Goal Post: Christmas Has Arrived

Posted on December 25, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

It’s Christmas, so I don’t know if I should bother putting a lot of effort into this.  Most people are off-line with their families as they should be.  I’m currently getting ready to watch ‘Matrix: Revolutions’ and then ‘Matrix: Resurrection’.  Watched the first two movies yesterday.  So, it feels like this is the start of a laidback weekend.

Of course, I’m still feeling the effects of extreme stress.  It was a short week, but a lot of personal stuff happened that drove my anxiety into the stratosphere.  Took most of my willpower and focus to make it through the day, so I collapsed nearly every night.  At least, I tried since there were a few nights where I had to take care of things.  This is why I’m looking forward to some lazy time.  It’s cold and miserable out too, so I have no urge to wander out of the house.

Hmmm . . . All I have to report as far as progress goes is finishing all of the January and February posts.  I might start in on March this coming week.  Part of this is because I’m going to be taking a 4 week virtual course in January and February, which will take a lot of my time.  This is for work and it’s about bias in the classroom, so I have to handle weekly modules and workloads.  Sounds very interesting, which is why I signed up, but it means any book writing and outlining will be pushed back.  I don’t think I’d have much time for heavy projects until March anyway.

Actually, it could be the summer when I dive back into writing an actual book again because things are busy.  War of Nytefall: Eulogy isn’t selling just like the rest of the series, so I’m not rushing to publish again.  Definite proof that authors need support if they’re going to keep going.  I’ll still write my stories, but I don’t feel like I have an audience waiting for me.  So, I will take my time with Darwin’s adventures and have a few written/edited before I start putting them out.  At least, that’s what’s going to happen now since I have so little energy and time.  So, if I take months to finish one book instead of weeks then it won’t feel so bad.

The coming week is going to be split.  For the first part, I’m on my own, so I’ll work on a few projects.  My goal is to make most or all of the ‘Phi Beta Files’ enemies since I finished the four heroes.  I might go through the outline for Darwin’s second adventure too in order to have that ready.  Need to edit the first one with a clear mind to make his reactions more consistent.  That’s why I need that course to be done.  I’m going to hand edit this time again because it worked out for me last time.  So, it’s really just going to be ‘Phi Beta Files’ and bringing myself to the point of the stories.

The second part of the week is when I’ll have my son.  Fun shall be had, but it looks like family stuff will be going on too.  We’re aiming to get one father/son zoo trip in like we do every year.  There’s a big Christmas light display that you can drive through that we’re going to as well.  So much got planned that I don’t know if we’ll get to rest before the day before school starts up again.  Think we’re going to attempt ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ as well, but it won’t be the extended edition.  I have to split the regular one into two pieces to avoid losing him.  Fingers crossed that it works.

Can’t think of anything else to report on my week.  It was all about getting to the break and starting it.  Drama happened because that’s how my life goes.  Means the goals should be easy:

  1. Relax
  2. Have fun
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Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Posted on December 24, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas and leave you with one of the best songs of the season:

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How do you like holiday encroachment?  😛

(Pick up War of Nytefall: Eulogy for the holidays.)

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Questions 3: Working for the Long Game

Posted on December 24, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

Rocky

Being an author of long series, I focus a lot on the overarching plot or long game when I’m planning.  This really hit home with War of Nytefall: Eulogy because of all the strings I had to lace together.  I’d been planning and setting things up for this storyline since the very beginning.  Of course, this is more of a plotter thing than a pantser thing.  I think, which is why this post is turning towards questions later.

Personally, I like having a long game planned for a series.  This is my plotter nature because it allows me to do foreshadowing and keeps me focused.  I can direct characters to some extent and leave openings for deviations, but I still aim for the same finale.  This is why I learned that it’s easier to have the beginning, end, and a few key points planned while the pathways are left to spontaneity.  It still has a focus on having a storyline run through the whole series though.

Overarching plots can get in the way or weaken over time.  If you only focus on those and draw things out for too long then the ending will fail.  People will see it more like you putting the series out of its misery instead of having closure.  This is where having other plotlines moving alongside the main one helps as well as each volume having its own contained tale.  Think of it like a TV series where each season has a main plot that isn’t always touched on every episode.  Sometimes, you get an episode designed around character or world development.  This still affects the main plot by altering characters and places though.  More importantly, it gives the main plot time to cool down and not overstay its welcome.

So, lets see what you think about the long game in a series.

  1. Do you prefer a series to focus only on the overarching plot or to give it a break at times?
  2. When writing, do you like to have a general idea of the main story path?
  3. What is one tip you would give to someone writing a long game into their series?
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Another Reminder: War of Nytefall 1-8 Still $8! #vampires #fantasy

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

Cover Art by Alison Hunt

Step into Windemere and follow the Dawn Fangs’ adventures in War of Nytefall 1-8 for $8!

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7 Tips to Writing Evil Versions of Heroes

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

Street Fighter Mirror Match

I can’t write much about that evil Clyde running around War of Nytefall: Eulogy without giving stuff away.  Pretty sure many are rolling their eyes at the use of this trope too.  Yet, what else would pose a great final threat for Clyde except for a suspicious copy coming out of nowhere?  To be fair, I grew up in the 1980’s where the ‘evil version of a hero’ was everywhere.  I still enjoy these stories when they’re done with a twist, but you typically have to get through it all to find it.  Far too easy to stick to the standards, so what can you do to make it original?

  1. An evil copy shouldn’t be identical.  I know this goes against the concept, but that’s how it works out best.  The hero and villain can share appearances and powers to confuse people.  Their actions and personalities need to be different, but not only in that they do evil.  Of course, this can happen over time as they copy’s psyche degrades and they make the differences more apparent.
  2. One of the best ways to make this concept unique is to come up with an original origin story.  Rough sentence there.  The copy doesn’t have to be a clone or pulled from a mirror world.  You can step back and examine the rules of your world to see where such a being would come from.  The more unique the origin, the less dry the cliché comes off.
  3. If you’re having trouble with #2 then you may want to think about their motivation first.  Why is there an evil copy of the hero?  They could be a creation or servant of the main villain.  Maybe they’re a minor character from earlier who was slighted and wants revenge by ruining the hero’s reputation. There really isn’t a limit to this as long as you have it make sense.  Of course, many options do require some foreshadowing and planning if you’re doing this in a series.
  4. The imposter doesn’t have to stay as a perfect copy for the entire duration of the adventure.  Most times, they start this way through mystery and vague sightings to keep everyone guessing.  As you see more of them, you begin to see that they aren’t perfect copies.  For example, their powers might be slightly off or their costume is a little different.  Enough small differences can build up to make it clear that this evil copy isn’t identical.
  5. The original and copy can interact only so many times before the audience loses interest.  Aside from the initial and final, you might not want to go more than 2-3 times.  At some point, readers will wonder why the two keep letting each other escape instead of ending the story.  Something else to consider here is that the copy be actively avoiding the hero.  This is an easy way to explain why they aren’t constantly battling each other.
  6. Try your best to avoid the long lost twin trope.  If you do this then you better be coming with an amazing twist.
  7. A big factor in the ‘evil copy’ storyline is how the other characters react.  If everyone believes that the hero has turned into a villain then it increases the tension and reduces their allies.  If nobody believes it then you have a mystery on your hands.  Either way, the other characters need to have an opinion and react.  This can make or break an ‘evil copy’ story because the audience won’t care if the rest of the characters are shrugging the situation off.  After all, there needs to be an impact from the evil actions and the main target is reputation with close allies.
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#newbook Wreck of the Lanternfish by C.S. Boyack

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

I am so pleased to welcome Lisa Burton back to my blog today. Lisa is the assistant to Craig Boyack, the author of the Lantern series, and so much …

#newbook Wreck of the Lanternfish by C.S. Boyack
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Teaser Tuesday: Clyde?

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

Cover Art by Alison Hunt

I was a little torn on this War of Nytefall: Eulogy excerpt.  The problem is that the imposter Clyde makes a major impact in every scene he shows up in.  Wanted to show him once to get an idea of what’s going on.  Enjoy.

Continue reading →

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Coming to the End of Their Road

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

Cover Art by Alison Hunt

I’ve voiced my awkward opinion on the finale for War of Nytefall.  Yet, I’m not the only one who has something to say.  Mostly it’s good-bye, but I’m sure the cast has some thoughts on coming to the end of their adventures.  Not all of them wanted to retire either, so there might be some moping.

Mab Winthrop–  I’m going first because I’m in a weird position.  Everyone knew I was going to survive since I show up in Legends of Windemere.  That means, I’m just kind of numb to this ending.  Feels odd knowing I go on while everyone else is waiting for a chance to cameo.  I mean, I’m going to miss being on the page and having stuff to do, especially since I had a lot of fun.  Not going to miss the pain.  Numb might be the best way to do it.

Titus Winthrop–  Really wish it didn’t have to end.  I wanted to have more adventures, but even immortals have to grow up at some point.  Life is going to be boring for me.  Be nice to show up again if possible.  Also if I survived the finale.

Bob–  I had so many more horses to show people.  There was one with icy skin and another that was fueled by garbage.  It smelled bad.  Maybe another time.

Lost–  *crying* I don’t want to go to bed!

Chastity Sullivan–  It was a pleasure meeting everyone.  While we weren’t around for as long as our predecessors, I hope we made an impact.  We definitely changed the face of Windemere.  Stop by for a drink and cookies if you’re in the area.

Gregorio Roman–  Every adventurer comes to the end of the road.  This is our finale and I’m proud of it.  We grew in front of your eyes and became more than the monsters we were at the beginning.  I can retire knowing that I followed a good path and am stronger than I was before.

Xavier Tempest–  Glad it’s over.  I wasn’t included nearly as much as I should have, which makes this series a travesty.  Clyde being the hero is ridiculous.  He’s nothing more than an abomination and anarchist.  You celebrate someone who tore down our old world for his own desires and vengeance.  Be happy if I never see any of you again.

Nadia Sylvan–  While I agree with my husband, it was nice to show that we had a side of the story too.  My only hope is that some people understand that we’re victims and not villains.  Wouldn’t you protect your people at all costs from a disease that threatens to turn them into abominations?  Though, the power is beneficial, so I can’t say the Dawn Fangs are truly monstrous.  They just need the right leadership.

Lou–  It was fun.  Bye.

Archillious–  Of course I’m not happy.  I can’t even remember the last time I killed someone or got a worthwhile fight scene.  Had to be a couple volumes ago.  Sure, I get that in Eulogy, but it doesn’t make up for the total insult to the Superior Archillious.  I demand a cameo in the next series!

Kenneth Decker–  Thank you for giving us your attention.  Hope we didn’t disappoint.

Kai Stavros–  Everyone is moody, but I’m content.  I showed what I was capable of and did my master proud.  If I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing.  Well, I might have pushed more to have Archillious executed instead of recruited.  Show some dignity, you psychopath.

Archillious–  Kiss my fang!

Lost–  *crying loud enough to drown out Archillious’s insults*

Stephanie Talon–  I have very little to say.  I do feel that my mistress deserved more, but I know her reasons.  You always look back thinking you should have done more too.  At least I was useful.  Who is left?

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Clyde–  What?  If you think I’m going to be deep and sentimental then you clearly didn’t read my series.  Am I happy that I have to retire?  No because Luke Callindor got to be active for 19 years.  I got about 5 since there wasn’t a long pause between volumes.  Eh, it’s how it had to be considering how fast the ideas were flowing.  I’ll take pride in being highly inspirational and still being the one who is pictured when the author gets annoyed and imagines releasing his anger.  So, you people might not see me anymore, but know I’m still going to be around somewhere.  Always lurking in the shadows and waiting to see if I get another time to shine.  Enjoy the finale . . . If that’s what it really is.

Author–  Stop that, Clyde.  You’re upsetting Darwin.

Clyde–  Yeah.  Probably not a smart idea to antagonize that halfling.  Have fun with that agent of destruction and mayhem.  You people thought I was bad?  You haven’t seen anything yet.

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Tenrecs!

Posted on December 19, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

In Madagascar, there is a type of animal called a Tenrec.  There are different types due to how they have evolved.  I believe they are rodents and there 29 species with most of them being on or around Madagascar.  So, let’s check some of them out for today from pictures found with a Yahoo Image Search:

Dryad Shrew Tenrec

Large-Eared Tenrec

Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec

Pygmy Shrew Tenrec

Rice Tenrec

Streaked Tenrec

Tailless Tenrec

Web-Footed Tenrec

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Goal Post: Eh, Stuff Happened and I Made It to The Weekend

Posted on December 18, 2021 by Charles Yallowitz

I survived!

That’s all I can say with semi-certainty.  I mean, I’m here and functional to most extents, so I can say that’s a victory.  Barely have the urge to do anything more than exist and watch ‘The Witcher’ though.  Think I really need a weekend like this since I have one more week of work before the break.  It can be a rough one with a lot of testing and getting ready for the holidays.  Ended up dragging myself through this week, so I can only imagine what’s coming.

Part of the difficult of the week was a chronic health issue.  I got the Covid booster two weeks ago, which was good.  It left me drained and achy for a few days, which made work a challenge.  I made it through, but stressed myself to the point where I set off my IBS.  It didn’t help that I wasn’t drinking a lot of water except for last Saturday.  That may have been a shock to my suffering system, so I spent most of this week feeling like my lower intestines were knotted around a sharpened knife.  Muscled through it, which may have prolonged the experience, but there’s no other way to get over it.  Just have to ride it out until my body regains its composure.  Funny thing is that the Wendy’s food I got on Thursday may have been what snapped things back to normal.  Just needed a greasy burger to remind my digestive system that it’s a toxic cesspool, so it should stop complaining.

Of course, this ordeal left me with little energy for other things.  I could barely focus on doing anything for War of Nytefall: Eulogy.  It’s up to 4 sales.  I saw a big boost of 17 sales on Thursday, but that ended up being Legends of Windemere and maybe an Ichabod Brooks book.  Really hope my vampire series can get the same kind of love at times, but it’s looking like I’m being seen as a one series author.  Then again, I was able to establish tons of promos for Legends of Windemere, but lacked the money and contacts to do the same for War of Nytefall.  Possible that that’s why I can’t get any traction, but I can’t do anything about that unless I win the lottery or sell a kidney.  I doubt I’d get much for my tortured innards, so lottery it is.

As I said, I didn’t get much else done.  Never had time to touch my notebooks and I got only 2 February posts done.  I’m aiming to get more scheduled this weekend when I need a break from ‘The Witcher’.  That’s the plan for break too since I don’t want to touch any books until after the New Years.  I might take a day or two to review the outline for Darwin & the Halfling Hunt.  I’m starting to wonder if I should include ‘Slumberlord Chronicles’ in the title since all of them start with ‘Darwin &’.  It feels like it would be a lot for a cover and I think I’ve run into series where you don’t have the series title on there.  Need to investigate that a bit more.

I may try to print out Do I Need to Use a Dragon? (Fantasy Writing Tips) and edit that come the new year.  Then again, I’ve had a few people read it over and they liked it with my point usually getting across.  It might be smarter to print out Darwin & the Fate Bracelet.  I’m still not sure I can get an artist for the writing tips book, but I have someone for Darwin.  Either way, I won’t be publishing again until April or May after I’ve had time to edit and get my head together.  That’s if I get everything else ready by then, but I’m wearing down fast.

That’s really the big thing here.  Mentally and physically, I’m reaching my breaking point and only have enough energy for work and parenting.  Once those two are done, I collapse and try to muster up the energy for another round.  I think the cold is a big reason even when it’s just chilly.  Thought it was the booster, but it’s been too long since then and I’ve had other issues.  IBS may have done more damage than I realized, so a weekend of rest could help me with the coming week.  Just running in mental circles now.

Sadly, nothing else is going on here.  No excitement while I march towards a break.  I don’t expect this coming week to be any different.  I’m trying to think of another anime to watch once I’m done with ‘The Witcher’, but my son made me promise not to touch ‘Black Clover’ without him.  That was the one I was going to start over the break, but it’s now part of the evening line up once ‘Edens Zero’ is done.  Really do want a long series that I can get into, but nothing is getting my interest.  Might re-watch ‘Merlin’ or ‘White Collar’, which is an odd combo.  ‘Cobra Kai’ comes back actually, but I might finish that quickly.  Oh well, I’ll figure something out.

Goals of the week:

  1. Make it to break.
  2. Parenting fun.
  3. Finish the February posts.
  4. Tinker with Darwin & the Halfling Hunt outline.
  5. Maybe work on Phi Beta Files if I have a quiet moment.
  6. Watch ‘The Witcher’ from start to finish.
  7. Puzzle time!
  8. Swear I’ll get tacos this time.
  9. Use the bike at least once.
  10. Sleep
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