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Showing posts with label Sacred Knight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sacred Knight. Show all posts
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
One thing I really need to get back to...
Is my Facebook page for Sacred Knight.
I have a Who's Who started - check it out. First draft of my characters from the graphic novel I'd started. Then writing the novels became easier. Now, I want to finish the books and get started again on the graphic novels. I wonder if there will ever be enough time.
I have a Who's Who started - check it out. First draft of my characters from the graphic novel I'd started. Then writing the novels became easier. Now, I want to finish the books and get started again on the graphic novels. I wonder if there will ever be enough time.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Groundhog Day - again
Here we are, a week out from Groundhog Day. I was supposed to write this for that day, but it kind of got away from me, so we're going to repeat.
It is often said that we must learn from history or we are doomed to repeat it. But I ask you, who writes the history?
The victors, right? History is always written by the winning side, from their perspective.
But I would take a position that even the villain in a story believes he/she is correct and doing the right thing. So do the losers of a battle. They must believe that their fight is the one that is right and just. They aren't strong enough to prove it though.
History is always one of those things that has two or more sides. Once time has passed, who is to say if that history is the true history or one built on lies. This is a fundamental point in the Sacred Knight series. A lot of what Steigan "knows" in the first book may or may not be true. That's what the reader will discover in the following books. Steigan himself will be doomed to repeat the past if he can't change it. If you've read book one and are waiting for book two, then I know this sentence has left you salivating! :) Mean author! Yes, I will say that book two is about Saint Steigan's life, but do you know what you think you know? Mawhahaha!
I love my evil laugh! I'm sure that like Groundhog Day, it will repeat again, and again. It's such a paradox. We'll just have to see if Steigan and Saint Steigan can ever escape their paradox. Or will it forever be Groundhog Day on his world?
It is often said that we must learn from history or we are doomed to repeat it. But I ask you, who writes the history?
The victors, right? History is always written by the winning side, from their perspective.
But I would take a position that even the villain in a story believes he/she is correct and doing the right thing. So do the losers of a battle. They must believe that their fight is the one that is right and just. They aren't strong enough to prove it though.
History is always one of those things that has two or more sides. Once time has passed, who is to say if that history is the true history or one built on lies. This is a fundamental point in the Sacred Knight series. A lot of what Steigan "knows" in the first book may or may not be true. That's what the reader will discover in the following books. Steigan himself will be doomed to repeat the past if he can't change it. If you've read book one and are waiting for book two, then I know this sentence has left you salivating! :) Mean author! Yes, I will say that book two is about Saint Steigan's life, but do you know what you think you know? Mawhahaha!
I love my evil laugh! I'm sure that like Groundhog Day, it will repeat again, and again. It's such a paradox. We'll just have to see if Steigan and Saint Steigan can ever escape their paradox. Or will it forever be Groundhog Day on his world?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
One book becoming two, Part 2 of the tale
I've spent several days now working on the beginning of what will now be the third book in the series. It does feel like a beginning and sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that it is the start of a new book. It's weird because I'm so use to thinking of it as one story arc. But as I've said before, it's all a matter of working the story harder.
Speaking of which, I suppose I ought to explain why I decided to break it into two.
As readers may guess after reading The Three Books (aka book 1), the second story arc is about the life of St. Steigan. There is so much to set up, more of the magical world to build, new characters, etc. Overall, there is a lot! I do work to develop my stories, so there's work to do to make sure you, my fabulous reader, has lots of paths to explore. What is truth and what is a lie? Is this character a friend or a betrayer? What really lies beneath the Temple in the catacombs? I'm sitting here with a wicked grin on my face. Already I'm ready to go get back to work on the story. I love diving into this world! Really, this story is not meant to be read only once. There is enough here to read multiple times and deeper levels of meaning found each time. Wonderful parallels are cropping up between book 1 and 2. I am delighted and surprised each time I discover something new.
Just today, in fact, I started writing about Laurient (see previous posts) and St. Steigan going out to fight the gargaxes and St. Steigan comes up with this brilliant idea to transfer magic to Laurient. I hadn't seen this coming, didn't have it planned, it just popped in there. But it adds so many dimensions to the story. Because of this one thought, I can now spider several more things (like some foreshadowing for events in what will now be book 5) into the story. I love it!
Some of you may be wondering what will happen to the release date of the second book now that the preliminary draft is done. That's coming soon, I promise. The good thing is that I actually finished the draft by the date that I had set as my deadline so right now the story is still on track. As for my working title, I've had to change it because it no longer works. The Saint and the Betrayer, when split into to becomes The Saint (first title) and The Betrayer (second title). Somehow this just doesn't inspire me in the same way. Sigh. However, I have a new plan for the titles. I'm giving it a settling period to make sure I like it, but I'll probably make the title known at the same time I announce the release date for the second book.
So wait eagerly for more to come!
Happy reading!
Speaking of which, I suppose I ought to explain why I decided to break it into two.
As readers may guess after reading The Three Books (aka book 1), the second story arc is about the life of St. Steigan. There is so much to set up, more of the magical world to build, new characters, etc. Overall, there is a lot! I do work to develop my stories, so there's work to do to make sure you, my fabulous reader, has lots of paths to explore. What is truth and what is a lie? Is this character a friend or a betrayer? What really lies beneath the Temple in the catacombs? I'm sitting here with a wicked grin on my face. Already I'm ready to go get back to work on the story. I love diving into this world! Really, this story is not meant to be read only once. There is enough here to read multiple times and deeper levels of meaning found each time. Wonderful parallels are cropping up between book 1 and 2. I am delighted and surprised each time I discover something new.
Just today, in fact, I started writing about Laurient (see previous posts) and St. Steigan going out to fight the gargaxes and St. Steigan comes up with this brilliant idea to transfer magic to Laurient. I hadn't seen this coming, didn't have it planned, it just popped in there. But it adds so many dimensions to the story. Because of this one thought, I can now spider several more things (like some foreshadowing for events in what will now be book 5) into the story. I love it!
Some of you may be wondering what will happen to the release date of the second book now that the preliminary draft is done. That's coming soon, I promise. The good thing is that I actually finished the draft by the date that I had set as my deadline so right now the story is still on track. As for my working title, I've had to change it because it no longer works. The Saint and the Betrayer, when split into to becomes The Saint (first title) and The Betrayer (second title). Somehow this just doesn't inspire me in the same way. Sigh. However, I have a new plan for the titles. I'm giving it a settling period to make sure I like it, but I'll probably make the title known at the same time I announce the release date for the second book.
So wait eagerly for more to come!
Happy reading!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
One book becomes two, Part 1 of the tale
Its official.
The second book of the Sacred Knight series is being split into two books. The decision was made in the dark of night after a weekend of fevered writing. Here it is nearly one on the morning and I reached what I thought would be a chapter end. I've often been asked how to know where to end a chapter and the truth is that there is no one right spot that can be found in the words alone. It's a feeling. Everything I just get this feeling to end a chapter at a certain spot. I was having that feeling come upon me and I was ready for sleep. But as I hit the period on the last word, I had a feeling of real completion, not a feeling of being ready to move to the next scene.
I wasn't really sure that I wanted to end the book there -- it's not really a high note in the story. Could I really stop and leave the readers there? Really? But it felt so final.
So I stopped.
The second book of the Sacred Knight series is being split into two books. The decision was made in the dark of night after a weekend of fevered writing. Here it is nearly one on the morning and I reached what I thought would be a chapter end. I've often been asked how to know where to end a chapter and the truth is that there is no one right spot that can be found in the words alone. It's a feeling. Everything I just get this feeling to end a chapter at a certain spot. I was having that feeling come upon me and I was ready for sleep. But as I hit the period on the last word, I had a feeling of real completion, not a feeling of being ready to move to the next scene.
I wasn't really sure that I wanted to end the book there -- it's not really a high note in the story. Could I really stop and leave the readers there? Really? But it felt so final.
So I stopped.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Making the story stronger
I have a sign in my writing office which reads, "Make your story stronger. Show it slowly. Show it thoroughly. And always show your characters doing the action. Then make it harder for them."
It's that last line that always gets me.
I enjoy making the story harder. If I have to really think through my plot, especially when I keep in mind that everything has to make sense across three time lines, them I know my story is getting deeper. Yes, it already feels bigger than me. It needs to. Let's face it, if it were simple for me then why would I need to be writing an epic fantasy? I want a world that engages the reader and makes you think. So, it's got to be tough for the character.
Then there's the thrill when your character rises to the occasion and proves himself to be he very hero he was created to be. When he devises a way out of the sticky situation. When the writer stands up and cheers in victory with the character. Yes, those are the moments!
A challenge to my hero equals a new level to the puzzle for me which equals a greater thrill ride for the reader. Ah yes, those are indeed the moments.
It's that last line that always gets me.
I enjoy making the story harder. If I have to really think through my plot, especially when I keep in mind that everything has to make sense across three time lines, them I know my story is getting deeper. Yes, it already feels bigger than me. It needs to. Let's face it, if it were simple for me then why would I need to be writing an epic fantasy? I want a world that engages the reader and makes you think. So, it's got to be tough for the character.
Then there's the thrill when your character rises to the occasion and proves himself to be he very hero he was created to be. When he devises a way out of the sticky situation. When the writer stands up and cheers in victory with the character. Yes, those are the moments!
A challenge to my hero equals a new level to the puzzle for me which equals a greater thrill ride for the reader. Ah yes, those are indeed the moments.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Evolution of a character
When Laurierent first came to me, the last thing I imagined was that he would be another character in my Sacred Knight series. But once he was,the trick was to figure out how he fit.
I know I had originally pictured him as half elven. A kind of Legolas image. But obviously that is so been-there-done-that. So how to put a spin on that?
I won't say that I'm anywhere near having his character figured out, but I'm on the road.
I'd hate to give away any spoilers, but I will say he is of mixed cultures. Too many of my characters already have abnormal backstories so I've decided to give him a good, normal childhood, one that let him become a lovable, flamboyant, regular person. He's a leader and a loyal friend. A got-your-back kind of person.
It's starting to feel like this world has never been without him.
But how does a character actually evolve from name to character, especially when there's already an established plot line? There's no easy answer. I'm sure everyone also has different ways too. For me, it almost always begins with "what if?"
For the development of Laurierent I asked myself what of he was an archer, but not half-elven. What could he be? I soon had an idea. He was half centaur. Hence his mixed cultures. It put him in the exact place needed a character in book 2. I also realized that because of the magic mythology already stated in the series, I could have him do some things here which will foreshadow other events in books 3 and 4. It was
Coming together wonderfully.
Then his name changed again. It shortened down to Laurient. I don't know if this is a permanent change. I might very well go back to the original by the time I get to him in my draft. Author's prerogative. Of course you could always write me and let me know which version of the name you like best. Get your say in!
I know I had originally pictured him as half elven. A kind of Legolas image. But obviously that is so been-there-done-that. So how to put a spin on that?
I won't say that I'm anywhere near having his character figured out, but I'm on the road.
I'd hate to give away any spoilers, but I will say he is of mixed cultures. Too many of my characters already have abnormal backstories so I've decided to give him a good, normal childhood, one that let him become a lovable, flamboyant, regular person. He's a leader and a loyal friend. A got-your-back kind of person.
It's starting to feel like this world has never been without him.
But how does a character actually evolve from name to character, especially when there's already an established plot line? There's no easy answer. I'm sure everyone also has different ways too. For me, it almost always begins with "what if?"
For the development of Laurierent I asked myself what of he was an archer, but not half-elven. What could he be? I soon had an idea. He was half centaur. Hence his mixed cultures. It put him in the exact place needed a character in book 2. I also realized that because of the magic mythology already stated in the series, I could have him do some things here which will foreshadow other events in books 3 and 4. It was
Coming together wonderfully.
Then his name changed again. It shortened down to Laurient. I don't know if this is a permanent change. I might very well go back to the original by the time I get to him in my draft. Author's prerogative. Of course you could always write me and let me know which version of the name you like best. Get your say in!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Call for videos
Hey Sacred Knight readers, your help is needed!
Help to get the word out about The Three Books and its upcoming sequel. Please make a short video in one of the two following areas:
From now until 12/15/11, make a short video of you wondering when the next book is coming out. Something like, "Hey Dawn, when is the next book coming out."
Until 12/31/11, make a short video of what you thought of the book and why you would recommend it to a friend.
Please just keep it simple. It doesn't need to be anything fancy as I'll do editing to fit it into promotional videos I'm putting together. When you're done, just email me the video at dawnATmorningskystudiosDOTcom (of course, you know what to do with the "at" and the "dot" right?!) Make sure you put SK Video in the subject line so I don't accidentally delete it.
At any time, you can also put a review on Amazon's or Barnes and Noble's websites.
Great! That's it. Let's get the word out. Thank you so much for all your help. My readers, you are a great bunch!
Help to get the word out about The Three Books and its upcoming sequel. Please make a short video in one of the two following areas:
From now until 12/15/11, make a short video of you wondering when the next book is coming out. Something like, "Hey Dawn, when is the next book coming out."
Until 12/31/11, make a short video of what you thought of the book and why you would recommend it to a friend.
Please just keep it simple. It doesn't need to be anything fancy as I'll do editing to fit it into promotional videos I'm putting together. When you're done, just email me the video at dawnATmorningskystudiosDOTcom (of course, you know what to do with the "at" and the "dot" right?!) Make sure you put SK Video in the subject line so I don't accidentally delete it.
At any time, you can also put a review on Amazon's or Barnes and Noble's websites.
Great! That's it. Let's get the word out. Thank you so much for all your help. My readers, you are a great bunch!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Reading tomorrow
I'll be giving my first ever reading tomorrow (Saturday, October 1st) at 11:20 at the Magic Valley Arts Council building out on the canyon rim in Twin Falls. Right now, I believe my selection will be where Steigan discovers more secrets about his namesake, Saint Steigan. Now the full secrets of Saint Steigan's life are revealed (well, okay, maybe not all his secrets) in the second book of the series. So come on out now and listen to my reading to start your journey!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Is summer over?
I'm going to miss these nice summer and fall nights. They are passing by too quickly.
My youngest son and I have spent several nights outside talking about the Sacred Knight series. We sit on the swing and look at the stars. We wait to watch the International Space Station fly overhead on nights that it's visible. And we dive into where I'm at in the manuscript. There's some things I don't want to reveal to him because I want to keep him as an engaged reader too. But it's still been fun working in-depth over the storylines with him. It keeps me on my toes, makes sure I'm not missing obvious things.
Most importantly, it's been good time we've spent together. I am so going to miss it.
My youngest son and I have spent several nights outside talking about the Sacred Knight series. We sit on the swing and look at the stars. We wait to watch the International Space Station fly overhead on nights that it's visible. And we dive into where I'm at in the manuscript. There's some things I don't want to reveal to him because I want to keep him as an engaged reader too. But it's still been fun working in-depth over the storylines with him. It keeps me on my toes, makes sure I'm not missing obvious things.
Most importantly, it's been good time we've spent together. I am so going to miss it.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Getting the job done right
Starting off the second book has been more of a challenge than I thought it would be. Because book two is about the life of Saint Steigan, I knew exactly how it needed to start, where I needed to begin, and what exactly had happened to the character before hand. But when you start writing about a character who keeps fading in and out of consciousness it gets a little hard. After all, how much is that point of view character really getting.
So, it seems to make sense to flash forward to a time when he's more conscious. Easy enough to do. But then how do you let on about the backstory up until that point?
There's a barn burning scene in the first book. As I was working along on the second book, I realized that what I had going on was another barn burning scene, except without the barn or the burning. I just had the same information gathering feel to it. I suppose that's a good thing. It should feel like the first book if I'm doing my job right.
So, it seems to make sense to flash forward to a time when he's more conscious. Easy enough to do. But then how do you let on about the backstory up until that point?
There's a barn burning scene in the first book. As I was working along on the second book, I realized that what I had going on was another barn burning scene, except without the barn or the burning. I just had the same information gathering feel to it. I suppose that's a good thing. It should feel like the first book if I'm doing my job right.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Website update
I've updated my website to include the artwork for Sacred Knight. Take a moment and check it out.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Monday, May 16, 2011
An early image
Several years ago when I first started thinking about drawing Steigan and I was just learning how to color in Photoshop, I drew this:
Not too shabby for a beginning. I learned and that's what counts.
But as I came across it not too long ago, I realized that it had a close name as the track by Nathan Chamberland I purchased for the video music from AudioMicro. Very strange. But I loved the Prepare For Battle track ever since the first time I heard it. Whenever I needed inspiration, I'd go out and listen to it. It's like the music fit the story so well as though it were written with it in mind. When this gets made into a movie, I hope Nathan Chamberland can do the film score! That is my greatest hope. To me, Chamberland is the John Williams for Sacred Knight. All I have to do is listen to the music and scenes from this story flow through my head and I get goose bumps down my arms.
Really, with Prepare For Battle, I couldn't have asked for better trailer music and something to build my brand around. If you haven't watched the two book videos, click the YouTube link on the right and go do it now. Enjoy the music!
Preparing For Battle
Digital Image
© 2007 Dawn Blair
Not too shabby for a beginning. I learned and that's what counts.
But as I came across it not too long ago, I realized that it had a close name as the track by Nathan Chamberland I purchased for the video music from AudioMicro. Very strange. But I loved the Prepare For Battle track ever since the first time I heard it. Whenever I needed inspiration, I'd go out and listen to it. It's like the music fit the story so well as though it were written with it in mind. When this gets made into a movie, I hope Nathan Chamberland can do the film score! That is my greatest hope. To me, Chamberland is the John Williams for Sacred Knight. All I have to do is listen to the music and scenes from this story flow through my head and I get goose bumps down my arms.
Really, with Prepare For Battle, I couldn't have asked for better trailer music and something to build my brand around. If you haven't watched the two book videos, click the YouTube link on the right and go do it now. Enjoy the music!
Monday, May 9, 2011
91% can't be wrong!
Yep, that's right. 91% of voters wanted more!
Okay, so you're wondering what's going on. Well, let me explain.
A long while ago I began uploading the first chapter of Sacred Knight as a graphic novel as a preview. It was only meant to be a few pages, but then I started thinking about uploading the whole chapter. Since I wasn't sure if anyone really wanted to finish reading it, I put up a poll to ask the people who mattered -- the readers.
A lot has happened since I first started that poll. For one, I wrote the whole novel (which started out as drafting the the script for the graphic novel) and I've made the decision to redo this whole chapter with color (thanks to Manga Studios 4). Hopefully some better art too -- hopefully I've learned something in this time!
Still, 91% of the voters wanted to see the rest of the first chapter. I don't want to disappoint. So, I'm continuing to post the first chapter in all its "basement art" wonderfulness! We all have to start somewhere.
Here's your preview. Enjoy.
Okay, so you're wondering what's going on. Well, let me explain.
A long while ago I began uploading the first chapter of Sacred Knight as a graphic novel as a preview. It was only meant to be a few pages, but then I started thinking about uploading the whole chapter. Since I wasn't sure if anyone really wanted to finish reading it, I put up a poll to ask the people who mattered -- the readers.
A lot has happened since I first started that poll. For one, I wrote the whole novel (which started out as drafting the the script for the graphic novel) and I've made the decision to redo this whole chapter with color (thanks to Manga Studios 4). Hopefully some better art too -- hopefully I've learned something in this time!
Still, 91% of the voters wanted to see the rest of the first chapter. I don't want to disappoint. So, I'm continuing to post the first chapter in all its "basement art" wonderfulness! We all have to start somewhere.
Here's your preview. Enjoy.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The Three Books Has Escaped!
“You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don't have that kind of feeling for what it is you are doing, you'll stop at the first giant hurdle.” -- George Lucas
Sacred Knight: The Three Books has escaped!
Physical copy here.
Coming soon to Amazon, only because it takes awhile for them to list the title after my approval. It'll probably come to my Amazon store the fastest.
eBook versions available for NOOK and Kindle.
For all versions, keep an eye on my publishing website as I'll list all the links as they become available.
Yada! It's party time!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
And now for the Kindle
Yep, here it is! Yada!
You know, yesterday I was writing (working on book 2) and I needed to check a fact. Instead of opening up the file like I normally would have, I grabbed my proof and flipped to the passage I needed to reference. It was so cool!
Speaking of proof, I have the second one ordered. I certainly hope I don't find issues with it. I hope I'm nearing getting the physical book available. I've had a lot of requests for it -- starting to wonder if I should plan a book launch party! Thank you everyone for your support.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Beginning!
The Three Books is now available for the NOOK!
I have to say that I'm really not surprised that the universe ended up getting the NOOK version out first. I do love Barnes & Noble!
If you have yet to decide between the NOOK and Kindle, let me just say that both my books look better on the NOOK. There's something strange about the formatting on the Kindle that makes my books just not quite right. I need to borrow a Kindle to see how other people's books look on it. I'm sure I just need to learn more. Still, if I had to only choose one ereader to format my books for, it'd be the NOOK just because of the simplicity.
Well, if you do own a Kindle, hopefully that version will be out by the end of the day. Still waiting on the print version.
Overall, I'm glad that I took the extra time to go through the book again. You'll have a better quality product for it.
I have to say that I'm really not surprised that the universe ended up getting the NOOK version out first. I do love Barnes & Noble!
If you have yet to decide between the NOOK and Kindle, let me just say that both my books look better on the NOOK. There's something strange about the formatting on the Kindle that makes my books just not quite right. I need to borrow a Kindle to see how other people's books look on it. I'm sure I just need to learn more. Still, if I had to only choose one ereader to format my books for, it'd be the NOOK just because of the simplicity.
Well, if you do own a Kindle, hopefully that version will be out by the end of the day. Still waiting on the print version.
Overall, I'm glad that I took the extra time to go through the book again. You'll have a better quality product for it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Argh!! Postponing Due To Frustration
I'm delaying the release.
I'm so frustrated about having to do this.
While reading the proof over the last couple days, I found a couple problems in the text. After thinking about it, I decided that these were small issues and didn't hold enough weight for me to worry about. I was going to go ahead with the release.
I almost didn't read any more -- I'd convinced myself that there couldn't be any more errors in the book. After all, I've read it 11 times since the beginning of the year. What else could possibly be wrong?
But I knew I was just avoiding the possible truth that there were more issues.
Besides, I'd found out during my last couple times through the draft that I had corruption going on. About a month ago, my file closed down on me suddenly and wanted to recover the document when I opened it back up. Stupid me told it to recover the document. Come on, I know better than that! Especially since that's exactly why I have my autosave on. Anyway, as I went through the draft this last couple of times, I'd find sentences that were half rewritten or words out of place that I knew I'd already fixed. I started wondering if the corruption in my file made it confuse the editing versions and was "doing its best" at piecing together what it had.
I thought I'd caught all of them. Obviously, I've been very tired this last month.
While reading the proof tonight, I found two very huge errors -- one's I just couldn't ignore. They had to have come from this corruption quilt! When added to the other errors, I just couldn't release it that way. I fully accept that the book will never be perfect. George Lucas, who I've been quoting a lot of this week, basically said that movies aren't released, they escape. I truly feel that this book needs to escape because I know I can never make it perfect. I wanted it "close enough." Right now, I'm not there.
So, I delay. At least with the print copy. I do want to go through the proof just to make sure. I'd rather postpone than have a product so inferior as it is now.
However, I thought I would release the NOOK version because that I can update easier than anything else. I went in and dropped in my changes that I already knew I wanted to make, reformatted the epub version, uploaded it to the website, clicked to put on sale now, and...
"We are experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again later."
REALLY?! You've got to be kidding me!
Obviously the universe is telling me to stop rushing, that there is another big issue with the book that needs my attention first. I have enough experience here to know that I need to listen.
While I'm unhappy that I have to wait, that my big release has fizzled, I know that this will ultimately bring about a better book overall. In the end, having a worthy story is what I want. I can wait a little longer. Soon. It's still coming. Very soon.
I'll keep you up to date on what happens. Maybe I can still get the NOOK version out today. As for the rest, I'm going to go get some sleep now and start in again in the morning.
I'm so frustrated about having to do this.
While reading the proof over the last couple days, I found a couple problems in the text. After thinking about it, I decided that these were small issues and didn't hold enough weight for me to worry about. I was going to go ahead with the release.
I almost didn't read any more -- I'd convinced myself that there couldn't be any more errors in the book. After all, I've read it 11 times since the beginning of the year. What else could possibly be wrong?
But I knew I was just avoiding the possible truth that there were more issues.
Besides, I'd found out during my last couple times through the draft that I had corruption going on. About a month ago, my file closed down on me suddenly and wanted to recover the document when I opened it back up. Stupid me told it to recover the document. Come on, I know better than that! Especially since that's exactly why I have my autosave on. Anyway, as I went through the draft this last couple of times, I'd find sentences that were half rewritten or words out of place that I knew I'd already fixed. I started wondering if the corruption in my file made it confuse the editing versions and was "doing its best" at piecing together what it had.
I thought I'd caught all of them. Obviously, I've been very tired this last month.
While reading the proof tonight, I found two very huge errors -- one's I just couldn't ignore. They had to have come from this corruption quilt! When added to the other errors, I just couldn't release it that way. I fully accept that the book will never be perfect. George Lucas, who I've been quoting a lot of this week, basically said that movies aren't released, they escape. I truly feel that this book needs to escape because I know I can never make it perfect. I wanted it "close enough." Right now, I'm not there.
So, I delay. At least with the print copy. I do want to go through the proof just to make sure. I'd rather postpone than have a product so inferior as it is now.
However, I thought I would release the NOOK version because that I can update easier than anything else. I went in and dropped in my changes that I already knew I wanted to make, reformatted the epub version, uploaded it to the website, clicked to put on sale now, and...
"We are experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again later."
REALLY?! You've got to be kidding me!
Obviously the universe is telling me to stop rushing, that there is another big issue with the book that needs my attention first. I have enough experience here to know that I need to listen.
While I'm unhappy that I have to wait, that my big release has fizzled, I know that this will ultimately bring about a better book overall. In the end, having a worthy story is what I want. I can wait a little longer. Soon. It's still coming. Very soon.
I'll keep you up to date on what happens. Maybe I can still get the NOOK version out today. As for the rest, I'm going to go get some sleep now and start in again in the morning.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Three Book's First Review
I've received my first review and I'm absolutely amazed. Here it is:
(5 stars) "By Reason of Insanity" -- https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1076401 April 23, 2011
Your overall impressions?
Brilliant!
Would you continue reading? 5 stars = definitely!
(5 stars)
Would you recommend this book to others?
Without question!
Thank you to Bridgette Meddis Emery who posted the review -- you've made my day!
(5 stars) "By Reason of Insanity" -- https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1076401 April 23, 2011
Your overall impressions?
Brilliant!
Would you continue reading? 5 stars = definitely!
(5 stars)
Would you recommend this book to others?
Without question!
Thank you to Bridgette Meddis Emery who posted the review -- you've made my day!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
New Video for First Book Posted
I've posted a new video for the first book of the Sacred Knight series. In the video is the cover of the book, which has changed since the last post. Why don't you go watch it now, then I'll have a story.
So, after I announced my book cover to the world, I started asking some more people about the book cover. I really had an issue with the flare on the cover. To me, it made the light source look all wrong. Everyone I asked for an opinion said pretty much the same thing.
Now, what I found funny was that the males I asked like the flare and the females didn't. Doesn't that pretty much equate to men liking the bling and the women not liking the bling? Yeah, yeah, who said only girls like sparkly sparkles? Anyway, the flare is gone. I'm feeling much better about the cover.
At least I feel better for this moment in time. I still have another month to change it. Hmm....
If you like the videos, please "like" them and share them with your friends. Let's get the word out. Thank you!
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