2011: A Good Year

2011 was difficult at first, but became fruitful once I got back on the proverbial track.

On The Peoples and Tribes of the Elf Lands

A field report by Zarube Ambassador, Ambrose Evarest

“The proudest and most ancient tribe of elves is the Lamen, ruling from the capital city of Danariom. Among the other elf-tribes they are considered exceedingly accomplished in the subjects of magic, alchemy, and the sciences. In war they are unequalled except against the Lonen, whom many consider their shadow-image.

Unofficial Announcement

No official announcement yet because it’s not legally binding (i.e., contract not signed), but I have some good news to share. The short of it: “The Dark One’s Hand” may be available within the next year or so. Throughout the process of publishing Nocturne, I realized I don’t very much enjoy marketing, nor do I enjoy being (or being called, especially being called) an “independent author.” I really detest the marketing aspect, the whole process of telling people about my work. In fact, I haven’t done much promotion at all and in general, have just let people come to me (Thank you, MaryFrikkenPoppins).

The editing process has only just begun. None of this is legally binding but I just wanted to let my readers know that a new book should be available soon in both print and digital editions, with hopefully more work to follow. Look out for an official announcement in the next couple of months. Until then, I’ll continue writing.

- Andrew

City Profile: Bregantium

Country: The Empire
Province: Gad
Flag: A palmetto bug against a green field.

The patron god of the seaside town of Bregantium is none other than Bregedo, lord of money, trade, and the metals gold and silver. By any measurement, their patron god has blessed them. The white-pillared houses of wealthy merchants overlook the steep, rocky cliffs on the eastern quarter of the shoreline. Lining the sandy western side of the city are docks, where spices, perfumes, exotic goods, and sacks of grain are unloaded throughout the day, and freights full of timber depart for less wooded provinces.

Profile: Fey Priestesses

The priestesses of the Green Lady, Feanara, are most commonly found (and hold the most political power) in the feudal kingdom of Zarubain. Only females are allowed to join the priesthood. Until the age of 33, they must stay abstinent. Upon reaching that age, they may take a husband of the knightly caste; however, rumors abound that marrying a priestess is bad luck and brings misfortune.

A selection from THE CREATION OF THE WORLD

By Danthai the Highborn

It is written that the Titans came first. They hailed from the farthest reaches of the Great Expanse between the Worlds, and were unnatural to the Universe. The catastrophe of their coming caused a fiery explosion which carved a physical world out of the empty black Nothing.

City Profile: Zarubad

Population: approx. 120,000
Country: Zarubain
Nicknames: “The Royal City.” “The City of Bridges.”

The city is built upon a partially submerged river valley with numerous islands. Because of this, the city is mostly accessed via large bridges that span most of the islands. The ocean moderates the temperature so that the air is pleasantly warm in the summer and chilly in the winter.

Country Profile: Nardur

Of all nations in Varda, perhaps none are as dangerous to humans as Nardur. Nardur’s inhabitants are called druen: Elvish for “people of the night.” Humans also call the druen vampires, or, when they distinguish them from the inhabitants of Sardur, the Ice Vampires (as opposed to the Hill Vampires.)

How about a book review?

When I first finished “‘Salem’s Lot,” I wasn’t completely blown away. Over time, it began to affect me more and more, and I read certain passages over and over again. I realized how brilliant it was; a synthesis of classic novels and macabre pulp-horror. It was an American Dracula.

Some might say it’s a copy off Dracula, but that, in my opinion, is why it’s so fascinating. As Stephen King admitted in the back of the book, it began as a question: “What would happen if Dracula came to 1975 America?” He delivers it brilliantly. I think this will become a true classic, years after it was published. So far it’s my favorite of Stephen King’s books. 10/10

Currently reading: Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser

Book Two Finished

(I finished) a short first draft, but I have the story down. It has nothing to do with “Nocturne, Son of the Night” except that Nocturne makes an appearance as a minor character.

The title is tentatively “The Sage’s Shield,” although I’m 99% sure that will change. It’s 45,000 words or 205 pages. I expect it to be about 60,000 or about 270-300 pages when I’m done.

I introduced several new characters. Book 3 will probably commence by the end of the year, once Book 2′s revisions are done.