Another year draws to a close. 'Splintered Loyalties' is well on it's way, roughly ten percent done. My holiday sale of 'Decoy' is winding down and new years resolutions keep piling up around me. I don't know about you, but I have to be careful when I'm setting goals for myself. I tend to aim a little too high, or just make too many little ones. 

Do you have any big goals for 2015? Aside from writing, I've got to get back into shape. Unfortunately, chasing my niece and nephew around the house in endless games of tag and hide-and-seek aren't enough to keep me 'fit.' It amazes me how much energy a two and four year old have. After an hour with them, I'm ready for a nap myself!

Here's a Calvin and Hobbs Merry Christmas wish to you all. For all Calvin's pranks and mischief, he also has his tender holiday moments. I have far too many of these comics on my shelf at home (too many to safely mention on a first date). Anyways, Enjoy the tender moments and Happy Holidays to everyone!

This is one of the epic youtube tracks I like to listen to when I write. Oddly enough, I can't write while listening to music with lyrics. The song's story and my story end up butting heads. This particular song brings to mind a water battle between two powerful Suadans, with a lot of breaking glass involved.

What kind of story does it bring to your mind?

Here is the first draft of the cover and blurb for 'Splintered Loyalties', the second novel in the Shattered Realms Series, coming in April 2015. I might make some changes to the design as we draw closer to the launch date, but I like where this cover is going so far. What do you guys think?

"Keevan's Persuader training is tested against the Rhetan rebellion festering in Issamere's catacombs. Not only are Issamere's starving poor driven to the point of desperation against the Etrendi, but they have a mysterious financier with access to powerful Danica weapons. Keevan's elemental vision grants him a vital tool in tracking the deadly cargo, but openly marks him as a target to Etrendi and Rhetan alike. 

In the quest for truth about the enemy's plans and resources, Keevan inadvertently uncovers a dark secret about the Malik himself. One long buried in blood. The price for the Malik's trust will cost Keevan dearly, for none who knows the Malik's secret may live, unless they offer the steepest of prices…"

This morning I finally got around to updating the 'For Writer's' page on my website. For anyone interesting in writing, publishing or designing book covers, I highly recommend those resources. Many are offered by established writers intent on teaching their fellow writers to 'eat for a life-time' as opposed to some magazines I've come across that teach a writer to 'eat for a day'. 

I decide to treat myself with an early 'writing' Christmas present and finally upgraded from my five year old laptop to a full desktop and monitor. Once I get the blasted WiFi connection to put out more than 300 kb/sec (that translates into 'really slow' for those of you who are technologically challenged), I'll feel like I got my money's worth. There's something terribly ironic about an old laptop pulling over 5 times faster internet speeds that my 'fancy' desktop. Definitely got to swing by the computer store next week and get that fixed. 

I managed to partially revitalize the WiFi by extending the desktop's antenna another six inches, with a homemade extender of inter-wrapped copper wire. Didn't think it would work when I heard about it, but it tripled the trickle of internet I was experiencing. Can't argue with the results. I'm in Utah this week with family, gotta love the holiday season :)

Hope you all had a great weekend, talk to you later.

Just got started outlining the second novel in the 'Shattered Realms' series, titled 'Splintered Loyalties'. It's exciting to map out Keevan's development, because he has a lot more room to grow as a character, than Kaltor did in 'Assassin's Rising.' Plus, mixing his powers with the Tri-Beings' really forces me to plan out as much as I can before words hit the page. 

Anyways, 'Splintered Loyalties' is about 3% done at this point. Stay tuned for more!

Unseen Secrets is now for sale on Amazon, B&N,
 Kobo, Smashwords, or GoogleBooks, buy your very own copy today! 

Due to a minor publishing glitch, paperback copies will become available Monday, December 8th. Thank you for your patience and continued support. Welcome to the life and adventures of Keevan Stratagar.

'Among the Children of the Sky, command of the elements is the surest way to riches, influence and respect. Which is why young Keevan Stratagar, a wiry Outlander with no elemental gifts at all, spent his childhood dismissed by the powerful and feared by the ignorant.

As a child, leaving Keevan alive was an act of mercy the Council couldn't refuse. Though at constant war with the Outlanders, they didn't have the heart to take the life of an infant. But Keevan is a young man now. Powerful enemies are turning their attention to the young Outlander, with lethal intentions. Even a single Outlander standing on their  shores is one too many.

Battling for life, friends and loyalty, Keevan must uncover the hidden might behind his Outlander power. A strength he's overlooked his entire life. It will shake the city of Issamere to its core, where one misstep could bring the might of an entire civilization down on top of Keevan and all he holds dear.'