Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 94 more Chaos Entertainment

2 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 94 more Chaos Entertainment

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

Games are based in Newtonian physics and math.  They are also based in probability theory.  Eventually, chaos math will make its way into gaming.  Chaos math is misunderstood by many people especially those who are not experts in math or science.  Chaos theory is not really described by the classic butterfly allegory--that is, chaos theory is not really the concept that a tiny change can have enormous consequences.  A true picture of chaos theory is that chaos theory shows that even things that appear to be chaotic are governed by order, you just have to look deeply enough.  Where this is used and seen is in turbulent flows and Brownian motion.  Chaos math is why even though it is theoretically possible for all the oxygen molecules to move to one side of a room, in nature, it will never happen.  Chaos theory is used to predict flows in nature that are unpredictable using Newtonian or probability theory.

As I mentioned, chaos theory will eventually find its way into games--it already has for scenery and landscapes.  Chaos math is what makes large expanses of space like deserts and forests in simulators look correct to the eye.  In my classes, I say that probability theory is why you won't ever make every 1 foot putt, but chaos theory is why you just might. 

The real world is based in probability--more tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 93 Chaos Entertainment

1 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 93 Chaos Entertainment

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

Newtonian mathematics ruled the world of science until the 20th Century.  Although probability was understood before then, it was not understood as the basis of all reality until that point.  The probability I am now writing about isn't the simple probability I wrote about before.  They are similar and may relate directly to one another, but the probability I am referring to now is nuclear probability.  You can't determine where an electron is at any time, you can only determine the probability of where it might be at any point in time.  What this means in a macro sense is that no event will ever be the same.  I like to say that if you were to hit a golf ball exactly the same way every time (can't be done) because of probability the ball will never track the same.  We see this variance by degrees in deviations during experiments.  However, there is something else at play in the natural world that is as powerful.  

The real world is based in probability--more tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site 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

Daemon (working title)

24 August 2011

I hope you enjoyed reading this novel that is Daemon (working title).  In future posts, I'll go through the rest of the steps in editing, picking a title, preparing marketing material, presenting to a publisher, and the other steps an author goes through after the novel has been written.

Perhaps this is the point to say, no novel has been finished until it comes out in print (electronic or paper). 

Let's talk a little about this novel.  If you followed along for the entire trip (or maybe part of it), you can see that Daemon (working title) is a very complex novel.  It is a semi-allegory based on the book of Tobit.  The novel explores temptation and the power of temptation.  It uses as its primary symbol a demon, Asmodeus, who was called and contracted by the novel's main character, Aksinya.  Aksinya is a very powerful, but needy person.  I could say much more, but I've already spent about 100,000 words describing the details within the writing of a 125,000 novel.  During this trip, I've shown you many of my writing techniques and tricks.  There are many more--many I missed and many more that I don't use routinely.  Still, I passed on to you my ideas, and I hope you can use them well.  I do and will continue to use them.  This was my 21st novel, but I am already writing a 22nd, and I'm using all the techniques and the ideas I described here, in my new book.

Tomorrow, I'll talk about selecting a title.

A New Novel, Part 158 This is a Temptation to Me

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

Ernst professed his love to Aksinya and kissed her.  Natalya busted up the clinch and now they are in their respective corners.  Fighting isn't really what either of them have in mind...

Natalya glanced at Aksinya. Aksinya hastily moved to the other end of the balcony. They waited for Natalya to return to her seat.

Aksinya bent forward a little toward Ernst. She whispered and tried to get her voice to carry to him, “You…you kissed me.”

Ernst kept his voice low, “I have wanted to kiss you for a long time.”

She touched her lips, “Why?”

“Because I love you.”

“What will you gain by loving me?”

Ernst smiled, “I desire you. That is all. I love you. Do you love me?”

“I…I don’t know.”

“Then I’m sorry I was so forward, but I’m not sorry I kissed you. I would hope to continue to woo you. I want you to marry me.” He pulled out a small box from his coat pockets, “I have a ring for you. I would like to give it to you tonight.”

“For me? Then you are serious?”

“Why would you think I wasn’t serious?”

“What about your father, and his wish for you to join his business?”

“I told him tonight that I would join the firm. I made arrangements with him to begin to work the following Monday. I will still be able to escort you to dinner and the opera on Wednesday. Didn’t you understand me? Even if you will not make up your mind tonight, I will continue to see you and entertain you. I will pursue you until your answer is yes. You have no other suitors?”

Aksinya shook her head.

“You don’t have another lover?”

Aksinya shook her head.

Ernst’s voice softened, “Then there are no others ahead of me. I have no competition.”

“But I have never imagined someone loving me before.”

Ernst shook his head, “Why should a man not love you. You are beautiful and intelligent. Your deportment and social skills are excellent. You enjoy all the past times I enjoy. Why should I not want to share my life with you?”

Aksinya stared out into the darkness and whispered, “This is a temptation to me. It is surely a temptation.” She spoke more loudly, “Did Anatov Aznabaev put you up to this?”

We find out just how clueless about everything Aksinya is.  Aksinya wonders why Ernst would kiss her.  Remember, she thinks she is ugly.  She has resolved herself to this for her entire life.  She can't imagine that any of her other features might make a man desire her, but we realize Aksinya is desirable for many reasons.  She is astounded that Ernst would kiss her, so she asks why.  His answer is just like we expect from Ernst, straightforward: "I love you."  Let me point out that I use a lot of advanced writing techniques in this small exchange.  Just one example is Aksinya's gesture--she touches her lips.  This tells you a lot about her thinking and her wonder at what happened.
 
The main point, however, is Aksinya's response to Ernst: “What will you gain by loving me?”  Remember Natalya's comment before--why does love have to be a contract with you (Aksinya).  Aksinya can't imagine love without some contract or gain.  Ernst offers her love; she wonders what he really wants.  They could go around and around like this forever.  Ernst really can't answer her question.  He mixes love and desire.  That would be a mistake usually, but he is talking to Aksinya.  To Aksinya, love and desire go hand in hand.  Even though she learned from Sister Margarethe that you don't have to have desire to have love--she doesn't fully understand it.  When Ernst asks Aksinya if she loves him, she can only answer truthfully: “I…I don’t know.”
 
Ernst was expecting her to say "yes."  His response shows this.  He is tempting her, and he brings out his next temptation--luxuria.  It is a ring, an engagement ring.  This is something dear to any girl and especially dear to Aksinya.  She loves luxuria more than anything.  If she had ever thought someone might want to marry her, she might have thought marriage desirable.  This is completely ironic, because Ernst is willing to give Aksinya luxuria to prove his love, then she accepts him as being absolutely serious.
 
Ernst adds another temptation to her.  It was drug out by Aksinya's question.  Ernst has bowed to his father's desires and will go to work for him.  He will join the family business.  Aksinya drove Ernst to this.  Ernst has changed entirely for Aksinya.  Can you guess the joy of Ernst's father.  Ernst will become a dour Ernst for Aksinya.  These are not cast off statements.  The power of the change from the happy-go-lucky Ernst to the serious Ernst is an amazing change, and it is all due to the thoughtless statements of Aksinya. 
 
Remember during the Opera of Mozart's Magic Flute, Aksinya's taunting of Ernst about her other suitor.  Ernst wants to make certain.  He asks about other suitors.  He asks about other lovers.  Notice, Aksinya doesn't really answer. She only shakes her head.  We know there is a problem that stands in the way and that problem is a demon who has made a claim on Aksinya.  I won't tell you now, but what do you think in terms of the demon's claim.  Ernst draws the wrong conclusion, and Aksinya lets him do it.  There is a small problem between them and that is Asmodeus.  Aksinya doesn't love Ernst, but she wants Ernst.  She can't answer truthfully about the demon.  She doesn't want to drive Ernst away. 
 
Look at her response: “But I have never imagined someone loving me before.” This statement is the absolute truth.  In Aksinya's mind, no one really ever loved her (not even Natalya), but she obvoiusly doesn't understand love.  Then from Ernst's heartfelt response about why someone might love Aksinya, we get her realization: “This is a temptation to me. It is surely a temptation.” Everything is a temptation for her.  Everything is a carefully orchestrated temptation.  We should never forget this and Aksinya should never forget this.  Still, we want everything to be a French comedy and not a Russian tragedy.  Aksinya wants to imagine her life is her own and not plyable clay in the hands of a demon.  She asks the most important question yet: “Did Anatov Aznabaev put you up to this?”  Tomorrow, Ernst answers this question and we learn more about what has been going on around Aksinya.

A New Novel, Part 149 An Undefendable House

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


You know the drill.  This is the beginning of chapter 13 so it is time to transition and set the scene.  The transition comes first...

The invitations from Ernst continued every week. During that time, Aksinya and Natalya had an unwelcome break from school for Christmas and New Years. It was unwelcome because Natalya wanted to study and Aksinya liked the privacy of her own house—the Freiherr and Freifrau insisted they stay at Grossbock during the holiday. Ernst came to collect Aksinya and Natalya at Grossbock for their outings. Occasionally he ate dinner with them. During the holidays, he escorted Aksinya to dinner and a concert, opera, ballet, or a play every other day. The Freiherr and Freifrau encouraged Aksinya, and Aksinya was certain her aunt and uncle encouraged Ernst. She had her own suspicions that Asmodeus also encouraged him. She hadn’t seen Asmodeus for a while and that worried her very much. Natalya simply went along with Aksinya and carefully watched Ernst.


Aksinya made it her practice not to drink as much as she had the night of Die Zauberflöte. She still enjoyed the wine and Champagne Ernst served her, but she was just a little more cautious. She loved to drink but she did not enjoy the aftermath, and she wasn’t certain of what she did or told Natalya in the privacy of her room when she was not sober.

Ernst invited Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns to the Graff von Taaffe’s New Years dance and party. Because of the distance to the estate, they were invited to remain over until the next day and brought their small trunks and nightwear. They rode in the Bockmann’s coupe for more than two hours into the country until they arrived at the Graff von Taaffe’s estate. The way to the house from the main road was down a long tree-lined carriage path. Aksinya would have continued to read her German novel except that Natalya pointed out their approach to the house. They caught occasional glimpses from the enclosed cab of the great house as they cut back and forth in the gentle climb to the mansion.

The house was large and very old. From a distance, it looked like a schloß, but had a little more modern appearance close up. That is, on closer observation, it appeared to be from the eighteenth century, which it was, rather than from the fourteenth century, which it wasn’t. The front was stone with a generous fresco of marble, and all three floors displayed a similar exterior. The access to the heavy oaken front door was from a set of modern marble steps, but in contrast, the lower floor showed tiny windows and the top floor a crenulated roofline. Aksinya could spot the iron roofing that poked above the tops of the decorative crenulations. The second floor windows were larger and more numerous, but still gave an impression of medieval depth, and the top floor windows were the largest, but the thickness of the stone facade prevented any visibility into them. Tall constructions at either end of the face of the mansion appeared like towers, but they were encompassed at the walls and not separate structures.

The mansion reminded Aksinya a little of her house in Russia. The outline and much of the ornamentation were similar. In Russia, however, the purpose was protection and defense. Her house had been defended many times in the past by the Counts Golitsyna. She, on the other hand, had abandoned it instead of defending it with her life. She shook her head. She wondered why that thought had suddenly stolen into her mind. The von Taaffe estate, on the other hand, gave no impression that it had ever been defended against any real foe.

You need to ask yourself this question: does Aksinya appear like a woman in love.  If she does, I have failed miserably.  On the other hand, if Ernst doesn't appear like a love-struck puppy, I have messed up the writing entirely.  If you didn't get it before, you should now.  The details in this transition give you many details about Aksinya and Natalya and, of course, Ernst.  We knew about the relationship pushing from the Freiherr and Freifrau.  We could have guessed that Natalya loves to study and Aksinya loves her privacy.  I hope you are suspicious too about the interaction of Asmodeus in the whole affair.
 
We also see that Aksinya is trying to moderate her own behaviour.  She hasn't been successful in the past and we know where this kind of thing goes anyway.  I suspect she won't be successful now, but we shall see.  Note, that Aksinya is concerned with what she might reveal to Natalya while she is drunk. 
 
Now on to the main point of the chapter:  Ernst invited Aksinya to his father's estate for New Years.  He also, quite properly, invited Aksinya's aunt and uncle.  This is the scene setting for the chapter.  This occurs following the transition.  I give you a bunch of information in a tight format.  Notice that Aksinya doesn't care about the house, Natalya points it out to her.  It is through the eyes of Aksinya we see the house of Ernst's father.  The mansion is on a mountain top.  I don't tell you this, I show you this through the travel on the road.  I also use comparison and other techniques to describe the house to you.  This description is a metaphor for the Taaffe family.  So lets look at the details of that.
 
The house is large and very old.  Likewise the Taaffe family.  It looks like a castle (that's what a schloß is).  It is more modern close up.  So Ernst is like his father's house.  It has the appearance of age and the past, but close up, he is modern (in terms of a noble).  The other details likewise relate to the building and the family.  The contrast between modern and ancient between old and new.  The description of the house also shows the windows are tiny on the bottom with thick walls and wider with the same thick walls at the top.  This indicates the potential secrets and privacy of the family.  You know there is a depth and many secrets here, but I don't reveal any of them.  There are secrets especially about Ernst, but I haven't shown them to you.  You might ask about how Ernst became involved in sorcery.  You might wonder about his mother--we'll see that later, and his father.

The next comparison is between Aksinya's house and Ernst's father's house.  It reminds her of her house in Russia.  Take this metaphor to the full point.  Ernst's house is a facade; Aksinya's house was used for defense.  This is a foreshadowing to what I mentioned before.  Do you think Ernst can release Aksinya from her curse?  What do you read from his father's house.  Akinsya tells you that in spite of her power and her desires, in her well protected and defended house, she could not defend or protect it.  The end tagline about the Taaffe's estate is this: The von Taaffe estate, on the other hand, gave no impression that it had ever been defended against any real foe.  So what do you think?  Tomorrow, the arrival. 

A New Novel, Part 145 He Worships Me Too

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


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


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


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

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

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

Fraulein Trauen dropped her fork, “At Grossbock?”

“Yes, at Grossbock.”

Fraulein Vogt asked, “Did you invite him?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Natalya nodded.

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

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

“Ernst?” Fraulein Trauen dropped her knife.

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

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

“Of course I do. Why should I not?”

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

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

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

A New Novel, Part 129 Aksinya's Reply

Aksinya has received a letter from Ernst von Taaffe.  She has no idea what to answer him.  Natalya is still in control--she tells her...

Aksinya sighed again, “What am I to answer?”

Natalya touched Aksinya’s hand, “You shall pen a response tonight. In it you will tell Herr Taaffe that you will gladly receive him. I shall chaperone you, of course.”

“But, I’m not sure I want to receive him.”

“What could it hurt you? And, you will secure the return of your book.”

“What if I am tempted by this young man?”

Natalya laughed, “That is the point, Countess. Just because you are tempted does not mean you will act on it.”

Aksinya trembled, “You don’t understand me at all, Nata.”

“Perhaps I do understand you better than you imagine. I shall be there with you. I will not let you be compromised—this I promise you.” Natalya, took Aksinya by the shoulders and pushed her to the desk in her sitting room. She pressed Aksinya into the chair and placed a quill pen into her hand, “Now, write a response to him in German and read it back to me. If you try to get out of this, I shall tell Sister Margarethe.”

“You wouldn’t.”

Natalya’s resolve crumbled, “I will never betray your trust, Countess, but I insist you accept this nobleman’s attentions. His approach is honorable and acceptable.”

“Honorable and acceptable,” Aksinya mumbled. “But why me? Why should he be infatuated with me?”

“Who understands the ways of love in a man’s heart?”

“If it is simply temptation?”

“Temptation?”

“I cannot tempt any man. I am small and ugly. My hair is short. My bosom is like a girl’s. What could he want from me—that is other than sorcery.”

“Isn’t that enough?”

Aksinya didn’t respond. She began to pen a response. It was pleasant, but not too pleasant. She was happy that Natalya could not read German, and she certainly didn’t read it back verbatim to her lady-in-waiting.

Aksinya is completely out of her experience.  She has no idea what to do in response to Ernst's letter.  Natalya tells her what to do and insists that she do it.  Natalya relieves Aksinya's worry by telling her that she will protect Aksinya.  This is a change of position.  Where Aksinya always protected Natalya, now Natalya promises to protect Aksinya.  This may or may not be possible--what do you think? 
 
Temptation is the point of this courting, so says Natalya.  Natalya obviously knows something about this subject.  Aksinya's return to Natalya is very important.  She says: “You don’t understand me at all, Nata.”  Aksinya's statement is absolutely true.  Aksinya has problems fighting against temptation especially sexual and luxuria.  Natalya forces Aksinya to write a response to Ernst where she accepts his invitation.
 
The discussion then turns to Aksinya's personal endowments.  Aksinya has never thought much about her appearance.  We get a list.  Here we also get to see an occasion when you might not what to show the letter.  In this case, you have seen what Ernst wrote.  You have heard the conversation between Aksinya and Natalya.  You know Aksinya is not keen on Ernst, but she has been forced into the position by Natalya and by Ernst.  In this case, I don't show you the letter.  The reason is because I want you to imagine what Aksinya might say.  The point here is to led a little secrecy to the letter.  You know Aksinya accepted Ernst's invitation.  You know she was not very accommodating.  The trick is to leave the reader with a little less information to increase the strength of the novel.  I'll leave it to the reader to determine if this is a good technique.  You saw both: the letter revealed and the letter hidden but explained. 
 
Tomorrow, we see Ernst's arrival at Aksinya's house.

A New Novel, Part 128 Ernst's Letter

Aksinya is being backed into a corner.  Natalya wants something from her.  Ernst wants something from her.  Many others want something from her.  Asmodeus wants her to do evil.  The pressure is about to be ratcheted up...

In the morning, Aksinya and Natalya walked to Sacré Coeur with Sister Margarethe in tow. They attended chapel and classes. When they returned that evening, one of the novice sisters brought Aksinya a sealed envelope. She curtsied as she handed it to her, “Countess, this afternoon a letter was delivered to the door.”


Aksinya took the envelope and went up to her rooms. Natalya and Sister Margarethe followed her.

Natalya blocked Sister Margarethe at the door, “Please prepare tea for us, Sister.”

Sister Margarethe didn’t move for a moment, she appeared as though she was not going to leave then she bobbed her head, “Yes, Lady Natalya.”

Aksinya stood under the gaslight near the fireplace with a preoccupied expression on her face.

Natalya shut the door, “I can’t read German well yet, but that seems to be from your young man.”

Aksinya didn’t turn toward her, “It is from Ernst von Taaffe and addressed to me.”

“Read it.”

Aksinya just stood with the envelope. She turned it over in her hands.

Natalya grasped it from her, “Mistress, you must read it.”

Aksinya’s face was distraught, “If it from him, what will I do?”

Natalya squinted at the return address, “It is certainly from him. You must see what his invitation is then you can decide.”

“I am afraid.”

“Afraid? You have never shown fear of anything before.”

“I am afraid of this temptation.”

Natalya cleanly opened the seal and removed the letter inside. She glanced at it, “It is in German. I can’t read it to you, so you must. Or would you rather have Sister Margarethe read Ernst von Taaffe’s letter for you.”

Aksinya sighed and took the proffered letter. She shook it open it and read it out loud. “It says:

Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria

15 December 1918

Dearest Lady Golitsyna

You enchanted me from the first moment I heard your name spoken. I was honored to come to your help when you were in need. Thank you for hearing me out at your honorable uncle and aunt’s party. As I discussed with you then, I would like to make your further acquaintance this week. Would you please save time for me this Thursday evening? I would be delighted to escort you to dinner and to the ballet. I will come for you at six. I can assure you, I will be a pleasant companion. I would be pleased if you would not concern yourself about your possession. I will keep it safe for you. If it is the only reason you will take time for me, then that is reason enough. I will send my servant tomorrow to receive your answer.

Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe

Aksinya sighed again, “What am I to answer?”

From Aksinya and Natalya's conversation, we have a short transition to set the next scene.  Remember, although many events might occur during a period of time for all the characters involved in the novel, only those events that move the story, plot, and theme should be included in the writing. 
From the conversation of the evening, we move with a short transition to the communication of the next evening.
 
I like to use letters to communicate information.  I especially like to use letters when there is a letter mentioned in a novel.  If you have a letter, email, text, or a telegram etc. show it to us.  Many writers are afraid to just show the documents they mention.  Just like introductions etc. don't short your readers by abbreviating the conversations and information by synopsising.  There is a point where you might--I'll try to show you that tomorrow. 
 
Aksinya receives a letter from Ernst.  She realizes what will be in it, and she is unwilling to confront his requests.  Natalya acts responsibly.  She responds as though she is very experienced with these things. She gets rid of Sister Margarethe.

Aksinya is afraid to open her letter.  She is completely unused to this kind of attention.  She has not been entertained by a gentleman before.  She has not had any experiences with men beyond her family.  Natalya obviously has.  Aksinya is afraid and Natalya rightly responds that Aksinya has never shown Natalya fear before.  Aksinya realizes that this is a temptation.  She knows the origin of the temptation.

Natalya's criticism is humorous.  She threatens to have Sister Margarethe read the letter to Aksinya.  That certainly wouldn't do.  Aksinya finally opens and reads the letter. 

The great thing about letters is a writer can show the date and the location of the writing.  This is a wonderful marker to your readers.  When you give your readers a letter, put in the normal address information, date, and signature. 

Well, from Ernst's letter, we find he isn't very romantic.  He is straightforward and right to the point.  He simply invites Aksinya to dinner and the ballet.  We also learn that Ernst is the heir to the Graf (Count von Taaffe).  Tomorrow, we will see Aksinya's answer.

A New Novel, Part 85 Physical Description

I built the setting for chapter 8, so we should expect the focii to be sorcery, the Bockmanns, and German class.  Indeed they shall.  Right now, I use the writing technique of description through another's eyes.  I like to interject this in my novels especially for the main characters.  Unlike many authors, I know what my characters look like, and I have not written a novel where I intentionally made a generic character.  A generic character is one that the reader can directly connect with.  Such a character is intentionally not described well so the reader can associate themself better with them.  On the other hand, my characters are specifically created not to be generic.  I try to draw them crisply.  The reasons for this are first, each character must be unique.  My themes demand this, and I don't want the ERB (Edgar Rice Burroughs) effect where a reader can't tell one of my characters from another.  I write each of my characters in every novel to be their own person, so different from one another that there is no way to mistake them.  Second, the characters make the novel.  If the characters are generic or if they blend, then there is no way I can design a powerful theme.  So, I like to remind you of the characters salient physical descriptions and I especially like to do this thorugh the eyes of another character.  In this case, Freifrau Bockmann.

Freifrau Bockmann gazed at her two charges. The one had a boyish figure and a sharp face. It was so typically Russian it almost hurt to look at her. Her features were not very lovely, but her clothing fit her perfectly and she was dressed exquisitely. Her hair was arranged with a touch of genius. The Lady Natalya had made the most of so little although Freifrau Bockmann thought she could see evidence that it was finally growing out. The young countess before her might not be very lovely to look at but her manner and manners were perfect. She sat and stood and walked exactly as you would expect from a countess or even a princess. Yes, she had the perfect demeanor of a princess. Plus that look in her eyes. The Countess Aksinya’s eyes gave an impression of majesty, strength, and power. That seemed very odd to the Freifrau Bockmann.


The Lady Natalya, on the other hand, was a perfect opposite to her countess. Her face was lovely. Her figure was like an opening bloom. Her proportions were exact and perfect. She looked like the picture plates you found in novels about the royalty. Her appearance seemed like a perfect reproduction in life of one of those still portraits. She didn’t show the exact and perfect decorum the Countess did—her face and actions were much more lively. She seemed the exact counterpoint to the Countess, and the Freifrau Bockmann knew, they were both very intelligent.

There is much more behind this description that simple description.  See Aksinya, boyish figure, sharp face.  If you haven't seen a Russian woman with these types of features, I suggest you take a look at Russian nobility.  Many times, their features are so Russian, they are difficult to look at.  Ugly is not a proper word for such features, but they are exaggerated. Note, the beauty of Aksinya is in her deportment and manners--in this regard, she is perfect.  The Lady Natalya draws out the most from Aksinya's meager endowments.  This is that Lady's gifts.  The Freifrau observes that Aksinya's hair is growing out--do I need to explain why this is important?  Look at the description of Aksinya's deportment--like a princess.  The repetition is intended to seal this idea in your mind.  This is a foreshadowing that won't see fruition until chapter 17, but you've had this foreshadowing before.  The Freifrau also notes the odd look in Aksinya's eyes.  Remember, Aksinya appears young though she is nineteen (changed from the original age of 17) at this time.  The Freifrau notices her maturity, but we knew that. 
 
Natalya appears physically like a perfect noble lady.  So perfect, the Freifrau compares her to a portrait.  Natalya is much younger.  I'm not certain I told her age, but I intended her to be fifteen.  She and Aksinya are comparable, nonetheless.  Comparable because Natalya appears more mature physically and Aksinya appears less mature physically.  Aksinya's age also indicates she likely won't grow much more.  If you think about this very deeply, you will realize a painful truth for her--she will not change much.  She has reached the peak of her physical beautify and yet, she is not beautiful.  Tomorrow, school from the impression of Aksinya and Natalya.