Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Types of Characters

18 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Types of Characters

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 defined three types of characters within a novel for you in yesterday's post.  The first type of character is a major character (protagonist, antagonist, and protagonist's helper).  These characters are necessary to the theme and to the plot.  They are the primary characters that spring out of the theme and that define the entire novel.  They must be carefully and fully developed.  They are the focus of most of your research and writing activity.

The second type of character are those that support the theme and are necessary to the plot, but from the beginning of writing the novel, you realized and developed the character.  Or you planned for the character while outlining the plot and developed the character when you arrived at that point in the writing.  I did this with Ernst in Aksinya, and with numerous characters in other novels.  Many times you realize what the character should be like, but you really don't want to fully develop them until you reach that point in the novel.  The reason is that if you develop these characters too early, you might end up with a character that doesn't fit as well as she should--or you might end up having to rewrite much of the character.  I'll try to give detailed examples.

The third type of character is the kind that suddenly becomes a need in the plot.  Most novels end up this way.  You work against an outline, but an active plot in writing is a really malleable thing.  The theme is the critical part and the plot (and storylines) develop and interweave as you write the novel.  You will reach points where you suddenly need a new character.  I mentioned the Centurion Fabius  as one of these characters.  When I wrote Centurion, I wanted to build a situation in the plot where Abenadar was dependent on Ruth.  I also wanted to build a situation where Ruth disobeyed Abenadar and went to the Legion Camp.  I additionally wanted to have Ruth and Abenadar exposed in their relationship to the Legion and the Legion leaders.   The addition of the Centurion Fabius allowed me to have a Centurion for Abenadar to rescue who would retaliate against Abenadar for the rescue.  That resulted in an attack on Abenadar which led to Ruth seeking him out in the camp.  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.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Design in Plot

17 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Design in Plot

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.

Back to Centurion with this idea that the characters support the theme but are necessary to the plot.  The protagonist of Centurion, Abenadar is both necessary to the theme and to the plot.  He, as the protagonist, is literally the glue that holds the novel together.  Likewise, in the example I used yesterday, Dana-ana, Dana-ana is the glue that holds the novel together--she is necessary to the plot and the theme.  In both of these novels, the other characters are only necessary to the plot, but support the theme. 

Let's look at Centurion.  The protagonist's helper, Ruth, is an important character through the last half of the novel.  She is the woman that Abenadar rescues from the streets of Jerusalem.  She is the woman he longed for in his life.  She becomes a necessary part of the plot, but she is not necessary to the theme.  The novel could progress within the theme without her, but not the plot.  Ruth additionally becomes a symbol in the writing of Adenadar's dependency on others.  This idea supports the theme and is necessary to the plot. 

An author develops the plot and the characters within the plot to support the theme.  To write, then, you must first have a theme, you develop the characters, and you then weave them into the plot.  The last step is sometimes coincident.  For example, when I was writing Centurion, I knew there would be a Ruth character from the beginning.  I designed the plot to introduce her and build her relationship with Abenadar.  The scenes are both touching and fit well with the theme.

On the other hand, another Centurion who causes Abenadar problems was not in my list of characters or plot design.  I built him into the plot to provide a reason for Abenadar to rescue another Roman patrol.  This kind of character development on the fly is necessary to some degree for all novels.  Most of the time, this kind of character is secondary or tertiary.  I developed this Centurion who causes Adenadar problems to build on the theme of Abenadar's skill and the trust his leaders placed in him.  In this way, this centurion supports the theme and became necessary to the plot.  The plot is based in Abenadar saving this other centurion's life and century.  Later, this centurion tries to have Abenadar murdered.  This event precipitates many theme points and plot events which move the novel toward its ultimate conclusion.

As another example of character development as necessary, in the novel, Aksinya, the four senior girls at Akinsya and Natalya's table were planned and designed into the plot.  I didn't know who they were, their names, descriptions, etc. until I arrived at their introduction in the plot.  At that moment of their conception, they became necessary to the plot and they were supporting of the theme.  Another character, the witness of Akisnya's sorcery when she saved Natalya and Sister Margarete from rape, was a character developed on the fly for the plot.  The plot was designed with such a character in mind, but not until necessary did I develop him.

Thus, keep this in mind, the characters must support the theme and be necessary to the plot.  I'll go into more detail in the character development, 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.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Plot and Theme

16 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Plot and Theme

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.

The development of a character comes directly out of the theme.  That is, the development of all the characters in your novel comes directly out of the theme.  In a novel, there should be nothing extraneous.  Every character has a reason.  Every character must support the theme.  Every characters must be necessary to the plot.  Did you get the difference here?  Not every character is necessary to the theme, but every character is necessary to the plot.  In a perfect world, and in your novels, you should attempt to have every character necessary to the theme as well.  Let me show you the difference.

My unpublished novel, Dana-ana, is about a girl who thinks she is an Anglo-Saxon maiden in the modern world.  She will not speak to people unless properly approached, but she is in a modern high school.  The theme is about an Anglo-Saxon maiden in the modern world--there is much more to the theme, but that is sufficient for now.  In the initial scene, Dana-ana is being attacked by students because of her strangeness and because they accuse her of stealing lunches.  In this scene I have four tertiary characters--two boys and two girls.  The boys are attacking Dana-ana on the behalf of the girls. 

In this scene, I could have had one boy and one girl or one boy and two girls or two boys and one girl.  I could have had the main contention be that Dana-ana stole something other than lunches or stole some food other than their lunches.  We find that the theme requires Dana-ana to have some power over the natural world--I chose food as part of her power.  The plot develops this idea.  The characters all support the theme, but I made them necessary to the plot because of my choices from the plot.  In this case, you can see, the characters support the theme, but are necessary to the plot.

What this means is that in a cohesive plot, you can't change the details once they are established.  This is a critical difference between the plot and the theme.  Many plots can support the same theme.  Or said another way, you can develop many different plots from a theme.  Once you write, your plot and theme must be cohesive and the characters are the glue that binds it all together.  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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Definitions

15 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Definitions

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.

The design of a character is the same as the development of a character.  I've explained this before--I want to make it clear again.  An author takes the theme of the novel and conceives a character that fulfills the theme.  This process of conception is what I call development.  I could call it design of the character.  The reason I call it development is to intentionally separate it from revelation of the character.  Revelation is showing the character through the novel.  A character may change in a novel--the protagonist only, please, but they always are revealed.

To recap this very important information:
Development is the process the author goes through to use the theme to conceive and design the characters.
Revelation is the process of showing the character in the novel.
Change is the process the protagonist goes through that shows a difference in the initial character and the final character of the novel--that change involves the protagonist's telic (tragic) flaw.

These three definitions are critical to your writing.  They mean you must develop your characters before you write about them.  They mean you must use the theme to develop the perfect and unique character for your protagonist (and I would argue all the other characters).  Finally, you must reveal your characters by showing, and you must consider the telic (tragic) flaw of the protagonist.  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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Comparison in Plot and Theme

14 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Comparison in Plot and Theme

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.

Now, concerning the author's development of the characters.  When I write a character into a novel, I fully understand the character.  I fully understand the theme.  I don't know exactly where the plot will lead.  I do know how and if the protagonist will change within the novel.  Theoretically, there must be some change in your protagonist.  They must overcome or be overcome by their telic (tragic) flaw.  If there is no change in the protagonist, you picked the wrong character to make the protagonist.

The easiest way to make a change in the protagonist is to kill him.  Tragedies are the simplest.  That my be why Aristotle wrote about them.  Comedies are not so simple--the protagonist must change in a nonlethal way and overcome her telic (tragic) flaw.  This is the theme and what shapes the plot.

Using our examples of Abenadar and Aksinya.  Adenadar's telic flaw is his loyalty.  He must overcome it for Centurion to have its ultimate conclusion.  This completes the theme and the plot is driven by it.  In Aksinya, Aksinya's telic flaw is her temptation.  Her temptation is represented by the demon.  She must overcome her temptation and the demon--that is both the theme and the plot of the novel.  In this regard, the characters are completely wedded to their novels.  You can't remove or change them by too much or the plot and theme of the novel will come crashing down.  The characteristics of the protagonists come directly out of this.  I'll go into more detail, 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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion

13 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Comparison

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've written before about developing characters, and I've told you the types of characters I usually like to write and develop.  I've been writing recently about the protagonist, Abenadar, from my published novel, Centruion.  I've contrasted Abenadar as a "normal" character with Aksinya (the protagonist of my blog published novel, Aksinya).

Both characters come directly out of the themes of the novels--that is, the themes were developed first, and the characters came directly out of the themes.  They likewise drive the plot.  To develop any character, you must start with the theme.  The character fits within the theme.  Once you have the concept of the protagonist, you can begin to develop the character. 

I already went into great detail concerning the development of Abenadar.  I also wrote extensively about the development of Aksinya.  Everything about the main character comes out of the theme development of the protagonist.  The physical description of Aksinya comes out of the idea that she is not beautiful.  She thinks she is plain and ugly.  Is she or is she not?  I don't tell you.  I let you know what she thinks about herself through self reflective means (I don't ever tell you), but you don't really get a good independent description.  The fact that no one notes that she is ugly should be an indication to the reader.  However, the physical description of Aksinya comes directly out of the concept of her within the theme.  We do know from multiple sources that she is small, not very mature looking, acerbic, smart, antagonizing, intense, and much more.  Most of this description isn't direct in the novel--only her features, body shape, and clothing are directly described.  The rest is provided through various techniques of showing.

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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Normal Characters

12 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Normal Characters

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.

Just what is a normal character?  I posed the question and made the comparison between Aksinya and Abenadar.  Aksinya is my usual type of character.  Notice, I didn't write my "normal" type of character.  Aksinya is ugly (at least she thinks she is).  She is plain and not beautiful.  Aksinya has some very critical flaws.  They aren't just telic (tragic) flaws--she is really flawed.  She called a demon.  Most people don't think of themselves as ugly or plain--they would never admit it if it were true.  Most people don't know or imagine they have flaws.  Most people don't believe they succumb to temptation.  Aksinya is a person that people cannot identify with, but that most can sympathise with.  This is my favorite type of character.  I want unique characters who will stick in a persons mind and whom they sympathize with.  This creates a pathetic character.  A pathetic character is, by definition, one that creates emotions in the minds of the readers.  I usually write characters that make people experience emotions because they understand the problems the character is going through.

Now, let's look at Abenadar.  Abenadar is a "normal" character.  He is described generically.  There is some description, but it is done in his youth--it is also not too detailed.  I didn't break my own rules about description, but I intentionally made the description a little vague and nondescript.  I was more detailed about other characters in the novel.  And some of the other characters fulfill my concept of my usual characters.  The point is that Abenadar doesn't.  Abenadar is a generic romantic character--if there can be such a thing.  You will find that many romantic characters are similarly described.  The point is to give a marker to the theme and not to the person.  The character might be unique, but the intention of the author is to subsume the protagonist within the plot.  The reader is supposed to put him/herself in the place of the protagonist--and that is the purpose of what I've been calling a "normal" character.

In most of my books, you wouldn't necessarily want to put yourself in the shoes of my protagonist.  You might wish to be like them, but you don't really want to be them.  In Centurion, I think many (men especially) will want to put themselves in his sandals.  They see themselves as Abenadars--Centurions who are making their own way in the world on their own terms.  Such is the character of Abenadar and, I think, the character most people imagine for themselves.  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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, the Normal

11 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, the Normal

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.

So what does it mean to develop a "normal" character like Abenadar?  I mentioned, first comes the theme--then comes the characters.  Abenadar is defined by the theme.  He is a romantic character therefore he represents an ideal.  The ideal he represents is a military leader.  He is not necessarily a political leader, but rather a man who leads others directly to achieve great results.  He has a telic flaw and by overcoming the telic flaw, he achieves the end goal of the plot and theme.

Together in the above paragraph, we have all the elements required to develop a protagonist and begin to write a novel.  There is more to developing the character--this is the point about writing about a "normal" character. 

A "normal" character is...well...normal.  The description can be somewhat nondescript.  She doesn't have any really annoying habits that might draw attention from the singular person.  She doesn't have any real personality ticks.  She might have major issues or make major mistakes, but these will be personal and not professional.  The foibles of the "normal" character are simple common flaws and not character flaws.  The point in developing such a character is to not draw too much attention to the character but rather to the plot and theme.  This is not to say Abenadar isn't a great character--it is to say that the character of Abenadar doesn't get in the way of the theme and plot of the novel. 

In fact, you can tell the difference immediately by comparing Abenadar to Aksinya.  The titles of the novels give this away.  The title of Centurion is a single appellation and not a name.  On the other hand, the title of Aksinya includes the name Aksinya.  The point of Centurion is not to draw attention to the Centurion Abenadar, but rather to the theme and plot and then to the person of Abenadar.  The point of Aksinya is entirely to draw attention to the character Aksinya and through her the theme and plot.  I'll write more about developing characters, 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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Design

10 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Design

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.

Abenadar, the protagonist in my published novel, Centurion, is not the usual type of character I develop.  He comes entirely out of the theme and is integrated into the plot--like all my characters, but the chief abiding difference is that he is mainly a normal and yet very powerful romantic character.  This means that he represents a human ideal.  I also write with classically developed characters, so Abenadar has a telic flaw.  That is, he has a flaw in his character that is basic to his character which causes his failure, and by overcoming that telic flaw, his success.

The real difference between Abenadar and most of my characters is his normalcy.  I don't usually write about normal characters--they are usually romantic characters (not romance characters).  I like to develop odd main characters.  Abenadar is normal in the sense that he is like many who strive in the modern or ancient world.  His life experience might be different, but his life, mind, and aspirations are the same as most.  Although, he is not a universal character, he can appeal as a universal character to most people.

In other words, I wrote Abenadar to be like the common man set in an uncommon set of circumstances.  He does not have any oddball skills or characteristics.  He is not eccentric.  He is normal in almost every sense--the real skills that set him apart as a man are those he hones on the battlefield.  And the sense we get from the book is that he really develops those skills--his abilities are not because he is super human, but because he works hard and observes well.

The concept of a character who is main-stream is very common in literature.  This isn't the usual method I teach for character development, but it worked well for Abenadar.  I'll explain 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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, the Plot

9 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, the Plot

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'm still writing about the development of characters, and I'm using the example of the protagonist, Abenadar, from my published novel, Centurion.  Abenadar comes directly out of the theme of the novel.  His life and his experiences that led to the specific moment when he stated, "Surely this was a (the) son of God," is the plot of the novel.  There, you see I've woven the plot and the theme together.  The them is the reason Abenadar would make the statement, "Surely this was a (the) son of God," and the plot is his life and experiences that led to him making that statement.  Notice, I could have had the same theme, but a different plot.  The plot could have been, the spiritual or the political or the intellectual contemplation of Abenadar that led him to make the statement--surely not as interesting a plot as the life and experiences of the man.

Just as the plot can vary, so can the character (or characters).  That is, the character of Abenadar can vary greatly based on the plot.  For example, I chose to have Abenadar be a manly man.  He doesn't shirk danger and he doesn't lack courage.  I felt like that was a more true to life portrayal of a Centurion who was a half Roman.  I could have made him a weak man who achieved greatness purely through politics or intellect--that rally doesn't fit well with the Roman Legion--and that's what I tried to show.  The Roman Legion was not filled with weak men.  There are men who are weaker than other legionnaires.  There are men who are afraid, but these men still are the stuff of legends.  They are like the men of the armed forces today--all volunteers, all parts of an elite fighting group, all well trained and disciplined.

In the novel, Centurion, I showed this training and discipline.  I showed the elite nature of the men and their charge as professional military men.  I'll write more about how that developed the character of Abenadar, 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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Abenadar the Man

8 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Abenadar the Man

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.

You can see that the development of the character Abenadar came directly out of the theme of the novel, Centurion.  In this novel, the connection is very easy to see.  Centurion is like a biography, and in a biographical novel, the theme should flow out of the life of the protagonist.

Much more than that, I showed you how I developed the historical character of Abenadar.  I showed you his connection to history and to the times.  This is much more evident in the novel.  You can experience the training and promotion of Abenadar from a librarius to a centurion.  A librarius is the lowest rank of the officers in a legion and a centurion is the highest.  A librarius is the clerk of the legion.  The only thing that separates the librarius from the common legionair is that a librarius can read and write.  The power of Abenadar and the skill that allowed him to join the legion in the first place was his ability to read and write.  The skill that enjoins him to the men in the legion is that he can speak to the people of the Galiel (Galilee).  There are many other points to be made here, but I'd be rewriting the entire novel.  I'll give you a few more tidbits about the character of Abenadar.

Abenadar is a man both certain and conflicted.  He is certain about what he will do.  He is conflicted about what he will believe.  I think most men are like this.  That is strong men are like this--they are determined and certain.  Action isn't a problem--the problem comes when there is no action.  The actual character of Abenadar is a man determined and not conflicted about his role in the legion--he is conflicted about other things.  The chief problem is that Abenadar seeks love--not sex, but love.

The love story in the novel is very poignant.  Abenadar is a man who saves others.  He is a man who accomplishes without question.  He is a character many will like because he is a man's man.  On the other hand, he wishes for the family life and the comfort he knew as a child.  I'll get more into the details of Abenadar and Centurion, 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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, the Goal

7 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, the Goal

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.

The beginning of the novel, Centurion, is when Naomi, the mother of Abenadar, the Centurion, goes to get water at the well in Nazareth.  She meets Miriam (Mary) and the book takes off.

The point of the novel is the why of the character, Abenadar.  The novel is about the development of his life, and how he became a Centurion.  Remember, you had to be a citizen of Rome to be a legionnaire.  You usually had to be a true citizen of Rome to become a Centurion.  It was not unknown for a half Roman to become a Centurion, but it was difficult.  Through the novel, I get to show you all about how a Roman Legion is organized, trains, promotes its officers, gives out awards, etc. etc.

The novel is as much about the practices of the Roman Legions in the times as it is about Abenadar.  This is the kind of novel I wanted to write.  I wanted to humanize the Romans and the Legion.  I wanted to show you their fears and their power.  I think the novel encapsulates this well.  I'll go further, because of the historical information, Centurion, may be the best source about the Roman Legion ever compiled.  Many of the groups I speak to ask why I chose to write a novel instead of a historical treatis or document.  I tell them that most of you would never pick up a historical book, but you might pick up a historical novel.  That's why I wrote Centurion.

Look at my first rule of writing--entertain your readers.  My first goal is to entertain.  If i can entertain and give you historical truth, then I have succeeded in more than one sense--I've put forth some great information, and I've done it in a format you will find entertaining.  That is the ultimate goal in writing.

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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, and more Abenadar

6 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, and more Abenadar

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 set up an obvious situation.  Abenadar's father chose a woman from the Galiel (Galilee) and from the largest city close to the capital, Tiberias.  When Abenadar's father returned to Rome, he left his pregnant concubine in the Galiel.  The set up is that Abenadar's mother becomes an outcast in Nazareth because she is pregnant with a Roman's child.  She shares this dubious position with another woman who is outcast for being pregnant with a child whose father is undetermined--Miriam (Mary).

In this way, I can start the novel before Abenadar is born.  His mother and Miriam are both forced together as outcasts.  This way Abenadar can be a friend to Yeshua (Jesus), and Yeshua can advise Abenadar to accept his patronage and join the Legion.  The ultimate irony is that Abenadar will be the one to lead the execution of his childhood friend.  Again, all this is easily founded on a historical basis.  Each element about Abenadar comes directly out of history and each point could be true.

Remember, the theme was about why the Centurion at the Cross would make such a statement, "This man was surely a (the) son of God."  This theme becomes 1000 times more powerful when placed in the context that the Centurion was a friend of Jesus and knew Jesus.

Did I mention, the name of Abenadar's mother was Naomi.  I never name a character without a purpose. Go back and look at the OT book of Ruth and see what Naomi did.  All novels should be filled with symbols that point to the theme.  This is a novel that is filled to the brim.  I'll write more about Abenadar as a character 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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, more Abenadar

5 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, more Abenadar

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 established for you that to be a Centurion, you had to be a citizen of Rome.  Further, that my main character Abenadar was traditionally known to be of mixed Roman blood.  This can be inferred by the fact that he doesn't have a Roman name and that Pilot put him in charge.  Note that the other Centurion, Gaius Flacus, had a Roman name, but he wasn't in charge of the execution.  This is very important in history and lets us determine the rank and the level of Abenadar as a Centurion.

You might ask, how do I have so much knowledge about the subject.  That's because I spent over 2 years researching the primary source documents for the time.  This is what I've been writing in the blog for a while.

To continue about Abenadar.  The Romans had ambassadors in the Galiel (Galilee), Syria, and Judea.  Because Herod the Great was in Tiberius, the Roman ambassador to him was likely in Tiberius.  Roman ambassadors were posted for many years at a time.  They tended to take concubine wives.  A concubine is a slave that has conjugal rights.  The ambassador would purchase a virgin from the gentry or otherwise of the nation where he was stationed.  They chose the most beautiful and intelligent they could find.  These concubine wives were hostesses and had to manage the ambassador's domestic needs.  They helped the ambassador understand the country, language, and culture.  It would not be at all surprising that Abenadar's father would choose a bride from the closest large city to Tiberius--Natzeret (Nazareth).  The reason for this is that the Orthodox Jews (and Samaritans) would not set foot in Tiberius because it was built on ancient tombs.  Herod the Great's city was filled with foreigners.  Because Herod was an Edomite from Udemia and his family was forced to convert to be Jews (during the Maccabean era), he didn't have any such compunctions.  The Roman ambassador would have wanted valuable information about the Galiel and not just about Tiberius.  That is why I have Abenadar's mother coming from the city (town) of Nazareth.  I'll have 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 - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Abenadar

4 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Characters of Centurion, Abenadar

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.

So I have a Centurion and traditionally his name was Abenadar.  The name doesn't really matter and neither do the strict details of the character.  All the historical data of note about this Centurion is found in the New Testament and not in any other particularly valid source.  The New Testament documents can be shown to be good historical sources, but I won't get into that today.  The only strict details that matter are those from primary historical documents--so we have a Centurion and we know he was given the responsibility of the crucifixion.  We have his words.  We have some dubious traditional sources that give us a name.  They also state that Abenadar was half Roman and Arabian.  The reason was to be in a Roman Legion you had to be a citizen of Rome (at the time).  Obviously, to be a Centurion, you had to be a citizen of Rome. 

Being a citizen of Rome was a big deal in the Roman empire.  It wasn't an easy thing to acquire.  One of the ways to become a citizen of Rome is to have a father who was Roman and be acknowledged by him.  It is highly dubious that an Arabian would be a citizen of Rome.  Likely, the appellation of Arabian was placed on Abenadar due to his name, and to disparage his patronage.  The most likely source for a bastard son of a Roman would be in a nation that had Roman ambassadors.  Arabia didn't have Roman ambassadors, but the Galiel (Galilee), Syria, and Judea did.  So how a Roman father?  I'll get to that 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 - Rules of Writing, the Characters of Centurion

3 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, the Characters of Centurion

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 yesterday that the theme of my published novel, Centurion, was to answer the question: why would the Centurion at the cross state "Surely, this man was a (the) son of God."  As I have written before, the characters flow out of the theme.  This means that before you can write a novel, you must have a novel-length theme.  That is an absolute fact.  It really helps if you understand your theme.  Roz Young taught me this lesson early.  She insisted that I write down my themes.  You should too.  The theme is the most important component of the novel.

The characters in Centurion are relatively easy to develop.  First, you have the Centurion.  Next you have all the usual suspects in the New Testament accounts.  I didn't bring in the disciples directly, but you must have Jesus.  Since I focused on the politics and political figures, I included Pilate, John the Baptist, Herod Antipas, Anas, and Ciapas.  I developed other characters from primary historical accounts and information. 

Based on the theme, the author must choose the major characters.  Additionally, the beginning of the novel--in time--also determines the characters.  For Centurion, I decided that the Centurion would be half-Jewish and half-Roman.  I already knew the name I would use for the Centurion.  In many ancient accounts, the name of the Centurion is Abenadar.  We also have accounts that put two Centurions at the cross, the executor and the overall leader.  The executors name is usually recorded as Gaius Flacus.  Why two Centurions?  When to start?  I'll discuss this further, 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 - Rules of Writing, the Theme of Centurion

2 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, the Theme of Centurion

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.

To develop characters you must start with a theme.  The theme allows you to draw that critical first scene picture.  Note that the symbols build the theme and characters are symbols.  I mentioned the theme of Aksinya yesterday.  I'll use the theme of another novel for this example.  I thought I would use Aegypt, but I changed my mind.  There are too many spoilers.  Instead, I'll use my published novel Centurion.  The reason is that it is a historical fiction novel with a very straight forward theme.

The theme of Centurion--dundududun (drum roll)--is based on the words spoken by the Centurion at the cross of Jesus Christ.  The Centurion is reported to have said, "Surely this was a (the) Son of God."  The exact theme is the question: what would make a Centurion state something like this?  This novel, Centurion, is not really religious--although some will see it that way.  I don't really care whether the statement is historical or the speaker is historical--although there is much to support the history of both.  The point of the theme is not to answer the historicity of the event--the point of the theme is to answer the question in most people's hearts and minds.  What would make a hardened veteran and Roman warrior make such a statement.  The purpose of the novel is to answer this very complex question for everyone: what would make a person like a Centurion say such a statement.  This is the theme, and the characters, plot, and storylines come directly out of this theme.  I'll begin to define the characters for you, 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 - Rules of Writing, Themes Again

1 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Themes Again

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.

The first step in developing a character is the picture.  I wrote about this before, but I'll try to approach it from a different perspective.  Before, I described how the picture of Aksinya came about.  I drew the picture, set the scene, and released the characters.  I'll do the same again, but I'll use a different example.  This time, I'll use Aegypt as the example.  Now is the time for you to run out and buy a copy of Aegypt.  You can either order it from your favorite Internet book seller, order it at a brick and mortar bookstore, or download it for your computer, iPad, iPhone, Kindle, or other book reader.  Okay, you don't have to buy the book.  I'll try not to give out too many spoilers.

Let's evaluate the development (creation) of the novel, Aegypt.  The first point about Aegypt is the theme.  Here is the critical point about character development.  The theme always comes first and the characters are developed out of the theme.  You might say, but you wrote before that you developed the characters and the plot and storylines came out of the characters.  That is absolutely true, but the basis for the characters came out of the theme.

The theme for Aksinya was that a person called and bound herself to a demon to protect her family, but her family died and left her bound to a demon.  That is the theme and from that theme, the characters, plot, and storylines developed.  So what is the theme of Aegypt?  I'll get to that, 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/.