It's been a long time since I wrote a post about my writing and I haven't actually been doing much in the last couple of months. However, that is not to say that I haven't been making progress on my novels. I completed the second draft of THE CROSS AND THE CURSE back in September and sent it off to some beta readers. Some have already come back with some very positive comments. It needs another round of edits, and when I hear back from all of the test readers and my agent, I'll give it another once over.
In the meantime, I have started plotting book 3, and even written the first chapter. I've also had a great idea for a novella set in the same time and place, perhaps as a prequel to THE SERPENT SWORD.
I have put both of those projects on hold though, while I have focused on getting THE SERPENT SWORD ready for publication. That means I have been sending it out to other authors for endorsements (I'll post their responses in a future blog post), adding details like Acknowledgements and a map to the novel, working on layout and typesetting and a cover (again, another future blog will cover some of the things I've learnt, and the software tools I've used). I hope to reveal the cover very soon - I am very proud of it.
But first, one of the things I need to do is finalise the book blurb (you know, that text on the back of the book, and probably on the Amazon page, Goodreads, etc?). It needs to be pithy and engaging, enticing people to want to read (and buy!) the book, so it is quite important, but not something I have much experience of.
So, here it is. Please comment below with your thoughts. I'm reasonably happy with it, but welcome the chance to get some feedback before I put it on the back cover of the book, and associated websites.
BRITAIN 633 A.D.
Beobrand embarks on a quest to avenge his brother in war-torn Northumbria. When his journey leads him to witness barbaric acts at the hands of warriors he considered his friends, Beobrand questions the path he has chosen and vows to bring the men to justice.
Relentless in pursuit of his enemies, Beobrand faces challenges that change him irrevocably. Just as a great sword is forged by beating together rods of iron, so Beobrand’s adversities transform him from a farm boy to a man who stands strong in the clamour and gore of the shieldwall.
As he closes in on his kin’s slayer and the bodies begin to pile up, can Beobrand mete out vengeance without losing his honour or his soul?
Set against the backdrop of the clash between peoples and religions of seventh century Britain, The Serpent Sword is the first novel of the Bernicia Chronicles.
UPDATED BLURB
Thanks to Steven A. McKay, Beth Mann and E.M. Powell for their input and suggestions.BRITAIN 633 A.D.
Certain that his brother’s death is murder, young farmhand Beobrand embarks on a quest for revenge in war-torn Northumbria. When he witnesses barbaric acts at the hands of warriors he considers his friends, Beobrand questions his chosen path and vows to bring the men to justice.
Relentless in pursuit of his enemies, Beobrand faces challenges that change him irrevocably. Just as a great sword is forged by beating together rods of iron, so his adversities transform him from a farm boy to a man who stands strong in the clamour and gore of the shieldwall.
As he closes in on his kin’s slayer and the bodies begin to pile up, can Beobrand mete out the vengeance he craves without sacrificing his own honour … or even his soul?
The Serpent Sword is the first novel of the Bernicia Chronicles.
Let me know what you think. Watch this space - there'll be more news soon.
I really like the updated blurb Matthew. I'm looking forward to this being published.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paula. So am I!
DeleteThat's a great blurb Matthew! It's intriguing enough to entice the reader inside without giving too much of the plot away. I was advised to keep it within 3 paragraphs, which you have done for the storyline. Do you need the last paragraph? You mention the period in the title and you could mention on the front cover that it is the first in a series? Just a thought. I love the vivid imagery of Beobrand being forged like a sword; it sets the tone for your novel very well. Look forward to its release!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elaine. I think I might remove the first part of the last para mentioning the time period etc. (you're the second person to mention that), but leave the line about it being the first in the series. That way I can use the same blurb on the back of the paperback and also in other marketing without the need to edit. I think mentioning the series is important. At the moment, the cover has the series name on it, but not the number...I'm a bit scared to call it the first one as I have thought of a prequel story...Though I suppose that is a problem for another time. :-)
DeleteHi Matthew! Looks great, the only sentence I wonder about is: "Relentless in pursuit of his enemies, Beobrand faces challenges that change him irrevocably." It seems a bit redundant, I mean, if he doesn't change it's a pretty dull novel, right? Just my two cents....
ReplyDeleteLisa
Thanks for the comment.
Delete"It seems a bit redundant, I mean, if he doesn't change it's a pretty dull novel, right?"
I guess it doesn't hurt to tell people it isn't a dull novel! ;-)