A Must-See Character? — Derek Barton – 2019

Character Sketch

 

Have you ever wanted to participate in a book’s story creation?  Watched a movie and thought, I wish they would’ve have done this…or wished they would have taken the story in this direction…or This character is so flat, boring… 

Well, I am offering you your chance!

In an upcoming modern horror/crime story I am developing, I want YOU to tell me what would you’d like to see or read — what character you’d write about!

My only limitation for you is that the story will focus on two patrol officers — I am picturing this character as my main character’s partner.

Should I chose your character, I will send you a Signed Paperback copy of the novel in advance of putting it on the market and give you exclusive credit on my dedication/acknowledgment page for that character creation! Also, you will get an exclusive paperback copy of Elude #3 coming out late March or April with an alternate cover…YOU WILL HAVE THE ONLY SIGNED COPY! 

This giveaway will go to the end of March and you must be within the United States to win (sorry, but International Mailing is just impractical at this time).  Also note, if not enough entries are sent or viable characters to choose from, I may not select a winner for the giveaway.

Use my prior Character Sketch blogs to get a better idea of what I am looking for:

Diving into the oceans of your characters!

OR…

New Character Sketch!

CHARACTER SKETCH

Name —

Gender —

Character Strengths & Weaknesses ==

How old?

What does the character look like? 

Where is the character from?

How does your character deal with conflict? 

Where does he/she live?

Does the character have any unique or special abilities? 

Who else is in their life? 

The character’s current status in life?

What is your character’s goal or motivation?

To participate, Copy and Paste the questions to an email and send your responses to Rivyenphx@gmail.com.  Feel free to add images, short summaries or anything else you want that will bring your creation to life!

Good luck and together we can really write something special!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missing the Party? — Derek Barton – 2019

Dub #1

 

What are you missing out on — what exclusive items or sneak previews could you be reading right now on my Patreon Page?

Take a look!

 

Posted — Jan 16 at 6:26 PM

Elude — Part Three: Opening Chapter Rough Draft Preview

 

CHAPTER ONE — LOSING THE LURE

Vic pulled the space heater closer and pointed it at Shellie who was asleep next to the wall. They were on the roof of one of the abandoned warehouses in Guadalupe. She moaned a little but angled her face into the waves of heat.

The skies overhead had been clear and cloudless, but there was still a chill that seemed to seep into every bone. He was himself bundled up in several layers of clothes and a windbreaker jacket. They were camped out here which had been a part of the plan. The access to them was only through one door.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Posted — Jan 18 at 2:15 AM

Elude: Part Three — Chapter Two Preview of My Rough Draft

 

CHAPTER TWO  — CUT SHORT

 

Chad had been hit two years ago by a semi-truck tractor on that same night he encountered the Jinn. He wondered if this time he’d be able to continue his career.

That is if they stop fucking firing and I live!

He pressed his head down flat upon a cement step, face first into the crease of the stair, cradled in a fetal position. The bullets whirred through the area like irate bees. His ears hurt and throbbed from the terrible noise.

Barely he registered the sounds of more gunfire coming from the roof. The rain of metal stopped finally, and their guns were trained on something or someone else.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Posted — Jan 29 at 5:21 PM

Sneak Preview of Chapter 25 of The Hidden (Rough Draft)

 

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE:  REUNION

Reflected light from the bath danced crazily across the ceiling, and Zelda watched it, abstractly, remembering the times she had spent with Nate. She thought back to when they first met: She was playing Fiona in a small-time production of “Brigadoon.” It was summer stock theater, in a North Chicago suburb called Palatine — very little, pay and even less prestige.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Posted — Feb 5 at 6:26 PM

Audible Book Review of James Patterson’s “Never Never” — Derek Barton

I have been for over a year now getting Audible books so I decided I would review and share my opinion on some of them with you. Enjoy!

I have a small confession: this is actually the first book I have read from James Patterson. I know that he is an extremely prolific writer, but until recently I just did not have the opportunity to read much. I still don’t, but that is the beauty and power of buying audiobooks.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Swimming In The Ashes (Working Title) — Chapter One Sneak Preview

Posted — Feb 8 at 1:49 AM

PART ONE

Chapter One

The white and brown roan rode hard, its side heaved from the exertion and its breath plumed out in the chill of the early morning air. LLasher hated doing so, but he pushed the animal nearly to its physical limits. However, it was critical that he get there, the urgency of his mission required it. He guided the horse with his knees to the underside of a towering, vine-choked cliff. He spotted a small ledge which climbed up the massive wall.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Certainly, some of this content has been posted on my normal writer’s website, but it was posted there first!  And none of the Sneak Preview Chapters are on my website…

Don’t miss out — get exclusives, advance content, AND one-of-a-kind Book Covers and signed custom-made metal bookmarkers!!

Here are the benefits of each Patron Tier Level:

Patreon ad #1Patron ad #2

The other great thing about Patreon.com is that there are many other great Creative People (musicians, bloggers, YouTubers, writers, artists) for you to see and learn about.  It’s a congregation of the ARTS!

Don’t miss out on the party!!

NOW ON PATREON! — Derek Barton – 2019

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HEY EVERYONE!  GREAT NEWS!!

I am now on Patreon.com! What is Patreon, you ask?  It is a great way for you and I to connect and for you to get some fantastic and exclusive book and artwork content!

Long ago, painters sought out “patrons” to help them with daily living costs while they worked on contracts.  Patreon is similar to this and offers a direct form of communication and trade between us.

By becoming a Patron, you get to read exclusive blogs, preview chapters, get ebooks ahead of market releases, obtain signed books, custom-designed metal bookmarkers, and even alternate, custom-made book covers of my books JUST FOR YOU!

Here is a preview of MY PAGE:

patreon #1

 

Of course, there is no obligation and pledges can be changed at any time.  With your support, however, I can get you more of what your survey results asked for — More content, current updates, and better giveaway prizes!  Also, I hope to use the support to get out and have book signings and conventions around the United States.

LET’S GET THIS JOURNEY STARTED!

 

For Hire — Derek Barton – 2019

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NOW ANNOUNCING MY NEW “FOR HIRE” PAGE!!  CHECK IT OUT —

 

 

Hi there! 

Need a hand with your book cover? 

Want an extra marketing ad created? 

Can’t find time to draw up that poster showcasing all your work?

 

CONTACT ME!  I WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU AND TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE MAGIC!

 

Premiums for work will depend on the project.  Open to all sorts of work!

Contact me for details at Contact & Appearances Info.

 

My own Book Covers I have created:

Complete Works

 

Example of Marketing Ads:

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horror ad 2019fb fantasy ad 2019

 

You can also find me through:

Link for FACEBOOK:  Derek Barton, Novelist

Link for TWITTER:  Rivyen

Link for INSTAGRAM:  Rivyenphx

 

What’s your story? — Derek Barton – 2019

nw 2019

With lots of willpower and a dash of good luck, I will be completing the two series, Wyvernshield and Elude, this year. So, with that said, I am deciding on future projects.

Are you ready for a new world to explore?

I have a simple 7 question survey that takes literally 2 minutes to complete.  Can you help me out and share your thoughts?  I am very interested in YOU!

CLICK HERE TO TAKE IT — THANKS!

 

 

From Start to Finish: 2018 — Derek Barton – 2018

NYE

As everyone who happens to read these blogs know, I have been using Bi-Monthly goals to keep me focused, motivated and productive.  Now since November, I have been a little non-plussed, to be honest with you. With very little book sales and only a few friends coming to book shows, it has made me question what to do next or what changes I can make to reach a bigger audience.  I am not planning on giving up, just looking for new steps to take.

While I am still researching the internet and watching YouTube videos on marketing, I don’t have any new answers…yet, but in the meantime, I thought I would look back and see just what I have done this year and if I am happy or not with 2018.

Complete Works

Works In Progress — Status as of January 2017

CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS AUDIOBOOK – This was still in the works, finalizing edits and mastering the audio quality.  The final version was released and published on Audible.com on June 25.  This was a fantastic first experience with audiobook production and I couldn’t be happier with the talent and skill my voice actress, Laura Richcreek-Morrison.  She has been currently working on The Bleeding Crown!  Voice actors like Laura and Charles Pendleton for my horror stories have taken my work to a whole new level!

THE BLEEDING CROWN – Four of my bi-monthly goals for January & February were to complete the 2nd waves of edit for the main body of work, complete the subplots for the manuscript (about 25,000 words), set up a marketing campaign (ads, etc) and start working on the book cover.  All was finalized and the completed book was published on June 26th.  (Side note:  I didn’t realize June had been so full this year! ha).  While sales have not been as plentiful, it has gotten a decent amount of 5 Star Reviews on Amazon.  I personally cherish the book as my favorite child so far (Elude is close second though!).  I have written almost 30,000 so far on the follow-up, Swimming In The Ashes (working title).  That might be out by the end of 2019, but no guarantees.

IN FOUR DAYS AUDIOBOOK – In April, I connected with Charles Pendleton and we agreed to work together on my modern paranormal/horror story.  He did a great job on it and we have seen some success with the sales on Audible.  It was released in August. Charles is also already working with me on the Elude series so stay tuned for that!

ELUDE PT #1 & PT #2 – In January I was still working on the first wave of edits for Part One!  As of August 31, it has been completed and published on Amazon and Kindle.  Part Two was published on October 19th.  I am working through the final Part Three and hope to have it published by February 2019.

THE HIDDEN – Released Chapter 7 on January 2nd.  Just this month released Chapter 23. This series looks to be wrapping up in a couple months as a complete web saga.  We, my father and I, will be working to get this put together and finalized for print within the upcoming year.  I have been developing several book cover ideas to start with.

Now to see some stats on the site’s growth:

BLOG COUNTS:

  • 2016 — 14 Monthly blogs completed
  • 2017 — 37 Monthly blogs completed
  • 2018 — 43 Monthly blogs completed (including this one)

NEW WEB SUBSCRIBERS:

  • 2016 — 7
  • 2017 — 17
  • 2018 — 24

VISITORS & COUNTRIES VIEWED IN:

  • 2016 — 204  & Countries — 8
  • 2017 — 809  & Countries — 31
  • 2018 — 895  & Countries — 39

4,239 Views in the three years!

TOP FIVE MOST VIEWED POSTS:

  1. Elude #1 with 72 views
  2. Steps on a New Path (Chapter One Blog for The Hidden) with 67 views
  3. Elude #2 with 47 views
  4. Audiobook Review of Stephen King’s “The Outsider” with 45 views
  5. Elude #3 with 43 views

New Additions to the Site were my Audible book reviews posts and my book giveaways which has been very successful.

So, overall a lot of work still hadn’t been published until the fall of this year — three books and two audiobook versions.  I hope to have two more audiobook versions out and possibly two more novels.  I have also had ideas percolating in the back of my mind for a new horror web saga for this site and a whole new trio of novels starting in Aberissc this time!  What I am saying is that there is a lot more work to be done and coming. 🙂

I also had a chance to get out and meet a few of you that were local at the book-signings in October, November and December.  That was a lot of fun and I do hope to continue this in the coming year.  On January 19th, come see me at:

1-19-19 SS

While I didn’t get everything done that I wanted to and I am still trying to find the right balance to get writing, work and fitness goals accomplished, I do see that the platform is actually growing.  Also, I should be fully recovered from my back injuries from the accident in August by mid-2019, so that should also help with my fitness.

Thanks especially to all that do support me and have taken an interest in my work.  I hope to keep bringing a smile to your face as you do mine!

Wishful Thinking — The SEQUEL! — Derek Barton – 2018

interior theatre

Back in February of 2017, I wrote a little blog, Wishful Thinking, which was a whimsical fantasy movie casting of my characters from my first book, Consequences Within Chaos.  I did a small bio of each of the characters and a slideshow of who I would pick to play the characters.

You guessed it…you are already ahead of me.  I am going to do it again, but this time for The Bleeding Crown.  Now some of the major characters in the sequel were creatures, so suffice it to say, I will only be highlighting the humans.  Also, I will give some updated bios on characters from the last book.  I will warn you now there are some SPOILERS FOR CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS that could be learned here…So, if you want to stop now, go buy and read the book first, I won’t be mad ya at all. (hint, hint 🙂 )

 

THE BLEEDING CROWN

 

LETANDRA ARTADEUS  —  Georgie Henley

letandra-artadeus

During the fierce battle between Prince Taihven and the Pale Mage, Auste Cros’seau, the Lady Magistrate was magically kidnapped and taken away.  Now she must struggle to survive in a foreign land on her own.  While she waits for rescue, she has no idea if Wyvernshield has even won against Auste or his terrible army of Viestrahl beasts. She will form new alliances and strengths, but in the end, she learns she has no time left — the future hangs in the balance on her efforts.

TAIHVEN ARTADEUS  —  Andrew Garfield

taihven-artadeus

Prince Taihven, having proven himself more than capable and resourceful in the battle against Auste, was crowned King of Tayneva.  However, the heavy cost he paid to keep the Artadeus Throne, weighs heavily upon him.  The city is partially in ruins, his parents are dead, his sister missing, and a deadly plague continues to haunt the citizenry.  After losing his entire family, he succumbs to depression and loses faith that they will find Princess Letandra. More trials lay ahead for him which will test him like never before.

CHROYANNE CROS’SEAU  — Michelle Trachtenberg

M Trachtenberg

History has been washed clean of her vile family’s name, but Chroyanne Cros’seau has been freed of her own Soul Render in Aberrisc.  With the help of a mysterious magical artifact, The Bleeding Crown, Chroyanne has become an incredible terror in the land.  She hopes that her Quietus Dominion and her own armies will make her brother proud when he returns or calls for her to join him in Tayneva.

TALIAH   —  Isla Fisher

taliah

Regretting her role as an unwilling spy for the Viestrahl and Auste Cros’seau, the exiled maid, Taliah, has found her place in the world as a Blood Seeress.  She has been taken in by the Khestal Ezan Order, a group dedicated to stopping the evil machinations of the Cult of Beleardea.  She uses her newfound powers of prophetic visions to help them and outsiders with questions that keep their lives in turmoil.

LLASHER  —  Nestor Carbonell

llasher

Barely surviving his own encounter with the Pale Mage, the ex-slaver, LLasher, has dedicated his second chance at life to prove he was worthy of that effort and redeeming himself.  His first steps toward that goal are trying to track down the wayward Princess Letandra.  He will find this path will take him to many dangerous regions as well as making forced alliances with the dangerous Viestrahl.

HUMPHREYS  — Steven Ogg

S Ogg.jpeg

As LLasher’s First Mate aboard the Corrta Da’Eale, Humphreys has sailed to many places within the world, but this hunt for Princess Letandra will even surprise this experienced world traveler.  Always quick with a sarcastic word or wide grin, he will stick loyally at LLasher’s side no matter the crazy odds…and that he gets well paid.

RASHAD RUESSARD  — Josh Hutcherson

J Hutcherson

Rashad paid the same cost of losing a family member during the Viestrahl’s last Horde March as King Taihven.  This helps the two bond and form a strong partnership.  As the new Wyvernguard Captain, it has been a challenge, but when a new threat emerges in the form of Pirate Captain Tarsk, the soldier’s mettle is truly tested.

AMA’YEN — Nadine Njeim

amayen-2

As a powerful sorceress, Ama’yen can offer a lot to her new queen, Chroyanne.  However, when she learns of Princess Letandra and the connection the princess has to Chroyanne’s past, she wonders if an opportunity is forming.  Inspired by the love that Letandra has for Taihven, she contemplates a plan of her own to rescue her own brothers being held hostage.

TAL CROWAN  — Michio Kaku

M Kaku

As the founder and dedicated leader of the Khestal Ezan, Tal has recruited a unique band of warriors, mages, spies, and even a Blood Seeress to his cause against the Beleardea Cult members as they peddle evil and cursed artifacts to the desperate or depraved in Tayneva.  These ruthless fanatics are building influence and wealth in an endeavor to resurrect an eldritch god of unlimited power.

PIRATE CAPTAIN TARSK  — Tom Hardy

T Hardy

Known as Captain Tarsk the Torch, this sadistic pirate sees an opportunity in the weakened condition of Wyvernshield and its armed forces.  Seizing upon the moment, he and his allies strike with surgical precision, cutting off Taihven and Rashad from any assistance.  As a seasoned veteran of battle, King Taihven finds himself outmatched and up against a foe unlike any other he has ever faced.

RIVYEN  — Josh Upshaw

J Upshaw

Although he is a lost warrior from another plane of existence, Rivyen brings a unique perspective as well as a wealth of knowledge to Tal Crowan.  He has become a critical part to the Khestal Ezan’s structure. Together they have pledged to stop the Beleardea and find their hidden Veraera Vault of cursed items the cult has accumulated.  Some of those items belong to Rivyen’s own people — he knows just how destructive some of those items can be including The Bleeding Crown!

If you have read The Bleeding Crown, I hope you got a little kick out of this as I did.  I wish some of the other characters like Scars and Ka Shayla could’ve been represented, but I guess, you will just have to read the book!  This book was an amazing thrill for me to write, and I am excited to bring you the next adventures in Tayneva and Aberrisc soon!

More Book-Signings in November & December 2018!! — Derek Barton – 2018

On November 3rd @ 1:00 PM, I will be doing another book-signing event.  I would really love to see everyone and if you want to bring your books by, I will gladly sign them!

This unique Gaming/Book Store is located down the road from Thunderbird School of Global Management at:

4920 W Thunderbird Rd
Glendale, AZ 85306

 

 

 

On December 8th @ 12:00 PM, I will be at this more traditional bookstore.  This store is directly west of the Paradise Valley Mall next to the Target Store.

4322 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032
(602) 482-4100

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!  HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Great Day @ Bookmans Exchange! — Derek Barton – 2018

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First, I would like to thank everyone who made it out and showed me some lovin’!  Second, I do have good news for those that weren’t able to come by… I have another possible showing in November and a confirmed book-signing on December 8th!  More details will be announced once those are finalized.

 

Today’s winners for:

TWO PAPERBACKS OF THEIR CHOICE IS… Monica L.

IN FOUR DAYS AUDIOBOOK WINNER IS… Shaunna Arenas

CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS AUDIOBOOK WINNER IS… Brian Shurlow Jr

CONGRATS TO ALL WINNERS!

 

Tweet 2018

 

 

OH! And guess what? I WON TODAY TOO!

The management at Bookmans liked what they saw and have agreed to start stocking my books on their shelves!!  HOW AWESOME IS THAT??

 

 

2018 Indie Book Giveaway Winners!!! — Derek Barton – 2018

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FIRST, each of us would like to thank everyone for their interests and their participation.  

SECOND, I wanted to also give back a little and give a “Runner’s Up” prize to a third winner.  So I have a FREE COPY OF MY AUDIOBOOK, Consequences Within Chaos, for one more person who entered the giveaway.

HERE ARE THE WINNERS:

 

2018 Winners!

Book Winners will receive an email with the Ebook copies.  Audiobook Winner will get a direct email from me.  🙂

Feel free to still check out all these great books on AMAZON AND KINDLE!!