Ronnie Massey - Author, Crimson Dawn
Ronnie Massey is the author of Crimson Dawn – Book One of the Darklife Saga.
This morning when I woke up, it was with a mission. I promised myself that I was going to finish the two nagging short stories that I have been working on for at least a month. I also sat down with the firm intentions of putting the finishing touches on my latest Angels 101 post. What do they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? While today has definitely been a writing day, I have not finished either short story, and this is my third attempt at sitting down and writing my post.
Now, that might lead to the question, if you’ve been writing all day, then what have you been writing, Ronnie? Why, funny you should ask. A few months ago a friend of mine, who happens to be a writer, and I were discussing marketing strategies and using the internet to one’s advantage. We discussed utilizing social networking sites and cover design, the advantages and disadvantages of Kindle Direct Publishing and book trailers.
When we got to book trailers that segued into the question, “What other mediums can we use to our advantage?” Gary mentioned my love of comic books (I’ve been collecting for over 20 years) and drawing and said that my latest novel, UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels, would make a great graphic novel. Gary pointed out that UnBound has got heavenly battles, angels and demons duking it out for the fate of the world, and three main characters that are unique, interesting, and powerful. When he put it like that, I began to agree with him. Since that conversation I’ve been researching the comic book industry.
With the advent of the internet and popularity of such programs as Photoshop, Gimp, and other image manipulation tools, it has become far easier for artist to make their work available to the masses. Indie comics are more popular than ever with their creators posting one or two panels at a time and growing their audience. There are some cases in which a creator is both writer and illustrator, and there are some cases in which a writer will partner with an illustrator, sometimes an inker and someone else to do coloring (it takes a village, you know).
Some do it for the love of their art, while some are hoping to become the next Jim Lee, Stan Lee, or Todd MacFarlane; whatever the case, often these comics are produced with little or no pay going to those who are responsible for them. Sometimes it takes months or even years for a web comic to build its audience and become profitable. For the lucky ones who build their fan base and raise enough money to go to print, it’s an interesting and rewarding process. But the creators have to put in the work.
Where was I going with this…um, yeah, what have I been writing all day? The conversation with Gary (fellow author) reminded me of the numerous avenues that I have ahead of me. Aside from book trailers and graphic novel adaptions, there are also video and audio podcast. With the right program, some practice, imagination and determination, the choices are almost unlimited. I am definitely determined to become a successful author. I’m not trying to become the next Anne Rice, Laurell K. Hamilton, or Mark Silvestri, but I do want to get to a point where I can write full time.
And I still haven’t answered the question. I have been writing the graphic novel adaption of UnBound. Not only have I been writing the adaption, I’ve been sketching the characters. After many incarnations, I think I have finally settled on the looks for Theo, Justin, and Gloria, the three main characters. It’s been a busy day. Next up is inking, but that will have to come tomorrow.
Sadly there are not enough hours in the day and I have neglected my other open projects long enough. The remainder of my night will be spent finishing the two short stories that I mention above. Then it’s back to work on the next installment of the Darklife Saga. But wait a minute, Ronnie, in your last Black Moon Rising update you said that you were done with it. Why, yes I did. Or so I thought. After waiting for a few beta readers to get back with me, I had a few plot issues pointed out. The issues, I’m afraid to say, that were too big to be ignored. I’ve had to go back and rework the secondary storyline and how it relates to the main one. I’m doing chapter by chapter tweaking and it’s slow going, but totally worth it. I want the best for my characters and readers. All other writing projects will be put on hold until then.
So, tonight I shall work on Valeria and company, while you guys check out my latest Copperhill Media release, UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels. I’ve listed the first chapter of UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels, in a previous post titled Fangs and Feathers. If you’d like to take a glimpse, be sure to check out the post. UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels, and my first novel, an urban fantasy/paranormal romance titled,Crimson Dawn, are available in e-book format and paperback, from Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and other places that books are sold. You can also find e-book versions of the novels on Smashwords.
To read more about any of the titles I’ve mentioned, you can check out my other post here at, http://frogenyozurt.com/ or head over to my website, http://www.ronniemassey.com/
UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels
The Nephillim Chronicles – Book One
by Ronnie Massey
Justin and Theo are just normal teenagers with their teenage problems, until the day they meet their biological fathers, Michael and Uriel, two of the few remaining archangels. They learn, they are nephillim, the half human offspring of angels, and they learn they are not the only ones. In the days of old, nephillim walked the earth. Now heaven’s misfits may be all that stands between mankind and the wrath of Lucifer and the Fallen. But how will a handful of teenagers react when they find out, not only are they not human, but they are the most powerful soldiers in heaven’s army? How will they deal with their newly found powers? And will they be able to stop Lucifer?
UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels is available at Amazon.com incl. Kindle(US), Amazon.co.uk incl. Kindle (UK), Barnes & Noble, smashwords.com, and any other good bookstore.
