David Powers King

Carrie Butler: The 4 Critique Reactions

2012-06-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers I've yet to meet in person is the astounding Carrie Butler of So, You're A Writer, and she has a special doodle surprise for us: The 4 Critique Reactions! If we've had our work critiqued, I'm sure we've put on one or all of these faces (and maybe more - where's the cry face?). The floor is yours, Carrie!

* * *

I'm Carrie, and you'll never know the face I'm making. ;)

Matt Hayes: How I Became A Writer

2012-05-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Up next in this parade of guest posts is Matt Hayes, a stellar young writer (and one of my younger stalkers), who I first met in person at LTUE 2012. I had the chance to read some of his work, and wow! If I had written that well at his age, I'd be a best seller by now, which looks promising for Matt's future. Take it away, buddy!

* * *

Hi, guys! I’m Matt from Matt’s Writing Lair, filling in for David while he’s on revision hiatus. Let us wish him luck.

For those of you who’ve stuck around David’s blog for a while now, do you recall a certain post from February called “Start Now, Not Later”? David mentioned me in this post, along with my friend Jackson Porter. It was a very inspiring post, one that touched Jackson and I alike, and gained us each about five new followers on our blogs.

I want to take the opportunity to talk about that post. How did we get to be writers at such a young age?

1) My parents read to me all the time as a kid, so, naturally, I picked up on reading at a young age, even though I didn’t actually read avidly until I was about 9. The first few books I picked up was the entire Narnia set by C.S. Lewis, which was sort of the spark of my writing career.

2) The next book I picked up was The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, and I absolutely loved it. I picked up the sequel almost immediately after I finished reading it, and, while waiting for the third one, I read Eragon by Christopher Paolini. These three books inspired me.

3) Before I knew it, I wrote a 20-page short story. I researched writing and read about writing and watched videos about writing. I practiced every day, not letting my counter-productivity get the better of me. I wrote at least a sentence or two if that was all it took. I turned my short story into 3 short novels, which became the genesis of my current novel.

This isn’t me boasting. It’s to show you that you can do it just like I did, whether you’re 15 or 30 or 60. If you keep putting it off, it’s not going to happen. If you’ve only got one life, make it awesome and do what you really want to do.

My name is Matt Hayes. I’m 14, and I can say I did something cool before I died. So can you, if you put your heart and soul into it. It takes time, I know. I’ve been working on the same thing for almost six years now. It doesn’t get any easier, but the more patience you have and the more effort you put into it, the better you’ll feel when it’s all done.

I’m Matt, and, you can’t catch your dreams if you don’t go after them, so what are you waiting for?

Shallee McArthur: The Key to Writing a Deeper Book - Get Outside Yourself!

2012-05-28T08:00:00.048-06:00

I am especially honored to have Shallee McArthur here today, the first of many guests to come (the outpouring of support during this hiatus phase has been amazing - thank you, everyone!). I first met Shallee while waiting in line for a Brandon Sanderson signing, and we've been blogging buds ever since, and I can't wait for someone to pick up her book, The Unhappening of Genesis Lee (which will be the hottest YA sci-fi since Across the Universe, I have no doubt). Take it away, Shallee!

* * *

When I was a sophomore in college, I took the most random road trip of my life. It involved me, a friend, a stuffed orangutan named Olaf, and a spinning bottle that chose our direction: north to Idaho.

Honestly. Idaho. What was of interest in Idaho? A lot, it turned out.

The whole trip started with a challenge from my creative writing professor. He wanted us to see life differently by simply doing something we'd never done before. He said to keep growing as writers - and as human beings - we had to get outside ourselves and our routines.

Usually, we have one perspective on life: our own. There's nothing wrong with that. It's what makes our writing unique, how we can take ideas that have been done a thousand times and turn them into stories only we can write. But it's important to remember that our view of life is not the ONLY view of life. Our stories become deeper when we incorporate characters with different views on key issues, or plots that show the complexities of a theme.

And so, I took that challenge and set out for Idaho with my friend. We had no destination. We belted out Good Charlotte songs, laughed over the insane stories in the Weekly World News, and stopped whenever we saw signs for things like "Historic Rock Formation, next exit." We discovered ancient horse fossils and a former Japanese internment camp. We met a 20-year-old guy from Australia traveling the world to BASE jump from everything he could, and watched him parachute off a bridge. We offered to wash our own dishes at a tiny mom-and-pop cafe, and though we were denied, we learned a lot about small-town life from that mom and pop.

Over the course of 3 days and 870 miles, I broke outside myself. I saw how the world looked from other people's perspectives. My own perspective changed. It didn't give me any brilliant story ideas, or change my life forever. But it widened my own view of the world just a little.

Any small thing we do to get outside ourselves can deepen us as individuals. And that, in the end, is what helps us write deeper stories.

I'm Shallee, and Idaho is a lot cooler than people give it credit for.

Calling All Bloggers: Guest Posts Wanted!

2012-05-25T09:19:00.000-06:00

Hey, guys!

It's been an extraordinary week, revising like an international madhouse of pancakes, and what we have so far is nothing short of amazing - but there is a downside. It's taking a little bit longer than anticipated, and we'd rather do this right than rush it. And if you add a collaboration in there, the process is doubled, which means my absence may be extended.

Which is where you come in.

To keep this place active, I'm soliciting you guys for guest posts, interviews, trope posts, you name it - I'd love to have you on my blog! Just treat this place like you would your own. If interested, email me here.

And in other news, Michael Haynes had his short story, The Morandini Genie, read on the Cast of Wonders podcast. It was based on a prompt that I provided, so again, writers working together = awesomeness.

Check it out!

Thank you in advance for your continuous support. The payforward will be epic, I can assure you.

I'm David, and it's meatball time!

Guess where I'm going this weekend?

Tuesday Tropes: The Mysterious Letter

2012-05-22T08:00:00.092-06:00

Surprise! The amazing J.A. Bennett volunteered to fill my trope post this week. How cool is that? Revisions are going well. Thank you everyone who commented and read my hiatus post. Your words are ultra encouraging.

Take it away, J.A.! (I'll use parentheses, okay?)

* * *

There are many ways to build suspense in a story: secrets, lies, action, betrayal, but what about those times when suspense needs to be a bit more subtle?

(You know you want to open it!)

The Mysterious Letter - a way to create mystery without being direct. The main character will receive a letter, but the contents of the paper aren’t shown until later in the story. Sometimes the letter will incite the character to action and other times the letter is kept secret, not by their own choice, but because it is kept from them.

Harry gets a letter addressed to him in green ink, but he doesn't know what it says until Hagrid brings it to him.

In Letters to Juliet, a letter is found in a mysterious place, but the contents of the letter are known. It isn't until the character finds the owner of the letter that the real action begins (wink, wink, nod, nod).

(Is it horrible that I haven't seen this yet?)

The letter can also be a series of letters. In P.S. I Love You, the main character loses her husband to a brain tumor, but before he dies, he writes her ten letters that takes his wife on a journey to find life again.

(That makes water come out of my eyes - not joking.)

Whether it be romantic or intriguing, The Mysterious Letter can add a rich layer of suspense to any story.

I'm J. A. and you've got mail!

"Geez ... stop forwarding this crap to me!"

(Want to fill in for trope or advice posts? Email me and we'll discuss the low down on the high up ... and stuff)

Revision Hiatus: My Two Weeks' Notice

2012-05-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

As much as I would have liked to have an advice column this week, I'm pressed for time and have a personal deadline to meet, so this is my Two Weeks' Notice.

Not to be confused with the movie ... or the book ...

And this doesn't mean I'm leaving my job ...

It wouldn't be the same without me ...

I'm just taking the rest of May off so I can get this manuscript where it needs to be. Nothing personal. Just business. I'll be back and pumped when June hits.

I appreciate all of you for your continued support in this time of mini crisis. See you in a couple of weeks!

I'm David, and a Mawg is his own best friend.

inkPageant: May Giveaway Details

2012-05-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Heads up, guys! Awesome stuff is happening over at inkPageant this month. If you're in need of a query critique and a ten page critique, then you're in luck!

Weronika Janczuk of Lynn C. Franklin Associates has offered these invaluable giveaways: three query critiques and a ten-page critique. That's four winners! And every post you submit is an entry. No limit. I had the chance to meet Weronika during LDStorymakers and, dude ... she is super cool!

We are super grateful for the offering of her time.

This offer is up for another couple of weeks, so check out the details here and submit your blog posts. Are you new to inkPageant? Learn about it and sign up here.

Looking forward to see you in the parade!

I'm David, and I'm almost done with this book.

Tuesday Tropes: Save The Cat

2012-05-15T08:00:00.100-06:00

Actions speak louder than words. I said that last week, didn't I? Goes to show just how true that statement is. If you want people to like your characters, it only makes sense to have them do good and benevolent things.

Save The Cat - used to establish a character as a hero, or one that we're supposed to like, by acts of kindness or by risking their life for another. This trope is known as Pet The Dog for "bad" characters.

This trope is the polar opposite of Kick The Dog.

Superman literally does this in the 1978 film (with a good example of Kick The Dog just seconds later).

Sounds simple enough, right? Save a helpless animal. Assist the elderly across the street. Slip some coin into a beggar's mug. Endless possibilities. But things get interesting when Pet The Dog comes into play. This is typically used to show the audience that a villain (or someone with bad intentions) has a soft side, and may redeem their wrongdoing by the end of the story.

Remember this? A thief watches a passenger plane go down, he goes inside to steal stuff, and ends up rescuing many of its passengers. The rest of the movie focuses on proving that this fellow did the rescuing, all because he gave his shoe to a hobo. I'd tell you more, but that would be a spoiler.

It's funny, if you think about it. Dogs are loyal, but we kick them. Cats are selfish, but we save them. Interesting times we live in, right?

Have you saved a cat in your writing? Or have you ever pet the dog? Was it a small thing or a big deal?

I'm David, and did I perpetuate animal stereotypes?

*DPK runs for the hills*

Post: Interview, Members, & Revisions!

2012-05-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Something exciting going on over at Falling for Fiction today. They invited me over to invade their space. Check out this rad interview by Hope Roberson!

* * *

Set phasers to I'm about to get stunned, because we have five new members to welcome this week!

and

We bow to your awesome presence and wish you a most excellent week with a fresh cruller in hand!

* * *

Update: I've been a blogging recluse lately, thanks to some incredible feedback we received from an agent that Michael and I felt is worth taking Woven through another round of revisions. Nothing huge, just some additions throughout to give the characters more dimension. 25K words down already, so let's see if we can match what we did last week, and then some!

How was your weekend? What did you started your morning with? Eggs and hash browns here, yo!

I'm David, and The Avengers made a billion already!

Aspiring Advice: The Dream/Fear Cycle

2012-05-11T08:00:00.136-06:00

This post is going to make me sound like a complete writing noob, but hey! You figure out a good thing that works and it's worth sharing. Check this action out!

We like characters, right? Can't have a story without them (can be done but, wooo - good luck). And in every story arch you have your introduction, the problem and the goals needed to overcome said problem. We get that down and we'll have a cool plot and solid story.

What about solid characters? They have goals and aspirations. If resolving the plot is all our characters have ... that's what 2-Dimentional characters boil down to. How do we make them 3-Dimentional?

Err, not quite ...

The theory: Every character has a dream, something they want to accomplish more than anything, before the conflict in the story presents itself. Characters have to work out the pattern of their dream while dealing with resolving the plot at the same time - two stories in one! The pre-conflict pattern looks like this:

Look at this mad Paint skills!

Now for the 3-Dimentional part ...

What if the character's dream is influenced by fear?

"Don't take my last waffle!"

Let's say a character is in line to inherit his father's billion-dollar business. He is scared to death of the stocks and responsibility. His goal (dream) is to find a way out or have someone run the business for him. Obstacles will get in the way, adding fear upon fear.

Complicated character, huh? I like it!

Or maybe someone wants to be a solider - not to protect the country, but to prove he is brave. Let's see what happens to that bravery when war starts.

It is a cycle - it never ends. Even when the story is finished, the cycle is never fully resolved. Even if that dream is attained, there's that fear of losing it.

Give it try. Invent a character whose dream is based on fear. For your already established characters, ask what are they afraid of. If we know their fear, we'll know their motivation, which in turn will reflect upon what they say, do, and think throughout the whole story. And if we set this up with all our characters, with their own unique fear, imagine how diverse the voice is going to be!

This is not the rule, just my thought on the matter. I'm not even sure if this pattern exists elsewhere. All I know is this is the element my stories have lacked. Applying them to revisions has made a world of difference. If characters have something to fear, it's easier for us to sympathize with them. Get those 3D glasses ready!

Have you heard of this cycle or something like it? Found any holes in the theory? Got a pencil sharpener?

I'm David, and Loki is a "puny god."

Random Sauce: The Most Intense Film About Grammar You Will Ever See!

2012-05-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we have to watch bad grammar in action before it really sinks in. Hopefully this will make all of us want to never use no bad grammar ever again ...

... And now I'm running for my life. See ya!

I'm David, and dangling participles = bloody mess!

LDStorymakers 2012: Primer & Day One

2012-05-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

What a weekend! Three days of non-stop writerly action that went by fast. Unlike other conferences in the past, this years experience was one that I will never forget.

At least I hope so - old age permitting, and such ...

This year's event had an interesting twist. The Marriott had some construction going on in the lobby. Instead of getting bent out of shape, the committee centered the theme around the mess: Building Better Writers. You could tell who the staff was by their yellow vests and hard hats. I tip my hat for their cleverness!

As for what happened, I could tell you everything, but what happens at Storymakers stays at Storymakers - kidding - here's the word on Primer and Day One.

- I'm a fan of The Publication Primer, this years newest addition to the conference. Unlike Bootcamp, where you read each others work and provide feedback, we read everyone's chapter ahead of time and spent an hour dissecting them for all their worth, all for the sake of making them better. I'll do this again in a heart skip!

- Thursday night's dinner was a success! We had thirteen more people show than were accounted for. I'm just surprised we were all able to fit in that room.

- Agent Weronika Janczuk gave a presentation on Fixing the Easy, which showed us the common mistakes writers make in the material she receives. It was refreshing to see how many of those errors I'm not making now. Even then, I learned a valuable lesson.

- Had the chance to pitch Woven to an agent and got a full request. Awesome! We'll send the manuscript soon.

- Jennifer A. Neilsen's presentation on The 5 Essentials of Middle Grade was perfect for helping me shape the beginnings of my new MG, which are: Know Your Audience, Engaging Dialogue, High Stakes Conflict, Vivid Settings, and Movement of Plot. She also told us that New York has come to appreciate Utah writers, especially children's authors. Having "Utah" in your return address is now a good thing. Good for me!

What's a conference without picking up a book or three!

Kiersten White's Paranormalcy

Jennifer A. Neilsen's The False Prince

(Had to pose with John Brown - he's awesome)

Julianne Donaldson's Edenbrooke

- Above all else, what can be greater than meeting favorite bloggers, in person, for the first time?

Emily R. King, Leslie Pugh and Jessie Humphries

(I already know you, Erin)

For the first time in my life, I understand the impact that an online presence can have. In the past, I attended this and other conferences on my own without knowing anyone. This led to stress and fears, but this was before I had a blog and got involved in the writing community. This year, I always talked with someone or was pulled aside by folks who read my blog and I never knew it. A good 4th of conference attendees knew who I was (the exact number is unknown - exaggeration warning).

And I was glad to meet all of you. We shared and critiqued our pitches. We laughed and shared writerly war stories. This conference produces a solid bunch. We're in this together. Stayed tuned for Part Deux!

How did your weekend go? If you were at the conference and I didn't tag you in this post, holla!

I'm David, and I sure could go for a snowcone ...

Tuesday Tropes: Kick The Dog

2012-05-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Actions speak louder than words. What characters do can say a lot about them, for good and ... not so good. This trope will make us dislike characters before we really have the chance to get to know them.

Kick The Dog - used to immediately identity a character that we're not supposed to like, often through petty misdeeds or unforgivable acts. This trope has no purpose but to label a character as "bad" to the audience upon introduction.

This trope is the polar opposite of Save The Cat.

This is not limited to kicking dogs - it can be any cruel action, unkind remark, or abuse. The world is full of examples, more than we can account for. Just about every story has them and the possibilities are endless. Doing so gives the audience an emotional reaction and suspicion, a great tension building tool. Even the little balloon animal in this example happens to be a dog!

Have you ever kicked a dog? ... In your story, of course. What Kick The Dog moments have you seen?

I'm David, and don't throw off the emperor's groove ...

"Sooooorrrrrry!"

Post: Technically Difficulties

2012-05-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

Grr.

I don't normally start off a post with guttural growling sounds, but I just did. I'll tell you why. I spent the last few hours preparing an awesome Part One of my LDStorymarkers 2012 experience and it vanished (curse my ineptitude and this new drafting layout). I spotted the mistake this morning, but I have a full day ahead of me - there's going to be a delay. But, hey - the conference was terrific! I'll tell you about it soon.

I'm David, and this is Shakespeare's Three Little Pigs ....

When You're Here ... You're Writers!

2012-05-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's a 6K breakdown of our Storymakers at La Dolca Vita!

(Bonus points if you can find Erin Summerill)

Total Guest Count: 56!

Thank you for coming! We made the establishment happy (by giving them business - not by leaving). We might have to do this again next year? Me thinks so!

I'm David, and when you're here, you're writers!

(If you're in any of these pictures, holla!)

Random Sauce: Ender's Agent Panel!

2012-05-02T14:00:00.074-06:00

Got some awesomesauce news that must be shared!

- The Ender's Game film has moved it's release date to November, 2013. Wait ... how is that awesome news? This means we have to wait longer, right?

I'm willing to wait for a great film. By theatrical dates, a mid-fall release is really good! It will give the film a better chance to catch audiences through the holidays and score some Oscar attention (if any sci-fi adaptation has a chance at the little golden man, it's this one).

- My good friend and best critique partner I've ever had the privilege to swap manuscripts with has just landed herself an agent! Congratulations, Elissa Sussman! I'm way excited for her novel and the series that I'm sure will follow. More details when the time comes for it.

- Due to a last minute cancellation, the good people at LDStorymakers has invited the inkPageant team to host a Building Your Online Presence Q&A panel! Panelists will include the awesome Elana Johnson, Jenni James, and Marion Jensen. If you're going to the conference, feel free to stop by. This will be my first panel. Ever.

Encouragement and heckling will be appreciated.

I'm David, and awesome movies just keep coming!

Tuesday Tropes: Speak Of The Devil

2012-05-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

There's an old saying: if you speak of the devil, he will appear. Such is the common phrase when someone arrives and the people there were just talking about him. But what if speaking someone's name has more draw and power, or gathers their attention from miles away? In this case, you have a trope on your hands.

Speak of the Devil - Often a villainous trope, is the act of someone saying the villain's name, resulting in that villain appearing, becoming aware, gaining power, or causing something bad to happen. Because of the danger this trope possesses, characters grant this villain a nickname.

This is usually a high fantasy trope, a ploy used to make the reader aware that this baddie is powerful and not to be messed with. That or because of fear, characters refuse to speak his name because of superstition (like having your ears burn if people speak about you).

Even if you're careful and stick to You Know Who, you may wind up getting close to them anyway - too close!

"The b-b-back of my head is s-s-so itchy!"

It might be okay to say their name once. Maybe twice. But three times? *shiver* I won't be held responsible!

"I could go for some 'Beetlejuice' about now!"

Perhaps the villain is so evil that his name should be avoided altogether, even if nothing comes of it.

Gandalf: *points to the awaiting council*
"Let's see how many nicknames they come up with."

Elrond: *snickers* "You're on!"

Other good examples of this trope can be found in The Wheel of Time, The Belgariad, Turn Coat, and The Empire of the East. While a valuable trope for striking fear in the heart of your characters (and audience), Speak of the Devil can have many variations and subtleties. A name might cause someone good to appear, too. It all depends on how you use it.

Have you used this trope before? Was it dramatic or subtle? Is there a name you avoid saying?

I'm David, and whatever you do, don't say ...

Post: My Writer's Conference Warmup!

2012-04-30T08:00:00.094-06:00

Excited!

Just a few days away before the next most excellent writer's conference begins. I'm aware of several bloggers attending and I look forward to meet you all. Until then, we have a few days left to warm up (the following can apply to other writer's conferences)!

- If you're pitching to an agent or editor this year, may I suggest reading this post by Peggy Eddleman? She eventually landed an agent because of this conference. Seriously. Her tips are incredibly helpful.

- For those interested in the Italian dinner Thursday night, we have some seats. Details right here!

- Bring cash - you're bound to find a book that catches you're attention. Chances are the author will be there - a great opportunity to meet and speak with them!

- Relax and have fun! This is a learning experience and a time for writers to talk shop and help each other improve their craft. Show us what you're made of!

I'll post recaps of the weekend next week.

* * *

It's been an awesome week! Eleven new faces have arrived on the blog. They deserve an epic Shout-Out!

Deathwriter

and
Jaleh D

Welcome to The Cosmic Laire everyone! Feel free to visit these fine blogs, my Brigade of Awesomeness!

* * *

Update: Two chapters into the MG with a pause for research - and baking! I've been in the kitchen making new things, while at the same time looking up locations so I can describe actual places and pass them off as if I actually visited these places. It's coming better than I anticipated. The conference might slow me down this week, but that won't stop me from tackling chapter 3.

Have a good one, guys! New trope post tomorrow.

Are you going to StoryMakers this weekend? How are you warming up for it? We'll take pictures, right?

I'm David, and Stormtroopers know how to shuffle!

Aspiring Advice: Problem, Solution, Repeat

2012-04-27T08:00:00.043-06:00

Last Saturday, our whole family crowded around the TV to watch The Legend of Korra. If you don't already know, we're big on animation. Anyway, we were introduced to the antagonist, Amon. Being fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender, which this show is a continuation (of sorts), we kept wondering, "how is this non-bender going to be a threat to benders?" The third episode answered that, and reminded me of an important storytelling element:

The solution is the problem.

Or rather, the solution that ended the first series is now the problem for the next generation.

(And I'm not saying what that is - neener-neener).

This is good to remember when writing a series.

The best stories have problems. Problems generally have solutions. Solutions can make problems worse. And, on rare occasions, the problem is the solution.

"You've lost me, bro ..."

This is where the planner part of me comes in. Some of the best solutions to the most improbable problems I've seen end up being super simple - kind of a "why didn't I think of that" moment. It stirs the problem-solving pot in my brain and doesn't insult the intelligence when the solution appears (convenient solution - not so much).

- Solutions have consequences. That's where it gets fun.

We recently finished a series called FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. When it comes to Anime, I'm exceptionally picky, but I'll tell you this: it's the absolute finest Anime series I've ever seen. This show is literally a non-stop problem/solution tug-of-war! When it finally ended, I was satisfied. Mainly because the solutions were preplanned. Plans within plans. Simple, yet effective. If I hope to write a story as complexly woven as this one, I have to think ten steps ahead.

In short, create the solution that solves the problem first. If we know what the solution is (or the end result will be), we can generate a gripping problem. Then mask the solution (by adding additional complications - with their own solutions) in a way that makes the problem real and doesn't make the solution predictable.

- How can a problem be a solution? Since we all know this by now, we'll turn to our friend, Harry Potter.

The problem? A piece of Mr. V's soul is a part of him. The Solution? Death. Wait, what? We can't kill him off! He's the protag! The solution sounds like a problem, right?

But, in all the books prior, did we anticipate that he would have the ingredients to become a master of death? The elements were put in place beforehand. By dying, Harry was liberated from that piece of Mr. V's soul. I think we all know what happened after that!

Err, sorry - wrong story ...

* * *

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. Like a teacher once told me - "There are always more than three ways to solve a problem." So it's possible for the characters to have a solution in mind when really it's something else entirely that wins the day. This keeps the audience guessing and keeps them on their toes.

Especially when the odds are against them.

Do you think of the solution before writing the problem, or do you wait and write it when the time comes?

I'm David, and your little dog, too!

Alright - she's not so little ...

Random Sauce: Blog Agent Boat Meat

2012-04-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Apparently, Blogger has made a few changes. And for some random reason, my posts disappeared and some comments won't show up. Weird. I'm going ape over here.

While I try to figure this stuff out, here's a bit of news:

My good friend Chad Morris just landed himself an agent! How awesome is that? It was only a matter of time, really. His MG is brilliant and he does sketch comedy with Brandon Mull. Congratulations, Chad the man!

There's a new online magazine that's looking for essays, short fiction, and other neat stuff. It might be worth your while to check out what this boat is tugging.

Any random stuff happen to you recently? Anyone else experiencing blog difficulties? Got any bananas?

I'm David, and this is the truth about meat ...

Tuesday Tropes: The Plot Coupon

2012-04-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

Many games do it. Most globe-trotting adventures do it. Even cat-sitting MIB stories do it. Objects become a matter of objective in storytelling. Be it a handful of pearls to break out of hell or a galaxy on a cat's collar, you won't have an ending without these little savers.

The Plot Coupon - An item (or a series of items) that are required to resolve a plot. These are often picked up and used later, when their importance is realized. This is not to be mistaken as a MacGuffin, an item that is used to drive a plot, but isn't used to resolve anything.

The Plot Coupon can take on a range of objects, people, or electronics. We never really got to see the Death Star plans, but the rebels never would have been able to launch their massive attack without them.

What if The Plot Coupon is more than just random objects, and more than people, but trapped souls? The only way one little girl escaped another dimension was by collecting and releasing the souls of three children. It's nice having a talking cat help you out (if you find one, let me know).

And, on rare occasions, a Plot Coupon is a for-real coupon! Better cash it for a lifetime of chocolate!

Don't let the dog eat it!

If you're not familiar with the novel or BBC mini- series Little Dorrit, it's worth your while. There's a box in it that contains special documents, which obviously holds the answer to everyone's problem. Can I say it? You gotta love Dickens!

The possibilities are endless, but The Plot Coupons that are most valuable are the ones that characters aren't aware they need in order to solve their problem. As was the "case" in the first MIB film (first picture). Just like those pesky ads that fill your mailbox each week, we'll keep finding (and writing) these coupons in our stories.

Have you used The Plot Coupon in your writing? Did they know what it was, or was it a complete surprise?

I'm David, and where's that flute music coming from?

What piece of the Triforce are you?

StoryMakers, Italian Food, Tallied Votes

2012-04-23T08:00:00.157-06:00

It's that time of year again!

StoryMakers is fast approaching. By the looks of things, this year's occasion will be quite involved! Boot Camp and Publication Primer attendees get their own day and those coming into town the night before will likely want to grab a morsel to eat (I know I would). And as luck would have it, Provo is my backyard, so I went ahead and reserved a room at a great little establishment.

Click me for location!

This place seriously rocks and the menu won't bust your bank. Italian family owned and operated, I might add. Great food. Excellent inspiration. Awesome friends. And if you're not going to StoryMakers, you can still dine with us. I reserved enough for 30. More are welcome!

The date: Thursday, May 3rd. The time: 7 PM

Be sure to join this event on Facebook so I can give the host an accurate headcount. You might even meet a published author or an editor, too. Buon appetito!

* * *

Votes are in for which project I should work on next. It was a close race. Team MG Fantasy wins by 1 vote!

Adult Fantasy 8 vs. 9 MG Fantasy

I'm 2,000 words in already with some development left to ... develop. All I can really say about it is there's an Italian restaurant involved - and a little magic. Time to put my food service experience to good use! Looking to have a working draft ready by the end of this Summer.

* * *

We have three new members to The Cosmic Laire this week! Here's an epic Shout-Out to their awesomeness!

Suzi

JoLyn Brown

and

Crack You Whip

Welcome to the crew of stellar members. Grab yourself a cruller, a console, and make yourself at home.

* * *

Update: Aside from the MG announcement, I got nothin. There might be some exciting news soon (not for me, that I know of). I'll let you know when that happens.

I'm David, and have a "Most Excellent" week!

Who you gonna call?

Aspiring Advice: Selling (Being) Yourself

2012-04-20T08:00:00.263-06:00

I've learned much about the business side of writing in the last few months. I'm by no means an expert, at least yet, but I can tell you that writing a novel is one thing - selling a novel is another. You almost have to become a different person - a sales person - which doesn't come easy for me.

Heck, I don't think it comes easy for most!

Having confessed that, what is a writer to do? How does one go out and promote themselves as a writer and sell their works, traditionally or self-published, without being an impersonal, care-about-sales-only person?

I don't have an answer, but I have a theory ...

The trick isn't selling yourself - it's being yourself.

Therein lies an open question: what is yourself?

I have no idea, for you or me, since I believe people change all the time. Whatever we are, however, will have an impact on us as a brand and on our sales. We're writers! Own your work. Be enthusiastic! The last thing any of us wants to do is put our audience to sleep.

You guys following me on this so far?

Awesome! Moving on ...

One of the better ways to sell yourself is to be genuine. Don't pretend to be friendly just to sell books. Don't ask get-to-know-you questions if you have no intention of listening (remembering is different - I try my best). And don't set up a web presence because you were told to.

When it comes to social networking, the line is burred in some areas on how to sell yourself. I'll just list a few examples I've seen and let you decide: cool or drool?

A) - An "author" followers your Twitter. You follow back. They tweet or PM you, "Thanks for following: here's my blog, my book, and a link to where you can buy it!!! :D"

B) - You go to a signing and meet an author. There's no one in line behind you ... so the author strikes up a conversation, about you, and gives some pointers.

C) - You visit a blog. Looks good, but then the only thing you see and read is "me," pictures of only "me" and "my" book covers, and "me," "myself," and "I is me."

D) - You visit a blog and, wait ... what's this? Your name is in their post, linked back to your blog, because they liked what you said? That was really nice of them!

I could go on, but we get the picture. This might be strange coming from an aspiring author who has yet to sell a book. I have some hurdles left to jump before I find the right deal and the best agent of all time, but until then, I think I've done a fairly good job at selling myself. So far? Don't get me wrong. It's not evidenced by the numbers (though I appreciate each and every one of you). It's evidenced by this amazing community. My wife was the first person to really get me, accept me. When I found blogger, we eventually found each other, encouraged each other.

I found that place where I can be myself and I'm not weird for it (or maybe I am, but you seem to like it, which is cool by me). That's given me the strength, and the example, to press on and pay it forward. And I can never thank you guys enough. You've sold me.

And I look forward to reading your books.

* * *

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. Be yourself and you will sell yourself. Make whatever adjustments that need to be made and show the world what you're made of - online or at your next local writer's conference. Your audience is waiting.

I'm David, and some guy just organized a par-tay!

(Details on Monday)

I Read This: CassaFire

2012-04-18T08:00:00.074-06:00

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren's civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan's technology and strange mental abilities ...

(From goodreads)

* * *

I know what you're thinking (I think): about time you reviewed some Science Fiction! Trust me. There's more to come. But first, let me tell you about this book!

The thing about this and the previous book, CassaStar, is that Byron's a relatable character for me. And in some ways, not too different from the lead of my first three books (also a starfighter pilot). Aside from that, the words flow - clearer than the first, which shows me how much Alex has grown as a writer with his second book.

This novel has everything I like about science fiction: deep space, strange worlds, dogfights, the issues that make us human, and a touch of romance? Yep. It's in there, and it has a way of messing with your mind (hint hint). It also had me cracking up with the first line.

In short, I'm glad that I found this series (which has satisfied my starving starfighter fix) and I look forward to where Byron's journey takes us next. Looking for a copy? Look no further. I've provided a link for it here.

I'm David, and Byron ... so much for privacy! ;)

Tuesday Tropes: The Eavesdrop

2012-04-17T08:00:00.153-06:00

No one wants to read an info dump. Fewer want to read a "maid and butler" conversation. Can we get away with either option without compromising the story? Maybe, if our hero picks up new plot points from the shadows.

The Eavesdrop - when a character (and the audience) receives information from other characters when no one knows their conversation is being overheard. This can typically lead to a paradigm shift in any given story or add suspense during the reveal of new details.

This is, after all, how Jim Hawkins (above) learned of Mr. Silver's pirate life! He overheard this reveal by hiding in the bottom of a barrel. How about them apples?

If you're a David Eddings fan, you'll know what I'm talking about. The man is a master of The Eavesdrop, since this trope occurs in several of his works. C.S. Lewis did this with two characters in The Horse and His Boy - even Brandon Sanderson's Vin listened in on Kelsier early on in Mistborn.

Perhaps you're trying to avert a galactic war and end up hearing all you need to know while hiding in the eaves.

"Best place to reveal secrets, EVER!"

The downside to this trope, however, is misinformation - missing part of the conversation that frustrates the plot, rather than help. It could make an ogre out of anyone!

"So much for eating rats together ..."

A trick can be played when characters know they're being listened to - leading to messing with one's head.

(Long scene, best part at 3:38)

Much ado can be learned when you eavesdrop, be it serious or silly. Perhaps this remains an effective trope since eavesdropping is such a common practice. So long as people have ears, they will assuredly listen in.

Have you applied The Eavesdrop in your writing? Did it turn the story around or reveal intriguing details?

I'm David, and did I just say that out loud?