Wednesday, August 05, 2009

My 2009 Reading List (so far)

1. The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman)

2. The Storm of Swords (George R.R. Martin)

3. Eragon (Christopher Paolini)

4. Twilight (Stephanie Meyer)

5. The Golden Compass (Philip Pullman)

6. The Subtle Knife (Philip Pullman)

7. The Amber Spyglass (Philip Pullman)

8. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers (Renni Browne)

9. The Strain (Guillermo Del Torro)

10. Firestarter (Stephen King)

11. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)

12. Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck)

13. Outliers: The Story of Success (Malcolm Gladwell)

14. Techniques of the Selling Writers (Dwight V. Swain)

15. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)

16. On Writing (Stephen King)

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

My fantasy novel - Talis

After many months of focused writing, and almost six months of constant editing and re-writing, the final draft of my novel is almost complete. It's written for the young adult market, a fantasy book, and weighs in at 93,000 words (around 370 pages in book form). Last week I just sent my completed manuscript to a professional editor who specializes in the young adult market. They are doing a full manuscript critique.

And now, a little preview of the book, here is my novel's synopsis. Hope you enjoy it!

Plagued by terrifying dreams, 13-year old Talis Storm never found comfort in the safety of his father's noble life. The nightmares led him to discover a new master, with whom he gained entry into the world of magic. Little did he know, his peaceful life in his small village would soon come to an end. He would need all his training to survive the coming storm.

One fateful morning, his uncle returns from an expedition to the south, and Talis is chosen to play a part in the struggle against the rising tide of darkness. His uncle has discovered the ancient Surineda map, which holds the secret to finding the lost city of Urgar. The fate of the world rests in his hands, and he is faced with a terrible choice. Should he stay and protect his family, or venture off to an unknown world? Talis and a few of his closest friends must brave the journey across harsh deserts and frozen northlands, and somehow find a way to gain ship’s passage across the sea to an ancient, cursed island. Only a child can fulfill the prophecy and awaken the Goddess Nacrea, who is trapped in a temple high above the lost city.

He must rely on his companions and his magical training to survive the terrifying dangers awaiting him. But will it be enough to withstand the hideous power of dark magic? In a coming-of-age story, Talis must learn the secrets of unlocking his magical power. Guided by the power of his dreams, and allured into love with a beautiful girl who shares the magical gift, his power grows, but will he have the wisdom and strength to control it?