DID Isn’t Forgotten

The first chapter of His Revenge, the fifth installment of Descent Into Darkness, will be posted as soon my timeline stops rewriting itself.  This was something I encountered with His Command, where my starting point for the story kept resetting itself as the plot developed — and I realized that there were a few things I needed to seed earlier than the original first chapter despite all my outlining.  Unlike that previous instance, however, I’m lacking backlog to post while I work out the kinks.  Thus AWOL has made a reappearance in the posting schedule.  Please be patient with me while I work this out and enjoy the offering.

Most of the kinks I’m dealing with surround a new character, one who is scripted to play a significant role much later on.  His backstory is more in-depth than some of the characters I’ve introduced, his motivations heavily rooted in certain events of his past, and while the details are vital to his portion of the story, they do draw attention away from the focal character(s) of the series — Ba’tvian, or, as some see it, Ba’tvian and Nerisse.  Because of that, I’m contemplating writing a short story for just this character for online posting.  It would relieve His Revenge of the burden of introducing a new character, and may just straighten out those kinks I keep running into.

We’ll see how it goes.  Until next time, happy reading.

Update Schedule Is Up…Sort Of

We have an initial draft of our content update schedule posted here.  We’re still compiling it so please bear with us.

There are several things we’re dealing with this year that we haven’t had to deal with before.  In June 2012, Trinity Gateways became an LLC which was great, wonderful, fantastic.  Yet it means more work: taxes and annual reports to be filed with the state to name the top two.  Some of this couldn’t be started until Janauary of this year, which means that we — especially me — have been really busy.  So busy, in fact, that I’m behind on my writing goals and that’s reflected in my portion of the posted schedule.

So apologies to those of you who are awaiting more Descent Into Darkness.  I’m working to get to it as soon as I can.

Newsletter Submissions

We are still accepting submissions for the next newsletter.  We’re looking short or flash fiction, poetry, or articles relating to writing, reading, publishing, or story-telling in some way.  Please see our Submissions Page for more information.

Only A Writer

I was recently promoted at the dayjob.  Yay!  It means more duties.  Boo.  Lol, that said, I took it because I was already doing most of the work and wanted the raise that came with the new title.  The raise comes just in time to pay for car repairs; one of the drive belt tension wheels has deteriorated to the point that the belt has come off.  Having this happen while driving to work downtown is not fun in the least.  I’m going to give those moments of sickening panic to some poor character later down the road.  Another character will get my disappointment and resignation of not being able to enjoy that new raise.

Only a writer would torment fictional people this way.

Just a quick reminder: for those of you waiting for story updates, they will resume in February, 2013.  The update schedule will be posted sometime mid-January.  Check back for details in the next few weeks.

Until then!

They Say That Life Can Throw You A Curve Ball…

It threw me about four.  The first curve ball can be called Family, and it was made up of a wedding, out-of-state visits, increased demands on my time, a disruption of electric service (don’t ask), a couple of non-functional vehicles, and a few other things that escape me at the moment.  Now don’t get me wrong; I love my family.  i appreciate them in every way.  Still, all of that had a greater, and more prolonged, impact on my schedule than anticipated.

The second curve ball was the horror anthology I worked on for Trinity Gateways LLC.  It was an enjoyable, educational experience.  It is, unfortunately, an experience that’s still ongoing.  We’re working with a different print and distribution service and it’s the little things that proven to be the trickiest obstacle to work around.  That will hopefully come to an end very soon, though.

The third curve ball was Descent Into Darkness: His Command.  The novella took much longer to conclude because of curve balls 1 and 2 — and because the bloody thing kept changing the scene sequences on me.  I have never had a story that’s bucked the outlines the way this one has.  It was very like a rodeo bronco, trying to throw me off at every turn.  Now that it’s finished, I’m trying to get His Revenge, the next in the line-up, off the ground.  It’s making me build a launch pad first, though, so it’s been a slow starter.

The fourth curve ball was software education.  I upgraded some of the software I use, and switched over to a new software suite that will help with e-book conversions.  I’m constantly learning new things — techniques, features, ways around limitati0ns — and it’s slowed me down me some.

These are not excuses for neglecting to post.  They are reasons, but even reasons can’t don’t make my absence “okay”.  So, once again, many apologies to those of you who have come back looking for updates and found none.

The cover of Descent Into Darkness: His Command by Doris Ross, the fourth installment of the six part Descent Into Darkness novella series.

Goal Accomplished

Descent Into Darkness: His Command was published on 11/3/12.  It is available for all e-book readers via Smashwords and Kindle, and is currently being distributed to other e-book channels, such as Barnes & Nobles and the iBookstore.

Descent Into Darkness: His Command Teaser

The Mancers are falling, hunted and slain by the blood mage they call the Monster of Menie: Ba’tvian Delthanurk.  With the aid of his companions, the elven lady Nerisse se li Astorae and the barbarian Ibestor, he has begun a quiet war, leaving nothing but death in his wake.  As he blazes a bloody trail across the breadth of Orthanor, he will make new allies, meet his enemies head-on, and carve his name deep into the history of Einlienn.

Yet the decision to fight comes with heavy consequences.  The Mancers will not die easily under his blade, nor will they stand by to watch their brethren perish.  With a single message, they have set in motion events that will force the Monster’s most devoted follower, a once-intended priestess, to make a terrible choice in order to survive – and when Ba’tvian gives his command, that choice will be no choice at all…

Check out the Descent Into Darkness: His Command page for sample chapters.

A Reminder

November, December, and January comprise what is considered the “off season” for the authors of Trinity Gateways LLC, myself included.  There may be sporadic updates/posts during this time but nothing scheduled.  I’ll still be plugging away, though, so look forward to fresh material in February 2013.

Crunch

LJ Gastineau, Tricia Sparks, and I are currently neck-deep in preparing our horror anthology, Shadows of the Mind, for publication.  Trinity Gateways is aiming to go to print on 8/31/12, and there’s still quite a bit of work to be done to get there.  It’s that period we like to call “crunch time” where you work until you drop so you can make the final deadline.  Our cover artist, Henry L. Livingston, is still working on the art, but we’ll post the cover image once we get it in.

The anthology isn’t the only thing that has us in crunch right now.  LJ Gastineau’s preparing book 2 in the Crystal Garden Saga, entitled Quaking Tower, for e-release next month, I’m endeavoring to wrap up Descent Into Darkness: His Command, and Tricia Sparks is in the middle of a final edit on one of her projects slated for release in November.  And that’s just the stuff that the web will actually see.  There’s plenty behind the curtain to add to that, and anyone who’s run a business knows what I’m alluding to.  It involves things like paperwork, contracts, etc — the boring part of the business.  Yet without it, we couldn’t the fun things like the anthology, so we deal.

An Update

I’ve posted the rough Chapters 19 & 20 of Descent Into Darkness: His Command.  A reminder for those of you who are following the rough, abidged version of the story: the rough draft gets pulled the first week of September as I enter the revision/editing phase.

Well, I need to get back to the interior layout/design work for the anthology.  Until next time!

Trinity Gateways Submissions Closes 11:59pm EST, August 1, 2012

Just a reminder, all submissions for the Shadows of the Mind horror anthology must be in before midnight this coming Wednesday, August 1.  Please don’t rush when sending us your stories; double-check the guidelines for formatting and submitting before emailing it to us to ensure that your entry will be considered when it is received.  Our editing team has been seeing a lot of entries that have not followed our guidelines, which is problematic for us.  We want to consider your work so please read through everything on the Trinity Gateways Submissions Page.  If you need clarification on anything we require, please email submission@trinitygateways.net with “Question” in the subject line.

The Rough Draft Will Be Pulled In September

Descent Into Darkness: His Command will be pulled off the site in the first week of September as I begin the editing/revision phase.  From that point on, only the sample chapters for this story will be up.  His Command will be released as an e-book on October 28, 2012.  I’ll upload the cover art for it as soon as it has been completed, which will probably be in late September.

September

Is going to be very busy, as previously stated.  At this time, I don’t have any online updates planned for this month, but will add things to the schedule as my project deadlines allow and things pop up.  When story updates resume, I will let you know.

In the meantime, I need to get back to reviewing submissions.  Until next time!

Cover of the printed book, Descent Into Darkness, Vol. 1: He Begins, now for sale on Amazon!

Ancient City Con ended yesterday.  We’re still tired from the weekend, but are so glad we went.  I was there with Trinity Gateways LLC, passing out our free newsletters, selling my printed book, Descent Into Darkness, Vol. 1: He Begins, hosting panels, making connections, and talking with everyone who came to say hi.  Everyone who dropped by the table or attended one of our writing panels gets a big thank you from yours truly for the interest, the sales, and the conversation.  You’re the reason we do this, so thanks!

Also, a special thanks goes to Kevin A. Ranson, author of The Spooky Chronicles and ghostwriter for MovieCrypt.com, Brett Link, also of MovieCrypt.com, T. S. Robinson, author of Mirror of Opposition, the steampunk gals from the Good Ship Sappho, K. M. Asano and Kevin Coryell of DraxisWeb Productions, both fellow authors and panelists — it was great meeting up with you all!  You made a great con even better!

Finally, thanks to the ACC Art and Con Directors, Henry Livingston and Chris Gabaldon, for having us.  We’re already looking forward to being there next year!

In Case You Missed Out

I still have copies of my book on hand so if anyone would like to buy a signed copy, send an email to me at darkdescent@dorisross.com for more details and include “Book Purchase” in the subject line. Descent Into Darkness, Vol. 1: He Begins is $13.99 + $2.99 for shipping and handling (a total of $16.98).  I am currently unable to accept credit card payments but I can take PayPal, money order, or check.  Supplies are limited so this is first come, first served.

Another Reminder

Trinity Gateways LLC will be closing submissions for the horror anthology, Shadows of the Mind, at 11:59 pm EST on August 1, 2012.  If you’ve got something you’d like to see in the collection, please be sure to get your submissions in.  If you’d like to know what we’re looking for, or need a refresher on our guidelines, visit the Trinity Gateways Submissions Page.  If you have any questions, please e-mail submission@trinitygateways.net and put “Question” in the subject line.  Thanks!

Now that the con is over, it’s back to work.  We’ve got submissions to review and I’ve got an e-book to finish.  Until next time!

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Publication Release Date Determined

Descent Into Darkness: His Command, the fourth installement in the series, will be out on November 3, 2012, as an e-book.  I have only 9 chapters left to write, then I’ll step away from it for a month before beginning my editing/revision phase.  I’ll continue to post rough draft chapters through August, then the story will be pulled from site as I get it ready for publication.  This is the longest segment in the series so far, and I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

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Reminder: Trinity Gateways Anthology Submissions Closes August 1

For any of you still looking to submit disturbing short stories in the horror genre for the Shadows of the Mind anthology, the cut off is August 1, 2012, so please be sure to get your submissions in.  As assistant editor on this project I’ve seen some really good stories come through and I look forward to seeing more.   If you’d like to know what we’re looking for, or need a refresher on our guidelines, visit the Trinity Gateways Submissions Page.

Even if we don’t accept your story, we are giving constructive feedback so that you will be able to learn and improve as a writer.  We’ve had several authors who have improved their stories, resubmitted, and been accepted so don’t get discouraged by a rejection email from our Acquisitions Editor, LJ Gastineau.  Every good author knows that constructive feedback or criticism is vital to the development and growth of every writer.  Since we’re both authors and editors, LJ and I will do what we can to provide that feedback for the submissions we’re reviewing.  Yes, it takes longer to go through the stories in our inbox, but it’s also something that we believe in.  Seeing those resubmitted stories, seeing the improvements made, and being able to accept them is a wonderful reward.  It’s our fervent hope that we will never see the day when we can’t take the time to give that feedback.