WRITING FICTION

Review of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2012-01-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

The biggest mystery about this book is why anyone bought it. This is such a case of the "Emperors Clothes". Lots of people liked it because they were supposed to like it. If you bought this book, I would not suggest you read it; instead keep it in the bathroom where it can be used as substitute toilet paper in case the occasion arises where you run out of your usual stock.

There are several reasons I found this book subpar:

1. The main “bad guy” was a static, flat character, who suddenly became evil when it was convenient. He was like a minute man bad guy; one minute he was happy and go lucky, the next he was crazy. There was absolutely no time spent to the psyche of the main bad character. We were simply told he was bad. There was no depth of character.

2. The events that happen in this murder mystery are sooooo cliché. The main male character gets shot at in the woods, but the killer fails to finish the job—despite, the mail-male character going back to his familiar room back in his cabin where—I might add—the killer had access to. If the killer was as “cunning” and “evil” as the author would have us believe, then why is shooting at the main male character the best thing he can come up with? Why can’t he plant some sort of poison in their coffee. Seriously. They drank so much coffee in the book I felt a caffine high just by flipping through the pages. I am pretty sure that they end up drinking coffee in the majority of the chapters. If the killer would have poisoned the coffee it would have been all over.

3. It lacked excitement. And the action is almost non-existent. There are no real pursuits, or interesting and dynamic fight scenes. Or scenes where the main character has to use his incredible wits to get out of a sticky situation. Or any cognitive “chess play” between the killer and the main characters. In fact, the killer at the end simply picks up the main male character and points a gun at him. Why didn’t the killer do that from the beginning? Maybe, the killer is a bit of a softy—but wait, he did ravish his sister…so, basically, the killer was inconsistent, and consequently, not believable.

4. The only believable character, and likeable character, is the old man. But he is so long windy that it makes the beginning of the story drag on. I did not care for any of the other characters in this book. They were all cold-hearted individuals who cared little for anything around them. The main male is focused solely on his career, and will just about enjoy himself with anyone of the opposite sex (I think the writer was probably living vicariously and must not get much action at home). The main female character is brilliant and foolish all at once. She has the intellect and brains to hack computers, but she does not have the insight to realize she is about to get raped. The second time it happens, she was asking for it. Yes, yes, I know that was part of her plan, but if she would have simply gone to the cops and pulled the DNA of her shirt, it would have been a done deal. Yes, she would have got another case worker, but they certainly would have gotten a lot of media attention over the event, which would have ensured she would have gotten some acclaimed guardian.

5. If Dragon breath girl was really so smart, she would have answered normal questions and not been declared incompetent to begin with. I really had a hard time with this one. There is no way should would have been declared incompetent and at the same time be operating at such a high intellectual level. No way. Not possible. Even if she ignored everyone in the world, her basic ability to get and keep work far surpasses many people in America.

6. This book uses sensitive topics such as rape, incest, and pedophilia to hype up the book. Instead of a real, compelling novel—one that makes you think about something a different way—the author prays on the emotions of readers, who relate to these horrible things, and the author uses these emotions to push the book. This is something that amateur writers do to the hundredth degree. Amateurs want to create a compelling and stirring novel, so they often use the most dramatic events they can think of. Rape is the amateurs default. It is like that scene from the “Office” where Michael Scott is at his impromptu class. Michael constantly acting like he has a gun because “nothing tops a gun” (Please excuse the TV show reference). Instead of create a human interaction that is dynamic and powerful—one than takes more than then figuratively making your characters bend over—the author goes with the classic rape. Go to a basic creative writing class in college. I bet you that at least a quarter of the stories written will be about abuse, rape, or incest.

I could go on, but why should I. The book is so terrible that I feel I have wasted my time even writing about it. If you bought this book, return it. If a friend gave it to you, then end that friendship. If you won it at a free book giveaway—well, just keep in mind that you get what you pay for.

Book review for Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

2011-09-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

I typically don’t care for books that gloss over action sequences, nor do I care for books that are bogged down in the science of a book or are constantly explaining each character’s logical sequence of thought. This book did both and, surprisingly I loved it.

The characters were believable, the situations were plausible, the set up was dynamic, unique, and impressive. Orson took on such a big idea, I was sure that he would not be able to maintain consistency throughout the novel. He not only was constant with each characters individual powers, he did so in such a way that made them extremely believable.

My hat goes off to Orson. Very well done. I am excited to read the second book in the series. Best science fiction book I've read so far (bear in mind, I don't read much sci-fi).

Book Review of Dan Well's I am not a Serial Killer

2010-10-04T20:53:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed this great book. It was a quick read that pulled a reader in and kept their attention. The characters are interesting, the relations are dynamic, and the plot points were unique. Dan does a great job of moving the story along as well as leaving enough details behind to keep the situation and the scenario real.

I eagerly wait for the release of the second book: Mr. Monster.

Book Signing in Layton UT

2010-09-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Another great book signing. Sold 11. Special thanks to Tami and Will at Barnes and Noble in Layton. I've enjoyed working with all the CRMs in Barnes and Noble, but I was especially impressed with Tami (who, I actually believe is the assistant manager). Thanks for all of your hard work.

Also, I met a man who works for Fox 13 news in the advertising department. After a very interesting conversation that started with the topic of gladiators but ended up with the topics of zombies in the last days, I was thinking about throwing an advertisement spot on television. Hmmm? Things to consider.

Movie Review of Gladiator

2010-09-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Problems with the Movie 'Gladiator'

Please don't think that I am tearing into the "Gladiator" just to be tearing into it. I hate people that find every little flaw and over inflate it. The "Gladiator" is a good movie that I enjoy, but as far as a historical movie of gladiators--it is about as far from accurate as possible.

Almost everything you see in the movie is incorrect—from the fighting styles and amour, to the percentage of those killed in the arena to the group battles.

First and foremost, Romans saw gladiator bouts as a religious rite--a sacred act where the blood of the living fed the dead. This religious bout was called a Munus. Only 1 in 10 gladiator fights ended up in death--not every combat as seen in the movie "Gladiator." When a gladiator was injured, he would sue for mercy by lifting up one of his fingers to the sponsor--usually the pinky. If the gladiator was killed, the sponsor would have to buy the gladiator, and for this reason, the sponsor very rarely chose death. The 'thumbs up' as a sign of 'let him live', as seen in so many movies and art, is wrong. Instead the sponsor would make a rising gesture with both hands; this makes sense, because the losing gladiator would be on his knees.

If, however, death was chosen, the sponsor would use his right hand and thumb to point at his left shoulder. The losing gladiator would then stay perfectly still and let their opponent stab down the meaty part of the shoulder, which is next to the neck, and down into the heart, killing them instantly. This totally changes the whole perspective of gladiators. These warriors let themselves be scarified--they let themselves be ritually killed. The less fear they showed in death--as they believed--the more they honored themselves and the Gods.

Gladiatorial combat was also seen as a sport--not a blood bath of irrational killing. A fight between gladiators was arranged so that each would have an equal chance of victory--same with group battles. If one side was had a higher chance of winning then the other, the crowd would hiss and holler until the sponsor rearranged the combat.

A gladiator typically fought 6 matches a year and served a 3 to 5 year contract, which means that the average gladiator had a 18-30 chance of death. This is a relatively low percentage of death, especially when compared to a Roman soldier, who had a 50% chance of death over a 20 year career.

After a gladiator's contract would expire they would very often become trainers for new gladiators. They might also become body guards, trainer of body guards, or join the army. Unlike soldiers, Gladiators were sometimes allowed to marry and many of them had wives.

Although some gladiators were disobedient slaves or people of conquered nations, many of them were once Roman citizens who sold their freedom for a chance of glory and money. Gladiators were set apart from society and were very loyal to their own kind. In the past, many scholars thought that this separation was meant to disgrace or scorn them, but new evidence suggests that these fighters were greatly honored and revered in life and death. In Ephasis, a gladiator graveyard was found along a path to an important religious site. This suggests that they were honored for the sacrifice.

Gladiator training was not as brutal and harsh as Hollywood likes to depict. It was more akin to modern athletes that trained for popular sporting events. Each gladiator represented a huge investment by their owners; consequently, Gladiators had some of the best doctors, cleanest conditions, and most well rounded diets than most individuals of antiquity.

The phrase 'We who are about to die salute you' is a common phrase that is seen in just about every gladiator bout ever filmed by Hollywood. This, however, was an oath that sea fighters of the Naumachia took—not fighters in the arena. In fact there are only two accounts where this phrase even appears, both times it is before an Epic gladiatorial battle.

Book Review for Flecks of Gold, by Alicia Beck

2010-09-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

BOOK REVIEW FOR FLECKS OF GOLD
BY ALICIA BECK

I was able to meet Alicia Beck at a book signing in Salt Lake City. She is a very nice as well as persistent individual. I just finished reading her book entitled Flecks of Gold, which I rather enjoyed. I have both good and bad things to say about the book.

First the good: She uses and describe magic in a way that I have never seen before. It is rather logical but yet creative. She certainly displayed a great level of creativity as well as depth in her descriptions and use of magic (major props to her). She also had decent character development as well as a quick moving plot. The action was well described as well as believable. I also enjoyed the twist at the end; it was done in such a way that was believable.

The Bad: Bandits are her default problem. Whenever she needed a problem--she resorted to bandits. Her main character also changed too much from beginning to end to be completely believable. Without any training, she quickly becomes the most powerful magician in the whole magical kingdom. And, ironically enough, she uses magic more than her supposed magical counterparts. The love story was done well enough by the end, but it is completely unbelievable in the beginning. The two main characters don't really have any good moments in the beginning for him to be so in love with her throughout the book. She is is really quite obnoxious in the beginning--almost to the point where it is too much to take.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

Successful Book Signing

2010-09-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Successful Book Signing
Most people just rattle off helpful things. I decided to instead make a list. Somethings will work all the time, other things will work only a part of the time, and still other things will work every time.

Two Weeks Before

__Attempt to have article published in local newspaper
__Attempt to have announcement on radio station
__Post schedule on Face book
__Post a sign for upcoming signing in book store
__Hand out Pass “alongs” for the cashiers
__Call bookstore to follow up
__Contact

Week Before
__Call and confirm with bookstore
__Find out number of books ordered
__Post ad on craigslist
__Post Newspaper add
__Make personal invites on social media such as Facebook

Day of
__Load car with signage
__Will need at least two large signs and possible several arrows to point the way
__Make sure to have business cards
__Take a big bag of pens
__Take a table cloth
__Candy
__Take balloons
__Pass out fliers on local cars that advertise free writing seminar
__Pass out fliers on local cars that advertise book signing

During
__Be sure to invite them to join on facebook or other social networks to share their thoughts
__Become interested in their book clubs. If the opportunity arises offer to visit book clubs.
__Give a presentation on the historical context of book
__Give a presentation on how to write and be published
__Have giveaways: Free pens, free magnets
__ Collect emails for a raffle where they can win posters, or free books
__After the signing thank those who left their email and invite them to join your blog

After
__Send thank you card to the bookstore

Writing Tips and Tools

2010-09-21T08:19:00.002-07:00

I am not going to sugar-coat the writing industry. It is tough—it is competitive. If you live in Utah, it twice as hard because everyone wants to be a writer. Writing a book is the second highest goal in a America, and there is LOTS of competition.

Whether your book gets published or not, it will become a family relic. Yours kids will love it and your parents and siblings will read it, even if they have to drink caffeine while doing so. SO, the most important thing you can ever do is write it well. There is too little time on Earth to write something that no one should read.

There are two main writing styles: Organic and Organized. Organic style is random. Some people believe that it is has more power because it seems more real. Some people insist this is the only way to right is to let the muse pour information into the writer’s head. Many people who hold to this perspective believe that they are the Author of the book, but merely the channel that the book came through. Many authors who write with the this style simply sit at the computer and begin to write, not knowing where the story will go our even how a certain dialogue will end up.

There are some definite pros and cons for an organic writing style. The first novel I wrote, was called The Bond of Two Brothers and I wrote it over a period of ten years. It has attracted a lot of interest with publishers but has never been published, unfortunately. With this first book, I used a more organic style and it became a sprawling circuitous work. It ended up being for 420 thousand words, which is a is just over 730 pages in a printed book. The typical reader does not care to read or cart around a 730 page book.

Organic writers also typically have chapters that are way to long, or way to short. They often have sufficient dialogue but come up short on character and setting descriptions.

Organized style of writing is on the other end of the spectrum. Even with this delineation, it is still a broad term, and most ever author develops their own specific style. Most publishers are looking for MS between 70k and 90k words—which is only 140-190 pages on MS word. If the book is any more than that then the book begins to represent more and more work. Writing with an organized style enables a writer to land right in their word count, which is extremely important.

Using the Organized style of writing also enables the book to have more believable twists as well as tie everything up by the end. Essentially, when someone uses an organized style, they layout the plot, the characters, the time and place, ect. while or even before they begin writing the book.

Before creating a story line, I suggest creating a dozen interesting characters. I make character cards for each of my characters, with all sorts of information that is sometimes not even used in the book. Focus on the types of person they are: their attributes, their goals and work ethic, their weakness—especially their weakness. Write about what motivates this person (this is especially important with villians). How do they act when they are stressed or relaxed? Who do they turn to for information? Basically, make these characters as real as anyone you have met in your life. Often times it is best to base a character after a person you know.

Once you have a dozen interesting people then proceed to create the world they live in. I have a saying: “If you put interesting people, in interesting places, then you will end up with interesting results.” Begin to create a world that has only been seen in dreams before—this is especially true if it is a fictional world. But even if it is not, try to look at the world in a different way, or from a different perspective. What makes your world different? What is so interesting about your world that people should read your book? The more interesting elements you have in your world, the more interested your readers will be. Create a new species of animal or add a new dynamic to the world that changes everything. Perhaps a new government, or perhaps a refreshing look at an old government. In historical books, this really means that you conduct research. Read hundreds of pages about what is going on in history at that point in time.

Then, and only then, do you begin to write the story. You need a catchy beginning. It has to pull your reader in by the first chapter. Surprisingly, enough, many talented writers have a hard time doing this. Foreshadowing is key! Your first chapter should read and feel like a short story. Most of the time a publisher or an agent will ask only for the first chapter of the book; if you are bogged down with boring information, you will have a hard time keeping your reader in the book.

And then, work on the ending of the book. You don’t need to write it, just imagine and take notes of where you want things to end. Trust me, it is difficult to finish a book—even when you have planned it out from the beginning. The more connection the end has with the beginning as you start to write, the easier it will be to finish it.
After the first chapter is written. Plan out several plot points along the book, taking good notes as you do. Plan on writing about four to five MS pages for each chapter—this will be a guideline, however, and not the rule. It will help you keep chapters to the point and punchy; it will also prevent you from making each chapter too short or lacking in detail. Break this rule often, however, because it will keep your chapters fresh. If you can, alternate between long, medium, and shorter chapters.

Have the most exciting chapters longer, with more details; while other connecting chapters should be scarce on details. Details pull a reader in. So use them wisely. Too many details will make the book drag--much like the classics often do (I love the classics by the way, but their use of flowery language can slow the storyline; that is why in this ADD society, few people read the classics). The best place to use lots of details is at the most emotional parts; this will effectively, engage the reader into the situation--even if the detail has nothing to do with what is going on.

For example, refer to The Sea Kings of Rome: Champions of the Naumachia page 125-126.

And then write--really write. I can’t tell you how many people I have met that have 30 pages of a novel written but nothing more. Many people introduce themselves as writers, but they never write. On a good solid day of writing, I can write about 10 pages; on my best day, I can write 20. On an average day, I can write 2 or 3 and thats is after working another job. I promise you, that if you have interesting characters and place them in interesting situations, the words will flow from your hands. Your goal is only 150-190 pages—that’s all. If you write 10 pages a day, it will only take you 15 days to complete your novel.

Now, I will be honest with you, it typically takes me about 2 and half months to finish a book, so I am not writing 10 pages a day either. But, it is important that you finish within six months of starting. After six months, your writing style will beginning to change, you will forget about important elements in your book that you were going to flush out, and your motivation will significantly drop. I've read dozens of books that took less than six months and a dozen that took more; trust me, there is a difference.

Publish a Novel

2010-09-21T08:19:00.001-07:00

Publishing a book is the second highest goal in America. There are many writers out there--and many individuals who are trying to publish their book. Unfortunately, with the shear number of manuscripts even a good one has a very low chance of being published. Most the time, the MS will be put in a slush pile, which is in very close proximity to the trash can. For a first time author, and in this economy, getting published by a major publishing house is akin to purchasing a winning lottery ticket.

The stories that are most likely published are women’s fiction—since this represents the largest readership. But, just because it is most likely published, it does not mean it will be successful. With the abundant amount of women's fiction out there, it is hard to make a name for oneself unless you have a unique idea (like vampires?). If you’re a male, think about using a female penname. Times have changed. It is no longer a male dominated profession, but rather one dominated by females.

Publishers are looking for a sure thing—something that will sell at least 10,000 copies. Even if you have the best query letter, the best book idea, and the best 'go getter' attitude, they won't be likely to pick up your book unless you have a platform. A platform is a large amount of individuals that are interested in the things you write—such as a blog or a youtube following.

Like all platforms, in order to have viability, the creator needs to produce value (value in this sense in good, free information that makes your blog interesting). A good level of value is to have 3 quarters value to 1 quarter advertisement. That means for everything you try to get your readers to do or buy, you should have add at least 3x the value with good information.

If you've tried establishing a platform, but only can get a few uninterested relatives to join. Then you need to impress the publishers with your publishing experience—or as they call it publishing credits. Essentially, what other publishers have taken a chance on you in the past? To meet this end, it is important to take every opportunity to publish anything you can--such as an article in a church newsletter, or a letter to the editor in the local newspaper. Make attempts to publish in every small newspaper or magazine in your area. Usually small papers will be more than delighted to publish a well written article—especially if it means they don't have to write it themselves. The publishers will want to know pertinent publishing credits; so be sure to wright articles that establish you as an expert in the field that your book is being published—this is especially true for a non-fiction.

Establishing a platform is a life long pursuit, so don’t worry if things don’t get off to a quick start, and don’t feel like you have to shove stuff down your friends and families throat. This approach may work initially, but it will not have the long term effect you are hoping for. To this end, talk to other writers, go to book writing seminars, rub elbows with all the authors you meet, join their blog, and invite them to join yours.

Find out what is popular and read what is out there. Begin to turn several ideas around in your head and test which one is the most palatable. Write a few chapters and show them to the age group you want to reach. If their reaction is not estatic, put the book aside and look for something else. Once you’ve become a popular author, you can write the kind of books you want to write. But before you become a popular author, you first have to become an author. So diversify your projects. If something is getting a better reaction, put more energy into that one.

Edit, edit, edit. The less work a publishers sees they have to do in a MS, the more likely they will publish. I can’t tell you how many young authors who have dozens of typos in them. A publisher will very likely be turned off by book that is full of errors.

When you get something that is ready to publish buy the book Writer’s Market. This will have all the addresses you will need to begin submitting you MS. Before you do, however, look up each publisher and see if they publish the stuff you write. Google query letters. If you want a good idea for a querry letter, look at the back of any best selling book. Most likely, what is on the back of a best seller, is a good portion of what the author had in the query letter.

How to Find an Agent

2010-09-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Most of the big publishing house will not accept any MS unless it is through an agent. Agents also act as an advocate for the author, protecting them from shady publishing deals. If you can land a good agent, it is well worth the trouble.

Finding the right agent is difficult--it can even be down right disheartening. When looking for an agent, it is good to switch between mailing in and sending query letters by email. Sometimes writers only prefer to send letters by email--since it is quicker and costs nothing—but because it is an easier medium, it is usually used more. Several struggling writers will basically send out their query letters like spam until they find an agent. Consequently, agents are inundated with query and MS submissions that they can't possible ever get around to. So, it can sometimes be your advantage to print out the query and mail it.

The best thing to do is decrease the quantity of letters being sent, and increase the quality. Many agents prefer exclusive submission anyway. It is a good idea to really research the agent and find out if their goals are in line with yours. Find out what other books that have dealt with and why? Find out publishing house the agent usually pitches to. Look into the publishing house; find out if that publishing house matches your goals or your genre.

This might seem like more work, it might even seem like a waste of time, but it will make the difference in getting an agent or not. Take for example, if a door to door salesperson came to your door, asking you to listen to a long presentation about how their product could benefit your life. Unless you are extremely interested in exactly what they have, you'll probably just shut the door. But, wonder if a well acquainted neighbor came over and said I noticed you’re missing "this" from your life. The effect is almost the opposite: Even if you really don't need what they are offering, you will at least listen to what they have to share.

If you can just get a Literary agent to seriously consider your work, and if your story fills a niche in the market and is well written, you just might have a chance.

Once you find an agent that is interested in your work, don't rush into anything. Again, do your homework. There are such things as bad agents who won't help you further your goals of being an author—they might even prevent them. Ask for some references. Talk to people. Look at the success of the books the agent represents. Remember, this agent will become your business partner—so be sure they are a good one.

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2010-09-19T21:49:00.001-07:00

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Just came from book signing in Orem

2010-09-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

I just finished up with my book signing in Orem at the Barnes and Noble Authorpalooza (I hope I am spelling that right).

There were 45 authors there--which was amazing. Also there was Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells, two well known and very talented writers. It was tons of fun getting to know them as well as seeing their passion for writing. Dan and Brandon even invited me to be one of their special guests on a their podcast, which would be quite an honor. I will keep you guys updated with information about when. Hopefully, it will be soon.

It was tons of fun seeing all of the local authors and the books they have to offer. Provo/Orem are very unique in that they have a lot of local authors. I also met a lot of inspiring authors. My advice to them would be: Be persitant. Most authors writer and publish 3 to 10 books before one of them gets big.

Exciting News

2010-06-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

We will start doing book signings in Utah:

On the 17th we will be in Barnes and Noble at 6 North Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City, UT 84047

On the 24th we will be in Barnes and Noble at 1720 East Red Cliffs Dr., St. George, UT 84790

Thanks for all of your support.

2010-01-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

Excellent news! The Sea Kings of Rome: Champions of the Naumachia is now available on the Barnes and Noble website.

For more information, go to http://theseakingsofrome.com

; )

The Sea Kings of Rome

2009-10-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

I have great news. The Sea Kings of Rome is scheduled to be published in mid-november.