The Nightmarers Preview 2

Hard to believe it's been a week already since the last preview! Where has the time gone? Perhaps it's a good thing that time is going by so quickly, because... *drumroll* ... That means The Nightmarers is getting closer to its release! Unfortunately, due to some "technical" issues, I am unable to print it until about the end of the week. After that, however, I can send it to my Copy Editor, (Amberly Beck, whom I am extremely grateful for) and should get it back soon. Everything else is coming together!
Including... *another drumroll* ... The Nightmarers' book cover! Yay! Check it out, tell me what you think!

Meanwhile, I'm getting a few "behind the scenes" final stuff done, so that when the manuscript is complete, I can get it out to you guys ASAP.
Practically ever since The Dreamers' release, I've gotten people asking me when the sequel is out. "When is the next book coming out?" "I can't wait to read the next one!"
I just want to thank all of you who have asked--and even thought that question. You guys really inspire me. You're the greatest.
I hope the wait is worth it for you. I feel like The Nightmarers is a different kind of feel from The Dreamers, but awesome in other ways, along with the same ways that made The Dreamers awesome for you. A lot more of it takes place in reality, and the consequences are just as heavy. I can't wait to hear what you guys think.


In the meantime, the main point of this post.. Here's CHAPTER 2 of The Nightmarers! For those of who you who missed the last one, here's a link for you. Or, if you missed out on The Dreamers entirely, here's a link for YOU. Without further ado, I present to you the exclusive, unpublished second chapter of The Nightmarers. Enjoy, and happy reading!

* * *

I was bored. Well, I’m bored most of the time, so it wasn't a first. Being a Saturday, with my homework done, and nothing else to do, I took a nap.

Immediately, I was rushing to the Dream Realm, as I often do, to check if any new members had miraculously showed up. I do it, and savor it, like on a really long day, with nothing to do. You wish more than anything that you had something, and you're just so bored you look forward to checking the mail for ads. You know what I mean. I savor these visits, though it had been months, and no one had showed up. No one, that is, until today.

As soon as I arrived, (I could now control where I popped up in the Dream Realm, and was in the Dreamers HQ) I knew something was different. I didn't know what, I just knew that something was.

I could feel myself probing outward, listening, sensing. I knew where to go almost immediately.

I had mastered Thep's transporting abilities. (I sure miss him, but it might be a good thing that he's gone, because I think I do a better job!) Thep was with me and Flitch (another Dreamer) on my first mission. He is an older guy, who says he's from Egypt. After my grandfather, (the previous Dreamer leader) passed away, and I took his place, Thep was my right-hand guy.

I am in the Forest of Arac Mad. Supposedly, this jungle was named after some Middle Eastern guy who came to the Dream Realm even before the Dreamers “cult” had been formed.

I looked around curiously, hoping to see a face underneath the twisty roots of the self- suspended trees.

I quieted my own breathing, listening for someone else's. But... something was very strange about it. I frowned, tilting my head and leaned closer. It wasn't one breath... it was two!

I saw a quick, shadowy movement to one side under the roots.

“Hey,” I called softly. “It's okay. I can help you.” I had rehearsed to myself what I would say when I found somebody, but what I said wasn't it. I decided it was better, and more to the point, and made a mental note to change it.

“Prove it.” came a loud, strong voice, though it cracked. I could tell the boy muttered something not very nice because of it.

I wasn't sure what to do, so I just told him everything.

“My name is Sam. I’m the current leader of the Dreamers. The Dreamers are a—” I stuttered. “Well, I guess I should say, the Dreamer is the survivor of the Dreamers' cult. They are a group of —” I caught myself again.

“What's a Dreamer?” came a softer voice from behind the tree roots. The voice seemed to prompt me. I latched on to the question.

“Right... Um... The Dreamers are a secret cult made of artists, authors, writers, architects, musicians, engineers, and other people with active imaginations.

“We use our strengths to create and develop —then use—things to save the earth from harm. We stop fires, prevent murders, and influence inventions and ideas.” I paused to let that sink in.

“Dreamers have inspired many of the great things we take for granted today like... cell phones, iPods, TV's, and airplanes. When you think about it, many of the basic ideas behind these inventions are kind of crazy. We, —I,” I correct myself, “have helped these things become... them. In a way, the Dreamers are the true inventor of the airplane, not those Wright Brothers.”

I decided I was going into too much detail, and was failing miserably.

“What I mean to say is—you are the newest Dreamers. This isn't a dream—not really, but a second life. You've got great potential. You could be the creator of the... the... iDesk, or the man behind the creation of a new political system. You could do anything!

“Our mission, or part of it, is to fight to keep the Dream Realm and Earth separate. We fight to allow the human race to continue to thrive and dream!

“Yes, it is only the three of us, but more will join soon.” I hoped so, at least.

“But... What? ...Why? ...When?” Both of the kids under the tree must have been bewildered— like me, when I was first told I was a Dreamer, I realized.

“There's a lot to learn, and even more to do, but for now, you've got to wake up. Come back to the Dream Realm... Ten o' Clock, tomorrow—sharp.

I smiled inwardly. That was the same time that Thep had told me to meet him. I would have to be sure to be early—and to bring a pair of gloves.

* * *

Catch your interest? Buy The Nightmarers now on Amazon.com!

Dream on!
Sam Kullen & Oliver Dahl

The Nightmarers Preview 1

Hey, there, everybody! It's been a while, but I'm going to start being a little more frequent with my posts. It's almost a New Year, so, I figured I would start it off right. (Or end 2012 right, either way!)

Exciting news! I just finished the final reading of The Nightmarers, and have sent it off to a copy editor! (Thanks to Amberly Beck for offering her services!) I really like the way it turned out, and hope you will, too!

For those who don't know, The Nightmarers is the sequel to my first published book, The Dreamers. I wrote it in 2010 for NaNoWriMo, and published it August 2011 at the age of 13. I will release The Nightmarers out to you guys in January or February. Look for it!

Of course, until then, I want to start something really EXCITING, and give you bits and pieces of The Nightmarers to hold you over until the whole thing is released. I'll start by giving you guys Chapter 1.

But first... I think we'll do a little giveaway/contest! How does that sound? Prizes will include an autographed/personalized paperback edition of The Dreamers, and several free Autographed/personalized eBooks! (See my post on Autographed eBooks). Let's get started! Below is the Rafflecopter giveaway. Complete small requests to be entered multiple times for a greater chance to win.



a Rafflecopter giveaway


I wish you all the best of luck! I will contact the winners via email and ask for any additional information, if necessary, to send/sign the books, and they will be on the way! Please note that I'm not responsible for items not received on the winner's end. I will send them, but again, I'm not responsible for anything that goes wrong after that. Just don't sue me, okay? :)
Now, on with the real goodness of this post! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls... I present to you... The Nightmarers!

* * *

Hurry. There is time, but heaven knows there's never enough. I decided I had to risk thispublication, in the chance that it might fall into thecorrect hands. If you're reading this, I eithersucceeded—or failed.

I, well...we, need your help.

What's that? “We?” Oh, yeah, I guess Ishould fill you in. (That might be a good idea!)

After the battle with Malfix, my stay in thehospital, and the subsequent publication of “TheDreamers: A Story of Sam Kullen,” I started tofind them. Slowly at first, then a few at a time.

Kris and Andromeda—twins. Then Sandi,Michael, Katie, Dean, Kyle, and Khasta, each fromdifferent parts of the globe. Each with a uniquetalent or ability. Slowly but surely, we re-established the Dreamers, our little cult of dream-inhabiting, creating, artistic teenagers. We werethe generation of tomorrow—the future of today. The ensurers that the sun rose the next dawn! After scrounging through the remains of Dreamers HQ, I found several important artifacts—if you can call them that.

First, a charred copy of The Dreamers' Handbook. I retyped it as best I could and printed off several copies for the new group.

I also found a copy or two of the software CD’s the former Dreamers would use to control ormanipulate events in real time. Fortunately, someof the new Dreamers are more electronically inclined than I am, and the software is up andrunning-keeping the earth safe. (For the mostpart).

I also found the bodies of some of the former Dreamers, those who fought against Malfixand his army. I collected 37 Dreamer rings fromtheir skeletal remains. I kept my grandfather's ring for myself, and put the rest in a small safe.

If you haven't read The Dreamers yet, you probably ought to. All this would make a lot moresense if you did. Of course, if you're an enemy,please don't, but I guess it's too late, now. All the same, I will do my best to make sense, even to younew readers.

Anyway, because of our efforts, not only isthe world a safer place, but good things continue to happen. Advances in science, technology, andmedicine occur in no small part because of our work.

It is strange, being “awake” nearly 24/7. I am awake for school and normal life on earth, butas soon as I fall asleep, I’m back to the Dreamers'HQ, in charge of finding new members, trying to save somebody's back from a mugger on SecondStreet....

I lead two different lives. One, like yours—school, homework, little sister, and Saturdaychores. The other—finding and recruiting moreDreamers like me so I can in one sense or anotherkeep the world turning!

Those were the days. Everything was easy back then. Yes—easy. Well, at least, compared towhat I have now.

Sorry, sorry—you're right. I’m getting too far ahead of myself. I don't really know where tostart. So, I guess I just will.

Brace yourself and get ready. What we fear most could happen any time.

* * *

Hope you all enjoyed it! Look for another excerpt this time next week! Catch your interest? Buy The Nightmarers now on Amazon.com!

*Please note that, while this is in its final storyline form, it has not as of date been copy edited, so it is likely that there are grammatical mistakes. I know.

Dream on!

Oliver Dahl & Sam Kullen

"LIES" Completion, Covers, and Thankfulness!

Hello, Dreamers! It's Thanksgiving Break, and that means I'm working on The Nightmarers for you guys, and then finishing up a few other stories I can't wait to publish! This includes Lies, my historical fiction novella about the Salem Witch Trials.

I finished writing it yesterday evening, weighing in at an impressive 25,000 words long! (Or over 100 print pages). Since I have written it for NaNoWriMo, that number was written entirely in 15 days--half of the month of November! Looking back, I am shocked that I was able to write so much! Proud, for sure, but surprised I was able to!

I can't wait to get it edited and out to you guys, (after The Nightmarers, of course!) I don't know if I have ever been so excited and firm about the storyline before... Everything seems to click with me in the story, and so I just can't wait for you guys to be able to feel that excitement about it, too!

In the meantime, I have created a few basic cover designs for this book. None of them are final, and all are certainly open to criticism and advice.

If you guys would tell me which of them you like the best, that would be awesome! Any additional info abut why, of other advice would be great too, but isn't required. :)

 

Thanks for your support guys, I'm very thankful for it! Speaking of thankfulness... It's Thanksgiving Break here in Idaho, so... What are YOU thankful for?1, 2, 3 or 4? Any advice? Criticisms?

Leave your favorite cover's number, and/or what your thankful for in the comments below! I would love to hear what you guys have to say!

 

Oliver Dahl

 

NaNoWriMo and More 2012!

Wow! It's that time of year already! November! And with it, the holidays, and NaNoWriMo! I'll spare you an immediate explanation in this post, but if you want to learn more about what the heck NaNoWriMo is all about, check this out!

This November is a special time for me, because it marks two years since the initial writing process of The Dreamers. It is crazy to think that two years ago I sat down at my computer, locked myself in my room, and cranked out a novel in just a month! Something I failed to do the next year.

This NaNoWriMo also marks my 3rd year participating! I didn't learn my lesson the first time, I guess. Last year I wrote part of an unsuccessful draft to a book that takes place in modern days underneath the catacombs in Paris, France. I haven't done much ith that story since, but I am still really eager to really start on it and finish it up. I think it will show the best of my writing yet, and be an epic story, while being massively entertaining at the same time. I am just really excited in general to get that out to you guys.

Of course, there's also the series I began working on in 4th or 5th grade. I have done even less with this story, but I still love everything about it, despite it's 6th grade writing style. Due to its massive size, weighing in at over 100,000 words, or 550 pages, I am somewhat afraid of returning to it. All in due time, I suppose.

Though these stories are temporarily postponed and in the past, I have been working on getting The Nightmarers out to you guys. I am so close to finishing, I can see the end result! I am so excited for you guys to read it!

However, for NaNoWriMo, I am putting other writing aside to begin something else. (I will still try my best to get further editing complete, however. Don't you worry about that!) I am hoping to complete writing the first draft during NaNoWriMo, and then work on polishing it up in my spare time. Are you ready??

Lies - an in-depth novella immersing the reader into a world of witchcraft and trials, truth and lies, spectral horrors and shocking truths about Salem during the 1690's.

What do you think? I'm equally excited about writing this one, and seeing as I'm planning to make it shorter, I think it will be easier to control and edit, and will make a nice $.99 read on your kindle.

Off to other news, I am planning a very exciting progressive release party for The Nightmarers... Right here on TheDreamersAdventures! Every week or so, I will release a chapter excerpt from The Nightmares until its release, counting down the weeks with exciting new content until The Nightmarers becomes internationally available!

Before I end, I would like to thank Helena Martin for taking this picture of The Dreamers at a large bookstore here in Idaho (and a few surrounding states). It's always exciting to realize that your book is selling in a place you weren't aware.

 

I look forward to sharing my future writing with you!

Dream on!

Oliver Dahl

 

1 Year Anniversary of The Dreamers!

It's hard to believe. One year ago, today, August 9th, The Dreamers: A Story of Sam Kullen launched into publication. It's been held on bookstores' shelves (online and off) for an entire year. And what a year it has been!

As the author, I have earned several awards from The Dreamers, including Top 50 Idaho Author, and Idaho Student of the Year, to name a few.

To this day, The Dreamers has maintained ONLY 5-star reviews on Amazon.com, and continues to get very positive reviews at places like Goodreads, and others.

TheDreamersAdventures has gained nearly 7,000 views since The Dreamers' publication, and the stats continue to steadily grow. Sam's blog has also had views from nearly 30 countries worldwide.

I've had book signings all over, as well, from Idaho to Colorado, signing books to people of all ages.

This last July, I taught two week-long writing and publishing classes on a college campus. See my post, CSU Writing Project for more information about this.

With over 11 HUNDRED twitter followers, nearly 100 Facebook Likes, and guest posts, interviews, and spotlights all over the Internet, The Dreamers is becoming more and more "famous" online! :)

With The Nightmarers' release looming ahead, this audience is sure to get bigger, and the series itself more popular. I am very excited to be able to say that I published the greater part of a series before finishing my first year of high school.

As I build my audience and platform, I plan to submit some of my other ideas to "mainstream" publishers, and lead myself to my ultimate goal, New York Times Bestseller.

As future years come and pass, I know that I will be getting closer and closer to that goal. I thank you so much for reading this post, The Dreamers, other bits and bobs about me online, or all three. Thank you for helping me achieve my goal, and getting closer and closer to living MY dream.


Thank you for the great year, and for many more to come!

Dream on!
Oliver Dahl
&
Sam Kullen

P.S. As a technical difficulty, my past post, "News and the New Look" has been deleted, along with its comments. Don't ask me why, it just happened. I am angry and sad about it too. It truly was a great post. It will be missed. Sorry, everyone.