Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Want more Werewolves? Beta reader offer.

     As some of you know I have recently been posting parts to this web series that I am working on. It's an adventure/romance about werewolves and I have a lot planned for this little project. I hope to spread it out over a few months and at one point release the entire collection with some bonus content. That's for later. For now, I hope you are asking, "how do I get more now?"

     That is a very simple answer. I am looking to build a group of beta readers. Not only for this project but for some future ones as well. As a special reward, you will get the Sunday release, emailed directly to you on Friday. You will also get a few other bonuses from this, like updates on my future work, as well as discounts and even free books to read! 

     Now if this sounds like something your interested in please finish reading and click the link at the bottom. All you have to do is subscribe with just a simple email (the one I'll be sending things to!). I also will promise you this, I'll never sell your email or give it away, it is only as a way for me to send you things, and gives you a way to reply, that's fairly simple on everyone. 

     I am going to ask from you is a few things. Out of this group I am looking for real feedback on these projects. I want to hear from you and get your feelings on how things are going and even hear your ideas. If you are not up to keep in contact, that is okay. Do feel free to sign up, however you might get limited emails instead. 

Still interested? Click Here! And subscribe. It's right on the home page. 

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Silver Mane - A webseries Part 2

Read part one here.

     Ana woke, dawn well sense passed. She pulled herself up and looked around. She was on a pile of warm straw, with a massive pelt of thick fur slid down her body as she sat up. She didn’t recognize this place at all. The walls were of stone and there was only dim lighting from small bowls of fire that hung on the walls. She was the only one that was there. There was straw in her auburn hair and she picked it out while she focused. She tried to remember what had gotten her here.

     A soft noise echoed through the stone cavern. Something soft was falling on the stone floor. Her amber eyes fought to adjust to the dim lighting. Her eyes couldn’t seem to adjust in time as a massive shadow blocked the light from the wall lamp. Her breath left her body as Ana’s mind was flooded with the memories of the night before. Again she found herself wanting to run, but she was still planted on the warm straw.

     The massive wolf let itself fall onto all fours and sunk down to the ground. The large creature was laughable while it attempted to make itself seem smaller than it actually was. The creature crawled closer to the girl who was in shock. Its mouth moved, lips curling. “Are you well?” It was a growl of a voice and yet it had a light tone to it.

     Ana’s eyes widened at the words. She never thought that a monster like this could speak. Her body trembled but her mind was what centered her. If it had wanted her dead, she would have been dead by now. She took a deep breath while the beast waited for the answer. It’s eyes never leaving her. “I,” She stumbled over the words in her own head. “I, I believe that I am.” She paused while the canine sat up slightly, its ears swiveling at her words. “Who are you?”

     “Stela.” Its mouth moved again while it sat there. It was odd. The creature sat on its rear with its legs stretched out. Her spine hunched over. It looked like an odd mix of dog and human. “You are?” Her words were crude at best, but her tone stayed soft, considering all of her teeth made certain syllables harder.

     The odd idle conversation was enough to make Ana relax. The tension eased enough so that she felt like she could breath again. The air in the cave felt fresh, yet heavy. She took in a deep breath while she focused on the wolf before her. There was a softness about the animal. She wanted to trust her. “Ana.” She pulled her legs up against her chest.

     “Ana.” The wolf repeated. It continued to sit in the awkward position while its eyes never left the girl. “Why were those dogs chasing you?” She cocked her head to the side like an inquiring pet would at a new command.

     There was a pause and a stillness in the air. Ana’s smile quickly slipped away at the new topic. “Those were wolves.” She started to speak, but a garbled laugh stopped her words.

     “I am a wolf, they are just hounds with no real thought process.” Stela interrupted. She went silent again to let the woman finish her story.

     “Oh.” Her brain grasped the concept. This was her first meeting of a werewolf, so she decided not to correct the beast. “Anyway, I had escaped their master. He was keeping me as a potential bride but he was a cruel man. So I freed myself and ran.” She went quiet again and fell into a trail of thoughts. “Please don’t make me go back.” Her words came suddenly.


     The werewolf was taken aback by them. Her head cocked again. “Of course you will not be returning. You will be part of my pack from this day forth.” 

Part 3

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

A little help from you all.

     Hey there, even if you are just passing by for a few moments and you see something you like. Do me the kind favor and like/share/comment. Anything.

     Why should you do this you ask? What do you get out of it? Well here's the simple truth. I don't know how you feel about something unless I hear from you. If you read something and like it, let me know. Then I know what you are enjoying from my blog. That means I will make more. If you like an ongoing series, then share it with your friends. They might enjoy it too. It helps me gauge what you are all enjoying so we all can waste less time and get right to the good stuff.

     So, if you want more werewolves, tell me. Want some odd space alien abduction, let me know. I might not always do what everyone wants, but odds are, you'll see it sooner if you comment or like as opposed to just staying quiet.


     Thanks for all your help, reads, and support!

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Silver Mane - A web series part 1

     Night fell in Romania and the north wind swept in quickly. It was only August and snow was already on the winds. It was going to be a cold one that was for sure. A shrill scream ripped through the dense forest. Ana's heart pounded against her ribs, her breath was coming in short gasps. Her feet were bare and stones assaulted her feet but she paid them no mind. She was just praying that she would see the sun rise. A howl echoed off the same trees. Their padded feet followed the same path that the human had just ran. They were closing the distance very quickly. Their breath streamed from their nostrils.

     Ana turned to look behind her. That was her first mistake. There was a pack of wolves chasing her. There were four of the massive beasts. All in different colors. It would have been beautiful if not for their teeth that gleamed in the bright moonlight. She kept running while she wasn't looking. That was her second mistake that night. Ana hit a wall, or at least what felt like a wall. It was solid however, it was warm. It was also covered in fur. The momentum she had knocked her back a few steps and then she noticed what was standing before her. Her eyes went wide as her blood ran cold.

     The wall of fur wasn't a wall at all. A monster stood there before her. It stood taller than any man. Its ears might have even brushed against the tavern door frame. It also wasn't just covered in fur, under the thick pelt was cords of muscles. The fur was a deep black with silver highlights that glimmered in the light. The beast snorted. Warm wisps of breath streamed from its nostrils.

     Ana's eyes met the creatures. They were gold and they seemed to trap her. She willed herself to run. Run while she had the chance, but something in those eyes held her still. Ana let out the breath she was holding as the small pack of wolves entered the small clearing that she hadn't seem to notice before. She looked back at them. She was surrounded by wolves and she knew she was doomed.

     The small pack looked up from their hunt. Even their eyes widened at the sight of the massive wolf that was standing on two legs. One snapped at the monster. Demanding his prey that they had been chasing.

     The wolf that stood on two legs spoke. It's voice was a growl, but still clear enough. "Get out mutts, these woods aren't yours." As the words left it's muzzle it released a primal howl and stepped forward, squaring itself up towards the smaller dogs. Without a second thought they turned tail and ran back the way they came. Ana had stood there the whole time. Her eyes were on the largest wolf she had ever seen. The creature turned back to her. Those golden eyes holding her captive. "Are you well?" The animal's voice was much softer, but still had a deep growl in it.

     Ana opened her mouth to speak but her head spun when she tried. She felt herself falling but couldn't stop herself. She felt the ground hit her, but her eyes were already closed by that point. A bit of shock hit the werewolf's face. Normally people feinted before this point. The wolf shrugged and picked up the limp human bridal style and carried her deeper into its forest.


Part 2

Friday, January 6, 2017

The next book that I would like to read.

     I read a lot. Some would say way to much, but considering I could be doing meth instead, I think this is a pretty safe hobby. Anyway, I was out and about today and picked up a flyer of Indy novels that are going to be released this month. I thought that was very interesting and I haven't seen it before, so I grabbed a copy. 

     As I read through it, I was excited to see one book on there. "The Bear and the Nightingale: A Novel" By Katherine Arden. With the book came the price and the books description. 

"The Bear and the Nightingale is an enchanting mix of fairy tale, fanasy, and historical fiction set in medieval Russia. (That right there sucked me in!) Nestled between the northern wilderness and civilization is a village where old and new traditions live side by side. Vasya, the last daughter of Pyotr and Marina, is born on the howling winds of autumn. Different from the others in her village, she is destined to be like her grandmother and is gifted with powers by birthright. As time goes by, Vasya is tested. Caught in the conflict between the old spirits and the new religion, Vasya must do everything in her power to save her family and village. Arden's novel is the rich, mesmerizing fairy tale you've been waiting for!"


     I really hope to pick up a copy soon, it sounds like something interesting and right up my alley. If you get it before me, please tell me what you think about it!

~Skadia


Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Top 5 Favorite Fantasy Novels

     I have lived a thousand lives. Each book I read takes me to a different place. A different time. A different life. It never ceases to amaze me, and it never gets old. Over my many hardcore years of reading I have picked up a few that refuse to get out of my head. If you have read them, then you know what I mean, if you haven't, give them a shot.


1. One of my all time favorite series is the Dragonlance Series by Wies and Hickman. It has strong characters that will stick with you long after the book ends. I still remember things from them and I haven't even looked at the book in years. Dragons, magic, and an ongoing story line that stays interesting.

2. Belladonna. Okay so that's really the second in a series but it's amazing. I bought it first and read it, only to find out that there was something that came before it. I adored the strong female lead who was less than perfect. It was very refreshing for the main character to be almost evil, a bit twisted and definitely dark.

3. Winterwood. This one is a recent read and I can't wait for the next one to come out. I very rarely will buy/read unfinished series. The wait kills me, but I couldn't help myself. Another very strong female lead. Nothing overly special about her but it's a very smooth read and really get's you pulled in.

4. We all knew that this was going to be on here and again it's another series. Harry Potter. I'm a nerd. I like the magic and the creatures and Rowling really has the entire world so fleshed out that it makes it just believable enough that you might start hoping for your own letter to Hogwarts.

5. Witchling. Here again I'm pulling a book that's part of a series but I really think this (and the others in it's set) are worth a spot here. This set is more geared towards romance, but it has plenty of fantasy. It has some pretty awesome creatures and again some beautiful main characters that aren't afraid to show their faults.

     Again, theses are just some of my own personal favorites. There are so many good books out there some days it's hard for me to pick what I love more than others. This small set have just stuck with me over years.


I'm currently reading A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

New Year, New Goals

     So last year I did what I did. It wasn't a bad year for me and I am beyond proud of myself. (We all need a little self love sometimes.) I published a total of 5 shorts, and read a lot of books. My favorite this year, was Winterwood. A beautiful pirate novel where a woman has to find herself, by figuring out her past. I really enjoyed it, so go check it out if you're into female leads.

     I didn't do as much as I wanted to. I had high hopes for myself to release quite a few more shorts and even a novel or two. I just didn't get there this time. I also didn't finish my NaNoWriMo this year. I came close with around 40,000 words, but work bogged me down with the holidays. I'll perhaps try again next year.

      I learned a lot. I found myself in my writing and found what works of mine really sing, and what ones didn't. That was a surprise. I also found out that I could write a 40,000 word novel while working two jobs. That was also a surprise.

     My hopes for this year. To write. To keep writing. To pour my heart onto the pages for you all to enjoy, but mostly to just get the voices out of my head. I do plan on redoing this blog. I want to shift my focus from just updates to more of a free web series. I will be testing the waters on this project over the next few weeks.


     I wish you all a very happy and safe new year. May this one be the best so far.
~Skadia