Sunday, December 25, 2011

Signing Off: I'll See You All Again In 2012

  Have a Good One!

The Laire will undergo a change or two when I get back. Nothing drastic. Just manageable. Must make room in the schedule for the novels that want to get started. It will give me a chance to comment on your posts, too.

I appreciate every one of you who keeps visiting my little corner of the blogosphere. It's been the best year by a landslide (over 41,000 visits). You're awesome!

If there happens to be another seven cool people out there who'd like to join this blog by the time I come back, I'll just have to throw another giveaway ...

... a giveaway unlike any that I've hosted before!

Oh, yeah. And InkPageant wants to host your posts. There's just one week left to enter our next giveaway - a 10-page critique from Eschler Editing. Hop to it!

I'm David, and who's ready for the best year ever?

 I'll bring the popcorn!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Aspiring Advice: It's Only A Flesh Wound



I hope you brought a strong stomach for the last edition of Dicey December, because it might get a little grody. And you may want to wash your hands when it's over.

Violence holds a broad place in history and literature. Some of the earliest fiction is incredibly grisly and real life entertainment often included watching people fight to the death. It can be as subtle as a paper cut or as blatant as falling into a meat grinder, but violence is ever present in books and our writing. It is, after all, a common way to increase tension and suspense.

Like I said in my posts on sex and sensuality and language, violence has its place in fiction. You won't see much more than punches or bullying in children's books and you can easily lose track of the body count in anything adult. And sometimes not. It all has to do with your audience and its place in the story. While violence is not condoned (understandably so) in our real life society, some can't seem to get enough of it in fiction.

Some even laugh.


And sometimes, it's downright silly.


In romance, you might have two love interests duke it out. In mystery, expect a little cloak and dagger. If there's a war going on ... you get the idea.

Personally, I'm not a fan of gratuity. Sure, I can handle a war movie or the final installment of The Inheritance Cycle, but constant blood and guts lies on the other side of the blood-lust gate, a place which I'm not all that interested in entering. And while I do have a soft spot for zombies (as gruesome as the genre implies), most zombie stories are a turn off for me. Mostly because of poor plot and over-the-top gore. 

(The Walking Dead does not have this problem)

Some authors have no problem describing an accurate decapitation. Others would rather get that message across with as little detail as possible. What matters most is how you use violence. Many books and movies lately have taken a creative approach to the issue.

Take The Dark Knight for example. Personally, it's a great film. There are plenty, however, who have shied away from it because it "looks so violent." I respect that, but what they don't know is how tame the violence really is. The film is quite clean. Very little language. Very little blood. Most of the violence is implied. It's the portrayal of an anarchist that gets to you.


(No act of violence here, but disturbingly effective)

Have I written violence? You bet. In some cases, in very creative ways. I haven't written every act of violence imaginable yet (and I may never get around to it) and my YA is fairly clean when it comes to violence (minus an occasional stabbing). When I do write violence, it's not for shock value's sake. There is a purpose, to reveal character or to heighten the danger of a situation.

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. Writing violence of one form or another is common and expected among authors (debatable), but it's the direction you take will make or break your story. Pick your inflictions carefully. Smite your foes thoughtfully.

Figuratively, of course.

Have something to add? How violent does your writing get? What's the worst thing you've done to a character?

I'm David, and we'll call it a draw.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Random Sauce: An Anticipated Journey!

 


Awesomeness. Enough said.

I just found out this trailer will be playing with The Adventures of Tintin. What a great weekend ahead!

I also just found out that Harrison Ford has signed on for Ender's Game! Abigail Breslin and Hailee Steinfeld have also signed on. Hopefully Ben Kingsley will, too.

And with Asa Butterfield leading, what a perfect cast!

 

Excited?

There's a couple of generous giveaways happening, too. One by Alex J. Cavanaugh and another by Julie Dao.

Go have a look'see!

I'm David, and that trailer was ... precious!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wednesday Trope: Cannon Fodder



What do Stormtroopers, Orcs, and Foot Soldiers have in common? A menacing appearance? Maybe. Big, shiny weapons? Possibly. Work for an evil Overlord? Probably. But the one thing they share most is final and absolute, and there is nothing more final than death.

Cannon Fodder (also known as Mooks) - Numerous and disposable opposition, often soldiers wearing identical outfits, who exist solely to be mowed down by the hero.

This trope has a reverse effect as well, for nameless people on the good-guy side who are going to die, sometimes because you know what they're wearing.


Symptoms of common Cannon Fodder include:

- Terrible aim
- Incompetency
- Awkward comic relief 
- An unwillingness to retreat
- Continuous reinforcements
- Audiences cheer upon their death
- Audiences laugh upon their death
- Fighting in the open, or one at a time, and
- Exaggerated spasms before hitting the ground

Main characters often like to sneak around Cannon Fodder, knock them out and take their clothes, or snap their necks and dispose of their bodies in a nearby hallway ... where no one will ever find them ...

Cannon Fodder can serve an effective purpose when incalculable odds are pinned against the heroes.


But ultimately, it's an opportunity for the hero(es) to show off - a warm up before facing the real enemy.


Have I used Cannon Fodder before? Since I write sci-fi and fantasy, it's practically built in. The difference is I like to turn the tables a little by making them more competent and more of a threat. If my heroes manage to win against an army of no-names, you can bet they'll get messed up and be out of commission for a while.

Have you used Cannon Fodder in your writing? Do they pose a threat? What's your highest body count?

I'm David, and nobody tosses a Dwarf!


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

I Read This: Fireseed One!


All eighteen year-old Varik Teitur wants to do is party on SnowAngel Island with his friend Audun and flirt with college girls ... Instead, he inherits a vast sea farm, following the death of his father, a marine biologist. Five weeks later, ZWC member Marisa Baron breaks into the farm’s secret seed vault and a fellow activist poisons the farm ... Varik is forced to journey to the Hotzone in search of Fireseed, a plant his father supposedly developed with magical hybridization properties.

Today is launch day for Catherine Stine's Fireseed One, a YA science fiction thriller set in a post apocalyptic future. Not only has the United States become an uninhabitable wasteland, but the once far Canadian north is now lush and fertile, along with pet dolphins that sport prosthetic fins. And danger, when Varik's vault is raided by a mysterious (and feisty) redhead.

It was an interesting read. The first-person present-tense narrative was a little off putting at first, but the world building and the relationship between Varik and Marsia kept me reading to the end. Fireseed is full of character and loaded with inventive ideas.

Here's some cool Fireseed links to check out!

Amazon - Goodreads - Facebook - Website

The launch party is happening here, with giveaways and other awesomeness. Check it out before you head out!

I'm David, and can I have a pet dolphin, too?

Monday, December 19, 2011

'Wrap It Up' Blogfest: The Winners Are ...



Morning! The Linky is closed, the entries are in, and the winners selected. J. A. Bennett, Leigh Covington, and I thank you for participating in our first blogfest-hop- kabob ... thingy. There were a lot of great entries who did an awesome job capturing that holiday spirit with their dedicated entries. It was a real battle narrowing it down to five (you should see our post-judging scars!).

And the winners are ...

*     *     *

1st: Sara Bulla - Lost and Found

2nd: Jenna Quentin - Everything for Christmas

3rd: Melanie Fowler - Christmas Battle

4th: Kelly Lynn - Remember When

5th: Phyllis Sweetwater - The Christmas Cactus

*     *     *

Congratulations! We will contact you shortly with information related to your prizes. And thank you all for participating! We enjoyed reading your entries as much as I'm sure your recipient will enjoy receiving it.

BUT WAIT! ... We have a special surprise!

(Yeah ... you wish!)

All three of us have agreed to offer Query Critiques to anyone who wants one for the next three days. That's right. Anyone. Meaning you did not have to participate in this blogfest to collect on this offer. Send it to one of us, or send one query to all three of us. Send queries in an email, as you would to an agent. NO ATTACHMENTS. We won't open them. We'll provide honest opinion and offer suggestions for improvement, if needed.

Contact one (or all) of us:

dpowersking[at]gmail[dot]com

author[dot]jabennett[at]gmail[dot]com

covington[dot]leigh[at]gmail[dot]com

The offer stands until Wednesday,  21st, 11:59 PM

*     *     *

I'm David, and Yule Logs are hard to make!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Aspiring Advice: Birds, Bees, and Writing


Okay, people. Don't flip out. I'll keep this post as PG as possible, but you knew the topic of sex and sensuality would come out sometime during Dicey December. Or should I say, sex and sensuality as far as your writing is concerned. It's a part of life (a rather important part, I might add) and something worth discussing. If it's too taboo for you, shoo.

And stop swooning over that picture. Drool and keyboards don't mix.

As the saying goes, sex sells - implemented, implied, or anticipated. Don't believe me? Look at the Paranormal Romance section at your local book store. Overflowing! The question is, will sexual bits advance your story or not? Firstly, it depends on the genre. There are fictional works involving many saucy scenes in graphic detail. On the other extreme, you have coming-of-age characters with developing crushes, but are completely clueless about intimacy or how to land a first kiss.

Personally, I'm a "don't want to know what you do behind closed doors" kind of guy. This applies to what I read, watch, and write. And I'm especially wary of gratuitous scenes, especially if it's thrown in because the filmmaker wanted an "art" scene or an author wanted to throw in their own jollies. I can't remember the name of the book, but I do recall a scene within the first three chapters depicting three people - thankfully, with implied details. It came out of nowhere and it did absolutely nothing for the story. Obviously, since I forgot the name, that book is not memorable to me.

If there was a consequence, or a reason for portraying this fling, maybe I would have appreciated it more?

The Terminator, for example *spoilers ahead*, is about a war going on in the future between humans and robots. The machines send a cyborg to the past to knock off the mother of the leader of the human resistance (at the totally helpless age of twenty-something). The humans send her a protector. They fall in love and find a moment to consummate it. Yeah, okay. In short, the protector dies, the machine is smashed, and the girl is tramatized for the rest of her life.

And pregnant - with the future leader of the human resistance.

Brilliant!

I will remember this story for the rest of my life.

And really, sexual tension and chemistry is all you need to make you read or watch on. Why did I read/watch these (aside from being totally awesome)?


I wanted to know if X would hook up with Y, even if it is painfully obvious that they're going to. And they didn't have to portray every single possible act of physical intimacy imaginable without actually "doing" it.

Ahem ...

And Breaking Dawn is more of a New Adult, right?

(For the record, Twilight did make up for it by the consequences portrayed in book 4, even if the consequences are ... interesting ...)

What separates Adult and YA from MG? Sexual tension, of one kind or another. For Adult, maybe more so. There is a place for it. And sometimes not. Just like my post on Swearing, sex and sensuality are excellent (if not controversial) storytelling tools. Use them decisively.

And that applies to any relationship you write, be it heterosexual, homosexual, or extraterrestrialsexual (hey - it worked in Mass Effect ... to an extent).

Don't want to get into details? You don't have to. Modest is kinda hot. It leaves room for interpretation.

Write an implied scene, where hints are given that something steamy's about to happen, or/then skip to an after scene, where they pillow talk after the fact.

I'm a sucker for cute little moments in stories. Hugs. Hand holding. Brushing the hair behind a girl's ear. That first kiss. These acts, coupled with character desires, makes for savory tension when slowly built upon.

 

One thing is for certain. If sex happens, something else has got to happen. A pregnancy. A rival lover. One (or both) dies. Something! Now that these characters have each other, and know it, their sexual tension is dead.
That is, of course, if you invent a brilliant twist!

Have I used a little spice like this in my writing? Well ... you'll just have to read my stuff to find out!

*commence evil laugh*

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. Sex is a part of life. In my opinion, something beautiful and shouldn't be squandered or forced on others. Everyone goes through these feelings. So would your characters. How you go about it, whether your characters are obsessive or driven by a moral compass, is up to you.

Agree? Disagree? Have something to add? What are your thoughts on writing the Birds and the Bees?

I'm David, and I think I need a long shower ...

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Random Sauce: Bah Humbug Blaghfest

  

Grumpy Bulldog is hosting the first ever Bah Humbug Blaghfest, asking us to write the 12 things that we hate about Christmas. Due to time constraints, however, I'm going to be a real miser and cheat. Star Wars style!

Hit it!




Kidding! That was a warmup. While I very much enjoy the Christmas season, there are a few things about it that bug me. 12 things, to be exact. And they are:

12 - Christmas Pop Music:

Just about every vocalist with a recording contract comes out with a Christmas album eventually. While some do a good job, the vast majority try really hard to put their own spin on a classic, stretching those vocal cords to almost unbearable lengths. And with auto-tuning, it's only getting worse.



11 - Failed Expectations:

I actually enjoy shopping, and finding that good deal, and while some are very good at telling you what they'd like when asked, others say "I don't know what I want." Contrary to popular belief, I'm not a great mind reader. I try my best to figure out what they would enjoy, only to see masked disappointment on Christmas day. Good thing I include the receipts.


10 - Pushy Kiosk People:

So I get stopped by those guys at the kiosks in the mall, right? Well, one time they actually had something that someone I knew would appreciate, but no way was I going to spend $100 on a little box. But this sales person was so insistent, the price was whittled down to $60 for two. I could live with that. Then, after I made my purchase and signed the receipt, they try to sell me THREE more for $40! And I had to say "no" THREE times before they left me alone. Really? More than anything, it makes me question the value of their product.


9 - "Sending Those Christmas Cards:"

For one, it costs a lot, after it's all said and done. And second, it leaves a nasty taste in my mouth, licking all those envelopes. And third, they end up getting thrown away anyway. Which is why I've adopted sending Christmas emails with a one-page attachment updating family and friends on our past year.


8 - Ham:

No ham. I'll only do turkey or beef brisket, Sam I Am.


7 - Traveling:

Nightmare. The first time I experimented with growing a goatee, airport security searched me THREE times. When I flew back with a clean-shaven face, not searched at all. Hmm. If we do the train, it arrives and leaves at the worst possible times (3:00 AM/11:30 PM). And the roads. Yeah. I'm done.

 

6 - Holiday Shows/Movies

Now, there are many that I like, but what I don't like is having them play over, and over, and over again. I don't know what AMC is trying to prove by playing White Christmas all week long, but I'd rather catch up on what I missed with Walking Dead. And don't get me started with ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas!

 

5 - Seasonal Merchandise:

Even before Halloween arrives, stores stock up on an over-abundance of Christmas stuff, for a holiday that you'll only display the stuff for maybe a month. What do they do with all the stuff that doesn't sell?

 

4 - Crossover Products:

Converting every known candy, cereal, or personal hygiene item into some kind of more food coloring-laced, extra scented and sugar-added hybrid. Not a fan of cinnamon deodorant. Keep it simple, mkay?

 

3 - Rising Tensions:

The closer it gets to the 25th, tensions rise everywhere. Particularly on the road. Relax. You'll get to your destination eventually. I've already seen THREE crashes happen on the same one-way trip back home from work last week. The roads are icy. Slow down. No need to add car insurance issues on your list.

 

2 - Offended People:

Look, I don't know what the deal is, but as an American citizen who welcomes people's rights to celebrate what they may, would you please grant me that same right? I don't celebrate the Festival of Lights, but I won't get offended if you wish me a Happy Hanukkah. May I please wish you a Merry Christmas without a scornful sneer? Or do I have to resort to "Have A Highly-Acceptable 24 Consecutive Hours!"

 

1 - No White Christmas/Destroying My Snowman:

I live in Utah now, and, supposedly, we have the best snow in the world. I want fresh snow every Christmas so I can build a cool snowman with my boy, which the middle school kids eventually mess up (and they write profanities in our snow as well). You mess with my snowman, and it's on, buddy!



 *     *     *

Noticed THREE a lot in this post? Anyone know a good numerologist who can make sense of that for me?


I'm David, and now it's time for some Hoth Cocoa!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

'Wrap It Up' Blogfest Entry: The Cheese



Once every year, above all other seasons
Lots of people celebrate ... for varying reasons.
But no matter the reason, we all try to please
Special friends and guests with holiday cheese.

And so, for this reason, I wrote you a song,
Parodying a tradition, put off for too long.
But before we begin, I have only one plea
It's for fun, Mr. Groban; please don't sue me.

Press play before you start to read.



If you're brave enough to sing it, I'll provide cookies!

*     *     *

The Cheese (A Believe parody)

Cheddar, Colby, lots of Mozzarella
‘Tis the season to taste something different
Come and party at my dairy store
Try the Brie here; sample my Camembert
When there is nothing left on the tray
I’ll go and get some more, right away!

Believe in what your mouth is craving
Our Ricotta will have you raving
There’s no need to waste
That empty spot on your plate
Your crackers there look mighty dry
And Limburger will make you cry
We have everything you need
Since we've got the cheese!

Trucks come rolling with imported crates
Every morsel is richer than Bill Gates
Blue cheese, Swiss cheese, and some Provolone
Don’t be stingy on that crumb of Havarti
We're out of Gamalost from Norway
They’ll ship us plenty more by Christmas Day

You haven’t even tried the Muenster
What are you, some kind of monster?
An acquired taste
Is needed to stuff your face
Don’t shed a tear, prepare to dine
And have some Gouda with your wine!
We have everything you need
Since we've got the cheese!

Yes, we've got the cheese!
Lots of moldy cheese!
Will you pass the cheese?
Man, who cut the cheese?
Nasty cheese!
Ranky cheese!

(Fadeout Monologue)

Ugh. No. Really. It’s that bad! Eggnog will probably kill you at this point. Go on home before you asphyxiate my customers. Sorry, pal. No refunds. Happy Holidays!



*     *     *

I'm David, and this is my cheesiest post ever! 

 
Take one - but only if you sang along!

Write a piece of flash fiction, poem, or song (300 words or less) for someone you know (real or imaginary). It may be in any genre, but it must have a holiday theme (real or fictional). Post it on your blog anytime between now and when the linky closes. You will then give it to that someone, sometime before the new year.

For full details and prizes, click here!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Tuesday Tropes: MacGuffins

 

Do you know of any stories with special objects? Maybe this special object is being pursued by every character in the story? I have, and lots of them are quite shiny!

MacGuffin - A plot-driving element or item that serves no further purpose than to move the story along.

We can all thank this man for coining the phrase.

A good example is a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. Gold, jewels, Unobtainium, it doesn't matter. Everyone is trying to get it. The treasure could be anything and it would still be the same story every time.

Sometimes, it is never explained.

Chris: "Thanks for the watch!"
Jane: "What watch?"

Sometimes, we don't get to see what it is.

"I wonder what's in that package I never opened ..."

Some are willing to risk their lives (and die) for it.



And oftentimes, no one is ever meant to obtain it.



This trope is quite common. Since many stories are object driven (a real aspect of the human existence), there is no sign of slowing down for this storytelling tactic. If used right, it can even enhance your story.

Deathly Hallows, anyone?
(Minus the plot-infused wand)

Have I used a MacGuffin? Three times, actually, but I enjoyed how different each one turned out. One of them will make reappearances in future novels, if needed.

Have you used a MacGuffin? What MacGuffin's can you identify in movies/books you've looked at recently?

Don't forget to check out (and maybe sign up for) this blogfest! Click back tomorrow for my contribution.

I'm David, and have you seen my left socks?


Monday, December 12, 2011

The "Wrap It Up" Blogfest And Giveaway!



The best gifts are the ones you make yourself. That's why J. A. Bennett, Leigh Covington, and myself wish to invite you to give the gift of your writing. And we've got prizes! I know. I totally linked myself. Who does that?

Here's the deal:

Write a piece of flash fiction, poem, or song (300 words or less) for someone you know (real or imaginary). It may be in any genre, but it must have a holiday theme (real or fictional). Post it on your blog anytime between now and when the linky closes. You will then give it to that someone, sometime before the new year.

Give it in the form of an email, on fancy stationary, or laser-etched onto a solid gold plate. Your choice.

Telling us who you're giving it to is optional.

Every eligible entry will qualify for a chance to win one of a few special gifts. The linky will close at 11:59 PM, Friday the 16th (MST). J.A., Leigh, and I will then read, debate, and decide on five winners for the following:

1st: An Amazon Gift Card for $15
2nd: "Champaginer Challenges 2011" and "Totally Clichéd" E-books
3rd: A 5-page critique from David Powers King
4th: A 5-page critique from J. A. Bennett
5th: A 5-page critique from Leigh Covington

Judging will be based on the effectiveness and quality of your writing. There is no point system, no popularity votes, and you do not have to follow us to participate.

We're givers. What can we say?

Sound good? Awesome! Copy and paste the linky code below with your entry. Spread the word! Paste the button on your blog! Tweet the sweetness! We look forward to reading your holiday magic!

I'm David, and where's the wrapping paper?

Friday, December 9, 2011

Guest Advice: Following Your Dreams


The next installment of Dicey December is on hold this week, because there's someone I'd like you to meet. A cool authorly dude with a can-do attitude who totally speaks my language. And he has something to say about following your dreams. Take it away, Mark!

*    *    *

In February 2003, I tapped my pen off a stack of papers, not sure how to respond to the next question on my final leg to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. The question was for my passport, and what I should list under “occupation.” I knew what I wanted, but I thought it better if I didn't lie. What if *they* found out? I’d be deported and sent back to Ireland – where they were just recovering from getting rid of me.

But let me get back on track. It’s frustrating for anyone struggling to get a gig with no prior publishing credits or “clips,” and how do you get clips if no one will hire you without prior experience?

So, here’s how I learnt my ABCs:

A is for “Attitude.” I mean yours, and yours alone. On 9/11, I was a divorced, depressed, and depleted restaurant manager who'd just quit his latest job to sell gold coins. Two years later, I’d published my first magazine article, and the only difference was my attitude. We can’t control the attitude of others, but we can change our world by staying focused and positive.

When I later saw an ad in a local Florida newspaper looking for Staff Reporters with two years experience and a BS in journalism – I had neither – my pesky lack of experience didn’t stop me from applying and earning an interview. I spent hours formulating that one-page cover letter. (My new bride thought I was drafting a letter to create world peace.)

But, I knew I had only one shot, and what I lacking in experience, I intended to make up for in passion (my future boss told me much later that mine was the best cover letter she'd ever read).

B is for Believe, as in believe in your talent and become the best writer you can be. This includes researching and self-editing.

Once hired, there was no holding be back, until my first red-lined article (I thought the editor spilled his ink pot on my pages - it was horrendous). However, I believed in my writing skills, but saw I needed more (better research and my self-editing was terrible.

For weeks, I worked from 4 AM to 10 PM until my schedule of seven articles a week became manageable. I learned how to research using multiple sources, cross referencing, and not relying on Wikipedia!

I also self-edited myself into the ground, then asked my wife to read and critique, and edited again. Eventually, I joined the land of the living and have never looked back. But, yeah, if not for my self-belief, I would have quit years ago.


C is for Critque. Why do we spend days, weeks, month and years on a project and then when it's ready, we're scared to show it to someone - aynone? (I think it's becase we tend to write alone, so the inner voice that says "this sucks" is sometimes our only company.) My first reader was - and is - my wife ('cos I know where she lives if she redlines me too much). However, spouses and/or trusted friends can be fantastic resources to help your writing along.

Here's other ways I believe writing can be improved:

Attend a Writer's Conference, especially if you are a wide-eyed newbie, or an established maker of muse in need of a morale boosting fix. I've had the pleasure of attending conferences in CA and TX, and, by far, the coolest thing is joining a white linen-clad table of strangers and not having to explain what you do - or why you're doing it!

Be Proud! Some may be embarrassed when they say "I'm a writer," in case of The Look, or ever worse, the dreaded reply storms up to the front of the room: "Ok, that's nice, dear, but what do you really do?" (Writer's Conferences can cure that, too.)

Use Social Media tools to start building now, and not when you're looking for an agent. (THanks to David, I'm guest-posting here after firing up my blog in September - a direct result of a seminar I attended during my most recent Writer's Conference.) 

Write what you know. Yeah, yeah. Heard that one before. Next! No, wait, I’m serious. Sure, you’ve been told to WWYK, but say you’re a journalist with a large beat, or a freelancer looking for some fresh ideas. Why not research a topic you love, but don’t know much about?

Love history? Is there anyone famous burind in your local cemetery?

Love cars? Contact a dealership, write an article about a day in the life of a used car salesman - break some of those sterotypes - or not.

Love travel? Is there a tourist spot close by? Spend the day, speak with some of the vacationers. Where are they from? Why here? Why now?

Oh, and on my passport application, the one I filled out months before seeing my byline for the first time, I put down the only thing I ever wanted to be – once I figured it out:

WRITER.

Mahalo to David for the honor of guest-posting and may all your dreams come true.

Regards and aloha!


 *    *    *

That's an awesome journey, Mr. Mark Koopmans! And mahalo for sharing your experiences with us. I agree. Stepping away from your computer and meeting other writers is the fasted way to learn and grow.

You can check out Mark's blog by clicking here. His article skills are stellar! You won't be disappointed.

Tell us a little something about your writing journey. What's helped you the most in following your dream?

I'm David, and Hawaii looks great right about now!


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Random Sauce: Are You A Smart Mass?

  
I can't believe a site like this exists ...

 
Flying R/C fish? Unicorn meat? Bacon soap? A monkey mascot? Going through their products is a riot, and a convenient place to find a white elephant gift that's sure to bring down the house. Enter if you dare, but I'll warn you now. You might leave the site a little less richer. 

What cool sites have you found lately?

I'm David, and I proudly own a Tribble.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Notice: Something Is Coming This Way



A fare warning to all. Something is coming this way. Should you be afraid? No. But you should get ready. Some serious awesomeness is about to go down.

No. It's not a publishing contract, a winning lottery ticket, or the end of the world. Sorry to disappoint.

It's something much cooler, not made of green, and you get to participate! And I can give you only one hint.

'Tis the season ...

More details on Monday.

I'm David, and do giants take anti-gas tablets?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tuesday Tropes: Defenestration

 
Is your character frustrated? Wouldn't it be great if he could throw his cares out the window? Well. This is fiction, right? Why not throw your problems out the window? Even if the problem happens to be alive!


Defenestration  - The act of throwing someone or something out of a window.

This is often used for dramatic effect (for objects), the beginning of a murder mystery, or for the climax of an action sequence. Few things are as final as falling from a high-rise. And it never gets old. There's quite a lot of history about it, too. Check it out here.

There's plenty of examples to choose from. Watchmen started with a defenestration. It's happened in Spider -Man, Braveheart, Robin hood: Prince of Thieves (thanks to Friar Tuck), and even in Stardust. Twice!

 Secundus never saw it coming!

The best scene of defenestration I've read in a long time is in this book. Larry Correia knows his action, humor, and firearms. Werewolves beware. Gravity > silver.



There is also Self-Defenestration - The act of jumping or throwing oneself out the window. Makes for a great escape, if your MC has a parachute or a grappling hook.

Have I used these in my writing? Self-Defenestration. Once. For my first novel. It was a pretty cool scene.

Have you used any form of defenestration in your writing? What kinds of objects (or people) did you plummet to their demise?

I'm David, and this trope is going out the window!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Post: A Little Blog-Cleaning-Upping!


Alrighty, then! December is here and there's a bunch of things I need to mention, blogging things that have been on my mind for some time. So. Here goes!


1: Remember the Campaign Challenge over at Rachael Harrie's blog? I volunteered all of my entries to her first campaigner anthology, Campaigner Challenges 2011. It's an awesome collection of flash fiction that I am proud to be a part of. All proceeds go to Harry Moseley's cancer research charity "Help Harry Help Others". You can find printed copies here and the ebook here.

2: It's perfectly fine if you want to call me Dave. I've been called just about everything under that sun, including King David, Davy Crockett, Donkey Kong, P. King Duck, and Earthquake (long story - don't ask).

Call me Dotty and you die ...

3: We have working Internet now! Plus cable, after five years without! No more early morning commutes or late night borrowing of the in-law's wireless. Awesome.

4: Check out our latest members!

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Welcome aboard, bloggernauts! Enjoy the ride!


Update: Slow goings on at my end, resulting in less than acceptable word count. Just about done editing a side project. When that's over, the Dragon revision is next. The aim is to finish it before the new year.

How about you? Anything exciting on your end? What's your goal this week?

I'm David, and penguins don't need to fly!