Loni Townsend's Blog, page 12

Master of Confusion

The responses to last week’s post made me raise my eyebrows a bit because I realized I wasn’t very clear. When I’d written “they should have the background acquired in the first book”, I’d meant because it’s serial, not episodic like the Cera Chronicles. I suppose unclear is my root issue.

You know how they say you’re not supposed to read the bad reviews?

Well, guess what I did for Thanmir War.

Of the four reviews from people I don’t know, two of them talk about the book not holding their interest. To me, that sounds like “it’s boring” and boring usually equals lack of tension. Maybe that’s not the case here. I don’t know. I think a good number of reviews touch more on it being confusing than anything else. Hrm. I suppose I am an expert at confusing people. *grumpy face* If the first book was confusing, how will the second one fare?

I suppose I’ll wait and see. This week, I’m reaching out to beta-readers. I’ve got a handful of critique partners, but I know they’re pretty busy with their projects and a sweeping epic would probably hamper their progress. So I’ve asked my sis-in-law’s friend and a couple of coworkers. For the writer’s view of things, I’m eternally grateful to Aldrea, my longest standing CP, for tackling my chapters in the midst of her own.

I’m open to other betas if anyone out there is interested in undertaking a 187K epic fantasy. No need to have read the first book. Isto is written so people can start there and get the gist of everything pertinent. Yeah, it brings up events and characters from the first book, which is why I said it’d be a better reading experience, but it’s not (at least it shouldn’t be) necessary.

As a side note, I’ve been playing with animations (as you might be able to tell if you have a browser that supports animated PNGs). Is it a productive use of my time? Eh… It’s still a fun little side project.

Do you like animated book covers? Do you ever read reviews when you shouldn’t? Anyone get the urge to beta read my book and tell me if it’s confusing?

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Just Keep Typing #IWSG

After a fun stint of troubleshooting a 403 error this morning (yay for corrupt .htaccess files), I finally have my site up and running so that I can actually post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Thank you Raimey Gallant for catching that for me!

If you saw my post last week, you know that I’m celebrating finishing the first draft of Isto, the second book in my epic fantasy series. I converted it through text-to-speech and listened to the whole thing, finishing it off yesterday. I caught over two dozen missing or wrong words! Sheesh. I guess my mind fills in what my eyes glance over, and it takes me hearing it to realize it’s not there. And yet, even having corrected all these little mistakes, my critique partner has already found two other wrong/missing words in the first two chapters. *sigh* At least she’s got a keener eye than me! (Thank you, Aldrea. ^_^)

But that’s not why I’m insecure today. I know I’ll be going over the drafts several more times before I call it finished. What makes me insecure is that I like this story, I want people to read it… but for the best experience, they should have the background acquired in the first book. And the first book has tension issues. How can I market this second book, when I’m terrified that people won’t make it through the first one?

There are four books in this series, plus a companion novel, and I have no intention to return to revising the first book before the series is complete, mostly because I know of no easy way of fixing the tension without rewriting everything. And at my rate, it’ll be another twenty years before I finish the series.

It’s depressing and discouraging, believing people aren’t going to read this second book because of issues with the first one.

But I will finish writing this series. I will continue to improve. And then, maybe someday, I’ll come back to the first book and make it better. Until that time, though, I’ll just keep typing.

IWSG Question of the Month: What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

I became an indie author for multiple reasons. I know myself. I don’t want a career as an author. I’m a perfectly happy programmer. In my job, I build solutions specifically crafted for the users and consumers. I tailor everything to what they want. My books? My series? They are for me. They are what I want, and I had no desire to go through the query-and-wait process just to hear other people don’t want it. I do enough building for other people, this story is for me. I just want to share it with others who might be interested, and self-publishing made that possible.

Plus I’m a habitual DIYer. I enjoy figuring out formatting and analyzing what works and what doesn’t. (Programmer, remember?) I can format my own print layouts, create my own ebooks, and I’ve done studies on what is visually attractive in a cover from typography to color schemes. I have all the skills to pull off indie publishing, save for the need of hiring an editor. Therefore, if I’ve got the skills, might as well use them.

Let the Mad Cackling Begin #AmWriting

Guess what, peoples? I did it. I finished the first draft of Isto this year. *deep breath*

MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

If you’re at all familiar with me, you’ll know that I’ve been working on this book for years. Just how long? Well, when I released the last book, my little boy was only a few months old. He’ll be five this coming month. Sheesh.

For a bit of fun, I’ve compiled a few stats comparing Thanmir War with Isto to see how books in the same series line up. Here’s what I’ve got so far:

Stats
Thanmir War
Isto




First Draft Word Count
210K
190K


Final Draft Word Count
170K
TBD


Years to Completion
3
5


Kids Raised While Writing
1
2


Drastic Plot/Character Changes
1
3


Total Chapters (including Prologue/Epilogue/Bonus)
37
59


Average Chapter Length
4700
3200


Average Scene Length
1180
2380


Total Number of Scenes
148
81


Average Scene Count/Chapter
4
1.15

 

I opted for shorter chapters with fewer scenes per each this time around. Even though average chapter length is 3200, the majority of the Isto chapters are in the 2K range, where most of Thanmir War‘s chapters are 5Kish. In the previous book, it was easier to have longer chapters because the flow had more than half the book in Derek’s POV. This one, things panned out a little more evenly. Derek’s got 31%, LaTonya’s 27%, Cameron is 26%, and MaTisha’s 15%, with 1% belonging to a couple of one-off scenes from someone else’s POV.

(If you can’t tell, I might be slightly analytical.)

Since analyzing things is one of those constant behaviors with me, I look back at the past few years and wonder “where have I improved?”

Well, for one, I’m better at managing tension. I admit with no small amount of flinching that tension was one of those areas that Thanmir War could use more of. I think I’ve got a better mastery of it in Isto, though. Maybe. Okay, so I’m not really sure, but gosh darn it, I hope I’ve improved!

I’ve also gotten better at writing a cleaner first draft. I like to use a tool called Pro Writing Aid, and when I first tried it out with Thanmir War, it gave me a laundry list of stuff to address. It taught me about -ing verbs at the beginning of my sentences and how they imply simultaneous action that can’t always take place. I learned about how my “was” usage translated to passive voice, unnecessary past-progressive verb usage, and boring telling description. This time around? No such horror. *thumbs up*

But with even with my improvements, I can still see my flaws. I’m terrible with relaying convincing emotions. Yes, I use the Emotion Thesaurus, but I have the issue of not knowing what emotion I’m supposed to be trying to convey. Even now, my characters wind up inappropriately unconcerned, and I’m not sure it’ll ever be something I can catch by myself. (Thank goodness for critique partners.)

Well, if I haven’t bored you enough (perhaps my issues with tension haven’t been resolved), then I’ll leave you with this. *hands over confetti* Let’s celebrate because the first draft is DONE!

Do you enjoy comparing numbers? Do you ever sit and think about the ways you’ve grown in your talents?

The post Let the Mad Cackling Begin #AmWriting appeared first on Squirrel Talk.

Eight Years #ParentLife

Eight years ago, something special happened. My daughter was born. It’s a bit of a shock to think about it. I mean, EIGHT YEARS. How can time fly by so darn quickly? One moment, I’m cradling an infant and next I’ve got a girl who is at the right height to act as an armrest when I’m standing. Today is also the first day of third grade. Geez Louise! Wasn’t it just yesterday that I was arranging for preschool?

Despite my trepidation over the passage of time, I have to say, I’m super proud of this girl. She’s brilliant and intuitive. So filled with joy and kindness. I love how amazing she is. Tonight we’re heading to the state fair for some rides to celebrate. The birthday party won’t be for another week and a half, because she gets a joint one with her brother who wasn’t born until September.

So happy birthday to my little girl. May your days be as bright as mine are because of you!

What are you celebrating today?

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Better Than Now #YA #BookRelease

I can’t remember when I first came across C.G. Coppola, but she intrigued me from the start. For one, she used ninja in her since-retitled blog name. I mean, c’mon, how could I not be interested? But I kept returning and followed her to her current domain because A) she’s entertaining and B) she’s a damn good writer.

I have the pleasure to announce that this Friday, August 17th, her latest release will hit the shelves. But not to fear, you can pre-order now. And if you haven’t read the first book (Better Than This), I recommend you do, especially if you enjoy a good build of a believable relationship and characters you can’t help but root for.

But onto the book that this post is about!

Blurb:

With the talent show behind them, Autumn and Alex can finally begin their relationship. It took a school assignment, but they’ve managed to move beyond their awkward past to become one of the most popular—and gossiped-about—couples in school. Dating was supposed to be the easy part, but now that they’ve been plunged into the spotlight, Autumn isn’t sure she can keep up.

Things at home aren’t any better. Being grounded already sucks, but when her mom outright refuses the idea of Alex, things only get worse. It isn’t until a family secret is exposed that Autumn understands the depth of her mom’s disapproval, and the role it plays in her future with Alex.

With all the attention at school and her lack of support at home, Autumn fears for her relationship. She knows that for everything to work out, something drastic will have to change, and when it does, she’s faced with a choice that determines the rest of her life.

Buy Link

Author Bio:

C.G.Coppola is the author of the Fantasy Adventure series, Arizal Wars. In addition to short stories that explore magic and the paranormal, she writes books that involve a lot of kissing, kickass heroines, and fighting alongside best friends. When not writing, C.G.Coppola can be found watching Netflix, playing with her dog, Appa, or trying not to mess up a recipe she found on Pintrest.

Follow her (but let’s not get stalkery. Too weird, guys.)

Blog | Facebook | Patreon | Book+Main Bites | Twitter | E-Mail

Are you looking forward to this book as much as I am? Did you get to read the first one? Who enjoys stories that hit you in the feels?

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Missing Friends #Life

Nearly fifteen years ago, my boyfriend as of no more than a month informed me we were going out to lunch. In fact, we were leaving right then and there, and we had to hurry because they were waiting for us. I was all sorts of confused, but shrugged, hopped in the car, and rode with him to Outback Steakhouse where he ushered me inside and presented me to the people we were to dine with.

That was the first time I’d met his friends, and as the years progressed and my boyfriend turned into my husband, his friends became my friends.

We spent every Saturday meeting up for lunch, signed up for World of Warcraft and created our own guild, hung out both online and off. They were part of our wedding and joined us for bowling afterward because it was too early to check into the hotel. I remember the day when I was scanning one of their Amazon wish lists and was surprised to find baby items among running gear and nail polish. Guess who was pregnant?

Their twins were born a couple months before my daughter, and though the children ended our online gaming and Saturday lunch outings, we adjusted to meet on holidays and for birthday parties, for running races and WoW theme food festivals. In the recent months, it extended to include Pokémon GO Community Day and Raid days, where the kids excitedly hunted their various monsters and screamed in delight when they caught a shiny.

The kids were growing up together–same grade, same interests. Friends.

A couple of weeks ago, they stopped by our house to tell us in person: They were moving. We live in Idaho, and they’re reverse migrating to California. It’s due to a wonderful opportunity that makes me incredibly happy for them… but gosh darn it, is it bittersweet. I heard one of the twins tell my daughter, “I’ll probably never see you again.” Though I don’t think that’ll really be the case, it does go to show how life altering this little change is.

None of us are highly active, if active at all, on social media. We were always an in-person kind of gang and not keen on seeing our own faces on our phone screens. Now I’m hunting down what apps will best keep us in touch. I’ve signed up with Marco Polo after a recommendation from my social-savvy critique buddies. So far, the kids are enjoying updating each other with little video blips. I hope it’ll continue.

To my friends, I wish you the greatest adventure, a fun-filled life, and a lot of success in all your ventures. I look forward to when I can see you again in person.

Have you ever had a close friend move away? How do you keep in touch? What are your favorite apps to communicate with?

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Insecure? Not Today. #IWSG

The first Wednesday of every month, I participate in a blog hop for the the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Except lately, I haven’t been insecure. I’ve been making good progress on my WIP, putting down over 3K a week toward it. I have to finish the chapter I’m currently working on, and then it’ll be writing the final battle, the wrap up, and the epilogue which leads into the next book. I am almost there!

On top of that, I’ve sketched out three more characters. If you hadn’t seen my character digital paintings so far, you should totally check them out. I haven’t gotten to the point where I’ve colored the three latest yet, but I’m pleased with the personalities coming through.

And I’ve also been taking down my back fence, which was dilapidated and falling down anyways. My kids helped the first couple of nights, picking up pine needles and moving boards. They soon realized it wasn’t as fun as they thought it would be, not with the rising temperatures making all of us sweat. But slowly, the fence is coming down and I’m taking other steps to beautify my backyard, which is exciting.

All around, I’ve been productive, which means, I’m not insecure. Sad, yes, due to news of my friends moving to a different state, but not insecure. I’ll tell you next week about my friends.

IWSG Question of the Month: What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

Pitfalls, huh? According to the definition Google gives, a pitfall is “a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty”. I suppose the only thing I’ve come across is anthologies. Sometimes, not everyone agrees or is helpful. Some people stop communicating and you have to replace them. Some people derail the whole process by creating drama or not sticking to deadlines or being downright duplicitous. This isn’t always the case, but I’ve seen storms created by what should’ve been a wonderful collaboration.

Except that doesn’t answer the question, does it? It says what would I warn other writers to avoid. I’d never suggest avoiding anthologies. They are fun and exciting. But maybe avoid undertaking putting one together yourself if you aren’t ready for a load of organization, communication, scheduling, and possible frustration.

Have you been productive lately? Are you feeling secure or insecure? What pitfalls have you come across?

About Insecure Writer’s Support Group



You can find the sign up for the IWSG here. We owe Alex J Cavanaugh a huge thank you for thinking this blog hop up.

The post Insecure? Not Today. #IWSG appeared first on Squirrel Talk.

If This Were A Horror Movie, I’d Die First

A while back, in critique group, we got onto the topic of tropes. I’m not sure how we ended up in horror movies since none of us present were horror writers, but there we were comparing the group members to the cast of a horror movie.

We decided unanimously that I’d die first.

It’s not that I’d do something foolish like open a door at the end of a spooky hallway after I separated myself from my friends. No, it’d be something unavoidable and tragic.

Why is that? Remember, we were talking tropes at the time, and I’m:

1) A double minority

2) Happily married

3) The mother of well-rounded kids

It’d probably be just after I show everyone a picture of my smiling family that something would come along and take me out.

What about the rest of my group?

Well M would have been the one to kick off the curse/free the evil/summon the spirits because she’s the youngest. She’s also guaranteed to die because she’s a minority and a lesbian.

Horror movies are often ageist, so K would only get a blip in the movie because he isn’t a hip teen-to-30-something. But it’d also spare his life. He’d be the dad sending the rest of us off to go out into the world, denying the danger we’re all telling him about is real.

J would also only get a quick scene, either the harbinger farmer in the field staring silently at us as we passed, or the gas station attendant who is well aware of the vampires lurking about. But J has a beard, so it’d probably earn him a bigger role than K, but it doesn’t guarantee his survival.

D would be the heroine. She’s white and blonde and right there in age between M and me. She’d live to the end of the movie and probably put an end to whatever threat that killed the rest of us off. Her fiancé, however, wouldn’t make it. They’re getting married later this year! So exciting, but also doom worthy in a horror movie.

Let’s just say I’m glad that isn’t real life. It improves my chances of living to an old age, and trust me, that’s what I aspire to. And just to keep things safe, I’m not going to carry around a picture of my smiling family…

Would you make it to the end of a horror movie? What would get you killed off or excluded from the cast? What are some of the tropes you often see in movies and media?

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Paint Me A Picture

When it comes to hobbies and interests, I’m the type of person who starts something and usually abandons it half-finished. Girl Scouts, ballet, gymnastics, knitting, wire-working… Eventually, my love of the activity fades and I leave it by the wayside.

Thankfully, that hasn’t been the case with drawing (or writing for that matter). Back in high school, I was president of Art Club. Not due to any amount of skill I had, but because I was enthusiastic to take up the role. My friends all had paintings and drawings in library displays, while I did little more than draw cartoon characters with big eyes and no noses.

Exhibit One:

Almost a year ago, I mentioned a goal to create a portrait of all my many characters. I figured I’d hire out because my own digital work wasn’t up to my standards. I did find a Fiverr artist I really like, but at $25 per digital painting (which is actually a great deal), it would get expensive quick.

So I buckled down and returned to my practice of drawing characters. I finally started getting the hang of drawing them with some consistency, not in color, mind you, but still, you could tell it was the same character.

As I moved on to try to draw other characters beyond my four POVs, my husband made an off-hand comment about how my characters lacked expression. Beyond a hint of a smile on a couple of the faces, there wasn’t much beyond neutral in all my drawings. I sighed because I knew he was right. Like with previous projects, I scrapped my progress and started over, this time aiming to exaggerate.

I’ve completed eight portraits in the past couple of weeks, complete with color. This deviates from my previous drawings in that I did it completely digitally. I’m finally getting comfortable with my laptop with the pressure sensitive screen, so much so that I find myself reaching to the top corner to hit undo before realizing I’m using pencil and paper.

Here is my current progress, which I have to admit, I am pretty proud of.

Top Row: LaTonya (POV), Derek (POV), Alissandria

Middle Row: Naomi, Jebaliah

Bottom Row: Alistair, MaTisha (POV), Cameron (POV)

I’ve still got dozens of characters in my brain, and I’m not sure how to capture their personalities in simple portraits. But I’m sure going to try. Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to create my mega map of interconnected characters.

Holiday from Insecurity #IWSG

Since tomorrow is a holiday for us in the USA, Insecure Writer’s Support Group posting has been bumped forward a day. So you get a post today, while tomorrow I’ll be hanging with my kids out in the heat, ignoring all things digital.

What makes me insecure this month? Actually, nothing comes to mind. I figured out how to get past a point in my story that had me stalled out, so rather than hemming and hawing about what to write, I know how to proceed. Since nothing has me insecure, I’ll just jump to the question of the month.

IWSG Question of the Month – What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?

Ultimate writing goals? To finish my series. That’s been the goal from the start and will be the goal until I’ve finally achieved it. As you can tell, it’s taking me YEARS. At the rate I’m going, it’ll take me decades more to reach my goal, but hey, if it wasn’t something big, they wouldn’t be ultimate, now would they?

What are your goals? Is tomorrow a holiday for you? Do you like to spend holidays offline?

About Insecure Writer’s Support Group



You can find the sign up for the IWSG here. We owe Alex J Cavanaugh a huge thank you for thinking this blog hop up.

The post Holiday from Insecurity #IWSG appeared first on Squirrel Talk.