tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48935751323342288612024-03-05T16:37:33.736-08:00An Author's JourneyThis blog is an exploration of my journey as a writer. In it, I will post information about my book, publish short stories, and discuss things such as story structure , character development, and plot . I will also discuss marketing strategy and different ebook formats.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-42436164577345552212013-04-14T16:48:00.000-07:002013-04-14T16:48:24.143-07:00An Update - On Fame and MagicFirst, I want to give a little update as to how the new book is coming along. Sadly, I haven't been able to work as much on it over the past week as I'd have liked. I made a little progress, but it's not nearly as much as planned. Mostly, I blame a busy schedule, but admittedly, there was a fair amount of laziness rearing its ugly head. I hope to break out of that funk over the next week or so, and really make good progress. I know there are a quite a few people out there who are waiting for Volume Two. <br />
<br />
I'm not a terribly successful author. I think, to date, the book has only been downloaded around two-three thousand times. To some people, that might seem like a lot, but in the grand scheme of things, it's really not. I'm fine with that, though. I'm not going to say that I haven't dreamed of "hitting it big," but it's not my primary motivator for writing. No, I write because I enjoy the creative process (as arduous as it is, sometimes). However, it is nice to hear from fans - which brings me to a fun little interaction I recently had with my niece.<br />
<br />
She's only nine years old, so my stories are a little over her head. She's aware that I had a book published, but beyond that, she doesn't know much about it. The other day, she was looking over my shoulder while I was making notes, and asked some questions about my story. So, I decided to show her a picture of my map, and explain the geography a little. It wasn't anything detailed - just a brief overview like "the bad guy lives here," or "this is where the good guys are." She got a kick out of it, and in the end, we came up with an idea for a tertiary character for the third book together. I won't say what it is, but I can say that it involves a young queen named Melea and evil merpeople. <br />
<br />
While we were talking, though, she told me that one of her friends was terribly impressed that I was her uncle. The friend's mother had read my book,and had described me as a "famous author." Of course, it's not true, but it did make me feel all warm and fuzzy. I just thought I'd share that fun little tidbit. <br />
<br />
So, I guess the next order of business is to start with the first in a series of descriptions of magic users in my world. So here it goes...<br />
<br />
I guess before we get into it, I should go into a little detail in regards to magic in general. Basically, it all comes from the same place, and it's all the same thing. I know that for each person, it manifests itself differently, but in theory, any magic user should be capable (with the proper training) of doing any sort of magic. However, it doesn't happen (except for a handful of times) because mastering a single manifestation of magic is difficult, and takes a lifetime. Mastering more than one requires an inhuman (or indwarven, inelven, etc.) focus, work ethic, and lifespan. So, while it's possible, it's as close to impossible as one can get without plunging over the edge. <br />
<br />
The irony, of course, is that most magic users of a particular field (wizards, sorcerers, etc.) have a tendency to hold other magic users in contempt. None are more guilty of this than wizards. <br />
<br />
The first thing you need to know about wizards is that there aren't many of them, and with the death of Grith, there is only one true master in the world. The other wizards (of which, there are only a few) are far, far below that benchmark, and aren't nearly as powerful or knowledgeable. The mechanics remain the same, however. <br />
<br />
Basically, wizards are telepaths. They can project the power of their minds in such a way that they can read others' thoughts, and for the most powerful, control the weak willed. A master wizard can control dozens of people at a time. Some have even claimed that the truly proficient wizards can effectively stop time (by putting the surrounding people into a trance-like state). <br />
<br />
Wizards are a notoriously arrogant sort, and oftentimes, their grasp outgrows their considerable reach. Because of this, they are often very competitive with one another, and only rarely congregate. <br />
<br />
It's rumored that, among the mysterious Wa Suy, there is a contingent of extraordinarily powerful wizards who once plunged the entire world into a state of calamitous war. When they were at last defeated (by an alliance of necromancers), they sealed themselves into a tomb. Through a series of complicated spells, they put themselves into a deep, magical stasis. Among the Wa Suy, there is a prophecy that one day, the world will need these powerful (if mad) wizards. <br />
<br />
The rift between two powerful wizards (Grith and Vincent) is a centerpiece of Heartkeeper: Volume One. <br />
<br />
<br />
I suppose that's it for today. I hope that shed a little light into one type of magic user in my world. <br />
<br />N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-57094676640376456032013-04-05T10:22:00.002-07:002013-04-05T10:24:21.818-07:00An Update on Volume Two - My Writing ProcessI haven't updated in a little while because, quite frankly, I've been incredibly busy. Between writing and working my day job, I really haven't had a lot of time to post to this blog. However, I have been working on Volume Two, and I think it's shaping up quite nicely. Today, though, I wanted to talk a little about how I let a scene take root and grow.<br />
<br />
I have a bit of an organic writing style. That means that I let the overall story arc, the situation, and the characters dictate how each chapter develops. There isn't a lot of rigidity or structure to how I write. It's intended to flow, almost in a stream-of-consciousness sort of way. It's not as meandering as that might imply, though.<br />
<br />
Generally, I start with a phrase or sentence which describes the scene's main purpose. Typically, it's something like, "Flikk imprisoned/character development." That leaves quite a bit of leeway as to where that chapter can go. That's how my first outline looks; it's just a series of one sentence/phrase descriptions. <br />
<br />
Once I've mapped out the whole story like that, I go back into it, and do a detail of each chapter. It usually looks something like this:<br />
<br />
I. Flikk Imprisoned/Character Development<br />
A. Introduction<br />
1. Setting - Void Prison<br />
i. Physical Description of the cell (size,shape, materials, etc.)<br />
ii. Tone <br />
2. Time Frame - A few days after capture <br />
B. The Point<br />
1. History<br />
i. Intro to the character<br />
2. Finding the Gap in the wall/Making Contact with Aime <br />
C. Conclusion <br />
1. Hope vs. Despair<br />
<br />
This sort of outline gives me a good idea where I want the story to go, but it doesn't really restrict my writing. If I want to go off onto a tangent, there's room for it. However, it makes sure that I set the scene properly, I remember what the point of the scene is, and I conclude the scene in a way that sets up the conflict within the next chapter (dealing with that character).<br />
<br />
Now, this is a really short scene, so it's a very simplistic outline. With a longer scene, though, it can get quite a bit more complicated. However, I use the same general form. Here's a sample of a long chapter from Volume Two (I don't really reveal that much, but if you want to avoid spoilers, quit reading):<br />
<br />
<u><b>SPOILERS AHEAD *** SPOILERS AHEAD *** SPOILERS AHEAD</b></u><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 67.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Flikk/Drea reach their destination/find out
about Orryn</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Introduction</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Castle in disrepair</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Feeling of Decay</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Time Frame</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A few Days After the event</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Point</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Greeted by a trio of elderly guards</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Want no trouble</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The reason for the visit – need to see Orryn</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Not going to get much</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Greeted by Orryn’s Wife</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Takes them to see Orryn of Aston Peak</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Blithering idiot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spouts nonsense.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Explanation<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Introduction</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Setting</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 3.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level6 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -3.0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Land at war</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The time frame.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 3.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level6 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -3.0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Three Generations past.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Reason</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Elna the Cruel laying waste (winning)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 3.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level6 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -3.0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Explain the Witch</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 256.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level7 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Dread Powers (curses, blood magic, demons)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 256.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level7 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Motivations (power)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 3.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level6 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -3.0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Explain why she would cast the curse.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 256.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level7 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Resistance (Mace of Aston Peak)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Curse</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>How it works (thirty-third birthday for every
male heir)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 3.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level6 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -3.0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Fading intelligence</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Implications</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Conclusion</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Witch Lives</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Imprisoned </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Wandering Mountain</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Quest</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Take Care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Evil Witch.</div>
<br />
<br />
This isn't the longest chapter, but it kind of shows how quickly the scene can grow. I haven't written this chapter yet (it's about halfway into the book), but I estimate that it will be anywhere from 15-20 pages long (typed - in book form, probably 30-35). The first scene was about two - three pages (it's from Volume One). I don't think I'm surprising anyone by saying that Volume Two will be quite a bit bigger (in both the length and scope of the story). <br />
<br />
In the next update, I plan to start recapping the different types of magic users in my world. I hope it's informative and adds to your excitement for Volume Two.<br />
<br />
As an aside, I've made Volume One as a free e-book through <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/">SMASHWORDS</a> in anticipation of the release of Volume Two. I'm not sure how long I'll continue to offer it as a free e-book, so download it now if you're interested. You may find it <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90253">HERE</a> . I only ask that if you do download and read it, please rate or review it. There have been a couple of thousand of them sold/downloaded since Volume One's release, but I've only seen a dozen or so reviews. I write these things mostly for myself, but it really is exciting to see how someone reacts to my work. That feeling keeps me excited about writing, so hopefully, the reviews will continue to come in.<br />
<br />
Thanks, and I hope you all enjoy my work!N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-33143549554694676232013-03-21T09:22:00.002-07:002013-03-21T09:22:36.088-07:00OverwritingI've been writing quite a lot lately (trying to maintain a chapter-a-day pace for the next few days), and I'm really, really excited about how Heartkeeper: Volume Two is coming together. I'm up to about fifty typed pages (which is about a quarter of the length of Volume One), but it looks like this one is probably going to be about 40% longer than the first. I didn't set out to write a longer novel, but it's a much bigger story. So I guess it's inevitable. <br />
<br />
I did want to talk a little about the differences between the two books, though. So if you haven't read Volume One, you may want to avoid the next few paragraphs. Slight spoilers ahead.<br />
<br />
The first novel is a character-driven introduction to the world. It was always going to be a relatively small story in that I only wanted to go from point A to point B. That's part of the reason it's set in a vaguely familiar (and stereotypical) fantasy world. I didn't want to go into too much detail about races and such. Rather, I wanted to be able to focus on the different magic systems, the characters, and (later on) politics. <br />
<br />
In those ways, I was successful. Looking back, I wish I would have spent a little more time with the gnomes. Developing backstories and cultures is so much fun for me, and the gnomes have a very unique history. That said, I'm probably more critical of my own work than anyone else could ever be, and judging by the readers' responses I've seen, most people were happy with it. <br />
<br />
However, with Volume Two, I'm really opening up this world. It's not a small story anymore, and I can't write it like it is. Sure, I still want to focus on the characters (I've always felt like writing introspective characters was a strength of mine), but I also want this world to feel "lived-in." It's a lot more work because I've had to develop each culture's history (to the tune of 200+ pages of notes), but I think the extra effort is starting to show.<br />
<br />
Writing a bigger story can be a trap, though. It would be very easy to get bogged down in the details, and lose sight of the main storyline. It's a fine line to walk, providing enough detail that the reader feels like each culture and character is three-dimensional while, at the same time, not going overboard, and flooding their attention with superfluous, minute details that don't really matter. So far, I think I'm walking that line pretty well, but it's a constant struggle to keep it at the forefront of my mind. It can be so easy to get caught up in a scene and overwrite it. Still, I think awareness of that danger is key to not falling prey to it.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I hope this creative streak continues. N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-79069274131633167552013-03-14T16:01:00.002-07:002013-03-14T16:01:31.101-07:00Writing Up a StormI've covered a lot of ground today, and I wrote about six pages. I'm sure that I'll edit it down a little, but to put that in perspective, the manuscript for Heartkeeper: Volume One was only about 200 pages long (with graphics). So that's quite a bit of progress for one day, and I plan to get a couple more pages hammered out before the day is finished. <br />
<br />
Since I started posting again, I've received a few emails from fans, wishing me well and praying for me. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers. They definitely help. <br />
<br />
If you've bought or downloaded Heartkeeper: Volume One, please take the time to at least rate it wherever you bought it. I'd love to see more reviews, but I know most people don't want to take that sort of time. However, a simple rating (one or two clicks) really helps let potential readers know that the book is worth their time. I don't think that's asking too much.<br />
<br />
That's it for now. Hope you all are well, and I'm really excited about where this story is going. <br />
<br />
<br />N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-39388525243041144802013-03-13T10:04:00.002-07:002013-03-13T10:04:54.515-07:00Update on Second "Heartkeeper"I've talked a little about why Heartkeeper: Volume Two is still in development (as opposed to being finished), but I wanted to add a few things to that explanation. Almost immediately after I finished Heartkeeper: Volume One, I started writing the second in the series. However, when I was diagnosed with leukemia, I sort of veered away from writing. Simply put, it was difficult to concentrate on writing when a) I felt horrible and b) I was legitimately scared of what my future held. <br />
<br />
It's easy to put on a brave face, and act like nothing is wrong. It really is. "I'm doing okay," I'd say. "I'm fine," or "I'm lucky it's treatable." I can't count how many times I said, "I'm lucky because if you're going to get cancer, this is the type of cancer you want to get because it's so treatable." The fact of the matter is that I never really felt lucky. In fact, I'm a little ashamed to say that I wallowed in self-pity. Why me? I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I try to live a relatively healthy lifestyle. But I'm the one who gets cancer at 30 years old. I think that mindset was harder to get over than the disease itself. <br />
<br />
Anyway, that sort of attitude is not conducive to writing. Sure, I wrote in my journal about what I was (and in some ways, still am) dealing with. But as far as concentrating on writing a narrative? It just wasn't going to happen. <br />
<br />
Cut to a few months later, when I was on the cusp of the remission declaration (which is defined as being cancer-free for six months), and I sort of turned a mental corner. It was time to stop feeling sorry for myself, and start to actively try to achieve my goals. <br />
<br />
There was one problem, though - I just wasn't happy with what I'd already written. There were elements I liked, certainly, and there were specific scenes which were very good, but as a whole, I just didn't care for where the story was going. So I scrapped it, and started over.<br />
<br />
When I sat down to rewrite it, though, I had a bit of an epiphany. I needed more organization if the novel was going to be successful (artistically). It's a big story with a lot of details interwoven into the narrative. Volume one was always going to be a small, character-driven story, and so, didn't require a lot of planning. I think I only did a very basic outline, a small, regional map, and a short character list. All-in-all, I only had a dozen or so pages of notes. Everything else was just in my head.<br />
<br />
With Volume Two, however, I wanted to have a plan. I wanted to refer to people and places that would appear in subsequent books, and I wanted, above all, consistency. That meant that I had to get down to it, and actually plan. <br />
<br />
I started with the outline. Originally, I only intended to give a short five-six word summary of the chapters, but it quickly became a map for the entire book. I included back stories, secondary and tertiary characters, lines of dialogue...everything. By the time I was finished, I'd ended up with 50-60 pages worth of outline. That said, the entire novel was completely planned. All I had to do was write it.<br />
<br />
The only problem was that I had created so many new characters (most aren't really that important to the story, and aren't in the story much) that I started to get them confused. So, I decided to build a detailed character list. That ended up being about fifteen pages long.<br />
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Finally, I needed to flesh out my map. As with everything else, it sort of grew into what it became. Originally, I was only going to make a basic world map with city, landmark, and terrain names. When I started working on it, however, I decided that I'd use it as a bit of promotional material. Make a pretty map, and generate interest in the book. So, I spent a few days building what I think is a very nice map. <br />
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And now, I'm in the midst of writing the first draft. It's really coming along nicely, and I've got that feeling of excitement I tend to get when a story starts to come together. At last count, I was about fifteen percent into it, and the prep work is really paying off. I can only hope that it continues to go so smoothly. <br />
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As to plans for the future of this little blog, in addition to giving you guys updates on the progress of the novel, I'm considering doing a series of short stories (published weekly) as a way of fleshing out my world for you all.<br />
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That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and I hope that the second novel lives up to your expectations. N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-64448943447129822442013-03-11T12:17:00.002-07:002013-03-11T13:21:24.938-07:00Second Heartkeeper Prep - The MapCartography is not easy; I can say that with absolute conviction. Every part of it - from conception to execution - is tedious and time-consuming. That said, it is an invaluable process in that it forces me to think about my characters' journeys, and it cements the world in reality.<br />
<br />
With the first book, I worked off of a very rough regional map. It was always a small story with only a few real locations, so that was all I needed. But this story is so much bigger, and it's intended to open up the world. The map had to reflect that.<br />
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So, this is my first real fantasy map:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB08DysAbhgJScUTruQIR-jWsZxB2SSQ2Cw90zrWrLj8xkV0yOJCUecnX6xFoZOgu5yh-X_DQhZQwbl42fJWqKLM2pLICeJiufnfhg5kYDoJIM10CoGRe_EMrf-jKrqNMJdX0ncDMETY/s1600/map+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxB08DysAbhgJScUTruQIR-jWsZxB2SSQ2Cw90zrWrLj8xkV0yOJCUecnX6xFoZOgu5yh-X_DQhZQwbl42fJWqKLM2pLICeJiufnfhg5kYDoJIM10CoGRe_EMrf-jKrqNMJdX0ncDMETY/s320/map+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the map after a texture pass and the addition of the compass rose:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHXg29usiJOBO6wXNOHK0ZfwwfPTEi-SqC8DtsqHcZ2KUbrUGjFyewo46K02xKpC5C5z-W2o9iB0DNvfwpaD5WpoZmxTiGTGF0ZQ-I1xKzSH5Vrm3m_Ren9uhXhfjIQD6bejUAD92U-k/s1600/map+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHXg29usiJOBO6wXNOHK0ZfwwfPTEi-SqC8DtsqHcZ2KUbrUGjFyewo46K02xKpC5C5z-W2o9iB0DNvfwpaD5WpoZmxTiGTGF0ZQ-I1xKzSH5Vrm3m_Ren9uhXhfjIQD6bejUAD92U-k/s320/map+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
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Part of me wanted to go with a traditional fantasy map with icons, names for everything, and borders, but with a full-world map like this, that's not really an option. So I chose to make it a little more realistic - kind of like a satellite view of the world, with only the cities named.<br />
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I started with a sketch (basically just the continents and major landmarks) on nine 14x17 pages (creating a 3x3, 9 tile grid). Then, I took pictures (the pages were too big to scan), and loaded those pictures into Photoshop CS5. From there, I refined the shapes of the continents, did the coloring, applied the textures, and then, finally, labeled it. All in all, it took about 12-15 hours of work, but I think it was well worth it. The result is a useful bit of art that I can use as a reference and promotional material. That, and I think it's just pretty cool. Hopefully you all do too.<br />
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In the next update, I'll probably have another couple of maps ready. I still need to do a political map, and I'll probably use a variation of this one to establish the names of natural formations (mountains, rivers, oceans), scale, and major landmarks. I also have plans to create maps of Nou Tyran, Byn Takar, and Linston sometime in the near future. <br />
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So keep checking back, and I'll keep posting. <br />
<br />
<br />N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-52914402226812831352013-02-28T11:55:00.001-08:002013-02-28T11:55:12.435-08:00An UpdateI'm a fairly private person, and in general, I don't really like to talk about myself. Instead, I like to let my work speak for me. However, I feel like I have an obligation to let everyone know why there haven't been any updates on the second volume of the Heartkeeper series. I can only say that I apologize for it taking this long.<br />
<br />
The fact of the matter is that my mind has been occupied by a bout with leukemia. I don't want to go into too much depth as to my disease, but I will say that as of a few weeks ago, I'm officially in remission. And with that, my mind was freed to focus on writing. So that's what I'm doing. I won't say anything else about that, because I want to focus on what the lay in the future. <br />
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The second book is really coming along nicely. I finished the outline a couple of weeks ago, which is a lot more work than you might think. It's the backbone of the story, the map I'm going to follow for each individual scene (I think it ended up being about forty or so pages). Over the next week or so, I'm going to be fleshing out the world and tertiary characters' back stories. <br />
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I think that, in a week or two, I'm going to be posting a map of the world. Originally, I intended it to appear in the book, but as it was an e-book, there were formatting problems. Whatever the case, I'll have it up here soon.<br />
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In any case, the point of this post is to let you all know that I'm actively working on the next volume. I can say that the next volume will be quite a bit larger in scope than the first, and the third volume will be even bigger. So hopefully you all will remain fans, and buy the next one when it comes out.<br />
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I'll be a little more diligent with this blog in the future. N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-49125126932534069582011-11-19T10:08:00.000-08:002011-11-19T10:08:26.138-08:00Another Positive Review.I've gotten my first official review. Danica over at <a href="http://danicapage.blogspot.com/">Taking it One Page at a Time</a> has given Heartkeeper: Volume One 4 out of 5 stars, and has written a very positive review. <br />
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You can find her review<a href="http://danicapage.blogspot.com/2011/11/book-review-heartkeeper-volume-one-by.html"> HERE</a> .N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-73338537213392329422011-11-03T09:08:00.000-07:002011-11-03T09:08:55.135-07:00How Independent Authors Are ViewedAttached to the term "independent author" is a certain stigma: many people don't consider these author's work as "real." I understand it, sure. But do I think it is fair? Not at all. Let me explain.<br />
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On the one hand, I get that there is a lot of really bad work out there, and a lot of it is written by independent authors. For every good independently published book, there are probably ten bad ones (or more). Over the years, we've come to rely on publishers to sort of "weed out" the bad. They get thousands of submissions every week, and it's their job to pick the best (sometimes they're successful, other times, not so much) of the bunch. We count on them telling us which books are worth reading, just by virtue of which ones they decide to publish.<br />
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There's a problem there, though. Take Harry Potter, for example. I can't imagine a situation where a publisher would have read the manuscript for the first in that series, and said, "I don't think this is worth publishing." You can argue that the books (especially the early ones) weren't particularly well-written. You can even argue that they're overly whimsical. But to look at that, and say that it wouldn't be successful enough to warrant publishing? That seems a little silly to me. It happened though. I can't remember the number of publishers that turned it down, but it was in the double digits (and it took years). <br />
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So I have to ask the question: why? Well, it's not really hard to get. They get thousands of submissions each day. They can't afford to base their decisions on a whole book; they have to read a couple of chapters, and say yes or (usually) no. Does a slow-starting book mean that it's bad? No. Does it mean that most publisher won't touch it with a ten foot pole? Yes. That's just the way it is. Good books slip through the cracks of the current publishing model.<br />
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Self-publishing gives authors a chance to circumvent that flawed system. Have I submitted to publishers? Not really (only one, and that was because a buddy persuaded me to). Do I want to? Again, not really. I recognize that the system is flawed, and I don't want to contribute to it. Now, that's not to say that if, after my book has been on the market for a while, I wouldn't listen if a publisher contacted me. I certainly would, and I'd feel like I really earned it. I just don't want to contribute to the submission process.<br />
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I know the quality of my own work, and can objectively say that it's better than some books which have been published by "big" publishers. I won't sit here and say it's great or perfect (it's not), but above average? Yeah, I can say that. How far above average...well, that's up to you all.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-17093958782076187642011-11-01T12:08:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:08:06.262-07:00Shades of GrayI usually set out to have a "real" bad guy. I really do. The problem is that I almost always start to see things from the "bad" guy's perspective. Once you start seeing reasons for certain things, you have a hard time classifying him/her as anything worse than misguided. Nobody ever thinks they're evil; they have justifications for everything they do. I like for my villains (and heroes, come to that) to have multiple (and diverse) reasons for every action. A good guy might selfishly pursue revenge, even when that action might put innocents in danger. A bad guy might save someone for no reason at all. I don't really know where I'm going with this; I just felt like sharing between writing scenes.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-11556642867125573972011-10-31T15:51:00.000-07:002011-10-31T15:51:01.074-07:00My mind is not beautiful; it's a crazily distorted jungle-gym of ideas.My mind usually goes a hundred miles per hour, and normally in multiple directions. I have an extremely difficult time concentrating on a single project for very long. <br />
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I've been working pretty diligently on the Bran Drayton book, but it's slow going right now (I can't quite get a particular scene to pop). As a result, I tend to just meander along, writing every single detail without end. I know I'll end up editing most of it, but it helps. Anyway, I'll take a scene (or chapter) which should be about 4-5 pages, and it'll end up being 15 pages of absolutely mind-numbing detail or introspection. As a writing exercise, it is kind of cool because you get to see what works and what doesn't. You start to get a feel for when a scene should end, and with what action. Anyway, I haven't gotten to that point in this particular instance yet.<br />
<br />
So, to put it bluntly, I get bored with a story when I'm at that point. I know where I want to go, and I have a good idea of how to get there, but I haven't quite figured out how much detail to include. Figuring that out is boring, and it's probably my least favorite part of writing. That said, when I get in one of these funks, my mind starts to wander.<br />
<br />
I tend to think about my stories when I have downtime, whether it's when I'm driving or when I'm trying to go to sleep. When I'm bored with what I'm working on, I inevitably move on to other ideas. And I have SO many ideas. I get so excited about these potential stories that I have to keep myself from starting an outline right then and there (one or two projects at a time). <br />
<br />
Anyway, long story short -- I thought of a really cool plot for a modern romance (with a bit of an existential/paranormal twist) today. I'm not going to add it to my list of "future projects" but I'm kind of excited about it.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-47643749839271198732011-10-27T09:08:00.000-07:002011-10-27T09:08:43.708-07:00World-BuildingI love world-building. There's just something about creating a world, giving it rules, establishing a history, and then throwing characters into that world, and letting them fend for themselves. I think that's why I like fantasy and science fiction; it allows me to be creative with the worlds. <br />
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That's it; I just wanted to say how much I enjoy creating these fantastic worlds.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-45941537885108439022011-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:002011-10-26T12:01:03.728-07:00When I write...I remember one time reading an interview where one of my favorite authors, Terry Goodkind, said that his characters told the story (I'm paraphrasing here). He said that he was just along for the ride, chronicling the story that those characters dictated.<br />
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Now, I've read a lot of his work, and he is one of the most talented writers I've ever read. There are some who plainly put more work into their books, and others who have knacks in different areas, but in terms of sheer writing talent, he's one of the best (in the genre, if not overall).<br />
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I say this because at the time, I didn't really write much. I was still in high school, and hadn't gotten to that point where I had realized that writing was actually fun. I knew I was decent at it, but I had never considered undertaking something so massive as writing a novel. Anyway, I read that article, and I thought, <i>What a load of bull! </i> I didn't think that fictional characters could dictate a story; he had to be just saying that to make his characters feel more real.<br />
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Oh, how wrong I was. Now, looking back, I know that my characters are the same way. I don't know if it's because I'm good at building characters and worlds (but not so great at building a narrative) or if that's just the way it works, but my characters most certainly do dictate the stories I write. The story progresses the way it does because I dropped my characters in a situation, and let them try to get out of it. Yes, I created them; they aren't based on real people or anything. But their every action was taken because that's how that character would react, not because it served some narrative purpose.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, they even surprise me. Yes, I'm writing it, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment, I write something that completely fits within the scope of the story and character's personality, but which I had not planned at all.<br />
<br />
Is this good writing? I don't know. But it's the only way I know how to do it. I know for a fact that other authors like to plan out ever single detail of their books, and for some, it works magnificently. However, I can't work that way. I like to get a general outline of situations, and let my characters lead me through the story. I like to let it grow organically.<br />
<br />
And I think it shows with my characters' realism.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I was just thinking about this as I was writing a particularly fun scene, and thought I'd share.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-18693040172825381422011-10-26T08:07:00.000-07:002011-10-26T08:07:06.110-07:00It's been a good few days.I've been writing up a storm lately. I've kind of hit that stride with the Bran Drayton book, where everything just seems to sort of flow. I hardly even have to think about what I'm going to type. I don't know how good it is yet (I'll probably need some heavy editing), but it's quite nice to just write. It's especially nice to take a break from that self-promotion stuff and do what I actually enjoy doing.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-62198921313951137612011-10-25T08:24:00.000-07:002011-10-25T08:24:35.855-07:00Show; don't tell.I realized today that I've been talking about good reviews, and I haven't quoted any of them! So, I decided to post a good sampling on here.<br />
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On Goodreads, it's averaging 4.17 out of 5 stars. The link to those reviews is <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12663360-heartkeeper">HERE</a> .<br />
On Amazon it's averaging 5 out of 5 stars. The link to those reviews is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heartkeeper-Volume-One-ebook/dp/B005MTWSNG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319555219&sr=8-1">HERE</a> .<br />
On iBooks, it's averaging 5 out of 5 stars. <br />
On the Nook, it is averaging 4 out of 5 stars. The link to those reviews is <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heartkeeper-nr-searcy/1105810591?ean=2940013421516&itm=2&usri=heartkeeper">HERE</a> .<br />
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For Heartkeeper: Volume One (from Goodreads)<br />
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<b>Henry gave it 4 out of 5 stars, and wrote the following as a review:</b><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414">"This book starts out a little slow, but it ramps up pretty good after a little while. I liked that the characters sort of grew together believably.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414">Pros:</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414">Relatively believable characters. Interesting magic concept. The political intrigue was well done.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414">Cons:</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414">The writing itself isn't great -- passable, but not great. The author gets kind of caught up on certain turns of phrase from time to time.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"><br />
Anyway, good book if you like high fantatsy. Good action. Good characters. Fun world. I gave it four stars."</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"></span></span></i><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414">Linda gave it 5 out of 5 stars, and wrote the following as a review:</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"></span></span><i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer227065223"><span id="freeTextContainer17032566205591328879">"Not my normal genre,but decided to read on a recommendation by a friend. I am surely glad I did! Loved the magic and the way the author kept my attention while learning what the agenda of each character was. I could hardly put it down; definitely recommend that you read it. Can't wait till the next volume is released!"</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer227065223"><span id="freeTextContainer17032566205591328879"> </span></span></i><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer227065223"><span id="freeTextContainer17032566205591328879">Phyllis Mcclain gave the book 4 out 5 stars and wrote:</span></span></b><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer227065223"><span id="freeTextContainer17032566205591328879"> </span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210593590"><span id="freeTextContainer17346745410551114452">"I don't know what it was about this book but I just couldn't put it down. I thought the world was well realized (the way he handled magic in particular was neat) and the characters weren't just archetypes. They seemed to react like real people would."</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210593590"><span id="freeTextContainer17346745410551114452"></span></span></i><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210593590"><span id="freeTextContainer17346745410551114452">Amy Smith gave the book 3 out of 5 stars, and wrote:</span></span></b><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"> </span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893">"It was a better than average read. Good characters and interesting world. Sometimes the writing is a little more introspective than it had to be. It wasn't a deal-breaker or anything, and some people might like it that way. It's just not my cup of tea. Either way, I'll read the next in the series, so I liked it okay. Good first novel."</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"> </span></span></i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893">On Amazon, it has received </span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893">only one review, but it was a 5 out of 5 star. It has also received 2 "likes."</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"></span></span></i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893">Now, for my short story, Love, Eternal, which was published a couple of weeks ago...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893">This one is free, so it has understandably gotten a little more traffic. However, it has only garnered two reviews. It is averaging 4 out of 4 stars. You can see its page <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94374">HERE</a> .</span></span><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"></span></span><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893">Nikki Jenkins gave it 4 out of 4 stars, and wrote:</span></span></b><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893">"Nice little fairy tale."</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"></span></span></i><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893">Maranda Russell (you can follow her blog <a href="http://marandarussell.com/">HERE</a> )also gave it 4 out of 4 stars, and wrote:</span></span></b><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210590590"><span id="freeTextContainer7413022792701114893"></span></span></i><i>"I love fairy tales and a good romantic story so this one was right up my alley. I should also mention that this story is well written and truly enjoyable to read. I look forward to seeing more from this author.</i>"<br />
<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"> </span></span></i><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414">Those are the reviews I've found so far. I hope it continues to receive positive reviews, and I also hope that reading this sampling of reviews will help to persuade readers to take a chance on a new author.</span></span><i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"></span></span></i><br />
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<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414">Thanks for your support.</span></span><i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"><br />
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<i><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer210587135"><span id="freeText16619586462337373414"> </span></span></i>N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-19399307288556371402011-10-24T12:54:00.000-07:002011-10-24T12:54:29.431-07:00The best stories are stories about love...I wrote this simple paragraph a few months ago, and I just stumbled across it today. I'm not sure why I wrote it, or what it meant to me at the time, but for some reason, I really, really like it. I'm considering putting it in one of my short stories or books some time in the future (assuming I can find a context in which to put it). Anyway, here it is:<br />
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<i>Love. It's such a common word, but it conveys so much depth. To some people, it is merely lust; to others love means a connection, a relationship, or a friendship which defies normality. To still others, it is a myth, never before truly felt. </i><i>I think it goes beyond all of that to encompass something that can't truly be described - not adequately, anyway. It is what drives us, be it a simple, powerful friendship or something more romantic. It is life's catalyst.</i><br />
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Maybe I'm just a big softy, but that paragraph sums up my view of storytelling. I know there are other motives for a good journey (emotional or literal), but I think the best stories are ones in which the characters are motivated by some form of love. N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-51034927096842498142011-10-24T10:55:00.000-07:002011-10-24T10:55:03.640-07:00Help me readers; you're my only hope!I have been getting some reviews lately, and I've been very pleased with them (none have been bad!). However, I'd like to implore any readers to jot down a few words about your impressions of Heartkeeper on Amazon, iBooks, or wherever you've purchased it. Doing so will help me out, and thus, allow me to devote more time to writing. Thanks!N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-13028311285449411252011-10-16T12:41:00.000-07:002011-10-16T12:41:47.345-07:00A few reviews...I've only gotten a couple of reviews on Heartkeeper, but the few I've gotten have been encouraging. As for Love, Eternal, the response has been very, very promising. I wasn't completely convinced of its quality until I started getting feedback (which has been overwhelmingly positive). So that's always nice.<br />
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As for what I've been working on lately, my time has been primarily spent on the Bran Drayton book. I absolutely love world building, and the beginning of this book is devoted almost entirely to that (within the context of the story of course). I've started to divulge the history of the world and its inhabitants, and I think it's going to be something special by the time I finish it up.<br />
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However, I am being diverted (as sometimes happens) from my intended story arc. Some of my ideas about my characters are changing as I write their stories, and I think I'm on the verge of completely doing a 180 on some of my characters' roles within the story (villain, friend, hero, etc.). It's exciting stuff when the characters develop of their own accord. I think that's the sign of a really good foundation.<br />
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Anyway, that's all for today.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-73558586507521641702011-10-06T15:20:00.000-07:002011-10-06T15:20:16.056-07:00Published a new short storyI just published a new short story, entitled Love, Eternal. It's a relatively short fairy tale (about 4500 words), so it's a quick read. The blurb is as follows:<br />
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<i><span itemprop="description">Love, Eternal is a short fairy tale about the power of love. Logan and Jacqueline's love draws the ire of an evil witch who grants the two of them eternal life, but with a price. They will live out eternity apart, never again to feel love's embrace. Can they break the curse?</span></i><br />
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<span itemprop="description">I originally started writing with the intention of illustrating it as well, but I never got around to doing more than a couple of quick sketches. Either way, it's available at smashwords <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94374">here</a>.</span><i><span itemprop="description"> </span></i><span itemprop="description">I didn't put a price tag on it because I don't think it's right to charge someone for a short story.</span>N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-1643930930094303352011-10-04T16:19:00.000-07:002011-10-04T16:19:47.481-07:00LanguageAs I've noted in previous posts, I am in the midst of writing a Young Adult science fiction novel. It's my first attempt at a novel-length science fiction story (but writing's writing, right?). I'm fairly certain that the story is good, and my prose is passable. However, I have been pondering something recently, and I haven't come across an answer yet.<br />
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Lately, my thoughts have been anchored to the idea of language. I'm not talking about foul language or anything like that; I only swear occasionally and those sorts of words are used even less in my writing. No, I'm talking about advanced words. With a YA book, I find that I have to be careful not to use words that might fly over my intended audience's head. Or at least that's what my editor has told me.<br />
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My problem is this, though: I think that advanced word usage is helpful to younger readers. If the story is interesting, and the context is clear, why not use complicated words? Why shouldn't my readers think? Why can't their vocabularies grow as a result of reading my work?<br />
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I contend that they can, and they should. Maybe I'm wrong, though. Time will tell.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-79275619381995879782011-10-04T12:04:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:04:00.147-07:00Available on the iBookstoreI was just notified yesterday that Heartkeeper: Volume One is now available via the iBookstore. For those of you who don't know, the iBookstore is an application for iPads, iPhones, and the iPod Touch which allows for reading ebooks. I can't link to it from here (because it's an app), but if you have one of these devices, and you're interested in the book, just download the app and search for "Heartkeeper: Volume One". That should get you to it.<br />
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So to date, it is available on the Nook (via Barnes and Noble), the Kindle (via Amazon), and iBooks. Exciting stuff.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-21222383476325951472011-10-01T14:49:00.000-07:002011-10-01T14:49:05.688-07:00This WeekendToday I'm starting to work on the actual manuscript for my next novel, entitled Bran Drayton and the Knee-High Robot Army of Doom (tentatively, of course). As the title may suggest, it is not a very serious piece of fiction. The outline and character biographies are (mostly) finished, so I'm ready to get to writing. <br />
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I'm really excited about this one. I've always wanted to write a "fun" science fiction story, and I think this one will fit that bill quite nicely.<br />
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If you're wondering about the next installment of the Heartkeeper Series, know that I'm also working on the outline/character biographies/backstories for that. I tend to work on multiple projects at once (if I get blocked with one, I'll just move to the next one for a bit). <br />
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That said, I'll probably be releasing the Bran Drayton book first, but the Heartkeeper book should follow soon after (within a few months).<br />
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Should be fun. N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-24649799308877719052011-09-29T14:12:00.000-07:002011-09-29T14:12:39.827-07:00Lost in a sea of novels...It's funny, in a way. As a reader, I bemoaned the lack of good fantasy novels. Sure, there are hundreds out there, but I thought I had read everything of note. As a writer, I am facing a far different problem -- how do I make my book stand out? And even if I do, how do I make people search long enough to actually find it? It's buried under hundreds of best sellers, and I'm not sure how to get it to rise to the top. I realize that it's a process, and that, over time, word will spread. But I can't help but be a little impatient.<br />
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Anyway, just thought I'd share a little nugget of what's on my mind right now.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-2925537385113780422011-09-26T09:51:00.000-07:002011-09-26T09:51:05.317-07:00New Site LayoutI have altered the blog a little by adding a few new pages. These pages are located at the top of the blog, and are as follows:<br />
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<b><u>Home</u></b>: This will display the latest blog post<br />
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<b><u>About Me</u></b>: This is a short biography focusing on how I came to write my first novel, Heartkeeper: Volume One<br />
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<b><u>The Future</u></b>: This details what books I have planned for the near future.<br />
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<b><u>About Heartkeeper</u></b>: Volume One: This page is where you'll find the blurb for the book as well as the links to where you can get your copy.<br />
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<b><u>Characters</u></b>: This page will give a little additional detail on my major characters. Right now, it's only about Heartkeeper: Volume One, but in the future, it will contain a section for each novel.<br />
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<b><u>Sample Chapter</u></b>: This is where you will find the sample chapter of Heartkeeper: Volume One. In the future, I will have a separate page containing the sample chapters for each of my novels.<br />
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<b><u>Guest Bloggers</u></b>: This page doesn't have anything yet, but in the future, I will have guest bloggers (with reviews, opinions, etc.).<br />
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<u><b>Essays</b></u>: Occasionally I will write an essay pertaining to some writing issue. This is where I will archive them.<br />
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<b><u>My Favorite Books/Authors</u></b>: As the title suggests, this is where I will detail some of my favorite books and/or authors.<br />
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<b><u>My Favorite Movies</u></b>: I love movies, so I figured I'd put a page in here about my favorite movies.<br />
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This may change as I think of other things I'd like to archive, but it's a good start. I hope this makes the site easier to navigate.N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4893575132334228861.post-38922277003283528592011-09-25T18:39:00.000-07:002011-09-25T18:39:46.294-07:00Available on the NookI just realized that I hadn't posted that my book, Heartkeeper: Volume One is now available on the Nook via Barnes and Noble. I don't have a Nook, so I'm not sure about finding it on there, but I'm sure if you're interested, you can just search for N.R. Searcy or Heartkeeper: Volume One. Anyway, the link to the listing is<br />
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<a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Heartkeeper/NR-Searcy/e/2940013421516">Heartkeeper: Volume One</a>N.R. Searcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09500059851095261557noreply@blogger.com