Friday, April 12, 2013
The Day Will Be Swiftly Upon Us
With only seven days left for The Enemy Within's Kickstarter, I have to be ready for the project to go anywhere. It could find success, and it might not. As I've said in the video, in either case, the book will find release. It's just a matter of when.
The point of the Kickstarter was to bring The Enemy Within to people a little sooner, and to offer up some cool rewards that aren't easy to deliver to people in smaller batches. There's no reason to despair, however, if the Kickstarter doesn't reach $2000. Barring some unforeseen personal financial crisis, I should be able to pay the editor out of pocket by the middle of July. Until then, it's locked in his possession If I were to try and get it early, he'd bite off my ankles like an angry leprechaun. Whatever the case, I'll keep you apprised of the situation through these updates.
After that, I'll be working simultaneously on the Kaos and Mathias backstories, which will be released in episodic content on the website, and on this blog. I'm still not 100% sure of the format. It may be bi-weekly, or it may be monthly. I'm trying to make sure that the Kaos prequel material is ready by the time I'm ready to publish his prequel novel, but it's hard to gauge that sort of thing. We'll see what happens, in either case.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
On the Horizon
No matter how the Kickstarter campaign goes, I have to look to the future. Those nearest to the project with me had various talks about Tellest to that effect, yesterday.
Once The Child of the Stars Trilogy is completely released, I'm going to briefly take a moment to focus on one of the most powerful beings in the the Tellest universe. The king of the gods, Mathias, has a very interesting backstory, as you'll learn if you read The Enemy Within.
The more I thought about it, however, the less it made sense for his story to be released as a book. I'm about 15-20% done with his prequel "novella", and I'm learning that most of his tale is told as the more defining moments in his life. For someone who is practically ageless, writing an actual book about his entire existence would be too tall an order for me to adequately try to tackle.
With that said, I've decided that it may be better for me to release that information in another format. Once I've got a signifigant amount of that material suitable for release, I'm going to release that in a bi-weekly basis, here on the blog, and on tellest.com - it'll be a serial story that probably lasts an entire year.
Now, that's not to say that I won't turn around once everything is up and running, and put it on Amazon in eBook format. Once I collect everything into one novella, I'll release it at a fair price, and also include it as bonus material once the first trilogy is bundled.
Some of you may already be aware of that information. I believe I mentioned that before. But it directly helped to influence my thought for the next step as well.
My original plan for the future was to get The Enemy Within published, focus on the Mathias prequel, and then pump out a Kaos prequel before going forward. That plan is going to be amended slightly, for much of the same reason. Kaos' formulative and early years are important to the overall arc of his story, but for about seventeen years, his story is fairly bare bones, from an objective point of view.
Yet, people who are really big fans of the fan service may not want to miss that opportunity. It's in those seventeen years that he meets Alicia, David and Zachariah. It's in those seventeen years that he learns how to fight, and develops an affinity for treasure. It's even during that period of his life that the name Kaos actually begins to take meaning.
However, it isn't until he turns seventeen that his story is robust enough to tell in its own novel. The Valley of Mists, where Kaos was when his parents were murdered, will be that story. It will be around the same length of The Bindings of Fate, and it will essentially be my Hobbit. The focus will be on Kaos in a different time of his life, when his most popular allies, Steel Tip, David, etc., are not involved. It will help to shape him as a character, and it will definitely give his life a new direction.
Again, I'm not prepared to ignore those years that precede that huge event in his life. Instead, I'll be following the same format as the Mathias prequel, and release the younger Kaos years in a serial format on the blog and the website. Once The Valley of Mists is released, I might package the pre-book material in there as a bonus of some sorts.
The wonderful thing about this decision is that there should always be a steady stream of Tellest related material for fans of the series to become invested in. In addition to the Mathias and Kaos short stories that are on their way in, my best friend and longtime collaborator, Kevin Gallagher, has also expressed interest in going a step further for the series. He's going to be taking it in a new direction, developing a new character from the ground up. With his help, Tellest will have the capacity to grow even more.
As you can see, there are a lot of things happening in and around the world of Tellest. Today, we only talked about the literary side of things, but the world is growing with every passing day, and I cannot wait to see where the next few months take us!
Once The Child of the Stars Trilogy is completely released, I'm going to briefly take a moment to focus on one of the most powerful beings in the the Tellest universe. The king of the gods, Mathias, has a very interesting backstory, as you'll learn if you read The Enemy Within.
The more I thought about it, however, the less it made sense for his story to be released as a book. I'm about 15-20% done with his prequel "novella", and I'm learning that most of his tale is told as the more defining moments in his life. For someone who is practically ageless, writing an actual book about his entire existence would be too tall an order for me to adequately try to tackle.
With that said, I've decided that it may be better for me to release that information in another format. Once I've got a signifigant amount of that material suitable for release, I'm going to release that in a bi-weekly basis, here on the blog, and on tellest.com - it'll be a serial story that probably lasts an entire year.
Now, that's not to say that I won't turn around once everything is up and running, and put it on Amazon in eBook format. Once I collect everything into one novella, I'll release it at a fair price, and also include it as bonus material once the first trilogy is bundled.
Some of you may already be aware of that information. I believe I mentioned that before. But it directly helped to influence my thought for the next step as well.
My original plan for the future was to get The Enemy Within published, focus on the Mathias prequel, and then pump out a Kaos prequel before going forward. That plan is going to be amended slightly, for much of the same reason. Kaos' formulative and early years are important to the overall arc of his story, but for about seventeen years, his story is fairly bare bones, from an objective point of view.
Yet, people who are really big fans of the fan service may not want to miss that opportunity. It's in those seventeen years that he meets Alicia, David and Zachariah. It's in those seventeen years that he learns how to fight, and develops an affinity for treasure. It's even during that period of his life that the name Kaos actually begins to take meaning.
However, it isn't until he turns seventeen that his story is robust enough to tell in its own novel. The Valley of Mists, where Kaos was when his parents were murdered, will be that story. It will be around the same length of The Bindings of Fate, and it will essentially be my Hobbit. The focus will be on Kaos in a different time of his life, when his most popular allies, Steel Tip, David, etc., are not involved. It will help to shape him as a character, and it will definitely give his life a new direction.
Again, I'm not prepared to ignore those years that precede that huge event in his life. Instead, I'll be following the same format as the Mathias prequel, and release the younger Kaos years in a serial format on the blog and the website. Once The Valley of Mists is released, I might package the pre-book material in there as a bonus of some sorts.
The wonderful thing about this decision is that there should always be a steady stream of Tellest related material for fans of the series to become invested in. In addition to the Mathias and Kaos short stories that are on their way in, my best friend and longtime collaborator, Kevin Gallagher, has also expressed interest in going a step further for the series. He's going to be taking it in a new direction, developing a new character from the ground up. With his help, Tellest will have the capacity to grow even more.
As you can see, there are a lot of things happening in and around the world of Tellest. Today, we only talked about the literary side of things, but the world is growing with every passing day, and I cannot wait to see where the next few months take us!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Kickstarter Wows, Whoas and Woes
One of the things that I wanted to make explicitly clear in my Kickstarter video was that I have been truly blessed by those close to me. The Tellest series has always done fairly well, and beaten my expectations thanks to friends and family who help to spread the word, and believe in the material.
Even in spite of that knowledge, it still blows me away to have $843 pledged already in less than a week. At this point, it's almost a sure thing that enough money will be raised to be successful. At some points over the last few days, the project's projections surged past $6,000!
Still, there are some things I've learned about this campaign.
First and foremost, Tellest is so out of left field that I can't possibly result to mimicry to try and emulate someone else's success. Do a search for medieval superheroes and you might find some pictures of the Avengers re-imagined in period-piece armor and costumes. This makes it incredibly hard to promote the Kickstarter project. It is nice to know that the Tellest books are pretty much one-of-a-kind though. Seriously, why has nobody ever thought of this before?
Second, it is really hard for a publishing project to find any traction on Kickstarter. Seriously, I picked the wrong hobby! While indie gaming projects are raking in high 5-figure numbers (and sometimes low 6-figure), I'm scrounging for what I consider to be on the low end.
Whereas friends, family, and people who are already keen on the Tellest books have graciously given their time and their contributions to the Kickstarter, the real challenge is finding the people out there that don't know they're fans yet. The Enemy Within was popular on Kickstarter for a day or two before it got buried on the site. The only hope at this point is some kind of grass-roots campaign to try and pick up the pace. Maybe, if I'm extremely lucky, the Kickstarter staff will reevaluate my project and feature it at some point over the next week or so.
In the meantime, I'll just keep chugging along. Every now and then I'll blow up Facebook or Twitter, trying to get that one extra person that might be toeing the line. There's still a whole lot of time for the pace to go either way. Who knows? The project might nosedive at this point and never find its feet again. In any case, this has been a very interesting learning experience. It'll be something I'll remember either way.
Even in spite of that knowledge, it still blows me away to have $843 pledged already in less than a week. At this point, it's almost a sure thing that enough money will be raised to be successful. At some points over the last few days, the project's projections surged past $6,000!
Still, there are some things I've learned about this campaign.
First and foremost, Tellest is so out of left field that I can't possibly result to mimicry to try and emulate someone else's success. Do a search for medieval superheroes and you might find some pictures of the Avengers re-imagined in period-piece armor and costumes. This makes it incredibly hard to promote the Kickstarter project. It is nice to know that the Tellest books are pretty much one-of-a-kind though. Seriously, why has nobody ever thought of this before?
Second, it is really hard for a publishing project to find any traction on Kickstarter. Seriously, I picked the wrong hobby! While indie gaming projects are raking in high 5-figure numbers (and sometimes low 6-figure), I'm scrounging for what I consider to be on the low end.
Whereas friends, family, and people who are already keen on the Tellest books have graciously given their time and their contributions to the Kickstarter, the real challenge is finding the people out there that don't know they're fans yet. The Enemy Within was popular on Kickstarter for a day or two before it got buried on the site. The only hope at this point is some kind of grass-roots campaign to try and pick up the pace. Maybe, if I'm extremely lucky, the Kickstarter staff will reevaluate my project and feature it at some point over the next week or so.
In the meantime, I'll just keep chugging along. Every now and then I'll blow up Facebook or Twitter, trying to get that one extra person that might be toeing the line. There's still a whole lot of time for the pace to go either way. Who knows? The project might nosedive at this point and never find its feet again. In any case, this has been a very interesting learning experience. It'll be something I'll remember either way.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Kickstarter is Live
Sorry for all the real quick, concise updates over the past week. Without further adieu, I present to you the Kickstarter for The Enemy Within:
Tons of people have shown their support over the past (almost) two years. If you can't pledge any money, don't feel bad. But, if possible, please pass along this project. I'm sure there are some people out there who will thoroughly enjoy the Tellest universe, and the stories therein!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
On your marks, get set...
Just a quick update today.
To be perfectly honest, I wasn't expecting another post before the Kickstarter project went live. The video production portion of the campaign went a little longer than I expected, thanks to a late winter illness. Now, all we're waiting for is Kickstarter's approval.
If you want, you can see the video that we put together on the Kickstarter page. We're still expecting to put a few tweaks on it here and there, but that's the basis for moving forward.
To be perfectly honest, I wasn't expecting another post before the Kickstarter project went live. The video production portion of the campaign went a little longer than I expected, thanks to a late winter illness. Now, all we're waiting for is Kickstarter's approval.
If you want, you can see the video that we put together on the Kickstarter page. We're still expecting to put a few tweaks on it here and there, but that's the basis for moving forward.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Day is Nigh
Just over a month ago, I let you know that I was planning a kickstarter campaign for The Enemy Within. That time is getting ever closer. If all ends well, we should have it live by Friday of this week.
With that in mind, I'd like to invite you to preview the campaign as it stands so far:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/181624749/2003747840?token=f7380f29
The most important piece of the puzzle, the video, is still in limbo. I was under the weather last week, and could barely breathe let alone speak with a normal voice. In fact, I'm still not 100%, but I'm committed to bringing this project to life sooner rather than later.
There are also small touches that I'd like to add to the kickstarter page this week as well, such as pictures of the artwork that Rhianna has been toiling away at.
What I'd like you to do is take a look at the rewards, and make sure I'm being fair and honest. If something seems out of place, please bring it to my attention.
In the days leading ahead, this project won't be live. This is just for your perusal at the moment, but when the campaign is live, I will most likely be reaching out for your help in promoting it. I am only as strong as my network, and all of you have been wonderful every step of the way. If you could help me through this latest stride, it would mean the world to me.
Thank you!
With that in mind, I'd like to invite you to preview the campaign as it stands so far:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/181624749/2003747840?token=f7380f29
The most important piece of the puzzle, the video, is still in limbo. I was under the weather last week, and could barely breathe let alone speak with a normal voice. In fact, I'm still not 100%, but I'm committed to bringing this project to life sooner rather than later.
There are also small touches that I'd like to add to the kickstarter page this week as well, such as pictures of the artwork that Rhianna has been toiling away at.
What I'd like you to do is take a look at the rewards, and make sure I'm being fair and honest. If something seems out of place, please bring it to my attention.
In the days leading ahead, this project won't be live. This is just for your perusal at the moment, but when the campaign is live, I will most likely be reaching out for your help in promoting it. I am only as strong as my network, and all of you have been wonderful every step of the way. If you could help me through this latest stride, it would mean the world to me.
Thank you!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
What Comes Next?
While the third book is coming along nicely - including the Kickstarter campaign - there are other Tellest books on the horizon that remain at the top of my priorities.
The first of those things is a Mathias-based prequel novella of sorts. I've been working on this story at a rapid pace, but it has struck me that it differs quite a lot from my typical novels. Beyond just the unfamiliar style, it jumps forward in time quickly, as opposed to the minute details that the Child of the Stars trilogy. As such, I think it's important to present the story in a different way.
While the production style of the book is going to be maintained - I'll still write it, set it aside, and have it edited - the release will be slightly different. I'm going to provide each chapter of the story in weekly updates, kind of like an online serial. If it does end up released in eBook format, it will be a free release, or potentially a bonus feature in one of the more robust novels.
Though the as yet untitled Mathias story is important to me, and to the Tellest universe as a whole, it isn't the project I'm most excited for.
The Veil of Mists is going to put a face to Kaos Kreegan's childhood. One of the things that worries me about that novel is that it's going to put me in a territory that some fans may not be happy with. While Kaos is my flagship character, he is only part of an ensemble, and that ensemble is not going to be present with him in this prequel. There will be some overlap. You'll see David Garus, Alicia, Dirk, and of course, Adelia. You won't be privy to seeing some of the other fan favorites, however. Steel Tip and Christopher are not seen in that novel, not even alluded to.
Instead, the focus is on Kaos. The Child of the Stars' biggest problem is that he was too honorable. He was too good. I'm glad that the first story that I told for Kaos was the one where he was pretty much a White Knight, because his character interactions in all the other work should be more interesting. In his youth, he's a little bit more rambunctious. He's sure of himself, even when he shouldn't be. And he's an idiot from time to time, as we're all prone to be.
Also importantly, you'll see some of the more intriguing moments of his life. You'll understand why he is called Kaos. You'll see the moment he meets the brothers Caista, or David Garus, or Alicia Mane and her father. You'll see how he happened upon the Heart of Ariyas.
Of course, this prequel story also gives me the chance to delve a little deeper into the past of other characters that he's met. The reader already knows, by the time they are done reading As Darkness Falls, that he has some history in Fostervilla. What isn't offered so casually is that he's also spent some time in Viscosa, the capital of Raleigh. He's met lifelong friends there, and he's spilled blood beside them, and it should be interesting to share these new characters with you.
After that, we take a little trip down south to the sea, where the next pentalogy (that's five new books) unfolds. We'll see some old friends and enemies, some new heroes and villains, and of course, for Steel Tip, the return to his home, Ippius. Gonna be some good times.
The first of those things is a Mathias-based prequel novella of sorts. I've been working on this story at a rapid pace, but it has struck me that it differs quite a lot from my typical novels. Beyond just the unfamiliar style, it jumps forward in time quickly, as opposed to the minute details that the Child of the Stars trilogy. As such, I think it's important to present the story in a different way.
While the production style of the book is going to be maintained - I'll still write it, set it aside, and have it edited - the release will be slightly different. I'm going to provide each chapter of the story in weekly updates, kind of like an online serial. If it does end up released in eBook format, it will be a free release, or potentially a bonus feature in one of the more robust novels.
Though the as yet untitled Mathias story is important to me, and to the Tellest universe as a whole, it isn't the project I'm most excited for.
The Veil of Mists is going to put a face to Kaos Kreegan's childhood. One of the things that worries me about that novel is that it's going to put me in a territory that some fans may not be happy with. While Kaos is my flagship character, he is only part of an ensemble, and that ensemble is not going to be present with him in this prequel. There will be some overlap. You'll see David Garus, Alicia, Dirk, and of course, Adelia. You won't be privy to seeing some of the other fan favorites, however. Steel Tip and Christopher are not seen in that novel, not even alluded to.
Instead, the focus is on Kaos. The Child of the Stars' biggest problem is that he was too honorable. He was too good. I'm glad that the first story that I told for Kaos was the one where he was pretty much a White Knight, because his character interactions in all the other work should be more interesting. In his youth, he's a little bit more rambunctious. He's sure of himself, even when he shouldn't be. And he's an idiot from time to time, as we're all prone to be.
Also importantly, you'll see some of the more intriguing moments of his life. You'll understand why he is called Kaos. You'll see the moment he meets the brothers Caista, or David Garus, or Alicia Mane and her father. You'll see how he happened upon the Heart of Ariyas.
Of course, this prequel story also gives me the chance to delve a little deeper into the past of other characters that he's met. The reader already knows, by the time they are done reading As Darkness Falls, that he has some history in Fostervilla. What isn't offered so casually is that he's also spent some time in Viscosa, the capital of Raleigh. He's met lifelong friends there, and he's spilled blood beside them, and it should be interesting to share these new characters with you.
After that, we take a little trip down south to the sea, where the next pentalogy (that's five new books) unfolds. We'll see some old friends and enemies, some new heroes and villains, and of course, for Steel Tip, the return to his home, Ippius. Gonna be some good times.
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