Kris Powers's Blog, page 2
August 8, 2016
People abusing the LAB
So, nearly finished the first draft of my latest novel. The working title is: “The Crow’s Fall”. Will that change? Don’t know.
Now, I really don’t like to bitch on a BLOG or at any other time on the Internet, because I really see it as a bunch of ticked-off people screaming into the void and that really doesn’t result in much of, well, anything other than that person/people feeling like they’ve now somehow corrected a problem in the world. The real reason for the rant is that they really just wanted to scream because someone took an extra minute getting their coffee this morning.
Having said that, there is something that bothers me about people’s ever degenerating speech habits. I call it “L.A.B.”. It stands for what I find are the most commonly misused words in everyday conversation.
So here’s my bitch-fest put in numbered order for your perusal:
1. Literally
This is misused often as in: “I literally had to get my phone out of my pocket.” Okay, literally means that you were not doing it in a figurative manner. If you “literally” had to get your phone out of your pocket, then ask yourself this: was there a figurative manner in which to do it? You can say that there was literally three men in a tub or there was literally a pig happily rolling in its own filth because those can be taken in a figurative manner and you are clarifying what you mean. So please, never say that you “literally” went to the store, etc.
2. Actually
Again, misused all the time. As in someone asks you a question: “Would you like a banana or an orange.” If you say: “Actually, I would like a banana.” then you are using the word incorrectly. You see, when offered two or more choices and you make choose from the given list than why are you saying ‘actually’? If, however someone asked: “Would you like an orange or a banana?” and you said: “Actually, I would like an apple.” then you are using the word correctly!
3. Basically
Okay, this is a major one for people who like to weave long yarns. If you’re saying basically in any sentence, then you are giving them the quick, condensed version or, to put it simply, you’re giving them the short answer rather than the long one. So if you say “Basically,” and then launch into a five-minute explanation of your walk to the store, then that’s not really that basic, is it? But, if you were to say: “Basically, I went to the store and bought some ice cream.” then congratulations, you’re using the word the way it was meant to be!
And that’s my bitch session. See you next time.
Now, I really don’t like to bitch on a BLOG or at any other time on the Internet, because I really see it as a bunch of ticked-off people screaming into the void and that really doesn’t result in much of, well, anything other than that person/people feeling like they’ve now somehow corrected a problem in the world. The real reason for the rant is that they really just wanted to scream because someone took an extra minute getting their coffee this morning.
Having said that, there is something that bothers me about people’s ever degenerating speech habits. I call it “L.A.B.”. It stands for what I find are the most commonly misused words in everyday conversation.
So here’s my bitch-fest put in numbered order for your perusal:
1. Literally
This is misused often as in: “I literally had to get my phone out of my pocket.” Okay, literally means that you were not doing it in a figurative manner. If you “literally” had to get your phone out of your pocket, then ask yourself this: was there a figurative manner in which to do it? You can say that there was literally three men in a tub or there was literally a pig happily rolling in its own filth because those can be taken in a figurative manner and you are clarifying what you mean. So please, never say that you “literally” went to the store, etc.
2. Actually
Again, misused all the time. As in someone asks you a question: “Would you like a banana or an orange.” If you say: “Actually, I would like a banana.” then you are using the word incorrectly. You see, when offered two or more choices and you make choose from the given list than why are you saying ‘actually’? If, however someone asked: “Would you like an orange or a banana?” and you said: “Actually, I would like an apple.” then you are using the word correctly!
3. Basically
Okay, this is a major one for people who like to weave long yarns. If you’re saying basically in any sentence, then you are giving them the quick, condensed version or, to put it simply, you’re giving them the short answer rather than the long one. So if you say “Basically,” and then launch into a five-minute explanation of your walk to the store, then that’s not really that basic, is it? But, if you were to say: “Basically, I went to the store and bought some ice cream.” then congratulations, you’re using the word the way it was meant to be!
And that’s my bitch session. See you next time.
June 4, 2016
I'm Back!
I know, I know. I’ve been away for quite some time, BUT there is a good reason: I’ve been writing a new novel for the last few months and it has taken a lot of time and effort. The good news is that it is coming along really well. The bad news is, if you’re a fan of the Phoenix Universe, it isn’t a new installment in the series.
That’s right! I’m writing a regular fiction novel. What does this mean? Is the Phoenix Chronicles done, over with? No, it’s just on hold. Normally right now I’d be writing short stories or I’d be doing revision on the fourth novel, but that’s on hold until I finish this new book. After that, I plan to go back to the Embers in Ashes, but it’s likely publication date is no longer set. It could be in a year, maybe two.
Sad news, I know, but I really needed a change and this is it. I’ve written over eight hundred thousand words in the Phoenix Chronicles and associated short stories, and I need a break from it!!! I will go back to it, just not now.
The new novel is edgy (I hate it when people use that word, but it is the best description for it!), exciting and takes place in a relatively short period of time. It involves mental illness, family values, even sexuality. Yup, I said it!
I look forward to finishing it. I’m about sixty percent of the way through it at the moment.
See you next time...
Kris
That’s right! I’m writing a regular fiction novel. What does this mean? Is the Phoenix Chronicles done, over with? No, it’s just on hold. Normally right now I’d be writing short stories or I’d be doing revision on the fourth novel, but that’s on hold until I finish this new book. After that, I plan to go back to the Embers in Ashes, but it’s likely publication date is no longer set. It could be in a year, maybe two.
Sad news, I know, but I really needed a change and this is it. I’ve written over eight hundred thousand words in the Phoenix Chronicles and associated short stories, and I need a break from it!!! I will go back to it, just not now.
The new novel is edgy (I hate it when people use that word, but it is the best description for it!), exciting and takes place in a relatively short period of time. It involves mental illness, family values, even sexuality. Yup, I said it!
I look forward to finishing it. I’m about sixty percent of the way through it at the moment.
See you next time...
Kris
January 22, 2016
Script Commission
I’m back after finishing what was an interesting experience in writing. I was asked to write a script for an application and accepted. Now, almost three months later, the script is done and the game’s title right now is “Knight Spy”.
I’m used to writing a novel under whatever parameters I choose. That is to say, I’m used to being able to choose if it’s in first or third person perspective among other things. This time, I was able to pick the story, but I had to adhere to an “A” and “B” choice in a medium that is set up to have not much more than a two-way conversation going.
It was quite a learning experience...and grueling! But, it was a good time and it did teach me a lot about writing outside one’s comfort zone.
Until next time...
I’m used to writing a novel under whatever parameters I choose. That is to say, I’m used to being able to choose if it’s in first or third person perspective among other things. This time, I was able to pick the story, but I had to adhere to an “A” and “B” choice in a medium that is set up to have not much more than a two-way conversation going.
It was quite a learning experience...and grueling! But, it was a good time and it did teach me a lot about writing outside one’s comfort zone.
Until next time...
December 12, 2015
Checking in!
Just checking in real quick to let you guys know that I am still alive! The last few weeks have been taken up by an intense effort to complete a script for an app. I’ve got about a quarter of the script left to do, and I can see a light at the end of the tunnel!
It looks like the title will be called “Knight Spy” and will involve an agent on a burning, sinking ship who needs your help. There’s sabotage, terrorism, even a dirty bomb that needs defusing.
It’s a pretty straight-forward plot at first, but does have a few interesting twists to it.
And, back to the script!
Kris
It looks like the title will be called “Knight Spy” and will involve an agent on a burning, sinking ship who needs your help. There’s sabotage, terrorism, even a dirty bomb that needs defusing.
It’s a pretty straight-forward plot at first, but does have a few interesting twists to it.
And, back to the script!
Kris
October 22, 2015
FINISHED!
I’m happy to say that the first draft of the fourth book is officially done and I’m officially on disability because of, you guessed it, severe migraines. The former is good, the latter is bad! But, you’ve got to just do your best, right?
Anyway, the first draft is finished and will sit for a while before I get back to it. That’s just part of my writing process. Early next year I will get back to it and begin readying it for publication, which is still going to be around October of 2016.
I’m also taking a short break from writing the series. Right now, I’m starting a horror novel, which is the first book that I’ve started that doesn’t have “Phoenix” in the title! The new novel is already about five thousand words in length, but I’m relieved to say it will be a much shorter novel then the epic novels with epic lengths I’ve been writing for the last eight years. This novel won’t be much more than eighty thousand words in its final form.
And that’s about it for what’s going on in my life! See you next time.
Anyway, the first draft is finished and will sit for a while before I get back to it. That’s just part of my writing process. Early next year I will get back to it and begin readying it for publication, which is still going to be around October of 2016.
I’m also taking a short break from writing the series. Right now, I’m starting a horror novel, which is the first book that I’ve started that doesn’t have “Phoenix” in the title! The new novel is already about five thousand words in length, but I’m relieved to say it will be a much shorter novel then the epic novels with epic lengths I’ve been writing for the last eight years. This novel won’t be much more than eighty thousand words in its final form.
And that’s about it for what’s going on in my life! See you next time.
September 24, 2015
Fourth novel status
I’ve been away for a while, but again, it is because I’ve been putting every spare minute towards finishing the first draft of Embers in Ashes. It’s hard to believe that I’m so close to finishing the novel. I still think back to when I started it and that seems like a lifetime ago!
So yes, I am over ninety percent of the way through the book and can tell you that this one will definitely resolve a lot of plot threads from the first three and is something of a reflection of the first in many ways.
Now, back to writing...
So yes, I am over ninety percent of the way through the book and can tell you that this one will definitely resolve a lot of plot threads from the first three and is something of a reflection of the first in many ways.
Now, back to writing...
August 12, 2015
It's torture! No, it really is.
This time I’ve been away partially because I have been working on the fourth book, but I also had one hell of a time with one scene that really slowed me down.
Torture, I had to write a torture scene if you can believe it. And no this isn’t a Forty Shades of Grey kind of scene either! This was difficult because it happens to two of my major characters and just about tore the heart out of me! I never realized until that moment that having your characters go through the usual amount of ethical and physical dangers are one thing and are difficult to do in their own way, but this was gut-wrenching (no pun intended).
In the end, I did my best, and finally got over it, but my output suffered quite a bit for a while there. Every day writing was ten times more difficult then it usually was. Good news is that its clear sailing from here on in, at least relative to what it was like for that brief period of time anyway!
Which brings me to an overall update on the book. I’m now very nearly finished the fourth act of the novel. If that sounds like I’m close to finishing, it should. I can safely say that I’m about eighty percent of the way through the book now, but don’t get your hopes up just yet. There is still a long process to go towards publishing the book.
Until next time...
Torture, I had to write a torture scene if you can believe it. And no this isn’t a Forty Shades of Grey kind of scene either! This was difficult because it happens to two of my major characters and just about tore the heart out of me! I never realized until that moment that having your characters go through the usual amount of ethical and physical dangers are one thing and are difficult to do in their own way, but this was gut-wrenching (no pun intended).
In the end, I did my best, and finally got over it, but my output suffered quite a bit for a while there. Every day writing was ten times more difficult then it usually was. Good news is that its clear sailing from here on in, at least relative to what it was like for that brief period of time anyway!
Which brings me to an overall update on the book. I’m now very nearly finished the fourth act of the novel. If that sounds like I’m close to finishing, it should. I can safely say that I’m about eighty percent of the way through the book now, but don’t get your hopes up just yet. There is still a long process to go towards publishing the book.
Until next time...
April 5, 2015
Happy Easter / Info on 4th book and series
First of all, Happy Easter!
Second, I’ve been hard at work on the fourth novel in the series and my writing partner (whom I’ve been sending the first draft to) has been not just satisfied with the fourth novel so far, but has been really enjoying it. Trust me, this is a big deal! This guy has read all of my books and is very familiar with the Phoenix Universe and he was the one who told me something along the lines of “this fourth novel is going to be really difficult to write” because of the fact that we’re going back to Earth.
By the way, if you haven’t read any of my previous Blogs then, SPOILER ALERT, we go back to Earth in the fourth novel. A little late for a warning, but there it is. So yes, Catherine does return and it’s been a great deal of fun writing her again. My writing partner has enjoyed the returning characters and the plotline.
If you’d like an update on the Fourth novel.........TOO BAD!!!! Just kidding, I’m just wading into the third act. What’s surprised me the most is how well it’s going and also that there are a few plot threads that aren’t working out quite the way I planned... They’re working out better than I had planned!
It has also occurred to me that the one or two fans that I actually have might want to know how many books are in the series! Answer: Seven.
What are the fifth, sixth, and seventh about you might ask now that you have some ideas about the fourth? Well, twist my rubber arm I will tell you! However, I can only give a little bit away without letting the whole cow out of the barn, so to speak.
The fifth novel will involve a brand new, never-before-seen enemy that will test the Alliance’s technology to its limits. Maria and company will also have to deal with a newly elected government that doesn’t like how they handle things.
The sixth novel brings back the Last Outpost of the Ancients last seen in the third novel, which of course does involve finding out where those illusive Pera went to all those years ago!
The seventh novel, well the only thing I can really let slip on that is that it will feature ALL LIVING main characters.
And that's all for now, folks!
Second, I’ve been hard at work on the fourth novel in the series and my writing partner (whom I’ve been sending the first draft to) has been not just satisfied with the fourth novel so far, but has been really enjoying it. Trust me, this is a big deal! This guy has read all of my books and is very familiar with the Phoenix Universe and he was the one who told me something along the lines of “this fourth novel is going to be really difficult to write” because of the fact that we’re going back to Earth.
By the way, if you haven’t read any of my previous Blogs then, SPOILER ALERT, we go back to Earth in the fourth novel. A little late for a warning, but there it is. So yes, Catherine does return and it’s been a great deal of fun writing her again. My writing partner has enjoyed the returning characters and the plotline.
If you’d like an update on the Fourth novel.........TOO BAD!!!! Just kidding, I’m just wading into the third act. What’s surprised me the most is how well it’s going and also that there are a few plot threads that aren’t working out quite the way I planned... They’re working out better than I had planned!
It has also occurred to me that the one or two fans that I actually have might want to know how many books are in the series! Answer: Seven.
What are the fifth, sixth, and seventh about you might ask now that you have some ideas about the fourth? Well, twist my rubber arm I will tell you! However, I can only give a little bit away without letting the whole cow out of the barn, so to speak.
The fifth novel will involve a brand new, never-before-seen enemy that will test the Alliance’s technology to its limits. Maria and company will also have to deal with a newly elected government that doesn’t like how they handle things.
The sixth novel brings back the Last Outpost of the Ancients last seen in the third novel, which of course does involve finding out where those illusive Pera went to all those years ago!
The seventh novel, well the only thing I can really let slip on that is that it will feature ALL LIVING main characters.
And that's all for now, folks!
March 9, 2015
Migraines!?!
I’m sorry to say that once again a three week long migraine has impeded my abilities to get much done. That would be why I haven’t updated my BLOG or the rest of the website in a while.
Even the new book, which was going really well, has been going more slowly. I really have difficulty concentrating when I have a full blown migraine that is constantly there for weeks!
BUT, there has still been progress on the fourth novel in the series. Embers in Ashes is almost at seventy-five thousand words. I will update the status of the fourth novel once it hits that number.
I’ll post a longer entry later, once my head and body no longer feel quite so bad!
Even the new book, which was going really well, has been going more slowly. I really have difficulty concentrating when I have a full blown migraine that is constantly there for weeks!
BUT, there has still been progress on the fourth novel in the series. Embers in Ashes is almost at seventy-five thousand words. I will update the status of the fourth novel once it hits that number.
I’ll post a longer entry later, once my head and body no longer feel quite so bad!
January 3, 2015
Info on new edition of 2nd book.
Okay, the 2nd Edition of Dark Horizon is out. Luckily, it didn’t take anywhere near the amount of time that the first novel did! This new, improved version has the usual improvements AND it has over 5,000 words of new material.
What new material you ask? Well you twisted my rubber arm, so I’ll tell you!!! There are four new scenes and an equal number of extended scenes.
And that is it for new editions and publishing new novels for a while. I am finally going back to writing new material which is scary and exciting at the same time. It’s kind of like walking into a new job on the first day. You’re not sure what to expect but you just might have a great adventure ahead of you.
What new material you ask? Well you twisted my rubber arm, so I’ll tell you!!! There are four new scenes and an equal number of extended scenes.
And that is it for new editions and publishing new novels for a while. I am finally going back to writing new material which is scary and exciting at the same time. It’s kind of like walking into a new job on the first day. You’re not sure what to expect but you just might have a great adventure ahead of you.
