Warm here in New York, but cooler than it has been the last few days. I did a 4 miler in the park and with a cool breeze blowing I felt like I could have run another one, but I’ve learned not to push too hard too fast and risk an injury. What was even nicer is that the opening to The Light of Burning Shadows has finally come into focus. I’ve been working on the novel for months, but the opening kept eluding me. Now, finally, I think I have it nailed down. I had tried dramatic, then atmospheric and several other approaches, but to no avail. I decided to try psychological and that seems to have done the trick. I’ll know better when I finish the ms and can assess it in its entirety.
Wonderful Sunday
August 03, 2008
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Just Finished ADFIF
Chris,
Had a great day today. Started with a 13 mile run this morning and then a car appointment, where I was able to finish your book. For all the reasons you mentioned in your podcast, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great pacing, characters, etc. I love the new setting, the period of the story, and the unconventional characters (soldiers perspective etc). I really enjoyed the slant on traditional elves, dwarves, etc. Also that “man” was featured as more than traditional cannon fodder, haha. Good stuff.
Hope you don’t mind but I’m sending the book to my younger brother, a fantasy fan, in hopes that he will enjoy it as well. If he likes it I’ll make sure he pays full price for the next one, haha.
Ok all for now. Thanks for a good read. Also, on your recommendation I purchased Flashman and Sharpe’s Rifles. Gonna give these a look while your working on iron elves 2.
Thanks again,
Keep running
John
Re: Just Finished ADFIF
Hi, John:
13 miles! Congrats. I’m working my way up to the half marathon distance and may try one or two when I get there. Ah, to go back to the days when I ran, played sports, stayed out late and the rest of it…especially the rest of it 🙂
Thanks so much for the very kind words. I’m gratified to hear your reaction to my attempt to tweak some of what is traditional. One of my main goals with a character like Konowa was to create a wholly different kind of elf, at least one I hadn’t read before.
I hope your brother enjoys it. If he does he’ll only have 11 months to wait for the next one 🙂
I’ll be curious to hear what you think about Flashman and Sharpe. You’ll detect a few similarities with Konowa. If you do enjoy the books then I’d suggest you also try Quartered Safe Out Here by Fraser and some of Kipling’s military poems. Incredible stuff.
Cheers,
Chris