Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 44, Naming Developing Characters Rising Action

24 May 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 44, Naming Developing Characters Rising Action

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  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.

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 this new novel is: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed. 

When you first develop and introduce a character, you need a physical description.  I agree with Arlo Guthrie Jr., the physical description of a main character should be 300 or more words--period.  In the initial description of the vampire, I have about 216 words, the rest are taken up in further description in the dialog.  I prefer not to just set a description indiscriminately--I like to intermix with the conversation or action when possible.  Part of the physical description is the name.  However, the name can only come out with conversation or specific description.  In POV (point of view) it is possible to give a name in description.  Thus from the beginning of the new novel I'm writing:

A full moon hung above midnight Gdańsk.  The dark medieval streets were wet and filthy.  Puddles ringed with oily rainbows covered the cracked cobblestones.  The moon shown in each of them, reflected as a milky glow that was grimed with the floating sheen.  The scent of saltwater and rotten fish rose with the night time tide, an unavoidable stench this close to the waterfront.  At street level, the night was utterly dark.  The very few modern lights along the crumbling cobblestone avenue shared little illumination with the ancient alleyways that pierced the darkened buildings on either side of the street.  George Mardling stepped gingerly to the alley beside an old shop and glanced down it.  His eyes were already adjusted to the dark.  Still he flipped the night vision goggle over his left eye and scanned the alley.  It was clear.

The late fall night was cold--George wore a suit and over it a black overcoat.  He had a dark felt fedora on his head.  That helped conceal the night vision goggle.  The night vision equipment was very modern and compact.  The organization had issued it to the field last month.  The point was to get a lot of night visibility out of a very small package—it worked well, but the battery life was limited.

George was a tall and thin man.  He liked to think his physique was like a body builders’, but he knew he was too thin.  He also knew his face looked too young and too serious.  More like a student or a professor than an agent.  That was probably good for the organization. 

George carried a Beretta nine millimeter in his jacket and a Beretta nine millimeter kurz in his waistband, he hadn’t unholstered either weapon—yet.  According to headquarters, his target wasn’t supposed to be armed.  According to his orders, this wasn’t an attack or an arrest—he was making a reconnaissance, a surveillance with a contact.  If he could identify the mark, all the better.

Notice, George Mardling is named in the description.  Heidi is not.  I'll give you that example tomorrow.  For now, let's look at naming.  I choose the names of my characters based first on their character.  The point is to have a name that connotes meaning in the novel and for the theme.  In the case of George Mardling, I meant for his name to be strongly British, different from my other main male characters, and to refer to a redeeming spirit.  George is strongly British and connotes George the Dragon killer and a Red Cross Knight.  The Red Cross Knight is a knight who is willing to give all for his country and others.  George is obviously this kind of character--the reader shouldn't miss this about his personality and character.
 
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 - Writing Science Fiction, part 25 more the Part not Described

25 August 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 25 more the Part not Described

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.

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.

For a science fiction novel.  First comes the theme.  Second, you develop the setting and design the culture.  Then you flesh out the characters.  You start with physical description (actually, you might design the physical description later, but I like to do physical description first).  You name the character focused on the culture.  Then you develop the part of the character you reveal in your novel, but you don't describe--that is the non-physical part.

The part of the character you reveal instead of describe is the part that you can't observe with your senses.  You can quote me.  If you can see it, smell it, taste it, feel it, or hear it from your character, then you may describe it.  Otherwise, you must reveal those parts that are not physical. 

The past life of each character, starting with the protagonist should be outlined and described as a part of developing the character.  Further, the characters should be designed emotionally and mentally.  These are the parts you can't tell (describe)--you must show (reveal) them.  The way you reveal the past life of a character is through conversation or flashbacks.  I don't like flashbacks, but they are effective means of revealing, and I have used them.  Conversation is the best means of revealing the past life of a character.  The only means of revealing the emotional and mental state of a character is though physical description, their actions, and conversation.  

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 www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, www.thefoxshonor.com, www.aseasonofhonor.com.

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 23 the Part not Described

23 August 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 23 the Part not Described

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.

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.

We are finishing up the items of a character that are revealed.  I started with the physical and moved to the name.  The name and the physical description (including clothing etc.) are the things you are allowed to describe about a character.  Now, we need to move to those thing which you can only show and not describe.

We have touched them more than once, and through the creation of a name, we have begun the process of character development.  That process is the building of the actual character.  Just as you are a name and a physical being, every character is a name and a physical being.  The physical is the part described--in the sense of life, it is the part the viewer can see.  It is the part of the character that is revealed just by walking out on the stage. 

Think of a stage play--this is one of the main ways I like to write about novels.  The setting is the stage; this is what the author of a novel should be happy to describe.  The characters are the actors; this is another obvious part the author should describe.  Like the stage play, their descriptions are obvious and should be immediately given.  The name likewise is a proper handle for a character.  In most stage plays, the author announces the names of the characters immediately.  This is the character of a stage play and a critical skill in the author of a play.

The next part is the part not described.

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 www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, www.thefoxshonor.com, www.aseasonofhonor.com.

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 22 History and Naming Characters

22 August 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 22 History and Naming Characters

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.

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.

To develop your characters, you need to develop your science fiction culture.  This is the first step in turning your theme into the plot.  One critical item is that you must remember is this: on the earth there are over 200 developed cultures and more on the way.  The 200 cultures doesn't include sub-cultures etc.  If you have a universe with a single culture, you aren't writing anything close to science fiction.  It might be possible for a planet to have a single culture, but that is not very likely either.  You might express a single culture on a single planet--that is reasonable.  The point is this, the universe you create can't be a single culture.  Every planet and every place must have a different culture.  The cultures might be less disparate than the cultures of the modern world, but they must be different. 

As you develop names, you must take the culture in consideration, and you must build the names from at least a generation back.  In other words, when you make your current character's names, you should realize they have fathers, mothers, and siblings.  If necessary, you might need to go back two generations.  The point is to build the history of your characters with their names.  The names, in all human cultures come up through generations, and they have meanings within the culture.  The making of the character comes with a history and a name, and the name and history is built through their culture. 

Remember, names have depth--you don't pick them because they sound good or you like them. You choose names that match and accentuate your theme.

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 www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, www.thefoxshonor.com, www.aseasonofhonor.com.

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 21 Culture and Naming Characters

21 August 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 21 Culture and Naming Characters

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.

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.

Choosing a name for a piece of historical fiction is easy.  All you need is the culture, theme, and setting. With these three, you can make an Internet search and begin to pick out names.  If you don't have the culture, theme, and setting, you are really setting yourself up for failure.

Now, think about it.  If you are writing science fiction, you should have the theme (I'm hoping) and possibly the setting (I'm hoping here too).  The thing you don' have is the culture.  You must develop the culture.  This is why I used the Anglo-Saxon culture as the basis for my Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox novels.  The Anglo-Saxon culture is a very powerful culture and fits excellently within my novel and the universe of my novel. When you develop your science fiction universe, you need to develop or borrow a culture.  I assure you, you will have to make changes to the culture to fit your science fiction universe, but it is much more powerful to take a known culture and modify it than to try to make your own with no basis.  Even Jack Vance based his cultures on variants of human culture.  He was very wise.  His forte was developing concepts, items, and animals to display the science fiction power of the cultures he developed.  You should aim for the same.

The trick is that you have to develop and write down some of the basics of the culture you propose for your science fiction novel.  Once you have the basics of the culture, you can begin to think about names.

Remember, names have depth--you don't pick them because they sound good or you like them. You choose names that match and accentuate your theme.

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 www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, www.thefoxshonor.com, www.aseasonofhonor.com.

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 20 more Naming Characters

20 August 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 20 more Naming Characters

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.

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.

I wrote yesterday that naming your characters is critical.  Let's see about characters names.  You could choose a name like Luke Skywalker and immediately brand your book as a B-class movie.  If you didn't notice before, George Lucas stated he intended Star Wars to have a B-class movie feel.  It was initially supposed to be like the Buck Rogers and Errol Flynn matinees.  It only turned into something more with the addition of more space fantasy "metachlorinas" and such.  Only a real non-scientist like George Lucas or Gene Roddenberry can make a potentially great science fiction show a horrible piece of science fantasy.  Oh, you can too.  Just follow their lead.

Names are one of the stickiest problems for a writer.  For my historical fiction, placing names on characters is easy--I used historical names and names that have cultural meanings.  You don't usually have this advantage in science fiction.  You are developing the culture.  You must develop your culture well enough that you can place names with a connection to your culture.  If your culture is a B-class movie, you are in luck.  Otherwise, you must know the culture before you write, and you must take the culture into consideration when applying a name. 

A great example of a writer whose cultures are well formed is Jack Vance.  I want my writing and the cultures I develop in my science fiction to be as clear, complex, and well developed as his.  He is the most perfect example of a developer of science fiction and fantasy cultures.  He understands well the development of names and words in the cultures he develops.  You will not go wrong reading and studying Jack Vance as a writer and author.

Remember, names have depth--you don't pick them because they sound good or you like them.  You choose names that match and accentuate your theme.

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 www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 19 Naming Characters

19 August 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 19 Naming Characters

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.

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.

Naming characters is critical.  I should have mentioned this before description.  I always name my characters first.  The character's name has critical ramifications to the theme, plot, and storyline.  In the case of science fiction, I usually don't derive the names historically.  In the case of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox novels, the names do not have any historical basis, but they are of Anglo-Saxon derivation.  They are not connected directly to historical sources like my historical writing.  The point is the feel of the names in the context of the novels. 

When you design a science fiction universe, it needs to have elements of the normal world we are used to.  The greater the normative elements, the greater you can build the deviations.  The deviations must be scientifically and elementally consistent for science fiction, but the feel should draw in your readers and the deviations should launch them into the science fiction.

In the case of the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox, there are significant elements a modern reader can grasp and realize are similar to the historical and modern world.  These elements serve to accentuate the differences with the modern world.  The people of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox live in a near feudal type society based in genetics.  Their nobility are nobility by real birth--they are shaped and breed to rule.  This drives the culture and the society.

Likewise, the names in this culture are driven by the culture.  We discover very early the problems in the nobility between the Rathenberg and the Haupenberg branches of the nobility.  These form the background that feeds the theme, plot, and storylines.  The choice of a name and the naming conventions in the science fiction universe you design are small elements that make the science fiction universe real to your readers.  Pick the names first and choose them wisely.

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 www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Development - Rules of Writing, Naming and Symbols

30 July 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Naming and Symbols

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

All language is symbols. Therefore it shouldn't surprise you that your writing should include higher level symbols. What are higher level symbols? I mentioned before the cross as a symbol. The cross is a higher level symbol--a symbol that doesn't depend on language. Symbols can be ready made or author made symbols. Some symbols are a mix.

I wrote before about characters and symbols.  I don't intend to repeat, but I want to write more about designing characters to represent levels. 

Obviously, the first level of a character is their most basic information.  In other places, to simplify, I have written that you should start with description.  Let's instead start with the name.  You can just pick a name out of the air, but why would you do that.  I've been through many steps of historical and cultural study.  I've mentioned many times about analysis and developing characters.  So...the question is why would you spend days and weeks (I do) developing and researching your characters only to turn around and label them with a lame name you picked out of the blue.  Don't do it.  The naming of a character is a critical step.  Let's imagine it as a first step.

So, as a first step--that is naming a character, if you intend to write a simple children's book you must still be concerned about storyline, plot, and theme--just not to a very complex level.  If you want to write literature--you need to be a bit more cautious and deliberate.  Whoops, you can't just start with the name--you have to know something about the storyline, plot, and theme just to begin.  Likewise, you need to know something about the character to develop the storyline, plot, and theme.  We'll look at this more tomorrow.

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers. I'll write about that tomorrow. The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - More Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

27 February 2012, Development - More Developing the Picture of the Creative Process

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, 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.

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 person in the picture with the demon is a young woman.  I almost immediately gave her a name.  More than a week went into the development of her name, but I'll just give it right to you and explain how it came to be.  The young woman in the picture is Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.  I came by the name very deliberately.  I've written before to you that you must name characters.  This is very true of the main characters, but also the secondary and to a degree the tertiary characters.

All my novels are enveloped in history.  They are fitted perfectly in their time and place.  I research the times and the places extensively before and while I write.  The mother of Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna was Princess Nina Vladimirovna Golitsyna, nee Bockmann.  She was killed by the Bolsheviks in February 1918.  I did take some liberties about her death and placed it in November 1918.  Aksinya's step father was Count Andrei Nikolaevich Golitsyna.  He was also murdered by the Bolsheviks.  Aksinya's birth father was

Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.  This fact isn't revealed until late in the novel, but I want you to know this for the detail and the color of the picture I am building initially--the picture than defines the first scene.  The Grand Duke died of tuberculosis in 1900.  He was not married and did not leave any children.  I did play with history a little to make Aksinya who she was--I just tied up some loose ends. 

This means that Aksinya's baptismal name was Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.  She was one of the many Russian princesses.  Her grandfather was Herzog Vladimir Bockmann, a German Duke.  She was aristocracy from her German and Russian ancestors.  You can see the beginnings of the problem that is Aksinya.  Her mother married a Romanov Prince and had a daughter.  The prince died before the child, Aksinya was born.  Aksinya's mother married a Russian Count--perhaps the relationship was based on love.  I don't tell you anything--I just leave tracks. 

We'll continue to explore the concept of the main character for the novel Aksinya, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

A New Novel, Part 310 I Claim Her

10 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 310 I Claim Her

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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married--this is part of the plan Dobrushin believes will rid Aksinya of the demon.  For better or worse, they are bound together in this.  We are not sure of the outcome.  They have come to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien... 

Dobrushin pulled her to him and kissed her again.

Suddenly, a great roar filled the small room.  A hot sulfurous wind rushed through the place.  There was a dark flash then a scream like the sound of metal cutting metal, and across the room, beside the fireplace stood a large black shape.

Dobrushin clasped Aksinya closer, and she could feel him tremble.

The demon looked them both up and down and laughed, “Be very afraid."  He sniffed, "What do we have here?  I should have guessed as much.  The contract called me because of this.  I knew your lust would eventually be your undoing.”

Aksinya pushed back a little from Dobrushin, “There is no question of lust here.  This is my husband, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin.”

“Your husband?”  The demon cackled.  “He is not your husband yet.  Not until he beds you.  Haven’t you heard what Solomon wrote about me?  That I am always hatching plots against newlyweds; I mar the beauty of virgins and cause their hearts to grow cold.  Plus, you are contracted to me.  You can’t be the crown of any man while I hold your surety.”

Dobrushin’s voice was strangely calm though Aksinya could feel his hands shake as he held her, “Demon, the surety of the Princess Aksinya is being consumed.  You must return hers and release her to me.  I claim her in the name of the Lord God Almighty.”

Asmodeus spat, “That isn’t that guy’s name.  I know that guy’s name.  You must properly invoke it or your claims are void.”

“You lie, Asmodeus.  I know God.  The hearts of men cry out His name because he is just and merciful.”

Asmodeus took a step toward them, “You forget, puny man.  I have been here before—many times.  I killed Sarah’s seven betrothed one after the other so none were left.”

We knew this would happen--didn't we?  The demon had to appear again.  For there to be a resolution in this novel, the demon had to make another appearance.  We also needed a second climax.  The first climax brought the plot and theme of the entire novel to the tipping point for Aksinya's great change.  This second minor climax brings a completion to another idea in the the novel--the demon himself.

It is proper that the demon appear while Aksinya and Dobrushin share a kiss.  If you note, the description for his appearance is almost the same as when Aksinya first called him.  I did this intentionally.

Dobrushin is afraid.  I show you this--he trembles against Aksinya.  Do you remember, Dobrushin was not certain of his belief--what do you think he feels now?  I also used these words in the mouth of the demon before.  Do you remember the words an Angel almost always speaks in the Apocrypha and the New Testament?  An angel's greeting is, "Do not be afraid."  Therefore, I make the demon's greeting, "Be very afraid."

The demon says the contract called him.  He thinks it is Aksinya's lust that has brought him.  There is an implied point here.  Do you remember, the demon claimed to know her mind?  This shows that he does not.  In fact, Satan and his minions can't read minds--they aren't like God.  Therefore, we see the bounds on the demon in his own confession.

Dobrushin is indeed not Aksinya's husband, yet--I told you for the marriage to be fulfilled, it must be consummated.  This is what the demon is talking about and this is the truth of the ancient world--this is what marriage meant in Tobit.  Then the demon gives us a quote from a mythic medieval book that was pseudographically attributed to Solomon.  The demon's allusions are to the crown of marriage and his claims on brides.

Dobrushin shakes, but he boldly speaks to the demon.  He claims Aksinya as his own.  This claim goes back to the metaphor before.  Dobrushin bought her at a great price.  Aksinya is his pearl of great price.  He gave his all for her.  Dobrushin makes his claims in the name of the Lord God Almighty.  The demon's comment is because that is not the true name of God.  God's true name is YHWH and the pronunciation is lost.  Asmodeus likely knows the true pronunciation, but there is no way Dobrushin could know it.  The demon is baiting Dobrushin.  Dobrushin's answer is right on--the name doesn't matter, the invocation does.

The demon threatens Dobrushin.  Tomorrow, more of this confrontation.

A New Novel, Part 145 He Worships Me Too

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.


Ernst invited himself to dinner on Saturday evening at Grossbock.  We join Aksinya on Sunday morning...


Aksinya felt a little better at the Ecclesia on Sunday. The younger priest, Father Dobrushin’s piercing glance seemed to linger too much on her face, but Aksinya wasn’t certain if that was just her imagination. She didn’t speak to either of the priests that morning. Asmodeus did not make an appearance the entire weekend.


Aksinya and Natalya had a good beginning week at school. Natalya spoke passable German with a Russian accent. She was fluent enough now that she could keep up with her classes. Natalya still tutored her, but expended more effort on her own work. Her teachers were pleased. Natalya was pleased. Sister Margarethe was pleased. Aksinya was somewhat pleased with herself.

On Tuesday during dinner, Fraulein Pfaff again engaged Aksinya in conversation, “Well Countess, did you hear again from Herr von Taaffe?”

Aksinya grinned, “He came to dinner on Saturday.”

Fraulein Trauen dropped her fork, “At Grossbock?”

“Yes, at Grossbock.”

Fraulein Vogt asked, “Did you invite him?”

Aksinya sat up straight, “No, he invited himself through the Freiherr and Freifrau, but he informed me first of his intentions.”

Fraulein Pfaff clapped her hands together, “That is soooo suave. He is obviously a well bred gentleman.”

The elder sister at the table snapped her fingers at Fraulein Pfaff’s clap and loud response.

Fraulein Pfaff put her hands at her side and lowered her voice, “Sorry sister.”

Fraulein Vogt spoke excitedly, “Still that is very polished of him. I am more and more impressed by this gentleman. Has he asked you to accompany him again, Countess?”

“He has invited me to the opera and dinner on Wednesday.”

Natalya nodded.

Fraulein Trauen grinned over her glass, “That’s Christmas Eve. I hope you don’t intend to drink as much that other evening.”

Aksinya’s lips turned up in a grin, “I intend to drink and eat as much as I like. I shall not drink so much I will miss any of Ernst’s advances.”

“Ernst?” Fraulein Trauen dropped her knife.

“Yes, he asked me to call him by his given name.”

Fraulein Trauen’s eyes widened, “And you do?”

“Of course I do. Why should I not?”

Fraulein Trauen was breathless, “What does he call you?”

Aksinya put her chin on the back of her hand and batted her eyes at Fraulein Trauen, “He calls me, Countess, of course.”

When I want to indicate to you Aksinya's spiritual condition, I show you how things go at the Mass.  In this case, the Freiherr and Freifrau take Aksinya and Natalya to the Orthodox Ecclesia.  There is a writer's trick here.  I do not want you to forget about the Ecclisia, and I don't want you to forget about Father Dobrushin.  He bothers Aksinya--this in itself should be an indicator.  Asmodeus hasn't made an appearance in a while.  Do you remember Aksinya's realization that the demon might be in the room with her and she wouldn't know?
 
The world is happy.  Aksinya is content.  Natalya is content.  Natalya is progressing--Aksinya not so much.  Remember, study was the thing Aksinya loved.  She gave it up somewhat for Natalya.  Still, everyone seems pleased with the world.
 
We transition to the Tuesday dinner conversation.  I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as I enjoy writing them.  When I set up the entire existence of the girl's school, I intended these conversations to enlighten you about many incidents around and within Aksinya's life.  As I wrote before, one of the reasons for the setting was to allow this kind of information flow.  I think this writing technique is effective and entertaining.  If you want to use this technique, you must set up a situation that requires it.  I recommend at least three or so adversaries.  You must describe them and delineate them by their personalities and descriptions.
 
For this dinner conversation, the purpose is to communicate Aksinya's thoughts about Ernst.  That is generally the purpose of all these kinds of dialogs.  They allow the author to convey information to the reader without telling you what the character thinks.  In every case, there is also some degree of unsurity about the true thoughts of the characters.  Just like in real life, the reader should not know more than they can see or perceive.  This is a critical rule in good writing. 
 
The topic of conversation is announced immediately by Fraulein Pfaff.  She is the positive character and the curious one.  She is positive in her approach to Aksinya.  Fraulein Trauen is the negative character.  She is adversarial toward Aksinya.  Fraulein Trauen's reaction tells you a lot about her thinking.  She knows the name of the Bockmann's estate, and she knows Akinsya and Natalya go there for the weekends.  Perhaps this is common knowledge in the school.  I never told you it was.  You assume it from the Fraulein's statement, but there is more.  Fraulein Trauen's reaction also shows you that for a gentleman to come calling at the house of a lady is a big deal.  You know in this culture that is true.
 
Fraulein Vogt is the neutral figure.  Her father is also the politician.  She asks the obvious question.  The answer to such a question will give much information to the ladies at the table.  That Ernst invited himself and it was accepted by the Freiherr is a big deal.  This shows them that he is pursuing Aksinya with the blessings of her uncle.  To Ernst's credit, he also told Aksinya he was coming to dinner on Saturday.  He really didn't have to.  Thus Fraulein Pfaff's reaction.
 
The Sister at the table has not had much input at all before.  I didn't tell you she was a little deaf, but you might figure that out.  Fraulein Pfaff's loud reaction gets a reproof.  We get a reaffirmation from Fraulein Vogt about Ernst's gentlemanliness.  Plus, Akinsya can then tell them Ernst asked her out again.  Natalya is not unhappy with the invitation.
 
Fraulein Trauen takes the opportunity to get in a jibe at Aksinya's expense.  She also gives me the opportunity to remind you of the scene setting in time--it is approaching Christmas Eve.  Aksinya's reposte' is to the point and repeats the last kicker in this setting.  She adds a little piece of information in her response, however.  For her to call Ernst by his first name is a great intimacy in this time and social setting.  It indicates very much to these ladies.  Fraulein Trauen shows you that with her reaction.  The important question from all the ladies around the table is what does Ernst call Aksinya?  If he uses her given name, that means they are lovers.  This is the response they all expect.  If he calls her Fraulein, that means they are equals in relationship, but not intimate.  Aksinya's answer floors them, it shows that she has not given over any intimacy from her degree of aristocracy.  The fact that Ernst holds to that shows both his respect for Aksinya and the degree of difference between them.  Aksinya might as well have said Ernst is her lapdog.  Her response shows her degree of control over the relationship and puts the respect of the ladies at a new level.  We will observe this new level of respect tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 66 Changes in the World end of Chapter 6

It seems strange to us and slightly funny that an aristocrat expected to be dressed and undressed by their servants.  What I try to show you is how expected and common it was at the time.  Although Aksinya called Natalya her friend, Aksinya still expects to be waited on--that is the way of the world.  Still those ways may change.

After supper, Aksinya and Natalya went back up to their rooms. Natalya undressed Aksinya and put a silk nightgown on her. She brushed out Aksinya’s short hair. After a while, Aksinya took the brush from Natalya’s hand. She told Natalya, “Put on your nightgown and come to my room.” Natalya returned quickly.

Aksinya patted the top of her bed. She sat and Aksinya began to brush her long hair. Natalya put her face in her hands, “I really wish you wouldn’t do that, mistress.”

“Tomorrow, Lady Natalya, we will begin our studies together. We will still be a Countess and a lady, but we will also be students and friends together.”

Natalya turned abruptly, “Do you really think of me as your friend?”

“Yes.” Aksinya smiled, “I never really had a friend before. You are my friend, Lady Natalya. Would you address me as, Aksinya?”

“No…no, I could never do that.”

“What if I just call you, Nata?”

“That’s what my mother called me, but I don’t think it would be allowed.”

“Allowed? Aren’t I allowed to call you whatever I desire?”

“Y…y…yes.”

“Then, in private, I shall call you Nata. I want you to call me, Aksinya.”

“In private. Anywhere you wish, but in private would be fine.” Natalya took another deep breath, “Very well. I will try, Ak…ak…sinya.”

“Thank you, Nata. Tomorrow, we will begin a new kind of life together and in our world, it is a new thing, is it not?”

“Yes, mistress.”

We see the normal expectation, Natalya dresses Aksinya for bed and then prepares her for bed.  That's the nightgown and brushing the hair.  Aksinya asks Natalya to prepare for bed and turns the tables on her.  Can you see this happening.  Can you see Natalya's embarrassment and Aksinya's joy.  Aksinya is serving her lady-in-waiting, and the lady-in-waiting doesn't like it.  This is classical culture in this time.  I have even experienced similar things myself in the modern era in Europe.
Look at Aksinya's response: we will still be Countess and lady, but we will be...friends.  How that small statement would make Natalya's heart soar.  Yet, she is so worried about that statement, she has to ask: do you think of me as your friend?  It is not so unbelievable as it is unexpected and yet so odd to Natalya who obviously had few if any friends.

Then we see, Aksinya confesses she didn't have any friends before, and we have to ask ourselves again about the Aksinya we don't know.  Aksinya clenches her points with an extravagant intimacy--call me by my first name.  This is culturally a big deal at the time.  Thus Natalya's answer: I could never do that.  Aksinya opens the bidding with the offer to call Natalya, Nata a common Russian diminutive and endearment for Natalya.  Aksinya guessed right because this was what Natalya's mother called her.  Natalya's answer is classic too: it wouldn't be allowed.

Then, Aksinya pulls the nobility's power--I can do whatever I want.  Which is true.  Natalya barely accedes, and we know she will have problems with this little rule of Aksinya's.  Still, this represents the point at the end of the chapter.  The main point that Aksinya has been making to Natalya the entire time.  They will begin a new kind of life together, and Natalya's answer, so ambivalent--yes mistress, shows although Aksinya's thinks her feet are planted in a different place, perhaps Natalya's and, by extension, Aksinya's are really not.

The end of this little scene is an example of how I like to end a chapter.  In a single dialog with a chencher, I wrap up the entire chapter.  The end words convey all the emotion and effect of everything on Natalya as well as the effort of Aksinya.  So in response to Aksinya's opining about the changes they will and have seen, Natalya simply says, "Yes mistress," and by that indicates that she doesn't believe the changes will or have affected her.

Tomorrow we begin a new chapter in Daemon (working title), chapter 7.