I Invite You to Become Part of Something Truly Positive in the Rayden Valkyrie TV Pilot Project

At the moment we are a little more than two weeks away from the goal line.  We've made progress, with 79 backers on the Kickstarter campaign totaling $6,390 in pledges.  We have posted 31 updates to the campaign, and 4 full videos.  Our Thunderclap coming up on April 7th now has 137 participants, with a reach of 260,000 people among that group.

All of it is certainly positive, but we need additional help to reach the goal.

The questions are straightforward.

If we reach the goal, our task is to deliver a TV pilot.  Will we do that?

Yes, absolutely.

Will this project benefit the Eastern Kentucky region where most of it would be produced.

Yes, absolutely.

Will this project provide numerous opportunities for a variety of talented individual?

Yes, absolutely.

Will this project be something that those involved in it, whether backing it or working on it, an be proud of?

Yes, absolutely.

I won't make this post long, as the Kickstarter site now has posts addressing all aspects of the campaign and showcasing a variety of individuals representing the kind of folks that we would build a production group with.  There are also a slew of awesome custom memorabilia items available only through this campaign, on various reward levels for pledging.

Maybe I should also mention that my deep dedication to this project and character means that I will go to every end to see that this TV Pilot is delivered at the highest level possible.

We just need a little help.  Please consider coming over to the Kickstarter project page and clicking on the "Back this Project" link on the right side, and make a pledge to help us get closer to the goal.

If you back us, we will deliver.  Thank you for reading.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seventhstarpress/rayden-valkyrie-tv-pilot

New Interview Posted at the Blog of H.C. Playa, Covering Writing and Sword and Sorcery

It has been just a little bit since I had a new interview, but there's one that went live today at the blog of H.C. Playa.  Covers writing, sword and sorcery, and goes quite a bit into elements concerning both Heart of a Lion and the Fires in Eden Series.  Quite a few insights about Rayden Valkyrie in this one too.  Definitely worth checking out if you get a moment. 

Big thanks to H.C. Playa for interviewing me!

The direct link is! 

https://hcplaya.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/writers-ramble-stephen-zimmer-on-sword-sorcery/

How About a Rayden Valkyrie TV Show?

Why not?

She's got an honor code that is worth taking a look at, there would be loads of action, some steamy scenes, and far more than a few cool SFX/monster elements.  I think audiences would embrace and love Rayden Valkyrie...so...why not demonstrate how she would make a fantastic central character for an episodic TV series?

I've been looking for a project to get back into movie-making and the answer has been staring me in the face. This amazing character has called out to me once more.  I have heard many times from readers how strongly Rayden has connected with them after they have read Heart of a Lion, and I've commented often how strongly Rayden has connected with me.

The content is strong. The message is strong.  It has mainstream appeal.  So why not?

It's not going to be easy.  It will involve a Kickstarter campaign, most likely, and an ensuing production that has to attain a high production value worthy of the content.  But I know of many exceptionally talented folks who I can bring into the project to reach the level that it needs to be.

I've waited for awhile to find the right movie project to get back into, as I want to be sure it's done right.  With a Rayden Valkyrie pilot episode, there is a lot to draw from story-wise that would not require massive scale ala "Game of Thrones." There are a lot of wilderness-based options with Rayden that would not require casts of thousands or massive sets.

Do a few things exceptionally well.  That would be the key.  Bringing across her character in a high production value episode.

It is VERY doable. We would have to be very diligent in who took on the role of Rayden, as there is a lot of dimension to her, but I know we could find the right individual.  I feel that to the core.

It's going to get very interesting and I hope that everyone who has read Heart of a Lion and loved Rayden will help us get the word out on the Kickstarter that is forthcoming.

Stay tuned.... ;)

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!

Heart of a Lion trailer and eBook debuts today! The First Rayden Valkyrie Novel!

It is definitely a day to celebrate, the release of the eBook and video trailer for Heart of a Lion, the first Rayden Valkyrie novel and Book One in the Dark Sun Dawn trilogy! We are gearing up for the celebration of the print version this Saturday at 5pm at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, KY, but those with eReaders can dive right into Rayden's world today.

The video trailer was created by the incredible Kylie Jude of Frozen Creek Studios.  She has composed Rayden Valkyrie theme music as well, which is included in this trailer.  

As far as the book itself, here are the direct links to the Kindle, Nook, and Kobo versions.  The synopsis is below.  The cover art was created by Bonnie Wasson and my editor on this one was Scott Sandridge, both of whom I want to give a big shout out too! :)    If you enjoy dark fantasy/sword and sorcery, you will find all the goods in here along with a wonderful heroine! :)  Kindle Version Kobo Version Nook Version

Synopsis: Rayden Valkyrie. She walks alone, serving no king, emperor, or master. Forged in the fires of tragedy, she has no place she truly calls home

. 

A deadly warrior wielding both blade and axe, Rayden is the bane of the wicked and corrupt. To many others, she is the most loyal and dedicated of friends, an ally who is unyielding in the most dangerous of circumstances. 

The people of the far southern lands she has just aided claim that she has the heart of a lion. For Rayden, a long journey to the lands of the far northern tribes who adopted her as a child beckons, with an ocean lying in between. 

Her path will lead her once more into the center of a maelstrom, one involving a rising empire that is said to be making use of the darkest kinds of sorcery to grow its power. Making new friends and discoveries amid tremendous peril, Rayden makes her way to the north. 

Monstrous beasts, supernatural powers, and the bloody specter of war have been a part of her world for a long time and this journey will be no different. Rayden chooses the battles that she will fight, whether she takes up the cause of one individual or an entire people. 

Both friends and enemies alike will swiftly learn that the people of the far southern lands spoke truly. Rayden Valkyrie has the heart of a lion. 

Heart of a Lion is Book One of the Dark Sun Dawn Trilogy.

Rayden Valkyrie Debuts Today in Thunder on the Battlefield: Sword!

Hey everybody,

I plan on getting back into the blogging mode a little more, just been a very rough year personally with the passing of my mother back in June.

I do have a little good news today in regards to writing, as my new character Rayden Valkyrie makes her debut in "All the Lands, Nowhere a Home" in the anthology Thunder on the Battlefield: Sword from editor James. R. Tuck, who you might know as the author of the popular Deacon Chalk novels.

This is really hard-hitting sword and sorcery, and I highly recommend all the authors in both volumes (the other is Thunder on the Battlefield: Sorcery).

It is an appropriate day for the release, too, as Thursay is the Day of Thunder named for the Norse god Thor!

I really hope you enjoy these anthologies and Rayden.  She's going to be doing a whole lot more in the future!

Here's the links for the Sword volume, which has my short story:
Kindle version: http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Battlefield-Sword-ebook/dp/B00EE0YL8Y


Nook version: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thunder-on-the-battlefield-james-r-tuck/1116359898?ean=2940148400639

and here's the links for the second volume, Sorcery:

Kindle version: http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Battlefield-Sorcery-ebook/dp/B00EE15GY6


Nook verison: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thunder-on-the-battlefield-james-r-tuck/1116359900?ean=2940148400660