7 Tips to Writing a Snow Battle

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Kenshin Snow Fight

On the surface, a battle in the snow isn’t different from one in the rain.  Yet, there is enough of a difference to force a change of focus.  Let’s get right into the tips and you’ll see what I mean.

  1. Snow means that it’s really cold.  While rain can be during a variety of temperatures, snow can only be around when it’s cold.  This means that the warriors’ bodies will suffer the effects of low temperatures.  There’s a risk of hypothermia if they aren’t properly insulted.  Metal armor can be an issue because it will get cold even with moving around.  Muscles cramp, noses run, and the list of detrimental responses goes on.  Just think discomfort, especially if the fight wasn’t planned.
  2. Snow builds up over time instead of spreading out or getting absorbed by the dirt.  If the storm started prior to the fight then things begin with at least a few inches for warriors to move through.  Similar to the mud issue, this will impede movement and slow everyone down.  As the battle progresses, this problem may go away, but it depends on the strength of the storm.  It could even be that snow builds up on people and their steeds.
  3. We have that visibility problem again, but this is actually worse than rain.  You can still usually see through rain even if you have to shield your eyes.  Snow is white and can get thick enough in the air to block the view of everything.  Helmets can be covered by snow to make it even worse.  Even without a helmet, snow can stick to the face and freeze the skin to force a person to keep their head down.
  4. Avalanches.  This is really area specific, but we all know this is a tried and true threat to fighting in the snow.  Do I really have to explain it?
  5. Ice and slippery ground are common with snow, but it depends on the terrain.  If the battle is happening around a place that had a lot of water then it makes sense to hit some ice.  Some areas may be prone to having really hard ground.  While rain makes sticky mud, snow/cold can freeze the earth.  A person falling down would find that it doesn’t give as much as softer ground.  This can have a major effect during a battle where the person can be stunned or hurt by the landing.
  6. Snow gives an advantage for anyone who is planning attack.  It can be shifted and moved to create ambush points.  Some areas may have a natural abundance of hiding places.  This doesn’t help when two armies are on the move towards each other, but helps with smaller skirmishes and adventuring parties.
  7. I already mentioned the effects on the body, but I want to end on one that is very important.  BREATHING!  It is harder to breathe in colder temperatures, which is what you have when snow is whirling around.  Not to mention breathing in the snow can cause some issue.  Characters may take precautions like having clothes or something over the lower part of their faces to keep that area warm.  It won’t be perfect, but it could help a little.
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Teaser Tuesday: The Twins

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

I love my weighted blanket. This helps me sleep along with my sleep apnea mouthpiece.

I should really introduce the rest of Darwin’s friends.  This time it’s the twins, Maeve Darkholm and Brid Lightholm.  They’re actually conjoined twins, which is a big part of their story.  Originally, they were both female, but I changed Brid to a male because I felt that would give them a more understandable reason for wanting to be separated.  Also, I couldn’t bring myself to write another character based around my ex-wife, so I switched him around.

*****

“I say we flay him.”

“But the poor thing is exhausted.”

“Means he won’t put up any resistance.”

“Why are you so cruel, Maeve?”

“Because I’m stuck with a goody-goody like you, Brid.”

“Mom and dad would be very disappointed in you.”

“Well, they sold us to this freakshow, so I don’t care what they think.”

“I’m sure it was-”

“Oh, thank god he’s waking up before you finish saying that.”

Arlinger shifts and squirms as if he is still in the wicker basket, but ends up falling off a short bed. He lands on the dirt floor and groans from the stiffness in his joints, which goes away as he stretches. The halfling stops with his arm bent behind his head and stares at the people sitting on a nearby bench. On one side is a handsome man with golden hair and azure eyes, which sparkle even in the gloomy tent. His skintight shirt made from orange silk and glossy black pants leave little to the imagination in regards to his physique. In his hand is a lute, which has the crescent moon and panpipes symbol of Jinx engraved on the back. The warm smile on the man’s face stands in contrast to the angry scowl of the woman sitting next to his left. Unlike her tanned companion, the raven-haired woman is pale and has crimson scars on her exposed skin. The black leather suit she wears looks uncomfortable, especially after Arlinger notices there are barbed straps placed randomly along her body. Meeting the woman’s brown eyes, he shivers and backs away, which causes her to lick her lips like a hungry cat. He is unnerved more at the sight of a metal charm, shaped like arms covered in scars, which is fused to her flexible tongue.

“Sorry to disturb you,” the halfling says with a polite bow. He jumps back when he realizes the man and woman are physically connected, their clothes specially made to fit their shared bodies. “You two are . . . You’re a man . . . You’re a woman. How do you play a lute with one arm? By the gods, I think I’m having a Darwin moment. What’s with the barbed whip? Can I just leave?”

“This little guy clearly doesn’t mean any harm,” the man whispers while gently pushing the angry woman’s arm down. He tries to stand up, but she refuses to follow, so he flops back into his seat. “That’s very rude. My name is Brid Lightholm and I’m a passion priest of Jinx. This is my twin sister, Maeve Darkholm, who is a pain inflictor of Incu. What’s your name?”

“That’s all you’re going to tell him?” Maeve asks with a roll of her eyes. Reaching into a bowl, she takes out a handful of bitter cherries and pops one into her mouth. “We both know what you’re going to ask after you say your name. No reason to wait. My brother and I were born this way. It wasn’t a curse or an accident. Our parents hated it, but raised us as best as they could, which was terribly. We joined our temples with the hope of finding a way to separate because it’s a nightmare being physically connected to your brother. It’s made worse when he’s a cheery optimist like this one. The sleeping pills I have to take when he has one of his passion rituals are so sweet, they make me want to puke. It’s a headache torturing a follower of Incu with this yutz singing about flowers and waterfalls. Obviously, our plan failed and our parents decided it was time to get some use out of the freaks they call children. They sold us to this circus where we’ve been stuck for about three years. You can see the chains on our ankles, which are enchanted to trap us among the tents. The only times we’re let out is for temple responsibilities and shows. Now, grab a shirt from that pile and leave.”

The halfling reaches into a pocket on his belt and pulls out a fresh shirt, which has a ketchup stain on the front. “Thanks, but I always carry this spare. Could use some boots though. Never mind. My name is Arlinger and I’m trying to figure out what happened to my cousin. I fell asleep and he wandered off. Sounds like he was over by the river and caused some damage. Now, I’ve got the mayor and guards after me. So, I think I’m going to leave and not drag you into my mess.”

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Brid asks before his sister kicks him in the shin. The pain does not cause his beaming smile to waver, which infuriates Maeve. “I know we can’t leave the circus, but maybe we have some advice. It is part of a holy figure’s duty to bestow wisdom on those in need. Although, I do have to ask if you’re a criminal of any kind. I understand that you want to help your cousin, which is beautiful. I’d simply like to know the situation before I speak my mind. Otherwise, I will have to remain silent.”

“Why stop blabbing now?” Maeve mutters under her breath.

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The Stakes are High

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Let’s all welcome Judi Lynn today. She’s a long-term blogger/author friend, and she has a new book to tell us about today. Please check it out, maybe…

The Stakes are High
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Clearing Up Some Misconceptions About In Medias Res – by K.M. Weiland…

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

on Helping Writers become Authors: One of the most significant challenges for writers is crafting a beginning chapter that immediately grabs readers.…

Clearing Up Some Misconceptions About In Medias Res – by K.M. Weiland…
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7 Tips to Battling in the Rain

Posted on July 18, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

LOTR

I’m going to do three ‘7 Tips’ posts this week.  Each one is going to touch on a specific weather pattern and how it influences battles in fiction.  Many authors go for one of these three, but they don’t always factor in the effects.  Weather typically is done for atmosphere instead of influence.  So, let’s get started with:

RAIN BATTLES

  1. Visibility is hindered by rain.  Not only the pouring rain and darkness caused by the clouds, but wet hair and drops getting in the eyes.  You can’t turn on windshield wipers like when driving too.  Now, you can get around this a little by having it be a drizzle during the day, but we’re talking about storms.  Without spells, racial abilities, and magical devices, a character can’t see their usual distance.  This is very important for archers.
  2. Rain greatly affects the ground, especially if there’s a lot of it.  Fighting in the wilderness means the ground will become muddy, which hampers movement.  It becomes more difficult to walk, run, and get up if you’ve fallen.  In a city, the stones can become slippery and increase the risk of losing your balance.  Warriors will typically be aware of this danger, so adjust without much issue.  At least with the slippery stones because you can only do so much with mud.
  3. Anything made of cloth will become drenched and weigh a person down.  This includes anything worn under armor because water may be able to get in.  It may just be some areas like the joints, but it’s enough to add weight.  Like the mud and slippery stones, this can reduce mobility.  More importantly, it creates discomfort, which can have a psychological impact on the warrior.
  4. With rain, one typically gets a lot of wind.  This makes talking very difficult, but, more importantly, messes with hearing.  Listening for enemies coming or orders being shouted becomes a challenge.  Even without the wind, the battering of rain on armor and bodies can cause enough of a din to be a problem.  This is why many rain battles are depicted as descending into chaos.
  5. Any weapons with fire need to have an explanation of why they aren’t put out by the rain.  If everyone is launching fire arrows then there has to be a mention of how that’s possible.  Many eagle-eyed readers will pick up on the potential issue and be drawn out of the events.  Oils and other flammable materials can be shown even in passing as a single line.
  6. Flooding is a potential danger if the raining is strong enough.  This becomes a bigger issue if there’s a river nearby.  Think about the storm being so much that the fighting area may gradually be submerged.  Even if full flooding isn’t a possibility, you will have puddles that may be deeper than they look.  Ever drive through a puddle that ended up being bigger than you expected?  Imagine doing that with a battle horse or in the midst of a battle.  You’d be a little shocked and disoriented for a bit.
  7. If the rain is cool enough then it can help with overheating.  Unlike a hot day, a warrior who is getting hot in their armor may be able to rest for less time.  The rain will cool them down and provide a quick drink.  Look, I’m trying to find a positive on this one, so it’s the best I’ve got.
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Expansion Pack: Canon

Posted on July 18, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Hi Gang. Craig with you again today, and I have an idea for three different, but related topics. These are extras to the writing game, so I’m …

Expansion Pack: Canon
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The Okapi: Ghosts of the Forest

Posted on July 17, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

The Okapi is a relative of the giraffe discovered in the 1900’s. It’s even called the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, and zebra giraffe.  Yet, it doesn’t have a long neck, so you wouldn’t think this.  There are only an estimated 5,000 living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is their only territory.  This limited range is one of the reasons it is considered endangered.

So, what is an Okapi?  They look like an antelope with a dark brown body, except for their forelegs and hind-quarters.  Those areas are striped like a zebra, which helps the Okapi blend into the jungle.  This camouflage is one of the reasons they weren’t discovered until the 1900’s and have the nickname ‘Ghost of the Forest’.  The stripes mimic the light shafts coming through the thick canopy.

I’m just going to throw out some Okapi facts though because they are very interesting creatures.  I got all this off the OKAPI CONSERVATION PROJECT SITE:

  • They are one of the oldest living mammals even though they were discovered a little more than 100 years ago.
  • They are solitary creatures.
  • Females are usually larger than males, but the males have tiny horns.
  • Okapi can eat toxic flora because they eat charcoal and clay, which absorb the toxins.
  • Their ears can move independently of each other.  This allows them to sense danger from multiple angles.
  • They have scent glands on the bottom of their feet to mark their territory.
  • Okapi have the same type of dark tongue and splay their legs to drink water like the giraffe.
  • They are the national and cultural animal of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  It is fully protected by Congolese law.

Of course, they are still at risk.  Habitat loss caused by the logging industry and spread of human civilization is a big one.  Reserves have been made, but this is still an issue.  Illegal mining is another situation that threatens the Okapi.  They are poached for bushmeat and their skin, which is illegal, but always an issue.  There have been cases of poachers attacking conservation stations too.  This leads to another problem, which is the civil unrest of the area.  Territories where there are guerillas and fighting end up preventing conservation efforts.  So, the Okapi in these places are easy prey for poaching.  Some of these zones are simply too close to the reservations, which also blocks and hinders those wanting to help.

Finally, there are about 100 Okapi in zoos, which run breeding programs.  Antwerp Zoo in Belgium was the first zoo to get an Okapi in 1919 and had a successful program.  The Bronx Zoo was the first in the USA to get an Okapi in 1937.  They’ve had 13 calves between 1991 and 2011.  I’ve gotten to see those Okapi too and they are so cool.  Of course, the San Diego Zoo has bred 60 calves between 1962 and 2017, which is awesome.

So, let’s get to the pictures and videos.

Okapi from Bronx Zoo

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Goal Post: Kind of Better Than Before

Posted on July 16, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

So, I’m writing this the night before instead of working on Darwin & the Halfling Hunt.  I figure I wrote 2 sections and merged the next two because they work better together, so it counts as my three.  This means, I might finish the entire book by this coming Friday.  I was hoping to finish by Wednesday, but this week didn’t go the way I planned.  Still going to take a few days off before I start in on Darwin & the Avenging Elf.

It’s tough writing this post.  Not because so little happened, but my anxiety has been steadily rising since Wednesday.  Friday night while I write it is bad.  Feeling a little lightheaded and got some gut pain because I know the source of my stress is going to have to be tackled this weekend.  Probably next week too.  It’s something I’m not looking forward to because it could have been avoided.  Sadly, it’s also an event that I can’t talk about on here.  Those who know the basics of my life can probably figure out what I’m dealing with too.

One reason I can talk about that slowed me down is that I’m still trying to shrug off Covid fatigue.  Seems I’ll have a good day, work hard, and then wear myself down to a crawl for the next one.  Feel like it’s gradually getting better, but that slowed my progress enough that I noticed.  Still, I’ve got 3.33 chapters left to go on this book.  Nothing to sneeze at, I guess.  It’s just that I had a plan to get further and life decided to throw Covid and this newest mess at me.  Can’t blame me for being a little bitter and annoyed.

Speaking of books . . . I made the mistake of checking my sales.  Absolutely nothing for months, but it’s not like I promote.  No reason to put money towards something that wasn’t working.  That makes me wonder why I spend so much time writing too, but I don’t have enough friends in the area to do anything else this summer.  Everyone either is busy with family, live too far away for me to hang out easily, or are working on a schedule where I have my son when they’re free.  Been like that for a year too.  So, I just type away when I’m not finding anything else to do.  Yet, the total lack of sales still makes it hard to push forward, especially with everything else going on.

Wish I had more exciting things to talk about.  That situation took all the wind out of my sails midweek, so I just wrote when I had the urge and worked on a puzzle when I wasn’t feeling it.  What in the world did I do with my life this week?

I got back into cooking.  It was only meatball subs and honey chicken, but I’m getting back into it a bit.  Tonight is ‘penne with homemade vodka sauce’ and tomorrow is going to be burgers with a special marinade.  Have to remember to set the latter up this afternoon, so that it’s good to go.  Think I’m making chicken and cheese enchiladas on Tuesday, which means I have to get that ready too.  Best to cook the chicken the day before.  That way I’m not trying to hand shred hot chicken.  Didn’t think of that until I cooked it for the fourth time years ago.

Television was mostly making my way through ‘The Boys’ Season 3.  I had to make sure I finished that before my son was back in the house.  Last thing I needed was for him to accidentally click on that show instead of Pokemon in the morning.  He looks before he clicks, but you never know.  After that show, which was a lot of fun, I finished ‘Soul Eater’ for the third time.  Need to put some distance between ‘The Boys’ and ‘Umbrella Academy’, so I watched a few anime. ‘Bastard!’ was odd fun with its fights and the hero being an evil wizard sealed in the body of a crybaby.  I started in on ‘Vinland Saga’, which I heard good things about.  Not what I expected.   Thought it was another fantasy adventure, but it’s a Viking tale of revenge or something.

Next week is going to be the same as the last one.  My son has camp and I’ll be trying to finish the book before the weekend.  That way I can use one day to prep for the birthday party at the end of the month and can visit a friend on the other.  I’d have an idea of how easily it will be to write the second book for I go back to work at the end of August, but that month is a mess.  I have no idea what is going on after July, which is the big reason I’m getting stressed.  Not that my plans work out, but it’s good to have a general idea of what I’m working with.

Think I’m going to start making topic lists for November posts too.  I had a few good ones that I thought I’d keep in my head.  Clearly, I didn’t, so I should start writing them down again.  Feel free to give any topic suggestions.  Yeah, that never really works out, but I might as well ask.

So, what’s the plan for the week?

  1. Weekend with my son.
  2. Cooking.
  3. Finish Darwin & the Halfling Hunt
  4. Handle that stressful situation
  5. Laundry
  6. Do more biking now that I have energy
  7. Start a November topic list
  8. Birthday party prep
  9. Sleep a bit more
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Welcome to Abner’s Armor Shop

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Rise of the Shield Hero

Welcome!  Welcome!  You look like you could use some protection from your enemies.  All of our armors are kind of enchanted.  Each one has a specific spell, but we promise that each one is guaranteed to work.  There are no switches, so think carefully.  If it helps, we’ve made each one tough enough to be the optimal level of defense for its category.  Now, let’s take a look through the hall.  Just ignore the suits that move.  Those are our floor models, which will fight from time to time.  All part of our demonstration.  Please read the descriptions carefully.

  1. Padded Armor–  Soft to the touch and grants the wearer intangibility.  Spell can only last a total of 15 minutes per day.  Timer not included.
  2. Leather Armor–  Comes in a variety of colors and good for flexibility.  Enchanted with wall climbing and unbreakable balance.  Makes it impossible to fall off anything even on purpose.
  3. Hide Armor–  A collection of animal pelts, which you choose.  Transform into any of the animals you have in your armor.  There is a pungent odor that you can’t get rid of even after taking the armor off.  Deodorant coupons are included.
  4. Chain Shirt–  Not a full suit of chainmail, but it protects the torso.  It also has the ability to attract metal objects . . . Nobody really buys this one for obvious reasons.  We only sell it because the enchanter is my brother-in-law and he’s big into curses if he doesn’t get his way.
  5. Chainmail– Metal links designed to create a full-body suit.  Able to be unraveled and controlled as if a swarm of chains stemming from the arms.  Doing this means your body will not be protected.  Might be some pinching when armor goes back to its dormant form.
  6. Shell Armor–  Not one of our best sellers due to its look, but it is very durable.  The shells grant swimming abilities as well as underwater breathing.  You will grow a blowhole while using this magic.
  7. Scale Armor–  Overlapping plates of metal that are similar to reptile scales.  It grants you dragon abilities.  Specifically, the Komodo dragon’s toxic bite and a really bad drooling problem.
  8. Lamellar Armor–  Plates that are laced together to make horizontal rows.  Enchanted to allow the wearer to curl into a ball like an armadillo.  Overuse can result in an aching back the likes of which you could not possibly imagine.
  9. Laminar Armor–  Similar to the Lamellar, it’s horizontal plates that overlap instead of being laced together.  This gives you the ability to launch yourself forward like a human missile.  Best when combined with our metal helmets.  We include a neck brace that should be worn at all times.
  10. Plated Mail–  These shirts are chainmail with metal plates attached.  When struck, the plates emit an elemental attack of your choice.  There is kickback, so expected to go flying a bit.
  11. Brigandine Armor– A clothe suit with armor plating on the inside and studs on the outside.  It bestows extra strength and stamina to the wearer.  You will fell the fatigue catch up to you once you take it off.  The longer it’s used, the larger the exhaustion build up.
  12. Full Plate Armor– The one everyone thinks about when they imagine a knight.  You can get it in any design that you want.  Wearers of this suit gain the ability to grow to the size of a five-story building or shrink to the size of a mouse.  You can only do one of those, so think carefully.
  13. Helmets–  All of our helmets are designed to give the wearer a sonar sense.  This counters the loss of peripheral vision.  It works off an enhanced sense of hearing, so you may have trouble with loud noises.  You can also hear any conversations going on, including private ones.
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7 Questions to Design a Better Arc of Change for Your Protagonist – by Heather Davis…

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

on Jane Friedman site: Beginning authors don’t often appreciate the critical importance of a fully formed character arc, nor do they understand the …

7 Questions to Design a Better Arc of Change for Your Protagonist – by Heather Davis…
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