As all of you can see, my current read is The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I'm usually not one who re-reads books, but this is my second time this one. So, why am I reading it again? It is a very good book, but I'm not going through it again for enjoyment. You see, it took Rothfuss four years to write and DAW to publish it. In his acknowledgments, Rothfuss thanks his dad for teaching him that anything worth doing takes time. But four years? Come on. I appreciate taking the time to get things right, but when you have fans eagerly awaiting your next book, a little bit of urgency is expected.
So, here I sit re-reading the first book because after starting the second in the series, I realized I forgot a lot of the little details from the first. I thought about plowing through the second and hoping they all come back to me, I decided to take the time to re-read the first.
Lesson Learned #1. Writing is an entertainment based career. If you become published, you do have to think about your "fans". Over the past few years, I'd read how Rothfuss was asked over and over, "When is the new book coming out?" Was an answer ever given? No, not really. It's really hard now-a-days to be the brooding writer who disappears for years at a time just to re-emerge with a masterpiece that you think of as barely exceptable for publishing. People's attentions are short. Movie stars who don't make movies for awhile run the risk of being forgotten about. Same for musicians who don't make new music for awhile. Sure they'll have fans who will see whatever movie they make or buy whatever album they make. But, those are the hardcore fans. Going that long between producing a book, or movie, or cd could possibly lose you readers, watchers, or listeners.
In other words, write write write. Keep writing. Write something you're proud of, but keep in mind if you want to be a writer, you have to have readers. Think of them, too.
See you next time with Lessons Learned #2.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Submitted!
I just made my first two official submissions for publication. I submitted a poem and a flash fiction piece to online publishing sites. In the next couple days, I'll be polishing up a few short stories to send out. Cross your fingers.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Scott Westerfeld's Midnighters Trilogy
Scott Westerfeld is no stranger to the young adult genre, and isn't afraid to branch out into sub-genres. He wrote the futuristic Uglies series and the steampunk book, Leviathan.
I just recently finished his Midnighters series. Set in a small town in Oklahoma, the book centers around the idea that there is really 25 hours in a day, the extra being a "secret hour" that only those born at exact midnight are aware of. The story's about a new-comer to the town who finds out that she is a midnighter, along with four other teens, Rex, the seer, Des, the polymath, Melissa, the mindcaster, and Jonathan, the flier. The new-comer, Jessica, must discover her own abilities while trying to survive in the secret hour when dark creatures called darklings and slithers are after her. But, why are they?
Unlike other authors (coughjamespattersoncough), Westerfeld not only does a great job of telling a story appealing to young adults, but he also captures the voice of that age. The five main characters in the book, Jessica, Jonathon, Rex, Des, and Melissa, are all distinct characters who have their own voices and personalities. The story itself, the idea of a 25th hour only a select few are aware of, is entertaining and fresh. I think what really impresses in this series is Westerfeld's use of numbers. The secret hour is the 13th hour, so the number 13 takes on great importance to those inside the secret hour. Westerfeld uses 13 in so many ways, it's mindboggling to think of the research into math that he had to have done.
The second and third books definitely take a turn towards the older teen in terms of language. Don't get me wrong, there's no F-bombs, but there is a bit of swearing that's absent in the first installment. Still, the story progresses nicely and the characters continue to develop and grow. There's nothing worse than stagnant characters.
Overall, the characters are fun and the story entertaining. Sprinkle in a fresh idea and you have yourself a good, easy read. If you're a fan of the young adult genre, definitely pick up these books.
I just recently finished his Midnighters series. Set in a small town in Oklahoma, the book centers around the idea that there is really 25 hours in a day, the extra being a "secret hour" that only those born at exact midnight are aware of. The story's about a new-comer to the town who finds out that she is a midnighter, along with four other teens, Rex, the seer, Des, the polymath, Melissa, the mindcaster, and Jonathan, the flier. The new-comer, Jessica, must discover her own abilities while trying to survive in the secret hour when dark creatures called darklings and slithers are after her. But, why are they?
Unlike other authors (coughjamespattersoncough), Westerfeld not only does a great job of telling a story appealing to young adults, but he also captures the voice of that age. The five main characters in the book, Jessica, Jonathon, Rex, Des, and Melissa, are all distinct characters who have their own voices and personalities. The story itself, the idea of a 25th hour only a select few are aware of, is entertaining and fresh. I think what really impresses in this series is Westerfeld's use of numbers. The secret hour is the 13th hour, so the number 13 takes on great importance to those inside the secret hour. Westerfeld uses 13 in so many ways, it's mindboggling to think of the research into math that he had to have done.
The second and third books definitely take a turn towards the older teen in terms of language. Don't get me wrong, there's no F-bombs, but there is a bit of swearing that's absent in the first installment. Still, the story progresses nicely and the characters continue to develop and grow. There's nothing worse than stagnant characters.
Overall, the characters are fun and the story entertaining. Sprinkle in a fresh idea and you have yourself a good, easy read. If you're a fan of the young adult genre, definitely pick up these books.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please direct your attention to center stage
Hey all! This is my third (and hopefully more successful) attempt at a blog. My others have failed because of...let's be honest... neglect. This time, I have a clearer vision of what I want to do with this blog, and how to go about doing it. Much like my previous blogs, this one will be pretty random, but less chaotically so. My passion, obviously, is writing and literature, so you will find here a lot of my own writings, reviews of books I'm reading, as well as little tidbits about writing. Just nuggets of info I've picked up here and there. You might even find a post or two about my other passion...Football.
I hope at least a few people find this entertaining and comes back. If you do, then I'm a happy guy. See you back later with a first official post. A review of the book I just finished.
I hope at least a few people find this entertaining and comes back. If you do, then I'm a happy guy. See you back later with a first official post. A review of the book I just finished.
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