NOVELS: Over the Hill of Writing RUNES OF MAGIC - ISZMA

It is vital to celebrate one's achievements. Yesterday evening I reached the 50% mark of writing my latest novel RUNES OF MAGIC - ISZMA.

What you see as background is a dummy cover I created for my own leisure. It's not the official artwork, but one I created to inspire myself.

NOVELS: RUNES OF MAGIC - Iszma (Book 3)

My dear readers,

now it is official. RUNES OF MAGIC - ISZMA has been announced yesterday,  which will cover the conclusion of my three-books-epic around Shareena, Asiya and her friends (and foes).

Runes of Magic - ISZMA (Announcement), 2012

For the German readers Frogster offers a contest, wherin you can give Iszma's pet a name, which I shall use if you are winning. I am curious with what you will come up. Have fun!

Cheers,

Mike

CREATING WORLDS: Visualising the tale

(c) 2012, Alicia'Dashie, Michael T. Bhatty

A tortured soul, looking over a barren and harsh landscape. Her name: Alicia'Dashie*.

From time to time when I am writing a story I need to visualize things . Sometimes I have a scenery in my mind which needs to be expressed.

Or, like in this case, as a 'reminder' of certain things - I put a lot of those secret messages into the image, like an elaborate mind map, if you will. Sometimes for me, sometimes for a friend who inspired me.The idea of this scene came from a friend, actually; she was in a situation where she had to make tough choices, virtually standing close to an edge, looking over the barren landscape of a harsh world.

This artwork was done by applying several techniques, from rendering a 3D-character, using cloth animation and a 3D environment, using photographs from a vacation to enhance the sky, up to several filters and gradients in Photoshop CS3.

In my youth I have been a great admirer of Boris Vallejo and Luis Royo, who in fact had influenced a lot of my perceptions on fantasy. Guess, old habits are hard to break...

Mike

PS: There is a tale in that name, which I might tell you later. When the time is right;-)

A Happy New Year!

A Happy New Year to all my readers!

I love the quite season between the years, as one can reconsider things as well as plan ahead. I took the time to analyze my blog-resonance, meaning: What pages are you reading/ following?

Most interestingly my photographs lead the way, especially the Caradhas-images as well as the nude tattoos. So, Lord of the Rings and a womans beautiful body is what keeps my readers interested.

Right now I am writing a new tale and what I really need is the kiss of my muse. Yes, I love the concept of the muse, an unearthly  person who inspires the artist. and sometimes, well, there is a chance of meeting a real muse. Oh, that thrill will hold only for moments, but still. It is always an awesome experience!

I'll keep you informed;-)

WRITING: Enjoying the quite season...

I am writing...

Right now - well, I am not referring to my blog, but my next tale.

It is a curious thing, as these new heroes unfold their characters and traits to me, their wishes and sorrows. They come alive with each line I am writing.

Sometimes, those things work out, sometimes not. Sometimes I have to erase a line, altering they fate, their characters, their destinies...

However, what helps me most, is the quite nature of the season between the years. Shops closed, people are more friendly. There is no rush, no pressing matters, no phone calls - except from dear friends.

Do you remember Bilbo, sitting in his study? Somehow today I feel like him, sitting at my desk, staring at maps and notes, preparing my next adventure...

Bilbo writing, Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson, 2001

Well, I wish all of my dear readers to have a great season merry X-mas and a Happy New Year.