"The Tale of Tarak-Kar" is now available on sites like Libro.fm, B&N, Hoopla and more! Click to learn more

Stories into the Void

a micro-blog?

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on ThreadsTomorrow’s the big day! If you’re thinking about getting my book you’ve got options. Here are my favorites: •AUDIOBOOK• @librofm supports indie bookshops & you pick your own store (keeps your $$ local). Sweet, right? New to Libro? When you set up an acct you choose your fave shop. Don’t have one? Use mine: (Bookbug) (@bookbugkzoo ) Already on Libro? Head to my bio here and hit my linktree for a direct link to the book. >

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on Threads•EBOOK• Consider @bookshop_org (with a caveat) because, like Libro, they support local bookshops! Here’s the caveat (as of now): my book hasn’t pushed to them yet. They’ve been selling books for a long time but just added ebooks yesterday so you may have to wait a few days. I’ll update when I know more. In the meantime: >

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on ThreadsDon’t fancy setting up new accounts? Or waiting on the ebook? I got you: •Plan B• These booksellers carry both versions: @kobobooks, @barnesandnoble, googleplay and @applebooks or •Plan C• Libraries! If buying it isn’t in the cards right now, I totally get it. I can confirm that the audio version is already on @hoopladigital - and possibly other library apps. If you don’t see it on the app you use (or want the ebook version) be sure to request it. Helps a ton! As always, grateful for you! ~

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on ThreadsMy story drops in 5 days so this feels like a good time to share the cover. If you saw my post about the artist you’ll understand why I love it. The scene is from a moment where our hero finds an enchanted axe. Avoiding spoilers, I will say that this follows a very low point and symbolizes hope—and a way forward. Angela worked with me to get every detail right. So grateful. Tomorrow I’ll share more about the audiobook! The Tale of Tarak-Kar will be available this Friday, Jan 31.

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on ThreadsHi All! My story hits (virtual) shelves in 6 days(!) so I’m sharing a little about it each day. Today? Creating a monster: This was an odd tale to write because it began with form, not story. I had an idea about where it was going but in a way it had to tell itself to me. About midway through I realized I didn’t know what the villain was nor how it would manifest. Sure, I could’ve used one of the many creatures that already exist in the fantasy genre. That would’ve 1/3 (pics below)

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on Threadsare alone. They travel as a hungry horde. In the world of Tarak-Kar they are literally the stuff from a children’s tale sprung to life. "No one survives when this darkness steps forth. No one survives when comes...Makr'sin." Soon I had a full backstory for the creatures - some of which didn't even make it to the page. Here are a couple images. It’s a wild thing to see something you dreamed up brought to life. Angela did such an incredible job. I hope you love/hate them as much as I do. end

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on Threadsbeen easy, but I wanted something new (as much as anything can be). At that point, all I really knew was that it had to be capable of the devastation that occurred in the opening pages. It took me a break from working on the story to unlock'em, but I got there. The “Makr’sin” are each formidable on their own: Leathery skin, sharp teeth & claws…no wings so they can’t fly but they can glide by climbing trees or walls and launching like terrible flying squirrels. The thing is, they never 2

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on ThreadsWith so much going on, I don’t want to lose sight of my story hitting (virtual) shelves in 7 days so I’m going to share a little something each day. I want to begin by talking about the artist who, in a real way, is the reason I’m finally putting it out. The Tale of Tarak-Kar was written prior to the magics of audio & ebooks and its unique format made finding it a home challenging. So, I decided to do it myself. Thinking an illustration should go with it, I contacted an artist 🧵1/4

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on Threadswhose style was perfect and inquired about commissioning her for one scene. In this way I met Angela who asked to read the story to better understand it. Soon I got a note: “What would you say to me illustrating…more?” She loved it and believed that together we could find it a home. We set to work. Then, well into the project, I received news that Angela had been hospitalized. She was gone the next day. That was nearly 2 years ago. I still can’t believe it. In our time working together.. 🧵2/4

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on ThreadsAngela and her husband Mike had become more than collaborators—they were friends—so this was devastating. I couldn’t imagine moving forward without her. But, as time went by, a path revealed itself. Mike and I had stayed in touch so I shared the idea. He was/is extremely supportive and soon sent all he could find from her studio. Mike and I have chosen to use Angela’s artwork exactly as she left it. In the ebook you will see concept sketches, developed pieces and a few finished scenes. 🧵3/4

Scott R. Swope (@srswope42) on ThreadsOur hope is to offer a glimpse into her process and, perhaps, inspire another young artist to do the same. She would love that. This isn’t the way we intended it to go, but I cannot wait to share more of what she has created. You are welcome to drop by the world Angela created in her own webcomic, Numina. Mike has kept it online in her honor. Find it in my linktree in my bio. In Angela’s memory, a portion of proceeds from the ebook will be donated to her beloved home library

01/20/2025
Because a couple friends asked the same question about my upcoming story, I want to share about what it is…and what it is not. I’ll begin with the “not.”

Some of you know that when we moved to Portugal I began work on a novel. It is now finished and trying to find its way but this is not that story.

*This* story’s journey began long before and has quietly grown. The two are wildly different. The novel is dark historical fiction, this is more…fun. It is a fantasy short story (runtime≈45 min) about a young man, a magical axe and, of course, monsters. What began as an exercise in crafting a story reminiscent of the spoken tales of old became a proper ballad. I'm excited to have both the audiobook and an illustrated ebook to go along with it. My hope is that they compliment each other as a read-along experience.

As much as I love it and am so proud of it (and want you to buy it if you’re interested) it’s not going to be for everyone—and that’s okay!

Either way, as I put this first (not last) story into the world I am so grateful for all the encouragement! The files have all been approved and everything looks to be on track for Jan. 31. ❤️