writing – Page 5 – Immersive fantasy fiction

The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow

The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow – Book Release!

Today Lisa Veldkamp’s first short-story will be released on Amazon. The Bridge is available both as paperback or e-book.

She found her inspiration in magical Dalarna, a county in Sweden. As her family-in-law lives there, this allows her to visit the country on a regular basis, especially in winter. This is where her creation of Eydis was born, a little troll girl who falls in love with a human boy.

Releasing The Bridge sort of became a family effort as the original sketch was made by her cousin Trudy v/d Bosch-Veldkamp. The poem featuring in both the book and the book trailer was made by her cousin Tom v/d Vlies. And her own husband, a goldsmith, created the emerald ring Eydis receives from her father.

Emerald Ring.jpg

The Bridge was first released on the 18^th of October 2015 as part of an anthology created by the #Awethors, Awethology Light. As the word implies, there was also a Dark version released by Plaisted Publishing House. You can download both e-book versions for FREE on Amazon!

To get you in the holiday spirit, here’s the booktrailer for The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow. The music was provided by pianist Donna Verdell.

About the book

“Hello human child. My name is Eydis. I’m a troll-girl who’s in big trouble. You see, I’ve fallen for one of your kind. A human boy. Talib. He’s just so nice – I can’t stay away from him. If my father finds out though, I don’t know what will happen. Humans are not supposed to know we exist and I just broke the rules. Oh, did I mention he’s also the king and I’m heir to the throne? Yes – like I said. Big trouble.”

Deep in the woods, below the rocks and in the caves, there lies a world unknown to us. They are part of our stories though. Part of our heritage, our legends and myths. Trolls. However, they might not be what you expect them to be. What if you meet one of them? Would you believe your eyes? Would you be brave enough to follow them? To go on an adventure?

Front cover The Bridge

Available to buy here:

Paperback US
http://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Between-Yesterday-Tomorrow-Swedish/dp/1522818669/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450538674&sr=1-4&keywords=lisa+veldkamp
Kindle US
http://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Between-Yesterday-Tomorrow-Swedish-ebook/dp/B019KHHI6C/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450538674&sr=1-3&keywords=lisa+veldkamp
Paperback UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1522818669/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1450538838&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX220_SY330_QL65&keywords=lisa+veldkamp&dpPl=1&dpID=511pppZZlBL&ref=plSrch
Kindle UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B019KHHI6C/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1450538838&sr=8-3&keywords=lisa+veldkamp&dpPl=1&dpID=61zHdbbVl-L&ref=plSrch&pi=SY200_QL40

About the author

Lisa Veldkamp Lisa is the author of the poetry collections Nothing is Forgotten, When Words Start To Sing and The Elemental, book I of The Fire Trilogy. The Elemental is her first full-length novel, released on Halloween 2015 by Booktrope Publishing, Seattle WA. She also wrote The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow, her first short story for teenagers, which was released 18 October 2015 in the anthology Awethology Light by Plaisted Publishing.

Lisa has a background in social services and music, but writing has always been a part of her daily life. One night she dreamed the outlines of The Elemental and took it as a sign from the Universe to pursue a career in writing.

She grew up in a small town in the Netherlands where her parents always taught her to think outside the box. She has a degree in social studies and joined the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids as an adult.

Lisa loves London, according to her ‘the city where magic dwells’ and can often be found there. She still resides in the Netherlands however with her partner and their dog Miss Ginger Rogers and if you’re lucky, you may find her in her favourite coffeehouse, Barista cafe.

Lisa is also a freelance copywriter for CAPSLOC, a music venue in The Netherlands and an editor for Folk Harp Folks, a magazine published by The Dutch Folk Harp society.

Links

Website: www.the-elemental.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theelemental

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Lisa_Elemental

Blog: themoderndruidess.wordpress.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/628519.Lisa

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOoWcrbEWpIm31mP3owna_A

Newsletter: http://the-elemental.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c33e2d60719e4f014ec9cfadb&id=bc650b1a7e

Dec 21, 2015Dec 21, 2015 by dmcain84

Want to win a £10 Amazon giftcard?

This competition has just one more day until closure – follow the steps below to win be entered into a draw to win a £10 Amazon giftcard. I’ll be announcing the winner at 9pm GMT (4pm EST) on 14th December.

Would you like to win a £10 Amazon giftcard?

All you have to do is share the links below for The Phoenix Project to your facebook wall and tag five friends who might be interested in reading it. (Also tag DM Cain so I can see your post!) Then you will be entered into a draw to win the giftcard. It’s that simple!

Here are the links you can share:

Amazon:
US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0195A6AYK – http://amzn.to/1NKjbrt

UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0195A6AYK – http://amzn.to/1QAoJW9

Nook:
http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/the-phoenix-project-by-dm-cain/2940157645656

Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-phoenix-project-dm-cain/1123117161

Dec 13, 2015 by dmcain84

Dark, psychological dystopian ‘The Phoenix Project’ gets a makeover!

It’s taken many an hour slogging away over the manuscript, making tweaks and changes and tearing my hair out, but the new version of The Phoenix Project is finally here!

This brand new edition of my dystopian, psychological thriller The Phoenix Project will be re-released on December 11th. It was originally published in May 2014, and this new Booktrope edition has had a complete editing overhaul plus a stunning new cover design.

The Phoenix Project Cover - Booktrope

The book will be available to buy from a wide range of digital and paperback distributors, including Amazon:

Nook:

http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/the-phoenix-project-by-dm-cain/2940157645656

Amazon:

US http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0195A6AYK – http://amzn.to/1NKjbrt

UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0195A6AYK – http://amzn.to/1QAoJW9

Synopsis:

How can you fight to the death, when you’ve given up on life?

A thought provoking and compelling dystopian world that will change the way you view justice…

A man fights for life—and redemption—in D. M. Cain’s riveting re-released novel, The Phoenix Project.

Britain has descended into chaos as violence and terrorist attacks seethe across this once-peaceful country. Outraged by the steady stream of lawlessness, citizens demand a harsher penal system, and the Phoenix Project is born.

In prisons across the country, inmates fight to the death in a weekly bloodbath while the nation cheers them on.

Raven Kennedy, a prisoner who has never forgiven himself for his unspeakable crime, struggles against his own guilt and self-loathing. But even as the real war wages on within himself, Raven is forced to battle some of the prison’s most ruthless killing machines. Can he survive long enough to unravel the anger and regret that shackle him—and one day find the forgiveness he seeks?

‘The Phoenix Project by D.M. Cain is a superbly written debut, soaked in tension and intrigue,’ Jack Croxall, author of the ‘Tethers’ trilogy.

An interesting fact about The Phoenix Project: The horrifying ‘dark room’ in The Phoenix Project (a pitch-black sensory deprivation cell) was inspired by D.M. Cain’s visit to the Terror Haza in Budapest—a museum dedicated to the fascistic and communistic regimes that operated from the building. In the cellar of the Terror Haza are the old cells used to imprison and torture inmates. D.M. crawled inside a very low cell and shut the door, casting herself into total darkness. It was terrifying and claustrophobic, and she only lasted five minutes in there!

Extract from Chapter One:

This is the opening, which throws us straight into Raven preparing for his first fight to the death
Cold, dark terror trickled through Raven Kennedy’s veins, freezing him on the spot. There was a thunderous drumbeat echoing around his skull and it took him a while to realise it was the relentless, agitated pounding of his own heart.

As he became more nervous, more afraid of his looming fate, his breath came quickly, sticking in his throat and choking him. A cough threatened to burst forth from his lips, but he held it in, afraid it would bring with it the contents of his stomach—the bland, tasteless meal he had been given in his cell.

It was the worst possible time to feel weak, but Raven felt like he could hardly lift his arms, his exhaustion was so great. He hadn’t slept a wink last night. How could he with today hovering over him?
The time for his first fight had come around quickly. He’d hardly been given time to think about it at all. Raven looked down at his hands and was not surprised to see they were shaking.

His opponent’s name was Wilson. Raven knew nothing else about him. He’d never spoken to him, had never even met him. Had they passed one another in the dining hall and never even looked up? If he had spoken to him would that make what he was about to do any easier?

He heard heavy footsteps in the corridor and his heart jumped into his throat. They were coming for him.

Dec 11, 2015Dec 11, 2015 by dmcain84

The Phoenix Project Thunderclap!

Hi everybody! I need some help with my release of The Phoenix Project through US publisher Booktrope. I have set up a Thunderclap campaign to try and get the word out. Any support would be greatly appreciated.

https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/35467-the-phoenix-project-release

Thank you so much!

The Phoenix Project Cover - Booktrope.jpg

Dec 3, 2015Dec 3, 2015 by dmcain84

I wrote a book!

As an author, I constantly beat myself up about my work – day in, day out. Why haven’t I finished my work-in-progress yet? This piece isn’t edited well enough. Am I clearly defining the plot/character/location? Why isn’t my book getting as many reviews as other people’s?

I often forget to just sit back and look at what I do objectively. I wrote a book for goodness’ sake!

Do you know how many people yearn to write what is inside their hearts and never manage to actually get it down on paper? Well, I did.

So I say, forget all the stressful hard work and confidence bashing that comes with writing and, from time to time, just sit back and say to yourself – I achieved something incredible.

Nov 9, 2015Nov 7, 2015 by dmcain84

I won the #awethors opening lines competition!

Hooray! I won the #Awethors ‘opening lines’ competition with the first line of my psychological dystopian thriller The Phoenix Project:

“Cold, dark terror trickled through Raven Kennedy’s veins, freezing him on the spot.”

I will now be featured on the #Awethors website and have earned bragging rights 😉

Dark, dystopian thriller The Phoenix Project - soon to be re-released through Booktrope — Dark, dystopian thriller The Phoenix Project – soon to be re-released through Booktrope

Nov 7, 2015Nov 7, 2015 by dmcain84

Secrets of The Phoenix Project

Secrets of The Phoenix Project…

The Phoenix Project was an idea floating around in my head for 10 years before it finally saw the light of day. All the characters, locations and events were gradually built upon to become what they are today. So here are some of the early influences on the novel.

When hunting through my old notes from the very early versions of the book, I found these pictures. I cut them from magazines when I was around 18 years old and for years they were the perfect images for my characters. My ideas have changed somewhat (especially for Khan, who looks far too sweet here!), but the main ideas remained the same.

Alexia, Khan, Kiri and Seraphia

I even tried drawing some of my characters years ago! I have absolutely no talent in drawing so these are not very good – but they allowed me to get a better idea of the characters early on. Alexia and Raven

Raven has also been a mixture of various people – both real and imaginary. I was working on the same character for a long time and he grew and developed into both Vincent Wilder from the Light and Shadow Chronicles, and Raven Kennedy from The Phoenix Project. Therefore, much of Raven’s character is from him. However, parts of him have been based around the following people:

Raven has always had dark hair and intense eyes. The first person I saw in a movie that really looked like my image of him was Billy Crudup as Tommy Marcano in the film ‘Sleepers.’

Then I watched ‘Sunshine’ starring Cillian Murphy, and I loved the intensity of his eyes, and the haunted look he always has about him!

Another good model for Raven is Aidan Turner – especially in ‘Being Human’. I like the darkness of his eyes, (though I think he may be a bit too ‘pretty’ for Raven!)

The closest I’ve come yet to an actor who looks a lot like my image of Raven is Santiago Cabrera as Isaac in Heroes. As a character that deals with mental health issues, Isaac reminded me a lot of Raven and that brooding intensity he has is just perfect!

So, what do you think? If you have read The Phoenix Project why not drop me a line and let me know who you pictured when you were reading the book. Maybe your idea of Raven (or any of the characters) will be very different to mine, but I’d love to know!

Nov 2, 2015Sep 27, 2020 by dmcain84

Wondering What The Shield On My Book Covers Means? Find Out!

Many people have asked me about the meaning of the shield and symbols on the front of A Chronicle of Chaos and The Shield of Soren, so I thought I’d take some time out to explain the significance of the artwork.

Each of the symbols on the shield represents a different faction in the war which rages across the land in the Light and Shadow Chronicles series. Some of the symbols are linked to the Children of Light, some the Brotherhood of Shadow and some entirely different groups of people (or creatures!) altogether.

Avalanche

Avalanche – a small elite unit of warriors fighting for the Children of Light. Some of the best soldiers in the whole series fight under this banner.
Characters you may have met: Raven Lennox, Deacon Thialdor, Ryan Thialdor, Tiger Lennox

Light and Shadow Chronicles Children of Light army sigil symbol — Children of Light

Children of Light – One of the armies in the eternal war, led by immortal matriarch and warrior, Callista Nienna.
Characters you may have met: Callista Nienna, Hayden Lennox, Scorpio Bast, Kham Nitaya, Deveron Nitaya

Light and Shadow Chronicles Nightfall army sigil symbol — Nightfall

Nightfall – another elite unit of soldiers, this time from the generation below Avalanche. They formed their unit out of jealousy that they couldn’t get into Avalanche! They are impetuous, rash and often uncompromising.
Characters you may have met: Chaos Lennox, Dana Thialdor (originally named Deianira Thialdor), Mercury Lennox, Syfer Lennox

Light and Shadow Chronicles demons army sigil symbol — Demons

Demons – residents of Hell who have been summoned to fight for the Brotherhood of Shadow.
Characters you may have met: Anathema, Phantom, Malla (originally named Maleficia), Anubis, Reign (half demon)

Light and Shadow Chronicles Valhalla Elite army sigil symbol — Valhalla Elite

Valhalla Elite – an elite unit of warriors in the Brotherhood of Shadow which formed to counterbalance the threat from Avalanche.
Characters you may have met: (There is not much mention of these guys in A Chronicle of Chaos – the only character briefly seen is Vincent Wilda’s son, Silas)

Light and Shadow Chronicles Brotherhood of Shadow army sigil symbol — Brotherhood of Shadow

The Brotherhood of Shadow -the army opposing the Children of Light in the eternal war, led by immortal warrior Vincent Wilda.
Characters you may have met: Vincent Wilda, The Bavelize (ish – he is working with them currently), Guardian, Reign,

Light and Shadow Chronicles DUSK army sigil symbol — D.U.S.K.

D.U.S.K – The Democratic Union of Separatist Knights – a group of people who broke away from the two warring sides to form their own nation.

Characters you may have met: They haven’t appeared in the books yet, but will do soon!

Light and Shadow Chronicles Angels army sigil symbol — Angels

Angels – a group of Heavenly beings that come to the Human Realm when the world is threatened by demons.
Characters you may have met: Icarus, Samael, Ceres, Tenshi, Cassandra, Anna

In A Chronicle of Chaos the two most prominent factions are Nightfall and demons. As such, those two sections are highlighted. The Shield of Soren has angels and the Children of Light highlighted. In future books, different sections will be highlighted depending on the characters featured.

Comment below – which symbol/faction do you like best?

Wondering What The Shield On My Book Cover Means? Find Out!

Many people have asked me about the meaning of the shield and symbols on the front of A Chronicle of Chaos, so I thought I’d take some time out to explain the significance of the artwork.

Children of Light – One of the armies in the eternal war, led by immortal matriarch and warrior, Callista Nienna.
Characters you may have met: Callista Nienna, Hayden Lennox, Scorpio Bast

Demons – residents of Hell who have been summoned to fight for the Brotherhood of Shadow.
Characters you may have met: Anathema, Phantom, Malla (originally named Maleficia), Anubis

D.U.S.K – The Democratic Union of Separatist Knights – a group of people who broke away from the two warring sides to form their own nation.

Characters you may have met: They haven’t appeared in the books yet, but will do soon!

Angels – a group of Heavenly beings that come to the Human Realm when the world is threatened by demons.
Characters you may have met: Icarus, Samael

In A Chronicle of Chaos the two most prominent factions are Nightfall and demons. As such, those two sections are highlighted. In future books, different sections will be highlighted depending on the characters featured.

Oct 28, 2015Oct 28, 2015 by dmcain84

Awethology Light and Dark countdown – 1 day to go!

Tomorrow, a completely FREE set of anthologies by the writing group the #Awethors will be released! 49 authors from all over the world have come together to bring out a pair of anthologies of all genres. The anthologies have been split into two volumes – Awethology DARK and Awethology LIGHT – the difference being the content and age rating of the pieces included. (I’m the Dark volume – no surprises there!)

The most incredible thing about these Awethologies is the dedication and commitment of the authors involved (who truly do earn themselves the title ‘Awethors’. Many of them have created banners or postcards promoting their stories within the books, and they look fabulous! So here are a few examples of the incredible designs I’ve seen the past few days:

The End postcard 1