Stephen Henning's Blog, page 13
January 19, 2012
Writing a Book
Several people (actually, one person) asked me recently how long it took me to write A Class Apart, my full length superhero novel.
It took me eight months to complete the first Class Heroes book. I was working at the same time, so I had to fit the writing around work. But I loved doing it, so it was never a chore.
So how does the 18 months break down?
Feb 2011. I got the idea for the book, created the characters, and wrote-up an outline of what I wanted to do with them, story-wise.
January 12, 2012
Why Do Random People Follow Me on Twitter?
Have you ever wondered why people follow you on Twitter?
How do they find you?
There must be people out there who are constantly searching the Tweet Waves for particular keywords because:
a) They are interested in the subject.
b) They are trying to sell you something, and therefore want to find you to sell said something to you.
The first reason is quite obvious. I like superheroes and I'm interested in the ebook world, so I'll often search for "superhero", "Kindle", "Kobo", "ebook" etc.
December 29, 2011
Science Fiction eBooks
The eBook reader and science fiction books were surely designed for one another weren't they? For a start, doesn't the average eBook reader look exactly like how you imagine The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy to look?
December 20, 2011
Class Heroes Book Trailer
An exciting trailer video for A Class Apart!
It's a great trailer too. It's not trailer trash. It's trailer good.
December 10, 2011
How Do I Get Superhero Super Powers?
Imagine if you had superpowers.
What would your life be like? You can't tell me you haven't thought about it. You've probably wanted them at least 10 times this week.
Does the person who sits opposite you at school or work just never shut up? Haven't you imagined using that special power to prevent that person from talking. You make that little gesture of closing your thumb on your forefinger and his or her lips are suddenly clamped shut. Or you're late, and running for a bus or train and you just wish you could dash at superspeed, or better still - fly!
November 26, 2011
Superhero Novels: The Next Big Thing
Superhero novels and books, as opposed to superhero graphic novels, must surely be the next publishing phenomenon.Why?
November 20, 2011
The Richest Football Clubs - Solving the UK Economic Crisis
Nothing to do with superheroes, or writing. This is simply a creative solution to one of the biggest problems facing the UK today, ie its economy. It also tackles the financial and structural problems nibbling away at British football.
The Government recently told the FA that it needs to clean up its act in terms of debt problems, financial mismanagement, and potential asset-stripping owners. They are suggesting a complete overhaul of English football.
November 15, 2011
One Superpower That Sylar Wouldn't Want
If you watched the TV show Heroes, that nasty old villain Sylar used to go around opening up the heads of his castmates, and stealing their superpower.
Well, good luck to him if he tried to get mine. If I was one of the X-Men, I'd be called Queue.
November 12, 2011
Superhero artwork
In my book, Samantha Blake is the coolest girl superhero, and James Blake is the coolest boy superhero. And I just love Andrew Skilleter's amazing artwork.
November 6, 2011
How to Write a Novel
Don't worry, I wouldn't be so presumptuous as to suggest that I am the expert who can give you the answers to that question.
But I know a man who can help you.
If you like superheroes, and/or you aspire to be a writer, I would suggest you take a look at Superhero Nation. Brian McKenzie has created a site almost overflowing with information about how to write, including useful dos and don'ts, tips on creating characters and how to approach agents and publishers.
