It's Official

Tristan and myself being Sworn
in by Judge Fornof-Lippencott

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 Last night I was sworn in as a member of the St. Paris Village Council by Judge Susan Fornof-Lippencott, along with new fellow Council Member Tristan Bogan and Mayor Seth Bair.

The real/hard work begins January 2nd.

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Flank Hawk Audio Book Update

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As a few folks have contacted me about the audio version of Flank Hawk being released I figured I'd briefly address it here.

After exchanging a few emails with my publisher, the reading of the book is complete. It's being edited and put together. There isn't an exact release date yet. I'll post more information when it's available.

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Writing a Sequel: My Guest Blog at Indie Book Blog

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If you have a moment or two, click on over to the Indie Book Blog where I discuss how I learned to write a sequel (Blood Sword).

It was tricky (at least for me) writing the second novel as a standalone while complementing Flank Hawk, the first novel in the First Civilization's Legacy series.

Link:
Guest blog with Terry W. Ervin II: Writing a Sequel
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Conan the Destroyer

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I know this movie has detractors, but really, I enjoyed Conan the Destroyer when it first came out and enjoy popping it in the DVD player on occasion.

Fun, action adventure that doesn't try to take itself too seriously.

Chance to Win a Signed Copy of Blood Sword or Flank Hawk

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Are you interested in obtaining a free signed copy of Flank Hawk or Blood Sword?

There is an unofficial fan club for readers of the First Civilization's Legacy series recently started by several readers of the series. If you join Flankers (a Facebook fan club), your name will be put in a drawing for a signed copy (to be sent to you or to someone you designate as a gift).

Join, look around and get in on the discussions and fun!

Link: Flankers, the Unofficial First Civilization's Legacy series fan club

The drawing is open for new members until January 1, 2012.

Book Signing in Zanesville Ohio December 10th

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I will be one of 20 authors selling and signing books at the 2011 Holiday Book Fair.


When: Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11am to 7pm
Where: The Colony Square Mall in Zanesville, Ohio (3575 Maple Avenue)
Location: Near the JC Penney Store

If you're in the area, hope to see you there!
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Seventh Star Press Names Blood Sword as its Pick of the Week

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If you have a moment, click on over and see the positive remarks Seventh Star Press had to say about Blood Sword!

Link: Pick of the Week: Blood Sword, by Terry W. Ervin II

Woolly Mammoth: Cloned from Bone Marrow, possibly within 5 Years

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Came across this article where it discusses undamaged mammoth DNA obtain in Siberia through a recently discovered thigh bone: Woolly mammoth to be brought back to life from cloned bone marrow 'within five years'

Apparently finding the necessary undamaged DNA has finally been achieved, so Russian and Japanese scientists are working to make the Woolly Mammoth no longer an extinct species.

I think it's pretty cool.
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It's Official: Village Councilman Elect

Wordsower International - Worthwhile of Donations

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Wordsower International is one of the places I make donations (I donated my last royalty check--not major but every little bit makes a difference in the lives of those in Libera).

Below is an update and report sent by Kim Smith, a former co-worker of mine who now does missionary work in Liberia full-time.


Solo Town Students Receive Books



Wordsower International: Liberia Branch

October, 2011 Ministry Report



The mission of Jesus; “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9 NIV), is also our mission.

We evangelize and train indigenous believers and then help equip them to evangelize, disciple, pastor and be missionaries to their own people. We equip them by giving them training material to train others, provide Bibles, and assist with transportation.

 Our mission is that every village of Liberia will have a healthy church. Most of the towns and villages of Liberia have no church. We have worked in over 150 villages. This month we made 60 mission/ministry trips, visiting 82 villages and other locations, going into 11 new locations. Many of the places we visited multiple times, our longest trip was 7 days, shortest a few hours. We printed and distributed approximately 14,200 pages of teaching material and distributed hundreds of Bibles. This month we baptized 42 and 19 completed our extensive Bible study program.

 Several factors affect how many mission trips we can go on each month; illness, injuries, motorbikes repaired, and the availability of gas and money are some.

 One of our men retuned from a new remote village. Before he even got off the bike he passionately said, “People are dying. They have no shepherd, and they really love the gospel! They loved us and want us to quickly return.” Another team reported that 355 people from two villages attended their teaching. The Liberians, in the interior, are spiritually hungry and want spiritual food, now!

France comes through! Months ago they purchased and sent us 2,000 Bibles (1,900 more were also donated by Christian Aid Ministries) and 4,000 tracts. The load traveled by sea, fought corrupt customs, set in a warehouse in Monrovia because of bad roads during the rainy season, spent 3 days traveling 300 miles of bad road…but finally safely arrived! Amen!

 Almost all of the 1000’s upon 1000’s of refugees who walked across the border into Liberia for safety came with little or nothing. Few have Bibles. The Holy Spirit is moving throughout the camps, causing a great spiritual hunger. We have started distributing Bibles with lessons to the spiritual leaders. When they complete the lessons they will distribute Bibles and lessons to those they disciple, those who are discipled will be given supplies to do the same (2 Tim 2:2). Already we have trained many leaders who have started churches in the camps. Now these house (tent) churches are themselves starting churches. In the coming months we will see a great harvest from those in the camps. In the coming years we will see a great harvest as those who have been trained return home.


USA comes through! At the same time France had a load coming by sea so did the US. We received both shipments here in Zwedru at the same time. The US shipped 100’s of pounds of supplies including 1000’s of printed lessons, school supplies for our two schools, motorbike spare parts and an assortment of other needed items.



One of the Churches Started



October, 2011 Ministry Expense Report

Ministry expenses:
$2,416 – Paper, gas for the generator, pens, folders, Bibles and mission trips.

$814 – Motor bike gas and repair, we now have 8 bikes (Gas prices range between $5.50 - $9.00 a gallon)

$65 – School related, we have started two schools (teacher pay, student fees, and supplies).

Assistance to the poor:
$470 – Humanitarian assistance: including food (average cost is $1.50 a day for food), rent, home repair, etc.

$113 – Medical expenses (average treatment cost is $1.00 - $10.00)


House construction:
$144 – We continue to do small construction on our place.

Team food and house supplies:
$1,380 – Food and house supplies (close estimate). Our core team consists of 13 adults and 17 children. That averages out to $1.53 a day per person to cover, clothes, food, batteries, soap etc. Really, our team uses less than that per day because we feed visitors every day from the interior, refugees, and locals from our house funds.


$5,399 - Total for the month


Donations should be sent to:
Wordsower International
16960 Sidney Plattsville Rd.
Sidney, Ohio 45365

All donations are tax deductible. A receipt will be sent in January. 100% of all donations go for the mission to the Liberians. None is used for me or administration. If you have any questions concerning donations you may call Tom Looker at 937-489-8090.

Thank you,

Kim



Solo Town Students Receive Backpacks



Wedding Ceremony



Print version of Blood Sword now now Available via Amazon.com

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Those who have been awaiting word, Blood Sword is now available in print via Amazon.com.

Link: Blood Sword (Print)

As posted previously, it's also available as an ebook via Kindle, Nook and Smashwords.

Note: The image will appear in Amazon soon, and some of the novel description will be cleaned up, but I wanted to let those who've been asking know ASAP. 

When it's available via Barnes and Noble, I'll post it as well.

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O Fortuna by Carl Orff

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My first solid memory of O Fortuna comes from a scene in the 1981 movie, Excalibur. A memorable movie for several reasons. Maybe I'll write a blog post about it some day.

Those who know me know I'm not a big listener of music, but this composition has really stuck with me through the years. It crops up in television and movies, and even occasionally bits in commercials.

O Fortuna plays a small part in my novel, Blood Sword. I guess it's interesting to ponder what can show up in a post-apocalyptic action-adventure fantasy novel.

In any case, below is a link to the song and lyrics (both Latin and English). Listen and enjoy, and consider its message.

Blood Sword now available via through Barnes & Noble's Nook

Blood Sword is now available via the Nook!

Link: Blood Sword via Nook

November 8th Election Results

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For those who might be interested, here is the count for Village Council of St. Paris:

Member of Council - St. Paris

Vote For Not More Than 2

Tristan Bogan . . . . . . . . . 343 = 37.20%

Terry W. Ervin II. . . . . . . . 298 = 32.32%

Lynn G. Miller. . . . . . . . . 281 = 30.48%

With a second place finish, that means the citizens of St. Paris have given me the opportunity to serve on the Village Council. I am quite honored and will do my best for them and the village.  Thank you!
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Guest Post at My First Book

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If you have a moment, click on over to Misha's Blog (My First Book) and check out my article on The Best “How To” Books for Writers.

The information and advice might surprise you...or maybe not :)

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Blood Sword ebook version Available!

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Blood Sword, the second novel in the First Civilization's Legacy series is now available via Kindle USA, Kindle UK and Smashwords. Nook is still in the works.

Print edition availability coming soon!

Political Signs, Ads and Interviews

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As was noted previously, I'm running to be elected to the St. Paris Village Council.

About 20 Political Signs have been placed around town.

Thank you to all who volunteered
and/or allowed me to place signs in your yards!

I've had several interviews with the Springfield Sun News and the Urbana Daily Citizen (with one more I believe yet to be published after a phone interview).

Springfield Sun News

Urbana Daily Citizen
(Yes, they referred to me by my first name)

I've run an ad in The Booster.



Booster Ad

 And yes, I've been asked questions by the citizens around town. My goal is to be honest and open-minded in all discussions. Always fun and interesting (okay usually fun but always interesting).

In any case, in about a week we'll see what happens.
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Blood Sword Cover Revealed!

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Thanks to Artist Christine Griffin and David Wood at Gryphonwood Press for creating, putting it together and making it all possible!

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Flank Hawk soon to be an Audiobook!

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My publisher has a contract in the mail for Flank Hawk to be an audiobook.

I was able to listen to the reader's audition and it was excellent. I listen to quite a few audiobooks while driving and his voice, inflection, pacing, etc. is already one of my favorites.

Details will follow.

Presenting at Y-City Writers Conference October 8th

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I will be speaking at the Y-City Writers Conference on October 8th. It looks to be great event:

2011 Y-City Writers Conference Schedule

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Registration, Breakfast, & Greet the Authors in the Gym

9:00 – 9:15 a.m. Welcoming Remarks & Introduction of Keynote Speaker: Bob Welsh

9:15-10:00 a.m. Keynote address: Bob Welsh

*10:15-11:00 a.m. Session I
A___ Terry Ervin “Escaping the Slush Pile: Cover Letter, Synopsis and First Three Chapters”
B___ Sandra Gurvis “Freelancing in a Rocky Economy”

*11:15-12:00 p.m. Session II
A___ Sharon Fish Mooney “Poems that Tell Stories: Exploring the Narrative”
B___ Bob Birch “Warming up the Romance”

12:00-1:00 p.m. LUNCH

1:00 – 1:15 Announcement of the winners for “The Sign in the Window” contest and

Introduction of afternoon Keynote Speaker: Tiffany Colter

1:15- 2:00 p.m. Keynote address: Tiffany Colter

*2:15-3:00 p.m. Session III
A___ Debbie Alferio “Creating Credible Characters”
B___ Brenda Layman “You Can Write and Sell Your Book”

*3:15-4:00 p.m. Session IV
A____ Julie Scudder Dearyan “Writing for Magazines”
B____ Donna MacMeans “The W- Plot”

Raffle/Door Prizes, Conference Concludes

It is to be held at:
Coburn United Methodist
3618 N. Maple Avenue
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
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Blood Sword Release Date: November 1st!

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Gryphonwood Press has set the official release date for Blood Sword, the second novel in the First Civilization's Legacy series, for November 1, 2011.

Although a sequel to Flank Hawk (with many characters returning to play a part), Blood Sword is written to stand alone so that readers new to the series can jump right in with the latest release.

I'll post more news and details about the novel and cover art as it becomes available.

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Review of Flank Hawk over at Indie Book Blog

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Click on over to the Indie Book Blog and check out what they had to say about Flank Hawk. And don't hesitate to leave a comment if you're so inclined.

Link: Review of Flank Hawk by Terry W. Ervin II
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Gift from a Reader of Flank Hawk

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Through my wife, I received a tatted green dragon from a reader.
(see picture below)

I think it's beyond cool that a reader enjoyed Flank Hawk enough to give something to the author in return.
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First Political Event: Ponywagon Days Parade Sept. 2011

Me in my wife's Camaro ready for the Parade



My Wife Waving to the Crowd

 The funniest comment heard during the parade? A teen shouting: "Hey, what's a car like that doing in St. Paris?"
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Shelby County Applefest 2011

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I, along with about a dozen other authors, will be attending the Applefest in Sidney, Ohio on September 10th from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.

We'll be located in the Court House to talk with readers and sign copies of our works. Signs will be placed around the festival to direct folks our way.

If you're in the area, hope to see you there.

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Pick of the Week (#1): Flank Hawk, by Terry W Ervin II (Gryphonwood Press)

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Stephen Zimmer has selected Flank Hawk as SSP's very first Pick of the Week.

Click on over to Seventh Star Press's Pick of the Week and see what Stephen had to say about Flank Hawk and a few other things. You'll even get to see a semi-rare photo of me with a snazzy tie.
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Venturing into the World of Politics

The Wizard of Oz: How it Should Have Ended

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As a writer, one needs to be aware that what logically should happen...instead of forcing the plot in a 'desired' direction. Readers might notice.

For example...



Still, the munchkin's bid for offing the witch might have failed. Then he'd have been in big trouble.

Nevertheless, the plot's alternate direction certainly has a ripple effect.
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Local Places: County Fair 2011

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I have fond memories of going to the Ottawa County Fair as a kid.

I lived in Toledo, but our family was good friends with a family that lived in on a farm outside Elmore, Ohio, so we'd always spend a summer day there with them. The rides, food and animals--and the demolition derby--fun stuff as a kid. 

My wife and I now make a point of taking our daughters to the Champaign County Fair each year. They participate with their dojo in a karate demonstration and then we eat, check out the livestock and then make our way to the rides and a fair food snack. Always, the last thing before going home is picking up some cotton candy.

Below are a few pictures from this year.

Checking out the Horses

Outside one of the Cattle Barns

A few of the Games

The Rocket Ride

One of the 'Fair Food' Vendors

For writers that visit my blog, don't think for a moment that there aren't people and plot ideas waiting to be discovered at the local fair.
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Air Force Museum Virtual Tour: How Cool is That?

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I've posted a time or two about visiting the National Museum of the U. S. Air Force  in Dayton, Ohio. In my online wandering I learned that they have a virtual tour of the entire museum.

It's pretty neat. You can walk through by clicking on blue arrows across the floor, or pulling down the map and selecting a spot. You can alter your view by simple arrows to look left or right (complete circle), and up and down.

There's even available audio for the tour.

Go ahead and give it at try!

Link: U.S. Air Force Museum Virtual Tour 
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Harry Potter: How it Should have Ended (Humor)

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If you haven't stumbled across this yet...



...be sure to watch to the very end.
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John Wayne Quote from True Grit

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A famous line from one of John Wayne's best movies, kicking off the climax.

I know they remade the movie, but in my opinion nothing will ever top the original:



If, for some reason, you've never seen the original True Grit, you really should make a point to do so.
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Interesting Article: Spoilers 'do not ruin stories', study says

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I came across this article (link: Spoilers 'do not ruin stories', study says) on the BBC website.

Interesting premise that makes sense. I guess it depends on the reader and the story being told.

The article made me think about writing in First Person POV, which I often use. Some readers have commented to me that they don't care to read First Person POV because they believe it means that, no matter what, the POV character will always survive.

Maybe this is true for many novels and stories. However, in the third novel of a SF series I have planned, the POV character does meet his end. I even have his final bit of dialogue written. (For what it's worth, the first novel in the series is written and has successfully run the slush gauntlet. It's awaiting a decision by the managing editor--been there a while so not holding my breath.)

What do you think about spoilers and/or First Person POV?

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Fellow Gryphonwood author David Wood interviewed at The Creative Pen

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Fellow Gryphonwood author David Wood (who has consistently sold well enough for a year to eclipse his day job earnings--thus recently retiring to write full time) is interviewed at The Creative Pen.

Check out the video interview (or as a podcast) where David discussed writing Action/Thriller novels, among many other things.

Link: Writing Thrillers and Action Adventure with David Wood

Hampton Reviews review of Flank Hawk

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Click on over and see what Hampton Reviews had to say about Flank Hawk where it earned 4.5 Stars.

Link: Review of Flank Hawk at Hampton Reviews

Don't hesitate to leave a comment there if you're so inclined.
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Quote: C.S. Lewis

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"The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts." --C. S. Lewis

Makes a lot of sense.

And, if you're looking for an interesting and thought-provoking read, check out The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. Tag along on a bus ride with a curious inhabitant of The Grey Town as he journeys to the Foothills of Heaven. I might add that the audio version is an excellent choice for those seeking something to fill time on the road.

I also have a 13 week Lesson Guide for The Great Divorce.
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"Seconds to Eternity" Published in Loconeal's Anthology

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My SF short story

"Seconds to Eternity"

is now available through Loconeal Publishing's
Loco-Thology anthology.

If you're interested it's available through:
Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as the publisher.
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Disquieting Visions Published: A Challenge in Writing Fantasy Short Stories

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Disquieting Visions published my article:

Link: A Challenge in Writing Fantasy Short Stories

While relevant to all writers of short fiction, it focuses in on a particular aspect of writing fantasy.
Click on over and give it a read.
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Hocking Hills 2011

Here are a few pictures from the day I spent hiking with my older daughter at Hocking Hills State Park.



Along the trail to Old Man's Cave

 It's only about a two hour drive from our home and visiting the park (and its trails, caves and water falls) is something my older daughter and I strive to accomplish as father and daughter each summer. Yes, someday my  younger daughter will be included--in a few years. The trip involves a lot of hiking up and down stairs and rocks and some slick, unsteady paths that require focus, concentration and endurance. But it's worth it.



The Water Fall at the end of Conkles Hollow




View from within the
Falls Cave at Conkles Hollow



Cinema of Shadows Book Trailer

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I came across this book trailer for the novel, Cinema of Shadows by Michael West.

It views more like a film than a standard book trailer. Even a 'twist' at the very end.

I think it's pretty darn well done. Give it a view and see what you think.

Steven Brust Quote on Writers and Readers

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"All literature consists of whatever the writer thinks is cool. The reader will like the book to the degree that he agrees with the writer about what's cool." --Steven Brust 


Contains the first three
Vald Taltos novels.
The perfect place to start.



As both a reader and a writer, what Brust said sure rings true.

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