Friday, September 17, 2010

What is needed in a blurb?

How much information does a reader want in a blurb? I have uploaded my first ideas to my blog, but I wonder how to improve each one.
Anyone who has read the books, or thinks they might like to, please feel free to offer constructive advice. If you feel the blurbs need more or less information, names, explanations, let me know. There is a tight word count constraint which stifles my muse and I have already submitted them to the publisher but I hope there will be plenty of time to polish them before we have to have them ready for back cover positions!

Anyhow...keep an eye out for excerpts.

Again, for those who have read the books, or some of them, any scenes that come to mind? I am thinking of a few short pieces that might provoke a reader's interest while not giving away too much of the story. Then again, there are eight books to preview and the over all story is pretty huge... not much chance of telling too much. ;)

Blurb for Exiled: Autumn's Peril

cover idea

Exiled: Autumn's Peril

Caleath’s escape from exile on a backwater planet is within reach until Fate forces him to alter his plans.


The First Book in the Chronicles of Caleath
Blurb

Escape and vengeance have driven Caleath into a desperate course of action. Despite the cost, he journeys toward the place where he can escape. All seems to be falling into place until the machinations of an age old enemy thwarts his progress. Bargains are made. Death is avoided. Taking a hostage, might save his life, but difficulties escalate with every turn of his journey. Meeting sorcerers, aliens and a beautiful female complicate his life. Unless his plans to escape succeed even those complications will seem trivial.

Blurb for Exiled: Winter's Curse

cover idea

Exiled: Winter's Curse

Caleath’s new quest takes him on a desperate journey facing bandits, bloody battles, danger, death and dragons.  

Book Two in the Chronicles of  Caleath
Blurb

The Chronicles of Caleath continue when Caleath’s plan to escape from the planet fail. He rides south alone to kill the Tarack queen. The species of giant ant have returned to their nest during the cold of winter and Caleath hopes to strike while the colony is dormant. Caleath’s ‘kill or be killed’ mission is driven by deeper needs than to help the local people. Despite his strength of purpose his simple plan dissolves after a small child begs for help. His new quest takes him on a desperate path of bandits, bloody battles, danger, death and dragons. He is no longer alone.

Meanwhile Nasith travels south with Lachlan, Gwilt and a band of soldiers preparing for the battle with the Tarack. As they travel, Gwilt voices his concern about the malevolence surrounding a newcomer to the group, a young woman who has befriended Nasith. Convinced his doubts have fallen on deaf ears, he remains alert and wary. His attitude leads to a confrontation from which neither he nor Nasith emerge unscathed. 

While winter allows time to prepare for the emergence of mature Tarack, other nefarious problems threaten the unsuspecting people of the south.

Blurb for Exiled: The Legacy of Lathraine's Pledge



cover idea
Exiled: Legacy of Lathraine's Pledge

The combined forces of mage and man fail to halt the progress of the Tarack. What does the future hold?
Book Three in the Chronicles of Caleath
Blurb
Rumors regarding the return of the Deathbringer are spreading but Caleath’s disappearance lengthens. Can he free himself and the Archimage Tallowbrand from the dragon’s lair? What interest does Azriel have in his survival? What does the future hold if such power is unleashed?
Meanwhile the Tarack have moved north defying the efforts of the humans and their allies.
The combined forces of mage and man are barely slowing the creatures’ progress toward the fertile food belt of Allorn.
Every day the situation grows worse.

Blurb for Exiled: The Battle for Enderseer Hold


  
cover idea
Exiled: The Battle For Enderseer Hold

 The final battle for supremacy is about to unfold. On whose side will the Deathbringer stand?

Book Four in the Chronicles of Caleath
Blurb

Azriel’s plans of endless domination are coming to fruition. Nasith’s care is her first priority as she persuades the Deathbringer to concede to her wishes. Each day he delays capitulation gives the forces allied against her another chance for victory. They face more than another season of winter warfare. An adversary from history swells the ranks of Azriel’s army. The people of Allorn must defeat a foe whose very touch is deadly as they face a witch who stands supreme.