I'm back! Did you miss me? Did you think I forgot about you? I can assure you, I did not. The thing is I've not had a very good week. It all started Wednesday morning when my boss called and wanted five things at one time. I'm sure you've been there; the stress level goes to new heights. I'm not complaining about that because deadlines are a good thing. Yes, I said it; deadlines are a good thing. How else to we stay productive? Could you imagine what the world would be like if we didn't have deadlines?
The deadlines were not my biggest problems last week. No, there was a bigger monster lurking in the shadows. Bright and early Thursday morning I sat down on my office chair, switched on the computer monitor, and was instantly flashed to the past. My screen had a flickering line pulsing up and down it. I worked to troubleshoot the problem, hoping I could fix it and get to work but nothing worked. I called the office and they promptly ordered me a new video card but it wouldn't be here until Friday. That meant I had to work with the screen like that for two days. By the end of Thursday my eyes felt like someone was extracting them with a rusty spoon.
You never know how much you enjoy something until you can't do it. By Friday I was chomping at the bit to get on here and post an article but that screen was simply murder. I persevered long enough to make it through the work day but as soon as I could, the computer was powered down. As you probably guessed, the video card was not delivered on Friday; actually it was, just to the wrong house. I found it Monday morning and installed it. Can you imagine how surprised I was when that didn't fix the problem? With that done I had to go to town and get a new cable to hook up the monitor to the computer. I got back to my office, hooked the new one up, switched on my monitor and....strike two. That didn't fix the problem either. After talking with my boss I made a second trip into town and purchased a brand new monitor. That did indeed fix the problem but going through that exercise but me way behind on my deadlines. Today has been a very productive day and I'm almost caught up.
What did I learn from this experience? I learned that, in all honesty, we need a backup plan for everything. We back up our manuscripts by saving it to multiple sources but we also need a back up in our hardware experiences a meltdown. I can tell you first hand, monitors are expensive! Luckily for me I have a laptop that I write my novels on but in the heat of this journey my mind wandered and it began thinking about worse case scenarios. What if my laptop had a meltdown the same time my desktop did? That is a horrifying thought to some. Many would rush to their local coffee shops, library, or a friend's house. What if you live in the country and all your friends are at work? Yes, I have thoughts like this when things are spinning rapidly.
I don't think I could honestly say that I would resort to writing my novel with pen and paper should an absolute meltdown occur but I would write down very detailed notes. I would write down things like scenes, plot points, character thoughts and emotions. I would have all this prepared for the moment when my computer(s) were working again. This would allow us to hit the ground running at full speed. It is never a good feeling to be behind on a deadline but it does get better when we are very productive after a hiccup in the system.
WELCOME
Jun 29, 2010
Jun 22, 2010
The Writing and Promoting Tightrope
Before I begin my article for this week I would like to mention that Patrick, the author of the SciFi post from a few weeks ago, has posted a guest article I prepared for his site. It is about author platforms, how to build one and why you want to. I invite all of you to his site to read the article and check out some of his posts. The link is - http://www.atfmb.com/.
This time of year is hard on us writers. We want to finish our projects; perhaps start a new one but the weather is so nice and inviting that it is just too hard to resist. We, as passionate soon to be published authors, stand tall in the face of this temptation. Sometimes we win and get to writing but sometimes we lose and end up outside playing in the sun. Actually, I would say you win out either way but your writing takes the hit. Fortunately for us the weather is not perfect or nice all the time throughout the year or even the week so we can justify enjoying it when we have it.
There are many things that can take us away from our writing and I'm sure that, like me, you have a list of specific things. We will not be looking at all of these things because that would make for a very long article but we will take a peek at one that will eventually cause us a little stress. In a word it is promoting. I know, that is a general term now a days. Why do we need to think about this now when we are not published yet?
It is always smart to start thinking and even planning because you never know if an agent or publisher will ask for your marketing plan. It goes a little further then that though, we need an idea of how to promote and market so we can find that balance to maintain our writing goals. As I found out from a friend who is published with a second book coming out soon, it is not easy at all to find that balance between writing and promoting. To think that an agent or a publisher will help you with promoting and marketing would be a mistake as more of the weight and responsibility is pushed to the author.
I think now is a time for us to get a taste of that schedule so the culture shock will be minimized when that exciting day arrives. To a degree we promote and write now but we may need to take it a step further. If you look at your day and divide it up what do you get? Many of us work, take care of a home and children and other necessities like that but what about the remaining time? Don't forget about sleep. The remainder is what we typically put towards writing but we need to start exercising our schedules to include blog time, social networking time and events time. Many of you have a blog and you know how much time you need to keep it fresh and current. The same can be said about social networking. The great thing about both is that if they get to heavy handed on your schedule there are sites on the Internet that will allow you to schedule both Tweets, blogs, and status updates for Facebook. That could free up a lot of time.
What about events? We are not yet published authors who attend book signings or readings; however, there are other things happening in our lives that could take there place. What do I mean? Say you have a set amount of words you want to type in a week. You know your average word count per night when you include blogging and networking; now add in that event you have with your husband or child or friend. What do you have to do to maintain your goal? Do you have the time to type the extra words on a different night to reach your goal? If you schedule your posts and updates will that free up the needed time?
It is an exercise like this that will train our minds to be flexible enough to adjust to any situation and train us to remain calm as our schedules fill up. Granted it will not completely prepare us for what could come with a published book but it could get us far enough along to take the edge off. The important thing to remember is to maintain that balance that allows us to write and get our names in the public eye. Writing is our passion, promoting is our way of sharing.
This time of year is hard on us writers. We want to finish our projects; perhaps start a new one but the weather is so nice and inviting that it is just too hard to resist. We, as passionate soon to be published authors, stand tall in the face of this temptation. Sometimes we win and get to writing but sometimes we lose and end up outside playing in the sun. Actually, I would say you win out either way but your writing takes the hit. Fortunately for us the weather is not perfect or nice all the time throughout the year or even the week so we can justify enjoying it when we have it.
There are many things that can take us away from our writing and I'm sure that, like me, you have a list of specific things. We will not be looking at all of these things because that would make for a very long article but we will take a peek at one that will eventually cause us a little stress. In a word it is promoting. I know, that is a general term now a days. Why do we need to think about this now when we are not published yet?
It is always smart to start thinking and even planning because you never know if an agent or publisher will ask for your marketing plan. It goes a little further then that though, we need an idea of how to promote and market so we can find that balance to maintain our writing goals. As I found out from a friend who is published with a second book coming out soon, it is not easy at all to find that balance between writing and promoting. To think that an agent or a publisher will help you with promoting and marketing would be a mistake as more of the weight and responsibility is pushed to the author.
I think now is a time for us to get a taste of that schedule so the culture shock will be minimized when that exciting day arrives. To a degree we promote and write now but we may need to take it a step further. If you look at your day and divide it up what do you get? Many of us work, take care of a home and children and other necessities like that but what about the remaining time? Don't forget about sleep. The remainder is what we typically put towards writing but we need to start exercising our schedules to include blog time, social networking time and events time. Many of you have a blog and you know how much time you need to keep it fresh and current. The same can be said about social networking. The great thing about both is that if they get to heavy handed on your schedule there are sites on the Internet that will allow you to schedule both Tweets, blogs, and status updates for Facebook. That could free up a lot of time.
What about events? We are not yet published authors who attend book signings or readings; however, there are other things happening in our lives that could take there place. What do I mean? Say you have a set amount of words you want to type in a week. You know your average word count per night when you include blogging and networking; now add in that event you have with your husband or child or friend. What do you have to do to maintain your goal? Do you have the time to type the extra words on a different night to reach your goal? If you schedule your posts and updates will that free up the needed time?
It is an exercise like this that will train our minds to be flexible enough to adjust to any situation and train us to remain calm as our schedules fill up. Granted it will not completely prepare us for what could come with a published book but it could get us far enough along to take the edge off. The important thing to remember is to maintain that balance that allows us to write and get our names in the public eye. Writing is our passion, promoting is our way of sharing.
Jun 17, 2010
Silence or Noise
During a lively discussion I realized that we are all different. I know, a little late to make that observation but maybe I can be more specific; we approach writing from different directions. To me this seems odd because we end up at the same place; a manuscript ready to be picked up by a publisher. It is said that the fun part of life is the journey, not the destination and I believe that holds true for us as well.
I discovered a divide, of sorts, between writers. On one hand we have those who need a quiet place so they can focus and write. On the other hand we have those who need music playing constantly in order to get the story out of their head. Finally we have the group that can't write in a silent room but doesn't necessarily need music playing to be productive; as long as there is some sort of background noise they are satisfied.
Some, during the discussion, admitted that they cannot write with music of any kind playing but they wished they could. While others mentioned that as soon as the music stopped their minds wandered and they lost focus. As for me, I'm an in betweener; I like having background noise such as the television while I write. My focus is sharper and I enjoy having the television there to look at to relax my eyes after a long period of staring at the computer screen. I think of it as a reboot.
I do think a lot of how we write is based on how we were raised. For example, whenever I did my homework I was in my room with my headphones on. That was how I focused. There were times that I took them off when I needed to dig a little deeper but for the most part the music stayed on. To this day I am the same way. I am more productive at work when I'm listening to music. On the other hand, my boss was raised to do his homework with very little background noise. In college he continued that trend and now in the office he cannot focus very well at all if music is playing. Of course, he would argue this but I have witnessed the results.
Does it have an impact on our writing? The most interesting thing I discovered from one individual was that the music she listened to, and it was a wide range, did not impact her writing or flow at all. This is in contrast to many who can identify the chapters they were writing with the music that was playing at the time. I can tell a difference in the flow of my writing but not necessarily an impact on my voice. I think the main thing, for us that listen to music or have background noise, is the rhythm we pick up, not in our writing, but while we write. We find a zone and write like crazy people. I'm sure it is the same for those you write in silence.
Have you ever seen a movie, commercial or television show where the author goes on a trip to a secluded location so he/she can write? Most of the time they do this because of writer's block but this is an example of what we are discussing here. Authors who enjoy writing in quiet spaces can go anywhere they desire and write. Those who need noise to write can go anywhere to a degree but their flexibility is limited I would think.
I saved the best for last; this is a really cool concept in my opinion. One person, during the discussion, shared that even though she can write with or without background noise she puts together a song list. This list is not for her but it is the music her character would listen to. That's right; she listens to music her character would like. This is a cool idea because it adds such depth to the character development. However, I'm not sure what the end result would be if your character likes country music and you love rock music but it would give you a unique insight to that character.
Whether you enjoy writing with background noise or in silence is totally your decision but don't be afraid to branch out and try something different. As we saw above you could discover a whole new dimension to your characters and/or your writing style. Which is better between writing with noise or without it? Everyone will have an opinion about this and honestly, there is no wrong or right answer. The better question is - which works better for you?
I discovered a divide, of sorts, between writers. On one hand we have those who need a quiet place so they can focus and write. On the other hand we have those who need music playing constantly in order to get the story out of their head. Finally we have the group that can't write in a silent room but doesn't necessarily need music playing to be productive; as long as there is some sort of background noise they are satisfied.
Some, during the discussion, admitted that they cannot write with music of any kind playing but they wished they could. While others mentioned that as soon as the music stopped their minds wandered and they lost focus. As for me, I'm an in betweener; I like having background noise such as the television while I write. My focus is sharper and I enjoy having the television there to look at to relax my eyes after a long period of staring at the computer screen. I think of it as a reboot.
I do think a lot of how we write is based on how we were raised. For example, whenever I did my homework I was in my room with my headphones on. That was how I focused. There were times that I took them off when I needed to dig a little deeper but for the most part the music stayed on. To this day I am the same way. I am more productive at work when I'm listening to music. On the other hand, my boss was raised to do his homework with very little background noise. In college he continued that trend and now in the office he cannot focus very well at all if music is playing. Of course, he would argue this but I have witnessed the results.
Does it have an impact on our writing? The most interesting thing I discovered from one individual was that the music she listened to, and it was a wide range, did not impact her writing or flow at all. This is in contrast to many who can identify the chapters they were writing with the music that was playing at the time. I can tell a difference in the flow of my writing but not necessarily an impact on my voice. I think the main thing, for us that listen to music or have background noise, is the rhythm we pick up, not in our writing, but while we write. We find a zone and write like crazy people. I'm sure it is the same for those you write in silence.
Have you ever seen a movie, commercial or television show where the author goes on a trip to a secluded location so he/she can write? Most of the time they do this because of writer's block but this is an example of what we are discussing here. Authors who enjoy writing in quiet spaces can go anywhere they desire and write. Those who need noise to write can go anywhere to a degree but their flexibility is limited I would think.
I saved the best for last; this is a really cool concept in my opinion. One person, during the discussion, shared that even though she can write with or without background noise she puts together a song list. This list is not for her but it is the music her character would listen to. That's right; she listens to music her character would like. This is a cool idea because it adds such depth to the character development. However, I'm not sure what the end result would be if your character likes country music and you love rock music but it would give you a unique insight to that character.
Whether you enjoy writing with background noise or in silence is totally your decision but don't be afraid to branch out and try something different. As we saw above you could discover a whole new dimension to your characters and/or your writing style. Which is better between writing with noise or without it? Everyone will have an opinion about this and honestly, there is no wrong or right answer. The better question is - which works better for you?
Jun 14, 2010
Victims of the Future
As I read the articles and tweets regarding e-books and e-readers I honestly can't help but be amazed at the advances we have made in technology. Not only are gadgets getting smaller but they are also getting more powerful and able to do more things. It is a great time to be an author and a blissful time if you are a fan of gadgets.
What about the other side of the coin. Everyone is wondering what will happen to the printed book and the debate is heating up on whether reading a book on an e-reader can equal that of holding a real book Who or what are the other victims of this technological advancement? Granted we will save loads of trees because the production of paper will feel a drastic impact (not in the near term but in the future if trends build). As much as I love actual books, the saving of trees is a good thing. What about a little closer to home? I don't know many readers who don't have at least one book shelf, full of books, in a room of their house. It is a joy to look at when it is full of our favorite books. What will happen to bookshelves when e-books take over? Will they be relegated to storing odds and ends? If we get rid of them what will be put in their place.
Then there are our tiny little helpers. Those small slips of paper, cardboard or plastic that mark the page we are on before we go to sleep or run an errand. Will there be a need for bookmarks in the age of the e-reader.
I don't think so unless someone develops a virtual one.
I can see docking stations in the future where we can connect our e-readers to the television and read books on our flat panels. Furniture will be redesigned to adjust to this new technology. Maybe they will use the UPS or FedEx system and we, as authors, can sign the book screen of our books for autographs. I know, I'm going to an extreme here but think about it for a moment. E-books and e-readers could and most likely will, have a deep impact on many things we do or have in everyday life.
What will not change is the need for authors, the need for the word in print be it paper or digital. Paperbacks may or may not fade into the past like vinyl records but there will always be a place for them. Future generations may look at books like we look at old scrolls but the truth remains the same; people want to read. Don't be afraid of the ‘could be’ future; be ready for it so when it arrives you can enjoy it.
What about the other side of the coin. Everyone is wondering what will happen to the printed book and the debate is heating up on whether reading a book on an e-reader can equal that of holding a real book Who or what are the other victims of this technological advancement? Granted we will save loads of trees because the production of paper will feel a drastic impact (not in the near term but in the future if trends build). As much as I love actual books, the saving of trees is a good thing. What about a little closer to home? I don't know many readers who don't have at least one book shelf, full of books, in a room of their house. It is a joy to look at when it is full of our favorite books. What will happen to bookshelves when e-books take over? Will they be relegated to storing odds and ends? If we get rid of them what will be put in their place.
Then there are our tiny little helpers. Those small slips of paper, cardboard or plastic that mark the page we are on before we go to sleep or run an errand. Will there be a need for bookmarks in the age of the e-reader.
I don't think so unless someone develops a virtual one.
I can see docking stations in the future where we can connect our e-readers to the television and read books on our flat panels. Furniture will be redesigned to adjust to this new technology. Maybe they will use the UPS or FedEx system and we, as authors, can sign the book screen of our books for autographs. I know, I'm going to an extreme here but think about it for a moment. E-books and e-readers could and most likely will, have a deep impact on many things we do or have in everyday life.
What will not change is the need for authors, the need for the word in print be it paper or digital. Paperbacks may or may not fade into the past like vinyl records but there will always be a place for them. Future generations may look at books like we look at old scrolls but the truth remains the same; people want to read. Don't be afraid of the ‘could be’ future; be ready for it so when it arrives you can enjoy it.
Jun 10, 2010
A Closer Look at SciFi and Fantasy with Guest Patrick Hester - Part III
This is the conclusion of the guest article prepared by Patrick Hester. I, for one, would like to thank Patrick for his time in preparing such a detailed and thorough article. Now, back to the article:
World Building
Which brings us to World Building.
Not everyone world builds. It may not be for you, or it might be right up your alley.
If you have never been to Chicago, it's going to be difficult for you to write about it. How will you describe the Loop or Lakeside if you've never seen them with your own eyes? Is Oak Park a suburb or a place to take your kids for the afternoon where they can climb massive and ancient trees? Will you find a Roman philosopher in Cicero or an Italian restaurant run by Korean immigrants? You can read about Chicago, study photographs, look at maps and probably do an okay job describing it. Chicago is a real city, with real people and history that you can see and touch and immerse yourself into, and the reader knows that it's real but is relying on you to paint that picture for them. They'll fill in a lot of the blanks for you as they read along, but you have to give them somewhere to start that makes sense.
The same cannot be said of Hyrule, the home of Zelda and Link, for example. It does not exist. It cannot be toured, mapquested, read about, touched, etc. and so on. You can fudge with Chicago, but how can you fudge with Hyrule where the reader has absolutely no expectations of what it is, how it looks, how it sounds and smells? When it comes to a fictional place of your own creation, there are no maps, no city names, history, architecture, politics or religion until you create them. The more you know about these things, the better you will be able to convey a sense of logical existence to your reader - and they will still fill in the blanks if the rest makes sense!
For any kind of genre fiction, some call it 'speculative fiction' nowadays, there is a suspension of belief in order to immerse oneself into the world we're reading about, but there's only so far our minds can go before something becomes silly and you lose us. Logic plays a role in this.
That's where world building comes in.
Building an imaginary universe is a task, believe me, but it's worth it in the end. When your character comes across something he/she has never encountered before, they can turn to someone else and ask, "Do you know what this is about?" and Teal'c can answer, "I have heard of this in the legends of the Jaffa..." and arch an eyebrow meaningfully before laying out the mythology for all to hear. If you know there is a history to a kingdom, a land, a city, that helped shape it, you will be better armed to write about what is going on there today and how that past affects the present.
Example: You are going to write a bit of High Fantasy. Typically, this means Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and Hobbits or Halflings or Warrens, depending on your preference. You might throw in some Orcs, Trolls, Ogres, Pixies, and Gnomes for good measure. Maybe a talking dog. Shapeshifting cat. Bear that likes to live in a jungle and sing songs in a deep baritone to a wild child.
Where does everyone live? Do your Elves live in trees or in regular old houses like everyone else?
Your Elves don't like your Dwarves. Why?
The old gods have decided to stir things up. Who are they? Why are they the 'old gods'? Why do they want to stir things up? Are there 'new gods'? What's their reaction going to be to the 'old gods' showing up again?
...can you see where this is going?
The father of world building is J.R.R. Tolkien and everyone since has been trying to build upon what he built, so to speak. With Middle Earth, Tolkien drew for us a rich and expansive world full of history and mythology nearly as dense as our own. He created languages and runic symbols, mythology, history (for each race) and a whole host of other delicious details that made the world come to life for the reader in a way that no one had really done before.
You don't have to create your own languages (but you can). The more depth and detail you have in your own head, the better your ability to tell a compelling story on the page and the easier it will be for your reader to immerse themselves in your universe. Do as much as you feel comfortable with and it will pay off for you in the end.
Okay, so - recap.
You have to have the fundamentals down; sentence structure, punctuation, etc. Keep a copy of 'Elements of Style' nearby.
Write what you know. If you don't know what a hostler is/does, find out before you add one to your story. Do your homework, do research, read, read, read.
Write what you enjoy. If you aren't enjoying yourself, what's the point?
World Build. The more you know about the world your characters live in, the better you will be at conveying the details that will bring it alive for the reader.
Lastly, and don't let this discourage you - it's just the truth, and sometimes, the truth hurts - writing in Science Fiction and Fantasy is a tough gig with lots of competition and only so many places to publish. Be prepared for rejection. It's going to happen. It's not personal.
Okay, well - I think that does it for me. Hope you enjoyed this little foray into what it takes to write science fiction and fantasy.
~P
Patrick Hester is an author, blogger, podcaster and functional nerd who hangs out and publishes his stuff at his blog, ‘All Things From My Brain' and on his twitter feed at twitter.com/atfmb. Patrick’s goal is to be a published author someday. His professional life is often odd and chaotic; having had so many different responsibilities and positions throughout the years, from tech/IT to marketing to sales, he can pretty much do whatever needs to get done – this, and the fact that he loves science fiction and fantasy, has led his bosses past and present to christen him as a ‘functional nerd’…
World Building
Which brings us to World Building.
Not everyone world builds. It may not be for you, or it might be right up your alley.
If you have never been to Chicago, it's going to be difficult for you to write about it. How will you describe the Loop or Lakeside if you've never seen them with your own eyes? Is Oak Park a suburb or a place to take your kids for the afternoon where they can climb massive and ancient trees? Will you find a Roman philosopher in Cicero or an Italian restaurant run by Korean immigrants? You can read about Chicago, study photographs, look at maps and probably do an okay job describing it. Chicago is a real city, with real people and history that you can see and touch and immerse yourself into, and the reader knows that it's real but is relying on you to paint that picture for them. They'll fill in a lot of the blanks for you as they read along, but you have to give them somewhere to start that makes sense.
The same cannot be said of Hyrule, the home of Zelda and Link, for example. It does not exist. It cannot be toured, mapquested, read about, touched, etc. and so on. You can fudge with Chicago, but how can you fudge with Hyrule where the reader has absolutely no expectations of what it is, how it looks, how it sounds and smells? When it comes to a fictional place of your own creation, there are no maps, no city names, history, architecture, politics or religion until you create them. The more you know about these things, the better you will be able to convey a sense of logical existence to your reader - and they will still fill in the blanks if the rest makes sense!
For any kind of genre fiction, some call it 'speculative fiction' nowadays, there is a suspension of belief in order to immerse oneself into the world we're reading about, but there's only so far our minds can go before something becomes silly and you lose us. Logic plays a role in this.
That's where world building comes in.
Building an imaginary universe is a task, believe me, but it's worth it in the end. When your character comes across something he/she has never encountered before, they can turn to someone else and ask, "Do you know what this is about?" and Teal'c can answer, "I have heard of this in the legends of the Jaffa..." and arch an eyebrow meaningfully before laying out the mythology for all to hear. If you know there is a history to a kingdom, a land, a city, that helped shape it, you will be better armed to write about what is going on there today and how that past affects the present.
Example: You are going to write a bit of High Fantasy. Typically, this means Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and Hobbits or Halflings or Warrens, depending on your preference. You might throw in some Orcs, Trolls, Ogres, Pixies, and Gnomes for good measure. Maybe a talking dog. Shapeshifting cat. Bear that likes to live in a jungle and sing songs in a deep baritone to a wild child.
Where does everyone live? Do your Elves live in trees or in regular old houses like everyone else?
Your Elves don't like your Dwarves. Why?
The old gods have decided to stir things up. Who are they? Why are they the 'old gods'? Why do they want to stir things up? Are there 'new gods'? What's their reaction going to be to the 'old gods' showing up again?
...can you see where this is going?
The father of world building is J.R.R. Tolkien and everyone since has been trying to build upon what he built, so to speak. With Middle Earth, Tolkien drew for us a rich and expansive world full of history and mythology nearly as dense as our own. He created languages and runic symbols, mythology, history (for each race) and a whole host of other delicious details that made the world come to life for the reader in a way that no one had really done before.
You don't have to create your own languages (but you can). The more depth and detail you have in your own head, the better your ability to tell a compelling story on the page and the easier it will be for your reader to immerse themselves in your universe. Do as much as you feel comfortable with and it will pay off for you in the end.
Okay, so - recap.
You have to have the fundamentals down; sentence structure, punctuation, etc. Keep a copy of 'Elements of Style' nearby.
Write what you know. If you don't know what a hostler is/does, find out before you add one to your story. Do your homework, do research, read, read, read.
Write what you enjoy. If you aren't enjoying yourself, what's the point?
World Build. The more you know about the world your characters live in, the better you will be at conveying the details that will bring it alive for the reader.
Lastly, and don't let this discourage you - it's just the truth, and sometimes, the truth hurts - writing in Science Fiction and Fantasy is a tough gig with lots of competition and only so many places to publish. Be prepared for rejection. It's going to happen. It's not personal.
Okay, well - I think that does it for me. Hope you enjoyed this little foray into what it takes to write science fiction and fantasy.
~P
Patrick Hester is an author, blogger, podcaster and functional nerd who hangs out and publishes his stuff at his blog, ‘All Things From My Brain' and on his twitter feed at twitter.com/atfmb. Patrick’s goal is to be a published author someday. His professional life is often odd and chaotic; having had so many different responsibilities and positions throughout the years, from tech/IT to marketing to sales, he can pretty much do whatever needs to get done – this, and the fact that he loves science fiction and fantasy, has led his bosses past and present to christen him as a ‘functional nerd’…
Jun 9, 2010
A Closer Look at SciFi and Fantasy with Guest Patrick Hester - Part II
Take a look at 'Old Man's War' from John Scalzi. In it, American senior citizens can enlist in a colonial army; it's their only real chance to leave the earth and explore the universe due to treaties and embargoes and whatnotall. There is wondrous technology throughout the book including elements of genetic engineering, faster than light space travel, and high tech weapons of mass discrimination. Although I know all of that and I took that knowledge away with me from the book, none of it distracted one bit from the story of a 'second chance' at life being taken by the protagonist or the fact that there was a strong love story between him and his memories of and for his dead wife who didn't live long enough to join him on this new adventure/second life.
At some point, a character explains how things work, or how he thinks they work, but it's not a distraction to the story, it's a fact of that universe. You accept that faster than light travel is possible, that a people can be so advanced they've built an elevator that goes from the earth to the stars, that genetic engineering is happening and that life exists outside our little world. But what's important is what is happening to the characters you find yourself identifying with. They're human with human emotions and human thoughts and desires, even the aliens. You can relate to them, empathize with them and, therefore, invest yourself in their wellbeing.
You are, in short, hooked.
There is a place for the bits of science and technology, but do your homework before you add them. Figure out why things work, just a little (you don't have to take your old computer apart and start tinkering, nor do you need to start building rockets in your backyard or a Stargate in your basement). Just do some research. The more you know, the better you will be able to describe to the reader what this bit or bobble of technology is/does and why it's important to the story, then move on.
Fantasy
Science fiction is the fantastic; you have spaceships and aliens and far-off worlds and earth of the future, or the past and technology that feels real if just barely out of our reach.
Fantasy is the impossible; gods of old trampling through downtown Chicago, creatures of myth and legend warring with the free peoples of the world for dominance, evil spirits ensorceling souls to do their bidding while wizards, magi, witches & warlocks cast their spells alongside creatures of Faerie and broad-shouldered, two-handed-sword-wielding heroes swoop in to save the day.
The rules are very similar; fantasy comes in as many different flavors as Baskin Robbins has in their display case. Find where you belong, where your voice, your style can be applied to the best effect and where you can enjoy yourself. Do your homework. If you're going to tell a story set in a castle, know the bits and parts of a castle. What's a crenellated tower? How does a portcullis work? Even if you never use these words, you should still know what that castle is all about.
You want to tell a story of swords and sorcery sprinkled with political intrigue? Okay, so how does your world work? Who are the players, what are the countries, what are the factions, who hates who, who is in power and who wants to take it from them? You need to know these things in your own head (and better yet, somewhere on paper or in pixels).
Again, it's about knowing, doing your homework, figuring out why things are the way they are, why they work so you can describe it in as much or as little detail as is necessary to move the story along.
Magic
Magic is rough. Of all the impossible, illogical things you could add to your story, magic is at the top of the list. Magic comes in all kinds of different flavors and colors. Reagent magic is popular; you combine twine and hair and blood and bits and bobs of feathers from this that or the other bird with words into a ritual spell that conjures up this that or the other thing. There's the 'magic comes from within' curriculum; use the Force, Luke. There's the 'magic has a balance to it' team; you can do great and horrible things but a price must be paid, usually from you in the way of your strength/youth/vitality/health (DND, for example). There's the 'objects have magic and you can use them' method; these stones/runes/weapons are infused with FANTASTIC powers that only certain people of certain bloodlines can wield...
Magic is the technology of the Fantasy world; it needs to be there. You have to come up with, again, a logical structure to how magic (technology) in your universe works. Without it, the reader could be distracted by the lack of logicalityism (it's fun to make up words, isn't it? Pronounce that - lodge-a-cality-ism...). It needs to make enough sense to help the reader suspend logic and accept the impossible. It can't contradict itself or else people pause and go, "But wait - didn't they just say it was all about the..." and then you've lost 'em.
How is magic used by the different races and cultures in your universe? Are they all drawing from the same well with the same rules or do Elves have a mystic connection to the earth that humans can't sense? Are Dwarves blind to magic? What about the Fey? These are important questions that you need to ask yourself long before the reader does.
Tomorrow we will conclude this informative and entertaining article. See you then.
At some point, a character explains how things work, or how he thinks they work, but it's not a distraction to the story, it's a fact of that universe. You accept that faster than light travel is possible, that a people can be so advanced they've built an elevator that goes from the earth to the stars, that genetic engineering is happening and that life exists outside our little world. But what's important is what is happening to the characters you find yourself identifying with. They're human with human emotions and human thoughts and desires, even the aliens. You can relate to them, empathize with them and, therefore, invest yourself in their wellbeing.
You are, in short, hooked.
There is a place for the bits of science and technology, but do your homework before you add them. Figure out why things work, just a little (you don't have to take your old computer apart and start tinkering, nor do you need to start building rockets in your backyard or a Stargate in your basement). Just do some research. The more you know, the better you will be able to describe to the reader what this bit or bobble of technology is/does and why it's important to the story, then move on.
Fantasy
Science fiction is the fantastic; you have spaceships and aliens and far-off worlds and earth of the future, or the past and technology that feels real if just barely out of our reach.
Fantasy is the impossible; gods of old trampling through downtown Chicago, creatures of myth and legend warring with the free peoples of the world for dominance, evil spirits ensorceling souls to do their bidding while wizards, magi, witches & warlocks cast their spells alongside creatures of Faerie and broad-shouldered, two-handed-sword-wielding heroes swoop in to save the day.
The rules are very similar; fantasy comes in as many different flavors as Baskin Robbins has in their display case. Find where you belong, where your voice, your style can be applied to the best effect and where you can enjoy yourself. Do your homework. If you're going to tell a story set in a castle, know the bits and parts of a castle. What's a crenellated tower? How does a portcullis work? Even if you never use these words, you should still know what that castle is all about.
You want to tell a story of swords and sorcery sprinkled with political intrigue? Okay, so how does your world work? Who are the players, what are the countries, what are the factions, who hates who, who is in power and who wants to take it from them? You need to know these things in your own head (and better yet, somewhere on paper or in pixels).
Again, it's about knowing, doing your homework, figuring out why things are the way they are, why they work so you can describe it in as much or as little detail as is necessary to move the story along.
Magic
Magic is rough. Of all the impossible, illogical things you could add to your story, magic is at the top of the list. Magic comes in all kinds of different flavors and colors. Reagent magic is popular; you combine twine and hair and blood and bits and bobs of feathers from this that or the other bird with words into a ritual spell that conjures up this that or the other thing. There's the 'magic comes from within' curriculum; use the Force, Luke. There's the 'magic has a balance to it' team; you can do great and horrible things but a price must be paid, usually from you in the way of your strength/youth/vitality/health (DND, for example). There's the 'objects have magic and you can use them' method; these stones/runes/weapons are infused with FANTASTIC powers that only certain people of certain bloodlines can wield...
Magic is the technology of the Fantasy world; it needs to be there. You have to come up with, again, a logical structure to how magic (technology) in your universe works. Without it, the reader could be distracted by the lack of logicalityism (it's fun to make up words, isn't it? Pronounce that - lodge-a-cality-ism...). It needs to make enough sense to help the reader suspend logic and accept the impossible. It can't contradict itself or else people pause and go, "But wait - didn't they just say it was all about the..." and then you've lost 'em.
How is magic used by the different races and cultures in your universe? Are they all drawing from the same well with the same rules or do Elves have a mystic connection to the earth that humans can't sense? Are Dwarves blind to magic? What about the Fey? These are important questions that you need to ask yourself long before the reader does.
Tomorrow we will conclude this informative and entertaining article. See you then.
Jun 8, 2010
A Closer Look at SciFi and Fantasy with Guest Patrick Hester
For the next three days the New Author will be hosting a guest post prepared by Patrick Hester.
Patrick is an author, blogger, podcaster and functional nerd who hangs out and publishes his stuff at his blog, ‘All Things From My Brain’ and on his twitter feed at twitter.com/atfmb. Patrick’s goal is to be a published author someday. His professional life is often odd and chaotic; having had so many different responsibilities and positions throughout the years, from tech/IT to marketing to sales, he can pretty much do whatever needs to get done – this, and the fact that he loves science fiction and fantasy, has led his bosses past and present to christen him as a ‘functional nerd’…
So, you want to write Science Fiction and/or Fantasy?
You are ready to join some of the great minds who have taken us to the center of the earth, the bottom of the sea, beyond the moon and stars, into parallel worlds and ancient times to visit fantastic worlds full of drama, intrigue, adventure and heartache.
Sound like what you had in mind?
Good. Let's get started.
Take out a piece of paper and a pen, boot up your favorite word processor, or load up your typewriter and start writing the next great science fiction/fantasy novel. Go on. I'll wait. *whistles a jaunty tune for a bit* How's it going? Oh, you need a little more before you can get started? Okay. Let's break it down then.
Science Fiction
What it takes to write good science fiction isn't necessarily that different from what it takes to write good fantasy, romance, mystery, or fiction, for that matter. You need time, patience, skill and vocabulary, among other things. Check out 'Elements of Style' for the basics.
There's lots of different kinds of science fiction out there and you need to choose the kind of scifi that interests you, that you enjoy reading. A truth in life is that you have to be happy in what you're doing or you won't keep doing it. Think back to the worst job you've ever had and why you quit. Was there anything in this world that could've kept you there? Anything? Apply that same rule to your writing; if you hate military scifi, why on earth would you ever try to write it? You will quickly become miserable and more than likely give up long before you produce anything. Don't put yourself through that. Write what you would read yourself. When you're first starting out, I'd even suggest going so far as to copy the style of a favorite author. Don't plagiarize their content, just write in their style and see how it feels - like trying on their coat at a party because you've never had a leather coat before and want to see what it's like. Not that I've ever done that before.
Moving on.
I know it may sound like a silly thing to suggest, but consider this as well; you may enjoy a certain genre but find out very quickly that you do NOT enjoy writing it. Play around a little, try some flash fiction in different genres and see what fits well with your style of writing. This will also help you to develop your own unique voice - Very Important, that.
Not only do you need to write what you like, but, as with any kind of creative writing, you want to play to your strengths and write what you know. Now, I'm not saying that, since you aren't a Kzzaxyti from the planet F5Q in the Beta Origami Pokemon star system that you can't write about them, just that you need to know who they are, what they are, where they live, how they live, how they get around, what they use for money - these sorts of things, before you put pen to paper, strike tine to drum or pixel to screen. (We call this world building - more on that in a bit.)
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to write books. Unless you're going to be writing a textbook for rocket scientists - then it would be helpful. But if you're writing a textbook for rocket scientists, I think you're on the wrong blog. Just saying...
The best scifi is intelligently written; when even though the reader KNOWS that it's scifi, they find themselves forgetting it because they're becoming immersed in the wondrous world you've created. So, while doing a lot of detail on the quantum mechanics of how your protagonists cybernetic implants allow him/her/it to control their spaceship telepathically is really cool and all, does it make for engaging, immersive prose to go on and on about it for six chapters? Probably not. Two paragraphs, tops. You need to find the balance between technology and character, between textbookesque definitions that cause your eyes to gloss over and compelling storytelling.
We will continue with this article tomorrow. See you then!
Patrick is an author, blogger, podcaster and functional nerd who hangs out and publishes his stuff at his blog, ‘All Things From My Brain’ and on his twitter feed at twitter.com/atfmb. Patrick’s goal is to be a published author someday. His professional life is often odd and chaotic; having had so many different responsibilities and positions throughout the years, from tech/IT to marketing to sales, he can pretty much do whatever needs to get done – this, and the fact that he loves science fiction and fantasy, has led his bosses past and present to christen him as a ‘functional nerd’…
So, you want to write Science Fiction and/or Fantasy?
You are ready to join some of the great minds who have taken us to the center of the earth, the bottom of the sea, beyond the moon and stars, into parallel worlds and ancient times to visit fantastic worlds full of drama, intrigue, adventure and heartache.
Sound like what you had in mind?
Good. Let's get started.
Take out a piece of paper and a pen, boot up your favorite word processor, or load up your typewriter and start writing the next great science fiction/fantasy novel. Go on. I'll wait. *whistles a jaunty tune for a bit* How's it going? Oh, you need a little more before you can get started? Okay. Let's break it down then.
Science Fiction
What it takes to write good science fiction isn't necessarily that different from what it takes to write good fantasy, romance, mystery, or fiction, for that matter. You need time, patience, skill and vocabulary, among other things. Check out 'Elements of Style' for the basics.
There's lots of different kinds of science fiction out there and you need to choose the kind of scifi that interests you, that you enjoy reading. A truth in life is that you have to be happy in what you're doing or you won't keep doing it. Think back to the worst job you've ever had and why you quit. Was there anything in this world that could've kept you there? Anything? Apply that same rule to your writing; if you hate military scifi, why on earth would you ever try to write it? You will quickly become miserable and more than likely give up long before you produce anything. Don't put yourself through that. Write what you would read yourself. When you're first starting out, I'd even suggest going so far as to copy the style of a favorite author. Don't plagiarize their content, just write in their style and see how it feels - like trying on their coat at a party because you've never had a leather coat before and want to see what it's like. Not that I've ever done that before.
Moving on.
I know it may sound like a silly thing to suggest, but consider this as well; you may enjoy a certain genre but find out very quickly that you do NOT enjoy writing it. Play around a little, try some flash fiction in different genres and see what fits well with your style of writing. This will also help you to develop your own unique voice - Very Important, that.
Not only do you need to write what you like, but, as with any kind of creative writing, you want to play to your strengths and write what you know. Now, I'm not saying that, since you aren't a Kzzaxyti from the planet F5Q in the Beta Origami Pokemon star system that you can't write about them, just that you need to know who they are, what they are, where they live, how they live, how they get around, what they use for money - these sorts of things, before you put pen to paper, strike tine to drum or pixel to screen. (We call this world building - more on that in a bit.)
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to write books. Unless you're going to be writing a textbook for rocket scientists - then it would be helpful. But if you're writing a textbook for rocket scientists, I think you're on the wrong blog. Just saying...
The best scifi is intelligently written; when even though the reader KNOWS that it's scifi, they find themselves forgetting it because they're becoming immersed in the wondrous world you've created. So, while doing a lot of detail on the quantum mechanics of how your protagonists cybernetic implants allow him/her/it to control their spaceship telepathically is really cool and all, does it make for engaging, immersive prose to go on and on about it for six chapters? Probably not. Two paragraphs, tops. You need to find the balance between technology and character, between textbookesque definitions that cause your eyes to gloss over and compelling storytelling.
We will continue with this article tomorrow. See you then!
Jun 4, 2010
Sharing Stories
As I sit here preparing to write this article a unique opportunity presents itself to me. My son came into the office, sat down and asked me to tell him a story. Now this is not a new request although it is the first time he has asked me in the office. Normally when we are driving down the road or taking a walk he would ask for a story (or ten). I don't typically deny this request as he shows so much excitement and intrigue for my stories.
To him I tell the best stories. How do I know this? He has told me and all his friends that very thing. I'm not sure if I really do but they keep his interest and that is the important thing. It is a great time because I get to relate to him all the experiences of my childhood and even some of my parent's adventures.
This is a great way to teach them about their families and heritage. Sharing these stories also serves another purpose; they allow us to hone our skills by a different means. Instead of writing our stories on paper we are sharing them verbally. This exercise helps develop both flow and voice. It is very easy to pick up on the areas that are rough or don't sound right when you are actually telling the story to someone. I think this is why many will recommend that we read a portion of our stories out loud after we write it. This practice of telling stories is very helpful to me. As I am writing, or editing, my story I picture myself telling it to someone. Does it feel smooth? Does it carry the meaning and emotion? These are just a few questions that come to mind as I read.
To go a step further, I will actual begin telling a story to my wife based on the idea I am generating. This really gets the muse worked up but it gets my mind ready and prepared for the direction I want to go. By telling the first few paragraphs to my wife as a short story I am actually testing the flow and voice before hand. Will it work? I'm not sure but I do think it helps build momentum.
I believe telling stories verbally is a lost art that serves a purpose and has a place in today’s world of writing and publishing. I know a few authors actually read a portion of their stories at book signings and I cannot wait for the day when I can do a reading. You know, telling stories around a camp fire, in a darkened room or at a family gathering is the start and beginning of books. Until people wrote on scrolls and on parchment the only way to share news and stories was by.....yep, you guessed it - verbally.
Take the time to tell stories. If you have children they will provide you with a captive audience. If not, I'm sure you significant other or a family member will listen and enjoy also.
This is a great way to teach them about their families and heritage. Sharing these stories also serves another purpose; they allow us to hone our skills by a different means. Instead of writing our stories on paper we are sharing them verbally. This exercise helps develop both flow and voice. It is very easy to pick up on the areas that are rough or don't sound right when you are actually telling the story to someone. I think this is why many will recommend that we read a portion of our stories out loud after we write it. This practice of telling stories is very helpful to me. As I am writing, or editing, my story I picture myself telling it to someone. Does it feel smooth? Does it carry the meaning and emotion? These are just a few questions that come to mind as I read.
To go a step further, I will actual begin telling a story to my wife based on the idea I am generating. This really gets the muse worked up but it gets my mind ready and prepared for the direction I want to go. By telling the first few paragraphs to my wife as a short story I am actually testing the flow and voice before hand. Will it work? I'm not sure but I do think it helps build momentum.
I believe telling stories verbally is a lost art that serves a purpose and has a place in today’s world of writing and publishing. I know a few authors actually read a portion of their stories at book signings and I cannot wait for the day when I can do a reading. You know, telling stories around a camp fire, in a darkened room or at a family gathering is the start and beginning of books. Until people wrote on scrolls and on parchment the only way to share news and stories was by.....yep, you guessed it - verbally.
Take the time to tell stories. If you have children they will provide you with a captive audience. If not, I'm sure you significant other or a family member will listen and enjoy also.
Jun 2, 2010
Sardinian Silver - A Review
Title: Sardinian Silver
Author: A. Colin Wright
ISBN: 978-0-5954-8100-2
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 196
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:
To discover love is the greatest adventure.
During the 1960’s the island of Sardinia provided an exotic setting for Arthur Fraser in both business and pleasure.
Arthur, by trade, is a travel representative from England and has the good fortune of working the summer at this quiet, undeveloped tourist hotspot. Sardinia, off the coast of Italy, has charm and romance around every corner. Many come to soak up the sun, experience the relaxed lifestyle and absorb the culture but leave with much more. The island has also cast its spell on Arthur as he, with all his youthful vigor, is determined to find love or the idea of it.
Arthur soon develops a small circle of friends while pursuing the young ladies during his summer stay. These friends help him understand the customs and traditions of Sardinia while others remind him of home. It is not long before he is smitten by one particular Sardinian girl and finds himself going to the ends of the earth to win her heart. Unfortunately for our young Author, he has a lopsided competition for the girl’s love with one of his closest friends.
Love is, indeed, in the air for Arthur but not where he expects it to be. In his youthful exuberance he misses the signs of attraction and love that can be discovered only with age and experience. Will Arthur win the heart of the girl he loves or learn a very important lesson of life?
From the first word, A. Colin Wright’s love for Italy takes center stage. Instantly, you find yourself walking the streets of Sardinia with Arthur. You feel the sand between your toes as they relax at the beach. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to identify with Arthur as he confronts his torrent of emotions and desires in a setting rich with culture and beauty.
“Sardinian Silver” delivers the multiple levels of emotional development experienced by men in their youth. Wright has skillfully developed an exquisite group of settings in which the story unfolds. If you enjoy youthful romance surrounded by an exotic setting then “Sardinian Silver” is a must have.
If you would like to learn more about Author A. Colin Wright I recommend this SITE.
Jun 1, 2010
You Don't Read a Book - You Experience It
The Kindle, iPad, Sony Reader, and countless other types of technology are changing how we read books everyday. Do they change the experience of reading a book?
I have heard people say that you can tell if a book will be good or not by the way it smells. They would open the book near the center and give it a good sniff. I know, it sounds crazy but then again, they might have a point. When people, usually the younger crowd, look at books they see a reason to be bored or have memories of homework assignments. That completely changes the day they read a book from cover to cover and become captivated with the story. However, if simply reading a book was the experience then there would not be a debate going on right now. You can read a paperback just as easy as you can read it on a screen so there must be more to this.
As amazing as technology is today and will be tomorrow it still falls short of capturing the true experience. Sure, an e-reader is a cool new toy that gives you access to a huge amount of books instantly and the thin compact design is perfect to take on a trip with you but it is still lacking.
What is the true experience? Can the e-reader develop into something that can deliver that experience? I believe in time that the e-reader will deliver a new experience for the reader but not at this moment in time. The surprising thing about books is that they play on many, if not all, of the senses. Everything adds to the experience of reading a good book. The texture of the page against your fingers, the weight of the book in your hands, the colors and images on the cover and, yes, even the smell of the ink join together to deliver a story that plays in your mind like a movie.
This is the recipe for an experience that can be addictive. After we read a good book that has been complimented by these other, more subtle, ingredients we want more. At this time the e-readers cannot deliver some of the physical ingredients needed but like I said, it may in the future. In contrast, when these items fail to compliment the story we feel disappointed and let down. Who knows, maybe the smell of the ink and paper was so strong it became a distraction or maybe the cover just didn't work with the story. Either way, these things take away from the experience.
With that said, the e-readers could usher in a time when authors must elevate their skills and abilities. Why? The e-readers are lacking the other ingredients that add to the experience so the readers will scrutinize the story itself more then they normally would. I'm not sure if it is happening now but it could in the future when they become more popular and used more frequently.
At the end of the day, everything starts and ends on the strength of your story. It doesn't matter if your book is being read on an e-reader or in paperback. Our job, as writers, is to develop and deliver the strongest story we can. Once this is done the other ingredients will fall into place during publishing. Of course, we will need to watch over all of it.
No matter what technology brings us tomorrow; the reading experience will live on.
I have heard people say that you can tell if a book will be good or not by the way it smells. They would open the book near the center and give it a good sniff. I know, it sounds crazy but then again, they might have a point. When people, usually the younger crowd, look at books they see a reason to be bored or have memories of homework assignments. That completely changes the day they read a book from cover to cover and become captivated with the story. However, if simply reading a book was the experience then there would not be a debate going on right now. You can read a paperback just as easy as you can read it on a screen so there must be more to this.
As amazing as technology is today and will be tomorrow it still falls short of capturing the true experience. Sure, an e-reader is a cool new toy that gives you access to a huge amount of books instantly and the thin compact design is perfect to take on a trip with you but it is still lacking.
What is the true experience? Can the e-reader develop into something that can deliver that experience? I believe in time that the e-reader will deliver a new experience for the reader but not at this moment in time. The surprising thing about books is that they play on many, if not all, of the senses. Everything adds to the experience of reading a good book. The texture of the page against your fingers, the weight of the book in your hands, the colors and images on the cover and, yes, even the smell of the ink join together to deliver a story that plays in your mind like a movie.
This is the recipe for an experience that can be addictive. After we read a good book that has been complimented by these other, more subtle, ingredients we want more. At this time the e-readers cannot deliver some of the physical ingredients needed but like I said, it may in the future. In contrast, when these items fail to compliment the story we feel disappointed and let down. Who knows, maybe the smell of the ink and paper was so strong it became a distraction or maybe the cover just didn't work with the story. Either way, these things take away from the experience.
With that said, the e-readers could usher in a time when authors must elevate their skills and abilities. Why? The e-readers are lacking the other ingredients that add to the experience so the readers will scrutinize the story itself more then they normally would. I'm not sure if it is happening now but it could in the future when they become more popular and used more frequently.
At the end of the day, everything starts and ends on the strength of your story. It doesn't matter if your book is being read on an e-reader or in paperback. Our job, as writers, is to develop and deliver the strongest story we can. Once this is done the other ingredients will fall into place during publishing. Of course, we will need to watch over all of it.
No matter what technology brings us tomorrow; the reading experience will live on.
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