Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.
Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.
The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:
1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.
I am showing you how the book was invented and improved so you can see how to extrapolate technology. We are at the 19th century and the reason books became inexpensive enough for a person to own at least one. The book everyone wanted was the Bible. The reason Bibles could be printed in mass and inexpensively is the invention of underwear at the end of the 18th century. In the beginning of the 1800s, rag merchants were up to their eyeballs in used and discarded underwear. The paper manufacturers finally had a bounty of fabric that could be used to make paper. Paper from wood fiber was not invented yet.
The cost of books was suddenly in the realm of the average person. A family could buy a Bible and their second favorite book--Fox's Book of Martyrs. The book was finally a tool for the people and this is when the novel suddenly took off. The next great step in publishing was the ebook. I claim to have invented and designed the specifications for the ebook in 1984. I'm not sure anyone has an earlier claim. What will the next great publishing (book) leap in technology?
When extrapolating technology, I suggest looking at 10, 100, 1000, and 10,000 years. In 10 years, the ebook will be ubiquitous and paper books a thing of the past. The form will be at least auto read as well as auto pictures. In other words, the book will show and tell you what it says.
In 100 years, you can expect the book to be neurally connected in some form. You might just think aloud and the book will read to your mind. Perhaps the form of the book will no longer be something you carry, but rather something implanted in you--a system.
Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.
For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com
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