book reviews

Coming Soon!!!! Meniscus: Reckoning

jane tims2 Comments

Today, after many hours of editing and formatting, I sent for a proof of my new book in the Meniscus Science Fiction Series. Meniscus: Reckoning will be out in early May. This will be the story of a perilous journey to a distant city, over difficult alien landscape, to rescue a member of the Human Resistance. The book is set in the El’ban District of Meniscus, a city mentioned but not visited in other books in the Meniscus Science Fiction Series.

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map showing the landscape of the El’ban District and the path the people of Themble Hill must follow (dotted line)

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Preparing for independent publishing of a book involves many steps. After finishing the final draft of a book, there is still a lot of work to do.

  1. incorporate the editorial comments of my editor Lee Thompson. He has been with me since Meniscus: Crossing The Churn and through the next twelve books in the Series. He understands what I am trying to accomplish with these stories and has taught me to write my alien characters without using words that feel too Human. For example, when one of my aliens is hungry, he should not want ‘his supper’ but ‘his evening meal,’ his athlan-doe. Lee has also taught my characters to frown less;
  2. read through the entire draft, making minor changes to small words and phrases, looking for inconsistencies;
  3. do a final revision of the Meniscus map and make sure location names match those in the text. I also check the east, west, north and south references to make certain they sync with the map;
  4. add page numbers — very challenging for me. I have learned how to remove page numbers from blank pages and pages with illustrations. However, starting the numbering on the correct page and separate numbering of the front matter (the first section of any book) always gives me trouble. Some of the last edits – to make certain all illustrations are on an even-numbered page (the left side of an open book) and all Chapters begin on an odd-numbered page (the right side of an open book);
  5. position illustrations consistently on the pages;
  6. create a pdf version of the manuscript and follow the steps to download the book to KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing where I self-publish my books);
  7. create the main cover in GIMP and download to KDP. For the proof, I am using a black and white drawing. This week I will create a painted version of the chosen drawing in acrylics for the final book cover;
  8. use the KDP tools to merge the cover and pdf document into a print-ready virtual book. This virtual version of the book shows me what the paperback book will look like. In spite of its usefulness, I still need a proof, in real book form, to be sure everything is the way it should be;
  9. fix any final edits; 
  10. send for the proof!!!!
the adventurers rest by the fire

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Here is a first glimpse at what the final book will look like:

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When the proof arrives I will have another chance to scout out any problems before I finally push ‘Publish’ !

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All my best!!!

Alexandra (a.k.a. Jane)

Review: S. C. Eston, The Conclave

jane tims2 Comments

If you love the fantasy genre, revel in stories of mystic deeds and enjoy the verbal sparring of well-crafted characters, you will like reading The Conclave by S. C. Eston (2018). I recently attended a reading by the author; I was introduced to his writing when I won his first book Burden of the Protector at an Odd Sundays book draw a couple of years ago. As the writer explains, the characters, setting and plot for the book The Conclave are based on his years of participating in Dungeons and Dragons role playing.

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Set in the fantasy World of Arvelas, the book tells the story of a gathering of wizards, warriors and heroes. The purpose of their secret meeting is to discover who betrayed them all in a recent struggle for power.

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At first I wondered if a story based mostly on dialogue could engage a reader and provide the tension required for a satisfying read. The tale did not disappoint, however, as fragments of background were woven with brisk dialogue to create a compelling tale of rivalry, power and betrayal.

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Although the book focusses on dialogue rather than action, the possible loyalties of the characters and the mingling of friends and former foes keep the tension high. My favourite characters are Theodoric (the Writer) and Hebsibia (the Wizzard), probably because they have lost their former powers and are, as a result, more vulnerable.

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The Conclave includes Appendices to help the reader better understand the World of Arvelas. I particularly like the Calendar of months used in Arvelas; consider ‘the Deluge’, the first month of Fall! The Conclave is illustrated by Kirk Shannon. The charming black and white drawings are perfect for the genre, reminiscent of old style engravings.

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My reading of The Conclave has inspired me to reread S. C. Eston’s earlier book The Burden of the Protector and to look forward to others by the same author.

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Enjoy your reading!

Alexandra (a.k.a. Jane)