From Kickstarter to Story: A Thank You (and a Free Adventure)

 The Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter has officially come to a close—and I’ve been sitting with a deep sense of gratitude.

Thank you.

Whether you backed the project, shared it, encouraged me along the way, or simply followed the journey—you’ve been part of something meaningful.

This campaign wasn’t just about funding a set of books. It was about rebuilding this trilogy well, strengthening the world of Aramatir, and taking a step forward in my writing life with intention.

And now, as I move into revisions, proof copies, and production, I wanted to offer something in return.

✨ A small thank you for the entire month of April.

If you enjoy fantasy, especially stories of courage, faith, and the struggle between light and darkness, I’ve joined a group of authors to offer a collection of free adventures.

You can explore them here:

Bookfunnel Link

As part of this, I’m also highlighting one of my own stories set in Aramatir:

⚔️ Champion in the Darkness - my first novel

This story stands within the same world as the Dark Blade Trilogy, but follows a different thread—one centered on a rising Champion, the weight of doubt, and the choice to stand in the light even when the path is unclear.

It’s a story of faith, struggle, and quiet strength.

If you’ve been curious about my work—or if you’ve just joined me through the Kickstarter—this is a great place to begin or continue the journey.

Thank you again for being here, for reading, and for supporting stories like these.

The First Easter

 The First Easter

Waking to find
the tomb empty,
spices scattered,
grave clothes left,
I fall on my knees,
blinded by tears,
I cry out…
and He answers
with my name.

He is Risen!
Christ is Risen!
Hallelujah!

Tyrean Martinson, April 9, 2023

Inspired by John 20:10-16

#Easter #Easterpoem
#christisrisen

IWSG April: Groove Music or Silence for Writing?

 

It’s that time for the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog hop, the longest running blog hop that I know of in the world. We meet to encourage, to share woes, and to wish each other well in our writing journeys.

This month, led by our intrepid leader Alex J. Cavanaugh and a team of regular volunteers, we are also joined by the monthly co-host volunteers: Melissa Maygrove, Cathrina Constantine, Kate Larkinsdale, and Rebecca Douglass!

Our optional April 1st question is: If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

OR, as I have styled it: Groove Mood or Silence is Golden?

As a writer, I prefer natural sounds or “background house sounds” like the dishwasher running for my actual writing time. 

But, before that, I typically turn on my yearly playlist for a mixture of upbeat songs from pop, rock, instrumental, and sometimes full orchestra music. 

I tend toward anything upbeat and happy, but some years, I’ve added some moody, storytelling vibe music and even spoken poetry to my playlist. I create a different playlist for every year, although some songs move from playlist to playlist. 

A true mixture might include: Good Feeling by Austin French, Stronger by Kelly Clarkson, Tempest by guitarist Jesse Cook, Unwritten by Natasha Bedingford, New Creation by Mac Powell, Boots Don’t by Shania Twain and Breland, Watch Me Do by Meghan Trainor, Falling Inside the Black by Skillet, I Like You by Champagne Sunday, Set it All Free by Scarlett Johansen, The Cremation of Sam McGee performed by Johnny Cash, The Warrior by Patti Smyth, Where Did You Sleep Last Night? Performed by Nirvana, Come Undone by Duran Duran, and Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin. 

I prefer positive and upbeat music for getting ready to write, but I’ll listen to moodier music before certain writing sessions.

However, the music goes off when I’m writing. I tend to be an almost “silence is golden” type of writer. 

Music gets me ready. Silence lets me go into the story world.

Kickstarter Update 

Today is the last full day of my Kickstarter for The Dark Blade Trilogy! The Kickstarter met the main goal in less than 3 hours and I am so thankful for that!

From there, the campaign has continued to build, and I’m super grateful for all who have joined. The Kickstarter ends tomorrow at 8:30am PT (Pacific Time).

 If you would like to know more or join in, please feel free to click the link. 

Kickstarter Link