Author Liesel K. Hill's Musings on Fantasia...
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Follow Friday--Non-Original Stories
Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers -- but you have to know -- the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.
The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!
How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, (using the linky tools -- keep scrolling!) then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!
The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!
How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, (using the linky tools -- keep scrolling!) then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!
Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, retellings or pulled-to-publish fanfic?
*My answer is the same on both my blogs this week.*
This is kind of a loaded question because the answer is always going to be a continuum. Of course I don't like anything that's completely recycled. It's always obvious when that's what's going on. On the other hand, I actually really like fairy-tale retellings, as long as they put their own twist on things. And, if we're being honest, all stories in a given genre have similar concepts and backgrounds. I'm not big on fan fiction, but then I've never read much of it. If it was well-done and had come from a source I was really in love with, I wouldn't be completely opposed to it. But I'm definitely NOT a Fifty Shades sort of person. :D
This is kind of a loaded question because the answer is always going to be a continuum. Of course I don't like anything that's completely recycled. It's always obvious when that's what's going on. On the other hand, I actually really like fairy-tale retellings, as long as they put their own twist on things. And, if we're being honest, all stories in a given genre have similar concepts and backgrounds. I'm not big on fan fiction, but then I've never read much of it. If it was well-done and had come from a source I was really in love with, I wouldn't be completely opposed to it. But I'm definitely NOT a Fifty Shades sort of person. :D
How about YOU? Do you mind non-original stories?
***If you haven't yet, don't forget to check out my Giveaway!!!***
***If you haven't yet, don't forget to check out my Giveaway!!!***
Thoughts for Thursday--12
 |
| Image credit: devor / 123RF Stock Photo |
Readers may respond by either commenting on the quotes I put forward or contributing a quote of their own. I'll include a linky list, or you can just respond in the comments.
Just have fun, collect awesome sayings by awesome people, and try to be inspired!
This week's theme is COURAGE!
"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." --C.S. Lewis
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." --Anais Nin
"Bran thought about it. 'Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?'
'That's the only time a man can be brave,' his father told him." --George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
Courage is looking fear right in the eye and saying, "Get the hell out of my way, I've got things to do." --Unknown Author
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends." --Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
What do you think of these? Which is your favorite? Do you have a favorite quote about courage?
If you haven't, don't forget to check out my current giveaway! :D
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tips on Foreshadowing--Part 3
Okay, here's part 3 of my series. See parts 1 and 2 here.
We're going to talk about two things here: foreshadowing your world and foreshadowing your conflict. The reason being that I don't want to do a part 4. Yes I'm being lazy but it's already been a hectic week. Deal with it.
1) Any part of your world or particular feature you bother to mention needs to be explored at some time. This is why there are so many fantasy movies lately that are being made into trilogies or other multiples: everything needs to be explored and the audience gets pissy when too much gets cut.
If you mention the woodland elves, but never explore the culture, what was the point of mentioning them? Explore everything you mention, and mention everything you're going to explore. Build up the hype so that by the time the reader gets there, they're eager to see it up close and personal.
Robert Jordan was a master at this. He visited every place on his map and explored every culture he mentioned, but often not until he'd mentioned it so many times that the reader was extremely familiar with the terms.
2) When you're foreshadowing something to do with the world, such as a surprise element a big reveal that has to do with your world, make sure you reveal it at a time when it will cause the most trouble.
Gonna have to go with Harry Potter for an example. Did Rowling reveal that Harry was, indeed, the chosen one and that either he or Voldemort would have to kill the other eventually at the end of book 1? Or on the first day of school when everyone's excited and happy to be back together? Of course not! She revealed it after a terrible tragedy, when Harry was hurt and angry and Dumbledore was almost despairing. Why did she do that? Because that's where it would have the most impact. If she'd revealed it in a healthy, happy, hopeful moment, Harry probably could have dealt with it better. As it was, everyone in America wanted to kill themselves for Harry's sake. (Luckily, they didn't because then they wouldn't have gotten to read the next book.)
Okay, let's move on to conflict. When I say 'foreshadowing conflict,' what I mean is foreshadowing the ending. I mean, that's what it all comes down to, right?
1) Stay away from Deus ex Machina. That's a latin term that mean something/someone that shows up in the nick of time to solve a difficulty. It's not realistic and it's nearly impossible to foreshadow. Make sure the hero/heroin has to actually DO something to save themselves.
2) There should be an if...then statement. The characters have to do something first in order to be saved. This is the type of thing that is easily foreshadowed. Harry must kill Voldemort to beat him. Katniss must win the Hunger Games to keep her family from starving. Frodo must throw the ring into the fires of Mt. Doom in order to stop Sauron.
And guess what, folks? Every reader will stick around to see if it happens or not.
3) Foreshadow what must be done to attain the goal, and make sure that thing is nigh impossible for the character to do. If the character is being asked to do something that's easy, the reader isn't going to care. The stakes have to be high. It has to be hard. You have to make people wonder if the character is capable of achieving it.
So, to sum up:
Foreshadowing your world: make sure you explore everything you mention, and mention (foreshadow) everything you explore. Also make sure that any big reveals dealing with your world come at the most inopportune time for the characters.
Foreshadowing your conflict: Make sure the stakes are high, that your characters have to work for their salvation, and that what's being asked of them is almost impossible.
Then, go through and drop a few hints about what may or may not happen in the end. See if you can make your readers salivate! :D Happy Wednesday!
Don't forget to check out my GIVEAWAY if you haven't yet. :D
Last week's RMQ was: "You can feel it. That cold ain't the weather. That's death approaching. Who do you think they're gonna take first? The girl, who thinks a gun will help her? The kid, sheriff's kid? Or the old gal?"
This was said by Ben Foster who played 'the Stranger' in the film 30 Days of Night.
Alex Cavanaugh got one point for guessing the film. Rachel K. Johnson got the other two points for actor and character.
Great job, guys! Thanks so much for participating! :D
Today's RMQ is:
We're going to talk about two things here: foreshadowing your world and foreshadowing your conflict. The reason being that I don't want to do a part 4. Yes I'm being lazy but it's already been a hectic week. Deal with it.
Foreshadowing your world.
| infoaras.ning.com |
If you mention the woodland elves, but never explore the culture, what was the point of mentioning them? Explore everything you mention, and mention everything you're going to explore. Build up the hype so that by the time the reader gets there, they're eager to see it up close and personal.
Robert Jordan was a master at this. He visited every place on his map and explored every culture he mentioned, but often not until he'd mentioned it so many times that the reader was extremely familiar with the terms.
| tumblr.com |
Okay, let's move on to conflict. When I say 'foreshadowing conflict,' what I mean is foreshadowing the ending. I mean, that's what it all comes down to, right?
Foreshadowing your Conflict
1) Stay away from Deus ex Machina. That's a latin term that mean something/someone that shows up in the nick of time to solve a difficulty. It's not realistic and it's nearly impossible to foreshadow. Make sure the hero/heroin has to actually DO something to save themselves.
| daph.blogspot.com |
And guess what, folks? Every reader will stick around to see if it happens or not.
3) Foreshadow what must be done to attain the goal, and make sure that thing is nigh impossible for the character to do. If the character is being asked to do something that's easy, the reader isn't going to care. The stakes have to be high. It has to be hard. You have to make people wonder if the character is capable of achieving it.
So, to sum up:
Foreshadowing your world: make sure you explore everything you mention, and mention (foreshadow) everything you explore. Also make sure that any big reveals dealing with your world come at the most inopportune time for the characters.
Foreshadowing your conflict: Make sure the stakes are high, that your characters have to work for their salvation, and that what's being asked of them is almost impossible.
Then, go through and drop a few hints about what may or may not happen in the end. See if you can make your readers salivate! :D Happy Wednesday!
Don't forget to check out my GIVEAWAY if you haven't yet. :D
Random Movie Quotes (RMQ)
Don't know what this is? See tab at top of page.
 |
| imdb.com |
This was said by Ben Foster who played 'the Stranger' in the film 30 Days of Night.
Alex Cavanaugh got one point for guessing the film. Rachel K. Johnson got the other two points for actor and character.
Great job, guys! Thanks so much for participating! :D
Today's RMQ is:
Guy1: "And for a time, I did consider her offer."
Guy2: "How long a time."
Guy 1: "0.68 Seconds, Sir."
One point for each name of each character and actor and one point for film, so 5 possible points on this one. Good luck!
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Next Big Thing BlogHop
I've been tagged for The Next Big Thing Blog Hop. (Thanks, Renae!) This is a hop where you answer questions about your current WIP. I have several WIPs at present, but I think I'll focus on the second installment of the Interchron series, which I am currently writing. (See cover in left sidebar.)
Quantum Entanglement, Book 2 of Interchron.
I'll have to answer this for the series as a whole. And the answer is: many places. The first chapter of book 1 is based on a true story, which my imagination simply took off with. I also got the idea of someone having the strength to forcibly break away from a collective conscience from a literary science fiction class I took in college. In truth, this story is the result of a lot of ideas I'd been thinking about for a long time. In book 2 we'll learn about some back story for the characters, see the consequences of what happened at the end of book 1 (cliffhanger, btw) and see what new threats Maggie and the team are up against.
Dystopian Fantasy.
That I don't know. I'm not someone who thinks much about that when I'm writing. I'm a huge fan of Jensen Ackles, so I wouldn't mind at all if he did Marcus, or David, for that matter. :D I have no idea who would play Maggie. I know who wouldn't play her, but that becomes a not-so-nice post, so I won't go there. ;D Suggestions? Now that I'm thinking about it, Patrick Stewart or Donald Sutherland would make an awesome Doc. And...Gary Dourdan for Karl, anyone?
Thanks for listening everyone! If you're interested in Quantum Entanglement, don't forget to enter my giveaway to win one of three ARCs of book 1, Persistence of Vision. Happy Monday! :D
1. What is the working title of your WIP?
Quantum Entanglement, Book 2 of Interchron.
2. Where did the idea come from for this book?
I'll have to answer this for the series as a whole. And the answer is: many places. The first chapter of book 1 is based on a true story, which my imagination simply took off with. I also got the idea of someone having the strength to forcibly break away from a collective conscience from a literary science fiction class I took in college. In truth, this story is the result of a lot of ideas I'd been thinking about for a long time. In book 2 we'll learn about some back story for the characters, see the consequences of what happened at the end of book 1 (cliffhanger, btw) and see what new threats Maggie and the team are up against.
3. What genre does your book fall under?
Dystopian Fantasy.
4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
That I don't know. I'm not someone who thinks much about that when I'm writing. I'm a huge fan of Jensen Ackles, so I wouldn't mind at all if he did Marcus, or David, for that matter. :D I have no idea who would play Maggie. I know who wouldn't play her, but that becomes a not-so-nice post, so I won't go there. ;D Suggestions? Now that I'm thinking about it, Patrick Stewart or Donald Sutherland would make an awesome Doc. And...Gary Dourdan for Karl, anyone?
5. What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?Everyone has ties to people in their lives--whether physical or emotional--but what if the person you're most closely tied to is a fork-tongued assassin from the future bent on killing you before you can get back to the man you love?
6. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?I don't get tons of writing time currently, so I think it was about six months, though I'm not entirely certain when I started it.
7. Who or what inspired you to write this book?This second book was mostly just inspired by the first. I know that sounds silly, but there wasn't really any specific thing that inspired it, other than the idea itself and my restlessness until I got it out on paper.
8. What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?It's got a basis in science, a love triangle, time travel, and plenty of awesomeness. :D
Thanks for listening everyone! If you're interested in Quantum Entanglement, don't forget to enter my giveaway to win one of three ARCs of book 1, Persistence of Vision. Happy Monday! :D
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Announcements and Giveaways!
I did a guest post yesterday for Precious's Dystopian Domination on Fragments of Life. I had so much fun writing the post, I'd love it if you'd all hop over and take a look at it. It comes with a great giveaway. (Not that I'm trying to bribe anyone or anything. :D)
I also wanted to remind everyone that my debut novel, Persistence of Vision, is available now from Tate Publishing. It will be available nation wide on January 29, 2013.
Finally, check out my giveaways! I have one giving away two great historical fiction novels and another giving away 3 ARCs of Persistence of Vision. Check them out if you haven't!
Everyone have a great weekend! :D
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Follow Friday--Deal Breakers
DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT MY DYSTOPIAN GUEST POST ON FRAGMENTS OF LIFE!
Welcome to Follow Friday Blog Hop!
Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers -- but you have to know -- the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.
The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!
How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, (using the linky tools -- keep scrolling!) then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!
Q: What is a deal breaker for you in a book? For example, do you abhor love triangles? Or can't deal with bad editing?
| languagearts.pppst.com |
Hmm. There is more than one thing I consider a deal breaker, but I'll go with bad writing. There are three issues with writing that I can't stand.
1) Passive Voice
2) Bad Grammar
3) Pretentious Writing (When an author uses big words to try and sound elevated but they don't fit the rest of the narrative.)
It's one of those things I should try to be more understanding about, since as an author I'm sure I did this at first too. But it totally bugs the snot out of me! If I can't focus on the story for the writing, I usually put down the book.
How about you? What bugs the snot out of you? :D
Thought for Thursday -- 11
So how was everyone's Halloween? I hope you answered fun, safe, and full of sugar. Those are the best kinds, after all! As for me, I had a blast (even if I will probably be scrubbing oily make-up residue off my neck for the next two days! :D I had a fun day at work, took my niece trick-or-treating cubicle to cubicle. (It was her first time going so it was fun to see her figure it out.) Then I went down to my dad's for dinner, took my brothers around briefly, and then all the adults went and saw Paranormal Activity 4. I didn't think it was as scary as some of the earlier installments, but I still enjoyed it. What did YOU do for Halloween?
Anyway, on to today's meme:
Thoughts for Thursday is a new meme hosted by Musings on Fantasia and LKHill. In this meme, we
Anyway, on to today's meme:
 |
| Image credit: devor / 123RF Stock Photo |
share thoughts or quotes that we know or have recently come across. Each week there is a specific subject or theme. These can be quotes from books, quotes by famous people, (quotes by YOU, perhaps ;D). Anything from anywhere is game, though we do ask that you keep your quote to a few sentences at most. Don't quote, for example, entire passages of a book or essay. These can be funny quips, cool sayings, hair-raising antidotes, movie lines, any kind of quote you can think of!
Readers may respond by either commenting on the quote I put forward or contributing a quote of their own. I'll include a linky list, or you can just respond in the comments.
Just have fun, collect awesome sayings by awesome people, and try to be inspired!
Readers may respond by either commenting on the quote I put forward or contributing a quote of their own. I'll include a linky list, or you can just respond in the comments.
Just have fun, collect awesome sayings by awesome people, and try to be inspired!
This week's theme is scars. I did more quotes than usual this week. As a writer, I often use outward scars to show inward character. Scars are a road map of a person's life, and I think they're a great way to show layers in a character. There are so many great quotes about scars. I could have gone on for pages! Try googling it sometime. These are just a few.
"I don't want to die without any scars." --Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club
"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." --Kahlil Gibran
"The human race tends to remember the abuses to which is has been subjected, rather than the endearments. What's left of kisses? Wounds, however, leave scars." --Bertolt Brecht
"Children show scars like medals. Lovers use them as secrets to reveal. A scar is what happens when the world is made flesh." --Leonard Cohen, The Favorite Game
"Most things break, including hearts. The lessons of life amount not to wisdom, but to scar tissue and callus." --Wallace Stegner, The Spectator Bird
"...real childhood scars heal, but not when band-aids replace self-reflection." --Cameron Conaway
"A really strong woman accepts the war she went through and is ennobled by her scars." --Carly Simon
So which quote is your favorite? Do you have one you want to add? What do you think of these?
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)