Reviews of The Shadowed Path

Thought I'd just post a few reviews I've had so far:

"This is an amazing book so far (I'm halfway through). Complex and intriguing characters, a masterfully-written plot and a world much like Gladiator (movie) mixed with dark fantasy and all the awesome monsters and peoples related to it--and intense action! (I wrote this in quick layman terms which won't be in its final review). I'm bracing myself for what will happen when Marcus and Sheena meet, as I foresee sparks flying one way or the other--or both!" - http://infinitydreamt.blogspot.com/

"The characters are likeable and come across as well-defined individuals...
...The world-building, despite borrowing terminology from the Romans is good, blending the familiar with the unfamiliar. The descriptions and conception of the Shadowland creatures are vivid and worthy of a Simon R Green story. The waystalkers have a unique culture and way of life. The fight scenes are what makes this book stand out and I would describe as Gemmellian in their awesomeness. Fans of heroic fantasy would certainly be pleased with them." - Amazon reviewer, Noor A Jahangir

"5/5 Review:

The Shadowed Path is a book that quickly pulled me into a vivid Roman Empire-like world, immersed in dark fantasy elements. Two nations on the brink of war, and between them a place all its own; the Shadowland. Here it is the waystalkers, inhumanii connected to the earth, who are at one with its darkness. But on the outside of their world they are slaves to humans who they cannot kill. The rules change when the enemy bends some of these lethal waystalkers to their advantage, and Marcus and his companions barely escape alive.

Marcus didn't want to get sent away from his comfortable, rich life to join a merchant caravan on a such a treacherous journey. On getting out of the Shadowland four years later, he finds nothing remaining of the life he left. When things begin to escalate violently in his search for answers, his quick-wits, calm demeanor and fighting skills gained from the Shadowland make him an awesome character to follow.

When Sheena joins the story, she goes from a woman in despair to one bent on vengeance. Her shattered mind due to the traumatic loss of her family gives her character an even more suspenseful edge, particularly when she aims her vengeance at Marcus.

I'm curious to see what happens next with Marcus and Sheena and how the waystalkers will further play out. A great deal of the four years in the Shadowland has yet to be revealed as well, as the imprints it has left on Marcus and his friends are significant. Great characters, story, and action, makes this a series I will be following closely." - http://fantasycookie.blogspot.com/

Win a copy of The Shadowed Path! Free to Enter competition!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Shadowed Path

by Simon Stone

Giveaway ends November 04, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

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First Edition Trade Paperback of The Shadowed Path now available!

Click the link below or to the right to view the print version of my debut novel.

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This is a 6"x9" Trade Paperback First Edition

To celebrate the release of the First Edition Trade Paperback of my debut novel I'm giving copies away at Goodreads!

This will be the first of several promotions coming up within the next month, so take advantage of it, it's completely free to enter and.

If you win, all I ask is that you write a short review of the book and post it online.

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Add Custom Screensavers / Lockscreens to your Kindle!

Okay so I got my new kindle a few days ago (see here: http://www.simonstoneauthor.com/archives/341) and right away I NEEDED to change the lockscreens. As much as I admire these long-dead writers and great minds I didn't really want portraits of them every time I saw my little hibernating ereader. So, I tried searching for a way to change the screensavers. Should be easy right? That's something people would want to change so I was sure Amazon would have some conspicuous folder somewhere where I could add/delete lockscreen images.

No. No such luck. That would be too simple.

On to plan B. Jailbreak it.

Now way back in about 2007/8 Amazon began releasing the source code, the GPL libraries used to power the Kindle software. Since then, not too long after each new firmware update, talented little hackers (I say little because most I'm aware of are under two decades old) make simple update .bin files available so you can unlock your kindle and easily modify things in it.

I thought doing this might void the warranty. It usually does. It turns out at the most it might void a warranty pertaining to any software/firmware issues. At best it seems Amazon don't mind you modifying your device in this way since it's so easy to uninstall any modifications. I will say you take your own risks in this and do your own research. I'm just posting a "how to".

So, how to do it? Read on:

1. Work out what kind of Kindle you have and what the firmware version is. You can find that by going menu/settings, and it shoudl be at the bottom of your screen. Mine currently says 3.2.1 then a bunch of numbers in brackets. And I have a UK Kindle Wi-fi without 3G.

2. Upload the zip file and unzip.  If you have 3.2.1 the file can be found here: http://yifan.lu/p/kindle-jailbreak
If you have an earlier version and for some more really good clear instructions go here: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/37424/jailbreak-your-kindle-for-dead-simple-screensaver-customization/

3. Next you want to connect your Kindle to your pc and keep it in USB mode. Open up the kindle's folder.

4. Now choose your file. Copy and paste the correct update for your device into your kindle's folder.
k2 = Kindle 2 US
k2i = Kindle 2 International
dx = Kindle DX US
dxi = Kindle DX International
dxg = Kindle DX Graphite
k3 = Kindle 3 Wifi + 3G (US & Canada)
k3g = Kindle 3 Wifi + 3G (Elsewhere)
k3w = Kindle 3 Wifi
Mine was called "update_jailbreak_0.5.1_k3w_install"

5. Eject your kindle and unplug. Go to menu/settings then click menu/update your kindle
click OK and the jailbreak begins. You've set your kindle free!

Now for part 2: setting up the folder to put screensavers in!

Bascially it's exactly the same steps as jailbreaking. Download the custom .zip file here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BLJV0WKE
or find the second part of the "how to" here:  http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/37424/jailbreak-your-kindle-for-dead-simple-screensaver-customization/

Again, extract, plug in your kindle, open the folder and copy/paste the correct file (in my case "update_ss_0.20.N_k3w_install").

Then disconnect and again go to menu/setup, then in setup click menu/update your kindle

Once the update is done, plug your kindle back in and open the kindle folder. You should now see a new foldoer called "linkss". Open that and you should see a bunch of files and folders, one of which is "screensavers". That's where you put any new images you want for your lockscreen! Make sure they're the correct size and greyscale (no colour). Easiest thing is to do a google search and find already made ones online, but they're easy enough to make yourself with a simple photo editing program.

Once you've dropped some images (.jpg, .gif., .png) into the folder and you want to check them out, unplug the kindle and reboot it. (I just hold down the off button for 15 seconds.)

After it reboots you should now have some great new screensavers!!

If at any point Amazon releases new firmware and you want to update it, you can just go through this process again in reverse, putting the "uninstall" files on your device until it's back to how it was, then update and hunt around for the latest jailbreak to fit the new firmware version.

Any questions get in touch. Here' some pics of mine!

Kindle 3 vs Kindle 4 and the wonders of Amazon-not-com

Little review post today that snuck up on me essentially due to Amazon’s business model. Read on to find out what the hell I’m talking about and especially if you’re interested in buying either of the kindle’s mentioned in the title...

For reasons to do with accidental coffee spillage I found myself suddenly and tragically e-readerless. Now as much as I will always love printed books and will always prefer reading from them, I do most of my reading nowadays on my e-reader, and I read a LOT, so this was a situation I couldn’t stay in for very long.

So, off I went to amazon.co.uk because I’d heard about these fantastic new kindles (specifically the Touch and Fire). On a side note I almost jumped up and down when I heard about the full colour Fire until I realised it wasn’t some new kind of colour e-ink but was just a generic tablet. Scratch that, I want e-ink for reading or nothing...

So, the Touch looked cool then; small, compact e-ink touchscreen. 7 kinds of Awesome.
Then I found out that along with the vast majority of the rest of the world, I don’t in fact live in the United States, and if you’re not in the US, you’ll have to wait. Gotta love international corporations with national nepotism issues...

So basically that meant I was stuck with ordering the basic new Kindle 4, 6”, 2011-whatever-you-want-to-call-it. Fair enough, no big deal. I order it online for next day delivery and it comes looking all sexy and aluminium fresh. Love the metal feel, love the size, love the screen... oh wait, there’s a big blank line running through the centre of it.
 
Great... Called tech support, and after speaking to a very helpful woman I was told my new Kindle was broken and I needed to return it. Meanwhile I’m doing some research that I should have done before ordering it...

Turns out the Kindle 4 has exactly the same screen as the Kindle 3 (now called Keyboard).

Turns out it can’t do audio at all. No speakers, no audio output.

Turns out it has half the memory. HALF.

Turns out unlike the Kindle 3 the mains charger comes seperate as a rather large extra cost.

Plus it has no touchscreen or keyboard and in my brief encounter with my broken one, trying to type anything with just a D-pad took forever.

Added to all that, the Kindle 3 (Keyboard), which in my opinion is better for the above reasons anyway, had been reduced in price in my local supermarket to less than the Kindle 4!

Naturally I posted back my busted Kindle 4 and bought a new Kindle 3 from my supermarket. Cheaper and better.


So, unless there’s more future coffee issues this will see me through the Kindle 4/Touch/Fire era entirely. Sorry Amazon, would have happily bought the Touch if you'd released it around the world at the same time.

In conclusion, unless you live in the US, or unless you’re bothered about a slightly smaller Kindle in shiny metal, I’d go with the Kindle 3 (Keyboard).

Why become an independent/self-published writer?

Firstly, this has been done to death in many a blog. I’m aware of that and I’m not going to cover the same ground. If you want details, how-to guides and pros and cons, do a search and you’ll find plenty of material. But at the same time this is my personal blog so I figure I should probably write about why I, personally, am going down that route. 

What makes a writer? I’ve said this before. If you write, if you love it, if it’s your passion, you’re a writer. You might not be any good, you might struggle to find the time, you might only be able to manage one hundred words on a really productive day, you might have ten bestsellers under your belt and a learjet in your garage; whatever, you’re still a writer. Congratulations. (Especially if you’re the one with the learjet.) 

But for the rest of us normal people having a contract and a fat advance from a big publishing house is great, of course it is, but that isn’t why we write. At least that’s not why I write and I suspect it’s true of many. I write because I love to craft stories, to create compelling narrative, dialogue, characters and, hopefully, to sculpt lush, eloquent and poetic prose that might be considered “literary” (that most arbitrary of labels).  But most of all, I write to be read. I love the idea of creating something that someone else might enjoy. I do it with music, I do it with art, I even used to spend hours constructing elaborate scenarios for Role Playing Games (yes, I am a geek and proud of it).

Except, in the current environment it’s monumentally difficult to get published by a mainstream house. Except, each submission takes months before you get any reply at all. Except, years can go by without anyone ever getting to read what you’ve made.

So, why have I gone down the indie route? I haven’t. Nothing’s ever set in stone. I know I’ll keep writing, stuff will still get sent to publishers, I know I’ll get lots more “positive” rejections (there’s a dichotomy), and maybe at some point something more. But in the meantime I couldn’t justify sitting on manuscripts that have been lying in my harddrive collecting cyber-dust when they could be read and, I hope, enjoyed by people. They’ve been edited to death, read and re-read by people who aren’t friends or family but who still think they’re great. So why not?

I am also very aware that if you become a successful writer published by a mainstream house you get pigeon-holed. Well-known conspiracy writers write conspiracy thrillers, well-known historical fiction writers write historical fiction, well-known sci-fi writers write... yes, you guessed it. And that’s fine, maybe they do write other things and publish under other names, maybe all they want to write is what they’re known for. I couldn’t stick to one thing. I love to read and write romances, plays, screenplays, sci-fi, contemporary  literature, historical thrillers... the list goes on. So why shouldn’t I? If I ever get a publishing contract I’d probably be contracted to write in a particular style and setting. That’s fine, but it won’t ever stop me from writing anything else I might want to write... and self-publishing will always be there for me to make sure at least some people read what I’ve written. 

And having said all that, the publishing world is changing, and changing fast. Now that Amazon is effectively becoming a publisher, now that self-published authors have the ebook readers and access to large audiences, who knows what the future will bring.

In the meantime I’m keeping my love of writing and momentum going by getting something I’ve written out into the world... it’s very early days, but I’m loving every minute of it, so whatever happens it can’t be a bad thing.

From the Write Angle: Self-publishing? Use the right tools!

Had to borrow this link to a fantastic article for all you indie-authors out there. Some first class advice here.

From the Write Angle: Self-publishing? Use the right tools!:

'via Blog this'

Which Musical Instrument Should I learn?

Something a little different for today's post. Picking the right musical instrument to learn. I honestly believe that anyone can learn to play an instrument. Some might have an extra helping of musical talent, but hard work and effort can bridge the gap.

If you’ve never tried learning a musical instrument, choosing which one you would like to learn isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Not only are there a huge variety of instruments to consider, but there are often many styles and methods of playing each one of them. Added to that, some instruments are relatively easy to grasp the basics of, while others require a little more dedication and time and have a steeper learning curve to them. To make your choice you’re going to need some help, so read on.

Perhaps the first question you should ask yourself is: what type of music do you enjoy most?
This is the starting point. Your answer is going to narrow the list down substantially. Do you like folk music? Then maybe think about the dulcimer, flute, acoustic or Spanish/classical guitar. Maybe jazz is your thing? Then perhaps something like the piano, the double bass or the saxophone would be ideal. Classical, orchestral music has the largest range to choose from but, with the exception of the piano, many classical pieces of music require you to play with others. Then again, playing with others once you’re capable is one of the most enjoyable aspects of learning an instrument. So, think about what you like and have that in mind throughout the rest of the article.

To guide you in the process here is a list of the most common musical instruments with their pros and cons and which music they are most often associated with. Obviously this list is not exhaustive, but it will help you towards an informed decision:

Piano
The piano is a wonderful starting point for any aspiring musician, and once learned to an intermediate degree, forms a solid foundation for many other instruments, including the human voice. It’s also very often the primary instrument in the composing process. Many classical composers would have used the piano to initially write their pieces for other instruments. On the piano musical notes are clearly visible, including sharps/flats, and chord structures follow patterns. In short, the piano is the quintessential instrument, and worth learning to some level even if it will not be your main instrument of choice as it forms a good basis for grasping general musical theory. Although a fine instrument when accompanying others, it is also great when played solo; and of course it still allows the player to sing while playing.

There are a few downsides. For one, decent pianos are expensive, though electric keyboards can be cheaper options. As with most instruments, you get what you pay for, but there are always bargains to be had if you’re willing to buy second-hand. They can also take up a large amount of space and non-electric pianos, whether upright or grand, aren’t very transportable.

Guitar
The guitar is probably the most wide-spread and popular of contemporary instruments. There are essentially three main types of modern guitar: the steel-string acoustic; the smaller, nylon-stringed classical – or Spanish – guitar; and the electric guitar. Each of those have sub-genres, most especially the electric guitar, which can come as a solid body of various types, a hollow-body, or a semi, each with its own characteristics. There are also less common types such as the diminutive ukulele, the banjo, and the lap-guitar that’s so popular in country music.

Grasping the basics of the guitar is relatively easy to accomplish. In a short time an individual can learn enough chords to play some simple songs – it’s amazing how much popular music uses just a few chords. Like most things however, to become an expert, even in one style, can take many years of work and dedication.

The guitar is light and easy to transport. Again and as always, you get what you pay for, but the sheer amount of guitars on the market ensures there are always bargains. 


Flute
Now for a few of the most popular woodwind instruments. The flute is a reedless wind instrument and, when played well, is lovely to listen to either played solo or as part of an orchestra. It’s also a popular marching band and school orchestra choice. Though very different to stringed and brass instruments, it is not difficult to pick up the basics. They’re easy to carry around and can be purchased quite cheaply, especially those intended for beginners. Flutes are used in folk and orchestral music. 


Clarinet
The clarinet is a single-reed instrument of the woodwind genre. In typical classical orchestras a Clarinettist usually has two at hand and ready to play; one in B♭ and one in A. They are quite complex instruments to learn, but once you are adapt, the jump to other woodwind instruments is much easier as most others tend to be more forgiving. Famous in big band jazz music, the clarinet has a very distinctive sound. Reed instruments do tend to be pricey however, so budget is a consideration. They are dissectible for ease of transportation. 


Oboe
A quick look at an oboe can immediately tell you it’s a more complex cousin to the clarinet. A double-reed instrument, it has a clear sound and resonance; so much so that orchestras usually tune to the oboe’s concert A. The oboe has about 45 different keys on it, though some octave keys are semi-automatic or completely automatic, but this makes for a difficult time for beginners. It is considerably more expensive than the clarinet, though cheaper plastic resin models are available. Common in classical, jazz and folk music. 


Saxophone
The sax is perhaps the most mainstream of the woodwind instruments, often played in pop, rock and blues as much as in classical and jazz and everything in between. It has similar keywork to other reed-based woodwind instruments but, with the exception of the soprano sax, a very distinctive shape all of its own. There are four main varieties, changing in size, pitch and tone. The largest can be cumbersome, especially if you have a small stature or are young. Again, these instruments are expensive. For example a low-end alto sax can cost as much as high-end guitar. 


Violin/Viola/Cello
Now for the stringed instruments. The most famous and popular of which are the violin and its larger relatives, the viola and cello. The violin is famous as both a soloist and orchestral instrument and has been used in music as diverse as folk, rock, classical and even pop and dance. The violin is certainly one of the most beautiful sounding instruments when played well, but one of the worst when played by a beginner! This is because of its high pitch – at least for the violin; the viola is lower and the cello lower still – and fretless nature of the neck, meaning it is easy for a beginner to play notes too sharp (high) or flat (low). But if you put in the practice, learn the fingering and attune your ear, these instruments will sing like few others can. All three instruments can be played in different ways, most commonly with the aid of a bow.
While even a full size violin is small and easy to carry, the same cannot be said for the cello, which is played resting on the ground while the player sits. Cheap, beginner instruments are not overly expensive, but as you progress you will want to upgrade, and as with most musical instruments the price increases markedly as you move into professional grade quality. Hunt around for bargains.

Double Bass
This is essentially a larger version of the cello. It too can be played with a bow, though for non-classical styles is commonly plucked or “slapped” like a bass guitar. Famous in jazz music, it provides a rich, deep sound, complementing any percussion instruments.

A full size double bass is a huge instrument requiring a case large enough to fit a person in!

Trumpet//Horn/ Trombone/Tuba
Moving on to the brass instruments, we will look at the trumpet, one of the oldest instruments in the world. Used mainly in classical and jazz music and especially famous in the big band era, the trumpet has a distinctive sound and a high register – it’s the highest of the brass instruments. It can be muted to give a softer tone with less volume. Easy to carry around and with initial learner or second-hand models at reasonable prices, it’s a good instrument to start with, though be careful at what time of day you practice!
The horn (French horn) is the second highest of the brass instruments and is characterised by its distinctive circular silhouette and complex inner tubing. Mainly used in orchestral music, it is mid-size and not overly cumbersome to transport, and is known for its mellow tones.

The trombone is larger, often without buttons (or valves) for changing pitch. Instead it uses a telescopic motion, making for a very distinctive appearance and playing style. Although generally larger than a trumpet, it’s still easy enough to transport.

The tuba is the largest and lowest sounding brass instrument. Never mistake a lower register for lower volume however; it can penetrate the walls of a house just as easily! Usually restricted to orchestral roles, of which there are commonly just one and at most two per orchestra.

All brass instruments are difficult to play softly, so bear that in mind! They can all be muted somewhat with a cone cap, but this does change the sound and feeling significantly.

Conclusion
Obviously this article has just scratched the surface. There are plenty of other common instruments out there, and many more unusual and exotic ones specific to a particular region, country or culture. Percussion instruments like drum-sets, steel drums, bongos, maracas and so forth, are worthy of their own space and are beyond the scope of this article, but certainly are not to be forgotten. In fact, many musicians have said that learning to play some kind of percussion instrument as well is a good way of developing better timing when you play your musical instrument of choice, so bear that in mind.

Hopefully this has given you something to think about. Perhaps the best advice is to go down to your local music shop and have a look around, try some instruments out and see what catches your interest. To get a chance to check out all of the instruments discussed above you might need to visit more than one type of shop. Learning an instrument is as much about the journey as the end result, and you have to be interested enough to want to learn, and enjoy the process of learning, without worrying about how long it might take you. But put in enough dedication and effort and you’ll be making beautiful melodies in no time.

Finally, a brief note on lessons and their importance. Although music lessons are beneficial and should certainly be considered, do not overestimate them. There is a fine balance. Sometimes too much or too rigorous adherence to technical ability can stifle creative ability. If all of your time is spent learning the “correct” way to play an instrument and how to play other peoples’ music perfectly, you might lose the ability to “think outside the box”. Have lesions by all means, learn the techniques, but remember to be creative, break the rules, and learn to make and write your own unique music as much as play everyone else’s!