Well, it’s been another two weeks. My publisher has requested a list of Bookstores in my area, so I sent in over 20 from Pittsburgh to the Butler areas. I included a few RPG stores within that mix, along with my public library. So, now we wait, see what happens. I received 3 copies of the book, it looks nice, my opinion may be biased of course. Now, the next demand of the publisher is getting a list of emails from the local media, easier said than done I tell ya. Most just have a web page, with an Icon to click to submit News. Any ideas folks? The newspapers do have an email, well some, others, again “click here”.
Due to my work load at my day job, traveling included (last 10 days in Quebec) promoting has been difficult in the local area. I have a few bookstores that I’ve visited that asked me to get them a copy of the book and fill out the necessary paperwork. I thought writing was the hard part.
Well, still working on book II. The title is not sitting with me, thinking along the lines of Realm of Shadow II: BLAH BLAH…..Currently I’m calling either Wings of Shadow or Under the Shadow of Wings. Hmmmm, just don’t know. Any feedback out there? Come on, don’t be afraid to comment, I won’t mind.
Thus far however, I think I’m progressing well on Book II. Completed the first 9 chapters. Halting here a bit to go back, edit and flush out a few scenes and characters. I’ve introduced a few and I’m expanding on one or two from book I. Of course, I’ve already eliminated one or two or three, sorry if any one of them were among favorites.
However, I’m sticking to the outline thus far at least, give or take a few scenes. Outlining is important, and with out it, even I would get characters and dates mixed up. I use a free software that helps outlining greatly, allowing to create and describe places, characters, set up scenes, etc. And of course the price is right. Though, once the creator gets a web badge or banner, I’ll be plugging it. It’s called StorYbook.
Again, I digress. Our characters (heroes) have thus far learned that they are no where near ready to face our few evil-doers. The ceremony and celebration held to honor the defeat of the wizard in book I did not end all that well.
Well I suppose I should get busy, so I leave ya’ll again.
Note: check out my websites for other future updates, I apologize now that they are not the prettiest, but I’m working on them….Anyone do FREE Html work :) ? Sign up if you wish, it would be appreciated. I’m also on FaceBook, MySpace, and twitter.
www.robinden1964.webs.com
www.michaelrrobinson.com
Please feel free to comment or give opinions, I don’t yell and scream. Well, not for too long anyhow.
‘Till next time
Mike
Well, just got word from my Publisher to send them email contacts for local media for the Official release of the book. I also had to supply a list of book stores and such for them to contact for potential book signings. I am excited as things move onward. I also want to sent a thank you to those who bought the book, I now have a sales rank at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble…Not a top seller, but it’s being bought. I hope those of you who purchased it enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. I have one request however, if you read it and enjoy it, give me a hand and write a review at either Amazon and/or B&N and at my websites which are:
and
http://robinden1964.webs.com/
I would appreciate it. Also, any of you in the local area wish to have your copy signed, drop me a line, we can arrange something. Even for you out-of-state friends, drop an email or note me on my Facebook or MySpace and we shall see what we can do.
At Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mrrobinson64
At MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/robinden
Or simply leave a comment or send a request through one of the above websites.
Now, between travelling for work and the 4th of July Holiday, I’ve finished drafting chapters 6 & 7 of Book II. I beginning to wonder if this book is going to be as big as Book I. As I said on my facebook page, I must ramble way too much, it’s at 18,703 words thus far, and I haven’t went back through these drafts yet. When I do, I’m sure more will be added. Tammy, my wife, and Elora, my daughter, have proofed and edited them to this point, but those chapters in my eyes are still far from completed. Thus far, I have not deviated too far from my outline, but as soon as the characters really take control of the story, who knows.
As far as what is happening thus far? Well, our survivors from book I are regrouping and getting recognized for their heroic efforts by the city. Yet, forces out there are beginning to stir to stop them from achieve their true goal. Lord Hardin, for one, as planned a surprise for the city’s royal family, which brings in the new character that I mentioned last time that I enjoy writing. She’s a dark, arrogant, but successful assassin. The creature freed in Book I is seeking his title, and the elfin families that were never truly united in one cause are splitting, choosing which potential heir they should side with, the prophesized one or this new far more powerful creature named Rygerri.
For our hero Jason Shadowgrass? It simple, he stood beside Lady Norrelle all these years, and she him. His life now changed, for the better, he understands his role in the grand scheme. He faced Rygerri on that dreadful day and the beast fled from him, he’s determined to face him once again.
Well I won’t give anymore away. ‘till next time.
Mike Robinson.
Well, now that Realm is available on line, my work again is beginning. As I stated before, the marketing aspect of the book now begins, of which I’m a novice. I’ve got some business cards and bookmarks made up to hand out to local bookstores, family, and friends. A few copies have sold at least, a few friends have already told me they have ordered it, this is good. I’ve been contacting local bookstores, doing what is required to get the book in local stores on the shelf and set up some book signings. Though my work schedule has me traveling in the near future, so this may not be feasible at this time.
As I am a gamer and the book was based of gaming characters, I believe fantasy role-players will enjoy it, or so I hope. Planning on checking out my local gaming stores, getting feedback on their opinions.
Most importantly, however, is that I’ve started work on Part II, for those that have read the book, I’m letting you know that the sequel is in the works. The cast will be back, most that is, and life has changed for them all in the most part. The elfin prophecy of the new dawn, to our characters, has begun. They see drastic changes coming in the future, and only they can ensure that it turns out as it should. Alliance that stood strong in Realm are now tested, some shattered, as the scent of another ware amongst the races is looming in the air.
The outline for this Part is in the works, had to change it around a bit after some events that occurred in Realm were not in my original design. Those darn characters came to life for me and created a few unexpected plot twists that carry on into the second book. Oh well, after all it’s their story. In the future, I intend to write a blog on outlining, what I use, how I use it, etc.
Any, back to book two. I think the title will be Wings of Shadow, it’s an idea, for those of you who know the story, what do you think?
Currently, I’ve drafted up to chapter 5 thus far, and a lot has already happened, people’s viewpoint on life have changed, one is no longer with us, and a few new characters—I love one of them, she’s so dark, sneaky, and devious, obviously she’s an assassin hired by one of the bad guys from Realm. So, I’ll keep you all up to date, with revealing too much—don’t wanna’ give the entire story away.
Until next time,
Well, the fun part of writing the novel is finished, and now the real work begins. I am by no means a marketing expert, but now I have to add that title to my hat. Elora has been helping, since media is her chosen field at Clarion.
We went to a small seminar at a local bookstore the other night that was to assist local authors in establishing a market presence. It was informative, we learned a bit. Primarily, the biggie is a web presence. Blogs, websites, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, just to name a few.
Well, I’ve got those sites established, now it’s just about getting the word out.
Currently the book is available at Amazon and on Barnes & Nobles website. I’m completely excited about this, just to be able to search those websites and see my name pop up with the title of my novel. It’s a goal that I’ve had for a long, long, long time. The next goal is to sell a few copies, I’ve got a number in mind that’s my target. By no means am I aiming to be on the NY Times best-selling list, my target is far lower than that.
Simply, I enjoyed telling the tale, I want others to enjoy it also. If one person reads it and gets something from it, well my day will be made.
I’m going to start writing blogs more often on various topics. Such as Realm’s characters, my other projects (Namely the sequel to Realm), Realm’s status, writing tools and aids that I used, etc.
Also, I will answer any questions anyone may have, from writing to the stories, characters, future plans, etc.
I hope not to bore ya’ll with my long drawn out blogs!
‘Till next time.
Michael R. Robinson.
For My Children
I wait, but impatiently
I pace, neurotically
I listen, only for two words
I walk, on eggshells night and day
It is no fault of hers
I worry but I don’t tell
The words come one great day
I race, fanatically
I drive, recklessly
I stutter, incoherently
I worry, but I don’t tell
I comfort, she cries
I cry inside, take her pain
I wobble, but stand tall
I hold, but wish to crumble
I smile, hold you tight
I praise, show to the world
I kiss, ever so gently
I pray, always for you
It is no fault of yours
I watch, stand by your crib
I play, make odd sounds
I laugh, you make sounds
I wonder, every day
I give, you go to school
I seek, you giggle and hide
I read, keeping monsters at bay
I watch, remembering each day
You grow, learn so much
You cry, they hurt you again
You laugh, school was fun
You scream, life’s not fair
I still worry, but I don’t tell
You dress up, prom is near
You fret, grades are hard
You wish, friends were true
You cry, life hurt you again
I worry always, but still don’t tell
You finish, graduation complete
You pack, college bound you go
You sigh, home now behind you
You cry, you are on your own
I watch, I wait,
I pace, I laugh,
I wonder, I cry
But most of all,
I am; still here
I am; a dad
You are; never alone
I worry, everyday,
But hush I don’t tell.