This (nearly) past year saw the publication of my second novel The Valley of Decision – the culmination of a long process that began six years ago. At that time, I had finished the manuscript that became The Last Heir and I needed a new project. I had never written fantasy, had never planned or…
Tag: writing
Help Wanted, Again
Help Wanted Up-and-Coming Hero Seeks Wise Old Mentor Qualifications: Applicants must have broad experience and knowledge, particularly of the Evil that threatens all our lives. Persistence, commitment, and keen perception skills required. Applicants must be wise, learned in arcane yet extremely relevant knowledge, and have a store of aphorisms – or else be able to…
A Brief Fairy Tale
This brief fairy tale, originally written for the Prism Book Tour, is based on the story world of The Valley of Decision. One deep night, a mother of Alamir tells her child the story of another night, long, long ago … One more tale? All right, my love; just one. Long ago, the great father…
CSFF Blog Tour: Interview with Wayne Thomas Batson
Wayne Thomas Batson is the author of the new book Dreamtreaders, the first of a trilogy. To learn more about him and to see a full listing of his works, visit his Goodreads page. Good to have you here! Can you begin by telling us about Dreamtreaders? Great to be here! Thank you for having…
NoiseTrade and Other Ventures
Recently NoiseTrade – the site that has, for five years, connected musicians with their listeners – expanded into the book-sphere. Now NoiseTrade boasts an e-book library, all available for free download with an option to tip and an encouragement to share on social media. Reportedly NoiseTrade has been good for musicians; we’ll see how it…
Cover Reveal: Power Elements of Story Structure
When I was invited to participate in the cover reveal of Power Elements of Story Structure, I thought to myself, Of course. It’s not a lot to do. I’ve done more than one cover reveal in my day. (I’ve done two.) So here you go: Power Elements of Story Structure is a writing instruction e-book…
2014: Reading Books, Writing Books
Over at Speculative Faith, Becky Miller began a discussion about reading and writing goals for 2014. I answered the question there, but I thought I’d take it up again, in more depth, here. I have two reading goals right now. One, to slip in some novels between those I read for review. I enjoy nearly…
Beginning – and Ending – Well
So let’s talk about one of my pet peeves. The writing community is, these days, quite occupied with good openings. On writing blogs, in discussions and critiques, at the writing conference I attended last month – it comes up again and again: the Opening; Are Your Readers Hooked? Taken individually, there’s nothing wrong with any…
Help Wanted
Help Wanted Up-and-Coming Villain Seeks Competent Help Qualifications: Applicants must be committed individuals willing to invest themselves completely in world-changing enterprise. Intelligence, drive, and real-world skills required. All applicants will be tested for critical thinking skills. Example question: If you are pursuing an escaped hero, and you pass by trees, pillars, large boulders, unlocked closets,…
Character Profiles: The Spoiled Princess
Gleamdren sulked. She was good at sulking, whether she knew it or not. Her face fell naturally into all the right grooves, letting anyone with eyes know exactly what she thought, which was that the world was not behaving as it ought. What was this fascination with mortal women? First, Rudiobus falling for the glamourized…