Some Intentions for Writing In 2019!

In a writing sense, I hit the ground running in 2019 with a central focus on the 4th installment of my Fires in Eden Series. 

It has been some time now since Spirit of Fire (the 3rd book in the Fires in Eden series) was released.  That book, and The Undying Light (Book 4 of the Rising Dawn Saga) marked a time where I had a tremendous amount of output, content-wise, as a writer.  During the first few years after my first published novel The Exodus Gate was released (winter of 2009), I was able to get two larger novels out a year in addition to some short stories (alternating releases between the Fires in Eden Series and Rising Dawn Saga). 

As always, I never handed in anything to an editor until I had the manuscript where I wanted it. It was just a matter of being in a great groove, being able to sustain long writing sessions that were very productive, and keep on a steady pace.

Following the cancer diagnosis and passing of my mother in 2013, a time that affected me tremendously, I still continued to write and have new material published, but I leaned more heavily toward shorter formats, with a lot of short stories and smaller scale novels such as Heart of a Lion and Thunder Horizon.  I didn't have the same volume of output overall as my earlier period until 2018, when I hit a great stride with the writing of the Rayden Valkyrie and Ragnar Stormbringer novellas. 

Overall, 2018 (up to January 1, 2019) saw the release of eight novellas, two print compendiums, and a larger-scale novel.  To summarize the year:

Rayden Valkyrie Tales - (eBook-only stand-alone novellas)

Blood of a Queen

Winds of War

The Sun's Caress

Across Desert Plains

The Rayden Valkyrie Tales, Volume I (Print-only compendium, contains Blood of a Queen, Winds of War, and the Sun's Caress)

Ragnar Stormbringer Tales

Depths of Night

When the Cold Breathes

Altar of Gods

Tears in the Snow

The Ragnar Stormbringer Tales, Volume I (Print-only compendium, contains Depths of Night, When the Cold Breathes, and Altar of Gods)

Dream of the Navigator, Book One of the Faraway Saga.  

Having regained the kind of writing rhythm I had years ago, I began 2019 in a full throttle mode and have about 70,000 words of material so far for the 4th Fires in Eden novel. I have also been pouring through notes, making notes, and doing research for this book and others that I am aiming to work on this year. 

I think 2018 got me back into a great frame of mind for advancing both the Fires in Eden series and the Rising Dawn Saga.  I think part of the delay that occurred between 2013 and now was due to the fact that both series were developed and the first few installments of each were written when my mother, and father, were alive.  They were the first to read my earliest versions and both of them supported my path as a writer.  As such, they were a big part of my journey as an author in relation to these books. 

I was somehow able to maintain my ideal writing zone after my father passed in 2006, but after my mother passed I think that a shadow was cast over these two series in a creative sense, the more I look back at it.  (Thankfully, that creative shadow has finally passed)

Currently, and it may sound crazy, I am aiming to work on the following:

Book 4 of the Fires in Eden Series
Book 5 of the Rising Dawn Saga
Book 3 (the final installment) of the Dark Sun Dawn Trilogy
Book 2 of the Faraway Saga

In addition, I will be getting some more Rayden and Ragnar tales out there, and look to complete some more short stories that may result in anything from a Hellscapes, Volume 3 to a Chronicles of Ave, Volume 2, to an Annals of the Rising Dawn, Volume 1. 

No promises on those new short story collections being released, as they depend on getting a little extra time here and there, but I think there's a good shot that at least one of those can happen.

I have a real strong vision of the direction I need to go with the projected novels above, and barring any "life happens" kind of issues I think I can get most all, if not all, of my target list completed this year.  Yes, it sounds ambitious, but I am back to a higher volume of writing output and in a really good zone.  I am achieving longer writing sessions with a high level of productivity and keeping to a steady course.

Keep your fingers crossed!  2019 may see my best level of output yet!  I want to give my readers a lot to look forward to and reward them for their loyalty and support, so I will be giving it my all. :)

thank you for subscribing to my email list and keep your eyes out for much more to come!

sincerely,

Stephen
1-29-2019

Hellscapes II Now Available on eBook Format, Plus New Contest and Blog Activities!

Hellscapes, Volume II is now available in eBook format. here are some direct links to the Kindle, Kobo, and iTunes versions, Nook should be live shortly.

You can get Hellscapes, Volume II for $2.99 at the following links:

Amazon Kindle

Kobo

Apple iTunes

Nook version will be live shortly.

Also, there's a big blog tour underway! here are some links to some of the early posts and activities, some of which include the brand new contest featuring a Fire HD 8 as a grand prize! :)

Beauty in Ruins: Guest Post from me about writing horror and how it has helped me grow and expand my literary horizons

Kentucky Geek Girl: Brand new interview talking about my favorite horror movie, music, and themes in Hellscapes II

Shells Interviews: A guest post from me about the concept of levels or dimensions of Hell and personal hells, and how that applies to the new book.

Sinister Scribblings of Sarah E. Glenn: Guest post about my favorite childhood Halloweens.


Check them out and be sure to leave a comment at the places you visit! :)

Cover Art Reveal for My Latest, Hellscapes, Volume II

Really excited to share this, the cover art by Aaron Drown of Aaron Drown Design for Hellscapes, Volume II.  The eBook arrives on Monday, to coincide with a big blog tour that includes a contest featuring a Kindle Fire HD8 as a grand prize.  Going to be a lot of fun, I'm working up some good posts for many stops, doing interviews on others, and there will be several reviews.   Definitely looking to be a busy week.  But hope you all find this cover cool! I feel very strongly about this latest installment, as does my editor on this one, Scott Sandridge, and I'll be looking forward to hearing what the readers think! :)

Synopsis: Return to the nightmarish, shadowy realms of Hell in the latest installment of the Hellscapes series by Stephen Zimmer. Six brand new, macabre tales of the infernal await you … but be that you only visit these realms, you do not want to share the fates of the inhabitants you will encounter!

Included in the pages of Hellscapes, Volume II:

In “The Cavern”, a man finds his way into a nightmare, subterranean world that leads to an even greater, and more devastating, revelation.

A police officer takes pleasure in violently executing his duties and it appears to be open season in “The Riot” when he is part of an operation sent to crack down on a gathering of people protesting an economic summit nearby. But this is an operation that is going to take a very different kind of turn, one that opens his eyes to a new reality.

A woman finds herself stranded on a high, rocky ledge, along with many other men and women, surrounded by a frothing sea in “Above as Below”. Shadows glide beneath the surface and soon she will discover what lurks within the depths.

“Spots Do Not Change” tells the story of a man who has never had any qualms lying, cheating, or deceiving the women in his life. A reckoning day looms as he comes to understand that his actions have harmed the lives of many others, actions that in the realms of Hell take on forms of their own.

Having spun webs of intrigue and personal destruction at the heights of national politics throughout his life, a man finds webs of another sort to present grave danger when he finds himself lost within a strange wilderness in “Weaving Webs”.

Many are drawn to “The Club” in the heart of the decaying, shadow-filled city of Malizia, hoping for some entertainment and release, or even safety from the monstrous dangers lurking in the darkness. One man struggling against amnesia finds his way to the seemingly popular establishment and its confines give him momentary hope; until he discovers the nature of this night club and those who run it.

Stiff Upper Lip

Sometimes, you just have to set a laser focus and get things done, even if you are tired, or dealing with stress/ emotions, or anything else.  This past week has been a good example of that. Every day, I've gotten a lot done for the press, I've proceeded excellently with my training, and while it hasn't been overly fun or entertaining, I do feel a sense of achievement as I write this late Saturday night.

We've had some new releases at the press, many ongoing blog tours, some new ones coming up, and a few other important initiatives.  Realistically, there are not enough hours in the day to cover it all, but I've hurled myself into it as best I can and have to say a lot of ground has been covered.

I've been working on my website as well, adding some new pages, and fun ones at that.  Z-tracks, which focuses on music I've been listening to, and I've also got pages in place dedicated to my physical journey/training, and the restoration of that Z-28 that means so much to me.  I will be sharing the story behind that car, by the way, so it will make sense as to why that car is special.  The physical journey page will hopefully show others who were in my situation that transformation is not just possible, but DOABLE.  I really hope to encourage those on the same journey as me, in terms of taking charge of the physical self.

Training wise, I had a killer workout today that marks the 11th day out of the last twelve that I've had solid, high-intensity sessions (the other day being a much-needed rest day).  Making progress all the time and was able to integrate some new, advanced martial arts techniques into my routine.  Those moments are milestones of sorts, though I notice improvements in my execution of all other areas.  My main workout is being tweaked and honed all the time and the results continue, so I know it's working! :)

The week ahead should be busy, and I will be preparing for the release of Hellscapes II during Halloween week, so that should be pretty exciting. :)

Stay tuned, October is going to be very active!

Cover Art for Hellscapes 2 is Coming VERY Soon! I Saw the Illustration Tonight!

It is always an exciting moment getting to see the cover imagery for one of your books for the first time, and tonight was the 11th time I've experienced this! Aaron Drown, of Aaron Drown Design (follow on twitter @adrowndesign) simply knocked it out of the park. As I mentioned in a Facebook post, this artwork could legitimately be used for a Slayer album cover! It fits the book perfectly and I cannot wait to reveal this cover publicly. I'm very proud of the tales in Hellscapes II, and share my editor's opinion that this new set is a strong progression from the tales in volume 1. Now I've got a cover to represent it very powerfully and I am really thrilled! Stay tuned, I hope to have the full cover image with titling to reveal very shortly, as the book comes out near the end of October!

New Blog Tours Up For Sign-Ups! Heart of a Lion and Hellscapes II!

I have a couple of blog tours up for sign-ups.  They take place the final week of October and the first week of November, for Hellscapes Volume 2 and Heart of a Lion, respectively.

We are looking for book bloggers and reviewers to host activities ranging from interviews, reviews and perhaps other activities for these two week-long tours.  I really want to put a lot of effort into these two weeks, so if you know some book blogs, or are a book blogger yourself, please do have a look!  I want to make these fun and informative visits.  I really enjoy blog tours and am excited about these two back to back tours!

The signups for Hellscapes 2, which will be coming out that week, is at: http://www.tomorrowcomesmedia.com/stephen-zimmers-hellscapes-volume-ii-horror/

The signups for Heart of a Lion, which is already available, is at: http://www.tomorrowcomesmedia.com/stephen-zimmers-heart-of-a-lion-tour-sword-and-sorcery/

Take a look and signup or share with those who might be interested in hosting a visit!

Checking in, Post-Imaginarium 2015

Things have definitely been busy, to say the least.  Imaginarium 2015 wrapped last weekend and by all measures was a definite step forward.  The convention grew and ran smoother and I have heard wonderful feedback from many of the attendees.

It was quite a challenge, as we don't have that large of a staff, and one of our key staffers couldn't make it due to some health precautions.  The couple weeks leading up to it were a whirlwhind for sure.  I slept a little, got a workout in each day and the rest of each day was FILLED with activity.  

I really believe in this convention though.  It can do some very special things for the writing community on many levels.  The networking and connection opportunities are everywhere, and it is in a very welcoming environment where the New York Times bestselling author and the unpublished writer alike can talk and get to know one another.  I love that aspect about Imaginarium and will strive to maintain that in the future.

I will be posting up some more about Imaginarium here, but things are about to get very busy with both the press and myself... and regarding my own work, Hellscapes II is JUST around the corner. :)

Slayer on a Sunny Saturday Morning....

Yes, it is a bright Saturday morning, and I started off the day with a pretty good writing session.  Accompanied by Slayer albums on vinyl, and then some Slipknot, I delved into the darker realms with some new Hellscapes material.  I think a strong second volume is emerging for sure! Today I was working on the story that will start the second volume... a rather nasty introduction to hell for one unfortunate, doomed soul! Got an idea for a pretty creepy little beast to put into one of the scenes too.

Followed up that with some intense song lyrics, as I am finding myself able to write lyrics these days, which still kind of surprises me since the first ones jumped out not so long ago.  This was a rather intense set, definitely suited for something heavy-edged.  Kind of an ode to the kind of guys I absolutely despise.  Not playing nice in this one. ;)

Yes, my muse is in a pretty hardcore mode today!  But I love it.

I have enjoyed the new Machine Head album a LOT this week, Bloodstone and Diamonds.  Lyrically, it is fantastic, I got the cool edition with the hardcover book that has killer illustrations accompanying the lyrics (from a publishing standpoint, great layout and compositions!).  I personally think this one is one of their best, without question, and potentially the metal album of 2014.  Of course, I was more than jazzed when I saw a seven-pointed star on page one of the book and the song "Now We Die" has lyrics like "Black steel and iron, a Lionheart is forged from these bones".  Seven-pointed stars and a lionheart.  Gotta like that.   But make no mistake, this is music that comes from the heart, you can't fake that.  Rob Flynn really crushes in this one!

I also picked up the new Foo Fighters' release, Sonic Highways.  A great set of songs recorded in many different cities, each one with its own extensive story.  Melodic and often hard-rocking (note the very Dio-esque, Holy Diver-ish riff in the first single), this is a great CD that shows a band that you can depend on to come through with great rock albums.

I'll definitely be jamming out to Slipknot and Korn CD's this week, getting ready for the big show in Rupp Arena on the 22nd.  I managed to get tickets just two rows off the floor, probably the best place to be if you don't want to immerse in the huge pit that will inevitably break out.  I'm proud to support this show, as Corey Taylor of Slipknot has increasingly been stepping forward as an unabashed spokesperson/champion of the genre at the time that it really needs someone to do that.  No other genre has the kind of worldwide brother and sisterhood that heavy metal has, it is something totally unique and something that I've personally experienced in my travels out of the country.  It is truly the music of the underdog and those who persevere, to paraphrase what Dave Mustaine one said, and it has gotten me through so many dark times in my life, and is currently helping me so much during this time.  I'm proud to support Corey, Slipknot, and Korn and join 10,000+ of my metal brothers and sisters this Saturday night for a thunderous night.  Will be awesome and to hell with the naysayers.  Rock and metal ARE alive!

Until then, I'll keep doing as best I can... writing to be done, guitars to be played, training to be undertaken... probably too cold for the motorcycle though! LOL  

A Change of Seasons

Fall moves toward winter, and each day is a step toward the next.  This week, I had a good stint on the bike, workouts have been strong, and I've really loved my journey back into the world of guitars.

I have been practicing The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary", one of my favorite songs of all-time.  It is a song that has a tremendous amount of meaning and symbolism for me personally.  As a song, it has some challenging elements for a guy who hasn't picked up a guitar in awhile, but I am able to get it to where you can actually tell what I am playing!  I also have been playing with the intro to the Slash song "Ghost", which makes for a nice exercise in itself.  

The other interesting thing is that I've stumbled upon a few of my own riffs and progressions as I've been getting back into it, which has been a pleasant discovery.  As I told a friend of mine, I do think about music on a deeper level than I did the last time I picked up a guitar, and I think this is an early sign of that as I have an inclination to think about patterns and structure of songs, riffs, and progressions.  I am interested to see where this goes as things evolve.  Perhaps like a writer improves by reading a lot, I can make strides from the dedicated listening to music that I have done over the years.

The past month, with the exception of one day where I poured out a lot of emotive things into one writing session, I have been unable to write.  Just too much of a storm on the inside, but last night I felt the first tingles of a drive to get back at the writing.  Was thinking of the Hellscapes tales I've written, and the ones that are in process for Volume 2, as it is Halloween.   In the state of mind I've been in, opening the gates fully to these dark worlds might result in some interesting twists and material, and might ultimately be a good way for me to get a few things out of me.  I might give it a shot today or this weekend.

Like I've been saying, a day at a time...and maybe the seasons will change.

....and though the heart of what this song is about is far, far away from where I am now, this song really reaches into me and I look forward to getting the guitar playing down on this one:

Hellscapes Available for 99 cents today on Kindle, Nook and Kobo

Hey everyone, this is just a quick note to let you know that my themed collection of horror short stories Hellscapes, Volume 1, is available on Kindle, Nook, and Kobo for just 99 cents today.  Very different stuff from my other work, but it shows my love and influences from writers such as Clive Barker, Dante, and John Milton.  The stories are very dark, visceral, and macabre, but there is a moral element to each of them, even if in the form of warnings.

Please check it out, and even if you don't like horror, gift a copy or two to friends.

thanks in advance!

Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Hellscapes-Stephen-Zimmer-ebook/dp/B00F01WWKA

Nook:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hellscapes-volume-1-stephen-zimmer/1116848055?ean=2940148672951

Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hellscapes

Hellscapes Available Now on Kindle and Kobo!

I have new eBook links and some great news!

First, I'm thrilled to be invited to this year's Kentucky Book Fair, taking place this November! :) Going to have several new releases to show at the KBF, which is one of the best book fair events in the United States. Truly exceptional and I can't wait to return!

Hellscapes Volume 1 is out TODAY on eBook. Amazon and Kobo are live as I post this, Nook and iBookstore will be at some point today. But for now, Kindle and Kobo users, my brand new horror collection kicks off here, help me get it started off well! Kindle and Kobo links are:

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Hellscapes-ebook/dp/B00F01WWKA

Kobo
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hellscapes

Cover Reveal for Hellscapes, Volume 1!

And now for something completely different, the second announcement of the other new release this week! :) This one is in the horror genre, which will come as no surprise to those who know how much I love Clive Barker, lol (and how much I love Dante's Inferno, Milton's Paradise Lost, etc)  Just know that Hellscapes is very different from my other work.  The stories are very visceral, intense horror in style and theme.  Very timely too, as the two stories book-ending this collection involve powerful political figures who foment wars in foreign lands (Blood Dreams and Lords of War) ... for both there is a price to be paid... ;)   here's the cover and the press release is below:  

Seventh Star Press is proud to unveil the cover art by Matthew Perry for Hellscapes, Volume 1, the first of a brand new horror collection from author Stephen Zimmer.   

The novella-sized release features five stand-alone short stories that have a connection in that all of the tales are set in different aspects of Hell.  Readers can look forward to some recurring characters as the collection unfolds, as well as a wide variety of environments and styles of stories.  

"I'm really excited about this collection," Stephen commented.  "I love the horror genre, as it gives writers some great options for storytelling that are not as readily accessible in other genres.  Some of my fantasy, urban fantasy, and steampunk readers might be surprised about this release, but there are plenty of moments in my other books that show this side of me. I've always been a big fan of the genre, and Clive Barker is one of my all-time favorite authors. Having been long enthralled with more medieval-type depictions of Hell such as Dante's Inferno, and other representations such as can be found in Milton's Paradise lost, I've wanted to explore a theme like this for quite awhile.  This project has been wonderful to undertake and readers can expect much more in the future."  

The eBook will be available on Friday, September 6, and print availability will arrive in the following week.

Here is the official synopsis:   Journey into realms of darkness and explore the regions where angels fear to tread! Welcome to the Hellscapes, featuring tales of the infernal in settings where the horror never ends and the inhabitants experience the ultimate nightmare.  

In “Blood Dreams” follow the tale of a woman who knew great political authority and influence in life, as she discovers the reward awaiting her in the next world.

“The Grove” welcomes a new arrival, a wealthy man who is looking forward to a weekend of indulging in lust and libation, as he has for many years in this secluded convocation for the elite.  Something is different this time, though, and he soon finds that his visit will be taking a very different turn.  

In “The Smallest Fish”, the story is told of a ruthless business mogul who finds himself in an abandoned, ruined version of the city he knew well … in life.  This city won’t be remaining vacant for long.  

“Drowning in Tears” tells the story of a young man’s unhealthy obsession for a suicidal girlfriend that leads him on a path of severe transformation.

The final tale of Volume 1, “Lords of War”, follows the story of a man who wielded military power on a worldwide scale as a Secretary of Defense, who now learns the deeper nature of war and what kinds of monstrosities it breeds.  

 More volumes of Hellscapes are forthcoming.  For further information on Seventh Star Press, please visit www.seventhstarpress.com and for information on the author visitwww.stephenzimmer.com

Seventh Star Press is a publisher of speculative fiction based in Lexington, Kentucky.