Soulstealer War - Writing the Fantasy Novel

Regards to the Father of Aviation

2012-01-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

The summer of 1878 in Iowa was more oppressive than usual, and Milton Wright longed for an evening breeze to waft through his upstairs window. He had been working all night. His wife tiptoed into his study. The flickering oil lamp revealed her presence before her free hand lightly tapped his shoulder. “Milton, can the labor of God not wait until morning? It’s late, even the crickets are hushed.”

Milton turned from his feverish sketching, and explained, “Susan, I met the most amazing Frenchman today at Church. Alphonse Penaud. An inventor, a man that would see humanity become as birds in flight. He gave me this toy.” Milton pointed to his desktop. The toy, about a foot in length, was crafted of cork, bamboo and paper, with a rotor that spun using rubber bands. “I am going to give it to the boys in the morning. Can you imagine, people using a machine to simply soar into the sky?”

Susan leaned closer and peered at his pencil marks. Her husband had a keen mind. That was how he had risen to Bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. She asked, “What’s that you’ve drawn?”

Milton adjusted his spectacles and proudly announced, “Well, there are details to refine, but it’s a flying machine.”

Susan giggled quietly, not wanting to wake the children, and then said, “Oh really? How does it work?”

Milton was tired, but rode the wave of excitement that had inspired him after meeting the Frenchman. He blurted, “Alphonse had spoken about propellers and engines, and I got to thinking about how birds move. I’ll need the right wing shape and span to generate lift, and I must control the direction, rudders and, I mean… the ideas just kept flowing.”

Susan was as practical as she was spiritual, and asked, “To what end? If God had wanted us to fly, would He not have given us wings?”

Milton nodded. “Yes, you have a point, but God also gave us intellect and the will to use it. This might take years and I’ll need funds, but I think it can work. Why, my dear, someday humanity might sail through the clouds on immense machines carrying hundreds of people. They’ll be like a flock of giant birds overhead, day and night, rushing from one place to the next. You could visit your relatives in Germany in a matter of hours, maybe minutes if powerful engines could be built.”

Susan’s eyes sank to the floor, “Engines. Will they be very loud and smoky?” She thought about the steam traction engines that belched and spit as the fields were plowed near the Church.

After nearly twenty years of marriage and bell ringing at the churches, Milton understood Susan’s aversion to booming noise. She preferred the gentle hum of God’s creatures. “The machines might rumble and roar a bit, but if they travel high enough, you might not hear them. Not too much. And there’s bound to be exhaust of some sort, but the vapors should dissipate before causing any mischief on the ground.”

Susan shifted to the open window nearby and gazed at the stars. The heavens were glorious in their beauty and peace. She whispered as if in a dream, “Would you see these machines in the night sky?”

“Yes dear, I think they would need bright lights to keep from hitting objects and one another."

Susan mused aloud, “Will they be like trains or boats? I mean will everyone be crowded into compartments, with soot pouring in from the engines? Will the wealthy have their own quarters, while those less fortunate suffer?”

Milton rubbed his bearded chin. “There’s always an issue with weight. Birds bones are less dense than ours, and their wings, well… they don’t say light as a feather as an idle boast. So, I guess space would be at a premium. It might be like Sunday Worship when the pews are packed elbow to elbow.”

Susan issued a long sigh and then urged, “Come to the window.” Milton rose and joined his wife.

She asked determinedly, “Do you not see the miracle around and above us?”

Milton looked onward, and thought, it’s a jubilee of stars tonight. Mother Moon’s waning crescent would be a cozy spot from which to cast a fishing line into the sea of stars. And there’s Sirius at the horizon. With his faithful hound at ease, Orion is done hunting this eve. Indeed, everything with sense is resting in this heat. He removed a handkerchief from his trouser pocket and dabbed his forehead. Just then, a fluttering gust combed the tall grass below, and as the breeze caressed his cheeks, he caught the scent of lavender on Susan from the flowers she had gathered before dinner.

Susan brushed her lips to his ear, taking advantage while she had him, “Now close your eyes. Think about what you’ve described. Blaring, malodorous machines at all hours of decency, cutting the evening majesty apart with their lights… jammed tight with people hurtling across the world so fast as to miss the splendor of life. And do you suppose those machines might fail every so often, the way the trains do when they leave the tracks?”

Milton’s eyes snapped open, “But people will be able to cross the globe without taking days or weeks…”

Susan frowned.

Milton paused, deep in reflection. His arm slipped around Susan’s waist as he nuzzled against her. After a time of silence, he spoke softly, “I wouldn’t be the first to open Pandora’s Box, but have it your way, dear.”

She kissed him, and said, “You need your sleep.” Susan held her hand out waiting, as Milton folded the sketches and tucked them into a desk drawer. He couldn’t quite bring himself to burn them. He thought, human technology must go forward… we have the right, don’t we, don’t we?

As he slipped into bed, he wondered what his sons would do when he showed them the toy. Wilbur and Orville were sharp for their age.

Author’s Note: As a Fantasy & Sci-Fi author (www.SoulstealerWar.com), writing is my preferred method of activism. Thus, I offer you this original short story with a science-fiction twist as a means to highlight a local issue. As my family walks around the neighborhood, and tries to settle down at night, we cannot help but observe that the flight paths above Princeton/Montgomery Township evidence a sky overburdened with low-flying, crisscrossing planes, excessive noise and air pollution. Contact your Legislators, FAA Eastern Region Noise Complaints at 9-aea-noise@faa.gov or FAA Noise Program Specialist: (718) 553-3365.

Of Troubadours, Tinkers and Troupes of Performers

2011-06-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

In the feudal days of Medieval drudgery, when families struggled for meager subsistence, the appearance of troubadours, tinkers and troupes afforded a miraculous respite from the mud and toil. These travelers were welcomed, whether at the Manor or Commons, for even then humanity craved such food for the soul. It was a time to gather, share news, and barter… a time to laugh and dream… the essence of community.

Today, in the face of technology’s siren and the digital waves cascading amidst the ether we inhabit, such “community” of old, so personal and alive, is of the highest relevance. This weekend, my family basked in its heartening light at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire - http://www.njrenfaire.com.

Adorned in our costumes, and filled with great expectations, we were not disappointed. My daughters (seven and eleven) and wife were greeted as Ladies of the Court or Princesses for a day… they met all manner of players and participants… all races and creeds. Some rode in chariots of steel – wheel chair bound – others on steeds. Many arrived as we did, in role and ready to be swept away in the enchantment. We visited each vendor in a meandering way, and received warm tidings from folk who clearly were doing something for the love of it. Let that phrase echo in your consciousness… for the love of it... FOR THE LOVE OF IT.

The merchants neither pushed, nor set prices too dear - there were treasures freely bestowed and those worth a fair penny. The conversations were rich and resplendent in goodwill. Games for the little ones, a quest for the brave, artisans plying their trade, warriors on the prowl, musicians piping, and actors performing – we drank deeply of the “community” of it all.

The performers commandeered the crowd in the tradition of live entertainment - clever, funny, bawdy (but clean), silly, spontaneous and simply delightful. Indeed, at one venue, Merlin placed the fate of his players in the audience’s hands with a popular vote at action cusps. One poor actress was not once, but twice catapulted to her doom by our heroes.

In our wanderings, we marveled at the magical folk of the village of Crossford. Rarely do I relax among a crowd, and yet there was a pervasive spirit of mirth and acceptance that set my radar at ease. It was infectious in the best way. My youngest boldly stopped a bearded berserker with two swords that made Little John look like a sprout… she calmly asked this giant where the chess game would occur. Later, she was drafted with glee into that living chess merriment (as were other children). I believe she was a bishop for Morgana la Fey’s team… perhaps she will be one of King Arthur’s opposing pieces next week. It doesn’t matter, for as she’s learning, evil is mostly in the eye of the beholder. Let what you carry in your heart define your world. Of course, there was a moment’s hesitation stumbling upon that fellow in the horned helmet, black leather armor array with many sharp things (say that ten times fast)… it seemed I was paying my regards to Frazetta’s Death Dealer in the flesh… but even he gave fair greeting to my girls, and was in return met by shy smiles. In my eldest’s face, I saw a dawning appreciation of the effort that it must have taken to assemble that fearsome guise.

Having attended last year’s NJ RenFaire, we knew somewhat of our fate as we embarked from our quiet home. Yet, this year’s revelry offered so much more… vendors, characters, performances, musicians, actors, jousts, archery, woodwork, glassworks, leather arts, potions, lotions, oils, clothes, fencing, antiques, bones, jewelry, flowers, flames, swordsmanship… the list is too long to do it justice. As a father, I’m obligated to enrich my children and provide guidance in this confusing world – well there’s time enough later for textbooks, computers and employment resumes – for now, let them embrace imagination and community.

I offer a rousing “HUZZAH” to the entire RenFaire tribe, with special thanks to TJ, Phil, John, Pete, Aileen, Mitch, Dan, Jim and Katie.

Breathe slowly, observe humbly, dream deeply and evolve.

W.L. Hoffman
Author
The Soulstealer War: The First Mother’s Fire
The Soulstealer War: The Splintering Realm (pending)
http://www.SoulstealerWar.com

An Evening Sojourn in the Realm of Weir

2011-04-27T07:17:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since my last posting... lot's of things happening on the personal and work fronts. Yes, to all those asking, I am working on Book Two of The Soulstealer War. Indeed, I was recently inspired by the possibility that the "God particle" (aka the Higgs boson) had been detected at the Large Hadron Collider.

Anyway, as to the matter at hand, the attached Playbill is for a charity fundraiser ($50 per person) this Saturday night featuring a unique theatrical translation of four scenes from Book One of The Soulstealer War. While not yet closed to new guests, any requests to attend (Princeton, NJ area) should be sent via e-mail to WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com. I reserve the sole right and discretion to approve attendees. Further description is as follows:

Hear ye tales of the Bard of the Realm by the fire pit, or enter the Inn of Delvin’s Landing, where fine fare of the Realm abounds and tankards of wine, mead and cider clash in cheerful toasts. Said Bard of the Realm has paid silver for a troop of performers in costume to enact scenes from the legendary epic - The Soulstealer War – as well as provide live Celtic music by Draegn. Vignettes are expected to include swordsmanship and song, among other tidings. Performers will be mingling for good company throughout the evening, as will your Bard, who invites many a traveler to seek guidance on the trade of writing, and upon the fabled denizens of Weir. All Lords and Ladies of the Realm will be gifted a signed first edition of the Bard’s work, and all are encouraged to attend in costumed attire suitable of indoors and out (Medieval/Renaissance Faire style).

Video of the performance will be uploaded afterwards.

A Novelist's Idle - My Favorite Poetry

2010-01-15T06:33:00.000-08:00

As I spend my days writing Book II of my fantasy and sci-fi novel series – The Soulstealer War – it’s pleasant to consider a tangent every now and again. So it is that RedRoom’s “your favorite poem” caught my eye today. Redroom is a blossoming community of writers for all genres and a good spot to find your favorite author - http://www.RedRoom.com.

Let me confess… poetry is not my forte. In fact, there was a time in high school when it was my pain. Putting aside those early nightmares of iambic pentameter, I recall my grasp of poetry undergoing rapid evolution. Back then, I thought poetry was something love-struck girls penned in homage to their latest crush or because well-meaning teachers would accept it in lieu of a five-hundred word essay that might never appear.

Well, we all mature eventually. For me that occurred with my introduction to the English Romantic Period. The poets of this era changed my perception of the art forever. I may never be a poet, but the likes of Byron, Shelley, and Keats convinced me that every great writer needs a fundamental grounding in poetry. For what is the word, if not the ability to express concepts, emotions and images with a beauty and grace that can inspire even the dullest of humanity to lofty heights… or to terrible depths. Poetry transcends the written word to resonate within our very soul.

So, whether its “roses are red and violets are blue,” an Anglo-Saxon epic, the Eddic poems, a Shakespearean sonnet, or your choice of modern free verse, I say to my fellow novelists, give poetry its due.

As for my favorites, I expect you to know the first two, but encourage you to sample the last. I find that it sets a mood for contemplating the universe.

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner – Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The One Ring Poem – from The Lord of Rings – JRR Tolkien

Darkness – Lord Byron

Cheers,

W.L. Hoffman - author of The Soulstealer War: The First Mother's Fire
http://www.SoulstealerWar.com

New Age Fantasy Series Meets Old World Europe - The Soulstealer War at the 2009 Frankfurt Book Fair

2009-10-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

Let your dreams carry you into strange lands, for one never knows what treasures await.

It seems my "to do" list grows evermore, but this is the stuff of life, and I accept the good, the bad and the ugly - though forgive me for hoping to find more of the former. I say "find" because our perception often dictates the results.

My personal side has been challenging the last few months. Time has weighed heavily upon my parents, and I have been occupied with their needs. This has left me in catch-up mode on everything else.

So, here's the latest. I am working on Book II of The Soulstealer War, engaging contacts from BookExpo America, and nearing the threshold of having Book I of The Soulstealer War available on Amazon Kindle. The digital expanse is a huge step for me... paper and parchment are my dear friends. My wife complains about the aroma of old books in our basement library, but she does so with a teasing smirk as she knows I would be lost without them. Of course, I can imagine the wondrous future of floating data streams beckoning to our children, yet a voice in my head cannot help but ask - are these the Sirens of tomorrow?

Beyond the above, and my quest for a mainstream publisher, I have dedicated the past two weeks to sending Book I of The Soulstealer War to the 2009 Frankfurt Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany - possibly the largest book event in the world. See the full text and files of the Press Release covering this milestone at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Soulstealer-War/Frankfurt-Book-Fair/prweb3040524.htm.

Be a Light in the Darkness.

W.L. Hoffman
WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com
http://www.SoulstealerWar.com

New Fantasy and Sci-fi Author to Attend BookExpo America 2009

2009-05-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

In these uncertain times, when digesting the daily serving of discouraging news, remember that there is no greater fountain of hope than that which lies in the deep waters of the human soul.

Since my prior Blog entry, my author labors have consisted of marketing Book I, working on Book II, and preparing for BookExpo America 2009 (BEA). Trust me… that triumvirate speaks volumes. There are not enough hours in the day. BEA, held in New York City this week, is touted as the largest North American publishing industry event. I have an exhibit booth and will be autographing The Soulstealer War during the Sci-Fi Salute on Saturday.

While my next entry will recap tales of BEA, here’s a recent Press Release for those who aren’t familiar with either my background or the Realm of Weir.

PRINCETON, New Jersey – March 2009 – Released in January 2008, The Soulstealer War: The First Mother’s Fire, is the first book in an epic fantasy series of magic and mysticism by debut author W.L. Hoffman. Despite the risks and challenges inherent with small press/self-publishing, the novel’s critically acclaimed content has propelled Hoffman from relative obscurity to placement on Barnes & Noble’s shelves. In August 2008, due to demand, a second printing of the novel was completed in traditional offset lithography format. Ingram is the distributor. For a new author, the learning curve has been steep - and a dream come true - but one replete with trials and tribulations. There's a story in that journey in addition to the novel’s unique fantasy vision that touches upon philosophy, the universe and true magic. The novel also features dazzling original cover art by the esteemed Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. BookExpo America 2009 held in New York City is the next career step for Hoffman who knows that beyond talent, it takes perseverance and luck to succeed as a writer. While he hopes this opportunity will bring heightened access to readers and mainstream publishers, Hoffman is thrilled to participate in this milestone.

“This is one of the best fantasy books… within the past couple of years.” Roundtable Reviews

“Indeed, it is the mark of good genre fiction that it is able to transcend its foundations and shake the very rafters of existence. Douglas Adams did it with his Hitchhiker's Guide series, Tolkien did it with his Middle Earth, and now W. L. Hoffman has done it with the beginning of The Soulstealer War series.” Front Street Reviews

“Highly recommended for community library fantasy collections and for fantasy lovers in general…” Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch Vol. 7, No. 5

About the Book: Unemployed after graduation, Kenneth McNary seeks inspiration on the Appalachian Trail. He never suspected that it would find him first. Ken is transported to a fairytale world by a god-like sentience and is tasked with uniting its denizens for a coming war—a war with eternal consequences for every soul consumed by the Enemy. While grappling with his strange surroundings, Ken learns that humans are slaves to near-immortal beings who have lost their magic. Complicating this situation is a mysterious new race of magic wielders and the reappearance of subterranean, flesh-eating creatures long thought extinct. To survive and embrace his destiny in a land hostile to humanity, Ken must discover the Fire within. But he faces two problems: he is a novice pitted against masters, and the magic may kill him before the masters do!

About the Author: W.L. Hoffman was born in the 1960’s in Atlantic City. Hoffman’s interest in reading fantasy and science fiction was voracious from an early age. He took advanced English curricula through high school, received his BA in English from Duke University and attended English literature classes at New College at Oxford University in England. Following his introduction to legislative drafting while serving in the Duke University student government, Hoffman obtained his JD from Cornell Law School. While there, his dreams wandered into strange realms as he quested for life’s higher meaning. Thus was born the foundation for The Soulstealer War. Ultimately, Hoffman left his law practice to pursue his writing career. He currently resides in central NJ with his wife and daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family in their organic vegetable garden, exploring the Sourland Mountains, and telling tales on the front porch to the next generation of dreamers and writers.

The Soulstealer War: The First Mother’s Fire
By W.L. Hoffman, http://www.soulstealerwar.com/
ISBN-13 (Paperback): 978-1598-585-391
Price: $14.95 – 284 Pages
BookExpo America 2009, Booth 5049, May 29-June 1, Javits Center, NY

For more information: WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com

William L. Hoffman JD '92 Creates a World

2009-01-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

Until January 2008, William L. Hoffman had a secret. By day the in-house counsel of CityScape Capital Group, an investment banking firm he co-founded, Bill Hoffman spent his nights traveling through a realm of metaphysics and magic. There, he discovered a young law school graduate translated into an alternate dimension, a godlike race that had lost its power, an enslaved human remnant, and a new race of magical beings. Further exploration uncovered a species of subterranean creatures subsisting on human flesh and an impending war that promised to annihilate body and soul.

This vision cost Bill Hoffman four years of moonlit labor. He wrote from ten o'clock at night until three in the morning, caught up lost sleep as he could and, through the willpower characteristic of most attorneys, managed to excel at his day job, too. When he had completed the first book of his projected trilogy, The Soulstealer War, Bill Hoffman knew he was involved in something special-and committed to a journey that had just begun.

For two more years his secret remained intact. He found and jettisoned an agent, engaged the talents of legendary fantasy artists Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell, and eventually found a publisher willing to introduce a first-time novelist to a keenly competitive market. It helped that Vallejo and Bell were on board for the cover art and the typescript itself needed only routine copy-editing. The characters were fully-realized, the narrative arc complete. Publication date came; The Soulstealer War, Book One: The First Mother's Fire, appeared; Mr. Hoffman's secret was out; soon thereafter, the reviews came in.

Writing for Front Street Reviews, Aramintha Matthews likened Mr. Hoffman's accomplishment in The Soulstealer War to that of J. R. R. Tolkien's in The Lord of the Rings (http://www.frontstreetreviews.com/Soulstealer.html). More than one reviewer, including Jerry Unangst writing for Roundtable Reviews, noted, "What really sets off The Soulstealer War from other fantasy books is that it … has ideas." Even more persuasively, genre aficionados reviewing for major online booksellers have received The Soulstealer War with generosity and enthusiasm-and have been unanimous in awarding it five stars:

… a stellar example of sci-fi/fantasy writing. The writing is clear with great imagery and natural flow. The setting & its characters are extremely well developed, the action is fast paced and engaging, and the plot is truly compelling.

The novel is essentially a philosophy book that uses the genre of fantasy/sci-fi to present its queries, questions, thoughts and ideas.

… What is truly amazing about "The First Mother's Fire" is that Hoffman is able to present such weighty subject matter via an epic fantasy storyline with plenty of action and pacing.

I have been reading fantasy avidly for over 30 years and this book ranks among the best for its creativity and vivid imagery.

To impress savvy readers, Bill Hoffman had to know his material and his métier. He succeeded because he is a fan and student of the genre, having read fantasy/sci-fi during law school for stress-release and enjoyment. Of his writer's discipline, he says, "Will three or four hours' sleep on most nights for four years catch up with me when I'm older? Yes. Is it a fair trade-off for something I wanted to do? Yes. Think of it this way: lawyers working in big corporate firms commonly log 100 hours a week. It isn't considered a big deal. Writing The First Mother's Fire was like that, only it was more fun and, to me, much more important."

Not surprisingly, Bill Hoffman is still writing at night. The project now is Book Two, provisionally titled, The Splintering Realm. Planned to be completed next year, Book Two should be published in early 2010. And Book Three? "I expect it to appear in December 2012." How can he anticipate the process years in advance? "Lawyers are trained to meet deadlines," he says. "A court date is a fixed obligation. A brief is due when it's due."

Although he spends much less time in court now than formerly, Mr. Hoffman is still a working attorney engaged in the critical thinking required by legal practice. "Being a lawyer has never stopped," he says. "It was a great advantage to me in bringing The Soulstealer War to this point." Besides enabling him to negotiate his contracts with the publisher and illustrators, Mr. Hoffman's legal training nurtured certain habits of mind well-adapted to constructing alternate worlds. "I learned a fantastic skill-set in law school," he says. "As lawyers, we're trained to look at a situation from all angles, to put ourselves on the other side of an issue. A law school education trains your mind to be open to other possibilities. It is a gateway to all opportunities, not just a law firm. It teaches a person how to look outside the box for new pathways."

Bill Hoffman's biggest opportunity as a fantasy/sci-fi author will come next spring at BookExpo America 2009. The event will take place at the Javits Center in New York and will feature book signings, author interviews, and discussions. "It will be the first time I really put myself in front of the whole industry," he says. "My hope is that one of the big fantasy publishers will pick up the series." Whether or not that happens, he is confident in his work and its story. "In The Soulstealer War, the magic is based on science," he notes. "There is no devil, no witchcraft, no explosions on every page. The story is about the capacity of human beings to evolve mentally and spiritually to transcend the mode we're in, of thinking our mundane reality is all there is. I believe there is much more to the universe than what we can perceive with our senses. That belief drives my writing, and The Soulstealer War explores its implications."

Of the steady effort that has delivered great reviews and a place for his novel on the Barnes & Noble shelves, Bill Hoffman says, "I've learned that writing is an exercise of persistence and a personal belief in yourself. You can't measure yourself against others." Readers interested in more of the book's backstory and ongoing success should visit www.SoulstealerWar.com.

~contributed by John A. Lauricella Special to Cornell Law School

The Soulstealer War - on the B&N Shelves!

2008-10-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

The Soulstealer War has been available since January at www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, www.Borders.com and through stores affiliated with www.BookSense.com. As a first time author supported by a “small press,” I have experienced both the trials and joys of introducing the novel. I would like to announce that…

Barnes & Noble is now stocking The Soulstealer War on their shelves!

Very few folks in my position get to this threshold even with a novel that has garnered praise from the professional critics. So whether it’s to seek a relaxing diversion from the current headlines or to brighten a friend’s day with a thoughtful gift, I encourage you to visit your local Barnes & Noble for The Soulstealer War (they can order it if sold out).

With much gratitude,

W.L. Hoffman – breathe slowly, observe humbly, dream deeply and evolve.
http://www.SoulstealerWar.com

The Soulstealer War - Author Update

2008-08-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

When it comes to writing and blogging, I recognize that my audience varies. Based upon prior communications, it’s fair to identify two dominant groups from the crowd – those who want insight on the business of writing and those who embrace the fantasy & sci-fi discussions. In the last month, my blog entries have been in stasis while I focused upon the business side of the equation, i.e., completing the traditional print run of the novel and revising the distribution arrangement with Ingram Book Co. to facilitate the novel’s appearance on the shelves. Through perseverance and a bit of luck, this milestone is within sight. But I still need your help spreading the word to family, friends, book clubs, etc.

At the same time, in mid-July I gave a presentation on “Magic & Metaphysics” in Margate City, NJ. The lecture was designed to introduce folks to the metaphysics (meaning of life and the universe) and magic system within the novel that I believe have application within real life… a blending of the mystical and of cosmology, where science and religion meet. Germinating from that gathering was a great article in today’s issue of The Breeze of Atlantic County (a very local newspaper) on the novel and the juxtaposition between my observations of true magic on Earth and fantasy magic in the Realm of Weir. Newspaper copies can be found throughout Atlantic County, but otherwise see page 19 at http://www.shorenewstoday.com/breeze/. It should be accessible there until next Friday… and thereafter available at http://www.SoulstealerWar.com.

This article also marks a transition to my next few posts which will cater to the folks who want more fantasy & sci-fi, and as good a starting place as any is the subject of MAGIC - not pulling a rabbit from a hat, but potentially dark and deadly power.

Please accept my continuing gratitude for your ongoing support.

Best,

W.L. Hoffman
WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com
http://www.SoulstealerWar.com

Philology in Philly - The Soulstealer War meets Wizard World

2008-06-07T11:13:00.001-07:00

There are those folks who suggested that I should have attended the BookExpo America (BEA) convention in Los Angeles rather than spending three days at Wizard World Philly. I’m sure they meant well. From my perspective, however, it was too early to take the initial novel in my series - The Soulstealer War - to BEA, especially considering the travel hurdle and that I would have embarked upon such a journey without a single sample of the novel’s pending traditional print run (5,000 copies). As I write this entry, final printing is anticipated next week. Rest easy, there are no substantive changes… instead, a few typos have been erased from existence and there are featured book review quotes.

Yet, casting aside the practical mantle, Wizard World Philly was a blast! Even in this dismal economy, the fans arrived in throngs (many in full regalia with fan favorites Star Wars, Iron Man and assorted Cyberpunk meets Doom combos) toting funds no doubt stashed in some secret account awaiting this opportunity to be traded for a comic of rare antiquity, a prized rendering from an industry legend or other treasured collectible.

Sure, I did have my doubts when I learned that the Guitar Hero III stage was twenty-five feet from my booth and that my neighbors were a line-up of autograph wielding professional wrestlers – classic and current superstars. As it turns out, while making conversation tough for a few hours, Guitar Hero III was truly a crowd pleaser. The wrestlers included the likes of The Iron Sheik, Eugene, Virgil, Nikolai Volkoff and the big gun – Lou Ferrigno a/k/a The Incredible Hulk. Although the wrestlers stayed to themselves, and their fan base had less interest in my creation, it made for entertaining if not chaotic spectacle over the three-day extravaganza. I also commend Nikolai Volkoff, who epitomizes the stereotypical Russian bear, for his philosophical debate on Nietzsche, intriguing discussion on “governments gone bad,” and dedicated observations on the miracles of Ayurvedic Medicine. I am honored to have met him.

In fact, I am proud and grateful to have met with each and every one of you good people who lingered by my display to peruse the novel’s back cover synopsis, ogle the five-foot map of The Eastern Rim of Weir and take a chance on this relatively unknown but aspiring fantasy/sci-fi author. These conventions are a ton of work for me, but remain one of the best ways to dynamically interact with my audience, meet other people who dream of worlds beyond our shores and share my vision of a more evolved human condition.

Until next time…

W.L. Hoffman – breathe slowly, observe humbly, dream deeply and evolve.

WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com
http://www.soulstealerwar.com/

P.S. The randomly drawn winner of the crystal globe giveaway is Karen Graham (please send me your mailing address). Congratulations!

Author Interview by Dr. Joseph Riggio, host of Intentional Performance on WebTalkRadio.net

2008-05-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Coming from a small publisher (effectively self-published), I am constantly battling and occasionally appeasing the gods of "Bookdom" in order to spread the word to mainstream media and to encourage readers to delve into my newly released fantasy/sci-fi novel - The First Mother’s Fire, Book One of The Soulstealer War series.

Today's Blog entry is my twenty minute interview with Dr. Joseph Riggio host of the Intentional Performance show on WebTalkRadio.net. The Link below will take you to my interview, and on my computer, I had to click "yes" to enable an active X control to run so that the interview could play. I recommend the discussion for anyone who wants insight on how to achieve your dreams and on what trials and tribulations we authors endure... albeit willingly.

http://www.webtalkradio.net/content/view/496/33/

Enjoy with my blessing.

W.L. Hoffman
WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com
http://www.SoulstealerWar.com

A Fantasy Author in New York Comic-Con's Court - Awesome

2008-04-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, I’ve come up for air. No, I have not yet responded to all my e-mail traffic from the New York Comic-Con weekend. I promise you that I will, but this post takes priority.

My first major convention was loads of fun, serious work and an amazing learning experience. I took hours to set up my booth. It was to be the public stage for greeting fantasy/sci-fi fans of all ages and introducing The Soulstealer War in the non-virtual world. As good as a website can be, it takes a back seat to the face-to-face with folks and I wanted to put my best foot forward. There were tables, chairs, coverings, stickers, wooden chests, leather boxes, parchment signs, silk scrolls, books, lamps, candles, seven feet of armor and other accents to handle – all designed to create the right atmosphere.

There were impressive technical displays by the major industry players, and less spectacular, but equally satisfying, sights to be found in the convention’s nether recesses. I imagine it was impossible for the fans in one weekend to find their way to every nook and alternate realm. However, I met my share. I was tucked in the Small Press community, an abode of independent risk-taking artists and publishers who seemed to be phantoms - Aisle 2200 bore neither a ceiling sign nor a “Small Press” banner - perhaps some industry handicaps will always remain. Then again, it could be that lady Fate retains her sense of humor. Heck, even the “Podcast” area had a banner sign.

Despite these hurdles and the seemingly endless garden of visual delights, a lot of you found your way to my table. It was simultaneously humbling, thrilling and harrowing - adding lots of java to the three day mix only hyped the surreal factor. Whether I was just

- talking fantasy & sci-fi;
- offering my tidbits on the novel and characters;
- tracing the story-line on the five-foot map of the Eastern Rim of Weir;
- meeting industry professionals;
- chatting with the librarians;
- encouraging fellow writers to complete their manuscripts;
- scrutinizing sample materials from the supporting cast of marketing people;
- discovering fantasy & sci-fi reviewers and bloggers;
- waving to Stan Lee as he passed my table with a swelling retinue at his heels
- casting an approving glance at the costumed attendees; and
- making a note that I need to find out where the Star Wars Stormtrooper armor and weaponry can be acquired…

… it was my great pleasure and sincere honor to be counted among those present.

THANK YOU ALL.

W.L. Hoffman

P.S. – Congratulations to Dawn Toledo, winner of my crystal globe drawing.

P.P.S. - This message was copied to my e-mail database so that the update can reach those of you who are not yet tracking my Blog sites: http://soulstealerwar.blogspot.com/ and http://soulstealerwar.wordpress.com/. As always, if you want to be permanently removed from this database, please just send a reply message making that request. I will be disappointed, but will certainly respect your wishes.

My First Book Signing - The Soulstealer War

2008-03-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Coming from a small publisher (effectively self-published), I am constantly battling and occasionally appeasing the gods of "Bookdom" in order to spread the word to media folks and encourage new readers to go on-line to purchase my fantasy/sci-fi Novel - The First Mother’s Fire, Book One of The Soulstealer War series. I am taking a quick break from my prior Blog entries, wherein I post professional (and reader) reviews that remain a finer testament than my urgings, to reflect upon my first Book Signing experience.

Last night, I had my first book signing sponsored by Barnes & Noble in Princeton. I was accompanied by a few of my fellow authors... each of us taking ten minutes to either chat or read to the audience. My aging parents sat smiling in the front row, beaming with pride, while my wife tended to our equally thrilled daughters. This was a landmark for all of us, and I rejoiced that my parents were alive and of sound mind (despite dad’s stroke a few years back) to share the night.

I had spent the week posting flyers around our town for the event, as well as angling for local press coverage. Indeed, a small feature article by the local paper suggested that my novel and the signing event was the place to be for Thursday night. Of course, on the down side, I was competing with the NCAA Tournament and Spring Break vacations. There were at least a dozen folks who had said they were coming, but for whatever reason or just fate, never appeared. But as I am fond of pointing out, for every step back, there are more positives to compensate. In this instance, other supporters rallied.

Overall, after the author presentations, I had about an hour and a half to sell (B&N handled this aspect) and sign books. I was honored to discuss, hug and sign away with the various people purchasing my debut novel. While the store record for sales at a signing was not broken, I made a darn good run with the highest sales total of the evening. More importantly, the community manager of Barnes & Noble became a fan and supporter. No, I am not on the shelves yet... it is still a virtual reality of sales via Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com, but I’m closer to this goal. I now have a track record of strong professional reviews, five-star fan reviews, tens of thousands of unique visitors to my website, the endorsement of a Barnes & Noble manager, and I’m hoping a decent record of sales for the two and a half months that the novel has been available to purchase (I’ll have the quarter end numbers soon). Word-of-mouth continues to spread on the Internet grapevine, and I will resubmit my novel to Barnes & Noble for shelf consideration.

The above might sound like too much focus on economics, but it seems to me that transcending foundations and shaking the very rafters of existence (as ascribed to me by Front Street Reviews - see my last post) only matters if I am able to reach my audience, to effect change in the way people view the human condition and our existence in this universe. Unfortunately, business still controls access, and I will not pay heed to the naysayers. Persistence and perseverance are two of the greatest qualities we possess. The book signing was part of a dream come true, and my feet have yet to touch the ground. The journey continues...

W.L. Hoffman
WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com
http://www.SoulstealerWar.com

Soulstealer War - Fantasy & Sci-fi Novel - Rave Review

2008-03-15T14:30:00.001-07:00

Here’s a professional review by Front Street Reviews (http://www.frontstreetreviews.com/)

ISBN-13 (Paperback): 978-1598-585-391
ISBN-10 (Paperback): 1598-585-398

The First Mother’s Fire

Book I in The Soulstealer War

W.L. Hoffman

Reviewed by Araminta Matthews

We literary folk like to think that Genre fiction is sub-par to literature, often forgetting that some of the best literature has been genre fiction. Literature is meant to break open the inner eye, allow us to reach a deeper truth within ourselves about life, the universe, and everything, so to speak. And yet, for some reason, we have convinced ourselves this cannot happen through fantasy -- that somehow, fantasy, the stuff of dreams, is an invalid platform for discussing humanity. Let us not forget that it was Mary Shelley who, with the fantastical creation of Frankenstein’s Monster, brought us the philosophical and very mortal quandary: are men like gods? Can we create as god creates, and if we do, what will we have left? Or Robert Louis Stevenson who, with a sci-fi potion, brought us the case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde along with the harrowing mirror of our own very real and very human inner demons. Or, shall we pull out the big guns, and tip our hats to William Shakespeare who brought us A Midsummer Night’s Dream which ponders the very nature of life -- what if all of this, life with all of its downward slopes and upward spirals, is a dream and we "hath but slumbered here while these visions did appear"? What if we really don’t have to take life so seriously?

Indeed, it is the mark of good genre fiction that it is able to transcend it’s foundations and shake the very rafters of existence. Douglas Adams did it with his Hitchhiker’s Guide series, Tolkein did it with his Middle Earth, and now W. L. Hoffman has done it with the beginning of The Soulstealer War series. Following the path of Kenneth McNary, perhaps a bit autobiographical of the rigid lawyer turned tale-spinning writer, this young student faces unemployment and myriad life quandaries around the nature of life. Like any true adventurer-at-heart, McNary seeks his answers in nature by attacking the Appalachian Trail. While traversing the Trail, he is magically transported to an alternate world, a world where humans are the minority.

Humans, being the only species on planet Earth to achieve supposed success -- we build buildings, we create machines -- and civilization, have long felt themselves powerful and superior to the world at large. Why shouldn’t we? Since we transcended the food chain, we haven’t had much competition. But The Soulstealer War draws into question the nature of humanity’s alleged superiority by introducing new humanoid creatures who have a Tolkein-esque equality with the planet’s few humans (if humans on this new world have equality, that is). H.G. Wellian creatures thrive on the flesh of the living and survive under the ground in this new world, and a rising power emerges with the mages, dark and light together. McNary finds himself pitted against the greatest odds similar to the plight of humanity. His situation spawns the question: is humanity really this great power? How should power be wielded -- in other words, what is fair and just for the world, for the people? These zombie-esque creatures could easily double as our Mr. Hydes in the world, while these great and terrible mages bow to the men of privilege and Dr. Frankensteins of the world. How does a normal, spiritual, natural human being stack up against these polar opposites, and must he find a place within the spectrum? Or, can he simply be?

The Soulstealer War is a fantastic story. As a writing professor, I am often hypercritical of overwritten texts. This story is not only well-constructed, but I might even argue it is underwritten. By the end, I found myself craving the sequel. And now, having finished it, I find I can’t stop thinking it. W.L. Hoffman is a great writer and this, his first book, is evidence to that effect. Fantasy fans of the world will enjoy this story.

The Soulstealer War - RAVE Reviews!

2008-03-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

Coming from a small publisher, I am constantly battling and occasionally appeasing the gods of "Bookdom" in order to spread the word to media folks and encourage new readers to go on-line to purchase my fantasy/sci-fi Novel - The First Mother's Fire, Book One of The Soulstealer War series. Hopefully, shelf-space in the mainstream bricks & sticks bookstores will follow in the next few months. In the interim, I am posting professional (and reader) reviews that remain a finer testament than my urgings - they have been total RAVES!

Thank you,

W.L. Hoffman - breathe slowly, observe humbly, dream deeply and evolve.
WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com
http://www.soulstealerwar.com/

Here's a professional review by Roundtable Reviews (http://www.roundtablereviews.com/)

Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 1598585398
December 2007
Fantasy
http://www.soulstealerwar.com/

Reviewed By Jerry Unangst

THE FIRST MOTHER’S FIRE is the first book in THE SOULSTEALER WAR series, written by W. L. Hoffman. Kenneth McNary, a recent graduate from law school, has been hiking along the Appalachian Trail when he is contacted by a powerful being named the First Mother (A goddess? Mother Nature? THE God?). She transports him to another world and tasks him with uniting the people to prepare for an upcoming war that threatens to demolish all life. In doing so, Ken finds himself imbued with magical power to aid in his quest.
The quest isn’t an easy one. The few humans on the world are treated like slaves to the Elder, a near-immortal race of beings who have lost their magic. Also, every time Ken uses his magic, it takes a toll on his life force.
Mr. Hoffman, you had me at the Boris Vallejo cover.
I kid, of course. Though I fell in love with the cover, the real treat is the story itself.
The old fish-out-of-water scenario has been a tried and true plot device in a lot of fantasy series. However, the difference here is that Ken isn’t a leper, a soldier, or a widower. In fact, he really has no personal baggage. He’s just a young intelligent man whose two main skills are surviving in the outdoors and using his brain when it counts.
I really found that unique in the typical fantasy-hero archetype. Ken spends a lot of time throughout the story contemplating how magic and science operate in the world. He strives to unite people to each other not by faith or by brute force, but by intelligent arguments using logic.
However, don’t worry dear reader…there’s plenty of action to behold.
Clocking in at fewer than three hundred pages, THE FIRST MOTHER’S FIRE is a quick read and never overstays its welcome like more than a few ponderous fantasy books tend to do. What really sets this book off from other fantasy books is that it’s a book that has ideas.
This is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read within the past couple of years and I eagerly await the second book of the series.

Whirlwind

2008-02-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

My debut fantasy and sci-fi Novel has now been available for almost two weeks! That's a milestone. I am working 27 hours a day and it's just been a whirlwind. Time seems so be moving slower as I fill each day with myriad tasks to help ensure the Novel's success. It seems that for every minor setback that occurs, other seeds that I have planted ripen to then bring a smile to my face. Of course, I am smiling regardless, as writing is a dream come true.

I am pleased to announce that the first professional review of the Novel (received just this week) was a total RAVE! Of course, it wasn't from the NY Times, but it made my day nonetheless. Readers have also begun to send me thoughtful communications and I am thankful that so many have been super positive. Indeed, one of the most common asks is already weighing on my mind... "when is Book Two in the series going to be available?" Guess that's a good problem to have on my plate. I have Book Two and Book Three fully outlined, and I have begun on the next chapters of Book Two. Still, with the marketing efforts swallowing my days right now, it's hard to focus on the timeline for Book Two. There's also a part of me that resists moving forward, as I want to experience as much as I can of this adventure. It's a wild ride, the work never ends and I'm loving it.

Beginning the Writer's Journey

2007-05-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hi folks. In preparation for pending action this year, I am reposting my last entry, which I intend to update in the near future.

So you want to write and publish a fantasy or science fiction novel?

It's a huge undertaking that will be a labor of love, demand enormous quantities of coffee, strain your family life, and if you truly want to acheive your goals, should include as much information gathering and strategic planning as possible. I know. I am smack dab on the back end of the equation, and I hope to help others by sharing the perils, pitfalls and positives of my experience. Okay, I admit that Blogging may also help keep my sanity in check and manage the rollercoaster of highs and lows that are married to the writer's fate.

So, despite your tempting rush for me to address "help me publish" questions, I think it's vital to start at the beginning. Though I do promise that this Blog will cover the gamut in due time.

Inspiration:

Curiosity and a sense of wonder have been my companions from as far back as I can remember. Magic was afoot and monsters were under the bed. There had to be more to this world, this existence, than we as mere mortals could see. Combine this early foundation (my brothers will tell you mom dropped me as a baby a few times too many) with a keen interest in reading and writing, and the seeds sown long ago were bound to reach for sunlight.

How long did it take to feel the sun you ask? The short answer is unfortunately decades. However, there's much more to this response. Throughout school - middle, junior, high and college - I had my share of book reports, creative writing essays, literary critiques, etc. For whatever reason, it never really occurred to me to write my own fantasy novel. Had a gifted teacher or early mentor pushed me in that direction, perhaps I would have taken the lead. Then again, maybe I wasn't ready... growing up is so consuming. I certainly encourage all of the younger would-be authors to take the plunge. But along with the will to compose, there must be a vision. Don't worry that you lack worldly or other-worldy experience, your stories will evolve as you do.

When did I cross the threshold from reader to the dream of writer? Indeed, it was a dream. My unconscious life has always been fun. Monsters chasing me, me chasing them, battles, mysteries, magic, light and darkness waging the eternal war in my Id. I have vivid dreams, rational and irrational, and sharp recollection even after the morning fog of life descends. In the case of my fantasy series, The Soulstealer War (see Links on the right for the Website), it was a remarkable dream during an episode in my life when I was beseiged by the logic of legal theory and the inevitable outcome of a legal career - Law School.

My first four weeks of law school were harder than four years of college. I absorbed voluminous data on a daily basis and had the law's stiff formula of precedent and analysis drilled into my consciousness. I have since realized that there is room for creativity in law, but back then, something had to give. And so it did. My reading of fantasy and sci-fi books was voracious, and in protest of the regimented path before me, my nightly dreams found realms far beyond the old wanderings. Thus, was born my fantasy world and the core storyline. I made notes to help me commit the dream to memory, and between legal briefs of my judicial clerkship in Washington, I penned the first chapter. However, thereafter things sat idle. I was working 80 + hours a week at a law firm, enjoying my marriage, and living life fast. It was only after I left my law practice, and my mind truly opened to other possibilities, including pondering the meaning of existence (credit my restless soul, my spiritually minded wifey and the amazing homebirth of our first daughter), that I finally chose to dedicate the effort to my other world and its denizens.

The bulk of the writing occurred in the wee hours of the night, after work was pushed aside and the kids were tucked in bed. Here's where the coffee comes into play. I don't recommend it, if you can do without the caffeine, but it's part of my journey. Of course, during the daylight I also had my share of inspiration, notes, and brainstorming sessions. It's just that the mundane world - the one that feeds my family and pays our mortgage - had priority, and rightly so. I wistfully recall the days gone by when I had hours in the day to "idle," but let me be clear, I have no regrets. The wonder of parenthood is beyond my expectations. Still, one of the insights I can provide is to tell you to start writing before other priorities accumulate. My wife, as supportive as she can be, has not always understood the need of the moment - when you have found your way to the writer's zone and leaving equates to opportunity lost. There's also the vacations where I simply stayed home for a week and labored on Book I. Forget the Caribbean, kiss Club Med goodbye - okay, honey, we can take the kids to the park for an hour. I need a break anyway. Make no mistake, writing anything other than dribble is hard work. If you create a shell world that lacks richness and depth, your readers will never suspend reality long enough to turn the pages. I'll cover this aspect later.

Do you start writing your manuscript before you market the concept to agents and publishers?

Let's assume that your inspiration has struck, and that you have the framework for a fantasy or science fiction novel. Should you just begin writing or is there a secret shortcut waiting to be discovered? In some genres and with some topics, you can actually test the waters with your idea. You will have to identify those agents and editors who will accept such proposals, and then prepare a thrilling but concise Synopsis, draft a compelling Query Letter, and possibly go so far as to organize an Outline, but "concepts" alone do sell. Is there a greater likelihood of someone stealing your concept - perhaps. It's a lot harder (both in theory and practice) to copyright and legally protect a concept, as opposed to a full manuscript. But then again, if you are a geologist proposing a collaborative novel on the technical argument supporting alien induced extinction of the dinosaurs, odds are that few people can run with your baby. Returning to fantasy and science fiction, in my opinion the chances are slim on being able to sell a unique story or gimmick concept without the finished manuscript. So, while acknowledging that miracles can happen under certain circumstances, you should plan on having the next best seller in hand to ultimately present on demand to agents and editors. Don't jump to the topic of how to send in a submission, we are not there yet by a long shot.