Pending Projects for 2013

Just a quick rundown of some upcoming activity in the near future...




Publication of a complete Kindle fixed-layout format tutorial, with multiple support template files (for which I've had a great many requests!), from basic image-only ebooks to complex layouts with region various magnification styles and methods
Updates to the iBooks Tutorial and Template to include changes introduced in the latest format upgrade (as per the Asset Guide 5.1)
How to create a single epub file that is compliant with both iBooks and Kindle ingestion systems, as well as all standard EPUB-based platforms
How to build a Nook fixed layout file with Replica Map for reflowable zoom pop-ups (currently not accepted by B&N for ingestion from independents, but functional for side-loading, and thus, direct sales)
Re-publication of The Complete Study Guide to Beowulf, in print and ebook (iBooks and PDF via my website, as well as a Kindle version if I can rework the formatting to fit a 7" display size)
Ongoing series of digital art tutorials based on The Ring Saga illustrated novel project, available at fantasycastlebooks.com in conjunction with my "new" author blog at www.rscotjohns.com (pending further chapter releases, to be forthcoming very soon, I promise!)


I've spent the better part of last year in learning mode, immersing myself in endless tutorials and online courses and seminars to help develop my digital art skills and teach myself how to use a lot of new software I've acquired (or had for awhile but not used), such as Lightwave 11, Modo 601, ZBrush 4R4, Postworkshop Pro 3.0, Corel Painter 12, and just recently Photoshop CS6 (upgraded from CS4 primarily so I can use the degrading brush feature for more realistic watercolor effects).




I may confine my art posts to the other blog and keep this one dealing more with the technical aspects of digital publication and ebook formatting, since that's what it seems to have morphed into. Either way I'll note any major updates in all three places (with the bulk of content being hosted on the Fantasy Castle Books website).




I haven't gotten too much into digital modeling yet, and probably won't do too much along these lines until the Ring Saga project is complete, since I have most of my models compiled and/or morphed from existing models already. I mainly needed to build some custom props that I have been unable to find for purchase, or build from spare parts found elsewhere. For example, I'm currently working on a massive Valhalla prop for Odin's hall based loosely on Nordic stave church architecture. I'm doing this as a modular construction set, and may release it on Renderosity once its complete.




In addition, I've been working on a lot of Viking-era costumes, as the ones I've purchased have been giving me no end of grief, being way out of date and far too low rez for my liking. Having learned to make my own high resolution textures I decided that I may as well learn to make the costumes themselves as well, so that I can fully customize my characters. The problem I'm now facing, of course, is in having to redo a lot of art I had thought to be completed. But this is as it must be, and the delay will be worth the wait in the end (or so I can only hope).




First up, however, are the ebook tutorial updates, since I've been harangued to no end regarding this for months now - hardly a day goes by I don't get at least a couple of requests for help from authors attempting to format their own fixed layout ebooks, and since my iBooks tutorial is a bit out of date now, and my Kindle one useful only for the region magnification features, both are in need of fleshing out.




So those are just a few things you can look forward to in 2013, sooner or later.