Where to Get Inspiration

Hello, so if you've read a previous article I posted, you know that I got the idea for this series from an episode of Supernatural.

This is true. It was episode 2 of season 1. It was called: Wendigo. Which is werewolf of sorts. The premise, the location, the "creep" factor; they all played a role in creating the series. If you've never watched Supernatural, you should! Awesome show!

Anyway, it started out as only a short stories or a series of short stories, but when I started to write it. I kept writing and writing and soon it was long. And about halfway though, I decided to make it a book series.

Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. I've gotten ideas from dreams, songs, books, movies. But the best inspiration I can get is from everyday life. So much happens in the world around you! All you have to do is go out and look around. People watching is one of my favorite things to do. As well as using my imagination to recreate the world. Like what if we were all the size of a G.I. Joe action figure? Imagine how big a bush would be to us or a tree? How awesome would that be? A flower the size of your head! Animals bigger than you! Riding a dog to work! Endless possibilities!

Songs are tricky. It's usually just something I hear in the song itself. Can't remember the song nor the artist, but I heard an hourglass mentioned and I thought, hmm what if there was a big hour glass and someone somewhere only had that much time to find and rescue someone else? Or only that long until he, himself would die?

Dreams are pretty awesome. They're basically like movies your brain created. I had a dream recently where I was protecting two little kids from an alien invasion. The aliens were these big brown monsters and they really didn't like being shot at... So I had to climb up through a ventilation shaft while carrying the two little kids. It was very dramatic and very scary for me in the dream. BOOM! Story!

Inspiration can come from anything. You just have to look for it.

Leave your questions and comments below! Thanks for reading!

Immortal: Chapter 1

Hello, so I've decided to give ya'll a look at Chapter one of Immortal. To kind of give you a taste of what it's all about and where it all begins.

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 1: BOUND BY BLOOD

1204, Constantinople - 4^th Crusade

On a mid-summer's night in Constantinople, a cool breeze blew through the balmy air. Nature was silent. The animals were quiet. The only sound was that of swords clashing and the shouts of men in the distance as they echoed through the wind. Far outside the city's walls, a lonely rider sat on his horse as he watched his illustrious city burn to the ground. Thick black smoke billowed from the capital city and the flames could be seen from the heavens by God, Himself. The rider turned his horse from what would soon be nothing more than ash and ruin, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.

Two Crusaders, brothers, both hardened warriors fight side by side. They have been through hell and back again and seen things most people wouldn't ever imagine possible. The elder of the two, Marcus, has a rough, muscular physique and has dedicated his life to the battlefield. He is a true warrior and the only thing he cares about more than fighting for a righteous cause is keeping his younger brother safe.

The younger of the two, Alexander, is more gentle and kindhearted by nature, but tough when the situation calls for it.  He is less battle-worn than his brother, and though he too is a skilled warrior, he has a heart for romance and a mind for philosophy. Before joining the Crusades, Alexander was studying to become a scholar, but after his brother decided to join following the death of their parents, he felt the need to stand by his side.

Marcus was tall and brawny with rugged features. He had shoulder length hair and a dark beard, which he kept short. His face was marked with a few scars, but one defining one on his right lower cheek. Although he had a rough exterior, Marcus' blue eyes always had a saddened look to them. However, they weren't always that way – not until the brothers’ father passed.

Alexander, on the other hand, was a little shorter than Marcus, but muscular as well. Although he wasn't as large as his brother, he had an athletic build to him. Alexander kept his hair short and his face shaved. He only had a few minor scars, but Alexander's bright green eyes were what defined his face.  

Marcus and Alexander found themselves surrounded by a swarm of Byzantine soldiers and it appeared as if death were their only escape. The Byzantines waited for the brothers to lay down their arms and surrender, but they did no such thing and instead they surprised the soldiers by attacking them and leaving them practically defenseless. Alexander quickly spun around and cut down the soldier behind him, quickly dodged a missed jab of another sword, and cut that man's leg – causing him to stumble. Then Alexander stabbed the man in the chest as he knelt before him. While Alexander spun around once more to slash another soldier across his chest, Marcus grabbed the soldier nearest him by his collar and threw him into the last remaining soldier. The man who was thrown was impaled by his comrade's sword and they both tumbled to the ground. The final soldier was trapped beneath his fallen ally and Marcus lunged his sword through the dead man's chest and into the remaining soldier. The brothers stepped over their defeated enemies and made their way to the capital palace.

Inside, they found the palace in a state of disarray, with soldiers of both armies scattered and mangled on the floor of the great room and down the marble halls. Even the very walls bore the scarlet marks of battle. They quickly made their way down the hall into the next room where the battle raged on. Marcus rushed toward the fighting, but Alexander stopped him and pointed to a group of fleeing Byzantines rushing down a spiral staircase.

“Do you suppose they’re fleeing or looting?” asked Alexander, with a tone of an educated Englishman. 

“Let’s find out, shall we?” Marcus replied raspily. 

They quickly followed the soldiers down the spiral staircase which led to the underground system of dungeons below the capitol. The dungeons were dark with only a few lit candles on each side of the long, narrow room. Tables and racks filled with instruments of torture were on display throughout the room and at the end were iron cells. All of which were dark and appeared to be empty. The Byzantine soldiers were fiddling with the lock on the middle cell and speaking to each other in words the brothers did not understand, though the tone of their voices revealed a disagreement among them.

“What are they doing?”

Marcus laughed haughtily, “Perhaps they’ll think they’re safer inside a prison cell.”

Alexander watched the soldiers more closely than before and noticed the expression of fear on their faces. “It looks as if they are attempting to retrieve something from within the cell, though it appears to be empty, but why do they look so frightened?”

“As I said, they're cowards and it is the only place they can take refuge.”

The brothers stealthily took a few steps closer to the men, who had no idea they were about to be flanked.

“Hey!” yelled Marcus in his most commanding voice. The soldiers quickly turned around looking more terrified than ever. The one fiddling with the lock pushed the others to fight the brothers while he continued to try to open the cell.

Marcus and Alexander charged at the oncoming soldiers and began their attack. These Byzantine soldiers might as well have been unarmed peasants since they are no match for the combat prowess of the brothers. A soldier took a heavy swing at Alexander, but his blade missed its mark and left him open. Alexander took advantage of the soldier's temporary vulnerability and quickly slashed him across the chest with his sword. The next soldier swung at his head, but Alexander ducked below the swinging blade and stabbed the man in his side. The first soldier to accost Marcus got knocked down on his back after being kicked in the chest. While his opponent had the wind knocked out of him, Marcus seized the opportunity and stabbed the man with his own scimitar as he lay upon the ground.  

The brothers heard a loud, rusty screech as the remaining soldier opened the cell door. It sounded as if it hasn't been open in quite some time. Loose chains fell to the ground within the cell, followed by the ominous sound of heavy breathing. The cell remained dark as night, but someone or something was lurking within it. The soldier, who was now facing the brothers, looked petrified when a thick black claw covered with the man's own blood ripped through the front of his chest and then back out again. The man quickly fell to his demise in a pool of his own blood. Alexander took a step forward, but Marcus stretched his hand out in front of him to stop him. 

“What’s the matter?” Alexander asked, confused that his brother didn't rush to confront the beast.

The creature within the cell howled like no animal the brothers have ever heard before. The howl was deep and thick, much like a wolf, but much more terrifying. It was unnaturally long and the echoes of it shook the very foundation of the capital palace. The brothers were frozen to their spots, unsure of what to do. In the blink of an eye, the ferocious beast sprung out of its cell and sprinted on all fours with such speed that the brothers had no time to react. Alexander, though unready, took a swing at the beast, but his blade broke when it struck the creature's skin. The beast swung its enormous black claws into Alexander's body, causing him to fly clear across the room and slam against the wall. Marcus stood a few feet away from the huge, fur-covered creature. It was a terrifying sight to behold as it was bearing its teeth and growling while its piercing blue eyes were staring directly into its prey's. Marcus had a bit more time to react now that the creature was momentarily distracted with Alexander, so he rushed at the monster, ducking below its swinging arms. But it was too quick, even for Marcus. He was knocked to the floor and it sprung upon him, trying to use its teeth to rip Marcus to shreds. Marcus tried to use his sword to stop the long fangs, only to find his weapon shattered like glass.

 The monster struck at Marcus's chest and gnawed his shoulder with its razor sharp teeth as Marcus screamed out in pain. Alexander stumbled forward to assist his brother. Knowing his sword would do nothing to stop the beast, he quickly scanned the room for another weapon. There must be something in this dungeon to stop that foul creature. How else would they have caged it? There must be some sort of special weapon... Alexander thought, when a shimmering silver blade caught his eye and he rushed over and retrieved it off the weapon rack nearest to the cells. He then struck the beast in its side with his new sword, but this time, instead of the blade breaking, it drew blood from the creature as it fell back and howled in pain. Alexander chased the beast to the dark cell from whence it came and moments later the beast lay in a silent heap upon the stone floor. When Alexander emerged from the darkness and into the flickering light of the dungeon covered in the blood of the great beast mingled with his own, he knelt down beside his wounded brother.

“Marcus! Can you hear me?” Alexander's voice was filled with panic.

“Yes, you mustn’t worry, brother. I shall be fine, help me to my feet.” Marcus' voice was calm and steady, but Alexander knew Marcus was trying to remain strong for his benefit. He could tell his brother was in agonizing pain and he needed to get him back to the surgeon as quickly as he could.

Alexander helped his brother onto his feet and assisted him back up the stairs to find the battle was finished. The Crusaders were the victors and their fellow soldiers were cheering their victory. Alexander helped his brother walk out of the palace to the courtyard, where they followed their wounded comrades back to their main camp a mile or so outside the city walls. Once they passed through the broken gate that once protected the city, they saw the sun peeking over the sands of the Byzantine Empire. The sun was already burning bright and hot much like the fires still raging inside the city causing Alexander to feel as though his insides were burning underneath his heavy armor.

 When they made it back to the camp, Alexander rushed Marcus to the surgeon's tent, after he quickly hid the silver weapon within his own tent. Alexander helped the surgeon remove Marcus' armor, then the surgeon proceeded to cut off Marcus' shirt with a surgical knife. Once his shirt was removed, the injuries to his chest and shoulder were exposed and immediately began to bleed extensively. After a few intense minutes, the surgeon was able to stop the bleeding by wrapping the wounds. The surgeon asked Alexander what caused these injuries, but the he couldn't find the words to describe the attack, knowing that no one would believe such a fantastical story. So he said Marcus had been bitten by a rabid dog.

After the surgeon did what he could to dress Marcus' wounds, Alexander knelt beside his brother's bed. Marcus waited until the surgeon was out of earshot before turning to look at his brother, “I've been meaning to ask you. How did you slay the beast? My sword shattered when it struck it.”

“Mine did as well. I reasoned if we were in a torture chamber, there must be something to stop that foul creature, so I looked around the room and I found a glimmering silver sword. I cannot tell why, but with just one strike with the sword - the beast fell.”

“What did you do with the silver sword? Do you still have it?” asked Marcus anxiously.

“Yes, it's in my tent. Why? You don't think we'll run into another one of those things, do you?”

“It's unlikely, but if there's one of those things here, there must be another one elsewhere. So hold onto it just in case, we may need it. Inquire the blacksmith his assessment of the blade as well and tell me what he thinks.”

“Alright. I'll ask him about the blade, but you should get some rest. I know you don't think you need it, but you do.”

“Alright, little brother.” replied Marcus as Alexander stood. 

Alexander walked out of the surgeon's tent and back to his own. His tent was small, just enough room for him to sleep, but he crawled into it and grabbed the silver blade that he hid underneath his bedding. He covered it with a cloth and carried it back across the camp. After weaving his way through the endless soldier's tents, he reached the open field that marked the center of the camp, and then proceeded to the blacksmith's tent. The blacksmith, William, was close with the Marcus and Alexander. A few years prior, he was trapped inside his quarters as it caught fire. The brothers happened to be passing through on their way to join the Crusades and they were able to save him. Since then, William has done whatever he can to repay them and has been a dear friend to them as well.

“William, it's good to see you, my friend!” exclaimed Alexander in a cheerful, familiar manner.

“Ah! Alexander! It's great to see you as well, my boy! I heard of Marcus. How is he?” replied William.

“He's going to be alright, you know Marcus - he can fight his way through anything.  Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about, William. You see, what we encountered wasn't exactly a rabid dog. It was, oh, how can I describe it? I have hesitated to tell anyone because it sounds so ridiculous. It was a great, black beast that resembled a wolf. But its eyes, were... unnatural. Deep, blue eyes that stared into your very soul.” Alexander shuddered as he recalled it.

“Yes, go on!” William pressed excitedly.

“Well, the strangest part were our swords. You yourself designed them, and sturdy weapons they were!”

“Were?” William asked, disappointed at the thought of one of his pieces going to waste.

“You see our blades shattered as if made of glass when we struck the beast.” Alexander uncovered the sword and showed it to William. “But when I used this sword, it pierced it and the beast was slain with but one strike. Do you have any idea how this was possible with this blade?”

“Blimey! A silver blade, I haven't seen one of these in ages.” William looked at the sword closely, “This is a rare find, my friend.”

“What can you tell me about it?” asked Alexander

“Legends say that only a blade built from the surface of the moon can slay a beast born of Lycanthropy. This blade is made of pure silver and it shines like the moon reflects on water.” William explained.

“A blade built from the surface of the moon? What could that mean?” asked a perplexed Alexander.

“Well, it's only a legend. No one really believes it, of course. But this is a pure silver blade and it did slay that beast.”

“But I still don't quite understand. How did it pierce the beast? How does it being silver make any difference?” asked Alexander, still confused.

“Well, you know, son, I'm not so sure if I'm the right person to ask. If you really want to know more about it, I'd suggest talking to the gypsies.”

“Where can I find these gypsies?”

“Oh goodness, they're everywhere. They are a roaming people, you see. But the ones you'll want to speak to are just outside of Romania. That is where I heard the legend. You could try there. Tread carefully though, they're known to be thieves.”

“Well, thank you, William. You've been a great help to me. If we ever get out of here, I shall indeed seek them.”

“And I hope you do. Fascinating, they are - the tales they tell. Tell your brother I hope he recovers his strength soon.” said William with a warm smile on his face.

“I shall,” said Alexander as he left the blacksmith's tent and walked back across the camp to his own once again.

Night started to sweep over the sky as the moon shone bright and full. Alexander gazed up at it with question. He stood there staring at it for a lingering moment, then shook his head. “Legends. More like myths.” Alexander scoffed to himself as he laid down in his tent, still staring up at the sky.

Hope you enjoyed chapter 1 of Immortal! Reading this... Its encouraging to see how far I've come and how far the characters have come as well. As promised, the first excerpt of Resistance will be coming soon! 

Stay tuned! Leave comments and questions below, thank you for reading! 

What's Next To Come

Hello, if you have or haven't read book 1 of the Archangel Series, Immortal, never fear for this post will be spoiler free.

As some of you know, I am writing six books for the Archangel Series. Book 1: Immortal which is published and available for purchase on Amazon.com as paperback and Kindle edition. Book 2: Resistance which will be coming out, hoping in the winter of 2016.

A little about Resistance...

Resistance takes place over two hundred years after Immortal, during the Renaissance. You may be wondering why I chose to skip two hundred years, well let me tell you. When I planned this series, I wanted to show different eras throughout time and show off each of their unique environments.

With that said...back to Resistance. Resistance will feature as many twists and turns as Immortal did, I can promise you that. Resistance tells a riveting tale that will have you on the edge on your seat with your heart pounding and palms sweating.

There will be sad moments, as well as very happy ones. You will have goosebumps, but you'll also have tears.

My writing personality has greatly developed and I put my best foot forward when writing this book to ensure you receive the best story possible.

Let me know if you have any questions and please leave them in the comments below.

I will be revealing the first excerpt from Resistance soon! Stay tuned!  

Facts About Immortal

Hello, in this post I will be sharing 10 facts about my novel, Immortal.

Enjoy!

1. I got the idea for this book and the series from watching an episode of Supernatural.

2. Alexander's and Marcus' personalities are based off myself and my brother.

3. Sinead's appearance is based off a girl I used to know.

4. I chose to do historical fantasy because I wanted to included historical figures and events and twist them into my own plot.

5. I chose the medieval age because I have always been extremely fascinated with that era.

6. The very cool cover art was created by my cousin-in-law.

7. It took me about a year and a half to complete Immortal.

8. I started writing the sequel, Resistance, during the editing phase of Immortal.

9. The lycans I created are a mix between the lycans from Underworld, Van Helsing, and my own creation. The vampires are a mix between the vampires from Van Helsing, Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, and my own creation.

10. Immortal is book 1 of The Archangel Series. There will be 6 books in total.

Hope you enjoyed those facts! Please don't hesitate to ask questions in the comments below, I will answer them to the best of my abilities.

Thank you!

Immortal Book Trailer