Bryan DeLuca —> Blog You
Every time you read my blog an angel gets its wings.

Extinction is the fourth book in the War of the Spider Queen Series. While, Lisa Smedmen weaved a hugh amount of Ryld’s tale in the book, it seemed very rushed. First, the beginning of the book seemed more like a cartoon version of the characters, compared to how they were represented in the first three novels. Second, who ever copy edited the novel should be fired. There were numous type-o’s, letter missing off the front of words and the world ”Underdark” spealled two different ways on the dame page. Third, the book just came to a screaming halt. I know it is part of a series, but the novel should still, to some degree, be able to stand on its own merits. Overall, she told and good story and it got better as the novel progressed.

The other day a young writer asked me how to get their work read by an editor at a particle magazine. Surprised, I asked them about their Query Letter. The writer looked at me a little confused. So, I decided to start a series for Query Letters. 

First Thing’s First: What is a Query Letter?  A Query Letter is a short letter to an editor, publisher or agent to try to sell your project. It’s that simple. It basically asks for permission to send the project for their review. The query letter can be sent with or without part of a manuscript. But, the query letter must sell the editor into wanting to look at your complete piece. Think of it as a one-page resume for your project.

Noted historian Stephen E. Ambrose once said, “There is nothing like standing before 50 students at 8 a.m. to start talking about an event that occurred 100 years ago, because the look on their faces is a challenge - ‘Let’s see you keep me awake.’ You learn what works and what doesn’t in a hurry.” What Ambrose discovered is the best grabber is a story to make the it come alive for the listeners or reader.

My friend e-mailed me the other day, telling me he was on the final editor of his huge novel that he had spent almost ten years on. Yeap, ten years of hard work. I have to admit, I was jealous of his time and dedication to a project he believes in and trust me he’ll succeed with it.

It got me to thinking, how many writers give up the ghost. They today I was bouncing around some other writers’ blogs. A decent amount had fallen silent. What happened to them…what happened to their dreams…what’s happening to mine.

I’m almost finished with the first part of a trilogy I’ve invested three years in. Why did I stop and just leave my characters abandoned like that…

I’ve been reading the War of the Spider Queen book series for some time now, in between other novels. Overall it is one of the best Forgotten Realms series. I’m on book four, Extinction. I loved the first three parts, especially Condemnation by Richard Baker.
The entire series was overseen by R. A. Salvatore, and takes place in Drow society. Lolth (The Spider Queen demi-god) has abandoned her worshippers. All of her priestesses denied of their divine magical abilities, which shakes the foundations of Drow society and sent off a a band of Drow adventurers to figure out what has gone for horribly wrong.
I usually don’t review books or book series until I’m done, but this one is too good to miss, even though I’m a little late in reading it.

Dissolution by Richard Lee Byers
Insurrection by Thomas M. Reid
Condemnation by Richard Baker
Extinction by Lisa Smedman
Annihilation by Philip Athans
Resurrection by Paul S. Kemp

All Cover Art by Brom