The Novel Analyst Podcast by Jed Herne
A podcast that analyses stories to help you become a better writer
I was recently interviewed by Lavender Lass Books about Across the Broken Stars – my entry into this year’s Self-Published Fantasy Book-Off, run by Mark Lawrence. This episode is the audio version of that interview. Enjoy!
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed(at)jedherne.com
I recently did a live video in the Grimdark Fantasy Readers & Writers group, answering Qs about my writing. It was a lot of fun! Here’s the replay – enjoy!
Or click here to listen online.
Or watch the video below:
And if you have any other questions, I love talking with my listeners – email me at:
jed(at)jedherne.com
Click the link below to read it:
During its free period, it’s reached:
Wisp is a pyromancer – a magician who draws energy from fires to make his own flames. Leading a misfit thieving crew, he enters a desolate wasteland to steal a dead sorcerer’s skull. But his crew aren’t the only ones on the hunt, and the forest isn’t as barren as it seems …⠀
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A lot of fantasy is so huge you’d be lucky to finish it in a month. I love that. ⠀
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But that’s not the case for this book. ⠀
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I wanted Fires of the Dead to be a fast-paced, pulse-pounding thrill-ride – a book you could burn through in one breathless night. Based on a lot of reader reviews, it’s done that for quite a few people!⠀
It’s only free in eBook form, but you can download the free Kindle app to read it on any device or computer. Enjoy!
days
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^ Time until it goes back to normal price
★★★★★ “A common misconception about fantasy novels is that they are all epic, thousand page long tomes. […] Fires of the Dead proves that you don’t need to write reams of narrative to fit all the components of a classic fantasy novel into one tale.” – Reviews Feed
★★★★★ “A gripping, fun, twisted tale of a band of misfit thieves as they adventure through charred forest to retrieve a valuable, magical item with a mega payload. […] Be prepared to smash this book out in one reading; you’ll be left wondering what’s next at every damn turn.” – Mitch Bruce, Amazon review
★★★★★ “I loved every second of it. I didn’t want to put it down. After I finished, Fires of the Dead left me wanting to continue reading about this world. Highly recommend this book for someone who loves a quick read full of action and suspense.” – Dannielle Leotta, Amazon review
★★★★★ “I could not put this book down! I wanted to keep on reading and not sleep, and ended up the next day being a very moody person with a good story on the brain. I am so glad I read this and will be keeping an eye on books by this author.” – Sarah Coleman, Amazon review
★★★★★ “A great fantasy novella, a real page turner (it gave me goosebumps), I highly recommend it.” – Caitlin Shaw, Amazon review
Buy Across the Broken Stars here: jedherne.com/acrossthebrokenstars
Today’s episode features the audio recording from my latest book launch. Enjoy!
(Below the podcast links, I’ve also included the video version of this event).
Or click here to listen online.
00:00 – 10:20 – Jed’s thoughts on how to become more creative
10:20 – 21:12 – Jed reads scene 1 from Across the Broken Stars
21:12 – onwards – Q & A from the audience.
To celebrate the upcoming release of my epic space fantasy novel, Across the Broken Stars, I’m sharing chapter 1 of the book – read by yours truly. (If you want to read it instead, click here).
The book releases on Feb 3rd, 2020. I’m so excited to share it with you!
Click here to learn more (and to buy the book once it releases):
jedherne.com/acrossthebrokenstars
Or click here to listen online.
Blurb:
Leon has a secret. He was once an angel – a winged warrior sworn to protect Paya, a realm where people live on discs that float in space.
He failed.
Now Leon’s a broken man, trying to forget the past. He thinks he’s the last angel. But then a young fugitive stumbles onto Leon’s doorstep. She’s an angel, too. And she has a riddle leading to a place where angels still live. Or so the stories claim…
Desperate for redemption, Leon begins a perilous quest through myth and folklore. But will Leon and the fugitive find their legendary destination? Or will Leon lose his last chance for salvation?
Brutal and gripping, this is a story about a flawed man’s search for forgiveness.
“If you are looking for an epic fantasy that has a unique setting, this is it.” – Kate Valent, Reedsy Discovery.
My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, releases in 10 days on September 20th! It’ll be available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook forms. You can pre-order the ebook now for automatic delivery on Sep 20th.
I’m so stoked to share this book with the world :). Can’t wait to hear what you think!
In today’s episode, I read the opening chapter. Enjoy!
Or click here to listen online
Blurb:
Wisp is a Pyromancer: a magician who draws energy from fires to make his own flames. He’s also a criminal, one job away from retirement. And it can’t come bloody soon enough.
Leading his misfit crew, Wisp ventures into a charred and barren forest to find a relic that could change the realm forever. But they aren’t the only ones on the hunt, and the forest isn’t as barren as it seems …
A jaded gang leader longing for retirement
A bloodthirsty magician with a lust for power
A brutish fighter who’s smarter than he looks
A young thief desperate to prove herself
A cowardly navigator with secrets that won’t stay buried
Together, they must survive fights, fires, and folk tales that prove disturbingly real – if they don’t kill each other first.
Fires of the Dead is a dark fantasy novella with a unique magic system, perfect for anyone wanting a fast-paced read.
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To stay updated with the book launch (and my writing in general), you can join my free author email newsletter: https://jedherne.com/club/. When you sign up, you’ll get some bonus fantasy and sci-fi stories!
Backstories matter, but they can be hard to execute. This episode deconstructs how Landy uses the idea of the Gap to create intriguing character backstories that readers crave to learn. Enjoy!
Or click here to listen online
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Shownotes:
Get my free short story! A Clockwork Prison
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With 2018 in the rear view mirror, I recap all 61 books I read last year, and extract key writing lessons I learnt from them. Enjoy this special bonus episode!
Or click here to listen online
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Shownotes:
Get my free short story! A Clockwork Prison
Want awesome short stories, bite-sized writing advice, and lists of the best books to improve your craft? Join my VIP email list!
The Novel Analyst Podcast by Jed Herne 