Dave O'Connor's Blog
May 12, 2017
Supernova: Light Storm
beI've just finished a second draft of Supernova based on the critiques I received from the CSFG Novel Critique Group. Many thanks to Rob, Dion and the rest of the group. I have revisited the overarching story and at this stage I'm looking at doing a trilogy. The first book will be called Light Storm, the second will Destiny Calling and the third I haven't yet got a title for.The theme for book one will be trust. I've recast the main protaganist Nova Dawn. Instead of the PHD student she will be a little older and working for Robotica Corporation as an AI expert. Her best friend and flatmate, Cynthia Lee will be a lawyer. Their friendship is one of the foundations on which Nova draws her strength but Nova is about to be thrown into danger.
Here's the elevator pitch for the first book:
Truth may be the first casualty of war but trust is a close second. Nova Dawn is a robotics AI expert called up to respond to what may be first contact with an alien threat to mankind’s toehold in the stars. She’s about to discover the truth about the father that abandoned her and about the alien menace that is already closer than anyone is aware of. She is about to find out what she is really capable of and who she can really trust. But will humanity trust her to rise to the occasion and enter the light storm that is Supernova.
May 9, 2017
Price Reduction
All books in my Warner's World series are now priced at US$2.99. Enjoy.
May 3, 2017
Critiquing
One of the joys of writing is engaging with other writers. Late last year I joined the Canberra Speculative Fiction Group or CSFG. This is a bunch of dedicated spec fic writers mainly focused on sci-fi and fantasy. Each year they form a subGroup called the Novel Crit Group in which writers can proffer their work in progress for critiquing. I felt so emboldened that I joined this group and ended up being the first book critiqued for the year. That was a few weeks ago.
I was warned that it would be a robust affair and I heard all these stories about how bruising it could be. But I took the attitude that it would be a great opportunity to get some feedback from very critical minds who themselves are immersed in the genre I write in. It would also be a good opportunity to practice the dictum "One hundred percent commitment, zero percent attachment."
Well my resolve to remain detached was put under immediate pressure when the first critic began with the words, "I'm sorry I really wanted to be more positive." But actually there was real constructive feedback given by all the critics. I had to listen to all seven reports before I could respond. It became apparent that there were certain issues that were being reported by everyone. These I would have to heed. Others reflected personal biases, pet likes and dislikes. But overall it was great feedback. I learn't so much. And I know you always learn more when you have some skin in the game.
During the session which lasted for two and half hours we consumed a minor feast, drank some good wine and enjoyed a lot of banter in between critiques. It was very beneficial. It proved to me that when you all have the right attitude and don't take things too personal, when you can avoid seeing your work as something too precious, then you can grow and so does your work. I really recommend the exercise. Next week the boot will be on the other foot and I get a chance to critique someone else's work.
I was warned that it would be a robust affair and I heard all these stories about how bruising it could be. But I took the attitude that it would be a great opportunity to get some feedback from very critical minds who themselves are immersed in the genre I write in. It would also be a good opportunity to practice the dictum "One hundred percent commitment, zero percent attachment."
Well my resolve to remain detached was put under immediate pressure when the first critic began with the words, "I'm sorry I really wanted to be more positive." But actually there was real constructive feedback given by all the critics. I had to listen to all seven reports before I could respond. It became apparent that there were certain issues that were being reported by everyone. These I would have to heed. Others reflected personal biases, pet likes and dislikes. But overall it was great feedback. I learn't so much. And I know you always learn more when you have some skin in the game.
During the session which lasted for two and half hours we consumed a minor feast, drank some good wine and enjoyed a lot of banter in between critiques. It was very beneficial. It proved to me that when you all have the right attitude and don't take things too personal, when you can avoid seeing your work as something too precious, then you can grow and so does your work. I really recommend the exercise. Next week the boot will be on the other foot and I get a chance to critique someone else's work.
February 1, 2017
Supernova
Hi everyone. I just finished my first draft of my new novel called Supernova.
Its about a young woman named Nova Dawn, who at 25 thinks she's got her act together. She's just about to finish her PHD in artificial intelligence and has signed up to serve in the Federation Fleet. She's destined for the stars.
But her true destiny is calling and she soon realises that she only knows half the person she really is. She has a dark past. Her mother tried to tell her but she has long given up listening to her crazy mother.
In an explosive series of events she is thrust into the centre of humanity's fight for survival. In the process she discovers her true nature. But is she able to rise to the occasion and enter the light storm that is Supernova.
Beta Readers Wanted
I'm looking to get about ten beta readers, wiling to read the book over the next month and give feedback before I do a second draft. If you are willing to help out please drop me a line to dave[at]panthergames[dot]com. You will need to fill in a simple Non Disclosure Agreement and then I can forward you a copy in mobi format for reading on your Kindle.
Its about a young woman named Nova Dawn, who at 25 thinks she's got her act together. She's just about to finish her PHD in artificial intelligence and has signed up to serve in the Federation Fleet. She's destined for the stars.
But her true destiny is calling and she soon realises that she only knows half the person she really is. She has a dark past. Her mother tried to tell her but she has long given up listening to her crazy mother.
In an explosive series of events she is thrust into the centre of humanity's fight for survival. In the process she discovers her true nature. But is she able to rise to the occasion and enter the light storm that is Supernova.
Beta Readers Wanted
I'm looking to get about ten beta readers, wiling to read the book over the next month and give feedback before I do a second draft. If you are willing to help out please drop me a line to dave[at]panthergames[dot]com. You will need to fill in a simple Non Disclosure Agreement and then I can forward you a copy in mobi format for reading on your Kindle.
January 8, 2017
Retribution Sale
Book 4, Retribution will be on sale for a week starting Tuesday 10 January. Don't miss this great opportunity to pick up this exciting adventure as the Federation lock horns with the Rogan Empire at the hight of its powers. There's plenty of intrigue on offer for just $0.99.
December 9, 2016
Xmas Sale
We're running a 7 day Xmas Sale starting Monday 12 December. This is a great opportunity to pick up each of the first three books in the Warner's World series for just $0.99 each.
November 29, 2016
Where to after Warner's World?
Hi everyone, I've been pondering one of life's big questions - Where too now? The release of Attainment brings the end of the Warner's World series. I have several concepts for spin-offs within the Warner's World but I thought I might take a break from it and focus on something completely new.
I would like to write a book with a strong female lead set in a world in the mid 22nd Century where humans have expanded out to 30 light years but have yet to make contact with any other sentient beings. I started writing up my notes for the world and the backstory yesterday. It's early days yet.
If you have some suggestions about what subjects to focus on, please let me know.
I would like to write a book with a strong female lead set in a world in the mid 22nd Century where humans have expanded out to 30 light years but have yet to make contact with any other sentient beings. I started writing up my notes for the world and the backstory yesterday. It's early days yet.
If you have some suggestions about what subjects to focus on, please let me know.
Attainment Released
Attainment, Book 7 of Warner's World, is now released on Amazon. This is the final book in the Warner's World series - well for now anyway. At a 150,000 words it's a big book. But it took a lot to tie off all the different threads. I hope you enjoy it and if you do please don't forget to write a review for it either on Amazon or Goodreads.
November 20, 2016
Attainment Final Copy Submitted
I submitted the final version of Attainment, Book 7 of Warner's World. It should now be ready to go on sale this Friday 25 November.
October 24, 2016
Attainment on Pre-Order
Attainment, Book 7 of Warner's World, is now on Pre-order from Amazon. Publication date is set for 25 November 2016.
The rogan war is reaching its denouement. Dave Warner is at the peak of his military powers but what has he got to show for it? Charles Chen dangles a political carrot but will Dave's sense of duty keep him focussed on finishing the war? As the noose tightens on the rogan home worlds, its new First Consul, Nestor Quazor, tightens his grip on power. The allied forces assemble for the final showdown over Istridium. Stratagem and ruse attempt to deceive and divert but will ruthlessness becomes the order of the day? "What price peace" asks Dave Warner and is he prepared to pay it?
The rogan war is reaching its denouement. Dave Warner is at the peak of his military powers but what has he got to show for it? Charles Chen dangles a political carrot but will Dave's sense of duty keep him focussed on finishing the war? As the noose tightens on the rogan home worlds, its new First Consul, Nestor Quazor, tightens his grip on power. The allied forces assemble for the final showdown over Istridium. Stratagem and ruse attempt to deceive and divert but will ruthlessness becomes the order of the day? "What price peace" asks Dave Warner and is he prepared to pay it?
