Jason Gabriel's Blog

Outlines

I will start this blog with a dark and terrible confession. I have a huge pile of abandoned novels sitting on my computer. They live on the C: drive and haunt my dreams.

Second confession, I’m what some, familiar with the craft, would refer to as a “Pantser.” Before your imagination runs wild, I will explain the term to those who are unfamiliar. It means I write from the “seat of my pants.” I have no detailed outline. To be clear, I do work from a very basic outline. I know who the good guys are. I know who the bad guys are. I know how the story begins, I know how the story ends, and that’s it. I have no idea how the story is going to get from point A to point B.

Third confession. I want to be an “outline” guy. Here’s why. Every novel I’ve written, or attempted to write, has always evolved into character “deep dives.” I spend an enormous amount of time inside the heads of the protagonists and antagonists. I thrive in the “nuts and bolts” of how they think and act. I don’t know why that happens; it just does. I’ve given up trying to fight it, because, and I will steal a line from Star Trek, “Resistance is Futile.”

As I grew older, and presumably smarter, I decided to go back and try and figure out what was happening with those failed projects. I immediately noticed, that in all my abandoned novels, I had a similar issue. I wrote myself into a corner that I could not escape from. I could not find a way to easily “plot” my way out of it. The only way I could fix it would be to go back and do a massive re-write of the entire manuscript. When faced with that daunting task, I always threw in the towel. I figured I might as well just start over.

Maybe I should start with a detailed Outline!

What a great idea!

I went and looked at flawless, and awe-inspiring novel outlines by famous authors. I marveled at the level of intricate detail. I knew this would solve my problem, so I threw the cats out of my office, brewed gallons of coffee, and got to work.

After a week of this, I would emerge from my “man-cave,” draped in the stench of despair. All the joy, creativity and confidence had been destroyed. I was a soulless corpse. I had been consumed by the raging flames of the process. I had a workable outline but I didn’t care about the characters or the story any more. The process killed something in my soul. I had to accept it. The writing gods had written my fate for all to see. I would never be able to work from a detailed outline.

I have tried to emulate the incredible outlines I’ve reviewed and worshipped, many times. I failed without exception. The outline process, simply does not work for me. I end up with a spreadsheet and broken dreams. Somewhere the writing gods were nodding their heads in satisfaction. This mortal’s dreams had been crushed. Time for wine and song! (Could not help that bit. Just saw the original Jason and the Argonauts from the 60’s. There were lots of scenes with the Greek gods talking about how much fun it was to torture the hero, who happens to have the same first name as yours truly. Great old movie. It’s on Hulu right now if you want to watch it.)

If you can build a detailed outline, like those glorious artifacts that exist in digital space, then the rest of this post is not going to interest you.

When my confidence and resolve returned. I would start “pantsing” again. The unfinished novels piled up and the years passed by.
One day, the solution came to me like a bolt of lightning from the heavens. I screamed with unbridled joy, for after many years of beating my head against the wall I had an epiphany. It’s always about the characters for me. It always has been, and it always will be. The answer was always staring me in the face, it just took time to see it.

OUTLINE THE CHARACTERS, NOT THE PLOT!

The real problem was this. I was trying to drive plot disassociated from the character arcs. That’s where the joy and creativity is for me. It’s where I spent all my time!

DUH!

How can I be that dumb. Maybe it was the sweet nectar of brandy and the soft sounds of a harp strumming in time with the sound of cool water in a crystal fountain. (Sorry, another scene from J and the Argonauts!)

I had this epiphany about 15 years ago. I never looked back. The words flow freely now, and I’ve completed a dozen novels and short stories in that time. The plot blossoms out of the character arcs and character outlines. The characters take me on a journey. I didn’t realize it for years, but that’s where the creativity and joy come from for me.

The best part about beating your head against the wall, is when you stop!

Now, I outline the characters, not the novel. I let the characters take me on a journey with them. It works for me! The best part about beating your head against the wall comes when you stop!

So, in a nutshell. If you’re a “Pantser” and you’ve written yourself into the corner countless times, try detailed character outlines. Review them carefully, then let the characters take you on a journey. It works for me. It may not work for you, but I thought I would pass it along.

Now if I can figure out how to slay the editing monster, my life as a writer will be complete. I will save my rant on editing for another blog.

Cheers
Jason Gabriel.

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A Second interview with Jason Gabriel

I recently did an interview with: “Reader’s House- London’s Literary Gateway”

You can read it at the link below:

https://readershouse.co.uk/exploring-dark-fantasy-with-jason-gabriel/

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A fantasy author talks about his vintage ride!

My story begins roughly 10 years ago. The snow was gone, spring was in the air and my sinuses were about to close for the next several weeks. I found myself standing before a full-length mirror in my blissful domicile. What I saw disturbed me. It was a middle aged, overweight man who did not exercise enough. I had an expensive gym membership. I knew I should drag my sorry carcass over there without delay. I struggled with it as I gazed at the terrible image in the mirror, and gave up. I hate the gym. I always did. There is no word, in the English language, to describe how boring I find it.

I searched my feverish mind for a valid solution. I could go see what new movies were on Netflix! I could clean the house!  I could do some much-needed editing on version 875 of my latest novel. But alas, none of these ideas would help. Then I was struck speechless as an idea came to me. It was almost a religious experience. Biking!  I used to loved doing that as a kid! 

I could not contain my excitement. Only one thing stood in my way. I didn’t have a bike.

Before I can continue this epic tale, I must relate some pertinent back story. I grew up in an economically challenged environment.  That’s a polite way of saying dirt poor. Because of this unfortunate state of affairs, I never had a new bike to ride. My friends would give me old bikes when they got new ones. Sometimes I would pick one up from a neighbor who was throwing one out.  I ended up with an assortment of broken bikes. None of them were rideable. So, being an industrious lad, I learned to take them apart, then re-assemble them into a working means of transportation. They were ungainly to look upon, but they functioned, and that was good enough for me.

Now back to the story. Fast forward a few decades. I headed to my local bike shop with a spring in my step and unbridled enthusiasm on my face. I found a magnificent specimen. It was sleek. The light sparkled from it’s glistening surfaces. I was convinced that I can reach bone crushing speeds when I took my chariot out for an inaugural run. 

A cheerful young man stepped forward. He informed me that this perfect, and well-made machine, could be mine for four thousand dollars.  As an author, I spend countless hours, having conversations in my head, with people that don’t exist.  I thought this might be one of those times.  As the young man droned on about alloys and other things, I slowly realized that he was in fact real. The moment I accepted this, the dream died.

I smiled, thanked him, and shuffled out of the store.

Several weeks later, I found myself wandering the rows of my local thrift store. In my youth, I shopped there out of necessity. Now I shop there because I like it.  I did not know that fate would smile upon me that day.

I spotted her in the corner. She was alone and covered in dust. Later I learned, she was a vintage 1983 Raleigh Olympian. She was the ride of champions! Now she sat forlorn in the corner and would end her days in a local landfill. I could not accept that. I slapped down a hard earned ten spot (yes that’s right ten dollars!) and left the store with renewed hope.

I rushed home with my prize. Later that evening, after I convinced my wife that I had not lost my mind, I found myself in the garage. I lovingly disassembled her. I scrubbed and cleaned every part. Then, I re-assembled her in all her glory. Aside from the front derailleur (which still is a bit iffy), everything was original. I eventually had to replace the tires and brake pads, but that was to be expected.

The next day, I proudly took her out for her inaugural voyage. I’m lucky enough to live near an incredible, paved, bike trail. It meanders through a pristine forest. A scenic river (that is on the national registry) flows beside it.

I found myself in an earthly heaven, and I remain there to this day. On a decent weekend, I ride about 50 miles. I have cold weather gear. I can ride until it gets down to about 35 degrees, then it becomes too much. I never ride on the roads. The people that do that, have a trust in other humans, that, quite frankly, I do not have. In my city, they mount a bike painted white, to memorialize those who are killed on the roads. I see new white bikes every year.  The worst thing that can happen on my trail, is hitting a walnut, or perhaps a deer. I’ve seen several mammoth beasts over the years. It always shocks me when a 400 pound buck saunters out onto the trail in front of me. How can something that massive be invisible? 

I wear biking shoes because they help with foot pain. A lot of the serious bikers I see where shoes that lock them into the petals.  I find that to be alarming. I remember a very specific event that illustrates why I would never wear them. I was perhaps, 14 years of age. I was riding one of my ungainly “Frankenbikes” behind a friend through the local village. I wanted to catch up to him. I saw a shortcut that would work. It was a small hill covered in grass in brush. It covered a small ditch that could not have been more than a foot deep.  I flew down the hill, without a helmet of course. My front tire entered the ditch. My body went flying over the handle bars, with my bike close behind. I somehow pulled my head forward to my chest, and did a perfect barrel roll into the grass. I vividly remember the bike descending towards me from the blue sky. I kicked with my legs, connected with the frame, and sent the bike flying away from me.  I rose and found that I was unscathed. It was a miracle of sorts.

That memory always comes back to me when I see people with their feet locked to the petals. I wonder what would have happened? 

At any rate, that’s my story. You can find me, on the trail near my house, any time its over 35 degrees. So, if a middle-aged athletic looking dude, fly’s past you on a bike older than dirt, say hi. It’s me, Jason Gabriel.

Cheers.

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An Interview with Jason Gabriel

What inspired you to start writing Fantasy and Sci-Fi stories, and how has your writing evolved over the 40+ years?

I would say that the “Lord of the Rings” was a pivotal moment in my life. It shaped my interest in the fantasy genre, most certainly. I specifically remember debating his writing style with a teacher, when I was 11 years old! I look back and laugh about it now. My teacher’s head must have been spinning. I have been devouring all the fantasy books I can find since that day.

On the Sci Fi side, I started off with Frank Herbert and Isaac Asimov. The Dune and the Foundation books will always live with me. I read an article somewhere that Asimov was inspired by “Decline and fall of the Roman Empire” by Edward Gibbon when he wrote the Foundation books. I thought I would try it. All I can say is, oh my! It is an incredible book, but the writing style is not what a modern reader is used to. I did not realize it was possible to write a single sentence that covers two pages. I consumed the book in very small chunks. On my tombstone, I will mention that I finished it.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience that influenced your storytelling?

I remember struggling with plot in a major way. I was constantly running into a brick wall trying to figure out what came next (ie. plot). Then I came across some advice from the great Stephen King. It was a YouTube interview or presentation I believe. At any rate, he made a major point about characters driving plot. That was a huge aha moment for me. I was approaching plot disassociated from the character arcs. I changed that day. I never struggled with plot again. Thanks Stephen!

How do you balance your passion for writing with other aspects of your life, such as your job, family, and hobbies?

I carve out time specifically for writing so that it does not interfere with my family, job, or hobbies. For me it is mornings. I get into the local coffee shop by 6 AM, work for a couple hours, then I’m off to the real world (which is not nearly as interesting.) I might do some editing at night, but not much other than that.

What is the most challenging aspect of creating fantasy worlds or sci-fi universes in your stories?

The most challenging for me, is it must have some realistic grounding behind it. I know its fantasy magic, and FTL spaceships, but it must feel real to me. If it does not then it feels like a fairy tale. Finding that balance of real and unreal is one of my greatest challenges.

How do you approach character development, and do you see any recurring themes or archetypes in your work?

That is a big question. I could write a 30-page answer. For me, I focus on the one thing a character wants. It could be a big thing or a little thing, but it must be one thing and it must be important to that character. From that one thing I build out the rest of the character. I seem to be drawn to flawed characters. I’m always fascinated with the arc a character goes through when they strive to overcome some unique flaw. Maybe someday I will create the perfect, unflawed character, then take them apart slowly. Perhaps an antagonist? I need to go jot that one down!

As a collector of books in Fantasy and Sci-Fi genres, what are some of your favorite pieces in your collection, and why?

I already mentioned LOTR, Dune, and the Foundation series. You could throw in the Shanara books, Dragonlance, Michael Moorcock, Ray Bradbury, and Piers Anthony. I dearly love the Amber books by Roger Zelazny. I have had this great idea for an urban fantasy, for about 20+ years, and I‘m going to do it in 1st person. Except for a couple of individual scenes, the entire Amber series is 1st person. Zelazny was the master! I don’t want to say much about the plot, but as soon as I finish the Shard series, I’m going to do it!

Your dog thinks he’s a cat, and your cat thinks he’s a dog. How do these unique personalities influence your daily life and creative process?

I have very needy pets. The dog starts freaking out if he does not get his 2 mile walk every day. The cats will not leave me alone and have no qualms with sitting on or walking across my keyboard. I dearly love my pets, but I get more done at the coffee shop than at home!

How do you manage to stay updated on all the Sci-Fi and Fantasy TV shows and movies, even if some are not up to par?

I am a chronic procrastinator at heart. In fact, I have been meaning to do this interview for about 2 or 3 weeks! I will watch anything I can find in those genres, even if they are terrible. I always pick up ideas about characters, even if it is “don’t ever do that.”

Can you share some of your favorite Sci-Fi or Fantasy TV shows and movies, and why they resonate with you?

The original Star Trek series is probably my all-time favorite sci-fi show. I grew up watching endless reruns of it as a kid. It will always hold a special place in my heart. The special effects are terrible, the acting is over the top (I’m looking at you Bill!) but the stories are great.

My latest, favorite show is Umbrella Academy. I was running out of stuff to watch so I turned it on. It is amazing. If you have not seen it, do it now! The writing is phenomenal, and the acting is amazing. I do not want to give too much away, but there’s a scene in season three that involves Kenny Loggins, that floored me. I can’t describe how perfect it was without giving it away.

Riding your bike seems like a significant part of your routine. How does physical activity like biking contribute to your creativity or mental well-being?

Biking is a big part of my life now. Nothing relaxes me more than winding through the trees along the river on a beautiful summer day. When it’s too cold or to wet to ride I get crabby!

Board games are another of your interests. Are there any specific board games that you find particularly inspiring or enjoyable?

I’m a massive fan of Gloomhaven and Frosthaven. They are phenomenal games and I highly recommend them. I think of them as D&D for people who want to play D&D and don’t have time to play D&D.

Dreaming wistfully about the beach when the weather doesn’t cooperate suggests a love for nature. Do real-world environments or experiences influence your world-building in any way?

I do love being outside in nature. As I mentioned earlier, I strive to make sure that all my writing has a “real-world” flavor to it. On the other hand, I think part of the attraction to Fantasy and Sci-fi, is the ability to leave the real-world for a while. In the end, I find much of the real-world to be dull and uninteresting. So for me, part of the joy of writing, is escaping from it for a little bit.

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Chronicles of Amber

I like recommending older books that some folks may not be familiar with.  Today I thought of the Chronicles of Amber.  It is a series of books written in the 70’s and 80’s and some in the 2000’s. It is a fantasy masterpiece that will take you on a mind-bending journey through a multitude of strange worlds.  I enjoyed all the books immensely, but the earliest ones will always hold a special place in my heart. Probably because I discovered them at a very young age.

The setting of the book is very intriguing. Corwin is a prince in the city named “Amber’”.  It exists in the center of all realities.  All other parallel worlds are shadows of the one “true city. Corwin must navigate these shifting landscapes to claim his rightful place as ruler.

The main story line centers on the endless conflict between “Order” and “Chaos”.  There are tons of allusions to Shakespeare, Hamlet etc… Even some of the character names are taking straight from Shakespeare. Zelazny’s writing is brilliant. His prose is lyrical and evocative. He paints vivid landscapes. He creates interesting characters that stay with you after you finish the books. The world-building is intricate and unique. Each new dimension adds layers of complexity to the narrative. I don’t recall anything quite like it in any of the many fantasy and science fiction books that I have read.

As the series progresses, the plot twists and turns with the finesse of a master storyteller. I won’t give away too much about it, but the plot is excellent.

These might have been the first books I ever read that were written in “1st person”.   As a writer, I consider these books to be the “gold standard” for 1st person perspective. 

At any rate, I highly recommend these books.  I consider them to be a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre. It is a journey well worth taking. Give them a try. You will not be disappointed.

RATING 5 OUT OF 5!!!

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The Fall of the House of Usher.

As mentioned on my bio, I love watching TV. In fact, I love it too much. Having said that, I felt compelled to call out The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix. If you have Netflix and you haven’t seen this yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? “Do It Now”. But seriously, it’s a great show. The writing is superb, and that’s coming from a writer. I can’t watch a show that’s poorly written. Well, that’s a lie really, but I’ll save that for another post. At any rate, the writing on this show should be turned into a case study they use to teach screen writers in school. On top of that, the acting is amazing. Seeing Mark Hamill play a dark and disturbed dude is just one example of the excellence of the entire cast. I’m a huge Edgar Allan Poe fan as well, so I loved all the “call outs” to his work. You certainly don’t have to be a fan of Poe to enjoy this show. I think the writers and actors on this show also did Haunting of Hill House and Blye manor. If it’s not all the actors and writers, it’s most of them. It’s fun to see the actors in completely new rolls in each show. All three shows are epically amazing, but of the three, I will forever hold a special place in my heart for The Fall of the House of Usher. And before I sign off, if I miss a publication date, it’s because I’m watching all these shows again, so blame it on them!

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