A Moment of National Reflection

I've been debating how best to respond during this period of national reflection, following the murder of George Floyd. Whether it was best to put my own thoughts down, or if I should highlight some of the voices of those most directly affected by the inequality which persists in our nation. I ultimately decided to do the latter.

Of the many commentaries and reflections I have read on this subject, the post appended below struck closest to home for me. As a father who also has to explain all that's right or wrong in this world to my own daughters, Pam's advice from her father reminded me of just how far we still have to go.

https://adultingwithpam.com/remember-who-the-true-enemy-is/

The Stage Presence of a Great Villain

One of the job hazards of being a fiction author is wanting to talk about the characters who make up our novels, and not being able to do so for fear of giving away spoilers.

This weekend I received my first beta-reader feedback for the beginning of Book 3 in the Stormfall Chronicles.

There are a couple of important characters who become introduced or fleshed out in the third novel. One of them has been one of my favorite villains to portray. It's delightful to finally get my first beta-reader feedback, and receive confirmation that the villain really did live up to the intended impact. I'm so looking forward to introducing them to my broader, reader audience.

Status Update - Book 3: Fifth Draft Complete

Just completed my fifth draft for Book 3 of the Stormfall Chronicles. In parallel, my middle daughter (who is also my first beta-reader), has already begun reviewing the first chapters.

The word count has grown from 132,000 words at completion of the fourth draft, to 133,000 words for the fifth draft.

Time to start thinking about cover designs as well.

Review for Book 1 Appears in "Diary of a Wannabe Writer"

Thrilled to see a review for Storm's Herald, the first book in the Stormfall Chronicles, appear on Anie's "Diary of a Wannabe Writer". To quote in part from her review,

"My favorite thing about the story was the world created. As I read the story, the world became alive. It has a very good magical system (love those :)), lots of magical creatures and interesting history of the world. I liked the way the world and how it became that way is slowly revealed through the storyline, so it doesn't take away from the flow of the story."

So glad she enjoyed the novel:
https://diaryofawannabewriter.blogspot.com/2020/05/storms-herald-by-j-w-golan.html

Status Update - Book 3: Fourth Draft Complete

I have completed my fourth draft for Book 3 of the Stormfall Chronicles. The word count has grown from 128,000 words at completion of the third draft, to 132,000 words now.

At this point, I'm pretty satisfied with the general flow and story line for the book, although it will still require some polishing.

Rather than completing another front-to-back proof-read and re-edit of the book, before handing any chapters off to my beta-readers, I'm currently leaning towards handing-off copies on a chapter-by-chapter basis throughout the fifth edit cycle. In other words, the fifth edit would occur concurrently with the first beta-read of the book.

Looking forward to it.

Status Update - Book 3: Third Draft Complete

Finally finished working my way through the third draft to Book 3 of the Stormfall Chronicles. The word count grew modestly from 122,000 words when I finished the second draft to 128,000 words now.

Still a lot more polishing which needs to go into it, before I'm ready to start releasing chapters to my beta-readers.

Stormfall Chronicles Appears in The Faerie Review

I was delighted to see the lovely reviews posted for Books 1 and 2 of the Stormfall Chronicles, on The Faerie Review. To quote in part:

"I absolutely love it! Vivid imagery and a story that captures the reader from page one makes this a fun and enchanting read. The characters and setting are rich and well-developed, definitely a story anyone can enjoy regardless of age."

Thanks again Liliyana. The complete review can be found below:
https://www.thefaeriereview.com/2020/04/check-it-out-stormfall-chronicles.html