AUTHOR UPDATES
AMAZON BEST SELLER
Date: May 29th 2023
For those watching when it happened, it was one of the most momentous occasions in my lifetime. Long story short Saturday May 20th
WE DID IT!
#1 on AMAZON BEST SELLERS LIST
I devoted a large chunk of two and a half years of my life to writing this book. Late nights, early mornings, mid day sessions. Sunday cramming sprints. And in the span of a week, 1700 of you, showed up, showed out, and showed support for this journey. That will mean more to me than you will ever know.
Some of those were free purchases during the promo and some were signed copies, while others were kindle purchases, or print purchases from Amazon. Every one of them, humbles me to my core, as I gratefully offer my most reverent gratitude to each and every one of you.
So I say again, WE DID IT. I wrote the book, and YOU supported the book. This is our success!!!
FINAL LAUNCH DATE
Date: May 8th 2023
Hello family, friends, fans and fellow adventurers. The time has finally come to announce the firm launch date for Shadow of the Soul Blade, the first in the epic DarkThorne Trilogy. *Drum Roll*
May 15th 2023.
So far in this process, I've written the book, rewritten the book, had 20 beta readers give feedback, completed the author edits, had Nicole Zoltak professionally edit the book, Had Belle Manuel complete the editorial proof reading, and have now received the first physical proofs of the book.
If I'm completely honest, every single time I read it, I look at it and say "Hey, I could write this better, or make that clearer." But that's the downside of having OCPD, so I could do that until the end of time. But the time has come to decide that it's ready to launch, and let it go. My only hope is that someone somewhere loves reading it, at least half as much as I loved writing it.
Editing Updates
Date: April 10th 2023
Hello, friends! I wanted to share an update on my progress. I'm currently in the editing process, and though it can be daunting, I'm excited to bring this magical world to life, so I will continue to press forward despite the obstacles.
I'm also thrilled to announce the release of the pre-launch book trailer, which provides a sneak peek into the incredible journey that awaits you in the world of Ashana. Click the image on the left to join me on this adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes, captivating characters, and of course, magic. I can't wait for you to experience the wonder and enchantment of Ashana, and I'll be sure to keep you updated as I work towards publication.
Regarding a publication date, I will have a firm date soon, and as soon as I have it, I will post it here.
Publish Updates
Date: February 7th 2023
Okay, so let’s get the hard stuff out of the way. I messed up. Initially I enlisted 20 beta readers to read through the second finalized draft of the manuscript, and the first 4 or 5 that came in were such lavishing reviews, I just said “FULL SEND!” and put it to editing. But THEN the other feedback came in. Don’t get me wrong, it was all really great feedback. But some of the constructive critiques, will require my attention. So after my editor does an amazing job getting everything in order, I’m going to slosh it though the mud again. What does that mean for the book? Well that mean’s the release date will be closer to March 31st. Because I’m NOT launching on April 1st. not going to happen. The good news is, this gives me more time to build my marketing strategy, and plan to figure out a way to invite more readers to the world of Ashana. This also means that when it IS ready, it will be a much better experience for all who join us on this adventure.
But take this teaser, on March first, I’m going to launch something, that will blow…your…minds… I promise. While also finding us more people to invite to the world of Ashana.
AI Art Conflict
Date: Jan 19 2023
Over the last several months, there has been a substantial increase in the use of AI to generate self portraits. As a technologist, I understand the need to use technology to improve our lives. But I'm also firm believer in the inately creative nature of the human spirit. In support of the global artistic community, I had the following portrait done by my book Cover Arist John Ric Detoon. His abaility to capture the essense of his subject, while transforming them into a surreal masterpiece is without equal.
Cartography
Date: Jan 18 2023
Welcome to Ashana, a vast world of adventure, and danger and the setting for the DarkThorne Chronicles. It is both the cradle of the magic of Ashara, and a place of exile for ominous relics banished out of time and space into the DarkThorne Forest. I recently commissioned this map, from a series of sketches that I've been using for the past 15 years to run adventurers through campaigns, across these many realms and back again
