Derek Hart's Blog, page 2

Thoughts and Things

First, pretty awesome that our video book trailer for Secret of the Dragon's Eye went over 10,000 views yesterday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df3X5ww1hBQ

Then, it was awesome that Secret of the Dragon's Scales – Book 4, is now available on amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Dragons-Scales-Book-Four/dp/1462026656/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7

Add to that, the Secret of the Dragon's Eye book trailer was entered in a contest this week and is doing quite well.

http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/

So, a busy week.

Still, I wonder what it's going to take to get DHE finally funded?  I spend every day, 7 days a week – promoting, cajoling, enticing, wooing, begging, pleading, and entertaining. I've been told our business plan is solid, our business model is unique and aggressive, our financials conservative and realistic, our goals achievable, our content deep, our board of directors diverse and qualified, our staff creative and skilled, and our leadership insane!  Isn't that the stuff great companies are made of?

So, what does it take to get the right person(s) to back us?  We're not talking about scads of money here.  We're talking about just enough to get all our projects underway, not ideas, but products, revenue-producing.  Geez, guys, so sit down and write a check and we'll be employing 12 people and producing great entertainment across 9 different deliverables, with 26 content streams ready to go!

Anybody know a millionaire who loves dragons?

Dragons, Cats & Little People

Busy writing.  The good kind of busy, where I'm actually pounding out words and holding off editing until later.

Spent most of my free time last week focused on Secret of the Dragon's Teeth – Book 5.  The storyline takes place in 1944, the high water mark of WWII.  We're quickly closing in on the climax.  Of course, the main historical focus revolves around D-Day at Normandy.  I had the research material, for the most part, already gathered, but I'm busy balancing the airborne assault at the Orne River bridges and the beach landings at Omaha.  The interesting slant on the plot will be how Thaddeus gets involved.  This time, there's no holding back and a certain red dragon actively participates in the outcome.  With certain repercussions, as you can imagine.

I also finally divulge the closely-guarded secret regarding the relationship between dragons and cats, and the reader will learn why it's so important.  My piskie character Idyllioop also plays a vital role, as he knows some critical secrets about Thaddeus and dragons in general.  Gavin, Bunty, and Emily, now 16, are faced with some heady decisions of their own.

Oh, don't forget those nasty Nazis.  Himmler knows the end is coming, so makes plans to escape, with an unexpected twist.  There are some other surprises in store, all leading towards some pretty fantastic excitement in Book 6.  Still a long way to go, but the tale is shaping up quite nicely.

Well, back to it.

Father's Day

Dad.

I was told by my Dad that I could always address him as Dad.  Father was too formal and Pop is carbonated and you drink it.

My Dad, who is currently 85, is my hero.  I was always in awe of his presence.  In his prime, he looked just like Harrison Ford.  In fact, when I went to see Patriot Games in the theater, I could have sworn my Dad was on the screen.  They both have a way of contorting their mouth in a tight-lipped expression of barely repressed emotion.

What I've always found fascinating about my Dad was his ability to communicate, both in written and oral forms.  He was commanding and since I had the pleasure of working with him for a number of years, I saw firsthand his ability to speak with each fellow employee with both respect and expectation.  He was also the consummate writer, which is where I got that genetic gift, I believe.  Once out of the Army Air Corps after WWII, my Dad majored in journalism at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.  Instead of pursuing a writing career, however, my Dad was also a whiz with numbers and became an accountant instead.  (In this case, none of that skill was passed on to me, because I was a dismal failure with math).

While my Dad was in the service, he earned the nickname Buzz, which I always thought was so cool.  Every adult I came into contact with as I was growing up always called my Dad – Buzz, unless it was a work, then it was Bob.  There's a long story that goes with Buzz, but suffice it to say that it has to do with low-flying B-29 bombers.

My Dad was also an incredible story-teller, entertaining my sister and I almost every night over dinner.  He had a real gift for timing and a wonderful sense of humor.  My Mother usually commented that every time my Dad told another tale, it was new to her.

One more trait that had a profound impact on me was my Dad's ability to show and express emotion.  It was rare back then, I think, for men to show that side of their personality, but my Dad never shied away from a good cry, especially after certain movies.  I never got any lectures about it wasn't manly to cry.

Now my Dad wasn't perfect, of course, and he made mistakes, but he was never above apologizing either.  We were very close, but I never got to see him as often as I wanted, because he traveled a lot during my teens.  Still, as a role-model, friend, and mentor, my Dad was first-rate.

He struggles now with poor health and is frail, which is very difficult to witness.  Yet his impact on my life and his words of quiet council and wisdom still echo in my brain on a regular occasion.  I am most fortunate to have grown up with his influence.  Besides, he loves reading my books and is an outspoken fan.  Even when I struggle with my chosen career, my Dad is always rooting from my side.

So on this Father's Day, while I can't be with my Dad, my thoughts are warm and fond and full of pride.  I strive to be as supporting, caring, and loving with my son.

I love you, DAD.

 

 

An Open Letter to President Obama

Dear President  Obama:

As President, I'm certain you recognize the powerful, positive economic impact a capital gains tax cut would have for small business owners.

Since such a cut would be good for small businesses, why not give it to other businesses too? Businesses large and small across the United States are struggling in the current economy. Businesses large and small are cutting jobs, because of unfavorable economic conditions made worse by burdensome government policies like the capital gains tax.  You should eliminate the capital gains tax on small businesses to every American family and business in order to encourage economic growth and competitiveness.

The capital gains tax is an unequivocal burden on the capital our great nation needs to grow, prosper, and compete in a 21st century global economy. Any American or business that sees an appreciation of the value of their income (capital) must pay up to 39.6 percent in additional taxes on this appreciation (depending on the length of the investment and the marginal tax rate of the individual or business). Considering inflation, the effective rate paid on investments is even higher. As we are coming out of the recession, the United States should do everything within its power to create a financial environment that allows businesses to rapidly grow and prosper.

Despite the current slump in the economy, your administration is likely to let the capital gains tax rate increase to 20 percent in 2011. That will kill jobs and slow economic growth, as I believe it has already had a negative effect.

Part of our economic problem is that the United States has one of the highest tax rates on capital gains in the world. Many industrial countries have no taxes on capital gains including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, and Turkey. Countries that do not impose capital gains taxes on stocks include Argentina, China, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand. In order to compete with economic growth in Shanghai, America must match China's 0 percent capital gains rate.

Moreover, the actual revenue received from a capital gains tax is disproportionate to the burden imposed. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that in 1990 capital gains tax receipts totaled $32 billion, making up just 6.8 percent of total individual income tax receipts. By 2000, this number rose to $119 billion, making up 11.8 percent of the total. Notwithstanding the current economic meltdown, CBO estimates that for 2008, capital gains tax receipts will be close to $106 billion, making up 9.2 percent of the individual income tax receipts. While discouraging economic growth and driving investors across the Atlantic, receipts from the capital gains tax are barely making a dent in government revenue.

Given the current economic problems, I implore you Mr. President, to demand that Congress immediately eliminate the capital gains tax.  Even if venture capital and investment dollars are not always wisely invested, the value of 0% capital gains taxes will offset this loss, creating jobs and adding true revenue gains to the economy.  Instead of bailing out banks and failing businesses, help all Americans regain their drive to invest in our future.  New companies hire employees.  Get behind start-up funding, which not only will employ new people, but will breathe new life into our economy, with innovation and creativity.

Thank you for your consideration.

Keeping My Head on Straight

I'm a writer.  That's my thing, as you all know.  I like to tell stories and paint pictures with words.  I enjoy the research, creating and fleshing-out characters, and developing plots that intrigue and entertain.

So there are times, when all the other stuff, really pisses me off.  On the one hand, I'm trying to keep my people motivated and focused.  I work on social networking, marketing, PR, advertising, and all sorts of company issues, on a miniscule budget.  Depending on the day of the week, I wake up, look in the mirror, and shake my head.

"Have you lost your fricking mind?" I ask the reflection.  It's funny how he never replies.

Of course I've lost my mind.  Why would anyone with an ounce of intelligence, start their own company?  In this current economic condition, strangely there's plenty of cash flowing into the most ridiculous tech applications, but it seems too much to ask for someone to fund a new entertainment company with a vault full of content.

Is it too much to ask?

I snarl and hiss and grunt and groan, then go back into the fray.

I'm telling you, I'm insane.  Either that, or for some illogical reason, I believe in what I'm doing.  See, this dream isn't just about me.  Sure, I envision a breath of fresh air for the entertainment world, because none of my stuff is a retread.  Of course I want to write more books, screenplays, comic books, graphic novels, script games and roll out the myriad of adventures in whatever format the consumer demands.  Some great movies could be born from these gems.

But it's the people who have remained loyal and true to the cause.  They labor and sweat blood over projects, without pay, but with me heartfelt thanks as their only reward.  I couldn't have gotten this far without them.  This includes my readers and fans and friends and family too.  I want to deliver this level of quality for anyone and everyone.

In fact, our Vision Statement is:

Quality Entertainment Begins With a Magical Heart

And our Mission Statement is:

To Provide Quality Entertainment for Everyone

Yes, it's a dream.  Yes, it requires my passion every day, over and over and over again.  You face the ups and downs throughout, sometimes without any light at the end of the tunnel.

"In a startup, things seem great one moment and hopeless the next.  And by next, I mean a couple hours later."  Paul Graham

It's at the critical moments, when I throw up my hands in dismay and question whether anything else can go wrong, that a voice of calm always whispers, "Go write about it."
So rather than retreating, I whip out the keyboard and dive back into what I'm best at.  Someday, mark my words, this is going to pay off.  Not necessarily with a big paycheck, though that would be nice.  More importantly, lots of people are going to discover quality entertainment, whether that is with a Motor Torpedo Boat officer in Element of Surprise, a rare book dealer in Dust Jacket, a US Army Captain in A Favor For FDR, or loveable Thaddeus Osbert in the Dragon's Secrets series.
Mark my words.

 

So How Did You Come Up With That?

Dear Derek:

Just finished reading Secret of the Dragon's Claw, the third book in the series.  Wow.  Great read.  Looking forward to Book 4.  Inquiry – How did you come up with the idea in the first place?  Jeff Parker – UK

I've actually been asked this question a number of times, so I thought I'd capture the story here in the blog.

When my son Ian was 8 years old, he came to me one day and said, "Dad, it's not fair that I don't get to read  your books.  Mom says they're filled with adult themes, you know, sex, violence, that kind of stuff."

I admit I laughed out loud, before replying, "You're right.  I should write a series that you can read, until you're old enough to handle those 'adult themes'.  Would that be okay?"

He nodded enthusiastically.

I grabbed pen and legal notepad and said, "I'll ask some questions, so I can get the basic outline together and go from there."

"What kind of novel should it be?" I asked.

"Fantasy," Ian replied.  "Historical fantasy."

"Time period?"

"World War Two, in England."

I smiled and nodded.  Right up my alley.

Ian barely took a breath.  "There should be kids my age, but teenagers, since I'll be that old by the time you finish writing it.  It should have a dragon, because I love dragons.  Not a nasty dragon, but a silly, loveable, wise old dragon."

This, of course, was the key.  This is how Thaddeus Osbert found me and I found him.  Such innocent statements often lead to windows of opportunity being flung open.

"Great.  This is enough to get started.  I'll let you read it as soon as I've finished."

Ian was greatly pleased and I must admit that I was enthusiastic.

Jump on Google.  I need a location.  Cornwall.  It just had to be.  My Cornish ancestors would approve.  I had been to Cornwall and loved it.  Of course, King Arthur was supposedly born in Boscastle!  Tintagel Castle!  I felt the surge of excitement, as the plot sprung into mind.  I need someplace unusual.

Crackington Haven.  Perfect.

Then began the research.  Start the story in 1940 and take it through to 1945.  Six books, one for each year of the war in England.  Yes, it started in 1939, but I think I'll focus on the events once Hitler invaded France.

Who knew that I would be visited by this big red dragon several days later.  Thaddeus claims he was waiting for someone willing to tell his story.  I think he came to steal our sugar.

Action & Adventure

I remember the change, even if the details seem a bit fuzzy now.  I was complaining to my mother that I was bored.  Being an insatiable reader, she suggested trying a new author.  Being a teenager, I rolled my eyes, but it wasn't wise to argue with my mom.

We went to the library (it's a place that has lots of books, in case you've forgotten).  My mother suggested Alistair MacLean http://www.alistairmaclean.com/

I proceeded to pick out Ice Station Zebra and by this seemingly innocent action, set into motion my future as a writer.  Sure it would take a number of years, lots of trial and error, and more than a few failed manuscripts, but the course was set.  I read Ice Station Zebra that very afternoon, mesmerized by the suspense, the action, and the page-turning writing.  We went back to the library the next day and I checked out When Eight Bells Toll (still my all-time favorite action/adventure novel0, Guns of Navarone and Fear is the Key.  From that point on, I was hooked.  I freely admit that I try to emulate Maclean's style and I study his craft.

Mom knew she had scored a huge victory and not to be outdone, she recommended Hammond Innes, Jack Higgins, and Douglas Reeman too.  Likewise, each of these authors made a huge impression on me and their hardcover books still fill my bookshelves, repeatedly re-read over the years.

http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/hinnes.htm  Hammond Innes

http://jackhiggins.co.za/  Jack Higgins

http://www.douglasreeman.com/  Douglas Reeman

With Hammond Innes, it was Wreck of the Mary Deare.  With jack Higgins, it was The Eagle Has Landed, and with Douglas Reeman, it was Torpedo Run.  With each of these authors I discovered storytelling that captured my attention and made my thirst for historical fiction even more profound.

I like to write what I like to read, so I tip my hat to these writers, who unknowingly ignited the fire within me to write action and adventure novels, ever striving to entertain.

Writing Bug

Wow, I was up to 3am last night, this morning.  I'm afraid I was bitten by the writing bug, a nice, but exhausting event that occurs about once a week for me, if I'm lucky.

Now get this.  I was balancing writing on 4 manuscripts.  This happened, because as I was researching for one book, I cam across great stuff for the other three.

Oh, BTW, I changed the title of Biggin Hill Manor to Moonlight Manor. This happened, because the Biggin Hill location limited my plot possibilities, where creating a semi-fictional manor gives the author more latitude.  This novel is shaping up very quickly.

Of course, my main focus was on Secret of the Dragon's Teeth and Secret of the Dragon's Wings.  Because these are the final volumes in the series, it requires that all the plots must have continuity and that most of them are resolved.  this also demands that the historical aspects remain true and plausible, while the fantasy element fits.  I might begin with a certain viewpoint and end with a completely different end result, because Thaddeus has his own unique addition to mess things up.  That's the fun part.

Without giving anything away, there's also a fair amount of emotion building to the central climax, both with WWII and especially with Gavin's relationship with Thaddeus.  This means I have to let the story flow in its own direction, without changing the underlying message.  Again, this is the part of the craft I love most.

Then, to take an occasional break, I worked on By the Moon Darkly, my latest YA adventure.  The twins are already developing nicely and I wrote the basics for their misdeeds and disobedience, which leads to the central plot.  Here's where research really makes a difference, because it's vital for me, as the author, to be able to put aside disbelief for plausibility.  With literally tens of thousands of children and teenagers sent out of the cities to the countryside to avoid the German bombing, a myriad of stories and adventures took place.  This social upheaval had an incredible impact on Britain's society in the 50′s and 60′s, one often overlooked.

So when I'm writing about how the twins react to this "compassionate banishment", it requires a realistic emotional response.  Not only that, but throw in a war for good measure and the results should make good reading.

Time to take care of business, but I'll be back later.

Building a Fan Base

It took me awhile, but I do frequent Twitter.  Sometimes it's still a challenge to write something in 140 characters, because, after all, I am an author.  To limit the number of words forces me to be Nathanial Hawthorne every time I write.  His skill at never wasting a word still amazes me.

Oops, I digress.

It took me awhile to do the Facebook thing too, but I don't regret it now.  Thaddeus has earned a whole new batch of readers, most of them quite loyal and impatiently awaiting Book 4.  So I do understand the benefits of social networking.

However, the greatest challenge is to entice all those readers to share with their reviews, ratings, feedback, observations, input, suggestions, and even the rare complaint.

Believe it or not, one of the best tools available to enhance book sales and spread the word, is ……… drum roll, please…….. Yes, amazon.com.  They have this neat little Derek Hart profile page (link below), where a visitor can see Twitter posts, watch the latest video, and go to any of the 19 currently-available novels written by yours truly.

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004UC6M6K

Here's my quandary.  How do I get all the Derek Hart readers to go to this site, spend at least 20 minutes reviewing the books they've read, and perhaps even taking more time to check out the titles they haven't read?

I'll just ask.  Please, take a few minutes and go review just the dragon books for me.  It would be awesome.  I really want to know what you thought, what you liked and what you didn't like.

 

THANKS!

Secret of the Dragon's Scales – Book 4

It's always a rush when a new book comes out.  Secret of the Dragon's Scales – Book 4, is no exception.  Even though I sometimes look at the bookshelf lined with 20 novels, all written by me, with Derek Hart printed on the spine, it still seems unreal.

Of course, I'm my own worst critic.  I can always do better and I'm always learning, trying to improve my craft.  It's not necessarily praise I'm looking for, but satisfaction from my readers.  If they're entertained, if they find something to laugh about, cry about, anywhere on those pages, then, I'm doing what I love to do, with a purpose.  I want to entertain.  I want the books to educate too.

Still, I'm feeling elated tonight, knowing that another dragon book is ready.

Very cool.