P.H. Solomon's Blog, page 320

The Serendipity of Christmas Generosity

I read an interesting post yesterday by Raymond Philippe entitled, Writing Goals And Objectives. Go Ahead – Dream! This article got me thinking about a mistake my father made several years ago that put me on a different path. Since it’s now the Christmas season I’ll go ahead and share this as I begin to write during this month about where I’ve been this year and where I’m going in 2015.

It may have been 2008 or 2009 but either way it was during the economic upheaval when most of us weren’t willing to spend much if anything. I was in the same situation as many – slim on money and worried about keeping a job. Christmas rolled around and it was rather thin on gifts but a good time with family.

However, my dad brought out gifts that were surprisingly nice given the state of the economy. I received a GPS which was very generous except for one thing – I already had purchased one a few years earlier when times were better and I had gotten a good raise with a change of position. I kept politely quiet and didn’t mention it at the moment but a return was in order.

A few days later, I explained the situation to my father and asked if he had the receipt. He didn’t have one but told me from which store chain he’d bought the GPS and was apologetic about his well-intended mistake. I called the local store and inquired about returns without a receipt and was informed I could get only an in-store credit without one. This was fine except I didn’t know what I’d spend the credit on as a good replacement for such a gift.

I went down to the store, made the return and got the credit without a hitch. I was still at a loss about how to use the money so I took a walk through the store and found laptops on after-Christmas sale. They even had rebates on them for extra cash back. I wanted one but had no immediate reason to purchase one. I went home and thought it through.

I hadn’t been writing much – if at all – for several years but I had an inclination to do so. The more I thought about it, the more a I realized I could use a laptop as a tool to jump-start my writing. I got on my old desktop computer and searched the store chain website for laptops that were still on-sale with a rebate. I found one of the least expensive ones but the credit would only cover almost half of the cost. However, with the rebate the cost would be minimal. I jumped on the deal, bought the laptop and sent in the rebate.

I later called my dad and let him know how things had turned out. I told him what I was going to do with the laptop and he was pleased. From that point, I began to explore writing in this digital age using that laptop. That eventually led to where I am now – my firm commitment this last year to my writing and being on the cusp of self-publishing my first full-length book.

It was an honest misake on my father’s part but that gift led me down a circuitous path toward publication. The laptop has since been retired with a failed screen after almost four years in service but I still have it and it runs with the help of an external monitor. My laptop serves as my desk and I do many tasks with it including a great deal of writing these days.

My father passed away in 2012. He knew that I was writing and even had a bit of publication success with a short story but I’m not quite sure he understood how much his mistake affected me. It was serendipity for my writing and I’m very grateful for the generosity. I think my dad was always frustrated that he couldn’t do more for those he loved but I think he did more than he understood.

In the book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron discusses launching out creatively. Her feeling is that when we reach out creatively we begin to encounter many happy accidents of serendipity that carry us along the our personal artistic path. I’ve found this notion to be true more than once and I’m sure I will again. It’s something I should consider more often as I work creatively.

This year I’ve dared to dream big with the beginning of my author platform and pushing to publish. Next year I will continue to dream even more by actually completing that project and – maybe – one or two others. During this week and the coming weeks, I’m going to share more about where I’ve come from and where I’m going as encouragement for other writers and artists who are either beginning their creative journey or those who may find themselves floundering with hesitation, doubt or some other creative block. It’s nothing special – just how I forged ahead with my plans through some ups and downs but I hope it helps someone along their own creative journey by sharing my own plans and ideas.

What gave you a jump-start with your creative endeavors? What’s holding you back? What ideas for moving along in your journey can you share with others? 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, Holidays, Indie Publishing, Planning, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, Coverart, creativity, Facebook, Goals, Indie Publishing, Launch, P. H. Solomon, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Social Media, The Artist's Way, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, writing

The Bow of Destiny: Official Cover Reveal

Photo from the book trailer for The Bow of Destiny

Today is a wonderful milestone day for The Bow of Destiny. This epic fantasy series was in my creative thoughts as long ago as my early college days in the mid-80’s. I wrote the original manuscript in the ‘90’s and was offered a contract by a small press at the time. The contract was not right for me so I passed and, since it was a time of change and grief for my wife when her mother died, I laid the manuscript aside for several years.

I kept coming back to the work intending to re-write it and get it published but the project never bore much fruit. About four years ago, I began to take writing seriously again when I found that I had a number of ideas for books and stories lurking in my mind. Since I had so much written for this manuscript I began re-writing it around a busy schedule and a death in my own family. Even though there were a number of distractions – as all of us have – I knew the time was right to publish this series with the recent explosion of self-publishing.

Earlier in the year, I came across a piece of artwork by Chris Rawlins entitled “Robin of Loxley” that caught my attention in his gallery. It fit the motif of my book so strikingly I knew I needed to work with Chris. The result is this cover. Here’s Chris’s bio:

“I have lent my brush to a huge diversity of subject matter and styles. Portrayal of humans, horses, animals, and landscapes, using contemporary and modern techniques have earned admiration, acclaim and a large following. I am passionate about strong compositions, realism, detail, accuracy, dramatic lighting and strong compositions. 

My artworks have been used for numerous book covers, albums and magazines, as well as entire books growing a wide audience of authoritative scholars who respect integrity, as well as faithful patrons and enthusiasts who love the action-packed and emotional style. 

I have a passion for history and art so to bring history to life through my artworks is a dream come true. My approach is to try and put yourself / the viewer there to bring a true-to-life realism that the books of my childhood lacked. Detail of research for any painting is key if you are attempting a realistic representation. I research many of my artworks in detail and travel abroad to battlefield locations, museums and military archives.”

Last week, I provided a sneak peek over my email list and received a very postive reaction to the cover which was more than encouraging. Currently, I am completing a revision of the book while I wait on my editor to begin looking at it first structurally and then in more detail. After these upcoming rounds of editing I anticipate the book being ready for publication at which point I should be able to set a target release date.

While the book is away with the editor I plan to finish the rough draft of the second book entitled, An Arrow Against the Wind, and develop the prequel series, “What is Needed”, into a novella to offer for free as a run-up promotion to the release of The Bow of Destiny. Since I know more about what I’m doing developing book for self-publication I hope to have An Arrow Against the Wind ready later in 2015.

Without further delay, here’s the cover for The Bow of Destiny. Look for changes to my social media accounts that incorporate this as a banner. I will also pin it on my Pinterest account so you can check it out in detail there.

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

Thanks for stopping by to view the cover and share this milestone with me. I also appreciate Rave Reviews Book Club by Nonnie Jules for their support and recently including me as a VIP member. I look forward to working with them on a Spotlight Blog Tour for the book when the time comes and, of course, their warm, encouraging support. Please share your thoughts in the comments section. A big thanks for Dennis Cardiff for featuring my announcement on RebelMouse. 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!

Thanks for reading!

PHS

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Cover art for The Black Bag licensed from iStockPhoto.com

Archer’s Aim photo licensed via iStockphoto.com

Cover art for The Bow of Destiny licensed from Chris Rawlins on commission

 

Filed under: Blog Tour, Cover Reveal, Creativity, Editing, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Announcement, Coverart, Facebook, Indie Publishing, Launch, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Pinterest, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, What is Needed, writing

What is Needed Pt. 3

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) and Part 2 (Conclusion). This series is a companion to The Bow of Destiny (Part 1 of The Bow of Hart Saga) as expanded writing samples originally published for the closed Indiegogo campaign for the novel. 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. Please read this post and consider supporting the fundraiser. This material is copyrighted and not intended for reproduction except at the author’s consent.

 

What is Needed (Part 3)

by P. H. Solomon

The bell clanged and jolted Hastra from sleep. Screams, shouts and snarls echoed from the lower levels. It’s a dream like the others. She clutched her blanket at her chin and waited.

Zelma lit a candle. Light flared and illuminated her wide-eyed face and disheveled shocks of flame-red hair. “Is that what you heard in the first vision?”

Hastra groaned. It had come. No, it had been here all along. She swung her bare feet onto the frigid floor. “Get dressed in something warm. The snow’s melted but nights are still cold.”

Zelma’s mouth remained open as she twisted in her bed with a nod.

Hastra swirled into a dress and sat on her bed while she tugged wool stockings on her feet. “Shh.” She waved a hand and they sat silent. Ominous sounds rose and fell beyond their door. “Put that candle out, someone’s coming.” She snatched her walking stick, hoisted it at her shoulder and stood by the door.

Quick footsteps stopped at their door. It creaked opened. Lamp-light bloomed. Hastra withheld her swing at the sight of Howart’s gaunt face. His eyes blinked in the shadow of their deep hollows.

The tall Withling swung the lamp in the room. “Come with me. I’ve expected this and made preparations in the cellars if we can get there. I’ll get anyone else nearby while you finish here but hurry. No shoes from here, they echo.” Howart paused for spare moments, pulled shoes off his feet and then went tapping on nearby doors.

Zelma lit the candle again.

“Don’t bother with that, sister, we can see enough to gather what we need.”

“I’ll leave it lit when we leave so they’ll have to search the rooms.”

Hastra nodded and grabbed their winter cloaks as Zelma finished with her stockings. They left with their shoes in hand and found wide eyed, trembling Withlings gathered with Howart in the passage. Just ten of us? So few. Hastra pushed hair out of her face. Better than none.

Light flickered in the near stairwell.

Howart shuttered his lamp and lowered his voice. “This way to the cellars. Run!”

The knot of Withlings scurried along the hall. Their legs pumped as they navigated the far stairwell in near darkness. They reached a landing and crowded out of sight. Pig-faced bugbears smashed through barred doors at the far length of the lowest apartment level. Crashes and growls sounded from the level above them.

Howart pulled his hood onto his head and he murmured into their knot. “Follow me. Stay in the shadows. We can’t wait or they will catch us here.” He held the shuttered lamp away from the wall. The skinny Withling pressed against the stone wall and slipped into the deeper darkness gathered below them .

The others took their turns as the trolls ravaged rooms and drug out other screaming Withlings.

Hastra pulled on her hood. She slunk after Howart and schooled her attention away from the trolls. She held her breath and crossed in the shadows. She ignored the screams. But her eyes flicked toward the movement. A bugbear stabbed feeble Durna. Tears pooled in her eyes at the sight of blood. She was so kind and now gone. Hastra rubbed her damp cheeks and faded into darkness.

They plunged into the upper cellars.

Hastra inhaled the mustiness as they descended. She winced at the destructive clamor and she blinked back tears for lost friends. Why couldn’t she find their betrayers sooner. She bumped into someone with a grunt as they halted in the cellar passage. “Sorry.”

Dim light glowed on Howart’s face and everyone crowded close at his whispers. “I’ll chance a little light here. I’m not as familiar with this area. We need to go to into the lower cellars. Put on your shoes.”

Hastra slipped on her shoes and pushed closer to the skeletal Withling. “Those cellars aren’t used anymore. It’s dangerous with rats and decay.”

“I’ve been preparing for this. I’ve mapped a way out from there.”

Tenelle, the pudgy Shildran woman from the end of Hastra’s hall frowned. “Preparing? You’ve known about this and told no one?”

“We’ve only suspected based on visions Hastra had all winter without instructions from Eloch.”

Faces turned to Hastra. They were confused and angry with her. Torchlight flickered above and the sound of chaos rose.

“We’ve no time to discuss this. Follow me or perish.” Howart trotted away and passed closed doors to storage rooms.

Hastra hurried after Howart with the others but endured uncertain murmurs until Howart shushed them. They thought her to blame. Maybe she should have spoken out. Crashes echoed from the dark passage behind her. It wouldn’t have made a difference.

Howart led them through several turns until they reached a stairwell to the lower cellars. Their leader huffed with sweat beaded on his brow. “I’ve hidden a few supplies below that may help us. This is a maze and I don’t know my way well at all.”

Water dripped in places and the slick stair slowed them. Hastra held her skirt high and felt for each step with her foot. Dust tickled her nose. She covered her lower face with her sleeved arm and stifled a sneeze. If the trolls didn’t get them the foul air would. She exhaled, gasped for air and held it. What’s rotted down here?

They gained the lower cellar level and kicked up more dust. Howart risked more light.

Grit on the stone floor scraped under their feet. There’s Howart’s footprints from his earlier forays. Where’s he leading us? Their guide turned several times and Hastra lost her sense of direction. She pulled her skirt higher as she traipsed through a shallow pool of discolored water.

Howart opened a door and stepped into a room. Instead of darkness they met light as their knot of Withlings pushed into the room.

Kregen wheeled from shelves packed with supplies. The position of the Rokan’s light cast an shadow across half his face. “So you’re the one who left all this here.”

Howart’s voice rose in spite of the danger. “What are you doing here? Weren’t you at the gate? Didn’t you ring the bell? How did you escape the trolls?”

“Zeld had the gate tonight.” Kregen’s thin lips spread into a smile beneath his hooked nose though no friendliness rose in his eyes. “And I didn’t escape the trolls.” He snapped his fingers. Snake-faced hobgoblins and tusked bugbears stepped from behind old crates. Curved blades whispered from sheathes as the trolls drew their weapons.

Hastra wheeled toward the door. A sword-point rose to her throat. The mirthless grin of a hobgoblin revealed yellowed, broken teeth. They were trapped! She held her breath.

“You see, Withling’s Watch is mine in the name of Magdronu.”

Hastra gasped. The Hidden Dragon has destroyed us. The fetid stench no longer bothered Hastra as their captors snorted and snarled laughter.

End of Part 3 (Part 4 will be re-posted on 12/6)

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.

Thanks for reading!

PHS

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What is Needed Pt 2: Conclusion

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 and Part 2 (first section). This series is a companion to The Bow of Destiny (Part 1 of The Bow of Hart Saga) as expanded writing samples for the conclude Indiegogo campaign for the novel. 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 2: Conclusion)

by P. H. Solomon

Hastra’s lips puckered as the door to the Meditation Hall closed softer than falling snow.  Nothing again. No impression to share with anyone or write it in the Book of Prophecies. She pulled her thick shawl close and high-stepped through the snow that billowed in her eyes. Thick clouds rolled over the Gray Spires. “Maybe I should just forget them.”

The Withling wandered to her room but didn’t find her sister. Zelma’s already at table. Hastra shrugged. She could use an early dinner. She found dinner ready and served herself a bowl of steaming soup that smelled of onions and sausage. Hastra snagged brown bread with butter and shuffled between the trestle tables toward Zelma who sat alone and stirred her bowl of soup.

“This is different for you. Your crowd is busy, I see.” Hastra straddled the bench, sat and swung her leg over.

“Your visions trouble me. You’ve spent so much time in the Hall of Silence. Won’t you write them down for others to see? They consume you.” Zelma sniffed and wiped her nose while a tear gleamed in her green eyes.

“This is hardly the place to discuss my visions.”

Howart approached and sat across the table from Hastra and her sister. The tall Withling lowered his head in prayer. If he heard us… Hastra picked at her food and then took a hot spoonful of soup, smacked her lips, snatched a cup of water and sloshed the contents as she gulped.

“What visions are you talking about?” Howart tore bread and dipped it into the steaming soup.

Hastra choked and almost spewed her water. Now it will be out. She swallowed and wiped her face.

Zelma elbowed Hastra. “You should talk about it.”

Hastra scowled at Zelma who arched one eyebrow higher than the other and offered a faint smile. No chance for denial now. Hastra’s face heated with a flush. That soup burned. Hastra drank again. She swallowed and opened her mouth.

The Grendonese sisters strode past. They giggled and whispered while their skirts twirled with their flouncing stride. Hastra clamped her mouth shut and followed the sisters with her eyes. Which one was which? She could never tell. They sat several tables away and shared a jest with Zeld and Kregen that set the Rokan brothers laughing.

Zelma cleared her throat. Howart paid Hastra’s reticence no mind as he dunked his bread again.

“Not here. Let’s eat first and find somewhere to speak.”

Howart shrugged and his sunken cheeks filled with his broad smile that exposed his crooked teeth. “A big secret, I see. Well enough, I’ve nothing to do after supper.”

Once they finished, Hastra led Zelma and Howart on a walk through empty corridors. She related the tale to Howart who bent close to hear Hastra’s whispers. She paused often and checked the passages for anyone following. They paused at a window overlooking the courtyard.

Howart gazed out the window at the late winter night beneath the early stars until his breath frosted the panes. “It’s almost like the vision is now since you have no unction about it.”

Hastra shifted her feet and cocked her head. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

The gaunt Withling turned from the window and his deep-set eyes shifted between Hastra and her sister. “The danger from these visions is here, now and not something in the future.” Howart swept his arms in an arc over Hastra’s head as he spoke.

Zelma hugged herself as she shivered. “But there’s no sign of trolls in this old keep. How can there be any danger?”

“The danger’s here though. That’s why there’s no interpretation, no instruction.” Howart wagged a long finger as he spoke.

Hastra turned to the window and found her murky reflection in the fogged pane. “But from where and whom is our danger? There may be trolls or not but there’s something else at work.” She turned back to her companions but neither answered. “We must watch for odd behavior and investigate if necessary. We have no proof of a betrayal or danger.”

Howart crossed his arms. “Except your dreams.”

Zelma chuckled and tossed her flaming tresses. “And oddity is common in this house.”

Hastra turned back to the window where the fog faded. Below, Kregen crossed the courtyard and entered the gatehouse. “You’re right, not odd, just activity that is out of place.” She watched her companions’ reflections nod.

“We’ll catch whoever endangers us.” Zelma patted Hastra’s shoulder.

Hastra drummed her cheek with her fingers. But this may not be about catching them. She shivered and pulled her shawl closer.

End of Part 2 (Part 3 will be re-posted on 11/29 or after)

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 on 11/10/14 so take a look.

Thanks for reading.

P. H. Solomon

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Filed under: Creativity, Crowdfunding, Crowdsourcing, Deep POV, Editing, Fiction, Indie Publishing, IndieGoGo, Marketing, Self-publishing, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Book Trailer, Crowdfunding, Crowdsourcing, Facebook, Indie Publishing, Launch, P. H. Solomon, Short Stories, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, What is Needed, writing

Thanksgiving Thoughts

There are always so many things for which I can be thankful. I have a great family, a good home, reasonably good health and my job. The year has had its ups and downs but I’m still here. However, I wanted to focus on everything for which I’m thankful as a writer.

1. I’m thankful for how far I’ve made it as a writer this year. It has been challenging but I’ve been afforded many opportunities to grow as a writer this year and I’m thankful for each one.

2. I’m thankful for the many connections I’ve been privileged to make with so many other writers. I’ve had a wonderful time sharing the experience with all the regular visitors and followers of this site. Thanks to everyone for reading so often and sharing your support and comments. It has been a pleasant surprise since I was rather hesitant about even blogging.

3. I’m thankful for how much progress I’ve made this year. I want to get into the specifics maybe at a later time but I didn’t start the year with a writing platform. In fact, I didn’t even have a site, email or social media accounts for writing until May. Again, thanks to all the social media contacts, readers and authors for the support. It’s been amazing to share the ride with everyone. The growth has been incredible considering my hesitation to begin all this due to my wife being out of work over the summer. I don’t know how it’s all grown so much except for the support.

4. I’m also thankful for how much I’ve learned about writing and blogging from so many terrific contacts over social media, webinars, membership in Rave Reviews Book Club and at the convention I was privileged to attend locally. I learned so much this year about writing that I’ve been able to put to good use.

5. I’m thankful for how much I was able raise for my novel during the IndieGoGo campaign this year. I didn’t reach my goal but I did raise enough to commission cover art.

It’s been a great ride the latter half of this year. I’m looking forward to holidays, finishing this year and bursting into 2015 with lots of inspiration to continue what I’ve begun. Until then, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I wish everyone a good time with family and friends over a good meal and conversation.

For what are you thankful as a writer this year? What accomplishments and goals have you met? 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, Holidays, Indie Publishing, Rave Review Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, Thanksgiving, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, Coverart, creativity, Facebook, Holidays, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Rave Reviews Book Club, Self-publishing, Social Media, Thanksgiving, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, writing

Out of Nowhere – Why I Write Fantasy

I’ve had several ideas buried like nuts in my mind for some time – though maybe I’m actually nuts. One in particular has been asking to be written several years, perhaps as long as a decade. I never really knew how I wanted to approach the story so I let it ride.

Fantasy is a great genre so an idea can be developed in any way necessary to tell the story. I’ve only dabbled with urban fantasy once before but this idea certainly fell into that sub-genre. After all, the idea came from reality in such a way that it had to be told as a story set in this world.

The other day, this idea surfaced in my mind again but this time a funny thing happened on the way to conscious thought – it shifted out of urban fantasy and I recognized it’s potential. In that instant, I realized that this story idea needed to be written in a secondary world setting rather than in its original, primary world concept.

Now I don’t want to share the idea at the moment but it is certainly rich with ideas and potential with the movement into traditional fantasy. I get to develop the notion into a plot, setting and everything else. This is the beauty of writing fantasy fiction – the chance to take the commonplace aspects of living and drop them into a different world entirely where they become unusual. It’s why I love reading and writing fantasy – the chance to bake something fresh out of the brain-oven using everyday ingredients. Can you tell I’ve got Thanksgiving on my mind?

Inspiration is a great motivator for writing. It’s also integral, especially with fantasy- in my opinion. If a story setting doesn’t fit, it will leave both the author and the reader uncomfortable. The precision of concept fitting it’s setting in fantasy is almost as important as characterization. Otherwise, it may just be the proverbial “emperor in new clothes”.

I’m looking forward to developing this short story project. I love my updated concept and the opportunity to fit it into a completely new and unexpected setting. I hope to post it and a few other stories on my Short WIP page soon.

Why do your read/write fantasy or any other genre? 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, Holidays, Social Media, Thanksgiving, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, Writing Tagged: blogging, creativity, Facebook, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Self-publishing, Short Stories, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, writing

Complete DIY Self-Publishing Pt. 5: Publication

Complete DIY Self-Publishing Pt. 5: Publication

This is the fifth part of a series about self-publishing a short e-book as a completely DIY project. Part 1 introduced why you should consider trying to self-publish on your own at least once. Part 2 dealt with some of the tools you will need to gather at some point to accomplish the project. Part 3 addressed the importance of formatting and using the tool of a style guide. Part 4 covers – well – the cover.

So you’ve arrived at go time with your book publication. Your book is formatted and the cover created. You’re ready to get this book into the public eye. But is there anything else you should do? Here are some checkpoints to cover before you upload your book.

Add the Tidbits

The style guide from Smashwords suggests using several pieces of information at the beginning and end of your book. First make sure to add the legal copyright notice and any necessary disclaimer are included. Do you have a proper cover page inserted? Is there a linked Contents page? Have you inserted an Author page at the end with your contact information and previous credits? All these pieces are useful elements needed in your book so verify they are in the manuscript and contain correct information.

Test the book

Save the book as an ebook format and use Adobe Digital Editions to view the finished product. When you view the book make sure the appearance is consistent. Also test your contents page and chapter headings to ensure the links are all working correctly. If you are using Scrivener you can compile the book in to a digital format. If you are using Word you can save it in PDF format.

Re-check your cover

Does your cover contain any misspellings? Is the appearance effective like you anticipate? Lastly, is the cover the correct size for your vendor(s)? As I shared in a previous post, I had to do some extra photo editing with Gimp to get the cover to the correct size.

Verify the manuscript is ready

The manuscript should be saved as a Word document for uploading to your chosen vendor(s). But you created a digital version to test, why upload the Word version? When you upload a digital version it is basically “as is” so Kindle and Smashwords won’t determine if you have problems. Also, save two versions in Word – one for each vendor with different legal notice that you are publishing this through a specific vendor.

Create your accounts

Each vendor will require that you create an account. As part of the process you will be required to provide information for legal and tax purposes. Make sure you create these accounts so you’ve got your details and decisions completed before uploading to make the act of publication easier. As part of your process when you publish, the book will be assigned an AIN (Kindle) or ISBN (Smashwords) as identifiers for your book. Read the requirements from each vendor so you know what to expect.

Conclusion

Once you’ve published the book you can sit back and wait for the vendor(s) to verify the content has no mistakes that need correction. If there are mistakes or changes that are required you must address them before the book will be available to the public. If you have no issues you’ve launched the book. Now comes the hard part – selling it. But now you have the experience that goes with self-publishing in all aspects so you know what to expect from the process on a larger project.

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

Do you have a short project you’d like to self-publish? If you’ve published previously what experiences can you share? 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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Clip art licensed from Microsoft Office.

Filed under: Amazon, Blogging, Creativity, Editing, Indie Publishing, Marketing, Planning, Self-publishing, Social Media, Tech Tips, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, Writing Tagged: Amazon, blogging, Coverart, creativity, Facebook, Formatting, Indie Publishing, Kindle, Launch, P. H. Solomon, Scrivener, Self-publishing, Smashwords, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, writing

Under Construction – Templates and Scrivener

Like any construction project, your writing is only as good as the foundation. With Scrivener templates can play an important role in creating your next writing project and the ease with which you progress. Templates can be like blueprints for your projects so let’s take a look at them today.

I’ve recently written about uses for Scrivener such as blogging and various email message templates. I received a comment from my most recent post sharing Scrivener templates for blogs, one from AllIndieWriters.com and the other posted at ThaddeusHunt.com. This is excellent information for those interested in blogging with Scrivener.

Templates are easy to make with Scrivener and they provide you a way to design basic projects of various kinds.

But how do you make a template should you want to create one yourself? It’s rather a simple matter. I’ll describe it and provide some links with screenshots.

When you have created a project with all the configuration you want for a basic project click on File => Save As Template. Name it and choose the location to where you want to save it. Now you have your template. Click here for a post with screenshots.

When you want to use the template you must import it. Here’s how:

When you start to create a project by clicking File => New Project the New Project window opens.

In the lower left click options to expand a menu and click Import Template.

Navigate to the template to choose it and you are ready to import your template.

Here’s the link for screenshots showing how to import the template.

Interested in more templates for specific projects? Here’s a list of links for templates to download. Some of these lists have some overlap but I’ve found a few interesting ones I’m going to use.

Justinswapp.com

GwenHernandez.com

SMWorth.net

If you know of any templates please share below in the comments. I’m thinking about a bigger use for Scrivener and a template for it. When I’ve completed it I’ll share it in a post with the template for download. 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, Creativity, Editing, Fiction, Indie Publishing, Planning, Self-publishing, Social Media, Tech Tips, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, Twitter, Writing Tagged: creativity, Editing, Facebook, Indie Publishing, P. H. Solomon, Planning, Scrivener, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Black Bag, The Bow of Destiny, Tips, writing

Tuesday Tip

PHS:

Controlling pace in your writing – re-blogged on Archer’s Aim

Originally posted on Write of Passage:

We have no control over the delineation of time in real life. An hour-long meeting on a Monday morning can feel like an entire day; however, an entire day can seem like only an hour when we’re having fun. The only time we can control how fast or slow time goes is in our novels. This is called pacing.

How to Pick up the Pace

For some scenes, you’ll want to step on the gas: cliffhangers, action scenes, fight scenes, arguments, climaxes. To make sure your reader keeps turning the page, eliminate all but the following

immediate action
exposition
descriptions
immediate dialogue
internal dialogue
sensory details

You’ll want to keep description brief. Likewise, only describe sensory details your character would notice at that moment. Perhaps he taste blood in his mouth during a fight or hears a gun shot.

Summarizing

Some scenes just drag. Travel scenes are infamous for this. Describing every detail…

View original 1,096 more words

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What is Needed – Part 2

Photo used in The Bow of Destiny book trailer

Author’s Note: This is Part 2 of the prequel blog serial entitled “What is Needed”. This series is a companion to The Bow of Destiny (Part 1 of The Bow of Hart Saga) as expanded writing samples for the concluded Indiegogo campaign for the novel. 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. Note: I’m releasing this part in sections so there will be more to read on Sunday.

 

What is Needed (Part 2)

by P. H. Solomon

 

Hands grasped Hastra. She screamed. It’s killing me! Her heart thudded in her ears. I’m dying. She stared into the blackness.

“Hastra!”

“Get it off me!”

Zelma’s face, ringed with light, replaced the darkness. “Sister, what’s wrong. You’ve fallen.” Tears brimmed in Zelma’s green eyes.

“It was here, a hobgoblin. It attacked me.” Broken crockery and ruined food lay strewn on the rough stone. Hastra groaned, lay back on the cold floor and grabbed her head. “Another vision?” Tears streamed on her cheeks. Breathe. Her chest heaved.

“What’s wrong?” Someone called. “Do you need help?”

Zelma helped Hastra sit up. “My sister is injured and fell.”

Someone stepped closer. “What do you need?”

“Howart? That’s Howart.” Hastra twisted and placed her back against the stone wall. The gaunt Withling stood in the pool of light at the corner.

Zelma coaxed Hastra to her feet. “Send a student to clean the mess and have another bring more food to our room. It’s second level, seventh door on the right. Hastra’s weak from her travels.”

“Can you get her to your room?”

Zelma nodded and displayed a weak smile. “What is needed is given.”

Hastra trained her voice to a low tone. “Good, I’m not ready to share visions yet.” There was no impression for action or meaning—yet. She winced when she put weight on her leg.

Howart frowned, nodded and left.

Hastra leaned on her sister as they hobbled away. They arrived at the stair and struggled at each step until they gained the next floor. Hastra hoped there was a prayer for her hip or she expectd being gimpy for a while. She sucked air through clenched teeth as her boot soles scraped on wooden stair.

“You’ve had visions?” Zelma huffed and grunted as Hastra pushed against her.

“Yes, the first knocked me off my horse and that’s how I got hurt. Thank Eloch, Kregen helped me.”

“Tell me what you’ve seen.”

Hastra shook her head. “Not here, not yet.”

They shambled to their door and Hastra hopped to her bed while Zelma closed the door.  The young woman rounded on Hastra with arms crossed and brow creased. “Tell me why this vision’s so secret in Withling’s Watch.”

Hastra rubbed her leg and related the exact details. “Darkness howled from the gate with a gust of wind and punched me from the saddle. There was fire-”

Zelma whirled at a feeble knock and snatched the door open. “Good, this is good. Is the floor cleaned?” The young Withling closed the door as the student mumbled an answer.

She handed the plate to Hastra who nibbled and waited as the student’s footsteps faded. She related the condition of the gates, the screams and everything else between mouthfuls of warm food. Zelma stood with her head cocked and the furrow between her eyebrows unwavering. She had Zelma’s attention now. Hastra paused, bit into her bread and chewed.

“And in the passage?” Zelma motioned in the direction of the stairwell.

“A second vision.” Hastra nodded with vigor. “Yes, on the heels of the first. A hobgoblin stepped out of a door and attacked me as darkness descended again.”

Zelma sat on her bed and leaned forward with her elbows braced on her knees. “That’s rather emphatic, two in one night.”

“But there’s more.”

“Ah, good you haven’t told me your impressions or inclinations. These are pivotal to interpretation.”

Hastra frowned and set her plate aside. “That’s just it. I have none.”

Zelma leaned further forward. “Nothing at all? There must be something.”

Hastra brushed crumbs from her skirt. “It’s like an empty well. It should have water but the bucket brings nothing up.”

“You need to write it in the Book of Prophecies. Someone else will know what it is for, what the interpretation is.”

An edge crept into Hastra’s tone. “Didn’t you hear me? I have nothing from Eloch instructing me what to do, not even that.”

“Then maybe it’s not real. If I didn’t know better I’d say you were…” Zelma fell silent and lowered her head.

“What, crazy?”

Zelma displayed a weak smile. “Perhaps over-worked. You said yourself you pushed to return before the winter snows.”

“I’ve only been allowed to tell you this. There is warning and likely danger but it is not to be spread, at least not yet.”

Zelma stood and opened the door.

“Where are you going? Give me something more since I’ve been allowed to share this with you.”

“I have. Enter your visions in the book or go to sleep and forget them. Either way I’m due to say prayers.”

The first snow of winter blew drifts in the courtyard for three days and Hastra’s leg ached worse each day. She left her haggard reflection in the mirror and shuffled with Zelma to prayer on the morning after the snow ended.She refrained cursing the stairs on the arduous descent to the main floor. Stray words meant to her and all Withlings.

Other Withlings milled outside the chapel. Someone in the crowd laid a hand on Hastra’s arm. She paused at an old man in a felt hat. Hastra bobbed her head for a better view of the stranger’s face but got none in the morning shadows.

Zelma kept walking. She waved at one of her friend’s and turned to Hastra. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.”

Hastra nodded with a grimace as she rounded on the other Withling. “Good morning, I don’t think I know you.” Hastra avoided putting weight on her injured leg.

“We’ve met.” The old man waved his hand.

Hastra glimpsed a twinkle in his eye just under the brim. “I just don’t remember—perhaps it’s the hat?”

“You need that hip healed. May I?” Without waiting her consent, he reached around her and touched her lower back and spoke words Hastra didn’t quite understand.

The pain dispelled in a moment.

Hastra sighed. “That’s a relief. Thank you.”

The old Withling nodded with a wisp of a smile.

Hastra didn’t find Zelma close. Where’s Zelma? There’s a message in that injury and the timing. She wheeled back to ask her healer’s name again. And he’s gone. Hastra brushed past the three smiling sisters from Grendon. What are their names? Zelma’s hair blazed in the crowd where it thrust from beneath her head scarf.

“There you are, sister. I’ve gotten a healing this morning.” Hastra flexed her painless leg.

“Who?” Zelma’s head swayed as she searched the crowd.

“I didn’t recognize him but he’s wearing an old, wide-brimmed hat.” Hastra sat on a wooden bench beside Zelma.

“In here?”

“Oh, he’s probably left it outside.” Someone cleared their voice as the morning cantor started prayers.

Halfway through the intonation Hastra’s head rose before she remembered herself and bowed again. She’d serve in the Hall of Silence until she had more direction. Her smile grew throughout the end of the prayer as the dour mood of several, painful days crumbled from her face like melting ice.

 ***

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 on 11/10/14 so take a look.

Thanks for reading.

P. H. Solomon

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Filed under: Creativity, Crowdfunding, Crowdsourcing, Fiction, Self-publishing, Social Media, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, What is Needed, Writing Tagged: Announcement, Crowdfunding, Crowdsourcing, Facebook, Indie Publishing, Launch, Marketing, P. H. Solomon, Social Media, The Bow of Destiny, Twitter, What is Needed, writing