Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 161, more Discovery methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

18 September 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 161, more Discovery methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: I received the proofs and a three-day deadline to give comments.  One of my regular prepub readers and I went through the three book.  I was able to correct some second edition issues in Aegypt.  The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  I'll keep you updated.  I should have three new books out soon.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

You can also see that discovery is a tension and release developer.  If a character has a secret they don't want discovered and is hiding it, that is tension.  This is a kind of tension that the writer can use through an entire novel.  I've seen this technique used very well is good novels--the idea of a secret the protagonist or the protagonist's helper wants to conceal.  For a very powerful secret, the accidental discovery might be the best means of revelation.  For a simple or a personal secret (one that is important to the holder, but not so important to others), the general discovery might be a better means of revelation.

In my yet unpublished novel, Dana-ana, discovery is a very important part of the character revelation in the novel.  Dana-ana  is a discovery novel.  In the novel, Dana-ana, the protagonist cannot or will not tell anyone about her.  Her background and identity must be "discovered" by those who befriend her.  Those who befriend her also don't realize the extent of the interaction of their lives and history with Dana-ana.  The discovery of who is Dana-ana comes through conversation, exploration, and discovery--along with the other methods listed above.  Since the characters are fully in the mode of discovery, every new discovery is like a new treasure.  Most of the discoveries are made normally and not necessarily accidentally.

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 - Vampire Novel, part 160, Discover methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

17 September 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 160, Discover methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: I received the proofs and a three-day deadline to give comments.  One of my regular prepub readers and I went through the three book.  I was able to correct some second edition issues in Aegypt.  The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  I'll keep you updated.  I should have three new books out soon.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There is a lot more to say about exploration, it is a great means of revelation, but I'd like to move on to discovery.  I broke discovery into discovery and accidental discovery.  There isn't much difference between the two, but I think they are worth contemplating. 

Discovery is when an event occurs in the plot that reveals something important about a character--usually something the character didn't want other people to know.  For example, in the newest novel I am writing the protagonist has scars all over her body.  She doesn't want anyone to know she was abused and beaten--she thinks this indicates weakness.  The accidental discovery of this by the protagonist's helper is a revelation discovery.  In Aksinya, Natalya has abuse scars on the backs of her legs and back, they are revealed to Aksinya by the demon.  This is pure discovery--not accidental.  The discovery immediately tells you something about the character.  The demon goes on to tell Aksinya, that Natalya was beaten and beaten before she could come in response to Aksinya's spell. 

Discovery is an important means of revelation.  It is a means that allows the author to show something important about a character through the narrative.

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 - Vampire Novel, part 159, more Off stage Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

16 September 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 159, more Off stage Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: I received the proofs and a three-day deadline to give comments.  One of my regular prepub readers and I went through the three book.  I was able to correct some second edition issues in Aegypt.  The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  I'll keep you updated.  I should have three new books out soon.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

You can see, exploration is a great means for character revelation.  There are many ways you can deliver this revelation in your novel.  I gave some conversational examples, but imagine a letter, a telegram, a book, the Internet.  In some of my more recent novels, the characters investigate (explore) the protagonist through the Internet.  Usually I use conversation to "reveal" their findings.  For example, in my yet unpublished novel, Khione, Khione is researched by the college students who become involved with her--they discover much that is very interesting and difficult to understand about Khione.  Further research is accomplished "off stage" and reported by email. 

Using modern technology to convey information is an excellent means of reporting exploration and revealing characters.  It is a great means for authors to remind their readers that not everything you read or write in the aether come out right or is correct.  Obfuscation was never so easy.  Still, other forms such as notes, text messages, and phone calls can all be used to provide information and "reveal" the characters.  The purpose, after all, is to reveal the characters--at least to the point required for the novel to progress and to entertain the readers.

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 - Vampire Novel, part 158, Off stage Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

15 September 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 158, Off stage Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: I received the proofs and a three-day deadline to give comments.  One of my regular prepub readers and I went through the three book.  I was able to correct some second edition issues in Aegypt.  The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  I'll keep you updated.  I should have three new books out soon.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

What about "off stage" exploration?  Usually, this is where a character reports in conversation to another character about what she has discovered about someone else.  I did mention that exploration is a great means of revelation.  You wouldn't want all your revelation to be this way, but this is a great method to share "truthful" information. 

Usually, it is hard to trust information from the mouth of a character, but the impression of exploration and investigation lends a credibility to the information.  Now, it is also true that the information could be entirely false, but that is something an author can use to drive the theme, plot, and storyline.  In my novel, Shadow of Darkness, a yet unpublished Ancient Light novel, the KGB is constantly investigating my protagonist.  She has some idea that she is being investigated, but doesn't care much--that is the way of the Soviet.  I also give you conversations between the leaders of the Soviet agencies and they are discussing my protagonist.  This is the use of on stage conversation to pass on off stage exploration.  Here is an example:

      General of the Army Sergei Nikiforovich Kruglov was the First Deputy People's Commissar of Internal Affairs for the NKVD.  He was a bloodhound faced man with soft soulful eyes, a large nose, and full lips.  His cleft chin almost seemed inopportune at the end of his face since it did not lend any strength to it.  But he was not a man to underestimate.  Viktor Abakumov stepped into the car and sat beside him.  Kruglov tapped the glass and the car began moving, “What is Beria doing with that girl?”

      Abakumov lit a cigarette, “He is playing a game with the offices—setting them up for the event.”

      “Why put this child in this office?”

      “Have you heard her speak?”

      “Bah, Viktor, I have many translators.”

      “None like her.”

      “You hired her, and Beria took her from you to set up this office—Embassy Relations.  What can he have in mind—what could you have in mind?”

      “Svetlana Evgenyevna is unbelievable.  She speaks numerous languages.”

      “So do I.”

      “Perfectly!  No accent!  No word out of place.  The minute she speaks, they hang on her every word.”

      “Who listens?”

      “Everyone.”

      Kruglov spat, “Are you in love with the little girl, Viktor?”

      Abakumov laughed out loud, “Quite the contrary.  Bewitched is a better word.  Have you seen her?”

      “No.”

      “You must meet her.  You will, of course, but soon.  She is the most exquisite looking woman you may ever see.  A godlike being, she is so attractive she almost seems to take away your desire with your breath.”

      “I never thought of you as a dreamer, Viktor.”

      “Dreamer, no.  Realist, yes.  I wanted her in SMERSh for the same reason Beria snatched her up.  The minute she speaks, she acquires every man and women’s attention.  Her voice is torn, injured, but it contains such power and authority—they listen, all of them.  She listens to them too.  Almost as though she sees each person to the core of their being.  You must read her reports.  Her assessment of individuals borders on the intimate.”

      Kruglov lit another cigarette, “As you say, I must meet this person.  My question is what will we do with this new office after the event?”

      “We’d be fools to shut it down.  Already Svetlana Evgenyevna is invited to every embassy fete.  They are inviting her to their homes and privately inside the embassies.”

      Kruglov smiled and let out a large breath of smoke, “I see what you mean.  You are receiving reports from this new office?”

      “A few.  Beria is keeping most of them to himself.  I understand those are even more detailed.”

      “After the event, we must see just what secrets Beria has uncovered.”

      “Perhaps we should ask her for a report on Beria.”

      “That is a thought, Viktor.  That is a thought.”

Two highly placed Soviet officials are discussing Sveta, the protagonist of Shadow of Darkness.  This is a report of exploration that occurs off stage, but it also give the reader insight into the characters and the protagonist.

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 - Vampire Novel, part 157, Tension On stage Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

14 September 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 157, Tension On stage Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: I received the proofs and a three-day deadline to give comments.  One of my regular prepub readers and I went through the three book.  I was able to correct some second edition issues in Aegypt.  The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  I'll keep you updated.  I should have three new books out soon.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

I mentioned yesterday that tension can be easily developed in an "on stage" exploration scene because of the connection of the character being explored to the one providing the information.  If the character providing the information hates the character being explored, you have tension.  If the character providing the information loves the character, you have tension.  Let's see how it plays out in the example.

Here is some more of the "on stage" exploration of Leila from my novel, Valeska:


  

“I don’t remember who signed that paperwork.  I really have no idea.  There isn’t something wrong is there?  Leila isn’t in trouble?”

“No,” George lied, “There isn’t anything wrong at all.  We were just investigating the company for the government.”

“Has the company done that well?”

“Done that well?”

“Certainly, with Leila in charge it should be making a mint.  The reason she put it together was to begin to design weapons.  She was enamored of weapons…especially pistols.”

George leaned forward, “Has Ms. O’Dwyer tried to contact you about Etan Arms?”

“Until you called me, I hadn’t heard a thing about it in ten years.  I wish she would.  I’m an engineer, but I don’t get to play much with new designs or engineering work anymore.  Leila was entirely hands on.  She worked until everything was perfect.  She was hard to get along with sometimes, but…why don’t you talk to Leila yourself?”

George and Scáth glanced at each other.

Mrs. Laighléis leaned forward, “You can’t can you…that’s why you came to me.  She’s off on a tear again.”

“Off on a tear?”

Mrs. Laighléis’ nose turned up slightly, “Oh, yes…off on a tear.  Leila was sixteen, but she was absolutely precocious.  I didn’t realize that until later.  She could drink like a sailor.  She never ran away from university, but I do know she ran away to university…”  Mrs. Laighléis started to laugh.  She didn’t stop for a while, “Leila must have had the most horrible home and relatives--she ran off to university.  When she was twelve, she snuck away from some boarding school in Belfast.  She applied to school using a fake identification.  Her parents didn’t know she was in Dublin for weeks.  When they found out, there was a huge blowup on the campus.  It was really quite hilarious.  Even at twelve, Leila could make herself up to look older.  She was very tall for a girl.  The government got involved somehow, and they put her on a short leash, but she continued at university.  Like I said, I was one of her few friends at university.  When she graduated, she ran off again.  That time British government investigators got involved.”

George carefully kept himself from smiling, “How do you know that?”

“They came to me.  You couldn’t miss their accents, but they stated straight out they were with the British government and looking for her.  Leila wanted to finish her Ph.D. in engineering.  She could have with another year.  I know she was already working on her dissertation.  I hoped she got her company going and was doing well…”             

George stood.  He handed Mrs. Laighléis his card from the Belfast Motor Vehicles Special Division, “That answers our questions for us right now.  If Ms. O’Dwyer contacts you, please give us a call.”

Mrs. Laighléis smiled, “You didn’t answer my question.  Has Leila run away again?  Is her company all right?”

George sighed, “As to both questions, we are looking for her.”

“Is she in trouble?  You’re from an odd government office.”

“Whenever you make weapons, you can always expect the government to be involved and interested.  We are one of those offices.”

“She’s missing, isn’t she?”

“As to that, I’m not at liberty to say.”

Mrs. Laighléis’ features became stern, “I’ll not do anything to hurt her.  Leila always had a hard go at life.  If you saw hope much work she put into everything, and how hard she struggled to keep up, you would realize that.”

“Ms. O’Dwyer isn’t in trouble with the government.  You won’t be hurting her if you tell us where she is or if she contacts you.”

Mrs. Laighléis shook her head, “I’ll not tell you anything.  If she’s hiding, she has a good reason to hide.”

George nodded, “Thanks for your time.  I promise you, we are trying to help her.”

Mrs. Laighléis stood abruptly, “It was a pleasure to speak about Leila.  I hope you don’t find her, and I hope Etan Arms is doing well.”

As they walked out the door, George called back, “Very well, good day.”  The door shut hard enough to bring down a small cascade of dust.

We get a good deal of information about Leila, but that was my point--and the point of the exploration conversation.  Still, I was able to interpose some tension and a little excitement into the mix--plus you learned a very important piece about Leila--her friends love her.  The reaction of Mrs. Laighléis is insightful because it tells us how she views Leila.  She is a professional woman and professional about her work.  She views Leila as her equal as a person and a professional.  Although George doesn't have anything negative to say about Leila, Mrs. Laighléis is still defensive. 

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 - Vampire Novel, part 156, On stage Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

13 September 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 156, On stage Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: I received the proofs and a three-day deadline to give comments.  One of my regular prepub readers and I went through the three book.  I was able to correct some second edition issues in Aegypt.  The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  I'll keep you updated.  I should have three new books out soon.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

Here is some more of the "on stage" exploration of Leila from my novel, Valeska:

 George ducked his head, “Yes, thank you very much.  We just have a couple of questions for you about Etan Arms, a company registered under your name.”

Mrs. Laighléis led them into a very fine parlor.  She pointed to the seats, “Please be seated.  May I offer you tea?”

George put up his hand, “Thank you.  No need.”

Mrs. Laighléis sat down across the tea table from them.  She crossed her legs, “I was very surprised to hear about that company when you called me.”

“Surprised?”

“Yes, surprised that it was still active in my name.”

George folded his hands, “Why is that?”

“Perhaps I should give you a little background.  Ten years ago, Leila O’Dwyer handled all the paperwork for the company.  She set it all up and put it in my name.”

George asked, “Why in your name?”

“Leila O’Dwyer was sixteen at the time.  She couldn’t legally sign the documents or obligate the funds.”

“You did that for her?”

“Yes, I was happy to.”

George folded his hands, “How did you know Ms. O’Dwyer?”

“We went to university together.  We were both in engineering.  She was burning up the program from the moment she arrived.  I was moving at the normal pace.  I wasn’t very wild, and she was underage.  We struck up an uneasy friendship.  She helped me quite a lot.”

“Why was it uneasy?”

“You have to know Leila.  She was just like that.  For example, this company, Etan Arms.  She came to me one afternoon, out of the blue, with a complete incorporation package.  She had everything prepared and ready to sign.  She even had the money.  Everything was in my name, and all I had to do was sign the papers for her.  She even had papers of indemnity that prevented me from being responsible in case something went wrong or the company was sued.”

George scratched his head, “How could she do that?  Who took that responsibility?”

“I don’t remember who signed that paperwork.  I really have no idea.  There isn’t something wrong is there?  Leila isn’t in trouble?”

“No,” George lied, “There isn’t anything wrong at all.  We were just investigating the company for the government.”  

George is looking for Leila. Part of the "exploration" is to find where Leila is, but any amount of information cold be helpful.  Within the conversation, I show you the exploration and the interaction with Mrs. Laighléis.  We will see tomorrow what potentially happens during an exploration.  Remember, in all your scenes, you should have some tension and release--I do.  So you should see a degree of tension from some source in this scene.  I'll give you some hints of what you could see.  For example, if the character who is being asked the information is a good friend of the character being explored, a perception of the investigation could become tense.  Tension and release doesn't just mean tense, but you can see where that might go.  On the other hand, if the character being asked hates the other character, there is some tension.  You didn't think that an exploration scene could be this exciting, did you? 

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 - Vampire Novel, part 155, more Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

12 September 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 155, more Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: We are in the countdown phase for the publication of my new novels.  The date on the internet is 1 September.  We will see how close we come, or if the publishers meet the deadline.  My Aegypt novels will be titled Ancient Light, and the next two books will be called Sister of Light  and  Sister of Darkness.  These were the original titles.  They will be released individually and as a 3 in 1 volume.  The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

On stage revelation is where a character investigates another character within the narrative (or through conversation).  For example, you show a character actually accomplishing the research.  In Valeska, I have the characters trying to find one of the primaries in the book.  Their investigations are shown both on stage and off stage.  In one scene, they are searching a facility for evidence of the primary--this is on stage narrative investigation.  The results of this investigation "reveals" the character. 

Also, in the same novel, the characters, in investigating the primary, interview other characters.  This is using conversation as exploration.  Conversation as exploration is an excellent means of revelation.  The results are usually true and when they are not, it is easy for the author to give indicators of the lack of truth.  In Valeska, one notable scene is an interview with a fellow student of Leila's.  In this interview, we learn much more about Leila's plans and operations.  Here is the example:

In the morning, George and Scáth headed down the A1 to the M1.  It only took an hour.  They exited the M1 close to Swords and headed into the area to the west of Swords proper.  They found the address they were looking for—it was a house along a short dirt lane.  The house was very fine.  When George knocked on the door, it immediately opened.  A woman in her mid thirties stood there.  She was very pretty and very Irish.  Her skin was freckled and pale.  Her hair was red and slightly frizzy.  She wore a very fine suit.  George spoke first, “Mrs. Laighléis?”

“Yes, are you Mr. Mardling?”

“I am, and this is my associate Ms. Scáth.”

Mrs. Laighléis smiled, “Ms. Scáth, a shadow are you?”

Scáth grinned.

Mrs. Laighléis gestured them inside, “Come in.  I’ve blocked off the morning for you.”

George ducked his head, “Yes, thank you very much.  We just have a couple of questions for you about Etan Arms, a company registered under your name.”

Mrs. Laighléis led them into a very fine parlor.  She pointed to the seats, “Please be seated.  May I offer you tea?”

That is the setup--I'll give you more tomorrow.

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 - Vampire Novel, part 154, Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

11 September 2014, Writing Ideas - Vampire Novel, part 154, Exploration methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: We are in the countdown phase for the publication of my new novels.  The date on the internet is 1 September.  We will see how close we come, or if the publishers meet the deadline.  My Aegypt novels will be titled Ancient Light, and the next two books will be called Sister of Light  and  Sister of Darkness.  These were the original titles.  They will be released individually and as a 3 in 1 volume.  The proposed cover and info can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

Exploration is another means of revelation.  Exploration can take place within a scene or outside the scenes.  The idea of inside the scenes or outside the scenes is an important concept I haven't written about for a while.  Within a novel, there are events occurring that the author shows and those she does not show.  You can picture this like a stage play.  Some parts of the play appear on stage and some parts occur off stage.  The playwrite reports "onstage" those events, important to the play, that occur "offstage."  The same hold for novels, but to a much greater degree.  For any  novel, all kinds of events and action is happening "offstage," and many of the "offstage" events are not directly reported by the author of the novel.  The author must be aware of these "offstage" events and work them in the fabric of the novel.  For example, most novels follow the point of view (POV) of the protagonist.  The other characters weave in and out of this POV.  The author must understand the actions and lives of the other characters sufficiently to logically develop the world of the novel.  In other words, the world of the novel can't be static outside the POV of the protagonist.  All the other characters go along with their lives, and that part of the world of the novel, moves along outside of the scenes and POV of the novel.  The author must integrate the parts of the world she creates with the parts of the world she creates and shows in the scenes.  This builds depth and power in any novel--plus any novel without this consideration will be a facile work.  Exploration as revelation can act "onstage" or "offstage" in a novel.

More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com