I was reading blogs and came across this video for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel -- two of my favorite shows. I thought I'd also share the video here.
Yes, it's what I aspire to -- to have a story so interesting and compelling that fans become fully invested in the characters. Of course, that starts with me. Can I say I'm a fan of Sacred Knight? Oh yes! After all, I've been working on it for 17 years. You can't work on a story that long without have some connection to it and the characters.
And now, the Buffy/Angel video:
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Website update
I've updated my website to include the artwork for Sacred Knight. Take a moment and check it out.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Earth or non-earth, that is the question!
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I gave an online, one-time workshop about the settings for fantasy worlds.
It seems almost like a different lifetime. It practically was.
As I was preparing for the workshop, I learned one little piece of information that I've found utterly valuable in creating and discussing other fantasy worlds. What was this little revelation? Well, it's all based on this little planet we live on called, "Earth."
I realized that all fantasy and science fiction universes had to answer this one question either consciously or unconsciously: Is the setting in an earth-based universe or a non-earth based universe?
It's best if you can answer this question consciously because if you're aware of the issue then when situations arise in the writing, you can reflect on your answer to this question to best learn how to deal with it.
How do you know what's earth based or not? Well, is earth mentioned? Take a look at the lead in to this blog. Chances are you realize that it was a knock-off from Star Wars. So, is Star Wars earth based or not? Hopefully you're answering, "Earth based!" A galaxy far, far away automatically implies that it's in a galaxy several light-years from earth. Star Trek is easy because earth is referenced many times and they even brought whales back to San Francisco. Now, the new Star Trek movie allows for alternate timelines or realities (which I think they did an excellent job of spoon-feeding the audience a "newer" crew), but that's still an earth based universe. In a non-earth based universe, there is no reference to earth in any way, shape, or form. In these, earth seems not to exist.
So, how does this help you with writing your universe? This means that earth based universes have to follow the rules of earth as we know them. Planets have gravity. Not all planets in a solar system have life. Life is carbon based. Water boils at a certain temperature. In a non-earth based universe, you can break all these rules and create your own. It doesn't have to the same as here on earth as long as you can make it make sense to the reader. So let's say you have an issue with the trees on your planet. Let's say you want them to sing, really make music. We've all heard leaves blowing in the wind. Think about what that sounds like, especially quaking aspens. Close, but not really singing. In a non-earth based universe, you could easily say it's the wood or that the leaves are folded in such a way that makes them whistle. Great, make it plausible and use it. In an earth based universe though, we need to work harder because leaves have a specific purpose and a bend in them would defeat that purpose. What if there were spiders that made their homes in these trees? Now, we all know what happens when a string is plucked on a guitar -- it makes a noise. Well, the wind blowing through the spiders' strong webs act like fingers strumming a guitar. Ah, can you hear the music now?
What about magic? We don't have magic here on earth, so how can worlds with magic still be earth based? How can the Force exist when we can't physically draw objects to us by thinking about them now? Do we know everything? Are there not experiences that people report having every day that defy the logic that our world currently gives us? Miracles have been recorded. When you sit at the base of a tree and close your eyes, can you not feel the hum of nature around you? I think if you're reading this and/or you write fantasy, it is because you already believe there is more in this world than can be seen or proven.
Sacred Knight is based in an earth based universe. Yes, there's magic (or I should say magic is returning in the first book). Though I really don't get into the heart of magic until the second book, I know that on Steigan's world it is something that surrounds everyone. It comes from the life force of the whole planet. If we had magic here on earth, that's exactly where I'd expect it to come from.
So, go pay attention to your favorite sci-fi/fantasy worlds and see if they are earth or non-earth based. Then go back to your manuscript and see which you have.
It seems almost like a different lifetime. It practically was.
As I was preparing for the workshop, I learned one little piece of information that I've found utterly valuable in creating and discussing other fantasy worlds. What was this little revelation? Well, it's all based on this little planet we live on called, "Earth."
I realized that all fantasy and science fiction universes had to answer this one question either consciously or unconsciously: Is the setting in an earth-based universe or a non-earth based universe?
It's best if you can answer this question consciously because if you're aware of the issue then when situations arise in the writing, you can reflect on your answer to this question to best learn how to deal with it.
How do you know what's earth based or not? Well, is earth mentioned? Take a look at the lead in to this blog. Chances are you realize that it was a knock-off from Star Wars. So, is Star Wars earth based or not? Hopefully you're answering, "Earth based!" A galaxy far, far away automatically implies that it's in a galaxy several light-years from earth. Star Trek is easy because earth is referenced many times and they even brought whales back to San Francisco. Now, the new Star Trek movie allows for alternate timelines or realities (which I think they did an excellent job of spoon-feeding the audience a "newer" crew), but that's still an earth based universe. In a non-earth based universe, there is no reference to earth in any way, shape, or form. In these, earth seems not to exist.
So, how does this help you with writing your universe? This means that earth based universes have to follow the rules of earth as we know them. Planets have gravity. Not all planets in a solar system have life. Life is carbon based. Water boils at a certain temperature. In a non-earth based universe, you can break all these rules and create your own. It doesn't have to the same as here on earth as long as you can make it make sense to the reader. So let's say you have an issue with the trees on your planet. Let's say you want them to sing, really make music. We've all heard leaves blowing in the wind. Think about what that sounds like, especially quaking aspens. Close, but not really singing. In a non-earth based universe, you could easily say it's the wood or that the leaves are folded in such a way that makes them whistle. Great, make it plausible and use it. In an earth based universe though, we need to work harder because leaves have a specific purpose and a bend in them would defeat that purpose. What if there were spiders that made their homes in these trees? Now, we all know what happens when a string is plucked on a guitar -- it makes a noise. Well, the wind blowing through the spiders' strong webs act like fingers strumming a guitar. Ah, can you hear the music now?
What about magic? We don't have magic here on earth, so how can worlds with magic still be earth based? How can the Force exist when we can't physically draw objects to us by thinking about them now? Do we know everything? Are there not experiences that people report having every day that defy the logic that our world currently gives us? Miracles have been recorded. When you sit at the base of a tree and close your eyes, can you not feel the hum of nature around you? I think if you're reading this and/or you write fantasy, it is because you already believe there is more in this world than can be seen or proven.
Sacred Knight is based in an earth based universe. Yes, there's magic (or I should say magic is returning in the first book). Though I really don't get into the heart of magic until the second book, I know that on Steigan's world it is something that surrounds everyone. It comes from the life force of the whole planet. If we had magic here on earth, that's exactly where I'd expect it to come from.
So, go pay attention to your favorite sci-fi/fantasy worlds and see if they are earth or non-earth based. Then go back to your manuscript and see which you have.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Notes, Notes
I was busy cleaning my office last weekend and I came across several notes for Sacred Knight. Oh my gosh! Everywhere, notes! Some compiled in three-ring binders. Some in journals. So on scraps of paper. Some in files. Some on envelopes. I'm surprised that I didn't have notes written on the wall.
Wow.
You know you're writing an epic story when you can't even take a step through your house without running into something related to the story.
I hope I'm not missing any epic thoughts! I'd hate for that paper I just crumpled to be the gem that is the winning touch. Yikes.
I have to believe that any good ideas are going to stay with me.
What do you think? What's the oddest thing you've ever written a note for your book on?
Wow.
You know you're writing an epic story when you can't even take a step through your house without running into something related to the story.
I hope I'm not missing any epic thoughts! I'd hate for that paper I just crumpled to be the gem that is the winning touch. Yikes.
I have to believe that any good ideas are going to stay with me.
What do you think? What's the oddest thing you've ever written a note for your book on?
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