Monday, April 22, 2024

The Long Awaited Release of Kip's Return (Kip the Quick, Book II)

Exciting news. Kip has returned. The book is finally out! I've been itching to share this with you for far too long. Click here to get it now! 

*EARLY READERS SAY: 

“…I really dragged out the Epilogues because I didn't want to be done. I really enjoyed the book, and I like how the Epilogues keep me looking forward to Book 3” 

"Loving the 'trouble' Kip is getting into. ”

 

I started writing Kip's adventures in Texas, when we lived there for a year. Life was full of upheaval after moving cross-country from California with two young children and no one in the area to help. My wife took on extra tasks like a trooper, never complaining, even when my work hours included night shifts in downtown Dallas. Finding time to write amidst the move, new jobs, and an entirely new area was quite the challenge. But one story idea that came to mind and stuck was a witty rascal of a thief in a dry hot land ravaged regularly by terrible storms. He wanted out of this hell hole, and he was willing to lie, cheat, and steal to do so. Thinking about others wasn't high on his list, but when the heist of a lifetime landed in his lap with an opportunity to flee this bastion of suffering, his friends helped him out—putting themselves in deep peril in the process. To keep them safe, Kip found himself challenged with the making the ultimate choice.

Now the sequel is out, and ready for you. It's over three times as long as the first, with more characters, more mystery, and more fun action to dig your teeth into.

Sign up for the newsletter to stay informed of any sales for this book and for the next one. I also include my short and exciting Seeking the Veil fantasy adventure series for free for all newsletter sign-ups.
 

Back Cover Copy:

Kip is a Wanted Man. By the law and by a psychopath. What’s a good thief to do? 

Returning to Tander after a year away, Kip seeks to escape and lay low. When he finds the dark consequences of his past actions, he falls into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a mercenary seeking to satisfy a blood debt. Perhaps it would be better to just keep on running, but Kip can’t leave his friends behind. Not this time. 

He must use all of his skill, his charm, and his wit to uncover a plot that will bring disaster to Tander, right past wrongs, and maybe find himself another spot of the Essence—the stuff of magic and legend. 

 Kip’s Return is a fantasy adventure full of excitement, humor, and friendship.
 

 

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Kip's Return (Kip the Quick, Book II)

A witty fantasy adventure that will blow you away.

READERS SAY:
"I didn't want to be done [with the book.]"

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kip's return, book cover
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KIP'S RETURN (Kip the Quick, Book II)
-FANTASY HEIST ADVENTURE-

Kip is a Wanted Man. By the law and by a psychopath. What’s a good thief to do? 

Returning to Tander after a year away, Kip seeks to escape and lay low. When he finds the dark consequences of his past actions, he falls into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a mercenary seeking to satisfy a blood debt. Perhaps it would be better to just keep on running, but Kip can’t leave his friends behind. Not this time. 

He must use all of his skill, his charm, and his wit to uncover a plot that will bring disaster to Tander, right past wrongs, and maybe find himself another spot of the Essence—the stuff of magic and legend. 

 Kip’s Return is a fantasy adventure full of excitement, humor, and friendship.
 
~600 pages | *not yet in paperback*
BUY ON:
Amazon Kindle

EARLY READERS SAY:


“…I really dragged out the Epilogues because I didn't want to be done. I really enjoyed the book, and I like how the Epilogues keep me looking forward to Book 3”

"Loving the 'trouble' Kip is getting into. ”



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Wednesday, April 17, 2024

New Fantasy Adventure - Kip's Return. Book Cover Reveal!

My novel, Kip's Return, is nearly ready to release. Should be any day now, and no later than the end of the month. Stay tuned for the date and subscribe to my newsletter to find out when it goes on sale for my awesome readers.

And here is the book cover reveal... Poor Kip, he looks a little flummoxed.


Kip's Return (Kip the Quick, Book II) book cover


Kip is a Wanted Man. By the law and by a psychopath. What’s a good thief to do?

Returning to Tander after a year away, Kip seeks to escape and lay low. When he finds the dark consequences of his past actions, he falls into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a mercenary seeking to satisfy a blood debt. Perhaps it would be better to just keep on running, but Kip can’t leave his friends behind. Not this time.

He must use all of his skill, his charm, and his wit to uncover a plot that will bring disaster to Tander, right past wrongs, and maybe find himself another spot of the Essence—the stuff of magic and legend.

Kip’s Return
is a fantasy adventure full of excitement, humor, and friendship.

 

If you haven't read the first book yet, you can find it here.




Monday, April 15, 2024

A Drink in Toulon - A Kip the Quick Short Story Adventure


Kip the Quick is a thief and a rogue, but he wants to go legit. Really, he does. So, when he meets with a nobleman to talk trade, all is fine and dandy until someone comes knocking. Loudly. And violently. Where’s a good spot of the Essence, when you really need some?

 

A Drink in Toulon (A Kip the Quick short story adventure) cover
 

Click here to start reading on my Substack site. No logon needed. This is where I've decided to house my short fiction for the foreseeable future. A Drink in Toulon is 7 parts, each releasing about 2 days apart. I'd encourage you to subscribe to my Substack as well to get the stories right away.

A Drink in Toulon takes place a few months after the events of Kip the Quick. And if you read the first book, then you might just imagine what could happen in this short story. It's fun, exciting, and waiting to steal your breath away.

If you haven't read the first book, you can find it here, and watch for the amazing sequel coming soon!

Happy reading!

Friday, March 8, 2024

A New Short Story of Dark Fantasy

I'm getting ready to post a short story to SubStack. And when I say short story, I mean a LONG short story. About 10k words. I've been sitting on this story for years. If I had the time and interest I could keep sending out queries, but I'd rather just get it in front of readers. And I like the option to monetize Substack in the future and put it behind a Paywall instead of eternally for free on my blog.

mysterious pathway through forest
Travel a new path with me soon.

Check out https://cliftonH.Substack.com to find the story soon - Child of Iron. And read it while it is still free. It is dark fantasy, a little bit of grim dark with a splash of the epic fantasy. The question of the story is what happens when a young boy is pushed to his utter limit. How will he respond when a newfound power manifests within? Will he rise to the occasion? Stand strong against evil? Or will he succumb to the dark fascination of power?

All of this is leading up to posting a Kip the Quick short story that takes place between book 1 and the upcoming sequel, Kip's Return. And yes, I've been quiet on the blog for a very long time. Well, it's because I've been hard at work. And the fruit of that work will finally be revealed.

I'd be lying if I wasn't nervous to share. It's an old story. I wrote it back in 2010. If you've been a long time follower, you may have even read the first part ages back. Well, the full short story will finally be revealed. Stay tuned...

*Image Credit: jplenio on Pixabay

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Plotting Purgatory. I'm Stuck - Just Write - 012 Brainstorm Podcast

In episode 12, I analyze why I got stuck writing my newest project (codename: Dragons, for now...) I violated some of my inner understanding of my own writing process, and though I've stubbornly tried to push through anyway, I'm finally taking a step back to reevaluate. Little surprise, I'm spending too much time trying to Outline/Plot the project, when I don't even sufficiently "know" my characters yet.

Other Links: Youtube, Bitchute, Odysee

So, I'll analyze what works for me and what doesn't and hopefully this will help you in your own writing pursuits.

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Learn more about Clifton's Fantasy Novels: www.CliftonH.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/cliftonhill

Monday, June 7, 2021

Gripey Rant. I'm a Picky Reader - 011 Brainstorm Podcast

In episode 11, it's time for a good ole-fashioned rant about being a picky reader, and why I stop reading a lot of books. 

Other Links: Youtube, Bitchute, Odysee

I get stuck on this need for the right balance of character and plot. We always need strong characters. That's largely how we connect with a book through our shared human experience. It's also why series do so well, when they follow some of the same characters around that we have gotten to know so well. But for me, I don't want my story to become subsumed by this wandering experience in the life of a character with little appearance of plot giving structure. I certainly don't want the character to change who they are because of plot restrictions, create awkward illogical rationale for why someone is doing something...just because the plot dictates. And a major fantasy novel by an indie writer did just that for me. Let's examine.

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Learn more about Clifton's Fantasy Novels: www.CliftonH.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/cliftonhill

Monday, May 24, 2021

Infinity War Review, Comic Nerd & Kip 2 Progress - 010 Brainstorm Podcast

In episode 10, we discuss my thoughts on Marvel's Infinity War, and why it had a major story flaw. I was invested as a kid in the Marvel universe, by collecting multiple comic book series that still sit in boxes stored away growing dust to this day. I also lament the slow progression of Kip the Quick book 2.

Other Links: Youtube, Rumble, Bitchute

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Learn more about Clifton's Fantasy Novels: www.CliftonH.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/cliftonhill

Monday, May 17, 2021

Fantasy Novel Reading: Kip the Quick - 009 Brainstorm Podcast

 In Episode 9, I read a chapter of my fantasy adventure novel, Kip the Quick, as Kip does research and sets out to pull together his team for the heist that started it all. And I tell of how the idea for Kip the Quick came in Texas: the crazy storms there inspiring me to a fantasy world where the orphan and rascal, Kip, was a witty thief that talked nearly as fast as he stole.

 Book 2 is coming soon, and the books are part of a planned trilogy.



Other Links: Youtube, Rumble, Odysee

** Subscribe to the newsletter to get my free e-books: https://subscribepage.io/zzIxGa **

Learn more about Clifton's Fantasy Novels: www.CliftonH.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/cliftonhill

Monday, May 10, 2021

Writer's Analysis: Stephen King's Dark Tower - 008 Brainstorm Podcast

In Episode 8, we do an anaylsis of Stephen King's Drawing of the Three, Book 2 of the Dark Tower series.

Other Links: Youtube, Bitchute, Odysee

Epic and Fantasy, but not Epic Fantasy, King's series is an intriguing divergence from many others. I very much enjoyed this unconventional fantasy novel, and the audio book version was superb.

A question for the writer's and super readers: King leaves many questions unanswered. How does he get away with it? I have my thoughts, but I want to hear yours.

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Learn more about Clifton's Fantasy Novels: www.CliftonH.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/cliftonhill

The Brainstorm Podcast with fantasy author Clifton Hill is about writing, genre fiction and moral quandries.