Some Stuff

Things are getting on. And with everything that I've been up to, I just wanted to put out a little update. Since I am sick as a racoon with a cold, which is to say, I have a cold and don't feel good, I thought I would take a moment to write some words of wisdom, or randomness, rather.

I have a wonderful job, and I love it to tears, but it's made me lazy on the writing front. It has made me struggle to get back to work on all these stories that I've promised to myself. Heaven be praised, though, I am getting back to it. I had to use my manly brain muscles to bash through a tough bout of writers block, but that was done very well with the help of Alexandre Dumas. Talk about a hero of writing, storytelling and visual prowess...

The thing is, he is only a classic because he wrote his amazing tales in a different environment. Honestly, (in my own flawed opinion) I am not sure he would be published today. Nor revered as he deserves. His style is very much at odds with the way the industry works today, and I don't think he would even gat passed the now "mandatory" writers group. That is not me finding fault with Dumas, let me assure you. I have not one complaint about his work. I am blown away by his ability, his voice, and most of all his storytelling. This is me babbling on about a system that forces writers into boxes that need not exist. Storytelling is an art. So we should let it break some rules, and grasp for greatness, instead of hounding it until it conforms to some arbitrary check-list.

 

But enough of my ramblings. This is supposed to be a quick update, not a rant.

 

I was getting into a groove with Shadow Mountain book three, but deadlines have taken me away from James and Elizabeth, and pointed me back to that old swab Jack Lantern. There are some short stories coming your way in the form of another collection of Tales By Lantern-Light. I, as with my colleagues, are in the middle of wresting with the last parts of writing these tales. Of course, Arlin and Aaron are done their pieces... The jerks...

 

On top of this, I am trying to get my ideas together for the next batch of Wishcharmer Saga stories. This prospect excites me, so I hope to update the Myth Smith Forge blog thingy soon on that point. As it is now 2016, I am trying also to get the last pass done on a very cool space fantasy/opera/ thing. I can't wait to share it with people all over and we even have secret plans to release a tease of a sort in the future, but don't tell anyone I told you.

 

That's most everything I am dealing with, other than the other story ideas that are screaming in my head to be told... More on that at a later date. For now, I should get some rest, and then get back to work on Monday. There are a lot more words to write, and a lot more stories to be told, and I'm behind! 

 

New Year, New Post.... Hopefully the First of Many

Well, another year has passed us by. Another year full of adventures and writing and junk. I just wanted to quickly give sort of a recap of what I have been up to, and a hopeful look forward to some of my plans. Of course, things always change, and things always come up. I missed a deadline or two, but I am trying to improve and get better.

First off... The year that was.
2015 was a good year, my human friends. Here at Ravania Entertainment, we saw a lot of changes. We also saw the release of several new stories, and if you want a whole look at what we've been doing in full, I suggest you go on over to Ravaniaentertainment.com and check it out. For right now, I will focus on what I have been doing personally.

April was a glorious month here in my home region. An early spring and a bunch of adventures saw my imagination ingnited and I was able to do a lot of good work. April also saw the release of TALES BY LANTERN-LIGHT. This was a really cool project to have completed. Within its walls were contained several short-stories that take place within the world of Jack Lantern. And it wasn't just me having all the fun! I was able to team up with Arlin, Aaron and Patrick as well, and they brought some awesome stories out in this volume, too. With that all said and done, the book does a whole lot to deepen the world of Jack Lantern, and help bridge the gap between the first and second novels.

By the time May rolled around, I was very happy to release SHADOW MOUNTAIN AND THE SECRET OF THE GATEKEEPERS. This is the story that started me into writing. It has gone through several tweeks and changes over the years, but I am very happy with it, and the story that it tells. The first in a series, it tells the story of two orphans who discover they live in a world far grander than they imagined. Soon, they are chosen to become wielders of ancient magic, Gatekeepers... With a gorgeous cover from Patrick Smith, I can only be proud to have this book bare my name.

Well, after that... the year sorta rolled on. I kept busy with my day job, and trying to write. The summer saw a few good outings, adventures and good times... Before I really knew it, fall was coming on, and things were beginning to get a little tight. As you may have heard, Ravania Entertainment went to their first couple events, and it certainly was a learning experience. We're looking forward to returning to some of these events in this new year.

Ah, October... It was particularly balmy weather this year. The fact is, we didn't really see winter show up until about a quarter into December. Odd year. Oh, sure, it's happened before, but still... It made everything feel a little different, even in October... As if, the world was holding its breath or something... What for? Well, maybe for the release of JACK LANTERN 2 - DEAD OR ALIVE
The story of Jack Lantern, Mia Lannigan, Lu, Bradley and the others continues, and things get far worse for our heroes. This novel saw the production of two covers, a glorious rendition of events by Patrick Smith graces the regular edition, while a fun look at the world is presented on a limited edition cover. Jack Lantern is the sort of book I want to read, and so it's such an honor to write a book like it. I really hope you peeps feel it, dig it, and get something from it.

November was on the world in a flash, and in the back half of it, a new adventure began. Those of you who know me know about THE WISHCHARMER SAGA. I write it on my other blogthing over at http://mythsmithforge.blogspot.ca
It is an ongoing adventure about a swindler named Rajhu and his best friend, a young swordsman named Will. Now, the story is on my blog to read for free, but the physical edition contains an exclusive short story, and is graced with another fantastic cover by Patrick.

December came and went, and things got very crazy here, but we all survived, and came through stronger. I missed releasing a book when I had planned to, but I am happy to report that it is now available. SHADOW MOUNTAIN AND THE GHOSTLY ABBEY can now be perused by your little eyes for all your reading pleasures. In this tale, we see the problems grow worse for our two heroes, and believe me, they're far from over...

Yes, 2015 was a good year, and I can only hope to surpass what was accomplished. Writing has been a bit of a challenge of late. Things are changing, and I have to make time, which isn't as easy as it was... But fear not. I will get it all done.

In the next few months, I hope to introduce you to a brand new adventure about war, hope, and galactic forces of good and evil clashing in an epic way... I won't reveal the name just yet, but here's hoping I can tell you real soon. Beyond this, I think we will be seeing more of Jack this year, as well as the Gatekeepers (hopefully) and Rajhu and Will... This year will be a year of growth for me, and a year of challenges for my characters. Tears will be shed, people will be hurt.

Stay glued to the screen, and the pages... More is coming, people... More is coming...