Robin Lythgoe's Blog, page 28
January 3, 2014
A Question of Honor
This month A Drift of Quills is asking our protagonists an important question: "Do you consider yourself honorable? Why or why not?"
What a fun thing to do—fun to respond to, and fun to read what's going through the minds of other characters. As you will see, they're all quite different, but equally engaging.
You might notice that we're down by one panelist. C.M.J. Wallace has decided to resign in order to better focus her attention on other things (you know, like writing!?). We will certainly miss her wit and candor—but hopefully we'll be able to convince her to visit now and then with a guest spot.
PATRICIA REDING
Author of Oathtaker
Patricia's website
The question posed to me, Mara Richmond, an Oathtaker bound by a life oath I willingly swore for the protection of my charge, is: am I honorable? I ask myself what it means to be honorable. I suppose it is to act in accordance with principles of fairness and integrity; to be worthy of high respect; to be creditable. Great Ehyeh, I know I seek to be honorable, but can I truly say that I am or, even if I am at this moment, that I will continue to be so?
When I swore a life oath to protect my charge, I put my own life on hold and received, in exchange, continued youth. For so long as my charge lives, I am bound by rules that forbid me from a life with another. I sought to become an Oathtaker, trained for years to do so because—well, because I was running from a family that used me and, truth to tell, from a promise I had made and—and had failed to keep. Now I find myself bound by an oath, the breaking of which could cost me my very life, and I wonder if I will have the strength to see this through to the end.
Who could have known, who could have guessed, that within just heartbeats of my taking my vow, I would meet Dixon? Who could have known, who could have guessed that in the same moments within which I spoke those fateful words Dixon would be released from a similar vow he had previously sworn? Now, I find myself searching for understanding. How could Ehyeh, the master and creator of all things, have allowed this to happen? Am I bound to spend the life of my charge with a heart I fear may simply stop beating? I never intended to love him. Having been betrayed in the past, I thought I was immune. . . .
When Dixon, who was freed from his oath upon Rowena’s passing, looks at another, my heart trips. But should he not seek happiness now? If I were truly honorable, would I not encourage him to find another? He has become my right hand, my confidant, my friend, my— No, not my lover. That would be a breach of my oath that would have me removed from my station. But it does not mean that I do not long to be. . . .
Then, there are the girls, my charge, Reigna and Eden, the first ever twins born of the Select, clearly foretold in prophecy, and the current ranking members of the first family. Even if I wanted to deny my vow and abandon them to be with Dixon, even if the cost of such treason would not ultimately be my own life, could I do so? They are but infants, yet I am all they have ever known; I was there from their beginning. Would anyone else know them as I do, love them as I do? Would anyone else be willing to sacrifice for them? What cost would come of my abandoning them? Besides, if not me, then who? To leave them would mean I would have no say in determining in whose care they would be kept. Moreover, suppose I did break my vow and abandon the girls, would Dixon not anticipate that one day I would break any vow I might have made to him? Would he not always doubt me, watch for my failure? I remind myself that I have failed before. Would Dixon’s inability to trust me be a price I would be willing to pay?
So, I return to the question at hand: am I honorable? I suppose time will tell. But for this Oathtaker, being a woman of honor means living in the state of pain that comes from loving someone while subject to my oath, someone I long for but cannot have. . . .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
KRISTIE KIESSLINGAuthor of the short story, Sanguis Dei and a poetry collection, Light and DarkKristie's Blog
As I often do when issues arise, I sit in my office chair and look to the other seating in the office waiting for one of my characters to "have a seat" as it were. Mikkayl Arrayn, main character of my current work in progress, takes a seat. Mikkayl is a half-elf mage, cursed (as he sees it) with the ability to see visions of the future. He doesn't just sit down, mind you. He relaxes. He dusts back a raven curl from his temple and his bright blue eyes sparkle. He sprawls a bit in the chair, one leg over the cushioned arm, casually barefoot. He rests his hands comfortably on his muscled belly. He's wearing a burgundy shirt open at the neck where gold thread embroiders the mandarin style collar over cream colored knee pants. Mikkayl dresses impeccably in simple elegance. Opulence is not his way, but he would look so very good in opulence.
So, there he sits and I pose the question at hand. Here is his answer—
Mikkayl Arrayn: Honor is judged on such a varying scale. "Do I consider myself honorable?" According to whom? According to the people I've helped, yes. According to the people I've hurt, no. Those I've hurt would call me - and have called me - scoundrel, demon, halfer - all manner of not-so-nice things. Even those I've helped would lift me above what I am to make something more out of me and I, scoundrel that I am, would like the praise. Is that honorable? I don't think so. So, no, I do not consider myself to be honorable. Why I don't is not the sort of thing one talks about in polite company.
Even so, you've asked me and I rather like you, so I will endeavor to explain.
I know what I've done. One does not forget the motion that takes a life or the feel of blood splattered across the skin of the hand that has shed it. The cloying smell of death clings to memory. I've made choices that hurt those who have done no wrong, for no greater reason than to save my own skin. There is no honor in that. I have defended the one I care for above all others, hurt others I care for to do so and not always because it was the right thing to do but because I could not live without him. And then, in an effort to save myself pain I did not think I could endure, I have hurt him; a thing unforgivable.
I am not honorable. I am loyal. I see the good I ought to do and endeavor to do it. I try to be fair-minded, but honorable? I have a very long way to go to be honorable by a standard that I respect, and I am in no hurry to get there. For instance, if I thought you would hurt my bond mate, I would skin you alive and feed you, living piece by living piece, to the dragon. I would savor every drop of your blood and every scream you uttered.
That is not honorable.~ ~ ~ ~ ~
MOIAuthor of As the Crow Flies and two short storiesMy website (You can use this link or you could use the menu at the top. You know, whatever browns your bird!)
When I first thought about which character I would ask this question, I leaned strongly toward Sherakai dan Tameko, the protagonist of my current work-in-progress. And why not? He’s one of my favorite fictional people and often on my mind, particularly as I’m writing his story. But… there was Crow, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded and that familiar cheeky gleam in his eyes.
Here is his answer, in his own words:
Honorable? I declare that I am, although my friend Tanris will gladly tell you that my perspective is completely off kilter when it comes to morality of any kind. He exaggerates. Let me ask you this: is it honorable to watch my friend's back? Yes, and I have watched Tanris’s on numerous occasions, and do not listen to him when he snidely asserts that it’s because I always let him go first into dangerous situations. Of course I do. He's the warrior, not I.
Is it honorable to teach young people a profession and to always be aware of their surroundings? Yes, and I am in the process of teaching our young ward everything I know. Well, most of what I know. We’ll see if some day she warrants such extensive knowledge. Tanris, of course, disapproves of my part of the curriculum. She should be taught honesty and hard work, integrity and other such lofty characteristics. I agree.
It's important to be able to tell if you’re being lied to.
It's important to recognize the hard work of others. Their education will net a better profit.
And integrity, my friend, is a two-edged sword. Even a non-warrior knows that. High moral principles can put a man in an uncomfortably tight spot. One needs a certain amount of flexibility in their integrity.
Is it honorable to ignore the gifts of the gods? They have bestowed upon me unequaled talents and skills. I turn a blind eye to them at my own peril.
Is it honorable to save the lives of countless countrymen? Yes, I say! And I humbly assert that I have done so—at much personal risk. Yes, yes, I will give credit where it is due: Without Tanris's strong arm, sharp blade, and peerless brawn my efforts might have gone unrewarded. As it is, the reward isn’t exactly tangible. Yet…
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
So there you have it: character studies in a nutshell. What do you have to say in response to these fictional folk?
And do you have a favorite honorable (or dishonorable) character? Who? Why?
What a fun thing to do—fun to respond to, and fun to read what's going through the minds of other characters. As you will see, they're all quite different, but equally engaging.
You might notice that we're down by one panelist. C.M.J. Wallace has decided to resign in order to better focus her attention on other things (you know, like writing!?). We will certainly miss her wit and candor—but hopefully we'll be able to convince her to visit now and then with a guest spot.
PATRICIA REDINGAuthor of Oathtaker
Patricia's website
The question posed to me, Mara Richmond, an Oathtaker bound by a life oath I willingly swore for the protection of my charge, is: am I honorable? I ask myself what it means to be honorable. I suppose it is to act in accordance with principles of fairness and integrity; to be worthy of high respect; to be creditable. Great Ehyeh, I know I seek to be honorable, but can I truly say that I am or, even if I am at this moment, that I will continue to be so?
When I swore a life oath to protect my charge, I put my own life on hold and received, in exchange, continued youth. For so long as my charge lives, I am bound by rules that forbid me from a life with another. I sought to become an Oathtaker, trained for years to do so because—well, because I was running from a family that used me and, truth to tell, from a promise I had made and—and had failed to keep. Now I find myself bound by an oath, the breaking of which could cost me my very life, and I wonder if I will have the strength to see this through to the end.
Who could have known, who could have guessed, that within just heartbeats of my taking my vow, I would meet Dixon? Who could have known, who could have guessed that in the same moments within which I spoke those fateful words Dixon would be released from a similar vow he had previously sworn? Now, I find myself searching for understanding. How could Ehyeh, the master and creator of all things, have allowed this to happen? Am I bound to spend the life of my charge with a heart I fear may simply stop beating? I never intended to love him. Having been betrayed in the past, I thought I was immune. . . .
When Dixon, who was freed from his oath upon Rowena’s passing, looks at another, my heart trips. But should he not seek happiness now? If I were truly honorable, would I not encourage him to find another? He has become my right hand, my confidant, my friend, my— No, not my lover. That would be a breach of my oath that would have me removed from my station. But it does not mean that I do not long to be. . . .
Then, there are the girls, my charge, Reigna and Eden, the first ever twins born of the Select, clearly foretold in prophecy, and the current ranking members of the first family. Even if I wanted to deny my vow and abandon them to be with Dixon, even if the cost of such treason would not ultimately be my own life, could I do so? They are but infants, yet I am all they have ever known; I was there from their beginning. Would anyone else know them as I do, love them as I do? Would anyone else be willing to sacrifice for them? What cost would come of my abandoning them? Besides, if not me, then who? To leave them would mean I would have no say in determining in whose care they would be kept. Moreover, suppose I did break my vow and abandon the girls, would Dixon not anticipate that one day I would break any vow I might have made to him? Would he not always doubt me, watch for my failure? I remind myself that I have failed before. Would Dixon’s inability to trust me be a price I would be willing to pay?
So, I return to the question at hand: am I honorable? I suppose time will tell. But for this Oathtaker, being a woman of honor means living in the state of pain that comes from loving someone while subject to my oath, someone I long for but cannot have. . . .
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
KRISTIE KIESSLINGAuthor of the short story, Sanguis Dei and a poetry collection, Light and DarkKristie's BlogAs I often do when issues arise, I sit in my office chair and look to the other seating in the office waiting for one of my characters to "have a seat" as it were. Mikkayl Arrayn, main character of my current work in progress, takes a seat. Mikkayl is a half-elf mage, cursed (as he sees it) with the ability to see visions of the future. He doesn't just sit down, mind you. He relaxes. He dusts back a raven curl from his temple and his bright blue eyes sparkle. He sprawls a bit in the chair, one leg over the cushioned arm, casually barefoot. He rests his hands comfortably on his muscled belly. He's wearing a burgundy shirt open at the neck where gold thread embroiders the mandarin style collar over cream colored knee pants. Mikkayl dresses impeccably in simple elegance. Opulence is not his way, but he would look so very good in opulence.
So, there he sits and I pose the question at hand. Here is his answer—
Mikkayl Arrayn: Honor is judged on such a varying scale. "Do I consider myself honorable?" According to whom? According to the people I've helped, yes. According to the people I've hurt, no. Those I've hurt would call me - and have called me - scoundrel, demon, halfer - all manner of not-so-nice things. Even those I've helped would lift me above what I am to make something more out of me and I, scoundrel that I am, would like the praise. Is that honorable? I don't think so. So, no, I do not consider myself to be honorable. Why I don't is not the sort of thing one talks about in polite company.
Even so, you've asked me and I rather like you, so I will endeavor to explain.
I know what I've done. One does not forget the motion that takes a life or the feel of blood splattered across the skin of the hand that has shed it. The cloying smell of death clings to memory. I've made choices that hurt those who have done no wrong, for no greater reason than to save my own skin. There is no honor in that. I have defended the one I care for above all others, hurt others I care for to do so and not always because it was the right thing to do but because I could not live without him. And then, in an effort to save myself pain I did not think I could endure, I have hurt him; a thing unforgivable.
I am not honorable. I am loyal. I see the good I ought to do and endeavor to do it. I try to be fair-minded, but honorable? I have a very long way to go to be honorable by a standard that I respect, and I am in no hurry to get there. For instance, if I thought you would hurt my bond mate, I would skin you alive and feed you, living piece by living piece, to the dragon. I would savor every drop of your blood and every scream you uttered.
That is not honorable.~ ~ ~ ~ ~
MOIAuthor of As the Crow Flies and two short storiesMy website (You can use this link or you could use the menu at the top. You know, whatever browns your bird!)When I first thought about which character I would ask this question, I leaned strongly toward Sherakai dan Tameko, the protagonist of my current work-in-progress. And why not? He’s one of my favorite fictional people and often on my mind, particularly as I’m writing his story. But… there was Crow, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded and that familiar cheeky gleam in his eyes.
Here is his answer, in his own words:
Honorable? I declare that I am, although my friend Tanris will gladly tell you that my perspective is completely off kilter when it comes to morality of any kind. He exaggerates. Let me ask you this: is it honorable to watch my friend's back? Yes, and I have watched Tanris’s on numerous occasions, and do not listen to him when he snidely asserts that it’s because I always let him go first into dangerous situations. Of course I do. He's the warrior, not I.
Is it honorable to teach young people a profession and to always be aware of their surroundings? Yes, and I am in the process of teaching our young ward everything I know. Well, most of what I know. We’ll see if some day she warrants such extensive knowledge. Tanris, of course, disapproves of my part of the curriculum. She should be taught honesty and hard work, integrity and other such lofty characteristics. I agree.
It's important to be able to tell if you’re being lied to.
It's important to recognize the hard work of others. Their education will net a better profit.
And integrity, my friend, is a two-edged sword. Even a non-warrior knows that. High moral principles can put a man in an uncomfortably tight spot. One needs a certain amount of flexibility in their integrity.
Is it honorable to ignore the gifts of the gods? They have bestowed upon me unequaled talents and skills. I turn a blind eye to them at my own peril.
Is it honorable to save the lives of countless countrymen? Yes, I say! And I humbly assert that I have done so—at much personal risk. Yes, yes, I will give credit where it is due: Without Tanris's strong arm, sharp blade, and peerless brawn my efforts might have gone unrewarded. As it is, the reward isn’t exactly tangible. Yet…
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
So there you have it: character studies in a nutshell. What do you have to say in response to these fictional folk?
And do you have a favorite honorable (or dishonorable) character? Who? Why?
December 20, 2013
Indie Book Fair and Giveaway
If you'll be in the Seattle area today or tomorrow (December 20th or 21st), be sure to stop by the Indie Book Fair at the A/NT Gallery! In addition to a booth at the book fair, there will be virtual chats, an opportunity to chat with our authors on Facebook, and an awesome giveaway featuring books by such authors as Leeland Artra, J.D. Hallowell, Patricia Reding, Brian D. Anderson, Raymond Bolton, Cheryllynn Dyess—and me!
You can enter the giveaway here:http://fsfnet.comor here:https://www.facebook.com/FSFNet (click on the "News List Signup")
You can enter the giveaway here:http://fsfnet.comor here:https://www.facebook.com/FSFNet (click on the "News List Signup")
December 13, 2013
Excerpt and Sale: As the Crow Flies
Who likes sneak peeks?
I do! I do!
So as today's part of the week-long sale, I thought I'd give you a little glimpse at Crow, the wily thief of my book, As the Crow Flies.
CHAPTER 15
Ahead of me, the passage split into two in spite of Kem’s assurances that it did no such thing for its entire miserable length. The putrescent wind went one way, and I went the other. I ran until I was sucking furiously at the air to fill my lungs and a stitch jabbed at my side with every breath. Then I had to figure out how to slow the headlong rush of Horse without getting plowed over in the process.“Whoa!” I gasped. “Whoa!”She was not much inclined to cooperate. I, unfortunately, couldn’t run as far as she could. To make matters worse, the witchlight I gripped tightly in my hand flared crazily. I shouted in startled dismay. Magic pulled, the voices rustled. Horse jerked me forward and dashed around a corner. White gleamed ahead, and my poor pounding heart achieved new and painful levels of speed; at any moment it would make an emergency exit through my nose. “Stop!” I screamed at Horse, terrified of whatever new torture the Ancestors had devised.The cloth over Horse’s eyes blinded her to the new danger we hurtled into headlong, and I am not certain vision would have done anything to change her commitment to escaping the terrors besetting her.“Stopstopstooooop!” I screeched as we burst into the all-encompassing whiteness. Beneath my feet the cave floor dipped suddenly. Fresh, cold air hit my face, right along with the knowledge that three more horses and two people were about to crash into us from behind. My screaming did nothing to keep us from falling. Horse went down first, dragging me with her, and the ground went completely out from under me. For a terrifying slice of eternity, I hung suspended in space. A heartbeat later—probably ten, given the speed at which it thundered along—I met the earth again as my entire right side crashed into it. Stunned, I dangled with a one-handed death grip on Horse’s reins while she grunted and shuddered above me. Her heaving breaths echoed mine, but bigger and louder. I flailed around until I had both hands on the reins. Burning from fingertips to shoulders, but somewhat safer now, I endeavored to look around.Blinking madly, eyes streaming, I realized I was face to face with rock, that the brilliant white mercilessly assaulting me was sky, and then, lastly, the ground was actually a good hundred feet below me, mostly hidden beneath a blur of greenery I could only assume was trees. My mind, working far more quickly than one might expect, supplied me with the awareness that the rest of the group would strike Horse any second, sending her over the edge, and that would be the end of the two of us.
Talk about "out on a ledge"!
Author Moira Katson says, "I heartily recommend this book. [...] While it’s a holiday and you’re incredibly stressed and just trying to get to New Years…why not do so with a book you can read?" (Read the rest of her excellent review on her website.)
Grab a copy for yourself or as a gift—and enjoy Crow's snarky humor and misadventures!
As the Crow Flies on Amazon.com
I do! I do!
So as today's part of the week-long sale, I thought I'd give you a little glimpse at Crow, the wily thief of my book, As the Crow Flies.
CHAPTER 15
Ahead of me, the passage split into two in spite of Kem’s assurances that it did no such thing for its entire miserable length. The putrescent wind went one way, and I went the other. I ran until I was sucking furiously at the air to fill my lungs and a stitch jabbed at my side with every breath. Then I had to figure out how to slow the headlong rush of Horse without getting plowed over in the process.“Whoa!” I gasped. “Whoa!”She was not much inclined to cooperate. I, unfortunately, couldn’t run as far as she could. To make matters worse, the witchlight I gripped tightly in my hand flared crazily. I shouted in startled dismay. Magic pulled, the voices rustled. Horse jerked me forward and dashed around a corner. White gleamed ahead, and my poor pounding heart achieved new and painful levels of speed; at any moment it would make an emergency exit through my nose. “Stop!” I screamed at Horse, terrified of whatever new torture the Ancestors had devised.The cloth over Horse’s eyes blinded her to the new danger we hurtled into headlong, and I am not certain vision would have done anything to change her commitment to escaping the terrors besetting her.“Stopstopstooooop!” I screeched as we burst into the all-encompassing whiteness. Beneath my feet the cave floor dipped suddenly. Fresh, cold air hit my face, right along with the knowledge that three more horses and two people were about to crash into us from behind. My screaming did nothing to keep us from falling. Horse went down first, dragging me with her, and the ground went completely out from under me. For a terrifying slice of eternity, I hung suspended in space. A heartbeat later—probably ten, given the speed at which it thundered along—I met the earth again as my entire right side crashed into it. Stunned, I dangled with a one-handed death grip on Horse’s reins while she grunted and shuddered above me. Her heaving breaths echoed mine, but bigger and louder. I flailed around until I had both hands on the reins. Burning from fingertips to shoulders, but somewhat safer now, I endeavored to look around.Blinking madly, eyes streaming, I realized I was face to face with rock, that the brilliant white mercilessly assaulting me was sky, and then, lastly, the ground was actually a good hundred feet below me, mostly hidden beneath a blur of greenery I could only assume was trees. My mind, working far more quickly than one might expect, supplied me with the awareness that the rest of the group would strike Horse any second, sending her over the edge, and that would be the end of the two of us.
Talk about "out on a ledge"!
Author Moira Katson says, "I heartily recommend this book. [...] While it’s a holiday and you’re incredibly stressed and just trying to get to New Years…why not do so with a book you can read?" (Read the rest of her excellent review on her website.)
Grab a copy for yourself or as a gift—and enjoy Crow's snarky humor and misadventures!
As the Crow Flies on Amazon.com
December 11, 2013
As the Crow Flies Awarded Readers' Favorite!
As the Crow Flies has received the Readers' Favorite Fives Stars seal of approval by Trudi LoPreto at Readers' Favorite. Here's a peak at what she had to say:
"As the Crow Flies has humans, Wizards, Dragons, thieves, Druids and Robin Lythgoe presents them to us in great detail. We quickly learn to love each of the characters for who and what they are. I am not a great fan of the fantasy genre, but this one kept me reading and wanting more. As the Crow Flies will keep you up reading long into the night. All fantasy fans must read this one."
Read the full review here—and be sure to scroll down the page to read fantastic reviews by Lit Amri and Melinda Hills.
As coincidence would have it, As the Crow Flies (Kindle edition only) is on sale this week at Amazon.com for a sweet 50% off. Gift some Kindle copies as digital stocking stuffers or presents for fantasy-lovers. And have a fantastic Christmas!
December 9, 2013
"As the Crow Flies" eBook Sale!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! It's time for another celebration: As the Crow Flies is one year old!
From now until December 16th the Kindle version will be on sale at Amazon (worldwide) for 1/2 off. Spread the word! Tell your friends! Post to all your social hangouts! Please feel free to swipe the banner (and a link!) and share! Share! Share!
> > > As the Crow Flies at Amazon < < <
December 6, 2013
Double Delight With Traditional and Indie Books
Our panel project, A Drift of Quills, is still in its infant stages, but I look forward to our posts on the first Fridays of the month. My fellow Quills are fun to work with, and I love seeing what responses each of them have to the topics we've selected. I hope you do, too! Without further ado...
C.M.J. WALLACEAuthor of The Rift Series (beginning with Sing the Midnight Stars)C.M.J.'s Website
For this month’s topic, we decided to identify one traditionally published and one indie-published fantasy novel that we enjoyed and explain why. My fellow Quillers won’t know this until they receive my portion of our post, but I have a great deal of difficulty reading indie work because of the poor editorial quality and have finished only a few of the many I’ve tried. I’m not saying that traditionally published books are all well edited; far from it. But as a rule, they’re in much, much better shape than indie books. (By the way, we recused ourselves from reading one another’s books and I haven’t read any of their work; my comments don’t apply to their writing!) I edit for a living, which means I look for errors in grammar, structure, punctuation, continuity—the whole shebang. But I don’t actually look for them: They leap out at me, and that makes it impossible to ignore them as I read for pleasure. Therefore, I haven’t found an indie fantasy story I like.
My favorite traditionally published fantasy author is Stephen R. Donaldson. His Mordant's Need series, which includes The Mirror of Her Dreams and A Man Rides Through, is one of the most satisfying fantasies I’ve ever read. (And yes, it’s well edited!) The language is beautiful and evocative, which is difficult to find these days. In fact, some of the most popular books of the past decade are devoid of rich prose and barely rise above the fourth-grade reading level typically used in newspapers. I truly don’t understand the attraction.
But I digress.
Donaldson’s tale rests on a solid foundation of back story that adds intricate layers of realism, which I believe is a must for any narrative that strives for depth. The heroine, Teresa, is wimpy and at times spineless—the Donaldson books I’ve read lack strong female characters in general—but I otherwise like the series so much that it doesn’t detract terribly. Although she is one of the main characters, she shares the stage with a man who does make a fulfilling hero despite his flaws and helps compensate for her shortcomings.
I prefer complicated plots, and the author delivers. The kingdom is at war, mysterious saboteurs are trying to bring it to its knees from within for reasons unknown, the protagonists and the mad king may be more than they seem, and the heroine has entered Mordant through a mirror in our world (very Lewis Carroll, and a device I’ve been in love with since I first read his books).
But the primary reason I love Mordant's Need is that the series brings alive another world, as any good book should, taking me out of time and place and firing my imagination. And I can visit as often as I like.
MOI!Author of As the Crow Flies and two short stories (Just in case you've forgotten!)
Oh, decisions, decisions…! Choosing just two fantasy novels is nearly like asking me to pick my two favorite children. Still, there are a certain number that qualify. One would think that with all the thousands of books available, I might have a lot more favorites, but all too often I find myself throwing my hands up in disgust at issues that plague traditional and indie books alike: weak plots, poor editing, cardboard characters, and a lack of voice. In fact, the last hair-tearing book I read was traditionally published, and I kept wondering what the company did with their editors. On the indie front, I’m starting to see a noticeable division between those publishing because they can and those who are serious about this writing business. I will confess, if the cover is horrible, the chances of me reading it are extremely slim. The cover represents what’s inside. Yes, I must first be intrigued with pictures.
So you can imagine my squeak of delight when I saw the cover of Brood of Bones, by indie author A.E. Marling. The artworks is by Eva Soulu, and I’d like to have that print hanging in my house, it’s so lovely. The book didn’t disappoint, either. A magic-wielder afflicted with a sleeping disorder is caught up in a fantastic terrific whodunnit. The setting and the magic are skillfully portrayed; the characters are complex and not always predictable. The main character, Hiresha, struggles not only with her sleeping problem, but with the past that has formed her; her position is her armor and her purpose. Maid Janny is a gem of irreverence, while the Lord of the Feasts is both charming and terrible. The deposed arbiter of the city is exasperating at the same time she is delightful, and the two city leaders (a pair of priests representing different deities) are not what they might seem. The formatting and editing are first-rate—and I’m picky, so you can relax on that count.
Traditional-wise, I think Michael Whelan became one of my favorite fantasy artists when I came across The Dragonbone Chair, first in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams. Three wonderfully thick books long (the paperback publication of the third was divided into two volumes), the series has yet to be knocked off its pedestal as my all-time favorite epic fantasy. The world Williams describes is intricate and deep, with a rich (but not overwhelming) history. The characters—well, it’s easy to forget they’re the product of someone’s imagination. There are complex cultures and races, folklore, humor, tragedy and growth all masterfully blended into the grand conflict of Good against Evil. The power struggle between the heirs to the throne and the presence of three magic swords might sound like standard fare, but it’s just so darned well done! Toss in alliances, betrayals, politics, epic military battles; then factor in world building and character development, pacing, and emotional impact, and by golly, if you haven’t read this, what are you waiting for??
PATRICIA REDING
Author of Oathtaker
Patricia's website
There is no shortage of traditional published fantasy works from which to choose a favorite. Even so, a single one comes to mind. It is a work I’ve read—I think five times now—and it is the one that encouraged me to write myself (not because I could hope to match it, but because it made me hungry to experience the process). That work is Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth Series, which begins with Wizard’s First Rule.
I am fascinated with Goodkind’s ability to keep me on the edge of my seat, constantly turning pages, waiting with bated breath for the next thing to happen—because there is not a moment in which something is not happening. With heart hounds, dragons, wizards, sorceresses, the Seeker of Truth, the Mother Confessor, horrific villains, and so many more creatures and characters, some wholly new and unique, Goodkind’s story is utterly spellbinding. From this series (which I estimate runs 8 - 10,000 pages), I can readily name more than 50 “main characters.” These are characters central to some portion of the story, characters I got to know throughout the series, characters I may love or hate—but will never forget. Add to this Goodkind’s ability to weave elements of the story—sometimes beginning with a mere mention early on and then reintroducing that element volumes later when it becomes a key ingredient to the overall story—and you have a truly great series. For this reader, Goodkind is unmatched.
As to indie published fantasy works, I admit that I have not read all that many, but one I found particularly well done and entertaining was The God King (Heirs of the Fallen Book 1), by James A. West. Notwithstanding the fact that this work makes use of names with (what to me are dreaded) apostrophes (“Geh’shinnom’atar), and notwithstanding the fact that the work includes “dead people walking,” (two things I generally highly dislike reading or reading about), I found The God King quite enjoyable.
West’s voice is intriguing, his word pictures are carefully painted, and his word choices clever in that they help to create a unique alternate world. West’s characters were honorable at times, quirky at times, but always consistent and in the end, believable. Perhaps the highest praise I could offer in this regard is that West drew, in The God King, a genuinely legitimate lead woman character. She was firm in the face of danger, was committed to helping to overcome evil, and was a full member of the otherwise all-male “team.”
KRISTIE KIESSLING
Author of the short story, Sanguis Dei and a poetry collection, Light and Dark
Kristie's Blog
When browsing through the "cheap seats" (read: FREE) of indie books, I came across the short A Circle of Iron by Greg Benage. Taught from childhood that "we don't judge books by their covers", I nevertheless found myself intrigued. I'll be honest, if the cover turns me off, I move on. Perhaps it was the simplicity, the colors, I can't really even say. Maybe it was the title that bears a striking similarity to a 1978 martial arts movie. But, it was free, (and still is) so I snatched it up. I expected poor writing, poor characters, poor ... well, everything. I wasn't disappointed. Let's face it; indie publishing is writers putting their work out there (often) without benefit of the many years of savvy that traditional publishing provides. We're doing this on our own, working our way through the ropes and hoping we find mentors along the way. It is a gritty, sometimes dark business. A Circle of Iron is gritty and dark with bounty hunters chasing down and slaughtering blood drinking wights. It is a fantasy full of violence set in the world of Eldernost.
Here's the weird thing: I liked the characters despite their too-convenient back stories. I liked the bad guys. Though they were predictable too, I thought they could be so much more. There were hints of much more, and the too short tale never delivered more than hints. The story had potential but it bogged down, despite being so short, when the author used unnecessary foul language. Worse, he used colloquialisms that drew me out of the nebulous at best setting and into the present day. I half expected someone to hand the hero a cola at some point.
I do hope Mr. Benage keeps trying. I think he could actually write something exciting if he really put his mind to it. This felt a bit to me as though he had this tale and tidied it up and published it to get out there. I don't blame him for that, I just hoped against hope for more. If I'd been allowed to tell you about As the Crow Flies by Robin Lythgoe, I would have chosen that as my enjoyed indie read.
That story carries well what is the burden of indie works: to make them better than the world expects them to be because they are indie works.
My traditional selection of a story I enjoyed is Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead. Lawhead has long been one of my favorite authors and his novels lean toward the historical, but there is that element of magic that speaks to fantasy and I love that. Hood is the tale of Bran ap Brychan, heir to the throne of Elfael. Set in the primeval forest that borders Wales, it is a retelling of a familiar old legend full of Celtic mythology and political intrigue. At just shy of 500 pages it is an epic worthy of the name in all aspects. Hood swept me away into the greenwood and carried me along with Bran through battles, Normans, the Red King and the discovery of a destiny of which no runaway, reluctant hero could have dreamed.
I am excited by what independent publishing can offer the world and I believe that the future of indie is rich worlds and tales along the lines of As the Crow Flies rather than A Circle of Iron. As for Lawhead and Hood they have given me what traditional publishing has almost always delivered, that excitement of worlds unknown kindled in me when I was young and read Tarzan or The Hobbit.
Note: I did not solicit Kristie's kind words about my book, but you should take her advice and read it. ;) I have read and enjoyed Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead, and several books from Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth. I am filling in the missing volumes slowly, with gently used editions. I also happen to own Mordant's Need. And now I find myself wanting to dash to my library (all the way across the room) and read ALL of these books again, as well as books 2 and 3 of Lawhead's series, which is entitled The Raven King. I have them! I just haven't quite got to reading them yet, much to my husband's disgruntlement.
And how fun to discover the Quills treasuring the same books I do...
How about you? Give us a pair (or two or three!) of your favorite books, one indie and one traditional. Go ahead and add to our towering pillars of Books to Read! We'd love to hear from you.
C.M.J. WALLACEAuthor of The Rift Series (beginning with Sing the Midnight Stars)C.M.J.'s WebsiteFor this month’s topic, we decided to identify one traditionally published and one indie-published fantasy novel that we enjoyed and explain why. My fellow Quillers won’t know this until they receive my portion of our post, but I have a great deal of difficulty reading indie work because of the poor editorial quality and have finished only a few of the many I’ve tried. I’m not saying that traditionally published books are all well edited; far from it. But as a rule, they’re in much, much better shape than indie books. (By the way, we recused ourselves from reading one another’s books and I haven’t read any of their work; my comments don’t apply to their writing!) I edit for a living, which means I look for errors in grammar, structure, punctuation, continuity—the whole shebang. But I don’t actually look for them: They leap out at me, and that makes it impossible to ignore them as I read for pleasure. Therefore, I haven’t found an indie fantasy story I like.
My favorite traditionally published fantasy author is Stephen R. Donaldson. His Mordant's Need series, which includes The Mirror of Her Dreams and A Man Rides Through, is one of the most satisfying fantasies I’ve ever read. (And yes, it’s well edited!) The language is beautiful and evocative, which is difficult to find these days. In fact, some of the most popular books of the past decade are devoid of rich prose and barely rise above the fourth-grade reading level typically used in newspapers. I truly don’t understand the attraction.
But I digress.
Donaldson’s tale rests on a solid foundation of back story that adds intricate layers of realism, which I believe is a must for any narrative that strives for depth. The heroine, Teresa, is wimpy and at times spineless—the Donaldson books I’ve read lack strong female characters in general—but I otherwise like the series so much that it doesn’t detract terribly. Although she is one of the main characters, she shares the stage with a man who does make a fulfilling hero despite his flaws and helps compensate for her shortcomings.
I prefer complicated plots, and the author delivers. The kingdom is at war, mysterious saboteurs are trying to bring it to its knees from within for reasons unknown, the protagonists and the mad king may be more than they seem, and the heroine has entered Mordant through a mirror in our world (very Lewis Carroll, and a device I’ve been in love with since I first read his books).
But the primary reason I love Mordant's Need is that the series brings alive another world, as any good book should, taking me out of time and place and firing my imagination. And I can visit as often as I like.
MOI!Author of As the Crow Flies and two short stories (Just in case you've forgotten!)Oh, decisions, decisions…! Choosing just two fantasy novels is nearly like asking me to pick my two favorite children. Still, there are a certain number that qualify. One would think that with all the thousands of books available, I might have a lot more favorites, but all too often I find myself throwing my hands up in disgust at issues that plague traditional and indie books alike: weak plots, poor editing, cardboard characters, and a lack of voice. In fact, the last hair-tearing book I read was traditionally published, and I kept wondering what the company did with their editors. On the indie front, I’m starting to see a noticeable division between those publishing because they can and those who are serious about this writing business. I will confess, if the cover is horrible, the chances of me reading it are extremely slim. The cover represents what’s inside. Yes, I must first be intrigued with pictures.
So you can imagine my squeak of delight when I saw the cover of Brood of Bones, by indie author A.E. Marling. The artworks is by Eva Soulu, and I’d like to have that print hanging in my house, it’s so lovely. The book didn’t disappoint, either. A magic-wielder afflicted with a sleeping disorder is caught up in a fantastic terrific whodunnit. The setting and the magic are skillfully portrayed; the characters are complex and not always predictable. The main character, Hiresha, struggles not only with her sleeping problem, but with the past that has formed her; her position is her armor and her purpose. Maid Janny is a gem of irreverence, while the Lord of the Feasts is both charming and terrible. The deposed arbiter of the city is exasperating at the same time she is delightful, and the two city leaders (a pair of priests representing different deities) are not what they might seem. The formatting and editing are first-rate—and I’m picky, so you can relax on that count.
Traditional-wise, I think Michael Whelan became one of my favorite fantasy artists when I came across The Dragonbone Chair, first in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams. Three wonderfully thick books long (the paperback publication of the third was divided into two volumes), the series has yet to be knocked off its pedestal as my all-time favorite epic fantasy. The world Williams describes is intricate and deep, with a rich (but not overwhelming) history. The characters—well, it’s easy to forget they’re the product of someone’s imagination. There are complex cultures and races, folklore, humor, tragedy and growth all masterfully blended into the grand conflict of Good against Evil. The power struggle between the heirs to the throne and the presence of three magic swords might sound like standard fare, but it’s just so darned well done! Toss in alliances, betrayals, politics, epic military battles; then factor in world building and character development, pacing, and emotional impact, and by golly, if you haven’t read this, what are you waiting for??
PATRICIA REDINGAuthor of Oathtaker
Patricia's website
There is no shortage of traditional published fantasy works from which to choose a favorite. Even so, a single one comes to mind. It is a work I’ve read—I think five times now—and it is the one that encouraged me to write myself (not because I could hope to match it, but because it made me hungry to experience the process). That work is Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth Series, which begins with Wizard’s First Rule.
I am fascinated with Goodkind’s ability to keep me on the edge of my seat, constantly turning pages, waiting with bated breath for the next thing to happen—because there is not a moment in which something is not happening. With heart hounds, dragons, wizards, sorceresses, the Seeker of Truth, the Mother Confessor, horrific villains, and so many more creatures and characters, some wholly new and unique, Goodkind’s story is utterly spellbinding. From this series (which I estimate runs 8 - 10,000 pages), I can readily name more than 50 “main characters.” These are characters central to some portion of the story, characters I got to know throughout the series, characters I may love or hate—but will never forget. Add to this Goodkind’s ability to weave elements of the story—sometimes beginning with a mere mention early on and then reintroducing that element volumes later when it becomes a key ingredient to the overall story—and you have a truly great series. For this reader, Goodkind is unmatched.
As to indie published fantasy works, I admit that I have not read all that many, but one I found particularly well done and entertaining was The God King (Heirs of the Fallen Book 1), by James A. West. Notwithstanding the fact that this work makes use of names with (what to me are dreaded) apostrophes (“Geh’shinnom’atar), and notwithstanding the fact that the work includes “dead people walking,” (two things I generally highly dislike reading or reading about), I found The God King quite enjoyable.
West’s voice is intriguing, his word pictures are carefully painted, and his word choices clever in that they help to create a unique alternate world. West’s characters were honorable at times, quirky at times, but always consistent and in the end, believable. Perhaps the highest praise I could offer in this regard is that West drew, in The God King, a genuinely legitimate lead woman character. She was firm in the face of danger, was committed to helping to overcome evil, and was a full member of the otherwise all-male “team.”
KRISTIE KIESSLINGAuthor of the short story, Sanguis Dei and a poetry collection, Light and Dark
Kristie's Blog
When browsing through the "cheap seats" (read: FREE) of indie books, I came across the short A Circle of Iron by Greg Benage. Taught from childhood that "we don't judge books by their covers", I nevertheless found myself intrigued. I'll be honest, if the cover turns me off, I move on. Perhaps it was the simplicity, the colors, I can't really even say. Maybe it was the title that bears a striking similarity to a 1978 martial arts movie. But, it was free, (and still is) so I snatched it up. I expected poor writing, poor characters, poor ... well, everything. I wasn't disappointed. Let's face it; indie publishing is writers putting their work out there (often) without benefit of the many years of savvy that traditional publishing provides. We're doing this on our own, working our way through the ropes and hoping we find mentors along the way. It is a gritty, sometimes dark business. A Circle of Iron is gritty and dark with bounty hunters chasing down and slaughtering blood drinking wights. It is a fantasy full of violence set in the world of Eldernost.
Here's the weird thing: I liked the characters despite their too-convenient back stories. I liked the bad guys. Though they were predictable too, I thought they could be so much more. There were hints of much more, and the too short tale never delivered more than hints. The story had potential but it bogged down, despite being so short, when the author used unnecessary foul language. Worse, he used colloquialisms that drew me out of the nebulous at best setting and into the present day. I half expected someone to hand the hero a cola at some point.
I do hope Mr. Benage keeps trying. I think he could actually write something exciting if he really put his mind to it. This felt a bit to me as though he had this tale and tidied it up and published it to get out there. I don't blame him for that, I just hoped against hope for more. If I'd been allowed to tell you about As the Crow Flies by Robin Lythgoe, I would have chosen that as my enjoyed indie read.
That story carries well what is the burden of indie works: to make them better than the world expects them to be because they are indie works.
My traditional selection of a story I enjoyed is Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead. Lawhead has long been one of my favorite authors and his novels lean toward the historical, but there is that element of magic that speaks to fantasy and I love that. Hood is the tale of Bran ap Brychan, heir to the throne of Elfael. Set in the primeval forest that borders Wales, it is a retelling of a familiar old legend full of Celtic mythology and political intrigue. At just shy of 500 pages it is an epic worthy of the name in all aspects. Hood swept me away into the greenwood and carried me along with Bran through battles, Normans, the Red King and the discovery of a destiny of which no runaway, reluctant hero could have dreamed.
I am excited by what independent publishing can offer the world and I believe that the future of indie is rich worlds and tales along the lines of As the Crow Flies rather than A Circle of Iron. As for Lawhead and Hood they have given me what traditional publishing has almost always delivered, that excitement of worlds unknown kindled in me when I was young and read Tarzan or The Hobbit.
Note: I did not solicit Kristie's kind words about my book, but you should take her advice and read it. ;) I have read and enjoyed Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead, and several books from Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth. I am filling in the missing volumes slowly, with gently used editions. I also happen to own Mordant's Need. And now I find myself wanting to dash to my library (all the way across the room) and read ALL of these books again, as well as books 2 and 3 of Lawhead's series, which is entitled The Raven King. I have them! I just haven't quite got to reading them yet, much to my husband's disgruntlement.
And how fun to discover the Quills treasuring the same books I do...
How about you? Give us a pair (or two or three!) of your favorite books, one indie and one traditional. Go ahead and add to our towering pillars of Books to Read! We'd love to hear from you.
November 15, 2013
Guest: Roy Huff—Everville: The Rise of Mallory
Have you heard? The exciting third book in Roy Huff's Everville series is coming in mid-December. Take a look at this great cover, enjoy the squeak of an excerpt and then be sure to take advantage of the Kindle promo for the second book Everville: The City of Worms which will run from November 14-18.
He is also having signed paperback book giveaways for all three books on Goodreads (open internationally):
The First PillarThe City of WormsThe Rise of Mallory
With the help of his college friends, Owen Sage has won another battle in Everville, but the rise of Mallory presents a new insidious evil that needs to be stopped. Owen must now find answers to questions that continue to arise in both dimensions. His search for the truth will lead him to new journey's and reveal surprising insights about himself and his friends at Easton Falls University. New creatures will be uncovered and old friends will prove invaluable in the epic journey that that has only just begun.
Excerpt:
Roy Huff is the author of Amazon's #1 international bestselling epic fantasy novel, Everville: The First Pillar as well as the newly released Everville: The City of Worms. These are the first installments in the remarkable Everville series which combines elements of epic fantasy and young adult fiction in a form that nearly anyone will enjoy reading, young or old. He is a man of many interests including but not limited to science, traveling, movies, the outdoors, and of course writing teen and young adult fantasy fiction. He holds five degrees in four separate disciplines including liberal arts, history, secondary science education, and geoscience. Roy Huff's background includes work in art, history, education, business, real-estate, economics, geoscience, and satellite meteorology. He was born on the East Coast but has spent more than half his life in Hawaii, where he currently resides and writes his epic fantasy sagas.
You can find Roy here:Blog • Facebook • Twitter
He is also having signed paperback book giveaways for all three books on Goodreads (open internationally):
The First PillarThe City of WormsThe Rise of Mallory
With the help of his college friends, Owen Sage has won another battle in Everville, but the rise of Mallory presents a new insidious evil that needs to be stopped. Owen must now find answers to questions that continue to arise in both dimensions. His search for the truth will lead him to new journey's and reveal surprising insights about himself and his friends at Easton Falls University. New creatures will be uncovered and old friends will prove invaluable in the epic journey that that has only just begun.
Excerpt:
Owen had taken The Keeper’s advice to take a break, but it wasn’t easy. He had to force himself to relax after his victory. The events that occurred in The City of Worms were a constant distraction, but spending time with his mom helped keep him from thinking about what happened and so did the change in scenery. The holiday, however, was almost over, and Owen found it increasingly difficult to prevent his mind from wandering back to The Second Pillar of Truth and the destruction that he had initiated. Despite the difficulty, it was his last weekend home, and he was determined to do absolutely nothing of consequence.About Roy Huff:
Roy Huff is the author of Amazon's #1 international bestselling epic fantasy novel, Everville: The First Pillar as well as the newly released Everville: The City of Worms. These are the first installments in the remarkable Everville series which combines elements of epic fantasy and young adult fiction in a form that nearly anyone will enjoy reading, young or old. He is a man of many interests including but not limited to science, traveling, movies, the outdoors, and of course writing teen and young adult fantasy fiction. He holds five degrees in four separate disciplines including liberal arts, history, secondary science education, and geoscience. Roy Huff's background includes work in art, history, education, business, real-estate, economics, geoscience, and satellite meteorology. He was born on the East Coast but has spent more than half his life in Hawaii, where he currently resides and writes his epic fantasy sagas.You can find Roy here:Blog • Facebook • Twitter
November 8, 2013
Guest: J.B. Brooklin—Save Dschinannya!
Dschinnanya, world of the demons, is in danger. Soon this magical place which changes its appearance each day will be extinct. Only you can save it!
Part 1 of the fantasy series “Creatures of Fire: Demons Die Harder featured Dschinnanya, the world of the demons. If the author, J.B. Brooklin can’t write part 2 of the series, Dschinnanya will leave this world and be forgotten.
If you want to prevent this, you can help. In return you will soon be able to delve into the next fantasy mystery, visit Dschinnanya and find out what happens to Sariel and Alexander, the two main characters. All you have to do is fund the project “Save Dschinnanya!” with only 1 USD … or more, but that is up to you.
Supporters will get behind-the-scenes access to Dschinnanya. J.B. Brooklin is not only going to share ideas, but will also post excerpts from part 2, unpublished scenes, bonus material and whatever else she can think of.
Interested? If you want to find out more about the “Creatures of Fire” series and Dschinnanya, you can get your free copy of book 1 “Demons Die Harder” as an ebook. For free! Simply send an email to jb@jb-brooklin.com and request either a pdf, epub or mobi file.
More information about the project “Save Dschinnanya!” can be found here, along with the possibility to sign up and be informed when the project goes live: Prefundia "Save Dschinannya!"
Watch the project video here: YouTube
÷÷÷The campaign kicks off on November 13th, 2013!÷÷÷
“Creatures of Fire: Demons Die Harder”She is a half demon, oblivious to her true nature. He is a demon set out to avenge murder.
Together they are hunted by the one person she thought she could trust. Separate they may be able to save each others lives.
New York – Paris – Dschinnanya.
Enjoy this excerpt:
“There is the entrance to Dschinnanya,” Saraswati said, pointing to the exit of the canyon. At first Sariel couldn’t see much; mist was rising in the distance, not allowing her to see what was on the other side of the two rock walls that marked the entrance to the world of the demons.
“Have you ever been there?”
“Only once,” Saraswati replied.
“How will I be able to find Alexander’s mentor?
“Oh, that’s easy.” She smiled. “Focus on who you want to visit, then you will be led the way. It’s about the only thing that is easy in Dschinnanya. The town itself changes its appearance each day and sometimes even more often than that. Today it may seem like an Italian village and tomorrow you might find yourself in the middle of the desert. The day after that it might resemble an island. You will never be able to recognize a building you have visited the day before. The demons that live there pass their time thinking of new looks for their town. They don’t have much else to do.”
“Where would you look for the information we need in order to rid Alexander of the seal?”
“At the library of the centuries. There everything is archived that has even been written about demons. It is the only place where you will find that kind of knowledge. It is also forbidden to you. Without permission you will not be able to enter.”
“I should have known,” Sariel said with a sigh. Then she bowed. “I was honored to have you as a trainer. Thank you very much for taking me on as a student and for helping me!”
Saraswati bowed as well. “It was my pleasure and my honor.” The demon removed a ring from her left hand and gave it to Sariel. “Take this. It will help you if you really are in trouble. But use it wisely.”
About Birgit Kluger aka J.B. Brooklin:
Birgit Kluger is a German author, writing her English books under the pen name of J.B. Brooklin. Birgit lived abroad for several years in the USA, Spain and the Seychelles. Since a couple of years she is back in Germany, trying to make a living out of writing—which is not always easy.
In Germany she has already published three novels, one of them "Schau ihr in die Augen" with Droemer Knaur, one of the large German publishing houses.
J.B. Brooklin’s BlogJ.B. Brooklin’s Facebook Page J.B. Brooklin on Twitter
November 1, 2013
Content Rating: What the Bleep?!
It's panel time! Today, A Drift of Quills is focusing its attention on content ratings. Not on the ratings of our works by readers, but of our works for readers. These ratings, adopted from the motion picture industry, differ by country, but we’ll be referencing the current—as of 2113—U.S. system. (See more at Wiki’s Motion Picture Rating System and the Motion Picture Association of America (What Each Rating Means).
What are our positions, or what difficulties might we have writing things rated beyond a PG-13? Do we write such things? Why or why not?
PATRICIA REDINGAuthor of OathtakerPatricia's websiteMy work falls into the PG-13 category in part because I want to be able to promote it to the YA crowd. As a way of putting my thoughts into focus, I will set forth my position only on the following areas: sex, drugs, and violence.
I believe that some things are private and are meant to be so. This is not necessarily because they are bad things but, rather, because they are so personal that they are, dare I say, “sacred.” Sacred is defined as “regarded with reverence.” A synonym for the word is “inviolate,” defined as: “free from violation, injury, undisturbed; not infringed.” For this writer, to open the door on things that take place in private would be a betrayal of my characters—a violation of them—an injury to them.
I respect my characters and so, allow them their privacy. I also respect my readers—and in particular YA readers. My youngest daughter brought a book to me one day (marketed as YA), outraged by the story line. It seems the protagonist was trying to determine how best—and quickest—to rid herself of her innocence. The work quickly made its way to the trash bin. I believe the author of that work held an enormous responsibility to her readers—and in my estimation, she failed in it. Whereas she could have helped to insure her readers’ physical and mental health for the long haul, she instead titillated her readers, encouraged them even, suggesting that there were no limitations and no consequences. So, while I fully defend one’s choice to write outside the PG-13 category, I do not do so because I believe such works should not be promoted to the highly impressionable YA crowd.
As to drugs/alcohol, my position is that a work designated as YA appropriate should never promote the use of drugs or the irresponsible use of alcohol nor should they include YA characters thoughtlessly imbibing. If for no other reason than to help to insure the safety of young women (in particular) who all too often are victimized—especially when their defenses are down as a result of the use of drugs/alcohol—such conduct should not be encouraged. Our readers are taking cues from us. . . .
The real world includes open violence and it often is violence that differentiates the good from the evil. Moreover, with evil, violence and sex may meet. My works do include references to such behavior; evil frequently manifests itself in this way. However, I have found that few details are necessary. I need not insult my reader by elaborating on the obvious. These things can be exceedingly offensive and painful. I find no entertainment value in them. Moreover, when one writes, a phenomenon occurs. In order to relate a tale to her readers, an author must look at the details. I have found that I reach a point where I must close my eyes, where I cannot allow myself to see or to hear more—even though I know it exists. Beyond that place, I will not go. Beyond that place I will allow my reader to use her own imagination—should she be so inclined.
KRISTIE KIESSLINGAuthor of the short story, Sanguis Dei and a poetry collection, Light and DarkKristie's Blog
I am a firm believer in writing what I know. Sometimes, the things I know are not so nice. The world we live in is not always a nice place and that is why we, as adults, are the barriers between our children and the written word that may make too strong an impact at the wrong time. This is why I believe in parental interaction with teachers throughout the school years. I know my child best. Teachers and parents must partner in education. In this vein, When my children were in grade school, I read everything they were required to read so that I knew if it was appropriate for them. If I felt it was not, I would request another reading assignment. That is a parent's job.
As a writer, I don't write fiction for children or young adults. My stories are written for adults with adult consequences for adult actions. Even so, I consider the PG-13 guidelines (see above) to be a very good line in the sand. They are a point at which I pause and say to myself, "Do I need harsh language? Do I need this scene, this level of graphic depiction?" Usually, the answer is, "No." Inclusive of everyday life, I'd very much like it if, when in the public eye, people confined themselves to actions and speech we'd consider G. But the world isn't G rated or even PG. It is a scary place. For my writing to attract the audience I want, fiction I can share with everyone, fiction of which I can be proud, I recognize that there may be times when gentle words aren't enough.
There are times when even the guidelines for PG-13 go beyond what I would write and times, I confess, where they may not go far enough. In my writing, I lean toward strong violence: war, death, illness, occasional drug use. I probably skirt that line between PG-13 and R. I don't dive fully into the R rating. I don't need it. I also don't want to be told I can't write it if I think it will add to the tale I'm telling. At this time of my life, with adult children, I do ask myself, "Would I let my daughter read this? My pastor?" I'm happy to say that the answer is, "Yes." It's "yes" because I believe in the intelligence and understanding of my target audience. Would I want my grandchildren to read it, if I had any? No. Not because I am ashamed, but because it isn't written for them. Should I then not put my stories out there because of who might read them? Again, no. Every person must take responsibility for what they produce and must educate themselves about what they may face within the context of certain genres.
C.M.J. WALLACEAuthor of The Rift Series (beginning with Sing the Midnight Stars)C.M.J.'s website
Although I include sex in my books, it’s only implied unless it’s not consensual and that choice isn’t something I had to ponder: I’ve simply never considered writing any other way. However, when I do use the device I’m not shy about it. For example, I wrote a situation in which a husband and wife are raped in turn, and it’s brutal and graphic, yet I cringe at the thought of writing a steamy love scene. Strange but true. I think part of the difference is that, to me, something such as rape is not so much sexual as it is pure violence, and that’s easy for me to write (don’t make any horrible inferences here!).
I’m not a fan of the romance genre, which hinges on hanky-panky these days, it seems, so I’ve never found that explicit sex scenes are essential to any story I’ve read (and I’m not at all convinced that they’re essential even in romances). They tend to make me roll my eyes and skim until I hit the next nonlascivious part that’s actually related to the plot. And that’s another reason I don’t use that contrivance: what does sex in most books really have to do with the story line? In almost every instance I’ve seen, it’s gratuitous and detracts from the narrative. In fact, I recently stopped reading a book after being subjected to yet another of the author’s superfluous descriptions, and this one crossed the line into the profanely indecent.
Some may believe that graphic (or not-so-graphic) sex in their writing will help sell books, but one word refutes that opinion: Rowling. One could argue that it’s the lack of such content in the latter books of her Harry Potter series that helped it retain its enormous popularity.
ME! ME! ME!Author of As the Crow Flies and two short stories(You know where my website is, right?)
I am going to say right out that I am not a fan of a rating beyond PG-13 in either books or movies. A great number of recent offerings are being touted as “gritty” and “dark,” when what they really seem to mean is “violent, vulgar, and explicit.” I firmly believe that stories can be gripping, thrilling, thoughtful, controversial, breathtaking or entertaining without resorting to extremes. It’s a shame, really. I understand the desire to write for a so-called “adult” audience, but why does an adult audience need lower standards than a less-adult one? (And are we talking age or maturity here?)
It is interesting—and somewhat telling—how the lower ratings are falling out of favor. There is an unvoiced opinion that somehow they mean the tales are for children. Material is often added in, appropriate or not, to give edgier ratings. As a society we are actively, purposefully working to desensitize ourselves.
“What? But I can’t accurately depict my characters if they don’t swear a blue streak, graphically hurt their enemies, or have detailed sexual relationships!”
Seriously? What that really means is that the author isn’t creative or resourceful enough to figure out an alternate way of delivering the scene. Yes, bad language, violence, drugs, and superficial whoopee happen every day in “real life,” and some of those situations are part of truly intense stories. But they do not have to be spelled out in gory detail and they do not have to be advocated. The lack of harsh characteristics does not equate poor reading material. We do our readers a grave injustice when we don’t trust that their imaginations will carry them through, that they will pick up on individually pertinent details and fill in the blanks to create a scenario that is meaningful to them.
Moreover, why would an author or producer want to deliberately limit her audience? I do not write specifically for the Young Adult market, but I am thrilled when someone from that audience not only can read my book, but enjoys it (and hello! BUYS it!). And is there an ample market for PG-13 and gentler books? Why, yes, there is. I am encouraged by the response to author Leeland Artra’s fledgling Facebook group, “ Fantasy Sci-Fi Network News ,” which is “a collection of authors, bloggers, and reviewers who are passionate about finding and creating quality fantasy/sci-fi books which are also teen safe (G, PG, or PG-13 rated). The FSF Network believes it is possible to create fantastic works of fantasy and science fiction without resorting to graphic violence, explicitly harsh language, or sex.” Two weeks, 200 followers. From my point of view, that’s a good sign.
Want to read more about the subject or find books with actual ratings? Rated ReadsCompass Book RatingsIs It Time To Rate Young Adult Books for Mature Content? by Jason Koebler at USNewsShould Books Come With Content Ratings? by Monica Valentinelli on MLVWrites
Do you think a customer should be able to choose a book based on what the book contains? How do you think a visible rating on books would affect your purchases?
October 25, 2013
Chocolate Fix: Chocolate Orange Ice Cream
It's been a while since we had a chocolate fix—online, anyway. :) You don't really think I'd go without, do you? I've got some serious scrumptiousness lined up for you. I hope you're not tired of ice cream yet. I'm not. I thought that when the temperatures started going down I'd crave something new (and warm!), but nooooooo ... So I have to indulge in one more chilly, creamy confection before winter actually sets in, and then I'll find something more suitable to the season to share with you.
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Chocolate Orange Ice Cream
(modified from the recipe at Scoop Adventures)
Yield: about 1½ quarts
Chocolate-Orange Syrup
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
2 teaspoons orange zest, freshly grated (one orange)
1/4 cup (2 ounces) fresh squeezed orange juice (1 orange)
1 ½ ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Ice Cream Base
2 cups whole milk
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
1½ ounces (3 Tablespoons) cream cheese, softened
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sugar
2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
Combine cocoa powder, water, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice in a small saucepan and place over medium low heat. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar melts and ingredients are combined. Remove pan from heat and add chocolate. Let stand for 5 minutes and then stir until chocolate is melted. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix 2 Tablespoons of the milk with the cornstarch. In a medium bowl, whisk the cream cheese, chocolate-orange syrup, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
Combine remaining milk, cream, sugar, and corn syrup in a medium pan. Bring milk mixture to a boil. Cook over moderate heat until the sugar dissolves, about 4 minutes.
Remove from heat and off the heat, gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Return to a boil and cook over moderately high heat until the mixture is slightly thickened (draw a line on a spoon), about one minute. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the cream cheese mixture and whisk until smooth. Place the bowl in an ice bath and stir occasionally until the mixture has cooled to room temperature. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
Once chilled, strain mixture through a sieve to remove lumps of orange zest, then pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place in refrigerator freezer until firm, about 4 hours.
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November—and NaNoWriMo—are almost upon us! Have you got your chocolate supplies laid in for a month of writing feverishly?
Check out some of these helpful ideas for getting set for 30 Days and Nights of Literary Abandon:National Novel Writing Month Pep Talkers 201312 Thoughts About NaNoWriMo @ The Write PracticePre-NaNoWriMo Tips @ WritabilityNaNoWriMo Prep: How Do You Write More in Less Time? by Lindsay BurokerMaking The Most Of NaNoWriMo by EM Castellan @ There and Draft AgainWant to hook up on the NaNoWriMo site? You can find me masquerading as StillCypher. So... who's going to join the party, and how do you prepare?
