This week at A’mara Books:
This week has felt a bit weird… Change of sunlight, perhaps after the solstice? Plus the fact that my main task right now is a bit drudgy. (Apparently, that’s not a word, so I’ve just made it up…) I didn’t get to any of the other tasks on my “to do” list this week. Anyway, I did get a Curie upvote on Chapter 8 of Mind of the Neví, which always makes my day. In spite of all the weirdness, I manage to write:
Over 10,000 new words!
- Game of the Neví got over 8k of that, so hitting my weekly target on its own (as it should). It now sits at 56k. If you’re following the math, you’ll know that’s only 6k more than last week… but some material had to be pulled as I go along… remnants of the various dissections this story has had.
- Apostrophe’s writing prompt got nearly 1000 words for an NSFW piece that’s not for the faint-hearted. The photo prompts spoke of pain and remembrance to me, so it was a sad piece. I’m ruminating over this week’s prompt as we speak. I’m treating these prompts as “free writes” - so they are not necessarily as perfect as I’d like.
- The remaining words went on a new NSFW dark romance set that happens in the distant future compared to anything I’ve written thus far. So, a set in the future, a set in the present-ish (compared to what I’m writing at the moment) and another set in pre-industrial ages. Plenty to keep my fantasies going for awhile.
Drudgery…
Yes, it is a bit of drudgery right now working on Game of the Neví – mostly because I’ve been working on it so long… and I’ve had to tear it apart multiple times. The remnants have to be rewoven, which sometimes changes more for the future of the book… Plus, some of the remaining chapters are dark and difficult – even giving a bad guy his karma can be depressing.
I’m close to the end though. Four days of chapters to sort out still, then we’ll be there. Currently, that’s about 30 pages worth, but I expect that will expand to 50...
Audio books???
Yes, I’m seriously considering doing audio books. Probably post on BitChute once I’ve got my technical stuff worked out. My test subject is a set of Minecraft videos for the Elitecraft world. (See my Elite link below if you want to check it out in person.) My daughter and I have been doing quite a bit on the world – might even play a bit today, being my way to rest as we watch storms roll in (we’re slated for possibly-severe thunderstorms today.)
Just got a new microphone set up too, so hopefully I’ll manage to post my first Minecraft video soon - maybe via BitChute.. That’s my thinking anyway. If you have any thoughts/suggestions, fire away! (No, I’m not seriously considering dlink because of the 7-day thing… I don’t think videos age that fast.) BitChute looks to be doing a more sensible thing with tipping – and is compatible with both the BitCoin and Etherium not to mention Fiat currency.
Blockchains
Not everyone who reads this post is on a blockchain. What am I talking about?
I’m talking about blogging/social media platforms that can pay you in cryptocurrencies (which can be converted to Fiat, either now or in the future) in exchange for blogging, commenting and even simply upvoting.
I’m involved in several right now and would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join in on the fun.
Each blockchain has positives and negatives, but here are the ones I personally recommend from my own experience.
- Steem – the most popular access point is Steemit. With relatively stable cryptocurrencies (1 SBD = about $1 US and 1 Steem is about $0.30 US) to recommend it, Steem is an excellent place for high-quality, original content such as stories, photography, art, videos, even NSFW (which you can easily filter out if that’s your preference.)
- Whaleshares – the only access point right now is Whaleshares. Fairly new to the scene, the WLS is still a little unstable and worth a penny a piece (the low price is reflected in high WLS payouts) – but as more people come to the platform, it should increase again. Whaleshares is an excellent place for socializing and posting photography, memes, short posts and even the occasional longer piece of writing once your account is strong enough for it. Again, NSFW material is welcomed with the option to filter it out accordingly.
- WeKu – another newer platform which has struggled to gain wings, really. WeKu as a currency was only recently tradeable, so whatever it’s worth now, it’s likely to change as it settles in. This is more in the model of Steem, with many kinds of posts welcome there. NSFW, however, is not, so my stories don’t go there – one chapter can sort of ruin it there. It’s still a good site though and there are some groups there who do a good job of supporting quality content. WeKu
- Hyperspace – is my other main one right now. I mostly post my photography and artwork there, though I do anticipate eventually serializing my books there – maybe? Or just my audio books… we’ll see. AMPS are currently valued at about 0.02 US each, but aren’t completely tradeable yet. However, they really are the new kids on the block (January this year, I believe) and don’t have the 7 or 14-day payout thing which I really appreciate.
- Others – there are plenty of other options out there right now. I’ve tried Bearshares, Cent, Jamaa, Publish0x, Narrative (want money to join up), Stish, and a few others, but these are the ones I can recommend so far.
Expectations v Reality
Don’t look at the blockchains as a get-rich-quick thing – or even a job-replacement, not at first, anyway. It takes time (4-6 months) and/or money to get anywhere on them. For me, it’s an outlet – a place to share my stories and my photos in a way that gets more reward/recognition than anywhere else I’ve tried yet. A single Curie (Steem) or Scribbleguild (Whaleshares) upvote, is like selling three-four books all at once. It’s worth it to me for that alone.
This is beyond niche-blogging – in fact niche bloggers don’t tend to stay on the blockchains for long – it’s not meant for one post a week, really. It’s meant to rival other forms of social media, not blogging sites. Come and post what you like, when you like… if you want to share your pictures today, fine! If you want to do some flash fiction, great! If you want to rant or cry about something going on in your real world, do it!
No matter which platform you join, also consider joining one of the messenger services. Discord made a world of difference for me when I was starting. I was sort of dragged into that one, but it was the best thing ever. It turned it from just a blockchain to a living, breathing community.
It’s been said before…
You come for the money, stay for the community.
Coming this week
- 7 more chapters of Brighid’s Blood on Whaleshares (Please visit if you missed this book the first time around!)
- 5 more chapters of Mind of the Neví on Steemit.
- Finally finish Game of the Neví
- Work on Neví 5 and/or the 852 TCE set.
- epublishing Mind of the Neví
- publish Acting the Part on Lulu, LBRY and Scribl
- Continue with Encyclopedia work once I hit my weekly word count.
Reviews?
If you have liked any of my books, please take the time to leave me a review/rating at Goodreads
Anyway, that’s what’s been going on here at A’mara Books this week! I hope you manage to take a few minutes to immerse yourself in my world of Terrenden – which I’m so delighted to share with you!
Crossposted on Steem, Whaleshares, WeKu and Publish0x.
Please bring popcorn!
(Just for 
| Notes: C.E.= "Common Era" (Earth) | T.C.E. = "Terrenden Common Era" - B.T.C.E. = "Before Terrenden Common Era" |
Brighid's Blood |
2006 C.E. and 1213 B.T.C.E. Book 1 in the series: When God Lines Meet Buy at: |
Birth of the Neví |
829 T.C.E. It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle. Book 1 in the series: Rise of the Neví Buy at: |
Name of the Neví |
829 T.C.E. - All of Terrenden is reeling in the aftermath of the Restrictions brought in at the end of the last session of Parliament. Suffering the most are the industrial countries throughout the world. But the forests of Çtaráña and Shayanda are still being poisoned and fingers are being pointed bringing the continent of Kranisis to the brink of war. How can the A'mara save Kranisis amidst their own personal struggles? Book 2 in the series: Rise of the Neví Buy at: |
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Rebound of Power: 850 T.C.E. Collection of Romance Terrenden is being terrorized by a previously underestimated Neví who, through the mysterious “Curator,” have been controlling elections all over the planet. In this collection, we meet some interesting women. Iyva - a homeless teenager in Irola whose untrained power leaves her close to death in Rebound of Power; Marc’la - a breeder of prized caballus in Kasago whose heart lives in the past in Friendship on Fire; Zukie - an abused widow whose heart is afraid to try for future happiness in Courage to Trust; Jenna - an elections assistant manager and masseuse who has a prejudice against A’mara in Elect to Change; Kami - a chola student in Varkevand who has been assigned to protect Ardin, a man who has his own reasons to distrust A’mara in Ocean of Empathy. |
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Acting the Part - 851 T.C.E. Collection of Romance The Neví have infiltrated the Terrenden Freedom Party. Dr. Jarly is on the run and the Curator still dominates the Terrenden stage. Famous actor, Derick Aiden has released his Neví expose film and now the Neví want him dead... In this collection, we meet more interesting women. Kauri - a simple receptionist who doesn’t realize one of her wildest dreams has come true; in Acting the Part Tirry - an elections manager who is always the bridesmaid and never the bride; in Building on Promise Zara - a chef who has all but given up on finding love for herself; and D'zani - who isn’t even looking, but has to chaperone her more vulnerable roommate; in Spice of Strength Soala - an heiress who is expected to marry, but refuses to marry someone she doesn’t love; and Moxara - one whose past griefs have locked away her heart in Sands of Survival. We also get updates on some of the lovely ladies we met previously. |
| COMING SOON | TO AN EBOOK STORE NEAR YOU!!! |
Rise of the Neví |
829-835 T.C.E. In this series, the Neví begin their rise in power with the completion of several large housing projects that seem totally charitable, but also hide a great evil within. The draconian measures (829 T.C.E.) have caused major distress throughout the world, perfect for giving the Neví a further foothold on the Terrenden stage. Will the A’mara, now removed from the Council of Peers, be able to shut down the Neví before disaster strikes? Titles include: Birth of the Neví, Name of the Neví, Mind of the Neví, Game of the Neví, more to come... |
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**(To be Named)** - 852 T.C.E. Collection of Romance... It's confirmed that the Neví are now in all three houses of Parliament and most assemblies throughout Terrenden. Additionally, some are threatening to introduce legislation to severely cripple the A'mara of all their privileges.
In this collection, we will catch up with our fugitives (Iyva/Zilan, D'zani/Elíaz). We will also meet Celna Dellan in X'lea; Peri Harmon, a Peer Councilor in Irola; Janys Tyne, an elections team leader in Atrua; meet a nice (as of yet unnamed) woman in Kasago; and revisit Vissia and Catalia in Towani. |
Writing and artwork copyright myself 2005-2019 – all rights reserved.
If you are interested in helping me publish these works, please contact me on Facebook or Discord, viking-ventures#2883.
Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
find me on Twitter
blogging on: Steem, Whaleshares, WeKu, Hyperspace, Publish0x
Join us in the Official Whaleshares server in the text channel "the-phoenix-project"