Shannan Sinclair's Blog, page 2

The Reviews Are Coming In!!!

 

 

My first 5 STAR review to come in from Alice D. at Readers Favorite. She writes:

"Author Shannan Sinclair has created a first-rate science fiction series that will appeal tremendously to the modern world as a video game is at the story's center. The plot of "Dream Walker" flows smoothly to the end using dramatic episodes quite well. The use of different dimensions that can be entered through playing Demesne is original and integrated well into the storyline. Characters are well-created and totally believable, even when bad guys turn good and good guys are revealed to be the villains. Even minor characters like old Lange at the mental hospital are brilliantly woven into the text.

This book is an excellent addition to science fiction as it is original and demands readers who can think."

Yahoooooooooooo!

There is a long drawn out timing to the process of book publishing. Not that I expected to be a New York Times Bestseller overnight (although I do fantasize about that someday), but there is an uncomfortable waiting game to it all.

First, people have to be enticed to buy Dream Walker. The actual formula for getting a person to make that purchase decision is still unclear to me. Obviously, my friends and family buy it, and then maybe they tell their friends and family, but eventually, if the book is going to be a success, it has to break out of those inner circles.

So some people buy it...but then they have to actually read it. You know how that goes. I have a stack of "to-reads" a mile high I still have to get through. A book I purchased 3 years ago I ahve yet to open!

So the buyer has to be motivated enough to pick my book out of the stack and start reading. Again...I do not know how to make that happen, except maybe some magic voodoo shit which I may try after I post this blog.

Well apparently, I have some actual readers out there now!  They are 50 pages in--maybe 100. And I am starting to hear from them. They are asking questions about the ideas and concepts in the novel. They are starting to talk to me about my characters and the things they love about them. To hear them talk about Aislen and Raze and Sergeant Mathis as if they know them brings sheer joy to my heart. Only I have known them for all these years, so hearing others talk and feel the same way about them that I do is thrilling.

But in order for the book to be 'successful', the people who read Dream Walker have to take one extra step. They either have to tell another person (or 10 ;-)) about it, or rate and write a review about it. The original purchase of Dream Walker is a gift I truly appreciate...but word of mouth and reviews are PURE GOLD.

So I submitted Dream Walker to book bloggers and reviewers, wanting to get unbiased and honest opinions about the novel. And now that the reviews are coming in...I am ecstatic!

More to come!

Shannan

We live in the fiction.

The Reviews Are In!!!

 

My first 5 STAR review to come in from Alice D. at Readers Favorite. She writes:

"Author Shannan Sinclair has created a first-rate science fiction series that will appeal tremendously to the modern world as a video game is at the story's center. The plot of "Dream Walker" flows smoothly to the end using dramatic episodes quite well. The use of different dimensions that can be entered through playing Demesne is original and integrated well into the storyline. Characters are well-created and totally believable, even when bad guys turn good and good guys are revealed to be the villains. Even minor characters like old Lange at the mental hospital are brilliantly woven into the text.

This book is an excellent addition to science fiction as it is original and demands readers who can think."

Yahoooooooooooo!

There is a long drawn out timing to the process of book publishing. Not that I expected to be a New York Times Bestseller overnight (although I do fantasize about that someday), but there is an uncomfortable waiting game to it all.

First, people have to be enticed to buy Dream Walker. The actual formula for getting a person to make that purchase decision is still unclear to me. Obviously, my friends and family buy it, and then maybe they tell their friends and family, but eventually, if the book is going to be a success, it has to break out of those inner circles.

So some people buy it...but then they have to actually read it. You know how that goes. I have a stack of "to-reads" a mile high I still have to get through. A book I purchased 3 years ago I ahve yet to open!

So the buyer has to be motivated enough to pick my book out of the stack and start reading. Again...I do not know how to make that happen, except maybe some magic voodoo shit which I may try after I post this blog.

Well apparently, I have some actual readers out there now!  They are 50 pages in--maybe 100. And I am starting to hear from them. They are asking questions about the ideas and concepts in the novel. They are starting to talk to me about my characters and the things they love about them. To hear them talk about Aislen and Raze and Sergent Mathis as if they know them brings sheer joy to my heart. Only I have known them for all these years, so hearing others talk and feel the same way about them that I do is thrilling.

But in order for the book to be 'successful', the people who read Dream Walker have to take one extra step. They either have to tell another person (or 10 ;-)) about it, or rate and write a review about it. The original purchase of Dream Walker is a gift I truly appreciate...but word of mouth and reviews are PURE GOLD.

So I submitted Dream Walker to book bloggers and reviewers, wanting to get unbiased and honest opinions about the novel. And now that the reviews are coming in...I am ecstatic!

More to come!

Shannan

We live in the fiction.

Guest Blog Post - Introducing the Visionary Fiction Ring

Recently I wrote a post about the difficulty I was having with defining the genre of Systems. Though I found the elusive ‘metaphysics’ category at Amazon (and no, I haven’t got round to re-classifying Systems there yet), I still felt that it would be good if the novel could be classified in a way that didn’t make it sound like it belonged to a tiny or specialist niche (or conversely placed it in too broad a category such as sci-fi).

Since then I’ve met Jodine Turner and Shannan Sinclair at a Goodreads group dedicated to Visionary Fiction. We’ve all agreed that since our type of fiction needs a brand awareness campaign, we’re going to make an attempt to do just that ourselves. And so, we’ve started a web-ring for visionary fiction and we’re brainstorming some other ideas at the moment. I’ve also created a new category at my blog especially for Visionary Fiction.

So, what is Visionary Fiction?

In one way it could be described as similar to inspirational fiction; it’s often inspired by a search for a higher truth. But it isn’t always about or aimed at readers of a particular faith. It can be metaphysical, esoteric, or spiritual in tone. It often involves the paranormal. Of course this means that visionary fiction is most likely to also fall under fantasy, as does Jodine’s Carry on the Flame series. But this is not always the case. Systems (as sci-fi) is a case in point. So is Shannan’s Dream Walker, which she describes as ‘Quantum fiction’ because it explores quantum and string theories.

But what all visionary fiction has in common is that it takes its inspiration from that fascinating creature called humanity and explores its limitless potential. A pioneer of the term ‘visionary’, Michael Gurian, describes it as "fiction in which expansion of the human mind drives the plot." 

Interested in knowing more? Watch this space for updates. Soon Jodine and Shannan will be dropping in to give us their insights on visionary fiction and its relevance in today’s world.

If you have written, or know of, a novel and think it might fit into what I’ve described here, say hello to us at Goodreads. We’re looking for more authors to join this ring.

Numinous Sunday Experience

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Driving through the hills, on my way to manage chaos, allowing the smooth soul of James Morrison to seranade me.

"I got one life... one life... one life... and I'm gonna live it right."

His lyrics lick both spirit and senses.

Along the ridge rain clouds begin to bubble under the sunshine, signs of the percipitation that's to come. I feel the same, welling up right along with them; bouyant with happiness and deep peace, yet at the same time pierced deeply with a sadness that saturates me with unshed tears. I am both completely contant and overwhelmed by lonliness.

"I got one life... one life... one life... and I'm gonna live it right."

I think about writing. I think about Aislen. What she would do with clouds such as this in one of her many alternate realities.

Would she sweep them away so she could bask in the sun?

Would she tickle them with her fingertips and paint their raindrops across the sky?

Or would she gather them in an embrace and hold them, allowing them the downpour they crave?

"I got one life... one life... one life... and I'm gonna live it right."

A big rig slowly begins to pass me, blocking my view of the clouds.

First, I see the "R", capital and blue, shouting from the side panel. Then an "E" pulls along beside of me.

The truck gains speed as it overtakes my car.

Or maybe I slowed, knowing.

As the truck pulled ahead its message came fully into view.

"WALKER" on its side panel. "WALKER" on its doors. "WALKER" on each one of its 18 massive mud flaps.

"I got one life... one life... one life... and I'm gonna live it right."

The rain came.

And I am not alone.

Shannan

We live in the fiction.

What Are We Really Made Of?

Now that the major thrust of the Dream Walker book launch is behind me, it is back to the writing desk. Since my goal is to have Time Walker completed in time for Christmas, I have to really buckle down and get to work.

Writing is a discipline—not a gift. Some writers may have a really amazing way with words, but they got it on paper because of dedication and stamina—true grit.

One of my favorite things about the writing process is researching the ideas behind what I am writing about. Since my characters have a knack for leaving the physical realm, I spend a lot of time exploring the esoteric, paranormal, mystical, and quantum. Trying to find what lies poutside the box, so I can pull it back into the box. Not so unlike my protagonist, Aislen Walker.

So now that I am taking on the marathon of novel writing, I will not be blogging as intensely. What I will do is share some of the ideas I find during my explorations. Like this lil' nugget from Brian Greene: String Theory in Under 2 Minutes.

Enjoy. Then think about it.

What is that vibrating little string? And what makes it vibrate? 

Shannan

We live in the fiction.

Stay in tune: Shannan Sinclair YouTube Channel

Collaboration - The Key to Self Publishing Happiness!

 

When I first made the decision to leap off the cliff and become a writer, I have to confess, I became very possessive and protective of my ideas and work. I was afraid if I shared my ideas or my chapters, someone would steal them and make them their own.

I discovered that this is a common fear with new writers. I was questioned about that a lot at SFWC a couple of weeks ago. So I wanted to address this concern—and encourage you to SHARE your work—because if you are considering self publishing it will be a very important key to your enjoyment of the process and possibly your success.

First, I do have a rule in the first stages of a project. The first rule about the project is: DON'T TALK ABOUT THE PROJECT. This has more to do with my incubation process than about someone stealing my ideas. A piece of writing is like jello. It takes a while for it to set up. And until it can hold itself up on the plate and not slide and run all over the place, I keep it in my own gelatinous head.

I did not talk about Dream Walker until I had solid chapters, and then I only talked about those chapters, not what was still cooking up in my noggin'. If I spent time telling everybody about what I want to write, then I am not writing it. And the writing need some space to grow organically.

So there is a benefit to not talking about what you are working on.

But there comes a point where the work needs some sunlight, the attention, contemplation, and contribution of others.

Your Alpha Readers will be the first rays. You will chose them carefully. They should be understanding and compassionate of this first tender sprout you created. They should be gentle of your devastatingly fragile writer's ego. You want nourishment at first, as well as their kind suggestions. 

Then you have the Beta Readers. You join a Writer's Group. You meet other writer's you respect and you let them dig into your piece a little more. Maybe uproot whole paragraphs and move them to another spot, or, *gasp*, throw it in the recycling bin! The Betas get down and dirty with your work. And you get to grow a thicker skin.

Then you find an editor. Your biggest, most important collaborator. You are going to invest in this person with money. They are the Miracle Grow, so find good shit to fertilize your crop.

So you get this masterpiece put together with the assistance and contribution of others and then you begin to share and sell it. Then the real miracles happen.

Lo and behold, it intrigues people! It moves them! It resonates with them! Maybe not everybody, some will think it is crap and piss on it, but a special few will appear in your life out of NOW/HERE and want to be a part of your work!

Embrace these people! They are a gift!

I have had this happen time and again. People stepping in to offer something to me that helps in the marketing, promotion or vision of Dream Walker.

Now, let's get one thing straight, I am a CONTROL FREAK. Please note the intentional use of all caps.

So when I meet Xavier Huerta at a salsa dancing lesson, and he reads the first 3 chapters of Dream Walker on my website, and he calls me up and says, "I don't know why, but I resonate with this story. I have always wanted to do something creative with video production, can I play with your story and do a trailer for it. I have never done it before," I was like "uh... okay?" I mean... I had never written a book before, so why not allow him to play?

Then I met these crazy ass kids. When I say kids, I mean they are 18 and 19 years old which is kid to my old ass. And when I say crazy, I mean kray kray. I am not sure what I would call their creative genius, but they put sound together, then words, and then the elusive "vibe". They mix it altogether in a delicious alchemy that you put in your ears and get stoned on. Like stoned without the "material" that actually gets you stoned. Straight stoned. 

So this funky trio, Gold Life, adds the PERFECT song to X's visuals. And this book trailer was born.

It was born of pure creative expression, because I allowed my story to be others story. 

My point is: if you are a writer, allow your work a little room to breathe. Let people be involved. Allow others to dabble with you. And see what can come out of it.

Dream Walker may not make me JK, but it opened up my sphere of connection in a way that is more priceless then her zillions of dollars. (alright... I'd take the zillion, too.)

And if you keep your baby all locked up in your head, be advised: "They" will take it anyway. I cannot tell you how many Fringe episodes were in my head before they were on the tele. They steal them straight from your brain!!!!! ;-)

 

Shannan

 

We live in the fiction.

Collaboration - The Key to Self Publishing Success!

 

Behold the gift of collaboration!

The Ultimate Self-Publishing Checklist in 20 Parts!

 

Now that I've had a couple of free hours to chill out and incubate on all that I learned at the San Francisco Writer's Conference, I am ready to share. I went through all of my notes, as well as the things I have figured out on my own, and complied a 2 page list!

I did this for me. Being that I am a middle-aged, paramenopausal woman whose memory is not what it once was, I was afraid that by the time I finish my next book I will have forgotton how the hell I published the first one!

And since this list is going to save me in about 9 months, I thought it might be helpful to any of you who might consider self publishing your masterpiece in the future.

So here it is. 20 Days. 20 Parts.

PART 1 - Write A Book!

Huh huh huh... No duh! But really—this is the most important part. You need to have a book to publish. I met countless writers last weekend who have stalled in the writing of their book. They had a million excuses. I know each of those excuses intimately because I used them myself during most of 2011. 

I think if we were all really honest, there is only one thing that stops us from writing our word count every day: FEAR. That is it. Ultimately, we are just plain scared shitless that our novel is going to suck ass when it is done...or that it already sucks ass, so why bother.

But the bottom line is, you want that book to be done more than anything else.

So now that we are honest about our fear, there should be nothing stopping you from writing. Challenge yourself to write THE WORST NOVEL EVER, then sit down and finish your book! Trust me. It will not be the worst ever. It may end up being mediocre, but it will be completed! And that alone will seriously get your rocks off.

So sit down and write. Sit down and finish!

Shannan

We live in the fiction.

Photo  tori hoover

Dream Walking and Technology

 

 

Technological concepts relevant to my novel Dream Walker—spooky and incredibly exciting!

Are you awake?

Shannan

We live in the fiction.

Brain Stew

 

I am dying today. Sheer exhaustion. My brain is full beyond belief! I was telling a friend that I wish there was some type of brain bulimia where I could just puke some of this information out of my head.

I am still sitting in my bed. There is a 3 foot pile of crap at my feet from the conference I still have to go through, a checklist 6 pages long of tasks I want to complete, and I've only had one cup of coffee because there is no cream in the fridge and this joint doesn't have room service!

It is so bad, I am still in my pjs and am only wearing one sock. I have no idea where the other sock went. I am pretty sure I had it on at one point this morning.

So here is the dealio. I AM writing my half of "The Lost Hour" as promised. And I am waiting for Wingman to get his shit together and get me his POV. (I don't care if he had a 12 hour travel day yesterday! Get me that copy Mad Man!) 

Some things I can tell you: I broke down and pitched my idea to an agent.

Yes, I already self published Dream Walker and had decided not to even try to pitch to an agent. But this agent specializes in screenplays and television, as well as books. So at the very last minute, because of another weird synchronicity that occurred, I decided to get in his line and spew an impromptu pitch at him.

While everyone else had spent hours, indeed DAYS, writing and re-writing their pitches...I sat down and winged it.

I TOTALLY have to give a shout out to Lee Tidball for helping me understand the LA/screenwriting/pitch thing. Using phrases such as "in the vein of" helped me get his attention. I also used the treasure: "transmedia potential" which I am sure gave him a boner. OH! And I also described my novel as "Quantum" fiction, rather than the generic "science fiction." His eyebrows raised and he started asking questions. Good stuff.

He asked me to send him my query, synopsis and chapters.

Either way it goes... I will either get a six-figure movie option deal or a beautiful rejection letter to frame and hang on my wall. Every writer needs one of those, right? Or maybe not. Maybe I can be the one and only writer ever on the planet to never get one of those! ROTFLMAO!

I also want to tell you that Ivan the Not-So-Horrible waiter got me out of my seat at breakfast yesterday, took me to the windows overlooking the city and told me even MORE conspiracy theories about the area that totally fit into my next book. I am beginning to think that Muse was channeling through this man, speaking to me in the flesh. Crazy, crazy shit!

Okay... I've got to go. I've got to go find my sock!

Shannan

 

We live in the fiction.