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About The Author 

About The Author 

About The Author 

About The Author 

About The Author 

About The Author 

About The Author 

About The Author 

About The Author

“Hank Quense has self-published his books for over 12 years.
His fiction works include the Gundarland series, the Princess Moxie series and the soon-to-be-published Zaftan series.
His non-fiction books cover fiction writing (Creating Stories), self-publishing (How to Self-publish and Market a Book, Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps), marketing (Book Marketing Fundamentals) and author business (Business Basics for Authors) and Creating Your First Novel.
Hank writes satirical fantasy and sci-fi. Early in his writing career, he was strongly influenced by two authors: Douglas Adams and his Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. Happily, Hank has never quite recovered from those experiences.
Hank lives in northern New Jersey, a mere 20 miles from Manhattan, the center of the

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Our Books

  • Beginner’s Guide To Creating Genuine Characters

    Creating a fictional character that gabs the reader's attention is a difficult task The Beginner's Guide to Creating Genuine Characters makes the task much easier. Filled with information and examples from books and movies, this Beginner's Guide is targeted to writers who are just starting to write their first story. A story, whether it be a short story, a novel or a screenplay, is about the characters and their journey from the beginning of the story to the climax. Inexperienced fiction writers struggle with character development. To overcome their inexperience, they need guidance and examples and that is what this book is about: showing writers how to develop their characters. The ebook uses artificial intelligence to generate reports on what makes a character 'great.' It also uses AI to generate what makes specific characters from literature and movies 'great.'
  • Fiction Writing Insights

    Do you want to strengthen your fiction writing skills? In this ebook, an experienced author discusses issues that are rarely covered in books on fiction writing.  It will provide insights that will improve your craft skills Learn why you need to defuse tension.  Learn how to nest subplots. Understand the biggest problem with world building.  And more. Hank Quense has had over 40 short stories and a dozen novels published.  He shares his insights with you in this unique ebook. The book contains eleven topics covering a gamut of fiction writing issues. Improve your fiction writing skills. Grab a copy now!
  • Infographic Guide to Mind-mapping a Novel

    A novel needs consistency and continuity. That isn't easy to achieve. Mind-mapping offers a way to gain both of those qualities.
    • What if you knew how to create mind-maps to ensure that consistency? And that continuity?
    • What if you had a way to make sure your characters didn’t inadvertently change in the middle of the story?
    • Imagine have a visual diagram to keep your plot on track.
    • What if you could have the synopsis of the novel displayed on a single graphic? It could be used as a roadmap to control your first draft.
    Get control of your first draft! By using mind-maps! Inconstancies are difficult to root out. Learn how to prevent making them.
  • Infographic Guide to Creating Stories

    Do you have a story struggling to come out? Do you know how to write it down? Or how to tell it?Writing a story involves weaving many elements together to create a singular tale. If you’re stumped on how to get started, you need this book: Infographic Guide to Creating Stories Hank Quense tells you how to create your story. He believes that stories come from the melding of three elements: getting ideas, story design and story-telling. Ideas have to come from the author. Infographic Guide to Creating Stories concentrates on the last two. The book concentrates on developing characters including such rarely discussed requirements such as a dominant reader emotion and the character's biography. Plots are also covered in depth and a number of graphics are included to illustrate complex points. Another topic discusses subplots and how to utilize them and how to nest them within the main plot. A separate chapter discusses the relationship between the plot and the emotional arcs. Other topics covered are: character arcs, scene design, point-of-view, writing voice and more.
  • Queen Moxie

    Ten years after becoming Queen of Usca in southwest Britain, Moxie's peaceful reign is shattered by a tribe of Picts migrating from the north and occupying territory near her border. Determined to control the wild Picts, Moxie decides to build a fort, unknowingly constructing it on land claimed by the forest fairies. Outraged, Oberon, the King of the fairies, destroys the fort with magic. Tensions escalate as Moxie threatens Oberon with military might, and Oberon retaliates with magical threats. To counter Oberon's powers, Moxie requests Merlin's assistance from Camelot, demanding he use field magic spells—a type of magic he has never mastered. Meanwhile, the Picts view Moxie's fort as a hostile act and prepare to attack preemptively. Adding to Moxie's troubles, her ten-year-old daughter, Aethelwine, refuses to be the next queen, leaving her without an heir. Tristan, a Knight of the Round Table exiled by Arthur for insulting nobles with his songs, resides in Moxie's castle. He works on a play praising King Arthur and Camelot, hoping it will end his exile when staged at Stonehenge. Faced with threats from fairies and Picts, Moxie decides to confront the fairies first. Merlin warns both Moxie and Oberon that their conflict will weaken them, allowing the reinforced Pict warriors to conquer them easily. Realizing the greater threat, Moxie and Oberon agree to a treaty and combine forces against the Picts. Can they convince the Picts to back down? Will Aethelwine reconsider her decision? And is Tristan's play worthy of ending his exile?
  • Moxie’s Decision

    In a Camelot like none you've ever imagined, Moxie is next in line for the throne after her father King Smedley. But the old king stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his headstrong daughter as his heir, and Moxie's ruthless uncle has already tried to eliminate her as a threat to his own claim. Recognizing her sheltered upbringing has left her woefully unprepared to rule, the plucky princess embarks on a quest for life lessons in the real world outside the castle walls. But the adventures that await her are more twisted than she could have dreamed. From the Knights of the Round Table battling it out on the football field, to Guinevere's unorthodox cheer leading tactics, to Merlin's primitive attempts to map the "Magic of the Mind" - Moxie's coming-of-age journey transports her through a satirical parallel universe where the legends of Camelot are reimagined with brilliant humor and ironic wit. Facing unexpected obstacles that test her mettle and determination at every turn, Moxie must navigate the brutal realities and comedic absurdities of this decidedly off-kilter realm. Will she prove herself worthy of the crown? Or will the rollicking misadventures along the way throw the kingdom into chaos?
  • Falstaff’s Big Gamble

    Step into a world where Shakespeare's classics collide with fantasy in this hilarious reimagining of Hamlet and Othello. Hank Quense's novel turns the Bard's tragedies on their head, transforming them into a riotous comedy filled with dwarves, dark elves, and one scheming human. Meet Hamlet, now a dwarf prince torn between his love of beekeeping and avenging his father's murder. Witness Othello, a dark elf struggling to maintain his position as Minister of Homeland Security in the city of Dun Hythe. And at the center of it all is the infamous Falstaff, a human con artist extraordinaire, weaving his web of deceit around both unsuspecting protagonists. As Falstaff's schemes spiral out of control, watch Hamlet and Othello grapple with the consequences of trusting this silver-tongued rogue. From piracy to politics, bee farms to battlefields, this adventure takes readers on a wild ride through a fantastical land where nothing is as it seems. No prior knowledge of Shakespeare is required to enjoy this uproarious tale. Quense's witty prose and imaginative world-building create a story that stands on its own while playfully subverting literary classics. Prepare for a rollicking adventure where the fate of kingdoms hangs in the balance, and laughter is the ultimate weapon.
  • Wotan’s Dilemma

    In "Wotan's Dilemma," ancient mythology collides with futuristic science fiction in a darkly comedic reimagining of the Rhinegold legend. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where aliens have replaced traditional fantasy creatures, this genre-bending tale weaves together quantum technology, divine machinations, and the timeless quest for love and power.Brunnhilde, a Valkyrie exiled by her father Wotan, embarks on a journey to understand mortal love but soon gets trapped in an enchanted sleep atop a fiery mountain. Meanwhile, the fate of the gods hangs in the balance as Wotan desperately seeks to reclaim the Rhinegold - now transformed into powerful quantum devices by the alien genius Alberich. As Wotan pins his hopes on Siegfried, a muscle-bound hero with more brawn than brains, a cast of colorful characters vie for control of the Rhinegold. Alien criminals, murderous deities, and beautiful Valkyries clash in a series of bizarre confrontations that will determine the future of both mortals and gods. With unexpected twists, sardonic humor, and a dash of romance, "Wotan's Dilemma" offers a fresh take on classic mythology. As Brunnhilde grapples with mortality and love, readers are taken on a wild ride that culminates in an uneasy alliance between former foes and the gods' retirement from the cosmic stag
  • SWOT Insights

    Whenever you start a new endeavor you face a learning curve.  When you graduate from college and start a job, there's a learning curve.  Enter a trade school and you'll be on a learning curve for the entire term.  Want to take up knitting as a hobby?  There's a learning curve for that.  So too with writing fiction, self-publishing and book marketing. That's what this book is about: the learning curve for those activities. This book won't teach you how to master those topics. Rather, it enumerates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that you'll face.  It provides a roadmap that you can use to surmount the weaknesses and threats.  Armed with this information, you can avoid the many pitfalls and traps awaiting you.
  • How to self-publish and market a book

    Finalist in 2020 Booklife Non-fiction contest

    Are you considering self-publishing your first book? Naturally, you have questions and concerns? This book has your answers. It integrates both the publishing and the marketing to provide you with a complete project plan to market your book while you publish it.Most books on publishing deal with publishing by itself. Most books on marketing deal with marketing as a stand-alone project. I think there is a better approach. Publishing and marketing should be considered as an integrated project. That is what this book does: it treats publishing and marketing together to create a complete project plan.

    The self-publishing pain points addressed include:

    Formatting Book layout Editors Covers, generic and otherwise And more

    The marketing pain points include:

    Social media platforms Blog tours Creating buzz Email campaigns Keywords And more
  • Self-publish a book in 10 steps

    Finalist in 2020 Booklife Non-fiction contest

    Are you considering self-publishing your first book? Naturally, you have questions and concerns? This book has your answers. It integrates both the publishing and the marketing to provide you with a complete project plan to market your book while you publish it.Most books on publishing deal with publishing by itself. Most books on marketing deal with marketing as a stand-alone project. I think there is a better approach. Publishing and marketing should be considered as an integrated project. That is what this book does: it treats publishing and marketing together to create a complete project plan.

    The self-publishing pain points addressed include:

    Formatting Book layout Editors Covers, generic and otherwise And more

    The marketing pain points include:

    Social media platforms Blog tours Creating buzz Email campaigns Keywords And more
  • Self-publishing Insights

    Self-publishing a book isn't as easy as some people think it is.   This ebook discusses seven important topics and is based on the author's experience in self-publishing more than 20 books.. It provides unique insights into the self-publishing process not found elsewhere The content includes self-publishing misconceptions and issues.  It also stresses the importance of the book description and the landing page construction. These insights will eliminate much of the confusion and mis-information surrounding the self-publishing processes.
  • Self-publishing Insights

    Self-publishing a book isn't as easy as some people think it is.   This ebook discusses seven important topics and is based on the author's experience in self-publishing more than 20 books.. It provides unique insights into the self-publishing process not found elsewhere The content includes self-publishing misconceptions and issues.  It also stresses the importance of the book description and the landing page construction. These insights will eliminate much of the confusion and mis-information surrounding the self-publishing processes.
  • Self-publish a book in 10 steps

    Finalist in 2020 Booklife Non-fiction contest

    Are you considering self-publishing your first book? Naturally, you have questions and concerns? This book has your answers. It integrates both the publishing and the marketing to provide you with a complete project plan to market your book while you publish it.Most books on publishing deal with publishing by itself. Most books on marketing deal with marketing as a stand-alone project. I think there is a better approach. Publishing and marketing should be considered as an integrated project. That is what this book does: it treats publishing and marketing together to create a complete project plan.

    The self-publishing pain points addressed include:

    Formatting Book layout Editors Covers, generic and otherwise And more

    The marketing pain points include:

    Social media platforms Blog tours Creating buzz Email campaigns Keywords And more
  • How to self-publish and market a book

    Finalist in 2020 Booklife Non-fiction contest

    Are you considering self-publishing your first book? Naturally, you have questions and concerns? This book has your answers. It integrates both the publishing and the marketing to provide you with a complete project plan to market your book while you publish it.Most books on publishing deal with publishing by itself. Most books on marketing deal with marketing as a stand-alone project. I think there is a better approach. Publishing and marketing should be considered as an integrated project. That is what this book does: it treats publishing and marketing together to create a complete project plan.

    The self-publishing pain points addressed include:

    Formatting Book layout Editors Covers, generic and otherwise And more

    The marketing pain points include:

    Social media platforms Blog tours Creating buzz Email campaigns Keywords And more
  • SWOT Insights

    Whenever you start a new endeavor you face a learning curve.  When you graduate from college and start a job, there's a learning curve.  Enter a trade school and you'll be on a learning curve for the entire term.  Want to take up knitting as a hobby?  There's a learning curve for that.  So too with writing fiction, self-publishing and book marketing. That's what this book is about: the learning curve for those activities. This book won't teach you how to master those topics. Rather, it enumerates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that you'll face.  It provides a roadmap that you can use to surmount the weaknesses and threats.  Armed with this information, you can avoid the many pitfalls and traps awaiting you.
  • Tunnel Vision

    Are you looking for a break from the harshness of reality? Look no further! This anthology of humorous fantasy and sci-fi stories is what you need. Laughter is like free medicine and this book has 22 doses of laughter. The anthology is filled with unusual (bizarre?) characters. The kind you won't find in other fantasy or sci-fi books The title, Tunnel Vision, refers to the ability to view events through a set of filters that allows someone to interpret the events in strange ways. This anthology is loaded with characters who specialize in extreme tunnel vision. They easily turn ordinary events into convoluted disasters. Here is a sampling of the characters you’ll meet in this unique anthology:
    • The world’s only female Viking berserker: she invades Manhattan to avenge her father.
    • A violent alien: he visits New York searching for talent for his new show.
    • Lucretia Borgia: who finds her first true life while on assignment for Satan.
    • A mild-mannered guy who accidentally summons Loki the trickster god of the Vikings.
    • The world’s best salesman actually sells his way out of Hell.
    Besides those characters, you’ll also get to:
  • The King who Disappeared

    What happens when a king vanishes without a trace? A power vacuum emerges, ripe for exploitation. But what if the void is filled by the wizard responsible for the king's disappearance? And what if, centuries later, the king reappears, driven by a thirst for vengeance? This is the premise of "The King Who Disappeared," a humorous fantasy adventure centered on the theme of retribution. Follow the tale of King Bohan, who, after being trapped in a cave for over 200 years by the malevolent wizard Jerado, returns to reclaim his throne and settle old scores. Click on the "Buy Now" button to grab a copy of this humorous story.
  • Moxie’s Problem

    "Moxie's Problem" offers a refreshingly original take on the Arthurian legends, presenting a parallel universe version of Camelot filled with witty humor and creative reimaginings. The story follows Moxie, an obnoxious teenage princess who has led an extremely sheltered life until she is sent to meet her betrothed, escorted by the knights Percivale, Gareth, and Bors. As Moxie ventures out into the real world for the first time, she is stunned by how different it is from the castle, with the knights ignoring her demands and expecting her to rough it. This forces the spoiled princess to confront her lack of life skills and independence. When she rejects her betrothed, Moxie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, deciding she wants to become queen instead of marrying. What makes this story truly unique is Quense's imaginative twists on Arthurian elements. Camelot engages in football matches against the Saxons, Merlin studies the "Magic of the Mind" using primitive psychology, and Stonehenge serves as a theater[1]. Even minor characters like Sir Tristan are given humorous roles writing proto-Shakespearean plays. The misadventures of Moxie and the long-suffering knights provide consistent laughs, as the princess's outrageous behavior and inflated sense of entitlement create constant chaos. Yet Moxie's gradual growth makes her an unexpectedly compelling protagonist to root for. With its irreverent humor and skewed fantasy world, "Moxie's Problem" offers an utterly delightful and one-of-a-kind coming-of-age tale.

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