Imaginary worlds // Concept Art // Free book, and more
Dec 15, 2023 3:01 pm
Happy Friday!
I hope you're looking forward to the holidays as much as I am. I need a break from the routine and nothing kicks me out of an unconscious rut as effectively as a little bit of travel. I won't be going far, just across the English Channel and back, but it'll be just the change of context I need to reset a few mental circuit breakers.
I'm down to about 6000 words to go to get Past Mistakes through the first draft finish line. Although it isn't really a first draft because the first third of the novel has been reviewed, edited, copyedited and sifted through the world's smallest sieve already.
I want to share a little concept art with you. I say "concept art" because I don't want to impose my vision of how events in the book actually look. I have certain scenes that are crystal clear in my mind, and I describe those in detail. Other aspects I prefer to let the reader paint for theselves.
This has been a challenge from the point of view of cover design, because I don't want to impose a particular vision of Emily's facial features. I paint her character, attitude and language, and that brings about a reflection of her physique that's a little different for each person. I think it's important I not get in the way of that.
This image is from a part of the book nobody's read yet. So make of it what you will. It's not exactly as I picture it, the scale is bigger than what I imagined, but it gives a certain impression I think matches well with what I had in mind, although I have to admit, in my mind's eye, most of the story happens in ominous semi-darkness.
You can let me know what you think by replying to this message.
Free Book Promotion
I have a quick suggestion for a book you can download for free. As I've mentioned, I try to pick genres and styles that at least somewhat match what I write so it remains relevant to you, and this is no exception.
The Binding by David J. Phifer
Serena is a world class necromancer, a self-proclaimed master of the undead. But when someone starts killing the remaining witches, she must fight for her life against an enemy that is immune to the dark arts.
With only her undead companion by her side, she must discover the unstoppable evil that is killing her kind and find a way to avoid the fate shared by her spellcasting companions.
There is a new player in town. Stronger than anything she’s ever seen, and even with her command of the undead, she may not last the night.
Promoted Books
The following books are for sale at the links provided. Please take a look to see if they're something you might be interested in, give the authors a change and support them if you enjoy their work!
Hex of the Witch by Heather G. Harris
It’s not paranoia when they are really out to get you…
I’m Amber, potion and rune mistress and all round witch extraordinaire. I've spent half my life building my career and I finally feel like greatness is within my grasp. I've been working on a special potion, a potion that could change everything for witches and wizards everywhere. Unfortunately some people are allergic to change and will stop at nothing to keep the status quo.
A price has been put on my head – and my enemies are coming for me. Vampyrs, ogres and black witches are gunning for me, and they want me dead by any means necessary. In their infinite wisdom, the coven council assigns me my very own griffin bodyguard – and of course, the one they assign is none other than my most hated enemy, Bastion.
Bastion comes with his own baggage . He has a black witch's curse upon him and it is slowly killing him. To save myself, I'm going to have to lift the curse and work with him – because another black witch is circling and she has me in her sights…
The gods are dying. Thane has served his goddess for thousands of lifetimes, but even he knows that time is running out. There's only one way to save her, to save all of Dweller kind, and it's a suicide mission.
The host is a boy named Jakob. His ancient soul is one of the rare sources of power still recycled in the world of flesh. Thane has taken so many souls to his goddess, but this one could save them all.
It's only when Thane learns the truth of the gods does he deny them their power. Souls aren't recycled. They're destroyed, and his goddess isn't a deity... she's a monster.
Permanently reported with his human host, Thane meets his soulmate, a woman who captures his heart like his goddess never did. He'll do anything to protect her, and the gods know it.
And now I must delve back into these last few thousand words. I have deadlines, you know...
Have a great holiday and see you in early January.
Nick.
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