Thursday, April 30, 2015

Z: Zombies

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Don't forget to visit IWSG for our last inspiration post of the Challenge.

Zombies have been popular off and on over the years. A few shows and movies have tried to make them light-hearted creatures who are trying to fit into the world without eating people. But the most successful zombie creations have the flesh eaters as the mindless bad guys. Even when there is humor like in Zombie Land, the
zombies are terrible beings. World War Z tried to bring the possibility of a zombie apocalypse to the big screen with mediocre success. The biggest zombie success has to be the TV show, The Walking Dead. It's a dark, violent show with lots of desperation, loss and a showcase of survival instinct. Anti-heroes shine in the FX production. Online quizes pop up now and then where you can gage your chance of surviving the coming apocalypse.

Lesson: Apocalyptic story lines will always have be somewhat popular to readers. People enjoy speculating on how they would survive a world-wide disaster and therefore will enjoy watching your characters try to make it if you make it realistic. The zombie popularity in novels burned bright for a very short time  and then fizzled. Don't try to write to fads. You'll always be behind.
Here's some quotes from the world's most popular redneck.


Daryl Dixon: Peanut butter and jelly, diet soda, and pig's feet. That's a white trash brunch right there.

Jimmy: I want a gun. Daryl Dixon: And people in hell want slur-pee.

If you haven't had a chance to check this out yet, you should. You know you want one. A to Z's very own talented co-host, Jeremy Hawkins designed a survivor T-Shirt. You've survived the Challenge and now should reward yourself. Isn't it cool? Order yours right here.

Starting on Monday and continuing all next week, May 4th-8th, please write a reflections post about your experience this year during the A to Z Blogging Challenge. What was good? What could be better? Any really cool blogs you found and will love forever? Then add your link after you post to the linky list. Make sure the link goes directly to your reflections post. I'll have my post up on Monday but I'm taking a blogging break between now and then.

Do you think people like apocalyptic tales because they think we're heading for an extinction event? Are you a Walking Dead fan?  Have a different favorite zombie movie, show or book? Ever have the meal Daryl mentioned above?

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Y: Rick Yancy

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Visit the IWSG blog where I'm offering some writing inspiration for the Challenge.

Rick Yancy is the author of The Fifth Wave YA science fiction series. The first book is called The Fifth Wave, the second, The Infinite Sea, and the upcoming third book is The Last Star. I'm not a big fan of YA novels that have the teenagers saving the day while the adults cower nearby or any book where parents let their children sacrifice themselves like in The Hunger Games. I can't suspend my belief enough for that. But in Yancy's series, the adults are mostly all dead and the children have been spared for a reason. And that's the lovely thing about the books. You think you understand the purpose, but then you're not sure. An alien invasion happens in waves of destruction and the first book starts with the 5th wave. I'm not going to spoil it and tell you what it is, but it's scary and tense. At the center of the first book is Cassie, trying to stay alive and determined to rescue her little brother from Them. It's not easy because of the alien hunters who are searching out stray humans who have escaped the first few
waves. By the end of the book, you think you have an idea who the aliens are though their motives are unclear. Until you read the second book, and then you'll be like Jon Snow. You know nothing! The mystery is deeper than ever. Not all the characters in the books are who you thought they were for almost two entire novels. The things revealed at the end of the second novel blew apart everything I believed was going on.

Lesson: If the characters in a novel accept something as fact, the reader does too. Surprising the characters with a truth that completely twists their previous perceptions will rock the readers too. In a good way. If you can make the mystery deeper after two novels than it was after the first chapter, you're building some great suspense. A shocking ending to each book in a series will bring the reader back for the next one.
Here are some quotes from The Fifth Wave.

"Cruelty isn't a personality trait. Cruelty is a habit.” 

"How do you rid the Earth of humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.” 

"Because we will die, but at least we will die unbroken.” 

"What were they thinking? 'It's an alien apocalypse! Quick, grab the beer!” 

"There's an old saying about the truth setting you free. Don't buy it. Sometimes the truth slams the cell door shut and throws a thousand bolts.” 

What novel have you read that totally shocked you at the end with an unexpected twist? Do you think that quote about cruelty is true? How about the one about the truth? Would you grab the beer if hostile aliens invaded?


Tuesday, April 28, 2015

X: X-Files


My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Also stop by the IWSG blog for some writing inspiration for April.

This one if for your Heather M. Gardner. The TV show, The X-Files, broke new ground on TV. It was a strange show with a dark atmosphere, some dark humor and opened the door for all kinds of speculative fiction. It also was a show that gave new meaning to faithful (didn't say rabid, Heather) fans and one of the most
infamous 'ships' in TV history as fans wished for Mulder and Scully to get the romance thing going. The duo investigated all types of strange phenomenon that may or may not have to do with paranormal or alien influences. This show opened the doors for such favorites to come like Supernatural, True Blood and other shows of speculative fiction. If you want to know more about The X-Files please visit Heather M. Gardner.

Lesson: Humanity speculates about the unknown. Readers as well as TV viewers enjoy all kinds of speculative fiction so let your imagination soar. Try to think of something unique. Some romance and sexual tension can add depth and raise the stakes in a story. Even if writing a dark story, a little humor adds something to the tale.

Scully: Mulder, toads just fell from the sky!
Mulder: I guess their parachutes didn't open.

Scully: You have seen this before, I can tell. You lied to them.
Mulder: I would never lie. I willfully participated in a campaign of misinformation

Mulder: You know, they say when you talk to God it's prayer, but when God talks to you, it's schizophrenia.

Do you believe in aliens? Were, are, you a fan of The X-Files? What was the best part of the series, the humor, the relationship, the plots or the spooky atmosphere?


Monday, April 27, 2015

W: Way of Kings

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Don't forget to visit the IWSG blog for some inspiration on writing.

The Way of Kings is the first book in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archives with the second titled Words of Radiance. And both those titles are the names of books referred to within the book. Pretty cool. The world in this series is subjected to desolations which are some kind of collapse of the planet and society which occurs every so many hundred of years and throws civilization back to the stone age and kills 90% of the people. One such period is on the way.

If you're not familiar with Sanderson, he is one of the most prolific fantasy authors I know. He writes fast and his books are terrific. If I had to pick one author to read, it would be Sanderson. I'm going to stop fan-girling now. In this series, rumored to be ten books long, the first book weighed in at slightly over 1000 pages and the second one at 1100. And every page was interesting. The characters are heroic but flawed, the history behind the story doled out piece by piece, and the fantasy world
introduced a piece at a time. Sanderson starts with a handful of characters, all heavily involved in their own dramas and parts of a widening war and then draws them all together. Some meet during the first book but by the end of the second most of the main characters have joined forces, The stormlight is actually part of the magic used by people within the book. It's very unique, dangerous and pretty cool. Sanderson also keeps multiple projects going at the same time. Steelheart is the first book in his YA science fiction series, The Reckoners. It's awesome!

Lesson: If your story telling skills are good enough, your characters interesting enough and your plot complex enough, you can write a story that's very, very long. (If you're Brandon Sanderson). If you want to write long books or keep multiple projects going, you need to work hard at writing. Being prolific can really help your career. If you're going to read 1100 page books, it's easier to do on a Kindle than hold that huge book. And a clever, fitting name for a book rewards readers as if they've learned a secret by reading the novel that those who haven't read it can never know.

Some quotes from The Stormlight Archives

“Strength does not make one capable of rule; it makes one capable of service.” 

"Too many of us take great pains with what we ingest through our mouths, and far less with what we partake of through our ears and eyes.”

“To lack feeling is to be dead, but to act on every feeling is to be a child.” 

“The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.” 

Do you like reading long books? Who is the most prolific writer you know? Do you have trouble picking a title for your books or know a book with a very clever title? Can you tell by this post who my favorite fantasy author is? 



Saturday, April 25, 2015

V: V for Vendetta

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Please stop by the IWSG blog for some daily inspiration.

V For Vendetta is a movie based on a comic book. V wears a Guy Fawkes mask and works to take down a corrupt fascist government in some future world. Along the way, he helps Evey, a young woman to see the rot at the center of the ruling class. The movie is tense and dark. V is a mysterious character and it's difficult to decide at first if he's a good guy or a bad guy. He really is the ultimate anti-hero. V pricks and nips at the authorities until his final climatic victory, witnessed by thousands wearing his mask. Some people find the movie confusing and I did too the first time I saw it. I wasn't that familiar with what Guy Fawkes Day was or the significance of the date, November
5th. I didn't even like the movie until my kids talked me into watching it for the third time. I'm glad I did though I can never believe terrorism is the way to change things. V did only attack the government people and not helpless citizens.

Lesson: Themes about untrustworthy or corrupt governments and leaders are always popular. I'm not sure what that says about us in general. Readers empathize with people feeling betrayed by their leaders. People also believe that governments hide things from them. The stereotypes and exaggerated personalities might work in a movie or even a comic book but aren't likely to work in a novel.

"There's no flesh or blood within this cloak to kill. There's only an idea. Ideas are bulletproof.” V

“Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.” V

"People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” V

Have you ever watched this movie? Good, bad or just strange?  Are you familiar with the Guy Fawkes story? Do like any of the V quotes above?

Almost there for the grand finish. Enjoy your day off and brace for the final four days next week. 

Friday, April 24, 2015

U: Utothiaz

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Another great stop today would be the IWSG blog for some April inspiration. Today I'm going to feature a guest, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

U is for Utothiaz!

What the heck is that?

The Utothiaz (pronounced U-toe-thee-as) are one of the many races of aliens in my latest book, Dragon of the Stars. They are aggressive and stealthy in their war tactics, with a bold temper to match. Armed with one of the toughest ships in the galaxy, a war horse that can take a pounding, they are a formidable force.

They also cause a lot of problems for the people of Hyrath, and even more for the main character, Aden Pendar. He’s determined they will not best him though, which is why he seeks out a force even greater than the Utothiaz–the ship of legends, The Dragon.

The Utothiaz aren’t the only alien race in the story–there’s also the Khanze, Ormentas, and Biquentas. (Can you tell I have fun with alien names?)

And then there are the Kargrandes… What are the Kargrandes? Visit http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ for clues!

 Dragon of the Stars
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military
Print ISBN 9781939844064 EBook ISBN 9781939844057

The ship of legends…
The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter. But when the Alliance declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray and told he won’t make captain. One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?

Purchase:

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm.

 Lesson: Have fun with inventing names for the places and people you create. Use mystery in your book promotion. Strive to follow the example of the Ninja Captain.

Have you figured out what the Kargrandes are? Is figuring out names fun for you or a chore? What do you think of Alex's idea of the Kargrandes mystery to get the word and excitement out before the Dragon of the Stars release?

Also today is National Arbor Day so don't be afraid to plant a tree.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

T: Theft of Swords

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Find some inspiration to get you through the last week of the Challenge at the IWSG blog.

Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan is the first book in a three book series. It seems the simple tale of two friends who make their way in the world as thieves, taking on impossible jobs and getting them done. Right away the reader knows there's more to these two men than what they appear. Hints are sprinkled throughout from Hadrian's impressive skills with weapons and Royce's uncanny abilities with all sorts of things. At first they seem like happy go lucky wanderers until a caper lands entangles them in a big mess. Throughout the book that mess expands into a war and many near-death escapes for the heroes. And the entire time, Sullivan parcels out more clues to the origins of these two friends. Even when the
reader thinks they have it figured out, there is more twists that will keep you reading to the last page. And like many buddy stories, these two friends will win your heart. Their relationship is the bedrock of the story.

Lessons: A tale that starts in the middle and only gives hints of the characters' origins can be very gripping. Start with a simple plot, like the theft of a sword, and slowly blow it up like inflating a balloon and increasing tension. Drop hints of back story instead of giving it all away at once. Two protagonists with complementary skills make interesting duos for the buddy-like story line. In the years since the third and final book of this series has been published. Sullivan wrote two shorter novels exploring the beginnings of this unbreakable friendship. Each one covered about a year so I'm hoping he keeps writing them until he catches up to Theft of Swords.

Here's some of the clever banter between Royce and Hadrian

“You didn’t really hold back on Braga so Pickering could kill him, did you?” Royce asked after the two were left alone in the hallway.
“Of course not. I held off because it’s death for a commoner to kill a noble.”
“That’s what I thought.” Royce sounded relieved. “For a minute, I wondered if you’d gone from jumping on the good-deed wagon to leading the whole wagon train.” 


“Aren’t you going to say, I told you so?” Hadrian whispered.
“What would be the point in that?”
“Oh, so you’re saying that you’re going to hang on to this and throw it at me at some future, more personally beneficial moment?”
“I don’t see the point in wasting it now, do you?” 


Do you enjoy reading prequels to a book or series? Do you like the buddy/friendship trope in a story? Can you think of a great duo in literature, TV or movies that had great banter? 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

S: Stargate

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. More inspiration is found at the IWSG blog's take on the Challenge.

Stargate, the movie, is another great one with Kurt Russell as the star. A WWII era dig in the middle east reveals a metallic circle made of other-worldly material and strange markings. Move to modern day and the military discovers it's an alien device that can create wormholes to travel to other planets. Once there, they discover a civilization very much like ancient Egypt where the people work as slaves to mine a mineral for their god. Long story short, the Earthlings figure out the language of the planet because it's related to some ancient Earth dialects. After some deep soul searching and some casualties, the Earthlings help free the natives and kill the god. It was much more interesting than my description. I understand the makers of the movie intended to make sequels but they never did. TV took up the mantle and Stargate SG1 was a long running, successful program on Showtime and then SyFy
channel. The show picked up the story a few years after the movie events. It was a lot of fun with a mixture of humor, some light science and the weaving of human mythology into alien discoveries. The SG team visited hundreds of planets through the stargate over the years and discovered all levels of technology though I think the majority of the alien worlds were less advanced than Earth. The show had a long run and even a spinoff, Stargate Atlantis when they ventured into another galaxy. I loved both those shows.

Lessons: Any exploration of space and aliens would likely be controlled by military and government entities. Science is likely to take a back seat if we're ever invaded by aliens. Viewers and readers like the science light but they still expect it to make a little sense. One of the big issues with alien encounters would be a language issue. Stargate the show mostly ignored that so viewers had to suspend believe and accept that all planets in the universe spoke not only English, but American English. So don't let your science fiction book get bogged down in the language issue.

Of course, Jack O'Neill, is the source of much of the humor on Stargate SG1

Daniel: The Pentagon said this was everything.
Jack: Oh, please! The Pentagon's lost entire countries!


Narim: No harm will come to you. The Tollan will guarantee it.
Jack: Is that a "money back if you're not completely alive" guarantee?


Do you ever think about the language thing when you're watching a science fiction show with aliens? Do you think there are other humans or humanoid beings out there somewhere? Do you think science would take a back seat to the government and military if we ever did have an alien encounter on Earth? If you were a Stargate fan, which did you like best? The Movie? SG1?  Atlantis?




Tuesday, April 21, 2015

R: Anthony Ryan

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Hop over to the IWSG blog for some April inspiration.

Anthony Ryan has written a high fantasy trilogy that starts with the novel Blood Song. The cover grabbed my interest and when I opened the book it started with a ten page italicized epilogue written in first person by a narrator who is to witness and write about the death of the man who is the actual protagonist. This narrator hates the hero and can't wait to see him killed in a combat to the death. The reader realizes right away that what is happening is actually the end of the novel. The first chapter
then starts as the protagonist tells his story to this scribe who hates him. A few more observations of the narrator are inserted in the book but the rest of it is the life story of the man supposedly going to his death. In the second book, Tower Lord, the scribe has moved from observer to being part of the drama and action. What first seems a simple story of a boy raised in a harsh, disciplined sect expands as the boy's world expands into a complex fantasy world with complicated politics and surprise twists. Ryan also wrote his books with only a year in between and the third and last novel is coming out in July.

Lesson: The narrator of a story doesn't have to be friendly to the hero. That very hostility can throw emphasis on the better qualities of the protagonist. In war, the lines between good guys and bad guys can be blurred. Who is the good guy? You can make your hero as likable as you want as long as you give him enough human flaws. Secondary characters should be complex enough to surprise the reader when they show heroism or betrayal. Starting a book at the end can intrigue the reader to find out how the characters arrived there. Fantasy readers will love you if you don't make them wait too long for the next book in a series.

"Cruelty is in all of us,” he said. “But they made it a virtue."  Vaelin Al Sorna, Tower Lord

"Men who love themselves hate those who would dim their glory." From Blood Song

“A fool is any man who doesn’t think he’s a fool."  From Blood Song

Have you ever read a book where you didn't know who the good guys were or where there weren't any? Have you read a book that starts with the ending? Have you read a book where part of it is written in first person and part in third person?


Monday, April 20, 2015

Q: Quotations

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. And thanks for also keeping up with the A to Z Challenge posts on the IWSG blog where we're sharing an alphabet's worth of inspiration and encouragement.

At a recent writer's meeting, one of my friends said they'd like to be more active on Twitter but they just didn't any idea what to say. They didn't want to just go on and spam their book. What to share? I like to share links to other blogs or articles of interest but some days I share a quote that I like for one reason or another. My regular readers know I have shared quotes from The Old Farmer's Almanac but I have to come with more than those. I often browse through those clearance shelves at BAM and B&N, looking for reference books I can use. (Like I need more books, but I can't resist.) One of the cheap books I picked up months ago is Classic Quotations. It's filled with amusing, inspiring and provocative quotes from historic and
contemporary people of fame and infamy. I mentioned on 'A' day that The Art of War by Sun Tzu is also a great place to harvest a few good quotes. Or you can just google quotes from a movie, a book, a person and find something you'll probably like and can use to fill your blog or make your Facebook or Twitter feed interesting and perhaps a start of a conversation.

Lesson: Quotes make great conversation starters on social media. Adding quotes inform your readers a little bit about you by what you select. Sometimes clever people say things that you completely agree with but they say it so much better than you can. Use their words with proper credit to them. Only use quotes, not an entire passage or poem. That's usually illegal.

This quote is for me as I push myself to exercise every day.
"Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations."  Faith Baldwin

But I'm not really upset about aging but The Bard says it better.
"With mirth and laughter let old winkles come."  William Shakespeare

And for all us getting so much out of A to Z this month.
"The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can teak it away from you."  B.B. King

Do you ever use quotes on your social media feeds? Are you learning some things from A to Z? Do you troll through the clearance sections at bookstores? Do you sometimes re-tweet quotes that hit a cord with you?

Saturday, April 18, 2015

P: The Princess Bride


My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. And today I'm posting at the IWSG blog and reminding you to pamper yourself.

The Princess Bride proves that the best stories are actually love stories. The search for true love is filled with danger and adventure and over the top characters. If you haven't seen the movie, (are there people who haven't?) you owe to yourself to check it out. The movie doesn't take itself seriously which is what makes it so fun. And it have everything. a beautiful innocent peasant girl raised to princess, an arrogant villainous prince and his minions, a gifted swordsman committed to revenge, a kind-hearted giant, an evil genius, powerful wizards and a mysterious pirate and a story of true love. Hilarious dialogue and the hope for a happily-ever-after complete this film meant for adults and children alike.

Lesson: All great stories are love stories no matter how much action and adventure is mixed in. A novel or movie doesn't need a lot of kissing or sexual content to be romantic. Great movies are filled with quotable lines that live on forever. 





Do you have favorite quotes from this movie? Can you think of another movie that is a great romance with very little kissing or sexual content? Do you think you've written any great quotes into any of your book?

Friday, April 17, 2015

O: Once Upon a Time

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. You can also find lots of inspiration at the IWSG blog the entire month.

I may have mentioned on this blog how much I enjoy the TV show, Once Upon a Time both as entertainment and for the amazing writing and plotting in the program. The characters are fairy tale characters ripped from their enchanted worlds where magic is common to our world where they try to cope with the histories they shared in that other world. The writers do an excellent job of creating terrible villains and then  exploring what turned that character undo their evil path. And many times redeeming the bad guys. The fairy tales they explore are usually based more on the origin tales rather than the Disney animated interpretations. And no one is a perfect, sin-free hero either. Family
dynamics are complicated and entangled. The writers run a theme through a season such as what home is, what makes a hero or a villain and accepting people for who they are. And the characters are all searching for their happy ending like a book come to life. Some of my favorite twists they've used is that creepy Peter Pan was the bad guy. Captain Hook was driven to villainy and trying to redeem himself. Rumpelstiltskin is the beast from Beauty and the Beast and is the biggest villain of all, Snow White has become friends with the Evil Queen. Red Riding Hood is a werewolf and even more familiar fairy tale characters are told.

Lesson: People still enjoy the retelling of classic fairy tales. Those classics can be twisted and retold to make them fresh and interesting. Making villains complicated and sympathetic adds depth and emotion to stories. Don't make the heroes squeaking clean or too perfect.

Captain Hook
Once Upon a Time
"If only your wits matched your looks." Cruella de Vil to Prince Charming

"Magic always comes with a price." Everyone on Once Upon a Time at some point

"Careful, Mate. It's unwise to insult the size of a pirate's ship." Captain Hook

Do you believe that fairy tales still make popular reading material? Is there a TV show where the writing really impresses you? Can you name a good book or movie where the villain is redeemed?


Thursday, April 16, 2015

N: The Name of the Wind

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. And the IWSG blog is participating in the challenge. Check it out.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is a book that could be very confusing if you're trying to figure out a timeline for what's going on. The book starts in the present but it takes only a few pages for the reader knows there's something very mysterious and special about the innkeeper. And something sinister is happening across the lands. But then his simple innkeeper, Kvothe, starts telling his story to a biographer. His tale begins when he was a happy child traveling with his family's company of entertainers. The novel goes back and forth from the far past to the ominous present. Superior writing really makes Kvothe's back story intriguing and at the same time hungering to know what is happening in the present. And how did Kvothe grow from that young, eager student to the
grim, secretive man he is now. And the miserly clues draw you deeper into the mystery. And the second book, The Wise Man's Fear deepens the mystery with sparse glimpses into the present while continuing to delve into the past. In case you couldn't tell, I love this series. Patrick doesn't write as slowly as George  RR Martin, but he's not speedy either.

Lesson: If you do it right, starting a book in the middle (or is it the end?) can really intrigue and capture readers. Bouncing back and forth from past to present can also work, especially if tiny threads connect the events in present and past. Rothfuss has a few secondary characters who are so different and interesting, the reader really wants to know more about them. And he's an expert at feeding the reader tidbits. Painfully slow but worth it. This is something I try to work on in every book. As a reader I love a surprise at the end where I realize all the clues were there and I missed them.

“The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.” Kvothe in The Name of the Wind

“You are not wise enough to fear me as I should be feared.” Bast, one of the mysterious characters in The Name of the Wind

Do you enjoy books that are written in chronological order or ones that go back and forth from present to past? Are you good at doling out the secrets and clues a bit at a time? Have you read Patrick Rothfuss?

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

M: George RR Martin

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. And stop by IWSG blog for some inspiration all month long.

Most readers and writers have heard of  The Game of Thrones and George RR Martin who writes the book series, A Song of Fire and Ice. The books are famous for killing off popular characters and HBO has rocketed the series to stardom. For the show fans who haven't read the books, some of the violent endings to characters is shocking. Martin is also know by book fans as one of the most frustratingly slow writers ever. His longest stretch between books in a series is 6 years. That's a long time to keep readers waiting and a good way for most writers to lose fans. Thanks to the HBO series, Martin continues to sell the first books in the series. I had started reading the series years before the TV show came into being so the violent deaths didn't surprise me. That HBO would make the show
knowing that the writer hadn't finished the books yet did surprise me. The show is good. The books are good though not my favorite. Martin had been accused by fans of being lazy, not having the story plotted out and not knowing where its characters are going or where it will end. Some think he kills characters just for the shock, or that he has too many plots going and is constantly adding new characters and ignoring the story lines of the original characters. 

Lesson: If you're going to write really slow, you better have a loyal fan base. Slow won't work for most of us. Kill your characters if it makes the story better but not just for shock. Know the ending of your story before you start it. If HBO offers you a contract, write at whatever pace you want.

"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die" Cersei Lannister

"A dragon is not a slave." Daenerys Targaryen

How quickly do you expect an author to write the next book in a series? Know any authors slower than Martin? Have you read a book where a character's death disturbed and didn't seem to make the book better? Are you a fan of these books or the HBO show?