Alderpod #22 is live! Huzzah.

I was going to do a special video podcast of this one, but that did not pan out. Instead, it only delayed the finishing of this one. Grr. Ah, well. What can be done?

There are a few short noes at the end of this (Brick) chapter, but hey–there’s only ten more chapters to go until the end. Exciting, exciting. The first Alderpod went live on April 22, 2008, so with 22 episodes since then, I’ve almost managed twice a month. I feel accomplished!

As always, let me know if you have any comments/suggestions/likes/dislikes. Remember, this is a podcasted draft, so I’m always looking for input. Special super shoutout to commenter Tintri who has not only read the whole book, but has also given me some incredible feedback!

Alderpod #21: Chapter Nineteen – Princess, Priceless

Alderpod #21 is live! Huzzah. I had this all but uploaded right before I left for the West Coast, and then my son spilled (more) ice water on the MacBook, and we had to let it dry. Unfortunately by the time I left, I had not had a chance to finish it. As per usual, I also recorded #22, or Chapter 20, as well. I have to give it a good listen before I decide if it’s good enough to be released into the world, and it’s long. Long, long. But we’re not talking about 20, we’re talking about 19. Ahem.

This chapter, as I mention in the podcast notes, is about Ellin and Sylvan primarily, and their very odd relationship. Much of The Aldersgate is about the growing of relationships, or in this case re-kindling–The Ward of the Rose is really a little different than that, in that it’s where those relationships are truly tested. Although Ellin tries very hard in this chapter to go the way of a romance novel, as you’ll see, the outcome isn’t exactly as you’d expect in such as situation.

Again, sorry for the delay. Listen, enjoy; let me know what you think!

Chapter Eighteen: Departure

This is the real Alderpod #20–forgive me if anyone accidentally ends up with doubles, but there was an issue with iTunes taking the song .mp3 rather than the podcast.

If anyone is having issues still, please let me know. Remember you can always find the entire archive at Alderpod.

Alderpod #19 – Chapter Seventeen: Welcome

Huzzah! Another chapter done. Instead of putting my notes here, I decided to go ahead and babble a bit at the end of this one. So stay tuned at the end for ramblings and insight (hopefully…haha).

I’m also going to be releasing some bonus tracks in the next few weeks, where I profile the characters for you, talk about their inspiration, and how the approach has changed from book to book. Alderpod #20 is recorded and ready–I’ve only got to give it a last listen, and queue up the music. Now that the book is done it’s a bit easier to go. Hard to believe that I’m 2/3 through at this point.

Alderpod #18 – Chapter Sixteen: Tarnish

Back to the castle, and the doings of Sylvan and Ellinora (yes a chapter with two…two…TWO PoVs!). News of the dissolution of the Order of the Asp has arrived, and Libby is not happy. Meanwhile, Ellin meets the new Alderdaughters finally arrived from the Territories and beyond, and she even makes a little vialc-laced speech.

And even though Sylvan’s supposed to kill Ellin’s husband, it doesn’t quite turn out that way.

The music is all me, and again I’m turning to real instruments: i.e. my voice and my guitar. So, some harmonies, which I thought made sense considering all the gals in this particular chapter. I had a little trouble with this chapter, but after a ride this morning, and some editing, I’m happier. So, yay.

I’ve already recorded the next chapter, which picks back up with the Asp and Brick, and just have to add music.

And if I should a little more nasal than usual, don’t adjust your speakers. Lingering cold/allergies. Sometimes I just have to keep going, and hope you’ll forgive me!

Alderpod #17 – Chapter Fifteen: Figments

No, you did not read this wrong. Yes, I’ve recorded another chapter. Sure, part of it is because I feel bad I haven’t been able to do the whole biweekly thing with the cold, but more than anything it’s because the chapters meld into one another. It’s a continuation from the last chapter, and I thought since I was on a roll I might as well go with it.

Notes on this chapter: This chapter scared me. I mean, scared. I don’t usually get creeped out by the things I write, having a good distance. But once again, since Emry is a little closer to home for me… well, you’ll hear I suppose. This is when things start to go really wrong. Sure, things have been bad, but this chapter is the hinge on which one of the main mechanisms balance: this is when we get a glimpse into just what happened in Barnet, we figure out how Cora busted out of her cell, and, in the meantime, learn about the Sibs in general. Gotta balance, right?

Next up is back at Hartleigh Castle with Sylvan and Ellin, and the arrival of the Alderdaughters. Plus: more intrigue, political upheaval, and the first POV chapter from Kaythra Bav. Then, we’ll be heading back to the Order of the Asp… and, unfortunately, things aren’t getting any brighter for Brick, either.

Ah, the joy of apocalyptic steampunk fantasy. But I promise! Not all is boom and doom… this is just the hard part to get through before hope emerges.

Thanks for listening, and look here for more chapters soon!

Alderpod #16 – Chapter Fourteen: The Nithings

Yes, I totally say “fifteen” and “thirteen” at the beginning of this. I will fix. Numbers confuse me even when my mind is running at full capacity. – Yay fixed!!

After a lengthy, and unintentional break, Alderpod is back! Coughing, sputtering, and sneezing are hardly conducive to a successful episode, so I do hope you forgive me.

Notes on this episode: More about the Nithings, and back to Cora. While this isn’t an action-packed episode, I think it’s important to have a little lull. I like the dialogue, and love the Cora/Emry/Ezz dynamic going on in this chapter. It’s more of a character building chapter, I suppose, setting up some important facts for later on in the story. But I like characters! So, there.

And, we’re back to original music, and a new piece. It’s the first music that I imagined playing as Emry, and it’s done with the tenor guitar I acquired a little before the holidays. I finally strung him up, and got him ready to play–I’m happy with the final result, and even managed a string of melody (as I’m a rhythm guitarist!).

Chapter Thirteen – Initiation Rites

Don’t think this is going to be a habit or anything, but here’s the next Alderpod. Yes, indeed–and in spite of the sniffles!

We join up once again with Brick and the Order of the Asp and learn about some of their rather… well, let’s say “unique” practices. This is a chapter that, for some reason, has seen an inordinate amount of editing and still, parts of it don’t make me happy. But such is the way it goes, right? I honestly think that if left to my own devices I would edit until I passed out and there was nothing left on the page but: “The Aldersgate Cycle” Sometimes you have to let it go, knowing it’s not perfect (which is the theme with some of these middle chapters, as the meat of the book… they’ll need more tinkering than the rest).

But enough self-criticism. I do love this chapter, and it was once featured on this site, in fact, though in quite different form. About the only thing that’s the same is the conversation between the woman in the wood and Brick in his dream. I spent a lot of time trying to construct the ritual that went into it this time, giving Renmen a much bigger role, but also adding a touch of humor to it. As Gawen says,  “Of course, the whole vision could have been a metaphor! We shall see.”

Writing the Asp is some of the most fun I have, and now that they’re going rogue (in more ways than one) it’s even more so. One of these day’s I’ll get a post together that gives profiles of all the Aspguard, so you can meet the entire 30-person retinue a little more inimately. For the sake of the narrative, I cut back a little, focusing on the handful of core knights, but they really are a wacky bunch.

As to the next episode, we’re back with Emry and Cora for two chapters, respectively, so there won’t be quite so much bouncing around. I’ll likely record them back-to-back as well, as they both take place in the Nithings and have a lot of… well, needed exposition. It happens to the best of us.

And chapter 12, aka, Alderpod #14…

I discovered cabernet sauvingnon to be a good accompaniment to this particular piece. And I will admit to you two things: the beginning is a little wonky, but bear with me–I spliced two chapters together and combined them for brevity, etc; and also, the pacing is a little on the slow side. But this is intrigue people, not battles and hellfire and all that jazz. Sylvan and Ellin are my romantic leads, the sort that deserve the quiet and calculation of the palace setting.

Ellinora, or Ellin as she’s most usually called, is always a challenge to write, but frequently a surprise. Her perspective really moves the second half of the novel, so get ready to get to know her. I think you’ll enjoy the ride. And it’s high time I introduced my other female POV, don’t you think? (There is a third, oh yes, but that waits, precious.)

…

#15 was recorded, and almost ready to print, when I had some terrible background noise pretty much foul the whole thing up. Now I’ve moved the writing/podcasting station upstairs, I think it’ll make a significant difference both for mental and actual quiet.

At any rate, the next chapter, entitled “Iniation Rites” brings us back to Brick Smithson, the Order of the Asp, and the goings ons of the Territories, before we head back to the Nithings. So stay tuned; I may be late, but I will deliver. Even through the holidays. Or at least, I’ll pass out trying.

Chapter Eleven: Dalliance

Huzzah! After hitting 25K for NaNoWriMo, and the official halfway point, I celebrated by recording Chapter Eleven of The Aldersgate. I won’t be able to stay away come December, I tell you. I’m just itching to get back, though I have to admit I’m very pleased with where Pilgrim of the Sky is at the moment.

This is a Sylvan DeLoire chapter and, although I read it a little too fast I think, I’m happy with the outcome. It’s a hybrid that actually includes some of the most recent edits, since I flipped some chapters around a bit for the podcast. The next installments will introduce Ellinora–the aformentioned princess–and get us up to date with Brick and the Order of the Rose.

Thanks, all, for being patient through out this!