tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-363588732024-02-20T13:23:26.329-07:00Galactic LoreWelcome to Galactic Lore,
a galaxy of adventure awaits.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-59506709540090229042016-08-15T21:14:00.000-06:002016-08-15T21:14:09.377-06:00My Writing CornerIt's hard to believe that it's already been more than two weeks since Realm Makers 2016 ended. It's been a hectic two weeks as well. With the kids starting school and catching up on the back-log at work, my writing hasn't jumped forward quite as quickly as I had hoped. I know a big part of that was because of my "writing space", also known as that pile of junk in the corner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh1vTXZG16JYJXNfiz6r7xQI6KwEkjkLiVmEg2MXkTsSNX6YwFLISfPP2UbW6YX7QVhzRuaZpLIQhVNwD7HY07TbBMEyYliDDgEZYpOC7tATxPaFE1iMxSRFR0Y-ty6C_cA33/s1600/IMG_20160815_0635284_rewind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh1vTXZG16JYJXNfiz6r7xQI6KwEkjkLiVmEg2MXkTsSNX6YwFLISfPP2UbW6YX7QVhzRuaZpLIQhVNwD7HY07TbBMEyYliDDgEZYpOC7tATxPaFE1iMxSRFR0Y-ty6C_cA33/s320/IMG_20160815_0635284_rewind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yep, overly cluttered and surrounded by distractions! It also didn't help that our TV was about two feet to my left, which made it hard to focus when anyone else was playing games or watching shows on it, even if I had my headphones on. Obviously time for a change.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I packed up the boardgames taking up the shelf-space and shifted my desk so I'd be facing away from the TV. It's also nice to have some clear space on the desktop now to use for notes or sketching.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenBIjfoL9nJYIaiaR4FOQwmZkBFmEgycDwQt39KEtyEZhhwrBjfbwLJ6zg0ymWSna6JdZfAsUSakIVcXuxT04mrUJxSTi8L7D04zanKO7vJk2k0S8ZhlaPDilUc5ItmIda81E/s1600/IMG_20160815_2100531_rewind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenBIjfoL9nJYIaiaR4FOQwmZkBFmEgycDwQt39KEtyEZhhwrBjfbwLJ6zg0ymWSna6JdZfAsUSakIVcXuxT04mrUJxSTi8L7D04zanKO7vJk2k0S8ZhlaPDilUc5ItmIda81E/s320/IMG_20160815_2100531_rewind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's still a work in progress, I need to organize the shelves and bring back in some writing documents and sketch books. But it feels much better now. I've just got to keep disciplined to make sure I don't just junk it up again. :)</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-71596138747819521062016-07-30T23:29:00.002-06:002016-07-30T23:29:56.328-06:00Realm Makers 2016 - Final Day - NerfaggeddonCaptain's Log, Conference Date 20163007.<br />
<br />
Today was a test of endurance. Sleep deprivation techniques by an alien mind probe woke me up far too soon, followed by a mild cold. However MedBay prescribed a sustained treatment of DayQuill and Coffee that kept me going, if somewhat in a fog.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1_p-qZDawcUZJlX0I7cUKnqD4xIrAsvSEMsfdbuRGCJu9_mF9qz_W6narADRaNzsOoaCduZplQ2uK1uZX-AGdlmh6EAE3O0F8cUW3pX4IyvMADxsW-j6_toCjGPMF92kNQnk/s1600/IMG_20160730_0931442_rewind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1_p-qZDawcUZJlX0I7cUKnqD4xIrAsvSEMsfdbuRGCJu9_mF9qz_W6narADRaNzsOoaCduZplQ2uK1uZX-AGdlmh6EAE3O0F8cUW3pX4IyvMADxsW-j6_toCjGPMF92kNQnk/s320/IMG_20160730_0931442_rewind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">The morning started off by attending a spiritual discussion led by the esteemed Steve Laube. This talk centered around waiting on god and asking a single question four ways.</span><br />
<br />
What are you waiting for? (A group of beings known as Grammaticals, grew agitated when this question was asked, but they were mollified by a quick reference to an obscure style guide reference).<br />
<br />
This question was altered to show how the emphasis would change the meaning:<br />
<br />
1. What are you WAITING for? - This signified the agony of impatience. A reminder that while we may be in a hurry, God is not.<br />
<br />
2. What are YOU waiting for? - Signifying the futility of self-reliance. We stick to our pride and resist putting our lives in God's hands. Striking the balance here can be difficult. Work as if everything is up to you, pray as if everything is up to God.<br />
<br />
3. What are you waiting FOR? - This emphasizes the gift of anticipation. The slight hesitation in the sky, right before the sunrise, when all creation turns toward the east to behold the coming day.<br />
<br />
4. For WHAT are you waiting? (The Grammaticals cheered as this sentence appeared... they are surely odd beings.) It Must Be GOD! While you are waiting, give thanks for what you DO have.<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving should be the most natural & spontaneous response to God.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQuCY7Sk4v6I16SVPdTWBNyf09fyczTBDwVMIk6_EqKP0d5G5d8z6dTlygSbXeViqwyaCODM6-f7cRWJgaFZzXHdt0EQFDBEe2FUmXT58xbCW66y2oKZOOzhwUh8bJPJFCBT-/s1600/IMG_20160730_1148424_rewind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQuCY7Sk4v6I16SVPdTWBNyf09fyczTBDwVMIk6_EqKP0d5G5d8z6dTlygSbXeViqwyaCODM6-f7cRWJgaFZzXHdt0EQFDBEe2FUmXT58xbCW66y2oKZOOzhwUh8bJPJFCBT-/s320/IMG_20160730_1148424_rewind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Following this inspiring and challenging message, I attended one of the more unique and funny sessions of the weekend. How to Court Your Work delivered by TJ DaRosa.<br />
<br />
TJ described ways to look at writing as a relationship. Causing much laughter and some unique insight.<br />
<br />
Some examples of this are:<br />
<br />
The One Night Stand - The flash of inspiration that hits you hard, and you immediately rush to write the story in a single sitting. But often this does not translate into a longer work.<br />
<br />
Internet Dating - Do you see a pretty face and immediately swipe to flirt? (You're probably a plotter) Or do you dive deep into the person's profile first? (You may be a character driven writer)<br />
<br />
Blind Date - You don't really know where you're going, or what will happen! Who knows what you'll find in the end.<br />
<br />
The Friend Zone - You're in a one-sided relationship with your story world, constantly pouring effort in, but never getting a story out. (You can try to break out of the zone by writing about how anything you create impacts a single person in your world.)<br />
<br />
As you can probably tell, the translator didn't always function, but it was a great time and lots of fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcg5WONxc-Kr4D6pA4Bup8GVCjlIGrZyy-W8zjuKGPbWomxwX-T7kCVB6a-EYjJx80KMv4GSMeoVOIDTANCkSJlDdYmyUlNFw6JAaBkfqO2VBEFrbfZZZQRXMynseCQ9NBIVw/s1600/IMG_20160730_1352236_rewind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcg5WONxc-Kr4D6pA4Bup8GVCjlIGrZyy-W8zjuKGPbWomxwX-T7kCVB6a-EYjJx80KMv4GSMeoVOIDTANCkSJlDdYmyUlNFw6JAaBkfqO2VBEFrbfZZZQRXMynseCQ9NBIVw/s320/IMG_20160730_1352236_rewind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After a short break to refuel, I encountered the man known around the galaxy for creating the worst Christian Fiction cover of 2013, the ever suave Kirk DuPonce.<br />
<br />
Kirk wowed the assembled beings with a display of his time-warping cover design skills, squeezing two days of work into a five minute demonstration.<br />
<br />
Followed by the number one rule in cover design.<br />
<br />
Always use the font Papyrus.... <br />
<br />
if you really want a bad book cover.<br />
<br />
Also a big congrats to Kirk for winning his second Parable award this year.<br />
<br />
After this second light-hearted session, I returned for Steve Laube's final session on The Spirituality of Marketing.<br />
<br />
This session explored the tension between Marketing and Ministry in an inspired way, by examining the life of the prophet Jeremiah. Honestly, I don't know that I could even capture a tenth of the insight and thought that went into this presentation.<br />
<br />
But again, what stuck with me was that I cannot be afraid to follow the Lord's leading. Even if doing so makes me appear a failure to the world. Because true success is found in doing what God has told me to do.<br />
<br />
Thomas Locke's ending keynote address gave another five great lessons to mull over and explore.<br />
<br />
1. From this day forward you are a writer. You must admit this privately to yourself and come to terms with what it means.<br />
<br />
2. Accept the difference between your current project and your calling. You must be able to emotionally detach from your story without losing sight that you were called to write.<br />
<br />
3. Reward yourself often & well. Your sense of self-worth demands you reward yourself to upload your sense of passion.<br />
<br />
4. Develop spiritual resources that foster your spiritual gift.<br />
<br />
5. Where possible, adapt to the changing outside world without compromising your principles.<br />
<br />
<br />
The conference closed with the Thunderdome Fight Workshop by Carla Hoch. The following quote may best capture the spirit of this workshop:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13880282_806149125042_8920250719550811250_n.jpg?oh=802263db7dde441abe0d74f9ab56404b&oe=58316770" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13880282_806149125042_8920250719550811250_n.jpg?oh=802263db7dde441abe0d74f9ab56404b&oe=58316770" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Carla used her experience in martial arts and a great sense of humor to not only explain ways to fight off an attacker, but to help bring a sense of reality and deeper understanding to the fight scenes we write in books.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But the conference could not fully end, without an all out Nerf War. Teams were drawn and flags were planted as the Gallen Hall first and second floors were transformed into a warzone between the team Fury and team Doom (GO TEAM DOOM)! This was truly an epic encounter as over sixty attendees fought it out in glorious combat. I will leave you with just a few photographic records of this event.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
End Transmission.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhGrvUB-U0Woyjaw8vKGLTMA_CgFQGJ8dWOVeEEzPphcRRCcST3qE2k8hmh2EXj7eyaUI6zvtFoDdDC8NWrIm3BJslgglOWZYR8Y03xjEw2GnY9WGIylSVQsg7gZLoaYY36_g/s1600/DSCN3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhGrvUB-U0Woyjaw8vKGLTMA_CgFQGJ8dWOVeEEzPphcRRCcST3qE2k8hmh2EXj7eyaUI6zvtFoDdDC8NWrIm3BJslgglOWZYR8Y03xjEw2GnY9WGIylSVQsg7gZLoaYY36_g/s320/DSCN3784.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKRGFhfglbtJfSQpsPu0HUvQjKLIO912PYM16hIITKoPjjOfbRXdityLJeXaGfBkFjpyTIrfQ9tMZNZ1uTrgPo0A2aN7mdAIuoAI0sKKZOiliENdPSMmRh9RdL9UvhZ_vtgXV/s1600/DSCN3789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKRGFhfglbtJfSQpsPu0HUvQjKLIO912PYM16hIITKoPjjOfbRXdityLJeXaGfBkFjpyTIrfQ9tMZNZ1uTrgPo0A2aN7mdAIuoAI0sKKZOiliENdPSMmRh9RdL9UvhZ_vtgXV/s320/DSCN3789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUehPMUx3cSICiEySqqTGSELtVDbYBexSpXMux84VBK7Q4gOhO7s0bT85W1X4ysEYKnlDXDx49gbqVfA5j-MSOYbG1isxKbKmoMFvnVzt1gGQp56Km-VvFuvgXOxwcOY8q8Bsn/s1600/DSCN3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUehPMUx3cSICiEySqqTGSELtVDbYBexSpXMux84VBK7Q4gOhO7s0bT85W1X4ysEYKnlDXDx49gbqVfA5j-MSOYbG1isxKbKmoMFvnVzt1gGQp56Km-VvFuvgXOxwcOY8q8Bsn/s320/DSCN3792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFr2HhzrstG5d1IEzAzaXVHrDAECpw0x2VavGGkaGCfcIlJxK-3JXacphlBjjZV9fH2NUnx9Xtr6lQZMRF6LsOX9GwqahTK8l1EPBbXFnRD3LFG5qzKfrXjqEsd6ukQYD0UPm/s1600/DSCN3805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFr2HhzrstG5d1IEzAzaXVHrDAECpw0x2VavGGkaGCfcIlJxK-3JXacphlBjjZV9fH2NUnx9Xtr6lQZMRF6LsOX9GwqahTK8l1EPBbXFnRD3LFG5qzKfrXjqEsd6ukQYD0UPm/s320/DSCN3805.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7IZAW1BtOC7dZ9C3m2J9LUUQ5vdoETBJMDvGRBc8MBX62nNdkooNWQrZqUuFUFsjXpFWST2eip6ZBQUsTsb3zvADm7wIxQRtRVnxNFhzzzBpVPYv7YcgyNOBWydZyvE1W5_I/s1600/DSCN3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7IZAW1BtOC7dZ9C3m2J9LUUQ5vdoETBJMDvGRBc8MBX62nNdkooNWQrZqUuFUFsjXpFWST2eip6ZBQUsTsb3zvADm7wIxQRtRVnxNFhzzzBpVPYv7YcgyNOBWydZyvE1W5_I/s320/DSCN3810.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-41172129836157948552016-07-29T22:25:00.000-06:002016-07-29T22:25:28.056-06:00Realm Makers 2016 - Day 2 - Discipline & CosplayCaptain's Log, Conference Date 20162907,<br />
<br />
My expedition among the gathering of the Realm Makers continues. And the marvels continue to unfold.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The day started off with some strangely familiar characters fighting it out over the light and dark sides of editing. A dark and explosive man named Kylo Ren, sought to teach all how to <strike>conquer</strike> win over their audiences by using the Force without the need for editing! But he was bested by the mysterious Rey, who showed the light side of the force, and a snickers, to be stronger.<br />
<br />
It was truly an engaging start to the day.<br />
<br />
Not to be outdone by forces form far, far Away, keynote speaker Thomas Locke gave a strong an inspirational talk about the discipline of writing and learning to identify the areas of control in your writing.<br />
<br />
Some key thoughts that stood out from this most enlightening talk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Forge a discipline around your creative clock. And build a boundary around this time.</li>
<li>If you hit a wall, feel free to walk away and let your subconscious work through it, but always come back.</li>
<li>Forge the discipline of your writing space. Separate from outside distractions.</li>
<li>Write your first draft with confidence, not looking back or re-reading what has been written.</li>
<li>Write your second draft with doubt and questioning.</li>
<li>Seek joy regardless of the outcome.</li>
</ol>
<div>
This message truly hit home and I will carry it with me in all my future endeavors exploring the realms that lay ahead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later, I observed the great and powerful Kathy Tyers divulge the secrets of the Relam Makers. This wise being spoke at length of the breadth of the speculative genres, and of the intense and exhaustive work that must go into creating fully fleshed out Realms. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few notes I pulled from this talk were:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>90-95% of what you know about your world will never make it into the story.</li>
<li>Mystery is ok but confusion is taboo.</li>
<li>Write what you enjoy reading.</li>
<li>If you make a mistake, don't immediately fix it, first ask, "Why did this happen?"</li>
<li>Know the how the community works and how your characters fit in it.</li>
</ol>
<div>
This foundational talk of making Realms continued with the theme of discipline. The discipline of putting in the work that no one will ever see, but will surely notice if it is not done well. Excellence requires the dedication to ask and seek out the answers that give dimension and cohesion to created realm.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps the most striking display today, though was the Real Maker's awards banquet. For it was here that the beings in attendance showed their true selves as they transformed into beings majestic and terrifying.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I must cut the transmission here, but will leave you with an image log of these strange proceedings. And a message of congratulations to those whose realms were chosen for the honors bestowed upon them by their fellow Realm Makers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q729f9nf612um-fwnPiKl6V_Zb-B76lGiH9EzPVZn1eXjGToFz5s5xWKBl8YUVz-XAX3MPr257LMnobF2qV-n7OAAYaj-uZK5FoCc8BUfqsYPmdDCiRA4TgqEPjzeixr0JfL/s1600/DSCN3747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q729f9nf612um-fwnPiKl6V_Zb-B76lGiH9EzPVZn1eXjGToFz5s5xWKBl8YUVz-XAX3MPr257LMnobF2qV-n7OAAYaj-uZK5FoCc8BUfqsYPmdDCiRA4TgqEPjzeixr0JfL/s320/DSCN3747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwozZ9PfLtgy2N-tKqVRkFAYGx1C9qbPQsDeSCYCv3HcYYxJVFqMhlGro-ndsU-XCVIiEoD_0cjJXgYBzYGND4EbcuBC1YnIoknbFdzjF73cTDiolNVZVBcRZpml1_BDISGnv/s1600/DSCN3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwozZ9PfLtgy2N-tKqVRkFAYGx1C9qbPQsDeSCYCv3HcYYxJVFqMhlGro-ndsU-XCVIiEoD_0cjJXgYBzYGND4EbcuBC1YnIoknbFdzjF73cTDiolNVZVBcRZpml1_BDISGnv/s320/DSCN3751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWuR7jJ0VToPxWUzteOIBB-UiLL70mofzEx7Mw4b_FSoGMV8I-DfUxszrbydar-VrVO4WzA_qp2tEC-x5vSaqMr1qJ9gBZvlc1JFPJEIdEZscKwyel86nBINvzJAGPxqDTYqn/s1600/DSCN3758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWuR7jJ0VToPxWUzteOIBB-UiLL70mofzEx7Mw4b_FSoGMV8I-DfUxszrbydar-VrVO4WzA_qp2tEC-x5vSaqMr1qJ9gBZvlc1JFPJEIdEZscKwyel86nBINvzJAGPxqDTYqn/s320/DSCN3758.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43xvLvclMb4DHInL_EVjTDGSex9dOMlrj70U3PRt4vPA3V68V5EgXZolelLd31LbymYhV1Uvj75oOC2WOx3kAdAcmS3Twvb7RlDfZb5UjqcmcCaxI8mBb2EfEklSLw4vmE1GW/s1600/DSCN3760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43xvLvclMb4DHInL_EVjTDGSex9dOMlrj70U3PRt4vPA3V68V5EgXZolelLd31LbymYhV1Uvj75oOC2WOx3kAdAcmS3Twvb7RlDfZb5UjqcmcCaxI8mBb2EfEklSLw4vmE1GW/s320/DSCN3760.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdbX_C4NVwI7zt7NL9mcO_1voTqs1eAy0QRsceLDxwQwH1VdIrY0hti16vzX3mwGlM7Kf513fKVKUtSJuGPz0EM7jMfmXiCwwn22w9GEWbI3-Eep0_RVTCugFMHgZlZxd9w2j/s1600/DSCN3762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdbX_C4NVwI7zt7NL9mcO_1voTqs1eAy0QRsceLDxwQwH1VdIrY0hti16vzX3mwGlM7Kf513fKVKUtSJuGPz0EM7jMfmXiCwwn22w9GEWbI3-Eep0_RVTCugFMHgZlZxd9w2j/s320/DSCN3762.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZbsX7UXKEl5X7mYNTzWVBMZtDkhXgqdg_BYACwe2PzhyphenhyphenBxfoL7b9FotApEo5SvfH8TYq2lsg_ODC43gbR5mrbUkHC6GjWrbibOgOyeB951E4XfH9nfhOkQdSF-cZ7NFjsI5P/s1600/DSCN3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZbsX7UXKEl5X7mYNTzWVBMZtDkhXgqdg_BYACwe2PzhyphenhyphenBxfoL7b9FotApEo5SvfH8TYq2lsg_ODC43gbR5mrbUkHC6GjWrbibOgOyeB951E4XfH9nfhOkQdSF-cZ7NFjsI5P/s320/DSCN3767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PY7nhIB86KhyeAFm-NVOZKIRouFxmq0ZFfLiXV-t5B6cBRRDZFFUkOor_alrkrLQBHH-O8Xlsb6LcEdk56mv4b-cYeVlYLZj751XMXHHtB6LFJknb_OoE3iQSm9-w48cfMIJ/s1600/DSCN3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PY7nhIB86KhyeAFm-NVOZKIRouFxmq0ZFfLiXV-t5B6cBRRDZFFUkOor_alrkrLQBHH-O8Xlsb6LcEdk56mv4b-cYeVlYLZj751XMXHHtB6LFJknb_OoE3iQSm9-w48cfMIJ/s320/DSCN3769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXvrttZIXiGWA4hIEU9POKH0YY-ZFGlevDMI7GsfohDsXUTf3xsa-obQ11s-qFLaMoU0PW2X-Ua1Qu3Sf1mnIv9ypuVBK6av0K3G0hO_3hKjT1uydk4Oup4ghQ31TJpNYJkfU/s1600/DSCN3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXvrttZIXiGWA4hIEU9POKH0YY-ZFGlevDMI7GsfohDsXUTf3xsa-obQ11s-qFLaMoU0PW2X-Ua1Qu3Sf1mnIv9ypuVBK6av0K3G0hO_3hKjT1uydk4Oup4ghQ31TJpNYJkfU/s320/DSCN3771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CixqiIT4uLEX37T4xBKBmdeDAwjO8Ndg49-3K1GUjYjcpHUXGYs5pFqy2cU3XbnmZD17ZR6vvKP5oB5dUI-_-Pwt87wnem9An_yVeXuD-eIW0YlwPbeqsjVN-EFMjlYHyFtI/s1600/DSCN3780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CixqiIT4uLEX37T4xBKBmdeDAwjO8Ndg49-3K1GUjYjcpHUXGYs5pFqy2cU3XbnmZD17ZR6vvKP5oB5dUI-_-Pwt87wnem9An_yVeXuD-eIW0YlwPbeqsjVN-EFMjlYHyFtI/s320/DSCN3780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-83247779914560595592016-07-28T22:30:00.001-06:002016-07-28T22:33:34.135-06:00Realm Makers 2016 Day 1 - Early Bird & the Launch PartyCaptain's Log Conference Date 20162807,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have arrived at planet Villa Nova for the gathering of the Realm Makers. This strange assortment of beings all have the incredible power to bring worlds into existence merely by willing it to happen through words and pictures. Exactly how this phenomenon comes about will have to be explored through further research, but my science officer says that it appears to be powered by an exceptional mix of creativity and passion.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are some of the things I witnessed today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://http//suzyq4u.com" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzBzYEBV9YBXVfZhV9LcZEvXY1jYLE-ZQQ_S1bTQt575mspMJ9CIJJNJkbTtKDwnznqEiJw7EIOD0GTWDwS3psGniQtGT5ydQYXb8bUJ-AUpGUmWHLV8ImTMkd-IHBoN9wFF-/s200/suzyq.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
After arriving in this hot and muggy land, I ventured into the cool interior of a gathering place for these beings. There I had the privilege to witness the wisdom and insight of the amazing duo of Suzanne and Shaw Kuhn.</div>
<div>
This session for the "Early Birds" gave invaluable advice about finding and protecting your Brand.<br />
<br />
Some key data points:<br />
<br />
1. You Are Your Brand - Your brand is your identity to your audience, it is why they see you as. And it is your promise to them for what to expect from you.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SCu6ibIhLhLZ1g3ijW8UaLOCE1mn4_1AVg9zPSM0vo80qGjIrk6t4om52S4u_ViszqJv9CBxLWEFP-pCKBUHOTcUttUglp6vBaTZ3UnpfPQvvwDlCCtsmCLlWnt-z5sKvwb9/s1600/DSCN3717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SCu6ibIhLhLZ1g3ijW8UaLOCE1mn4_1AVg9zPSM0vo80qGjIrk6t4om52S4u_ViszqJv9CBxLWEFP-pCKBUHOTcUttUglp6vBaTZ3UnpfPQvvwDlCCtsmCLlWnt-z5sKvwb9/s320/DSCN3717.JPG" width="320" /></a>2. Send out you story in advance to people, asking them for reviews to use for marketing purposes. You will learn things about your book from those reviews that you would have never seen for yourself. Use this knowledge when promoting the book. And always thank your reviewers for their valuable feedback, and ask them to share their review when the book is released.<br />
<br />
3. Know and befriend the five influencers:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Book Retailers</li>
<li>Librarians</li>
<li>Teachers</li>
<li>Book Clubs</li>
<li>Avid Readers</li>
</ol>
<div>
These influencers will help you spread news of your book throughout the galaxy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuXsvhAGSWEbbNTRkQJLfeH19EUqCSEhdiCxPPoyGI9d6mhfcPsIw1FtBjFXTOFDDZJejNX7XnXvAG3ogIuCOXnVulNtSbr-HYOPKLp4MFHh9cHIRtrrEajIwPSVCNG6YIfPK/s1600/IMG_20160728_1608072_rewind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuXsvhAGSWEbbNTRkQJLfeH19EUqCSEhdiCxPPoyGI9d6mhfcPsIw1FtBjFXTOFDDZJejNX7XnXvAG3ogIuCOXnVulNtSbr-HYOPKLp4MFHh9cHIRtrrEajIwPSVCNG6YIfPK/s200/IMG_20160728_1608072_rewind.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div>
We were also introduced the the most odd of local culinary dishes, known as "Tomato Pie". Though I was reluctant to try this oddly cake-like pie, it turned out to be quite delicious. A true surprise, and not the last of which I expect to discover on this journey.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Later in the evening, I learned of a strange ritual known as the "Splickety Launch Party."<br />
<br />
It was truly a sight to behold as a wolf in red pant found called forth beings from the audience to partake in such actions as pulling tissues form a box, pretending to be a walrus stacking marshmallows, and even the stacking of drinking vessels, all for the chance to win amazing prizes.<br />
<br />
Though the truly spectacular event was saved for last<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0f4gEyE9dyXtC97mQjdfg0YmwUQc2JdZIq3g98DlEqGBEMgpKD5VPcMx7UMTX0RM6Nu82g4WekBl64bm0UMH_D5Zp2cb1Km5xPuz_nU3zY9T9pt0rI3zkm7GxUSdwY965qIdP/s1600/DSCN3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0f4gEyE9dyXtC97mQjdfg0YmwUQc2JdZIq3g98DlEqGBEMgpKD5VPcMx7UMTX0RM6Nu82g4WekBl64bm0UMH_D5Zp2cb1Km5xPuz_nU3zY9T9pt0rI3zkm7GxUSdwY965qIdP/s320/DSCN3728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes! The local "politicians" form this land's contest of power appeared to debate many aspects of the writing world. From whether the oxford comma should be done away with, to the merits of the point of view. It was truly a sight to behold.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, I have found this first day to be quite enlightening, and am looking forward to what new discoveries will be found in the days to come.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you to all who have made this expedition possible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
End transmission.</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-9765999828310966812016-07-24T22:55:00.001-06:002016-07-24T22:55:39.709-06:00Writing Progress toward Realm Makers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-PpwjK4yeyNQMUSL9d42dukZsEsRIUKSNRUwDl8NKH4ezDO3HKj8JDvzVj12BuqJa2y2vEzqz6uM_G9cYGro1TSJs52oNDMsTKSk6sY4EDYqKlOO-F_XJPzeTG8FYMPdRJbt/s1600/Copy+of+rathesketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Concept Sketch of Rathe of Yanguch from Starfire" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-PpwjK4yeyNQMUSL9d42dukZsEsRIUKSNRUwDl8NKH4ezDO3HKj8JDvzVj12BuqJa2y2vEzqz6uM_G9cYGro1TSJs52oNDMsTKSk6sY4EDYqKlOO-F_XJPzeTG8FYMPdRJbt/s320/Copy+of+rathesketch.jpg" title="Concept Sketch of Rathe of Yanguch from Starfire" width="320" /></a></div>
Short update for tonight.<br />
<br />
I finished the first draft of the first chapter of the latest iteration (the 4th I believe) of Starfire's sequel. I'm not as far along as I wanted to be by now, but it is progress. I've also laid out Monday night and all day Wednesday as writing time, with Tuesday set aside for packing, and more writing.<br />
<br />
I'm really enjoying this version. Picking up with Rathe about three Saurian months (a <i>Segat </i>for those who are curious, each equates to 3 earth months) since we last saw him at the end of Starfire.<br />
<br />
Rathe's struggling to come to terms with the events that ended Starfire, the cost that is still being paid, and what his new role is in the changed world. He has to contend with those who want to choose what his destiny will be, and with those who will stop at nothing to ensure he has no destiny.<br />
<br />
Friends may be foes, foes may be friends. And in the end, everything he thought he knew will be thrown to the stars.<br />
<br />
Which, reminds me, I've really got to work on the "elevator pitch" before I get to the conference! I struggle with how much to say without spoiling what came before and what Rathe has in store for him!<br />
<br />
More on that later, though.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-35189904493384762882016-07-22T22:58:00.001-06:002016-07-22T23:15:07.978-06:00A Journey Restored - Realm Makers 2016On April 2nd, 2016 my wife and I attended the 8th annual, Write In the Springs conference put on by the local Colroado Springs ACFW chapter. It was a simple, one-day conference, one that I wasn't really looking forward to, not because I didn't think it would be good, but because I have been struggling with guilt about my writing.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGp4NU2eH0zCJ2jRNx4uIAmQte146s3oHzz7x3SUc7KErDSIduyGmrTEn1EjKx2s9Ms0ohLvzALtbf_Fzgbjhx5cNk4mb6K1pmbKxatfMyv8h10ZiA_7Zd0qqF6nGfzVNesmk3/s1600/DSC01360+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2009 ACFW conference book signing with my daughter." border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGp4NU2eH0zCJ2jRNx4uIAmQte146s3oHzz7x3SUc7KErDSIduyGmrTEn1EjKx2s9Ms0ohLvzALtbf_Fzgbjhx5cNk4mb6K1pmbKxatfMyv8h10ZiA_7Zd0qqF6nGfzVNesmk3/s200/DSC01360+092.JPG" style="cursor: move;" title="Book Signing at ACFW" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ACFW Conference, Denver 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Starfire released on April 1st, 2009. And was incredibly well received. But since then my attempts at writing the sequel always fizzled out. As time passed, I felt more like a failure and like maybe I had missed my chance.<br />
<br />
But the truth is, I was only failing because I chose to fail.<br />
<br />
At the Write in the Springs conference Allen Arnold, the speaker, handed out notebooks to all of the attendees with a special note written in the front. Each message was unique, a note from God meant specifically for the person who received it, delivered in faith.<br />
<br />
The note in the front of my notebook cracked the shell of guilt and shame that had covered my passion.<br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i>
<i>"I've given you this this passion to write as a way to spend time together. Embrace Creative Intimacy and watch what we write together." - GOD</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i>
I realized I had been trying to do too much on my own, and not asking God to go on this creative journey with me. I was struggling on in my own strength, and that was far too lacking. I had denied my passion He had given me for fear of being burnt.<br />
<br />
That conference rekindled the coals of my smothered passion and let me begin to hope again. It was then that I mentioned to my wife that it would be nice to try and make it to Realm Makers this year. Even though I didn't know how we would be able to pull it off. The trip was far beyond our financial ability at that time. And as the days passed I let the rote rituals of daily life pull me back into the mundane routine.<br />
<br />
But my wife, Tiffany, saw the flicker of hope and launched a campaign to help get me to Realm Makers. With the help of family, friends, and even a few strangers, the goal was met, and the trip is now booked.<br />
<br />
So, next week I'll be attending my first multi-day writing conference since 2009. But I am not going with a sense of failure and shame. I am going with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. I can't deny my passion for creation, for wild and outlandish tales, and for the story that has lain dormant for so long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.realmmakers.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="realm makers logo" border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85m6F6rG5rJAhObJ8b4slWZdV2KEZCiGXq7HVcXUuD7fMH5BA7Fhve2XYvyDso28vzU_CHMoSt5AInH1DM-5ZPEclf7VPEz2b-CwwZefzGDBO0H14fpt_uvLiOeTlL05GeHzG/s320/9affedf03a4f4da59c39f5777dd1bef1.jpg" title="Realm Makers" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm going to Realm Makers with the knowledge that this will be the year that the sequel to Starfire is written. It won't be the story I would have written six years ago, but I believe it will be all the better for how much I've grown and changed in the time that's passed.<br />
<br />
As an insufficient "Thank you" to those who helped get me there, and as an exercise in the discipline I must remaster, I'll be journaling my thoughts and experiences in preparing for and attending this year's Realm Makers.<br />
<br />
Thanks for still believing in me. This journey is just beginning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC696lZpzUnDthbx8kDcYpekqgCrzbIgA1k5O9sFZjqyQBetAep2IvQQ9qt82pBAfrFCLzky7CEaiVjcOzkGude_5169HIAFMVv8RWY__e25evtuL5vMNSacfGGteRKRVycjHy/s1600/morline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC696lZpzUnDthbx8kDcYpekqgCrzbIgA1k5O9sFZjqyQBetAep2IvQQ9qt82pBAfrFCLzky7CEaiVjcOzkGude_5169HIAFMVv8RWY__e25evtuL5vMNSacfGGteRKRVycjHy/s320/morline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-12215981840094991432013-03-19T22:13:00.001-06:002013-03-19T22:13:30.330-06:00Revisiting Starfire – The History of the StarsThe first scene in <i>Starfire</i>
is one of the places in the novel that was re-written the most. I had a lot of
information to convey about Rathe and the world he inhabited all while trying
to set the tone for things to come. The original opening line of this scene was
a highly clichéd “A storm was brewing.” Not exactly attention grabbing, eh? But
it was a good reminder to me that I wanted this opening scene to begin laying
the foundation for so many things yet to come.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A big piece of writing advice is to start your story off in
the action! Grab your readers by the throat and don’t let them go! I didn’t
really follow that advice. Instead I wanted to start planting questions in the
reader’s mind. Make them as curious about the world as they were about who this
strange Yanguch named Rathe was. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apart from all the craziness of an alien storm with
exploding plants, I wanted to plant the seed of the Saurians being something of
a cursed race by touching on Rathe & Rakjear’s reaction to the stars. As we
learn later in the novel, the Saurians were once far more technologically
advanced than they are during the events of the novel. But what was it that
caused their collapse in technology? What was the wrath of the stars and the
Dread?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I won’t go into much detail about these events just yet, but
you may be able to piece together some of the clues based on the hints in
Starfire and the glossary in the back of the book. Suffice it to say that this
was the Saurian Flood and Tower of Babel rolled into one catastrophic event.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little less than two thousand aboyoch (Saurian years)
prior to the events of <i>Starfire</i>, the
Ularis Empire had colonized two of Saurias moons, and as a whole had embraced the
teachings of Surka and began the search for Shenkai, what they believed was the
true home of the Saurians. At the same time the other two great powers of the
time, the First Hearian Dynasty and the Karn Empire had made their own forays
into space and a war broke out as they fought over the moons and their
resources.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Ularis though did not fight the war to hold onto
territory, but to buy time, for they believed they had found the way to Shenkai
and their pilgrimage there was soon at hand. In their arrogance, the Ularis
pushed too far and Vor Tol Ko threw the Saurians down from the stars in the
event that became known as the Wrath of the Stars. He also instilled in them a
deep fear of technology and the heavens, what they now call the Dread, and this
ushered in the time of Chaos. The Ularis Empire vanished, and for hundreds of
aboyoch the Saurians lived in terror of the technology they had created and the
stars they had strived to reach.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over time, the Dread diminished and Saurians began
reclaiming their past. Empires were re-founded and secrets best left buried by
time were uncovered. By Rathe’s time, the Dread had become more of a discomfort,
except for when encountering technology directly related to space travel (as
seen a few times during <i>Starfire</i>).
And perhaps soon, their arrogance will return and they will once more begin
looking at the stars not in fear, but in hunger. For Surka still whispers the
promise of Shenkai, and the faithful spread the word of a pilgrimage to be led
by the new Hand of Surka.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-7752621745759240062013-02-14T22:35:00.000-07:002013-02-14T22:35:11.528-07:00Re-Visiting Starfire: The Prophecy & PrologueStarfire didn't originally have a prologue. I had planned to start it right off in chapter one with Rathe standing on the transport ship and let all of the world & motivations be unveiled from there. However, as a side project during the writing of the novel, I took some time to write a short story looking into the key event from Rathe's past where he first gets the jerkrenak fang.<br />
<br />
The short story was mainly a way for me to see how the events happened and lay out some groundwork for understanding Rathe's feelings about the event. Eventually though I decided that the story was quite integral to the novel and to letting people get an early understanding of Rathe's motivations and so I merged it into the story as the prologue.<br />
<br />
Adding the prologue did create some big changes in the story as I wrote. For instance, I never really intended for the wounded hatchling to play any real kind of role in the main story. But when Rathe entered the merchant's shop and the Barniks walked out with a metal leg, Goshren's place in the story just sort of sprang to life.<br />
<br />
Similarly, the prophecy at the start of the book wasn't really in my original plan. When I added it initially it was more to try and bring out the spiritual side of the book a bit more, something to show that there was a Greater Hand at work in the story than just the characters. I'm not sure how effective it is though, or if it is even a relatively good one, but it is there. And to date it's only been partially fulfilled. <br />
<br />
By the end of the second book you should have a much better understanding of exactly how far reaching the consequences of Rathe's choice will be. Though it will be a long time before the prophecy is fully completed. <br />
<br />
But that's another story.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-73953307063151965712013-02-12T21:45:00.003-07:002013-02-12T21:46:20.290-07:00Re-Visiting Starfire: What's in a Title?<em>Galactic Lore</em> - <em>Starfire</em> - <em>The Mending: Book 1</em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7OoImdFzei05ASJwuX7bt-Q0kBK69qAlKtqVRoRE2q75BnIHS17IUokt_NR8kFeZJ6YNe9fKR5xUJYyq2iShGR7sEidhANpEah5Z51NuLe9inmLDqwgK-UovooRKfWc9qyaI/s1600/starfire_fcvr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7OoImdFzei05ASJwuX7bt-Q0kBK69qAlKtqVRoRE2q75BnIHS17IUokt_NR8kFeZJ6YNe9fKR5xUJYyq2iShGR7sEidhANpEah5Z51NuLe9inmLDqwgK-UovooRKfWc9qyaI/s1600/starfire_fcvr.jpg" /></a></div>
That's quite a mouthful for a title, and has raised some questions as to what the "real' title of the book is from time to time.<br />
<br />
But maybe that's because the title took a circuitous route to being created. And in honor of that I'll start in the middle.<br />
<br />
Starfire, the official title for this book wasn't it's first. During the earliest days of brainstorming and story discovery it was simply "Rathe's Tale". Mostly because I didn't know what the Macguffin for his journey would be. I knew I wanted it to be an object of power. But when I finally settled on the Starfire as the ultimate goal, the end title was just a no-brainer. Sure it doesn't imediately bring visions of weapon wielding dinosaurs to mind, but it does have a good air of adventure and science fiction goodness.<br />
<br />
With Starfire taking over the main title spot, Rathe's Tale fell to being the series header for a long time. It was a nice enough series title during the time of writing, and I think I actually prefer it (possibly for sentimental reasons) to the current title of The Mending. The new title was a late change to the book, and I think happened during the contracting period or shortly after. I felt at the time that Rathe's Tale was possibly too bland and didn't evoke any real connection to the events of the story. So in a rather quick decision I changed the series title. And thus it stands! The Mending fits with the big picture events happening during the books it will encompass, to an extent (as referenced in the prophecy at the start of the book) so it can still work, it's just rather cryptic and a bit odd.<br />
<br />
Finally, Galactic Lore. This is the oldest part of the title as it's not so much a descriptor of the book as it is a label of the mythos the novel takes place in. I started using the tag Galactic Lore during my college days as an over-arching label for everything I was creating for most of my stories. Think of it as a header like Star Wars or Dragonlance. It's there to let readers know what universe the story belongs to and what they can expect from the settings. Of course it doesn't really work with just one book out, but there are plans... (Galactic Lore - Downfall, Galactic Lore - Sojourn, Galactic Lore - Heroes of the Shattered Mountains, Galactic Lore - Gateweaver... and too many more to list). So if my plans for 2013 go through, you'll see the Galactic Lore mythos expanding in ways you may not have been expecting. And I'll have to get a proper logo created. <br />
<br />
So there you go, more than you ever wanted to know about the title to my first novel. Next time I'll get past the cover and into the actual story.<br />
<br />
And I'll leave you for the evening with my wife's favorite Saurian phrase:<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #f1c232;">Nirt dine!</span></em><br />
<br />
------- <br />
<br />
<strong>Active Projects:</strong><br />
Short Story: Beloved Voice - Current Word Count: 142<br />
Novel: Downnfall - The Mending Book 2 - Current Word Count:8,722Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-45748309207887355912013-02-11T20:52:00.002-07:002013-02-11T20:54:29.466-07:00Re-Visiting Starfire: Igniting the Forge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Egpf66GBYgelDHDX2Xj0R1aWRa5RzvPBcM5vZHK52dDrOWap5epWkDBsvtTixEVW5Q_EbAXmXDl7wPYKTsK7_bs6ZtbmAuD5mXjv690xB1yuJbZyuWE0SIfyQo6EHgVEkTL8/s1600/a-new-dawn-1920x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Egpf66GBYgelDHDX2Xj0R1aWRa5RzvPBcM5vZHK52dDrOWap5epWkDBsvtTixEVW5Q_EbAXmXDl7wPYKTsK7_bs6ZtbmAuD5mXjv690xB1yuJbZyuWE0SIfyQo6EHgVEkTL8/s320/a-new-dawn-1920x1200.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In just a few short months, it is going to be four years
since my novel Starfire was published. I could chase away the few who stumble
across this once-abandoned locale with a litany of excuses as to why the sequel
has not yet materialized. Let’s suffice it to say that I simply have not been
the writer I should have been and that the fires that forged Starfire had been
neglected as I cared for the needs of my fledgling family and adjusted to being
a husband and father, seeking out “easier” distractions than crafting alien
cultures. Much to the detriment to those fans who charged into the fight with
Rathe and were enchanted by the strange innocence of Karey Or.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I apologize to all of you that it is taking so long to
continue the adventure, but I am beginning this series as a way to ensure that
your wait will not go unrewarded. Over the next many days I will be revisiting
Starfire by posting behind the scenes thoughts and stories about the scenes and
characters from the novel. As much as a way of reigniting the passion I have
for the world and characters, as well as <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a way of re-entering the conversation with all
of you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But in the end, all of this would be meaningless if the
story ended with Starfire. So I do promise that this year will not pass without
a return to Sauria. In addition to the Re-Visiting series I will post about my
writing progress, and give previews of the characters and places you will be
seeing in the future tales.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for all of you who have stuck by me this far and have
encouraged me with your kind words. I look forward to renewing this journey
with you all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;">Goesh sarkareechk
dulve kroesh tagan pitak.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-27444165709767862622011-01-04T19:21:00.000-07:002011-01-04T19:21:39.482-07:00Joining the eReader Crowd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjJktuOL8NLmRLGAU4-bTfUTAA-9nE850Qf62Yj1YGuH0emWLdLdCbBA-DImVcijxQXRxHcH-KiR5vz5mAZOplDyc3DgrIaNJhh3TFG2njNYR7qgeOz7mis-Y329guXzwvrK1/s1600/Nook_Color_Home_610x915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjJktuOL8NLmRLGAU4-bTfUTAA-9nE850Qf62Yj1YGuH0emWLdLdCbBA-DImVcijxQXRxHcH-KiR5vz5mAZOplDyc3DgrIaNJhh3TFG2njNYR7qgeOz7mis-Y329guXzwvrK1/s320/Nook_Color_Home_610x915.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>It's a new year, and time for me to return to this blog. I've spent enough time lost out in real life. Time to jump back into the lands of fiction.<br />
<br />
But first I have to share a little bit about the new gadget in my life.<br />
<br />
I've been watching the e-reader scene for the last few years, staying out on the sidelines thinking how they could be cool but not quite enough for me to put my money down on one.<br />
<br />
That changed once I discovered the NookColor. It's more of an e-reader/tablet than the Kindle or older Nook with their e-ink screens. (Those are neat in their own right, but don't quite capture my inner-geek).<br />
<br />
The nook features a bright LCD touch screen that is easy to read from and is glare resistant.<br />
<br />
So far I've read a couple magazines and one complete novel and I'm really enjoying it so far. I especially like the ability to stream music from Pandora through the device while I read (it has both a speaker and an ear-phone jack).<br />
<br />
The book reading is very nice and I like the tactile feature of swiping my finger on the screen to turn the page (rather than pushing a button). You can also make notes, highlight passages, look up definitions, and even share passages through Facebook and/or Twitter. Pretty cool. :)<br />
<br />
I've read an issue of Popular Science as well (boy did that help get some creative juices flowing) and that was very neat. The color screen really let the pictures pop, and if held horizontally you can view a full spread from the magazine. You can't really read the text, and while you can pinch and slide to zoom in, the cool feature is a little "article view" button that pops up an inset with just the text from the article for easy reading. <br />
<br />
There are some other extras, like suduko (I don't do math), chess, and crosswords, and a contacts section. Plus you can insert a micro-SD card (up to 32gb), or use the base 8gb memory to hold your own music or pictures and listen and watch.<br />
<br />
There's also a web browser that is functional, but doesn't support Flash yet, so not all sites work on it. But it's a start, and B&N has already released an update to make it a bit better. We'll see how that continues.<br />
<br />
The downsides of the NookColor mostly seem to be in it's not fully utilizing it's potential, being built on the Android OS. But BN plans to continue fleshing it out and have new apps developed specifically for it so we'll see how that pans out. <br />
<br />
Also the battery life isn't stellar (though reasonable for me, I can go about three days between charges), and it's Wi-fi only, but I don't really travel enough for that to be a major downer.<br />
<br />
So I'll stop gushing now. :)<br />
<br />
On plans for the immediate future, I read the Hunger Games trilogy by Susan Collins over the last weekend. I was totally captured by the story and the writing, but also saw the bleakness there and feel compelled to talk about it. So I figure I'll spend the next few days processing the books and sharing my thoughts on the series and how it all ended.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-23500042758384208292010-07-01T07:39:00.002-06:002010-07-01T08:25:34.396-06:00Round and Round the Mulberry BushLooks like it's that time of year when Christians who are fans of the stranger genres begin asking why their favorite genres aren't represented as much as women in bonnets in Christian bookstores.<br />
<br />
I stopped asking that question years ago. In the end, unless you're a publisher, sales person, or the buyer for a bookstore you're just yelling into the void. There isn't much point in constantly asking "where is it?"<br />
<br />
And really, in most of these conversations I hear, people tend to lump everything into one big pot. But I rarely hear people say exactly what it is they are looking for. It's one thing to say "I wish I could find more christian science fiction." But it doesn't really help the point when what you really mean is "I wish I could find more hard sci-fi that focuses on Christians living in a scientifically advanced world that may include realistic space travel."<br />
<br />
It is time to stop waiting for stores we don't buy books from to start carrying the books we want, and to begin putting the energy into actively seeking those books!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/">Rebecca Miller</a>, who's runing the Clive Staples award (and who's blog brought my attention to this new surge in discussion), has deemed July "Read Christian Speculative Fiction Month". In light of that I'd like to make a challenge to everyone who has lamented the dearth of their favorite genre writtten by a Christian.<br />
<br />
Make it a point this month to seek out all the Christian fiction that is of the science fiction, fantasy, horror or other genre that you can find. And post about it on your blog. Read some of what you find and review it.<br />
<br />
Help people find the fiction they are looking for! Ask people for reading lists! Go to <a href="http://www.fictionfinder.com/book/index">http://www.fictionfinder.com/book/</a> and see what pops up!<br />
<br />
Finally, to help push this along. I'm willing to send out a free copy of my own science fiction novel to the first ten people who <a href="http://www.ritersbloc.com/">contact me through my website</a> with a link to their blog and a promise to read <i>Starfire</i> and blog about it (don't forget a mailing address).<br />
<br />
So go to the <a href="http://clivestaplesaward.wordpress.com/">Clive Staples Award site</a>, go to <a href="http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Fiction.htm">Marcher Lord Press</a>, go to <a href="http://www.fictionfinder.com/book/">Fictionfinder</a>, go to <a href="http://wherethemapends.com/main.htm">Where the Map Ends</a>.<br />
<br />
Find the books you're looking for and tell people about them. Then maybe you will suddenly find your favorite genre isn't as forgotten as you thought it was.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-15586257314141506082010-06-24T07:43:00.000-06:002010-06-24T07:43:13.524-06:00Cool News<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I've just launched the re-design of my website <a href="http://www.ritersbloc.com/">www.ritersbloc.com</a>. It is a bit more focused than my old site, but also includes a nifty contact form in case anybody wants to get in touch with me. Tweaking & more content will be added as time allows.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Also, in even bigger news, Marcher Lord Press titles are now available at <a href="http://bit.ly/anUQMr">ChristianBook.com</a>. This is a big win for Jeff and all of the MLP authors as it will help more people discover our books.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Time to run off to my day job. It's been a crazy week there so far, but fun too as we're in the middle of launching two new curriculum lines! <a href="http://tru.davidccook.com/">Tru</a> and <a href="http://rio.davidccook.com/">Rio</a> If you're church is looking for some curriculum that really emphasises a relationship with God and looks to go beyond the Church and into the home, you'll want to check these out.</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-91819064990457080452010-06-23T07:02:00.000-06:002010-06-23T07:02:08.263-06:00Gotta Stop ObsessingEvery time I sit down to write, I've got all sorts of great ideas for what I can do to push through this blockage I've been getting.<br />
<br />
Then I start trying to get it onto the page and I start thinking about everything that has to come together to be able to keep this book at least to the level of Starfire and I freeze, second-guessing what I'm planning or writing.<br />
<br />
I've got to learn to deal with that and remember to trust my instincts and just have fun with the writing, which is why I got started in the first place.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-26265946040658717852010-06-18T07:41:00.000-06:002010-06-18T07:41:22.698-06:00Book Review: A Star Curiously Singing<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/images/A%20Star%20Curiously%20Singing--Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/images/A%20Star%20Curiously%20Singing--Medium.jpg" width="208" /></a> <i><a href="http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Product--A_Star_Curiously_Singing.htm">A Star Curiously Singing</a></i> is a great and thought provoking science fiction novel that centers around a debugger named Sandfly.<br />
<br />
Debuggers are humans who have been taken at a young age and implanted with a device that lets them be continuously connected to the "stream" (a highly advanced internet-like network) that also allows them to talk with all of the technology used by their society. This makes them invaluable as they are the servants that keep this advanced society running.<br />
<br />
But there is a downside to such power. The implant also keeps their thoughts and actions under strict control. At even the slightest hint of insubordinate thought the implant sends a "tweak" that causes great pain to the debugger.<br />
<br />
This sets the background for a great story as Sandfly is tasked with discovering what caused a robot to tear itself apart during a deep space exploratory mission.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kerry Nietz did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life and really giving a sense of how stifling the society of ASCS is. Tension is kept high as Sandfly gets deeper entangled in a web of intrigue that will keep you guessing as to exactly what is going on.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kerry also does an incredible job of employing the first-person present-tense perspective to craft this tale with a unique voice that really makes this book a joy to read. You really get to feel like you know Sandfly as he tells his story.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you haven't read this book yet, <a href="http://www.marcherlordpress.com/New_Store/Product--A_Star_Curiously_Singing.htm">go read it now!</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-56325439429330459632010-06-17T07:44:00.000-06:002010-06-17T07:44:30.235-06:00The Shenkai PilgrimsThe Shenkai Pilgrims are one of the largest and most influential religious groups in Karnian society. Since the events related in <i>Starfire</i> their numbers have swelled as they send out Heralds who proclaim that the time of The Return has come.<br />
<br />
Shenkai Pilgrims believe that Saurians aren't native to the world they have come to call Sauria. But actually originated on a distant world among the stars. They claim that their diety Surka grew angry with them for seeking new homes among the stars and banished them from their homeworld to the planet Sauria, instilling them with the Dread. But they also believe that Surka will eventually lead them back home, once Saurians are deemed worthy.<br />
<br />
They also believe that in the past a group of forebearers were selected by Surka to prepare Shenkai for the eventual return of the faithful.<br />
<br />
This is going to be one of the main motivators of Downfall, as the Shenkai Pilgrims gain more influence and begin seeking out any ancient relics or powers that will point them toward their ancestral home. This is one of the reasons that Grakin Spur will be venturing deep into the fractured Herian Dynasty, as it is believed the Herians have long held secrets of Shenkai.<br />
<br />
Is this just the ravings of a deranged cult? Or is there something deeper at work here?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-47670210548205092332010-06-16T18:38:00.000-06:002010-06-16T18:38:11.411-06:00Fitful StartsOk, so things aren't going smoothly, but they are going. I didn't meet my goal for last week with word counts. I'm working on a smoother beginning to the story that will help lay down some critical info & foreshadowing that I need, but that combined with still working on getting back into a real writing groove isn't helping.<br />
<br />
Right now I'm working on figuring out exactly what a Herald of Shenkai would say as part of spreading the news that the Shroud is a sign brought about by the Hand of Surka as a sign that soon Surka will lead the faithful back to Shenkai.<br />
<br />
And I've got to do it in a way that doesn't leave people with a blank stare as they try to figure out what was just said! Fun!<br />
<br />
Anyway, as part of my plan to get back into all of this I'm going to start doing this blog in the morning (instead of watching the news or browsing forums) since it becomes far to easy to ignore once the evening starts. Hopefully this will help with my consistency.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-85880194703940490552010-06-10T21:13:00.000-06:002010-06-10T21:13:28.574-06:00The Book Club NetworkI recently joined a pretty cool new social network called the Book Club Network that is all about helping book clubs connect with each other and with authors.<br />
<br />
You can create your own page, groups and post about events, while discussing interesting topics that are unique to book clubs. <br />
<br />
You can <a href="http://www.bookfun.org/profile/StuartVaughnStockton">check it out here!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-953084939875624212010-06-07T20:18:00.002-06:002010-06-08T12:09:50.183-06:00Wordcount, Booksigning & Starfire Discussion Questions<span style="color: white;">It's Monday! late, but still Monday.</span><br />
<div><span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Right now my Downfall master document is sitting at 6,338 words. Pathetic? Maybe so. My goal for this week is to double that. Which will be a big achievement.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: white;">This Saturday I'll be up at the Happy Dragon Book Festival in Boulder, CO with Donita K. Paul and my wife, Tiffany Stockton.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><b>Here's the details:</b> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Laughing Dragon Children's Book & Literacy Festival: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">June 12, 2010, Boulder, CO, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">10-5, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Glenn Miller Ballroom, CU-Boulder. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">FREE!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Tiff and I should get there sometime between noon and one.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Finally, if you're interested, here are 10 discussion questions I came up with for Starfire. Answer them if you like. Or, if you would like, post your own discussion question!</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1. Starfire was set in an alien culture on a strange world. How did the unfamiliar setting and words affect your enjoyment of the story?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">2. Who was your favorite character? Why?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">3. If you could have any of the animals or plants from Starfire as a pet, which would it be?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">4. Why do you think the Saurians have such a deep fear of the stars and ancient technology?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">5. If you had to classify the sides in the conflict between the Karn Empire and the Herian Dynasty, could you split it into the good guys and bad guys?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">6. What do you think of the different ways Struth & Goshren represented their beliefs?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">7. How do you think the actions of Struth, Goshren and Nazjen influenced Rathe’s decision?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">8. Do you think that the prophecy stated the truth? If so, was it fair to leave the fate of the world in the hands of a single person?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">9. Based on the information given in the book, would you have made a different decision if you were in Rathe’s place?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="font-size: 1em; position: static !important;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">10. Did this story make you think about how you share your beliefs with others?</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-40188259407632204392010-06-04T08:00:00.000-06:002010-06-04T08:00:15.922-06:00Clive Staples Award, Get Read Up and Prepared to VoteLots of great nominees for the <a href="http://clivestaplesaward.wordpress.com/">Clive Staples award</a> this year... though I may be a bit biased for one of them (third from the bottom)!<br />
<br />
Voting will start in July, but you'll need to have read at least two of these books to qualify. So make sure you pick some up to kick off your Summer reading! You won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982104987?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=st1&creativeASIN=0982104987&adid=05D4ZSS8TGTSF625SY7D" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>A Star Curiously Singing</em></a></em><em>, </em>Kerry Nietz, Marcher Lord Press<em></em></div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0736925376" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>Blaggard’s Moon</em></a></em><em>, </em>George Bryan Polivka, Harvest House</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982104952?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=st1&creativeASIN=0982104952&adid=0GXD83Y50XT1K440KM7M" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>By Darkness Hid</em></a></em><em>, </em>Jill Williamson, Marcher Lord Press</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400315050?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=st1&creativeASIN=1400315050&adid=0XZPNR5V8AKRXB8JZVZP" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>Curse of the Spider King</em></a></em><em>, </em>Wayne Batson and Christopher Hopper, Thomas Nelson Publishing<em></em></div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Enclave-Karen-Hancock/dp/0764203282/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275521748&sr=8-2" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;">The Enclave</a>, </em>Karen Hancock, Bethany House<em></em></div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982104979?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=st1&creativeASIN=0982104979&adid=1RBNJP9QAP88KQNMB1MC" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>Eternity Falls</em></a></em><em>, </em>Kirk Outerbridge, Marcher Lord Press<em></em></div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faery-Rebels-R-J-Anderson/dp/B003B652BW/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1275521792&sr=1-1-fkmr0" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;">Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter</a>, </em>RJ Anderson, HarperCollins<em></em></div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1599796074?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=st1&creativeASIN=1599796074&adid=0FJ1N7QVE282KRG6NK4V" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>The Firstborn</em></a></em><em>, </em>Conlan Brown, Realms</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Brown-Consuming-Fire-Codebearers/dp/1593173571/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275522052&sr=1-1" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;">Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire</a>, </em>Christopher and Allen Miller, Warner Press</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Mission-Novel-Athol-Dickson/dp/1416583475/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275522080&sr=1-1" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;">Lost Mission</a>, </em>Athol Dickson, Howard Books</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lunatic-Lost-Books-Ted-Dekker/dp/1595546839/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275522123&sr=1-1" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;">Lunatic</a>, </em>Ted Dekker and Kaci Hill, Thomas Nelson</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073871" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>North! Or Be Eaten</em></a></em><em>, </em>Andrew Peterson, Waterbrook Press</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Offworld-Robin-Parrish/dp/0764206060/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275522153&sr=1-1" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;">Offworld</a>, </em>Robin Parrish, Bethany House<em></em></div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982104944?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=st1&creativeASIN=0982104944&adid=0FMVJ88E8J7S22BN1K63" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>Starfire</em></a></em><em>, </em>Stuart Vaughn Stockton, Marcher Lord Press</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073391" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>Vanishing Sculptor</em></a>, </em>Donita K Paul, WaterBrook Press</div><div style="color: #61636a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982104995?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=st1&creativeASIN=0982104995&adid=01VB36DJESP1G3AEZYD4" style="color: #36769c; text-decoration: none;"><em>The Word Reclaimed</em></a>, </em>Steve Rzasa, Marcher Lord Press</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-32041561438941966892010-06-03T18:51:00.001-06:002010-06-03T23:19:22.758-06:00New BeginningsSo opened up my working document of Downfall and am starting back at the beginning, working through what has been written and smoothing things up. I always find that the first three chapters are the hardest to write. I think that's because I'm still getting a feel for exactly who all the characters are and the tone that the novel is going to take. Plus there is just soooo much foreshadowing to get done, setting up events and ideas that will pay off later.<br />
<br />
Plus with the sequel I still have a lot of world introduction to do. That combined with dropping in information to remind/inform about the last book makes for a tense balance of giving out just enough information. Once I get those chapters just right I think the rest of the book will come much faster.<br />
<br />
As for now, here's my current first line:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“The Hand of Surka has spun the shroud that envelops our world to proclaim that our return to Shenkai is near.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<br />
If you have read Starfire, what is your biggest hope for the sequel?<br />
<br />
Oh and if you want to read an awesome interview with Kerry Nietz, a fellow Marcher Lord Press author, click the link below. Make sure to read the comments for even more fun and insight!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://scitascienda.com/2010/05/27/interview-kerry-nietz-author-of-the-superlative-stream/#comments">http://scitascienda.com/2010/05/27/interview-kerry-nietz-author-of-the-superlative-stream/#comments</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-15713524801196632012010-06-02T13:24:00.000-06:002010-06-02T13:24:53.596-06:00Yes I"m a Terrible BloggerSorry for the false re-start yet again. :p So many things going on now, and so much stuff that I've let distract me.<br />
<br />
So the deadline for Downfall isn't gonna be reached in time for a Fall release, but it may work out for the best.<br />
<br />
Here are some things I plan on doing to re-invigorate my writing life:<br />
<br />
1# Get back in touch with writing communities and fan communities. I've been focusing my attention on too many things that aren't writing related and thus it is fairly natural to expect writing to be a smaller part of my life.<br />
<br />
2# Post here every day, keeping it focused on my writing and what is or isn't happening with it.<br />
<br />
3# Post a weekly wordcount summary, even if I haven't made much progress just to keep myself accountable.<br />
<br />
4# Finish the Ritersbloc.com redesign and get it uploaded.<br />
<br />
5# Don't spend hours watching replays of Starcraft 2 matches or various shows on Netflix!<br />
<br />
So that's the plan. Let's see how well it works. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-5659918053510613662010-03-18T20:05:00.000-06:002010-03-18T20:05:30.283-06:00Downfall Chronicles -- T-96 Days<div class="MsoNormal">So I’ve written one novel. That must mean things will be easy from here on out right? Heck I’m not even changing worlds or the main character! This should be a cakewalk….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yeah, that’s why I’m sitting here with under 100 days to my deadline and one false start on the sequel already behind me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sequels are scary things to write! I mean you have to meet and exceed expectations that were laid down by your fans in the first book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sequels need to be familiar, yet they have to still surprise and wow the audience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is that inevitable change that happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Old characters are left behind, new ones stepping forward to take their place. A new crisis must arise that will challenge the character already tempered by the flames of his previous trials.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe thinking all of this is why I still feel a bit scared when I open up my word document to start writing.</div><div class="MsoNormal">But I have to push past that and embrace the challenge. I’ve got a great story to tell here, one that will force Rathe to battle with himself even as he’s fighting external enemies. This isn’t a book centering around a single choice like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Starfire</i> did. It’s much more of seeing how you deal with the consequences of that choice, and how you are changed when you begin to see beyond the illusions of your own making.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One thing I’m really going to enjoy is being able to take a closer look at the Herians this time around. They’re no longer a faceless, silent, destructive enemy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe I’ll talk more about that next time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I’ve got to get Rathe and the re-formed Grakin Spur into a Herian compound to steal some vital schematics.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-9673848465102445752010-03-17T10:24:00.000-06:002010-03-17T10:24:26.261-06:00Engineering a Downfall97 days from today. That's how many days I have left to hit my deadline for the sequel to Starfire, currently called Downfall.<br />
<br />
I've still got way more work to do than I should have. But I've got no one to blame for that other than myself. Letting doubts and distractions cloud my thoughts and stifle my writing. It is time for that to come to an end.<br />
<br />
So over the next 97 days I'll be posting my progress here to help keep me focused and pushing forward!<br />
<br />
So the one or two people who read this can stay tuned to read this series of posts I'll be calling the Downfall Chronicles. I won't be posting specifics, but it may give you a fun glimpse at the odd workings of my mind. ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36358873.post-84134606551330185652009-04-27T14:10:00.004-06:002009-04-27T14:22:36.055-06:00Starfire Now Available<a href="http://www.ritersbloc.com/galacticlore/stories/SF_3D_cover_sm.png"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://www.ritersbloc.com/galacticlore/stories/SF_3D_cover_sm.png" border="0" /></a><br />You can now order <em>Starfire</em> online from <a href="http://marcherlordpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=2_11&products_id=20">Marcher Lord Press</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starfire-Stuart-Vaughn-Stockton/dp/0982104944">Amazon.com</a>, or <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Starfire/Stuart-Vaughn-Stockton/e/9780982104941/?itm=7">BN.com</a>!<br /><br />Both <em>The Dark Man</em> and <em>By Darkness Hid</em> are also available! <a href="http://marcherlordpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=2_11">Buy all three for the sci-fi/fantasy/speculative lover in your life! </a><br /><br />Also, be sure to check out these great reviews of <em>Starfire</em>:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianfictionreview.com/?review=517">From ChristianBookReview.com:</a><br />"Perhaps I'm just showing my inner geek too much, but part of me thrills at figuring out which dinosaurs certain characters are based on. Some are obvious, with obvious names; some not so much. And combining dinosaurs with "ancient" sci-fi technology, mystical prophecies, and supernatural enemies... pure genius." <a href="http://www.christianfictionreview.com/?review=517">Read the full review »</a><br /><br /><a href="http://novelteen.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/review-starfire-by-stuart-vaughn-stockton/">From the Novel Teen Book Review Blog:</a><br />"Starfire was a completely surprising story. I would have never thought I’d like a story about dinosaur people. But Rathe is a fun character to read about. He is practical and tough and easy to relate to. He prefers to make his own path in life and can’t see how “some mixed-up, homicidal god could lay out a better track” for his life than he could himself. " <a href="http://novelteen.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/review-starfire-by-stuart-vaughn-stockton/">Read the full review »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2