James M. Vargo Books

Winter Castle A much-awaited update : The timeline for getting book four done before the new year is on track. One edit is finished. The second edit is also complete thanks to some very helpful writing software (Grammarly, if you're curious). Now comes the final edit, and I am currently several chapters in....give or take a few pages. Needless to say, I am happy how everything is coming along; and more importantly, how the story is progressing. Now a bigger announcement: I've changed the name. I have my reasons, but I wanted something a bit more accessible and curious. Drum roll please -- The Lords of Wintertide . So now the fourth installment of the Outcast Alliance series is coming close to fruition. I even have the cover ready to go so it will be an easy transition. Ok, so now I have some writing software to push me along -- the previously noted Grammarly and organizer extraordinaire, Scrivener. These will certainly help me in the future. But what about...

That homey feel... I finally have something to say. Despite my best efforts at procrastination, I have a book. Book Four, to be exact. I am sticking with the Lords of Nordhiem (tentatively) as the title, as the Outcast Alliance series continues. Now before you run out the door in heated excitement, there's bad news. It's not quite done yet. Please, put down the mouse and iPhone; click off that Amazon site and back away from the computer. I've editing to do. I have apprehensions of even telling you I am finished, because editing is still a laborious event for me --  but oh so necessary if you want something remotely readable! (and yes, I do define my books as remotely readable) But that is where the magic happens -- sometimes literally -- and the story goes from readable to even enjoyable.  So keep your eyes and ears open for more updates, and let's get this done in 2017! Thank you for waiting...and God Bless Texas!!! (hit the road, Harvey)  ...

Nothing harder than writing fiction when real life presses upon you. It's not always bad stuff -- sometimes it's good. In this case, a much needed vacation. Before this the pages were flying along; at least for me. I am quickly nearing the 300 page mark and the end book four. So there it is: the Lords of Nordhiem  update! Now some perspective. My current dilema this time is something I call, the soft ending. You know; the Han Solo being carried off frozen in carbonite type thing. The build-up comes, but not the final part (of many final parts). The Lords of Nordhiem is a bridge book, linking a major transition to the final stroke of war and the enemy, and their opposition. but the break is necessary to carry us into the next phase. Things are getting deep. I hope to resume the writing after my trip and have it finished in a few months. Then comes the final edit; but some of that is already done. I may actually have someone else look at it this time for a better edit. We ...

Pope John Paul II, in his Letter to Artists, quotes the following verse from a Polish poet, Cyprian Norwid: “Beauty is to enthuse us for work, and work is to raise us up”. And later he adds: “In so far as it seeks the beautiful, fruit of an imagination which rises above the everyday, art is by its nature a kind of appeal to the mystery. Even when they explore the darkest depths of the soul or the most unsettling aspects of evil, the artist gives voice in a way to the universal desire for redemption”

As the Lords of Nordhiem takes shape, currently at 75k words, I realized it's time for a snippet. An older chapter, here we revisit Andro and his infatuation with a certain Randa (not to worry, folks -- it's still a fantasy). Enjoy: Frost hung thick and the night deepened. Those about the fire had no complaints, tossing logs into the heady blaze. Ashes soared into the sky swiftly snuffed out by an autumn wind. Folks came and went – the heartiest not ready to call it a night. But Randa had enough and stood to depart some time before midnight. Andro was quick to offer escort. She shrugged her shoulders in her usual impassive manner. He took it as ‘yes’. “Randa, where are you headed?” hollered Rogan. He could not resist but laugh at the poor display of Andro chasing at her heel. “The road is the other direction!” “I know my way, Rogan. I wasn’t drinking tonight…not as much as you, at least!” “Then where are you going?” wondered Andro at her back as they left the oth...