Actually did some writing!

Last week I actually wrote 1.207 words! Sure that's not a lot and it was only on one afternoon but hey, when you're busy balancing family and work you take what you can get!

I worked on Myths. Last year I wrote a few chapters on Myths and then decided to reshape the books focus. So I changed a lot and then added a lot more story set in the world of Farnalla. I always planned for them to reach their destination of Stonehenge and travel to our world, but I simply delayed that trip.

Well thanks to my recent meager efforts they have reached their destination and finally have been sent to a mythical land called Earth!

Now to write the 2nd half of the book!

Good Advice about Goodreads

Check out this great article from Novel Publicity for great advice to authors on how to use Goodreads.

Now if I could just find the time to do these things!

I'm on local TV!

Check out this cool interview Doug Radunich of TooeleTV did with me during the children's Book Festival!

TooeleTV: "Night Children" by Scott Bryan:

Coming in March: Two more cool blog hops!

In the month of March I'll be participating in he Lunar Love Giveaway Hop and the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!

Both hops will give me the opportunity to giveaway Night Children: Dark Threats.

Keep watching this space!

Interview with Terry Brooks by Sword and Laser

Some great advice here from a great author!

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Birth

Chapter Thirteen: The Shopkeeper

The firmness in Eliza’s voice grabbed their attention. “Roland, next time control your temper and focus.  He cannot harm us.  He has no wooden stake or any other weapon.  To properly mesmerize someone you must push your thoughts over theirs.  Push your will.  Now try it.” 

“Mister Shopkeeper, it’s not nice to bully others.  You should be more polite.” 

The man mumbled the word, “Polite.” 

“Now please go fetch that red ball.  Yes.  Thank you.”  Roland placed the money on the counter and continued with his practice.  “Now forget you ever saw us and... leave.  Yes!  Leave town.” 

“Roland, wait.  You can’t just tell him to--” 

Annabelle’s voice must’ve broken the trance because the shopkeeper’s eyes opened wide with terror.  Eliza spoke up quickly.  “The trance I put him under has completely broken.  He can see us for what we truly--” 

“You’re vampires!” His face white with fear, he shouted, “Vampires are in my shop!  I’m going to die!  Help!” 

Eliza blocked his exit and tried to mesmerize him.  “He’s too upset.  We must flee.” 

“Can we mesmerize him while he’s unconscious?” Annabelle asked quickly.

“What?” 

“Can we mesmerize him when he’s unconscious?”  A frantic fear turned her stomach upside down as the shopkeeper’s voice got louder and louder.  She rapidly glanced out the shop windows.  Someone had to hear him.

“Yes!” 

“Good.”  Annabelle sped around the shop so fast the shopkeeper blinked.  She picked up the wooden stool and hit him over the head with it.  He dropped to the ground with a heavy thud. 

“Is he dead?”  Roland asked while looking over his body. 

 

 

---------------

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.

How Many Times Has the World Ended?

Here is a fun graphic put together by Allison Morris and the good people at OnlinePsychologyDegree.net

I realise we're all chillin' in out hot tubs, sippin' hot chocolate and just being grateful those crazy Mayans in their togas were wrong. I know it's all old news. But I thought I'd share this cause frankly it's just so darn cute. ;)

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Hawke

HAWKE

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

Full Name:

Ethan Hawke but he goes by his last name.

Physical characteristics:
He wears a trench coat loaded with specialized weapons as well as a belt and straps loaded with more weapons and ammunition. He has a long scar across his right eye thanks to the vampire Roland. Several other scars cover his body from many battles. He is missing two fingers on his left hand.

Personality:
Hawke is gruff, vengeful, and angry. He is also very careful and calculating. To stay alive as long as he has, Hawke is always careful to watch his back and never stay in the same place twice. He has no scruples and is not above killing other humans to get at his prey.

Known History:
Ethan Hawke had a brother named Aaron. Aaron became obsessed with mythical and supernatural creatures after an incident when he was a child. He traveled the world researching the strange and unknown and then compiled all this information complete with sketches into his book; Aaron Hawke’s Guide to Mythical Beasts.

Enraged at this, the Vampire Lord Dominic slaughtered Aaron and his parents. Ethan arrived home late and caught Dominic in the act. He hid himself and was able to escape Dominic's attack. From that moment on Ethan dedicated himself to the eradication of every creature in his brother's book.

He began to only go by his last name with the hope that it would strike fear and terror into the creatures' hearts. He trained himself in every way to battle and kill the monsters that inhabited his world.

He has two katanna swords, a gift from a Samurai vampire hunter. Rumored to be folded so tightly that they can cut through any form of magic or magical beast. He also has throwing stars, a long knife, a grappling hook, a crossbow and a quiver full of silver tipped wooden arrows as well as plenty of silver shot for his arsenal of guns. Every weapon has been soaked in holy water. He can set expert traps, track monsters from nation to nation and has set up safe houses in ever country. His favorite weapon is his small sword Hell-Slayer. It has a thick tip that tapers down to it’s hilt. A flick of a latch and two smaller blades sprung out from either side. The weapon resembled a warped cross.

After his death Hawke's arsenal, safe houses, journals and maps of various creatures’ lairs were found by the man called Talin. Talin dedicated his life to following in Hawke's footsteps and called himself a "Hawke". Through the following centuries the Hawkes became the biggest threat against vampires, werewolves and any creatures of the unseen world.

Self Publishing Thoughts

Interesting thoughts on independent publishing. Check out this link from Write NonFiction Now.

I like publishing the Night Children series myself for many of the reasons shown in this article. I might still resubmit it, but this time a rejection won't bug me because I personally like the control I have over it.

So why do I even consider resubmitting with agents and publishers? The marketing. It's hard for me with a full time job and family, to have the time to properly get it out there. Also I don't have the funds to really push it out.

So having the money and resources of a publisher would help.

It's a toss up but I'm enjoying the journey either way.

Movie Review: The Hobbit -Spoilers-

I saw the Hobbit last week. Earlier in the year I reread the book. I read it when I was 12 but that was a long time ago. So I felt that if I was going to see the movie. I'd better have an understanding of the original story.

I've spoken to some who have seen the film and heard their reviews. They felt the additions to the story were not needed and detracted from the film. I do not agree. I really liked how they added more depth to the back story. I felt that have a stronger depth to Thorin Oakenshield.

I didn't ind the addition of the white orc or how he was substituted for the goblins during the forest battle. I enjoyed the action and the fun and appreciated the dramatic moments of the film. The goblins eagles, and wargs were just as I expected. I also liked the White Consul. I think it makes sense that there would be a small gathering of leaders to plan and watch for bigger threats. I got a kick out of the scene with old Bilbo and Frodo. It was taken from the beginning of the Fellowship book so it was good finally seeing that scene.

It was good to see Sir Ian McKellen again as Gandalf. While Sherlock star Martin Freeman did a perfect job as Bilbo. Andy Serkis gave me chills as Golum. Very inspirational for my writing.

So all in all I loved the film. Can't wait for the blue ray.

Of course some think it could have ended differently...

Movie Review: Frankenweenie

I finally saw Frankenweenie. I really enjoyed it. I purposely stayed away from spoilers because I'd already seen the live action from several years ago. I knew the story. I liked the story but I didn't understand why we needed a claymation treatment of it.

Now I understand.

Tim Burton was able to throw in all sorts of treats into this film. Of course the whole thing is a tribute to Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein but what I didn't know was all the many other tributes to classic horror.

I mean we see Boris Karloff and Vincent Price immortalised in clay. We get tributes to werewolves and vampires and mummies and gremlins and even Godzilla.

Excellent. I love the classics and this film served it up in spades. A must own for me.

Question Time

I'm going to pass on a great question from J. A. Bennet, What music inspires you the most? For me it's Lorena McKennit for NightChildren & Myths, Danny Elfman for Night Children and the LOTR soundtrack for Myths. How about you?

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Eight: Present Day, Hyde and Seek

Annabelle’s cold fist smashed through the zombie’s ribcage.  With her other arm she wacked off the creature’s head, sending it spiraling into a tombstone.  If she were human, these things would scare her, but she hasn’t been human for a long time.

Her brother Roland, laughed as he ripped a zombie apart and began to move at top speed around the graveyard, smacking the undead with a firmly held corpse.  His weapon of choice crumbled in his pale hands.  “Darn.  These things just don’t hold up like they used to.”

She smiled as she slashed a zombie in two with her nails.  “Whoever reanimated this horde didn’t take their time with the spell.”

Annabelle looked across the misty graveyard.  Gross bodies continued to shuffle from their graves.  Grey fingers clawed to the surface, revealing more decrepit enemies to fight.  So far none had escaped the sacred grounds of the cemetery, but with the sheer amount of undead, she knew it wouldn’t be long.

“And why zombies?” Roland asked as he unsheathed his silver cutlass.  “It’s so last week.  Why couldn’t it be living skeletons or mummies?”  He began to slash away at the horde, the moonlight reflecting off his sword.

Annabelle took to the air, hovering just out of the grasp of an undead man in a tux.  Half his rotten flesh seemed to fall off on its own.  “Could be worse.  They could be gremlins.”  She brushed off pieces of shredded corpse from her clothes.

“Ugh!  Please not those again.”  Roland flew into a mass of petrified bodies and began to slice them to shreds.  His blood-red eyes flickered and a wicked grin stole across his pale face. 

Annabelle continued to hover ten feet above the graves.  She focused on anything unusual. 

“You’re enjoying yourself.  Not a bad way to do our ‘sibling night’ patrol.”  He smiled as he continued to destroy more zombies.

“Still,” she continued from eight feet above, her red jacket flapped in the cool night breeze, “Something’s not right.  Zombies are normally weak, but these are pathetic.”

“Are you going to hang up there all night while I do all the work?”  His black jeans and sweatshirt began to turn grey with zombie remains.  “I’m working up a thirst.  We haven’t even gone hunting for breakfast yet.”

“You and your stomach.  I’m sure we’ll find a plump cat or dog to feed on soon enough.  Do you smell that?  There’s a hint of magic in the air.  I think one of our enemies left some kind of voodoo trinket somewhere in the graveyard.  If I could just spot it...” 

------

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.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Falabranwyn

FALABRANWYN

 

Here is a cool pic from online. No clue what it is or who did it. If anyone knows, please tell me so I can give credit. There is no picture at this time of the Falabranwyn. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin
Fala means crow in Native American. Branwen means beautiful raven in Welsh.

 

Physical characteristics:

All the Falabranwyn have the same physical characteristics. They have silky black hair and black eyes. They have a pale completion and thin bodies. They wear cloaks that seems to be made of black feathers. When in bird form they appear as crows or ravens, depending on their moods. Either way they become a black birds with eyes that seem almost human.
 

Personality:
They tend to be quiet and reserved. The younger members of their species are not as quiet and make more mistakes. Most Falabranwyn give off an air of knowing more than those they advise or warn.

Abilities:

All Falabranwyn can shape-shift to appear as ravens or the larger crows. They have prophetic abilities as well, often receiving visions of future events. They don't all get the visions or dreams at once and some get more. The Falabranwyn can blend into the shadows and not be seen when they wish. They cannot be heard, seen, smelled if they want to disappear. They have no scent at all. This is a protection against vampires discovering them.

History:

The Falabranwyn set themselves up as watchers and guardians of humankind long ago. In the Old Times there were many metamorphs (creatures that could change their shape at will). The Falabranwyn were one of the smarter, regal, prophetic and more organized of these species. 

At the end of what would be called the Exodus War all the mythical creatures left Earth for another world called Farnalla. The Falabranwyn volunteered to remain on Earth to keep guard in case Domi, Lord of the Dark Legions, escaped his other-dimensional prison and once again set foot on Earth. The collective consul of magical beings knew that two of Domi's followers, Roxana and Lucretia, had escaped during the war. The warlocks performed a permanent spell on the Falabranwyn so that vampires could not sense them. This would allow the Falabranwyn an edge against the vampires.

They control the dimensional gateways to the Dark Place, the other-dimensional world that serves as a prison.

 

The leader of the Falabranwyn is the Crow King. The first leader and father of their race was Alaric. He gave his life to end the Exodus War. On his death bed he gave the “Prophecy of the Younglings”.

His dying wish, Alaric tasked his subjects to watch for the prophesied younglings and prepare them for their duty.

 

Because of his final prophecy, the Falabranwyn always knew Domi would escape the Dark Place and sure enough he did. Ever since that time, the Falabranwyn have watched for the younglings. When Annabelle and Roland Foresight became vampires, the new Crow King Bolverk (Alaric's son) knew they were the prophesied younglings.

 

 

 

The A to Z Challenge!

I'm joining the A-to-Z Challenge. Basically you post every day in April (except Sundays) with something involving a different letter. So April 1st is A and so on.

Click the link in the last paragraph or on the picture on the side bar to the right and check it out!

Coming in April!

Quote by Naruto

I've never seen the show Naruto. I'm sure it's great, but my time is already limited. At any rate, a good friend from work, Rick Anderson, quoted the show on Facebook last Saturday night.

"It's not the face that makes someone a monster, it's the choices they make with their life."

This is one of the biggest themes in the Night Children series.

See, you have a vampire. A blood thirsty monster of the night who hunts and kills. Sure, she's a child and she kills animals and CHOOSES not to kill people, but technically she's considered a monster.

Then you have Hawke, the vampire hunter. He's a human who tries to rid the world of vampires and other creatures. But he's means and will stop at nothing to get his goal. He CHOOSES to hurt anyone and everyone who gets between him and his undead targets.

Who is the real monster?

Life gives us labels but we make the choices as to what we do with those labels.

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!

-------

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.