The Mighty Coward

            Last week I said I’d talk about one-on-one combat strategies I read from both the “Book of Five Rings” by Myamoto Musashi and “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, but something super important came up. Instead, I’ll leave you with the one good tactic that I still remember without having to bury myself in those books again: when fighting, keep the sun at your back. Simple, right? And incredibly effective. Ever play volleyball with the sun in your eye? How about baseball? Hell even driving is hard when the sun’s glare is pounding down on you, so imagine how much harder it is to attack or defend when your vision is obscured. If you can control the fight so that you will always have the sun at your back, then someone with less skill can defeat someone with more skill.

            Anyway, the important thing that came up happened last Sunday. I took a loooong walk around my neighborhood, one because it’s already Spring in Arizona and it was wonderfully sunny, and two because I needed to clear my head about starting a new story.

            I know I’ve talked about a few beginnings in my past posts, slaying gods and all, but I ended up doing what I always do when I start a story: I copped out. I made a bland, generic hero character with no flaws and who had little to no idea about the outside world. I even made the back-story justify his lack of experience!

            If I went back to my older posts, I probably complained about this same exact thing at some point. Difference between now and then is I have a better idea of what makes a good character.

            So, for the real reason you’re spending your time reading this blog, here’s a few tips on making good characters good.

            1. Good characters are flawed. They make mistakes. They forget things. They screw up when it matters most and they succeed when it matters least.

            2. Cowards make excellent characters

            3. Selfish cowards make even better characters.

            4. Heroes are great and all, but you have to remember the image of strength and bravery can be easily shattered by the faults that lay just beneath the skin.

             And there’s a few dozen more, but hey, I’m new at this, gimme a break.

Link-mania

Hey all!

I don’t have a profound post for this weekend, mostly because I’ll be out of town again this upcoming weekend. Sadly, unlike our last jaunt, we’re attending the funeral for a family friend who was killed in Afghanistan last week.  If you can take a moment to spare a prayer, thought, or whatever suits your beliefs, for this family and his widow, I’d greatly appreciate it.

So instead of some pithy thoughts, I’ll share some links which I think will be a great help to your writing (or, you know, a great distraction).  First, Patricia C. Wrede’s blog.  The author of the famous children’s series, The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Wrede is one solid fantasy writer who blogs regularly with tips on how to improve your own writing and editing.  One of her latest posts was about how to handle prologues, which I found extremely useful.  Although Wrede has done some things with her storytelling lately that I don’t approve of (that’s a post for another day), she’s a darn good writer and a great resource.

Next, the ultimate distraction: TV Tropes.  Be warned, when you click on that link, you will end spending hours browsing the site, checking out different tropes (or devices and conventions that a writer can reasonably rely on as being present in the audience members’ minds and expectations–not necessarily, cliches, as tropes are neutral).  This wiki is fun, although depending on your mood, it can either be helpful or hurtful.  Just remember, like Wicked said a few posts back, even though everything’s been done before, your story is still important and your success on putting these elements together, plus your own voice, is what will help you sell your book in the end.

I think my work is done here for now.  Now I’m off to travel through hyperspace and honor a fallen soldier.

May the Force be with you,

Jedi

News On Mischievous Raven

I’m sorry if I’ve kept you all waiting.  The truth is I’ve been busy licking envelopes.  Maybe I should start at the beginning.  Last week I received a ransom letter.  I’ve included it here for you all to read for yourself.

AS YOU CAN SEE THE BIRD IS FINE.  FOR NOW!  IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THREE QUERY LETTERS IN THE MAIL AS OF FEBRUARY 3RD THE BIRD DIES.  THERE WILL BE NO MORE EXTENSIONS.  THE MATTER IS CLOSED.  UPON RECEIPT OF PROOF OF THAT THE AFORE MENTIONED LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT WE WILL CONTACT YOU TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SAFE RETURN OF THE BIRD.  WE ASSURE YOU NO FOWL PLAY HAS BEFALLEN HIM YET.

IF WE LEARN THAT THE AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN CONTACTED YOU WILL NEVER SEE HIM ALIVE AGAIN.  WE CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

ONE LAST THING WE WANT THREE MISCHIEVOUS RAVEN HOODIES ONE LARGE TWO MEDIUM AT THE TIME OF THE TRANSFER.

YOURS,

THE THREE MISFITEERS

I know.  No one can believe it wasn’t C. Rock Adile.  So now you know why I wasn’t here on Friday.  I’ve got to go.  I’ve still got work to do this week.  In light of my predicament I’ll leave you with this quote from The Three Misfiteers.  This was in Frank’s fortune cookie.

“It takes a year to make a friend, but you can lose one in an hour.”

Write On,

Eerie

Life Interruptus…

I managed to drag and beat into a readable pulp a whole whopping SEVENpages of book 3.  I spent backbreaking hours sucking back frappacinnos as I hunched over my most precious Macbook Air with my ears plugged into my current playlist to bring those pages into the world kicking and screaming.  Exhausted I went home, corralled the Prankster Duo and knight in slightly muddy armor from the hypnotic trance of the latest video craze of SWTOR and we were sitting around the table to enjoy the wonderful world of Pizza Hut, when an almight noise emerged from the night.

Knight and I jumped up, grabbed our sharp pointy and edgy things, set the hellhound to watch the Duo and emerged onto the porch.  The unholy wails were coming from Eerie’s side of our little enclave.  For a moment I was worried his undead pets had slipped their leashes, but it was much, much worse than that.

Eerie’s got a steady head on his shoulders…most times, so this very explosively loud outburst was not normal.  In our Swamp not normal generally means mud is about to hit the fan.  I left Knight to stand guard and slid into the early evening to find out what the hell was going on.  It wasn’t long before Snarky and her whip were imitating a shadow to my left and Quirky and his quarterstaff took his spot on my left.  That pompous soon-to-be-new-pair-of-boots, aka Mr. C. Dial was lounging in his front yard, tsking about how he had been told this was such a nice neighborhood, such a pity. 

Ignoring him, our little trio made it to Eerie’s place to find Smokey trying to force a bowl of…well…something into Eerie’s shaking hands. The poor guy looked like a magnitude 10.0 was happening under his hairy feet.  A whisper of sound announced Jedi’s arrival and down the trodden path a pair of headlights bounced our way.  Great, the Muses were heading in.  Good grief, it was a frickin’ party!

It took a bit, but we finally got Eerie to tell us what was up. 

Mischevious was gone…flown the coop…flocked away!

His collection of shiny bits was still scattered around his perch, and we couldn’t finop…flocked away.

d any sign of forcible abuduction, but Eerie’s convinced he’s been raven-napped.  He’s even posted a rewarde for info.

Suspects are not exactly littering the ground, but personally, after seeing the little tete-a-tee between our Raven and Pompous Ass, it wouldn’t surprise me if that walking luggage set had something to do with it.  I told the old man with the tool belt to take a break on the flask thing and sent my muse with him to go listen to the talk down at the Swamp Shack.  Maybe we’d get lucky and the two of them will hear something.

In the meantime, I’m keeping my eye on that yes-man down the road, just in case. 

If you have any info on Mischevious, do me a favor and let Eerie know? He’s at 777-7777.

As for the writing thing, as I trudged home it hit me, those seven pages…yeah, they weren’t going to work.  During the walk home, I steamed and stewed but at least I know where I’m going to actually start now. Problem is, Shadow’s Soul needs to make it’s way to my editor.  I haven’t been very good at multi-tasking with this third book, so as frustrating as it is, it’s going to the back burner while I stop procrastinating and buckle down for editing hell.  A few more tweaks and it should be a done deal.  Then on to book 3….

Wicked

Six Word Short Story

Ernest Hemmingway did a six word short story: “For sale, baby shoes, never worn.”

Coulda been a miscarriage with his wife, coulda been just some baby shoes that went out of style.

Mine’s a tad more forward:

“Super headache, haven’t slept, appealing bed.”

Goodnight everybody, more on the art of war next week, this time focusing on one-on-one fights.

P.S.

Something tells me I should have been named the snarky dwarf… I seem to be getting sarcastic as of late.

Disclaimer: This is not an official challenge for the title of the Snarky Dwarf

Interview ~ Author Emily Cale

Please welcome the lovely Emily Cale to our blog today!

Emily Cale spent the majority of her childhood as a visitor to the worlds of her favorite authors. With encouragement from her English teachers, she put pen to paper and began imagining her own stories. Preferring the fascinating lives of her characters, she majored in creative writing. When not lost in a manuscript or a good book, she enjoys crocheting, rock climbing, and playing board games. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and a very spoiled cat.

What is a typical day for you like writing-wise?

I don’t have a typical day. My full-time job is being a PhD student and I work as a researcher for the University as well in return for my tuition. Depending on the week, I may get to devote an entire day to writing or only work on writing stuff at night. In general, I tend to work in batches, getting a ton done on school stuff one week and then switching the next week to focusing on my author duties.

What’s the first thing you did when you received word you’d sold a book?

I was actually working out of the country at the time in India and arrived in the office to find the email from a publisher saying they wanted my book TAMED. I was all alone and started crying and sending my husband IM messages that he needed to call me. Fortunately he got them (at probably 1AM his time) and called and listed to all the crazy sobbing that came before I was able to tell him about the email. No one I work with knows about my secret double life, so I then ate a half melted Twix bar that I’d bought to save for a special occasion.

If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your hero’s? Heroine’s?

My book actually has two heroines, so I guess I have to pick 2 women. Sam would be played by Reese Witherspoon. I’ve always loved watching her on the screen and I think that while she can look shy and unassuming, she has a lot of passion and spunk that shows through.

Lucy would be played by Anne Hathaway. She has been one of my favorite actresses since The Princess Diaries. I think Lucy undergoes a similar growth in the book to what Mia went through in that book/movies (from shy and unsure to much more confidents) and Ann would pull it off beautifully.

If you could be any animal, what would it be (real or magical)? Why?

I would be my cat. The little fluff ball spends 75% of her day sleeping in sun spots around the house and the other 25% eating and being petted. She is spoiled rotten and seems to have everything figured out.

What’s your favorite color? Do you decorate your space and/or dress in this color often?

Yellow is my absolute favorite color and always has been (I never had a pink phase). I think it is because my baby blankets were all yellow and green. The downside is that yellow is not a color that lends itself to clothing very well. I don’t have the coloring to pull off my shades, so I have to enjoy it in
little accessories instead. I’m trying to convince my husband to let me paint a room in our house yellow, but I’m currently losing the battle.

If you could time-travel, where would you go and why?

I wouldn’t want to go the future because I wouldn’t want to spoil anything, so I think I’d go back to 1925 London. I’ve always loved the fashion of the 20s and that time in general seems to be full of fun.

Why are manhole covers round?

(Confession: I asked my engineer husband) Two main theories: 1) Manhole covers are very heavy and the shape makes them easy to roll out of the way by workers (much harder if they were squares are triangles) and 2) A round shape doesn’t have a correct orientation, so it can’t accidently be put on and then fall down into sewer. This allows for fewer mistakes and frustrations.

Do you have any upcoming news you’d like to share?

I have another release coming out February 3^rd with Breathless Press. This one is an m/f contemporary western and is the first in my Rodeo Stars series.

 And the Fast Five:

Coffee or Chocolate?

That’s an impossibly question. I want both. At all times. I’ll take a mocha if you’re offering.

Jewelry: Precious gems or gold?

Definitely gems.

Beach or Mountains?

Beach. Though I’ll happily settle for mountains since I’m currently living without either.

Early Morning or Late Night?

If I got to choose, I’d pick early morning. Unfortunately my schedule doesn’t allow for that choice, so I’m usually up late.

Fruit or Veggies?

Fruit!

And last, but not least, where can we find you on the internet:

I’m always on the internet. I blog semi-frequently (http://www.emilycale.blogspot.com) and spend way too much time on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/emilycale). I also welcome feedback from readers who can email me at Emily.a.cale@gmail.com

Release Date: January 20, 2012

Buy Link(s):

Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=448&osCsid=k53gm93p0ek26d54p935na45b7

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Public-Display-Affection-Night-ebook/dp/B006ZIHUBS/ref=tag_stp_s2f_edpp_emily_cale

All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-publicdisplayofaffection-673179-144.html

Mischievous’ where a bouts still a mystery

Authorities are still baffled by the sudden disappearance of Mischievous Raven.  They’ve requested that all leads be processed through the comment box of this site.  However, Eerie Dwarf is still posting a 1,000 dollar reward for any information leading to the where a bouts of his friend Mischievous.  Eerie can be reached at 777-7777 or just dial dwarves, that’s 392-7837

Recent Photo Of Mischievous Raven

Mischievous Raven was last seen in The Swamps commercial district on the afternoon of January 20th, wearing a coat of shiny black feathers hawking a line of clothing and accessories, called RAVEN WEAR.

Pen vs. Keys

Have you ever thought about the way you write?

I can imagine you now, shaking your head in disbelief and pity, threatening to take my lightsaber away for good and confine me to Dagobah forever.  But hear me out.  My question doesn’t concern so much your plot, or characters, word choice, etc., but rather, the actual means by which you produce a story.  That is, do you actually write?  Do you type?  Or something in-between?

I tend to do both, but admit that typing often wins out for convenience as well as speed.  I used to write everything out when I was a kid, filling notebook after notebook full of fantastic drawings, maps, timelines, the works.  Granted, most of it was blatant copying (or probably pretty close to what is called fanfiction now) and not very good, but I keep those notebooks as a symbol and reminder of how far I’ve come.

Can we do the same with the keyboard and computer screen?

I don’t know.  I don’t have any hard or fast answers.  These days I find that my drafts go on the screen first, but that back stories and extraneous information–what I’d been filling up those notebooks with in the first place–still stay solidly in my journals.  I can’t let go of that pen and paper.  Even when the dwarves gather ’round to revise, we all pull out our paper copies and proudly flash Sith red pens of doom.

I think our writing has and will continue to be changed by our different methods.  Stories used to be only oral, after all.  I’m pretty much okay with whatever method, as long as the bad gets wrung out of the system.  For now, I’ll stick with typing on the big things, but whip out the pen for refining.  But I’m glad to know that I do have a choice in the process if I ever need to shake things up.

What do you think?  Does the way you write affect your story?

May the Force be with you,

Jedi

MISCHIEVOUS RAVEN IS MISSING

MISCHIEVOUS RAVEN MISSING

Last scene at the swamp on the afternoon of January 20th.

Anyone with information pertaining to his where-abouts please contact Eerie Dwarf at 777-7777.

1,000.00 dollar reward for information as to Mischievous’ location.

 

MUSING AROUND

removes embarrassing age spots, gets rid of unwanted facial hair, takes weight off hips, busts, thighs, chin, gives you dandruff, gets rid of black heads, heartbreak of psoriasis, it's a friend it's companion, it's the only product you'll ever need.

Hey folks, how’s it hanging?  As you can see Eerie is once again AWOL.  He claims to be writing with his muse down at The Swamp Shack.  I’m not altogether sure any writing gets done down there. I do know a lot of drinking gets done and that worries me.  Don’t tell anyone, but I think  Eerie may have a problem he hasn’t come to terms with.

I know he’s looney-tunes, everyone knows that.  I’m talking about his drinking problem.  Anyway I think his muse is a bad influence on him.  And if Wicked’s muse is with him, forget about it.  That woman scares the shine from my feathers.  I’m telling you, I won’t go back there after last time.  And the booze they serve, anything called Swamp Head just can’t be good for you.

Now let’s get down to business shall we.  Two weeks ago I suggested that you all go check out my new line of fashions and accessories EVERYTHING RAVEN, at mischievous.raven@yahoo.com.  I must say that I was disappointed at the less than enthusiastic response.  So today we will be having a little fashion show.  My assistants, the trolls are eagerly waiting to encourage you with your purchases.  Kiosks are set up at every exit for your shopping convenience.  As a special one time offer today only, you will receive  a free can of Troll Repellent with every purchase.

Step right up, everyone’s a winner, bargains galore.  That’s right you too can be the proud owner of

The quality goes in before the name goes on.

the lovely ensemble being modeled by none other than Karlie Kloss.  Next up Miranda Kerr is showing off the sexier side of Raven Wear with this one piece swimsuit.  Don’t be fooled by cheap imitations, these are originals folks.  Batteries not included.

“Hey MR.”

Get away from kid, you bother me.

“Urgent phone call from Eerie sir.”

Oh, you better put him through.  What’s that Eerie?  Your breaking up.  Can you hear me now?  Eerie?  Eerie?

I think I finally lost him.  It looks like we’ll have to cut the fashion show short.   We’re having a going out of business sale, everything must go.  50 % off original retail price.  Trolls are standing by to take your orders.

“It’s unethical to rub the phone on your chest when you’re talking, Raven.”  C. Rock Adial shakes his head.

Oh, hey C. Rock. It’s impolite to eavesdrop on someone else’s phone conversation.

“I don’t think Eerie will see it that way when he hears of this blatant commercialization of his blog.”

I see.  It’s like that is it.  Maybe you’re interested in some complimentary Raven Wear.

“I cannot be bought so cheaply.  50% of the take might dim my memory.”

30% of the net.

“40% of the net and a case of the Werewolf Monks Exsanguinate the Halls wine.”

You drive a hard bargain C R.

“I served his majesty for many years.  One is apt to pick up a few things along the way.”

Yes.  I bet that’s not all you picked up,

“Are you accusing me of common thievery.”

Not at all.  I’m sure there was nothing common about it.  If you’ll excuse me I’ve got to get this show packed up incase Eerie decides to come back early.

Eerie picked out this weeks quote before he left for the shack.  Don’t forget Everything Raven is always available at mischievous.raven@yahoo.com

“Dreams are the souls pantry.  Keep it well stacked and your soul will never hunger.”

~Cindy Williams

Shop On,

Mischievous Raven