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Tag Archives: Novels

What’s Next for the Steam Empire Chronicles?

04 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Designing a Story, Novellas, Self-Publishing

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

future, novellas, Novels, Steam Empire Chronicles


Salve Romans!

So I’ve been thinking about what is next for the Steam Empire Chronicles. Obviously, I still have to finish Laurel Emperor! But what then?

Here are a few long term goals. So far I’ve got the following ideas…

  1. A novella about the Battle of the Teutonberg forest (victory for the Romans, of course!)
  2. A novella about the arrival of Romans in the New World.
  3. A novella about the last real gladiator of Rome
  4. Compose all the novellas into an Anthology with a bonus novella inside – definitely would consider adding illustrations to this novella collection.
  5. Make a giant omnibus of all the Steam Empire Chronicle Novels into one large print book (Not digital) – definitely add some more illustrations to Steel Praetorian in this, and then adding them to the current ebook as well.
  6. I’d love to get some audiobooks done, but only if there’s significant interest. I’m thinking a kickstarter for this would be worth it.
  7. Without revealing any spoilers, if people seemed interested, I’d start working on some spin-offs focusing on characters, especially in the new world or in more ‘historical’ situations in the novels.

Thoughts? What would you guys like to see?

 

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NaNoWriMo Thoughts Part II

12 Friday Aug 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in NaNoWriMo, NaNoWriMo2016, Self-Publishing

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Camp NaNoWriMo2016, National Novel Writing Month, Novels, self-publishing, steampunk, writing


So I’ve recently written about NaNoWriMo and what it is, so now let me get to what I like about it. There’s a variety of things, but it really boils down to two parts. Accountability and community. Read more past the break!

Continue reading →

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50 Ways to Kill a Character Part II

27 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Character Interviews, Designing a Story, NaNoWriMo2016, Self-Publishing, Steam Empire Chronicles, Story Ideas

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

authors, characters, Novels, self-publishing, story ideas, story writing, writing


Salve!

So in case you missed it, my first 50 Ways to Kill a Character was the most successful blog post I’ve ever written (and to be honest, I wrote it half as a joke for my own sanity.) Now that I have 5 books and counting under my belt, I decided it was time to make a part II. Read on, brave writers, and make sure you subscribe to my blog for more writer tips and support like this list! Continue reading →

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Update: Steel Praetorian

29 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Kickstarter, Self-Publishing, Steam Empire Chronicles, Steel Praetorian

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

alternate history, Novels, self-publishing, steampunk, Steel Praetorian, word count


Hi all! Since the book is due at the end of July (EEK!), I’m hard at work. I’ve always worked better with deadlines, so here it goes! My goal for this month is simply to post an updated word count every day.

Also, keep checking this space for possible Kickstarter #4 news (More illustrations? You betcha!)

Updated Word Count: 39,132 words (only 40,868 to go!)

Snippet from today/yesterday’s writing! As always, this is unedited and unrevised, so enjoy! Remember to subscribe on the left hand side for the latest in news about the Steam Empire Chronicles.

“Decanus! Decanus!” Julius shouted, hoping one of the junior officers would hear and attend to him. An easterner screamed as he attacked from behind, Gwendyrn shooting him cold with one of his hand repeaters. The bolt spun the man around, dropping him to the floor.

“We’ve got to secure the train tunnel and the gate house as well. I’ll take the cannon, you take that gate house.” Gwendyrn nodded. A wounded decanus with a motley collection of legionnaires behind him arrived, forming a ring of steel around the officers. “Good luck, centurion.” The Gaul gave a salute and strode off towards the gate. Julius headed for the cannon. He wove his way forward, cutting down mongols here and there, dragging an injured legionnaire against the train here. He had lost his shield somewhere, so he grabbed at his wrist and slowly opened his back up, air legion, shield. The articulated components slowly slid into place, forming a neat circle of steel protection.

The cannon boomed again, cutting down another swath of his men.

Anger turned his vision red, and Julius charged forward, using his shield to batter and push back the few easterners who tried to stop him. Several of his legionnaires joined him, forming a wedge that angled right at the Mongolian position. Desperate to hold onto their cannon, the Mongol crew reloaded desperately. Julius could see them inserting the ammunition and slamming it inside, ramming it home with their specialized gear.

“Be ready to drop” He called to his men, his voice hoarse. A mongolian ax bit deeply into his shield, slamming him backwards and ricocheting off his steel articulated shield. Thank goodness for roman craftmanship He thought as he stabbed his attacker in the gut and kicked him away. Motion ahead of him drew his attention.

“DROP!” He screamed, falling to the ground painfully atop his shield.

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Day 9 – A bit slower, but still moving ahead.

09 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in NaNoWriMo2015, Steel Praetorian

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

NaNoWriMo2015, Novels, Steam Empire Chronicles, Steel Praetorian, writing


Day 9 has come and gone, and what a challenge it was…

Current Progress 18,454

Current Goal for today: 19,000 – Used up a chunk of my buffer. Tomorrow will better!

Remember to Preorder Iron Tribune through Amazon and Smashwords and check out my other novels, Brass Legionnaire and Copper Centurion! Also check out my Facebook Iron Tribune Release Party!

Continue reading →

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Joining the pursuit – National Novel Writing Month!

01 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Alternate History, Steam Empire Chronicles, Steel Praetorian

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

alternate history, Book Writing, National Novel Writing Month, Novels, Steam Empire Chronicles, Steel Praetorian


Hi Everyone,

In an effort to get myself motivated and join up with some wonderfully like-minded people, I’m participating in National Novel Writing Month this year. I will be writing Steel Praetorian, novel number four of the Steam Empire Chronicles. Obviously, the novel will not be merely 50,000 words long, but around 90,000 words. *roughly the same size as Iron Tribune*

So what does that mean for me? Instead of writing a mere 1,600 words per night, I have to write about 3,000 words per night. Doable, just tricky! But with your support and backing I think it will be awesome! Here’s the link so you can follow me, check my progress, etc etc.

http://nanowrimo.org/participants/blockade23/novels/steel-praetorian

Ciao! and Wish me Luck!

  • Daniel

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Iron Tribune Update – End of April

29 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Iron Tribune, Self-Publishing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authors, Novels, self-published


Hi everyone, just figured I’d send out a quick update on Iron Tribune.

1.) Cover art is under way! (Yay!)

2.) The manuscript is at the editor’s, and thus is under way as well.

3.) Kickstarter plans are in the works. Nothing will happen until I have cover art to show people.

4.) Outlining on Steel Praetorian is going well! I’m seven chapters in already (outlining).

That’s it! Enjoy the rest of your April!

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Maybe I should write a background non-fiction history?

03 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Designing a Story, Self-Publishing, Technology, World of Romanpunk

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Novels, steampunk, Steamships, writing


Tactical Layout of the H.M.A.S. Scioparto

Tactical Layout of the H.M.A.S. Scioparto

I had a thought. Maybe people would be interested if I wrote a non-fiction style history as an accompaniment to the rest of the novels. Something like “A Roman’s Guide to Modern History: The Roman Empire in the 18th Century.”

Thoughts? Would you buy it?

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Mid-Writing Posting: Feedback Requested!

01 Tuesday Jul 2014

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Iron Tribune, World of Romanpunk

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

chapters, feedback, Novels, Review, Rufius Tiveri Alexandros, steampunk


Hi All,

Below is a snippet from Chapter Three. Long and short, if you’ve read Roma Aeronautica, you’ll have some more insight into the discussion below. Let me know what you think so far. Bear in mind, this is only a rough draft, small typos will most likely be removed by the time it gets to the second or third writing stage.

Continue reading →

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SteamPunk September is just around the corner!

16 Sunday Mar 2014

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Alternate History, Author Interviews, Steampunk September

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authors, Novels, steampunk, Steampunk September, writers


I know it is March, but September is just 6 months away! And that means that I have to get ready for Steampunk September! Here’s an overview of steam punk September provided by Penelope Bartotto, founder and creator of the event. I’ll have an interview with her up later this week! Also, please check out her wonderful website at http://www.libraryattheendofuniverse.com/ It’s full of great reviews, commentary, and other exciting things!

Continue reading →

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