Jo Grix's Blog, page 3
September 7, 2012
On Mary Sue Intro
Mary Sue is a character trope more commonly found in fanfiction, although they can also be found in original stories. Here are some comments made about Mary Sue:
Urban Dictionary:
TV Tropes has a page for her:
Mary Sue on TV Tropes
Wikipedia says:
(Note, off colored phrases were links in original Wiki text. I couldn't make them go away since they aren't now links)
The thing is that everyone bashes the Mary Sue, but how many people offer to help fix her? I haven't heard of anyone doing so. Therefore, I am going to undertake to fix a Mary Sue.
The first thing I'm going to tackle is appearance.
Urban Dictionary:
A female character who is so perfect that she is annoying. The name originated in a very short Star Trek story that mocked the sort of female characters who showed up in fanfiction. It usually refers to original female characters put into fanfiction, but can refer to any character.
Mary-Sues are characters who are usually extraordinarily gorgeous, amazingly talented, unusually powerful, and exceedingly attractive to whoever the author has a crush on. They often possess ridiculously fancy and pretentious first names -- Angel, Raven, Jewel, Lorelei Bianca Julia Marizza Snape -- and are very, very annoying.
TV Tropes has a page for her:
Mary Sue on TV Tropes
Wikipedia says:
A Mary Sue (sometimes just Sue), in literary criticism and particularly in fan fiction, is a fictional character with overly idealized and hackneyed mannerisms, lacking noteworthy flaws, and primarily functioning as a wish-fulfillment fantasy for the author or reader. It is generally accepted as a character whose positive aspects overwhelm their other traits until they become one-dimensional. While the label "Mary Sue" itself originates from a parody of this type of character, most characters labelled "Mary Sues" by readers are not intended by authors as such. Male Mary Sues are often dubbed "Gary Stu", "Larry Stu", "Marty Stu", or similar names.
While the term is generally limited to fan-created characters, and its most common usage today occurs within the fan fiction community or in reference to fan fiction, original characters in role-playing games or literary canon are also sometimes criticized as being "Mary Sues" or "canon Sues" if they dominate the spotlight or are too unrealistic or unlikely in other ways. One example of this criticism is Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
(Note, off colored phrases were links in original Wiki text. I couldn't make them go away since they aren't now links)
The thing is that everyone bashes the Mary Sue, but how many people offer to help fix her? I haven't heard of anyone doing so. Therefore, I am going to undertake to fix a Mary Sue.
The first thing I'm going to tackle is appearance.
September 4, 2012
I have way too many ideas...
Personal note:
I was organizing my laptop the other day to reflect a priority change I've had lately and I realized that I have ten works that I want to publish that are in the midst of rough draft stage.
TEN.
Over half of them are novels, one is a short story that I'm hoping to sell on Amazon at some point, there are two short story series one for kids, one for adults. Seriously brain. NO MORE IDEAS.
I am working on a rather impressive blog post but it's taking time because I want to do this right.
In the mean time I have ten works that I need to try to finish at some point.[image error]
I was organizing my laptop the other day to reflect a priority change I've had lately and I realized that I have ten works that I want to publish that are in the midst of rough draft stage.
TEN.
Over half of them are novels, one is a short story that I'm hoping to sell on Amazon at some point, there are two short story series one for kids, one for adults. Seriously brain. NO MORE IDEAS.
I am working on a rather impressive blog post but it's taking time because I want to do this right.
In the mean time I have ten works that I need to try to finish at some point.[image error]
August 15, 2012
A Thought on Names
My Elven book contains names that I created at the age of 13. Why am I keeping them? Because they fit the characters and can be outlandish enough to be considered Elven names.
The thing is some of my characters have outlandishly long names that are generally saved for formal or 'you're in trouble' moments.
Take the MC and his twin brother.
Trebonistanthilis and Kristonistanthilis
Similar names, identical appearances what's the catch?
They use short names.
Trebon and Kris
Although I didn't realize it at first, as I get to know Trebon specifically I've come to realize that their short names actually say a lot about them.
Trebon, the somewhat speciesist (like racist but with species) younger brother
Kris, the more open minded (in this instance) older brother
Trebon doesn't shorten his name to 'Trey', which he could. I don't remember why originally, but it makes sense now. Trebon grew up in an isolated, nomadic warrior society that puts a lot of emphasis on purity of birth, strong traditions and faith. Kris, while also isolated, was raised with tutors who left him open to the concept that he shares his world with Humans and they aren't all bad.
Later on, Trebon does take on the name 'Trey' for the purpose of hiding. (Long story, Gods and Magic involved) but at the time he does that he also is spending a great deal of time amongst Humans and learning to understand and respect them. He doesn't think of himself as 'Trey', but he's not so snaptastic about being called 'Trey' as he was in the beginning.
Kris, on the other hand, could have used Kriston, but he doesn't. He uses Kris. (Point in fact 'Kriston' was the nickname used by his ultimate namesake before the deconstruction of Elven society occurred) Kris never really had an issue with Humans because he's been raised that way.
It's all in the names, and I never actually realized it. It's why the brothers have names like Kenilias (Ken), Kerilias (Kerry) and Rubelation (Rube), and Trebon's guards are Andalon (Andy) but the other Cailiyan might occasionally be called Cai, he doesn't have a short name he prefers.
I could go into other names and what they say about their characters. (Blog of an Ex-Teenage Superhero comes to mind especially or even AKBF) but I'd rather not since I haven't put as much development into the Blog or AKBF yet that went into the Elven Story.[image error]
The thing is some of my characters have outlandishly long names that are generally saved for formal or 'you're in trouble' moments.
Take the MC and his twin brother.
Trebonistanthilis and Kristonistanthilis
Similar names, identical appearances what's the catch?
They use short names.
Trebon and Kris
Although I didn't realize it at first, as I get to know Trebon specifically I've come to realize that their short names actually say a lot about them.
Trebon, the somewhat speciesist (like racist but with species) younger brother
Kris, the more open minded (in this instance) older brother
Trebon doesn't shorten his name to 'Trey', which he could. I don't remember why originally, but it makes sense now. Trebon grew up in an isolated, nomadic warrior society that puts a lot of emphasis on purity of birth, strong traditions and faith. Kris, while also isolated, was raised with tutors who left him open to the concept that he shares his world with Humans and they aren't all bad.
Later on, Trebon does take on the name 'Trey' for the purpose of hiding. (Long story, Gods and Magic involved) but at the time he does that he also is spending a great deal of time amongst Humans and learning to understand and respect them. He doesn't think of himself as 'Trey', but he's not so snaptastic about being called 'Trey' as he was in the beginning.
Kris, on the other hand, could have used Kriston, but he doesn't. He uses Kris. (Point in fact 'Kriston' was the nickname used by his ultimate namesake before the deconstruction of Elven society occurred) Kris never really had an issue with Humans because he's been raised that way.
It's all in the names, and I never actually realized it. It's why the brothers have names like Kenilias (Ken), Kerilias (Kerry) and Rubelation (Rube), and Trebon's guards are Andalon (Andy) but the other Cailiyan might occasionally be called Cai, he doesn't have a short name he prefers.
I could go into other names and what they say about their characters. (Blog of an Ex-Teenage Superhero comes to mind especially or even AKBF) but I'd rather not since I haven't put as much development into the Blog or AKBF yet that went into the Elven Story.[image error]
August 7, 2012
To read writing books...
Yes, I do read writing books. Some of them I put aside because I don't particularly like the style, and some I rather enjoy. It amuses me though, because a lot of them talk about the importance of social networking. It scares me because me and social networking are not friends. We aren't even acquaintances. Ok, that's an exaggeration. The truth is, I might have a Tumblr, LiveJournal, Dreamwidth, Twitter, and Facebook account, but I don't actually use them. Not the way a lot of people do. I know that my Tumblr stuff goes to Twitter, and for some reason that makes people think they want to follow me, and I know my LJ and DW are crossposting (or are supposed to be crossposting). Facebook just sits off on it's lonesome now that I've got bored with playing games over there.
The latest book I've been reading, and one I really liked is 'How To Be A Writer In The E-Age And Keep Your Sanity', By Catherine Ryan Hide & Anne R Allen. I recommend this book for people who want to be writers because it's rather awesome. This joins one other book as a default recommendation at the moment, and the other book is "Sometimes The Magic Works, Lessons Of A Writing Life" By Terry Brooks, who numbers as one of my three role models in the publishing industry.
What I get out of these books mostly are ideas of how to do what I'm already doing better, and renewed confidence that I can do this, that I can be a great writer if I push myself hard enough. I just have to keep putting one word after the other until I can see the story for what it is.
I think the most important thing about reading books on writing is that at the end of it, you are the only one who can decide if a book works for you or not. You are the one who has to figure out what to take out of the book, and what to leave because it doesn't work for you.
For me, that means, learning to write an actual blog. Usually this will be about writing. This isn't my diary (really, you don't want to read that,) this is just a way for people to see me evolve and celebrate. Maybe I'll even get brave enough to post something on Twitter soon.[image error]
The latest book I've been reading, and one I really liked is 'How To Be A Writer In The E-Age And Keep Your Sanity', By Catherine Ryan Hide & Anne R Allen. I recommend this book for people who want to be writers because it's rather awesome. This joins one other book as a default recommendation at the moment, and the other book is "Sometimes The Magic Works, Lessons Of A Writing Life" By Terry Brooks, who numbers as one of my three role models in the publishing industry.
What I get out of these books mostly are ideas of how to do what I'm already doing better, and renewed confidence that I can do this, that I can be a great writer if I push myself hard enough. I just have to keep putting one word after the other until I can see the story for what it is.
I think the most important thing about reading books on writing is that at the end of it, you are the only one who can decide if a book works for you or not. You are the one who has to figure out what to take out of the book, and what to leave because it doesn't work for you.
For me, that means, learning to write an actual blog. Usually this will be about writing. This isn't my diary (really, you don't want to read that,) this is just a way for people to see me evolve and celebrate. Maybe I'll even get brave enough to post something on Twitter soon.[image error]
August 2, 2012
Camp NaNo August 2012
On day two of this most interesting challenge, to write 50,000 words in 30 days, I find myself in good position. I have already written over 5,000 words and I think I'm going to write so more in a few minutes. I'm working on Warrior's Rage, which I also called the Elven Fic.
I've decided for NaNo to write this particular rough draft because if ever there was a story I knew front to back and side to side, it's this one.
I also decided to just tell the stupid story as I see fit and I can fix it in the next draft.
Which is why scene (chapter?) 1 is written in a completely different form of pov than scene 2. I intend to just write this, learn about the characters and make notes on my plot ideas as I go along. I have eighteen scenes to write, which means I need to strive for between 2500 and 2750 words per to achieve the stated goal.
I anticipate more to go into the story after I've written the pivotal scenes.
Not to mention I really haven't figured out what they spend fifty years studying at the sequestered palace. I know they don't start studying riding until age 40, and weapons at age 45, but what about earlier? I picture Elves developing through baby/toddler/childhood at the same rate as a Human child, but to then mature through adolescence on the long track.
I'm using Scrivner to work all that out, and I fully intend to use it to organize the drafts later, when I'm in the revisions, so that I can see what I started with, what I've changed, and where I need to go.
Honestly, I think Scrivener is going to be an awesome assistant to writing this novel just because I can stop, write out some thought or idea, and then go back to writing without going crazy. I prefer to write the novel itself in Word at this time, but that's just a personal preference.
I'm sure as I become more adjusted to using Scrivener I'll actually use it more, but the editing features in Word are, at the moment, far superior to Scrivener[image error]
I've decided for NaNo to write this particular rough draft because if ever there was a story I knew front to back and side to side, it's this one.
I also decided to just tell the stupid story as I see fit and I can fix it in the next draft.
Which is why scene (chapter?) 1 is written in a completely different form of pov than scene 2. I intend to just write this, learn about the characters and make notes on my plot ideas as I go along. I have eighteen scenes to write, which means I need to strive for between 2500 and 2750 words per to achieve the stated goal.
I anticipate more to go into the story after I've written the pivotal scenes.
Not to mention I really haven't figured out what they spend fifty years studying at the sequestered palace. I know they don't start studying riding until age 40, and weapons at age 45, but what about earlier? I picture Elves developing through baby/toddler/childhood at the same rate as a Human child, but to then mature through adolescence on the long track.
I'm using Scrivner to work all that out, and I fully intend to use it to organize the drafts later, when I'm in the revisions, so that I can see what I started with, what I've changed, and where I need to go.
Honestly, I think Scrivener is going to be an awesome assistant to writing this novel just because I can stop, write out some thought or idea, and then go back to writing without going crazy. I prefer to write the novel itself in Word at this time, but that's just a personal preference.
I'm sure as I become more adjusted to using Scrivener I'll actually use it more, but the editing features in Word are, at the moment, far superior to Scrivener[image error]
July 24, 2012
Always on my mind
Setting aside the childrens' books, it's a week away from the beginning of Camp NaNoWriMo the August edition.
Originally, I was going to write Highband Honor the sequel to A Killer Best Friend, but I'm not. I've decided to bring up an old but good story, Warrior's Rage. I keep trying to write this story, it's been fifteen years, you'd think I'd have a passable rough draft at least.
We'll see if I can hammer out Warrior's Rage for August. Then it'll be a toss up of "Finish Gemini" "Finigh Highband Honor" and "Write King's Peace" for NaNoWriMo. I'll probably do a combo of all three, now that I think of it.
It's amazing how my writing tends to become so sporadic when it comes to original fic. I guess it's because it's not as instant gratification as fanfiction. Oh well. I'll keep adding words, maybe, some day, I'll get the groove figured out.
Until then.[image error]
Originally, I was going to write Highband Honor the sequel to A Killer Best Friend, but I'm not. I've decided to bring up an old but good story, Warrior's Rage. I keep trying to write this story, it's been fifteen years, you'd think I'd have a passable rough draft at least.
We'll see if I can hammer out Warrior's Rage for August. Then it'll be a toss up of "Finish Gemini" "Finigh Highband Honor" and "Write King's Peace" for NaNoWriMo. I'll probably do a combo of all three, now that I think of it.
It's amazing how my writing tends to become so sporadic when it comes to original fic. I guess it's because it's not as instant gratification as fanfiction. Oh well. I'll keep adding words, maybe, some day, I'll get the groove figured out.
Until then.[image error]
July 8, 2012
Just some updates
Did some research about the books I want to compete with. Figured it would be five books. Each books focuses specifically on two characters, but all ten characters play a greater or lesser role in the stories. Definitly sticking to the series title though. I kind of like it.
Note to self: GOOGLE THE TITLE!
Trying to decide if I want to do something with a touch of social commentary in there or not. Don't want to loose my readers on the last book, but I just want to present this concept without problems.
Also, note to self: WORK ON BIG PEOPLE NOVELS!
Didn't write adult becuase that sort of implies a level of maturity I donn't necessarily advocate.
That's about all I have to say right now. :)[image error]
Note to self: GOOGLE THE TITLE!
Trying to decide if I want to do something with a touch of social commentary in there or not. Don't want to loose my readers on the last book, but I just want to present this concept without problems.
Also, note to self: WORK ON BIG PEOPLE NOVELS!
Didn't write adult becuase that sort of implies a level of maturity I donn't necessarily advocate.
That's about all I have to say right now. :)[image error]
July 5, 2012
Back Again
Look, here I am again. I guess I found something to say for a change. Today, I devoted all day to working out the kinks to an 'easy reader' children's book. Now, I'm working on the rewrite, pulling some things, adding others, and generally sure that this is going to be a horrible project.
Why?
Because I can think of three stories for this series, and I'm terrified they would want more.
Because what do I know about writing for the under-10 catagory?
Because I now have to seek out an agent willing to take a chance on me.
I'm excited because, again, I can think of three stories off the top of my head and I want to find more.
Because I'm doing something new and dangerous, mostly because I can.
Because getting an agent is an important part of being a seriously published author.
I'm going to sit down and write out the next book in the series here soon, and then wrap up with the third. I call the series The Toybox Gang, both because of the prominance of magical stuffed animals, and because of the relative age of the kids.
Wait, I have a fourth story! I almost forgot about that one. It started the whole idea of magical toys after all.
So that's four stories. One written, three additional concieved.
Wish me luck![image error]
Why?
Because I can think of three stories for this series, and I'm terrified they would want more.
Because what do I know about writing for the under-10 catagory?
Because I now have to seek out an agent willing to take a chance on me.
I'm excited because, again, I can think of three stories off the top of my head and I want to find more.
Because I'm doing something new and dangerous, mostly because I can.
Because getting an agent is an important part of being a seriously published author.
I'm going to sit down and write out the next book in the series here soon, and then wrap up with the third. I call the series The Toybox Gang, both because of the prominance of magical stuffed animals, and because of the relative age of the kids.
Wait, I have a fourth story! I almost forgot about that one. It started the whole idea of magical toys after all.
So that's four stories. One written, three additional concieved.
Wish me luck![image error]
July 4, 2012
Do you see this? This is how long it takes me to care tha...
Do you see this? This is how long it takes me to care that I have a blog and write something. I really need to get better at this. Maybe if I made it a really annoying reminder? Who knows (NOT ME!). I'm so deep in not caring at the moment that it ain't even funny.
Working on a kid's story to compliment The Gemini and Highband Honor. Hope to have a first draft done by tonight.[image error]
Working on a kid's story to compliment The Gemini and Highband Honor. Hope to have a first draft done by tonight.[image error]
September 19, 2011
A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty...
A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will
always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them.
-Lemony Snicket
[image error]
