M.B. Weston's Blog, page 21
July 1, 2014
Elysian Chronicles Fun Facts: The Day I Lost My Villain
When I was reading through the first draft of Out of the Shadows, I encountered a huge problem with the Fourth Battle for the City of Ezzer. I originally wanted
my main villain [***spoiler protected***] and Davian to engage in a fantastic sword fight across the city with glorious battle description and lots of sweat. I had it all planned out, and in my mind, it was going to be awesome. Unfortunately, while I was reading the draft, these thoughts hit me:
“What am I thinking? My villain is too much of a coward. He’s not coming out if he thinks he’s not going to win the battle.”
“Self-preserving little twerp.”
“Holy crap. Now I’ve got to find him.”
I sat down and scanned through my mental map of the City of Ezzer and tried to figure out where my villain might have gone. (Yes it probably Would have looked quite hilarious to watch me trying to find this guy with my eyes closed…) During that time, my friend Sasha actually called and asked what I was doing. My response: “I’m looking for my villain. He’s hiding and I can’t find him.”
I eventually figured out where he was based on his character traits and my knowledge of the city. It took a lot of creativity and searching for answers to “what if” questions. (Always ask yourself “what if” questions.)
While I won’t spoil how I got my main villain out of the City of Ezzer, I will leave you with this hint: canafs…
PS Just an FYI, I’m not talking about Picante. He never sticks around long enough to get himself killed. Although, I’ve got to admit that he’s a self-preserving little twerp too….
Be sure to click here for more Elysian Chronicles Fun Facts!
Join in the discussion at M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn group on Facebook!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
June 30, 2014
Tonight’s Final Cut in Movies Radio Show: Transformers: Age of Extinction
Join me tonight at 8:00 EST for tonight’s Final Cut in Movies Radio Show. I will be discussing Michael Bay’s newest 2 hour and 45 minute long product placement advertisement–I mean movie, Transformers: Age of Extinction, staring Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer.
Listen Live at TMVcafe.com!
Be sure to join in the discussion afterward at M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn group on Facebook!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
June 29, 2014
Elysian Chronicles Fun Facts: Dragon Clans – The Baethir
As stated in an earlier post about dragons, I realized that I needed to divide the dragons into races (or clans) when I was writing Out of the Shadows. Today’s post will focus on the Baethir dragons, and I will focus on the Tatsu in a later posts. (I posted on the Imperial dragons last week here.)
I needed a race of dragons that would emerge as leaders. I did some research on dragon myths and lore across the globe and found two main types: those in European mythology and those in Asian mythology. (Disclaimer: there were probably others but I focused on those.) I decided to make the Imperials the most European looking. I wanted them scary and vicious. Here are a few notes I made when I was brainstorming.
“Lung” (again needs root)
Middle sized dragons
Four claws
Thinner, but still hefty.
No horns or spikes, but two folds of skin that hang down like a fumanchu
Bland colors. Muted greens and browns
Majority (80-85% of total dragon pop)
Accuracy: Fire streams are thinner and have more distance.
A few things about my notes:
The “needs a root” was a note to myself to not call them Lung dragons. Unlike the Imperials, which I let stay. “Lung,” on the other hand, isn’t sexy. It’s not something I can see some soldier using in a serious conversation. I had to come up with a better name. Finally, I found the word bheithir (Gaelic) while doing research on dragons in other cultures. I changed the word to baethir to make it more readable.
I wanted the Baethir to be less powerful than the Imperials. I made them smaller, and without any horns. They are also thinner.
Because I needed potential for future conflict, I mad the Baethir more numerous than the Imperials. I also gave them longer, more accurate streams of fire. This is not important in Out of the Shadows when the dragons have sided with Davian, but it will be very important in Book III.
They unofficial leader of the Baethir is a grey dragon named Sarkon, but I’ll discuss him in another post.
Be sure to click here for more Elysian Chronicles Fun Facts!
Join in the discussion at M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn group on Facebook!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
June 28, 2014
How to Distract a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writer in Ten Easy Steps
I posted this on my Facebook page Thursday night, and it got good reviews so I figured I would post it here as well.
How to distract a science fiction/fantasy writer in 10 easy steps:
I am really annoyed with this chapter. It’s not flowing…
I wonder how my blog did today? Let me check…
Oh! I think need some chamomile tea. :::makes tea:::
I should check my Facebook notifications.
I am getting so distracted! I need someone standing behind me with a whip.
:::breaks into song::: “Where there’s a whip, [crack] there’s a way…”
Why didn’t Peter Jackson do The Hobbit like Bass and Rankin? #headdesk
I should update my Facebook status about my pathetic ability to stay on target.
“He’s too close!” “Stay on target.” “I can’t shake him!”
Why did George Lucas insist on directing Episodes 1-3 himself?
Hmmmm. I think I need some chamomile tea….
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
June 27, 2014
Elysian Chronicles Fun Facts: How “Rumpelstiltskin” Influenced the Development of Cragdern’s Gnomes
Part of using familiar archetypes in any novel is making them your own. When I began developing my gnomes and their culture, I wanted to give them a few weaknesses we didn’t often read about in fairy takes and folklore but would still make sense.
The perfect opportunity came when I reread the classic fairy tail, “Rumpelstiltskin.” I always wondered why Rumpelstiltskin made such a big deal about keeping his name secret. I also wondered why someone discovering his name would cause him to basically stomp the earth so hard he killed himself (depending on which version of the fairy tale you read).
Then it hit me: What if speaking a gnome/dwarf’s name aloud gave you complete power over him (or her). That could explain why Rumpelstiltskin would keep his name so secret. It would also introduce an idea that by saying his name, the Queen’s servant had complete control of Rumpelstiltskin’s actions and actually commanded him to kill himself.
I decided to give my gnomes that weakness: being under complete control of whoever learns (and uses) their birth names, which can throw quite a twist into a story.
Lorne and Theo dragged Klous into the room. He had bloodshot eyes, torn clothes, and unkempt hair. Several cuts and scratches lined his arms, and his jewelry was missing.
Klous struggled against the soldiers, yelling. “Don’t let me near him! Keep me away from Seraph. I’m not safe!”
Boronan trotted behind Klous, saying, “I searched his memory Davian. He’s innocent. I have no idea what he thinks he did.”
Davian flew to Klous, who shrieked. “Stay away from me! I’m not safe! I’m not safe!”
Davian held Klous’s head so he could stare into his eyes. “Klous, what’s wrong? What happened?”
Klous struggled against Davian’s grip, muttering, “Stay away; stay away.” He looked in every direction but Davian’s eyes. “Don’t you understand? They know my name.” Klous sank to the floor. “I betrayed you. Betrayed…”
—from The Elysian Chronicles: Out of the Shadows – “Chapter Forty-One: Send Me”
For more fun facts, be sure to click here!
Be sure to join in the discussion at M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn group on Facebook!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
June 26, 2014
Davian’s World Cup Picks: June 26, 2014
Here are my main character Davian’s World Cup Picks for today:
Portugal vs Ghana: Davian is hoping for a tie for anyone in group G who isn’t the USA.
USA vs Germany: USA obviously, although Davian concedes that the German’s have tastier beer and chocolate.
South Korea vs Belgium: Due to instability in the far east, Davian throws his support behind South Korea. See Out of the Shadows for details.
Russia vs. Algeria: Davian chooses Russia. While he’s not fond of the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine, Algeria’s human trafficking issues concern him more. And Russia has by far one of the prettiest national anthems.
We’ll be discussing the games, and of course what beverage of choice you might be drinking during the games, at my new Facebook group: M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn. Please come join us!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
A New Elysian Chronicles Short Story is About to Debut in Dark Oak’s Realms of Imagination!
If you are waiting for The Elysian Chronicles: Book III, you need to read “The White Rider!” It takes place between “The White Rider,” takes place between Out of the Shadows and Book III, and it’s about to be published in the Realms of Imagination urban fantasy anthology edited by Kimberly Richardson and published by Dark Oak Press and Media!
Here are a few things Elysian Chronicles fans have to look forward to:
It reveals a new group of enemies of both Davian and Tom most Elysian Chronicles readers will not expect.
It foreshadows some of the twists and turns that will make Tom’s task in Book III next to impossible.
It shows a little bit more of Jacobi, who so far within the series has stayed in the shadows, literally.
It introduces a brand new character who will play an important role in The Elysian Chronicles Book III.
Other authors included in this anthology are Gail Z. Martin, David B. Coe, and John Hartness. Be sure to stay tuned to the website, M. B. Weston’s Facebook profile, and Twitter Feed for news of its debut!
Be sure to join in the discussion at M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn group on Facebook!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
June 25, 2014
Davian’s World Cup Picks: June 25, 2014
Here are my main character Davian’s World Cup Picks for today:
Nigeria vs Argentina: Davian picks Argentina for the cuisine and the wine. And because its easier to guard humans in Argentina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Iran: Davian chooses Bosnia and Herzegovina. He will not support a country that charges a raped woman with adultery
Honduras vs Switzerland: Davian has chosen to remain neutral in the battle between Switzerland and Honduras.
Ecuador vs. France: Davian picks France for the cuisine. His creator, M. B. Weston, is currently addicted to macaroons, crème brûlée, and champagne.
We’ll be discussing the games, and of course what beverage of choice you might be drinking during the games, at my new Facebook group: M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn. Please come join us!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
Elysian Chronicles Fun Facts: Anna’s Flare Pen Fettish
In Out of the Shadows, I introduce a secret group of humans called the Gladius Incendia (also called “Gladdies”). Gladdy members know cherubians and mornachts exist and are doing their best on Earth to help Elysia‘s cause. I will discuss more about them in a separate post. In the story, Tom meets Matt, Anna, and Coones, who quickly become his friends outside the Naval Academy. I wanted my Gladdies members to have distinct, intense personalities. This is especially true of Matt’s perfectionist sister, Anna. Anna is a bit OCD about things:
[Anna] pulled a steno notebook out of her apron pocket. “I need my flare pen.” She looked back and forth at the computer desk and frowned.
Coones held a blue ball-point pen in front of her nose, flicking it back and forth.
Anna pushed Coones’ hand aside, barely looking at him, and opened a drawer in the back.
“You’ll have to excuse her,” said Matt. “She’s got a few bugs in her system that we haven’t fully deprogrammed.”
Anna pulled an economy size box of twenty flare pens out of the drawer, grabbed one, and returned. She sat down next to Tom and started writing.
–From The Elysian Chronicles: Out of the Shadows Chapter 27: No Longer Alone
Where on earth could I have come up with this idea? Um…. Uh….
Have you seen the amount of Pilot G2 Retractable Premium Gel Ink Roller Ball Pens I keep on my desk? Probably fifteen, just in case a few run out. And I have them in three colors: Blue (for everything), Red (for editing), and purple (because purple is awesome). I refuse to write with anything else, and I hide my pens at work. It’s logical actually. I have horrific handwriting. Ball point pens make write too quickly. Pilot G2′s slow me down and make it somewhat legible.
I wrote Out of the Shadows before my Pilot G2 addiction, however. Back then, I was addicted to flare pens because I could read my notes in the theater for my Final Cut in Movies show. Hence, Anna’s flare pen addiction.
Be sure to click here for more Elysian Chronicles Fun Facts!
Be sure to join in the discussion at M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn group on Facebook!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
June 24, 2014
Davian’s World Cup Picks: June 24, 2014
Here are my main character Davian’s World Cup Picks for today:
Italy vs Uruguay: Since England is out of it, cuisine rules this pick. In honor of Fettuccine Alfredo, bolognese sauce, wine, and olive oil, Davian picks Italy, although he wishes he wasn’t cheering for a team that is often on the butt end of military jokes.
Costa Rica vs England: England is out of it, but Davian’s still cheering for the country that brought us Cheddar Cheese, Hobgoblin, Bass, Boddingtons, fish & chips, the Magna Carta, Harry Potter, Dr. Who, James Bond, and Sherlock Holmes. And Harriers.
Japan vs. Columbia: Davian chooses Japan. He despises the drug trade and the corruption that comes along with it.
Greece vs Ivory Coast: Davian is going to watch Japan vs Columbia and ignore this one. The Greece team disappointed him with their over-dramatic falls, and Ivory Coast has far too many problems with conflict diamonds.
We’ll be discussing the games, and of course what beverage of choice you might be drinking during the games, at my new Facebook group: M. B. Weston’s Treetop Inn. Please come join us!
Fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal novelist M. B. Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, a fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is also the hose of The Final Cut In Movies radio show that airs on TMV Cafe Monday nights at 8:00 EST. For more information on M. B. Weston, visit www.mbweston.com. To receive notification of M. B. Weston’s book releases click here to subscribe to Dark Oak Press & Media’s e-newsletter.
