Since 1991 I've written and drawn comics professionally, worked as a designer and art director for some fancy brands, and in this last year I completed the book I've always wanted to read; BLACKFIRE. The first novel in the Unity Song Trilogy—a science fiction/fantasy epic. Now I'm back to write the sequel, GHOST FLEET!
I hope to duplicate last year's success with the support of fellow writers, the supportive Clarion West staff, my amazing wife, and all the generous people who donated to this fantastic organization in my name.
If you want to support me, thank you. I really hope I can do justice to Clarion West's ongoing dedication to the craft of writing.
Write With Me!
I host a one-hour Drafting Sprints session every Tuesday 10 AM PST/1 PM EST (-4 UTC) on the WAT22 Zoom channel
Schedule here
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My Writing Goals
For Write-A-Thon 22, I'm drafting as much of GHOST FLEET, and I'll post my daily word count progress. Maybe I'll drop random finished sections from BLACKFIRE below as a Thank You throughout the month. Plus, I'll send out a weekly newsletter and Twitter updates.
Personal Writing Goal of 20K words for Write-a-thon '22 ACHIEVED!
Let's see how close to 30K I get by the end.
Group Donation Stretch Goals
$0-$100: I will post a chapter a week from my first book, BLACKFIRE, during Write-a-Thon on a hidden page on my website. (there will be a link in the next newsletter to them) ACHIEVED!
$250+: Above. Plus, I will post bonus chapters from BLACKFIRE during Write-a-Thon on a hidden page on my website. (there will be a link in the next newsletter to them) ACHIEVED!
$500+: Above. Plus, I will post original character sketches on my website. (there will be a link in the newsletter to them when this Stretch Goal is unlocked) ACHIEVED!
$1000+: Above. Plus, I will post an original full-color character illustration on my website. (there will be a link in the newsletter to them when this Stretch Goal is unlocked) ACHIEVED!
$2500+: Everything above. Plus, I will send you an original full-color annotated galaxy map for the series with bonus character info. (there will be a link in the newsletter to them when this Stretch Goal is unlocked)
Individual Donation Benefits
$50+: I will email donors at this level a PDF collection of the posted chapters—following Write-a-Thon.
$100+: I will email donors at this level a PDF collection of the posted chapters with character sketches—following Write-a-Thon.
$500+: I will email donors at this level a PDF collection of the posted chapters, with character sketches, and the full-color character illustration as cover—following Write-a-Thon.
$1000+: Above, plus I will mail you a reader hard copy of BLACKFIRE—following Write-a-Thon.
$2500+: Above. Plus, I will include a hi-res galaxy map, and I will add your name to the BLACKFIRE Thank You section—following Write-a-Thon.
Writing Sample
A spicy gust of air drew Finwë's attention to the open-air food vendors across the bazaar. The ride in was one of the longest he had taken. Being the passenger added to the sense of time with nothing to do but watch the land pass below you. Finwë was not the greatest fan of heights, but he enjoyed the rush of excitement riding griffon. It took many years to build a bond between him and his beast. And they had survived many a mission. But this one would be without Hüercon; Finwë and the rest of his team arrived in the desert city of Erantheal to travel by boat and horse.
Tirgon's elbow draws your focus, and you follow his gesture to several tables below a sand-colored awning before an earthen tea house. Seated are the two people you seek. Feanil edges closer as you approach. Shopkeepers and patrons all glance up as the fourteen of you cross the dusty ground. There's nothing subtle about the dress of your order, and the winged shields leave little mystery to who you serve.
“Captain Merantha? Master Ketchmar?” Finwë addressed the two seated.
Captain Merantha was a long, beautiful woman with olive skin and inky hair. She wore a loose blouse pulled tight to her waist with a woven sash over tawny leggings that disappeared into tall black boots. Aside from a simple cord necklace, a work knife, and gloves tucked into her waistband, she was unadorned. Finwë suspected she did not hail from these desert lands. Master Ketchmar was an Enari of an entirely different kind. His dress was of the place. Rich, jewel-tone, robes, and scarves complimented his bejeweled hands, neck, and ears. An opulent display for even the high-lords. Finwë noticed the deep tooling and filigree of the horse master’s turned-up sandals. He wondered what this man's wares would cost?
The two gestured for all to take seats. Feanil, Dagorhin, and the Spellsinger sat next to Finwë, while the other ten spread out among the empty table. Master Ketchmar clapped, and a handful of servers rushed over with finger food, cups, and pots of tea for everyone.
“I wish I could smile wider upon your arrival, good lords, but you have cost me a shameful number of diniri.” Master Ketchmar scowled as he placed a handful of coins before the Captain.
“The good Master doubted your adherence to your word.”
“Bah, how was I to know they would travel across the sands upon winged beasts?” Ketchmar’s affront cracked some. “Which leads me to wonder why you need my services. These horses too fine to be feed for griffon. If that is the case, I will triple my price.”
Finwë could reassure the horseman that no griffon would come in contact with these steeds, but their fate lay in the Blackwood's unknown.
“The ships await us at the docks. I have taken the liberty to board Master Ketchmar's stallions and mares aboard the trailing ship. I will vouch for the quality of the Master's animals; nary a problem to bring them aboard. I would be glad to give one of you a tour to reassure their safety.” Merantha settled her eyes on Dagorhin.
Three plump coin sacks drop onto the table with a metallic 'hshs' sound.
“Then let us pay you for the horses and go inspect the ships.” Feanil half stood.
“No need to rush off; the tea is delicious.” Finwë breathed in the floral aroma of the tea before he sipped.
