Announcing Ohlen's Bane

I have begun writing the sequel to Ohlen's Arrow and have tentatively titled the new book Ohlen's Bane.

For the observant among you, you'll notice the A-B sequence between titles. This is intentional, but 'Bane' is not mere alphabetical coincidence, it is very apropos to the story.

Although I won't give away any spoilers, I can tell you that Ohlen and his friends will face the biggest challenge of their lives in this second book of the series.

Series? Does that mean there will be perhaps a third book, making it a trilogy? Honestly, I don't know. It's possible, though. Stay tuned.

Search for editor and cover designer for book 2

UPDATE 11-14-2013: I have hired an editor for Ohlen's Bane, but am still seeking a cover designer.

I have begun the process of creating the sequel to Ohlen's Arrow, and part of that effort involves interviewing editors and cover designers.

When writing Ohlen's Arrow, my first novel, I engaged the services of two different editors. Both contributed to the process but there were some lessons learned along the way. On this second book, I intend to make the selection process a bit more formal, with an actual interview and trial edit. The editors I hired for my first book were individuals that I already knew on a personal level, which by itself isn't inherently bad but it did introduce a few complications, including the fact that one of the editors wasn't professionally qualified.

The graphic designer I hired for the first book was talented and a joy to work with, but she had no cover design experience. Furthermore, she has opted to get out of graphic design for a while to spend more time with her newborn son. She's not available to work on the second book, so I need to find someone knew.

Reviews of Ohlen's Arrow from Amazon.com

I would like to quote the following reviews of Ohlen's Arrow, posted to Amazon.com:

"I enjoyed taking this journey with Ohlen and his friends. The balance between action and character development was perfect and the story was easy to follow. That can't always be said of a book in this genre and as a reader, I appreciate it. I'm happy to hear the author has begun the sequel, and I'm anxious to find out what's next for our hero."

"I was waffling on how many stars to rate this work. Since this was Mr. Williamson's first publication I decided to round it up to a 5 because I think his book is a great read and rounding down meant taking away a well deserved extra 1/2 a star which seemed wrong. His characters felt true to themselves and their environment. Their interactions were complex but fresh and not contrived. Mechanically it is a good story but it was the character development that made this first book such a great read. Most writers do not have Mr. Williamson's dexterity at crafting such realistic characters. I do not think this is the end for Ohlen and his friends. I look forward to seeing where Mr. Williamson takes this group next - especially my favorite character the one we last checked in on before the story closed - talk about a delightfully complex character construct."

Excerpt from Chapter 10, "The Dead Man Speaks"

As Merrick Stonehorn stood in the back of the crowd gathered in the courtyard, he watched Hadrick Burgoyne emerge onto the wooden dais erected before the Keep's main entrance. An entourage of sycophantic advisers and attendants surrounded the fat, grey-haired man whose clothes were needlessly regal beyond the occasion. Despite Burgoyne's physical size, Merrick considered him to be the smallest man he'd ever met.

The ruler began speaking to the assembled crowd – it was a monthly ritual. His speeches were flowery and puffed up civic decrees that had little substance but were intended to remind the citizenry that he was still in charge.

Merrick sensed someone was watching him. A short, wiry man with brown, expressionless eyes emerged from behind a food vendor's cart, stood next to the giant innkeeper, and said, "His speech is especially interesting today, don't you think?"


Both men kept their eyes toward the fat man on the dais as they conversed. The big man shrugged his shoulders and said, "'Interesting' isn't the word I would choose."


Rinn discretely glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot. "I'd say he's doing a good job for a dead man."


"I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean I want to see him dead."

"Too late."

Merrick gazed nonchalantly toward the shorter man standing next to him. He caught a glimpse of a rare smile from the rogue.

"We need to talk. You know where," Rinn muttered before fading back and disappearing amongst the vendor carts.