Alrighty, well today we have a relatively new inspiration. The movie Big Hero 6 recently came out, and I watched it with the wife today, and the song 'Immortals' by Fall Out Boy really stuck with me. Quite a few of my character concepts involve the idea of immortality, or at least a form of it. Whether that is the belief in life after death, or eternal youth. The whole idea of continuous existence is something that appeals to me, likely having something to do with the fact that I am religious. But this strong me in a different way, the kind of immortality derived from being a legend, leaving behind a legacy.
Immortality is all well and good, but being remembered because you are always there compared to being remembered for something so great that a hundred or a thousand years later, people still know your name...well the latter is just a lot more moving and romantic. It also is a message that is far more applicable to the real world, since true immortality isn't achievable as far as we know. We achieve immortality with our deeds, and with the people we leave behind. We cannot last forever, but the impression we leave on the world can, even if the name of the person who left it can be forgotten. Deeds ring down through the generations that come long after we are gone. It is through others that we can achieve immortality, through their memory of us, so we had best make sure those memories are good ones.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Inspiration of the Day #2!
Alright, I am really meaning to keep up on these after my initial lapse. With that in mind, I feel like I should get a major piece of inspiration for Alekhine's Gun out in the open. Not only is it something that concerns me at the moment, it also happens to be one of my favorite anime-ish series ever. It is called RWBY, and it is a web series by Rooster Teeth. Some of you may recognize them as the people who do Red vs. Blue. BTW it is pronounced 'Ruby".
RWBY
Anyway, this ties in heavily to my last IotD post. It was all about a couple of scenes where a large group of normal people rise up against a monstrous threat, standing side by side. This has a similar meaning to me. Essentially, the parts of RWBY that spoke to me are the many, many scenes where the Hunters and Huntresses featured in it work together as a team to take down their enemies. They tend to be weaker and less effective alone, but when their team is all together they really kick some ass.
Anyway, I really like the idea of having a team that are reliant on each other rather than having a collection of badass individuals. The individuals approach has its own advantages, but I just feel like it is far more moving to have a team that supports and helps one another. It is this series that inspired me to change the actual meaning of the term Alekhine's Gun in the series named after it.
Originally, it was going to be a physical gun with some amazing power. But that quickly soured, especially once someone mentioned the words 'Elder Wand'. After that, I had it refer to the person in possession of a pretty epic gun. The idea was that they were the weapon of their King, who was named Alekhine. But then I saw RWBY, and it all snapped into place. Building off of the idea of the person who is nothing but a tool of their ruler, I decided that Alekhine's Gun would be multiple people referred to collectively as AG. They as a group are the weapon wielded by their King, and only together are they really all that dangerous.
Anyway, I have watched the two season show through at least four times in the last two weeks. I also have 6 songs from the soundtrack that I am currently listening to far more often than is fair to the rest of my Itunes library. It takes a few hours total for all of the episodes, since it is a web series and episodes are short. I would recommend everyone ever watch it. If you need further convincing, this here is my favorite scene (and favorite song) from the show:
CFVY (Caffeine)
RWBY
Anyway, this ties in heavily to my last IotD post. It was all about a couple of scenes where a large group of normal people rise up against a monstrous threat, standing side by side. This has a similar meaning to me. Essentially, the parts of RWBY that spoke to me are the many, many scenes where the Hunters and Huntresses featured in it work together as a team to take down their enemies. They tend to be weaker and less effective alone, but when their team is all together they really kick some ass.
Anyway, I really like the idea of having a team that are reliant on each other rather than having a collection of badass individuals. The individuals approach has its own advantages, but I just feel like it is far more moving to have a team that supports and helps one another. It is this series that inspired me to change the actual meaning of the term Alekhine's Gun in the series named after it.
Originally, it was going to be a physical gun with some amazing power. But that quickly soured, especially once someone mentioned the words 'Elder Wand'. After that, I had it refer to the person in possession of a pretty epic gun. The idea was that they were the weapon of their King, who was named Alekhine. But then I saw RWBY, and it all snapped into place. Building off of the idea of the person who is nothing but a tool of their ruler, I decided that Alekhine's Gun would be multiple people referred to collectively as AG. They as a group are the weapon wielded by their King, and only together are they really all that dangerous.
Anyway, I have watched the two season show through at least four times in the last two weeks. I also have 6 songs from the soundtrack that I am currently listening to far more often than is fair to the rest of my Itunes library. It takes a few hours total for all of the episodes, since it is a web series and episodes are short. I would recommend everyone ever watch it. If you need further convincing, this here is my favorite scene (and favorite song) from the show:
CFVY (Caffeine)
The Nagging
I don't know if anyone else has this experience, even if you happen to be a writer as well, but I thought I would share one of the most irritating trends in my writing with everyone.
Frequently, I will be finishing up a plot, setting or batch of characters, and be looking at them/it with pride. I will examine every detail, every word written about them and every idea in my head, and find no flaws. It is a perfectly good creation. But something will just not let me leave it alone. I will pour over details, run scenes through my head, write blurbs of dialogue or action scenes, and they will all be lovely. But there is something wrong.
Is it that this character is too cliche? Are they too perfect? Not interesting? Are they almost exactly like another character I have done? Is the setting too complex? Not cool enough? Are there plot holes? I will obsess over every single detail, rewrite it a million times, consider scrapping the whole idea, all after it is pretty much ready to go. This can go on for days, sometimes weeks. When I first came up with the idea of the Ombra and Manikin's Mantle, I was in this state for three months. Well over a dozen versions of that plot existed at one point, and even I was getting lost amongst them.
This nagging sense that something isn't right, that it could be better, is the blessing/curse cliche for me. It means that despite all my work, I'm not yet done. It means I will waste a ton of time rewriting plots that are fine, and reworking characters that are engaging and fun. It means that I will grow frustrated, probably annoy anyone I talk to with my constant jabber about my writing, and sometimes find it hard to sleep. I will have dreams about my plots. But despite all of this, it also means that I am not going to move forward with a subpar project.
This nagging sensation of doubt will keep me coming back at my ideas time and time again, until I find the one thing that makes it perfect. A simple switch of character roles, an alteration to the setting that is ever so slight, or simply looking at it all from a new perspective. Whatever is the eventual answer, however simple and quick of a fix it ends up being, in the end the book or series will be better for it. After all that stress and anxiety, the end result will be exactly what I want it to be.
So as I frustrate my wife with my constant pondering, annoy my mother with calls to consult her and generally withdraw from the world, I have come to enjoy these times. Yes, many of the plots that spew from my brain will be discarded. Yes, the characters might change so much I can't recognize them anymore. But when I get in this mode, it is because the plot can and will work out in the end. All of the ideas sitting unused and untouched in the depths of my computer never sparked this frenzy, and until they do, I won't be using them. But if an idea HAS sparked this obsession, it means it will be wonderful, as soon as I manage to get to it.
Frequently, I will be finishing up a plot, setting or batch of characters, and be looking at them/it with pride. I will examine every detail, every word written about them and every idea in my head, and find no flaws. It is a perfectly good creation. But something will just not let me leave it alone. I will pour over details, run scenes through my head, write blurbs of dialogue or action scenes, and they will all be lovely. But there is something wrong.
Is it that this character is too cliche? Are they too perfect? Not interesting? Are they almost exactly like another character I have done? Is the setting too complex? Not cool enough? Are there plot holes? I will obsess over every single detail, rewrite it a million times, consider scrapping the whole idea, all after it is pretty much ready to go. This can go on for days, sometimes weeks. When I first came up with the idea of the Ombra and Manikin's Mantle, I was in this state for three months. Well over a dozen versions of that plot existed at one point, and even I was getting lost amongst them.
This nagging sense that something isn't right, that it could be better, is the blessing/curse cliche for me. It means that despite all my work, I'm not yet done. It means I will waste a ton of time rewriting plots that are fine, and reworking characters that are engaging and fun. It means that I will grow frustrated, probably annoy anyone I talk to with my constant jabber about my writing, and sometimes find it hard to sleep. I will have dreams about my plots. But despite all of this, it also means that I am not going to move forward with a subpar project.
This nagging sensation of doubt will keep me coming back at my ideas time and time again, until I find the one thing that makes it perfect. A simple switch of character roles, an alteration to the setting that is ever so slight, or simply looking at it all from a new perspective. Whatever is the eventual answer, however simple and quick of a fix it ends up being, in the end the book or series will be better for it. After all that stress and anxiety, the end result will be exactly what I want it to be.
So as I frustrate my wife with my constant pondering, annoy my mother with calls to consult her and generally withdraw from the world, I have come to enjoy these times. Yes, many of the plots that spew from my brain will be discarded. Yes, the characters might change so much I can't recognize them anymore. But when I get in this mode, it is because the plot can and will work out in the end. All of the ideas sitting unused and untouched in the depths of my computer never sparked this frenzy, and until they do, I won't be using them. But if an idea HAS sparked this obsession, it means it will be wonderful, as soon as I manage to get to it.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Oops.... Inspiration of the Day!
I was glancing back through my blog and realized that I had mentioned IotD and never started it! Well at least my last post documented my excuse. Anyway, no time like the present, so here we go!
Inspiration of the day #1:
Guren No Yumiya- Linked Horizon
This is a song by a Japanese band that features as the theme for the Attack On Titan anime, which is where I found it. I find the song itself extremely inspirational as it gives me an uplifting sense of defiance and fighting back against something stronger than yourself. But more than the song, there is also a series of videos that go with this that inspire me greatly. The first is the Attack on Titan opening theme:
Attack on Titan
The part that really moves me is when you're looking out at all the houses, and then one soldier leaps up from amongst them, followed shortly by hundreds more. Seeing all of them, regular people all, standing together against the titan threat...it is just something that really inspires me about the will of people to work together to overcome obstacles greater than themselves. The second video clip has a moment very similar to it, though many might find it difficult to take seriously:
If Frozen had an Anime Opening
As you can see, same song, but to Frozen. I think it makes Frozen seem really dramatic and badass, but to be fair I actually like Frozen. The part I like in that is when the snow monster is fighting against the small group of soldiers and Prince Hans. They all stand shoulder to shoulder and fire crossbows or throw spears at it. That moment, the line of warriors facing this gigantic monster without flinching, same idea as the previous video (also same part of the song).
The idea mentioned above from both sources was the main inspiration that got me rolling on the Alekhine's Gun series. The idea of the many who are weak or normal standing up against something vastly more powerful than them. I always saw that as something really special, and a huge part of what makes AoT an interesting series.
Inspiration of the day #1:
Guren No Yumiya- Linked Horizon
This is a song by a Japanese band that features as the theme for the Attack On Titan anime, which is where I found it. I find the song itself extremely inspirational as it gives me an uplifting sense of defiance and fighting back against something stronger than yourself. But more than the song, there is also a series of videos that go with this that inspire me greatly. The first is the Attack on Titan opening theme:
Attack on Titan
The part that really moves me is when you're looking out at all the houses, and then one soldier leaps up from amongst them, followed shortly by hundreds more. Seeing all of them, regular people all, standing together against the titan threat...it is just something that really inspires me about the will of people to work together to overcome obstacles greater than themselves. The second video clip has a moment very similar to it, though many might find it difficult to take seriously:
If Frozen had an Anime Opening
As you can see, same song, but to Frozen. I think it makes Frozen seem really dramatic and badass, but to be fair I actually like Frozen. The part I like in that is when the snow monster is fighting against the small group of soldiers and Prince Hans. They all stand shoulder to shoulder and fire crossbows or throw spears at it. That moment, the line of warriors facing this gigantic monster without flinching, same idea as the previous video (also same part of the song).
The idea mentioned above from both sources was the main inspiration that got me rolling on the Alekhine's Gun series. The idea of the many who are weak or normal standing up against something vastly more powerful than them. I always saw that as something really special, and a huge part of what makes AoT an interesting series.
Write....delete....rewrite...delete...
My muse kills me sometimes. I can spend weeks coming up with an incredibly elaborate plotline with characters, action and everything, only to decide to change the whole thing last minute. I have come to peace with the process, but looking back and seeing how much time was wasted on ideas that I never went forward with...well it can be appalling. The only reason I put up with my crap is because I get results, damn me!
Anyway, spent the last few days furiously working on the plot to Alekhine's Gun. I have been running into roadblocks everywhere when it comes to plot though, so I spent some time thinking about it today, and I basically scrapped everything I had. Fortunately it only took me the rest of the day to pick the pieces back up and stick em in a new, shinier, simpler plot. I have the tendency to overcomplicate things, and when I hit roadblocks it is often because things are too complex now. So simpler, straightforward, easy to remember, hard to mess up. Hopefully.
At this point I can see going forward with this project soon, or at least finalizing the plan, which is excellent. It might make me get off my ass and revise, or finish writing my other projects. I am way too easily distracted. But.... oh hey look, an interesting blog.....
Anyway, spent the last few days furiously working on the plot to Alekhine's Gun. I have been running into roadblocks everywhere when it comes to plot though, so I spent some time thinking about it today, and I basically scrapped everything I had. Fortunately it only took me the rest of the day to pick the pieces back up and stick em in a new, shinier, simpler plot. I have the tendency to overcomplicate things, and when I hit roadblocks it is often because things are too complex now. So simpler, straightforward, easy to remember, hard to mess up. Hopefully.
At this point I can see going forward with this project soon, or at least finalizing the plan, which is excellent. It might make me get off my ass and revise, or finish writing my other projects. I am way too easily distracted. But.... oh hey look, an interesting blog.....
Monday, February 23, 2015
Late Start
Ugh, Didn't wake up until 11:30 this morning. The productive early start I had planned for my day of writing was waylaid by this damned thing called sleep once again! More potential time wasted in a state of unconsciousness. Oh well, hopefully the late start won't keep me from working today! Have lots to do as usual. Feeling a bit sick, but that means I get to stay home all day! With my computer...and writing....just like every day I don't work.... I guess sick days aren't all they're cracked up to be! :P
Another Long Day, Another Late Night
Well I did indeed get a lot done today. Not as much as I would have liked, but I can never focus when my wife is home. Relaxing day, but I am more than halfway done working on characters for my newest series. They are developing nicely, and pulling me more and more into the setting and plot as they do so. Getting more excited, which makes my lack of recent progress on Manikin's Mantle frustrating. But tomorrow is a day devoted to writing, with the wife at work so nothing else to focus on. With any luck I will begin revising Spires of Respite and make progress on Shroud of the Martyr! I'll let you all know!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Snowed In
Well the weather has driven me indoors for the day (oh nooooo). Snow everywhere has forced me to cancel my plans with my nerd friends though, which is annoying since this is the fifth week in a row SOMEONE has canceled it. Thankfully the last four weren't me, but still. On the snow reflected sunlight side, I will have a whole day with my lovely wife and my computer! Hopefully a lot of work will get done and I won't just sit around being lazy all day. Fingers crossed!
Also, I am going to start an idea that I had called Inspiration of the Day. Each day I will pick a show, idea, scene or song, etc, that has inspired me and share it with you all. Hope that will be something fun for all of us!
Also, I am going to start an idea that I had called Inspiration of the Day. Each day I will pick a show, idea, scene or song, etc, that has inspired me and share it with you all. Hope that will be something fun for all of us!
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Works in Progress
Alright, thought I would just start with an update on projects completed and available, as well as those that are in the works. Make sure everyone knows the basics.
1. Cloak of the Demon: first and currently only published book. Available through amazon and createspace as mentioned in my personal profile. A book with many twists and turns, where you're never quite sure who the heroes or villains are. Or if there even are any.
2. Shroud of the Martyr: the sequel to Cloak, book 2 of the trilogy Manikin's Mantle. I currently have around 200 pages written, and it should be completed within a month and ready for editing. I am hoping this is less than two or three months from being published, and then I will proceed to work on the next.
3. Spires of Respite: first book of a new series, as of yet unnamed. I know there will be at least one sequel, which is in the planning phase currently. Spires itself is now ready for revision, and will be published within the month. It is a darker tale that takes place primarily within Hell. While there are obviously religious themes and messages, I kept the preaching to a minimum and I don't think differing beliefs will hinder enjoyment in any way.
4. Alekhine's Gun: this is the first hint of this project that has been leaked to the public thus far! GASP!!! I know, suspenseful, mysterious, enticing. Almost like I am trying to keep you interested! Or get you interested in the first place.... Anyway, the important part is that this is the next project after the previously mentioned series are completed. I am into the detailed planning phase, and it looks like this is going to turn into a rather lengthy series. It is a more light hearted adventure that can delve into darkness at times, but overall I am going to try to keep it more uplifting and fun. Unlike my previous works, all of which were modern fantasy, this is pure fantasy and I am hoping it gives me a great deal to write about!
Other than that, there isn't much to tell. I have a facebook you can follow me on, a Twitter and a Linked In. You can find all of these links by clicking on my profile. Anywhere you find me, I hope to hear from you and always love to chat! Hit me up any time. Later folks!
1. Cloak of the Demon: first and currently only published book. Available through amazon and createspace as mentioned in my personal profile. A book with many twists and turns, where you're never quite sure who the heroes or villains are. Or if there even are any.
2. Shroud of the Martyr: the sequel to Cloak, book 2 of the trilogy Manikin's Mantle. I currently have around 200 pages written, and it should be completed within a month and ready for editing. I am hoping this is less than two or three months from being published, and then I will proceed to work on the next.
3. Spires of Respite: first book of a new series, as of yet unnamed. I know there will be at least one sequel, which is in the planning phase currently. Spires itself is now ready for revision, and will be published within the month. It is a darker tale that takes place primarily within Hell. While there are obviously religious themes and messages, I kept the preaching to a minimum and I don't think differing beliefs will hinder enjoyment in any way.
4. Alekhine's Gun: this is the first hint of this project that has been leaked to the public thus far! GASP!!! I know, suspenseful, mysterious, enticing. Almost like I am trying to keep you interested! Or get you interested in the first place.... Anyway, the important part is that this is the next project after the previously mentioned series are completed. I am into the detailed planning phase, and it looks like this is going to turn into a rather lengthy series. It is a more light hearted adventure that can delve into darkness at times, but overall I am going to try to keep it more uplifting and fun. Unlike my previous works, all of which were modern fantasy, this is pure fantasy and I am hoping it gives me a great deal to write about!
Other than that, there isn't much to tell. I have a facebook you can follow me on, a Twitter and a Linked In. You can find all of these links by clicking on my profile. Anywhere you find me, I hope to hear from you and always love to chat! Hit me up any time. Later folks!
Getting the ball rolling
Finally managed to meet with my acquaintance and get her advice on how to network. This blog is itself, obviously, the first step! I will be updating my Author facebook profile, making a Linked In profile and also joining Twitter. We shall see how things go! Also talking to one of my oldest friends, Jill, about her designing me an independent website for this purpose! It would be pretty spectacular, but I can see it being a long time in the making. I'll be sure to let everyone know when I have more information!
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