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.