Thursday 19 June 2014

Holiday! (Celebrate! (It would be so nice...))

Sorry for the late post! Between admin and writing etc, I've only just had time to sit down and write this out.

So, what's new? Well, 'Lay Me Restless' is progressing smoothly; I'm hoping to have the first draft done by the start of August, but, knowing what I'm like with the deadlines I set myself, I'm not holding my breath. Still, even this first draft is reading very well, so hopefully that will cut down on some editing time.

I'm still ironing out the final details for my book signing, but it looks like it should be in August. More details as soon as I have them!

But the main thing is that I'm going on holiday tomorrow with my favourite person in the world! We're going to a small town in Dorset and I'm going to RELAX. I think I've earned it. Between work, admin, promotion, writing, music etc I haven't really stopped this side of New Year, so it'll be nice to just have a little time to let everything settle. Don't misunderstand, I enjoy all of that stuff (enjoy isn't strong enough word for the more artistic sides), but it can be tiring at times. So, for a week I'm going to sit in the sun and read while having a well deserved glass of wine. I'm taking my guitar because music is always necessary and I'll probably end up doing a little writing too, but it will be in the relaxed surroundings of the country.

I'll update any progress upon my return,
Sam

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Success!

So, after a couple of weeks off from writing I've had plenty of time to develop ideas and I've pretty much worked out the entirety of the final third of Lay Me Restless. All that's really a mystery to me at the moment is the length of the final sub-plot, which I'm sure I'll work out pretty soon.

I got back to writing today and it's going pretty solidly. I have a really good feeling. No, I'm not going to finish this by my original target date, but I'm going to finish it pretty soon and it's my best work so far. Also, my promotion seems to have worked and I've really raised the profile of both of my previous books, especially 'In the Footsteps of the Behemoth'.

So, in all, a successful few weeks and a few more successful ones ahead.

Sam

The Behemoth

A creature born from the Planet itself, the Behemoth has stunted mankind's progression for a millennium. Its gargantuan size and skin of rock has made it impossible for the human race to overcome by force. Quite why it came into being is much debated. Is it a demon? The wrath of a vengeful god? Or was it born from the Planet as a way to defend itself from the destructive humans? Many have their theories, but, only now that this uneasy alliance hunts the creature, will the truth come to light.

Sunday 8 June 2014

General Grimoire Groan (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

Imbued with the gentle but stern wisdom of age, General Groan is a dutiful retainer to Lord Thean and a valuable asset to the Thean House. Though despite his experience, he can often be headstrong and stubborn, sometimes so blinded by his belief in his cause he cannot see the virtues of those who do not further the progress of the Thean House.
                Owing to this, Grimoire can often come across as abrasive, offending those around him with his staunch views. He is a strong believer in justice, doubting any who may have engaged in any activities deemed ‘dishonourable’. But, with so many differing motives in those around him, this may be a characteristic it would be best to be without.

Saturday 7 June 2014

General Distance Valentine (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

Approaching thirty, it would be fair to say that General Valentine has risen through the ranks of the Thean House quicker than most would expect, though with his tactical knowledge and skill with a sword, this is understandable. Yet, the pressures of his position seem not to faze him as he takes all obstacles within his stride and maintains a calm demeanour.

                Though this calmness should not lead to any underestimation. Distance believes in this ethics of the Thean House with ferocious veracity, ready to defend his Lord and cause against any attacker. Held in equal loyalty is his friendship with General Groan with whom he displays deep affection, respect and understanding.

Friday 6 June 2014

Darkla (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

Orphaned by an attack by the Riit Clan, Darkla has been raised mainly by Mirr, her life often affected by the warlord clans’ frequent appearances. Her life has been brightened by her relationships with those around her, especially Arvan with whom her friendship is seemingly indestructible. It is this trait, this ability to find love wherever it might lie, that allows her to maintain her cheery disposition and optimistic world view.

                Although prone to pensiveness, Darkla displays extreme strength and bravery in all walks of life, most probably enforced by her difficult life so far. It is this determination and her unwavering loyalty to her friend that spur her newfound sense of adventure.

Great King Eremmerus (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

The young and pressured ruler of the Final Resting Place of the Empire, many of Eremmerus’ policies and goals might paint him as something of an antagonist. It’s easy to see why; he is suspicious of all outsiders and aims to unite the continent by bringing the land under his control, by force if necessary.
                That said, he is a ruler who truly does want the best for his people, but the best way to go about that is not always clear. His quick temper could be construed in a number of ways. At such a young age, it is possible that the pressures of ruling a nation are too much for his limited experience; maybe he realises the seeming impossibility of his objectives; perhaps he was driven mad by the violence of the wars of that led to his ascension.

                One thing is clear. If Eremmerus has his way, there will be more war to come.

Thursday 5 June 2014

Exciting News

So, what's new?

After pushing myself into the final third of book three, 'Lay Me Restless', I haven't done any writing. This is an important, and deliberate, step to let the next few chapters form fully in my head. The next chapter's going to need to be very tender; not the sort of one I want to rush into.

But the big news is that I have a book signing! I've been saying for a few weeks that I've got something lined up in the future and the good news is that I basically have free rein with it! So, as soon as I've chosen a date I'll let you all know. I'm very excited. It's going to be a celebration of my books as much as a promotion thing, so it's all going to be great fun.

The next few weeks are looking very exciting.

Sam

Captain Lind Starling (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

Commander of the Great King’s Cavalry as well as the personal bodyguard of his ruler, Captain Starling approaches his duties with a wry humour; however all is not well around him.
                Once close friends with Great King Eremmerus (and perhaps more), their relationship has become strained owing to the Blood Lust Eremmerus has been suffering since the end of the War of the Wastes. A peaceful man despite the world of violence he has been thrust into, Starling battles with his Great King’s bloodthirsty policies at every turn, whilst also protecting himself under the guise of agreement. It is nothing more than his cunning intelligence and brief flickers of past affection from Eremmerus that have saved him so far.
                Insubordinate to the extreme, often only appearing to follow orders, Captain Starling could be viewed as a traitor. Conversely, he could also be seen as saving a great many lives by opposing his Great King’s destructive plans, making him one of the Final Resting Place of the Empire’s most loyal subjects.
                But as the politics surrounding him intensify, for how long can he keep both of his allegiances safe?


Wednesday 4 June 2014

Kyagorusu Kagaron (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

Ageless in both his trusting nativity and vast life experience, Kyagorusu thinks himself as something of a philosopher. He is, at times, worldly wise, displaying a sagaciousness that comes only from deep thought and intense study.
                However, this is second to his kindness which he gives freely to friends and strangers alike. His openness constantly sparks the same from those he comes across, until he meets those with something to hide. Though, with his trusting nature, Kyagorusu merely accepts the secrets for what they are.

                Yet, as he is pushed further into deciding the fates of so many, will these traits prove wise?

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Arvan Deit (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

An orphaned boy approaching manhood, Arvan has grown tired of his uneventful life in the small town of Farras. He here was raised, with best friend Darkla, by surrogate mother Mirr, his time enlivened by the frequent appearances of his teacher Lawliet Snow, the greatest swordsman in the world. But, when Master Snow goes missing, the boy who has craved adventures of his own for so long takes it upon himself to find him, plunging himself into a world of danger; of warlords, warriors, tyrannical kings and, most perilous of all, the Behemoth.
                Through these obstacles we are witness to Arvan’s staggering courage, but also the fragile confidence of youth. We see Arvan’s need for a teacher as his quest to find Master Snow leads him from mentor to mentor, each shaping his burgeoning adult personality and not all for the better.

                Arvan is compassionate and caring in a world that proves to increasingly cruel. As his adventure leads to ever darker paths, are these qualities he can hold on to?

Monday 2 June 2014

Vaiske Parlet (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

An infamous warrior shrouded by lacquered armour and a horrific, stylised mask, though its vibrant vermillion and bull horns rising from the helmet suggest anything but a wish to go unnoticed. He shows no small amount of skill in combat, using his spear in voracious and accurate attacks to render the numbers and talents of his foes obsolete.
                Furthermore, Vaiske displays incredible intelligence and cunning, manipulating those around him into siding with him in a variety of matters. His unflappable belief in his cause leaves him morally imbued with righteous determination, going to any length to ensure his success. And his cause is no small matter; the slaying of the Behemoth.
                He appears to be driven by a certain type of humanity, the desire to protect the populace from a creature that has thwarted the human race’s progression for a millennium. Vaiske claims he wants to bring peace to the land, ridding the Northern Continent of the warlords and uniting the land. But can a man who progresses his motives at the expense of so many others and whose methods are so extremely violent truly bring peace to the land?
               There are those who would doubt him.

Sunday 1 June 2014

Lament Strife (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

Coldly polite and taciturn by turns, Lament Strife can be a hard man for those he comes across to take to. The prevalent xenophobia on the Northern Continent and the fact that he is a shadus certainly does not help matters and add to this the gargantuan sword he carries on his back, we begin to see a man who perhaps does not wish to curb this feeling against him.
                On his way to a rendezvous he refuses to say anything about, other than that he must hurry, he often evokes suspicion from acquaintances and longer term companions alike. He says nothing of his past, often avoiding questions on it when asked, creating an air of mystery about himself. The fact that he may have something to hide deepens the distrust against him.
                Conversely, many of his actions suggest that he is, at heart, a good man, defending those he meets in situations he may not be expected to. Coupled with his tendency towards pensive sorrow, he draws fleeting sympathy from his companions, adding to their burgeoning, if uneasy, friendship.

                Lament Strife is either a man who values privacy or a man with something to hide. The safety of the group depends on it being the former.