Items In the Forge Update — Derek Barton – 2019

Iron Forge

Hey there! I wanted to send out a quick update of items I’m working on currently and what you can expect to see from me in the future!

THE BLEEDING CROWN AUDIOBOOK will be available by the end of March or the first week of April! Laura Richcreek continues the saga and lends her incredible voice talents to bring the story alive. Literally over thirty different creature voices alone had to be crafted for the novel. Keep an eye out for free download giveaways!!

ELUDE PART THREE is finally written and going through a thorough wave of editing by my editors, Nesa Miller and Ted Barton. It will be produced by the end of March. This is the thrilling conclusion to the suspenseful Elude Series!

THE HIDDEN has also come to a stunning end and the last chapters will be published on this site in the next couple weeks! This horror origin story written with my father, T.D. Barton, will be available on both Amazon and Kindle by the middle of this year.

SWIMMING IN THE ASHES is still in the first draft process (over 26,000 words so far). I am going to delve into the book’s outline as I want to flesh out a few of the plot points I didn’t fully define yet before I continue with the writing. As I have proclaimed before, I am a “hard-nosed plotter” and I want to be sure I haven’t messed any events up!

EVADE will be a new Crime/Horror story I want to write which delves deeper into horror than the crime genre. Like ELUDE, it will also have ties to my Horror/Suspense novella IN FOUR DAYS. This time the story revolves around when the police find themselves on the receiving end of a high-speed car chase!

AFTER WYVERNSHIELD… I have been developing an idea and I hope to bring you another three-book series this time focusing on characters living in the wondrous lands of Aberrisc! How were their lives impacted by the events depicted in CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS, THE BLEEDING CROWN and SWIMMING IN THE ASHES? What has happened with the dark reign of the Quietus Dominion after the Ebon Queen Chroyanne?

AN UNTITLED NEW WEB SAGA in the works once THE HIDDEN has officially wrapped up. This will be an ongoing “Parallel Universe” story with a fascinating look at what happens when you meet the “other you”!

Yes, all this and I still have a full-time day job and a family with three children to help take care of!

Thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to help with my work, given me great ideas and feedback, and kept my spirits high through this epic journey!

Missing the Party? — Derek Barton – 2019

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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!

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…

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Don’t miss out on the party!!

Audible Book Review of James Patterson’s “Never Never” — Derek Barton – 2019

Book Review

Never Never

by James Patterson & Candice Fox — a Thriller-Suspense Mystery

Released on January 16, 2017 — 370 pages

Narrated by Fereday Holmes

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. It gives you the time to do other things like drive around for errands, vacuum the carpets, mop the floors, etc. Anyway, I am really glad I got a chance to read this one.

The Synopsis:

Never…

assume you know someone. Harry Blue is the top sex crimes investigator in her department. She’s a seasoned pro who’s seen it all. But even she didn’t see this coming: her own brother arrested for the grisly murders of three beautiful young women.

Never…

accept a reassignment to the middle of nowhere “for your own good”. Harry’s been sent to a makeshift town in a desolate landscape – a world full of easy money, plenty of illegal ways to spend it, and a ragtag collection of transient characters who thrive on the fringes of society. A place where little grows but evil flourishes.

Never…

trust anyone. Looking into a seemingly simple missing persons case, Harry’s been assigned to a new “partner”. But is he actually meant to be a watchdog? Still reeling from the accusations against her brother, Harry can’t trust even her own instincts, which she’s never doubted…until now.

Never…

go anywhere without leaving a trace. Far from the world she knows and desperate to clear her brother’s name, Harry has to mine the dark secrets of her strange new home for answers to a deepening mystery – before she vanishes in a place where no one would ever think to look for her.

Never Never is an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride with enough intrigue and suspense to keep you guessing until the final minute. You’ll never be able to turn it off.

The Review:

While I thought the hook of a sex crime detective not knowing her own brother was a serial killer was intriguing, the main story arch for the novel turned out pretty engaging as well. The uranium mine setting was unique, but from other articles that I have read, the details of its size and population were farfetched and very inaccurate.

The story revolves mainly around the hard-as-nails female detective, Harriet Blue and how she perseveres with the stress of her brother being arrested then portrayed as a sexual serial killer all over the media.

While this should have been the main storyline, instead it is the story of her investigating missing miners in this uranium mine in the middle of nowhere. I liked the storyline, but it did feel a little “bait-and-switch”. Another complaint would be that it was never clear in my mind — the locale was not fully painted in my mind.

The characters are complex and varied. Harry’s personality, though, was too mixed for me. One moment strong and feisty, next confused and weak. I would like her depiction one way or the other. On top of it, she was a horrible judge of character ESPECIALLY FOR A DETECTIVE! HA!

Intense action sequences, good dialogue as well as some unpredictable plot twists certainly makes this a fun read. I will be getting the next novel in the Harriet Blue Book Series.

The Narration:

Federay Holmes — Here I usually include a picture of the voice actor, however, there were none to be found anywhere on Amazon, Kindle, IMDB or Audible.com. Not sure why no images exist.

Born in March 1968 in Australia as Sarah Federay Holmes.

She’s listed on IMDB.com as a bit role actress known for television shows New Tricks (2014), The Widower (2013), and Oranges and Sunshine (2010).

She did a great job on this project and her British accent definitely added to the Australian atmosphere of the novel. I would say her performance is one of the main reasons I liked the novel. Ms. Holmes has over a dozen different novels to her credit including Me Without You, Like A House On Fire, and The Devil’s Staircase.

The Rating:

Some flaws which I am willing to overlook as I liked the story and characters and want to know just what is the story around brother… I would RECOMMEND this series starter novel.

By Derek Barton — Author of ELUDE: PART ONE, ELUDE: PART TWO (horror/crime thriller), & In Four Days: a Horror-Suspense Novella. Also the Dark Fantasy novel series Consequences Within Chaos and The Bleeding Crown.

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:

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!

What’s your story? — Derek Barton – 2019

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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

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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.

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!

Audible Book Review of Stephen King’s “The Eyes of the Dragon” — Derek Barton – 2018

Book Review

Eyes of the Dragon 2018

The Eyes of the Dragon

by Stephen King — a Fantasy Novel

Released on December 8, 1987 — 384 pages

Narrated by Bronson Pinchot

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!

As I have stated in the past, Stephen King was and still is a big influence on my writing. When he published a fantasy novel in the 80s, I had to read it as fantasy was also one of my favorite genres. I liked it, of course, back then, but I was only 17 at the time. So, when I ran across the title a couple weeks ago, I found surprising that I could not remember anything about it. I anxiously bought the audiobook as I had to see if the story still had the “same ol’ magic”. Yeah, I know, pun and bad joke intended!

The Synopsis:

“Once, in a kingdom called Delain, there was a king with two sons….”

Thus begins one of the most unique tales that master storyteller Stephen King has ever written—a sprawling fantasy of dark magic and the struggle for absolute power that utterly transforms the destinies of two brothers born into royalty. Through this enthralling masterpiece of mythical adventure, intrigue, and terror, you will thrill to this unforgettable narrative filled with relentless, wicked enchantment, and the most terrible of secrets….

The Review:

One of the best things that King does in any of his novels is to draw you in by creating fascinating and yet relatable characters. All of the story’s characters are very well developed and dynamic. Many in the plot have their own agendas as well as their own drives. The way he weaves the arch of the story at the same time illuminating the lives of the two princes keeps you glued to the intrigue that they find themselves caught up within.

There is a theory that all of Stephen King’s novels are connected in some fashion. One of the more notable lynchpins is his infamous villain, Flagg. Here he appears as the Court Wizard and King Roland’s closest counsel. In the novel, The Stand, readers should recall in the post-apocalypse world, the evil entity known as Randall Flagg. There is even a popular theory that the malicious, shape-changing clown in IT is really Flagg. Just as Flagg did in these other stories, he creates blood-filled chaos and death wherever he treads.

The “hero’s journey” and the road to vindication that Prince Peter has to take is a great read and thrilling adventure. And yes, there are horror elements in the tale and some dark parts that are classic Stephen King, but I did very much enjoy this fantasy tale once again and would highly recommend it.

The Narration:

Eyes of the Dragon Blog

Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned television and movie actor gives a fantastic rendition and his range of voices is very impressive. The whispery voice of Flagg that he uses actually made goosebumps on my skin the first time I heard it, capturing the “seething evil under the surface” aspect of Flagg perfectly.

While widely known as the quirky actor from 80’s sitcom, Perfect Strangers, he has also gone on to do films (including a breakout performance as the psychotic Craig Toomy in the Stephen King film, The Langoliers) and several Broadway plays in New York City.

Other narrated books to his Pinchot’s credit are One Year After: A John Matherson Novel and The Extinction Cycle.

The Rating:

Five Stars as this story has intricate plotting, detailed characters, and exciting scenes (one of the best scenes especially is when Prince Thomas spies on his father when he is drunk and very enraged. King Roland screams at the mounted trophy heads on his wall, screaming “WHY DO YOU STARE AT ME SO? WHY? I HAVE DONE THE BEST I CAN.”) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

By Derek Barton — Author of Dark Fantasy novels: Consequences Within Chaos and The Bleeding Crown. Also the author or In Four Days: a Horror-Suspense Novella and the series Elude: Part One & Part Two (horror/crime thrillers)!!

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

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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. 🙂

Tag: Audio Books

Items In the Forge Update — Derek Barton – 2019

Missing the Party? — Derek Barton – 2019

Audible Book Review of James Patterson’s “Never Never” — Derek Barton – 2019

Never Never

by James Patterson & Candice Fox — a Thriller-Suspense Mystery

Released on January 16, 2017 — 370 pages

Narrated by Fereday Holmes

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!

By Derek Barton — Author of ELUDE: PART ONE, ELUDE: PART TWO (horror/crime thriller), & In Four Days: a Horror-Suspense Novella. Also the Dark Fantasy novel series Consequences Within Chaos and The Bleeding Crown.

NOW ON PATREON! — Derek Barton – 2019

HEY EVERYONE! GREAT NEWS!!

What’s your story? — Derek Barton – 2019

From Start to Finish: 2018 — Derek Barton – 2018

Works In Progress — Status as of January 2017

BLOG COUNTS:

NEW WEB SUBSCRIBERS:

VISITORS & COUNTRIES VIEWED IN:

TOP FIVE MOST VIEWED POSTS:

Audible Book Review of Stephen King’s “The Eyes of the Dragon” — Derek Barton – 2018

The Eyes of the Dragon

by Stephen King — a Fantasy Novel

Released on December 8, 1987 — 384 pages

Narrated by Bronson Pinchot

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!

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

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

Great Day @ Bookmans Exchange! — Derek Barton – 2018

CONGRATS TO ALL WINNERS!

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

HERE ARE THE WINNERS:

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