Merry Christmas (and a Merry Solstice from Talbadas)

   Hi guys,


   Well, silly season is upon us again, and that includes forgetting what I promised last post: to whit, getting to work on The Fear, The Sundering, The Journey.  That kind of fell astray, and instead an idea that's been floating around my head is making its way on the paper.

  That, and I've been playing a bit too much Skyrim, getting the gist of my new job, spending time in traffic, entertaining the little one, trying to figure out exactly where he put the Octonauts disc after swapping out to Peppa Pig.

   Since I'm not one to flagellate myself for finding myself changing plans a little, I'm running with the story of an Orc's journey through the afterlife, which is part of the groundwork for a future fantasy idea of mine (the one I want to make an RPG out of).

   So, with that idea of a future gift, I must hereby segue into the Christmas message. Here's hoping you and your families indeed have a good one this season, and hope its a happy new year. I'll be back in 2014 to get cracking with FSJ, and see if this new one can find a home on Kindle Direct Publishing.


   As always, have a good one,
   T.M. Shannon

The wait is over... TSH 3rd Edition available this weekend!

   Hi guys,

   I know, I slacked off a bit more. These are the wonders of being an indie, self-pubbed author - THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A DEADLINE. But now that I've got that off my chest, here's another wonderful bit of news.

   You guessed it, time to bring Mad Mel back out of retirement:

   For the next week, but only on Goodreads, the 3rd Edition will be available for FREE, in its entirety. Come the 7th of December (that's the 6th of December for the mob on the other side of the International Date Line) the excerpt will be trimmed back to 25%. Sadly, no Kindle freebies this time, as I need to get TSH over onto Smashwords!

  So, if you feel the need to paint your face blue and run, bloodied and screaming like a madman, towards a free book, get yourself hooked up with Goodreads and take a dive straight into TSH (Don't forget to check out my other reviews, and since I'm promoting other people - friends only -, go onto Amazon, type in The Stolen Karma of Nathaniel Valentine, and enjoy the work by Justin Bloch [bring on your second book!])

  That's it from me today. I'm going back to the weekend, so as always...


   Have a good one!
   T. M. Shannon

Ok it took longer than nine days...

   Hi guys,

   Okay, it took longer than nine days, but TSH 3rd Edition will soon be out in paperback, and Kindle and Smashwords a few days afterwards!

   This is the final edit - thanks to Liam at Invisible Ink Editing - so after this, its changes to the cover only. I've opted for a larger page size, which changes the page count but not the quality contents!

   Now that these are done, I will settle down with FSJ and whatever manages to come to mind apart from finishing Hero of Talbadas.

   For now, I'm going back to watching Total Recall - the original version!


   Have a good one,
   T. M. Shannon

Start the 9 day Countdown Clock...

   Hi guys,

   I know I've been promising the world, and that FSJ was supposed to be due out this year (before a slight mishap that has left me down since I let it happen). But since life goes on and it takes as long as it takes to get back on one's feet, especially fighting with debilitating memories of life-changing events that shouldn't happen but nevertheless have, changing jobs, selling my old DJ equipment and my vinyls (happy mixing, buyers!), watching Honest Trailers and Medieval Land Happy Time World too much on Youtube (ask me anytime how I feel about people that go Hadouken) and booking the missus, her mum and dad off to the Australian Open, here goes with an adjustment of the books.

   Guys, TSH is edited, thanks again to Liam over at Invisible Ink Editing, and I've spent half of today making just a few changes to fit it into the new formatting - I've gone for a bigger page now, which makes the book just that one bit taller and slimmer. That done, I've decided that, what better time to celebrate my own birthday than to put TSH back out there, in its final edit - so from here on it'll be changes to the cover only (but I'm keeping the same one for now).

  So, this 19th of November, if you're looking for a copy, you'll find the new and improved version floating about for your pleasure. Grab it and enjoy, or I'll send Halm Forgen around to dunk you down a well (more about that with FSJ, which is the next part of my plan for Total World Domination).

   That's it for the good news, the great news will be the updates on FSJ, and perhaps a long-awaited review of History of Talbadas. Who knows, maybe another chapter on the History blog? Catch you all soon.

   Once again and as always, have a good one!
   T. M. Shannon

Been a while...

  Hi guys,

   Been a while since posting, I know, but its a little thing called life getting in the way, along with a wonderful thing we call CHANGE. Enough of the lollygagging, though; it has to be back to business, and by that I mean Hero of Talbadas.

   The edits are in, reviewed, and all but about to go into the upcoming 3rd edition (in case I haven't said it here already, I highly recommend INVISIBLE INK EDITING and the 3rd ed. will of course credit the Ink with the edits!). I'm tossing up ideas for increasing the print size of TSH (going up to a larger book size) but that for future, as I have to really get cracking with FSJ.

   All going to plan, and if I can make more time for FSJ, there will be a release date sometime soon (maybe February? not making promises). And as for History of Talbadas, still a bit non-committal so I'll update whenever I get around to it.

   That's enough for me, I'm taking a lazy Sunday with the family, and getting G'd up for that daily grind tomorrow (dear traffic, LEARN TO MERGE).

  Until the next post, have a good one,
  T.M. Shannon

Shameless Promotion Time

There are many things you shouldn't turn down.

One of those is a good book.

 
   Hi guys,

   No, I'm not selling the Gold Edition Author's Cut of TSH (with more pig mucking). But a friend of mine is doing a free Kindle giveaway of his book, The Stolen Karma of Nathaniel Valentine.

   Having read it and loved it, I reckon a lot of you out there could get a dose of enjoyment out of it. In case you're not sold yet, here's my review on Amazon.com

   "This grabbed me right from the start and honestly didn't let go. Deceptively simple elegance and totally off-the cuff humour blended with a Dresden Files-like pace, mixed with a good dose of surprise and guess-what-happens suspense.

   "Justin uses mythology in an amazing way, sending it a familiar way but subverting it to an alternate will. A few areas were a touch bogged down, but maybe that was me aching to get further into this.

   "Well crafted, well done!"

   Go get yourself a copy at  The Stolen Karma of Nathaniel Valentine

   Happy reading!

"Looks like we got ourselves a reader..."

   Hi guys,

   Those above are words given to the late Bill Hicks on what he called his "UFO tours,"through middle America, as he was sitting in a diner reading a book. It might be 6:40pm on Friday night in Sydney, but I've got just that, too.

   From TSH's spot on Goodreads, I've just got a four-star review (take that, you wretched fan-fiend of another author!). About the only criticism leveled was the large number of cultures present in TSH - guilty as charged, but its a fantasy and there need to be cultures and diversity, just like the real world.

   While making no apologies for ambition, when there's more time I'll have it all laid out in the History blog, as I'd prefer to keep the appendixes on the free market rather than cooped up at the back of the book (and who wants 20 pages of backstory at the back?). But I'm not complaining: the reader said the pace was good and the fights very good, and certainly views like this are what will keep me writing!

   So thanks brayden from Goodreads, glad that you enjoyed my first book; to all other potential readers, I sure hope you get to enjoy TSH too.

   Cheers and have a good weekend,
   T.M. Shannon

And the winners are...

   Hi guys,

   Well, the Goodreads competition is over, and the winners are in! Congratulations to Maurice, Daniel, Whitney, Rhona and Andie, you've won a copy of The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart.

   Thanks everybody for entering, all 326 of you, its a great turnout for a first time book and first time author. Sadly, only 5 copies to give away, but you can pick up the eBook through Kindle or Smashwords for 99 cents until the end of September.

   To my winners, your books will be organised within a matter of hours, and I'll let you know shipping details as soon as soon. Just need to bath the two year old child first! Congrats once again.


   Cheers
   T.M. Shannon

Election almost over (thank christ, now we can get up the pub)

   Hey guys,

   Bit of an aside here, had to share the wonders of what The Daily Show thinks of Australia's upcoming federal election (trust me, it's not a choice here but actually a lack of options!). Here's the link on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0uRO5ZpvtA

   That's not election stupidity; that's election stupidity!


   Enjoy!

Give Away Time!

   Hi guys,

   Just a quick one that I'm giving away 5 copies of TSH 2nd Edition on Goodreads.

   Entries are open to people in Canada, the UK and US, and will end in the next 40 hours! Click on the link in the My Giveaways bar to the right (just over yonder) for your chance to win a paperback edition of The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart.


   Cheers,
   T.M. Shannon

Until September 30th, a Hero will come for just 99 cents!

   Hi all,

   In light of a lack of recent sales, trying to gain momentum on FSJ, and because I just got back from holidays and feel like sharing the vibe, The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart will be available through Kindle and Smashwords for 99 cents until September 30 (Sept. 31st for those countries east of the International Date Line and west of Greenwich Mean Time).

   Paperback copies are still 50% off on my CreateSpace store, and you can find the link on the Where To Buy page.

   In other news, I'm behind schedule on the History of Talbadas posts, but am enacting my new writing plan as of today (been a long time coming, I know), so expect to see a History post soon - I'm just not going to put a date on it.

   TSH has also gone in for editing, and I expect to have the results in before the end of the month. This will be for the upcoming 3rd Edition (which will feature a new cover). More words on release later, but will likely coincide with publishing Book 2.

   That's all I have for now, no other plans in store. Looking forward to striking up with FSJ later tonight!

   As always, have a good one,
   T.M. Shannon


   Quick Update: so I picked up from where I'd left off in FSJ, but so far have changed a total of ten words. Still, its a start for me, having let myself go these past few months!

Been a long time in the wilderness...

   Hi all,

   It's been a while since my last post, I know. Let's just say that despite the joys of family and life in general, there are things that get us down, some more than others; dealing with it is taking a lot of energy, and a lot of things have fallen by the wayside - The Fear, The Sundering, The Journey happening to be one of those things.

   I won't call it all bad. Mr Tax Man is going to be quite nice to me this year (or should I say that I need to ask my employer to stop withholding so much of my pay as tax, because I could be earning interest on a part of that); with that, and holidays fast approaching (that's right Texas, I'm coming back), and an early opening for my plan to have The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart formally edited, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

   Sadly, the bite into FSJ means I'm definitely giving up the October finish - not even going to try getting back on the bandwagon as I'll do more damage to myself than good.  So I'm going to leave it open to a 2013/14 finishing date, and try and find some writing time this trip and in the coming months.

   The History of Talbadas, too, is a bit of a no-go zone for me to. Again, no promises to blog here or there, it'll come out when its ready (and it should be soon because I'm fascinated with engineering an epic RPG - the last time I did that 6 years ago, an unsung hero named Halm Dresden popped out!).

   So there you have it. FSJ done when its done, HoT back when its back, but rest assured that the journey of Halm Dresden is far from over - and I'm certainly not giving up on him. You'll certainly hear about it here (and repeated on FB and maybe Twitter though I don't care much for it).

   Thus until next time, old viewers and new, have a good one. And if you have some words about TSH, add your review to Goodreads or Amazon.com (or over at Barnes & Noble - I'm everywhere nowadays!), or pop me a message up here. Good or bad, I want to hear your thoughts.


   Glad to be back,
   T. M. Shannon

Belated 10th Post

   Hi guys,

   Been very busy out in the real world, sorry there wasn't a post on the 10th (or a History post last month). FSJ progress has suffered greatly as well. I'll do what I can to get back on track just not happening this month I'm afraid.

   Happy reading to you all, hope to be back and firing on all cylinders soon.

   Just to update, TSH eBooks are climbing away from its 99c territory. It will be available at $3.99 US through Kindle, Smashwords and similar channels.

   Cheers,
   T. M. Shannon

May Last Post

   Hi guys,

   Well, been a fun month, and yes I've been posting like crazy.  The VBT has come to an end (with my congratulations to my free eBook winners!) and I have now moved onto Smashwords.

   I have updated the Where to Buy page, including new purchasing opportunities. Apart from Amazon, CreateSpace, Kindle and Smashwords, you can also find The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart at Barnes & Noble and for the Kobo eReader.  Further links will be included as they become available - I'll soon be on Nook!

   Also keep your eye on the Shared Links page, I'll have updated information in there soon

   As the month draws to a close, you'll notice a slow-down in posting (and hopefully an increase in the History of Talbadas, but it's a bit hard balancing work, family, writing, watching Arrow, and trying to fit in gaming night).  Something will have to break, and hopefully its not the writing!

   With that, I'll bid adieu, as I don't expect a need to post for the next few days, though there may be one more spot in me.  Got to cut down and get back on the hardstyle and the manuscript.

   Have a good one,
   T. M. Shannon

Lucky Last Stop

   Hi guys,

   Well, it's been a great run, but the tour is drawing to a close.  You can catch my Writer's Process here at Lori's Reading Corner.  Don't forget to see everything else that Lori has to offer; there will also be a bonus free copy of The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart given away!

   I'd like to thank all my hosts for all my spots, and thank you for checking them out.  The eBook giveaway ends in 16 hours from posting, hope you have your entry in to win a copy.  But though the end of the Tour, it's not the end of Talbadas or Halm Dresden.

   Stay tuned here for a once-a-month post, plus I'm running behind on the History of Talbadas blog.  Bear with me, I'm getting back on track after letting my concentration wane (OK, it's not 100% the fault of Arrow, and the other half's viewing of The Voice, but that's what I'm going to blame!).

   Thanks once again, and look forward to you enjoying TSH!


   Cheers,
   T. M. Shannon

Review at Deal Sharing Aunt

   Hi guys,

   I've got another review up, and have managed to get 3/5 for TSH!  You can see the review here at Deal Sharing Aunt (sorry, forgot to link this earlier).

   This blog also has a number of other reviews up, so who knows, you might find something else you might like.  Don't forget the the free ebooks giveaway either!


   Cheers,
   T. M. Shannon

And yet another VBT stop...

   Hi again,

   The next stop on the VBT is up and live, you can catch an interview with me on the Writing Innovations E-Zine.

   Don't forget the free eBooks giveaway, not long to go now!


   Cheers,
   T. M. Shannon

Next Stop on the VBT

   Hi guys,

   Feel free to check out my next VBT stop at Wise Words Book Blogger, where you can see my writer's process.  Don't forget the free ebooks giveaway, through the Rafflecopter entry form at the bottom of the blog - 5 free copies of the 2nd Edition to giveaway!

   The next stop will be tomorrow, more details then!


   Cheers,
   T. M. Shannon

Again with the Forging Scene, and Other Matters...

   Hi guys,

   Well, I've got another review of TSH up, this time on Amazon from someone I have not had contact with (yay!).  Another Two Star review (not so yay), with one particular comment: how they skipped the 10-20 pages of the forging scene (wha...).

   This time its a lot easier to handle, and I can respect a dislike of a scene based on personal taste.

   But seriously scene was skipped?   That seriously concerns me, as there is more to the overall scene than just three rods of metal getting redrawn, heated and hammered, twisted together, put in a mould, connected to an Armiger hilt, sharpened and sold to the customer (without the hilt, mind, for very good reason).

   This is a scene I've looked at backwards and forwards.  Given further, professional editing, maybe Metallurgy can be reduced by a page.  I could take out the song, or Gilthia's back story, but that robs the narrative of an integral character, and an introduction to the Duries; it also robs the narrative of Badrack and Gilthia falling in love - one of my favourite moments of TSH.

   It leaves me to beg readers - please stick with the scene!  There is more to the forging of Dresden's sword than Norse forging techniques.  It draws light to the smithing process: its not just tapping metal a few times and, lo and behold, pulling out the best sword ever made.  It also gives praise to the struggle of making the sword and the people who went to the trouble of making it - their conflict against metal, if you will.

   And that's something forgotten with Narsil, Glamdring and Sting from Lord of the Rings.  Thankfully, John Milius didn't forget it in Conan the Barbarian...

   Speaking of sticking with it, my Blogs and that Virtual Book Tour of mine.  Yes, I've been a bit quiet on both fronts lately.  After a bit of a hiccup on the tour (all fixed now), you can find another spotlight here at Mass Musings, and my guest post at Bikers with Books.  Don't forget you can win one of (at least) 5 review copies of The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart, too!

   As for the Blogs, I've discovered its hard balancing a fortnightly posting of the History and even the weekly moments of the Author blog (and I've given up on the third blog) for now.  I've decided to go for a once a month posting of the Author page (aiming for the 10th of every month - I know, I'm late), and the History of Talbadas blog (aiming for the 20th of every month, hopefully I can get the time in the next few days).

   Don't forget to check out my Shared Links page, I owe a few shares, so don't forget to check out the links and see if you like what you see.

   So that's it from me.  Hope you all have a good week, and Happy Mother's Day.

   Cheers,
   T. M. Shannon

Yes it denotes sheer fanboyism, but...

   May he Fourth be with you this Star Wars day.

   Just read on euronews that, as per some fans, we should be celebrating Revenge of the 5th tomorrow.  Yes, it's geeky, but it means I get to wear my Yoda t-shirt today for an "official reason."  Then again there's further official reason on the 25th (date of Episode 4's release) - which in 2027 is going to be an epic party.

   Well, that's it for me for this week's post, cementing myself forever as Star Wars Fan (see, nothing fancy like a Twihard or derisive like Trekkies [just checked, they prefer Trekkers and use Trekkie as a form of derision]).

   The force will be with you, always,
   Tresh Korbel

   (P.S. Yes that is my name from when I ran it through the Star Wars Name Generator many moons ago)

Next VBT Stop...

   Hi guys,

   I'm at my next stop on the Virtual Book Tour, you can catch me at Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog

   Thanks for stopping by!

Stuck for something to write about this week...

   Hi guys,

   Well, the VBT is underway at http://somuchtowritesolittletime.com/ with my thanks to the host already up and one nice comment.  But past guest blogs, reviews, previews and whatnot, its left me with nothing to blog about this week that won't pop up in the next few weeks.

   That leaves me with a conundrum, since I don't want to blog about the book, or writing the second book, or the pratfalls of taking certain comments in a bad review badly, or doing another History of Talbadas post.

   Maybe you'd like the views on when the 21st Century will actually get here.  Well, we have ski goggles with a HUD that takes photos and posts to Facebook and after 20 years Virtual Reality has finally been figured out.  In true Idiocracy standards, those photos have been close ups of trees that the wearers ran into because they weren't used to the whole HUD idea.  But there's been no tangible advances in the flying car, the hoverboard or replicants; just the laceless Nike's from Back to the Future.

   Maybe you'd like to hear my political view, but I'd rather not get started on minimising tax deductions, dropping welfare from those who can afford it, building more public transport and that High Speed Train we've needed for the past 40 years, and plugging budget gaps with fat, rich, loudmouth miners.  Frankly, like I do with politicians on TV, I'd mute myself and have a groan.

   Maybe you'd like to hear the one about how one-legged waiters work at IHOP.  Better yet, maybe you'd like to hear my plans to import IHOP and Culvers into Australia.

   But before I forget, today is Anzac Day, where we commemorate not only the Gallipoli landings in 1915, or the loss of Australian and New Zealander "Diggers" in this campaign, but remember the lives lost in many wars.  And while steeped in no small degree of mythicism and glorification, sometimes flippantly ignoring the horrific reality of conflict (look up Wilfred Owen for some honesty and what he really thought of Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori), I'd like to remember ALL who fought and died in any war, no matter the legitimacy, no matter the reason.

   Why we have to go to such lengths, I simply do not understand.  What we need are heroes to stop hatred and cruel ambition.

   Ending on a sombre note, I know,

   T. M. Shannon


   P.S. The next stop on the tour is at Scrapblog, here at http://25three.blogspot.com.au/.  Hope to see you there as well.

VBT - All Systems Go for Monday and Wednesday!

   Hi guys,

   My Virtual Book Tour kicks off on Monday (well owing to the time difference I'll be on Tuesday).  Up first, my introduction at the Virtual Book Tour Cafe Blog, then at So Much To Write, So Little Time.

April 22 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog

April 24 - Guest Blogging at So Much To Write, So Little Time

   Don't forget the your chance to win one of five review copies of The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart.

   My thanks to BK Walker for setting all this up.  Hope to catch you there!

   In other news, I've made my next update to the History of Talbadas.  I know it's been a long time coming, but I'm getting back on track with this and Volume 2 of The Hero of Talbadas.  Check out the update at http://historyoftalbadas.blogspot.com.au.

   Cheers,

   T. M. Shannon

Well, what I fool I've been...

I tried to be kind, and constructive. All I've had in response is snide blog posts and whining comments. I have no desire to work with someone like this, and I wash my hands of this title.

I deeply regret the time and attention spent reviewing it.

The Indie Fantastic

   Hi guys,

   Well, I messed up good and proper, which isn't the way to go with reviews.  Not only did I forget not to take comments personally, but also my Milton: "He that studieth revenge keepeth his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well."  That festering rot cost me a the review, I managed to put my foot in my mouth, wasted someone's time (freely given, too).

  I'm not going to explain the background behind my over-defensiveness.  So I'm a first timer, not used to it, not much of an excuse.  I still stand by my book, and will defend it as necessary... just not with misplaced attitude as I did.  Like everybody who stuffs up when they mean well, it will become a point for me to improve in future; for now, I feel like a p****, and its my own fault for it.

   The reviewer told me, before offering a new review service, was their intention to write a book.  I certainly applaud this, and wish all the best; but having published myself, the book is a part of the person.  There's passion in the art, which goes further than imaginable - the story is a part of the author.  At least, I hear it's easier to deal with the pain of a rough review (or its portions) the second time around.

   For now, I apologise for my responses and posting.  Clearly I was ill-equipped to deal with the one part of the criticism that saw me lose my cool.  Hopefully the reviewer can take light in the fact the bulk of the review has seen me adjust the review copy to lighten the watermark I employed to the hilt, minimise my italics (but not remove them altogether), and see to the proofing errors (which are an ongoing project).  Next step will be an editor to see to my content, and bring the narrative up to speed, so again.

   Somehow, I don't feel the thanks is welcomed, and the apology brushed aside.  So be it, it's not my place to force the outcome.  I can only begin to beg for forgiveness.

   As for the question of fandom, you should never give up what you enjoy or what you love; its like religion.  But as a fan, one shouldn't forget the merits of opposing fan-bases, or people who don't agree with your fandom.  Me getting snarky about it isn't going to help matters, but for me its not the end of the world.  Yet if I don't learn from this, there'll be trouble in the waters ahead.

   So for all you newbies, don't be surprised if your bad review really gets your goat.  Just don't lose sleep over it, and try not to reply up front like I did.  If in doubt, just don't reply to it.  Now if only I could have viewed my destiny as hindsight; sorry, no sword and fire dreams for me.

   A little sombre today, I know; and if the apology isn't accepted I certainly understand.

   T. M. Shannon

Next Post Preview...

   I went and messed up big time, taking a comment in a review too personally when I should have let it slide.  Well, the review has been pulled, and I feel like a right little so-and-so for getting petty.  A lesson learned in my next post, due on Wednesday.

Page Added / Updated

   Hi guys,

   I have added a "Work Update" page to keep you updated with my progress through my writing (excluding the History of Talbadas).

   This will feature proofing updates of TSH, as they are made to correct the second edition.

   If you happen to find a proofing error, jump a comment here or on the Facebook page and let me know about it - you will be awarded with a Like and a +1.  I stand by my product, but without an editor at present, it makes proofing difficult.

   I have also added the Where to Buy page, featuring links to my buying pages.  While I post Amazon links and my CreateSpace eStores, you can find The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart at your favourite online book store.

   I have also updated the Sample My Work (formerly Samples of My Works) page with an excerpt of the chapter, Metallurgy.  Lamented (along with the following A Crude Homage) as "page after page" of swordmaking, you'll also come across some world building, character development, and a spot of romance that was overlooked.

   For now, I'm back to Volume Two of The Hero of Talbadas, and my other projects.

   Cheers,
   T. M. Shannon

Virtual Book Tour: All Spots Taken!

     Hi guys,

     Well, the tour is full now, no more spots left to go; from here on in its posting, my interviews, and any comments that might come forward.  Cheers, and I hope to see you at one of my many stops!

April 22 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog

April 24 - Guest Blogging at So Much To Write, So Little Time
Any Topic, especially Self-Publishing

April 26 - Spotlight at ScrapBlog

April 29 - Interviewed at Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog

May 2 - Spotlight at Bookalicious Traveladdict

May 7 - Interviewed at BK Walker Books Etc.

May 9 - Guest Blogging at Bikers With Books

May 13 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words Book Blogger

May - From tiny idea to the book shops. What is your writing process?

May 15 - Interviewed at Writing Innovations E-zine

May 17 - Review & Interview at Deal Sharing Aunt

May 20 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner

My Latest Review

   Hi guys,

   This review has been pulled by the reveiwer after I had more than a bit of a brain snap over one tiny point.  My own fault, nobody esle to blame in this matter.  All future reviewers can be assured this isn't a mistake to be made twice, it was my first constructively "bad" review and I guess I wasn't ready to receive it.

   Cheers,
   T. M. Shannon

And now for a taste of things to come...

Hi guys,

After a bit of a momentous decision today, I have taken it upon myself to close off sales of The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart in it's first edition.  But that isn't because my book isn't selling (okay, TSH kind-of ISN'T selling, but that's fine by me).

Rather, I made some changes, as I made known in another of my posts.  Firstly I have completely edited TSH, streamlining its delivery - sort of a directors cut where all the fluff was cut out, to bring you, the reader, closer to the narrative.  A massive undertaking, it has since involved a lot of proofing (which I'll make another run through in the coming months, but only for errors), and finally means I can release my second edition.

Secondly, I've gone ahead and split the book back into its acts, as I had before releasing the first edition.  Namely removed due to a formatting issue, I have re-instated it to better split the narrative with these breaks, bringing it closer to my initial, "episodic" vision of TSH.

So without further ado, in the coming days you'll find TSH back with a vengeance, both in paperback and kindle editions.  I intend to release on Kindle at 99c until the end of May (and will join this with the Smashwords edition when my Amazon exclusivity ends on the 12th); afterwards TSH will be made available at $5.99, discounts pending.

The paperback edition will continue at 50% off for those who kick it Old School, code will be provided as necessary!

Anyway that's it from me this week.  Coming soon (and I know I've promised it for a while now) will be the long-awaited History of Talbadas updates, and I'll resume my other projects in the coming weeks.  Not only does TSH need its sequel, but I have a lot of other story ideas!

So here's to a good one,
T. M. Shannon

My VBT Schedule

     Hi guys,

     Just to let you know I've added a My VBT Schedule page, which has the schedule as stands.  I'll keep you updated with changes to the schedule as they come through.

     Hope to "see" you at any of my stops!

     Cheers,

     T. M. Shannon


     6th April Update:  Still the same three stops.  If you'd like to host my book, just jump onto Virtual Book Tour Cafe's website http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/scheduling-now.html and scroll down to find The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart.

     Cheers!

A Note on Sword Fighting

As the Talhoffer does teach, In the sword you shall have

trust and belief, so that blood runs not over the eyes...

Hans Talhoffer, 1459 Fechtbuch                   

Fail: "recreationists" attempt to demonstrate longsword fighting.

     In my news travels today, I came across this picture from England, of two "recreationists" demonstrating their  efforts at longsword fighting.  Besides the fact that these two gentlemen aren't actually wielding lonswords (these weapons have been shortened, as a safety measure), there are a few notable errors.

     Now while I love "active history" - people bringing the past to life as close as can be to the reality - I can tell that from this picture, these two have failed trying to bring medieval combat to life.  Here are three things wrong with this image.

1)  Look at the eyes.

     The knight in yellow/blue is looking at the incoming weapon, not his opponent.  This shows you his absolute intention to strike for the sword.  A quick look at Manuscript Ms 3227 and the narrator (teaching Johan Liechtenauer directly) teaches that one should strike to the opponent's body, not to his weapon.

     To be fair, this is a safety thing.  But if these two practiced, used wider spacing, they could better represent true fighting.

2)  Body positioning

     If you look at the picture, you'll notice that both fighters are leaning back, away from the contact of weapons.  Again likely used here for safety, both of these men are striking weakly (and woefully so!), a clear failure in what one might consider a judicial duel.

     There is a saying presented in Mark Rector's Medieval Combat, I can't remember the source, but in a discussion of fighting it states that if one is afraid, they should not fight, because "a despondent heart will always be defeated, no matter the skill" (I may be paraphrasing incorrectly, apologies)

3)  Nice head protection... NOT!

     This is the one that annoys me the most.  Look at the neck of the knight in black and white checks, and you'll see a rough bundle of "chain" (might only be imitation chain mail).  That is his hauberk's coif, the hood of chain usually worn over the scalp for protection (sometimes under a helmet).

These two combatants are more worried about their hair than the realism - and are asking for a blow to the unprotected head.

     So, here teaches a person who pays attention to details.  These guys are so safety conscious that they bash their swords together (which would deliberately damage them), lean back from one another to avoid their weapon's swinging through to the face ... but don't know how to use a hauberk's coif to save their lives.

Come on, guys, strap on a pair and show it right.  I'm not saying pull of a skuller and split one another's heads open from crown to jaw (what Robert the Bruce did to some English knight to earn the moniker, "the Warrior King") - but read your fight manuals, play out the "intention," and give us a proper show.

     At present, the Black Knight fight from Monty Python and The Holy Grail looks more serious than this (and despite its slow swinging presents binding, winding, pummeling, knave wrestling, and using an unconventional kick to the groin)!

     Anyway that's my realism beef for the day.  Back to my proofing!

     Cheers,
     T. M. Shannon

NEWS FLASH - Virtual Book Tour and A Big Announcement

Hi guys,

I promised there would be good news coming soon, and here it is.

On the 24th of this month, my Virtual Book Tour begins!

Run through Virtual Book Tour Cafe (http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com), the tour is expected to run until the 20th of May.  With ten stops total, I am also giving away 5 copies overall, with the possibility of one giveaway per stop if the hosts deem fit.

Now that I've got the good news out of the way, the bad news is my schedule, which is as follows:

April 22 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog

April 24 -

April 26 -

April 29 -

May 2 -

May 7 -

May 9 -

May 13 -

May 15 -

May 17 -

May 20 -

Empty, huh?  Don't worry, the schedule only came out a day ago, and should start filling very soon - will keep you posted on developments as they come, and look forward to reaching out to my potential audience!

Now that you know this, I have A Big Announcement:

Within the next four weeks, I will be releasing the second edition of The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart!

After some early critique, I took a long, hard look at my narrative and decided to improve it, clearing up descriptions and dialogue, removing most of the passive sentences and the "fluff" - the extraneous description I could do without.

What I ended up with is a book that, including the addition of the sample chapter from The Fear, The Sundering, The Journey, is 20 pages shorter than the initial release.

Following its release, my eBook exclusivity through Kindle Select ends on the 13th of May.  Get ready, because The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart will soon be available in more than just one format!

I'll keep you posted on all developments.  In the meantime, I'm going back to fixing The Fear, The Sundering, The Journey, ready for its intended October release.

Stay tuned!
T. M. Shannon.

Carrot or stick?

"Between your faith, and my Glock 9mm, I pick my Glock."

Arnie, End of Days                                    

Yes, I love my Arnie movies.  Grew up on them.  This is why it was so cool to be born in the 80's, and if Arnie didn't kill enough bad guys for us, Stallone and Bruce Willis were there to fill in the gaps... erm, generally by making more bullet holes...

Anyway, a quick think about my still-missing reviews led me to think about the carrot/stick thing - which incidentally can be taken as the carrot tied onto a stick used to motivate, or the guy with the mule with the teasing carrot and the threatening stick.  Straight away, my train of thought jumped to the Schwarzeneggerian logic above.

In End of Days, the devil is stomping around, and the priest guy talks about having faith and praying for deliverance.  Of course, this doesn't work in Arnie movies, so the big guy grabs a bunch of guns to take on the devil.  I won't go into story flaws, especially the hardcore satanists who start screaming and panic when somebody gets shot (as Clown says in Spawn, "I hate weekend satanists!"), but it led me to think - do I have faith about my reviews arriving, or do I get a little more proactive in reeling them in?

I'm a fan of positive reinforcement, so I'm not going to pursue reviews across the seven seas and from Hell's heart stab at them - because that isn't going to end well, and raise people's ire.  So here goes my mad method.

Carrot:  I will reward you by posting your reviews here on my blog, and on my Facebook page, and include a selection of them in future releases - that's right, I'm prepared to put the reviews that truly matter to me (yours, not SF Magazine's, because they won't care about me now for being an independent author) in future releases of my books, in a dedicated section.

Stick:  I need your reviews to do this first, so you'll need to do some work in that regards.  Thankfully I have an outlet.  Email me your review at t.m.shannonauthor@gmail.com and I'll put it up here on my blog's new Your Reviews page (http://tmshannon-author.blogspot.com.au/p/your-reviews.html) and throw it onto Facebook page!  And when I get around to the website (very soon), guess what?


Naturally, this involves a great deal of trust, something I take very, very seriously.  I'm not going to spam you, scam you, or even keep your email address on file - just type your review in the body of your email, and when I'm done copying and pasting, you'll get a polite little "thanks" from me and your email will take a trip to the Delete folder, never to be used again.

So lay it on me.  Good, bad or ugly, this feedback is greatly appreciated, and will help me to continue my art (not that I intend to quit while I'm only starting out!).  And who knows, you might end up on my pages!

That's this week's initiative, and I have some (I think) FANTABULOUS news due extremely soon...

Cheers 'til next time!
T. M. Shannon

In Praise of our Truest Heroes

Of the many things that intrigue me, foremost would have to be heroes.

Now, of course we have our particular heroes.  Those monomythic journeyers Gilgamesh, Beowulf, Frodo and Luke Skywalker.  Our legendary masters Richard the Lionheart, and William Wallace.  We can even count heroes in myth and religion, Thor and Siegfried, Jesus and David.

Some praise our Marvel and DC Superheroes, some choose to follow sports players, others make a mockery by deifying criminals.  Some see heroes closer to home, our cops and fireies and ambos (thats Australian for Police, Firemen and Ambulance paramedics).

Me, I'm most driven by the everyday hero, the simple heroes in our world who sometimes don't even know they will be heroes, or don't do it for fortune and glory.  So when I jumped on the SMH website today and find this, it once again rekindled my faith in honest gallantry:

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/hero-students-save-woman-from-sinking-car-20130320-2gea7.html

Here we have some young guys on a minibus who witness a woman drive off the road, down a set of stairs and into a lake.  They get the driver to stop, jump out of the bus, and without thinking two just jumped in and went to the woman's aid, saving her life.

These boys are heroes for what they did.  I salute them.  We all should.

Just thought I'd share that with you all.

Cheers,
T. M. Shannon

"And for my next trick, I need a member of the audience."

Ever considered spreading your influence and helping others along the way?  I know I have - in fact I'm doing it now.

Being in the independent world, self-pubbed authors don't quite have connections like E. L. James' strongest whipping belt (I'll pass).  It means we have to initiate the connections, which to me seems a daunting task.

So I come to my proposition: how would any author's like to share promo through facebook and our innumerable blogs?

It's only a small plan.  Send a few sample chapters and your links to me, I'll send mine to you, and throw you up on a page of my blog (I've got the room, and best yet, I really don't mind doing it).  Got your facebook page?  I'll chuck my likes up, too.  And it is my intention to do this for nothing

Put it this way, I might even review your work for the fun of it (I might even buy your book on kindle!)

I know I'm only a tiny operator at the moment, but so what?  Exposure is exposure, and I have other works planned.  Something has to give, and I'm a firm believer of sharing the love.

So if you're interested, hit me up.  Just leave your query in the comments section and I'll be in contact very soon.

Check out my intentions here at http://tmshannon-writtenrevolution.blogspot.com.au/

Here's to success!
T. M. Shannon

Phat Bass Therapy

Okay so maybe I was a little overblown in the last post.  It happens, just a little minor frustration, but I've stowed all baby bottles, tennis rackets and embraced music therapy.

Some people like that New Wave stuff, all the pan pipes, maybe a bit of Gregorian chanting thrown in unless you get your kicks from The Endless Om-mer.  Me, its got to be bass and lots of it, heavy, deep, thrumming, maybe a bit of the insane wobbling in the wonders from the wonders of Dubstep.

Strangely enough, its a wonderful motivator.  Here in my mobile office, my headphones around my ears, I'm currently getting bashed by some wicked Hardstyle (Scantraxx Radio Show, you nearly complete me if it wasn't for The Infexious Hardstyle Show), and working at my book.

Who'd've thunk it?  Serious book, serious subject matter, powered by bass!

I guess my advice is that music is great when you're writing.  Maybe it should be what you love, maybe something better-aligned with your subject matter.  It gets your juices flowing, gives you something to enjoy - except there's the room for distraction, but that's the breaks.

So do I have a heap of tracks?  Nope - well I do from my attempt to be a DJ, but its gathering dust (mental note, must sell equipment on eBay).  It's internets, baby!  Windows Media Player (or the player of your choice) has a lot of channels to suit; but you can guarantee I'll be somewhere over in the Dance and Electronica section, probably on one of the more-vigorous Digitally Imported channels.

So to sign off another communique from Planet Trent, may I say Long Live the Ravers, Keep Calm and Rave On, and Rave Long and Prosper.  I'm too old for that $*** and have a kid to take care of, but at least I've got my headphones!

Oh well, back to the writing, and a Top of the Morning due on Sunday - already counting the hours to that pint of the black goodness!

Make it a green weekend all!
T. M. Shannon

Oh reviews, where art thou?

I've decided I might start posting a bounty on reviews.

Okay, maybe I'm being a little brash, and a little impatient, and very antsy about not having any reviews on TSH yet.

To be honest, there are three.  These belong to family members: what else am I going to do, pay for a Kirkus review and defeat the purpose of getting reviewed?  Of course I appreciate this feedback, but only 3 reviews when I moved 400+ in my free days, three weeks ago?

As the Superbrat said, "You cannot be serious, man, you CANNOT BE SERIOUS!"

I don't know whether to dangle carrots or stick people with a cattle prod.  I mean, surely a 430 page book cant be that hard to get through - its not like I bog down in epic detail and the dialogue has a point.  Sure there's some typos in there, okay I did this all myself with all my proofing and I missed something, I'm only human.  Next book will be going to a proof-reader, for certain.  But nobody has even dragged me over coals for that!

Of course I have options, but they involve faking it and payment.  It can work for a bit but eventually you come unstuck on it, so I refuse to post in dishonesty.

So, is it the lack of exposure?  Lack of presence?  Am I immediately put in the so-called "slush pile" (and seriously, have you seen some of the YA claptrap they try to push as "literature" these days?  I've seen the slush pile and its name is The Buff Vampires and Doe-Eyed Ditzy Chicks Yearbook Chronicles)?  Do people not even give a shit about books any more?

Maybe I'm just being impatient and should cool off.  Maybe let of some steam, Bennett-style.  I don't know, too many decisions to possibly take.

Guess its just one of those things.  Oh well, I built it, they will come.

"She will be mine.  Oh yes, she WILL be mine."

Big news on the blogosphere

"Word is blogosphere is alive with news of you and Leslie Winkle making Eine Kleine bang-bang Musik."
"And why is?"
"Because I put it there!"

Dear readers, I've gone ahead and signed up for a Virtual Book Tour, that last step of entering the wonderful 21st Century and posting on other blogs.  Yeeha!

My tentative date is a start on the 24th of April, I'll have plenty more updates to come both here on Google and over on the Dark Side at Facebook between now and then.

In other news the weather continues fine, the fan's on, I'm in bed at quarter to eleven and I'm still writing.  Living the dream I tell you!

kids party tomorrow, yay cake!

Cheer's all, keep your eye out for posts!

Best Paperback Price

The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart at $4.99 + $3.99 S&H through super_star_sellers, but only on Amazon.com

Guaranteed brand new, I supplied the copies for them to sell.  Get your copy here!

TSH in paperback, deals on Amazon.com

Hi guys,

Just a shout-out for The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart in Paperback format, there are a couple of great deals on Amazon.

Firstly, Amazon.com has dropped the selling price of TSH to $10.18 (with free-shipping eligability if you spend $25).

The best online deal is with super_star_seller, who have dropped their price $4.99 + $3.99 shipping. 

They guarantee brand new copies, which I can vouch for 100%; they are selling copies that I sent to them, so feel free to check them out - that's what we call paying it forward!

See all paperback options here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/148208127X/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

I've put the Kindle copy down to $2.99, where it will stay for the forseeable future.  Sorry, but TSH isn't available in other ebook formats due to Kindle Select obligations.

Go get among it!

Cheers,
T. M. Shannon

Now viewable on Goodreads!

Dear readers,

I've linked this blog to Goodreads, where you can now review The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart.

In coming weeks I will be setting up sample chapters and some other bits and bobs; plus don't forget to check out the History of Talbadas, due for its next update on Sunday, 17th March 2013.

Check back for any time for news, and a heads up for a special announcement on the future of The Hero of Talbadas, coming soon...

Don't forget to view the history of Talbadas, the setting for The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart here:

http://historyoftalbadas.blogspot.com.au

Cheers!
T. M. Shannon

Big Weekend Ahead...

Hi all,

I have a lot planned for this weekend.  Apart from additions to the History of Talbadas blog on Sunday, and the continued work on FSJ, I've decided to try another ad on facebook, and see if I can't garner some sales.

As always, I'm hanging out for your reviews, looking forward to reading the good, bad and ugly!


Cheers.

From the Desk of the Author - 24 Feb 2013

Dear followers and visitors

What a difference a week has made.  From the heady heights of flogging off 439 copies in my Kindle Free Days, sales of TSH have dropped off to the roundest of numbers, 0.  But I'm not disappointed; in fact, at the moment it's a waiting game for the reviews to start coming in, and very soon there will be the official media release!

I have a plan, and if I can pull it off, it seems that the follow-on to TSH, The Fear, The Sundering, The Journey will be ready for release in 3 months.  "How?" you might ask.  Well this is the benefit of having worked on a project for six years.  FSJ already exists on paper, except I have planned to make a fair few changes to the narrative so it flows better, and gets where it needs to go quicker.  Don't want to dally, but the Hero of Talbadas has a purpose in life...

So anyway I'm going to shift to end of week updates, and resume the History of Talbadas (sorry if you're hanging out for a new entry but the book comes first; the history to the fantasy world, which authors might sell for a price, or else bury in some appendix or another, is going to be available mostly free for you to enoy.

I say "mostly free" because I'm not giving everything away; but the history will help understand a lot of the background to Talbadas and its place in history.

And if I'm done before three months, I'll start writing something else - maybe the Misadventures of the Evil Patrick Dempsey (duh-duh-duhm). Head full of ideas and all that!

Stay tuned and send me your wonderful reviews, am looking forward to hearing the good, the bad, and the ugly - will gladly post your views here.

Cheers!
T. M. Shannon

The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart Paperback

Hi,

Don't forget you can get TSH in Paperback 50% off in my CreateSpace store.

Just head over to https://www.createspace.com/3853058 and use code FZKMTQGH to get your copy 50% off! for the next two weeks!

Kindle version $3.09.


Cheers,

End of Freebies

Final update from 7pm (2 hours later)

As best I can tell I finished at #31 out of the top 100 Epic Fantasy for Free on Kindle; past that, I moved 439 units.  Still, that for me is a groundbreaking achievement.

To all purchasers, I certainly hope you enjoy, and again hope there aren't too many mistakes to drag things down.  I take typos, doubled words and continuity seriously, but as an Indie with limited funds and no editor (Yeah, sure, like lawyers work in offices and drive cars." - Lionel Hutz) you have to admit I do pretty well for a first time effort.

Your feedback is now the most important thing to me, and I wait with anticipation for your likes and even your hates - without you, I can't learn how to become a better author, or find where I went wrong in the past to go better in future.

It's your story now.  Enjoy!

T.M. Shannon

2 HRS LEFT - IN LIKE FLYNN TIME PEOPLES

17:00 Sydney Time / 22:00 PST

With two hours to go, movement has slowed to a trickle with only 3 units sold since 15:45.  TSH has moved 434 copies, and has held steady at #31 out of the Top 100 Epic Fantasy for Free (although the item page still shows #27).

I've held some good company, cosying up to both the RR's (next door in the paid section - as to when I can get near them in the paid section itself time will have to tell).

Last Drinks update due at the close of the bargain tonight; thanks to all who have purchased I hope you're enjoying as we speak!

15:45 Sydney Time

The slip has set in, only 2 units sold in the last 45 mins - 431 total.  TSH has gone down to #31.  Looks like the gift horse has bolted but I'm still not looking it in the mouth!

Still, thats 431 units more than 0!  And looks like you're all safe from tutu-time!

TSH Free on Kindle - 5 hours to go!

14:20 Sydney Time (19:20 Tuesday, PST)

With 5 hours remaining TSH has re-gained a bit of ground, with 429 sales and a step up to #27 of the Top 100 Epic Fantasy for Free on Kindle.

This position has its benefits.  Forget GRR, I'm next to the master himself, JRR.  (of course I have fewer songs, dinners, hobbits, one less Gollum, one less giant eyeball and a lot less rings; and don't have the studious background to create an entire working language [kudos])

More updates to come!

TSH for Free on Kindle Final Hours Update

This is it ladies and gentlemen, the last 13 hours 45 minutes you can get The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart for free on Kindle.  I'll keep you posted through the day.

I've set a target of 500 copies to absolutely embarrass myself reading the opening chapterts to my book in Martin Place and posting the results on youtube.  Unlike a politician, I keep my promises; so you get me over the line you'll be in for a treat.

No timeaning me to be lofty, but if you can get me to 600 Edin knows bounty might befall...

05:15 Wed 20/2/13 Sydney (10:15 19/2/13 PST) - 13:45 hrs remaining

TSH begins at 392 copies moved in Kindle Free Days, and is currently sitting at #23 out of the Top 100 Epic Fantasy for Free on Kingle.  Staring down the barrel of 400, is it possible to get to 500?

Just before 11:00am Sydney time

TSH has climbed to 410 copies, but has stalled.  My FB has failed, tried a new one but nothing for the last 3 hours even though there was a magic "approved" email.  TSH is now sitting at #28 in the top 100 and unless sales pick up, I expect to start dropping down the list.  At least I beat 25!

Nonetheless 410 in 5 days is much better than expected.  Now relying on your wonderful reviews to help the transition into paid sales!

TSH turns full circle - 360 copies sold

Guess whay?  The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart has sold 360 copies in 4 of its 5 Kindle Free Days - statistically, that's 90 copies a day!

The time is now 18:59pm Tuesday in Sydney, and 23:59 Monday PST - and there are only 24 hours left to get it free, before it reverts to $3.09 on Kindle.

For those of you aching to get your hands on a physical copy - you glorious old-schoolers you! - you can get The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart at a 50% discount for the following two weeks, but only through my CreateSpace store here!

Copy in the code below to get your discount!

FZKMTQGH

LET THE 300 CELEBRATIONS BEGIN + 343 GUILTY SPARKS...

TSH has hit a very special number indeed...

Then reached the oddly tittilating milestone of 343, causing a slight guilty spark...

(not the only Spartan who likes a good read)

TSH on Kindle for Free - sorry, last drinks called.

The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart for Free has finished.  It is now available for purchase on Amazon.com for $3.09.

Black Caviar Book Club. The Next Big Story

Black Caviar Book Club. The Next Big Story

Sharing the love for the BCBC, you can also check out my Billboard here:

http://www.blackcaviar-bookclub.com/fantasy-epic-the-torment-the-shadow-the-heart.html

Free Previews

You can also find my sample chapters on CreateSpace, including a brief survey about the work, so you can let me know what you think.

Read the first four chapters here: 

https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1119381

Visit Caral-Hilde, the capital of Talbadas, here:

https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1119383

A Hero has come...

The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart is available now available on Kindle for $3.09.

To a Kingdom facing darkness, a hero HAS come!

The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart is available for purchase!

You can purchase The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart from my CreateSpace eStore here:

The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart

To celebrate the release, get $5 off purchase price on my eStore.  Just enter the following
code into the Options & Discount section of the cart, and click Apply Discount to receive:

3YUV5UC2

Follow my blog for details of more release information, including the 15 Review Copy Giveaway
(one copy for you to enjoy, provided you get your feedback on Facebook or right here on Blogspot,
add it to your own blog or somebody else's, letting the world know what you think of the book!),
as well as news and reviews as they become available.

Further review copies will only be made available to legitimate press - that means I'll on Google checking addresses, making a few calls after this time.

Keep you posted,

T. M. Shannon

Follow the history behind my novel The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart.

http://historyoftalbadas.blogspot.com.au/

Look forward to seeing you there!

T. M. Shannon

As the Gunners famously declared, "Welcome to the Jungle."

Hello, Hola, Guten Tag, Salut, or however you say it in your language.

I am a first time author due to publish very soon through CreateSpace, with my work The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart to be made available initially through Amazon.com (as well as Amazon.uk and Amazon.eu), and with a Kindle version - because hey, apparently that works.

I work full time, pay rent, and have a head full of ideas.  I am currently "living the dream" in Sydney, Australia with my darling other half, and a 99% well-behaved son.

Currently on my last proofing run, if I can find all my errors by this weekend, it will be available to purchase next week!  Looking forward to that first sale, that first like on Facebook, that first LinkedIn follower, that first person who says "great read, can't wait for the next book."