Ned Marcus — Blog

Oct 08, 2020

Novelette & Short Story

While waiting for my editor's notes on my new novel, I've completed a short story based on a dream I had of a shamanic initiation ceremony. About a week after having the dream, I watched a psychology/mythology lecture on You Tube which described early shamanic initiation ceremonies. Needless to say, I was surprised to hear the speaker describe the events of my dream almost exactly, and to go on to explain that they were part of an ancient ceremony.

Synchronicity!

The story's called 'I Dread the Death of Magic.'

I've also written a novelette, which is based on another intense dream. This one's about rebirth. The story is called 'Indomitable,' although there's a small possibility I'll change the title.

I plan to start submitting both stories to online fantasy and speculative fiction magazines soon.

Sep 22, 2020

Books by Ned Marcus

The Blue Prometheus Series—fantasy books by Ned Marcus

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Sep 13, 2020

Fantasy & Dreams

"The best fantasy is written in the language of dreams," George R.R. Martin.

And fantasy (best or not) sometimes comes from dreams.

Read more fantasy quotes here...

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Aug 18, 2020

Writing Updates

I've finished the first edit of my new novel, and will make a second sweep through to make a few small changes. Things I noticed on the first edit, but didn't have time to do.

Writers sometimes use the words draft and edit differently. For me, a draft is a deepening of the story, involving adding new story elements, while an edit is a tightening and cutting stage (although it might sometimes involve adding a scene where needed). Drafts are creative; edits are critical. Mostly.

This is the first book in a new series, so I had more research to do, as well as more character development and world building. But it's getting close now.

More updates later.

Aug 12, 2020

Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores

I recently discovered the fantasy & sci-fi magazine, Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Some good stories and beautiful artwork. You have to subscribe (I get nothing for the recommendation) but some of the stories are free to read.

Check out the magazine here

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Jul 23, 2020

Blue Prometheus Series Boxset On Sale!

The Blue Prometheus Series boxset is on sale on Kobo Canada until July 29th. 40% off the regular price of $9.99!

You'll need to add the code JULYSALE at checkout.

The sale will start on Kobo US, UK, AUS, and NZ on July 25th. Click on the link below to take you to Kobo.

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Jul 18, 2020

Fantasy Short Stories

In the past, I used to write and self-publish my short stories, and made all of them available on this website. Young Aina and The Huntress of Prometheus have helped introduce my writing to many readers.

But recently, I've changed my approach. I now plan to submit new short stories to fantasy and sci-fi magazines, and hopefully publish in many different places. I'll still link to the stories from this website, of course.

I've only just started this, and have just submitted one short story, and will submit a second one soon. Although my main objective is to write fantasy novels in my Triumph of Light Cycle—and I'm busy on the first novel in the second series of this cycle now—when I can, I also like to write short fiction.

More on this later, but until then, here are two fantasy short stories to read on this website...

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Jun 19, 2020

Four Reasons to Read a Lot of Books and What I'm Reading

Four reasons to read. And what I’m reading this month…

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May 05, 2020

Updates

I'm working on the final few pages of the second draft of my new novel today. This is my story draft, where I tighten the story. As usual, I had some detours. I outlined the second novel, which gave me a more complete picture of the first one; I wrote a short story about one of the antagonists, who I now know much more deeply; and I researched more, too. All good detours.

I usually write four drafts, but the first two are where most of the work goes, so I'm on track for a summer release of the first novel of a new series.

I mentioned in my newsletter that this series (and future series) will be part of an overarching cycle set in connected worlds. But each series can be read independently of the others.

The new series is urban fantasy suspense. More on this later...