Children's Book Festival!

Awesome!

That is the word for today, awesome.

As you gentle readers know, the festival was today. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude to Isa Ventura and all those dedicated volunteers whom set up and put on the Festival. It was an honor to be invited and I can't wait to do it again in 2014!

It was wonderful. I got to visit with Lisa Mangum and Jessica Day George again. I've met them before at two prior book signings and it's always good to talk with them and share experiences and advice.

Lisa brought it to my attention that there is a Teen Writers' Conference that my Kate might like. Jessica gave me advice on why and how I should get compensation for school visits, thoughts on writing and why resubmitting Night Children to agents and publishers would be a great idea. Even advice on how vampires might not be a total turn off to agents. I might need to message her on Facebook about that subject again in the future.

I've read and enjoyed two of Lisa's books and plan to read the third in her Hourglass Door series. My daughter Katelyn has all of her books. Meanwhile, Jessica has continued to fan the flame in my daughter Laura's book collection. She loves Jessica's books and is eager to read the the current one. I've decided to put her dragon books on my reading list. I need to read about more dragons. My dragon girl Lyndi commands it.

I also met author Tyler Whitesides. He's the author of Janitors, a book that is beloved by kids and readers all over and looks extremely interesting. I'm going to read and review it after I finish Ender's Game. I really enjoyed our conversations and would love to continue. But life is busy so you visit when you can. It's good to come across other authors whom you share similar views and ideals with.

At the Festival we had a chance to meet many, many kids who love reading. This is the BEST part of the author's experience! So many wonderful kids who are excited about reading and writing. The kids were given tee shirts which I gladly signed. It was incredible, chatting and laughing with so many excited kids!

I got interviewed by Tooele TV! I've never been interviewed before and I can't wait till it broadcasts. I'll keep you posted when it does.

I want to post a grateful thanks to Tyler from the Standsbury High ROTC. He was assigned as my assistant. I've never had an assistant before. I'll tell you right now I did not send him off on evil errands or act like some premadona. If anything I worried I didn't have anything for him to do. But I eventually did need some back up and he sure helped!

Brandon and the crew of Starry Night Books were there and once again backed me up. They featured my books and were incredibly helpful to me and my wife throughout this great experience.

And speaking of my wife, as always she was (and is) my rock. My long suffering wife ran errands, made sure the books were where they were needed, explained them, spoke with so many and even suggested to Tyler Whitesides to come visit Starry Night Books. She brought the kids and bought them copies of all three authors' books. She spoke with Jessica about whether I should resubmit to agents and publishers and what is the proper method for visits to schools. Janeen was incredible and once again, I'd be lost without her.

So the Children's Book Festival was AWESOME! I've been invited back for next year and I can't wait to do it again!

Bite of Story Thursday

Here is a sneak peek at my current work in progress, Myths. This is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Enjoy!

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Myths
Chapter Eleven : Deadlands

After once again throwing his axe into a mass of goblins, Heilgar simply raised his arm expectantly.  Eli hadn’t seen him pick it up the last time he threw it so the elf was surprised to see the shiny silver weapon tear through the crowd like it had a mind of its own until it flew into its master’s waiting hand.

“How’d you do that?” Eli asked as he pushed the retrieval button on his quiver.  Five arrows shot back to him.  In one fluid movement, Eli grabbed the shafts in midair, aimed and shot them at new targets.  “I had to have a recovery spell put on my quiver, you too?”

“Something similar,” the dwarf replied as he cut through more attackers.  “We have a dwarf shaman in our city that knows a trick or two.”

Eli pulled an arrow with a particular tip and let it fly into a mound of oncoming monsters.  It erupted into a burst of flame.  The creatures screamed as fire engulfed them.  He could feel Celeste’s disapproval in his head but this was war. 

He pushed down any guilt that tried to crawl to the surface.  “Huh,” he said to the dwarf, “I thought dwarves hated magic.  Maybe they can hold their own in a fight after all.”

“What?” Heilgar’s hairy mouth dropped and he almost missed an oncoming goblin.  “How dare you question my nations’ battle skills?  We don’t need magic like you scrawny, hairless sticks do.  We only use it on rare occasions because any helpful weapon is still a weapon.”  He hit a goblin on the head with the hilt of his axe.

“Fair enough,” Eli responded with a smile.  “Let’s put it to a test.”  He downed another group of goblins on his right.  “I have no clue how many I’ve taken out so far but how about we keep score from this point.  That was five... no six to your one.”

Heilgar spun around, slicing multiple goblins that tried to surround him.  “I’d never engage in such foolishness.  And now I’m at seven.”

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Zombies

ZOMBIES

I found this pic on the web. No clue who did it. If you have any idea, please let me know.

Physical characteristics:
Most are slightly stronger than humans but their bodies are rotting away. They seem to possess limited intelligence which allows for broken speech, slow movement and the desire to search out victims for food.

What they are:
Through dark magic, the bodies of the deceased can be reanimated to serve a dark master. Most zombies are brain dead and only live to serve their master or feast on the living. They can be easily destroyed with fire and can be ripped by creatures that are stronger. Silver effects them as well.

My Facebook Author Page is up!

Hey guess what? I have a new Facebook Author Page! Come check it out.

Book Review: The Time Travelers by Linda Buckly-Archer SPOILERS

 

 

The following review contains spoilers…

I am pretty disappointed about this book. The cover really makes this book look exciting and enticing. The blurb on the cover says “For kids who love Harry Potter”. This isn’t true. It should read “For kids who like stories that do an excellent job of describing the 1800’s but lack character resolution or development.”

Linda Buckley-Archer does a fine job of creating characters you care about. I quickly cared for Peter and Kate right off the bat. Gideon also is a likeable, relatable character. The rest of the cast from 1763 didn’t interest me, yet they heavily feature in most of the book. In fact when the cast are captured by bandits I didn’t really care what happened to them and wanted to get back to the modern era to check on the detective.

See, the detective is also a strong character. He tries everything he can to get Kate’s father and his scientist associates to admit they know what happened to the kids. Every time something in the past turns up, some new evidence that gives the detective another clue, he tries to get the truth out of Kate’s dad. But he never does. It’s actually a huge disappointment.

Peter has an estranged relationship with his father that is never resolved or even started on the road to recovery. We see that his father is sorrowful and Kate’s father has answers about Peter’s whereabouts but those answers are never given. And when Peter realizes his own father never came to save him, I’m wishing Kate’s dad would tell Peter of his own father’s passion for Peter’s life. After all, the man did punch Kate’s dad when he discovered he knew something. But Kate’s dad doesn’t even mention that Peter’s parents are worried. No resolution to the original problem set forth in this book, Peter’s relationship with his dad.

Kate is another issue. When we first meet her we discover she has a strong personality to match her long red hair. I like that and wanted to see her shine, even get close to Peter so they could learn from each other. They come from different backgrounds and have different personalities so clearly the author has set things up so they can learn from each other. Yet time and time again she’s left behind in her big dress, a helpless girl. Sure, she does teach Peter how to blur and travel back to their century, but that’s all she does. Peter treats her horribly and this is never resolved while she just serves and yet another damsel in distress whom is mostly absent from the story.

Buckley-Archer does cast an excellent backdrop. She has done her research and it shows. We truly are in 1763. You’d think kids from our time would constantly contrast what’s missing from our time when they are stuck in the past but these kids don’t. Still, the story works well as a textbook to teach kids about that era.

All in all I couldn’t really get t this story. I read the whole thing but I guess it’s just not for me.

Speaking to the Excelsior Academy

A friend a fellow local author, Terron James, author of the Beholder series, invited me to speak to his class. On Wednesday the 2nd I did.

It went great! The kids were excited and curious. I spoke with two whom were aspiring writers. I love doing that. So many have hopes and dreams and only need a little encouragement to create great things.

Several students had another commitment but four kids were able to sit down with me and discuss writing and the Annabelle series. It was a close, relaxed group. We spoke of many things and I hope I answered all their questions.

All in all a nice event and I hope one day to go back. Thanks Terron for the opportunity!

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Birth

Chapter Twenty : Rescue Mission

A cool mist blew through the woods.  Annabelle stood alone, listening to the strange silence.  The world seemed unearthly.  Nothing made a sound, even the crickets remained quiet.

“Nice night, don’t you think?”

She spun around, looking for the owner of the familiar voice.  She’d heard it before.  Male, old and somehow wise, it sounded strangely comforting.

“My mate, Ethelda, doesn’t like it when I roam.” The voice continued.  “She thinks I should just rest.  I think she worries too much.”

Annabelle turned again but this time she found him.  An old man sat on the ground, leaning against a tree.  Dressed in a clean cloak and a dark shirt and pants, the man simply carved a piece of wood.  As his hands worked the wood she looked into his white eyes.  He gazed at nothing, completely blind.  His chin was covered with light white whiskers. 

The man calmly carved and a smile stole across his face.  With a shock she saw his vampire fangs and wondered why she hadn’t noticed them before.

“Please sir, my friend Henry has been kidnapped.  He needs our help.”

The old man looked straight at her and yet his blank eyes seemed to stare through Annabelle.  “Dear Annabelle, you would go against Eliza’s wishes?  After all she’s done for you?”

She realized with a start where she’d seen this man before.  “You were in my dreams before.  The night I turned into a vampire.”

He gave her a warm smile.  “Yes.  Eliza saved you, didn’t she?  She works so hard, teaching you, training you.  Raising you to grow up and be the great hero you must be.  Cherish the time you have with her.”

“But she wants us to leave Henry to those monsters.  We can’t.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that.  Instead you should remember your training.  And have courage.  Angry dogs are scary, but you can survive them.”

With a knowing grin, the old vampire faded into grey mist. 

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For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.

Children's Book Festival

I'll be at the Tooele Children's Book Festival Jan 12th! Come see! So will Tyler Whitesides, Lisa Mangum and Jessica Day George!

I've known this for awhile but kept it under my hat for a bit until it got closer. They are going to have a brunch with the authors and I'll have a chance to speak and sign books too. I'm really excited. This will be my first time at one of these.

Also, today, I'm speaking at the Excelsior Academy which is a local Charter school. I'm excited to meet the kids. I'll keep you posted on how both events go.

Book Two is Finished... again!

Last Friday I finished the principle edits on Night Children: Dark Changes! All those nasty edits brought on by strong advice I did not want to hear but needed to listen to, and those edits made a great deal of difference.

See, I held onto some early story concepts that I stuck with ever since the original first draft. Way back in 2005 when I was writing what would become the first half of book one and most of book two (then one single over large story). After Book One became it's own thing, several thinks remained for the sequel. I really resisted changing some of those things, even though my beta readers proclaimed them "too dark".

Well I needed a long break. A break spent last year focusing on other stories. Once I reached my personal deadline, I returned to Book Two and saw for myself the beta readers where correct. At first I was lost as to what to do but my long-suffering wife pointed out a simple solution. Why didn't I see that in the first place?

I set forth to make the necessary changes and now it's "finished" and sent off to several beta readers. Does this mean it's truly done and I can format it for ebook publication? NO! I don't trust it. It needs these reviews and it might have to go through even more edits.

But at least I've reached a tiny milestone.

Now back to writing the rough draft for Myths...

Happy New Year, Readers Young and Old... a message from Rick Riordan

Here is a link to a wonderful message from my current favorite author, Rick Riordan. He's the author of the Percy Jackson books. Whenever I read one of his books not only am I sucked in and can't get enough, but I feel an overwhelming desire to write. He inspires me.

Now I've struggled with a few writers about who my readership is. I feel the closest to a Middle Grade audience. That's 9-12 but honestly it could go a little higher. Maybe it's because I'm still a kid at heart but I can relate with their fears and I hope my books reach out to them on some level.

Rick Riordan puts it best in his article... http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-years-thoughts-redux.html.

My favorite part is this statement...
"Just because children are the protagonists does not make it a children’s book." I wish people who say all books with kid protagonists HAVE to be Middle Grade would listen to him.

Anyway, I wanted to share this with my followers.

Happy New Year!

Well 2012 is over and with it so many major events both personal and global. We've seen senseless tragedy and incredible opportunity. I don't want to go into it all but I will say that personally I'm ready for 2013. Sure, I don't want more of the bad but life is always a mix.

We can't avoid the further march of time but we can try to spend it treating each other better and trying with all our ability to lift each other up and travel hand in hand through this year's events. Perhaps we'll be responsible for some amazing stuff?

Have a great 2013 everyone!

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Kimon

KIMON

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin:
(Κίμων): Greek name, possibly meaning "sleepy."

Physical characteristics:
Every time Annabelle has seen Kimon it's been in her dreams. He appears as an old vampire with long white hair and a beard of scruffy whiskers. Every time she's seen him he's worn different clothing. He is blind.

Personality:
Kimon is friendly and wise. He has a since of humor and always has a smile.

Known History:
The mysterious older vampire known as Kimon appeared to Annabelle in a dream the night her body transformed into a vampire.  He appeared again in another dream the day before she set out to rescue her brother Roland and their friend Henry. His mate is named Ethelda.

He can dream walk, appearing in others' dreams and controlling his appearance and even shape the dream according to his wishes. Sometimes the dreams show evens or objects from the future. For instance, when he appeared to Annabelle in the early 1700's, his dream was of a Hawaiian Luau and he dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, centuries before the look came into fashion.

As of this writing his identity and history is unknown. Annabelle learns more about him each time he appears in her dreams.  Every bit of advice has come in handy. Annabelle has begun to look forward to their chats.

Bringing in the New Year with a Books Giveaway!

Check out No Thoughts 2 Small for their "Bringing in the New Year Giveaway" featuring Dark Threats!

That's right! I'm a featured author on the site and we're giving away another copy of Dark Threats!

Come on over!

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Six: 1941

Annabelle could see from above that Grace had problems of her own. 

The werewolf called Robert growled at her.  “You waste your time, Princess.”  He kept his eyes on her as they circled each other.  Each one ready to attack the other, they simply glared.  Their hackles raised and a low rumble built up from their diaphragms.  “Join us.  Accept the full power of what you are.”

Grace Faolchú tightened her eyes.  “And disgrace my people?  The Clan Faolchú has stood in Dracula’s way for centuries.  I’m ashamed that any wolf would serve your dark master.  Dracula and Hitler are both foul tyrants whom will be destroyed.  You can bet on it.”

In her werewolf form, Grace appeared thin but healthy.  The attacking werewolves all dwarfed her due to her smaller size.  She was roughly the same height as Roland and possessed his defiant temper.  Despite being two different creatures of the night, Roland and Grace seemed perfect for each other.

Her opponent smiled a toothy grin.  “You would do well to join up.  We’ll find your precious clan.  And when we do, I’ll take your head to your brother Coinín as a trophy.  He’s the king of your tribe now, correct?”

She grinned as well.  It took a lot more than false bravado from one of Dominic’s trained mutts to get under her fur.  “You’re welcome to try.”

The werewolf lunged.  Grace dropped to the ground and darted between his legs.  She flipped, grabbed the extra fur on his back, pulled herself up and slashed at his eyes and throat.  He let out a dreadful gasp as she bounded off his shoulders and somersaulted in the air.  Grace outstretched her feet, landing on a table.  She picked up a silver knife with a napkin and crouched, ready for his attack.

Already healing, the monster charged.  He swung his massive arms upward and brought them down onto the wooden table.  She sprung up and back.  Grace landed, behind the shattered table, crouched low on the ground.  She winced at the heat coming through the napkin.  One slip and the silver could permanently burn her.

Robert threw aside the broken table and snapped at her with his massive jaws.  She darted to the right, clawing his side, and then jammed her knife through his chest.  He fell to his knees, now human with an expression of shock plastered across his face. 

Grace’s chest caved inward with her ragged breathing.  She smiled just before another werewolf smacked her into a wall.  She dropped to the ground, unconscious. 


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For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

Merry Christmas!

Sorry it's late but I wanted to wish my followers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.  I realise I haven't posted much lately. Things have been hectic. I'm planning on fixing that real soon.

For now though, have a great holiday!

Demand a Plan

Book Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

As always, Rick Riordan entertains us with exactly what we want in a Percy Jackson book, strong characters in lots of edge of your seat action. It’s great to see Percy, Annabeth, Piper, Jason, Frank, Hazel and Leo back. This is the first time all seven leads share in an adventure and I find the blending of characters and personalities to be perfect.

Most get their own chance to narrate but the one I was interested in was Annabeth. This is her book and we’ve never before had a chance to get in her head. Now we do and I find it to be just as good a place to be as Percy or any of the others. I feel for her troubles and cheer for her victories.

Of course there is a surprise cliffhanger. It serves its purpose because now I’m desperate for the next installment!  All in all I give this book a 10.

Update!

Hey gentle readers!

My sweetheart had a hysterectomy late Thursday. She's home and recovering. The kids and I have been helping her a great deal. In a couple weeks she should be feeling much better.

As for my writing, I'm a couple chapters away from finishing my edits on the Roland chapters of Dark Changes (Book Two). Then I'm going to write a prologue and edits a couple things in the Annabelle chapters. After that I'll be all finished and ready to ship it to my beta readers.

I should write some pre-posts for this blog. I'm due to do Who's Whos and Bite of Stories for the next few weeks but between helping my sweetie, editing and working, my time is pretty strapped.

I promise not to keep you without new posts for very long.

Bite of Story Thursday

Here's another peek at my current work in progress, NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK CHANGES.

Remember, this is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Anyway, sit back and enjoy...

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Night Children: Dark Changes
Chapter Sixteen: Slaves

As soon as the slave ship was close enough the vampires leaped aboard.  Roland wished he could shut his ears as his fellow crew members laughed wickedly.  Roland visibly flinched at the mortals’ screams.

Captain Worthing, Ruthless Rach, Blood-Eyed  Bill and Abigail Black were already on the other ship, killing randomly. Roland remained at the railing.  He couldn’t bring himself to join in on the slaughter.

“What’s the matter?  Afraid to leap over?”

It was Paul, the older, fatter pirate that couldn’t keep up with the others.  He stood next to Roland and watched the slaughter with a gleam in his eyes.  Roland watched him for a moment.

Paul continued, “I can’t make the jump.  I’ve never been a good vampire.  Bill would’ve killed me decades ago but the Captain lets me stay on.  He’s a great man.”

Roland nodded.  He didn’t see the sense in challenging the Captain’s authority.  Instead he remained silent as he turned back to the slaughter.  The Captain of the slave ship was fighting off two vampire pirates.  Abigail watched from the side, a smirk on her face.

“I’ve seen you move,” Paul continued.  “Why don’t you just fly over there and finish the mortals off?”

“I... can’t.  Those are people over there.  They’re screaming.  We shouldn’t be doing this.”

Paul placed a hand on Roland’s shoulder.  “Hey, it’s all right.  This is what we do.  The mortals do it too.  I’ve seen a lot of mortal pirates out on the open sea.  Most are just as vicious.”

“But it’s not right.”

“You do realize what that ship is for, right?”

“It’s a slave ship.”

“Can you smell the fear deep inside?  There are probably four hundred slaves below deck.  Those men our crew are slaughtering intend to sell those slaves.  If you think about it, we’re doing those poor mortals below deck a favor and freeing them from a life of shackles and whips.  We’re the heroes here, kid.”

Roland thought about it.  Paul had a point.  At least vampires only killed to eat.  Mortals captured and killed for much nastier purposes.

“You’re right.  Thanks.”  Roland exchanged smiles with the elderly vampire and flew to the other ship.

“Give ‘em Hell, kid.”

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Sasquatch

SASQUATCH

Picture by The Mountain

Physical characteristics:

These creatures are taller than eight feet, covered in matted black fur and have elongated hands and feet. Their faces are a cross between an ape and a human. They have a musky odor that triggers most creatures' gag reflexes.

What they are:

Sasquatches live in packs or tribes across North America. They prefer to remain hidden, live off the land and are quite peaceful. There are always exceptions, but most shun violence.

There are several which have been trapped and captured by the vampire Fenroth. Those have been permanently mesmerized and brought into the service of Dominic. He has his own army of sasquatches.

These creatures are commonly known as Bigfoot. They are related to the yeti of the Himalayas and northern Russia. There are rumors of a particular sasquatch that has worked with other creatures and two human kids but those rumors are so far unfounded.