Ben Galley
Official website of Dark Fantasy author Ben Galley
So you wanna be an author, do ya? Well, here’s the first in a new series of rapidfire videos all about how to write and self-publish the simplest way. Here’s the very first instalment: HOW TO WRITE A FANTASY NOVEL – Part 1.
In this video, I look at how to go from an inkling of an idea into a plan that you can execute and turn into a novel.
Here’s a new Fantasy Author Lounge! This month I had the pleasure of chatting to #SPFBO winner ML WANG and her amazing Asian-inspired fantasy Sword of Kaigen.
We wag our chins about:
– self-doubt and writing
– writing since childhood
– badass martial arts and how they influence ML’s stories
Thanks to ML Wang for joining me in the Lounge! Check out her books at www.mlwangbooks.com.
WHAAAT. Yes. Welcome, friend. This is indeed a post about a new Emaneska book and its cover. You will have either a) known about this sequel for a while and just gasped at this cover, or b) you had no idea about a new Emaneska book, and this cover is your first news of it. If that’s you then BAM! I’ll give you a moment to pick up the pieces of your mind. In either case, I bet you’re not as excited as I am to be looking at this 😀
It’s true. I’m writing a new Emaneska series, and the cover for the newest installment is below in the flesh: this is the cover concept (more on this concept malarkey in a moment) for The Forever King, book one of the new Scalussen Chronicles.
Speaking of badass, who is this fiery-looking woman? This is Mithrid, a young lady from the cliff-cities and villages of Hâlorn. This area of the world is the very western coast of Emaneska, pinched between the rough seas and coast of Albion. It was mentioned in Emaneska, and actually sailed past at the start and end of the series. Without spoilers, The Bitches can be found on the edge of Hâlorn. This is where The Forever King starts, and where we meet the newest protagonist in the epic, sprawling, monster Emaneska story arc.
I’m really enjoying exploring Emaneska from the POV of Mithrid. She’s quiet yet confident to the point of occasionally being surly, but quick of mind and tongue. She’s the tall, fiery-haired daughter daughter of a woodsman, hence the axe, and wouldn’t you know it? She’s got some connection to magic. (Some of you may know how I like to flip tropes, as I did in Emaneska. I’ll be toying with the strangely-powerful-farm-working-reject trope and turning it on its arse.) Mithrid’s young, impetuous, and a little similar to Farden when he first started out, but she’s not a mage, and has no intention of being swept up in the War of Magick.
Because central role to this series, I thought it only fair to give Mithrid the cover as I did with Farden for The Written. And, as I noticed when trying my bloody best to make Adobe Sketches to work, if you put the two books side by side, Written on the right, it almost brings this whole thing full circle right there.
I had a lot of other ideas for this cover. There is an element of climate shift going on in The Forever King. A few aspects of Emaneska I’ve text to feature are a dragon, which I think will end up being the next cover (for book two, Heavy Lies the Crown), something architectural, or a weapon. Who knows what book three – To Kill A God – will have on its cover. As for The Forever King, I think I’ve made the right decision. From your abundant feedback on the old Fb page and Twitter, you seem to think so too!
While this cover goes off to the magic hands of the new artist, I’m just cracking on with the writing. I’ve got a third left to go, I reckon. Hopefully I’ll be updating my site with progress bars soon, so you’ll be able to see where I’m at with each project any time you want. The tentative launch date is winter 2020. As soon as the cover’s back, you’ll be able to mark it to-read on Goodreads and add it to your wishlists. If you want to be notified via email, then sign up to The Guild.
Meanwhile, my new project Dread Rising is also coming along nicely. The tabletop boardgame I’m writing for: Veil of Ruin, also has a DnD 5e Adaptation coming out on Kickstarter mid-June. Check out veilofruin.com for all the artwork and info. I am utterly buzzing to be a part of that project.
Cheers for reading, you lovely bunch of bookish scoundrels. As always, you can follow me on the social-verses to get daily updates rather than monthly. Take it easy, stay safe, and keep reading.
Peace,
Ben
It’s Fantasy Author Lounge, Quarantine Edition! This month, bestselling fantasy author of over 40 BOOKS David Estes joins me in the Lounge. David is the author of the Dwellers, Country and Fatemarked Sagas, and has sold a verified tonne of books.
In this Lounge, we talk about:
– Designing characters, and then putting them through hell
– DYSTOPIAN FUTURES
– Maintaining word counts during a full time job
– Dealing with writer’s block
– A possible Fatemarked sequel!
– The inevitable self-doubt and how to beat it
– How to deal with bad reviews
Find David on Facebook @DavidEstesBooks, or find him dominating the bestseller charts on Amazon.
A week ago I posted some of these tips on my Facebook and Twitter.
I began by saying “it’s a strange and worrisome world right now, let’s be honest.” Well, it’s a week later, and it’s still a strange world, and possibly more worrisome. I’ve committed myself to writing and working like a beaver while I’m encased in my home.
Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to help my readers and fellow humans get through this crazy phase by sharing funny fantasy and book content, and also sharing whatever tips for working from home and isolation I can think of. I’ve spent the last 5 years working from home, and as only child with a big imagination, I can withstand boredom for a long time.
Cos I’m nice and all, I thought I’d collect all my suggestions in one place for you. As I’m a fantasy author and fan, a lot of these tips have a fantasy or general geeky flavour to them. Feel free to substitute your own fandom or interest.
I truly hope this helps, if even just a little. Above all, remember that we’re all in this together and that you’re not alone. It’s natural to feel anxious and scared, but just know there’s 7 billion others thinking the same thing. In fact, if you think about it, this could be the most unifying experience humankind has ever witnessed. ANYWAY…
– 5 words: Lord. Of. The. Rings. Marathon.
– Read for some escapism. If you don’t have an ereader and can’t get to the library or store, download an ereader app onto your tablet and phone. Tackle that to-be-read pile!
– Try audiobooks or podcasts to get some ‘company’ if you’re missing a bit of human interaction or even voices around the house. Sounds strange but it helps. Audible have set a huge amount of audiobooks free for people stuck at home with a reduced income and you can get them HERE.
– Build a fort. Bet you haven’t done that in a while. I built one this week and confirm Netflix is much more enjoyable whilst ensconced in a fort.
– Do some writing of your own. Why not use extra time to escape into a world of your own design? It’s a good excuse to spend some time fleshing out ideas, or even channeling these feelings into powerful prose.
– Co-write a novel/quarantine diary/screenplay in a Google Doc with some friends or fellow quarantiners. If you’ve never co-authored something, or even just pissed about on Google Docs with other people, it can be a really fun experience. Who knows, it might just turn into something.
– Join or start an online book club to discuss the books everyone is reading while stuck indoors. You could even make some new bookish chums while you’re at it.
– Treat yourself to shed some anxiety. If you have extra time off due to no travel time, spend it on yourself, a hobby, playing Xbox, whatever.
– Make a short film on your phone. Because why. the fuck. not.
– There was a great post on Reddit Fantasy listing free/cheap books for people laid off work during this time.
– FaceTime or Skype an old friend. If not to catch up, just make sure they’re okay. Screw it. Just call a random number and make sure they’re not bored and feel okay.
– Make the ultimate Spotify playlist. Or an alternate playlist for your favourite film or book. I did this the other day for my Emaneska Series, and you can listen to it right here!
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– Find some old clothes you can’t use or donate and try to turn them into a cosplay costume.
– Plan your dream holiday to the letter. You can look forward to it once all this has blown over.
– Learn a poem or prose by heart. It’ll be hella impressive when there’s an excuse to recite it next time we’re all allowed outside.
– Document what is happening, or how you feel, because despite how scary and dire this might be, it’s a unique and historical moment. It will be intriguing to look back on.
– Learn one magic trick flawlessly so you can show it off in front of friends.
– Try to maintain a routine if you can. It’ll help give structure to your day and something to measure your productivity against. Portioning up time can also make it seem easier to spend.
– Make your own space. Cannot stress how important this is. It doesn’t have to be a whole office. Even a dedicated corner of your abode can be effective for concentration, productivity, and just separating work from home.
– Connect via voice or video as much as possible. We’re social creatures. Email won’t cut it for the long term. Get some face-time in with colleagues and coworkers to remind yourself you’re not the only person left after an apocalypse.
– Set daily goals to keep you focused. You’re also more aware what you’ve used the day to accomplish.
– Take breaks. If you take a lunch break at your work, then take a damn lunch break at home. Just because you can work on the couch all day doesn’t mean you should. It’s healthy for your brain to regularly switch away from complex or stressful tasks. Eat lunch. Recharge. Watch some Office, then go back to work.
If you’ve got any tips or tricks feel free to share them below. Stay safe out there, people. Stay safe and stay home. We’ll beat this soon.
Peace,
Ben
I’m back with another Fantasy Author Lounge! It’s the first one of 2020, and I’ve been tinkering with the format to make the Lounge interviews snappier and I’ve also lined a great load of guests for the rest of the year.
First up is author/co-author of the Teutevar Saga, the Gryphon Riders Trilogy, and Djinn Tamer, Derek Alan Siddoway.
We chat about:
– the importance of book covers and how to get a good book cover
– the experience of co-writing
– exploring other subgenres of fantasy like YA and gamelit
– gryphons. Lots of gryphons.
You can find Derek at www.derekalansiddoway.com.
Greetings all. Somehow we’re already into March. 2020 year, for me at least, seems to be flying by as if somebody’s been toying with the clocks and calendar. However it could be something to do with spending most of the month with my head buried in a laptop 🙃
February was a damn productive month, so in this newsletter, I thought I’d give you an update on the smorgasbord of fantasy nonsense that I’ve been working on.
Progress Report
As well as increasing the words I write per hour, I’ve also been rejigging my entire schedule to focus almost solely on writing. This reshuffle means I’ve been giving my keyboard an absolute thrashing this February. Truth be told, it’s been bloody great. As well as writing my own books, I’ve had plenty of time for other side projects without slowing down on books like the Scalussen Chronicles. And, with many fingers in many pies, it’s keeping my week fresh and varied, which has been real fun and keeps productivity at a handy peak. So long as I remember to relax – that’s key. Lots of gaming and binging Netflix. Doctor Galleys recommends.
As such, I’m currently almost at the halfway point of my “secret project” which I think you’ll be excited to hear about when I finally reveal it. Early shares with editors and fellow authors have been really promising. If you’re a member of the ELITE CIRCLE you will know this by now, but what I can reveal is that it’s called Dread Rising. More soon…
At the same time, book one of the Scalussen Chronicles – The Forever King, and sequel to Emaneska – is coming along nicely as well, looking plump and fat Farden’s adventures are bigger, badder and full of more of what you liked in Emaneska: magic, dragons, and both physical and emotional clashes. I posted a first and second look a little while ago on this blog if you haven’t yet devoured them. It’s satisfying writing from a brand new PoV of a young and curious mage – Mithrid, and showing more of Farden. Especially a good decade and a half after Dead Stars – Part Two, now that he’s evolved once more. Magick runs rife, bubbling up like lava across the lands, and a certain somebody (no spoilers) now runs the Arkathedral. I’ll be showing you an exclusive Guild sneak peek in the next update. If you haven’t yet read Emaneska, find it on my site.
Lastly, the game I’m writing for – Veil of Ruin – is also making great strides. We’re almost wrapped up with our DnD 5e adaptation, and the full board game is also looking fantastic. I’ve still got a lot of story and encounters to write, but building this outrageous jungle world has been a blast. Having my writing playable is a strange sensation, but amazing to see. Check out the site, and Kickstarters will be coming soon.
In the meantime…
I may have treated myself and bought a sword…. It’s a replica of Captain Nathan’s sword from Last Samurai. Carbon steel, sharp, and tastily balanced. I am happy to report no bandages have been needed, though many melons and loafs of bread have been destroyed.
And on a more serious note, I wish you all well with the current coronavirus situation. Without delving too deep into the subject and the sociopolitical landscape, I hope you all stay safe and untouched by its effects. Now, with all seriousness aside, at least it’s a good excuse to stay inside and catch up on some reading.
Catch you next month, or in the meantime, on my Twitter, YouTube or Facebook feeds.
Peace,
Ben
The latest BenCast is up, and it’s all about my recent trip to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, and the second half of my winter/summer adventure.
After leaving Yellowknife, I went south for the summer and chose Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. I had a blast exploring this tropical seaside city, full of experiences, food and culture stretching back thousands of years. Watch to see what PV has to offer and what hi-jinx I got up to, including, but not limited to:
Enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe at: www.youtube.com/bengalley
If you want to know more, you can follow me on Twitter @BenGalley or on Facebook and Instagram @BenGalleyAuthor.
Music by Post Malone, LP / Elk Road, Ryan Little, & Bensound
FINALLY put together my first BenCast of 2020! This vlog is about my recent adventure to the freezing winter wonderland that is YELLOWKNIFE in the Northwest Territories, Canada.
Here’s my guide to what experiences you can enjoy there, such as:
Enjoy.
In the next vlog, I visit MEXICO. If you want to know more, you can follow me on Twitter @BenGalley or on Facebook and Instagram @BenGalleyAuthor.
Music by A Tribe Called Red, BenSound, and Jahzzar.
I’m back with another instalment of the Fantasy Author Lounge, and hey look – friendly fellow author Andrew Cobble has joined me in this month’s Lounge! AC is the author of the hugely popular Benjamin Ashwood series, and the new swashbuckling Cartographer series.
We had a fun chat about:
– Moving from a writing hobby to a writing career
– Why the fantasy genre kicks arse
– What draws Andrew to epic fantasy and sword & sorcery
– Balancing family life with writing
– Alcohol and writing
– The ever-changing landscape of book marketing
– And why you should always add a dragon
If you want to know more about AC Cobble and his brilliant epic fantasy / sword and sorcery books, you can find him at www.accobble.com.
Here’s a brand new vlog for you. I head down to one of my favourite writing spots to tell you all about how you can get the whole of my Chasing Graves Trilogy for 99¢ / 99 (get it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RLWJ5TT), and I provide more info on my short story for Warhammer and Black Library.
If you want to know more, you can follow me on Twitter @BenGalley or on Facebook and Instagram @BenGalleyAuthor. Or, head to my site for a free ebook: www.bengalley.com
Music by Bensound.
After a little summer hiatus, I’m back with another Fantasy Author Lounge. This month, I’m joined by fantasy and sci-fi author Jeramy Goble. He’s a delightfully funny chap with an honest and insightful approach to writing and publishing.
We chat about a range of things, such as:
– fantasy tropes
– writing in the Bronze Age
– weapons, weapons, weapons!
– the beauty of social media and community
– and the future of fantasy Enjoy!
In the meantime, check out Jeramy’s books and updates at www.jeramygoble.com.
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