Continue reading »]]> I want to use this opening line to admit that for the past few months, I have been ignoring my creative instincts. Maybe it’s not instinct at all. Perhaps “creative conscience” is a better term for it. It’s that quiet internal voice that tells me some of the choices I’ve made were for the wrong reasons… and everyone knows that it’s difficult to be positive and passionate about something when deep inside, you feel that it’s not completely right.

If you think this sounds like the start of an apology, you’re probably right. Most folks probably don’t think I owe anyone an apology for being experimental with my own work and websites. Maybe I don’t, but I’m the kind of person that feels the need to offer the sentiments, just in case.

An Update in Life

A lot of things have changed for me in the past month. I’ve been hired as a full-time technical writer at a local software developer. Today marks a full month since my first day. I’ve had to make a lot of adjustments walking away from the freelance lifestyle. Some have been educational and most have been positive.

For the first time since graduating I feel like I may have found a long-term place to really develop my writing career and skills. Up until now, much of the work I’ve done has felt temporary. I knew my previous freelancing position was not going to last forever and was a stop-gap until I either found a more solid freelance gig or was forced to “give up” and return to the working world. Luckily, my return to the working world has become an incredibly positive experience. On top of that, I foresee myself in the most secure financial position I’ve been in since college.

An Update for Dreigiau

All that being said, my outlook on the Dreigiau publication process also changed significantly. The online freelancing world was becoming less and less welcoming starting back in September of last year. I was under a lot of pressure to maintain financial security, always aware that any day could be my final day of freelance writing – not because I was lacking quality, but just because the online freelance environment was undergoing such vast changes.

During this time, I began searching for ways to use my skills and creations to provide an alternate means of income. Many online writers touted their success with ebook publication, so that got me looking at what I needed to do to take Dreigiau to the next step.

When freelancing finally did bottom out for me, and I waited for word from what would become my current job, I began somewhat frantically putting things together, trying to find a way to professionally present a Dreigiau ebook to an unknowing online audience. I experimented with a number of things, including site memberships and series publication — both which seemed to be a good idea at the time. But something in the back of my mind really didn’t like the feeling I got from some of these choices.

Overall, Dreigiau has always been something I created for the love of my characters and my world. I’m not always sure that it’s a story that can hold up against professionally published pieces. But that’s not what it was written to do to begin with. It was a story I wrote for long-time Sygnus friends… not for profit or praise. The fact that so many people did sign up for a site membership tells me that there are lots of folks out there who care about the story and the characters – really, that’s enough for me.

Updated Plans

I don’t regret the time I spent revising and reorganizing the first book of Dreigiau. In fact, I know that the current form is the cleanest and most engaging version I’ve written. I’m pleased with the form it’s taken now and I hope to edit the rest of it to be consistent and of the same quality.

Here are things that I’ve done or will do:

-Remove site membership for Dreigiau & Runne. I experimented with site membership, but never fully liked the idea of restricting my stories, especially for newcomers to Wayrift who might want to look back through the histories. Membership requirements have already been removed from both sites.

-Publish Dreigiau Book 1 as a complete ebook. I experimented with segmenting the book and don’t really like the outcome. It seemed like a good idea, but I just don’t think that the smaller segments cover enough content overall. So I will be replacing the existing segment with the full ebook this weekend.

 -Continue editing Dreigiau Book 2. I’ve been working on it in the background, even though I haven’t actually changed site content. I would also love to revisit old artwork or chapters missing artwork and do some art updates.

-Resume Runne updates. I didn’t actually mean to put Runne on hold. That was a by-product of the lack of time with the new job.

-Shimmer? Shimmer has also been put on hold just due to lack of time. I’ll see what I can do to revive the remake in time, but no promises.

-Secret project? It’s still out there. I haven’t forgotten about it!

So those are all the things on my mind – mostly a roll-back to when the sites didn’t require membership. Thoughts and feedback are welcome!

Continue reading »]]> It’s official! The Gift of Flame: Dreigiau Book 1, Segment 1 has been published live to the Amazon Kindle Select library! A huge thanks to everyone who has helped with edits and suggestions throughout this republishing process.

Dreigiau still needs your help, though! 

I’m looking for folks who have an Amazon account who would be kind enough to leave reviews on the Amazon page for Dreigiau. Note that you don’t have to purchase anything to leave a review. I know most long-time Sygnus friends know the story inside and out, more than well enough to leave a review for the book. This segment includes the Book 1 Introduction up through Chapter 10, which includes a significant amount of new content.

In fact, if you write a review and return to this post and create a comment, I’ll send a free copy of the Segment 1 ebook in a DRM-free PDF format for you to have! Just be sure to comment using your email address (I’ll be able to see it) and I’ll send the free PDF there ASAP.

I’ll also list your name on my thank you page in the next Segment release next month!

Also, please click the “Like” button on the Amazon page and share the link anywhere you like! Any help would be appreciated!

Continue reading »]]> Though I’ve actually been finished with the Dreigiau revisions for a while now, I’ve been sitting on the ebook release and putting it off. The reason for this was mainly due to the fact I’m newly employed as a technical writer for a software developer as of this week. I needed to get things in order with the new job and such before sitting down to look at the publishing situation for Dreigiau.

However, I’m very glad that I did wait. I read an article over at Lindsay Buroker’s blog about publishing works in a serial format. That’s when things clicked for me.

Anyone who’s been following Dreigiau over the years knows that initially Dreigiau was posted as a serial set of online novels. I wrote up a bunch of chapters every November, edited them and posted a new chapter every other week on the Dreigiau website. The eposodic nature of the story has always existed in my mind. In fact, books were broken up into segments originally, which I’ve done away with as I’ve edited for a book format. This also carries over well with stories such as Runne, which were purposely broken into sections called “Segments.”

Because of this, I’ve decided to break Book 1 into five segments and release a new part of the story on my Amazon bookshelf once a month. I’ll eventually compile them into a full book which will be available to folks as well. If this works well, I’ll be following this format with the rest of the Dreigiau books and possibly even Runne releases.

I’ve already submitted the first Segment of Dreigiau to Amazon Kindle Select and anticipate that it’ll become available sometime tomorrow! I’ll post again to announce the release.

Continue reading »]]> I figured it was time I sat down and blogged up something that wasn’t Dreigiau-related, which can be difficult since editing Dreigiau has consumed my time for quite a while! Here’s something nifty that folks should know – that you can buy, download and read Kindle eBooks even if you don’t own a Kindle, right there on your computer!

Kindle for PC is totally legit and (smartly) provided by Amazon, allowing you to take advantage of the huge online library. This includes a boatload of completely free eBooks as well! The program is a small download, easy to use and doesn’t take up that much in the way of resources, either. You’ve got nothing to lose by checking it out.

All you need an Amazon.com account and a computer that runs Windows 7, Vista or XP.

Here’s how it works!

1. Navigate to this page and click the “Download Now” button. Amazon will jump you to a new page that automatically starts downloading the program.
2. Double-click the .exe file you downloaded to install the Kindle for PC Reader. It runs the installer automatically and you don’t have to do a thing. Once it’s done, it’ll launch the program for you.
3. Log into your Amazon account and navigate to the page of the eBook you want to read. This can be one of the many free eBooks as well!
4. Click the “Buy Now With One Click” button in the top right corner. This purchases the book and makes it available in your online library.
5. Click the “Go to Kindle for PC” button to view your new eBook in the Kindle for PC reader.

That’s all there is to it!

And if you don’t like that reader, or don’t have access to downloading on your computer, the Kindle Cloud Reader allows you to read with even less downloads right in your browser window.

Keep in mind that each time you download an eBook, even a free one, that supports the writers and helps to give their book a boost in the Amazon rankings! 

Continue reading »]]> The first ever email was sent out to the Sygnus Stories update mailing list tonight! Thanks to folks who have already signed up. Messages I post there will only be announcements of upcoming releases and stuff… never anything spammy (you have enough of that already). If you’re not already on the list, follow this link and sign up or use the form in this blog’s sidebar!

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Old TsuYa Chapter Sketch

I just wanted to post an update here about all the newest content I’ve been reworking for Dreigiau Book 1. I haven’t been posting here as much as I’d like simply because I’ve been so engrossed in polishing up the existing chapters and getting some new content down. I’m pleased with how this revision has fleshed out and tied in most of the main characters in Book 1, unlike the previous version. I’m mostly happy with the way that I’ve really been able to get into TsuYa’s struggle in these new chapters (and KoGuRai has been pretty fun to write for, too).

With all that said, I wanted to post a short excerpt from the newest Dreigiau writing:

“Do you really know how to use that blade?” his voice came again, softly taunting.

“Yes,” TsuYa answered shortly. He was not one to mince words with friends, much less enemies.

“Show me,” the leader planted his heel back firmly on the ground.

-Show them all.-

TsuYa leapt forward, face contorted into a wicked snarl. Despite the size of his weapon, the scythe felt almost weightless within his hands. Though the other warrior appeared seasoned and experienced, he was foolishly allowing TsuYa to advance with the first blow. Throwing all of his strength forward, he would make it count.

The scythe slammed down upon the chain of the other man’s weapon with impossible speed. The winged leader caught the blow, but TsuYa could see his surprise as he struggled to cast the blade off.

-Do you feel the strength within you?-

Breathing heavily, TsuYa pressed forward, sending the other man reeling backwards. Somehow, the winged warrior managed to keep hold on his weapon and not lose his footing. Still, his eyes were wary now, sizing up TsuYa as a greater threat than he originally accounted for.

-Make him fear you!-

With an envigored shout, TsuYa swept forward, spinning forward with a lethal sheen of blade. It suddenly felt so natural, so right – the motions came to him without thought. He advanced on the winged man without fear, the shadows seething around his feet, enhancing his speed.

Yes!

Despite TsuYa’s overwhelming blows, the winged man did not give ground. He danced with measured certainty, dodging the huge black blade and striking in return when he saw an opening – which happened far too often for TsuYa’s liking.

“Sloppy form, Tsu,” the man told him, conversationally ducking the sweep of the scythe.

“What?” TsuYa breathed out the word before realizing it.

He knows who I am?

“You’ve obviously got the potential to do better,” the leader told him.

Who is he?

TsuYa held his scythe out in front of him, eyes never leaving the other man’s face. Waiting for the next strike.

-He’s the enemy. That’s all you need to know.-

Once again, TsuYa curiosity was overwhelmed with the desire for battle frenzy. But something about it felt forced this time, as if someone else was pulling strings.

But I want to know…

Taking advantage of the momentary hesitation, the winged warrior pressed forward, his blade singing. It was TsuYa’s turn to fall back, the speed and the power of the assault unexpected. The man whipped his weapon’s chain around the haft of the scythe, entangling it with his own.

As TsuYa struggled to maintain his grip, he became briefly aware of the sounds around him. The battle was winding down and the Ghost Clan was on the retreat. The winged people pressed after them, sending them scattering into the darkness that shifted on all sides.

Abandoning him.

No… wait!

Desperation flooded TsuYa’s mind.

They can’t do that! I’m the leader here!

The other man’s weight bore down on him, threatening to push him to his knees. The sound of metal on metal was shrill in his ears as he fought to keep hold of his weapon.

I didn’t order a retreat!

With a snarl, TsuYa did the only thing he could think of at that moment. With both hands on the haft of the scythe, he threw all his strength forward, slamming the grip against the bottom of other man’s chin. The winged warrior gave a cry of surprise and pain, as the blow dislodged the straps on his armor and sent his helm flying.

Instantly, TsuYa rolled forward, pressing his attack and leveling his blade at the other man’s head. As the winged warrior turned and his face became visible, the world around TsuYa stopped moving for a moment’s breath.

He knew that face.

Impossible!

Even though he hadn’t seen it in so many years, he still knew it.

N…no…

His hands began to shake, the weapon’s tip quivering and lowering. His voice was hoarse in his ears, sounding no more than a little boy’s, “Father…?”

If you haven’t already joined the Dreigiau website as a member, hop on over and sign up. Once I get the ebook on the table, open membership will close. I’m hoping that I’m not that far away from that point.

Continue reading »]]> I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to spend so much time reworking the old chapters of Dreigiau. I’m happy I’m doing, it though. There were many sections of writing that just didn’t mesh at all, mostly due to the fact that it was written so very long ago! All in all, the improvements help so much to make it a stronger story and give a better foundation for the characters. So, while this has taken more time than I expected, I’m glad for it.

I’ve written posts that sum up the changes on the Dreigiau site:

• Chapter 12 & 13
• Chapter 14-17

The next two chapters will be brand new content again. I am, however, looking forward to a time that I can start editing smaller things, rather than re-write huge sections of chapters, as I’ve been doing! It just goes to show you that no matter how “perfect” you think writing is, it can always get better!

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Angry TsuYa Letting KoGuRai Have It

Ah, TsuYa.

I’m very glad that I went back in this version of the revision and worked at establishing more of a foundation for his character. He’s always a lot of fun to write once I get into his mindspace. I’ve added yet another chapter to the revision on the Dreigiau website — this one dealing with TsuYa’s justification and thought processes after he’s taken his father’s scythe and claimed leadership over Nefol. I had some help brainstorming this one with Syn — I knew I wanted another TsuYa chapter, just didn’t know what way to approach it. She helped give me a few ideas for this and I think it turned out nicely… especially when I could weave in XaNi’s character a bit more, like so: 

Before he could ponder the problem further, a knock sounded at his door. TsuYa froze, starting at it, unaccustomed to the sound. Very few people came to his room, after all. It was something that would probably begin to change with his new-found position.

“Yes?” he called, trying to make his voice as official as possible.

“Sir, may I enter?” a quiet, female voice asked from the other side.

“Yes,” TsuYa answered, feeling somehow less regal in repeating the same word twice.

The door swung inward smoothly, XaNi’s shape sliding through the door frame. The room felt somehow darker with her presence, and the strange gleam that lit her eyes back in the Council room still shown. Though TsuYa wasn’t afraid of very much, he couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable at being alone in the same room with her.

“Is there something I can help you with?” he asked, hoping to get to the point and get her out of his chambers quickly.

“Actually,” she stepped forward with a confident stride, “I came to offer my help to you.”

“I see,” he answered, trying to stand his ground. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I have things under control.”

“Oh really?” XaNi leaned forward, breaking every last rule of personal space for him.

TsuYa didn’t know if that was supposed be appealing to him, but it wasn’t. It just creeped him out all the more. He asked curtly, “Do you think I don’t?”

She seemed to feed off of his uncertainty, her smile spreading, “What I see is the young and handsome son of ZenToYa… who has just taken his first step into leadership and may feel a bit over his head. Am I right?”

“Are you trying to flatter me?” he grit his teeth, eyes narrowing in return.

“You are a tough one, aren’t you? I understand why you were chosen,” XaNi took a merciful step away. As if testing him.

“I don’t trust a word you say,” TsuYa told her bluntly. “Your father may have served my father as a member of the original Nefolian Council. But you’ve given your services to KoGuRai ever since. You and KoGuRai’s groupies are the first people I’m removing from power once I get the chance.”

Her eyes stole up to his face, a momentarily flicker of irritation smouldering within. Quickly, she replaced it with a more humble expression, “Why do you think I’m here? I want to offer my allegiance to you.”

“You’re here because you got tangled up with a loser,” he huffed under his breath. “And now you don’t want to face the consequences of your choices.”

“I can prove my loyalty,” XaNi said quickly. “I know what you seek.”

“And what’s that?” TsuYa planted a hand on his hip.

“AsaHi,” she leveled her gaze on him again.

I really felt that I nailed TsuYa here — we got to see his insecurities, his pride, his ambitions, his daddy-worship issues and the way he fights to justify that what he’s doing is the right thing. Never does he stop to consider he might be being used (his pride won’t let him see the manipulation). Neither does he see that XaNi’s intentions aren’t loyalty to him… rather loyalty to Zerom’s will — which is to bring home AsaHi. And not for nice reasons. Oh, and I saw it as an opportunity to slip in a cameo of another character who has never appeared in Dreigiau, but did exist back during that time. ^_~

Book 1, Chapter 11 is a revision of an older chapter, where Zemi first appears to protect AsaHi from Nefolian Apprentices. It all clicked with me during these revisions, and I’ve changed the Nefolians to be XaNi (who was instructed to find AsaHi in Chapter 10) and her men. This allowed me to weave in more foreshadowing about the Ghost Clan, who will be seen in full force an upcoming chapter pretty soon. Somehow, it’s a bit more pleasing to me that XaNi’s folks get Zemi’s boot to the head than Nefolian Apprentices.

While the ending didn’t change that much, I did clean up the dialogue some to make it flow better. I also looked up self-defense moves to ensure that what AsaHi does in response to the man who was going to grab her made sense. She started to run away earlier on in this version, which seemed the natural thing to do.

Now that this final new chapter is complete, I’ll be able to start focusing more on revisions of existing chapters rather than writing new fill-in materials. I have one or two more new chapters in mind, but that’ll be further on down the line. For now, I’m going to be following AsaHi’s meeting with Zemi for a while. Enjoy!

Continue reading »]]> I’m in a flurry of uncertainty right now — between possible jobs and whatnot — but I’ve been drafting and brainstorming lots of great ideas for Dreigiau. Today, I’m releasing two new Dreigiau chapters for Book 1.

Chapter 8 is an introduction for a number of characters including the first look at KoGuRai and JouKa. It also introduces a new potential baddie, XaNi. We’ll get into more of what she is going to be doing in Dreigiau in a little while, though. I also spent more time touching on the mystery of the Awakened, to allow the reader to get used to the idea that winged people are roaming around in my world.

I have a few small changes I’ll be making to Awakened in this draft — namely, the ability for Awakened to put their wings away. This would only be available to more practiced Awakened, but would help provide new possibilities for my storylines. For one, it would explain how SaRa remained unknown for so many years in Nefol. For another, it allows me to send undercover Awakened into Gatherings and Nefol to help usher the newly Awakened to Ceiswyr. Just some ideas.

Chapter 9 focuses on TsuYa’s first descent into Zerom’s shadow. Here we see him being influenced to take up his father’s weapon, which symbolically gives him the leadership of Nefol. We also start to see hints of the Ghost Clan activity within the Nefolian Council. This time around, not all is as it seems, not even for KoGuRai. *evil*

Enjoy and feel free to leave your feedback!

Continue reading »]]> Yesterday, I discussed my idea of making Dreigiau and Runne a membership-based site. Maybe the post was so long that my actual idea got lost in the text. So I wanted to clarify stuff.

The point of the membership is to NOT charge existing Sygnus friends. This is a way to give everyone who currently reads and supports the site a way to continue to view the content for FREE. However, it restricts the general public’s ability to read the content, since the idea is to promote the upcoming ebook format.

The only thing that would change is that you’d need to type a username and password into the site before you could read all the chapters. There would never be a fee for existing readers — this is my way of ensuring that you still get all the content even though I’m trying to publish it in other avenues.

If there’s ever a fee involved to access the site, it won’t be for  you guys. I pretty much know who’s been involved all these years and will provide a long time for people to sign up for free before closing the membership upon publication. I’ll also always be able to go back and manually create free accounts for anyone who missed the sign-up period.

The signup will only require you to choose a username, password and enter an email address. It’s the same as signing up for a forum — no personal data will be required. No billing data will be required.

I hope that helps to make it more clear. The idea is, again, to continue to give the content for free while restricting who can all view the content. The alternative is much worse, in my eyes — to take the content down completely.