I used to work at a furniture manufacturing facility. One day I snapped a few photos of a crumbling section of the concrete floor. I scanned them into Photoshop and isolated the main shapes that would later become the Orudan Empire. Then, I bought a floor tile from Home Depot that had some great textures and colors, like a satellite image of a continent with mountain ranges. I scanned this in as well, then merged the two images. I included the resulting map in earlier versions of my manuscript when I was seeking literary representation or having some editing done.
This version eventually morphed into the map that I included in the print verison of The Awakened. I ultimately decided to give it more of an "illustration on canvas" feel to be more compatible with the time period involved:
I created these next two in AutoCad, then imported the line drawings into Photoshop to add colors and textures:
8 comments:
I'm not computer savvy, so I'm tired of looking around to find a "way" to tell you that today I've read the beginning part of your first book on kindle and I think you're the best writer since John Flanagan who wrote the Ranger's Apprentice series (who I think rivals Tolkien). At times your story was "uncomfortable" to read due to the sensitive topics (due to my kids), but you covered them without going into too much unnecessary detail (although maybe I shouldn’t be reading this to my kids). I'm hoping you'll write more books. Oh.... since I'm in the "illustration" part of your blog… to my surprise, the image of the underground structure that Kael's dad was running through, is helpful. I was worried the actual illustrations would ruin the images you created in my head.
Uncle Gerald :)
Uncle Gerald,
Wow, that's a big compliment! Thank you for the kind words and also your Amazon review. My oldest daughter (age 7) just today asked me when would I let her read my book. She's really mature for her age, but I think I'll have to wait a few more years due to some of the subject matter. I wasn't sure from your note if you were aware that Book Two and Book Three are currently available. I'm also hard at work on some prequels, so there's more coming!
I just wanted to say I have probably only read 5 books in my life and haven't read one for at least 5 years. I find it hard to get into books because I don't see the story in my head so I get bored. Your book right from the beginning was painting pictures in my mind. I downloaded the first part and was unable to put it down. I downloaded the whole book and the rest of it was the same way. The only thing I didn't like was when I got down with the Awakened I wanted to read more. I really need to know when you are coming out with more to this series cause I can't find another book that I can't put down. Thank you for getting me into reading again.
Chris Seifert
Hi Chris,
It's awesome that you're into reading again, and I'm humbled that my book helped you get there.
When I started writing The Awakened, I felt the same way. I had been blown away by some movies, but rarely by books. So I set out to write the book that I wanted to read. In the process of writing, publishing, and promoting The Awakened, I've been encouraged that the changes in the industry are shaking things up. The influx of new competition will ultimately benefit the reader by forcing the quality of books to improve. I've already run across several authors/books that look very interesting...if I ever get the time to read again :)
After seeing such a positive response to The Awakened from readers, like yourself, I've put reading and all other hobbies on the back burner for now. I'm currently working on story design and research of a prequel series that will tell Sariel's story and answer the questions that readers are wondering about, such as:
How did the physical realm become fractured?
What is the altar and why does it act as a portal between worlds?
Is the altar a time-travel device?
Where did Kael's crystal sword and Saba's staff come from? Who made them?
What's up with the flooding mentioned at the beginning and ending of The Awakened?
I learned much writing The Awakened and I have greater things in store for readers with my next books. Once the prep work is done, I should be able to write, edit, and publish in rapid succession. This will bring everyone up to date with the full backstory and allow readers to move forward with Kael's story with deep insight, fully aware of what is at stake.
Just a quick question:
Is there some connection to the similarity of the names Kael and the Kaliel? Or am I just reading too much into that?
By the way, fantastic read! It's really hard finding books these days that really quench my thirst, but with your sheer command of language and of character development...well, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better series.
Which, on that note, I'm kind of upset at you...I need the next book!
-Demosthenes
Demosthenes,
There's no connection between the two. But my next novel will have lots of meaning behind names, and connections to mythology and other stuff. So, if you're someone who enjoys that stuff, I think it's going to be fun.
So, now it's my turn. Is there any connection between your screen name and the pen name of the character from the Ender series (Orson Scott Card)?
-Jason
Jason,
Wanted to let you know that I read all 3 of The Awakened books and really enjoyed the story. I was a little disappointed that you never developed the Adair storyline. A bit in the first parts of book 2 and 3, but it was sketchy? Not wanted to give anything away, also the storyline about sending "you know who" back. Mentioned and than suddenly up he pops without any explanation or story. Saba? - lots of ideas of who or what he is, but again you dropped the story. The aging, the wisdom, etc..
I have nothing but respect for your work, it was a fantastic read, but you left so many dangling storylines or information out, when you concluded the story including why Kael did what he did in the last scene. How did he know what to do - Saba? or intuition and why would he want to do it?
If you do not want to answer on the forum, you are welcome to email me at cpcharliedk@gmail with some answers. Working on a review of your books for our website and maybe with a bit more clarification, I can do an even better review. Thanks in advance.
Charlie
Hi Charlie,
Thanks for taking the time to write and ask questions.
As you mentioned, there are several loose ends. However, books 1-3 are just the start of a large series; likely 7 books in all.
Adair's storyline is one that starts in another world and ends up in our own, which is a foreshadowing of where the main story will go. The reason I didn't resolve his part is because his story will be picked up in future books.
Regarding Saba, I'm currently writing a four-volume prequel series that will fill readers in on his background, as well as the villains of The Awakened...and lots of other stuff.
In the last scenes of Book Three, we see Kael transition from a place of ignorance to confidence. This was meant to plant a question in readers minds: what did Saba tell him?
I know it can be frustrating not to have resolution at the end of a book, but you will by the end of both The Awakened and Wandering Stars series. Keep in mind that the scope of the overall story is massive (moving from pre-historic to post-apocalyptic times over the course of the two series, with a total of ~11 books).
So, I haven't "dropped" any of the stories. I'm just getting started. I'm hoping to take readers on a journey, and part of the excitement is to create the need for answers in the minds of readers. Then, when I answer those questions, it will have been far more enjoyable than just explaining everything up front.
I hope you understand. And I hope you stick with it to find out the answers.
-Jason
Post a Comment