Chris Dietzel's Blog - Posts Tagged "star-wars"
3 Lessons Writers can Learn from Star Wars
With anticipation building for the upcoming ‘The Force Awakens’ Star Wars movie, I’m reminded of what made the original trilogy so great. I’ve also found myself hoping the next movie resembles the original trilogy and not the prequel trilogy, which I don’t like to acknowledge as existing.
A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi can teach today’s authors a lot about how to effectively tell a story that completely enthralls its audience. Here are three things every writer can learn from them:
1 – Don’t make your world-building pretty
One of the things I love about the original trilogy is how dirty and broken down everything is. Every ship is coated in a layer of grime. The hyperdrive doesn’t work. These are things that let viewers know the universe George Lucas created isn’t a perfect fairy-tale place. By including imperfections and dust and old blast marks, you’re left feeling that the entire galaxy is more realistic than you otherwise would. This is where I learned that stories are more effective when surroundings have some dirt on them. In other genres, maybe this means a cracked coffee mug, a car with a broken muffler, or a casket that doesn’t close correctly because of caked-on mud.
No matter what, though, don’t make the world you create a shiny, new place. It won’t feel as authentic.
2 – Don’t explain everything
Why does BobaFett think he can talk to Darth Vader as if they are equals? Where did Leia get the bounty hunter costume that she wore to sneak into Jabba’s palace? While this is explained in the extended universe of books and comics, it goes unexplained in the movies. And that’s a good thing. It’s part of what made BobaFett such an instant cult sensation. It’s part of why you wonder what every other character is doing in Jabba’s palace. While it’s important to explain plot points, it’s not necessary to explain every single aspect of a scene.
Let things go untold. Let the reader use their imagination to fill in gaps. It allows them to interpret characters and motivations as they please, and it lets you tell the core of your story faster.
3 – Do rely on the surrounding environment to show, not tell
All too often, storytellers tell the reader that their character is a badass, or they have a scene with a lot of four-letter words and a couple fight scenes to get the idea across. Look at the original Star Wars movies, though. There is no cursing. There is almost no blood. And yet viewers get the impression Han Solo can probably curse with the best of them.
Not to mention that between the Rancor, bounty hunters, and creatures lurking in the shadows, you quickly get the idea that there is plenty of suffering and death in the galaxy. Yet, none of it is shown.
Lucas created an environment where those things exist off camera. Rather than having to beat us over the head with them, Lucas focuses on the heart of the story, keeping audiences engaged throughout. From that, I learned to be more imaginative in how I “show” the true nature of my characters and their surroundings.
Do you have other lessons you’ve learned from Star Wars? If so, I’d love to hear them.
Originally published at: http://ronelvantonder.co.za/3-lessons...
A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi can teach today’s authors a lot about how to effectively tell a story that completely enthralls its audience. Here are three things every writer can learn from them:
1 – Don’t make your world-building pretty
One of the things I love about the original trilogy is how dirty and broken down everything is. Every ship is coated in a layer of grime. The hyperdrive doesn’t work. These are things that let viewers know the universe George Lucas created isn’t a perfect fairy-tale place. By including imperfections and dust and old blast marks, you’re left feeling that the entire galaxy is more realistic than you otherwise would. This is where I learned that stories are more effective when surroundings have some dirt on them. In other genres, maybe this means a cracked coffee mug, a car with a broken muffler, or a casket that doesn’t close correctly because of caked-on mud.
No matter what, though, don’t make the world you create a shiny, new place. It won’t feel as authentic.
2 – Don’t explain everything
Why does BobaFett think he can talk to Darth Vader as if they are equals? Where did Leia get the bounty hunter costume that she wore to sneak into Jabba’s palace? While this is explained in the extended universe of books and comics, it goes unexplained in the movies. And that’s a good thing. It’s part of what made BobaFett such an instant cult sensation. It’s part of why you wonder what every other character is doing in Jabba’s palace. While it’s important to explain plot points, it’s not necessary to explain every single aspect of a scene.
Let things go untold. Let the reader use their imagination to fill in gaps. It allows them to interpret characters and motivations as they please, and it lets you tell the core of your story faster.
3 – Do rely on the surrounding environment to show, not tell
All too often, storytellers tell the reader that their character is a badass, or they have a scene with a lot of four-letter words and a couple fight scenes to get the idea across. Look at the original Star Wars movies, though. There is no cursing. There is almost no blood. And yet viewers get the impression Han Solo can probably curse with the best of them.
Not to mention that between the Rancor, bounty hunters, and creatures lurking in the shadows, you quickly get the idea that there is plenty of suffering and death in the galaxy. Yet, none of it is shown.
Lucas created an environment where those things exist off camera. Rather than having to beat us over the head with them, Lucas focuses on the heart of the story, keeping audiences engaged throughout. From that, I learned to be more imaginative in how I “show” the true nature of my characters and their surroundings.
Do you have other lessons you’ve learned from Star Wars? If so, I’d love to hear them.
Originally published at: http://ronelvantonder.co.za/3-lessons...
When Writing Rules Conflict (aka, My Next Books Are Coming Out Soon!)
There is a saying that writers should only write about the things they actually care about, should only create stories they have a passion to tell. I completely agree with this. The books I’ve written to date are the types of books I would love to read and so they were the type of books I wanted to write.
There is another guideline for authors, however. This one says that authors should stay in their lane and write the same types of stories over their career in order to build a brand. That means if you write thrillers you shouldn’t all of a sudden write historical romance. If you write science fiction, you shouldn’t delve into horror, etc.
This second guideline, while I understand it, often times conflicts with the first. After all, what if an author is passionate about telling more than one type/genre of story? I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently as I prepare to launch my next books series.
My first three books all took place in the apocalyptic world of the Great De-evolution, a quiet end of mankind. These are reflective books that don’t contain much action. My next two books were time travel dystopians inspired by George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and by current events.
For my next three books I’m doing something completely different. After all, I only want to create stories I’m passionate about and my biggest creative influence since my early childhood has been the original Star Wars trilogy. That’s why my next three books won’t take place as mankind fades away and won’t involve some kind of dystopian theme. Instead, I’m publishing an epic space fantasy.
Anyone who has read my previous books is probably shocked by this. But for readers of my Great De-evolution books or Theta Timeline books, remember that they are nothing like the types of apocalyptic and dystopian stories you are used to. It is my guarantee that my upcoming space fantasy books also won’t be like anything you’ve read before. So even if you don’t normally read that type of book, I invite you to come along for the ride. If you already love space fantasy, you’ll be blown away by my take on the genre.
Tentatively planned for release around June of this year, I’ll be giving away the first book in the series to all of my newsletter subscribers. If you haven’t signed up to my newsletter yet, be sure to sign up today. If you know anyone who loves Star Wars or other space fantasy epics, make sure they subscribe right now. You won’t regret it.
There is another guideline for authors, however. This one says that authors should stay in their lane and write the same types of stories over their career in order to build a brand. That means if you write thrillers you shouldn’t all of a sudden write historical romance. If you write science fiction, you shouldn’t delve into horror, etc.
This second guideline, while I understand it, often times conflicts with the first. After all, what if an author is passionate about telling more than one type/genre of story? I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently as I prepare to launch my next books series.
My first three books all took place in the apocalyptic world of the Great De-evolution, a quiet end of mankind. These are reflective books that don’t contain much action. My next two books were time travel dystopians inspired by George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and by current events.
For my next three books I’m doing something completely different. After all, I only want to create stories I’m passionate about and my biggest creative influence since my early childhood has been the original Star Wars trilogy. That’s why my next three books won’t take place as mankind fades away and won’t involve some kind of dystopian theme. Instead, I’m publishing an epic space fantasy.
Anyone who has read my previous books is probably shocked by this. But for readers of my Great De-evolution books or Theta Timeline books, remember that they are nothing like the types of apocalyptic and dystopian stories you are used to. It is my guarantee that my upcoming space fantasy books also won’t be like anything you’ve read before. So even if you don’t normally read that type of book, I invite you to come along for the ride. If you already love space fantasy, you’ll be blown away by my take on the genre.
Tentatively planned for release around June of this year, I’ll be giving away the first book in the series to all of my newsletter subscribers. If you haven’t signed up to my newsletter yet, be sure to sign up today. If you know anyone who loves Star Wars or other space fantasy epics, make sure they subscribe right now. You won’t regret it.
Cover Reveal: The Green Knight
The first cover of my upcoming ‘Space Lore’ trilogy is done and I’m excited to share it with everyone.
“Where Arthurian Legend meets Star Wars. Epic space fantasy will never be the same.”
The Green Knight is going to blow you away. Just look at how amazing the cover turned out.
Book 1 of the Space Lore trilogy comes out on June 7 and can be pre-ordered today!
“Where Arthurian Legend meets Star Wars. Epic space fantasy will never be the same.”
The Green Knight is going to blow you away. Just look at how amazing the cover turned out.
Book 1 of the Space Lore trilogy comes out on June 7 and can be pre-ordered today!
June New Releases: Books and Audiobooks!
June is a huge month for me. All three books in my Space Lore trilogy will be released, as well as my Great De-evolution audiobooks! Whether you love epic space fantasy stories like Star Wars or enjoy listening to incredibly high quality and professionally narrated audiobooks, I’ve got something you’ll enjoy.
Star Wars meets Arthurian Legend
On June 7, the first book in my Space Lore trilogy comes out. The Green Knight is based on the classic, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and retold as an epic space fantasy. I’m trying something unique with the trilogy by incorporating the Netflix ‘crash’ method where they release an entire series all at once. That means that Book 2, The Excalibur, comes out June 8. And Book 3, The Round Table, comes out June 9. All three can be pre-ordered today, and I guarantee they’re going to blow you away.
The Quiet End of Mankind
Also on June 7, my first ever audiobook is going to be released! I’m very excited for this. Podium Publishing, the same company that created the audiobook for 'The Martian' and a bunch of other bestsellers, has produced the audiobooks for my Great De-evolution novels. The first one, The Man Who Watched The World End, is the story of an old man recounting all the ways society changed as mankind slowly faded away. I’ve had a chance to listen to it and the narrator they found to do the voice is insanely talented. If you loved reading these stories, enjoy quality audiobooks, or want to read anything related to the apocalypse, this is a must. The second book, A Different Alchemy, comes out June 28. The third book, The Hauntings of Playing God, comes out July 19.
As with everything else I do, I would love to hear what you think of these stories. If you read my Space Lore trilogy or listen to the Great De-evolution audiobooks, definitely let me know what you think of them.
Star Wars meets Arthurian Legend
On June 7, the first book in my Space Lore trilogy comes out. The Green Knight is based on the classic, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and retold as an epic space fantasy. I’m trying something unique with the trilogy by incorporating the Netflix ‘crash’ method where they release an entire series all at once. That means that Book 2, The Excalibur, comes out June 8. And Book 3, The Round Table, comes out June 9. All three can be pre-ordered today, and I guarantee they’re going to blow you away.
The Quiet End of Mankind
Also on June 7, my first ever audiobook is going to be released! I’m very excited for this. Podium Publishing, the same company that created the audiobook for 'The Martian' and a bunch of other bestsellers, has produced the audiobooks for my Great De-evolution novels. The first one, The Man Who Watched The World End, is the story of an old man recounting all the ways society changed as mankind slowly faded away. I’ve had a chance to listen to it and the narrator they found to do the voice is insanely talented. If you loved reading these stories, enjoy quality audiobooks, or want to read anything related to the apocalypse, this is a must. The second book, A Different Alchemy, comes out June 28. The third book, The Hauntings of Playing God, comes out July 19.
As with everything else I do, I would love to hear what you think of these stories. If you read my Space Lore trilogy or listen to the Great De-evolution audiobooks, definitely let me know what you think of them.
The Space Lore Boxed Set
My Space Lore books are epic space fantasies that blend Arthurian legend with Star Wars. Now, you can finally get books 1-3 of my Space Lore series in one volume. Each will transport you to a world that combines mythology with Sci Fi action and adventure.
Space Lore Boxed Set
The Space Lore Boxed Set contains:
The Green Knight - Space Lore I
The Excalibur - Space Lore II
The Round Table - Space Lore III
See why critics have said:
"Dietzel proves a master at swashbuckling space opera." Kirkus
"An amazing sci-fi journey into fun. A must read for galactic war sci-fi readers." The Full-Time Book Reviewer
"An absolutely wonderful Sci-Fi adventure." The Quilting Tangent
"Stirring sci-fi action that should appeal to fans who applaud the introduction "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away."" Kirkus Reviews
"Nothing in this tale was disappointing, from the great world building, to the vivid battle scenes, to the depth and heart of the central characters." Amazon Top 100 Reviewer
Get your copy today!
Space Lore Boxed Set
The Space Lore Boxed Set contains:
The Green Knight - Space Lore I
The Excalibur - Space Lore II
The Round Table - Space Lore III
See why critics have said:
"Dietzel proves a master at swashbuckling space opera." Kirkus
"An amazing sci-fi journey into fun. A must read for galactic war sci-fi readers." The Full-Time Book Reviewer
"An absolutely wonderful Sci-Fi adventure." The Quilting Tangent
"Stirring sci-fi action that should appeal to fans who applaud the introduction "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away."" Kirkus Reviews
"Nothing in this tale was disappointing, from the great world building, to the vivid battle scenes, to the depth and heart of the central characters." Amazon Top 100 Reviewer
Get your copy today!
Cover Reveal - Book 4 in the Space Lore Series
My Space Lore books combine Arthurian legend with Star Wars.
Well, now the 4th book in the Space Lore series is going to be released and the cover will blow you away.
----------
In the years since the Round Table was formed, a campaign began to spread its message throughout the galaxy. Most planets willingly join, but others are hesitant.
Deep inside the Cartha sector, the course of history will forever be altered, not only because the Carthagens are a cunning and deadly species unlike anything the Round Table forces have met before, but because they are led by Lancelot, renowned as the greatest warrior in all of the galaxy.
----------
Book 4 of the Space Lore series can be pre-ordered today for only $0.99. But order it now because it will go up to its regular price after it’s released.
And to celebrate the release of Book 4, the Space Lore Boxed Set: Vol 1-3, will be 800% off its normal price and will also be only $0.99, but only from July 23-29. If you aren’t already caught up on this incredible blend of Arthurian legend and Star Wars, make sure you grab the boxed set July 23-29 for an incredible deal.
Well, now the 4th book in the Space Lore series is going to be released and the cover will blow you away.
----------
In the years since the Round Table was formed, a campaign began to spread its message throughout the galaxy. Most planets willingly join, but others are hesitant.
Deep inside the Cartha sector, the course of history will forever be altered, not only because the Carthagens are a cunning and deadly species unlike anything the Round Table forces have met before, but because they are led by Lancelot, renowned as the greatest warrior in all of the galaxy.
----------
Book 4 of the Space Lore series can be pre-ordered today for only $0.99. But order it now because it will go up to its regular price after it’s released.
And to celebrate the release of Book 4, the Space Lore Boxed Set: Vol 1-3, will be 800% off its normal price and will also be only $0.99, but only from July 23-29. If you aren’t already caught up on this incredible blend of Arthurian legend and Star Wars, make sure you grab the boxed set July 23-29 for an incredible deal.
What the Original Star Wars Trilogy got right, the latest Star Wars trilogy got so wrong, and the Space Lore series does well
My latest blog entry looks at what made the original Star Wars trilogy so great, why the Disney trilogy failed to connect with longtime fans, and why the Space Lore books, although unrelated to Star Wars, were written for fans of the original trilogy.
It can be found here:
Blog: What the Original Star Wars Trilogy got right, the latest Star Wars trilogy got so wrong, and the Space Lore series does well
It can be found here:
Blog: What the Original Star Wars Trilogy got right, the latest Star Wars trilogy got so wrong, and the Space Lore series does well
