C.S. Marks's Blog, page 2

Basking in the Afterglow…

Nothing, and I mean nothing can turn my world right-side-up like a good ride on a fine horse. I have just returned from a really wonderful trip through the state forest (I live on the trail head) on one of the most amazing horses I have ever owned. Her name is Kahlua, and she is a Rocky Mountain/Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse.

You may recall that I was uncertain about going over to the “dark side” (gaited), having ridden literally thousands of miles at a fast trot on Arabians for the past several decades. But this little girl has confirmed that I have not made a bad decision–not at all.

Now, it didn’t hurt that the weather was perfect, the trees are turning, the trail is just right–the sky an unbelievably intense autumn blue, the breeze blowing fine and clear with just a hint of fragrant wood smoke. Here I am in the saddle, and here is Kahlua–ready for any adventure, forward and energetic, yet sensible and cooperative. She has all the best of my favorite breeds. She’s sturdy and forward like a Morgan, stylish like a Saddlebred, animated like an Arabian, and…well…she glides along as though on casters. Her canter is like a rocking chair. I’m in love.

For all those less fortunate–which is everyone in the entire WORLD–I wish you could have at least one moment that is as energizing, humbling, and precious as the one I had today. My life is measured in hoofbeats, and that’s just fine with me.

See you on the trail.

–CSM

Fire-heart Release Giveaway Blitz!

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The Positive in the Negative

If you’re a writer who has published work, sooner or later you’re going to get your first really negative review. You’ll know before you see it, because your average rating will have dropped overnight. Yes, friends, there it will be–the dreaded one-star. If you’re anything like me, your throat will tighten and your blood pressure will rise, causing a slight throbbing in your fingertips, the primary sign of dread.

We can’t be blamed for reacting this way. Making a book available to a huge and varied public is a scary business, and we are never sure how it’s going to go. So far, our work may have been well-received, and we’ve been thinking “All right so far…no sign of sharks or herds of rampaging wildebeest…I might survive…” Then it happens–someone doesn’t like your stuff and says so. You might feel as though the wind has been knocked out of you, but trust me, it’s for the best.

If the reviewer puts forth his/her opinion in a generally constructive way, this is actually a good thing. Don’t expect too much, as people who don’t like something often just want to rant about it, but it can and will actually benefit you. I know, I know, reviews are for readers, and this is exactly why you shouldn’t fret over a bad one. We should recognize the positive in the negative–a few things you might not have thought about. Let’s examine how a negative review is actually a good thing for the writer.

1. Everyone of any reputation gets them.

That’s right, my friends–even Shakespeare gets one-star reviews. Having that one-star may be considered a rite of passage–you’re not a “real boy” until you get one.

2. Having a wide range of reviews lends credibility.

With all the pay-for-play services and underhanded ballot-box-stuffing tactics going on, readers have become suspicious of any book that has too many five-stars, especially when they appear in quick succession. NO book is universally adored by everyone, and it won’t hurt you at all to have representatives in all five categories. As long as your average rating stays up there, you’re golden.

3. Reviews are meant to help readers find the books they’ll enjoy. If the bad review is constructive, it will help some readers avoid the book.

Avoid the book you say? Surely that couldn’t be an advantage. Well, it depends on why you got into writing in the first place. My primary goal is to write books that readers will like, not to foist as many copies as possible on people who will not enjoy them. In a less altruistic vein, think of it this way–the one negative will prevent ten others. I have been known to discourage people from purchasing Elfhunter if, for example, they are looking for another “Game of Thrones.” It’s in our best interests to attract readers who will have a good reading experience, and help those who are obviously looking for something else to, well, look somewhere else.

Mind you, a well-constructed positive review can do the same thing. Example: “I loved the occasional intrusion of the classical narrative, as though I were hearing a story told around a campfire.” Though this reader enjoyed that aspect, others might immediately click on to the next book.

OK, so how do we get over the feeling of dread when we encounter a real stinker? Not all negative reviews are constructive, and some are downright trollish (I remember being trolled by another author several years ago). I have a few coping mechanisms. I prefer to not read reviews anymore; I’ve read enough to know and understand what people like and don’t like about my work. If you can’t stay away, try this: read the review in the voice of the “Monty Python Housewife.” Seriously–you’ll burst out laughing. Try it with this “faux” example:

“War and Peace was absolutely the worst book ever written. It was obvious that the “author” didn’t speak English, had no idea how to write, and should be relegated to wallowing in a festering pool of pus. And talk about depressing! I paid all of 99 cents for this stinker, and I couldn’t get past the first chapter. What a complete waste of money! This author should be brought back from the dead so I can properly tar and feather him.”

Now, didn’t that help a little? If that fails, there’s always the quart of “Moose Tracks” in the freezer.

If we learn to embrace the negatives, we’ll avoid doing silly things like castigating reviewers, reacting badly to them on public forums, melting down online…I know, many words for the same thing. Let’s choose to think of them as affirmation–you’re not a “real boy” until you get one.

Back from ComicCon and GenCon…

We had such fun! Even the Grim Reaper likes Elfhunter. He said he wouldn’t take me yet; I have to finish the series first. Ha! Meanwhile, it was GREAT interfacing with all you guys–meeting new friends and old–getting the latest from Alterra into your hands.

There were a few problems at ComicCon–they shoved the creative types (authors and artists) onto the lower level, basically with no signage to tell folks we were there. The escalators were broken down on Thursday and Sunday. It was a bit of a disaster–I could have held archery practice in the hall and not put anyone at risk, y’know? Ah, well…c’est la vie.

Both Cons were sell-outs with respect to Elfhunter, so I need to learn to bring more books next year. Hopefully, I’ll have all three available by then as well as a new novella or two.

DragonCon is next (I hope) and then some time off. March and April ComicCons, June and July, August, September, and October–2014 is gonna be a busy year!!

If you ordered books at ComicCon, I should be getting them in very soon. I’ll put out a bulletin when they come in! “See” you soon.

“New and Exclusive”….ummm, whatever works!

So, the other day I was shopping for a cooler to take with me to the conventions–I like to pack my own food and drinks, y’know? I stroll down the aisle in sporting goods, looking over the shelves packed with coolers of all sizes and colors, when something catches my eye. It’s a rather ordinary red plastic cooler, but it bears a BIG label that reads: “New!! Now with exclusive Enviro-cool system.” So, what the heck is that? I wonder. I read the smaller print. It mentions “the latest in cooling technology.”

“Cool!” I say, oblivious to the bad pun, turning the cooler over to read all about the latest technological breakthrough. Well…it was a bit underwhelming, actually. The Enviro-cool system means the cooler has little wee feet. Yep. Air can flow beneath it (supposedly, though I reckon setting it down in the grass would essentially negate any benefit). The label extols the virtue of raising the bottom of the cooler above hot concrete or sand (though sand would have much the same effect as grass, I’m thinkin’).

Actually, I’m not here to debate the benefits of wee feet on a cooler. It’s the marketing that impresses me. Enviro-cool? Latest technology? Really?

Maybe I should take a page out of this manufacturer’s book. We can always use a new tag line, after all–hmmmm. First, it should contain both of the words “new” and “exclusive.” There should be many exclamation points. And above all, it should either exaggerate or obfuscate. Let’s try a few, shall we?

“ELFHUNTER–now with new, exclusive gravitational arachno-elimination technology!!!” (Yes, you CAN whack spiders with it.)

“ELFHUNTER–now with all-new, exclusive corporeal elevation technology!!” (You can stand on your copy and reach things on taller shelves.) Oh…not enough exclamation points? Right. Here ya go. !!!!!

“THE FIRE KING–new streamlined design with exclusive manual enviro-cool system technology!!!” (It’s a novella. You can fan yourself with it on a hot day.) Hey! I didn’t steal it. This is the manual enviro-cool system. The other one’s “automatic.”

I think I should have stickers made (in bright yellow, with the words “new” and “exclusive” in big red letters), and stick them on the book covers. Do you think it will work? I think I’ll share the idea with Parthian’s marketer. You will let me know if you come up with a newer, more exclusive angle, won’t you?

–CSM

The “THAT” Police

So, when did editors/readers/critics decide to declare war on the word “that?”

Seriously. I keep hearing this over and over again from folks–even from one college professor who declared that he would eliminate the word “that” from the language entirely. Well, good luck with that, mate! Let me know if you succeed in doing that.

I read an opinion from a book reviewer who stated that “the use of the word ‘that‘ is evidence of poor writing.” I asked myself…what’s wrong with “that?”

I use the word all the time when I am speaking. For example, I’m disinclined to say “He knew she was right.” Rather, I will always say “He knew that she was right.” Guess what? That’s not incorrect. The former, in fact, might be considered lazy. It’s fine in dialogue, but (in my opinion) it’s not fine in narration. I won’t fault a writer for leaving it out, but it feels like a shortcut to me. I don’t speak that way, and I don’t write that way.

Perhaps my speech is stilted…I don’t know. My writing has sometimes been labeled as such; characters are sometimes accused of being “too well-spoken.” Point taken–except that I write high fantasy. If I were writing in a contemporary setting, I would at least attempt to use more contemporary speech (alas).

My peers have been making fun of my somewhat extensive vocabulary since I was seven years old. The fact is that I was raised by an English professor who practiced a very meticulous manner of speaking…it couldn’t help but rub off on me. Well, fortunately, most people speak well in Alterra. I still remember my dad correcting me.(No, no, Chris…the reason is THAT, not because…) I couldn’t argue with that.

I know, I know…I shouldn’t worry about it. I should simply write in my own voice and brace myself for the inevitable response of the “that police.” (All right, Ma’am…we’ve had a complaint. You’ve been accused of excessive thatage and stilted narration. Come along quietly, now…)

Your Honor, I plead not guilty by reason of sanity.

As with everything else, I believe that this is the “things-writers-should-never-do-obsession-of-the-week.” We’ve heard some of the others, such as to NEVER use an adverb (seriously!) and that passive voice has absolutely no place in modern fiction–nor does omniscient narration. Someone should tell that to Stephen King (who uses adverbs frequently to great effect) and to some of the great storytellers, such as Tolkien, who loved the use of omniscient POV. Now I’m told I should not use “that” (see what I did there?). Oh, yes…innocent parentheses have also been banned. I like serial (Oxford) commas, and I use them. So sue me.

Every writer has a unique voice–a complex of flavors and spices that are like no other. As long as one knows the rules, it’s okay to bend them–even break them–in the interest of style. I’ll use adverbs when the phrase calls for them, and narrate when I need narration. As far as the word “that” goes, I will use it when I deem it appropriate, and I will leave it out when I believe it to be detrimental. Readers then have the option of hating it and calling it stilted. But I won’t “write lazy.” Fair enough?

Your Honor, may I plead guilty to a lesser charge?

Fallen Embers in Print

Rain—King and warrior, stern and duty-bound.

Who could have foreseen he would ever encounter

the one who would change his life forever?

But he does.

How much of a man’s world, how much of

his life will he risk to possess everything he has ever wanted?

From the creator of the beloved World of Alterra comes

a tale of passion and determination, of sacrifice and courage

Rain has found a foe he cannot overcome with sword or strategy.

Now he must battle an enemy none can defeat.

Now he will battle Fate itself.

 

Print copies will be available for purchase at Chicago Comic Con, GenCon Indy & DragonCon as well as online at ParthianPress.com.

Insanity in August!

Look for me at the Cons!

I must be out of my mind.

Seriously–only an insane person would attempt what I am about to do in August. I’ll be heading up to Chicago for ComicCon, then back home for two days, then off to GenCon, then back for two days, then school starts, then drive to Atlanta for Dragon Con.

This will be an endurance test, but it will be oh-so-worth it! I’m launching the new novella, Fallen Embers, as well as our new line of Alterran leather goods (gorgeous, I’m tellin’ ya!). I’ll be performing a 45-minute filk concert at Dragon Con, driving the Elfmobile in the parade, and in general getting up to all sorts of mischief. The best part? Readers! Lots of readers with whom I can hobnob, kanoodle, and confab.

I love it. Every minute. I hope I can convince a few new folks to join in the Alterran adventure. If any of you will be attending any of the aforementioned conventions, please do come and see me! I’ll be in the authors/artists area at ComicCon and GenCon, and the dealer’s room at Dragon Con. Look for the gigantic orange banner with the incredibly hunky Elf and “World of Alterra” on it.

I can hardly wait to meet you…

–CSM

Think of the kitties…

As some of you might know, I spend a certain amount of time on the Amazon discussion forums. I also hang out on Goodreads once in a while. Mostly I just lurk, but occasionally someone feeds me a straight line that is simply too good to be true, and I must respond. (Example: Q–Do we have to wear some sort of “attire” to the convention? A–Well, yeah, they won’t take it well if you show up naked.)

I have a limited time allotted to Amazon/GR, and I tend to hang out where readers congregate. These days they seem to spend less time discussing books and more time discussing authors–often complaining about them. Complaints range from review manipulation to whining to sock-puppetry to out and out meltdown.

I’ve become well acquainted with two or three of these colleagues of mine, who never seem to be happy unless they are attacking readers or reviewers. These folks almost literally foam at the mouth, their jaws dripping vitriol, and the do it in a PUBLIC FORUM! I don’t get it–really, I don’t.

Do they not understand that readers are entitled to purchase or borrow whatever books they like? That those readers are also allowed to evaluate their purchases with NO regard WHATSOEVER for the author’s hopes, dreams, bank balances, emotional issues, disabilities, or anything else? That they don’t owe anyone a “free pass” due to age/ability/mental stability/experience? Apparently not.

Here’s the thing–I want my books to be judged on the same standard as any other. I don’t want the fact that they’re small press, or indie, or a “first effort”, or written by someone who faces the daily challenge of being too short to reach stuff on tall shelves, or any other excuse, to influence reader opinion. I want the reader to look at the book, perhaps choose it, then read it, then finish it, then decide that they liked it. All on the book’s merits–not on my challenges. And if they didn’t like it, they are allowed to say so! This is a product like any other, one that they bought and paid for. Our work might be precious to us, but it’s just another book to them! The worst thing of all would be having readers resolve never to read my work because I acted like a you-know-what on line.

It’s a difficult fact to face, but some books just aren’t worthy. Yet some authors won’t let themselves hear the truth–they cling to the idea that they WILL be the next big “indie breakthrough sensation”. We have a greater chance of being struck by lightning. I have yet to know if my stuff is “worthy”–too early to really tell. I pray that it is, because readers invest their time, effort, and money in acquiring and reading my work. I really, really HATE to let them down!

Everyone is familiar with the saying “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” (Actually, if I whip out my handy electrolyte syringe, I CAN make him drink…eventually…but that’s beside the point.)

You might do everything you can to lead a reader to your book, but you CAN’T make him/her like it! Best thing to do then is let it roll, not accuse the reader of anything horrible, and for heaven’s sake, keep it OFF the public forums! Think of the kitties! Every time an author has a public meltdown on Amazon or Goodreads, an entire litter of kitties dies. (Honest–I read about it on the internet. Uhhhh…Bon Joor. )

With regards and hoping you all avoid severe weather this weekend,

–CSM

The Fire King is FREE this weekend! Today and Tomorrow…

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If you haven’t had the chance to grab “The Fire King”, now’s your chance! It’s FREE on Amazon.com today and tomorrow. Let’s give away a bunch!