M.S. Olney's Blog

An excerpt from Book 5 in the Sundered Crown Saga: Heroes of the Sundered Crown. Pre-order from books2read.com/HEROESPRIME *content subject to change on release*

The snow-covered plains beyond Caldaria’s walls looked serene, but the peaceful view was deceiving. Beneath the ice, standing still and silent, numbering in their tens of thousands, was the undead horde. Thick snow covered most, and the frigid cold had frozen all into macabre stances.

“They never move. Day after day they stand there like statues,” grumbled one of the knight’s sat opposite the fire.

“I’ve seen them move,” said one of the Fleetfoot archers manning the walls with Kaiden and his knights.

“Liar. I’ve been manning these ramparts for months and aside from that first attack they’ve not moved an inch,” replied the knight.

Kaiden narrowed his eyes. Was there a light on the horizon? Slowly, he stood and walked over to the crenellations. He brought the Spyglass hanging from his belt to his eye. He scanned the distant Great Wood but at first, he saw nothing but darkness. He turned his head slightly and traced the line of where the now buried road lay. An orange glow flickered amongst the trees. His eyes widened as he recognised the shapes of men and pack animals moving through the night.

“Who are they?” one of the knights asked nervously as they too saw the lights.Kaiden twisted the spyglass handle, and the figures became clearer. Five men wielding swords and dressed in furs were running through the undergrowth. They were waving frantically to a group of people struggling through the deep snow.

“They look like refugees. Must have come from the east,” he said. “I can’t believe anyone would risk such a journey in this weather,” the knight exclaimed. “Depends on what they’re running from,” the hooded Fleetfoot added ominously.

Kaiden lowered the spyglass.

“Either way they’re walking into danger. We need to warn them.”

The Fleetfoot’s face paled.

“I think it’s a bit late for that sir,” he said pointing to the treeline.

From their distant vantage point, they could see the column of refugees begin to panic. A howl filled the air, shattering the silence. The knights muttered a prayer to Niveren.

“Werewolves, they’re pursuing them straight onto the plains and towards the undead.” Kaiden stepped down from the rampart and using his numb hands picked up the iron headed hammer placed in an alcove. He was about to swing it with all of his might to strike the alarm bell but hesitated. Raising the alarm could stir the undead. It hadn’t been for nothing that the mages had cast spells over the city to mute the sounds of the populace within. For months it had worked and the undead had not been roused from their frozen slumber to attack.

“Use lanterns and wave your arms like madmen. We have to try and warn them, but do so as quietly as you can!” He waved over the squires who’d been huddling with each other next to a nearby brazier. “Run and tell the watch commanders to wave their lanterns and to keep their men silent. Hurry now, there’s good lads.”

The others did as commanded, and they climbed onto the crenellations with lanterns in hand. Along the wall, other lanterns were lit as other watchmen spotted the approaching refugees. Kaiden bounded down crystal steps almost slipping as he did so.

Warning shouts came from the now riled city defenders, but they were quickly hushed by angry commanders. Kaiden was satisfied that the men under his command had their troops under control. It took him several desperate minutes to reach the courtyard far beneath the walls, already knights were strapping on armour and sheathing their swords. He barked hushed orders to the squires to bring them their lances and get the horses ready to ride. His squire, a ten year old boy named Joti jogged over to him all red faced from the bitter cold. He handed Kaiden his lance, helmet, and shield before passing him the reigns of his horse.

“I’ve saddled Herald sir. Did so as soon as the order reached us. Although I don’t think he’s much of a fan of this cold,” the boy said.

“Good lad, Joti now make sure you get to safety, this could get a little rough,” Kaiden replied, ruffling the boy’s mop of brown hair affectionately.

Joti like many of the squires was one of the many boys orphaned in the war. The Mages had taken them in, but the Knights had given them a purpose. He adjusted his thick woollen cloak and climbed into the saddle. Ten other knights had done the same and he gestured at them to follow him. He spurred Herald on, and the horse galloped through the streets of Caldaria and towards the crystal gates.

Men rushed to positions on the walls and he could see a squad of Nightblades waiting at the gatehouse. One of them stepped into the street and held up a hand.

“Hold, Sir Kaiden. I cannot let you exit the city. Grandmaster Thanos hasn’t given the order to open the gates.” Herald stamped his hooves impatiently mimicking the irritated mood Kaiden now felt.

“There are people out there. If we don’t do something they will run straight into the undead!”

“I’m sorry,” the Nightblade replied bluntly.

“We are the knights of Niveren. Our order is sworn to defend the weak, that is an oath that we shall not break this day. Step aside,” Kaiden snapped.

The Nightblade was unable to hold Kaiden’s stern gaze and with a reluctant sigh gestured for one of his men to open the gates. They all watched with held breathes as the mighty crystal barrier moved inwards.

A group of mages stood nearby, their staffs aimed at the gate, they were muttering a spell of silence to mute the sound. Kaiden flicked Herald’s reigns and the squadron of Knights trotted forward. Once outside the walls, the frigid air slapped them in the face and Kaiden longed to return to the warmth of a fire. The horse’s hooves crunched on the snow, sounding like thunderclaps in the deathly still air.

With every stride, he winced and cautiously glanced at the just visible frozen figures of the undead. The horses struggled through the snow but ahead Kaiden could see the refugees. Screams carried on the air and the ravenous howls of the werewolves sent fear shooting through all who heard them.

“Sir!” hissed one of his knights in warning. Despite the freezing temperatures sweat formed on Kaiden’s forehead. He looked to his left and his stomach flipped.

Some of the undead were beginning to stir. He watched in horrified awe as one skeletal zombie twitched causing ice and snow to fall its emaciated limbs.

A low groan came from its shattered mouth, a groan that grew in volume as more and more of the undead were stirred.

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When they say a lot can happen in the space of a month they’re not wrong. This past month has been stressful beyond belief due to both me and my wife being told we will likely lose our jobs.

The Covid pandemic and subsequent impact on energy prices have led to a massacre in the UK energy sector, the sector in which my employer operates. Losing most of their biggest customers has hit them massively financially and in turn, has led them to lay off most of their staff. Needless to say, I have been spending most of my time seeking new employment and getting ready for the inevitable. So, please buy my books, the income from them is needed now more than ever!

NanoWriMo
Moving on to something a bit nicer is that November is National Novel Writing Month. Normally I use this month to crack on with current projects and get as much done on them as possible. This time I will be using the month (when not job hunting) to finish book 5 in the Sundered Crown Saga. That will give me and my team a month to do any rewrites and the always horrible task of editing. 

Christmas is coming
Despite the challenges, I am facing there is Christmas to look forward to and as I do every year I will be running a winter sale ahead of the release of Heroes of the Sundered Crown at the end of the year. Keep your eyes peeled for December’s newsletter for more details.

I hope you’re having a better time of things than I am. Unfortunately, redundancy is just a part of being a copywriter and content creative. For some reason, businesses often feel that the role is a luxury despite us giving them a voice and bringing in business leads. Ah, well onwards and upwards I guess. 

A new cover for the Nightblade

You may have noticed a change in cover for The Nightblade. I’ve always wanted a more unique image for it and so asked my friend and fantastic artist Reza Afshar if I could use one of his fantastic images. I’m delighted he said yes! I think the new cover does the tale more service and is a bit more eye catching!

BUY NOW

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Thanks to Covid-19 I haven’t been able to go to the cinema for two whole years and even when restrictions eased there was so few movies out that there was nothing I was willing to sink my hard earned money into. Well, that all changed with the release of Dune. Only a Sci-fi epic could bring me back to the big screen.

Visually stunning

You have to experience Dune at the cinema to fully appreaciate the visual spectacle that it is. Director Denis Villeneuve is a master of cinematography with every shot conveying the scale of the world we’ve been transported to. The costumes are incredible and do an excellent job of making the societies depicted in Dune feel like living breathing ones.

From the set design to the SFX, Dune is stunning. Like Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049 it sweeps you up in vast landscapes that take you to another time and world. The deserts of Arakis are depicted amazingly, with the world coming across as one of beauty yet incredibly dangerous. Everything feels like a living breathing and believable place. If any film deserves an Oscar for visual effects its certainly this one.

World building in a movie like this can be bogged down by too much info dumping but Dune doesn’t do that at all. I hate to admit this, but I have never seen the original David Lynch movie, never read the books and never saw the tv adaptations. I went into this movie totally blind. All I knew of Dune was that it was a sci-fi epic on a par or as some fans would say a story that’s even more important to the genre than Star Wars.

The battle scenes are fantastic and I love the melee combat. Unlike say Star Wars there’s little in the way of lasers or guns pew pewing constantly. Instead thanks to the incredibly intriguing technology of the Dune universe armies prefer to fight with swords and daggers. These scenes are awesome to watch and I wanted to see more!

The Plot

I went into this movie totally not knowing the plot of Dune, my wife knew far more than I but I wasn’t lost or confused by the plot at all. Essentially it’s a bit like Game of Thrones with multiple Great Houses competing against one another for the attentions of the Emperor.

Essentially the Emperor is jealous of House Atredies and worried about their growing power. To that end he essentially sets them up to fail by granting them custodianship of the planet Arakis, the home of the most precious resource in the galaxy, Spice. This substance is used for many many things including interstellar travel.

I won’t spoil the plot but needless to say I love it, even the parts where I wish there was a bit more information given about certain areas espeically the powers that some of the characters possess.

The music composed by Hans Zimmer is exceptional and really puts the audience into the action. It’s subtle at times, stirring at others and somehow conveys that we are watching events that are set thousands of years in the future. It blew me away and is probably his best score in years.

The only disappointing thing about this movie is that it is not a complete story. It does say Dune part one when the movie begins but dang it I want the rest of the story now! Unfortunately, the second part will no doubt be years away and thanks to bloody Covid it’s yet to be seen whether Warner Bros will greenlight it. They’d be mad not too.

Overall score 9/10

Getting to meet my fellow indie fantasy authors is one of the perks of the job. In this author interview I sat down with Tahani Nelson to talk about her books and latest release due out on November 16th.

Hi, Tahani. Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to write?

I’ve always loved fantasy, but growing up I had trouble finding heroines that I could connect with. Women in classic sword and sorcery are often love interests or damsels in distress, and I grew tired of that quickly. Even when I could find books featuring strong, amazing heroines, it never seemed to last for long. You’d get halfway through a story and the protagonist would meet a guy and that would become her sole ambition. Even 14-year-old me couldn’t stand love triangles anymore. So, I started writing all the characters that young me looked for. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only person searching.

What appeals to you most about the fantasy genre?

Anything is possible in fantasy. Any creature or world or society you can think of is within reach. There’s magic that can bend the world to your will or twist the very threads of fate. It’s amazing. I love the freedom and magnificence of fantasy and the ability to face real-world issues in new settings. It’s empowering and beautiful.

Tell us a little bit about your latest project and the challenges you’ve faced putting it all together? (include release date etc here)

I started the Faoii Chronicles back in 2017 and hit every snag possible in the indie publishing scene. Scams, delays, imposter syndrome and a general lack of knowledge really keep me from hitting my stride for several years. But I have the most amazing army at my back, and together we’ve overcome every obstacle. Now the final book in the series, Faoii Ascended, is releasing on November 16 and I can hardly believe it. It’s been such an honor to tell these stories. I can’t wait to share the end with all of you.

What type of characters do you like to write the most and how much of yourself do you put into them?

I specifically write female-led military fantasy and I love it. I love women leading armies and wearing armor that covers all their vital organs. At this point I don’t know how much of myself I’ve put in my characters and how much of who I’ve become is because of them. But I’ve definitely changed in the five years since I began writing. I call my readers the Faoii Army and am honored to lead them. I wear armor to all of my events, readings, and signings. I’ve built something grand from nothing, and I think my characters would be proud… once they stop hating me for everything I’ve put them through.

For any wannabe writers out there what’s the most useful thing you’ve learned?

Don’t compare yourself to other authors. Especially the parts of other authors you can see on social media. That’s a fast train to despair.

Listen: There will always be people who write more than you each night or who have more books out or more reviews or higher royalties. Social media accounts are cherry-picked highlights and your rough draft/blooper reels will never compare the way you hope they will. And that’s okay. Because there’s a version of you in the past who never thought you’d get this far. Who would be so amazed if they could see how far you’ve come. They’d be so proud of you.

If you must compare yourself, then focus on that person you were a year ago. Or five. Or ten. You’ve done such amazing things since then. Imagine what Future You will think of Current You if you keep going. I can’t wait to see.

What writing tricks do you utilise to hit your deadlines and keep your stories on track?

This is probably going to sound like the opposite of an answer, but I make smaller goals. Tiny goals. Goals that other people laugh at. But I also hit them every single night and that adds up.

I write 200 words a day. That’s it. 200 words. A lot of people think that that’s so small that it shouldn’t matter. I’ve heard many, MANY times that I should be writing thousands of words each night. But those big numbers are intimidating, and often seem impossible. I used to aim for the big word counts. The giant goals. 2,000 words. A 7-book series. A movie deal. Whatever. And often, those giant goals were so intimidating that I wouldn’t even start. So I broke them down. 200 words a night. And I hit it consistently. Sometimes it’s enough to break the dam and I’ll write entire chapters. Sometimes I only hit the 200. But my word count is always better than the 0 it used to be, and this has gotten me through three 100k book and an additional anthology. Small goals work.

Are you a plotter or a pantser (make it up as you go)?

Panster. I often don’t even usually know what’s going to happen until three paragraphs after it’s over, and then it’s a surprise for everyone. But I like it, too. I don’t have very much control over my characters. I can only present them to the world around them and then try to keep up as they do their own thing. It makes the writing process a lot of fun, though I often have to erase entire chapters after they get themselves killed.

What plans do you have for the future? A new series or perhaps a dip into other genres?

I don’t know what I’m going to do now that the Faoii Chronicles are finished. This series has been at the center of my existence for years now, and I never really considered what would happen when that wasn’t true. I’ve learned a lot about the publishing industry—mostly, that I knew nothing about it before. I might take a break from writing. Or I might start a series about dragons. Who knows? The world—many worlds, actually—are open to me.

With the world the way it is at the moment what sort of tales do you prefer? Ones with heroes where good triumphs over evil or ones that take a darker approach?

Both. I like seeing people stand up against demons and societal issues and to watch them drag injustice into the light. I like that idea that maybe things might be okay; that we still have a chance at turning things around. But I also feel like we’ve passed the time of a knight in shining armor slaying a dragon. Our demons have shifted, and they wear our face. Stories have to be darker for us to relate to them, because we live in a darker world. But I also like to see that darkness being banished.

What’s better, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Star Wars?

I like all of these for different reasons. I think out of the three listed here my favorite would be Lord of the Rings.

Stephen King’s Dark Tower Series is probably my all-time favorite series, however.

Get in contact with Tahani through social media –

http://www.TahaniNelson.com

F

TikTok: TahaniNelson

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Some of you may remember that years ago I wrote a historical fiction novel. My first one in fact! Well, finally after years of being distracted with other genres I am close to finishing book 2.

However, because it’s been years since the first I’ve decided to rewrite it and the new book content to it as well as give it a brand new cover. Behold the new look and soon to be re-released Unconquered: Blood of Kings. (Don’t worry I’m still working on the fantasy stuff too). If you want to be an ARC reader for the book send me an email at matthewolney9@gmail.com and I’ll add you to my growing ARC team.

The new look Unconquered: Blood of Kings will be released later this year!

A Halloween Book Sale

It’s October, which means we’re gearing up for Halloween. To celebrate this spooky time of year I’ve put the Crimson Blade (if you love assassins and evil witches) you’ll love this book on sale for just 0.99p/c from now until the end of the month! Get your copy from the link below.

Buy Now

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Get the first two books and special bonus companion guide of the Empowered Ones Saga for just 0.99p/c until October 1st. 
This boxset is normally priced at 6.99 so do not miss out on this special sale. 
The boxset contains –
The First Fear
The Temple of Arrival
The Empowered Ones companion book

Praise for the Empowered Ones series
‘A thrilling, action packed Fantasy adventure’ – Damien Larkin‘Fans of Sanderson will love this one’ – The Bookwrym speaks
“This was such a great book! LOVED it!!! Highly recommend!” – Amazon reviewer“Really good ideas and a fun read!” – Amazon reviewer “Amazing world building” – Amazon reviewer
“Wow I wasn’t expecting this book to be so good!” – Good Reads reviewer
“The First Fear is a gripping, action packed tale” – Good Reads reviewer
“Loved how the magic worked, loved our hero, Elian, can’t wait to read more!” – Good Reads reviewer

Buy for just 0.99p/c

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It’s been a while since my last author interview, but I hope to get back to posting more of these again! Anyhow, today’s interview is with Kimberly Hennessy, author of She Runs with Wolves.

Hi, tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to write? My name is Kimberly Hennessy, and as far back as I remember I’ve always been telling stories. Before falling asleep I’d imagine these worlds and rehearse the same snippet over and over in my head. Growing up I loved writing papers, and poems but I didn’t think I could do it as a living. After completing my BSc in psychology, I travelled, did the odd job here in there and realized that I love to write, which is something I could do while raising my children. I started writing screenplays, and after earning my MA in screenwriting I started on my first book. She Runs With WolvesWhat appeals to you most about the fantasy genre? What fascinates me the most is the possibility.Tell us a little bit about your latest project and the challenges you’ve faced putting it all together? My novel She Runs With Wolves is a scifi\fantasy dystopia. It is a book near and dear to my heart. I wrote a book that I wanted to read, that included woman empowerment, kick ass fight scenes, wolves, Artificial intelligence, and a post-apocalyptical world that needed re-building. The challenges were putting all those ideas together I joke, but it’s true. I had a good idea of what I wanted, how I wanted the story to flow, and like many writers the beginning and the ending were particularly clear to me, but how to get there was very blurry. I’m not one of those writers that writes a whole book in a single sitting. I add, delete, add some more, and go through that process a thousand times until I have a book. The book is available on amazon.com now. What type of characters do you like to write the most and how much of yourself do you put into them? I’ve noticed from my screenplays, and my last two books, I love to write vulnerable characters, real people that completely unravel and descend into  hell without necessarily finding their way out of that hole, but accepting their fate and composing with that fate.For any wannabe writers out there what’s the most useful thing you’ve learned? That your first draft is not a book. You will re-write that sucker at least twenty more times.What writing tricks do you utilise to hit your deadlines and keep your stories on track? I’ve dubbed myself the Slow Writer. Deadlines aren’t my strong point, but I do make of habit of writing everyday. I use prowritingaid to help me keep my stories lean and the sentences varied, which helps a lot during the editing process.Are you a plotter or a pantser (make it up as you go)? I am a planner, and I love to try and get my whole story down into detailed outline, but often times I’m not sure if an idea works or not until I have worked it out on paper. I will try to stick to my outline, but at some point I let the natural flow of the story evolve otherwise it stunts my creativity and I get writers block.What plans do you have for the future? A new series or perhaps a dip into other genres? I still have to write part 2 of She Runs With Wolves, but I’m also working on a historical fiction under a different pen name set in the early 1900 of Ireland and Canada. I’m also set to write three screenplays this year, so I will be very busy.With the world the way it is at the moment what sort of tales do you prefer? Ones with heroes where good triumphs over evil or ones that take a darker approach? I’m doom and gloom gal. I really love dark stories, and often times I turn to scifi dystopia, but the truth is I love all sorts of books like murder mysteries, rom-com’s, and historical. I turn to these when I want to unplug.What’s better, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Star Wars? This is like asking me to choose between my children. They all offer something different. My gut reaction would be Star Wars 1-2-3, but I can’t even tell you the number of times I went to see Lord Of the Rings at the movies (it’s embarrassing) I’m currently re-reading Harry Potter with my son, and rediscovering J.K Rowlings incredible talent.

I love to chat about books, movies, book to screen adaptations and Netflix. People on my newsletter are always quick to talk about some film or other they want to discuss and it’s such an amazing community. https://kimberlythennessy.com/

I post a lot about daily events on my facebook, where again people comment and shoot the breeze with me. Most recently how we can’t wait to see Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. https://www.facebook.com/kimberlyThennessy

And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyt.hennessy/

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It’s release day for The Crimson Blade! If you’re a fan of darker fantasy, assassins and criminal underworlds you’ll enjoy this one. Set twenty years before the events of Heir to the Sundered Crown you will discover just who the mysterious Crimson Blades assassins are and how they came to be. Here’s the blurb –

Killers, Murderers, Assassins.

The Crimson Blades strike fear into the hearts of all who cross their path.

When, Vaylin a low born merchant sees his wife and child murdered by the Knights of Niveren for wielding magic, he embarks on a quest for revenge that will cut a bloody swathe through the Kingdom of Delfinnia.

As he embarks on his deadly quest of vengeance, he will be embroiled in the realms criminal underworld and encounter an ancient evil that promises him the power he seeks to enact his bloody retribution.

With the Crimson Blade in hand, Vaylin will become an unstoppable killing machine but in exchange, he must sacrifice everything, including his soul.

Get your copy today in ebook and paperback formats! BUY NOW

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Hello I hope you’re doing well. Today I have something special to announce, a new book release!

The Empowered Ones boxset includes both books in the series as well as the short companion book and it’s price is actually cheaper than if you buy the books separately. Check out the synopsis of both books below. If the demand is there I will also make it available in paperback and hardback. Let me know if you want physical editions!

—Get the first two books of the action packed fantasy adventure in the Empowered Ones series boxset!

In this world Emotions grant incredible powers.

The Supreme rules the world.

For years, the people of her Imperium have lived in fear. Dreams of freedom are long dead for most. Those that could challenge her are in hiding.

Yet hope remains. Following an incident, Elian, a young man living at the edge of the Imperium, discovers he possesses powers with devastating consequences for both himself and the people he loves.

Forced to flee from the Supreme’s most deadly agent, Elian encounters a ragtag band of resistance fighters and a group of powerful rebels led by a charismatic leader, who believes that the key to overthrowing the Supreme lies in the ancient ruins of the once mighty Kingdom of Aeranyth.

Can Elian survive long enough to develop his newfound abilities and help the rebels turn the tide against the Supreme? Or will he die trying?

The Temple of Arrival

Betrayed.Hunted.

The Liberators defiant stand at the city of Asta has sparked the fires of resistance in the downtrodden people. Slaves, serfs and even members of the aristocracy have risen against the regime and flock to the Liberator banner.

As conflict spreads across the world, the Supreme’s gaze is fixated on Elian more than ever. Reeling from his mentor’s betrayal and battle with the First Fear he is hunted relentlessly by Hollowed and Venerable Chamber Seekers.

The only person who can help Elian is a mysterious Empowered One–who he’s not even sure he can trust. Terrible secrets await. Secrets about himself. Secrets that could herald the end of all things.

Temple of Arrival is the second book in the exciting Empowered Ones fantasy series. If you like action, sprawling battlefields, and power enhanced heroes, then you’ll love this series.

GET THE BOOK

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As the SPFBO continues and as the judges start eliminating books at speed I will be interviewing as many entrants as I can regardless of whether they progress to the next rounds. Indie authors need all the good publicity they can get and I am happy to do it. Today I interview S.D. Howarth the author of The Tryphon Odyssey.

Hi S.D. Howarth tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to write?

I live in East Yorkshire with my wife, children and eternally hungry cats. I bypassed kids books at school and went into adult adventure books and military history. Since then I wanted to write, but deferred it until an enforced break from computer gaming, then looked at seriously working at it after I dinged 40. Then the learning process began.

What appeals to you most about the fantasy genre?

The breadth and scope available to play with. You can do something close or offbeat to existing history, or go all out and do your own thing. You can keep it small and local, spread through time, or massively encompassing. Everything is there in the toolbox to play with, and if it isn’t, you can change it so it is, with and without limitation

Tell us a little bit about your latest project and the challenges you’ve faced putting it all together?

Mt debut novel The Tryphon Odyssey is available from Amazon from May 2021, and was an entrant in SPFBO7. Worldbuilding was a mix of Civilization & Warcraft gaming inspirations, with archaeological/historical references to keep it grounded as an evolution to ‘What if’. The novel could be described as nautical fantasy in a medieval period, with a few twists due to environmental calamities. The main challenges were a lack of primary sources to the original worldbuilding, once you dig past Christian and much earlier Roman influences in historical accounts, and looking to archaeology instead – where it exists. Then the pounding and evisceration to turn the manuscript into something readable around the day job and children. The duration of that is something you don’t expect, when putting pen to paper.

What type of characters do you like to write the most and how much of yourself do you put into them?

People who I can develop and throw into events, or what I’d like to read. Sometimes based off historical individuals – sometimes more inspirational than fiction, or someone who came out of the woodwork and is fun to play around with, particularly when in over their head.

For any wannabe writers out there what’s the most useful thing you’ve learned?

Patience. If I can do it, anyone can, but you need to set time aside and work through the fun, the challenge and the frustrations. When time is a challenge, keep chipping away, the greatest source of stress will be yourself adding pressure.

What writing tricks do you utilise to hit your deadlines and keep your stories on track?

What deadlines – I’m in the plebite ranks.

Are you a plotter or a pantser (make it up as you go)?

Panster, but some structure will kick in to define key events and POV.

What plans do you have for the future? A new series or perhaps a dip into other genres? ‘The Tryphon Odyssey’ is the first in a trilogy, with a rough draft for another couple of trilogies, ideas for a prequel origin novel and a standalone side project in The World of Sanctuary. I also have a Steampunk/Flintlock world called Crater, which morphed out of a short story ‘Halidom’ in the Blackest Spells Anthology by Mystique press which I was developing with a few short story ideas.With the world the way it is at the moment what sort of tales do you prefer? Ones with heroes where good triumphs over evil or ones that take a darker approach?

Either, both work for me if entertaining, or have interesting characters or concepts. Something to pique my interest would be the distraction, I’m after as dark hunour can be amusing.

What’s better, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Star Wars?

Star Wars, the RPG saved the franchise for me in the 90s when it went silly, and the recent trilogy shows what works well, and less well when you only use part of the toolkit, and swap around the tools each film. The recent series and standalone movies resonate with the RPG feel and even with the tropes, they are fun.

(Please include any social media links – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.)

facebook.com/sd.howarth.79

http://twitter.com/Angry_Cumbrian

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