P.H. Solomon's Blog, page 317

Goals for 2015 – Improvements

This is a continuation from the blog, The Serendipity of Christmas Generosity. It took time to get to the place where I was ready to commit to writing after the events described in my previous post. But that bit of serendipity certainly affected what I’ve done this past year as well as where I’m going next year. In Part 1 of this series I shared an overview of my goals and now I am posting a discussion of why each is important to me as a writer this year. Part 2 covered why I want to engage with a local writer’s group. Part 3 addressed my review and conference attendance goals. Part 4 expanded upon my publication aspirations for 2015.

Being an author in the digital age requires commitment to brand and it’s not static. These days the vocation demands a writer’s attention to their platform in addition to content. Building a web presence requires not just construction but maintenance and the willingness to expand as necessary. Two of my goals for 2015 relate to maintaining my writing enterprise in this way.

Website Upgrade

If you’ve read this entire series, you know that I started with a low-cost web presence. However, I cannot stay at a low-cost level indefinitely. I eventually need to improve this site either by moving to a self-hosted site or premium customization through WordPress. As the site and my writing career grow the hosting will need an overhaul.

I’ll need custom themes for the site to make the site distinctively branded. Likewise, the ability to brand the site in a manner consistent with my books is important. I’ll also need to use additional plug-ins not available to me now. There are also ways that I’m not linked to such social media channels as Goodreads that I would like to use as an author. So in 2015 I’d like to improve this website as funds allow.

Writing Craft

I don’t know of anyone who claims to have truly mastered the writing craft. My goal this year is to continue improving my own ability. With blogging and the use of deep POV in my fiction I’ve made leaps forward. But there’s still far to go.

By attending conferences, webinars and reading about techniques, I hope to continue my own education. If the website improves, my content must continue to improve as well. While I push forward with publication I also want to push the boundaries of my ability well beyond what they currently are. It’s ambitious but then writing requires moxie.

Available at Amazon, Smashwords and All Major E-Book Vendors!

What goals are you considering for next year? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Filed under: Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Fantasy, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Planning, Self-publishing, Social Media, Tips, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, Coverart, Facebook, Goals, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, writing

A New Author’s Year in Review Pt. 5

This is a continuation from the blog, The Serendipity of Christmas Generosity. It took time to get to the place where I was ready to commit to writing after the events described in my previous post. But that bit of serendipity certainly affected what I’ve done this past year as well as where I’m going next year. In Part 1 of this series I’ll revealed how I’ve progressed this year in several ways but now I want to get more specific starting with my email decisions. Part 2 covers my choices with email. Part 3 was a review of my blogging growth. Part 4 reviewed social media growth during the past year.

What I didn’t know I needed

There were two things I didn’t know I needed as an author. Through this year’s journey to becoming a writer I learned I needed:

1. A book club

2. A strong Goodreads presence

Why I needed a book club like RRBC

1. I needed the support of other like-minded authors – I’ve found the support of other writers extremely helpful. I can see what they are doing and learn from them.

2. I needed to broaden my scope with blog tours and networking – making connections through other club members has grown my social media immensely while blog tours have allowed my blog to grow while assisting other authors which is a win-win opportunity.

3. I needed to review books – this is a goal for 2015 that is in progress but the reviews I’ve received and that I’m learning to give to other authors is another win-win situation. It also teaches me what readers and reviewers are looking for in good books.

Screenshot of Goodreads Button

Why I needed a strong Goodreads presence

1. In relation to the book club membership – I needed to review other books. In posting reviews for the club, I’m also posting them on Goodreads which helps me with the next reason.

2. Reader engagement – as I mentioned in the last post in this series, my advice from Michael J. Sullivan was invaluable. Goodreads is the venue to engage with readers in a positive way. I’m still working on this but I’m emphasizing the engagement more each day.

3. I needed to relate to the book market and see its constant shifts – being on Goodreads allows you to observe what is selling, receiving positive reviews and understand what readers a thinking. Likewise, you can learn to market your work effectively – to readers.

I’m working on my Goodreads and RRBC reviews more in the coming year as well as engaging more readers – the relationships matter. While you understand this as an author, you still have to embrace it with increasing interaction.

How seriously are you taking your Goodreads engagement? Are you a member of an authors group that provides support? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Filed under: Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Fantasy, Fiction, Goodreads, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Planning, Rave Review Book Club, Scrivener, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, Writing, Writing Groups Tagged: blogging, Coverart, creativity, Facebook, Goodreads, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Planning, Rave Reviews Book Club, Scrivener, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, writing

My 2015 Plans for Scrivener – Use It More

Scrivener has been a key component to improving my productivity this year. I’ve recently written about various uses for Scrivener such as blog posts, newsletters and even template email messages. Additionally, I’ve shared about using Scrivener templates including some resources for these. In my last post I shared about managing templates. In Part 4 I released my Author Platform Management template.

As I move into 2015 I plan to use Scrivener far more than I have this last year. I’ve found this software to be so useful that I’m already using it for my blog, some email communication, platform management, newsletters as well as my fiction projects.

I’m currently in the process of transferring ongoing projects into Scrivener. I’m working on a few novel rough drafts that needs be imported as well as those for some short stories – both complete and in development. As I work on these different projects, I’m making the transition to Scrivener. For the short stories I’m using a template for SFWA markets to make things easier when I am ready to make submissions.

I’m using my own template for newsletters already as well as my platform management template. For blogs, I’m using a template that I downloaded. I’ve already got my 2015 project for blogs ready to go and I’m working on the others.

However, there’s one more change that I’m making to may daily process. I journal almost daily, but in Word and not Scrivener. I open a new file for each month. This is rather cumbersome since there end up being so many files. So I’m considering shifting my 2015 journal into a template somehow.

Likewise, I track my daily goals in my journal so I’m also considering how I want to do this in Scrivener rather than Word. My goal is to handle as much of my work-flow through Scrivener as possible – it’s that useful to me.

I haven’t decided yet how I’m going to handle this change. I may incorporate the journal into my Author Platform Manager template. I may also make a simple template much like those for blogging or newsletters, just less detailed since it’s intended for my own use only. Regardless of where and how I handle my journal and goals these will be centralized and easier to handle each day. If I make a new template I will share it like my other recent developments.

Are you using Scrivener more in the coming year? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Also, in no way do I represent Scrivener or sell the product. All questions about the product, its sales, support and licensing for your own computing needs should be referred to the company.

Filed under: Blogging, Creativity, Editing, Fantasy, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Planning, Scrivener, Self-publishing, Social Media, Tech Tips, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, creativity, Facebook, Goals, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Planning, Scrivener, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, writing

Show, Don’t Tell, on Twitter

PHS:

Excellent ideas about tweeting…

Originally posted on Nicholas C. Rossis:

From blackberryczech.cz

I have often mentioned the “show, don’t tell” rule in my blog. MMJaye, a regular around here and a great supporter of Indies in her own blog, kindly wrote this guest post for me, tackling the rule from a novel perspective: how to use it when tweeting.  Enjoy her excellent post, which, I admit, was an eye-opener for me.

“Show not Tell” on Twitter: a guide to “clickable” tweets

The “show don’t tell” rule has been drummed into every writer’s head. Traditional publishers and editors swear by it. Some Indie authors are less than enthusiastic about it, but, no matter how much you use or respect the rule, you have to admit that it does invest your writing with one major attribute: it becomes evocative.

What surprises me, however, is the fact that although writers accept that “show don’t tell” leads to evocative writing and…

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“SPOTLIGHT” Author Blog Tour: Craig Boyack

Today I’m happy to host the Rave Reviews Book Club “SPOTLIGHT” Author Blog Tour for Craig Boyack. Enjoy and support this fantasy author!

S. Boyack has a new book out called “The Cock of the South.” This is his first attempt at writing fantasy. It involves a group of conquered peoples banding together to ensure they have a place in the world. It is set in a Greco Roman environment, rife with everything fans of those stories might expect.

***

My choice to try independent publishing wasn’t an easy one. I collected an electronic file of rejection slips for several years. Oddly enough, this may have helped me in the long run.

After being rejected, I tried to make my stories better. In my mind, I did make them better. My subsequent projects are better every time out. I never got over the idea that stories would be resigned to some musty old corner of cyberspace and forgotten. Someone out there would enjoy these stories, but there had to be a way to distribute them.

I got lucky, in that I had some decent older stories when I finally decided to self publish. My 2014 goal was to put out one book per quarter, until I got caught up. All four of the older tales are on Amazon right now. I also have a new one finished, and another one half finished.

I thought the world would flock to my door, and admit to some naive thinking. My first book sold a few copies, then stagnated. I played with a giveaway and made it into the top twenty science fiction books for a nano second. Still, the reviews never came.

Being self published requires some effort. I needed to learn some things, and there is still much to learn. The most important thing is finding friends. Reviewers are out there, but an author has to find them. I’m like a creature of the night, you have to invite me inside. This is fatal thinking.

The Rave Reviews Book Club has been my most powerful move. This is a group of fellow authors who are all in the same boat. We all need and want the same things. There’s power in numbers, and we work together to promote each others’ books. Each member is required to read and review one member book per quarter. Some of my earliest reviews came from this group. They taught me about Twitter pushing, and how the power of re-tweets can place our product in over a million accounts.

Self publishing is a hard road. You’ll make your sales one at a time. I use my blog to build goodwill among my followers, and many of them have picked up one, or more, of my books. I’m a big believer that forever is a long time. My books are available for as long as I choose. It might take a year before one of them takes off. Readers are generally loyal people. If they like one, they are very likely to buy another. I expect to see growth in sales throughout 2015.

My biggest task is to keep writing. I still want to learn more about promotion and expanding my circle of friends. I’ll have less output in 2015, and this will allow me to work on marketing and expanding my influence. It’s going to take some work, but anything worthwhile does.

The Cock of the South is my first foray into epic fantasy. It involves fantastic creatures trying to find their way in a Greco Roman setting. I had a great time writing The Cock of the South, and hope you’ll enjoy reading it just as much.

***

How writers go about producing a story is always an interesting topic. I love reading about the process of others. Rather than just lurk, I decided to talk about my own machinations as I wrote The Cock of the South.

I keep quick notes in an app on my phone. These are just a line or two to remind me of stray thoughts. When I keep dwelling on an idea I take out a notebook and fountain pen and expand the idea a bit. If it really sticks with me I start a storyboard.

This is my first fantasy story. Being true to the genre was important to me. I actually did mountains of research into mythology to spark my imagination. I didn’t want to rewrite one of those tales, so I stole bits and pieces to weave into my stories. I made small piles of index cards. These didn’t all get used, but I like to have notes to refresh my imagination.

It was equally important to me that I was true to the setting. Ancient Rome and Greek mythology are something readers are used to, and I wanted to use this to ground the story. I find that building fences with plot and setting serve as a governor to my imagination. The imagination flows and focuses in a different direction. My storyboard was covered with sticky notes to include more marble columns and bath houses at one point.

When it comes to characters I try to be a bit different. Hercules might be the best hero, but what if someone less qualified had to solve all the problems? I found a lost member of the Southern Dwarves who was raised by humans. His dwarven heritage has been hidden from him, and he lives as a short broad human. Because of his physical makeup the people around him nicknamed him Cobby.

I also wanted the freedom to vary some of the historical parts of the story. I stewed on this for a long time, but in fantasy the world ought to be different. It was a delicate balance to preserve the setting and believably change some elements. I dug deep into mythology and decided that Remus killed Romulus. Rome never got built and the nation of Remus took its place. This allowed me to modify weapons, change trade routes, and still keep some familiarity in the story.

I always try to challenge myself to try something new with each story. This isn’t obvious to the reader, but it’s important for my growth. In The Cock of the South I wanted to use fairytale structure. This is a great way of telling a story, but casual readers might not pick up on everything.

Since this post is likely to be read by as many authors as readers here are some things I included. Cobby is the outsider of three brothers. Each brother represents one facet of the father. Cobby will have to master all three of these elements before he can succeed. There is a scene involving magical gifts from a friend. If you pay very careful attention, there are even seven dwarves together on one adventure. I included more elements, but this is a blog post and you’ll have to watch for others as you read the story.

I love this story, but readers will be the ultimate judge. I hope you’ll give The Cock of the South a chance. I had a great time writing it, and hope you’ll enjoy reading it.

***

You can follow Craig at the following places:

His blog, Entertaining Stories. http://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com

On Twitter.  https://mobile.twitter.com/Virgilante

You can pick up a copy of The Cock of the South at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P4H37WC

Thanks for reading about Craig Boyack’s new novel. This kind of author support is what we do with Rave Reviews Book Club so take a look at membership as a reader or an author. You can also connect with me over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email.

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Filed under: 4WillsPublishing, Amazon, Blogging, Craig Boyack, Fantasy, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, The Cock of the South, Writing Tagged: Amazon, Craig Boyack, Facebook, Fantasy Fiction, Indie Publishing, Launch, Marketing, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, Spotlight Blog Tour, The Cock of the South, Twitter, writing

A New Author’s Year in Review Pt. 4

This is a continuation from the blog, The Serendipity of Christmas Generosity. It took time to get to the place where I was ready to commit to writing after the events described in my previous post. But that bit of serendipity certainly affected what I’ve done this past year as well as where I’m going next year. In Part 1 of this series I’ll revealed how I’ve progressed this year in several ways but now I want to get more specific starting with my email decisions. Part 2 covers my choices with email. Part 3 addresses how I started and grew my blog.

One of the major milestones in launching my writing brand was creating social media accounts using my brand new email address (see part 2 of this series). When I started these accounts I knew I needed them but not how much. Sure there was the idea of sharing my writing and having a presence but the notion was vague.

Here’s where my crowd-funding mistake really bit me. I engaged in the campaign well before I had near the social media reach to effectively raise funds for my novel. There was nothing of substance to reach enough people for funding my writing project. Once I realized this I worked hard on my social media growth but it was much too little too late – lesson learned.

What I needed was a commitment to social media growth. This meant seeking out new connections and engaging with them. I emphasized Twitter and the following has grown with consistent attention. I’ve been working more consistently with my Facebook page following over the last few months with some success. I’m currently expanding my focus to other channels like Goodreads, Google+ and Pinterest.

Along the way, I’ve found some good advice about what type of social media is important for certain genres. For instance, science fiction and fantasy have lots of readers on Google+ so I’m working on that channel a little more. As an author, I’m also emphasizing Goodreads based on some great advice from fellow author Michael J. Sullivan. My Pinterest focus is more for the future where I am taking a “stitch in time” approach so I can share related artwork with readers as well as any possible fan-art.

The main lessons I learned about social media were to be committed to the growth and know which ones to target. Social media growth takes time so starting with a few accounts and moving into others as you go is easier than trying to gain large followings all at once. I’ve come a long way in a few months but it’s taken patience along with regular activity.

What are your social media goals? What are your obstacles regarding social media? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Filed under: Blogging, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Goodreads, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, creativity, Facebook, Goodreads, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, writing

Goals For 2015: Publication

This is a continuation from the blog, The Serendipity of Christmas Generosity. It took time to get to the place where I was ready to commit to writing after the events described in my previous post. But that bit of serendipity certainly affected what I’ve done this past year as well as where I’m going next year. In Part 1 of this series I shared an overview of my goals and now I am posting a discussion of why each is important to me as a writer this year. Part 2 covered why I want to engage with a local writer’s group. Part 3 addressed my review and conference attendance goals.

Novel Publication

It’s time – or close to it. I’ve worked on my first novel for so long and I’m very close to completion. It should be published after all the final editing is completed. Publishing a full book is a very long term goal for me and this year it looks like the fruit will come ripe. I still have a structural edit and detailed edit scheduled during the first few months of the year but I expect to announce a launch date late in the first quarter or the second quarter of the year.

But there are other manuscripts waiting to be completed and published too. I hope to push out at least one more by the end of the year depending on funds available for a cover and editing. I actually have three more books with rough drafts near completion and I fully expect to go through the editing process much faster since I know how to approach the process better and, therefore, schedule more accurately. The latter is important in working with an editor.

As part of this goal, I’m already looking into my book launch and marketing plans. I want to develop what needs to be done beginning early in 2015 to meet my goal of publication not once but up to three times during 2015.

Short Fiction

However, there’s another related goal – publishing short fiction. I also want to submit at least six short stories to short fiction markets. As a writer, having a brand is important and there’s one good way to obtain that – having people read and discuss your work. This comes through reviews but also publication. Short stories are a great way to fund more of what I’m doing and better establish my brand as a writer. I’m working even now to complete four stories and edit three others for submission.

Non-Fiction?

As a side goal that I haven’t discussed, I may also delve into non-fiction articles. I don’t know how much I’ll get into this but I’ll keep my eyes open for opportunities in the near future. This can be a source of income to finance publication goals previously mentioned.

So there are my publication aspirations for the coming year. I’m ready to push forward with several large steps if possible.

What goals are you considering for next year? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Filed under: Amazon, Blogging, Creativity, Fantasy, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Planning, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, Coverart, creativity, Facebook, Indie Publishing, Launch, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Planning, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, writing

Fantasy Authors Unplugged Featuring Daniel Adorno

This is the beginning of a new 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.

Today’s feature fantasy author is Daniel Adorno whose first epic fantasy novel, The Blade Heir, was released a few months ago and is on sale this week.

What’s the basic plot of The Blade Heir?

The Blade Heir is the story of a young man, Lucius Nostra, who is raised by elves. With his adoptive elf brother, Siegfried, at his side, Lucius embarks on a quest to forge an ancient sword and halt the return of the dragons of the North.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I have always been a fan of fantasy and science fiction novels, so I was naturally drawn to write stories of fantastical realms or futuristic worlds. Novels like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia were very inspirational to me as an aspiring writer. Stephen Lawhead’s King Raven trilogy and Celtic fantasy books were also influential in my writing.

Where do you get your ideas?

My ideas come from all kinds of media including novels, movies, TV, the Bible, and history texts I’ve read. Occasionally, I’ll get an idea for a story just from creating a title that I like or digital art that really inspires me.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

I’ve experienced writer’s block a few times and I usually attribute it to either lack of creative ideas or procrastination. The latter just requires me to stop making excuses and write! When it’s the former, I usually need to re-evaluate my story and find out what’s stifling the writing. Sometimes it’s just a matter of tweaking an outline or finding plot holes. Other times just taking a break from writing to read a book or take a walk, clears that writer’s block right away.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I’ve done it both ways. With The Blade Heir, I just wrote and let the words come onto the page with a very loose mental outline of how I wanted things to resolve. Just writing is a very liberating experience for writers, but it can lead to massive headaches in the editing stage, which I experienced. Having learned the pitfalls of that method, I’m going the outline route with my current project and I actually enjoy having everything planned out more than I expected. Plots and subplots are easier to manage and keeping track of where I want the story to go is also simpler.

What project are you working on now?

Currently, I’m working on a post-apocalyptic novella that could be considered Young Adult. You can read the first chapter on my Wattpad page.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest criticism I’ve received as an author is that my writing is “written for a fifth grader.” My writing style is aimed at young adults and anyone older, not middle grade fiction, so it was not a compliment. Alternatively, the best compliment I’ve received is that my writing leaves people wanting more. It’s a wonderful compliment because I struggle with knowing whether I have what it takes to be an author or not.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Never stop writing. Even if you get negative criticism or have reservations about your writing. To write is to progress in the craft, so continue on. But also know when it’s time to let your writing out into the world, whether that’s submitting it to a publisher or publishing it yourself.

I would also recommend aspiring writers drop the “aspiring” from their titles. You’re either a writer or you’re not. Once you start believing you are a writer it will make a world of difference in how you approach your writing and the level of confidence you have in the art.

Thanks to Daniel for being first in this feature. I totally agree with the last paragraph. You can find him on the web here and his book on Amazon, Smashwords, BN, etc.

Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Filed under: Daniel Adorno, Fantasy, Fantasy Authors Unplugged, Fiction, Goodreads, Indie Publishing, Self-publishing, Social Media, Writing Tagged: Barnes and Noble, Daniel Adorno, Epic Fantasy, Facebook, Fantasy Authors Unplugged, Interview, Smashwords, The Blade Heir, Tips, Wattpad, writing

THE TWELVE DAYS OF “AUTHORS” – DAY 6

PHS:

Another RRBC author featured by Nonnie!

Originally posted on Watch Nonnie Write!:

Hello, and welcome to my very own 12 DAYS OF “AUTHORS!”  Today, I begin with my theme song:  “On the 6th day of authors, Ms. Nonnie gave to me, one Beem Weeks!”  You’ve heard of the 12 Days of Christmas, right?  Well, this is  my version of that, my gift to these very special people and to you!  This all started on Sunday, December 14, with John “Fio” Fioravanti,  as the 1st of my 12 Days of “Authors,” then Marlena Hand as my 2nd day, Kathryn C. Treat as my 3rd, P.H. Solomon as my 4th, Bruce A. Borders as my 5th and it will continue until Dec. 25, Christmas Day.  Each day I will profile one very special author and their written work.  Because I am in awe of so many of you, (definitely more than 12), I had to come up with a process…

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What is Needed Part 6

Photo used in The Bow of Destiny book trailer

Author’s Note: This is the conclusion of Part 2 of the prequel blog serial entitled “What is Needed”. Click on these links to read Part 1, Part 2 (first section), Part 2 (Conclusion), Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5. This series is a companion to The Bow of Destiny (Part 1 of The Bow of Hart Saga). The events of the blog series pre-date those of The Bow of Destiny by several hundred years but include several long-lived characters who appear in the forthcoming novel. This material is copyrighted and not intended for reproduction except at the author’s consent.

What is Needed (Part 6)

by P. H. Solomon

The sun dangled between corona-rimmed clouds and the snow-capped peaks of the Grey Spires. Golden light bathed the path ahead of the three furtive shapes.

Troll-wolves howled and Hastra slipped into the shade between trees with Zelma and Howart. If only they could avoid the pursuit one last time. The Tower was just ahead if she remembered correctly. She pinched her lower lip and peeked along the old road.

Zelma’s breath puffed mist. “Is it still clear?”

Howart loomed in the shadow of the trees. “They aren’t as close as yesterday.”

“They make enough noise to scare everything for miles. But I don’t see any scouts so let’s go.” Hastra eased out of hiding onto the overgrown road and her two companions followed.

Her stomach rumbled but Hastra dared not call for a halt so she ate bread from her bag. Two weeks and the food’s still good though it was hard. She kicked a root and stumbled but Zelma steadied her.

At the head of the long rise Hastra spied the pile of weathered stone named the Old Tower. Where Withlings used to go to see and hear instruction or speak rituals. Now it was the dead end of the trap Kregen sprung around them. They staggered over the path against wind that snapped and swirled across the end of the headland that thrust into the booming sea.

Horns and Troll-wolves howled. Much closer now. “We must hurry now, sister.”

Zelma shivered as she walked, her eyes wide.

Hastra brushed hair from her face. Was she cold or afraid? The edifice loomed out of the gloom of dusk in the east. Distant lightning flashed across the Bay of Storms from the east and lit the roofless tower-top. It defied wind and weather. Gusts tugged at the low scrub-trees scattered around its feet. This isolated end of nowhere might be the end of them. If only Eloch…

The travelers hurried into the shadow of the Old Tower and took refuge from the blasts in a shallow alcove. Snippets of howling and horns broke through the roar of wind. Their pursuers were coming now. There was no escape. Hastra hugged herself but still shivered. “Now what?”

“I don’t know except go up.” Howart steadied himself with a trembling hand on the stone. He leaned against the wall, slid into a crouch and laid his head on scratched arms folded over his knees. A ragged sigh escaped from his thin lips. “Just need to rest a while.”

Hastra peered along the road. They were all spent and bound to die. She touched the death wound from which she’d risen. “What is needed is given.”

Horn blasts floated on the wind.

Zelma’s lips quivered and dark circles ringed her eyes above pale skin. Sprigs of her hair waved from beneath her gray hood. “They’re coming now.”

Hastra nodded. Even Zelma’s hair seemed faded. “They’ve found our scent. We can’t stay here long. If we are needed atop the tower then let’s climb.”

Soft sobs escaped from Zelma. “Then what?”

Hastra embraced her sister. “We’ll pray, Zelma. All will be well in the end. We’re here for a reason just because we’re still breathing when we should be weeks dead.”

Zelma forced a thin smile through her tears. “It will never be the same as it was, but perhaps we’ll see better atop the tower.”

Zelma’s hair fell across her face as she touched Howart’s head. The Grendonese man remained still. “He’s fallen asleep.”

Hastra’s head whipped around at the close sound of horns. “Trolls are near. It’s time.”

Zelma jumped and Howart started.

The gaunt man stood. “We must go and seek Eloch’s guidance.”

They scurried from the alcove and climbed the stairwell that wound around the tower’s girth. Wind flailed the surviving Withlings and the storm thundered in the bay as they fought for each ascending step. They ignored their weariness as horns sounded closer.

Hastra staggered. Surely they had time. She thrust her hands before her and pulled for the next step as rain pattered the stone.

Horns sounded closer along with hounds baying, clear and constant, as the din of pursuit carried over the wind. They grappled their way to the top and knelt with their cloaks twisting in the violent wind.

Snarls announced the arrival of trolls. The troll-wolves howled. Kregen’s voice rose in the wind. “Quickly, take them.”

Hastra raised her eyebrows to Howart and Zelma. There was fear on their faces. If only they could meditate in all the din. “Pretend it’s the Hall of Silence.”

Hastra shut her eyes and raised her hands. What is needed is given and she needed focus. She ignored the troll boots scraping on the steps. She breathed and reached for practiced calm. “Move in me, O Eloch.” She exhaled. Welcome warmth bloomed at the edge of her awareness and she waited rather than reach for it in conscious thought. Warmth swallowed her fear and grief.

Hastra’s eyes blinked open and shut as her usual trembling at the presence of Eloch took hold. Her arms shook and her body quaked. Zelma and Howart undulated like grass in the wind.

The clouds spun into a whirlwind that detached from main storm and churned toward the tower. Hastra closed her eyes. Calm as a sleeping babe. Indecipherable words erupted from her mouth.

The wind rumbled and drowned the clamor of troll horns and hounds. Hastra’s body stilled with the wind and her eyes opened. Light glowed in the spinning gust. They were protected from our enemy. Her arms dropped to her sides. She fell over and stared at the shape moving amid the light and whirlwind.

Beyond the silence within the whirlwind, Kregen cringed at the stairwell. He stretched out his arms and shouted unheard words. He shook his fist with a grimace and fled.

“You have come as children in need. Will you serve on?” The voice suffused Hastra with the rich whisper of peace and inexorable power.

Kregen’s offer rose with the flash of the knife. Hastra smiled as tears spilled from her eyes. “I will serve.” Zelma and Howart answered the same.

“Zelma Vorcinni, should you choose to follow, to you shall be given the task of protecting for long years that which shall come to you in time. You shall want for nothing, not even companionship in desolate places.”

“Howart Balto, should you choose to follow, to you shall be given the task of hiding against chaos what shall come to you after a while. No power of time or change shall pierce the bulwark about you in the midst of confusion.”

“Hastra Vorcinni, should you choose to go, to you shall be given the task of labor against innumerable foes, yet you shall find rest and plenty in the midst of want and danger.”

“And now, my children reach to me if you will come and be comforted and healed…”

At Eloch’s urging, the three Withlings stretched out their hands as one.

The whirlwind fell away.

Hastra rose on one elbow amid a grass covered field at dusk. “Zelma? Howart?” She sat alone with her bag that held her food and the Book of Prophecies.

End of Part 6

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