This is where you’ll find me in the future:

www.aj-cooper.com

Hope you like what you see!

Since its inception in 1996, the Odyssey Writing Workshop has become one of the most highly respected workshops for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror in the world. Top authors, editors and agents have served as guests at Odyssey, and 56% of graduates have gone on to be published. The workshop, held annually on the campus of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, runs for six weeks, and combines an intensive, advanced curriculum with in-depth feedback on students’ manuscripts. College credit is available upon request. Odyssey is for developing writers whose work is approaching publication quality and for published writers who want to improve their work. Those who attend must be ready to put aside all their other concerns and make a single-minded effort to improve their writing. This is a serious, demanding program. I’m constantly told by graduates that they learned more at Odyssey than they learned in years of workshopping and creative writing classes. You should not apply unless you are ready to hear about the weaknesses in your writing and ready to work to overcome them. Class meets for 4 hours minimum in the morning, 5 days a week, and students use afternoons, evenings, and weekends to write, critique each other’s work, and complete other class assignments. Students spend at least 8 hours on “homework” each weekday and 12 hours per day on the weekend. You should come prepared to write new material, either short stories or novel chapters. After the first two weeks, you will not be able to submit anything that was written before the workshop began, unless you have radically revised it since arriving at Odyssey. The only way to improve is to write new material that incorporates what you have learned. Odyssey is the only program of its kind run by an editor. I was a senior editor at Bantam Doubleday Dell, where I won the World Fantasy Award for my editing, and I serve as primary instructor at the workshop. Half of our class time is spent on lectures, writing exercises, and discussions. In my lectures, I provide an advanced, comprehensive curriculum, covering the elements of fiction writing in depth. To improve your writing, you need to understand the various tools and techniques writers can use to create a strong story. Many workshops, unfortunately, offer only brief, superficial lectures. We study some of the most beautiful and powerful writing in the field to gain understanding of what these tools can do when wielded with skill. I also explain the common failings of developing writers and how to avoid those pitfalls. The other half of our class time is spent workshopping student stories. In critiquing stories, I give the same unflinchingly honest, concrete, detailed feedback that I provided as a senior editor. My typewritten critiques average over 1,200 words each, and my handwritten line edits on manuscripts are extensive. Everyone in the class learns to become a top-notch critiquer, providing insightful feedback on your work. Workshopping sessions are designed to maximize their helpfulness. You will not be coddled, and you will not be attacked. You will learn how to improve your writing and gain insight into why a story might or might not sell to a publisher. Anyone interested in applying should read “Workshopping at Odyssey” by David J. Schwartz, class of ’96. Since I’ve worked with many writers over the course of my career, I understand that each writer works differently, so I also work individually with students. Over the six weeks, I chart each student’s progress in a series of private meetings, where we discuss personal strengths and weaknesses. We target those weaknesses one by one and work to conquer them. The workshop is limited to sixteen students so that each student can receive significant individual guidance. Guest lecturers come in once a week, for about a 24-hour period, to add their own unique insights and perspectives, and to give students feedback on their work. Lecturers for the 2012 workshop include some of the top teachers in the field: acclaimed authors Paul Park, Elaine Isaak, Barbara Ashford, and Craig Shaw Gardner; and top agent Jennifer Jackson. I’m excited to report that our 2012 writer-in-residence is is New York Times best-selling author Jeanne Kalogridis. Jeanne is the author of more than thirty books, including historical novels, dark fantasy, and novelizations. She has written in many different genres, and has even written several nonfiction titles. The New York Times called her Family Dracul trilogy “authentically arresting”; Robert Bloch, author of Psycho, called it “terrifying.” Her novels are renowned for their detail and evocativeness. Jeanne is also an amazing teacher and mentor. She will be lecturing, workshopping, and meeting with students for the entire fifth week, a wonderful opportunity for the class. The other weeks will be structured as described above. Those who apply by January 31 will be considered for early admission. We created the possibility of early admission to help those who, if admitted, need several months to arrange their affairs before the workshop begins. Applicants will be notified by February 28 whether they have been admitted under the high standards of early admission or whether their applications will be held over for consideration for regular admission. Those who apply by the regular application deadline of April 7 will be informed of their status by May 1.

Despite my silence, please subscribe to my blog, follow me on Twitter or ‘like’ my FB page so I can tell you when I have a better idea when things will be published. It’s going to be a while, but don’t forget me!

2011 Overview

• I queried about 30 agents, had some close calls and my first ever full requests – as well as glowing feedback and a request for future stories from a junior agent whose boss, unfortunately, wasn’t looking for fantasy – but alas, they did not bear fruit.
• I had a down period after Odyssey during which I couldn’t write anything (I finally recovered after about February).
• I independently e-published “Nocturne, Son of the Night” to interesting results.
• I finished Book 2 in the Reev series and started Book 3.
• I had taken a break from submitting when a chance opportunity simply fell from the sky like a silver idol of Artemis, and then developed into something more… I will elaborate on that, once I have signed the contract (I consider it unprofessional to announce something in specifics before it’s written in ink).

As for Nocturne, the initial results were disappointing. I sold 1 the first month in the UK (to a person I didn’t know) and one in the US from my sister. I had a really glowing review on a blog – which I’m still proud of – that led to an immediate sale. I sold one in Canada on Kobo (and in Ontario, no less). I was selling steadily 1-3 copies a month, give or take, throughout 2011. November was among my worst months. Then, in December, I sold more than three times March (my best month) in the US. I’m looking forward to where it leads, and I’m happy about the upward trend and the international appeal of my book. I’m interested that Nocturne has attracted paranormal romance readers (in the UK, the US, and Canada all.) Have they fallen in love with Nocturne? Who knows? I would advise readers, however, that “Nocturne” is not a supermarket vampire romance but instead a fantasy story/coming of age tale/vampire memoir that has a little bit of romance in it. Now, I can say I am happy about Nocturne and my e-book journey, and hoping that the modest but substantial explosion of sales continues into 2012.  Also, the US kindle store finally has an also-bought page (thank you, God) so I know the sales are not exclusively to people I know. Sometimes it reverts into also viewed, which I don’t understand.

As for the Dark One’s Hand, you may have to wait a while to hear the new release date, but an announcement should be coming up soon. Watch the blog for details. Also, await a new fantasy short story either available on Kindle or in a magazine.

I’m looking forward to seeing where 2012 takes me. That said, here are my personal goals.

PRODUCTIVITY

1. I will write for, at minimum, 1 hour a day (with weekends as potential makeup time)
2. I will write 1 SUBMITTABLE (sic) short story, minimum, per week, or finish a substantial portion of a novel.
3. I will finish EVERY story I write, no matter how bad, and even if I have to trash it.
4. I will rest on each story and come back to it in the morning to revise with fresh eyes.
5. I will use the rest of my writing time to finish 1 novel or 2 novels, as the Muse allows, preferably 1 Reev series book and 1 non-Reev series, and preferably non-Varda, book.

CAREER

1. Short Stories
   1. I will submit one short story per week to every appropriate paying magazine—starting from professional rates and going downward. I will not stop submitting until every appropriate magazine is exhausted, and I will not obsess about any particular story or magazine; I will write and submit another story.

i.      If I am accepted by a magazine: once it is within my rights, I will e-publish it, stating that it was published in “So-and-so Magazine on so-and-so date.”

ii.      If I am rejected by all magazines, I will (a) e-publish it or (b) submit to token/nonpaying magazines.

1. Once I get up to 10 short stories in circulation, I will not go below that number (see DWS’s short story race). I will strive to go beyond that.
2. Novels
   1. Once finished, I will query agents. Failing that, I will multiple submit to publishers. Failing that I will seriously consider e-publishing.

NETWORKING

1. I will attend the World Fantasy Convention 2012 in Toronto and meet up with my Odyssey friends, professional writers I know, and editors I know.
2. I will join the Codex Writers Group, a “neo-pro” group for Odyssey, Clarion, and OSC graduates where I can get critiques and support.

“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.

“The Lonen Tribe lives in the gloomy eastern parts of Quilda. Their largest city is Naremon. They do not worship the gods; instead, they worship Lady Nil—Nothingness—whom they consider to have existed long before the material universe came into being. They live as if no gods exist; temples and priesthoods do not concern them.

“Up until the fifth century, there existed another tribe of elves known as the Sorelden. They were skilled in the arts of magic and divination but their practices of sacrifice and their eagerness to war—as well as their worship of a dark demoness—led the other tribes to call them ‘The Fallen Elves.’ By the grace of the gods, a tribe of humans crossed into their land, brought their dark temples to ruin, and now none of the Sorelden remain.

“An extant tribe of great strength is the Umen, who live in the rainy forests of the great pines in the peninsula on the western part of Quilda. Due to their lack of civilization, some call them ‘the Wild Elves.’ They are unparalleled archers, trackers, and hunters. Their largest city is Darum, but in size it is not nearly as great as the other cities of Quilda. The Umen Tribe mostly keeps itself out of others’ affairs. One oddity is that their leader, the High Druid, is simultaneously a priest, a wizard, a warrior, and a ruler, and does not inherit the throne but achieve it.

“Now we will discuss the lesser tribes. The ‘Plains Elves’ of Kardir roam the rock-strewn plains far to the southeast; they are not especially civilized and do not have writing. The Nurnen, who live on the northern coast of the Elven Sea, are wise and civilized but few in number due to the harsh climate; they ride on domesticated reindeer and sell themselves as mercenaries (they are mighty warriors.) Along the eastern coast of the Elven Sea are halfbreeds (half-human, half-elves) who are renowned for their beauty yet forbidden in marriage. There is a rumor that another tribe lives far to the west, deep in the ocean, in a mystical land known as Golden Isle. Far away lives a reviled race of elves called the druen, or vampires; speaking of them is considered inexcusably rude—however, some have secretly told me they believe druen-elves live among them.”

- written ca. 860 Y.E.

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

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.

Bregantium was formed by the Imperials in Y.E. 275 at the mouth of the river. It grew quickly in size and in Y.E. 316 was made the capital of the new province of Gad. During the Helanesian-Imperial War from Y.E. 451 to 460, the city was burned and completely razed to the ground by the Helanesian general Nikos. Following the defeat of the Helanesians, a new Governor’s Mansion was built, which still stands to this day. During the widespread rebuilding period into the early 500s, Bregantium served as a major port transporting wood from the northern lumbering town of Brill to abroad. Its function as a major port to and from Gad continues to this day.

Bregantium is located on the southernmost part of the province of Gad, and the northernmost region affected by the temperature-moderating Imperial Sea. Bregantium is blessed with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. A few miles north, the summer weather grows sticky and hot and the winter weather far colder. Throughout Bregantium’s impeccably-clean streets are palmettos and myrtles, causing some provincials to call it a “southern paradise.” However, there exists a darker side as well.

The working class, which mostly loads and unloads cargo, lives in crammed apartment buildings that grow unbearably hot in the summer months. Others are luckier and spend their lives as house servants to the wealthy Imperials. Still others live on the streets, keeping themselves alive by stealing bread or (less successfully) begging for it. Those who visit, however, rarely catch a glimpse of these people’s lives.

Bregantium, being the capital city of Gad, houses the huge, bright-white Governor’s Mansion lined with colonnades and marble statues. The current governor, granted power by the emperor himself, is a man named Felix Myrtles. Some of the provincials believe Felix governs without them in mind and never leaves the gubernatorial city, but he argues that he undertook a province-wide tour three years ago in Y.E. 1148.

The fairy-priestesses’ power stems from the fey—pixies, goblins, will o’ wisps, and others—that they collect into their personal “court.” Because they have powers, people often refer to the priestesses as “fey-witches” or even just “witches.” The priestesses’ fey court grant them powers that in some ways resemble the magic of wizards; however, their powers tend toward the manipulative rather than the aggressive, and are generally not as effective in direct battle. A skilled priestess of Feanara may make another fall in love with her through bewitchment, or cause people she’s only just met to view her as a good friend; other powers include creating vivid dreams while the bewitched is sleeping and aiding the long-term healing of a wounded soldier.

Some higher-ranking priestesses are bound to knights, and the troubadours in the royal and ducal courts often sing songs of their forbidden love. These heavily-armed, heavily-armored knights of the realm help give the priestesses special protection in battle.  One of the most famous of these pairs is the original queen of Zarubain, Melisande Hernaut, and her knight companion, Sir Jourdain of Gundavold, who led armies against the feuding Zarube tribes and brought them under one rule.

Full priestesses are referred to as reverend ladies because they are considered on the same societal level as the nobility. In all, there are probably 1,000 reverend ladies and four times as many subordinate priestesses. The domains of the priestesses are called weyrds. Reverend Ladies who own land are considered to own grand weyrds.

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.

The World Dragon, Elda, fought the chief titan, Yorann, but was slain by his thunder-spear. She became the bare sphere of the Earth. A bit of saliva fell from Yorann’s mouth and landed on the body of Elda, fertilizing it and creating the first plants, fungi and vegetation.

The Danen (gods) came second, but in spirit they were first. In spirit they had existed before the titans and before Elda, and before time itself. They were pure spirits native to the universe. Now when the titans came and caused the creation of the physical world, the Danen took physical form on the slopes of the world of Danda. Their power was passing great. The Naia were created by the Danen to be their servants and warriors. Seymus, the most beautiful creature of all the Naia, was called their lord. He was exceedingly powerful, more powerful than any of the Danen except for Alabaster.

He was jealous of the High God’s power. With the gods’ unwitting permission, Seymus created a secondary shade of Danda—the rocky, fire-scorched slopes of Nirbol—and created a barrier which the Danen could not penetrate. Then he openly rebelled against the Danen and attempted to murder Alabaster but failed. He and his followers crossed over and slinked back into Nirbol. He and the Naia were twisted to evil, becoming perverse shades of what they once were. Meanwhile, the Danen heard of Elda’s death and the Titans’ invasion.

The High God, Alabaster, traveled the Great Expanse, accompanied by Feanara and Cerne. Out of dust, water and air Cerne created the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and the beasts who wander the Earth. Out of pure magic Feanara created the fey of all shapes and sizes, visible and invisible. With his mighty powers of creation Alabaster formed the two Elder Races—the impulsive, short-lived humans and the wise, long-lived elves. The rock god Peong created the dwarves. The war god Tyr created the Rokahn. Nearly every god created a race in his own image.

Now the Earth was paradise. But the Naia, led by Seymus, heard of this creation and traveled the Great Expanse. They planted a seed of evil in Varda, and corrupted the Earth. They perverted the Rokahn into servants of evil, much to Tyr’s anger, and broke them away from the service of the war god. They planted a seed of wickedness within humans, making them corruptible. They caused animals to prey upon each other.

They perverted the invisible creatures who gave life to the Earth into something called disease. They tainted Elynthe, the world’s wellspring of magic, and caused a dark, Forbidden side to form which could be used for evil. Feanara, goddess of the fey, was greatly troubled to see the Earth’s corruption. She created a shade of Earth which she preserved from evil. Mortals could happen upon it only rarely; it was created for her own kind. She created the Enchanting, a beautified version of the Earth where the Fey—whether korrigan, will-o’-wisp, goblin or otherwise—could live without the influence of evil. Here, Feanara would make her home.

Now the Titans were still alive in those early days, and Yorann intended to destroy both the Danen and the Naia. However, the Danen, led by Alabaster,  stole Yorann’s spear and slew the titan king. Alabaster killed the remaining titans with the spear and then hurled the spear at the earth. When he pulled out the lightning-spear, it broke apart the various continents and formed mighty seas out of the wellsprings of the earth. The creation and corruption of the earth was now complete.

The war between the Danen and the Naia continues to this day.

- Danthai the Highborn, Head Historian
Compiled and Reviewed at the Library of Danarion
11 Anthanos, 661 Y.E.

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.

The king and his court live in an expansive palace built on the central island, Royal Isle, while the dauphin lives in a smaller palace on an nearby island. There are no bridges to these islands; they can only be accessed by riverboats, which are banned in the city except for a small route where trading ships may go. The rest of the nobility lives in Emerald Isle, which is connected to the rest of the city via a heavily-guarded bridge.

Zarubad’s all-female priesthood serves the Green Lady, also known as the Fairy Goddess, or Feanara. The priestesses live in another island known as Convent Isle. There lies numerous shrines, living quarters, and — towering above it all — the Lady’s Cathedral, a massive building that took 40 years to complete.  The rest of the population lives in destitute poverty.

The poor work in the docks, clean out sewage, and perform manual labor. Most elves—all, by law, slaves—work in the country, but there are a handful who work in Zarubad. These lower classes always live in the shadow of the stark-white Royal Palace and can see it through the sprawl of low-lying hovels, shanties, and shops. They are held in check by the nobility-backed guards, who are well armed and armored and highly trained.  In times of war, these lower classes are compelled to serve as footmen under the supervision of more powerful Knights of the Realm. The constant work, terrible living conditions, and dismissive treatment have made some of these laborers whisper the word  “revolution,” but right now it is only a whisper, not a reality.

Outside the city limits lies a small walled area where the ratlings live. They are not permitted to enter Zarubad. North of the river lies a heavily-wooded region where the king hunts and has a summer estate.