Now releasing Queen of Swords: Riding Toward Sunset by D.C. Wood
It’s D.C.’s sophomore entrance to our site, and Queen of Swords: Riding Toward Sunset is something rather new for us:
“These hills…in late afternoon, they turn a hundred different shades of gold. When I was a little girl, papa would take me riding here. We used to race toward the sun, trying to catch it before it set.”
“And did you?”
“Next time, my pepita. Next time.”
***
D.C. Wood (the author of Podiobook “Nameless” and novel The Saviour: Book 1), continues the unfinished saga of the cult television series Queen of Swords, with this unofficial podcast novel that spans across multiple story arcs, and features the return of unforgettable characters, as played by Tessie Santiago, Paulina Galvez and Peter Wingfield.
Written and performed by D.C. Wood.
Special thanks to Steve Plunkett and Spencer Proffer for granting permission to use their song, “Behind the Mask”.
NB: Queen of Swords was created by Fireworks Entertainment and is currently owned by ContentFilm. This story is not affiliated with the rights holders or the show’s original creators. No infringement is intended.
Riding Towards Sunset is a fan-fiction based, non-profit production for entertainment purposes only.
May 11th, 2011 at 8:19 am
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May 26th, 2011 at 6:15 am
I like the story. The narration is sometimes overheated but the intensity has a certain charm. The writing is inconsistent though, and seems to really need a good editor. Sometimes this kind of passionate involvement carries with it a little blindness and tonedeaf-ness that would benefit from an objective third-party.
May 26th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Fair points. I will agree that certain parts of the narration needed toning down, but I’m personally proud of what I’ve done overall.
When writing the episodes, I conversed with a fellow fan of the series and asked for his feedback and input on the content and writing. I value opinions of others, which is why I made sure to converse with someone else so that there were no continuity errors and that I could successfully appeal to the mindset of the show’s original fans. So far, he and others more have approved, which is why I’ve continued in the style I write and perform.
I’m sorry you find the writing inconsistent. I strive to write every episode as best as possible. With any show, early days are the hardest as you try to build steam. Rest assured, the best IS yet to come.
June 4th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
I just finished listening to your book as far as you’ve posted. Began last night, and just finished now. I enjoyed how you’ve written the characters. They are true to their TV characters, and the dialogue is believable and what you’d expect them to say in content and style. I especially think you’ve nailed Montoya’s dialogue, indeed. I wish you would use a slightly different voice when reading his dialogue, though. The words are there, but the tone makes me think of someone more pampered and spoiled, perhaps slightly, very slightly, effeminate? Now I’m coming from a female point of view, and he was fussy about clothes, his rose garden and appearances. But I always felt even in his seemingly calm manner when his plots failed, he was more resigned, but still definitely male, and in control. Male fans of the series may agree with your version.
In two of the chapters it’s been more like “The Adventures of Sergeant Lionel Williams, and the Queen of Swords” rather than a focus on on the regular characters. Its’ your plot, but the QOS is not the main character. But you do place those chapters between the other ones which brings us back to the ensemble.
I do like how you add sound effects throughout the chapters. The sounds of the crowds does bring more depth to the story. And the clashing of swords at the end of each chapter elicits an “ah it’s ended” reply from me each time.
I am new to Podiobooks (first one) and I’m looking forward to more books, and of course, more of your chapters!
June 4th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Thank you, Mary. Really glad you’re enjoying it. I agree that the focus on Lionel Williams is very heavy in numerous chapters, but that was necessary to establish him. In the original series, all the character were so well established and had tremendous depth. Lionel (and Maria) need the same treatment if they are to be well-received by die-hard fans of the TV show.
As a fan, I wanted to pay homage to the series as much as possible, which is why I heavily researched and focused on the style to paint a faithful picture. I’m glad people have approved so far.
I will focus more on the regular ensemble in due time. Look forward to that. As for Montoya’s voice, I was focusing on conveying the subtle, conniving nature of his character, that would explode into rage and frustration only when circumstance demanded it. I’m personally proud of it.
Cheers again for all your feedback. Much appreciated!
June 8th, 2011 at 10:20 am
Tentatively enjoying this so far. I liked the initial Lawful Good vs Chaotic Good tension between the QOS and Williams.
I’ve never seen the original series though, so all the dialogue over how awesome the QOS is gets kind of repetitive; there’s not much dramatic tension in a vigilante everyone loves. The struggle to achieve legitimacy is a pretty essential part of the vigilante story, and frequently came up in the summary of the series you gave in the first podcast. I know this is a fan-fiction, part of the joy is in celebrating what you loved about the show but more tension might make things more interesting.
I’d also find Williams more likeable if he were genuinely fallible. He has never lost a fight, never incorrectly judged a person or situation, and never made any of the moral mistakes you’d expect with his extremist approach. He doesn’t appear to have many real flaws, just informed ones, which makes it hard to like him as a protagonist at times.
Hopefully that didn’t come off as too harsh; overall you are doing a good job, and maybe I’m not your target audience since I’ve never seen the show.
June 8th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Thanks for your feedback, mate. Not harsh at all. Constructive criticism is what I appreciate, and NEED to know.
Again, my target audience are fans of the original show, hence why I wrote it as a celebration and to write it in the style of the original series. But I’d written my story in a way so that those who’d never seen the show (if interested) could jump on board.
With regards to your comments about Williams, every man has their flaws, but I believe it’s only a matter of time when a person’s negative aspects truly emerge and spells breaking point. It’s very early days for the sergeant. His infallible exterior is what has earned him the nickname of ‘Golden Boy’, but I promise you, his character DOES develop in a big way. I don’t want to reveal too much this soon, but by the END…be patient for the END.
Stay tuned for the next few arcs, which feature more focus on the Queen and Doctor Helm. Thanks again for your feedback. Hope you continue to listen.
July 18th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
I have enjoyed the story so far. My only minor nit picking point is that the sound effects can cover up the dialogue or narration, making it hard to follow all the action in the spoken words. It is good to be introduced to a new story universe.
July 20th, 2011 at 8:34 am
I adore this story so far! It’s funny, when I first subscribed to this title I remember thinking “Isn’t that the same name as a show I really loved as a kid?”
As someone who loves fanfiction I can honestly say this is superb! The action is excellently written and I loved the narration, it pulls you directly into the story. While I was a bit concerned at first, Lionel Williams is anything but a Gary Stu. I’m definitly looking forward to the next chapter.
And then I listened to the first episode!
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:51 am
Glad you’re enjoying the story so far. Stay tuned, as the best is yet to come! Thanks for commenting and listening!
October 9th, 2011 at 11:06 am
Hope more episodes are forthcoming, been almost a month and a half since it was last updated
October 20th, 2011 at 10:52 am
Sorry about the lack of updates, Jen. Was on holiday in September, had a problem with episodes passing quality control and I’m working through writer’s block to try and get the fourth and final arc sorted out. Yesterday’s episode came up and more will come regularly.
November 25th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
I love this story; and as a QOS fan I think you’re doing it really good! The plot is interesting, the action scenes remarkable, and the sound effects very, very well achieved! On the whole, I think you’ve respected the concept and color of the series, and successfully carried them to your story.
One little thing is –and in this I agree with Mary-Jo– that much too often the protagonists are Lionel Williams and his wife Maria: in some chapters the Queen scarcely appears, or when she does it is only on a secondary role.
You mention that Arc 4 will be the last one of this book; it promises to be intriguing. But I’ve enjoyed so much this story, that I will hate to see it finished… Unless it is followed by a second book on QOS!
December 2nd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Thank you for the feedback, Linda. Glad you’re enjoying the story.
With regards to there being too much Lionel and Maria and not enough Queen, perhaps I have focused too much on the Williams family instead of Tessa, but my defense is that she and all the characters from the original TV series were so well established. Sergeant Williams and his wife were original characters and sorely needed depth, development and time in the spotlight in order to be taken seriously and received positively. Hence the exposure.
HOWEVER…the final arc will mostly be about TESSA. The story is about the Queen of Swords and I knew that it was important to keep the real focus on her, hence the second arc with Doctor Helm. Stay tuned for the finale! You’re NOT gonna want to miss this!
July 19th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
Any chance of new episodes coming soon? Over two months since an update of new episodes.
July 27th, 2012 at 10:48 am
Sorry, Jen! Sorry, all other loyal listeners! Between work, learning to drive and promoting The Saviour, Riding Towards Sunset has been shafted somewhat.
HOWEVER…RECORDING HAS NOW FINISHED!!! All that is left is the post-production! Episode 26 is now complete! Expect to see it later tonight!
The finale will be up shortly after!
August 13th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Hi,
I have been a fan of this story on the fan fiction .net for along time and was surprised to see it here, but love the experience. It is a wonderful story and I am thrilled you had a book published. Can you tell me a little more about your book and if it is going to be released in the U.S.? Thank you for all your hard work in putting on this remarkable project and wonderful story.
Bonnie
August 15th, 2012 at 10:55 am
Hi, Bonnie! Thanks for your kind words. My book is called ‘The Saviour’ and it’s set in the same continuity as my other podiobook “Nameless”. The Saviour is available for sale on both kindle and in paperback on Amazon US. Check it out!
August 15th, 2012 at 11:01 am
The story is now COMPLETE!!!
August 15th, 2012 at 11:36 am
Thank you for the ending! This truly an epic.