Monday, December 23, 2019

Holiday Hiatus

Welcome everyone!

I hope you are having a joyous holiday season. This is one of my favorite times of year, especially since I get to see family members that live so far away from me. 

It's also the busiest time of year for me. As a result, I'll be pausing new posts on this site until after the new year. 

Don't worry, though! New Thursday Reveals and extras are coming. We're going to have a great time together in 2020.

Until then, I hope you enjoy your holidays and time off from work! I'll see ya next year :)



Peace,

-Troy

Friday, December 20, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-12-20

Welcome everyone!

The holiday season is almost upon us! I, for one, am glad. I need a break. Work, writing, publishing, and everything else has certainly taken its toll on me this December. Time for some RnR.

However, that doesn't mean I'll be abandoning my books entirely. Nope. There are several things I'd like to accomplish this weekend:

  • Record more chapters for the Book 2 audio book
  • Start making progress on outlining Book 3
  • Order the book trailer for The Huntsman and the Vampire
If I can do all that, I'll have a successful weekend. I hope you do too.

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, December 19, 2019

*Thursday Reveal* The Full Hardback Cover

Welcome everyone!

Even though The Huntsman and the Vampire is available for pre-order, we're still proceeding with a reveal every Thursday for now.

So far, I've shown you what the front, spine, and back covers look like, but to get a real appreciation for the art, you have to see the hardback cover which includes the front and back inside flaps.

I've so pleased with how it turned out this time. My cover artist is amazing. So without further ado, here it is:


I love the way the ravens extend onto the flaps. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the forests to carry across and still look right, but still, I think this is fantastic!

Let me know what you think!

Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Ordered My Proofs!

Welcome everyone!

Today, I ordered the proof copies for the paperback and hardback books of The Huntsman and the Vampire. I AM SO EXCITED!

Because of the busy holiday season, I probably won't receive them until after the new year. That's fine. I can't do much with them until then anyway.

However, you can bet that I will post a picture of myself holding them as soon as they come in. I can't wait to have them in my hands so I can really see what they look like compared to The Huntsman and the She-Wolf.

That's going to be such a rush. Can't wait :)



Peace,

-Troy

Monday, December 16, 2019

The Harrowing Experience of Putting a Book on Amazon

Welcome everyone!

The Huntsman and the Vampire marks the second time I've put up a book for sale on Amazon.com. Both times, it's been something of a hassle.

Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely grateful that such a large and wide-reaching organization allows little guys like me to sell my books there. It's a wonder democratization of the publishing process.

It is, however, irritating at times. For instance, both times my books have wound up in the weirdest categories. Currently, the Huntsman and the Vampire are in multi-cultural children's stories. That's just not right. I don't want to misrepresent the story that way. It really doesn't fit that genre.

So, now I have to go through the arcane process of getting customer service to change the categories for me. It's frustrating because sometimes they misunderstand what you want and screw it up again. So it becomes a game of submitting a request, checking for errors, submitting again, and so on.

Grumble grumble grumble heh heh. In the big picture, it's not that big of a deal. By the end of this week, it should be cleared up. Still, I wish there was an easier way to do this, especially since I have to bother customer service each time.



Anyway, happy holidays to all. I hope your weekend was successful. Welcome back to Monday :)

Peace,

-Troy

Friday, December 13, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-12-13

Welcome everyone!

You your Friday the 13th was uneventful. Mine was really fantastic. The launch of pre-orders went so much better than I anticipated. The response has been amazing and so very positive. I'm thrilled that so many of you like the cover. I think it's great too.

This weekend, I need to focus on getting more chapters in the audiobook recorded. I still need to do all the editing for it. I've also begun planning a launch party for my book, which I'll have more details about in the future.

Anyway, here's what I hope to accomplish this weekend:

  • Record more for the audio book
  • Commission book trailer for The Huntsman and the Vampire
  • Order proofs for the print versions of Book 2
  • Create teaser items for Thursday Reveals that will run through February
If I can do all that, I'll have a successful weekend. I hope you do too. :)

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, December 12, 2019

*Thursday Reveal* Cover - PreOrders - Launch Date

Welcome everyone!

Today's the big day! The cover is here, AND my book is now available for PRE-ORDER!!!!

I am terribly excited to bring it to you. Right now, The Huntsman and the Vampire is available in three formats: Kindle eBook, Paperback, and Hardback. Pre-ordering now will ensure that you get your copy on the launch day, which is February 12 - just in time for St. Valentines Day! A most appropriate day to give someone a rose (a Hunter's Rose), I believe.

With all that out of the way, let's get to the cover. No spoiler space this week. The book is already publicly available on Amazon HERE.

So without further ado, here it is:



The subject of the sequel is vampires and their lore in Celandine Valley. If you read the first book, then you'll remember that some Unhallowed creatures have a particular animal associated with them:

Werewolves - Wolves
Dwarves - Spiders
Sorceresses - Hounds
Warlocks - Snakes
Vampires - Ravens

Thus, a giant raven graces the cover of Book 2. Ravens also appeared at the beginning of The Huntsman and the She-Wolf, but now they will be featured much more prominently.

I'd like to take a moment to thank a few people. First, everyone who was in my beta-reading group. This book came along much more easily than the last one thanks to all your hard work. Next, I want to give a shout-out to my editor, Stephanie Eding. You were fantastic! Also, I must credit Eight Little Pages for the cover an layout. Their work is fabulous, and made even more amazing given the personal hardships they have faced. I really appreciate all you have done Claire and Chris, especially you, Claire. Finally, I want to say thank you to all my friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and students who have encouraged me and supported me through this. There are times I've been tempted to take a break or put off writing for other things. You've kept me on track, and that has made all the difference.

Thanks to one and all for your support. I'm glad I have a chance to bring you this sequel and continue the story of Tristan DeSavoie. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

Peace,

-Troy

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

One More Day Until the Cover Reveal for Book 2!

Welcome everyone!

Tomorrow is a big day. You'll finally get to see the full cover of Book 2. Last Thursday, I gave you a little teaser, but this week all will be revealed.

You know, it's one thing to write a book, but something else entirely to write a sequel. For me, the sequel really validates my accomplishment. The Huntsman and the She-Wolf wasn't just a flash-in-the-pan fit of inspiration. It truly was the start of something new.

The second book proves (to me at least) that I have the chops to be a writer and to stay a writer. I take great satisfaction in that.

It also means that the odds of the series being finished increase significantly, which is terribly important to me. I want to give all my readers a worthy story that they can enjoy now and for years to come as they reflect on the people and events of the world I've created.

So, tomorrow, I take a huge step toward meeting that goal. It's going to be awesome, and I am so glad you're taking it with me.



Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Onward!

Welcome everyone!

So, I got the problem worked out with the printer. It was much easier than I expected, which is a nice surprise. When something doesn't require moving heaven and earth to accomplish it's nearly shocking nowadays.

In addition, I've pretty much got the outline done for the next book in the series. I don't want to talk about it much since I want to focus on Book 2 right now.

So next up for Book 2, I need to get to work on the book trailer as well as some teasers and previews. These will take time, so other stuff needs to be put on hold for now.

Anyway, I hope things are going well for you. I'm glad to report that things are going smoothly here. Hope to see you back on Thursday for the COVER REVEAL and maybe another surprise with it.



Peace,

-Troy

Monday, December 9, 2019

Files Uploaded! - And There's a Problem....

Welcome everyone!

Pre-release for Book 2 is nearly here! Last night I began uploading the files to the book printer. Naturally, there was a problem.

It's a mistake of my own doing, nothing to do with the cover or layout, thank the Lord. However, it will add on a few extra days to fix. Had I been more careful, I would have caught it. The problem is, though, I was just too excited!

Putting a book up for printing and publication is necessarily a complicated ordeal, but there are a lot of steps. For instance, there were 32 tasks I had to complete last night when uploading. I'm not exaggerating that number. I messed up on one, and it threw the whole thing off.

So, as soon as the current render is complete, I'll have to go in and try to adjust it. The issue may require customer support, I don't know. Never-the-less, it will be resolved soon enough, I feel. This is the part of publishing I hate the most. It's all about anticipation and small problems causing big delays.

Ah well. Life's still good!

Just as a reminder. The full front cover of the book will be revealed this Thursday! Don't forget!



Peace,

-Troy

Friday, December 6, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-12-06

Welcome everyone,

I have yet another weekend filled with holiday activities and shopping. Unfortunately, I probably won't get a single free moment until Sunday evening. That means little time for writing and recording. Alas.

In that amount of time, however, I do hope to accomplish a couple things:

  • Prepare all final files for upload to IngramSpark and Amazon.
  • Continue outlining Book 3.

If I can do that, I'll have a good weekend. I hope you do too.

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, December 5, 2019

*SPOILER* 14th Reveal for Book 2 - Eyes on You

Welcome everyone!

We're getting very close to launching the pre-orders for The Huntsman and the Vampire. Honestly, it will be a relief.

But until then, we get to build up the anticipation some more. If you recall, prior to launching The Huntsman and the She-Wolf, I posted this teaser image:


This week, I'll be doing the same, only for the sequel!

The glowing red eye will become a signature for this series. I hope to continue that motif until the last book is finished. I really want to credit my fantastic cover-artist, Claire. She's amazing and nails exactly what I want each time. Her hard work is greatly appreciated.

So, as always, last warning before spoilers!
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And here it is!


What a haunting image, eh? From what is there, you might be able to infer what creature will grace the cover of Book 2. It's pretty rad, and next week, you'll get to see all of it!

So come back then, for both the reveal and perhaps a bit of a surprise. Take care of each other :)

Peace,

-Troy

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Plan for Pre-Release

Welcome everyone!

I've finalized how I will be launching Book 2, and I'm very excited to share that with you today. In the very near future, the eBook will go up on Amazon for pre-order. The paperback and hardback should follow closely thereafter. The audio book, though, can't be put on Audible for pre-orders, so we'll just have to wait on that one.

The pre-order period will last several weeks. Most authors suggest 3-6 months. Mine won't be that long. I couldn't stand waiting half a year to get a book I wanted to read. I won't make you wait that long either ;)

During the pre-order period I will still have reveals each week. I will be posting teaser videos, sample chapters to read, and the first chapter or two from the audio book.

All of this will lead up to release day which will be a very appropriate day for The Hunter's Rose series.



Anyway, we're coming close to the end of this part of the journey! I can't wait for you see what I've created. And don't forget, tomorrow will be a new reveal for the exterior of Book 2. See you then!

Peace,

-Troy

Monday, December 2, 2019

The Public Domain and You!

Welcome Everyone!

This year (2019) marked the first year in ages when authors and their works entered the Public Domain. In the 1990's Disney along with a bunch of other media companies convinced Congress to favor them over the common citizenry and extend copyright protections another 20 years.

Now, thanks to even more powerful (but not more likable) tech companies and a strong grass-roots movement, Congress refrained from extending those protections further.

As a result, several dozen authors' and artists' work entered the public domain allowing anyone so inclined to use their work however they pleased without a license. Most of them were people you've probably never heard of, but this coming January will be different.

On January 1st, 2020, Richard Connell and Margaret Mitchell will enter the Public Domain. You probably know them better by their works: The Most Dangerous Game and Gone With the Wind respectively.

Yes, starting in January, General Zaroff and Scarlet O'Hara will be available for authors and artists to add in their stories and expound without fear of lawsuits. Now, these are just for the written works, not the film adaptations - so be careful about that.

Connell and Mitchell are just the tip of the iceberg, though. Here's a list of other authors and the years when their works will be Public Domain:


2020Richard ConnellMargaret Mitchell
2021George OrwellGeorge Bernard ShawOlaf StapletonEdgar Rice BurroughsEdgar Lee Masters
2022Sinclair LewisAlgernon Blackwood
2023---------------------
2024Eugene O'Neal
2025---------------------
2026Thomas Mann
2027---------------------
2028Laura Ingles WilderDorothy Sayers
2029---------------------
2030---------------------
2031Albert Camus
2032Earnest Hemmingway
2033William FaulknerEE Cummings
2034Robert FrostSylvia PlathWilliam Carlos WilliamsAldous HuxleyC.S. Lewis
2035Flannery O'ConnorIan Flemming
2044JRR Tolkien

Some of the big ones are George Orwell (Animal Farm, 1984), Laura Ingles Wilder (Little House on the Prairie), Aldous Huxley (Brave New World), C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), Ian Flemming (James Bond), and J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings). Also, in 2024, Steamboat Willie enters the Public Domain.

Granted, some of those names are more than two decades out, but just imagine a budding writer sitting in a High School English class today. When that student becomes my age, a huge chunk of Tolkien's works will be freely available to all. Keep in Mind, Amazon paid a quarter billion dollars for those rights just last year.

This is a massive win for small-time authors. It's an even bigger deal for independent movie-makers. Each year, some of the greatest works ever written will become available for screenwriters to use in low-budget films.

The next 10-20 years will see a massive influx of new takes on old works. I, for one, cannot wait to see what people do.

Peace,

-Troy

Friday, November 29, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-11-29

Welcome everyone!

This weekend, I have shopping to do! Yes, Black Friday is upon us and gifts need getting, so today, that's my goal.

Saturday and Sunday are free, however, so I plan on getting back to work on my writing. Here's what I hope to accomplish:

  • Record more chapters in the Book 2 audio book.
  • Finish outlining the current section of Book 3 I'm working on.
  • Get together files for promotional material for Book 2.
If I can do all that, I'll have a successful weekend. I hope you do too. Happy Holidays!

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, November 28, 2019

*SPOILER* 13th Reveal for Book 2 - The Back Cover

Welcome everyone!

For those who are in America on this day, I'd like to start off by wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope the time you get to spend away from work and with family is joyful and refreshing.

On to the reveal!

The title of this post kinda gives it away, so I won't beat around the bush much. I'm now ready to reveal the full back cover of my second novella.

I wanted to go with a similar aesthetic to The Huntsman and the She-Wolf. I think you'll be able to note a bit of that here.

Also, this will be the first real hint about the storyline for the sequel. The blurb does appear on the back, so if you are wanting to avoid really for-real spoilers, then you definitely don't want to scroll any further down.

You have been WARNED!
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Not much else to say. Man, I love this cover! I can't wait for you to be able to get it in your hands. Please enjoy your weekend. Take care of each other!

Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Some Chapters are Hard, Others come so Easily

Welcome everyone!

Essentially, I am now finished with Book 2. I still have a few chapters to record for the audio book and of course publishing it on Amazon, Audible, and IngramSpark. But those are trivial matters, really.

As a result, I have to look ahead to Book 3 already. One of the curious things about writing I have discovered is how inconsistent it can be.

Some chapters flow from my mind to my hands and on to the computer screen with ease. I'll write 3,000 words like they were nothing. Other times, I'll get 500 words done and feel like I must have written 10,000 it took so long.

At times, the first draft is beautiful and inspired. Other times, it reads like I just typed instructions on how to prepare a recipe in the kitchen. It's dull, straightforward, and as enrapturing as a warranty pamphlet to read.

I can't explain that. I do know that almost all authors deal with that sort of thing, though. If you ever hear a writer say their first draft is "trash" or something of that nature, it's true! The rough copy reads so bad.



So anyway, that's what I'm looking at. More days of awesome writing and terrible writing. All in all, though, it is absolutely worth it. I haven't found any entertainment activity more fulfilling than writing. It's not something I ever plan on giving up.

Don't forget, there will still be a reveal for Thanksgiving. Please remember to check back!

Peace,

-Troy

Monday, November 25, 2019

Had Good Weekend - All Files Are In!

Welcome everyone!

After a terribly difficult week, I actually had an pretty good weekend. I got to go to a great classical music concert AND got a lot of work done on my writing.

Every goal I set last Friday, I was able to reach. That's not always the case, so I feel a ton better about where things stand right now with my writing.

Speaking of which, I have taken full possession of ALL FILES associated with Book 2! If I wanted, I could publish tomorrow. Now, I don't want to just yet, but we are just a few weeks away.

Expect another reveal this Thursday, even though it's the Thanksgiving holiday. Make sure you check back for that.

Also, thanks for all the support that you've sent my way. I really did appreciate all the emails and private messages. I want you to know that they helped tremendously.



Anyway, had a great weekend. I hope you did to.

Peace,

-Troy

Friday, November 22, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-11-22

Welcome everyone!

This weekend I have a lot to do. All of the files for Book 2 should be coming in. I still have a lot of recording and editing to do. I need to continue banging away at Book 3 so I can keep to a yearly schedule. Whew, I hope I can manage all that.

So here are my goals:

  • Final approval of all Book 2 files
  • Record at least 1 chapter of the Book 2 audio book
  • Continue outlining Book 3
If I can do all that, I'll have a good weekend. I hope you do too.

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, November 21, 2019

*SPOILERS* 12th Reveal for Book 2 - The Backbone of the Story

Welcome everyone!

It's good to have you here this week. It's been a hectic one for me. I've had a lot of unexpected responsibilities this week due to a tragic loss in my family. We're still grieving, but hopefully soon, things will return to normal.

That aside, it's time for another reveal! The good news is all work is now finished on the covers and interiors of my book! That means, if I wanted, I could publish Book 2 today.

I'm not quite ready, though. First, I just want to give everything a rigorous second viewing. I want to make sure there are no silly mistakes on the covers or with the illustrations.

With my first book, my layout artist forgot to include the map for the paperback and hardback versions. I didn't discover this until I got my first physical proofs, which is way too late in the game to catch something of that nature.

So this time, I'm being much more deliberate.

Anyway, let's get to the reveal. This is your last chance to turn back before you see any spoilers:
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I give you, The Spine!


I admit, I couldn't resist the play on words with "Backbone" in the title of this post. Anyway, the spine will give you a good idea about the color scheme and tone of the cover for The Huntsman and the Vampire. Also, the pine trees play a small but important role in the story. They represent a location Tristan will see in this book then return to again in the future. I'm really glad the cover artist was able to include them.

Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed this week's reveal. We are just weeks away from pre-orders. Please keep checking back as we get closer!

Peace,

-Troy

Monday, November 18, 2019

Welcome Back, Monday

Welcome everyone!

So kind of a tough weekend for me on a personal level. I experienced some wonderful highs and some crushing lows.

The triumph and tragedy of it all got me reflecting on what it means to have a successful or fulfilling life.

One thing I've decided is that if I ever get to see my great-grand kids, that will be a good accomplishment. I, personally, never got to know my great-grandparents. That's always been something I've regretted.

I also feel that a good life will leave something behind for the next generation. Not for personal glory or fame, but as a source of wisdom, knowledge, and history. That's why I'm so thankful for all the support I've been given with my books. Thank you SO MUCH to all of you who have encouraged me and brought me your books to sign. You are all dear to my heart.

I'm really not writing them for my own benefit, though I'd be lying if I ever said there wasn't any. The truth is, though, I'm writing them for young people: young people who are alive today and young people that will come along way after I'm gone.

I don't do this to preserve my name in the hopes I'll live on in memory or esteem. I do it because I've learned some hard lessons in life, and I would love it if my experiences help others through their own difficult times.



So anyway, yeah, I'm a little melancholy today. I hope your week is productive and bright. Don't forget to check back on Thursday. The next sliver of my cover will be revealed!

Peace,

-Troy

Friday, November 15, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-11-15

Welcome everyone!

This weekend I have a lot of personal items to attend to. I won't have any time at all for writing or recording, unfortunately. There are times in life when hobbies must be set aside for other, more weighty matters.

Nevertheless, I'll still be able to bounce ideas for Book 3 off some friends, family, and colleagues. So, that will have to suffice for this weekend.

Goals:

  • Continue conceptualizing the plot for Book 3
If I can do that, I'll have a good weekend. I hope you do as well.

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, November 14, 2019

*SPOILERS* 11th Reveal for Book 2 - THE TITLE!!!!

Welcome everyone!

I've been waiting a long time to share this with you. Since August, I have slowly revealed more and more about the interior of the sequel to The Huntsman and the She-Wolf.

I have greatly enjoyed that ride. We've been able to see some gorgeous locations as well as the unique roses that adorn several of the major characters in the novella. Each image is dear to me and resonates with a different emotion. I truly hope they mean as much, if not more, to you.

So now, we are ready to move from the interior to the exterior. The title will appear on Book 2 much like it did on Book 1. Many of the design motifs will be carried over from the original. I think that makes the series more recognizable as well as shows the evolution of the story over time.

One of the biggest decisions I had to make concerning the title is how it should be phrased. Should I keep the "The Huntsman and the ___________" or should I go with something different. I toyed with several names like:

  • Hunter's Sun
  • Hunter's Rise
  • Hunter's Quest
  • Journey of the Huntsman
None of those worked for me. I decided to keep the "The Huntsman and the ___________" format but what should go in the blank? There were a lot of options:
  • Judge
  • Tower
  • Keep
  • Vampire
  • Secret
  • Garden
  • Fountain
  • Scepter
  • Sword
  • Hound
I had to think which one would best describe the story and which one would best tie in to Book 1. It wasn't an easy choice, but if you scroll below, you'll get to see what I ended up selecting:
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I give you "The Huntsman and the Vampire" for your enjoyment!


And so now you know. I hope the title intrigues you. The cover is nearly finished. There just needs to be a few finishing touches to the hardback version. The interior is almost done as well. I'm waiting on about a dozen small corrections there. 

That means, by the end of this month, I could publish if I wanted. But why hurry? There is so much more I want to reveal before I do.

Until then, take care of each other.

Peace,

-Troy


Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Are you Ready for the Title of Book 2???

Welcome everyone!

We are getting closer and closer to the launch of Book 2. As we are counting down the weeks until it goes live, I've been revealing bits and pieces of it to you. Now, this week, I am ready to reveal the name!

As always, the revelation will be on Thursday (tomorrow). Make sure you check back to see it then. I'll be following the format I did last time with The Huntsman and the She-Wolf.

If you want to see how I did that, you can check out that post HERE.


Hope to see you back tomorrow. Spread the word!

Peace,

-Troy

Monday, November 11, 2019

A Good Weekend and A Great Blog Post

Welcome everyone!

I had a good weekend. I hope you did as well. I am glad to announce that I'm half way done recording the audiobook for Book 2 now!

It's a long road, with editing and mastering still ahead of me. Yet, I feel I'm starting to make real progress, which is a relief.

I also want to highlight a great blog article I read today. It's all about creating good villains for a story. If you're a writer or aspiring to be one, you might check it out HERE. It's written by the esteemed Kristen Lamb, who's always a good read IMHO.



Anyway, just checking in on a Monday. Until next time, take care of each other.

Peace,

-Troy

Friday, November 8, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-11-08

Welcome everyone!

This weekend, it's back to the audio book grindstone. I'm still working away at that thing and probably will be for a while. 

Other than that, I just saw the first draft of the hardback cover! It's looking good but I'm going to try something different with it. Hopefully, the artist can accommodate me. We'll see.

Anyhow, here's my goals:

  • Record more audio chapters
  • Continue preparations for Book 3
If I can to all that, I'll have a good weekend. I hope you do too.

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, November 7, 2019

*SPOILERS* 10th Reveal for Book 2 - A Beautiful View

Welcome everyone!

Hard to believe it's been ten weeks since we started this. We're getting down to the last of the interior images that I have for Book 2. So what does that mean? Haha! That means the cover is next!

So, be looking for reveals concerning that in the very near future. Anyway, let's move of to what we're revealing for this week.

One of the things I had to accomplish in The Huntsman and the She-Wolf was a brief tour of the setting. Everyone starting a book series wants to get a general idea of what the places are like and what the history says about the people.

While the main characters are on their way to investigate the coal stoppage in the mines, Phen and Mersha basically describe all the significant locations in Celandine Valley to Tristan. He, of course, was kept from the village school most of his life. His father provided all his education, and while it was full of reading, writing, bookkeeping, and pottery, it was very light on history and geography. Thus, his troupemates had to fill him in.

One of the locations they described appears in Book 2. Its location is far in the north nestled against the mountains. Anyone coming to Celandine Valley must pass by it in order to enter.

Last chance to avoid any spoilers!

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I give you Everpass Hold:



It's an impressive fortress, isn't it? Sadly, it's almost all empty. The numbers of valley-dwellers willing to serve as huntsmen has steadily dwindled over the years.

As a result, only about a dozen or so work in the keep anymore. Most of them are young and barely trained for combat.

Instead, Everpass Hold has become a place of refuge and care. Many wanderers from the outside world first visit this place as they look for a new life inside the valley. The hunters here feed them and minister to them until they are strong enough to make the journey to Vitalba village on their own.

As you can see, there are towers and lookouts all up and down the mountainside. They've been sealed off, for the most part, in a bygone age. None of the workers living there now have any idea what's inside them.

Despite all this, the keep is still warm, well-maintained, and welcoming. The front gate is barred open and guests are never turned away.

Everpass is one of my favorite locations. The lost grandeur, the joyful mood, the brilliant white towers, and the air of mystery surrounding it constantly pique my imagination. I can't wait to share it with you in Book 2.

Until next week, take care of each other.

Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Motifs I'd Like to Use #9 - Ancient Beasts

Welcome everyone!

This week I want to talk about something else that I thoroughly enjoy in fantasy writing: ancient beasts.

In this case, I'm not talking about something that's just old like dragons. I'm talking about something more primordial, something from a forgotten age unlike anything else seen in the setting.

For instance, in Middle-earth you have the Fell Beasts that the Nazgul ride in The Return of the King:


In Harry Potter you have the basilisk:


In Star Wars, we have the Sarlacc Pit


In the Wheel of Time there is the Grolm:



And so on. Sometimes these ancient beasts are conglomerations of other animals. Manticores, Chimeras, Hydras, Sphinxes, and Dragon Turtles fall into that category. Those kinds of monsters interest me the most because they seem unnerving more than anything. Your brain tells you that such a creature can't be right.

So, at any rate, I hope to use a creature or creatures like that at some point in my books. However, if I do, it will be sparingly. The impact of such an odd and terrifying monster is lessened the more it is used. So if I really want the reader to remember it, whatever strange creature appears in my series will be cloaked in mystery and seldom seen.

Peace,

-Troy

Friday, November 1, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-11-01

Welcome everyone!

Just one goal this week: Have a successful BOOK SIGNING! Yes, just a reminder that I'll be at the Marion County Public Library from 11am to 1pm. I hope to do a reading, maybe some questions and answers, then - if all goes according to plan - have a HUGE reveal for everyone who stays until the end.

I hope to see as many there as possible. I think we'll have a good time. Don't be shy! I will have copies for sale, so if you don't have yours yet, you can pick them up there.

Goals for the weekend:

  • Have a successful book signing.
Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, October 31, 2019

*SPOILERS* 10th Reveal for Book 2 - A Tower of Dark Ones

Welcome everyone!

It's Thursday and that means it's time for the Weekly Reveal!

So this week, I'm expanding on a location I've been talking about for a while now. It was mentioned in Book 1, so I don't feel that exposing the name here is much of a spoiler.

So one of the place the characters will have to account for in Book 2 is Tatterdemalion's Tower. As explained in Book 1, it was originally called "Greyfell Tower" and served as a type of lighthouse in the middle of Celandine valley.

Before many of the roads and small hamlets disappeared, wanderers and travelers would stay at the tower on their way to their destinations. When it fell, much of the western part of the valley had to be abandoned. The villagers were all squeezed into Vitalba.

Now, it is a place of evil. Most huntsmen avoid it if possible; villagers never travel there voluntarily. Only those captured by the bloodborn, the vampires, enter its unhallowed gates.

Last chance before spoilers!

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You might notice that the tower seems disjointed and broken. That's intentional. The vampires remodeled much of Greyfell when they took it over to suit their own needs. With vile magic borrowed from Lord Dreadstone, they reshaped the once proud haven into a twisted heap of disjointed architecture.

I do want to point out one thing, however. A small reminder of the huntsmen still remains. A single rose bush hugs against the side of the tower. The vampires never removed it, and it has evaded notice ever since they came. That's some amazing tenacity in my mind!

Anyway, come back next week for something new. And don't forget about the book signing this Saturday 11 to 1 at the Marion County Public Library in Lebanon, Kentucky. Hope to see you there!

Peace,

-Troy

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Creatures of Celandine Valley #1 - The Werewolf (Part 1)

Welcome everyone!

A while back I did a series of entries on locations of Celandine Valley. Now I'm moving on to the creatures. I plan to talk in-depth about each one and provide you with background on the mythology of each as well as my own rationale for using them.

We'll begin with The Werewolf.

Werewolves have become ingrained in popular culture thanks, mainly, to movies. From the Wolf Man in 1941 to Teen Wolf in the 80's to the Underworld series, werewolves have been portrayed in may different ways on the silverscreen.

Transforming into a wolf, though, goes WAY back in olden times. How far is hard to say, but the ancient Roman writers like Ovid and Petronius wrote of such transformations.

One thing that has not really transferred to the movies from the old stories is the idea that in order for a human to turn into a werewolf, he or she would need a part of the wolf that bit them in order to do it. Usually, this was the pelt of the wolf but could also be just the tail or a tooth.


I did not fully carry that tradition forward either. However, I did want to make the pelts meaningful nonetheless. So, what I did, was have the werewolf pelts be especially valuable in the world of the huntsmen. This way, they could support themselves and their Lodge with what they hunted.

I'm just scratching the surface here with what I want to say about werewolves. More is coming.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for this week's reveal, which has nothing to do with werewolves, LOL!

See you then!

Peace,

-Troy

Monday, October 28, 2019

This is an Exciting Week!

Welcome everyone!

We've got some great things in store for this week. I am so ready for them!

First, this Thursday is Halloween. As a result, this Thursday's reveal will have a spooky theme to it. I'll give just a small hint: it's a location, one of the scariest locations in all of Celandine Valley. It's going to get an illustration in Book 2, and the description of it is going to blow you away.



Second, I have my second book signing this Saturday! It is at the MCPL from 11am to 1pm. IMPORTANT: If all goes according to plan, I will have make a VERY SPECIAL unveiling at the signing. Only those who attend will be able to enjoy it. So if you can, be there, and stay the whole time!

That's all for now. Keep checking back for updates. If I can, I'll confirm the unveiling. Until then, take care of each other.

Peace,

-Troy

Friday, October 25, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-10-25

Welcome everyone!

I have a busy weekend planned. I'll be doing a bit of traveling during the day and having get-togethers in the evenings. As I've said many times, fall is my favorite time of year, so my family is incredibly active during this time.

As a result, I probably won't have time to get a lot of work done. Still, there are a few things I'd like to accomplish:

If I can get any of that done, I'll have a successful weekend. I hope you do too.

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, October 24, 2019

*SPOILERS* 9th Reveal for Book 2 - A Corridor of Horrors

Welcome everyone!

As we approach Halloween, I figure it's time to start discussing some of fantasy-horror aspects of Book 2. So this week, we're going to reveal a location in Celandine Valley inhabited by the vampires.

One motif that I really enjoy in fantasy literature is this idea that old buildings get repurposed as time goes on. For instance, take Orthanc from Middle-earth. Most people know it as the tower of Isengard where Saruman the White Wizard takes residence.

It wasn't always that way. Long ago, it was a fortress of Gondor, not a wizard's tower. However, as the decline in Gondor's kings inevitably led to the decline in Gondor as a nation, Orthanc was locked and abandoned. It wasn't until many centuries later, after a siege against the Dunlandings, did control of Orthanc come back to the free peoples and the steward of Gondor pass the keys of the tower to Saruman.

So why the little history lesson? Today's reveal is of a place with a similar history. In the center of the valley (as depicted on the map in Book 1) is Tatterdemalion's Tower. It wasn't always his. It belonged to the huntsmen once, until they fell into despair. But I'll discuss more of its history next week. This week, let's take a look at the inside.

This is your last warning to avoid spoilers!
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I know it may be hard to see, but the door at the end of the hallway is similar to the door I revealed three weeks ago. This is intentional. The huntsmen used the same symbols throughout their history, just as any organization would. Since this tower once belonged to them, it shouldn't be surprising to see their markings everywhere.

The vampires (also known as bloodborn in Celandine Valley) never bothered to erase what the huntsmen had built. They just turned the tower into their own den of villainy. So when our heroes visit the tower, they'll have some knowledge about its inner working that will give them an advantage.

Anyway, that's all for this week. I hope you enjoyed the reveal. Next week, on Halloween, let's have a look at the outside, shall we?

Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Vids I Enjoy #3: Beginning With The End In Mind

Welcome everyone!

In my research for how to write good stories, I came across a wonderful channel called "Lessons from the Screenplay." While I am no writing a screenplay, I still find the creator's words extremely relevant to what I'm doing.

In this instance, he comparing two stories and how the ends inform the beginnings. It's really good, and it's something I'm trying to work with myself. It isn't easy to write this way, especially in a book series like I'm doing. But thinking ahead, setting up the end in the beginning, are really important skills all writers should have.


Peace,

-Troy

Monday, October 21, 2019

Motifs I'd Like to Use #8 - The Dancing Bear

Welcome everyone!

When someone says, "Dancing Bear" I'm willing to bet most people imagine the charismatic Grateful Dead icon.


That's not what I'm talking about. The archetype of the dancing bear (and the dancing monkey, which I'll get to in some other post) are much older than Jerry Garcia's band.

I could not truly find where the dancing bear image first appeared in storytelling. There examples in Norse, German, Saxon, and First Nation lore. Each has its own take on the idea.

The version I like the best is as an enslaved creature with a keen mind and big heart. The stories often go that someone has captured an exceptional bear and put it on display to make money either in a carnival or traveling show of some kind.

Then, some good-hearted villager watches the poor bear dance until it is nearly exhausted. Feeling sorry for the creature, the villager secretly frees the animal during the night.

Many years later, that villager is out in the woods collecting berries or chopping wood (depending on the version) and is attacked by wolves. When all seems hopeless, the villager is then saved by the bear he freed so long ago. The two part ways and never see each other again.

I imagine it could be a retelling of some sort of St. Paul and the Talking Lion, but whatever. It's a cool story and one I'd like to use some day :)

Peace,

-Troy

Friday, October 18, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-10-18

Welcome everyone!

This weekend is much like the last. I'll be traveling all over the state to enjoy some fall festivals and the burgeoning colors of autumn, then I'll be trying to get some more recording done for the Audio Book for Book 2.

In addition, I've got to start preparing for my second book signing. I can't wait for that. It's going to be great!

Anyway, here's what I hope to accomplish this weekend:

  • Record more chapters for the audio book
  • Get some writing done for Book 3
  • Collect all the gear and extra books for the November 2nd Signing
If I can do all that, I'll have a successful weekend. I hope you do too.

Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, October 17, 2019

*SPOILERS* Eighth Reveal for Book 2 - A Fountain in the Wilderness

Welcome everyone!

We are getting deep into spoiler season now. This marks the 8th week in a row I've been revealing little tidbits here and there. That's quite amazing to me. Yet, we still have a long way to go.

At this point, all of the roses have been revealed. Last week's was my favorite for this book. The Librarian is among my favorite characters in this series. I look forward to giving her more screentime (pagetime?) here in the future.

For now, though, we're going to be moving away from characters and toward locations. This week's reveal is an illustration of a location I've already discussed. If you remember, back in March I made a post about "The Fount of Many Hands." It's an enchanted place, created by evil magic. Dwarves often use it in their machinations.

The fountain plays an important role in this phase in the story. It's not a large role, and I don't feature it for long, yet it explains so much.

This is your last chance to turn back before any spoilers. Fair warning!
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The curious thing about the fountain is why the ancient sculptor - whoever it was - chose hands as the dominating motif. Why hands? You'll have to read the story to find out.

Also, I will reveal this as well: that's not water coming from the spout at the top. It's something else, something a character from Book 1 desired greatly. I can't wait for you to read who it was.

Anyway, that's all for this week! I hope you enjoyed the revelation. If you enjoyed the Door from two weeks ago, you're going to love next week's reveal. Hope to see you then!

Peace,

-Troy

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

I Have a New Book Signing Coming Up on November 2nd!

Welcome everyone!

I have some terrific news! On November 2nd, 2019 I'll be singing books from 11am to 1pm and having a talk at the Marion County Public Library in Lebanon, Kentucky. You can read all about it HERE.

Now, if everything goes according to plan, I may have something very special to show everyone who shows up. We'll see. I can't make any promises right now. The matter is out of my hands, really.

Anyway, speaking of reveals. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for this week's spoiler.

I hope to see lots of you at the library in November. Be well!



Peace,

-Troy

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Hunter's Moon 2019

Welcome everyone!

Last night, at about 10:30pm, my wife and I went outside to gaze at a dazzling, full October moon. This moon is known as the Hunter's Moon, and naturally, that makes it special to me.

"Hunter's Moon" was one of the early titles for "The Huntsman and the She-Wolf." I toyed with several different names in fact:
  • Hunter's Moon
  • Hunter's Rise
  • Hunter's Gambit
  • Hunter's Birth
None of them really stuck. Finally, I happened across some advice when it came to titles. The source of that advice has been lost to time, but essentially it went something like this: "A title should tell a story."

People choose a book to read because they want a good story. Story, therefore, begins with the title. In fact, the whole cover should tell a story. The art, the placement of the elements, the background images, everything should give the potential reader a narrative.

Thus, I went with the title I did for Book 1. It tells a story. There's a huntsman. And there's a she-wolf. And they're in contention with one another. Each is an apex predator - who will win?

So anyway, the moon last night brought to my memory the first title I had, and I just wanted to share that tidbit with you.

I hope this October is finding you well.



Peace,

-Troy

Friday, October 11, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-10-11

Welcome everyone!

So for this weekend, I'll be working a lot on Book 2. I need to approve the interior layout that I received, and as always, there's recording to do. I also hope to enjoy the cooler weather and fresh, autumn air.

So here we go. Goals for this Weekend:

  • Record more chapters for Book 2 audio book
  • Review interior layout and images for Book 2
If I can do all that, I'll have a successful weekend. I hope you do too.



Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, October 10, 2019

*SPOILERS* 7th Reveal for Book 2 - The Last Rose!

Welcome everyone!

Today, I reveal the final rose that will appear within the pages of the sequel to The Huntsman and the She Wolf.

In each book of this series, I plan to have five roses depicted. In the first book, I focused on the main group: Tristan, Mersha, Phen, Mikhelena, and Scratch. In Book 2, I was able to broaden the focus to include other important huntsmen like Thaul, Leo, and now (drumroll) Aranka.

This week's rose is the one the belongs to the Lodge librarian. If it's been a while since you read THatSW, Aranka is a woman in her mid 30's, very intelligent, but a bit eccentric. She refuses to ever leave the library.

"I have found ways to do everything I need, right here in the library," she tells Tristan in the first book.

Makes ya wonder, doesn't it?

Anyway, this is your last chance to turn back before you see any spoilers. Fair warning!
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This is one of my favorites, if not my MOST favorite roses. Notice how the stem is split for a time then comes back together. Fascinating how something could heal like that.

I love the thorns as well. They are numerous and sharp, but not as wicked or large as what you may have seen on the roses for Leo or Mersha.

The bloom is strong and healthy, just coming into its prime. The petals are neatly arranged, complimenting each other in form and function. The stem, though cut in half for a time, is healthy and strong.

As I mentioned, Aranka takes a larger role in this book for reasons I can't get into right now. She has always been respected for her knowledge of lore and history, but her strength and leadership skill will be called on in Book 2 and even more as we move toward Book 3.

Anyway, that's all for now. I hope you enjoyed this week's reveal. Next week, we'll be visiting a place that came straight from one of my dreams.

Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Setting up for a 2nd Book Signing!

Welcome everyone!

I've got some great news. I'm making arrangements to have another book signing in the near future! I can't tell you how exciting I am to do this. I have wanted it for a long time.

My first signing was held at the NCPL Comic Con back in June. It was a tremendous success. I sold multiple copies of my books and signed even more. I was so glad to get to interact with people interested in my writing. It had to be the most rewarding experience I've had yet as an author.

I will supply all the details soon. I'm still working to finalize everything. So, if you'll be in the area, I would love to see you.

Stay tuned!

And don't forget, a new reveal will be posted here this Thursday. It will be the final rose for Book 2.


Peace,

-Troy