Tim Slee's Blog: How's the Serenity?, page 4
June 17, 2018
Last days for Charlie Jones (thriller) Goodreads giveaway...
“Slee has a cheeky wit… There is also a sucker punch of a twist that ranks with the last line of Charles Willeford’s Pick-Up. An auspicious introduction to an unconventional new character in the spy game.”
- Kirkus Reviews
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
- Kirkus Reviews
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
June 16, 2018
June 11, 2018
Test readers wanted!
Hi all, I just got my new thriller project back from a professional PW reviewer. The conclusion was "Fast-paced, packed with action and suspense ...keeps the reader guessing...realistic and original...a lot to like here!"
That was gratifying as I've been working with a group of enthusiastic police and military advisers to ensure the story is authentic - and they've been really helpful with plot and pacing too!
THE PLOT
US Navy UCAV (drone) Air Boss Alicia Rodriguez and aviator Lieutenant Karen 'Bunny' O'Hare are alone on a decommissioned US UCAV facility on Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait when Russia launches a lightning operation to shut down the critical waterway between Alaska and Russia to traffic and deny the US navy access.
They are alone, dug in deep and trapped behind enemy lines. Surrender? Hell no.
The PW reviewer suggested working on adding some depth to the characters (more show, less tell...) and so I've been doing that and now I'd love some true reader opinions before I go into final draft!
You can download the latest draft here (ereader and pdf formats): https://dl.bookfunnel.com/g4fdazides
and I'd love it if you send me your thoughts, suggestions, encouragement or critique either at FaceBook:
https://www.facebook.com/teejayslee/
Or GoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Thanks!
That was gratifying as I've been working with a group of enthusiastic police and military advisers to ensure the story is authentic - and they've been really helpful with plot and pacing too!
THE PLOT
US Navy UCAV (drone) Air Boss Alicia Rodriguez and aviator Lieutenant Karen 'Bunny' O'Hare are alone on a decommissioned US UCAV facility on Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait when Russia launches a lightning operation to shut down the critical waterway between Alaska and Russia to traffic and deny the US navy access.
They are alone, dug in deep and trapped behind enemy lines. Surrender? Hell no.
The PW reviewer suggested working on adding some depth to the characters (more show, less tell...) and so I've been doing that and now I'd love some true reader opinions before I go into final draft!
You can download the latest draft here (ereader and pdf formats): https://dl.bookfunnel.com/g4fdazides
and I'd love it if you send me your thoughts, suggestions, encouragement or critique either at FaceBook:
https://www.facebook.com/teejayslee/
Or GoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Thanks!
June 8, 2018
Author notes: The Æsir
I'll try to give a few insights into the creative process behind this new episode of the Midgaard Cycle.
I always conceived the Midgaard Cycle as a trilogy, and that idea was only strengthened when volume 1, The Vanirim, won the grand prize in the Publishers Weekly BookLife awards, the most important result being that the prizemoney enabled me to blow my charity fundraising target for that year out of the water. (All sales of my books go to charity, this year it is Plan International, the #girlsrights organisation).
The three volumes will be The Vanirim, the Æsir and finally, the Jötunn, each featuring a new faction in the universe of Norse deities. The first volume was written in the first person voice of the main protagonist, Tully McIntyre, a man who has had his ability to feel emotion cauterised, and whose psyche is fighting back. It was a unique viewpoint to examine what is essentially a crime story through.
But as I got about a third of the way into volume 2, the Æsir, I realised the storyline would not work if I wrote it in same first person voice. So I changed it to third person and the story is mostly seen through the eyes of another protagonist, Regin Investigator Stella Valiente.
There are many precedents for creatively playing with the POV through a series, not least of which is Lee Childs Jack Reacher series which is sometimes written in first person, other times in third. What drives this decision is often the fact that the protagonist is hiding a secret and it wouldn't be credible for him to keep it from the reader. This wasn't a problem in The Vanirim because although McIntyre had secrets, they weren't even known to himself.
In the Æsir though, McIntyre has a very important hidden agenda and I didn't feel he could narrate the story and keep his secret hidden at the same time.
If that change of PoV disconcerts you as a reader, fear not! McIntyre will be back as first person narrator in Volume 3, The Jötunn!
I always conceived the Midgaard Cycle as a trilogy, and that idea was only strengthened when volume 1, The Vanirim, won the grand prize in the Publishers Weekly BookLife awards, the most important result being that the prizemoney enabled me to blow my charity fundraising target for that year out of the water. (All sales of my books go to charity, this year it is Plan International, the #girlsrights organisation).
The three volumes will be The Vanirim, the Æsir and finally, the Jötunn, each featuring a new faction in the universe of Norse deities. The first volume was written in the first person voice of the main protagonist, Tully McIntyre, a man who has had his ability to feel emotion cauterised, and whose psyche is fighting back. It was a unique viewpoint to examine what is essentially a crime story through.
But as I got about a third of the way into volume 2, the Æsir, I realised the storyline would not work if I wrote it in same first person voice. So I changed it to third person and the story is mostly seen through the eyes of another protagonist, Regin Investigator Stella Valiente.
There are many precedents for creatively playing with the POV through a series, not least of which is Lee Childs Jack Reacher series which is sometimes written in first person, other times in third. What drives this decision is often the fact that the protagonist is hiding a secret and it wouldn't be credible for him to keep it from the reader. This wasn't a problem in The Vanirim because although McIntyre had secrets, they weren't even known to himself.
In the Æsir though, McIntyre has a very important hidden agenda and I didn't feel he could narrate the story and keep his secret hidden at the same time.
If that change of PoV disconcerts you as a reader, fear not! McIntyre will be back as first person narrator in Volume 3, The Jötunn!
June 6, 2018
Review: William Gibson 'Archangel'
When I found out yesterday that the father of cyberpunk had collaborated to write a comic book set in an alternate WWII universe I nearly peed myself a bit. I let out an audible WOOHOO.
Because I love Gibson and I love stories set in WWII and I love anything quantum sciency and I love graphic novels and this was all four of those! It did become a bit of a BOOHOO, but the trouble with this review for you dear reader is that I am trying to get more positivity into my life so I am only going to speak to the WOOHOO parts.
THE ART: The illustrations by Butch Guice, Alejandro Barrionuevo and Wagner Reis are very atmo and moody and dark but not horror dark more 'world in flames' kind of dark.
One of the key protagonists is a British officer and the illustrators have done an amazing job channeling one of my favorite classic movie heroines, Susanna York, in her role as a WAAF in the move 'Battle of Britain.' What am I talking about? Check it!
Doctor Naomi Givens
Susanna York
THE END NOTES: End notes! I love end notes. There is an end note from Gibson about how the project came about and how he found the process of scripting a comic book (I'd call this more of a comic book than graphic novel) and then some wonderful line drawings and word concept sketches of all the main characters.
THE CHARACTERS: The true heroes are ladies who kick ass, solve puzzles and have no need to get romantically involved with ANY of the men.
One star for each of those things gives three! And you can work out the weaknesses from the things I haven't discussed!
Because I love Gibson and I love stories set in WWII and I love anything quantum sciency and I love graphic novels and this was all four of those! It did become a bit of a BOOHOO, but the trouble with this review for you dear reader is that I am trying to get more positivity into my life so I am only going to speak to the WOOHOO parts.
THE ART: The illustrations by Butch Guice, Alejandro Barrionuevo and Wagner Reis are very atmo and moody and dark but not horror dark more 'world in flames' kind of dark.
One of the key protagonists is a British officer and the illustrators have done an amazing job channeling one of my favorite classic movie heroines, Susanna York, in her role as a WAAF in the move 'Battle of Britain.' What am I talking about? Check it!
Doctor Naomi Givens
Susanna York
THE END NOTES: End notes! I love end notes. There is an end note from Gibson about how the project came about and how he found the process of scripting a comic book (I'd call this more of a comic book than graphic novel) and then some wonderful line drawings and word concept sketches of all the main characters.
THE CHARACTERS: The true heroes are ladies who kick ass, solve puzzles and have no need to get romantically involved with ANY of the men.
One star for each of those things gives three! And you can work out the weaknesses from the things I haven't discussed!
June 4, 2018
Free Advance Review Copy: The Æsirim!
Dear friends!! Get a free Advance Review Copy ebook of the Midgaard Cycle, both vols 1 & 2, featuring the new episode: The Æsir, which will be going live on Amazon later this month! For Kindle, Nook, iphone/pad etc.
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/aq76hd755a
(Episode 1: The Vanirim, was grand prize winner of the inaugural Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize in Fiction!)
***
In India, a space launch is sabotaged with devastating effect. In New York, hackers shut down the subway system. In England, pirates take over the airwaves to broadcast insurrectionist propaganda. The human uprising against the Vanir is afire...
REVIEWS OF THE VANIRIM: MIDGAARD CYCLE VOLUME 1
"This superb novel has it all — a gripping and twisty plot, well-developed characters, and excellent writing. The story centers on Tully McIntyre, a "sanctioned" 19-year-old who is accused of killing a Vanir, one of the superior beings who rule Earth. The author skillfully keeps the reader guessing as to Tully's guilt or innocence, all the while creating a complex new world with its own set of laws and systems of justice. Characterization is strong, the story progression logical and original, and while the ending clearly indicates a new installment is to follow, the book stands alone and is complete. Extremely well done. 10/10."
- Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize
"I devoured The Vanirim in a single sitting, pulled in initially by the vision of life on Earth after an interdimensional alien invasion and driven forward by the twisty and mind-bending plot, centered on an enigmatic and compelling main character. This is a book of mysteries and wonders."
- Tim Pratt, best selling author
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/aq76hd755a
(Episode 1: The Vanirim, was grand prize winner of the inaugural Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize in Fiction!)
***
In India, a space launch is sabotaged with devastating effect. In New York, hackers shut down the subway system. In England, pirates take over the airwaves to broadcast insurrectionist propaganda. The human uprising against the Vanir is afire...
REVIEWS OF THE VANIRIM: MIDGAARD CYCLE VOLUME 1
"This superb novel has it all — a gripping and twisty plot, well-developed characters, and excellent writing. The story centers on Tully McIntyre, a "sanctioned" 19-year-old who is accused of killing a Vanir, one of the superior beings who rule Earth. The author skillfully keeps the reader guessing as to Tully's guilt or innocence, all the while creating a complex new world with its own set of laws and systems of justice. Characterization is strong, the story progression logical and original, and while the ending clearly indicates a new installment is to follow, the book stands alone and is complete. Extremely well done. 10/10."
- Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize
"I devoured The Vanirim in a single sitting, pulled in initially by the vision of life on Earth after an interdimensional alien invasion and driven forward by the twisty and mind-bending plot, centered on an enigmatic and compelling main character. This is a book of mysteries and wonders."
- Tim Pratt, best selling author
June 3, 2018
When bad means good...
Twisted my ankle falling up a set of stairs! Hurts like hell but...
It means this is how I will be spending my Sunday! On a hammock in the garden with my Kindle reading Ondaatje! Pain = gain.
It means this is how I will be spending my Sunday! On a hammock in the garden with my Kindle reading Ondaatje! Pain = gain.
May 30, 2018
That one book to read before you go...
The English Patient by Michael OndaatjeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
If a dying friend asked me 'what should I read before I go?' this would be my recommendation.
What I fell in love with, what I still love the most about the book, is the protagonist Almasy's hand written journal, scribbled among the pages of Herodotus's 'The Histories'. What a device, summing up in one small object his intensely private self, and at the same time as he passes it to his lover, the giving up of himself, his surrender to her.
And then of course, there is Oondatje's intensely cinematic writing, which to me he never really succeeded in beating in subsequent or prior works. I can't pick a single quote, but just browse here:
https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes...
So cinematic is his language that the film by the Brit Anthony Minghella was the most faithful reproduction of a loved novel that I've come across and unusually I've seen the film almost as many times as I've read the book, because now when I read the book, I see Ralph Fiennes and Kristen Scott Thomas. They've supplanted the images I may have had in my mind, so perfectly did they capture the spirit of the book.
I read it at least once a year, to remind myself that love really is all that matters and it's big, small, good, bad, sweet and brutal all at the same time.
What's YOUR 'one to read before you go'?
View all my reviews
May 28, 2018
That ideal writing spot...
We all have one, whether we're writing a letter, email or just posting on Insta! I have two ...
The first is at home. We have a glasshouse ringed by rhododendrons and perched on a spot looking over the rest of the garden. Warm even in the chilly northern autumn and spring, out of the wind, quiet but with the door open there is a constant twitter of birdsong.
(If you look closely at the picture you will see I have worn the lettering off several of the keys of that keyboard after seven novels!)
My other favorite writing environment is a complete contrast. Business class on long haul flights (unfortunately I do too many of these. Just got a note from one airline that I've been around the world 20 times with them!)
Some people sleep or watch movies on long flights but for me there is nothing better for total undistracted focus than to be strapped in a comfortable chair for 6-20 hours, often in the dark, headphones on and tapping away at a keyboard while friendly people bring you food and wine! I grumble about the time away from home, but the time it gives for writing is golden...
The first is at home. We have a glasshouse ringed by rhododendrons and perched on a spot looking over the rest of the garden. Warm even in the chilly northern autumn and spring, out of the wind, quiet but with the door open there is a constant twitter of birdsong.
(If you look closely at the picture you will see I have worn the lettering off several of the keys of that keyboard after seven novels!)
My other favorite writing environment is a complete contrast. Business class on long haul flights (unfortunately I do too many of these. Just got a note from one airline that I've been around the world 20 times with them!)
Some people sleep or watch movies on long flights but for me there is nothing better for total undistracted focus than to be strapped in a comfortable chair for 6-20 hours, often in the dark, headphones on and tapping away at a keyboard while friendly people bring you food and wine! I grumble about the time away from home, but the time it gives for writing is golden...
May 23, 2018
Review: Tim Winton 'The Shepherd's Hut'
*** Three stars
One of my starkest memories is of standing on the shores of a completely parched Lake Eyre in the Australian outback, shrubs around me flattened by the wind and blasted by salt. The lake stretched out forever, shimmering, flat and frankly, frightening.
These were the images Tim Winton's Shepherd's Hut brought back to me with an almost physical punch. To me, the landscape in this novel is the most impactful character.
Many other reviews talk about this novel being an iconic 'coming of age' story, or focus on the lessons the protagonist 'Jaxie' learns about being a man. I felt little of that, and it was a shame that in a book featuring only two characters (if you don't count the landscape!) I found neither Jaxie nor the old hermit who lives in the Shepherd's hut to be engaging figures. As usual for Winton, a lot is left to the readers' imagination and the missing back story of how the hermit, Fintan, came to be living in a hut in the middle of nowhere is typical of that. I don't find that frustrating, because I am a die hard Winton fan and used to his ways, but others might find the characters under developed because of it.
This is the first Winton novel for which I skipped swathes of text. The second third of the book is slow, with a whole lot of nothing going on except Jaxie's internal dialogue. It reads more like the diary of a teenage boy than a novel. I also tired very quickly of Winton's use of 'idiom', writing as he imagines the uneducated boy would talk. Authentic, maybe, but also rather annoying. I favor the Elmore Leonard ten commandments of writing, one of which is 'don't try to write in dialects'. In past Winton novels he has managed to capture the language of Australia without feral grammar dominating, but in this, it is unrelenting and overdone.
"And it sort of worked, our arrangement. Before I couldna seen the sense in it."
"It was two whole days before he give me a knife he had spare."
And finally, as we get to the last third of the the novel and it appears to be going nowhere (with no resolution in sight because there is in fact no story arc, just two guys in a hut in the desert shooting goats and arguing with each other) the author throws in a sudden, violent and frankly unlikely encounter with which to wind things up.
I'm a huge Winton fan and have loved everything he has written, reading all of his books at least twice and Cloud Street at least five times. Any Winton book is worth waiting for so when I award this one an average '3 stars' it is only in the context of how great his other books have been! I just can't see myself reading this one twice, or recommending it to others.
One of my starkest memories is of standing on the shores of a completely parched Lake Eyre in the Australian outback, shrubs around me flattened by the wind and blasted by salt. The lake stretched out forever, shimmering, flat and frankly, frightening.
These were the images Tim Winton's Shepherd's Hut brought back to me with an almost physical punch. To me, the landscape in this novel is the most impactful character.
Many other reviews talk about this novel being an iconic 'coming of age' story, or focus on the lessons the protagonist 'Jaxie' learns about being a man. I felt little of that, and it was a shame that in a book featuring only two characters (if you don't count the landscape!) I found neither Jaxie nor the old hermit who lives in the Shepherd's hut to be engaging figures. As usual for Winton, a lot is left to the readers' imagination and the missing back story of how the hermit, Fintan, came to be living in a hut in the middle of nowhere is typical of that. I don't find that frustrating, because I am a die hard Winton fan and used to his ways, but others might find the characters under developed because of it.
This is the first Winton novel for which I skipped swathes of text. The second third of the book is slow, with a whole lot of nothing going on except Jaxie's internal dialogue. It reads more like the diary of a teenage boy than a novel. I also tired very quickly of Winton's use of 'idiom', writing as he imagines the uneducated boy would talk. Authentic, maybe, but also rather annoying. I favor the Elmore Leonard ten commandments of writing, one of which is 'don't try to write in dialects'. In past Winton novels he has managed to capture the language of Australia without feral grammar dominating, but in this, it is unrelenting and overdone.
"And it sort of worked, our arrangement. Before I couldna seen the sense in it."
"It was two whole days before he give me a knife he had spare."
And finally, as we get to the last third of the the novel and it appears to be going nowhere (with no resolution in sight because there is in fact no story arc, just two guys in a hut in the desert shooting goats and arguing with each other) the author throws in a sudden, violent and frankly unlikely encounter with which to wind things up.
I'm a huge Winton fan and have loved everything he has written, reading all of his books at least twice and Cloud Street at least five times. Any Winton book is worth waiting for so when I award this one an average '3 stars' it is only in the context of how great his other books have been! I just can't see myself reading this one twice, or recommending it to others.
How's the Serenity?
A blog about the fun of balancing life, work, family, friends, writing and karma... mostly writing and karma.
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