S.B. Stewart-Laing's Blog, page 32
August 6, 2012
Athletic Endeavors, Part I: Human Endurance
Since the Olympics is now in full swing*, and people all over the world are watching their nation's competitors perform some boggling feats of athletic awesomeness, I figured this would be a good time to talk about athletic feats in Fictionland.
Depending on how active one is, it can be hard to gauge what is a realistic level of exertion for one's characters. Furthermore, no matter what your workout routine (or work routine), it can be hard to get your head around the level of energy required to do something you don't normally do-- unless you're a time traveler or a Glaswegian police officer, for example, you've probably never chased down an angry person whilst wearing a full set of chain mail. As it turns out, this is like doing the same amount of running with a sandbag on your body (albeit one that offers excellent protection from bladed weapons).
In an ideal world, I'd suggest 'test driving' your characters' athletic endeavors, but this is not particularly realistic, unless it's something fairly mundane and accessible. However, it is worth tracking down medical professionals and/or athletic types (this is why the internet is great for writers!) and pestering them with questions.
Things to think about (ie, use in the question-peppering):
How old is your character?
How fit is your character in general? Is this character used to the specific activity they'll be doing?
How strenuous is the activity in question?
Is the character ill, injured, or in any other way compromised?
What is this character's diet like? When did they last get food and water?
How much do they have in fat reserves? (I'll address this more in the next post)
Again, think about the realistic limits for that character and what they can do. Yes, this can be time-consuming, but it can be a source of plot points, and help the readers with the all-important suspension of disbelief.
*Before you ask, I'm the sap who cheers for all the athletes regardless of team. I used to run competitively, so I am super impressed by all of them.
Depending on how active one is, it can be hard to gauge what is a realistic level of exertion for one's characters. Furthermore, no matter what your workout routine (or work routine), it can be hard to get your head around the level of energy required to do something you don't normally do-- unless you're a time traveler or a Glaswegian police officer, for example, you've probably never chased down an angry person whilst wearing a full set of chain mail. As it turns out, this is like doing the same amount of running with a sandbag on your body (albeit one that offers excellent protection from bladed weapons).
In an ideal world, I'd suggest 'test driving' your characters' athletic endeavors, but this is not particularly realistic, unless it's something fairly mundane and accessible. However, it is worth tracking down medical professionals and/or athletic types (this is why the internet is great for writers!) and pestering them with questions.
Things to think about (ie, use in the question-peppering):
How old is your character?
How fit is your character in general? Is this character used to the specific activity they'll be doing?
How strenuous is the activity in question?
Is the character ill, injured, or in any other way compromised?
What is this character's diet like? When did they last get food and water?
How much do they have in fat reserves? (I'll address this more in the next post)
Again, think about the realistic limits for that character and what they can do. Yes, this can be time-consuming, but it can be a source of plot points, and help the readers with the all-important suspension of disbelief.
*Before you ask, I'm the sap who cheers for all the athletes regardless of team. I used to run competitively, so I am super impressed by all of them.
August 3, 2012
Blogfest Reflections
I've had a rather hectic month in my non-writing life, but I did enjoy the Buccaneer Blogfest. Many thanks to the lovely ladies who got us all organised!First and foremost, it's always fun to meet other writers. Every single writer-blogger I've encountered is interesting. No exceptions.
Second, it's nice to write about different things than what I usually write about. It keeps the burnout at bay, and allows time to recharge and think about exciting new topics (tune in next week, for when I write two posts about athletes, and one about a giant heaping of WTF).
July 31, 2012
Win a Blog Interview
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July 30, 2012
Social Media and the Writer
I assign myself a certain number of social media hours during the week. Those of you who love checking Facebook and Twitter around the clock are probably laughing at this. But I actually find the whole thing a bit overwhelming. The blog is a bit easier, since it's a great place for all my 'brain flotsom'-- my random musings on writing and the like, which would otherwise be permanently circling around my grey matter.
The thing I find most difficult is the need to sell myself. To be charming, to schmooze in these virtual cocktail parties, to be controversial enough to gain attention but not create a flame war, to be a distilled version of me, shaped and calculated to help promote my books. To promote my work without becoming an annoying spammer. And to watch my brain-to-mouth filter (or rather, brain-to-keyboard filter).
The upside is, naturally, meeting people. There are books I never would have read, causes I would have never learned about, and amusing conversations I'd never had had if I didn't connect with other writers online. Even more importantly, it's a community which has provided myself and my coauthor with invaluable advice and writing critiques. Contrary to popular belief, books are not written in a vacuum, and social media has been an amazing tool for bringing writers together and helping us help each other succeed.
CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR THE RAFFLE!
The thing I find most difficult is the need to sell myself. To be charming, to schmooze in these virtual cocktail parties, to be controversial enough to gain attention but not create a flame war, to be a distilled version of me, shaped and calculated to help promote my books. To promote my work without becoming an annoying spammer. And to watch my brain-to-mouth filter (or rather, brain-to-keyboard filter).
The upside is, naturally, meeting people. There are books I never would have read, causes I would have never learned about, and amusing conversations I'd never had had if I didn't connect with other writers online. Even more importantly, it's a community which has provided myself and my coauthor with invaluable advice and writing critiques. Contrary to popular belief, books are not written in a vacuum, and social media has been an amazing tool for bringing writers together and helping us help each other succeed.
CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR THE RAFFLE!
July 27, 2012
Rare Adventures With Ordinary Birds
I have always loved birds. When I was a kid, my parents hung a birdfeeder outside my window, and I could spend hours watching the goldfinches that came to feast. Although my true love is seabirds, which were the centre of my postgraduate degree, I am fascinated by all things feathery. For my undergraduate thesis, I had the opportunity to work in the Caribbean, studying Purple-throated Carib Hummingbirds. We were surrounded by loud, strikingly coloured birds all day as we sat in the rainforest, logging the trips each hummingbird made to the flowers on its territory.
But we don't have to travel to the wilderness to see how marvelous the natural world can be. Lyanda Lynn Haupt's Rare Adventures with Ordinary Birds is a study of the seemingly mundane. By observing closely, Haupt finds beauty and interest in things we often ignore as too ordinary for our notice. The book is not only a well-written treasure trove of fascinating ornithological facts, but a reminder that we do not need to look far afield to find nature's beauty and drama.
But we don't have to travel to the wilderness to see how marvelous the natural world can be. Lyanda Lynn Haupt's Rare Adventures with Ordinary Birds is a study of the seemingly mundane. By observing closely, Haupt finds beauty and interest in things we often ignore as too ordinary for our notice. The book is not only a well-written treasure trove of fascinating ornithological facts, but a reminder that we do not need to look far afield to find nature's beauty and drama.
July 25, 2012
Favourite Authors....
In the interests of not boring the heck out of you lovely readers, I present a sampling of authors whose work I consistently enjoy:
Robert Louis Stevenson. I've mentioned him a few times as an example of Doing It Right, but not really gotten a chance to gush. What makes his work special is the fact that what are superficially simple adventure stories can hold up to repeated reading, and pack a lot of emotional depth. He is also an excellent example of how to handle politically charged topics and settings thoughtfully and insightfully.
Amy Tan. Reading her books is like getting a full cultural immersion as well as an interesting storyline. Her characters are always original and complex, and she hits the nail on the head when portraying the conflict of immigrants torn between assimilation and the desire to preserve their identities.
Douglas Adams. Because his books can make me laugh until I snort, even after multiple readings.
Patricia Wrede. A fantasy author with an amazing range-- from serious and haunting to outrageous parody. Her work includes a wide variety of engaging female characters, including inventive mousse-cooking princesses, unflappable witches, and determined warrior women.
Neil Gaiman. Probably one of the most creative fantasy authors out there. If you haven't checked out his work, close out of this window and go to the library stat.
Diana Wayne Jones. Another fantasy author with the ability to go from bittersweet sadness to gut-busting hilarity. She did amazing comedic fantasy (The Dark Lord of Dirkholm being a favourite of mine), as well as writing the Tough Guide to Fantasyland, which is a (laugh-out-loud funny) must-read for fantasy writers looking to avoid the genre's worst cliches.
Robert Louis Stevenson. I've mentioned him a few times as an example of Doing It Right, but not really gotten a chance to gush. What makes his work special is the fact that what are superficially simple adventure stories can hold up to repeated reading, and pack a lot of emotional depth. He is also an excellent example of how to handle politically charged topics and settings thoughtfully and insightfully.
Amy Tan. Reading her books is like getting a full cultural immersion as well as an interesting storyline. Her characters are always original and complex, and she hits the nail on the head when portraying the conflict of immigrants torn between assimilation and the desire to preserve their identities.
Douglas Adams. Because his books can make me laugh until I snort, even after multiple readings.
Patricia Wrede. A fantasy author with an amazing range-- from serious and haunting to outrageous parody. Her work includes a wide variety of engaging female characters, including inventive mousse-cooking princesses, unflappable witches, and determined warrior women.
Neil Gaiman. Probably one of the most creative fantasy authors out there. If you haven't checked out his work, close out of this window and go to the library stat.
Diana Wayne Jones. Another fantasy author with the ability to go from bittersweet sadness to gut-busting hilarity. She did amazing comedic fantasy (The Dark Lord of Dirkholm being a favourite of mine), as well as writing the Tough Guide to Fantasyland, which is a (laugh-out-loud funny) must-read for fantasy writers looking to avoid the genre's worst cliches.
July 23, 2012
Currently Reading...
Tiger Grey's
No Deadly Thing
... yes, I got me a sneak preview. Bwahahaha!
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. I used to not like snails at all, but this book will make anyone appreciate their beauty. Also, I feel a deep guilt for all the garden-nibbling snails I've offed over the years (including the one Jack ate).
I have an epic bookshelf (who am I kidding, bookshelves) at my parent's place, but due to having moved around quite a lot in the past few years, I only have a few titles with me. Notable
Bible (KJV... I happen to think it's still the most lyrical and beautiful English translation) Feathers by Thor HansonDamn Rebel Bitches by Maggie CraigDon't Panic by Neil Gaiman
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. I used to not like snails at all, but this book will make anyone appreciate their beauty. Also, I feel a deep guilt for all the garden-nibbling snails I've offed over the years (including the one Jack ate).
I have an epic bookshelf (who am I kidding, bookshelves) at my parent's place, but due to having moved around quite a lot in the past few years, I only have a few titles with me. Notable
Bible (KJV... I happen to think it's still the most lyrical and beautiful English translation) Feathers by Thor HansonDamn Rebel Bitches by Maggie CraigDon't Panic by Neil Gaiman
July 20, 2012
What Kicked Off The Sequel?
I've written before on the genesis of Forgotten Gods, so I'll say a bit about how my coauthor and I came up with the idea for The Devil and the Excise-Man. We knew from the beginning we wanted to do a sequel, since there were way too many juicy plot possibilities created by the first book. Having a number of ready-made plot threads waiting to be resolved did help a lot. But we knew we needed a central backbone, a main plot which would tie the disparate and sometimes abstract conflicts together.
New character number one, Dr. Andrew MacPhearson, came into being when I got into an argument with someone over the ethics of experimenting on animals. As we went through the usual paces, I had a 'lightbulb moment'. If I couldn't agree with an equally educated scientist about animal sentience and whether experimenting on them in the pursuit of 'pure knowledge' was okay, what would an 18th century medical researcher think when confronted with an array of intelligent but distinctly non-human creatures which he was itching to understand? It was too interesting to pass up.
The second new character (and titular employee of Treasury and Excise) came from Michael's desire to explore how people can throw their support behind...well, the Evil Empire.
Once we had Max Thorley, the Excise-man, the plot fell into place. And no, I'm not going to spoil the book! You will have to read it yourselves.
New character number one, Dr. Andrew MacPhearson, came into being when I got into an argument with someone over the ethics of experimenting on animals. As we went through the usual paces, I had a 'lightbulb moment'. If I couldn't agree with an equally educated scientist about animal sentience and whether experimenting on them in the pursuit of 'pure knowledge' was okay, what would an 18th century medical researcher think when confronted with an array of intelligent but distinctly non-human creatures which he was itching to understand? It was too interesting to pass up.
The second new character (and titular employee of Treasury and Excise) came from Michael's desire to explore how people can throw their support behind...well, the Evil Empire.
Once we had Max Thorley, the Excise-man, the plot fell into place. And no, I'm not going to spoil the book! You will have to read it yourselves.
July 18, 2012
Character Interview: Ùillamina 'Ina' Bruce
Ina Bruce has been a recurring PoV character in Forgotten Gods and soon-to-be-released sequel, The Devil and the Excise-Man.
How did you decide to support James VIII?
My family has always been loyal, an' we dinnae care for sassanach government we dinnae ask for takin' our things an' sendin' our people off as slaves to the West Indies. When my brother's friend were caught smugglin' arms for His Majesty, an' my brother had to run off to France, I needed to do somewhat to help.
Why write for the papers?
If people dinnae ken the truth, that's when they get desperate. Besides, it's the right o' everyone to have the truth out in public.
How can you maintain friendships with the Fair Folk, knowing how dangerous they can be?
Ach, they're no' worse than men. Look about, we've a dozen o' our own kind on trial for killin' them that cannae defend themsel's. An' the Fair Folk are willin' to help, if ye ken how to ask. Sure, they dinnae feel as we do, but that dinnae mean they cannae get on with us.
How did you decide to support James VIII?
My family has always been loyal, an' we dinnae care for sassanach government we dinnae ask for takin' our things an' sendin' our people off as slaves to the West Indies. When my brother's friend were caught smugglin' arms for His Majesty, an' my brother had to run off to France, I needed to do somewhat to help.
Why write for the papers?
If people dinnae ken the truth, that's when they get desperate. Besides, it's the right o' everyone to have the truth out in public.
How can you maintain friendships with the Fair Folk, knowing how dangerous they can be?
Ach, they're no' worse than men. Look about, we've a dozen o' our own kind on trial for killin' them that cannae defend themsel's. An' the Fair Folk are willin' to help, if ye ken how to ask. Sure, they dinnae feel as we do, but that dinnae mean they cannae get on with us.
July 16, 2012
First Paragraph
Hi Buccaneer Bloggers! Today I'm sharing the first paragraph of my current book, The Devil and the Excise-Man, which is coming out this August (woohoo!).
The skirl of bagpipes mixed with the noise of shouts and shattering glass, jolted Ina from sleep. It was well before daybreak, but she could feel the mattress shift as Margaret sat up. Wrapping one of the blankets around her shoulders, Ina tiptoed to the window, wincing as the cold nipped at her bare feet. The street below was cluttered with the swaying patches of light and shadow thrown by torches and lanterns, but Ina could make out a column of Highland men, who appeared to be leading a bedraggled set of prisoners dressed in similar garb. On either side of the street, spectators crowded forward, inches away from the men marching in front of them.
