R.M. Willis's Blog, page 5
April 29, 2015
Professional Critique
I'm pasting the professional critique I received from Tia on http://www.nerds-feather.com/ for my book Power Rises: The Ways of Power Book 1 It was great to hear her take, and I must point out that the flaw she observed for my character was intentional. It will be something he grows out of as he matures and learns what it is to be in love. Enjoy!
A wonderful new voice...
Power Rises is the first installment in the Ways of Power series by R.M. Willis, and it tells the story of Rancoth, a light magi who has the rare power of summoning demons from other realms. But Rancoth has some demons of his own, plagued with guilt over the death of his mother and feelings of abandonment towards his father. Raised under the care of the Archmage Grecrum, with all the creature comforts he could desire, Rancoth yearns to see the world and experience life for himself, so he sets out with Dorbin, his Dwalish mentor and companion, on diplomatic missions for Grecrum.
The story takes place on Earth, far into the future. It is essentially fantasy within science fiction, as this world full of different races, some with marvelous magical powers, was created through genetic engineering. I really appreciate that the author allows us to infer this on our own. There is a prologue and epilogue to border this supposition, along with the publisher description, which I should add seems to be a summary of the entire series not just this first book. Regardless, there is no unnecessary explanation of how the world was created and no stating of the obvious, which makes me happy.
In fact, this whole book made me happy. I really, really enjoyed reading it.The prose is crisp and refreshing and not at all pretentious. And while this first book in the series feels mostly like world building and set up, it is surprisingly engrossing. Willis’ imagery is beautiful and immersive, and Rancoth’s mini quests are lighthearted and entertaining. The world Willis has created here is captivating but not over complicated, which makes it a purely delightful read. I had a hard time putting it down.
I have one major complaint though, and that is the objectification of women. From rulers of state to tavern maids to childhood mentors, they are all sexual objects to our narrator. For example, every female has their appearance critiqued (usually the bum) and in one scene Rancoth is rushing to save a character because she is exotic first and dying second. Now, I’m operating under the assumption that this is intentional, since Rancoth is a strapping, twenty something young man with the one thing on his mind 99% of the time. But it got old fast, and by the end I actually started to cringe when a female character was introduced. Hopefully in the next book this won’t be so prominent.
That aside, I really enjoyed Power Rises, and I highly recommend it. It is a humble, imaginative, and immersive tale by an emerging new talent, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
You can check out a sample (look inside) here.
The Math
Baseline Assessment: 7/10
Bonuses: +1 for stunning imagery, +1 for engaging prose
Penalties: -1 for reducing all women to sexual objects
Nerd Coefficient: 8/10 “well worth your time and attention”
-------
POSTED BY: Tia Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2014
Reference: Willis, R.M. Power Rises [Burning Willow Press, 2015]
A wonderful new voice...
Power Rises is the first installment in the Ways of Power series by R.M. Willis, and it tells the story of Rancoth, a light magi who has the rare power of summoning demons from other realms. But Rancoth has some demons of his own, plagued with guilt over the death of his mother and feelings of abandonment towards his father. Raised under the care of the Archmage Grecrum, with all the creature comforts he could desire, Rancoth yearns to see the world and experience life for himself, so he sets out with Dorbin, his Dwalish mentor and companion, on diplomatic missions for Grecrum.
The story takes place on Earth, far into the future. It is essentially fantasy within science fiction, as this world full of different races, some with marvelous magical powers, was created through genetic engineering. I really appreciate that the author allows us to infer this on our own. There is a prologue and epilogue to border this supposition, along with the publisher description, which I should add seems to be a summary of the entire series not just this first book. Regardless, there is no unnecessary explanation of how the world was created and no stating of the obvious, which makes me happy.
In fact, this whole book made me happy. I really, really enjoyed reading it.The prose is crisp and refreshing and not at all pretentious. And while this first book in the series feels mostly like world building and set up, it is surprisingly engrossing. Willis’ imagery is beautiful and immersive, and Rancoth’s mini quests are lighthearted and entertaining. The world Willis has created here is captivating but not over complicated, which makes it a purely delightful read. I had a hard time putting it down.
I have one major complaint though, and that is the objectification of women. From rulers of state to tavern maids to childhood mentors, they are all sexual objects to our narrator. For example, every female has their appearance critiqued (usually the bum) and in one scene Rancoth is rushing to save a character because she is exotic first and dying second. Now, I’m operating under the assumption that this is intentional, since Rancoth is a strapping, twenty something young man with the one thing on his mind 99% of the time. But it got old fast, and by the end I actually started to cringe when a female character was introduced. Hopefully in the next book this won’t be so prominent.
That aside, I really enjoyed Power Rises, and I highly recommend it. It is a humble, imaginative, and immersive tale by an emerging new talent, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
You can check out a sample (look inside) here.
The Math
Baseline Assessment: 7/10
Bonuses: +1 for stunning imagery, +1 for engaging prose
Penalties: -1 for reducing all women to sexual objects
Nerd Coefficient: 8/10 “well worth your time and attention”
-------
POSTED BY: Tia Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2014
Reference: Willis, R.M. Power Rises [Burning Willow Press, 2015]
April 27, 2015
Responsibility
It's an interesting word, responsibility, it carries with it a certain set of expectations, an idea that we are held to a standard above ourselves. But what does it really mean? How should it be interpreted?
I've often said that writers are responsible for the very substance of culture. We more than any other artist create what the rest of the world interprets. That's not to say that a great sculptor or painter can't have profound effect on those around them. On the contrary if you look at an artist like H.R. Giger you will see how his influence has had a wide reach and has created ripples through a subset of our culture. But that's not exactly what I'm talking about.
When you look at a picture you can sit back and analyze what you think the artist was trying to say. What was Leonardo's purpose behind the Mona Lisa? Debate it until you yourself are no longer sure.
Some people try to do the same thing with a writers words, but that's the mistake. The writer is already telling you what he means, what he wants said, he's saying it. It may be subtle, it may be layered within the complexities of an epic story across a millennium but his words are there for all to read.
That is profound, that can shake a person to their core and alter the way they think about the world. Also a writer's medium is far richer than just words upon a page. Writers write for books, magazines, blogs, commercials, television, movies, musicians. All of these outlets that shape our culture begin within the mind of a writer. And that ladies and gentleman bears an unbelievable responsibility.
The words we use, the images we portray create our culture so we must be very selective in what words we choose and why. We must never squander a single letter a single point of punctuation can change the meaning of a whole sentence and send your message tumbling down an unintended path.
So to all my fellow writers out there I must beg you, I must implore you to take your responsibility seriously. Think about what you are saying and why you are saying it. You may just be changing civilization as we know it.
I've often said that writers are responsible for the very substance of culture. We more than any other artist create what the rest of the world interprets. That's not to say that a great sculptor or painter can't have profound effect on those around them. On the contrary if you look at an artist like H.R. Giger you will see how his influence has had a wide reach and has created ripples through a subset of our culture. But that's not exactly what I'm talking about.
When you look at a picture you can sit back and analyze what you think the artist was trying to say. What was Leonardo's purpose behind the Mona Lisa? Debate it until you yourself are no longer sure.
Some people try to do the same thing with a writers words, but that's the mistake. The writer is already telling you what he means, what he wants said, he's saying it. It may be subtle, it may be layered within the complexities of an epic story across a millennium but his words are there for all to read.
That is profound, that can shake a person to their core and alter the way they think about the world. Also a writer's medium is far richer than just words upon a page. Writers write for books, magazines, blogs, commercials, television, movies, musicians. All of these outlets that shape our culture begin within the mind of a writer. And that ladies and gentleman bears an unbelievable responsibility.
The words we use, the images we portray create our culture so we must be very selective in what words we choose and why. We must never squander a single letter a single point of punctuation can change the meaning of a whole sentence and send your message tumbling down an unintended path.
So to all my fellow writers out there I must beg you, I must implore you to take your responsibility seriously. Think about what you are saying and why you are saying it. You may just be changing civilization as we know it.
April 13, 2015
Writing Ideas
So I've had a lot of people ask me recently where I get my ideas from. I'm sure that most authors probably get the same question on a fairly consistent basis. I'm also sure that some of them will have at least a similar answer to mine. For me the simple truth is that ideas come from everywhere, and if you're not paying attention you just might miss them.
I can't count the number of times I've been driving down the road and some random thought will trigger a story idea. Or someone will say something, and that will spark the creation of new character. Or I'll see a sign with a name on it and that name will become a magical land populated with beasts unknown.
I'll give you an example. I have a story that is being published by http://anotherealm.com/ in July titled "First Day, Last Night". The idea for it was sparked when I was having a conversation with a co-worker of mine. He was afraid to go into a certain part of the facility we work at after dark, because he thought it was haunted.
In that moment the entire story flashed into my imagination. I immediately grabbed a pen and paper so I could jot down the outline before it was lost. Once I was home I had to start writing. I couldn't sleep, I wasn't hungry, I just had to write.
As the story began to unfold, I kept the fear I saw in his eyes in my mind. Concentrating on that raw emotion and what sorts of things would draw it from a powerful, confident, authoritative figure like my co-worker. That was it. The rest of the story wrote itself. I was merely the vessel used to put it out into the world. The characters breathed life into themselves and I was but a helpless dictation clerk.
I use that analogy a lot actually. I often feel like once I get the story rolling, and see the scenes playing out in my head I'm no longer in control. Especially after the characters have been fully fleshed out. Their personalities, individual quirks, and motivations established I have no say from that point forward as to what happens.
The characters in your story will keep you honest. They'll let you know when you're going in a direction that is untrue for them. They'll remind you who they are, and what decisions/dialogue is accurate for them, and you'd better listen or they'll do something crazy and get themselves killed before you're ready! Then you have to rewrite the rest of the story without them.
However this post was about ideas, not characterization. In short if you have an idea hit you, realize that it has hit you for a reason. You are the one best suited to write that story. Hold on to it, write as much of it down in the moment as you can. Then once you are able get it out, put it on paper or in the computer as soon as possible.
If you don't that story will seek out another vessel to tell it, and you will have missed the opportunity to share in the creation of something beautiful.
I can't count the number of times I've been driving down the road and some random thought will trigger a story idea. Or someone will say something, and that will spark the creation of new character. Or I'll see a sign with a name on it and that name will become a magical land populated with beasts unknown.
I'll give you an example. I have a story that is being published by http://anotherealm.com/ in July titled "First Day, Last Night". The idea for it was sparked when I was having a conversation with a co-worker of mine. He was afraid to go into a certain part of the facility we work at after dark, because he thought it was haunted.
In that moment the entire story flashed into my imagination. I immediately grabbed a pen and paper so I could jot down the outline before it was lost. Once I was home I had to start writing. I couldn't sleep, I wasn't hungry, I just had to write.
As the story began to unfold, I kept the fear I saw in his eyes in my mind. Concentrating on that raw emotion and what sorts of things would draw it from a powerful, confident, authoritative figure like my co-worker. That was it. The rest of the story wrote itself. I was merely the vessel used to put it out into the world. The characters breathed life into themselves and I was but a helpless dictation clerk.
I use that analogy a lot actually. I often feel like once I get the story rolling, and see the scenes playing out in my head I'm no longer in control. Especially after the characters have been fully fleshed out. Their personalities, individual quirks, and motivations established I have no say from that point forward as to what happens.
The characters in your story will keep you honest. They'll let you know when you're going in a direction that is untrue for them. They'll remind you who they are, and what decisions/dialogue is accurate for them, and you'd better listen or they'll do something crazy and get themselves killed before you're ready! Then you have to rewrite the rest of the story without them.
However this post was about ideas, not characterization. In short if you have an idea hit you, realize that it has hit you for a reason. You are the one best suited to write that story. Hold on to it, write as much of it down in the moment as you can. Then once you are able get it out, put it on paper or in the computer as soon as possible.
If you don't that story will seek out another vessel to tell it, and you will have missed the opportunity to share in the creation of something beautiful.
April 3, 2015
Sale and a Preview
Good news! My book "Power Rises" went on a .99 sale today here in the US and in the UK. Please if you know anyone who might be interested in reading it, let them know! Here are the links:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TC1VT26
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
Now that business is done, it's time for some fun! I promised you guys a preview of The Ways of Power Book Two "Power Spreads" and here it is. The prologue, and first chapter. Please let me know what you think!! (Do keep in mind these haven't been seen by the editor yet)
Prologue
November 9, 2081
Dr. Taunya Azarov had to hop down from the hovercraft, her short legs making it impossible to take the step like everyone else. The forced air cylinder sent her red curled hair whipping around her face. It had been eight years since she had set foot in Mother Russia, it felt good to be home.
She smiled as she approached the General who was flanked on either side by soldiers wearing maroon berets. The hovercraft took off behind her, sending a new flurry of snowflakes to dance through the air.
"Welcome home Doctor."
"Thank you General, I understand your attempt to take back Alaska didn't fare well."
The general removed his hat, and scratched his head. His short coal-black hair belying his true age. "Yes, well, if we had known that the Americans were going to take it back by force just fifty years after we bought it from them. We would have never agreed to such a high price," he said, putting his hat back on.
Taunya stared into his pale gray eyes. "Well, so much for peace and generosity. Some rivalries it seems will never die. Shall we go inside?"
"Yes, of course. I'm sorry, you must be freezing," he said. One of the soldiers opened the door, and the general ushered her into the new research facility. "It's not Evolucon, but I trust you will find everything here to your liking."
The echo of Taunya's low heels on the polished granite floor made the building seem hollow. "How many people work here?" she asked, studying the huge banner of Russia's newest president hanging from the ceiling.
"Right now, only a handpicked squad of Spetsnaz," he said, nodding back at the two soldiers who stayed outside the door. "Other than that, you have the freedom to build your own team of scientists. I assume your time spent studying under Dr. Tipton was worth it, and that you already have an idea of who you want working with you, and which direction to take the project in."
She nodded slowly. "Alex Tipton was a genius, sorely mistreated by the Americans. Which is why he finally left for Japan where I was able to study with him, although how he got away alive he never told me. What he did tell me is that he drew his inspiration from fairytales. And, it is from fairytales that I propose we combat the seemingly unstoppable Elvin warriors our comrades have come to fear."
The general stood in stoic silence, waiting for her to continue.
"Dr. Tipton's admitted mistake was making the elves so in tune with nature that they reject any sort of technology."
"So? That hasn't stopped them from cutting through our forces as if they were nothing more than children fighting with toys."
Taunya smiled and nodded, "True, but according to myth, the traditional enemy of the elves were a hearty race of people. Resistant to magic, and adept at creating and using technology."
The general folded his hands behind his back. "That might prove useful," he said as he started towards a large staircase. "I'll show you to the laboratory."
Taunya followed, happy that the general seemed to appreciate her idea. What she didn't tell him is that Dr. Tipton had also never been able to keep his elves alive more than 30 years or so. A consequence of the accelerated maturation rates demanded by the Americans.
She had no intention of allowing her dwarves to suffer the same fate. She only hopped that the general's patience would last long enough for her to prove her theory was sound.
Chapter 1
5,000 years later.
Rellian continued to study the digital map on the hand held pad given to him by the master. Either the world was smaller than he thought, or he was moving much faster than he could have imagined. The small red arrow, which he had figured out represented him, was already nearing the southern continent of the western hemisphere. He had only been traveling a few days, and to cover such a distance seemed impossible. Then again, questioning the master's abilities was a fool's game.
It was still going to take him some time to get to the blue and now yellow circles he was sent after, they were on the northeastern side of the continent, and he was approaching from the southwest. He would have to cross the continent on foot, and that would take a while.
He put the pad back in one of the many pockets of his black uniform. It was also provided by the master, and would keep his pale white skin from being fried by the sun. He still couldn't get over the fact that the spheres of power really existed. It had been thousands of years since the Great War.
According to history, one of the genetically engineered elves used its abilities to thin the ozone layer, unable to survive in the increased radiation humans went into hiding under the master's dome. Leaving the world or what was left of it, in the hands of the three slave races.
Rellian had never been outside the dome before, much like the spheres, he had come to think of the outside world a myth. Now, here he was shooting through the ocean in a vessel just barely big enough for him. Traveling who knew how fast, to retrieve two of the spheres of power for the master of all mankind.
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a flashing red light on the window in front of him. He tapped his finger on the glass, and a screen appeared.
WARNING flashed in big red letters above the screen, followed by INCOMING HOSTILE.
Who could possibly be headed for him? The master wouldn't have sent someone after him, and the ignorant slave races didn't know what he was doing.
Rellian saw a green triangle in the center of the screen and three oblong shapes moving towards it. They were coming at him either from above, or in front. He wasn't sure which.
AUTO-PILOT DISENGAGED.
Oh shit.
IMMEDIATE EVASIVE ACTION NEEDED
Double shit! I'm a spy, thief, assassin--not a submarine driver. "What the hell am I supposed to do?" he said out loud in frustration.
"Voice interface activated," said a voice that sounded sickeningly similar to that of the master.
"Oh thank God. So like I said, what the hell am I supposed to do?"
"Please restate the command."
Hmm, okay it's smart but not that smart, "Something's after me. What am I supposed to do?"
"Immediate evasive action needed."
"I know that! Give me a recommendation damn it."
"Please restate the command."
Fuck, okay this isn't working.
"Contact in thirty-seconds."
Okay, calm down. "What is in pursuit?" The screen changed from radar readout to a camera view. He could now see three huge sea crocodiles swimming towards him. He had learned about sea croc's in school, but these were not the twenty-foot lizards he was taught. These were easily a hundred feet each! Things have changed since we went under the dome. Of course in five-thousand years, he would be a fool if he thought otherwise.
"Do we have weapons?"
"Yes, two-stinger class torpedoes and one nine-hundred-thousand joule laser cannon."
Rellian smiled, "Target incoming hostiles with the cannon and fire." There was a burst of bright green light, and Rellian's view was obscured in the white bubbles of flash boiled ocean.
As the view cleared, he could see nothing left of the sea crocs except diluting blood in the water. He chuckled quietly, "Now, that's more like it."
"Please restate the command."
"Oh, shut off," the moment he said it, he regretted it. The submarine completely shut down, and only his momentum continued to propel him forward for a few hundred before stopping completely. "Wait, no. Turn back on." But it was too late; he was already starting to sink.
Rellian put his head in his hands before pulling his masked hood off, knowing that the harsh light of the sun wasn't penetrating the ocean enough to harm his face or vision. He ran his fingers through his thick black hair. What am I going to do now?
He pulled the data pad back out of his pocket. It looked to him as though he was practically on the shore of his destination. He pulled off his glove, and reverse pinched the screen zooming in on his location. There was still some distance between him and the shore, but weather that was a few feet or a few miles; he had no way of knowing. His pulse started to quicken as he slammed his fist into the side wall of the submarine.
For all he had done for the human race, the master kept his people ignorant of everything but the most basic of technologies. He did it to keep himself in power, and that was why Rellian had been trying to break into his fortress the night before he was sent on this fool's errand.
Well, he could sit here and sulk or he could find out just how far he had left to go. Unfortunately that meant going out in the water with those monsters. With any luck, those three were the only ones between him and the shore. If not, well at least he wouldn’t be in the master's service for long.
Rellian pulled the hooded mask back on over his head, and put his glove back on. Slipping the pad back into his pocket, he hoped that the water wouldn't damage it too badly.
On either side of the cockpit window were two red levers. He pulled them out and up. The seal was broken, and water flooded in. He took a deep breath and pushed as hard as he could but the pressure from the water made it impossible for him to budge it. Shit. Well I might not have to worry about being eaten; he thought. The water was already halfway to his knees.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TC1VT26
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
Now that business is done, it's time for some fun! I promised you guys a preview of The Ways of Power Book Two "Power Spreads" and here it is. The prologue, and first chapter. Please let me know what you think!! (Do keep in mind these haven't been seen by the editor yet)
Prologue
November 9, 2081
Dr. Taunya Azarov had to hop down from the hovercraft, her short legs making it impossible to take the step like everyone else. The forced air cylinder sent her red curled hair whipping around her face. It had been eight years since she had set foot in Mother Russia, it felt good to be home.
She smiled as she approached the General who was flanked on either side by soldiers wearing maroon berets. The hovercraft took off behind her, sending a new flurry of snowflakes to dance through the air.
"Welcome home Doctor."
"Thank you General, I understand your attempt to take back Alaska didn't fare well."
The general removed his hat, and scratched his head. His short coal-black hair belying his true age. "Yes, well, if we had known that the Americans were going to take it back by force just fifty years after we bought it from them. We would have never agreed to such a high price," he said, putting his hat back on.
Taunya stared into his pale gray eyes. "Well, so much for peace and generosity. Some rivalries it seems will never die. Shall we go inside?"
"Yes, of course. I'm sorry, you must be freezing," he said. One of the soldiers opened the door, and the general ushered her into the new research facility. "It's not Evolucon, but I trust you will find everything here to your liking."
The echo of Taunya's low heels on the polished granite floor made the building seem hollow. "How many people work here?" she asked, studying the huge banner of Russia's newest president hanging from the ceiling.
"Right now, only a handpicked squad of Spetsnaz," he said, nodding back at the two soldiers who stayed outside the door. "Other than that, you have the freedom to build your own team of scientists. I assume your time spent studying under Dr. Tipton was worth it, and that you already have an idea of who you want working with you, and which direction to take the project in."
She nodded slowly. "Alex Tipton was a genius, sorely mistreated by the Americans. Which is why he finally left for Japan where I was able to study with him, although how he got away alive he never told me. What he did tell me is that he drew his inspiration from fairytales. And, it is from fairytales that I propose we combat the seemingly unstoppable Elvin warriors our comrades have come to fear."
The general stood in stoic silence, waiting for her to continue.
"Dr. Tipton's admitted mistake was making the elves so in tune with nature that they reject any sort of technology."
"So? That hasn't stopped them from cutting through our forces as if they were nothing more than children fighting with toys."
Taunya smiled and nodded, "True, but according to myth, the traditional enemy of the elves were a hearty race of people. Resistant to magic, and adept at creating and using technology."
The general folded his hands behind his back. "That might prove useful," he said as he started towards a large staircase. "I'll show you to the laboratory."
Taunya followed, happy that the general seemed to appreciate her idea. What she didn't tell him is that Dr. Tipton had also never been able to keep his elves alive more than 30 years or so. A consequence of the accelerated maturation rates demanded by the Americans.
She had no intention of allowing her dwarves to suffer the same fate. She only hopped that the general's patience would last long enough for her to prove her theory was sound.
Chapter 1
5,000 years later.
Rellian continued to study the digital map on the hand held pad given to him by the master. Either the world was smaller than he thought, or he was moving much faster than he could have imagined. The small red arrow, which he had figured out represented him, was already nearing the southern continent of the western hemisphere. He had only been traveling a few days, and to cover such a distance seemed impossible. Then again, questioning the master's abilities was a fool's game.
It was still going to take him some time to get to the blue and now yellow circles he was sent after, they were on the northeastern side of the continent, and he was approaching from the southwest. He would have to cross the continent on foot, and that would take a while.
He put the pad back in one of the many pockets of his black uniform. It was also provided by the master, and would keep his pale white skin from being fried by the sun. He still couldn't get over the fact that the spheres of power really existed. It had been thousands of years since the Great War.
According to history, one of the genetically engineered elves used its abilities to thin the ozone layer, unable to survive in the increased radiation humans went into hiding under the master's dome. Leaving the world or what was left of it, in the hands of the three slave races.
Rellian had never been outside the dome before, much like the spheres, he had come to think of the outside world a myth. Now, here he was shooting through the ocean in a vessel just barely big enough for him. Traveling who knew how fast, to retrieve two of the spheres of power for the master of all mankind.
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a flashing red light on the window in front of him. He tapped his finger on the glass, and a screen appeared.
WARNING flashed in big red letters above the screen, followed by INCOMING HOSTILE.
Who could possibly be headed for him? The master wouldn't have sent someone after him, and the ignorant slave races didn't know what he was doing.
Rellian saw a green triangle in the center of the screen and three oblong shapes moving towards it. They were coming at him either from above, or in front. He wasn't sure which.
AUTO-PILOT DISENGAGED.
Oh shit.
IMMEDIATE EVASIVE ACTION NEEDED
Double shit! I'm a spy, thief, assassin--not a submarine driver. "What the hell am I supposed to do?" he said out loud in frustration.
"Voice interface activated," said a voice that sounded sickeningly similar to that of the master.
"Oh thank God. So like I said, what the hell am I supposed to do?"
"Please restate the command."
Hmm, okay it's smart but not that smart, "Something's after me. What am I supposed to do?"
"Immediate evasive action needed."
"I know that! Give me a recommendation damn it."
"Please restate the command."
Fuck, okay this isn't working.
"Contact in thirty-seconds."
Okay, calm down. "What is in pursuit?" The screen changed from radar readout to a camera view. He could now see three huge sea crocodiles swimming towards him. He had learned about sea croc's in school, but these were not the twenty-foot lizards he was taught. These were easily a hundred feet each! Things have changed since we went under the dome. Of course in five-thousand years, he would be a fool if he thought otherwise.
"Do we have weapons?"
"Yes, two-stinger class torpedoes and one nine-hundred-thousand joule laser cannon."
Rellian smiled, "Target incoming hostiles with the cannon and fire." There was a burst of bright green light, and Rellian's view was obscured in the white bubbles of flash boiled ocean.
As the view cleared, he could see nothing left of the sea crocs except diluting blood in the water. He chuckled quietly, "Now, that's more like it."
"Please restate the command."
"Oh, shut off," the moment he said it, he regretted it. The submarine completely shut down, and only his momentum continued to propel him forward for a few hundred before stopping completely. "Wait, no. Turn back on." But it was too late; he was already starting to sink.
Rellian put his head in his hands before pulling his masked hood off, knowing that the harsh light of the sun wasn't penetrating the ocean enough to harm his face or vision. He ran his fingers through his thick black hair. What am I going to do now?
He pulled the data pad back out of his pocket. It looked to him as though he was practically on the shore of his destination. He pulled off his glove, and reverse pinched the screen zooming in on his location. There was still some distance between him and the shore, but weather that was a few feet or a few miles; he had no way of knowing. His pulse started to quicken as he slammed his fist into the side wall of the submarine.
For all he had done for the human race, the master kept his people ignorant of everything but the most basic of technologies. He did it to keep himself in power, and that was why Rellian had been trying to break into his fortress the night before he was sent on this fool's errand.
Well, he could sit here and sulk or he could find out just how far he had left to go. Unfortunately that meant going out in the water with those monsters. With any luck, those three were the only ones between him and the shore. If not, well at least he wouldn’t be in the master's service for long.
Rellian pulled the hooded mask back on over his head, and put his glove back on. Slipping the pad back into his pocket, he hoped that the water wouldn't damage it too badly.
On either side of the cockpit window were two red levers. He pulled them out and up. The seal was broken, and water flooded in. He took a deep breath and pushed as hard as he could but the pressure from the water made it impossible for him to budge it. Shit. Well I might not have to worry about being eaten; he thought. The water was already halfway to his knees.
March 29, 2015
News of my death...
Sadly I must report that no...I have not died despite what some may think. I'm still alive and kicking, though I took a little break from the online world. You see when I took a vacation from work, I meant that to mean all work. Which includes writing and making my presence felt in social media. I know some would frown upon this, however I believe that breaks are a good thing.
It is just as important to take a break from an ordinary mundane job as it is to unplug from the incessant online community. Equally so, for a writer who must bow to the unyielding indentured servitude of the voices in our head we must escape every now and again.
However the fantasy is over and reality has painfully reasserted itself. I am back, and with only one "real" job I will undoubtedly be spending far more time writing and conversing with all of my ever growing circle of friends whom have read my book and are eagerly awaiting the second one.
In my next blog post I will be putting a little surprise from book 2 that I think everyone will enjoy. For now however I'd like to turn to a slightly more serious topic. Validation.
It is important for one to feel validated in life. Whether that can be achieved through personal or professional means is entirely open to perception. In either case if you do not feel as though your existence has meaning then why do you persist in living? We all need to feel as though we serve a purpose. I do not condone suicide, but I do understand it, however that's not what I'm talking about here.
In this particular instance I'm talking about seeking validation. Strive to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Ensure that everything you do has a purpose, a goal, a reason. Don't be afraid of responsibility.
Conversely it is important to provide others with validation. Let those around you know how they have impacted you. Let them know how important they are, how valued they are.
It is just as important to take a break from an ordinary mundane job as it is to unplug from the incessant online community. Equally so, for a writer who must bow to the unyielding indentured servitude of the voices in our head we must escape every now and again.
However the fantasy is over and reality has painfully reasserted itself. I am back, and with only one "real" job I will undoubtedly be spending far more time writing and conversing with all of my ever growing circle of friends whom have read my book and are eagerly awaiting the second one.
In my next blog post I will be putting a little surprise from book 2 that I think everyone will enjoy. For now however I'd like to turn to a slightly more serious topic. Validation.
It is important for one to feel validated in life. Whether that can be achieved through personal or professional means is entirely open to perception. In either case if you do not feel as though your existence has meaning then why do you persist in living? We all need to feel as though we serve a purpose. I do not condone suicide, but I do understand it, however that's not what I'm talking about here.
In this particular instance I'm talking about seeking validation. Strive to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Ensure that everything you do has a purpose, a goal, a reason. Don't be afraid of responsibility.
Conversely it is important to provide others with validation. Let those around you know how they have impacted you. Let them know how important they are, how valued they are.
March 20, 2015
Vacation
So I've been on vacation for about a week, and I have another week to go. I've watched my sales stay relatively steady. I tried to boost them by doing a Twitter campaign, but that seemed to only make them fall a little. I don't think I'll be doing that again.
Now my wife and I'll be going to Texas for a few days without the kids, something we haven't done in nearly a decade. I've done a little bit of work on my second book, but not nearly as much as I should. I plan on getting to it as soon as we get back from sitting on the beach on the gulf.
This morning however I've been watching a couple of my favorite kid friendly SciFi movies with my kids and got inspiration for a short story. I'll have to get it done as soon as possible. It's set in the far future in a space opera type of atmosphere.
I hope everyone is enjoying the coming spring and can still find some time with all of the other outside activities to enjoy a book in the shade of a tree.
Now my wife and I'll be going to Texas for a few days without the kids, something we haven't done in nearly a decade. I've done a little bit of work on my second book, but not nearly as much as I should. I plan on getting to it as soon as we get back from sitting on the beach on the gulf.
This morning however I've been watching a couple of my favorite kid friendly SciFi movies with my kids and got inspiration for a short story. I'll have to get it done as soon as possible. It's set in the far future in a space opera type of atmosphere.
I hope everyone is enjoying the coming spring and can still find some time with all of the other outside activities to enjoy a book in the shade of a tree.
March 9, 2015
Breaking 100
So I haven't been on this adventure for very long and I've already been overwhelmed by the attention I've received. As of today I'm averaging 50-60 sales per day (this includes KU/KOLL), and I've broken into the top 100 best sellers list on Amazon in five different countries; the USA, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia.
I thank everyone who has read my book and has recommended it to someone else, which to me is the only explanation for how well it is doing. Additionally I really appreciate those who take the time to rate and review it.
I can only hope that this continues, and am diligently working on getting the second book completed and out. With any luck everyone will think it is even better than the first and things will really start to get crazy. As if they weren't already.
I'm still not sure what I should be doing with this whole blog thing. I've used it now almost like a diary, and I've also taken the time to write about some of the things that I find important. It still amazes me to see when people are reading it. I hope they enjoy it, but who knows for sure.
I still haven't gotten any questions about my book, I look forward to those. I will say that there are a lot of little hidden Easter eggs in it. For example I will share one of the more interesting ones, at least it is to me.
Towards the end of the book there is a dark magi named Darien who guards a small strip of land between the Southern and Northern continents. If you Google the name Darien you will find that it is the name of a Gap that is a break in the Pan-American Highway consisting of a large swath of undeveloped swampland and forest within Panama's Darién Province in Central America.
While some people will not care at all about this little factoid, it is the type of thing I nerd out on. I also know I'm not the only person who likes to find little interesting gems in a book, movie, or game. So for those of you out there that enjoy the hunt, you now know that there are hidden treasures waiting to be found. Good luck!
I thank everyone who has read my book and has recommended it to someone else, which to me is the only explanation for how well it is doing. Additionally I really appreciate those who take the time to rate and review it.
I can only hope that this continues, and am diligently working on getting the second book completed and out. With any luck everyone will think it is even better than the first and things will really start to get crazy. As if they weren't already.
I'm still not sure what I should be doing with this whole blog thing. I've used it now almost like a diary, and I've also taken the time to write about some of the things that I find important. It still amazes me to see when people are reading it. I hope they enjoy it, but who knows for sure.
I still haven't gotten any questions about my book, I look forward to those. I will say that there are a lot of little hidden Easter eggs in it. For example I will share one of the more interesting ones, at least it is to me.
Towards the end of the book there is a dark magi named Darien who guards a small strip of land between the Southern and Northern continents. If you Google the name Darien you will find that it is the name of a Gap that is a break in the Pan-American Highway consisting of a large swath of undeveloped swampland and forest within Panama's Darién Province in Central America.
While some people will not care at all about this little factoid, it is the type of thing I nerd out on. I also know I'm not the only person who likes to find little interesting gems in a book, movie, or game. So for those of you out there that enjoy the hunt, you now know that there are hidden treasures waiting to be found. Good luck!
March 2, 2015
Reality
I often wonder what is real. I think the Matrix movies were perfectly timed for me as I was growing up. They let me look at things in a way that I had never done before that time in my life. Back then I wanted to escape from reality in any way that I could...books, movies, video games, anything to remove myself from the mundane.
Now I create my own realities, I build people, civilizations, worlds, entire universes imagined and destroyed. Sometimes these places, and characters seem more real to me than my friends and family do. I'm inside their minds, I see their thoughts, cry their tears, dream their dreams.
But, it's not real. I can't interact with them physically.
I think that is important to know, to remember. You can't allow yourself to be so wrapped up in an imagined reality that you forget to live your life. You must experience the moments that will leave you breathless. Why read about a beautiful sunset, when you can wrap your arm around the one you love and experience it, first hand? Then when you do need to escape it bolsters your imagination making the time spent far richer than before.
You can't fully appreciate what a character is experiencing when they are falling in love if you've never experienced it for yourself. The way your heart skips, and your breath quickens, the sudden tremble you feel at the thought of their touch, the way the goosebumps dance across your skin once you've embraced and caress one another. These are things that must be more than words on a screen or page. They must be participated in as part of the human experience.
Then, and only then can you fully appreciate the subtle nuance an author can create with a single word like love.
Equally as an author it is important that we take the opportunity to participate in life as much as possible. So that we fully appreciate the reactions we are creating in our audience. Every word must have meaning and will impact our audience in ways far more profound than any other medium. More than any other artist the author creates culture. We write books, screenplays, songs, commercials. All of these things must be written words before for they are displayed to the world. That is a grave responsibility, and one that cannot be taken lightly. We must offer our audiences truth at its most primordial core. For what we do, shapes reality.
Now I create my own realities, I build people, civilizations, worlds, entire universes imagined and destroyed. Sometimes these places, and characters seem more real to me than my friends and family do. I'm inside their minds, I see their thoughts, cry their tears, dream their dreams.
But, it's not real. I can't interact with them physically.
I think that is important to know, to remember. You can't allow yourself to be so wrapped up in an imagined reality that you forget to live your life. You must experience the moments that will leave you breathless. Why read about a beautiful sunset, when you can wrap your arm around the one you love and experience it, first hand? Then when you do need to escape it bolsters your imagination making the time spent far richer than before.
You can't fully appreciate what a character is experiencing when they are falling in love if you've never experienced it for yourself. The way your heart skips, and your breath quickens, the sudden tremble you feel at the thought of their touch, the way the goosebumps dance across your skin once you've embraced and caress one another. These are things that must be more than words on a screen or page. They must be participated in as part of the human experience.
Then, and only then can you fully appreciate the subtle nuance an author can create with a single word like love.
Equally as an author it is important that we take the opportunity to participate in life as much as possible. So that we fully appreciate the reactions we are creating in our audience. Every word must have meaning and will impact our audience in ways far more profound than any other medium. More than any other artist the author creates culture. We write books, screenplays, songs, commercials. All of these things must be written words before for they are displayed to the world. That is a grave responsibility, and one that cannot be taken lightly. We must offer our audiences truth at its most primordial core. For what we do, shapes reality.
February 24, 2015
Covers
The cover of your book is exceedingly important. It is a contract between you and the reader. It must represent your story in a compelling and meaningful way, because unfortunately people do judge a book by its cover.
I know that there are people who will insist otherwise, that will cry out that a book is judged by its content. Which is true, eventually, but not at first. The cover is what entices most people to pick up the book in the first place. A beautiful cover can turn a mediocre book into a best seller, while a terrible cover one can be a great books undoing.
For most traditionally published authors a cover is something that is made for them with very little impute on their part. Self published, and authors published by smaller houses tend to have a little more say in what their cover looks like. They get to dress the baby if you will. While this can be a very meaningful moment for an author a word of caution must be given.
As an author you know better than anyone what your story is, and how you would like it portrayed. This is a good thing, if however you are not a visual artist mistakes can be made. If you do decide to design your own cover, I would suggest that you at least consult with someone who understands color, who understands layout, who understands design. This will put you and your book in a much better position once you've let it out into the world.
I know that there are people who will insist otherwise, that will cry out that a book is judged by its content. Which is true, eventually, but not at first. The cover is what entices most people to pick up the book in the first place. A beautiful cover can turn a mediocre book into a best seller, while a terrible cover one can be a great books undoing.
For most traditionally published authors a cover is something that is made for them with very little impute on their part. Self published, and authors published by smaller houses tend to have a little more say in what their cover looks like. They get to dress the baby if you will. While this can be a very meaningful moment for an author a word of caution must be given.
As an author you know better than anyone what your story is, and how you would like it portrayed. This is a good thing, if however you are not a visual artist mistakes can be made. If you do decide to design your own cover, I would suggest that you at least consult with someone who understands color, who understands layout, who understands design. This will put you and your book in a much better position once you've let it out into the world.
February 22, 2015
Best Day Yet!
It's hard to believe that my book just went on sale two weeks ago, and today someone bought it in India. I also doubled my sales today over day one. It may not sound like a lot to some people, but selling 24 books in one day to a no name author with a small press feels astronomical to me.
So here I am, waiting for tomorrow to see if today was just a fluke, or if the people who bought it the first week are now recommending it to others and my sales are going to steadily rise.
Truth be told, it's not really the sales that are getting me excited. It's the idea that literally hundreds of people are reading a story I wrote. In just two short weeks it went from my own private little tale (little being relative of course at 414 pages) to being read in four different countries by so many people I will probably never meet. That's a pretty cool feeling.
I hope people are enjoying the book, and continue to read it, and recommend it to their friends and family. I hope some of them even find the time to rate and review it either here on Goodreads, or on Amazon. It would be cool to hear from people, to know what they think, to answer any questions that they have. That's one of the neat things about this community, the opportunity to connect with readers and writers on a more intimate level than has even been possible.Power Rises
So here I am, waiting for tomorrow to see if today was just a fluke, or if the people who bought it the first week are now recommending it to others and my sales are going to steadily rise.
Truth be told, it's not really the sales that are getting me excited. It's the idea that literally hundreds of people are reading a story I wrote. In just two short weeks it went from my own private little tale (little being relative of course at 414 pages) to being read in four different countries by so many people I will probably never meet. That's a pretty cool feeling.
I hope people are enjoying the book, and continue to read it, and recommend it to their friends and family. I hope some of them even find the time to rate and review it either here on Goodreads, or on Amazon. It would be cool to hear from people, to know what they think, to answer any questions that they have. That's one of the neat things about this community, the opportunity to connect with readers and writers on a more intimate level than has even been possible.Power Rises
