Behold! The Master is Back

Hail, oh reader! I—Alex Stargazer—am back; and I’ve got a lot to announce, so stick with.

What Ya Been Doin’, Alex?

I’ve been in Bavaria. If that (for whatever reason) don’t ring any bells, it’s because it’s a part of Germany. The southern end, to be more specific. It’s quite interesting, really: it has a distinct subculture with, for example, unique architecture featuring a lot of wood, big houses, fireplaces...

Basically, it’s everything you’d expect of the quintessential European mountain country. It’s even got great sausages (don’t get me started...) and even has a wine growing region or two.

Most importantly for the burgeoning tourist, however, is the snow. I’m glad to say there was plenty of it, even if it did come a little late.

But: let us move on. You don’t read this to learn about German curiosities, do you? (Psst: they do nude. Watch out!)

Moving On...

Aside from surreptitiously peeking at unfortunate German guys, Mr Stargazer has also been busy setting up a blog tour.

Courtesy must, of course, be given to Sage Adderley: her no doubt tireless efforts will help bring the Necromancer to several blogs in the upcoming 8 weeks. To start off, there will be an interview tomorrow on Book Adventures with Emily. Since I am a possessive old soul, I shall be hosting this interview with myself here too—but don’t worry: she asks the questions!

In addition to this, I—ever the determined writer—have written a report on my business situation... and marketing efforts. The report will not be released to the general public (that’s you, in case you were wondering); but expect to see a few posts outlining my experiences—both firsthand and through other writer friends—on all things promotional in this strange world.

Finishing Off

‘Alex—aren’t you a bit rambly today? And don’t you have another essay to bore us with, or something?’ I hear you ask.

Fear not: I will a have an essay to bore you with soon. I’ll also have poetry awaiting, so you can self-reflect on how sad you all are :)

Until then, keep reading. For as I say: dark dreams give no rest to wicked souls...

Hey Ho! I Got Words

Hello faithful followers! I say faithful—you’d have to be, if you’ve managed to get through that ridiculously long lull in the posting. But rest assured: I have good reasons. Here; I’ll tell you, so you don’t stick my head on a pike.

Blog Book Tour (BBT)

With the help of the wonderful Sage at Sage’s Blog Tours, the Necromancer shall find its way to interesting blogs—and interested readers. That’s the plan, anyway. (We all know plans have a tendency to go... in surprising manners.)

I shall be quite busy with this. In addition to providing numerous materia (cover, bios, etc.) I shall be writing answers to interview questions and perhaps even doing some blogging on... other venues. (‘Traitor!’ you call; ‘do not abandon us; for we are not merciful.’)

The tour will last 8 weeks. If things go to plan, that will probably be prolonged. Hopefully I can get some excitement from you lot. Hopefully...

Tests

My lovely school does so love tests. Math tests (several of those—and hard ones too); mechanics tests; physics; philosophy; econ. Rinse and repeat. I have finally realised not to bother giving my all on them. Their true purpose is to identify weaknesses—and urge you to address them.

It’s not a pleasant way to go through education. Not only that, but; the tests themselves have some questions to answer. Heck, the entire damnable education systems need be asked questions! For one, they seem to prioritise memorising the (pedantic, absurd) mark schemes, over, you know—actual learning, passion and talent. And to top it all off: it has the effect of sticking us in a rat race.

As you can see, an essay on education is to be written. But let us move on...

Life

We’ve finally started to get some winter weather. We’ve had frost; we’re hoping for snow. Alas, nature is a fickle beast. She ought not be second guessed.

Additionally, there’s the cliched old being-with-friends excuse which I won’t bother you with.

What About Blogging?

Once the tests are over, I’ll be writing my (perhaps rather annoyed) post on education. And I shall also—surprise!—be releasing some more poetry.

Finally: I’ve made good my promise. Here’s a link to the first chapter of the Deathbringer—the prologue has also been included, in case you haven’t read it.

I am concerned with this sequel. I have... difficulties, with Linaera and Derien’s relationship. Frankly, it was an accident; a chance meeting of chance personalities. Then again—isn’t that how so many love tales begin?

If you’ve any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me. (Hint: head over to the contact page.)

Read The Deathbringer: A Taster

An Important Announcement...

‘Alex! What have you been doing this past week?’ you ask indignantly. Well, Readers: I have been busy. (Yes, I know everyone says that. Shoot me.)

I have successfully managed to finish reading my 800-pages-when-printed history book (over a hundred pages were dedicated to miscellany, thankfully) and I have gotten announcements in my school, and I am waiting for a marketing firm to help me do marketing. (My initial choice proved unsuitable.) What’s more: I’ve got school work. Like, big pieces of engineering coursework and regular revision for regular tests.

But enough of that. To begin with, I have a message you might be interested in hearing...

The Sequel

There will be a sequel. Yes; I’ve hinted as much, and it’s true. Her name shall be the Deathbringer; and she shall stand freely, and bequeath far worse than that sad genius.

You needn’t read the Necromancer to experience the Deathbringer. That said—it’s not a bad idea. It’d be especially auspicious if you were to read the bonus edition; for that contains a new character that shall be making an appearance.

‘Alex! A teaser?’ you plead. I cannot give you one just yet—though I am working on it—but rest assured that it will be quite a different book; and a damn better one too. (Not that the Necromancer is bad, or anything; it’s just... this’ll be better. I think.)

Anything Else?

I have to revise for a supposedly very difficult math test coming up. That merits a post on education (in which I shall educate you). Don’t worry: I’ll make it interesting. You’ve read this far, right? Hello? (Poor Mr Stargazer: he never did believe the invisible to be, well, not there.)

Okay. Keep followin’. In fact: you can entertain yourself with the rest of the blog. There’s a book (duh), poetry, and all sorts on art, and stuff.

(Mr Stargazer is now away in Stargazer Land; please come back at a later date. I’ll make sure to knock. Loudly.)