I have a bit of old business from last week before I turn everything over to Roland today. First, those amazing writers Jess and Steph, of Fairday Morrow fame, won a copy of Sudden Secrets for this meme. Just didn’t want to leave them out of the winners’ circle.
The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow |
Hats Off Corner
And now start the drum roll. Hereeeeer comes Roland! Hope you’ll start a dialog with this author and find out what his new adventure is all about.
See how she reaches for the light!
Let me go the side route on this:
A man with the blood of death in his veins is embarking on a perilous journey of learning how to be married to an alien empress…
11 year old orphan, Nikola Tesla, finds himself mentored by Mark Twain who is as much a child as the boy …
An insane Abraham Lincoln and a crippled General Sherman ally themselves with monsters to enact revenge upon Samuel McCord only to find it is a journey leading to dark places …
The twin sister of the empress finds herself falling in love with the husband of her hated sister – the man who sees the hurt little girl bruised by living in the cold shadow of her regal twin.
A global war of vampire kingdoms is being waged unknown to the living …
The vampiric Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Empress Theodora circle one another, looking for weakness in their opponents, blind to their own.
A Being older than the creation of light is moving his pieces on the board of the world as he has for millennia …
Yet, like The Lord of the Rings (especially The Fellowship of the Ring), my novel is one of friendships won, lost, and regained, of how the darkness around us is not as important as the light we carry within us, and of how that light is born of two hearts hesitantly reaching out to one another and finding its soul-mate.
Give my novel a chance. Go to its Amazon Page and try the LOOK INSIDE feature:
I write to music. Do you? Here is the selection that I am writing a scene in the sequel, The Not-So-Innocents at Large where the Sidhe fly their sky-boats to challenge the Empress Meilori Shinseen, flying over England.
Much to their regret, the Sidhe learn Meilori is, indeed, a star-child.
And there you have it folks! Want to give Roland a boost and venture over to good old Amazon? Take a look at what’s he’s created. And since Roland’s already provided us with two great quotes, I’ll let those be my quotes of the week.
Annalisa Crawford says
Wow, that's an interesting cast of characters, Roland!
Hi Lee 🙂
Roland D. Yeomans says
Annalisa, it is my Steampunk GAME OF THRONES — without the torture! 🙂
Christine Rains says
What a fantastic story of the old woman! And, yes sir, we must keep looking up. Thank you for the inspiration. 🙂 Good luck and have a lovely weekend!
Roland D. Yeomans says
Say a prayer for her, will you? Me? I am working solo all weekend. Whew!
Joylene Nowell Butler says
Sorry I'm late. But I must say, I'm pleased I stopped by in time to read your analogy. Excellent. Dream on!
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks, Joylene. I;m happy you enjoyed my analogy. Working this weekend solo is keeping me from being prompt. Sorry.
Tara Tyler R says
terrific quotes – and we have to keep looking up, looking down is depressing! we will find our audience, no matter the size, and the only way to keep putting ourselves out there!
persevere, Roland – you're a great example!
and dragonflies are my favorite bug!
have a great weekend you guys!
Roland D. Yeomans says
Isn't that fae riding the dragonfly evocative? Thanks for the words of encouragement. It means a lot. 🙂
Yolanda Renee says
It's odd how that question keeps coming up. I just released my own book and still wonder why I do this, and yet I know the answer. Because I can't stop. Marketing, that's easy to stop, although I think my publisher would disagree. 🙂
Roland D. Yeomans says
I am my own publisher, and I argue with myself all the time! Highest of sales on your new book, Yolanda.
sage says
Not-So-Innocents-Abroad is a great title and I'm sure Twain would be proud (although the airship reminds me more of Jules Verne). Congratulations and keep creating, Roland!
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks, Sage. And thanks for the comment on Deniz's blog, too. Jules Verne you say? His Captain Nemo is a nemesis in the book as well. 🙂
Cherie Reich says
That's a beautiful reason to keep on writing, Roland. 🙂
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks, Cherie. I hope the woman knows what an inspiration she is.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee and Roland – what a great constructive post – about creativity and ideas … and then never giving up – writers can never stop and they shouldn't … so true .. cheers Hilary
Roland D. Yeomans says
What would the world of poetry be if Emily Dickinson gave up because her poetry was not appreciated, right? Thanks for being my friend, Hilary.
The flooded roads may last night of blood runs frightening and lengthy — I slept until right now in preparation for doing all over again tonight. Aaaargh!
Misha Gericke says
Such an inspiring post.
We all need to keep our eyes on the sky and keep going. (Although, I've found that glancing at the ground every now and then is a good way not to trip. ;-))
Roland D. Yeomans says
Not tripping is good. 🙂
Thanks for liking my post. To keep going sometimes is hard, but to quit is fatal, right?
Nicola says
Great post, Roland. You are an inspiration! I don't listen to music when I write but I do hear music in everything – the tapping of my keyboard, the birds chirping outside the window, the neighbours chattering across the garden fence, the slamming of car doors at the local bakery and my favourite – the chiming of the local church bells every half hour. My environment is my music and my writing companion. Wishing you lots of new happy readers. I'm sure your story will inspire many. Thank you for sharing!
Nicola says
ps: Just checked out your book on amazon Germany (where I live). Will you also be offering it for Kindle or just print?
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks for enjoying my post. I like your "music" while you write. Every one of my Kindle books has been pirated, making my Kindle sales nose-dive. 🙁
So for the time being I am not doing any new Kindle books. BUT I have two Kindle tales with the same characters a few years in the future of this tale: 1895.
Set in 1895 Egypt, THE STARS BLEED AT MIDNIGHT and DEATH IN THE HOUSE OF LIFE spin tales of ancient ruins, buried alien star-crafts, vampire kingdoms still at war with one another —
with Mark Twain, Nikola Tesla, Oscar Wilde joining Samuel McCord and his alien empress wife in more adventures of a lifetime.
http://www.amazon.com/Death-House-Life/dp/B00NNX4L06/
The book trailer for both:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ffS8RH45KU
I hope you will try one to see if it entertains you. I have audio books of both as well. 🙂
Thank you, Nicola, for such a nice comment.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
This is beautiful. Thank you for the reminder. Follow our dreams.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks for thinking this beautiful. The older lady is the one with the beautiful soul. 🙂
Catherine Stine says
I haven't read a Roland post for a bit, but you are always so inspirational. Love the quotes too.
Roland D. Yeomans says
I hope you enjoyed this one, Catherine. Don't stay away so long! My FREE Amazon Giveaway is still going on: https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/1b4510a1b3decb51
Sherry Ellis says
Jess and Steph's meme is cute!
Good luck with promotion, Roland! Don't give up.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Jess & Steph did a fun, great job, didn't they? Wow, two Sherry's in a row (but spelled differently) Sort of like a name echo, right? Sometimes when knocked on the ground it is tempting to stay there. But the clouds beckon and murmur, "We're waiting." You just have to get up. 🙂
S.A. Larsenッ says
What an inspiring post, Roland. Best of luck to you always.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Sheri, that is so nice of you to write. Thanks for following me over from Hart Johnson's blog. 🙂
Alexa S. Winters says
Wow, your novel sounds crazy interesting! I also love that Leonardo Da Vinci quote and what you said after it. Gorgeous <3
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbositybookreviews.wordpress.com
Roland D. Yeomans says
That particular Leonardo Da Vinci quote is at the start of INNOCENTS, too. It seemed fitting. 🙂
Why don't you see if you can win of the 3 remaining copies Amazon is giving away FREE? https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/1b4510a1b3decb51
Mojave Ned/R.Marcotte says
As you well know, Kerouac listened to Jazz when He wrote, (on those long endless rolls of paper, as you mentioned recently). Best of Grace and Luck to You, My Friend. It's been delightful watching your growth as a Writer – Artist, over these last 18 years. You have arrived, a long time ago.
Roland D. Yeomans says
What? I've arrived? And no one told me? 🙂 Yes, Emily Dickinson arrived and stayed when she continued to write her poetry that no one appreciated in her lifetime. I guess we must carry the music within us, right, old friend?
Oh, Amazon is giving away 3 FREE COPIES of INNOCENTS right now. Enter and see if a good friend can get one of them! https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/1b4510a1b3decb51
J.H. Moncrieff says
Roland is a wonderful writer. I've come to love his blog posts, which are always both humorous and insightful.
It's sad that his anti-blog tour hasn't resulted in sales, but I believe in you, Roland! Never give up.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I rather like anti-anything. It immediately catches my attention. Roland's tour has been a perfect anti-tour.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks for support, J.H. It means a lot. Amazon is giving away THREE FREE COPIES of The Not-So-Innocents Abroad: https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/1b4510a1b3decb51
Roland D. Yeomans says
Oops. I left out the "the" in my thank you support, J.H. And I've just sold one copy! The Indiana Jones theme just came on over pandora, so maybe the tide is turning. 🙂
J.H. Moncrieff says
Awesome! You've got this Roland…small steps lead to big results.
emaginette says
A lot of story in one book. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
It does seem BIG! And it's unique from the way Roland describes it.
Roland D. Yeomans says
It is my Steampunk GONE WITH THE WIND. 🙂 Just in case you might like to read it, Amazon is giving away THREE FREE COPIES of The Not-So-Innocents Abroad: https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/1b4510a1b3decb51
Shannon Lawrence says
Have I told you yet that I love that Tesla's in your story? I was excited when I learned he'd lived here in Colorado Springs for awhile. My son is just now starting to get interested in him.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Tesla's such an interesting man. I read his bio a few years ago, and I discovered just how special a person he was.
Roland D. Yeomans says
In this story, I took a few liberties with his life so as to be able to insert him as a 11 year old on the cruise. But for my Egyptian Steampunk tales, DEATH IN THE HOUSE OF LIFE & THE STARS BLEED AT MIDNIGHT, I played it straight with Nikola.
Oh, in the extra short story I gifted at the end of this book, I had Tesla lock horns with Edison one last time. 🙂 I think your son would like that tale, Shannon.
Amazon is giving away THREE FREE COPIES of The Not-So-Innocents Abroad: https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/1b4510a1b3decb51
Roland D. Yeomans says
Oh, I also have Tesla in my HER BONES ARE IN THE BADLANDS — he is living in Colorado Springs in that tale — I even give his home address at the time. 🙂
Denise Covey says
I wish you happy trails and many sales, Roland. Writing is a hotly-contested arena. Those gifted with promotional skills will be streets ahead. We need to find a way in the darkness…:-)
Roland D. Yeomans says
I really struggle with promotion, Denise. We need to find a new road to new readers, don't we?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Marketing is king in this business. If I'd known that when I started, I might not have continued.
Helena says
I really like the idea of a story that focuses on the lights we carry within ourselves, and of friendships regained.
May your newest book find gobs of readers and new fans for you, Roland my dear!
Roland D. Yeomans says
It is a dark world, and sometimes the only light we possess is what is within us. Yes, friendships regained is a rare gift. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
That's a lovely way to express our humanity, isn't it?
Melissa Sugar says
Keep the dream alive Roland. You're always my inspiration. I wish I could write to music. I have severe ADHD and my doctor said I have some kind of an auditory distraction problem. Certain sounds really distract me and I never know which sound will completely ruin my ability to concentrate or focus. One day it will be a song that I loved listening to the day before. It can make my mind wander, which is often a good thing, but not, if I never return to my manuscript. It can be a sound that other people never even hear unless someone brings it to their attention, like the click – click -click of the ceiling fan or the humming sound of a refrigerator. Sounds are so irritating and distracting and I hate that something as beautiful as music is considered a detriment to my writing. Comgrats to Roland. It was very nice of you, Lee to have him on your blog. I enjoyed visiting.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks, Melissa, for spotlighting my Amazon Giveaway on Twitter. It was very nice of you to do that. 🙂 Certain noises bother me, too — like someone else's music next door!
Wasn't Lee nice to do this for me?
Birgit says
Congrats are being on this blog and very nice to be recognized here. I
love the image of the older lady since I know someone like that. I also love the Da Vinci quote. One must continue to dream, work on the dream and act on the dream. Congrats for you in doing this since so many people don't.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thank you, Brigit. I wonder if the older woman knows what an inspiration she is to so many? It was nice for Lee to have me here, wasn't it? She is a gracious hostess. 🙂
Patricia Lynne says
That was inspirational. =) I say as long as you're loving what you are doing, keep writing. Over night success never happens over night after all. There's a lot of nights spent with no sales.
Roland D. Yeomans says
As with weight resistance training, struggling against the tide of life just makes us stronger within, right? 🙂
L. Diane Wolfe says
An insane Abraham Lincoln? LOL!
Roland D. Yeomans says
Making the insane Lincoln close to his personality and wit was a fun challenge. All of us are one bad day away from crossing the line … but we would keep much of our personality while going to the Dark Side. 🙂
Kelly Hashway says
Congrats to Roland.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks, Kelly. 🙂
Medeia Sharif says
This steampunk adventure sounds interesting. The Youtube link is great. That's some atmospheric music right there.
Steph and Jess made a fantastic meme.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Take a look at its LOOK INSIDE feature on its Amazon page! And yes, the music link is stirring! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I agree. It is stirring. Thanks, Medeia!
Chrys Fey says
I love the Fairy Girl image!
Hi Roland! My dream will always keep me writing. 🙂 I always write to music. Mostly music with lyrics too.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Isn't the fairy girl image evocative? So another who writes to music!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We have to do a "Who Writes to Music and What is that Music" Hop one of these days. Or not.
Lexa Cain says
I agree with the point that if we really love something, we shouldn't give up striving for it just because the way is hard. Wishing Roland much success! 🙂
Roland D. Yeomans says
Because the way is hard means it is worthwhile. Nothing easy is worthwhile – consider childbirth! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Here's the cliche: No pain. No gain. But I guess it's true. Cliches always are. Just boring.
Elephant's Child says
It has been lovely to see Roland out and about on his (non) tour.
I hope his book goes gang-busters.
I suspect that a true writer writes, because it is an integral part of who they are. Rewards would be nice, but they will write (must write) anyway.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks for liking seeing me out and about. I hope my book goes gang-busters, too!! 🙂 You're right: writing is a part of me.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm always so impressed by those who write. I know how hard it is. I forget who said, that a writer is someone for whom writing is harder than anyone else. (Or something like that.)
Spacerguy says
Often we struggle with the complexities of writing but never give up, never surrender is a plan, WIP "coming together"
Roland D. Yeomans says
I'm glad your WIP is coming together. What we get by quitting is emptiness, right?
Suzanne Furness says
Keep the dreams alive, Roland. Good luck with the book and tour.
I can't write if there is music playing, I'm someone who works best if it is quiet.
Roland D. Yeomans says
As Lee says, each of us has his or her own way of writing. 🙂
Elizabeth Seckman says
I think you're totally right. We have to make the best of what we have right now. And if something brings us pleasure, why isn't that enough?
I went to your Amazon page and there is no ebook version listed. When you have one, shoot me an email.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think people who do things for pleasure often exceed others who only do them for rewards.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Every one of my eBooks has been pirated. So for the foreseeable future I will not do any more eBooks. I work too hard for others to garner the profits. I will do print and audio books only.
Shooting Stars Mag says
Thanks for sharing! It's great that you are still writing and doing what you love. Your work sounds quite fascinating, and yes, I do write to music. I tend to tune it out after awhile, but I like finding songs that fit the mood of what I'm writing and it gets me going.
-Lauren
Roland D. Yeomans says
I'm glad I've met another music-writer, Lauren. Have to keep on since I've invested so much of myself into it, right? 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love music, just not when I'm writing. I guess there are two camps here, but that's what's fun about this business.
DEZMOND says
We do support anything with skyboats! And skygoats too… not that Roland has them in his novel.. at least we hope so…
Roland D. Yeomans says
Skyboats, yes. Goats, no. Unless you are talking about the villains! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Leave the goats on the ground. That's my idea of how things should be. But I'll take a skyboat ride any day.
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
I'm seeing Roland everywhere. Great quotes about looking skyward.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks, Susan. If you want to get heard, you must give it your all. Hopefully each post you've seen has been different … and entertaining!
C. Lee McKenzie says
He's making the rounds! Good author move. Here's to some sales.
H.R. Sinclair, Southpaw says
Dreams keep us going! And when we get to share those dreams in writing that's extra special.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks, Holly.:-) May your own dreams come true. Do you know the dedication to my new book?
TO CAMELOT, TO XANADU …
TO THE HOPE THAT ALL OUR DREAM WORLDS WILL COME TRUE …
KNOWING THAT FAERIE LANDS HOLD THEIR DANGERS, TOO.
AS YOU READ, I WILL BE ON THE ROADS TO THEM.
READ AND BRING THEM HOME TO YOU.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The dedication is beautiful, Roland. And thanks, Southpaw. I love the idea of making what we write more special by sharing it with others.
Ann Best says
I've known Roland for a long time, and hope to meet him one day in the realm of forever. I LOVE his writing — so poetic, so musical — and his ability to utilize his vast knowledge of characters and places connected to planet earth in the most imaginative of ways.
So…thanks, Lee, for hosting him here, and for leaving a comment on my Spirit Man story that brought me here. And thanks, Roland, for being my friend. I am going to buy the book right now. It will be the one book I will buy (hoping our main person gets it in the correct mailbox) this month. Many many cheers. And NEVER STOP WRITING. I don't think you can. It's part of who you are — your soul mate.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Thanks so much, Ann. I, too, feel we are kindred spirits. Your tale of the lost Navaho rancher was evocative and touching on your blog.
Your words warmed me this morning. And thank you, Ann, for being my friend. I just re-read your review of RETURN OF THE LAST SHAMAN — it was beautiful. Thank you for it and for buying my new book. Mark Twain will make you laugh. And to see Nikola Tesla as an eleven year old will make you smile I think.
May we meet before the forever realm. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks so much, Ann! I loved your sprit man story today. It was so poignant.
Pat Hatt says
Have to keep on writing indeed, always the what if that may take seed.
Roland D. Yeomans says
The "What If" keeps us all going, right?
C. Lee McKenzie says
I saw your post today and the what if seed had a lot to do with big bottoms, or at least one big bottom. Great fun, Pat.
Bish Denham says
You know, I've had The Last Shaman (1st book) on my Kindle for a long time, and just finished reading it. Although I'm not much into horror I liked the Native American perspective and was truly impressed. I loved how your brought philosophy, psychology, and magic together. I'll be reading more of your stuff. So… keep on dreaming!
Also, and I don't know why it's taken me so, I've become a blog follower!
C. Lee McKenzie says
That's so great of you to leave this kind of comment and to follow Roland. That's wonderful encouragement.
Roland D. Yeomans says
This is grand of you, Bish. The Last Shaman has a sequel which is not horror but science fantasy with romance thrown in — and wise-cracking Abby returns!
Thanks for becoming a blog follower — I lose so many these days.
You've made my morning! 🙂
Natalie Aguirre says
Yes, dreams are so important to follow in our lives. Hope you keep following yours, Roland.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes, Natalie. We are nothing without our dreams.
Roland D. Yeomans says
Mark Twain wrote "Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live."
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
We keep writing for the dreamers.
Hope you don't ever stop, Roland.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Nice encouragement. Thanks, Alex.
Roland D. Yeomans says
If we stop, we will never know if the next bend in the road held victory, will we? Thanks, Alex.