Announcement: We are in the countdown phase for the publication of my new novels. The date on the internet is 1 September. We will see how close we come, or if the publishers meet the deadline. My Aegypt novels will be titled Ancient Light, and the next two books will be called Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness. These were the original titles. They will be released individually and as a 3 in 1 volume. The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com. 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.
All novels have five discrete parts:
1. The initial scene (the beginning)
2. The rising action
3. The climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement
The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.
Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:
Did you try the assignment. I recommended, that if you didn't have any other ideas, and you want to learn to write, begin by describing the room you are in. You can be as complex or as simple as you like, but write something you would like to read. Write something enjoyable to you.
Perhaps, just the setting of the room doesn't flip your switch. If you want to be a good writer, you must find a way to make your description entertaining. There is the ultimate point. All good writing must be entertaining. If it isn't entertaining, it isn't good--it can't be. The question on the table is how can you write your scene setting to be entertaining? This is the preeminent question for every writer. Perhaps your first draft is a great scene setting and entertaining. Good, you understand writing; however, if you are like most of us, you will edit what you wrote and find it is lacking in some way.
Primarily, can you understand your description. If it doesn't make sense or it is not complete, you need to revise. On the other hand, if it is too verbose or doesn't stick to the subject at hand, you need to revise. The next step is words and entertainment.
More tomorrow.
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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