Scott Bryan's Blog, page 28
February 7, 2013
Bite of Story Thursday
Night Children: Dark Threats
Chapter Seven: Present Day, Job Interview Part 4
“Wow. Was Jack right? Did you really work for President Roosevelt?” Scott leaned forward with excitement.
“Yes. A number of us were drafted into special service on December seventh of ’41 but that’s a story for another night.”
“What about all those people who saw you? How come no one’s ever mentioned axis werewolves and allies vampires before?”
Annabelle smiled, “We mesmerized them. Their memories were hazy. They knew there was an attack from axis spies, but nothing more.”
He leaned back and gazed up at the sky. “You’ve seen and done so much. It’s a miracle you’ve survived it all.”
Annabelle calmly stroked the dog’s shaggy fur. “That’s why it’s so important for you to write my story. People must know what really happened in history, so they’re prepared for what’s coming. Dominic has a powerful army at his disposal.”
Chapter Seven: Present Day, Job Interview Part 4
“Wow. Was Jack right? Did you really work for President Roosevelt?” Scott leaned forward with excitement.
“Yes. A number of us were drafted into special service on December seventh of ’41 but that’s a story for another night.”
“What about all those people who saw you? How come no one’s ever mentioned axis werewolves and allies vampires before?”
Annabelle smiled, “We mesmerized them. Their memories were hazy. They knew there was an attack from axis spies, but nothing more.”
He leaned back and gazed up at the sky. “You’ve seen and done so much. It’s a miracle you’ve survived it all.”
Annabelle calmly stroked the dog’s shaggy fur. “That’s why it’s so important for you to write my story. People must know what really happened in history, so they’re prepared for what’s coming. Dominic has a powerful army at his disposal.”
February 6, 2013
Paperman: Disney's animated short
Really sweet. Enjoy!
February 5, 2013
Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Vanessa Kimball
VANESSA KIMBALL
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Name Origin:
Kimball (English; Derived from the Welsh first name Cynbel meaning "chief war" or the Old English first name Cynebald meaning "royal boldness".)
Physical characteristics:
Vanessa is blond and tall.
Personality:
Vanessa gives off an elegant air. She always behaves as if she is royalty. She liked to use people for her own desires and was not afraid to step on others to get what she wanted. This began to change after the vampire Reginald broke her heart. She secretly wanted to change her ways.
Known History:
Vanessa Kimball was of royal birth. She grew up with everything she wanted. The vampire lord Dominic Pratchet came into her life and wooed her. She became a vampire and willingly served him. Dominic named her Sovereign of the British Empire Covens. This means she became the head of the rich upper class vampires of London. Dominic did as he always does and left her.
After awhile she was bored, so she turned a group of spoiled upper class young men. They became known as the Rakes. Her personal servant and ghoul is named Chester.
Dominic constantly shifts from one empire to the next to keep an active eye on his subjects. He returned and discovered the rowdy and frivolous Rakes and almost destroyed them but Vanessa made them swear an allegiance to him. They paid him many tributes of captured humans.
Vanessa fell in love with one of her Rakes, Reginald Worthing. He didn't feel the same way about her and used her to gain power among the Rakes and London's vampire society. Reginald fell in love with a call girl named Abigail Black and turned her. They ran away together and Vanessa's heart was broken.
She began to get second thoughts about her life and the corrupt things she did. When she met Annabelle Foresight and Thomas Dunston, two vampire children from America, she began to think on a major life change.
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Name Origin:
Kimball (English; Derived from the Welsh first name Cynbel meaning "chief war" or the Old English first name Cynebald meaning "royal boldness".)
Physical characteristics:
Vanessa is blond and tall.
Personality:
Vanessa gives off an elegant air. She always behaves as if she is royalty. She liked to use people for her own desires and was not afraid to step on others to get what she wanted. This began to change after the vampire Reginald broke her heart. She secretly wanted to change her ways.
Known History:
Vanessa Kimball was of royal birth. She grew up with everything she wanted. The vampire lord Dominic Pratchet came into her life and wooed her. She became a vampire and willingly served him. Dominic named her Sovereign of the British Empire Covens. This means she became the head of the rich upper class vampires of London. Dominic did as he always does and left her.
After awhile she was bored, so she turned a group of spoiled upper class young men. They became known as the Rakes. Her personal servant and ghoul is named Chester.
Dominic constantly shifts from one empire to the next to keep an active eye on his subjects. He returned and discovered the rowdy and frivolous Rakes and almost destroyed them but Vanessa made them swear an allegiance to him. They paid him many tributes of captured humans.
Vanessa fell in love with one of her Rakes, Reginald Worthing. He didn't feel the same way about her and used her to gain power among the Rakes and London's vampire society. Reginald fell in love with a call girl named Abigail Black and turned her. They ran away together and Vanessa's heart was broken.
She began to get second thoughts about her life and the corrupt things she did. When she met Annabelle Foresight and Thomas Dunston, two vampire children from America, she began to think on a major life change.
February 4, 2013
Scholastic Editors Forecast Top 10 Trends in Children's Books for 2013
Hey there gentle readers. Those folks at Media Room have posted Scholastic Editors Forecast Top 10 Trends in Children's Books for 2013.
I don't try to write to trends, but it's always good seeing what is going around in the reading world.
I don't try to write to trends, but it's always good seeing what is going around in the reading world.
February 2, 2013
Percy Jackson will meet the Kanes!
Now I've already gobbled up and reviewed the final book in Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles, The Serpent's Shadow. But I read yesterday a bit of shocking but expected news.
The soft cover version coming out this May will have a new short story included. The Son of Sobek.
In that story is the event I keep predicting will happen. Percy Jackson (from two sets of series involving Greek Gods and monsters) will meet the Carter and Sadie Kane (from a series involving
Egyptian Gods and monsters). I read the preview page and not only does Carter create a giant fist (Ala Green Lantern) but the main point is that Cater and Percy meet, disagree, get mad and begin to fight in true super hero meeting (aka Marvel cause they did it first) fashion!
And ooooh is it going to be gooood!
I can't wait!
I'm telling you, I swear this confirms it! Riordan is a closet comic book fan. Come out and admit to it. I need to talk to this man! He is what I want to be!
January 31, 2013
Blog Tour featuring Mikey Brooks and Terron James!
Recently I was invited to join a blog tour where we get interview questions from the last person on the tour, answer them and then pass the baton onto the next blog.
I was tuned in to this by Author and artist extraordinaire Mikey Brooks. He's the author of Bean's Dragons and ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures. Check him out! These are wonderful books for every kid or even the kid at heart.
Here are his interview questions for me and my answers...
What is the working title of your next book?
NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK CHANGES
Where did the idea come from for the book?
When I was first creating the rough draft for book one (NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK BIRTH) I planned out the basic first ideas for this one as well. Later on I split the story in two.
What genre does your book fall under?
Middle Grade Historical Fiction Fantasy
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
No clue because by the time my books are popular for a movie, anyone around today would be too old to play them.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Vampire child Annabelle searches the London Underworld for her brother Roland whom is actually serving as a vampire pirate under the dreaded Captain Worthing and his crew of Bloody Buccaneers.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self published… for now.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
3 years.
What other books would you compare this to within your genre?
The Harry Potter series, the Percy Jackson series, the Fableheaven series, the Circu Du Freak series, and the Janitors series.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I saw a scene from a movie about a frightened vampire child. It got me thinking about how I would do things differently. I decided to try my own and Annabelle, my main character, walked out of my head and onto the page.
What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
Famous Pirates! Vampire pirates! Shadow creatures! London blood suckers! Vampire orphans! A crazed mob! Natives! Sword fighting with super powers! A sea serpent!
Next up on this Blog Tour Relay is Author Terron James! He's a good friend, teacher of future generations and the author of his upcoming book Insight! Here is an intro to Terron penned by the man himself...
Terron is the author of the YA fantasy series, Beholders, and the Tooele Chapter president of the League of Utah Writers.
Born in the wrong age, Terron James continually fantasizes of shining steel, majestic stone architecture, thundering cavalry rushes, and opportunities to prove his honor. Under the direction of his queen, Terron labors diligently in his kingdom, striving to prepare an inheritance worthy of his four heirs.
When he finally graduated from the University of Utah with his English BA, Terron had become besties with most of the English department staff, as well as the employees of Brio, who make a wicked cup of hot chocolate.
Spaghetti sauce inevitably finds its way behind at least one of Terron’s ears at every meal.
Although he currently resides in Tooele, UT, Terron’s dream is to capture every sunset with his wife, fingers interlocked, the reflection of his soul in her brown eyes, and the ocean surf rolling over their bare feet.
Terron is the Tooele Chapter president of the League of Utah Writers and a member of Pikes Peak Writers.
To schedule a book signing, appearance, or interview with Terron James, please contact his publicist, Kirk Cunningham, at kirk@jollyfishpress.com .
I was tuned in to this by Author and artist extraordinaire Mikey Brooks. He's the author of Bean's Dragons and ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures. Check him out! These are wonderful books for every kid or even the kid at heart.
Here are his interview questions for me and my answers...
What is the working title of your next book?
NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK CHANGES
Where did the idea come from for the book?
When I was first creating the rough draft for book one (NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK BIRTH) I planned out the basic first ideas for this one as well. Later on I split the story in two.
What genre does your book fall under?
Middle Grade Historical Fiction Fantasy
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
No clue because by the time my books are popular for a movie, anyone around today would be too old to play them.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Vampire child Annabelle searches the London Underworld for her brother Roland whom is actually serving as a vampire pirate under the dreaded Captain Worthing and his crew of Bloody Buccaneers.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self published… for now.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
3 years.
What other books would you compare this to within your genre?
The Harry Potter series, the Percy Jackson series, the Fableheaven series, the Circu Du Freak series, and the Janitors series.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I saw a scene from a movie about a frightened vampire child. It got me thinking about how I would do things differently. I decided to try my own and Annabelle, my main character, walked out of my head and onto the page.
What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
Famous Pirates! Vampire pirates! Shadow creatures! London blood suckers! Vampire orphans! A crazed mob! Natives! Sword fighting with super powers! A sea serpent!
Next up on this Blog Tour Relay is Author Terron James! He's a good friend, teacher of future generations and the author of his upcoming book Insight! Here is an intro to Terron penned by the man himself...
Terron is the author of the YA fantasy series, Beholders, and the Tooele Chapter president of the League of Utah Writers.
Born in the wrong age, Terron James continually fantasizes of shining steel, majestic stone architecture, thundering cavalry rushes, and opportunities to prove his honor. Under the direction of his queen, Terron labors diligently in his kingdom, striving to prepare an inheritance worthy of his four heirs.
When he finally graduated from the University of Utah with his English BA, Terron had become besties with most of the English department staff, as well as the employees of Brio, who make a wicked cup of hot chocolate.
Spaghetti sauce inevitably finds its way behind at least one of Terron’s ears at every meal.
Although he currently resides in Tooele, UT, Terron’s dream is to capture every sunset with his wife, fingers interlocked, the reflection of his soul in her brown eyes, and the ocean surf rolling over their bare feet.
Terron is the Tooele Chapter president of the League of Utah Writers and a member of Pikes Peak Writers.
To schedule a book signing, appearance, or interview with Terron James, please contact his publicist, Kirk Cunningham, at kirk@jollyfishpress.com .
.png){kind=spacer}
Bite of Story Thursday
Here is a sneak peek at my current work in progress, Myths. This is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Enjoy!
-------
Myths
Chapter Ten : Big House On The Prairie
Celeste joined him by the glass. “They don’t teach us much about them in school. They’re called the Nephilim but most races in Farnalla call them simply giants. They always keep to themselves and remain neutral in the wars. The Verbena Forest is the only place in Farnalla big enough to hide them. Who knows what their correct size is or even how many kinds of giants there are?”
Eli spied a raggedy doll on the bed. It resembled a girl but had to be at least eight feet tall. As bedrooms go, the child’s room seemed simple. She didn’t have a lot of toys or books.
He turned back to take in their prison. A simple wooden box surrounded them. Bits of torn up bushes and some tree limbs lay scattered around the box. A few large rocks were strewn throughout, which some of his friends sat upon. Tiny holes allowed for air but their circumference was much too small for Flitty to escape through.
His eyes caught on a few sinister objects. A couple dead locusts were piled in a corner and a minotaur skeleton lay in the opposite corner with some leaves on top.
Celeste explained, “We figured that’s her last ‘toy’. I covered it up out of respect.”
Heilgar’s primal scream startled everyone. He charged the glass but when his body hit it, he simply bounced back into a bush.
“Aw Heilgar,” Flitty said. “That trick never works.”
The dwarf stood up and gave her a fiendish look, “I don’t care. You’ll never catch me becoming a pile of bones in a child’s bug box.”
-------
Myths
Chapter Ten : Big House On The Prairie
Celeste joined him by the glass. “They don’t teach us much about them in school. They’re called the Nephilim but most races in Farnalla call them simply giants. They always keep to themselves and remain neutral in the wars. The Verbena Forest is the only place in Farnalla big enough to hide them. Who knows what their correct size is or even how many kinds of giants there are?”
Eli spied a raggedy doll on the bed. It resembled a girl but had to be at least eight feet tall. As bedrooms go, the child’s room seemed simple. She didn’t have a lot of toys or books.
He turned back to take in their prison. A simple wooden box surrounded them. Bits of torn up bushes and some tree limbs lay scattered around the box. A few large rocks were strewn throughout, which some of his friends sat upon. Tiny holes allowed for air but their circumference was much too small for Flitty to escape through.
His eyes caught on a few sinister objects. A couple dead locusts were piled in a corner and a minotaur skeleton lay in the opposite corner with some leaves on top.
Celeste explained, “We figured that’s her last ‘toy’. I covered it up out of respect.”
Heilgar’s primal scream startled everyone. He charged the glass but when his body hit it, he simply bounced back into a bush.
“Aw Heilgar,” Flitty said. “That trick never works.”
The dwarf stood up and gave her a fiendish look, “I don’t care. You’ll never catch me becoming a pile of bones in a child’s bug box.”
January 30, 2013
How to Respond to Negative Reviews by Author Beth Revis
Author Beth Revis posted this great article on her blog about how we as authors should respond to negative reviews.
As many of you know, I've had my fair share of down and depressed black moods all caused by negative reviews. Some of you were responsible! And thank the good Lord you were. If it weren't for you and many like you my 1st novel would still be unreadable.
So ultimately we need the negative to smack us out of our writer haze and force us to refine our work.
But sometimes our work is good and what is wrong is simply that it's not right for some people. Some love Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Twilight, Ender's Game and Hamlet. Some don't. No big deal.
When we're the most down on ourselves due to other's opinions, we must sift out what helps us, what we really need, and the rest we can throw away and consider just a different opinion.
It's not always easy though. Sometimes we need things to lift us up. Beth Revis' has the right idea.
As many of you know, I've had my fair share of down and depressed black moods all caused by negative reviews. Some of you were responsible! And thank the good Lord you were. If it weren't for you and many like you my 1st novel would still be unreadable.
So ultimately we need the negative to smack us out of our writer haze and force us to refine our work.
But sometimes our work is good and what is wrong is simply that it's not right for some people. Some love Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Twilight, Ender's Game and Hamlet. Some don't. No big deal.
When we're the most down on ourselves due to other's opinions, we must sift out what helps us, what we really need, and the rest we can throw away and consider just a different opinion.
It's not always easy though. Sometimes we need things to lift us up. Beth Revis' has the right idea.
January 29, 2013
Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Molly O' Connell
MOLLY O' CONNELL
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Physical characteristics:
Molly has brown hair and a thin build. Her eyes used to be green before she became a vampire. After her transformation they take on the normal red color.
Personality:
Molly is sweet and loving. She would give her life for her students. She's very cautious, afraid that her "orphanage" would be discovered.
Known History:
Molly moved to England from her native Ireland to find work as a teacher. She fell in love with a young nobleman named Ryan. She found a great job at a boarding school and became popular among the students.
Ryan began to hang out with the wrong sort, other young noblemen who liked to stir up trouble. He Always enjoyed that sort of lifestyle and Molly knew he wasn't right for her but she was too afraid to break it off. Ryan and his friends started to visit Vanessa Kimball, a member of royalty whom was secretly a vampire. She turned them.
Ryan turned Molly against her will. She rejected him so he captured five of her pupils (Mary, Eric, Selina, Samuel and Charlotte) and turned them in their sleep.
Molly took in each of them and found an abandoned building in the heart of London where they could hide. She named their home the Palmer Orphanage after a famous vampire hunter. It was her way of rejecting their new life. Despite her feelings, Molly continued to teach the children what little she knew.
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Physical characteristics:
Molly has brown hair and a thin build. Her eyes used to be green before she became a vampire. After her transformation they take on the normal red color.
Personality:
Molly is sweet and loving. She would give her life for her students. She's very cautious, afraid that her "orphanage" would be discovered.
Known History:
Molly moved to England from her native Ireland to find work as a teacher. She fell in love with a young nobleman named Ryan. She found a great job at a boarding school and became popular among the students.
Ryan began to hang out with the wrong sort, other young noblemen who liked to stir up trouble. He Always enjoyed that sort of lifestyle and Molly knew he wasn't right for her but she was too afraid to break it off. Ryan and his friends started to visit Vanessa Kimball, a member of royalty whom was secretly a vampire. She turned them.
Ryan turned Molly against her will. She rejected him so he captured five of her pupils (Mary, Eric, Selina, Samuel and Charlotte) and turned them in their sleep.
Molly took in each of them and found an abandoned building in the heart of London where they could hide. She named their home the Palmer Orphanage after a famous vampire hunter. It was her way of rejecting their new life. Despite her feelings, Molly continued to teach the children what little she knew.
January 28, 2013
Actually did some writing!
Last week I actually wrote 1.207 words! Sure that's not a lot and it was only on one afternoon but hey, when you're busy balancing family and work you take what you can get!
I worked on Myths. Last year I wrote a few chapters on Myths and then decided to reshape the books focus. So I changed a lot and then added a lot more story set in the world of Farnalla. I always planned for them to reach their destination of Stonehenge and travel to our world, but I simply delayed that trip.
Well thanks to my recent meager efforts they have reached their destination and finally have been sent to a mythical land called Earth!
Now to write the 2nd half of the book!
I worked on Myths. Last year I wrote a few chapters on Myths and then decided to reshape the books focus. So I changed a lot and then added a lot more story set in the world of Farnalla. I always planned for them to reach their destination of Stonehenge and travel to our world, but I simply delayed that trip.
Well thanks to my recent meager efforts they have reached their destination and finally have been sent to a mythical land called Earth!
Now to write the 2nd half of the book!
