Everything Continues

This is basically a mid-inactivity update, since I expect the blog to be quiet for some time yet. The following items are in order of (roughly) decreasing relevance to this blog.

Book IV, Digital Necromancy, is completed. Over half my beta readers are busy at the moment, so I'm not sure when it will be ready for release. August seems overoptimistic, thanks to later updates.

The Currently Writing page is updated after months of inactivity, for those who care.

I haven't finished my fantasy overview for no legitimate reason. I will try to get this done over the next several months.

I've completed a doorstopper. Epic fantasy, 250k+ words, etc. I have a specific market in mind for this one, so it won't be seen any time soon, but that explains what's been consuming all my writing time recently. This is my first time sitting down and intending to write something this long, and I think it went relatively well, though I've learned things for next time.

The completion of my current contract approaches. My next jobs are lined up, but I will be moving twice over the next several months. The permanent move will be in August, and I may lack internet access for a while, hence an additional reason for delays.

Guest Post: Epic Fantasy

Joyce Alton asked me to write about the fundamental elements of epic fantasy, so I came up with a semi-lengthy post that's over on her blog, Yesternight's Voyage. Go read it, by the curly beard of Bupkis the Terrible.

Otherwise, things are likely to remain pretty quiet here for several months at least.

The Rainbow of Doom Launched

As war draws closer, the first shots have already been fired at Axis University. The attacks have thrown three students together into an unlikely alliance: Blake, scion of Darkness; Keisha, servant of Light; and Aki, a wildcard with powers that don't fall anywhere on the continuum. That alliance grows tenuous as Aki's powers turn sinister, Keisha desperately searches for a deadly imposter on campus, and Blake has to pay his debts to Darkness.

This semester, the students face a bigger threat than attacks from outside - the faculty are taking sides and they aren't afraid to use their students as pawns. This time, they're not going to stumble into someone else's battle: they're the target.

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on Smashwords

Purchase on Createspace (paperback)
Listing on Goodreads

Author Notes

This book was more difficult than the others, because for the first time my beta readers were extremely divided on multiple issues. I tried to write something focused directly on the university, with less of the plotlines from other realms so that I could wrap up several things ongoing around campus. And of course, I was able to do a mystery plot the way I wanted to, even if it wasn't necessarily a good idea...

"The Bloody Veil" available free

For the next five days, for anyone with Amazon Prime. But if you fall into those categories, feel free to check out one of my favorite short stories I've put online:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00953BADY

Blurb: "In three hours, Hecate will be forced to marry a man she'd rather kill. They both know she'll sacrifice herself to save her fellow witches. But as Hecate considers the bloody path that led her to the altar, she realizes that there is one last chance to escape. A love story with more killing than your average romance."

Last time I made the story available free, I got a very kind review from someone going by ireneQ. It's always nice to get unsolicited reviews from people you don't know in real life, online, or anywhere else, especially when people enjoyed a story that much.

The deal ends on the 15th, though of course after that it's still available for free via Kindle Lending Library. Actually, the deal may not have started yet for all of you in North American time zones. But soon, probably before anyone reads this.

Mailing List Revamp

I never planned to heavily use my mailing list, but I did plan to use it more than once a year. So take a look to the right to notice the signup form, with it's car salesman style incentives.

This short story is a bit of an interesting case. You'll see why it wasn't in Sorcery and Scholarships, but if you want more clarity on the magic system or to see the characters again, you might enjoy it. If there's anyone who wants to join the mailing list but doesn't care about The Dying War, I intend to get something else for you. Note that I say "intend" instead of "plan."

I've finally updated the Currently Writing page (though not with anything exciting) and also added one more FAQ, though getting asked one time is stretching the definition even further.