Blog Archives
Character Collaboration with Jeff Thomason
In March 2012 Jeff Thomason (the superb comic artist behind the Jak Phoenix Universe illustrations) decided to create this stellar graphic depicting his character, Wandering Koala, and good old Jak Phoenix himself in a ‘what-if’ situation. Like everything he has drawn for the Jak Phoenix Universe this one is a wonderful piece of art. Jeff’s drawings took Jak Phoenix off the page and really brought him to life. His article here explains some of the technical details behind the work and is entitled ‘Teamwork in Fiction,” which perfectly outlines the relationship he and I formed through our indie publishing adventures. Thanks again, Jeff!
Matt D. Williams
Author of the Jak Phoenix Adventures
Be sure to check Jeff’s original article here: http://atouchofjeff.blogspot.ca/2012/03/teamwork-in-fiction.html
Jak Phoenix at the Canadian Kindle Store!
Jak & Baxter in the Great White North!
Recently, both Jak Phoenix novels became available in the Amazon Canadian Kindle Store. Being a Canadian author, this is important to me. Click on the book covers for direct links.
On a side note, I’d like to give a quick shout out to all those who have read or are planning to read Jak Phoenix. The feedback has been excellent and I can’t begin to describe my appreciation. Thank you so much for your support. The best is yet to come…
Matt Williams
September Space Shenanigans – Time is Ticking!
Get Jak Phoenix FREE!
Just a quick reminder about the special events this month. Take advantage of some great Jak Phoenix promotions throughout the month of September. Until September 30th, 2012, you can download the original Jak Phoenix ebook from Smashwords for FREE! Use coupon code WE65H at checkout to get the $1.99 book absolutely FREE!
Head to this link to pick up your ebook:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/9293
Win a Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception paperback at Goodreads.com!
Head to Goodreads.com and enter to win a paperback copy of Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception. The contest closes September 28, 2012. 108 people have already entered the draw. Get in there!
September Space Shenanigans!
Get Jak Phoenix FREE!
Take advantage of some great Jak Phoenix promotions throughout the month of September. Until September 30th, 2012, you can download the original Jak Phoenix ebook from Smashwords for FREE! Use coupon code WE65H at checkout to get the $1.99 book absolutely FREE!
Head to this link to pick up your ebook:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/9293
Win a Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception paperback at Goodreads.com!
Head to Goodreads.com and enter to win a paperback copy of Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception. The contest closes September 28, 2012 so get over there and enter!
Jak Phoenix is on Sale at Smashwords.com!
Both Jak Phoenix and the sequel Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception are on sale at Smashwords.com until July 31st, 2012!
The Jak Phoenix eBook is 50% off at Smashwords.com until July 31st, 2012. Enter code SSW50 at checkout to get it for only $1!
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/9293
The Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception eBook is 25% off at Smashwords.com until July 31st, 2012. Enter code SSW25 at checkout to get it for only $2.24!
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/152602
Offer ends soon, so grab them while you can!
Author Matt D. Williams was interviewed by fantasy author Tracy Falbe where he discusses his inspirations, writing in general and the character of Jak Phoenix. Check it all out!
I was interviewed by fantasy author Tracy Falbe yesterday and we discussed writing, inspiration and my character Jak Phoenix. Here’s a snippet of that interview:
| With two novels and a short story to his name (and a few good reviews) Canadian indie author Matt D. Williams reveals what he likes about his low-achiever hero Jak Phoenix and his writing goals. |
1. Why space opera? What elements of this genre do you enjoy most as a writer?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been attracted to sprawling space opera-type tales with an inherent lighter tone. There is just something about an action packed pulp story told on a grand scale that gets my heart pumping and my mind racing. The big heroes, the diabolical villains, the explosions, the space pistols – fun stuff.
There are many very talented authors out there who are doing exceptional work with harder…
View original 185 more words
Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception is now available!
Initiate space shenanigans!
Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception is now available!
The space adventure sequel is now available on Smashwords.com and at Amazon.com for the Kindle, priced at only $2.99 for the ebook version. If you prefer a different format or retailer, hold tight. It will be available shortly at other retailers like iTunes, Sony Reader Store, Barnes & Noble and in print on Amazon.com soon enough. Info will be relayed as soon as JP2 shows up there!
I sincerely hope you enjoy the book!
Thank you again,
Matt D. Williams
Jak Phoenix 2 & The Journey of Life
Author Matt D. Williams posted a message about the writing of Jak Phoenix 2 over on www.mattdwilliamsonline.com. Check out the full article here, or read a snippet about Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception below…
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About the Book
With Jak Phoenix 2, I had some different goals in mind than on the first novel. I wanted to keep the humor and action at a level as high as the first book, but I wanted to keep the story grounded in a smaller galactic region. In Jak Phoenix 1, they were flying all over the galaxy. I wanted to see how Jak might react with some restrictions on not only his movements, but his actions.
I also made it a goal to ensure the villain was not as clear. In the first novel, the villain was as big as a planet, but this time I wanted to create a story where things weren’t so easily figured out. Fewer villains wearing black hats, as they say. I wanted more twists and turns, and a stronger sense of mystery.
I also wanted to put the characters through more emotionally difficult situations and experiment with creating a rising level of dramatic intrigue. Don’t worry, Jak is still a lazy smart ass, but maybe he is a man who can be beaten … or hurt … or deceived. What happens when his selfishness starts to affect the people around him?
In the end, it’s still a simple pulp space opera story meant to supply you with big spills, thrills and chills, and a heavy helping of humour. But, by the end you’ll see something more sinister might be brewing in the Azore’s Crown galaxy.
Matt D. Williams
Check out the full article at http://mattdwilliams.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/jak-phoenix-2-the-journey-of-life/
Jak Phoenix – A Recommended Read at Fantastic Adventures!
Cheese levels at maximum!!!
So I just found this great post from Brent Nichols on his blog, Fantastic Adventures. He listed Jak Phoenix as a recommended read and I couldn’t be happier. His notes were spot on, understanding the fun of the Jak Phoenix story. Fantastic Adventures can be found here: http://brentnichols.blogspot.com/ Thanks again Brent!
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Recommended Reading – Jak Phoenix
Their finances had dried up, Jak’s ship was falling apart and their weapons and tools should have been on display in a museum. They were facing the reality that they may have to quit and gain real, meaningful employment.
I’ll admit that the cheese factor is fairly high on this one, but this book is too much fun to pass up. Jak Phoenix is a down-at-the-heels would-be space pirate. No risk is too great, no hardship too onerous, if it will save him from the horrors of honest employment. With a dilapidated spaceship, an antiquated pistol, and an unshaven sidekick, he’s trekking across the galaxy in search of a dishonest buck. He is no Captain Kirk, but to his dismay Jak will find that the galaxy needs saving, and no one else is available.
Jak is the ultimate anti-hero, a blend of Han Solo and Spaceman Spiff with a bit of Three Stooges mixed in. It’s a light-hearted adventure that will make you laugh out loud. Don’t try to take it seriously. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. You won’t learn anything profound about the human condition, but you’ll have a lot of fun. Matt Williams has created an old-fashioned space opera that is preposterous, exciting, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Original post by Brent Nichols at his blog Fantastic Fiction http://brentnichols.blogspot.com/2011/06/recommended-reading-jak-phoenix.html
An Interview with Fantasy Author Tracy Falbe
Fantasy author Tracy Falbe found the time to answer a few questions about her new book and life in general. Take a read – her answers will show you why she’s a writer…
MW: When we spoke last, I found out you had an adventure of your own this spring with a certain natural disaster. Would you like to share a bit about that experience?
TF: On May 29th a severe storm with 100 mile per hour winds hit Battle Creek, Michigan. I personally believe there were tornadoes in the storm but I don’t know if that was officially confirmed. My neighborhood was badly hit. Battle Creek is an old town and most of the neighborhoods are filled with glorious mature hardwoods. In a matter of minutes hundreds of them came crashing down as the storm tore a swath of destruction through the city, smashing homes and taking out utility lines. On commercial streets without the tree cover, businesses lost roofs and many signs were bent over and torn apart. Everyone is amazed and grateful no one died. A person caught outside in the flying debris could have easily been killed.
I think everyone heeded the sirens because of the many tragic deaths farther south this spring. The storm I experienced came incredibly fast and hit like a hammer. The storm did not so much as blow in as come down straight from the sky. Everything went white outside and I could not see beyond my yard as I rushed my kids into the basement. There was a massive roaring sound and I did not hear what must have been the terrible noise of huge oak trees crashing across my street. The storm plastered my house with chewed up leaves and small branches pierced my yard like spears, but otherwise my property was lucky. Four very large hardwoods, two oaks and two maples, directly threaten my home, but bless their woody hearts they stood firm while many of their mates succumbed all around.
What influence will this event have on your future stories? Are we likely to see some reference creep in?
The colossal power of Nature has always had a presence in my writing. I know that my puny humanity and technology are nothing compared to the chaotic might of a living planet. I’ve beheld the towering darkness of an oncoming dust storm in the Mojave Desert. I’ve endured the choking despair of wild fires while ash rained on my home. I’ve been saved from drowning by a stranger when he pulled me from a rushing river. I’ve watched funnel clouds go by and now I’ve cowered beneath one, so, since you asked, I probably should throw a tornado into a story.
This bad storm has also made me reflect on luck. You really can get lucky for no reason. (And doesn’t a hero in an adventure novel need that?) My home was unscathed. Elsewhere in my neighborhood I saw a property where three tall oaks came down and somehow managed to miss that man’s house AND boat as if a loving god were juggling logs for his sake. Across the street from the same place, vehicles were smashed and one house was about cut in half by falling oaks. Anything can happen and there is not much you can do about it.
Tell us about your new book, Rys Rising.
Rys Rising: Book I is launching my second epic fantasy series. The story is in the same world as The Rys Chronicles but I have gone 2,200 years back in time. I’ve created the ancient civilization of Nufal that was an extinct ruin in my first series, and I’m detailing the early days of the rys and the rise of Onja and Dacian as that race’s Queen and King. Much of the action also involves the western tribal kingdoms and the human character of Amar. This epic was a challenge for me to write because it has three races and two civilizations. Also there is a rivalry between religious sects in Nufal to further complicate things. I’m styling the Rys Rising series as a complex epic told from many angles. It also has a greater emphasis on the bad guy. The fantasy genre for me is about having fun and exploring facets of society even if they are deviant. Rys Rising: Book I has a big focus on outlaws, like the main character Amar. My husband even insists that Amar IS the hero despite his lack of good deeds.
Where does this book fall into the chronological order with the rest of the Rys Chronicles?
Rys Rising is a prequel series, so it is the beginning. Because rys and tabre can live for thousands of years and hibernate, readers will get to meet some of the magical characters from the first series and see their original adventures.
Why did you decide to release this in the weekly serial format?
In addition to making Rys Rising: Book I a free ebook download at my websites, I decided to serialize it chapter by chapter to help market the novel. Every time I post a new chapter it gives me something new to talk about in my marketing efforts. Instead of constantly saying “download my free ebook” I can also say something fresh like “go read this chapter.” I also want to make it easy for people to check out my fiction. Reading a blog post is basically effortless compared to downloading an ebook. People like to read excerpts before committing to actually downloading a file.
I’m also hoping as time goes by and more people read the novel that the blog novel version will serve as a place for readers to comment and discuss the content.
Can you give us a hint of what to expect in the next volumes of the Rys Rising series?
Maybe these hints are best expressed in a tag cloud….adultery, awesomeness, bachelor party, betrayal, burning idols, dancers, drummers, duel, dungeon, enchantments, execution, funeral, magic, monsters, politics, religious war, sacrifice, siege, slaughter, swords, vengeance, wedding…Is this epic enough for you?
What kind of a timeline are we looking at for a release?
I can confidently say that Savage Storm: Rys Rising Book II will be published in October. I wish I could commit to getting New Religion: Rys Rising Book III published in time for Christmas, but realistically it could be January. Book IV that is untitled right now should be out in the last half of 2012. It’s half written.
What kind of format will the next installments arrive in?
Ebooks will be the format of first publication. By far I reach the most readers with ebooks, so digital is my priority. After publishing the ebooks I will develop print-on-demand paperbacks and hardcovers at Lulu.com. I just made the hardcover of Rys Rising: Book I live at Lulu http://www.lulu.com/product/hardcover/rys-rising-book-i/17146690 and the paperback version will be live as soon as I examine a proof copy that is en route to me.
What are you enjoying about your independence in the publishing world?
I love most that I am building a business around my dearest creative passion. I love also that I am writing stories straight from my soul and reaching an audience. This is infinitely better than trying to attract the interest of a publisher, which I wasted four years (2000 -2004) doing. Life is too short to leave my dreams in the hands of others.
Are you writing full time now?
Well, writing for me is not a 40 hour a week thing. If I actually write for two hours in a day, it’s a good session. So maybe that is full time for me. I try to write everyday although right now I am immersed in reading, editing, and proofreading Savage Storm and New Religion. I need to get those two novels fine tuned before I can return to writing the final part. This process allows me to absorb the middle of the epic and ponder the nuances so I can draw everything together in the conclusion. I know from experience that finishing an epic is very hard. Writing The Borderlands of Power: The Rys Chronicles Book IV was very challenging. Plus with every subsequent novel I write I push myself to do better. Although readers will make their individual judgments about each novel, I must always be satisfied that my latest novel is my best yet. An artist must always strive to improve.
What else have you been up to?
I have a ridiculous range of interests. I grow and preserve a lot of food for my family, so I’m busy in the garden and the kitchen. I’m always researching organic gardening and experimenting with plants. My goal is to make my yard as productive as possible, and I’m enjoying a good deal of success with that. I’m also an estate sale addict, which means I go shopping in dead people’s houses. Through the winter I plan to start making some upcycled décor from vintage items. I even have a quilting project.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for the interview and I wish you much success with Jak Phoenix.
Free ebook Rys Rising: Book I http://www.falbepublishing.com/braveluck/free-fantasy-ebook-rys-rising.html
Blog serial http://falbepublishing.com/rys-rising/2011/08/02/1-mountain-daughter/
Wattpad http://www.wattpad.com/2160964-rys-rising-book-i-chapter-1-mountain-daughter
Also 99 cents at these retailers:
Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79722
Apple iBooks http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rys-rising-book-i/id458569652?mt=11
Amazon Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FYSSSC
B&N Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rys-rising-tracy-falbe/1104808237
