I would like to take a few minutes and talk about one of the most interesting novels I've come across as of yet. Through its title, Cusk makes a thesis statement - the myth of characters, she might as well say, is holding the novel back. Faye, the novel's main character, is strangely absent from... Continue Reading →
This is the Diary of High Imperial Supreme Sourceror, Sheikh, Sovereign, Suzerain and Ship Captain Maus. If lost and found, please return to: The City (capital of The Empire), 0000, Imperial Palace, Seat of the Empire, Throne Room. Any of them is alright, really. Upon return, you shall be rewarded, and promptly murdered for having... Continue Reading →
Work on my reputation. Mercenaries are, by far and large, despised for their tendency to, er, switch sides at the slightest bit of trouble. But there's good money to be earned when you're known for loyalty, 'specially when you've got the employer to appreciate it. Never leave a job unfinished and a commision incomplete. Staunchness is... Continue Reading →
If you missed Part one of this chapter, click here. CREATING YOUR HERO ...is a complex process that requires a number of steps. The most important outlook you need to have is that you must build the character in layers. Step 1: Meeting the Requirements of a Great Hero Make sure that your hero meets... Continue Reading →
There are many ways to start the writing process. Some writers prefer to do it by breaking the story in its seven primary steps--to be explored in Chapter 3. Most begin with the shortest expression of the story as a whole, the premise line. The premise is your story stated in one sentence. As soon... Continue Reading →
Early on, when I first started sharing my writing, a number of people gave me the following advice: Show, don't tell. That's good advice, I thought; it helped me in identifying a particular weakness my writing had at the time. The more I thought about it, the more I realised that this particular piece of... Continue Reading →
How do we create memorable characters? Well, you'd need a dozen eggs, a bit of vanilla and seventeen cups of sugar to make your average Mary Sue; or you could whip yourself good old-fashioned one-dimensional characters by doing the same thing you'd do to get stale bread -- don't spend any time cooking them up... Continue Reading →
Diary Entry #0175 I find my Ex-Wife standing in the ruins of an ancient temple not far from the center of town. Mine Librarians have, by now, subjugated all local authorities, and have made their base unto the small library in town. 'Tis a pitiful reliquary of knowledge but it shall feed their hunger for... Continue Reading →
Diary Entry #0170 Mine power sizzles and crackles with a terrible itch to be used. But I mustn't allow myself any distraction for the chase grows ever closer and more heated. Strange, this heat; unnatural, even. Almost does it remind me of...but no, it cannot be. Great challenges did we overcome since the foul princeling's... Continue Reading →
Research has the dubious distinction of being an insanely interesting part of writing...as well as an occasionally tedious task that everyone would much rather shove for another point in time. Researching is a bit like going down a street whose exit is just ahead, but somehow, you keep getting sidetracked by the litany of architectural... Continue Reading →
