Michael R. Robinson

Well, it’s been another two weeks. My publisher has requested a list of Bookstores in my area, so I sent in over 20 from Pittsburgh to the Butler areas. I included a few RPG stores within that mix, along with my public library. So, now we wait, see what happens. I received 3 copies of the book, it looks nice, my opinion may be biased of course. Now, the next demand of the publisher is getting a list of emails from the local media, easier said than done I tell ya. Most just have a web page, with an Icon to click to submit News. Any ideas folks? The newspapers do have an email, well some, others, again “click here”.

Due to my work load at my day job, traveling included (last 10 days in Quebec) promoting has been difficult in the local area. I have a few bookstores that I’ve visited that asked me to get them a copy of the book and fill out the necessary paperwork. I thought writing was the hard part.

Well, still working on book II. The title is not sitting with me, thinking along the lines of Realm of Shadow II: BLAH BLAH…..Currently I’m calling either Wings of Shadow or Under the Shadow of Wings. Hmmmm, just don’t know. Any feedback out there? Come on, don’t be afraid to comment, I won’t mind.

Thus far however, I think I’m progressing well on Book II. Completed the first 9 chapters. Halting here a bit to go back, edit and flush out a few scenes and characters. I’ve introduced a few and I’m expanding on one or two from book I. Of course, I’ve already eliminated one or two or three, sorry if any one of them were among favorites.

However, I’m sticking to the outline thus far at least, give or take a few scenes. Outlining is important, and with out it, even I would get characters and dates mixed up. I use a free software that helps outlining greatly, allowing to create and describe places, characters, set up scenes, etc. And of course the price is right. Though, once the creator gets a web badge or banner, I’ll be plugging it. It’s called StorYbook.

Again, I digress. Our characters (heroes) have thus far learned that they are no where near ready to face our few evil-doers. The ceremony and celebration held to honor the defeat of the wizard in book I did not end all that well.

Well I suppose I should get busy, so I leave ya’ll again.

Note: check out my websites for other future updates, I apologize now that they are not the prettiest, but I’m working on them….Anyone do FREE Html work? Sign up if you wish, it would be appreciated. I’m also on FaceBook, MySpace, and twitter.

www.robinden1964.webs.com

www.michaelrrobinson.com

Please feel free to comment or give opinions, I don’t yell and scream. Well, not for too long anyhow.

‘Till next time

Mike

Well, just got word from my Publisher to send them email contacts for local media for the Official release of the book. I also had to supply a list of book stores and such for them to contact for potential book signings. I am excited as things move onward. I also want to sent a thank you to those who bought the book, I now have a sales rank at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble…Not a top seller, but it’s being bought. I hope those of you who purchased it enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. I have one request however, if you read it and enjoy it, give me a hand and write a review at either Amazon and/or B&N and at my websites which are:

www.michaelrrobinson.com

and

http://robinden1964.webs.com/

I would appreciate it. Also, any of you in the local area wish to have your copy signed, drop me a line, we can arrange something. Even for you out-of-state friends, drop an email or note me on my Facebook or MySpace and we shall see what we can do.

At Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/mrrobinson64

At MySpace:  http://www.myspace.com/robinden

Or simply leave a comment or send a request through one of the above websites.

Now, between travelling for work and the 4th of July Holiday, I’ve finished drafting chapters 6 & 7 of Book II. I beginning to wonder if this book is going to be as big as Book I. As I said on my facebook page, I must ramble way too much, it’s at 18,703 words thus far, and I haven’t went back through these drafts yet. When I do, I’m sure more will be added. Tammy, my wife, and Elora, my daughter, have proofed and edited them to this point, but those chapters in my eyes are still far from completed. Thus far, I have not deviated too far from my outline, but as soon as the characters really take control of the story, who knows.

As far as what is happening thus far? Well, our survivors from book I are regrouping and getting recognized for their heroic efforts by the city. Yet, forces out there are beginning to stir to stop them from achieve their true goal. Lord Hardin, for one, as planned a surprise for the city’s royal family, which brings in the new character that I mentioned last time that I enjoy writing. She’s a dark, arrogant, but successful assassin. The creature freed in Book I is seeking his title, and the elfin families that were never truly united in one cause are splitting, choosing which potential heir they should side with, the prophesized one or this new far more powerful creature named Rygerri.

For our hero Jason Shadowgrass? It simple, he stood beside Lady Norrelle all these years, and she him. His life now changed, for the better, he understands his role in the grand scheme. He faced Rygerri on that dreadful day and the beast fled from him, he’s determined to face him once again.

Well I won’t give anymore away. ‘till next time.

Mike Robinson.

Well, now that Realm is available on line, my work again is beginning. As I stated before, the marketing aspect of the book now begins, of which I’m a novice. I’ve got some business cards and bookmarks made up to hand out to local bookstores, family, and friends. A few copies have sold at least, a few friends have already told me they have ordered it, this is good. I’ve been contacting local bookstores, doing what is required to get the book in local stores on the shelf and set up some book signings. Though my work schedule has me traveling in the near future, so this may not be feasible at this time.

As I am a gamer and the book was based of gaming characters, I believe fantasy role-players will enjoy it, or so I hope. Planning on checking out my local gaming stores, getting feedback on their opinions.

Most importantly, however, is that I’ve started work on Part II, for those that have read the book, I’m letting you know that the sequel is in the works. The cast will be back, most that is, and life has changed for them all in the most part. The elfin prophecy of the new dawn, to our characters, has begun. They see drastic changes coming in the future, and only they can ensure that it turns out as it should. Alliance that stood strong in Realm are now tested, some shattered, as the scent of another ware amongst the races is looming in the air.

The outline for this Part is in the works, had to change it around a bit after some events that occurred in Realm were not in my original design. Those darn characters came to life for me and created a few unexpected plot twists that carry on into the second book. Oh well, after all it’s their story. In the future, I intend to write a blog on outlining, what I use, how I use it, etc.

Any, back to book two. I think the title will be Wings of Shadow, it’s an idea, for those of you who know the story, what do you think?

Currently, I’ve drafted up to chapter 5 thus far, and a lot has already happened, people’s viewpoint on life have changed, one is no longer with us, and a few new characters—I love one of them, she’s so dark, sneaky, and devious, obviously she’s an assassin hired by one of the bad guys from Realm. So, I’ll keep you all up to date, with revealing too much—don’t wanna’ give the entire story away.

Until next time,

Mike Robinson.

Well, the fun part of writing the novel is finished, and now the real work begins. I am by no means a marketing expert, but now I have to add that title to my hat. Elora has been helping, since media is her chosen field at Clarion.

We went to a small seminar at a local bookstore the other night that was to assist local authors in establishing a market presence. It was informative, we learned a bit. Primarily, the biggie is a web presence. Blogs, websites, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, just to name a few.

Well, I’ve got those sites established, now it’s just about getting the word out.

Currently the book is available at Amazon and on Barnes & Nobles website. I’m completely excited about this, just to be able to search those websites and see my name pop up with the title of my novel. It’s a goal that I’ve had for a long, long, long time. The next goal is to sell a few copies, I’ve got a number in mind that’s my target. By no means am I aiming to be on the NY Times best-selling list, my target is far lower than that.

Simply, I enjoyed telling the tale, I want others to enjoy it also. If one person reads it and gets something from it, well my day will be made.

I’m going to start writing blogs more often on various topics. Such as Realm’s characters, my other projects (Namely the sequel to Realm), Realm’s status, writing tools and aids that I used, etc.

Also, I will answer any questions anyone may have, from writing to the stories, characters, future plans, etc.

I hope not to bore ya’ll with my long drawn out blogs!

‘Till next time.

Michael R. Robinson.

Twenty years in the making, typing when I could, re-writing, once from scratch—I lost the novel when I left the Air Force, had to start it all over again. But now, exactly 20 years later it is getting published.

It started as a Dungeons and Dragons role-playing campaign of my own design, then evolved from their. Players who read it may notices some similarities, but I’ve taken nearly all of the “D&D” element out of it. Nevertheless, that was the books beginning. As I wrote it, it grew with me. The characters changed also, growing as I did into what they are now. From the original to the final print version, the book has changed drastically.

Some characters lived, some died from version to version. Sub-plots vanished, others developed. Finally the tale took on a life of its own as if I did not have control over it anymore. As I sat and wrote, the character who’s POV I was writing took over. It suddenly became THIER story, not mine. It was is if they were writing, not me.

It went through so many changes, edits and drafts that is amazing that it ever went to print. For a while, I stopped writing, life had other plans and the novel went on hold. Then my father passed, and I had a renewed vigor to put words on paper. Again, Realm changed slightly. In some areas darker, others lighter.

I love the cast of characters in the book, I feel they all have depth and some are likeable, others detestable—and those are the “good guys”.

Again, Realm really has no clear cut hero, then again, in life are there truly that many who walk purely on the “Light” side, or do most of us hang in that realm of shadow? Every character has flaws and valiant traits, every person has their own agenda.

In later blogs I intend to dive into each of the players in the tale, along with history of they’re world to give you all an understanding of why the world is the way it is….

I won’t try to divulge an secrets from the book, but a few may slip. Another tactic I wish to try to do is have interviews with the many characters. That is, I (Mike) portray the reporter asking them questions about their lives, dreams, goals, and current state of affairs.

Well, I must leave ya all now, but remember in a few short weeks, look for “Realm of Shadow” by yours truly published by Publish America.

Hey all, it's me again.  Well, this is the first of many hopeful blogs that I will begin posting, time permitting of course. So where do I begin?

It was a weekend, just like any other I suppose.  The family was together, minus one, who was with his mother.  Sebastian wanted to family bowl, so Sunday evening was set aside for this, but that is yet another tale.  Friday night was mellow for a change, no massive Teen Age invasion, of which I do not mind when they do flood in.  However, the quietness that was present was also sweet. So this Friday was turned over to the media, whereas we watched Die Hard 4 again -I love that flick, not in my top 10, but a good film still.  Then the DVD player was turned over to The Mist by Stephen King.  Wasn't truly expecting too much from this movie, but had some hopes for the cast that was in it.  To my surprise, it impressed me.  The acting of Thomas Jane,  William Sadler, Marcia Gay Harden, and Laurie Holden was in my book stellar, for a horror flick.  Well, it scared the dickens outta Sebastian and Tammy, for me, as the resident arachnophobe,  I was a bit uneasy, but I hung in 'til the end.

Saturday was another relaxing day. I spent most of it multitasking between Jaded Silence Press' web site (www.jadedsilencepress.com), my new site (www.michaelrrobinson.com) and writing on chapter 29 of Realm of Shadow - and to be perfectly honest, found some time to toss Neverwinter Nights 2 into the P.C. and play for an hour or maybe 3.  The evening was ended by the showing of a classic "The Lost Boys", and patiently waiting for the second one, which according to Cory Feldman is in the works.  Check it out: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1031254/ (Lost Boys 2 "The Tribe").

Again, Sunday was another day of just kickin' back.  Though with the nice day it was, I opened the office windows and boy did that fresh air do wonders for the stagnant winter/furnace air in the house.   Just a note: For you all who don't, here's a snap of my office.  Yep, it's small, no more than a large walk in closet.

Anyway, I digress, but hey, this is my blog and if I desire to go off on tangents, then by all means, I have this right.  So, too continue.  Sunday morning, I started bright and early, 10:00 AM.  And after a cup of coffee or 4, I got began working on my site and Realm Chapter 29 again.  Sorting through pics on my PC for the web brought a sense of nostalgia to me as I took that walk through the past.  Still haven't got this done, hopefully soon, or as work permits.  By 1:00 however I completed Draft 1 on Chapter 29.  It's posted on WC (www.writerscafe.org), here's the link:

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Realm of Shadow: Chapter 29 Betrayal A Chapter by Michael Raymond Robinson

And if you're truly ambitious, then here's the book's Link:

Realm of Shadow A Book by Michael Raymond Robinson

Of course chapters 26 - 29 are first editions, need work, so if you have any ideas, please let me know.

Well, continuing, around 4:00 we decide to head to the bowling alley, Wildlife Lanes in New Kensington.  Bowling for an 1 1/2 with the family was great fun.  Sebastian's trying so hard, though his run full speed with a 6 lbs ball and toss it with some form down the lane.  (actually he's coping his mother and I).  He did not do to bad.

Standings: Game 1

1. Tammy
2. Elora
3. Sebastian
4. Me (yikes)

Standings Game 2

1. Me (yay)
2. Elora
3. Tammy
4. Sebastian

I won't brag about my scores, nothing compared to my league days in the good ole Air Force at Spangdalhem, AB Germany.

Upon completion of the games, we dined at Elena Restaurant & Cafe at Hillcrest Plaza.  Great Italian food there, though I had the Baked Cod.  The day was wrapped up by watching "The Hitman", a bit graphic, but a good movie...not in the top 10 or 20 but still alright.

Also, My Good Friend & Jaded Silence Press Partner Pauline Ramsey had her son last Thursday, Ryan is 7 lbs 13 oz and 21"....keep her in your thoughts and prayers as mom and baby venture home.

Well to top off the weekend, my diet.  Not truly dieting but more of watching calories, which as an engineer makes far more sense to me.  But for those who care, Friday's Lbs: 261, Monday Morning: 259, one milestone met, 5 more to go....

Well, thanks for reading, until next time,

Mike

Wow, it's been a while hasn't it. Since the holidays, well, I hope you'll had a great holiday and a awesome start to a fantastic new year.

I did....

However, work, yeah that dreaded four letter word that we dispise, has been difficult. One man quit and we got 4 new projects. So I've been quite the busy engineer and not the busy writer/reader as I would like.

But since, I've posted 2 chapters of Realm of Shadow. My goal, if all goes as plan, is to finish Realm by February's end (gettin' close and needs about 10 chapters...yikes).

Because of this and work, reading everyone else's work and working on my other projects have fallen drastically, more so than I like, so I apologize. However, I just turned my read request back on and I'm half way through the contest stories that I had. So I'm sloooowwwwlyyy catching up.

I do have a question for ya'll though...sorry, but its needed. Well it's more of an opinion than question and answer.

Of my other projects, being:
1. Dark Secrets (Supernatural horror)
2. When Hell Freezes (Supernatural horror)
3. Twilight's War (Fantasy)

Which would you prefer me to concentrate on?

I also plan to work on some more short tales, which includes sequels to:
1. Spooky Hollow
2. We need stronger weed-killer
3. The Cathedral
4. Crimson Darkness

A few of these plus others I have Ideas on expanding even the orginal version also. Also on my list (it's in me head and won't go away) is are two other projects each with no name but:
1. Sci-Fi/Supernatural/Horror which takes place on a Generation Ship
2. Fantasy tale that I'm working with 9 others on.

Well, I've ramble enough and took up far too much of ya'lls valuable time. Until next time, good writings people..

Mike R.

Realm Chapter 25

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/robinden/183104/

Realm Chapter 24

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/robinden/180361/

Realm Chapter 23

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/robinden/173947