Statement of Faith

What we believe affects every aspect of our lives. They permeate and guide. I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, He was born of a virgin, lived sinless, was crucified for crimes He did not commit, He physically rose from the dead, and He ascended into heaven. I think and feel led by the Holy Spirit in my daily life. I try to apply sound biblical doctrine in said everyday life. I try to see other people the way that Christ sees them, God designed, unique, and valuable above all other life. I do not push a 'church,' for I know that in heaven there will be no denominations. I will invite you to mine. I do think that Christ is the answer for what hurts your soul. I will be happy to tell you all I know.

My life also revolves around many different things, i.e. family, home improvement, collecting, philosophy and history. I know that my faith comes through my writing. I seek to explore the complete human experience through my words, and that includes the spiritual.  

Yule Tide Refelctions

Christmas lingers in my heart all year round. The spirit of giving pulls my conscious every day. The birth of the Christ reveals my discombobulated view of what is important and special. Difficulty arises when I try to put that into practice with people I do not like, especially when those people still do their darnest to stay on my bad side. Lord, forgive me.

May the time you spend with your family be ever joyful. May the pain of your loss during this time ease due to the love of your family.

Take time to do something for those who cannot. My family and I try to do this every year.

Spend your time wisely this year.

Promotion Time

Shameless plug for the book. My best friend, (I have a few) and I talked last night about promotional items for the book. Here is what came out of that scintillating conversation.

With a personal note like that, Birth of Legends needs to be in your stocking or on your e-reader this Christmas.

Borrowed Time

I build my own computers. I run my own network. I am my own tech support. So when my computer dies, it is up to me to fix it. One of the unfortunate side effects of living in the country is not having any specialized parts stores anywhere nearby. I often get my new parts shipped into me here. So when I get them and then realize I need something else, I am still down waiting on shipping time. Thanks to my children who allow me to use their stations for browsing and shopping. Now it comes down to the book I am working on is on my main station. Dang, I have to learn to backup somewhere else. It's not like I don't have plenty of jump drives and even an external hard drive. I guess that I will work on the projects I have needing attention.

Hiding in plain sight.

Between the never ending daily life necessities, and the once in a life time events, lies a small area in which to write. For the past few weeks, I have been consumed with completing my new book midst the daily routine of life. Putting the words down in a coherent and compelling story is the easy part. Formatting, maps, images, editing, editing, editing, publication, marketing, now that is work. The easy lives in my mind, trying to keep me away from what is best. Whether putting off the hard to enjoy a little easy, or thinking about how easy others have it, both rob me of the joy of the best.

Enough excuse making, I have a table reserved for WizCon in New Orleans, in January! More to come soon.

The new book is so close I can almost smell the fresh new pages...

Why Do I write about the struggle of men?

Over my lifetime, so much of core masculinity has been diminished, downgraded, depleted, and scorned. From the point of view of those who do not understand real masculinity,  men seem brutish, vile, aggressive and disgusting. My writing goal shows that men are not what is portrayed in every commercial and every sit-com. This definition and explanation relies on the suspension of evil verses good argument. Evil men, and evil women for that matter will always show the worst parts of their nature. Not every person is completely evil nor good. Let's focus on the positive aspects of masculinity.

The virtuous man embodies pure masculinity. The loyalty to friends and family guides their actions, i.e. protection, and providing. My characters show great loyalty to each other.

Pure masculinity pursues honor and justice. Guiding their interactions, honor bound words secure stable and firm relationships. Seeking justice preserves civil society. This is why my characters fight injustice and dishonor.

Competition brings out the best in men. This purely natural drive will show what the man is truly capable to accomplish. The best teachers and coaches have opened the eyes to many a young man to the man he can become. Even friends and enemies bring out the competitor in a man. Without this struggle, there lacks the tension to succeed or a good story. My characters tend to bring out the best and worst in those around them.

For further contemplation, take a few moments to read this. Feel free to comment.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/04/23/why-are-we-so-conflicted-about-manhood-in-the-modern-age/


#fantasy #steampunk #indieauthors

Brand Spanking New Logo

Come check out the brand new logo thanks the immensely talented Andy Tripp. What a talented and competent artist.

Chapter Nine Highlighted

From the rolling prairies rise rugged foothills which lead to the mountains surrounding the growing boom town of Linmany. Ranchers dot the west. Miners seek rich veins in the mountains. This small city stands on the east side of the Tinabem mountain range and is the last supply point heading to the east until the small mountain village of Grouse Tette.

10 Things I learned at Geek'd Con 2015

Over the years, I decided to learn from my travels. I learn best from writing down ideas and observations. They tend to stick better in my mind and I can go back and reference them. So without further ado, Here they are:

10. It is completely different visiting a Converence on the other side of the table. Wow, trying to be the eye catching booth just to get people to stop and listen, is a challenge.

9. Trying to visit with friends conflicts with the need to sell your stuff. The desire to see and talk to those who know me and the need to get people to notice the booth/book has left me in emotional knots.

8. If I leave the table for any reason, I am potentially losing sales. Man, that scene from Pursuit of Happyness spoke loudly to me!

7. Keep your space simple. Little things, little details will draw way more interest than flashing lights and loud noises. We had constant interest from everyone who passed the booth. I don't know how we could have handled more people with the level of interaction we did.

6. Booth babes always work, maybe a little too well. The phenomena of returning people happens more often, specifically, those who do not purchase a book. I guess this must be factored into the complete picture of success of the booth.

5. Location, location, location works for booth placement as well. I had the best placement on the whole floor. An intensely talented graphic artist was on my right and Shreveport's fine artists were on my left. I had so much overflow that it really made my first experience quite pleasant.

4. It is amazing how smiling and saying hello to everyone who passed led to sales. Thanks Becky for teaching me to be cheerfully pleasant to each and every person who passed the booth.

3. Never, never judge whether a person is interested in what you have to sale by the way they look. "Don't judge a book by its cover," applies to people more than books.

2. It is necessary to rely on those who have more experience and different talents than you. I would have sat there like a bump on a log with a pile of books if it were not for Becky and Andy. Engaging in a working partnership with these two chronically talented and encouraging people is the second best decision I have ever made. When you see me, ask me what my first best decision is...

1. Having people show sincere interest in my work encourages me in ways that I cannot express, and that is saying something. Thank you to every person who stopped and talked with us, with my deepest appreciation, thanks to everyone who took a chance on an unknown author and his debut opus.

I hope that these encourage and enlighten you as they have me. As I continue to travel to do these wonderful events, I truly hope to see you there.

Just in time for the convention!

Hello everyone,

My video interview is live. Take a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obNsvf1Emkc

Countdown to Convention.

http://www.geekdcon.com/

Four days. As my first convention table time approaches, my stomach twitters in anticipation. Quick side note, how sad the co-opting of the language, the meaning of words shifting throughout history as a dune meanders across the desert.

Enough of that, I fully expect to run out of everything but my smile, my story, and people wanting to know more. I'm going to co-opt and turn a phrase.

"When you are out of everything but customers, you're at convention."

Yup, that one is mine.

Breaking!! I'm heading to Shreveport Geek'd Convention For Local Geeks, By Local Geeks

Good morning,
I'm heading to Geek'd Convention in Shreveport August 21st, through 23rd. Head over to                     http://www.geekdcon.com/
for more information.
I'll be at my table all weekend, selling and signing books, talking about the story and characters, handing out info cards, and people watching. Head on over and let's visit. I'll take tons of pics and will update as I can. Small fact, this is my first convention on the other side of the table. I anxiously await to meet you. come one out. Note: you may want to pre-order your tickets.

Chapter Eight Highlighted

Chapter Eight Highlighted: Throughout the foothills, north of Reberger, the Ruins of Essany stand like bleached bear bone claws, raking away dirt, reaching for the sky. Kalamar and Mattatias search for the Onyx Staff of Rogin. Who or what they find surprises both of them.

Chapter Seven Highlighted

Kale heads to Linmany. There he will meet a new friend that will change his life.

Chapter Six Highlighted

Norkatome has been the farming and ranching hub of Ropermai ever since the Calamity. When civilization began again, the fertile plains of Norkatome aided tribal nomads is food production. When society rose from the ashes of Those Who Came Before, tribes became clans, clans became towns. Now, Norkatomians exports foodstuffs, iron, and copper. Newly discovered ore deposits has caused Linmany to boom in population.

First Video Interview

Tonight, I'm heading to my first interview. A mixture of excitement and trepidation combine in my stomach, which make me light headed. I'm not calming my mind, I use this energy to quicken my thinking. At least, that is what I tell myself.

Chronicler Meme.

How did Mattatias lose his disk?

Getting ready to launch a new title

Afternoon everyone,

The newest series nears completion and I am giddy with anticipation. disappointingly to the readers of Birth of Legends, it is not the sequel. The new series will be based int he same world however this will be completely different. This new book will be a mystery. There are new characters and places. More to come over the next few weeks. I am putting together a launch team, friends who will help me get the word out about the new series. If you would like to be a part, send me a message. First ten people will receive a free copy of the new book!

Chapter Five Highlighted

Nigel and crew travel to the legendary Vally of the Kings.

Short Answer Survey Time

Morning all,

What is your favorite household chore and why? Just a quick note, nothing essay length please.

I'll go first.

Mowing the lawn gives me the greatest sense of personal accomplishment in the quickest amount of time. I love the smell of fresh cut grass. I like the look of a well manicured lawn. Now, I have to go mow.

Delving into the depths of modern technology

Modern technology ravages those who try to delve into its depths. Stay on the surface and you will be safe. I now have successfully merged my email address from the Website to my main account. Whew! it only took all morning. Please, take the time to send me a note.

nathmariachronicles.com

Now, if I can just like the FB page, to my dedicated website, to my google+ account and this blog site...

Chpater Four Highlighted

In south Dren, small forests and rolling hills dominate the terrain. Kale investigates a strange person in Ankuger.

Chapter Three Highlighted

Livestock roams the grassy plains of southern Viria. Watch your step.

Chapter Two Highlighted

In the hills of north eastern Zeural lies the new city of Reberger. It is a wonderful place to visit, but just make sure you make the right friends. I would hate to see you dropped off in the Ruins of Esenny, food for a Mocar. Pack warmly for the winter.

Chapter One Highlighted

Map Confusion

Morning all,

After talking to someone who finished the book, he had difficulty reading the maps as he read the chapter. So, I will highlight my chapter maps to aid understanding of where the characters are in relation to the rest of the world. Be on the lookout for these in the days to come.

The calm before the storm?

Have you ever felt that something was wrong...

As my gaze crosses the gulf once more this morning, a sense of foreboding sinks into my heart. Have I been so jaded by this world that I look at a calm sea and think something is amiss. I have never seen the gulf this calm, for the fifth day in a row. The gentle waves are easing onto shore. It feels more like a lake with heavy boat traffic than the mighty Gulf of Mexico. The waves seem to be afraid of the shore. When they get here, they seem to apologize for disturbing the calm. The humidity was higher back home last week after all those days of deluge. A few dolphins chase a school of fish between the sand bar and the shore. The pelicans that normally dot the sky and sea are absent. Even the gulls and sand pipers appear to have flown to the main land. Fellow beach combers and sun worshipers are few and far between.
The scattered thunder storms this week have not been enough to raise some waves. Trying to teach my boys to catch some righteous curls on their boogie boards is extremely frustrating. We have been regulated to the shore break. With all the eeriness of the calm, the soothing breeze and quite crash sink deep into my soul. Thank you, dear mother-in-law for this time.

Summer reading list.

As summer begins, many of you are preparing for as busy a schedule as school. I have forgotten the time of the lazy days of summer. Now, the Thornhill clan heads out to a mother in law funded vacation. I am still swamped with projects and writing tasks galore. The drive across the lower part of the country reminded me to take my time.

The boys and I piled into the F150 and struck out from the homestead. Bikes and waterproof boxes carefully tied down obscured some of my rear view. I selected 80's Christian tunes and we drove. I usually am the one to set the pace, and get there in good time. Not today! My instructions made it perfectly clear that I was not to be the first. Setting the cruise where I can dead on the speed limit, my adventuring tribe sought roads we have not traveled. Teaching my boys to read signs, correspond them to a reference point on a map, we navigated our way across the country.

As you head your way this summer, make Birth of Legends part of your summer reading list. It is great for the beach. It's accessible to early teen readers as well as enthralling for adults. Slow down and take some time. Make memories my friends.

How did you like Birth of Legends?

I so enjoy hearing what part of this epic tale spoke to you in meaningful ways. As I typed out each page, each paragraph, I put my heart and mind on it. Which part spoke to you?

As I tried to make the most of every aspect of each paragraph, however, I have no idea which will relate to you. Take a moment to post something that stood out to you. Thanks.

Rate Birth of Legends on Goodreads.com

After much prompting, I went to Goodreads.com to discover what the hubbub was. I discovered a wealth of information. Surprisingly, I soon found every book I ever read and the ability to rate each one. I am one third through my library and whew, there are so many that I forgot I read. This makes me want to go back and pick up these all over again. Do me a favor, please. If you have finished my book, search for it and rate it. As a new author, all exposure is good exposure now. Thanks.

https://www.goodreads.com/

The Balance of Mystery- a poll for readers

Lately, the question of what makes a good mystery bounced around in my head. Not just a "who done it," murder mystery, but also the "amnesia," type where we as readers are learning about the setting as the heroes. The line lingers around giving the reader too much information and spoiling "the big reveal," and not enough that frustrates the reader. Curiosity, keeps the reader turning the pages. If rewarded with either satisfaction of figuring the "crime" before the reveal, or an emotional link between a main characters, the author has successfully thread the line. If the "what is going on?" question still lingers page after page, the reader's frustration closes the book. (For me the biggest fear of this love of story, is for my audience to close the book, unfinished.) Reader poll time.

Where is the balance of mystery that turns you away? Or keeps you hooked?

1. I can read the entire book and never know the setting. I just like a good story.

2. I need something to go on. The story will only be enhanced with my grasp and relation to the characters and setting.

3. I need my hand held with new places and people. It takes a while before I get everything straight in my head. Then I enjoy the story much more.

4. I do not like mystery.

5. What? Is there something here I am supposed to figure out? Is the new season of Longmire up on Netflix yet, Honey?


Comments and discussion are always welcome.

Shameless Star Wars fan posting on the fourth.

Afternoon,

In honor of my daughter-in-law and the happy couple, I wish y'all a happy birthday and happy anniversary and May the Fourth be with you. As I look around, I see a happy little article about what is to come this Christmas. Hmm. What do you think?

http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/05/star-wars-the-force-awakens-vanity-fair-cover#7

The original Brother's Four..... many years later.

I based my characters from Birth of Legends upon these men. It would be fun to see if you can guess who is who.(Those pictured are exempt from this challenge.)

Behind the scenes at Thornhill Home.

Just told a joke to Buck.

Selfie or it did not happen

Man, I missed you there. It would have been spectacular to see you. Thank you, Jones Creek Branch Regional Library!

Those who sat with me last Saturday.

Look who you missed seeing!

Wonderful Time at Jones Creek Branch Regional Library

What a informative day! Note to self, when changing plans at the last minute, make sure to allow yourself enough time.

I arrived a little late due to a comedy of errors scenario. However, Ms. Joyce welcomed me with a warm handshake and hurry up and sit here. I had a great time. I met a few new people. I signed a few books. And I answered the dreaded question, "What is your book about?"

On a side note, Kalamar, Kale, Mattatias, and Mordic had supper together, the first time in a very long time. They had some special guests that made the night of remembering the dead, relishing the glory days, and reconnecting souls. What a beautiful moment in time.

Thank you to all who made that day special and memorable.

Jones Creek Regional Library, Author's Row Special

Morning all,

Tomorrow I'm heading to Baton Rouge to sit at a table in Jones Creek Regional Library. I'll have my favorite pen ready and a number of books. For the special day, I'm offering the hard copy of my book for $25.00. I'll even throw in a very special signature and message for the very low cost of absolutely free. I do hope that you are planning to come by and not only see me, but also my fellow Louisiana authors. 2-5 tomorrow afternoon.

Call for reading in action pics

Afternoon all. Enough copies of Birth of Legends rest in the hands of many readers, that a quick picture of the readers in action can be snapped. Please take a moment to snap and send me you reading the book. I will post them. If you have something nice to say about the book, add it to the sent pic. Thank you, friends.

Writing in second gear.

Taking the time to finish what I promised my wife, I slide the writing to what time is left. She received a new refrigerator for her birthday. I modified the cabinets so that beast will fit. My boys and I work long hours building a new storage shed for her decorating essentials and all the extra clothes to be handed down the line. All this on top of corn planting, garden prep and spring yard work. Whew! On the writing side, I am stuck on the last line for the new series debut tome. Once it's fixed, I'll send it to the publisher, to start the editing process.

Announcement!! April 11th!! Baton Rouge Event!

Jones Creek Regional Branch Library

6222 Jones Creek Road

Baton Rouge, La.  70817

 

2-5 pm. I will be there on Author's row! I will have copies of the book and m favorite pen ready. Stop by and let's talk for awhile.

 

 

Spring is here, for us.

Dry enough ground to plant, warm enough to grow, the garden starts today. The latest book stands poised to head to the publisher. I am second guessing the very last line. This week is full of projects. Time to go wake up my helpers.

Late Winter in the South

Yeah, north Louisiana ground to a halt for almost a week. To allow this time to slip away, would be criminal. After cranking out outlines for two new series, the writing pipeline in now full. Now, all I have to do plan out specific goals and writing times to churn these out. As a late comer to writing, I have a lot of catching up to do.

Arcane Investigators, my new mystery series is in the final stages of development. Maps, cover, and editing rewrite are steadily marching toward a publish date. Come on March. Time for some dry, warmer weather, corn planting, and the first mow of the year.  I need some outdoor time.

Writing, writing, writing...

Epic series, volume two, fully outlined and story firmly in my head. Young adult mystery series, book one. Finished rewrite, proofreading. Book two, outlined and first chapter on the page. New guide to basic Christianity, outlined and developing. Accompanying manual and children's series directly related to it, outlined and back story penned. New series of a completely different mystery investigations... back story mostly done.

Crap, I have too much on my plate. I guess this is the write problem to have as an up and coming author...

What to do on a Louisiana Late Winter Day.

I am itching to get outside and start doing much need projects. I hate the cold. So, I finished the latest edition of the book. It is back up and ready for you.

Now I am rewriting a new book aimed at a different audience. The Arcane Investigators centers around a pair of heroes who travel around looking to help people who have no other place to turn. Whether aiding local police solve a crime or thwart international crime rings, Ross MacTaggert and Rick Logan seek to bring justice to their lives. During the first case they worked, it soon became apparent that they could not be everywhere at once. They needed help themselves.

This new series is set in the same world as Birth of Legends, around the same time. However, this detective story caters more to younger boys from 12-16. I do seek for the story to be engaging for anyone who loves a good mystery.

My Kirkus Review

TITLE INFORMATION
BIRTH OF LEGENDS
The Nathmaria Chronicles Book One
Thornhill, Shaun K.
CreateSpace (540 pp.)
$26.99 paperback, $9.99 e-book
ISBN: 978-1497336001; November 19, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
Thornhill’s debut fantasy novel follows the adventures of four magical friends out to battle a jilted necromancer.
Mordic, a “half-elph,” recalls his teacher telling him, “Each person has been touched by the aftermath of the Calamity,
the fall of Utatam.” That fall, which probably happened about 15 generations before, was followed by both the Great
Waste of Time—“part of the great history of the world that no one remembers, nor was it recorded”—and a great deal of
magic. Creatures of all kinds now compete for power: polymorphs can change themselves into different creatures, while
necromancers are feared for their ability to bring death and destruction. Adventuring through this time are Mordic, Kale,
Mattatias and Kalamar. Though they hail from different backgrounds and possess different abilities, the four become
friends in a quest against the dreaded, lonely necromancer Nigel, who’s been rejected by Lady Elaina. He hasn’t taken it
well: “I want her to love me of her own volition.” Added into the mix is the mysterious Simon, who possesses the “first
and only onyx weapon to exist on this continent in over a thousand years!” Simon is a deadly figure who, with his
powerful sword, is one to be reckoned with. Loaded with action and introspection—particularly from the contemplative
Mordic, who is “seeking knowledge and adventure”—the complex story has numerous characters with varied
motivations. Keeping track of it all can be challenging, even with “The Chronicler” introducing chapters and offering
helpful information: e.g., “Ropermai teems with interesting people and places.” Fans of the genre will find much of
interest, including elements such as the “Neuromantic Shocking Wave” from which “One quarter of the men fell asleep,
one quarter were dazed, one quarter were killed, and one quarter were unfazed.” Though the story relies on many fantasy
tropes (powerful magic, noisy taverns serving “goblin grog,” etc.) and an assortment of sometimes familiar weapons
(“Mattatias drew his golden spear”), the story nevertheless manages to distinguish itself with things such as self-help
books (“Intelligence Can Be Boosted”) and six-legged creatures called hexahorses. Occasionally, dialogue can be
dull—“ ‘Sack of taters, you do that too well,’ Mordic thought to Kale”—but the strange story is ultimately an inventive
one.
At times overly familiar, other times creative; should please readers interested in adding oddities to slashing swords and
dangerous magic.
Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744
indie@kirkusreviews.com

Simon LaTarge- backstory

Simon LaTarge

While he was very young, Simon LaTarge’s father became resentful of the struggle of normal civilization, so he took his family deep into the hills of Norkatome to live the way he wanted. Simon’s two sisters, his mother, and his father began a hard life of self-reliance. Since he only knew this life, Simon discovered a freedom that most people never will know. Along with his sisters, his magical abilities manifested early. His mother taught them to work together and find the utility of their spells. She also taught reliance on others is only earned through their trust proven to you.

After a decade, Simon became restless. His father gave him permission to leave and seek his way in the world. Simon took his skills and joined Vita Negra. He excelled in every aspect of necromancy. He soon discovered that he hated the “Necro Way.” He made friends by showing true loyalty and self-sacrifice in the gleaning. His attitude caused many of his professors to fail him even though he was top of his class. During his second year, he discovered the Secret Library of Horace Meriwether in Wolfwenpen. He took the time when his school allowed to go there and conduct research. He discovered a better way than the old Necro one. He liberated Meriwether’s notes on magic weapon fabrication. He knew that Vita Negra was not the epitome of Necromancy.

Simon’s actions forced his professor’s hands. During his third year, they brought him before the Necromancer Council. His charges boiled down to Simon not truly being Necromancer material. The council found him guilty and sentenced him to death. Through a daring escape, he fled to his fake death in Markon during a choreographed spell battle with one of his contemporaries that he saved in the first year’s gleaning. Being presumed dead, liberated Simon. He now had a chance to live the way he wanted and do the things he truly desired. He knew right where to start. He needed to forge a blade.  

Vita Negra- the way of the black, a necromantic system of teaching that focuses on the survival of the fittest model, also the grouping of a Necromantic enclave based in Norkatome. This group governed every aspect of fully credentialed Necromancers.