Hello all,
In a sudden move that may shock and dishearten you, I’ve decided not to write The Power of Six as this year’s NaNoWriMo-challenge.
I’ve thought of another story, one that suits my personality better. No matter what I did with tPoS, it always felt too ‘normal’. So now, I’m going to concentrate on this other story, which is much more of a character piece. There are only two weeks left, but I’m certain that’ll be enough to make this work.
I might still write tPoS at a later time (mostly because I do like the characters and basic mythology), but the other story is the one I want to write next month.
I’ll create a new blog for it soon.
For now, this blog will be closed. I’ll re-open it if I ever do get back to work on the Power of Six.
TTFN.
The making of a NaNoWriMo novel
Friday, 15 October 2010
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Wri Wednesdays: The importance of background information
Hi all,
It’s time to discuss the importance of background information. As a writer, especially a fantasy writer, you create an entire world, filled with people, places and all sorts of events both past and present (sometimes future too, but this is rather pointless in most cases). In order to make such a fictional world believable, you need to know every detail. When your characters enter a city, you need to know what it looks like, who lives there and which significant events made it what it is today. I personally like to think about the way that city was first founded as well, but I may be going too far with these things.
As far as characters are concerned, you need to know them inside and out. Who are they and how did they get to be this way? Which life-events shaped their personalities? What kind of life do they come from? How do they react to certain situations?
Of course, creating a lot of background information while the story isn’t finished means some things won’t make it to the final product.
For the Power of Six, I created a back-story for Lana. It involved her parents being highly religious, which interfered with her desire to go to the Temple. I created the religion her parents were part of, including Bible-like stories they could reference. Lana’s back-story changed and the religion will now go unused.
Kym used to be a lesbian, including past romances (every one of the main character’s love lives has been described). She is now straight and her past lovers have been erased from memory.
Nothing else has changed much so far, but the possibility is always there. This can mean I’m doing work now that’ll prove to be fruitless, but I’d rather have that than a half-finished world. After all, telling a story is mostly about it being believable. If people don’t believe in it, they won’t care. So for now, I’m building up the back-story as much as possible.
TTFN.
It’s time to discuss the importance of background information. As a writer, especially a fantasy writer, you create an entire world, filled with people, places and all sorts of events both past and present (sometimes future too, but this is rather pointless in most cases). In order to make such a fictional world believable, you need to know every detail. When your characters enter a city, you need to know what it looks like, who lives there and which significant events made it what it is today. I personally like to think about the way that city was first founded as well, but I may be going too far with these things.
As far as characters are concerned, you need to know them inside and out. Who are they and how did they get to be this way? Which life-events shaped their personalities? What kind of life do they come from? How do they react to certain situations?
Of course, creating a lot of background information while the story isn’t finished means some things won’t make it to the final product.
For the Power of Six, I created a back-story for Lana. It involved her parents being highly religious, which interfered with her desire to go to the Temple. I created the religion her parents were part of, including Bible-like stories they could reference. Lana’s back-story changed and the religion will now go unused.
Kym used to be a lesbian, including past romances (every one of the main character’s love lives has been described). She is now straight and her past lovers have been erased from memory.
Nothing else has changed much so far, but the possibility is always there. This can mean I’m doing work now that’ll prove to be fruitless, but I’d rather have that than a half-finished world. After all, telling a story is mostly about it being believable. If people don’t believe in it, they won’t care. So for now, I’m building up the back-story as much as possible.
TTFN.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
No Saturdays: Meet Lana
Hey all,
Today, you’re going to meet a very special person. She’s had some hardships in life, but her spirit never lets down. Having finally found out who she is, she’s set out on her way to become who she can be. Let’s meet Lana!
Oh hello, I was wondering when you were going to turn up. It’s been
three days since I’ve left home and it’s been a rather lonely path so far. The only time I think I can hear others is during the night, and I believe that’s just because I’m a bit frightened. After all, it is my first time away from home and even if home wasn’t the most pleasant of places, it was still a place I felt safe. Now I’m alone for the first time in my life, and I can’t say I’m enjoying it much. Father said there will be others like me on their way too, I do so hope he’s right. It’d be simply wonderful to meet others who can do the things I can do, if only to know for sure that I’m not alone in all this. It’s been pretty difficult not to go wrong in the nights. I do become afraid, and I really must learn to control my emotions. Perhaps it’s a good thing I haven’t met anybody yet, I dearly dread hurting anyone. So alone I go, at least for the time being. I just hope father will keep his promise.
That’s all for this week, I’ve got a personal life to get back to.
TTFN.
Today, you’re going to meet a very special person. She’s had some hardships in life, but her spirit never lets down. Having finally found out who she is, she’s set out on her way to become who she can be. Let’s meet Lana!
Oh hello, I was wondering when you were going to turn up. It’s been
three days since I’ve left home and it’s been a rather lonely path so far. The only time I think I can hear others is during the night, and I believe that’s just because I’m a bit frightened. After all, it is my first time away from home and even if home wasn’t the most pleasant of places, it was still a place I felt safe. Now I’m alone for the first time in my life, and I can’t say I’m enjoying it much. Father said there will be others like me on their way too, I do so hope he’s right. It’d be simply wonderful to meet others who can do the things I can do, if only to know for sure that I’m not alone in all this. It’s been pretty difficult not to go wrong in the nights. I do become afraid, and I really must learn to control my emotions. Perhaps it’s a good thing I haven’t met anybody yet, I dearly dread hurting anyone. So alone I go, at least for the time being. I just hope father will keep his promise. That’s all for this week, I’ve got a personal life to get back to.
TTFN.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Wri Wednesdays: Getting the story straight
Hey all,
There’s little less than a month to go before I start writing, so it’s crunch time. Luckily, things are actually on track (as far as I’ve thought ahead, I’m sure I’m missing a great deal of things).
At the moment, I’m trying to get the story to flow right. That means I’m putting all the key scenes I thought of earlier into a document and start shifting them around. This enables me to see how scenes can transition into each other, and keep things from becoming too episodic. I can now place where I want certain characteristics to show and how to include everyone in the main narrative.
I’m now on my second pass, which already flows much better than the first one. Both passes lacked an ending though, as I’m simply not sure how I want to wrap things up yet. I got a lot closer today, which I choose to count as a point for me.
This scene-scheme is sort of like a storyboard, in that it really allows me to tweak the finer points of the story and see what works and doesn’t before actually producing the novel. I hope to finish this stage this week, after which I can begin work on the map of the area. I hope I can come up with the rest while writing. That’s some of the fun; not knowing every little detail, but making some things up as you go along. NaNoWriMo is about to start, and I hope to be ready.
TTFN.
There’s little less than a month to go before I start writing, so it’s crunch time. Luckily, things are actually on track (as far as I’ve thought ahead, I’m sure I’m missing a great deal of things).
At the moment, I’m trying to get the story to flow right. That means I’m putting all the key scenes I thought of earlier into a document and start shifting them around. This enables me to see how scenes can transition into each other, and keep things from becoming too episodic. I can now place where I want certain characteristics to show and how to include everyone in the main narrative.
I’m now on my second pass, which already flows much better than the first one. Both passes lacked an ending though, as I’m simply not sure how I want to wrap things up yet. I got a lot closer today, which I choose to count as a point for me.
This scene-scheme is sort of like a storyboard, in that it really allows me to tweak the finer points of the story and see what works and doesn’t before actually producing the novel. I hope to finish this stage this week, after which I can begin work on the map of the area. I hope I can come up with the rest while writing. That’s some of the fun; not knowing every little detail, but making some things up as you go along. NaNoWriMo is about to start, and I hope to be ready.
TTFN.
Saturday, 2 October 2010
No Saturdays: Random facts
Hey all,
It's Saturday and you know what that means! More info about the story!
I don't want to introduce another character just yet, because that would become too predictable. However, I also don't know anything else I can tell you about (without giving too much away). So here are some random facts (which are all subject to change).
* The main antagonist will be introduced in the same manner as the main characters. He'll also have scenes focusing on his story in the novel.
* The characters in this book are on a journey to the Temple, where their powers will truly be released. The antagonist is headed there for much the same reason, but with very different motivations.
* Each main character will at one point have the choice to help the others, or desert them.
* The 'Six' in the title is not what you probably think.
* There may be some romance involved.
* Old myths can be interpreted in a myriad of ways, or be based on things other than facts.
* Controlling your emotions is a must.
* The world is already changing. Now is the time to act, the only time it'll ever be possible to restore the world to its old ways. Or to destroy it altogether.
That's all you're getting this week, but I daresay it's enough. Less than a month to go before I start writing! I'm working on putting the story together now, shifting scenes from one place to another, figuring out what works and what doesn't. I really hope I'll be able to get all the prep work done in time.
TTFN.
It's Saturday and you know what that means! More info about the story!
I don't want to introduce another character just yet, because that would become too predictable. However, I also don't know anything else I can tell you about (without giving too much away). So here are some random facts (which are all subject to change).
* The main antagonist will be introduced in the same manner as the main characters. He'll also have scenes focusing on his story in the novel.
* The characters in this book are on a journey to the Temple, where their powers will truly be released. The antagonist is headed there for much the same reason, but with very different motivations.
* Each main character will at one point have the choice to help the others, or desert them.
* The 'Six' in the title is not what you probably think.
* There may be some romance involved.
* Old myths can be interpreted in a myriad of ways, or be based on things other than facts.
* Controlling your emotions is a must.
* The world is already changing. Now is the time to act, the only time it'll ever be possible to restore the world to its old ways. Or to destroy it altogether.
That's all you're getting this week, but I daresay it's enough. Less than a month to go before I start writing! I'm working on putting the story together now, shifting scenes from one place to another, figuring out what works and what doesn't. I really hope I'll be able to get all the prep work done in time.
TTFN.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Wri Wednesdays: Author's trademarks
As a creator, you put a lot of yourself into whatever it is you create. Be it a written text, a drawing, a decorated mug or a personalised shirt. As such, your personality defines your work.
I think it’s important to have these personal traits shining through in whatever you make. It makes your project unique and personal. Thinking about it, there are some things that return in a lot of my stories. Some of these are also part of The Power of Six.
- Non-linear storytelling. I prefer to start the story by focusing on one character, then switching to another one on a cliff-hanger. This happens in most of my stories. It’s heavily featured in The Power of Six, where each character is introduced in their own mini-story, only to come together later on.
- Character cameos. Okay, this is mostly about two stories I’ve not written down yet, but that doesn’t matter. I like taking a character from one story and putting it into another one. In the case of this novel, one main character from another story is set to have a cameo. However, since his story hasn’t been written yet, no one but me will know. Which is fine, I just like knowing he has a place in this story.
- Death. There’s always death in my stories. Either a major character dies, or someone very close to them. I won’t say which it’ll be in TPoS (maybe even both), but it’s definitely part of it. I like exploring how the characters react to these situations. It also shows what’s at stake; there’s real danger to be found.
I believe those are the major ones, though I’m sure there are more. Dealing with such trademarks might make it more difficult to come up with stories that aren’t too much alike, but I don’t think I’ve crossed that line just yet. Finding ways to include trademarks can actually be quite entertaining.
That’s all for this week’s Wri Wednesday, be sure to check back on Saturday!
TTFN.
I think it’s important to have these personal traits shining through in whatever you make. It makes your project unique and personal. Thinking about it, there are some things that return in a lot of my stories. Some of these are also part of The Power of Six.
- Non-linear storytelling. I prefer to start the story by focusing on one character, then switching to another one on a cliff-hanger. This happens in most of my stories. It’s heavily featured in The Power of Six, where each character is introduced in their own mini-story, only to come together later on.
- Character cameos. Okay, this is mostly about two stories I’ve not written down yet, but that doesn’t matter. I like taking a character from one story and putting it into another one. In the case of this novel, one main character from another story is set to have a cameo. However, since his story hasn’t been written yet, no one but me will know. Which is fine, I just like knowing he has a place in this story.
- Death. There’s always death in my stories. Either a major character dies, or someone very close to them. I won’t say which it’ll be in TPoS (maybe even both), but it’s definitely part of it. I like exploring how the characters react to these situations. It also shows what’s at stake; there’s real danger to be found.
I believe those are the major ones, though I’m sure there are more. Dealing with such trademarks might make it more difficult to come up with stories that aren’t too much alike, but I don’t think I’ve crossed that line just yet. Finding ways to include trademarks can actually be quite entertaining.
That’s all for this week’s Wri Wednesday, be sure to check back on Saturday!
TTFN.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
No Saturdays: Meet Shaun
Hey all,
Yes, it's time to meet the second main character. Before we get to that though, here's where things are on the shaping of the story.
I've completed work on the main characters, having finally finalised the last of the six yesterday. I'm happy with the way they turned out and think they'll work together quite well. Everyone has a purpose in the story, which is of course of pivotal importance. I've started work on some other characters and know which elements from another story I'm going to put into this one (that's one of my 'things', putting characters or places from one story into another). I know some of the bigger scenes and essentially only have to figure out how to string them together without it all becoming too episodic.
I've also decided on the format I'm going to use for this story. I hope it'll bring some more uniqueness to the project, as the story itself is pretty bland. But hey, at least I'm not pretending not to know that!
Anyway, meet Shaun!
Name: Shaun
Age: 31
Hi, nice to meet you. I've got to say, it's a bit weird talking to someone after all these years on my own. I just hope I'll be able to remember my manners and speak eloquently enough not to upset you in any way.
You see, I've lived a pretty sheltered life these past few years. It's all because of this power, which I suppose is the very reason you've come to look for me. Well, I never knew it was something out of the ordinary. Not until I used it in the company of my parents, at least. They were very quick to let me know it wasn't a normal thing to do. In fact, it scared them so much, they had me psychologically analysed! The doctors all said I was imagining things, that these things didn't happen in the real world. Perhaps they were right, I'm still not sure what to believe. Fact is, I haven't been able to stop. My parents eventually had me committed into a clinic. I absolutely hated living there, but there was no way they were going to let me go. It took me five years, but I escaped the dreadful place. That's when I moved here, to be on my own. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to continue that life. I hope you've got all the information you wanted, but I warn you not to invade my privacy any longer. Goodbye.
TTFN.
Yes, it's time to meet the second main character. Before we get to that though, here's where things are on the shaping of the story.
I've completed work on the main characters, having finally finalised the last of the six yesterday. I'm happy with the way they turned out and think they'll work together quite well. Everyone has a purpose in the story, which is of course of pivotal importance. I've started work on some other characters and know which elements from another story I'm going to put into this one (that's one of my 'things', putting characters or places from one story into another). I know some of the bigger scenes and essentially only have to figure out how to string them together without it all becoming too episodic.
I've also decided on the format I'm going to use for this story. I hope it'll bring some more uniqueness to the project, as the story itself is pretty bland. But hey, at least I'm not pretending not to know that!
Anyway, meet Shaun!
Name: Shaun
Age: 31
Hi, nice to meet you. I've got to say, it's a bit weird talking to someone after all these years on my own. I just hope I'll be able to remember my manners and speak eloquently enough not to upset you in any way.
You see, I've lived a pretty sheltered life these past few years. It's all because of this power, which I suppose is the very reason you've come to look for me. Well, I never knew it was something out of the ordinary. Not until I used it in the company of my parents, at least. They were very quick to let me know it wasn't a normal thing to do. In fact, it scared them so much, they had me psychologically analysed! The doctors all said I was imagining things, that these things didn't happen in the real world. Perhaps they were right, I'm still not sure what to believe. Fact is, I haven't been able to stop. My parents eventually had me committed into a clinic. I absolutely hated living there, but there was no way they were going to let me go. It took me five years, but I escaped the dreadful place. That's when I moved here, to be on my own. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to continue that life. I hope you've got all the information you wanted, but I warn you not to invade my privacy any longer. Goodbye.
TTFN.
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