One of the biggest enticements to write fiction is the ability to express ourselves through vivid use of imagination. We can do, say, and create virtually any reality we want on the page simply through a few pencil or keystrokes. Nowhere is this truer than in science-fiction and fantasy, where we are given virtually a clean slate to create everything right down to the very world in which the story is set. And our readers are well aware of this. So what, one might ask, has believability got to do with any of it? And the answer is (at least if you are going for a successful book): everything.
Continue reading “Making Fantasies Real: The Art of Plausibility”The Pros and Cons of Making Books Into Films
The book is always better.
That’s what they say, anyway, and for the most part I agree. There isn’t much that the big screen can do that the pages of a book and a little imagination can’t do better. That said, movies do serve their purpose, as I intend to outline here.Continue reading “The Pros and Cons of Making Books Into Films”
The Pros and Cons of E-Books
I’m no big fan of e-readers (as you can probably tell if you’ve read some of my former posts). I never have been, and never will be. While I do own one, I’ve never quite been comfortable with using it the way I am with printed, bound works. With that in mind, here’s my list of good and bad things about e-books. Feel free to mention if I missed any features, positive or negative, in the comment area below.Continue reading “The Pros and Cons of E-Books”
Plans for December
November was a relatively quiet month, as expected. It saw the typing up of my semi-final draft of my YA anthology, and that’s about it.
December should be a bit busier as I attempt to wrap things up and brace for the new year. I will review and edit the next book in my Sauragia series, give the first review/edit to my YA anthology, then maybe do some outlining and make some drawings for next spring’s anthology (all while enjoying the holiday season, of course).
Cyber Monday Sale!
Today only, receive 50% off e-book copies of Sauragia from select e-tailers!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Have a wonderful day with family and friends, and don’t overstuff yourself too much.
Outlining Your Story
Outlining can be a useful tool, but only if done properly. Of course, what constitutes proper outlining is subject to the occasion. There are some who prefer not to bother with any planning at all, but it’s worth trying at least once, and so I’ll highlight a few methods I’ve come across here.Continue reading “Outlining Your Story”
My Ten Favorite Book Series
I was a tad pressed for time this week, so here’s another top 10 list. This time the subject is my 10 favorite book series! These selections exclude nonfiction, short stories, picture or poetry books, sagas, etc. (The numbers in parentheses indicate how many novel-length books are in each series. All book titles are listed below with my favorite asterisked.) For once, they are in order.Continue reading “My Ten Favorite Book Series”
Sci-Fi or Fantasy: The Fine Line Between Genres
What is the difference between Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Lord of the Rings?
It’s a common enough question (among a few folks, anyway) with a common enough set of answers. To some, there is no difference: both are speculative fiction (i. e. deal with made-up worlds and situations). To other, more devout followers of these genres, the differences are as clear as day. Whatever the level of discussion is, the fact remains that while they do often end up lumped together by fans and publishers alike, there is nevertheless that / separating science fiction from fantasy, suggesting that there are indeed distinctions to be drawn between the two. Hopefully this post will help clarify, if not completely solve, this issue.Continue reading “Sci-Fi or Fantasy: The Fine Line Between Genres”
!!!New Site!!!
I am pleased to announce the launch of a new weblog, Random History 365. It will be dedicated to delivering random historical facts and short summaries about events on the very date that they occurred (or as close to as possible). Some will be special anniversaries, but most will just be dates I happen to know or find interesting. Go check it out if you’re interested!