C.C. Hogan's Blog, page 12

Blogs and Useful Websites

Just thought I would put down some random websites that I have found that I like.

I am avoiding any sites selling self promotion in exchange for giving them money for self promoting themselves. Also, avoiding those selling twitter followers, or anything else which leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

If you think I should list a site, tell me on Twitter by following me or something.

Mapping out your incredible journey

Whether you are writing a fantasy, a city thriller or a personal introspective journey, trying to get the timing of the events right is crucial.

Knowing how long it takes to get from A-B and how long anyone spends in any one place, could effect the weather, their mood, what they see, feel, hear, everything

How fast do they go in my fantasy world?

It is a recurring problem this; how fast is my army, wagon, horse, dragon, bloke on foot going to travel across my land in my story?

In fantasy, of course, they can travel any speed you like, with a wave of a wand. But what happens if we want to make it a little closer to real life? Well, research time!

Fantasy Recipe: Mutton Stew

This is the first in a very occasional series of recipes that might fit in with your fantasy tavern.

This one is a basic stew than can be made with mutton or beef, cooks slowly all morning and can be kept warm over the fire for the landlady to serve up with bread

Using Word for Writing a Novel

I know not everyone uses Word for writing a novel, but a lot of people do. So here are some very basic tips that might come in useful for those starting out on the novel writing mountain.

Do you cuddle up to your characters?

Write about what you know about. This is the first bit of advice anyone gets when they first start trying to write a book. But does that mean write about the commute into town? Or perhaps the type of school you went to? Maybe about how you learned to drive?

For me, the real advice is to write about WHO you know about.

Indulging in the wonderful 1970s

I wrote a book last year called The Stink. It is set in North London during the long hot summer of 1976 and tells the story of a group of sixteen year olds who have finished school and are trying to start a band.

Really, it has just been an excuse to write about the era I was brought up in and I had a lot of fun writing it. It has yet to find a home, but for fun, or idiocy, I thought I would post the first chapter.

Paint Your Dragon

What is the difference between a mythical creature and any other invented creature?

This deep philosophical problem is possibly more important to the reader and the author than either might necessary realise. It might govern whether the creature can walk or not, can talk or not or even just survive.

The Perfect Tavern in a Fantasy World

I have realised that every time my characters wander into a tavern or inn that the first thing they ask is what is there to eat.

Now this probably says a lot more about me than it does about them, but I have also begun to think that perhaps the taverns that I invent are the ones I myself would like to visit.

Don't forget to let your characters be Silly

It is pretty common for any of us to be accused of taking life too seriously sometimes. Well the same can be true or our stories and especially our characters. Sometimes people can be just plain silly and that applies whether they are a little girl, a teenage bloke, a mass murderer or a Methodist. All right, maybe not always the last one, but most people, okay?

The question for the author is are they brave enough to allow their characters to be people?