So, I decided to join in the latest Campaign (organized by Rachael over at Rach Writes...). I've never done it before, and to be honest, I'm kind of intimidated. I've had trouble being a dedicated blogger in the past, and this campaign thing requires consistent blogging for TWO MONTHS!!! Suffice it to say, I'm challenging myself with this one.
Anyway, this is just a quick post to introduce myself to my Campaign groups (and if you're not participating, you can at least get to know me a little better):
I love stories. Ever since I was a kid, I've been a slave to a well-told tale. So, it was only a matter of time before my over-active imagination got tired of reading other peoples' stories and started spitting out its own. This is not to say, of course, that I don't read anymore. Actually, I read more than ever!
I completed my first novel a year or two ago and recently started working on my second. I'm still working out my methodology, but it's slow-going (a lot of trial-and-error). My work hovers somewhere between YA and adult, but always either sci-fi or fantasy—my first book was sci-fi, my current WIP is fantasy (I have seven or eight other ideas rolling around my head: 2 fantasy, 1.5 urban fantasy, and 3.5 sci-fi).
Anyway, I'm going to follow Cheryl's example (she's in one of my campaign groups) and try to sum up my WIP in a single sentence. I'll do the same for one of my Sc-Fi stories as well
Dathan the Sorcerer:
When a sudden resurgence of Arcane magic threatens to raze the kingdom of Amerin to the ground, Dathan Bahaar, recovering from a centuries-long enthrallment to the terrible powers of the Arcanum, discovers that his knowledge of the dark magic to be a deadly threat, as well as a potent weapon in the struggle to save his people from slavery and death.
Rask, Inc.:
After narrowly escaping the IED that killed her husband, young Vivian Rask finds herself in the cross-hairs of both the military and a vicious crime syndicate, her only allies a ragtag crew of mercenaries, her only weapon a secret handed down by her family from generations untold.
That was a lot harder than it sounded! Kudos to Cheryl for doing a cleaner job than I did. Anyway, I hope they sound intriguing. Can't wait to start the Campaign.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Thoughts on why certain books are my favorites
Hi everyone! I've been thinking a lot about why I like certain books and not others. My favorite book, currently, is Sabriel, by Garth Nix. It's the first of three novels and a short story (there's another book slated to come out in 2013, and I CAN'T WAIT!!!) I love those books so much that I read them over and over (I first read Sabriel a little over 3 years ago, and I've probably read it at least 4 times since), but I never stopped to think about why until a few days ago. I'll have to go back and read it again before I can come up with a detailed analysis of why I like it so much, but for now, here's my first impression:
Sabriel is the first fantasy book I've read since Lord of the Rings that I felt was written by an intelligent, well-educated person for intelligent, well-educated people. Most fantasy books I've read fall into one of two categories: those that feel like they were written by an emotionally stunted adolescent, and those that feel like the author is talking down to me, mocking my intelligence. By far, the most fall in to the first category; most science fiction and fantasy books I read strike me as too cliche, too fanciful, or both.
Sabriel, however, is written in a way that feels both intelligent and believable. Nix's diction and syntax are more sophisticated than a lot of authors'. For the first time since middle school, I came across words I didn't know (outside of a text book, that is); but at the same time, I didn't feel stupid for not knowing them. Furthermore, Nix writes clearly and accurately, whether writing description, explanation, action, or dialogue. In my opinion, the language of a book should be transparent, a vehicle for the story, and not an obstacle.
Now, apart from Nix's technical ability, his world-building and plot-development skills are masterful. Nix somehow manages to present his ideas in a way that makes them easy to believe, even when discussing magic and fantastic creatures. This is a secret I must discover! The hardest thing for me, when writing sci-fi or fantasy, is writing so that the unrealistic elements feel plausible or even real.
Anyway, like I said, I'll have to go back and read it again before I can give you a more credible analysis. So, what is it about your favorite book that makes you love it so much?
Sabriel is the first fantasy book I've read since Lord of the Rings that I felt was written by an intelligent, well-educated person for intelligent, well-educated people. Most fantasy books I've read fall into one of two categories: those that feel like they were written by an emotionally stunted adolescent, and those that feel like the author is talking down to me, mocking my intelligence. By far, the most fall in to the first category; most science fiction and fantasy books I read strike me as too cliche, too fanciful, or both.
Sabriel, however, is written in a way that feels both intelligent and believable. Nix's diction and syntax are more sophisticated than a lot of authors'. For the first time since middle school, I came across words I didn't know (outside of a text book, that is); but at the same time, I didn't feel stupid for not knowing them. Furthermore, Nix writes clearly and accurately, whether writing description, explanation, action, or dialogue. In my opinion, the language of a book should be transparent, a vehicle for the story, and not an obstacle.
Now, apart from Nix's technical ability, his world-building and plot-development skills are masterful. Nix somehow manages to present his ideas in a way that makes them easy to believe, even when discussing magic and fantastic creatures. This is a secret I must discover! The hardest thing for me, when writing sci-fi or fantasy, is writing so that the unrealistic elements feel plausible or even real.
Anyway, like I said, I'll have to go back and read it again before I can give you a more credible analysis. So, what is it about your favorite book that makes you love it so much?
Monday, August 1, 2011
How to Develop Your Characters
Hi everyone! As you recall, a couple of weeks ago I shared my dazzling new idea for becoming a more consistent blogger (writing down my ideas at work so I can blog when I get home). Unfortunately, ever since than I've been so swamped that I literally haven't come up with a single idea while at work. So, no success on that front yet.
However, I have some exciting news concerning my other idea (make each chapter a complete mini-story)! As I expected, it's been quite a challenge. But my efforts have produced an interesting side effect. I've noticed that, in an effort to complete my mini story arcs, I've forced myself to put in more character development. I'm really excited about this because characterization, in my opinion, is not my strongest area. (Incidentally, Tanya, I hope to have a revised chapter to you soon.) So, despite the difficulty of my undertaking, I'm having a lot of fun and making some good progress!
So, how's your writing and/or reading going?
However, I have some exciting news concerning my other idea (make each chapter a complete mini-story)! As I expected, it's been quite a challenge. But my efforts have produced an interesting side effect. I've noticed that, in an effort to complete my mini story arcs, I've forced myself to put in more character development. I'm really excited about this because characterization, in my opinion, is not my strongest area. (Incidentally, Tanya, I hope to have a revised chapter to you soon.) So, despite the difficulty of my undertaking, I'm having a lot of fun and making some good progress!
So, how's your writing and/or reading going?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
How to make every chapter interesting
So, I had another not-so-original epiphany today. I've only completed one novel to date and it was hard going. I think it was so hard because I had no clear division in the story, other than scene-to-scene. Today the thought occurred to me that it might be easier to get through that first draft if I wrote by chapter, instead of by scene.
I know this is nothing new to the writing community in general, but I've never tried it before. Not only did I not write by chapter in my first book, but I didn't write chronologically either; I literally wrote scenes in random order as they developed in my imagination. This is NOT a good writing strategy: you have to figure out where each scene fits best, reconcile slight differences in plot or detail, and then go back and figure out where chapter breaks should go. It's a nightmare! So, I'm going to take a leaf out of the books of several writers and create a new Word doc for each chapter (incidentally, it was my good friend Shallee that got me thinking about this suggestion again, if in a round-about way; she mentioned doing more intensive outlining in her post the other day).
Now, here's the (hopefully) brilliant part of my epiphany: the way to make each chapter more fun to read (and write) is to structure each one as a complete mini-story as much as possible. What I mean is try to make every chapter have a clear conflict and plot structure of its own. That way, in addition to supporting or advancing the overarching plot, each chapter helps keep the readers attention/interest and gives the reader mini-doses of the reaction he/she gets from an entire book. If I can make this work, it will make my writing infinitely more interesting.
Now, I'm sure it's going to be about 8 billion times harder than it sounds, and will require a heck of a lot of outlining (again, thank you, Shallee), so I hope you all will be sending good vibes my way.
What do you like to do to make each chapter interesting and engaging?
I know this is nothing new to the writing community in general, but I've never tried it before. Not only did I not write by chapter in my first book, but I didn't write chronologically either; I literally wrote scenes in random order as they developed in my imagination. This is NOT a good writing strategy: you have to figure out where each scene fits best, reconcile slight differences in plot or detail, and then go back and figure out where chapter breaks should go. It's a nightmare! So, I'm going to take a leaf out of the books of several writers and create a new Word doc for each chapter (incidentally, it was my good friend Shallee that got me thinking about this suggestion again, if in a round-about way; she mentioned doing more intensive outlining in her post the other day).
Now, here's the (hopefully) brilliant part of my epiphany: the way to make each chapter more fun to read (and write) is to structure each one as a complete mini-story as much as possible. What I mean is try to make every chapter have a clear conflict and plot structure of its own. That way, in addition to supporting or advancing the overarching plot, each chapter helps keep the readers attention/interest and gives the reader mini-doses of the reaction he/she gets from an entire book. If I can make this work, it will make my writing infinitely more interesting.
Now, I'm sure it's going to be about 8 billion times harder than it sounds, and will require a heck of a lot of outlining (again, thank you, Shallee), so I hope you all will be sending good vibes my way.
What do you like to do to make each chapter interesting and engaging?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Logistical Solutions and Old Problems
Hi everyone! I'm sure you've noticed my posts over the last few months have been a bit sporadic. The problem is that most of my ideas come during the day, while I'm at work. At my old job this wasn't a problem because I literally had no work to do (one of the reasons I quit); unfortunately, now that I've actually got work to do, it would look really bad if I were blogging in the middle of the day. Thankfully, today I cam up with a (not so) novel solution: I have a notepad on my desk, and whenever I come up with an idea I jot it down really quick so I can post it really quick when I get home. I know that's not exactly a new idea, but what can I say...
Now, on to something actually related to novel writing! I've been pulling my hair out over the last couple of weeks; I found I've fallen into the same old trap I always end up in. A few weeks ago, I decided I was going to buckle down and knock out a first draft of Dathan the Sorcerer. I managed to make a little headway, but as always, I was derailed by two things: 1) I reached a certain point and can't figure out what comes next (a HUGE apology to Tanya, my CP, but it might be a while before I send her any more), and 2) I've been distracted by a veritable deluge of ideas for one of my other stories (none of which I can afford to ignore because I intend to write that story later). GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Anyway, I've (hopefully) solved one writing problem and will be posting more regularly. As for my other problem, I'd welcome any advice you guys might have. I'm at my wits' end.
Speaking of which, what's the biggest obstacle in your writing process? Maybe we can give you some ideas!
Now, on to something actually related to novel writing! I've been pulling my hair out over the last couple of weeks; I found I've fallen into the same old trap I always end up in. A few weeks ago, I decided I was going to buckle down and knock out a first draft of Dathan the Sorcerer. I managed to make a little headway, but as always, I was derailed by two things: 1) I reached a certain point and can't figure out what comes next (a HUGE apology to Tanya, my CP, but it might be a while before I send her any more), and 2) I've been distracted by a veritable deluge of ideas for one of my other stories (none of which I can afford to ignore because I intend to write that story later). GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Anyway, I've (hopefully) solved one writing problem and will be posting more regularly. As for my other problem, I'd welcome any advice you guys might have. I'm at my wits' end.
Speaking of which, what's the biggest obstacle in your writing process? Maybe we can give you some ideas!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Choosing a POV character
Yesterday I realized something about my writing style: I don't like to write from the hero's perspective, at least not much. I much prefer to write from the point of view of another character observing the hero. The funny thing is I'm not entirely sure why.
The problem is that it's a lot harder to characterize a person and show his/her thoughts and emotions when you can't get inside his/her head. You have to rely on other characters noticing certain things (e.g. facial expressions, nervous ticks, tone of voice, etc.). And there's also the problem of those times when the hero does something courageous, virtuous, selfless, or ... well, heroic, but there's no one around to see it or report on it. Those are about the only times I can bring myself to write from the hero's POV.
What do you all think? What are the advantages and disadvantages of my little quirk? Do you have any particular preferences (rational or otherwise) in POVs?
The problem is that it's a lot harder to characterize a person and show his/her thoughts and emotions when you can't get inside his/her head. You have to rely on other characters noticing certain things (e.g. facial expressions, nervous ticks, tone of voice, etc.). And there's also the problem of those times when the hero does something courageous, virtuous, selfless, or ... well, heroic, but there's no one around to see it or report on it. Those are about the only times I can bring myself to write from the hero's POV.
What do you all think? What are the advantages and disadvantages of my little quirk? Do you have any particular preferences (rational or otherwise) in POVs?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Belated Meme response
My apologies for the long silence. Between my recent illness and an approaching deadline at work, I've had next to no time for anything other than panic and exhaustion. Things are starting to calm down a little bit, so I'm hoping to get back to that quasi normal thing that almost resembles a blog schedule.
Also, I want to thank everyone for your prayers and well-wishes over the last few weeks. It means a lot that you guys are thinking of me. And as an update, I'm almost back to normal these days: I'm out of danger from the blood clot in my leg (though it's still there, it is no longer growing or likely to break off and become another embolism), and I can walk/move around normally again. I'm still on blood thinners and will be for the next six months, which means no contact sports/anything that might cause lacerations, major abrasions, or internal trauma...so my career as an NFL linebacker is pretty much over ;) (see my profile picture if you don't get this joke). Restrictions not withstanding, I'm feeling really good and I'm glad to be getting back to life as usual. Now, on to my real post!
So, a few weeks ago, Rosie, over at East for Green Eyes, tagged me in a meme. To be honest, I don't even know what a meme is, but I figure it can't hurt to respond/pass it on. Besides, I think this is kind of fun!
Also, I want to thank everyone for your prayers and well-wishes over the last few weeks. It means a lot that you guys are thinking of me. And as an update, I'm almost back to normal these days: I'm out of danger from the blood clot in my leg (though it's still there, it is no longer growing or likely to break off and become another embolism), and I can walk/move around normally again. I'm still on blood thinners and will be for the next six months, which means no contact sports/anything that might cause lacerations, major abrasions, or internal trauma...so my career as an NFL linebacker is pretty much over ;) (see my profile picture if you don't get this joke). Restrictions not withstanding, I'm feeling really good and I'm glad to be getting back to life as usual. Now, on to my real post!
So, a few weeks ago, Rosie, over at East for Green Eyes, tagged me in a meme. To be honest, I don't even know what a meme is, but I figure it can't hurt to respond/pass it on. Besides, I think this is kind of fun!
If you could go back in time and relive one moment, what would it be?
Well, I would have to say I'd like to relive my honeymoon... What can I say? It is still one of the happiest times in my entire life. Although, this time around, I'd make sure my wife and I both remembered to bring our hiking stuff...If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
I would change my career path from technical writer/XML editor to SFF editor. Even though I like my job, I constantly find myself wishing I could just get back to reading whatever book I'm in the middle of at the moment. And to have someone pay me to do it would be the best thing EVER.What movie/tv character do you most resemble in personality?
To be completely honest, I really can't think of one. I even asked my wife and she couldn't think of one either. However, there are a few characters that I almost come close to resembling/wish I resembled:- Wedge Antilles (if you don't know him, there's no use explaining)
- Marshal Erickson (How I Met Your Mother)
- John Crichton (Farscape)
If you could push one person off a cliff and get away with it, who would it be?
Yeah, I couldn't do that. Mostly because I'd be waaaaaaaaaaaay too terrified of falling to get close enough to push someone. Now my dirty secret is out.Name one habit you want to change in yourself.
Laziness. I really think this is a habit. We get comfortable in routine. After my father died in 2008, I didn't do ANYTHING. I watched lots of TV. I sat on my butt. And it's been really hard to break those habits since then.Describe yourself in one word.
GeekyDescribe the person who named you in this meme in one word.
Spunky!Why do you blog? Answer in one sentence.
I blog because it lets me share what I'm learning about writing (and occasionally vent about writing) with people who I know have the same interests and problems as I do. It's almost therapeutic at times.Who am I tagging?
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