Hydra Blog Hop, Day 4: Jay Noel

How now, Mates?

Today marks Day Four of the "Hydra Blog Hop", and to celebrate, author Jay Noel has come for a visit. He will be sharing his Guest Post on his "Confessions" as a "Reformed Pantster". (Mr. Noel's forthcoming novel, Dragonfly Warrior, is scheduled for publication through Hydra Publications in early 2013.)

So, without further ado, strap on your favorite pair of jeans and discover the confessions of a had-been pantster~

Confessions of a Reformed Pantster...

by Jay Noel

I've written a bunch of novels that will never see the light of day. Stories that went all over the place. Poor victims of a sprawling imagination. By nature, I'm pretty "by-the-seat-of-my-pants." However, life has dramatically changed the last several years, and being so haphazard and spontaneous just won't work anymore.

Those who juggle careers, writing aspirations, and children all at once will know exactly what I'm talking about.

For ten years, the manuscripts I wrote were such prime examples of what happens when wayward creativity is allowed to spew all over the place. Unbridled and wild. I also spent a lot of time putting my English degree to good use and did lots and lots of editing. So I looked inside of myself and thought, "There's got to be a better way."

I went to the "Dark Side" and tried my hand at outlining. Plotting. Planning. It was tough at first. Disciplined is always difficult for the undisciplined. I tried all different kinds of outlines...and my uncontrollable urges got the best of me, and my outlines always ended up looking like full blown manuscripts. So I worked really hard at forcing myself to make SHORT outlines.

One of my blogger buddies, David Powers King, did a post back in March of 2012 where he described his outlining process. I took what I did (namely the visual mapping I love to do) and David's format - and magic happened. My outlines were concise and clear, yet it left me with more than enough room for flexibility. Here's how to create your own Mini-Synopsis-Outline:

Brainstorm in any fashion you wish. For me, I love to draw "bubble maps" or "mind maps." I literally start with one central idea and just keep mapping outwards from there. 

Once you've gotten the juices flowing and figured out some of your characters, plot, conflicts, themes, etc., create a three lined paragraph summary of every chapter. Do this for as many chapters as you're going to need to tell your story. Keep each chapter summary to only three lines. This forces you to write down the chapter's main purpose and action. It also gives you plenty of room to flesh out the chapter as you write.

When you're done, feel free to go back and edit the outline for your book. It's a plan with just enough to help guide your writing, but doesn't pigeonhole you or hold you hostage to your initial ideas. If done right, your outline should only be 2-3 pages long. All of mine have ended up being three pages for a 100,000 word novel.

I use my mini synopsis outline throughout the writing process, always referring back to it when I'm beginning and ending a chapter. And when inspiration hits me, I'm free to not follow any part of what I've written on my outline. Sometimes, you go in a different direction and the outline itself might need to be revamped. This happens to a pantster like me maybe 33% of the time. But when I do make those changes, it's so much easier for me to revise my work because I know where to look and what chains in the link need to follow any changes I make.

Since using this method, I've written four novels with only one where I quit about three-fourths of the way through. Although I can see clearly where it just wasn't working for me, and I'm able to go back and rework it.

I still love the flow and creative spontaneity that comes with feeding off of my imagination and being inspired by my muse. But utilizing the mini synopsis outline method, I'm able to create a workable skeleton from which I can let my creativity continue to flesh out and build. I can still go a little crazy and wander, but now I'm no longer lost in the woods. Plotting works.

I'm Jay Noel, and I used to be a Pantster. 

***

Jay Noel is a one-time high school English teacher, but now works in medical sales. He's been blogging since 2005, and has spent most of his writing career as a freelance editor. After finally gathering enough courage, he has taken the leap to writing his own work. His first novel, Dragonfly Warrior, is an Asian-inspired Steampunk story filled with pirates, ninjas, gunslingers, and samurai warriors. They say you must write what you love, and damnit, that's what he's done. It will be published in early 2013 by Hydra Publications. 
His blog can be found at www.jaynoel.com

***

Also: Take a peek at my "Hydra" feature on Tricia Ballad's Blog.

Steampunk Spotlight: The Exile's Violin (Tethys Chronicles: Book I)

Good Day, Bloggerati~


I would like spotlight an upcoming novel today, written by fellow Hydra Publications author R.S. Hunter. His novel is a steampunk piece, titled, The Exile's Violin, and it is to be Book I of the Tethys Chronicles, scheduled for release this September. (Can you believe it's already September next month?) Mr. Hunter has thus been kind enough to give us a sneak peek at his newly released cover art - as well as a blurb of his work. Feel free to voice your thoughts:
 

Enggar Adirasa is the artist, and he truly did a masterful job. I, personally, adore this piece, and I think it is a perfect portrayal of a steampunk world. I am told that the figure looking back at us is the main character in The Exile's Violin, Jacquie Renairre.

And now for a quick blurb regarding the novel itself:

Why hire mercenaries to kill an innocent family just to obtain one little key? That question haunts Jacquie Renairre for six years as she hunts down the people responsible for murdering her parents.

Not even accepting an assignment to investigate a conspiracy that aims to start a war can keep her from searching for the key. Armed with her father’s guns and socialite Clay Baneport, she continues her quest for answers abroad.

With the world edging closer to disaster, Jacquie is running out of time to figure out how the war, the key, and ancient legend are intertwined. The fate of the world hinges on her ability to unravel both mysteries before it’s too late.

Thank you, Mr. Hunter, for providing us with a premature glimpse at your novel. I can't wait to read it next month!

 Keep an eye on Hydra's site for the release of this upcoming novel, and be sure to tune in for further announcements and shenanigans.



R.S. Hunter fell in love with science fiction when he watched Star Wars with his grandmother as a small child. From then on there was no turning back. To escape suburban life he turned to stories that took him on wild adventures through time, space, and to worlds both real and imagined. While he knows space combat won’t work the same way as it does in the movies, he still hopes that someday he’ll get his own X-Wing or TARDIS.

His short fiction has appeared in anthologies such as Abaculus III, Growing Dread: Biopunk Visions, 20,001 A Steampunk Odyssey, and the forthcoming In Situ. In addition, R.S. writes about video games for multiple websites. The Exile’s Violin will be his debut steampunk novel.

A Thought, a Whimsy, and A Random Fancy (and yes, SoonerCon and a Dramatic Maki).

Good Evening, Fair Earth (and all inhabitants therein)~

It's simply been a splendid day, and I wanted to take a moment to post a bit of my delight and humble musings. What could possibly have lent toward my capricious mood this eve? Perhaps life in general - or the steamy cup of hot chocolate I just devoured (and yes, in the middle of a June evening, no less). Or perhaps it's the pleasantness in my limbs after a wonderful session of yoga? Whatever it is, I am in a contented state - a peaceful frame of mind. And I hope all fellow wordsmiths, readers, acquaintances, friends... and family may find that inner peace as well and embrace the melody of the soul. In fact, I have the perfect song to share with all of you today. Have you heard of Florence? Florence + the Machine? Well, the song, Spectrum, always lifts my spirits, so please - close your eyes, dim the lights, and take a listen. Let the music "feed your soul":





In other news, do you remember my post last year regarding my first-ever visit to SoonerCon 20? It was the year I was introduced to fantasy illustrators Darrell K. Sweet and Peter Bradley. Unfortunately, Mr. Sweet passed away December 5th of 2011. I am honored to have met him when I did. And as many of you may know, Mr. Bradley did the beautiful cover design for my recently released fantasy novel, Empyreal Fate. In fact, I will be attending this year's SoonerCon 21 (June 15th-17th) with my own table in order to sell my books. It will be my first book signing, and I am greatly looking forward to the opportunity to meet fellow readers and writers. You can find information on other guests and speakers who will be attending here. I even purchased a banner representing Hydra Publications for the event. It actually arrived in the mail today:

 

Other pieces of news: June 9th-13th, I will be participating in my first Blog Tour, hosted by AToMR. I won't say much about it now, for I will be posting the schedule and more information shortly (within the next week or so). But to keep things simple, there will be interviews, excerpts, and... you guessed it: GIVEAWAYS! Who doesn't like free books? Speaking of free, a wonderful lady by name of Jessica Lay is hosting her own Giveaway on her site. Anyone who comments on her post has the opportunity to win any free ebook of his or her choice - and from a wide range of authors and publishing houses (including Hydra and, yes, Empyreal Fate). Check out her site here.

Also - this month (being June) is JuNoWriMo (June Novel Writing Month). I'm sure most of you have heard of it before as NaNoWriMo (National November Writing Month or National Novel Writing Month). Anyway, regardless of the month in which it takes place, the idea is to write 50k words in 30 days. I have never participated in such an event - nor am I currently - but I always like to support 'JuNo-ers' or 'NaNo-ers', so I wanted to let you all be aware of it. I am, however, currently working on a new novel project of the Steampunk genre. In fact, I just hit the 68k word-mark today (33k of which have been written in the month of June). So I guess - whether I call myself a 'JuNo-er' or not - I kind of am one. Anyway~

Oh yes - one more thing: my little brother (okay, so.. he just graduated from high school last month, so he's not technically 'little') left for a two-month trip to Minnesota (we used to be Northerners, so his choice of location is spot-on). However, this is the longest I have ever been away from him, so the feeling is sort of - well, strange. I'm not sure why I'm bringing it up, except for the sole fact that I do honestly miss him. I know, I know... I'm a nerdy sister. But proud~

Being I'm on a random-topic spurt, I may as well go ahead and share the newest decor piece I purchased for the Meditation Room. (Yes, we have a Meditation Room. It's brilliant for doing art, meditation, and yoga. Or just relaxing in general. But I'm sure the name is self-explanatory). Also, this is the same room that features the 8,000-piece puzzle I completed (and my family helped frame) of Raphael's The School of Athens. Anyway, as I was out shopping last week, I ran across this beautiful painting of Siddhartha. I had to share:

By the way, we painted the walls and tiled the floors of the Meditation Room ourselves. Yeah... we're quite the adventurous bunch. And - what the heck - here's the puzzle again. Just for kicks. We even hand-built the frame:

By the way, just because people usually ask, the puzzle took me about a year to complete. I worked on it during the winter, took a break over the summer, and completed it the following winter. So, I guess, perhaps you could say it took half a year?

Before I leave you all for tonight, I simply must share with you a 'dramatic Maki'. That's right - I said a 'dramatic Maki'. Don't tell me it doesn't make you crack a smile seeing it. I pull this video out every once in awhile with the hopes that it'll make someone's day (in this case, night). So, without further ado, please meet this lovely Maki:



With that, I bid you all 'adieu'. Fare thee well, my friends~

Always,
Rachel

"Words are animals, alive with a will of their own."
-Jung

Guest Post: World-building and Things Readers Never Need to See

 Greetings, Blogarrati (and a wonderful Tuesday morning to all)!

Today we are graced with a guest post on world-building and extraneous 'writerly' details by speculative fiction author and game enthusiast, R.S. Hunter. His next work - The Exile's Violin - will be published through Hydra Publications later this year. So without further ado, I invite you to pull up a chair, don your favorite top hat, and enjoy Mr. Hunter's exploration with world-crafting:

Worldbuilding and Things Readers Never Need to See

by R. S. Hunter 

You know what’s one the biggest things that drew me to science fiction and fantasy (speculative fiction) in the first place? It’s the worldbuilding. I have a feeling it’s the same for many authors and readers out there. Speculative fiction lets you take familiar things and give them an unfamiliar twist or create something entirely new from scratch.

Look at some of the biggest franchises out there: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or more recently Dragon Age. All of these franchises have extensive worlds and universes behind them that permeate the main stories. Sometimes, when it comes to speculative fiction the background stuff turns out to be more interesting than the main story. (Side bar: I really hope readers won’t end up feeling that way about The Exile’s Violin)

However, worldbuilding isn’t always about letting your creative side off the leash. When you’re creating a fictional universe you walk a delicate tightrope. Give the reader too little and they won’t know what the hell is going on. There’s nothing worse than reading some fantasy novel and it throws dozens of names and terms at you but barely acknowledges them at all. But on the other hand, give the reader too much, and your book turns into a bunch of wanker-y prose designed to beat the reader over the head with how clever you are. If an author put in every bit of info that they created for their world into the actual novel, readers wouldn’t read it.

For some fun examples, let’s look at some of the documents and sketches I created for The Exile’s Violin that will never make it into the finished book.

The Exile's Violin Timeline Notes

Countries/History

Despite its steampunk aesthetics, The Exile’s Violin is not set in Victorian Britain (Neo- or otherwise). It’s set in a fictional world called Tethys (no relation to Saturn’s moon). Since the story’s set in a fictional world, I had to create continents, countries, rivers, mountains, etc. I had a blast doing it. I even ended up drawing battle maps for wars that happened decades before the events in the novel! But the reader doesn’t need to know the exact order of battle for a skirmish that has no bearing on the main plot. If I included some of this stuff, nobody would care.

A lot of the plot of The Exile’s Violin takes place in a city called Vorleaux, which happens to be the capital of the Republic of Alesir. That’s pretty much all the reader needs to know about the city. As the author, I have three different maps of the city, one with streets and important locations, another out of date one, and finally one that has different neighborhoods and districts color-coded according to their levels of affluence. Again the reader doesn’t need to know about any of this. If I spent a couple of paragraphs describing the different neighborhoods, 9 out of 10 people would stop reading. Then that 10^th person would probably give up somewhere further down the line.

Vorleaux Street Map

 

Characters

Great characters don’t just appear. They have be molded and shaped. Sometimes they have to be allowed to run wild through your manuscript. At the end of the day, hopefully you’ll have some great, memorable characters that the readers fall in love with. But do the readers need to see all that molding and shaping that goes on behind the scenes? Hell no! To me it’d be like watching a psychotic surgeon cobble a person together.

I have files and files among my documents that represent all the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting I put into creating my characters. Sometimes writers use character templates, but they’re nothing the reader needs to see. Plus do they really need to know that I filled in a section all about my main character’s favorite foods? No, not really. 

Sketches

I tend to sketch a lot when I’m writing, terrible doodles mostly. As I was working on The Exile’s Violin I was in the middle of taking some boring classes in college. I have notebooks filled with American history notes and drawings of airships and other mechanical wonders. However, unless you’re putting out a picture book, chances are the reader will never see these sketches. (That’s what blogs are for!) Still, I found drawing settings, scenes, bits of technology really helped me put all the things I saw in my head down on the page.

War Machines

All of the extraneous bits of stuff that got created alongside The Exile’s Violin interest me because I’m the one responsible for it all. Readers who don’t have a vested interest in my book/world/characters (yet)? Not so much. Worldbuilding is a fun exercise, but at the same time, I don’t think I want readers to see all the bits of tape, nails, staples, and wishes that hold everything together.

Kenestan Battleship

About the Author:    

R.S. Hunter fell in love with science fiction when he watched Star Wars with his grandmother as a small child. From then on there was no turning back. To escape suburban life he turned to stories that took him on wild adventures through time, space, worlds both real and imagined. While he knows space combat won’t work the same way as it does in the movies, he still hopes that someday he’ll get his own X-Wing or TARDIS.

His short fiction has appeared in anthologies like Abaculus III, Growing Dread: Biopunk Visions, and the forthcoming In Situ. One reviewer commented that his story “Strike Breakers” from 20,001 A Steampunk Odyssey gave “an unsettling but profoundly necessary foundation to the prettier ideas of steampunk […] because it shows us that it’s not just gleaming brass.” Hunter’s tales love to answer the question “What if?” and they rarely end well for the protagonist.

He lives in San Diego and can be found on Twitter @RSHunter88 or reached via email at rshunter (at) rshunter-author (dot) com.