"Writing a book is the art of listening to oneself."-Brad Cameron

Saturday, December 27, 2014

ANCIENT VIKINGS IN THE NEW WORLD Article

An article published on December 16th on Sci-News.com titled, "Scientists Find Evidence of Viking Presence in Artic Canada" caught my eye! This article is very interesting and in keeping with the theme of Odin's Light of THE ZEKE PROPER CHRONICLES. Check it out and let me know what you think!
(c) wallpaper-kid.com

http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/science-viking-presence-arctic-canada-02349.html

Happy Holidays -
Brad

Sunday, November 2, 2014

10 things you need to know about Vikings and Norse Mythology

Though it may appear that the early Norse inhabitants were defeatists, viewing life with an eye of gloom and doom, a closer inspection will reveal that the opposite is in fact true. The Vikings did not believe in a timeless afterlife, and indeed that may seem bleak to our modern, Christianized culture, nevertheless, their philosophy embodied a bold perspective toward life, one that must be admired. They expected that men and women would have their share of tragedy and hardship. But the best of them attempted to use it and rise above it, carving out a name for themselves through bravery, loyalty, and generosity. Thus the following list, though it may appear at first to be a depressing view of life, is simply the Viking’s way of considering their inevitable hardships and eventual death. Know that they endured it, or, even better, laughed at it. 
Norscan Berserk
(c) warhammerfb.wikia.com
1. “The guy just went berserk!” I’m sure you’ve heard this kind of description before as someone tries to explain some crazy, out of control, and sometimes violent behavior exhibited by another individual. But have you ever wondered where the word “berserk” comes from and just what exactly it means?
The word berserk(s) literally means Bear Shirts. Berserks were human warriors who went into a frenzy before battle and fought wearing animal skins. It was believed that Odin gave them special powers. Writing about the uncontrollable rage of these fighters, Snorri Sturluson proclaimed:
His men went to battle without armor and acted like mad dogs or wolves.
They bit into their shields and were as strong as bears or bulls.
They killed men, but neither fire nor iron harmed them.
                                           This madness is called berserker-fury. 
2. According to legend, the elaborate and intricately structured Norse Cosmology begins with the coming together of fire and ice. The first man, according to the myths, escapes from a block of ice when the great cow, Audumla, licks him free.
3. Ymir was the first giant. He was formed by the coming together of fire and ice. Unfortunately, Ymir was killed by Odin and his two brothers, Vili and Ve. They used his body parts to create the nine worlds, fashioning the oceans from his blood, the soil from his skin and muscles, vegetation from his hair, clouds from his brains, and the sky from his skull.
http://norsemyths.net/giants-in-norse-mythology/ymir-in-norse-mythology/
Ymir (c) norsemyths.net

4. Contrary to popular belief, Loki is not the son of Odin. According to legend Loki is actually an attractive, often indecisive, mischief-making god who is in fact the son of two giants. His mother Laufey the Giantess and his father Farbauti, also known as Cruel Striker.
5. The Norsemen visualized the universe as a tricentric structure - like three plates set one above the other with space in between. On the top level was Asgard. This was Odin’s home. The second level was Midgard. This is the home of men. On the third level lay Niflheim, the world of the dead. Said to be nine day’s ride northwards and downwards from Midgard.
6. The ruler of Niflheim was the daughter of Loki, Hel. She was a hideous female monster who ruled over a place that was bitter cold with an unending night. It’s citadel, or fortress, went by the same name as its ruler. The dead would approach to find this odious tower looming with towering walls and forbidding gates.
7. Within the tricentric structure of the Norse universe, besides the realms of Asgard, Midgard, and Niflheim, were six other worlds. Vanaheim housed the lesser gods known as the Vanir. Vahalla, next in greatness to Asgard, is the huge hall that housed all the dead warriors who fight each day and feast each evening, awaiting Ragnarok, the battle at the end of time between gods and men, and giants and monsters. Next is Alfheim, the land of the Light Elves. Far below this place of magic is Nidavellir, home of the dwarfs. Moving east, along the roots and branches of Yggdrasill is Svartalfheim, the Land of the Dark Elves. And still farther east, over a towering crest of high mountains, is Jotunheim, the Land of the Giants.

http://prasa.deviantart.com/art/Yggdrasil-119203198
Yggdrasill (c) prasa.deviantart.com
8. Thor, the son of Odin and mighty wielder of the hammer Mjollnir, travels in a chariot drawn by two goats. When Thor is hungry, after a long day of travel, he can slaughter the goats, roast them neatly over an open fire, and enjoy a fine feast. Miraculously, when the morning comes and Thor is ready to move on, the goats are resurrected and stand ready to pull the chariot once again among the many realms of Yggdrasill.
9. A terrible winter called Fimbulvetr, one that lasts three long years, will proceed Ragnarok.
10. Fenrir the Wolf, son of Loki, will engage in a fearsome battle with Odin during Ragnarok. In the end, though, the wolf will seize Odin between his jaws and swallow him. This will be the death of Odin.
 
-Brad Cameron

Thursday, July 17, 2014

The Zeke Proper Chronicles...Book Set Available NOW!

If you missed the book launch party for Book Three of THE ZEKE PROPER CHRONICLES, The Gates of Asgard, don't worry! Book One, Two and Three are all available on your Nook and Kindle and can all be purchased on Amazon here. Get your book set now and let me know what you think!

(c) Brad Cameron

*Stay tuned for the launch of my monthly FEATURED AUTHOR blog event! If you would like to be a featured author on my blog, email my PR, Cassie at cassiemcrosby@yahoo.com for all of the information!

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Update: THE GATES OF ASGARD Launch Party

In case you missed my book launch party for Book Three of THE ZEKE PROPER CHRONICLES, The Gates of Asgard, you can get your copy here! I would love to hear what you think. Make sure to leave a review on Amazon! Check out the video below to see my reading from the launch party. Enjoy!


 
-Brad

 
 
 


 

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Book Launch Party!

Tomorrow is the day!! I will be having a book release party for Book Three of THE ZEKE PROPER CHRONICLES, The Gates of Asgard, at 6 pm at Primrose and Tumbleweeds in Hillsboro, OR. Stop by to get your new, signed copy and stay for Bards and Brews where I will be doing a reading from my new book.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Write a Review, Get a Prize!

Book One of THE ZEKE PROPER CHRONICLES, Odin's Light, is on sale for only 2 more days on Amazon Kindle!! Did you get your copy yet? If not, you can get it HERE. In anticipation for the release of Book Three, The Gates of Asgard, I am offering a SIGNED copy of the new book for one lucky reader. All you have to do to enter, is write a review of Odin's Light on Amazon by May 31st
and leave your email address in a comment below. One winner will be chosen. Feedback from my readers is very important to me. I can't wait to hear what you think!

-Brad

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Odin's Light - REVISED EDITION!

As of 8am this morning, the REVISED edition of Book One of THE ZEKE PROPER CHRONICLES, Odin's Light, is available through Kindle for only $.99! In anticipation for the release of Book Three, The Gates of Asgard, I want as many readers and lovers of fantasy, fiction and Norse Mythology to have a chance to buy and read Book One. After you get your copy, please spread the word and WRITE A REVIEW on Amazon! Feedback from my readers is very important to me. I can't wait to hear what you think!
http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Light-Zeke-Proper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007NCIRMQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397755743&sr=1-1&keywords=Odin%27s+Light
Visit http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Light-Zeke-Proper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007NCIRMQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1397755743&sr=1-1&keywords=Odin%27s+Light to get your copy or click on the book cover above!

Monday, April 14, 2014

Amazon Kindle Countdown!

In anticipation of the release of Book Three of THE ZEKE PROPER CHRONICLES, The Gates of Asgard, the revised edition of Book One, Odin's Light, will be on sale thru Amazon Kindle Countdown for only $0.99 starting Thursday, April 17th at 8am!! This price will only be in effect for a limited time. After you get your revised edition, make sure to leave a review. Feedback from my readers is very important to me. I can't wait to hear what you think!

http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Light-Zeke-Proper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007NCIRMQ/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Friday, April 4, 2014

My Journey to the Gates of Asgard

While in college, I remember being subject to several lectures, embroiled in mounds of reading assignments, and challenged to the limit with writing projects. In general, I remember many of those tasks, but specifics completely elude me. However, I do remember some profound words of one of my favorite professors. They are words I’ve often repeated to my own writing students: Writing is hard work.

Many of my students struggle with the task of writing, often expressing their displeasure in the form of moans and whines. I think most students expect the skill to just happen; when it doesn’t, they give up. It’s sad when they do. But I have to admit; when they express the desire to quit, I can honestly say that I understand – I get it.

While writing the third book in the Zeke Proper Chronicles – The Gates of Asgard - I’ve often found myself on the brink of quitting, simply giving up and instead spending my evenings tinkering with some woodworking tools in my garage rather than wasting my time in my tiny office trying to work out another complicated scene. But I’ve persevered. I think the reason I have is because I want to find out how the story ends just as much as my loyal readers. In my experience, I’ve discovered that Zeke’s story wants itself to be told. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve sat down at my computer, having in mind a particular direction I think I want the story to take when I’m suddenly blindsided. The tale begins to tell itself, taking me in directions I would have never imagined. Sure, the process has been hard. It’s been a challenge that has frustrated me with elated highs and bitter lows, moments of pure inspiration and instances of harsh disappointment. But I think that’s what’s made it all worth it. If I didn’t have to work for it, then where would the satisfaction be?

As it stands, The Gates of Asgard is complete. It’s going through some final edits, but for the most part the rest of the story’s been told – and it’s really good. I’m not just saying that because I wrote it. I’m saying that because, really, I didn’t write it. It wrote itself, and it will take you on a journey that will blow your mind. 

Book Three of The Zeke Proper Chronicles -The Gates of Asgard
Brad Cameron
Release date May 2014

Monday, January 6, 2014

The Gates of Asgard...BOOK COVER REVEAL!

Have you read Book One, Odin's Light and Book Two, The Serpent's Ship yet? Go to the link and get your copies today. Be on the look out for Book Three, The Gates of Asgard, coming March 2014!
photo credit: (c) Corey Cameron
Also, check out author, Ripley Patton. She is last week's featured author at Jacobsen's Books and More! I will be the featured author this week. You can check out and read my author interview here.