K.M. Alexander's Blog, page 92

Print Proof #2!

The second print proof of The Stars Were Right has arrived, and it looks great. I made some minor adjustments to the interior which significantly thickened the book, but the biggest change is the new matte cover which has a really nice soft velvety feeling when held. I’m really please with how well these are turning out. Here it is (on the left) next to the old glossy proof:

“The Stars Were Right” print proofs side by side.

I’m still shooting for a late November or early December release. I’ll have more firm dates soon, and I’ll do a big announcement when these are available. I also have plans for some giveaways and some other cool stuff! Thank you to those who are patiently waiting, it’ll be worth it. If you can’t wait until then, don’t worry The Stars Were Right is still available for all eReaders.

Friday Link Pack 11/22/13

“Pause” (2013) by Kyle Thompson

It’s time to share a few interesting links I have found throughout the week. Some of these I mention on Twitter, if you’re not already following me there, please do! I’m always looking for new stuff so if you have any suggestions, let me know.

Note: Due to travel and American holidays I won’t be posting a link pack next week. So I have made this one extra big.

Philippines Relief:

As with last few week I want to keep the focus on providing aid for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. Please take a moment and  or find another relief charity of your choice. Any help you give goes a long way.

Writing:

English Has a New Preposition, Because Internet

I love following the evolution of language. It’s fascinating to see how to words we use on a daily basis change over time, especially when influenced by something as profound as the internet.

The One Thing You’re Doing to Block Your Writing Success

Lauren Sapala discusses how not personally recognizing what you do is a hindrance to success as a writer. You can replace “writer” with anything: designer, chef, singer, it doesn’t matter. If you have a passion recognize it and be proud of the work you’re doing.

The 8 Most Influential People in E-Book Single Publishing

HuffPo compiles a list of CEOs, editors, and reporters who make up the world of E-Book single publishing. If you’re an indie author, this is good info to know.

C. S. Lewis Reviews The Hobbit, 1937

“For it must be understood that this is a children’s book only in the sense that the first of many readings can be undertaken in the nursery.”

Write What You Love, or Write What Sells?

Speculative Fiction author Chuck Wendig answers a question posed to him by a reader about writing to the market. As usual, I agree with his answer. (NSFW language, but you should know that because it’s Wendig.)

Art:

The theme this week is photography. To start things off…

The Surreal Photography of Kyle Thompson

I really like the mood evoked by Thompson’s work. It has a fantastical and ethereal quality a lot of photographers strive towards and few ever achieve.

“Air Drive” Series by Renaud Marion

One part classic cars. One part futurism. One part elegant photography. Mix.

All the Queens Men: Photographing a Man’s World in NYC’s Outer Borough

I love photojournalism. This series by Katie Murray examining the male blue-collar residents of Queens, New York is a stunning picture of modern Americana.

Fan Art Pinterest Board!

I have a new board up on Pinterest where I am displaying the fan art surrounding my stories. It’s awesome seeing different artists take on my worlds. I love seeing this stuff and I love sharing it with everyone. If you have a piece let me know!

Random:

Snakes Wearing Tiny Hats

Exactly what it says, it’s snakes wearing tiny hats. Why, because snakes.

Apollo Spacesuit Cutaway

This old Apollo A7L Space Suit cutaway is really interesting. I love the level of detail.

8 Ruined Cities That Remain a Mystery to This Day

io9‘s list of ruined cities is not only fascinating but also a great way to awaken your inner Indiana Jones. (Like your inner Indiana Jones was ever asleep anyway.)

Timelapse of the Imperceptible Effects of Aging Created from Family Portraits by Anthony Cerniello

We have seen these sort of things done before, but I don’t think I have seen it done as well. Watch the whole thing. All the way through.

Lovecraft Story of the Week:

The Alchemist

Lovecraft’s first short story told in the first person and following the last surviving member of a long family line that is staring death in the face.

Farewell Gif(s) of the Week:

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Fan Art Highlight – Heath Lewis

Dauger 2 by Heath Lewis

In my discussion with readers the subject of the dauger has come up a lot. They seem to be a favorite race in The Stars Were Right and there is a great deal of fascination surrounding their culture, their masks, and what lies underneath. With that sort of interest already in the community I was stoked to see illustrator Heath Lewis take a crack at how he perceives the dauger. His drawings of the masks, the subtle art-deco flair, the rendering of the metal, are not only amazingly well done, but a really cool envisioning of the race.

Dauger 1 by Heath Lewis

Along with those character explorations, Heath has also done a few more illustrations of the various styles of masks as well. I really like seeing these side by side. Which is your favorite?

Dauger Masks by Heath Lewis

Okay… there’s also one last thing: If you have finished The Stars Were Right, then I would also encourage you to take a look at his drawing of the villain. It’s kind of spoilery so to be safe I am going to hide it behind a link, but it’s seriously amazing: CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Seeing creations like this is one of the things I love most about being a storyteller.  I might write the words but it’s the imagination of the readers that make them real. A heartfelt thanks to Heath for spending his time doing this. You can see more of his work at his project Wowley Heck, or contact him at: heathlewis.com. He is available for freelance work, and is always looking for commissions, so consider him if you’re looking for illustrations on your own project. The man has serious skills.

So what do you think? Does Heath’s vision of the dauger match with the dauger in your mind? Would you draw them differently? Are they perfect as-is? Hash it out in the comments! I’d love to hear what you think.

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Do you have some fan art you want to share? I’m going to keep highlighting art from The Stars Were Right fans and readers and would love to share it with everyone! If you have any fan art submissions please email them to me at: hello@kmalexander.com with the subject line: “Stars Fan Art Highlight.” Include any links to a website showing your work so I can share that as well and let me know if people can buy your piece/prints/etc.

So many little things…

My oh my is this weekend is busy! I needed a little break from my to-do list so I figured why not update the ol’ blog:

As I mentioned earlier this week  The Stars Were Right  is now available on Nook! So I have updated it’s site to reflect that. That was quick and easy.
With the Nook launch out of the way I am renewing focus towards getting the physical copies finished. Things are going really well. I have a new proof coming! Looking forward to seeing it. That took a bit longer.
I am getting a pre-launch site finished for Old Broken Road and prepping some video I shot for a book trailer. Yep, I’m going to mess with book-trailer creating. We’ll see how that goes.
I am finishing my content edits for Old Broken Road. Getting close.
Oh and there’s that whole NaNoWriMo thing.

Yep! As I said it’s a busy weekend! I hope everyone else’s weekend is going well. All right, my break time is over, it’s time to grab another cup of coffee and jump back into the fray.

Friday Link Pack 11/15/13

It’s time to share a few interesting links I have found throughout the week. Some of these I mention on Twitter, if you’re not already following me there, please do! I’m always looking for new links if you have any suggestions, let me know.

Philippines:

As with last week I want to keep the focus on aid for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. Please take a moment and  or find another relief charity of your choice. Any help you give goes a long way.

Writing:

Google Gets Total Victory Over Authors Guild: Book Scanning Is Fair Use

I’m in the camp that believes this is a good copyright decision. Expect some bluster from big publishing.

The Common Core’s absurd new reading guidelines

Well… this is interesting, using Lexile scoring the Fed’s have deemed The Hunger Games as more “complex” than The Grapes of Wrath. Simple text ≠ simple content.

How Do You Spot a Good Editor and Avoid the Amateurs?

Publishing Perspectives offers some simple advice on how to find a good editor. If you’re an indie author this is very much worth the read.

Note: A lot of these articles are gleaned from the fantastic blog The Passive Voice. If you’re not a daily reader of PG then you should rectify that immediately.

Art:

Before They Pass Away

Photographer Jimmy Nelson turns his lens on some of the last remaining tribes on earth. The result is both beautiful and fascinating.

Danger Country

A surreal, sometimes bizarre, and always well written long form web comic from Levon Jihanian. You should be subscribing to this.

Random:

The Robots Are Here

Politico takes a look at the future of the worlds workforce as robots begin to replace more and more of our blue collar jobs. (Spoiler: Basically Asimov was right.)

The Weirdest and Fiercest Helmets from the Age of Armored Combat

Great list showing some of the stranger designs to ancient helmets. I think my favorite is the he Horned Helmet, Innsbruck, Austria. Thanks to Sky for the tip!

Lovecraft Story of the Week:

From Beyond

Published in The Fantasy Fan in June 1934, From Beyond follows a scientist as he explores an alternate reality.

Farewell Gif(s) of the Week:

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The Stars Were Right is available on Nook!

I am pleased to announce that “The Stars Were Right” is finally available on Nook. It’s been a slog, but the formatting kinks are now worked out and it’s at a place where I feel comfortable releasing it! Jeeze! Finally!

Get “The Stars Were Right” for your Nook!

I hope you all enjoys the book! Don’t forget to add “The Stars Were Right” to your Goodreads profile, and when you’re done let me know what you think!

Device 6

Too many cocktails? No. Something else.

Every once in a while you stumble across something that transcends the sum of its parts. It grips you, sends you on a wild ride, and when it’s over you’re left in awe. It has taken me a while to process Simogo’s Device 6. When I started it I had not idea what I was getting into, and when it was over I couldn’t stop thinking about it. A few of you might find it odd that I am recommending an app in my “reading recommendations” section but that’s just it, calling Device 6 just another “app” or even a “game” would be doing it a serious disservice. No. Device 6 is something else.

It’s, well… it’s hard to really pin down: Device 6 is a book, you read it like a book. It tells a story over chapters like a book, but it’s more than just a book, it’s also a puzzle game, an audio journey, an exploration in typography, and a 1960-esque spy thriller. Too often interactive fiction either feels more like a book or more like a game. Device 6 does such a good job straddling the fence between book, game, and interactive fiction that I think its appeal extends to anyone interested in storytelling. It’s immersive and engaging like a great novel, but at the same time it’s immersive and engaging like a good game. The fact that it does both of these things so well and so seamlessly is what makes it such an achievement.

With tablets becoming a dominate force in the marketplace it’s no surprise we’re starting to see these sorts of explorations. However, unlike a lot of forays into interactive storytelling Device 6 isn’t a branching weave of multiple endings, complex paths, and dead ends. Instead its perfection lies in its simplicity: it’s an imaginative, tightly-executed, well-written, liner story that pulls you into its world.

When it comes to emergent interactive fiction Device 6 is at the top of its game and its small yet rich world is worth any gamer, writer, or readers time. Device 6 is currently available on the Apple App Store and if you’re still not convinced watch the trailer below:

Friday Link Pack 11/08/2013

It’s time to share a few interesting links I have found throughout the week. Some of these I mention on Twitter, if you’re not already following me there, please do! I’m always looking for new links if you have any suggestions, let me know.

Philippines:

As of today, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms in history is slamming into the Philippines causing catastrophic damage with wind gusts up to 235mph. Please take a moment and donate what you can to the Red Cross disaster relief or another relief charity of your choice. A little help goes a long way.

Writing:

Urban Fantasy Covers – Time to Move On?

Sarah over at Bookworm Blues asks some serious questions about the tropey and misleading style of Urban Fantasy book covers. I completely agree with her conclusion, it’s time for a change.

The Standard Memorandum

Jon Contino brings you journal keeping types the perfect little book to track the small and important events that happened in your life.

Four Types of Character Flaws

The good folks over at Writers Helping Writers have assembled this great post covering the four types of flaws to use when writing your characters.

Art:

Wowly Heck

Illustrator Heath Lewis (@heathisbest) melds scientific illustration and creepy monsters. The work is awesome.

Nicholas Delort

Dark, moody, amazing lighting. Delort captures a lot of the same tone as old masters like Albrecht Durer and Gustave Dore. Love his work.

Random:

If All the Ice Melted

I have seen interactive maps like this before covering this same topic, but none have been of this quality or had the authority of National Geographic behind them. It’s a fascinating and scary look at the future of our planet.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail Modern Trailer

Serious. Brooding. Scary. Everything “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” isn’t, but you wouldn’t know that from this recut trailer.

Lovecraft Story of the Week:

Old Bugs

In which Lovecraft (a teetotaler) makes his case against alcohol.

Farewell Gif(s) of the Week:

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Shut up and write!

I’m an over planner. I mentioned in a previous blog post that I like to plan—and there is nothing wrong with that—but sometimes I take it to an extreme. When I wrote my first manuscript, Coal Belly, I learned a valuable lesson about my tendency to over plan.

It started with a map. After I had finished it apparently I needed to draw out the deck plans for the riverboat central to the plot. When that was finished I had to draw a new highly detailed map the capital city where a section of the story took place. That obviously wasn’t detailed enough so I needed to divide it up and name all the neighborhoods. Then I needed to draw out the various symbols of the various factions within that capitol city. Next I needed to… no…no, no, no, no, no.

No.

I didn’t need to do half that. Eventually I realized I was spending so much time creating busy work for myself that I was getting nothing done. I was working on collateral and not on the actual story itself. That’s a problem. Research is fine when it’s crucial but there comes a time when it begins to get in the way. Learning to recognize when I was doing something necessary and when I was just spinning my wheels was essential for me to get things done. I had to quit working on all the tangential stuff and focus on the work itself. The actual work. I needed to just shut up and write.

I have to remind myself about this daily. I need to separate the busy work from the real work. There’s always a blog post to write, a character to outline, an article to read, a comment to compose, a map to draw, a playlist to assemble, a twitter conversation to follow, etc. The list is endless and it can get in the way and keep you from finishing. (Rule #2) It’s different for each of us but somewhere inside we all know if what we are doing is needed to finishing our project or if it’s just a distraction.

Whenever you catch yourself doing something that isn’t what you want to be working on, do a double check. Decide if it’s really worth your time or if you should just sit down, shut up, and write.

Recent Bookquisitions

I always have a queue for the books I am reading. Anytime something strikes my fancy I buy it and add it to the stack or else I’ll forget and then miss out. Well, my pile has grown larger and I thought it be fun to share some of my recent acquisitions:

Pallitine Rising by Roderick Davidson

I haven’t read any fantasy in a while and I’ve only heard good things about Roderick Davidson‘s first novel so I picked this up. (It’s on sale right now so nab it while you can.) Adventure, knights, dragons, and creepy cults? Sign me up.

Hawkeye, Vol. 1: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction

Hawkeye had always been a fringe hero and kind of worthless in my opinion. (Sorry die-hard Hawkeye fans… all six of you.) However word on the street is Matt Fraction‘s treatment is amazing, hilarious, and a must read that completely revitalizes the character. Okay. I ain’t going to lie… I read this the moment I got home. Everything I wrote was true. If you read comics pick this up.

Jagannath by Karin Tidbeck

After I posted my recommendation of Elizabeth Bear’s short story Shaggoth’s in Bloom a few weeks back fellow blogger Matt Rice over at Books, Brains and Beer recommended this collection of new weird stories. Looking forward to diving in.

So that’s the most recent editions to my queue. These three will be joining the seven other in the stack. What’s about you? Bought anything good lately? Anything you’re excited about? Leave a comment and let me know! I’m always looking for a good book.