Stephen Henning's Blog, page 10
October 21, 2013
September 15, 2013
News for Class Heroes - Book 3 and a Free Short Story
The first draft of Class Heroes book 3 is complete. Oh yes. At some unspecified time within the next few months, the third book in the Class Heroes series will be released, and this time Sam and James Blake's return to South Ealing Comprehensive will be upset by a few home truths.
Plus, the Super Drug created by Sir Michael Rosewood in book 2 has found its way into the underground club scene and into London's schools.
September 8, 2013
Keeping It Real
I like being able to use real locations and specific events from my own personal experiences in my books. When I’m writing, it helps me visualize the scene more clearly and it makes the events in the book seem more real. It gives them - I love this word so I’ll keep using it) - verisimilitude.
Given that the Class Heroes books are superhero novels, I’m not trying to claim that the stories are in some way my memoirs and that I personally have amazing abilities (unless you count constantly mislaying my wallet and keys as a superpower).
August 22, 2013
Free Paranormal Novel "What Happened in Witches Wood" on Kindle 24 August 2013
It does what it says on the tin. On Saturday 24 August, book 2 in the Class Heroes young adult series, will be free on Amazon Kindle.
Yes, What Happened in Witches Wood will be free on both Saturday and Sunday, so make sure you grab a copy and immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of teenage superheroes James and Samantha Blake.
August 13, 2013
Are Ghosts Real?
The debate over whether ghosts are real has been raging since ghosts were alive. But how many of you out there have ever actually seen a ghost? And how would you know if you had?
As part of the promotion for Class Heroes #2, What Happened in Witches Wood, I created a news report which contained an interview with a ‘professor of parapsychology’, and a child describing a ghostly experience.
August 1, 2013
Is Swearing in YA Novels Really %^!!!@* Necessary?
Realism, language – and in particular bad language – is a thorny issue when it comes to writing young adult novels.
Authors constantly strive for authenticity. We want our characters’ voices and their choice of words to be realistic. Dialogue needs to be so natural that it doesn’t draw attention to itself. I would guess that children’s fiction and young adult fiction are possibly the hardest genres out there in which to achieve verisimilitude.
June 29, 2013
The Problem of Writing Big Scenes
Every good book needs its ‘big’ scenes.
Big scenes are the ones where, following the inexorable rise in tension throughout the preceding chapters, the protagonists finally come into conflict and the pressure is at last released.
April 26, 2013
Book Marketing The Fun Way: Make A Video (part 2)
You don’t have to throw an actual wrap party, but maybe take everybody to the pub, or invite people back to your home after filming. Your cast and crew will want to talk about what you have just done, who is most embarrassed, and, most importantly, you can thank people for being part of it.
Book Marketing The Fun Way: Make A Video (part 1)
When you’re trying to do the marketing and promotion for your self-published book (or pretty much anything that you are selling), it can be a slog.
You started writing books to write books, not to be a marketing professional. But, of course, if you want people to read your books, you have to help them find your books. So for pity’s sake let’s at least make it fun, eh?
April 14, 2013
Free Kindle Book - What Happened in Witches Wood Sunday 14 April - Monday 15 April
For 2 days, the second adventure for everyone's favourite superheroes, James and Sam Blake, is free on Amazon.
This excellent (if I do say so myself) young adult book finds James and Sam encountering the ghost of their long dead aunty; and meeting the charismatic owner of the world's largest genetic research conglomerate, Sir Michael Rosewood, who has taken a special interest in the Blakes.
Grab yourself a copy while it is free. Remember to check the price before you download.
