• About Daniel Ottalini
  • The Steam Empire Chronicles
    • Book 2 – Copper Centurion
    • Book 3 – Iron Tribune
    • Book 5 – Laurel Emperor
    • Book 1 – Brass Legionnaire
    • Book 4 – Steel Praetorian
    • Novellas
  • Educational Consulting
  • Poetry
  • Tallavanor’s Tales
  • Contact Me

Modern Papyrus

~ Daniel Ottalini's author blog and website

Modern Papyrus

Tag Archives: steampunk

Halloween Update and NaNoWriMo 2016

31 Monday Oct 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Laurel Emperor, NaNoWriMo2017, Self-Publishing, Steel Praetorian

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

halloween, illustrations, Laurel Emperor, steampunk, Steel Praetorian


Hi all,

As usual, I’ve completely disappeared for the first quarter of school here in the USA. However, here are some brief, and exciting, updates! Happy Halloween!

  • Cover art is nearly complete
  • Formatting is nearly complete
  • Both illustrations are in the works!
  • Outlining for NaNoWriMo 2016 continues!
  • Sale on Iron Tribune coming this November

Read more about what’s going on below the break!

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

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 →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Shoutout for Steampunk Bloggers!

23 Saturday Jul 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Advertising, Self-Publishing, SteamLit

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Author, blog, steampunk


Hi all,

Another blogger is on the lookout for good steampunk websites, blogs, writers, etc, as she is looking to compile a big list about them! Hop on over and check out her site For Whom the Gear Turns – I also recently backed her kickstarter to send her to several steampunk conventions (since I don’t have the time to go and it’s always fun to get another writer’s point of view on a convention before I commit the time or money to go to one!

(Full Disclosure  – Iron Tribune has an ad up on her site (Part of the reward for the kickstarter pledge) – But then again you already own Iron Tribune, don’t you?)

Here’s a preview below. Enjoy!

Iron Tribune Advertisement!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Character Decision Making – Tough Choices

21 Thursday Jul 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Designing a Story, Self-Publishing, Steam Empire Chronicles, Steel Praetorian, World of Romanpunk

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Challenges, characters, self-publishing, Steam Empire Chronicles, steampunk, Steel Praetorian


(Also Called – How to help your character face a plot-altering or personality altering choice!)

Hi all,

Worry not, the difficult choice is for Octavia and Regillus to solve. Here’s the simplest question. When is an atrocity committed in the name of saving lives allowable? Read more inside!

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Dalmatia, Pannonia, Center of the Action

20 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Alternate History, Designing a Story, Self-Publishing, Steam Empire Chronicles, Steel Praetorian

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Romanpunk, self-publishing, steampunk, Steel Praetorian


Hi all! Today’s update focuses on the center of the action here in book #4, Steel Praetorian.

If you don’t want to read spoilers, don’t read ahead! Just enjoy looking at this lovely little map so you know where the action will be taking place!

Dalmatia

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Communication in the Steam Empire Chronicles

18 Monday Jul 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Alternate History, Designing a Story, Self-Publishing, Steam Empire Chronicles, Technology, World of Romanpunk

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

alternate history, communication, Romanpunk, steampunk, technology


Good Morning!

I thought that I’d put together this handy quick-reference guide to communication in the world of the Steam Empire Chronicles. So click read on to learn more about how Romans (and others) talk with each other! (Besides Latin, Yes, I know they already speak that language.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Steel Praetorian Update and News

12 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Antioch Burns, Fundraising, NaNoWriMo2016, Self-Publishing, Steel Praetorian

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Antioch Burns, Kickstarter, steampunk, Steel Praetorian


Hi all,

Here’s today’s update on Steel Praetorian – This chapter has really been moving fast, and it leads perfectly into the next one! Can’t wait to see what you all think of this book this upcoming fall – Oh did I mention it will be out this fall? Yes! Steel Praetorian will be published this fall. I’m really looking forward to sharing the book with you. Also, remember that Antioch Burns is on sale this month on Smashwords. Ever wanted to get your friends into my novels? Tell your friends and family! Smashwords lets you purchase any format of the books, so it works on all devices!

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Building Ctesiphon

08 Friday Jul 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in Alternate History, Designing a Story, Self-Publishing, Steam Empire Chronicles, Steel Praetorian, World of Romanpunk

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

alternate history, Mongolian Empire, mongols, Persia, Rufius Tiveri Alexandros, Sassanids, steampunk


Happy Friday everyone!

I’m happy to announce that we’ve crossed the 44k words border and are headed east! (or north, upwards, anyways.)

SPOILER NOTICE: If you haven’t read book 3, don’t read on. Go back and read book 3. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Today’s writing takes us to the far off lands of the Mongolian Empire, Stretching from the Sea of Japan and the Korean Peninsula to the fragile Mesopotamian border with the Roman Empire. Today’s writing finds Alexandros alive in the city of Ctesiphon, once grand capital of the Sassanid/Parthian Persian Empire, now provincial metropolis and western capital of the Mongol Empire.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Steel Praetorian is now Part of Camp NaNoWriMo!

03 Sunday Jul 2016

Posted by Daniel Ottalini in NaNoWriMo2016, Self-Publishing, Steam Empire Chronicles, Steel Praetorian

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

alternate history, Camp NaNoWriMo2016, Novel, steampunk, Steel Praetorian


Hi All!

Many of you remember how successful I was at working on Steel Praetorian back during NaNoWriMo 2015 last November. In fact, I essentially wrote half the novel. Then it languished for several months.

Well now I encourage you to follow me on your own!

http://campnanowrimo.org/campers/blockade23/novels/steel-praetorian/stats

Now you, too, can follow me and watch the bar go up, up, up!. (and make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to do).

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

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.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts
Newer posts →

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. It is much faster than snail mail.

Join 884 other followers

Check me out on Facebook

Check me out on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter

  • @Kiraofthewind1 Generally you advance yourself through military, business or marriage. 1 day ago
  • also if you’re wondering how my night has been, a ton of middle schoolers will not be happy with their new assigned… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 2 days ago
  • Welcome new followers *waves in twitter 2 days ago
  • Is Having a Blog Worth It? - My thoughts! danielottalini.com/2019/12/03/is-… https://t.co/4olPnei8oq 2 days ago
  • @JAAddams96 @N8_Impersonator I do it to keep up writing even when I don’t want to - it’s a good place to test out n… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 2 days ago
Follow @dottalini

Goodreads

Awesome Places

  • Amazon Profile See what I’m reading, and check out further reviews!

Blogroll

  • Steam Empire Chronicles Series Website View media, additional information, and explore the world of the Steam Empire Chronicles!

See what you’ve missed…

Recent Posts

  • Is Having a Blog Worth It? December 3, 2019
  • The Last Gladiator Progress December 2, 2019
  • Buckling Down – Time to Do This December 1, 2019
  • The Power of Not Making It – A NaNoWriMo Unsuccess Story November 30, 2019
  • Tallavanor’s Tales: Like a Moth to the Flames November 29, 2019

Blog Stats

  • 40,590 Visitors so far!

Top Posts

  • 50 Ways to Kill a Character
  • 50 Ways to Kill a Character Part II
  • Is Having a Blog Worth It?

Papyrians Only

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

airships alternate history Amazon Antioch Burns Author author help authors Author Tips blogging Book Review book reviews Books Book Writing Brass Legionnaire camp nanowrimo 2017 characters Copper Centurion Cover Art D&D E-book eBook ebooks Fantasy Fiction Giveaway goodreads Guest Post historical fiction history how to illustration illustrations Iron Tribune Kickstarter Laurel Emperor NaNoWriMo NaNoWriMo2015 NaNoWriMo2016 NaNoWriMo2017 new authors Novel Novella novellas Novels poems poetry project 27 publishing Reading reviews roman roman empire Romanpunk rome Sale self-published self-publishing Self publishing short stories Steam Empire Chronicles SteamLit steampunk Steel Praetorian Tallavanor's Tales technology Thanksgiving The Last Gladiator The Steam Empire Chronicles thoughts website writers Writers Resources writing writing tips Young Adult

Blog at WordPress.com.

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
Cancel
%d bloggers like this: