrivener which also allows you to compile the manuscript into a single Word document, PDF document or even an e-book. I look forward to expanding my skill with Scrivener and sharing more details about the features as I do. Regardless, I done with organizing and editing the “old-fashioned way” – perhaps you should consider doing the same if you haven’t already.
If you aren’t using Scrivener, why haven’t you tried it?
Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Sign up for my Archer’s Aim Digest mailing list to receive the forthcoming edition of my newsletter with announcements about upcoming releases and events. You’ll receive my a FREE coupon for my short story e-book, The Black Bag which contains a sample chapter of The Bow of Destiny. You’ll also be the first to have news about my books, especially some free offers this summer related to the upcoming release of The Bow of Destiny, the first novel of The Bow of Hart Saga. Speaking of which, it is now available for pre-release orders on Barnes & Noble, iBooks (via the iTunes app) & NOW Amazon – Kindle. Additionally, September’s FREE book, What Is Needed is available at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Smashwords & Amazon.
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Just as a note: I now have a marketing affiliation with Scrivener. For support questions, pricing, licensing and other concerns please contact the vendor. As such a buy ad for Scrivener appears on the sidebar. I’ve started this program since I like the product so much and want to offer readers the chance to obtain this software. I’m not required to write about Scrivener to be an affiliate; I just like it that much. You can also find my FTC statement on this site’s sidebar.
Filed under: Blogging, Editing, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Planning, Self-publishing, Social Media, Tech Tips, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Facebook, Formatting, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Planning, Scrivener, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, What is Needed, writing
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Help! My Head Talker’s Blabbing & Won’t Be Quiet!
That’s right my Head Talker is jabbering excitedly waiting for time to send out it’s message on 9/28!
What’s a Head Talker? It’s a service for crowdspeaking. Basically, people support your campaign with their social media so you can get a message out about anything on a particular day. The service combines all the supporters into one big social media shout-out.
So what’s mine all about? It’s the announcement for the release day for The Bow of Destiny due out on 9/28. If you could lend your help, it would be appreciated. It’s free and only takes a few moments and clicks and you’re all done.
Oh yeah, don’t forget the date either. There’ll be 4 prizes to be won and anyone leaving a comment on my site that day is entered into the contest with a chance to win one of them. I’m splurging a little on that day so the main prize is a good one that involves being able to read e-books (big hint). The release is part of RRBC’s Back-to-School Book & Blog Block Party that’s going on all month – click the link to see the line-up!
Check back soon for my full post later today!
Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Sign up for my Archer’s Aim Digest mailing list to receive the forthcoming edition of my newsletter with announcements about upcoming releases and events. You’ll receive my a FREE coupon for my short story e-book, The Black Bag which contains a sample chapter of The Bow of Destiny. You’ll also be the first to have news about my books, especially some free offers this summer related to the upcoming release of The Bow of Destiny, the first novel of The Bow of Hart Saga. Speaking of which, it is now available for pre-release orders on Barnes & Noble, iBooks (via the iTunes app) & NOW Amazon – Kindle. Additionally, September’s FREE book, What Is Needed is available at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Smashwords & Amazon.
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Filed under: Amazon, Author Platform, Barnes & Noble, Blog Tour, Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, iTunes, Kobo, Mailing List, Marketing, Pinterest, Planning, Pre-order, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Trading Knives, Twitter, Uncategorized, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Amazon, Announcement, Barnes and Noble, Coverart, Epic Fantasy, Facebook, Fantasy Fiction, Goodreads, Head Talker, iBooks, Indie Publishing, Kobo, Launch, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Pinterest, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Smashwords, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, writing
September 10, 2015
Getting Graphic with Your Novel
It’s always good to get questions as an author, especially on Goodreads. As release day for The Bow of Destiny approaches I’m getting a few questions. One that I found interesting goes as follows in the screenshot:
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The Answer
Honestly, I never even considered the idea but I am interested in the prospect so I decided to do some quick research on the subject. As it turns out, converting novels to graphic novels is a burgeoning market that even traditional publishers are dipping their publishing feet into. Not only that, but even Marvel is adapting a few novels into the graphic format.
So what’s all the fuss?
The graphic novel audience is enthusiastic and hungry for more content. As a novelist, I’m intrigued since this opens doors to more readers and creates a different income stream for my work. I’m not immediately able to work on such a project with my novel coming out in a few weeks but I’m going to follow-up on the idea.
As noted on a podcast by Joanna Penn with graphic artist/novelist, Nathan Massengill, a novel with pretty good sales might be a good candidate for conversion to the graphic format. I know I’ll strongly consider what I’m going to do with my book based on this information. Most writers will never sell movie rights (let alone actually see it go into production) but the graphic novel avenue is the next best thing.
What does it require?
Here are just a few points from which I’m starting but I’m sure this gets more complex:
Well, first you need a good, experienced graphic novelist. As shown above, E. J. Nate has offered to do the work so I’ll review what he’s done and start a dialog with him. If that doesn’t work out then I’ll still investigate the possibility elsewhere.
Next comes the ability to actually publish said project. If sales are good enough then I might be able to pay for the project out of income. Otherwise, it could become a crowdsourcing project or a reason to contact an agent given the right circumstances.
Related to the graphic artist question and the cost comes rights and payment with the graphic artist. This is where things get different for a self-publisher. You’ll need to come to some agreement with the artist on any shared rights. If there are no rights for the artist then you should be prepared to come to an agreement for the conversion work and the cost per page.
If you end up gaining an agent for such an ancillary project as conversion to graphic novel and sign with some sort of publisher, be aware that the finished product may have some differences. Much like movie adaptations a graphic novel may have to change the story some. Also, while you may do all the work of converting the concept as a self-publisher, with a publisher you may end up just overseeing the creative team’s efforts. Either way, do your homework on what this process entails.
Resources
Here are a few more links that might interest you on the subject:
Creating Graphic Novels: Adapting and Marketing Stories for a Multi Million Dollar Industry by Sarah Beach
The difference between graphic novel and comic book.
Graphic Novels: Not Just for Kids by Jane Ammeson via NWITimes.com
Conclusion
As one ancillary option for your work, graphic novels can be an interesting prospect to consider. I’ve always been interested in being a hybrid author – being both/either self-published and traditionally published. One goal I’ve had is to attract an agent, especially for negotiating standard rights and tricky ancillary rights for hard copy, audio and foreign language but graphic novels are another piece of the pie to consider. I’ll continue doing my research on this subject and report back on my findings with one or two more posts (most likely in October).
What are your ancillary goals for your novel(s)? Have you considered converting your work to a graphic format? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Sign up for my Archer’s Aim Digest mailing list to receive the forthcoming edition of my newsletter with announcements about upcoming releases and events. You’ll receive my a FREE coupon for my short story e-book, The Black Bag which contains a sample chapter of The Bow of Destiny. You’ll also be the first to have news about my books, especially some free offers this summer related to the upcoming release of The Bow of Destiny, the first novel of The Bow of Hart Saga. Speaking of which, it is now available for pre-release orders on Barnes & Noble, iBooks (via the iTunes app) & NOW Amazon – Kindle. Additionally, September’s FREE book, What Is Needed is available at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Smashwords & Amazon.
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Filed under: Agents, Amazon, Author Platform, Barnes & Noble, Blogging, Creativity, Crowdfunding, Crowdsourcing, Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, iTunes, Kobo, Mailing List, Marketing, Pinterest, Planning, Pre-order, Self-publishing, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Tips, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Coverart, creativity, Epic Fantasy, Facebook, Fantasy Fiction, Goodreads, Graphic Artist, Graphic Novel, Indie Publishing, Launch, P. H. Solomon, Pinterest, Self-publishing, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, writing
September 8, 2015
Fantasy Authors Unplugged Featuring P. H. Solomon & What Is Needed
This is continuing feature on Archer’s Aim – Fantasy Authors Unplugged. I hope to frequently share an interview with a fantasy author. If you have authors to suggest and/or questions you’d like to see answered then leave a comment or send me an email. If you are a fantasy author and would like an interview please let me know and we’ll plan one that fits your schedule. Since I’ve run out of takers to be interviewed and the Brain to Books Blog Tour has ended, I’ll feature my own titles since this is release month for The Bow of Destiny.
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As promised last week, I’ve released the next free short story, What Is Needed. This is another prequel to The Bow of Destiny which introduces a pivotal secondary character named Hastra. Not to give anything away from either story but Hastra is a member of a mystic order called Withlings. The setting is also in another location of Denaria and continues expanding on the conflicts that exist. Additionally, this story continues to feature characters previously introduced in Trading Knives.
What Is Needed is a story that I developed last year and first published in parts on this site. Later, I decided to publish it as a prequel but I also put it out on Wattpad for a while to gain some feedback. Additionally, this story has been professionally edited to clean up the manuscript and fix any holes it had. So far it hasn’t received any reviews but then we’re just coming off Labor Day.
Blurb:
Hastra begins having visions of the destruction the mystic Withling order of which she is a member. Without any guidance, she investigates who the source of the danger may be. But how much time does she have and who should she trust with her visions?
You can find What Is Needed at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Smashwords for free and on Amazon where the free status still pending. UPDATE: What Is Needed is now FREE on Amazon
What’s Next?
I’m putting the finishing touches on The Bow of Destiny now to send out to a few pre-release reviewers. Anyone interested in a pre-release copy for review, please contact me. A sample of the novel is in posted on Goodreads where you can also add it to your shelf to receive notice of publication. Also, links are posted below where you can place pre-release orders for The Bow of Destiny and download Trading Knives or What Is Needed.
I’ll record a podcast interview on 9/14 for Shawn Griffith’s Down Home Thoughts that will include a regular written post about the novel. On 9/21, I’ll have a blog interview on fellow fantasy author, Daniel Adorno’s site. I’m also working on a few other appearances on blog sites.
Additionally, I’m making a few blog and internet radio appearances throughout the next month or so including being featured on release day, 9/28/15, in the RRBC Back to School Blog & Book Block Party which is ongoing all month. You can also help support The Bow of Destiny release via Head Talker.
If you’re a fantasy author and would like to be interviewed for “Fantasy Authors Unplugged” just contact me via email or one of my social media channels and we’ll set one up.
Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Sign up for my Archer’s Aim Digest mailing list to receive the forthcoming edition of my newsletter with announcements about upcoming releases and events. You’ll receive my a FREE coupon for my short story e-book, The Black Bag which contains a sample chapter of The Bow of Destiny. You’ll also be the first to have news about my books, especially some free offers this summer related to the upcoming release of The Bow of Destiny, the first novel of The Bow of Hart Saga. Speaking of which, it is now available for pre-release orders on Barnes & Noble, iBooks (via the iTunes app) & NOW Amazon – Kindle. Additionally, August’s free e-book: Trading Knives is now available on Kobo, iBooks, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble & Amazon.
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Filed under: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Blog Tour, Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Fantasy, Fantasy Authors Unplugged, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, iTunes, Kobo, Mailing List, Marketing, Pinterest, Pre-order, Rave Review Book Club, Reviews, Self-publishing, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Smashwords, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Trading Knives, Twitter, Wattpad, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Coverart, Epic Fantasy, Facebook, Fantasy Authors Unplugged, Fantasy Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Indie Publishing, Kobo, Launch, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Pinterest, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, writing
Goodreads: Recent Reviews from My Shelf
Here are more reviews of books from my shelf on Goodreads:
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The Last Stormlord by Glenda Larke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Larke presents a well-rounded tale with original setting and fantasy elements. The author’s use of a common fantasy character trope was well constructed and fit with the story. I kept turning pages which is high praise. If you love fantasy this book won’t disappoint you. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books in the series. Larke and her work are a gemstone shining in the genre today.
Stormlord Rising by Glenda Larke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second work of Larke’s Watergiver series. The fantasy and magic are very intriguing as well as the plot and setting. This book kept me turning pages with the twists. I’m looking forward to reading the next edition of this series to find out what happens to Jasper, Terelle and the rest of the characters – especially the mystery behind Terelle’s background. Glenda Larke has created a unique world dry lands, the politics of water and magical interaction, woven with tense relationships between the protagonists and the antagonists. The intrigue behind the actions of characters to gain the upper hand is very entraining – this series won’t let you down.
Shadow’s Edge by Brent Weeks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This edition of the Night Angel series was highly entertaining and opened many more settings, characters and events for more plot twists. It’s a well-done fantasy series – kudos to Brent Weeks!
Beyond the Shadows by Brent Weeks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This rousing conclusion of the Night Angel series keep me turning pages well into the night – high praise for an author. Brent Weeks has become a favorite author of mine. I will move onto his next series with great anticipation! Bravo, Weeks!
Rise of Empire by Michael J. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a two book volume, Nyphron Rising read like an espionage at some points. The second volume, The Emerald Storm also reads like a spy-thriller. Half of the latter book takes place at sea and the detail of sea voyage Sullivan wrote is impressive. I enjoyed reading both books in the volume and I look forward to reading edition of The Riyria Revelations.
Enchanted by K.K. Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a YA paranormal/urban fantasy novel by a first-time author about which begins with a teenager Katrina Summer, grieving over the death of her mother. She moves in with her grandmother whom she doesn’t know all the while having strange dreams and occurrences which she thinks are caused by grief. But there are secrets and answers waiting to be discovered by Katrina. It’s a mixture of magic and mystery for a solid first effort by author K. K. Allen. I would love to read her next novel to find out what happens and how the author is growing with her writing craft.
View all my reviews
What are your favorite reads of late? What books are on your reading list? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Sign up for my Archer’s Aim Digest mailing list to receive the forthcoming edition of my newsletter with announcements about upcoming releases and events. You’ll receive my a FREE coupon for my short story e-book, The Black Bag which contains a sample chapter of The Bow of Destiny. You’ll also be the first to have news about my books, especially some free offers this summer related to the upcoming release of The Bow of Destiny, the first novel of The Bow of Hart Saga. Speaking of which, it is now available for pre-release orders on Barnes & Noble, iBooks (via the iTunes app) & NOW Amazon – Kindle. Additionally, August’s free e-book: Trading Knives is now available on Kobo, iBooks, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble & Amazon.
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Filed under: Barnes & Noble, Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, iTunes, Kobo, Mailing List, Pinterest, Rave Review Book Club, Reviews, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Tips, Trading Knives, Twitter, Wattpad, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Coverart, creativity, Epic Fantasy, Facebook, Fantasy Fiction, Goodreads, iBooks, Launch, P. H. Solomon, Rave Reviews Book Club, Short Stories, Smashwords, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, The Bow of Hart Saga, Tips, Trading Knives, Twitter, What is Needed, writing
