2021 March Author update

opened book with twig of magnolia

Hey guys,

It is that time again to give you all an update what I’m working and the author news in my circle.

Vestige Anniversary

Book one turned one year old the sixteenth! 🙂 Thanks again to all of you who made my dream as author possible and the lovely readers willing to give it a chance.

Before pandemics, masks, and hysteria, I buckled down for almost nine months (May-ish to March) writing, rewriting, editing, and rewriting again to churn out this book.  I’m proud to be an author. Even though it’s not the best or anything special, Vestige showed that putting out a book is possible, and I hope to release another real soon.

In case you’re wondering about the book, it’s available below on Amazon, and you can even read a bit with Amazon’s look inside feature for free to decide if it fits you. Paperback even saw a price drop since the first edition. Link’s below.

Vestige Rise of the Pureblood

 

SPFBO#6

The contest narrows still. Here are some links to check out the running. I fell out of the running long ago, but it’s still neat to see what’s the cream of the crop for the self-published field. I want redemption next year.

Mark Lawrence: The Official Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off page #SPFBO SPFBO (mark—lawrence.blogspot.com)

Mark Lawrence: SPFBO 6 – Phase 1 (mark—lawrence.blogspot.com)

 

Hollow’s Heist Progress

My new story (formerly Trapezist’s Lullaby) is still underway despite many hiccups (changing jobs, lack of sleep, etc.) It’s been difficult, but the story’s still coming along. As of writing this, I’m currently sitting just below 38,000 words halfway to my writing quota. The story is shaping to be much longer than most of my previous in terms of pacing, and that may be a bit of what’s troubling me. I feel the story’s not as tense as I would like. It meanders too much as I’m trying a new style and gritter tone/setting.

This new class isn’t shaping up entirely how I thought. In fact, things turned me off from writing this story more than encouraging me on. I’m still optimistic it’ll all work out. This last chapter I wrote I feel really confident in. Almost enough to share.

The others… not so much, lol.

The characters wander too much and the exposition may be a bit too in your face riddled with crutch words. Things are a bit too rough.

I’m debating another character naming poll for you guys to peek behind the curtain a bit, but it may be too early.

 

Lafonda and Leo: Heroes of the Land Progress

Until next month, my editor will be combing through it to help me make it the best it can be. I’m considering an extra proofreader depending on the price tag, but all in all, I can’t wait to share it with you guys. I feel very proud of how this one turned out and more confident on the plot compared to some of my previous works.

Who knows? If this one does well, maybe I’ll write a sequel. I have high hopes for it. I just hope this class I’m taking doesn’t hold back its launch.

I’m looking to publish around mid to late August before back to school season.

I’d like to generate some buzz somehow before it’s launch but I’m not sure how. If anyone has any ideas, drop them in the comments below.

I had a crazy pipe dream for this one. Does anyone know someone who does animation (2D) for a book trailer?
I think it would be cool if I could get Maxy pitching the story to them as a cartoon somehow. Probably a crazy thought.

 

Auto-crit Community

I’ve joined another writing community, and it feels very promising for meeting other fantasy writers and learning more through them. It always seems the world’s chock-full of romance and self-help authors, but I can’t find many in my own genre.  If you have a paid subscription through them, you may be able to join me there.

 

Fantasy/Sci-Fi Magazines Submissions

I thought these might be helpful to someone. Finding Magazines for fantasy in particular can be a struggle. Credit goes to Gareth at Autocrit for sharing these.

Apex Magazine

Three-Lobed Burning Eye

The Dark Magazine

Deep Magic

Beneath Ceaseless Skies

Parsec short story contest – Triangulation (parsecink.com)

 

New Releases

Fellow Active Alumni Writer Alumni, B. O’ree Williams, has recently published a book. While I personally have not read it, I know some of my readers may enjoy a good Sci-Fi, and it may be worth checking out. It seems to have a similar premise to Tron according to the reviews.

Link’s listed below:

Amazon.com: Beyond the Horizon Line: \The Sanctuary eBook: Williams, B. O’ree: Kindle Store

Anthem of Ink

In case you were unaware last year I tried to start a YouTube channel during the pandemic. I figured it would be fun and extra way to put my work out there. And who knows, maybe make a little mad money.

Long story short, I couldn’t get the equipment due to shipping breaking down with Amazon and life getting in the way with free time, but now I think I’ll like to give it another shot. I’m awaiting another adapter for my iphone to film, and I plan on recording D&D and fantasy writing content. I made a list of literally of hundred ideas to try.

Hopefully this time I can balance writing my next and editing footage. Wish me luck 🙂

Until next week

Keep Writing!

Antonio