This week I started working on my timeline. My editor had made a significant number of comments, in fact over 500 of them. But try as I might, the online document that we shared was not budging. The documents and its suggestions were far too large.
We are currently sitting on 95 185 words and the sheer size of it, with all the editing software runs, was slowing us down. Some of my readers may know that last year our home was broken into and our laptops were stolen. I got a generous gift of a second hand laptop and I have created all my content on that. Without that generosity, the fourth book wouldn’t have been possible. But it is still a slow process.
My editor went in and accepted all the minor adjustments herself, which transformed the speed of the document. I went from staring at a screen for ten minutes waiting for a single change to load to being able to check important storyline issues. This week I started sifting through each chapter and looked for flow issues from one chapter to the next, and I am happy with the progress. I worked for over three hours yesterday morning and added in two new chapters which resolve key concepts that the book was lacking. One chapter deals with something that I had to face in my teens, but I will not reveal what that is until after I launch. Which is probably what most people are asking right now… Kim, when are you launching book 4?
I am struggling with three aspects of the launch. The first is a title. In South Africa, we get our ISBNs from the department of libraries and my last ISBNs took about one month to get. But to get an ISBN, I need a title. I have to confess; I am stuck. The last word in my title has to be around 4 to 5 letters and, of course, not just any word, one that is relevant to my medieval fantasy genre. Why four to five letters? Well, it is the size of the word that makes the design of the covers flow. We have come up with five titles so far and none of them “stick” in our hearts.
The second aspect is the cover design. This is not a major issue, but a budget one. All these aspects of publishing require a budget and that is taking longer than I had hoped. But we have the main illustration approved. I believe that at the end of the month, my Patreon supporter’s funds will allow me to send the cover through to design. My Patreon supporters are the ones who help me cover some of the minor costs are related to publishing and I am very grateful; for the accumulative support that they give.
Finally, I have to deal with some final rewrite issues and then I have to print out the manuscript to read the final physical copy before I send it for typesetting.
So there you have my progress to date. My plan is to make sure this book is out on time before my 50th birthday,which is on 04 March. So wish me luck and there is a lot to do before then.
Extract of Book 4
The rats grew larger each year, but as Zargo’s diet had changed since he had buried himself in this self-contained grave, they left the underground cave more frequently. Some part of the Dragon knew that the forest was dying and that his self-indulgence had contributed to the decay above him, but he no longer cared. Somnus Virdus, had a fungus on its leaves that Zargo unknowingly inhaled as he breathed his fire onto the herb. He could hear his breath moving through his lungs as if through a broken instrument. He struggled to draw in a full breath, but it no longer mattered to him. The wheezing and spasm in his lungs would pass and then he would lie his head down again and let the sleep take him. But it never did and his sleep was in fitful bouts, always interrupted by Ciomennds silent screams as the egg tore through her. For a while, after he had completed his mission, he felt the urge to return to the egg, but he never found the courage. He knew that he would have to look at Ciommend’s body and face his grief. Had it not been for the egg, she may have lived, but it had ripped through her, stealing the life force from her and he had been powerless to stop it. If he had not taken those eggs, perhaps he could have saved her, protected her from her pursuer, so that she could have passed the egg in safety. He had failed her and now not even this herb could silence the regret that raged against him in endless waves. By now, Zargo’s muscles had shrunk to a fraction of their former size. He hoped that his time on earth would pass quickly. For a while, he had opened his mind to the Crystal Water Dragon, but too much about her manner reminded him of Ciommend.
Debbie Harris2021-12-15 The Call of the Ancients: An Epic Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 3): Intriguing I love that all the characters are back and taking on another adventure. Very adventurous and and the world that this takes place in is amazing. They know the dragon eggs were hidden and knowing that King Radolf is looking for them make it very intense. Great book to read in the series. Debbie Harris2021-12-15 The Fire Within The Storm: A Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 2): Outstanding Another great book in the series. A lot of great characters. If you enjoy books like the Game of Thrones you will enjoy this book. With dragons and a medieval adventure was very intense. Book is greatly written and looking forward tot he next one. PAR2021-10-28 The Fire Within The Storm: A Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 2): Compelling! The Fire Within the Storm is the second book of the Chronicles of Nadine series This is my first read by Kim Vermaak and I found him to be a talented and gifted author And this to be an action packed, drama-filled epic of medieval fantasy that calls the reader to look into their own fears as the protagonist also considers the price of freedom, honesty and truth. Vermaak has created a novel of delightfully fleshed out protagonists, enticing and interactive concepts with engaging plot follow-through, and delightful arrays of inclusive side characters and visionary worldbuilding. This was a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel. Susan2021-09-09 The Fire Within The Storm: A Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 2): Loved it Another great new author for me. Such a great story that will keep you turning the pages. A story full of dragons, deceipt, danger & despair. Nadine learned she was going to become a dragon whisperer & she decided not to get married or have children because she would have to watch her family age and die while she did not age. It was a hard decision & after helping Mary after she came back from the wall of bones it became even more heart wrenching. Nadine suitor was not happy about her decision. Meanwhile little Yuckell is becoming a handful. His mother sent him off to hunt squirrels and he got his arm stuck in a tree then a falling tree caused him to tear his wing. Also through the whole story the evil King talks of raising a hoard of dragons so he can be undefeated. If you want a story that is addicting & will keep you turning pages then here it is. The narrator did a great job bringing these characters to life. I can't wait for book 3 to become available on audible. Loved this story. Tonya2021-09-05 The Call of the Ancients: An Epic Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 3): Like dragons? This is your series, Nadine, Nathan, Elizabeth, the Copper Fire Dragon Whisperer and others are woven together in a compelling story in a very well developed world. They hear of the dragon eggs that were hidden after the last Dragon War. They also hear that King Radolf is seeking the eggs as well. This is the story of the hunt and its results.Battles, magic and intrigue figure highly in this tale. A truly great read.Since I didn't and was confused about relationships in this book, I would recommend reading the first two books in the series first. Kim did a good job of telling some of the back story, but I will be going back to clear up some things. P Barnes2021-08-24 The Call of the Ancients: An Epic Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 3): Great fantasy read for lovers of tales of dragons I enjoy Kim's writing - she has enthralled me with her imaginative writing about dragons thru the 3 series as well as the novella, A Mother's Warning.This series is a must for those loving a good escape. Angelofmusic2021-08-22 The Call of the Ancients: An Epic Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 3): Amazing!! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.Oh soo good!!! You get some history and backstory to some of the characters. All while moving the story forward. So captivating and heart wrenching. I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait for the next book!! Highly recommend to dragon lovers!! Maureen H2021-08-17 The Call of the Ancients: An Epic Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 3): Fantastic read! I was really excited to get back into this world with Nadine. I love these characters and the beautiful world Kim has built. The ending was a bit disappointing. Although not a true cliffhanger (by my own definition, that's only if the main quest or storyline is not completed), it definitely leaves you wanting more! I can't wait to see where this epic tale goes next.I received a free ARC of this book. CuteAsADaisy2021-07-13 The Fire Within The Storm: A Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 2): YA Medieval Christian Fantasy With Dragons Book 2 The adventure continues in book two, these need to be read in order. It's pretty clean (*** parents read below) with a fun mix of fantasy, dragons, Christian/Catholic themes, and medieval adventures. I felt like book two had a better flow to it. There still a lot going on between all the different characters and you definitely be one invested in the story and need to see where it goes. This one was also a bit darker with some of the topics and scenes intensified. I do like the Christian element to it, the author does a fairly good job incorporating it without making too preachy, although there were a couple times it did go pretty preachy in this book. I am really looking forward to see where book three goes with the story.***Parents: PG13- probably 15+ This book has some potentially triggering scenes related sexual assault and abortion. It is free of bad language or overly graphic violence, and there is romance (mainly kissing). There are some scenes revolving around prostitutes, abortion and the bones of many of the aborted babies. I would place it as being geared for high school to adult readers.The narrator does a good job with the voices - 3⭐. I found the pace a bit slow but turning the speed up to 1.25x helped.—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Angelofmusic2021-05-21 The Fire Within The Storm: A Medieval Fantasy (The Chronicles of Nadine Book 2): Cant wait for book 3 I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.Its very rare that you get to hear your books come alive. I loved reading the book and now its even more amazing to hear the characters!This book helps to set up for the hopeful next book and also helps you understand the length that King Radolf is willing to go to to basically be king of all the lands. King radolf is a feared man as he uses deception and secrecy to take over places and to try and influence men of the church.Nadine of course now needs to accept her life but is still struggling with parts of it. I do believe that the only way she will be able to accept all parts of her dragon whisperer life is if she sees her trainer do so as well.Great dragon book, lots of action and planning. I recommend to all fantasy and all medieval era lovers.