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...

New Adventures

I've been rushing around with my head cut off... literally.

Well, no. Figuratively.

I've actually been very busy, and have forgotten to be updating you on a whole passel of things that involve you, and me. Chief among these is something we should both be excited about. At least I hope so.

More stories.

Yup, I've been so busy trying to get this book ready, that I forgot to tell you about it. In fact, it's out now, and I still have neglected to tell you about it. Well, I mean, I suppose I am telling you now.

It is with great excitement that I introduce to you, a collection of short stories within the world of Jack Lantern.

Written by myself, Arlin, Patrick and Aaron, they delve deeper into the world than ever before. I can say with great pride that these stories rock my socks right off my body. They are so cool! I can't wait for everyone to get a chance to read these, as they begin to deepen the world, and affect the future of these characters.

But enough blabbing. Check out the cover! Patrick has gone so far beyond what I could have possibly hoped for. If you must judge this book by its cover, well, I'm not too stressed.

Happy reading, people!

Editing, and the Things that are Yet to Come

Well, the year is basically in full swing, at this point. There's no denying it. I mean, we can't claim a mulligan at this point, can we?

No. I don't suppose we can.

Anyway, I thought it was well past time to give an update on all things me. Yeah, that does sound kinda self absorbed, doesn't it?

Ravania Entertainment has an ambitious year planned, with lots of cool stories ready to be released on the world. There are comic books, fantasy stories, epic science fiction and a whole lot more. Well... Maybe that's it, but there is a lot of it, let me tell you! It's a hard slog, trying to get all this stuff done, but we are all getting the work put in.

Right now, I am in the process of putting some final edits into the planned re-release of Shadow Mountain and the Secret of the Gatekeepers. This is a fantasy story about a couple of orphans who are sent to live at a magical orphanage where they train to become the mystical, ancient, Gatekeepers. I wrote it a long time ago, now, and it's always been a story that's stuck with me. It ignited my love for writing, and telling stories. It's the first in a series, but because of life, and never being completely happy with the first story's presentation, I've never got around to getting the next in the series out. 

Well, I've come to terms with my story, and while I'm not going to re-write it, I've done some... shall we say... housecleaning. When looking at the spirit of the story, I realised that I couldn't just go in and gut the book, then expect the magic that it had to remain intact. In fact, a lot of times, I think writers are too quick to throw a story away because of some imagined notion that it's not salvageable.

While there may be some truth in the notion that you can't sit around, trying to fix something forever, and ignore the new stories, ideas, and adventures that come up, I don't hold with the idea that if something isn't exactly how you want it to be, that it has no value. Writers, as a culture, are often told to throw away ideas, works, and whole manuscripts on a whim. If this hasn't worked by now, it never will, etc.

Well, call me stuborn, call me a romantic, but I couldn't part company with Shadow Mountain. Yes... there are problems with it. I've tried to address the most glaring things in this new release. But then, some of the rough edges helped give it the magic that has endeared the story to me.

No, the book isn't perfect. Maybe it's not a masterwork of fantasy fiction. But it is fun, and it's got a little heart. I like it, and in the editing process (The bane of my existence) I've grown closer to the tale. This book will stand as it is, after the last edit. It's a good story, and I'm confident that the story will hold it's own.

As for a sequel, I'm going to be working on that later in the year. While the manuscript is finished, it needs a deeper operation to fix the problems contained within it. I am, again, confident I can fix these, however. It will take work, but I know the story, and I know how to fix it. So, I will fix it.

So, that's Shadow Mountain...

New Adventures for a New Year

2015... You sly gooseberry salad, you!

 

Here I am, trying to get in a relaxing year, but, oh no! You had plans for me right from the get-go, didn't you? Bahaha! Foolish Salad-Year! I knew all about your dastardly plans! In fact, I have been doing everything within my limited sphere of power to not only keep you in check, but to exceed well past these plans you have for me, and vanquish the foes that most assuredly come for my hide!

 

First of all, I don't really appreciate you springing that whole Wishcharmer thing on me. While I dig the idea of the Forge... I wish you would have oven me a little more warning! But all that is in the past, now. I bet you didn't know I have a whole sack-bench full of stories planned out for that, did you? I bet you didn't know I'll be releasing the next chapter very soon. Yeah... That's what I thought!

 

Anyways... move aside for a moment, 2015... I have some internets to speak to...

 

Hey there, all! As you may have heard, it's a new year.... And if you had dropped an eves just now, you'll have garnered that Wishcharmer is up and running. While I still make no promises as to how fast each new chunk of story will appear, I am doing my best to make it worth your time!

Wishcharmer is alive, and don't think it's going to putter out! That was just the first chapter... the story's not over, my friend...

 

The problem is, as always, finding time to write... Ya see... I have this big ol' Compy (Computer of some kind)... but I am outta the house a lot these days, due to the lovely Lady-Miss, and I have to admit, with little regret... my writing has suffered the most out of this charming romance. Yet, never fear... Vance is here... You must have heard of me... Or not. Anyway, the point is, I'll be grabbing up a snappy little (Cheap) Lappy Top-Hatted computing device (Laptop of some kind) for my out-of-the-house times. What does this mean for you, quasi-faithful internet hounds?

 

More writing, and less.... erm... not... writing!

 

...Yes! In 2015, I hope to bring you much more Wishcharmer, a couple surprises from Jack Lantern... Hopefully a story or two from the world of Shadow Mountain and...

 

...Something New...

 

Yes, 2015 looks like a full year!

 

Mean ol' Nasty Gooseberry Salad!

 

 

...Wait... Don't I love Gooseberries?

 

An Ode to Socks

Just sitting here, with my feet up, looking at my mismatched socks...

 

I'm not really gonna talk, or sing, about socks...

Not a whole lot, anyway. That was just a clever title to draw you in. Yes... I tricked you. And what for, you may ask? If not to talk of socks and their wonders, then what?

Well, in a way socks have a lot to do with it, and in a way, they don't. Actually, they have nothing to do with it. I just wanted to update you peeps... i.e. marshmallow treats, about what things are gonna look like, moving forward.

 

I am excited about the prospect of bringing you more stories. Not just Jack Lantern, and not just Shadow Mountain, but a host of others, too! The rest of my year is looking more and more hectic, but with quite a bit of hard work, comes really awesome prizes for all of us! Jack Lantern will continue next year, with short stories, and a sequel. While edits and rewrites are still required, I can't wait for you people to read the second adventure. There are so many cool things, and ... oh, man. I can't actually tell you that much, because I don't want to give anything away. But there's some flipping cool stuff in that book! More and more ideas keep coming to me, and by the beginning of next year, I will be starting to write another Jack Lantern novel. That is if all goes as planned. Which I hope it does!

 

More work, more writing, more pressure. More excitement!

 

So, Jack Lantern has quite a ways to go, yet. If you like him, his world, and his crazy cool adventures, congratulations! Jack will be a series of stories. How many? I don't want to say, just yet. But it will be a few. More than five. Less than fifteen. Those are arbitrary numbers, by the way...

If you like Jack, don't worry. He has a good tale to be told. If you don't like him... sorry.

 

Shadow Mountain lives as well! This will be at least six books, but no more than nine. While it is pretty different from Jack Lantern, there are really cool things coming in that series, too! Book two and book three have really awesome action pieces, while the characters begin to grow and understand their place in the world a little more. Heartache, betrayal, failure and explosions! All of these are in store, if you dive in!

 

So, two book series ongoing. It's quite a challenge to write them, but I hope I'm up to it. I just love telling stories. Since I was a tiny kid, I have always wanted to tell stories in one form or another. Now that I am, it just excites me. I have been having so much fun, living in these worlds, and watching their stories come together. It's a riot, honestly!

 

So, here's to you! The reader. I hope you enjoy these tales as much as I have enjoyed writing them! These things are far from over, though. Oh. Boy... you have no idea what's coming!

 

Cheap as Free!

I am supposed to write something today. The problem is, I don't feel inspired. No witty comments have jumped to the front of my mind, demanding to be placed in the open. Nope. Honestly, I got nothing.

 

On a lighter note, Jack Lantern is making a free-type appearance right now. Yeah! No kidding here, at all. In two ways, you will be able to experience the excitement of Jack Lantern and the gang for cheap as free. That is to say, free. Which is pretty cheap, to be honest.

 

First up, is a short story starring Jack as he goes to investigate a haunted house in the country. This story takes place right before the first book, and is a fun little romp. Still, there is a lot of excitement to be had, and don't think this is the last short story you will see, either. Yeah, actually I am in the very early stages of plotting out another little Jack adventure. This will come out in future. Don't tell anyone, but in the new year, if I can swing it, there will probably be a little collection of short stories released. I have seen the adventures of this collection, and trust me... it will be well worth the wait.

 

Of course, first, you will have to read this inaugural story. When, you may ask, will you be able to get your paws on such a tale, and for cheap and free prices?

 

Right now! Check out Ravaniaentertainment.com, for that little gem. You can also peruse a creepy little tale about a forest and mysterious disappearance. It is crafted by that chap called Arlin. It is a very good story, and suits this macabre time of year. I felt both intrigued and unsettled by the end of the tale, and I hope you do, too.  This story, also... free. Yeah. We are pretty nice.

 

And of course, it started on Tuesday, and ends on All Saints Day, you can pick up the kindle version of Jack Lantern ...Brains... on amazon for flipping free! You don't know what Jack Lantern is about? Well... freak.... I guess I should have explained that it is the story about a dude with a pumpkin for a head, and his harrowing battle with zombies, disembodied talking heads and his desperate attempt to save a young girl from a gory fate. If you haven't guessed, there is a good chunk of magic in there, too.

 

You should check it out.

 

Really...

 

Beyond all of this fun stuff, I am working on a few other projects that should eventually see the light of day. One is a serial fantasy. One is a new book series... and one is a return. A return to magic, mountains, shadows... and Gatekeepers.

 

Those who know, be aware... though it may take time, these stories are alive and well... and are coming...

 

Peace out!

Ba-bam!

A Wicked Plot

Flipping raccoons, friends!

Sure, you may be hearing about them in the news a lot, but that isn't what I'm here to talk about!

No, I am talking about plotting right now. It is a venomous beast, with long legs and a deep freeze full of moose hamburger! Now, I will preface this by saying that I used to be of the mind that you didn't have to do a whole lot of plotting, you just needed to know your characters, and they would live in your mind world and sort of live out the adventure, and dictate to you exactly what to write. I still believe this is doable for some people in some situations, but for me, I have discovered the magic power of plotting out my books.

Sure... it sorta seems like a no brainer. Duh! Of course you should plot your flipping book! It isn't a funhouse mirror show, after all! Not that I know what that means...

Anyway... I can't remember what we are talking about now. The mirror thing got me off track. Let me read back...

...

Right! Plotting!

I wont make some weird statement about how you need to plot to write a good book, or to write fast or what have you. I wont, because for everyone who is gonna write at some point in their lives, it might not be true. I mean, I am sure there are hosts of writers who have written brilliant books with no idea what they were doing. I like to think that Gone with the Wind is such a book. Well... that's not true. Or maybe it is.

The point is, lost on me, so let me start again...

I think everyone should consider plotting their book to some depth. It has had a great effect on my story telling. I thought, at the outset, that such a thing would be limiting to me. I thought it would take away the magic of seeing my characters come to life in a way only writers understand. Where they surprise you, by doing things that you had not anticipated. I think that is one of the reasons that many great writers want to fly by the seat of their pants, as it were. It is exciting, and you get to see your characters living...

But does plotting really take this magic away from you? In my experience, I have to say it doesn't. In fact, as I am finishing up a project, now... I tend to think it helps me experience these events more frequently. Again, this may be just me. But that is how it worked out. I know it has made me a better writer, and I don't intend to go back to the seat of my pants for ideas. Honestly, he stank... Get it?

Okay, that was immature, I will give you that. I am also pretty sure I am rambling at this point. But then again, isn't that what we writers do? I like to think so. Or is that statement a lie?

 

Honestly, I am way more lost than you right now. If you could point me in the direction of my purpose for writing this, I would be grateful...

 

You don't wanna? That's cool, too.

 

But I suppose that's all I have to say.

 

Or is it?

 

Yeah... probably.

A New Era is Coming...

Things are starting to get crazy over at Ravania Entertainment. I mean, I knew we were going to be expanding, and offering some new content, but wow! I have been writing right now more than ever before, and there are some good ideas in the oven.

So, what am I here to say today? Well, if you haven't heard, we are going to be releasing a digital magazine of sorts. You can read about it a bit more here. Arlin does a better job at explaining it than I do.

 

With all this extra writing, I'm as busy as I've ever been, but it feels very good. Things are still in the early stages, but I'll give a little bit of information on what's to come. I just finished writing a short story starring Jack Lantern. He's a well known figure to me. His first adventure is available now. Have you bought it? No? Well, here is a link... You should check it out. Sources within my own brain say it's a pretty beastly read.

Anyway... where was I? Oh, right! Short story!

It takes place before the first book in the series which holds claim on the eponymous character. There are ghosts, and goblins and maybe even a talking cat! Yeah... It's cool.

 

Over, and well above my humble little offering, there will be three other stories. These are all a very big treat. All of them showcase the talent of their authors so well, I am almost scared to be placed alongside them. Every single one of them promises to grab you by the eyeballs, reach into your brain and hold onto your attention like some kind of lemur. Well... as long as lemur's are well known for holding onto things... like, really tightly.

 

Umm... yeah. Maybe that was a little odd to say, looking back at it, now.

 

Anyway... As we move forward with this, there will be serialized stories appearing, as well as somewhat standalone pieces.

Right now, I am plotting out a new series that will début in this magazine in future. It's a real challenge, and a different way of approaching a story and the process of writing, but like anything I decide to write, it's gnarly and has me pretty stoked.

 

So, what I am saying is... Keep your eyes open. There is a lot more to come.

 

We are a new era in entertainment.

 

The New Era is Now.

A Moment of Silence...

I try not to talk about celebrities a whole bunch. Okay, so I talked about meeting Derek Landy! That was one flipping time, people! Can you just give me a break already? What I'm saying is, I try not to talk about them all the time because it just feels weird, ya know?

They live in their own little world and we observe them from the outside, but sometimes, I feel the need to mention a select few. There are some actors and writers that awaken in me massive amounts of adventure, and inspire me beyond my ability to keep up. These people are usually ones I've grown up observing and learning from. You'll see very obvious references to them in my books, trust me.

 

There is one person I would like to mention now, because I've always enjoyed his work, and always been inspired by his ability to make you believe in the character he was. Immediately, you simply accepted him for who he said he was. Let me tell you, he's been on a heck of a lot of adventures in his time, too. I've always wanted to write a story that spoke to his characters, and captured the same adventure and wonder that he excited in me.

 

I always thought I'd get around to doing it sooner or later, and that was just that. He'd keep making film and I'd keep watching, soaking up the inspiration that he'd send me and then, one day... Id finally have a story cool enough to write...

 

Well, I'm getting closer to that story, and I think it's starting to solidify in my mind. But the hero of my T.V. screen is gone now. It makes me sad, but I know he'll be alright. Somebody's gotta have car chases up there... Somebody's gotta charge five hundred dollars a day... Plus expenses. Somebody's gotta ride into town with a thousand dollar bill pinned to the inside of his jacket.

 

James Garner may be gone, but his stories live on. His characters endure.

 

I know it's sappy, and I just sound like a fan lamenting the passing of an actor, an old timer from a different age. Maybe that's all this is, but I just feel he deserves a mention. There countless people who will remember Mister Garner. There are so many that were inspired by his characters, too. I'm proudly one of them, and I'll continue to be.

 

Jack Lantern thanks you, Mister Garner. Along with a host of other characters I know, and have yet to dream up.

 

Rest in Peace, Mister Rockford... Your job is done.

Mandatory Post

Well, I am at a loss for words. See, I promised a few people I would write one of these doodads, and I assured said parties that said doodads would be done by morning.

...The thing is... I don't know what to write about!

Sure, it's late here, and I am very tired... but by golly, I need to do this! So, without any further warning.... Here is me... writing.

I'm making a lot of progress on a few really cool projects. Honestly, I can't wait to tell you more about them... If I spill the beans now, however, I'm afraid a large group of mountain gnomes will kidnap my best friends first born child... When he has child. No, I suppose, for now... it's best to play this secret information close to the chest.

 

A few weeks ago, I lost a chunk of my files, due to a computer crash. It was unfortunate, and most likely linked to gang violence. My laptop was just on its way to work for the day when it was jumped, and its hard drive mercilessly attacked with a massive sack of broken.

Thank heavens for backups and such, right? All in all, I think I lost a few pages and had a big black eye to my pride. It was cool, though...

I guess the moral of the story is... backup your work often!

There you go, kids.

 

Okay. Enough babbling. I can't tell you much, but I will say this, before I go...

I'm half done writing the first draft to a sequel, which will remain nameless. On top of that, I am happy to say that a series of stories I feared dead, is now back on track! That is really cool news, because I have been hoping to tell this tale for a long time. I wont promise any date for a release, but know it is in the works. I finally figured out the heart of the series The soul of the books. It's very exciting and I flipping cant wait to show you. Shadow Mountain is coming, and I promise you it's going to be better than ever!for now, I am just gonna go pass out.

Okay with you? It's okay with me.

More news soon, people.

Oh, and I apologise for the nonsensical post. I have a mighty sleep upon me. And now, I go to conquer said beast... with shield of blanket, helm of pillow and sword of... another blanket!

TO BATTLE!

 

 

 



Hello, my name is...

 

So today is a pretty big day for me. It is the cusp of the weekend, Dominion Day right around the corner... and a friend of mine gets to see the light of day after a long while in the making.

There is a lot of work that goes into one of my books. Sure, some people, even myself, would say that maybe there's not enough... But still, you get the picture.

I started down this road... well, a long time ago, now. This character spoke to me immediately, wanting to be brought to life, to see the world, and show me his own. I got excited, and tried to bring him out, but apparently I rushed.

Jack doesn't like to be rushed.

I can't remember exactly how many times I started this story. I think it was around four, but I could be wrong. Might have been eight. The point is, Jack's worlds was one that required a little more finesse than I was used to. I learned a lot writing this book, and I'm still learning.

Jack taught me that some things are worth fighting for. He taught me that no matter how hard it seems, and how hard you get hit, you need to get back up.

This was one of the hardest stories to write, because it taught me, and fought me every step of the way. I think, in the end, it was worth the trouble.

I hope you agree.

So, it is with great trepidation and a smattering of pride, that I introduce everyone out there to my latest story. One that I think you will grow to love as much as I have.

 

Meet Jack Lantern;

Private Eye.

Personal Protection.

Pumpkin-for-a-Head.

The road ahead is totally awesome... and filled with Pumpkins or something...

 

 

 

Available to read now, at

https://www.createspace.com/4567877

 

 

There is a poo load of cool things coming that will hopefully get you all excited for Jack's first adventure. Read about them here, and keep checking back.

 

Two Years Later...

Okay, so it's been a while.

Let's just get that out of the way.

 

Now that that's out of the way... Welcome, to my world my friends.

I have been hard at work, writing, and sleeping... maybe eating a few too many doughnuts.

 

Today marks the beginning of a journey. There is a buttload of stuff I wanna share with everyone that likes totally awesome stuff, and that is all coming down the track very soon. In the next day or so, I will post the cover for my new book, and thus, show you the gateway to this new journey. This road we shall all travel down together.

It promises to be quite exciting.

Very quite!

 

Dalkey Book Festival 2012

I am a happy man!

I know you’re probably wondering why I have this ridiculous grin plastered on my face. I know that after wearing it for two weeks, you’re sure I’ve damaged my face, and scared many innocent people all over the world. Sure, I may have creeped some people out, and sure, you may be more than a little annoyed that I still refuse to stop smiling… But in my defence, I have good reason for this stupid smile.

Do I know something that you don’t know? Am I in some way superior to you?

Well, I can answer that.

Yes.

Okay, that’s really stuck up, I’ll admit. It’s more pompous than… a really pompous… man. But I can’t help it. I have been supercharged. I have seen the light! I have met my hero!

Sure, I suppose you’re rolling your eyes right now, grumbling and mumbling some random string of words, complaining about how that’s really nothing too exciting. First off, that’s really rude! Why are you trying to tear me down, just because I am happy? Secondly, you obviously don’t understand just how awesome my hero is! Sure, I’d agree with you if I had some rubbish hero… But I don’t!

Yes, I met Mister Landy, and it was a true experience. It shook me to my core. I mean, this is the man! THE GOLDEN GOD! Truly, he impacted me on a level that I think is more than a little obvious. Even with how great of a writer and how big of an influence he has been on me, I’m sure the question still remains… WHY are you writing about this meeting?

Truthfully, a big part of it is because I am just so excited. I mean, this, for me, was like meeting the king! You choose which king… What I’m getting at, is this was a very big deal for me! That excitement I feel is one of the reasons I got into writing. And here I was, randomly in Ireland, and able to meet him! How awesome for me!

More important than how cool it was for me, is how uplifting it was to hear him speak to the audience, and the inspiration he gave. That is what got me really excited. That’s what filled me with a fire to get back to it, to keep plugging away, and working on my writing. Not only was I reminded that it’s supposed to be fun to write, but that it’s doable. I know it’s hard, and I know it takes a lot of work, but Derek truly is an inspiration.

What am I trying to say? I have no idea. Probably nothing… Except…

I MET DEREK LANDY!!!!!

Entering the Void

And so, it begins.

Famous last words, right?

Well, the easy part is over. Shadow Mountain and the Secret of the Gatekeepers is up, and though I think there are still a few tweeks to tackle, it is now… out there.

And now, the work really begins. Now I get to start having more meetings, and I get to partake in some really exciting planning sessions and talk about stuff that excites me to tears! Really, it’s super exciting. Like a sedative. But that’s what comes with the job. It’s something that I signed on for, despite my distaste for all things boring.

Apart from this new area of adventure, I am also slipping into a more familiar land. Something I like to call the Void.

What is the Void?

Oh, I wish you wouldn’t ask me that. It’s a cold place, with pale colours and haunting shadows around every corner. It’s a living nightmare where you keep on dreaming, never waking up, and where you’re always exhausted, but can never fall asleep. How would I describe it to someone who’s never been there? Simple, the same way I would describe it to people who have walked its horrible paths. One simple word will do.

Edits.

Yup. That’s the beast that I get to wrangle now. Oh, don’t mistake my dramatic description; I don’t think it’s all that bad… But the thing is, it’s not all that fun.

I’m a storyteller. That’s what I do. Editing your story is like taking a bath in ice water. Sure, you're gonna get clean, but you’re not going to stick around to soak... and you're not gonna enjoy yourself! The story, however, will almost always benefit from this icy bath of work. Or words. Or… something that makes sense.

Shadow Mountain went through the ringer, and I intent to take its sequel through something even tougher. Will I enjoy my time in the void of editing Shadow Mountain 2? I don’t think so. It is tedious work, but I know I will grow to appreciate the story as I round out a few edges and snap up some scenes. I have another book in the works, and the edits that it went through nearly killed me, but what came out of it is a story that I am so proud of. Now, Shadow Mountain 2 (for lack of its real name) will go through that process. It’s something I dread, and actually, at this very moment, I am avoiding… But it’s something that I also look forward to. Not just because, once finished, I can share another story with the people, and not just because I’m excited to see this next chapter grow stronger than it is… but I’m most excited... because I like pain…

Okay, that last part isn’t true.

The edits begin, and I enter the void.

But that’s okay… They have cookies there!

A Successful Attempt at Babbling Incoherently

Blah.

I need to start writing on this thing. So here it goes.

Well, children, the train keeps trucking along… And yes, I am aware that this makes little sense. How does a train truck? Well, I would assume, very carefully, and with a lot of damage to conventional roads. But now I have lost my train of thought.

Okay, enough with the trains.

What this little entry into my blog of secrets comes down to is time.

TIME.

It’s how you spell love, apparently, though most standardized English dictionaries will disagree, but the fact remains… Time is something we are always chasing. I have, to be honest, not been chasing it as of late. I sort of lay there, on my side, a cup of non-alcoholic wine in my hand, and watch lazily as it runs circles around me. But, as I usually do, I have learned a lesson about that. Time is fast and will not stop, no matter how hard you procrastinate.

Here’s the skinny. You know that nothing gets done just by hoping it will happen. Nothing has ever been accomplished that way. Well, apart from… well no, even napping needs some sort of effort behind it. I am babbling, but that’s because it’s about five in the morning and I should be napping, but I’m procrastinating instead. But am I? No! I am not!

Why? How? Because I am finally doing the opposite of procrastinating. I am making time! Making time to write. This is something I really struggle with, to be honest. I work, and when I am done, the last thing I want to do is sit down and write. Because honestly, as much as I love it, it is tough. Writing requires a lot of hard work. I know you know that, because I know that too, and yet, like a lot of simple truths, it sure doesn’t take much for us to dismiss it. Or them. Or… whatever. The point, if I have one, is that this journey I’m taking isn’t going to go anywhere, apart from a few horrible metaphors about trains, unless I put in everything I can. You spell love with letters, and you can only spell if you’re writing… Or spelling…

Well, that fell apart pretty fast.

As I am gearing up to get Shadow Mountain and the Secret of the Gatekeepers on E-Readers, I am really getting a very big lesson in why I write, and why I need to write. It’s devulged in little bits here and there, but still, I’ve been learning to love writing again. Which is pretty easy, since I already love writing. But I’m getting back to that need to write, that burning desire, and that’s something worth so much more than its weight in heavy gauge paper. I am making time to write again, and I expect to release many more stories soon.

Okay, so this has been a very random and extended babbling session. But if there’s anything of use in here, I hope it’s that whatever it is you want to do, you just need to do it. If it’s something that you love, and that you need… then go for it. That’s what I’m doing. And you know what I want? You know what I need? You know what? I am really tired. I want, nay… I need sleep.

And now, I am going to MAKE time to sleep.

…See what I did there? Oh yeah, I can teach in my sleep.

I am Not dead.

So many projects starting up this year... It is gonna be great! I am so excited to put these things out there. It is all falling into place. Like a... Erm... A... A pasta.

... Well... Maybe not.
Stay tuned. More to come!

Rewrites!

Rewrites, rewrites, rewrites!

I hate rewrites!

...But it's something that needs doing. And unfortunately, as is my style, I'm avoiding it. But I am close, oh boy, am I close! Two chapters... Just two chapters and I will be done. Sweet release. Freedom!

I can't say much about it because I fear leprechauns... and robot samurai... But I will say something about it. That being said, what I'll say is this: It is only a mysterious hole in the world, and a final battle away from being pretty darn cool, if I do say so myself.

But here I am, not doing what I should be. Content, instead, to sit and waste time. Time that could be used for writing, or back-flips! Oh, sweet, sweet back-flips...

Wait... what was that about?

Okay, I have lost it. It's now official. The rewrite process has made my mind turn into some kind of soup with mushrooms in it. That's most likely the reason I can't focus on anything for any amount of time! Every time I turn my head, the semi-intelligent soup sloshes around, mixing everything up!

Why didn't I ever think of this before? Not only does this explain my lack of finished book, but it also explains why I punched the lawn, played in a puddle, and had a staring contest with air, all in the same day!

Okay, that's it! I'm going to finish my book now. Maybe I'll post something about it on here. A sort of secret coded message to myself about it and stuff... I might even be convinced to share the name. But before I can do that, I need to go stick my head in the freezer until my brain-soup thickens up.

I can't be stopped now!

...Why do I do these things??

Oh man, I don't know what I am doing. I don't know why I am on the Internets or why there are butterflies trying to eat my flesh... But that's really not important right now. The real question of the moment is... Why do I do these things?

Why write a blog-thingy?

I suppose this is a secret blog, a place for me to come and talk a little to myself in a quiet voice, about plans, and my work. I think I will be safe here to divulged my secrets. A place for writers, in particular, me. Readers are welcome too, though only me, really. Secrets galore! Secrets about my new book, my attempts to become a world dominating force for young readers... Secrets about the best ginger snaps Christmas could hope for? Well, maybe not the last one. There are some mysteries that are just too big for the internets.

Oh... These blogs will be to die for!

Quite literally, I would imagine...

But it will be a secret blog, nonetheless. This way, I will have complete control over my secret chamber, my vile sounding board for whatever is inside of my mind.

And now I don't understand what I'm talking about, or why...

But that seems normal, I suppose.