Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 307, Exciting Initial Scene

11 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 307, Exciting Initial Scene

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

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.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

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 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

The most important scene in any novel is the initial scene.  I'm writing about the initial scene of my newest novel, "Escape."  Escape is the working title.  I'll decide on the proposed title when I finish the novel.  I'm at the eight chapter right now.  That means I've written about 160 pages.

How do you make your first scene exciting?  At least exciting and entertaining enough that a publisher might read further and a potential reader might buy your novel?  This most critical scene requires your utmost attention.  This scene must not be eclipsed by prologues or other impediments.  This scene and the first paragraph my be your only attempt to sell your novel--no kidding.  This scene must blow the socks off your readers.  How do you do it?

Start with action.  I recommend you begin with the meeting of he protagonist and antagonist or of the protagonist and the protagonist's helper.  This should generate some action and excitement--maybe a few fires and sparks.  If the meeting of your protagonist and antagonist or protagonist and protagonist's helper doesn't make action or excitement, you might be writing about the wrong thing.

In Escape (working title), the meeting of the protagonist and the protagonist's helper is full of action.  She, Reb, the protagonist is going home from her work.  The protagonist's helper, Scott, is illegally cutting across the island of Freedom (Reb's homeland) in a cargo shuttle to save time.  The engine of the cargo shuttle fails as Scott applies power to climb to a higher altitude.  An engine failure while flying an illegal flight path that results in an emergency landing is a whole lotta excitement and action.  This is the meeting of my main characters.

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

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 306, more Initial Scene

10 February 2015, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 306, more Initial Scene

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

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.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

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 25th novel, working title, Escape, is this: a girl in a fascist island nation will do anything to escape--a young cargo ferry pilot not following the rules crashes on the island.

I'll make a slight digression because I'm developing advertising and publisher materials for my newest completed novel, Lilly.  Here is the cover proposal for Lilly: Enchantment and the Computer. 

Cover Propsal

The most important scene in any novel is the initial scene.  I'm writing about the initial scene of my newest novel, "Escape."  Escape is the working title.  I'll decide on the proposed title when I finish the novel.  I'm at the eight chapter right now.  That means I've written about 160 pages.

The initial scene is the scene that defines a novel.  When you pick up a book in a bookstore, first you see the cover, then you read the title, then you read the other information on the front.  Second, you turn it around and read the back blurb.  This is assuming a paper back book or a book with a paper cover.

If you like what you read on the cover, you will turn to the first page--not the middle or the end, but the first page and read a paragraph or two.  If you like what you read, you might just sit down and read the entire novel--most people buy the book and take it home. 

Similarly, if you note a book on a website, you will likely read the web-material.  You will open the book using the book tool and read the first few paragraphs or pages.  This is how books are purchased and this is how books are published.

Since the first scene and, indeed, the first paragraphs are the most important in the novel, we will take a closer look at them in this new novel.

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

A New Novel, Part 280 Smile at Every Opportunity

11 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 280 Smile at Every Opportunity

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya was found not guilty and released to the custody of Father Dobrushin.  They say goodbye to Natalya and make their way out of the courtroom...

Natalya hugged Aksinya, “I have to go, Princess, Herr von Taaffe is waiting for me.”

Aksinya took her hand, “I pray this is not the last time I shall see you.”

“If it is the last or not, I will never forget you, Princess.  Go with all the blessings of the earth.”  She moved quickly to where Ernst von Taaffe stood at the side of the room.  He made a slight bow toward Aksinya, but he didn’t smile.

“And all the blessings of the heavens,” Father Dobrushin continued for her.  “Come, Princess, the day is not over and we have work that must be finished before tomorrow.”  He placed his long coat over her shoulders and started for the door.

Aksinya rushed to catch up to him, “What must we do before tomorrow?”

“We will speak about it at dinner.  First, we must negotiate the reporters.  They will take your picture.”

“I look terrible.”

“You won’t look any better if you don’t smile.  I suggest that you hold your shoulders very straight, act like the princess you are, and smile at every opportunity.”

“Yes…yes, I shall.”

“Then come on.”

Aksinya took his arm.  Before they left the Rathaus, Sergeant Nagel brought Aksinya’s blankets and the Greek Bible to them.  Father Dobrushin put them under his arm and carried them for Aksinya.

The trial is at an end, and we think Aksinya has won.  Perhaps in some measure she has.  Could the demon have ever thought that Aksinya could be found not guilty and be released.  She herself seems to realize just how important her freedom is.

Natalya leaves her as both a friend and, to a degree, an equal.  Ernst is waiting for her, and though Ernst can't find it in himself to smile at Aksinya, he does honor her.  Natalya sends Aksinya away with a great blessing.  It is a blessing that Father Dobrushin completes.  Natalya chooses Ernst over Aksinya--this is significant.  We will shortly see someone else who has made such a choice.

Father Dobrushin places his coat over Aksinya and they head for the door--then a foreshadowing:  "...we have work that must be finished before tomorrow.”  Then about the reporters and Aksinya's picture.  Father Dobrushin tells her, they will speak about everything at dinner.  Aksinya is back to herself a little.  She says she looks terrible.  I want to remind you of this.  She doesn't think she is very pleasant to look at already, and she has not bathed or changed her clothing in weeks.  Even in this time, she must present a terrible picture.  Father Dobrushin advises her to smile and continue smiling.  If you look terrible, you might as well try to look the best you can. 

At the end, I don't want you to forget about everything that has gone before.  Everything is not over yet--the blankets and the other things from Aksinya's cell remind you of that.  Plus, Captain Gerber hasn't returned.  Nothing happened to him, but he hasn't found Asmodeus.  Tomorrow, dinner.

A New Novel, Part 279 He Gave Me into Your Custody

10 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 279 He Gave Me into Your Custody

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is on trial in Wien, Austria.  The judge brings up the question of Aksinya's immigration status and international requests to extridite her...

The judge continued to speak.

Aksinya almost clapped her hands together, “Now he will tell me the truth about my guilt.”

Father Dobrushin shushed her.

Judge Richter stated, “Although, this Schöffengericht finds the Princess Aksinya not guilty, the State of Austria has received international letters concerning the Princess.  Both of them request her return to Russia, one for political reasons and the other as extradition for criminal prosecution.  The State of Austria has asked me to make a recommendation and a judgment based on the case at hand.  Since this is not directly related to the charges, only to any potential sentencing, there is no reason for the prosecution to respond.  Defense councilor would you like to make a statement in regard to these requests?”

Father Dobrushin stood, “Yes, Your Honor.  I have reviewed both letters as well as the laws of the State of Austria as it applies to this circumstance.  It is not in the Princess’ best interest to entertain either request from either Russian claim to authority.  She desires to continue as an émigré in Austria and be allowed self-determination in all related issues.  If the court will not grant her this freedom then she is willing to petition the State of Austria for asylum.”

Judge Richter wrote on the paper in front of him, “There will be no need for that, council.  I am granted the authority to reject either or both requests as a recommendation of this court.  It was only in the case of a guilty verdict that the Princess would be extradited to Russia without her consent.  Therefore, by the authority of the State of Austria granted to me, I declare again that you are not guilty of any crime tried in this court and that you are immediately released to the custody of Father Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin.

Aksinya stood and the rest of the court stood.  Aksinya put out her hand, but by the time she could get out a single word, the judges were gone.  She stuttered, “Wait…”

Father Dobrushin asked, “What did you want, Princess?”

“He gave me into your custody—why?”

“I asked for it in the court papers.”

“But why?”

“Because, I want to be the one to help you from now on.  It is official.  You report to me in all issues of your employment, schooling, and living arrangements.”

I continue with Judge Richter from yesterday to move into the piece.  The Court found Aksinya not guilty, but they must also determine her immigration status.  As we see, the White Russians and the Red Russians both want her.  Judge Richter and his court has been asked to make a decision on what to do with Aksinya.  You can guess that if she had been found guilty, she would have been sent back to Russia.  The problem on both sides would likely lead to her death--one would have tried her, the other would have used her as a pawn.

Father Dobrushin cuts off any chance the court might deport Aksinya.  He uses his knowledge of the law to defend and protect her.  The actions of Father Dobrushin are very important as they relate to the Austrian law.

Father Dobrushin's statements lead Judge Richter to repeat his verdict and release Aksinya.  Note, the judge releases Aksinya to the custody of Father Dobrushin.  Now, this is a turn of events, and one that Aksinya doesn't miss at all.  We discover in the ensuing conversation that Father Dobrushin asked for the custody of Aksinya.  This is not that uncommon for women under 21 and indeed could be granted for unmarried women under 30.  You can see that Father Dobrushin has something in mind for Aksinya.  The question is what.  Tomorrow, leave taking.