Tag Archives: Books

The Redemption of Erâth: Map of Consolation – Updated

Based on feedback I received on the map of Consolation, I’ve updated it to improve both the layout and the shading. One of the things that was pointed out was that the shading of the map of Thaeìn was very austere and minimal – more or less black and white. I updated the mountains on the map of Consolation to match this, as well as repositioning them to match up with the position of the mountains on the larger-scale map of Thaeìn. I also cleared some of the unnecessary detail like hills (that I didn’t think looked particularly convincing anyway) and trees, leaving just the main forests behind.

I’d love your further feedback on this again!

Map of Consolation

Map of Consolation

The Redemption of Erâth: New Maps of Erâth!

I’ve completely neglected to review my edits for The Redemption of Erâth: Consolation for the past few days, but it’s okay because I’ve been working on updating two of my maps of Erâth. It’s been a long process and I’m a little nervous because I’m no artist, but I felt that I needed something with a more…handcrafted feel to it. I actually printed out (in black and white) the computer-created maps, and then traced landmarks – rivers, mountains, cities – first in pencil, and then again in ink. I rescanned these into my iMac and brushed them up a little in Photoshop (I’m terrible at keeping the paper clean). They’re intended to look a little two-tone-ish, but I’m not sure how it came off.

Either way, both maps are here for you to enjoy, and I would love your feedback – both positive and negative. Bear in mind, these are ultimately destined for professional publication, and I really need to know if they’re good enough, or if I need to look at getting some outside illustration help for this.

Thank you!

Map of the land of Thaeìn, one of the major continents of Erâth.

Map of the land of Thaeìn, one of the major continents of Erâth.

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Map of Consolation, homeland of Brandyé and setting for Book One.

Map of Consolation, homeland of Brandyé and setting for Book One.

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Incidentally, the fonts used are Porcelain by Misprinted Type and Freebooter Script by Apostrophic Labs. Both are available with a free license from http://www.dafont.com, but if anyone knows different please let me know. They are gorgeous fonts and I would love to use them.

Final Edits Are Done…Redemption of Erâth Is Go!

Apologies – I’ve been busy. I’ve gone through the entire book, chopped 6,000 words (painfully), tidied and grammar/spell checked, smartened straight quotes and converted triple-periods into ellipses, and I think…I think…we’re almost ready!

So The Redemption of Erâth: Consolation now stands at 25 chapters, 104,560 words (±500), 31 major characters and a whole lot of sweat, blood and tears. It’s scary – this is my baby, my precious, and like all first-time authors (I’m sure), it’s both exhilarating and terrifying to contemplate sending it out into the wide world and waiting for the inevitable acceptance – or rejection.

If all goes well, I’ll be able to sell enough copies to cover the publishing costs; any extra will be bonus! If I can show there’s demand for it, I might even be able to approach a traditional publishing agent and see if I can convince them to run with it. Wouldn’t it be awesome to see The Redemption of Erâth: Consolation on some sci-fi and fantasy bestsellers list?

Wow, this is getting to my head. As if that’ll ever happen.

Anyway, I apologize for being away for so long, and I apologize for the completely incoherent ramble here – I just thought I’d let you all know where things stand. Hopefully this also means I’ll be able to return my attention to book 2 (Exile), and we’ll be seeing what events are to befall Brandyé as he ventures into the northern lands of Thaeìn and Erâth. I can tell you this: it’s going to be exciting, and dark.

I’m so excited!