Den Warren's Blog, page 3
September 17, 2016
How I Put Together My Monster Killing Book
When we were kids we liked to watch the black and white sci-fi movies, with an element of horror in them. All the drama of the victims was not so much different than the way some people act when they see a spider or a mouse. Who can not like that?
Than is what I was working to capture in my novella, Scorc Hunters. I think if I was twelve again, I would love reading Scorc Hunters. Even at my now advanced old age, I think it is pretty good, but after you edit it six times you lose a lot of the zeal for it.
One of my previous releases, the dystopian Kings and Clans Trilogy had a pre-made post-collapse of the US universe that I reasoned was a suitable setting for my monsters, so I used that. The series has been my most popular by far, so I thought my readers would like it. If interest increases a bit, maybe I'll add another book.
Kings and Clans Trilogy
I added some humor to the book, as I did in my superhero books, K-Tron and Metahuman Wars. I find it impossible to take my own stories overly serious and thoroughly enjoy having some comic relief. Anyone who likes superhero prose humor, or just humor must check these out.
Metahuman Wars
Recently, I have been reading DOZENS of psychology books for a non-fiction project, so I found it fun to get into the antagonist's head. It seemed to work out. A year ago I could have never done it as well. I recommend aspiring authors read psychology books as much as I do books on writing.
So I published my book. Those liking action and humor will find it entertaining. But like my superhero book, those innovative reader/reviewers just don't show up, so an easy, fun read goes undiscovered. I think even a big fat negative review would be better than nothing. Some people gravitate to the woefully awful, just so they can laugh at it.
Maybe I should write a story about how a frustrated author kidnaps people to read his book, and tortures them until they leave a review.
Scorc Hunters: Zero Containment
Than is what I was working to capture in my novella, Scorc Hunters. I think if I was twelve again, I would love reading Scorc Hunters. Even at my now advanced old age, I think it is pretty good, but after you edit it six times you lose a lot of the zeal for it.
One of my previous releases, the dystopian Kings and Clans Trilogy had a pre-made post-collapse of the US universe that I reasoned was a suitable setting for my monsters, so I used that. The series has been my most popular by far, so I thought my readers would like it. If interest increases a bit, maybe I'll add another book.
Kings and Clans Trilogy
I added some humor to the book, as I did in my superhero books, K-Tron and Metahuman Wars. I find it impossible to take my own stories overly serious and thoroughly enjoy having some comic relief. Anyone who likes superhero prose humor, or just humor must check these out.
Metahuman Wars
Recently, I have been reading DOZENS of psychology books for a non-fiction project, so I found it fun to get into the antagonist's head. It seemed to work out. A year ago I could have never done it as well. I recommend aspiring authors read psychology books as much as I do books on writing.
So I published my book. Those liking action and humor will find it entertaining. But like my superhero book, those innovative reader/reviewers just don't show up, so an easy, fun read goes undiscovered. I think even a big fat negative review would be better than nothing. Some people gravitate to the woefully awful, just so they can laugh at it.
Maybe I should write a story about how a frustrated author kidnaps people to read his book, and tortures them until they leave a review.
Scorc Hunters: Zero Containment
The Pitfalls of Author Collaboration
At one time it sounded like it would be fun to collaborate with other writers in a project. Now, I have my doubts.
It seems as if there are too many things that would cause tension during a project:
Unequal Energy Levels: I write like crazy. Even though I have a full time job, I can put out lots of writing. Others want to ponder and are too busy to get anything done to the point you are convinced they never will. So then there you are, a friend that you share a lot in common with you are in a position you may have to fire them. If I am disagreeable to get along with in a joint project, it would be most likely on sharing workload.
Differing Worldview: Some are politically left or right, some are libertarian or rigid statists. Some think dialogue should include expletives and vulgarities, while others do not, or have certain words they don't tolerate. Honestly, I am probably not very agreeable on this either.
The Money: How can everyone be compensated for their contribution to the work? A flat per word fee is okay, but what if the work becomes a breakout success? At least that is what every contributing author thinks about. I worry more about cheating someone, or their perception of being cheated than grabbing my own share. Either way, it is a distraction.
Promotion Afterwards: What if one or more parties do not feel the need to help with promotion of the work? Will all that effort be for nothing? If I see nothing good happening with a new release, I am ready to move on.
In all, I can't unconditionally recommend collaboration. I think it would be harder to achieve than a successful marriage. At least there is sex in a marriage, or at least should be.
--Den
It seems as if there are too many things that would cause tension during a project:
Unequal Energy Levels: I write like crazy. Even though I have a full time job, I can put out lots of writing. Others want to ponder and are too busy to get anything done to the point you are convinced they never will. So then there you are, a friend that you share a lot in common with you are in a position you may have to fire them. If I am disagreeable to get along with in a joint project, it would be most likely on sharing workload.
Differing Worldview: Some are politically left or right, some are libertarian or rigid statists. Some think dialogue should include expletives and vulgarities, while others do not, or have certain words they don't tolerate. Honestly, I am probably not very agreeable on this either.
The Money: How can everyone be compensated for their contribution to the work? A flat per word fee is okay, but what if the work becomes a breakout success? At least that is what every contributing author thinks about. I worry more about cheating someone, or their perception of being cheated than grabbing my own share. Either way, it is a distraction.
Promotion Afterwards: What if one or more parties do not feel the need to help with promotion of the work? Will all that effort be for nothing? If I see nothing good happening with a new release, I am ready to move on.
In all, I can't unconditionally recommend collaboration. I think it would be harder to achieve than a successful marriage. At least there is sex in a marriage, or at least should be.
--Den
November 27, 2015
Plotbin.com: Fun for Writers and Readers
As an Indie Author, sometimes the tasks involved with writing, publishing, and promoting works do not provide an adequate amount of fun. I have always thought that it would be fun to collaborate with other writers on projects.
So when I discovered Plotbin.com, a new place to collaboratively work on writing projects,I eagerly signed up.
So far, I put up a story there that I just started, a superheroine story called Cynapse, and a goofy humorous story with the working title called Death and Betrayal. Then I added a bit to someone's clown story. I hope they come back and keep the story moving.
The neat thing is that you can put as little, or as much work into the story as you see fit. When you are done having fun you just leave.
I think this would be fun for some readers who would just like to be able to move the plot in a certain direction. Let the real writers carry the water and flesh it out.
The site is new, and there are still some bugs, but they are being worked on.
I hope you will go to http://plotbin.com/ and sign up.
So when I discovered Plotbin.com, a new place to collaboratively work on writing projects,I eagerly signed up.
So far, I put up a story there that I just started, a superheroine story called Cynapse, and a goofy humorous story with the working title called Death and Betrayal. Then I added a bit to someone's clown story. I hope they come back and keep the story moving.
The neat thing is that you can put as little, or as much work into the story as you see fit. When you are done having fun you just leave.
I think this would be fun for some readers who would just like to be able to move the plot in a certain direction. Let the real writers carry the water and flesh it out.
The site is new, and there are still some bugs, but they are being worked on.
I hope you will go to http://plotbin.com/ and sign up.
November 8, 2015
Indie Christian Authors: Free Help With Your Story
Is your story hung up somewhere? Can't make something work? If you have a Christian worldview, as fellow believing "idea guy" I would like to help you. Just post your questions here.
There is no obligation, but if you like my advice and want to reciprocate, I could always use another reader of my dystopian, science fiction, or fantasy stories, or my book on Supervision. Also I would be grateful if you are willing to leave a rating or text review. So far, I have had very little feedback.
There is no obligation, but if you like my advice and want to reciprocate, I could always use another reader of my dystopian, science fiction, or fantasy stories, or my book on Supervision. Also I would be grateful if you are willing to leave a rating or text review. So far, I have had very little feedback.
November 5, 2015
Christians: Books to Give to Share Your Faith
Christians are called by the Great Commission to share their faith. Yet, we all know that giving a gift book about "How to become a Christian" will never get read. What you CAN do is to give paperback books that are edgy and interesting to anyone where the Gospel message is not the main theme, but it is contained in the book in a concise, yet clear way. These books do not portray all the characters as do-gooders. The bad people are really bad and act and talk like real humans. While the Gospel Message is not the main theme, the Gospel is presented and the rest of the content is presented from a Christian worldview.
Is doing this sneaky? Maybe. We shouldn't care or worry about that. We should care about the precious souls to be won.
Here are some books released this year that readers will find entertaining, yet may cause them to pause and consider their own spiritual condition:
K-Tron This is an easy to read, fast moving, funny, superhero book where the intense action is constantly moving. During the story, a blunt shopkeeper tells the heroes, "I figured you boys would be in hell by now," and tells them they need to be saved. This book is also coming out in an Audio version. It has moderately rough language, but readers are spared the worst bombs and missiles. The protagonist, K-Tron, tries to decide what makes a superhero and what makes a supervillain.
Kings and Clans Trilogy This is another fast moving dystopian story that is three novels in one. In all three of the novels, There is are presentations of the gospel message, mostly at funerals of important characters.
Please consider helping edgy Christian fiction publishers by buying these books and others like it (if you can find them) and giving them out as gifts for birthday or Christmas.
Also, you may never know how important your reviews and ratings that you leave are to the success of good books that seek to do the Good Work of God. One great review by you could mean the difference of getting these books in the hands of those who would read and enjoy them, while at least opening their minds to the Truth.
Is doing this sneaky? Maybe. We shouldn't care or worry about that. We should care about the precious souls to be won.
Here are some books released this year that readers will find entertaining, yet may cause them to pause and consider their own spiritual condition:
K-Tron This is an easy to read, fast moving, funny, superhero book where the intense action is constantly moving. During the story, a blunt shopkeeper tells the heroes, "I figured you boys would be in hell by now," and tells them they need to be saved. This book is also coming out in an Audio version. It has moderately rough language, but readers are spared the worst bombs and missiles. The protagonist, K-Tron, tries to decide what makes a superhero and what makes a supervillain.
Kings and Clans Trilogy This is another fast moving dystopian story that is three novels in one. In all three of the novels, There is are presentations of the gospel message, mostly at funerals of important characters.
Please consider helping edgy Christian fiction publishers by buying these books and others like it (if you can find them) and giving them out as gifts for birthday or Christmas.
Also, you may never know how important your reviews and ratings that you leave are to the success of good books that seek to do the Good Work of God. One great review by you could mean the difference of getting these books in the hands of those who would read and enjoy them, while at least opening their minds to the Truth.
November 3, 2015
How to Be Creative
Perhaps you have convinced yourself that you "don't have a creative bone in your body". I totally reject the notion. I believe that anyone can be "creative" if they want to be. I don't think creativity comes from magic or your DNA. Sure, a certain amount of ideas spawn from a willing spirit, and you can't be afraid to bring attention to your ideas. But I challenge anyone to consider the following:
Using objective criteria you can come up with something that others will see as creative.
Let's use writing a story, for example.
First, you need to come up with a premise. You don't need a wild imagination. Think of all the types of stories, or genres you like. Make a list of them. Then pick two or three of them and try combining them. Keep working at it until you come up with something you find interesting.
Then throw in characters who have traits that you think are interesting. Make a list of them. Choose one or more who seem out of place with your premise, and especially with each other. The more conflict, the better.
Consider the goals of your characters in the setting. Make the goals conflicting. Make their personalities rub each other the wrong way.
If you get the premise developed well enough, your characters will write the story for you. It is like magic when the characters seem to come up with their own ideas. You can't believe you thought of a particular action or event. It may take you a few showers or waking hours in bed, but the actual plot will become evident. Perhaps a theme will develop.
Give tension to every page of your story and then add some more twists that make accomplishing the goals of your characters even more critical, even if some of them have to die. (See separate post.)
When it is all said and done, I think "creativity" in fiction can be summed up by choosing to write about unexpected alternatives.
My primary reader is great at guessing the ends of movies. I know I am doing well if she is worried about what is going to happen to my characters. If she is happy with the way things are going, I know it is time to shake things up.
Conclude the story by having something happen that gives one or more of the characters a change of heart about something.
Anyway, this is how I break it all down in the simplest common denominator.
Den Warren
Author of K-Tron (Superhero Humor)
Kings and Clans Trilogy (Dystopian)
and other stories.
Using objective criteria you can come up with something that others will see as creative.
Let's use writing a story, for example.
First, you need to come up with a premise. You don't need a wild imagination. Think of all the types of stories, or genres you like. Make a list of them. Then pick two or three of them and try combining them. Keep working at it until you come up with something you find interesting.
Then throw in characters who have traits that you think are interesting. Make a list of them. Choose one or more who seem out of place with your premise, and especially with each other. The more conflict, the better.
Consider the goals of your characters in the setting. Make the goals conflicting. Make their personalities rub each other the wrong way.
If you get the premise developed well enough, your characters will write the story for you. It is like magic when the characters seem to come up with their own ideas. You can't believe you thought of a particular action or event. It may take you a few showers or waking hours in bed, but the actual plot will become evident. Perhaps a theme will develop.
Give tension to every page of your story and then add some more twists that make accomplishing the goals of your characters even more critical, even if some of them have to die. (See separate post.)
When it is all said and done, I think "creativity" in fiction can be summed up by choosing to write about unexpected alternatives.
My primary reader is great at guessing the ends of movies. I know I am doing well if she is worried about what is going to happen to my characters. If she is happy with the way things are going, I know it is time to shake things up.
Conclude the story by having something happen that gives one or more of the characters a change of heart about something.
Anyway, this is how I break it all down in the simplest common denominator.
Den Warren
Author of K-Tron (Superhero Humor)
Kings and Clans Trilogy (Dystopian)
and other stories.
November 1, 2015
Unique Way to Promote Your Superhero Book
If you are a publisher of Superhero Fiction, here is a unique way to get some free publicity, and without having to do or give up anything.
I am working on my second Superhero Book. In the book, some superheroes are looking for new members. What if one or more of your characters made a cameo appearance there? I would happily give you a blurb in my book. Likewise, I would appreciate you mentioning the appearance to your fans.
I would let you have final approval over anything your character does before publication.
I think it would be fun for the readers to open up the universes a little.
bigontraining@yahoo.com
I am working on my second Superhero Book. In the book, some superheroes are looking for new members. What if one or more of your characters made a cameo appearance there? I would happily give you a blurb in my book. Likewise, I would appreciate you mentioning the appearance to your fans.
I would let you have final approval over anything your character does before publication.
I think it would be fun for the readers to open up the universes a little.
bigontraining@yahoo.com
October 31, 2015
Superhero Fiction: Fantasy or Sci-Fi?
This is the burning question of all nerds who have nothing better to do than fret over geek minutia. The only people more geeky than those interested in such questions are those who take the time to compose answers to them.
The correct answer is. . . both. I'm not just saying this so I can sound like I am smarter than those who ask, or like some kind of Zen Master over fiction.
Here is my rationale. If you look at the origin of the superhero's powers, that gives you the answer. Thor is Fantasy, because he gets his powers from some sort of Nordic pagan deal with his hammer. Don't really remember, since I didn't like him that much. Hulk is Sci-Fi because it was drug induced.
Although I am a Christian and believe in things most people today would find incredible, religious or magic origin stories are not generally a good enough for me to suspend my disbelief. I prefer a good science lie.
The correct answer is. . . both. I'm not just saying this so I can sound like I am smarter than those who ask, or like some kind of Zen Master over fiction.
Here is my rationale. If you look at the origin of the superhero's powers, that gives you the answer. Thor is Fantasy, because he gets his powers from some sort of Nordic pagan deal with his hammer. Don't really remember, since I didn't like him that much. Hulk is Sci-Fi because it was drug induced.
Although I am a Christian and believe in things most people today would find incredible, religious or magic origin stories are not generally a good enough for me to suspend my disbelief. I prefer a good science lie.
March 1, 2015
USA vs. UK
If you read a UK post-apocalyptic novel, you will likely read about roving murderous mobs who prey on cowering victims.
Here in the US, we should be thankful for the second amendment. At least our characters have the weapons to shoot back. The baddies are kept in check and thinned out.
Here in the US, we should be thankful for the second amendment. At least our characters have the weapons to shoot back. The baddies are kept in check and thinned out.
February 16, 2015
When an Author Should Kill Off a Character
My primary reader on a couple of occasions has screamed at me, "Why did you have to kill them off?!"
"I didn't kill anyone. I just wrote about it."
All right, just between me and you, I killed them off. Why?
I write about a post-apocalyptic world. People are going to die by the millions. If it is always someone else doing the dying, that makes no sense and makes for an unrealistic story, and quite boring.
"Ho hum, a hundred clansmen against a few heroes. The hero will never get hurt."
Characters must die. And not only the boring uninteresting guys. Every once in awhile someone has to die that it hurts to get rid of.
Consider it a badge of honor that one of your precious creations was sacrificed in the name of realism. You fans will be mad. Never fear. You can make more.
"I didn't kill anyone. I just wrote about it."
All right, just between me and you, I killed them off. Why?
I write about a post-apocalyptic world. People are going to die by the millions. If it is always someone else doing the dying, that makes no sense and makes for an unrealistic story, and quite boring.
"Ho hum, a hundred clansmen against a few heroes. The hero will never get hurt."
Characters must die. And not only the boring uninteresting guys. Every once in awhile someone has to die that it hurts to get rid of.
Consider it a badge of honor that one of your precious creations was sacrificed in the name of realism. You fans will be mad. Never fear. You can make more.
