Update on Arms of the Storm

Greetings everyone! I know I promised some people that Arms of the Storm would be available today, but due to life circumstances, It's not 100% ready. I'd originally planned for book three of Tears of Rage to be in the 90,000 word range. As of this morning, the book is climbing up toward 109,000 words. I'm hoping to have  everything tied up and off to beta readers and editors by the end of the week. I have plans for much coffee, jolt cola, junk food, and little sleep to get back on my writing and publication schedule.

Just to tide you over, I've posted a fairly lengthy chuck of Arms of the Storm to the "Sample" portion of the blog. I hope you enjoy that. As it's from the third book in the series, the sample has some spoilers of the other two Tears of Rage books, so you might want to check those out first.

Hope you enjoy!


Medan kerta voida johta tas!

Burning in Hell and Other Well Wishes

I'm not one to use the internet to rant overly much. I make snide, snarky, and sarcastic comments on Facebook and Twitter, but I tend to leave my ranting to my real life interactions with people. I've never considered exactly why. Perhaps it's because I prefer to see the expressions on people's faces when I go fully into "Harlan Ellison Mode" because so few people are as candid as I am about so many things. On the other side of the coin, maybe it's because so many other people seem to use the interwebz as a perpetual rant machine that makes me avoid this habit. Or, both of the above.

That being said...

/beginrant

Over the last few months, I've been involved in several discussion concerning ebook piracy. I haven't started any of these discussions, but I have piped up when I've seen people express the opinion that writers shouldn't care so much about it. Until now, I've not felt the need to bring the topic up...

...until now...

This last weekend I attended the San Jose Fantasy Festival. I had a great time. Did my shows, hung out with fellow writers, sold and signed some books. Great time. Then I came home and did an inventory. Over the course of the weekend, three of my 1st editions of First Chosen went walkabout. I will not speculate on exactly who it was that helped themselves to these irreplaceable copies of my first print novel. Rather, I will use this to discuss what eBook piracy actually is.

Contrary too what some people in several Facebook discussions believe, file sharing is not sharing; it is theft. While I'm upset that my very rare first editions are gone, that's not really what has me fuming. (The value of those 1st editions at this point is all in my mind, and based on a dream that one day, I'll be big enough that those books actually become valuable outside of my own ego.) I'm not even really upset that I'm out the printing cost for those volumes. I've spent the better part of ten years working on the Tears of Rage story in it's current form. And now someone got their grubby little hands on it for free.

At this point, those paying close attention might ask, "But Mr. Gallowglas, didn't you just have a promotion where you were giving away free copies of several of your books leading up to the Fantasy Festival?"

And that's correct. I did. Just as many publishers offer free copies of books at conventions, signings, events, etc. I've given away free copies of all my books. I will give away copies of all my books in the future. I gave away print copies of Halloween Jack and the Devil's Gate at my shows this weekend. The point is, those giveaways are on my terms, my choice. I did not volunteer those three copies, just like I don't volunteer to give away any of my books that people might steal via some file "sharing" site. I do not harbor the illusion that I'm that big yet; however, I number some writers who are that big among my close friends and we've had conversations about this among ourselves and with readers.

Here's the deal: Writing is hard work. Really hard work. It's even hard to write will over the course of sixty thousand, eighty thousand, several hundred thousand words. Those of us who can do that and keep readers coming back should be paid for our ability to entertain. For the most part, if we calculate all the time we put into rough drafts, learning our craft to the point where our writing is publishable, we make pennies on the hour once we actually start publishing and getting paid for our work. Fiction writing is one of the few professions where you don't get paid training. We writers slog through on a dream, a labor of love, the hope that one day we'll be able to pay ourselves back for all the hours and hours we've neglected other parts of our life.

Theft is theft, no matter what form it comes in. Even though I'm pretty sure it's unlikely that the individual(s) enjoying First Chosen and/or any other stolen book reads this blog, I'd like to put this little nugget out into the universe: I hope that any book that you desperately needed so bad that you felt so compelled to take my work without any form of compensation has something to offer you, that you need some of the jewel lights within so badly that you need to steal it. When I started this post, I thought by this point I would have some choice words for the type of individual that engages in epiracy, but now I find I have only pity.

To anyone who helped themselves to my 1st editions of First Chosen, because I do have a dream that they will become rare collectors' items someday. I hope you are a book lover and you find yourself in a special place in Hell where you're in a room with only books you haven't read, and every time you get halfway through a book, the book bursts into flames, so you'll never be able to get to the end. Have a nice day.

/endrant

Conversations with Fictional Characters

Greetings all. I'm getting ready for the San Jose Fantasy Festival, which is going down this weekend, April 14th and 15th. I'm especially excited about this weekend because it's the first time I'm going to be hanging out with my fellow fantasy writers at an event like this. Yeah, I go to conventions now and then, but this is the first time they'll be coming out to my territory. If you head over to the festival web site, you can check out all the event info, www.sjfantasy.com/ including all the writers who will be there.

One of the writers, Christopher Kellen, is a talented indie author, who I've developed a friendly rapport with over Twitter, Facebook, and email. Christopher has had some very nice things to say about my Tears of Rage books and Halloween Jack and the Devil's Gate. He's becoming quite the book reviewer over at his web site: christopherkellen.com

I've recently read Elegy and The Corpse King by Christopher Kellen. I've heard through the grapevine that is social networking that he's completed a rough draft of Legacy, Book Two of The Arbiter Codex, and he's shipped off copies to his beta readers. (Psst, Chris... I still haven't gotten mine yet.) Perhaps the reason I haven't gotten my copy is the same reason that Julianna and Faelin haven't been available for their scenes in Arms of the Storm is because Mr. Kellen "borrowed" them for a bit of an interview. I have a feeling you can  read that interview over at Mr. Kellen's web site.

Well, two can play at that game. You see, Mr. Kellen has a pair of characters who are also up to their necks in their own troubles. I happened upon a pair of Arbiters (a kind of warrior-priest inquisitor) D'Arden Tal and Elisa as they left the city of Calessa. I've got a few insightful questions for them, and I'm sure we'll get

 If you haven't read Elegy or The Corpse King, you can get them free for the Kindle on Amazon right now until 4/14. You should read these before continuing to the interview: one, because you may find some slight spoilers; two, because they are entertaining reads.

MTG: Manna, the magic of your world, is a rather dangerous thing. Do you think your world would be better off without it?

The Arbiter, with ice in his eyes, answers swiftly and certainly, as though by rote:  "Though it is true that direct exposure to manna is dangerous for anyone not protected by the heartblade, it is also the flows of that same power which cause life itself to exist. This is why it might be defended from corruption, for when the manna is corrupted, it is always death. Without it, the world itself would be barren and lifeless."

MTG: Considering the astonishing revelation brought on by Elisa's transformation into an Arbiter, what other beliefs the Arbiters hold to be true do you think might also be misleading or completely wrong?

"It is… difficult to say for certain." A war between reactionary anger and careful thought rages across his expression. His tone is measured and careful when he at last responds. "Naturally, one does not like to question the fundamental beliefs with which he has lived his entire life… yet, one must wonder whether the information is not known, or has been purposely kept a secret."

MTG: As you two worked together in Calessa, we witnessed several moments that might be considered to reveal an attraction between you two? Was this due to the life-and-death struggle you found yourselves in, or do you think you harbor emotions for each other that run deep that, for whatever reasons, you cannot express?

Elisa blushes fiercely. D'Arden's face becomes a mask of stone. "It is unthinkable for a Master to covet any such feelings toward an apprentice. The bond must be that of a teacher and student, and nothing more. Elisa is a strong girl with much potential. She is my student, my ward – and to a certain extent, my child; for she is utterly my responsibility, in a way that can barely be fathomed."

After a moment, Elisa speaks in a quiet voice. "He saved my life, offered me a second chance – a chance to be something more. The whole world is different now. I'd be lost without him, but he is my teacher. That's all."

MTG: D'Arden, what do you expect the response will be when you and Elisa arrive at the Arbiter's Tower?

D'Arden's mask-like expression does not change, but a glimmer of despair can be seen in his glittering gaze. He speaks slowly, choosing his words very carefully. "To my knowledge, nothing like this has ever happened before. The use of a heartblade on anyone other than a trained Arbiter is… unprecedented. I hope that the Council of Masters will be… understanding."

MTG: Do you believe the Arbiters will ever be able to completely cleanse your world of corruption?

The Arbiter lifts his head, and his confidence returns. His harsh voice returns to the comfortable recitation of a rote answer.  "Corruption lives in the hearts of evil men. It is personified by the dark gods, and their slaves. As long as there is greed and violence among men, as long as the weak are willing to sell their own existence into slavery for a taste of power, corruption will never truly die. The battle to protect the sanctity of the manna is eternal; and so are the Arbiters."

MTG: Elisa, do you fear ever having to face the same dilemma with D'Arden that he faced with Khaine?

The blond-haired girl looks at D'Arden, and then back down at the ground. "Khaine offered him everything, down in those catacombs. He refused to give in, refused to be seduced away from purity, even in the face of such tremendous power. If that doesn't say everything that needs to be said about his character, I don't know what would."

There is a fierce pride in the Arbiter's expression as he gazes at his apprentice, but there is also a hint of sadness – and, if one looks very closely, a glimmer of fear.

MTG: Does the name Christopher Kellen mean anything to you?

Both Elisa and D'Arden immediately lock their eyes on the interviewer. "Yes," they say in unison.

MTG: If you could say something to Mr. Kellen, what would it be?

Before D'Arden can say anything, Elisa speaks up. "Just… tell the story the right way, okay? Try not to imply things that aren't there. Oh – and find a new synonym for 'blue', would you? We're all sick of 'azure', already."

Well, that concludes my interview with D'Arden Tal and Elisa. I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed having these two great characters stop by my blog. Again, I believe Mr. Kellen has a similar interview (only with a few of my wayward characters) over at his blog, christopherkellen.com. I also hear he'll have a few hard copies of his books at the San Jose Fantasy Festival, and like me, he doesn't charge any extra for his signature.

Why I Love the Indie Book Revolution

First and foremost, because I have a writing career.


How specifically has the rise of available indie/self publication helped me with this? As many of my close acquaintances can tell you, patience is really NOT one of my virtues. Also, while I love to write, without some sort of deadline, I don't necessarily love to to finish something before starting on the shiny new story idea takes hold of my imagination. The traditional publishing model requires me to finish a project and then HOPE and PRAY that someone, agent or editor, will like it enough to argue with other people that is should get published. I love being an indie author, because now I can write a project with a specific deadline, get it through my beat readers, and now my editor, publish it, and see instant results. If I'm not liking those results, I can take personal steps toward changing the results.


The second reason I love the Indie Book Revolution, is because so many other writers are also getting a shot to live their dreams. Here's a little known factoid about the tradition publishing model, with a slant toward science fiction and fantasy publishers. I might have an epic fantasy book that's going to be bigger than Robert Jordan and George RR Martin put together. I submit to publisher after publisher, and editors like it, say one or two even LOVE it; however, all their big-fat-fantasy-uber-epic slots are filled for the next three years. Well... then... I get the unpleasant "Thanks, but not for us right now. Best of luck finding a home somewhere else." Publishers have a finite amount of room for each sub genre of fiction they handle. The result, many fine and talented writers aren't getting publishing deals simply because of space on the bookshelf.


The Indie Book Revolution changes that. Truly, for the first time, writers are in control of their own destinies. I've discovered some great writers, who are developing into good friends: I count Christopher Kellen, Jen Wylie, and Shay Fabbro among the closest of them. On the other hand, I've read some bad stuff too, I mean REALLY bad indie books. Though this is not unique to indie writers. The last Stephen King book I listened to on audio made me want to SCREAM. Oh wait... I did. A lot. Over and over. But this serves to further my point. In many ways, control over what books get read and become popular are in the hands of readers and a writers, rather than publishers. Readers have access to more books, written by more writers, than we ever dreamed possible before.


With readers in mind, I'd like to direct you, my readers and followers, to the Magic Appreciation Tour. You can get there by clicking the tour badge on the from page of my blog. The tour is a celebration of fantasy fiction going on from now through the end of May. I'm taking part in it, as are some writers I know and enjoy reading their work. I don't know everyone, and I haven't read everyone's work. I won't say one way or the other, so I don't rob you of the joy of discovering new writers who may grow into new favorite writers.


Check out the site. Stop by the writer's blogs and book pages. Who knows what you might discover. If you do discover someone you like, post a comment here. I'm so busy working on my own writing, I won't be able to get to all the other writers right away, and as most of you read my stuff, I'd be interested to hear who gets your imaginations flowing.

Fighting with Robert Jordan Post Mortem

Almost twenty years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Robert Jordan, writer of the Wheel of Time series.  Book four, The Shadow Rising, had come out in hardback, and Mr Jordan was signing books at a independent bookstore in Sacramento, California. I do not recall the name of the bookstore, and it, like many independent booksellers closed down. This was before Robert Jordan was the international mega star who reportedly had limousines picking him up from the airport and driving him to the San Diego Comic Con. (I cannot speak to the validity of this rumor, but the hopeful, future, international mega star in me likes to dream that will be me someday.)

At that point, I'd been reading The Wheel of Time for about two years, maybe two and a half. My god mother had gotten me The Eye of the World for my birthday and I devoured it and immediately went onto The Great Hunt and The Dragon Reborn. Upon finishing book three, I sat down to wait for book four. Yeah, I've heard some newer readers complaining about the time some writers take between books. Well, I've been reading Jordan since 1990, that's longer than some of his current fan base has been alive.

But, enough of my digression.

Mr. Jordan was the first writer I ever met in person, and the first writer to ever sign my books. He was a charming man, very gracious. The line was short enough that he took several minutes to speak with each of his fans who cam to see him. Of course, I asked him about writing. My twenty year old self had dreams of making it as big as Jordan, despite that I didn't really know anything about writing at the time. (I thought I did, but didn't you know everything about everything when you were twenty?) He spoke to me about his process, and how he approached the writing as a linear process, as opposed to some writers who bounce around, writing whichever scene they feel like. The last thing he said, after I asked for the one piece of advice he'd give to a young and hopeful writer was, "Don't give up."

This was two years before I started the short story that would eventually blow up into Spellpunk, six years before the first pages of the first attempt at Tears of Rage, nine years before I figured out that the main character of that project needed to be a woman, ten years before I wrote the original first line on my birthday, "The god Grandfather Shadow opened his eyes in a mortal host for the first time in a thousand years (a line that never made its way into the final draft of book one), seventeen years before I received my B.A. in creative writing from SFSU, and nineteen years before Halloween Jack went in search of the Tomahawk of the Four Winds so he could try and kill the Devil.

In all the years between my one meeting with Robert Jordan I've had some dry spells that lasted months and in one case years, but deep in my heart, I've never given up. I always dreamed I'd be up there with Robert Jordan, with people asking me to sign copies of my books for them, giving advice to young and hopeful writers. I never gave up. Thanks to the ebook revolution, I can say that twenty years later, I'm scratching it out on a bestseller list with Robert Jordan.

So, there we have my little indie book First Chosen right there in the top of the bestselling "Fantasy Series" in the Amazon Kindle Store. I think it's pretty cool. I wish Mr. Jordan could have lived to see this, although I don't delude myself that he would remember me from all those years ago. I would however, politely remind him of our conversation as I asked him to sign the last several books in his series for me. I guess I'm going to have to settle for recounting the story to Brandon when I see him at Bay Con at the end of May.

I'm sure that I'm going to get knock off this list eventually. It happens to almost every writer, and I'm not big enough yet to dream that I'm at the point where I have this kind of sustainability. I will however continue to live up to those words that got me here in the first place, "Don't give up." Thank you Mr. Jordan for telling a twenty-year-old know it all what he needed to hear, even though he didn't put it to practice for more than a decade.

Oh, and just because I think it's cool, here's another writer I'm catching up with: