Using Ships in Fiction

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

Parts of a Ship

Ever now and then, I have my characters travel on a ship.  Started in Prodigy of Rainbow Tower and it happened at least once in War of Nytefall.  The reason is because you can’t always stay on land when traveling.  You can come across a river, lake, or ocean because quests/adventures don’t pay attention to coastal borders.  This brings up the challenge of creating scenes that are in a very limited setting.  We’re not talking cruise ships here (although, you can go that route), but older traveling vessels that look similar to the picture above.  This isn’t easy, so what are some ways to make it work?

  1. Try to use some kind of nautical terminology when describing the ship.  You always get a handful of readers who will call you out on being vague, but you also don’t want to get too detailed if you’re uncertain.  Describing the keel or rudder will help get the term across since you create context clues.  This tip is more important when characters are talking.  Sailors would use the correct terminology and it would be really weird if they didn’t.
  2. There is usually some crewmen above deck, so characters can’t have a private conversation there.  In fact, it’s really hard to get a private chat in on a boat even in personal quarters.  You have to consider if there are listening ears and how loud the characters are talking.  A shouting match will be heard.  So, you need to think about location and what off-page people are doing.
  3. Fighting on a ship is not as easy as fighting on land.  You have a major reduction in space for offense, defense, and escape maneuvers.  Also, pretty hard to sneak up on another ship when you’re on the open sea.  Big attacks like fireballs and swinging a massive axe are dangerous because they can destroy the ship.  It isn’t a grassy plain where it can take damage and still be there to stand on.  Author and characters need to remember that the fighting area is at risk.  This can restrict strategies and even negate certain characters.
  4. Unless the ocean voyage is the main part of the story, DO NOT draw it out for very long.  I would go for maybe one or two chapters if it’s simply to get somewhere.  That’s being generous too.  The thing is that you can only do so much on a ship.  A conversation, look over documents, getting attacked, sea monsters, natural threat, getting lost, and the list does keep going.  Yet, if the core of the story isn’t an ocean voyage, it comes off as unnecessary padding.
  5. Ships can only carry so many supplies too.  Don’t act like there is plenty of everything regardless of the voyage.  Yes, you can show that they stock up nicely before leaving, but there are only so many problems that you can prepare for.  A major diversion from the initial journey can cause worries over supplies.  Look at ship schematics to get an idea of how much can be held.  You can also check out old ship manifests (I think that’s the term) to see what they typically carried.

So, does anybody else have some pointers on writing with ships?  I know of many people who have taken on the challenge.  Share your wisdom!

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Immortal Wars: The Summoning Part 22 #fiction #throwback

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

(Previously on Immortal Wars.)

(Again, we shall revel in my teenage originality.  Everyone groan in unison.)

Disclaimer: Immortal Wars was the book I came up with and wrote in high school.  I hadn’t even hit college by the time I wrote the first two books.  That means I hadn’t developed my style yet, wasn’t good at self-editing, and the story was fairly basic. So, you’ve been warned that this is the ultimate author throwback segment for my blog and will show my author origins.  FYI-  I put the first book (The Summoning) through a Print-on-Demand publisher and the second one (Light, Blood, & Tears) never saw the light of day.  Enjoy!

A few hours later, Infinity, Miracle, and Hydrana are slowly walking toward the game room.  They were all asleep in their rooms after a long day of training and working out.  When Fate’s message hit their rooms, all of them considering ignoring it.  That is until they saw the look on Fate’s face and heard an angry edge in his voice.

“Any idea what this meeting is for?” asks Miracle.  She is wearing a black nightgown with a green robe.  The others are wearing their guardian uniforms, but none of them are wearing shoes.

“Not a clue.  But Slane looked very pissed off.  I’m guessing Solix bitched at him for being annoying.  That boy always has to cause trouble.  Just like on Earth,” replies Hydrana as they reach the door.  The door opens before them and they see Fate sitting at a central table in near darkness.  Infinity orders the lights to turn on and then they see the empty glasses in front of their friend.

“Fate?  What’s wrong?” asks Miracle as she leaps over to him and puts her arms around him.  Instead of answering, Fate holds her close and lightly kisses her neck.  Infinity picks up one of the glasses and takes a sniff of the remaining liquid.

“What the hell?  This smells like alcohol.  You drank all of this?” inquires Infinity.

Fate looks up with a smile and answers, “Yep.  And I’m not even drunk.  Our bodies seem to counter the intoxicating effects of alcohol.  I could drink until the end of time and I won’t get drunk.  So much for watching all those after-school specials.”

“What is up with the depression, Blondie?  You look like someone just ripped your heart out,” says Hydrana.  She takes the seat next to Fate and moves his hair out of his left eye.  When she does that, they all notice the black eye he got from Solix’s armored fist.

“That?  It came from Solix.  My regeneration ability is acting slower than usual.  Anyway, Solix and I had a little disagreement.  Seems he’s been lying to us the entire time.  That bastard has been training us against enemies that he knows everything about and he won’t tell us anything.  And as for the original guardians and why they aren’t here, they’re all dead.  They had these magical weapons also.  One of them is the Solstar medallion, which Solix wears around his fat neck.  I have no idea what happened to the other nine weapons or what killed the original guardians,” explains Fate.

“Am I the only one that’s confused?  You’re not making any sense, Fate.  It doesn’t matter what happened.  We’re the new group of guardians,” mentions Infinity.  Fate shoots him a stunned look like he just got slapped across the face.

“What’s that supposed to mean?  Whatever killed our predecessors could still be around and could kill us.  Why are you guys acting like this is nothing?  He lied to us,” says Fate as he stands up and moves away from Miracle.

“What Infinity means is what is the point of telling us?  Why should we care what happened to the old guardians?  We’re a lot stronger than they ever were.  Solix told us so and I don’t think he lied about that.  And if he did, we’re still powerful enough to fight almost anything,” says Hydrana.

“You guys don’t get it.  He tried to send us up against a bunch of murderers without knowing what we were up against.  That’s just wrong.  Why should we trust someone who would lie to us?”

“Calm down, Fate.  It isn’t like we’re taking sides.  We just think that Solix didn’t do anything wrong.  He was bound to tell us sooner or later.  He probably just thought that known of us were ready to see our enemies.  It could have scared us away and then Solix would be all alone against those monsters.  Besides, we kind of owe him for everything that he has done for us so far.  He’s showed us what we can really be and how important we are.  Without Solix, we would just be normal human beings,” explains Miracle as she walks toward Fate.  She blows a kiss at Fate and uses her pairs to show a pair of lips fly onto his cheek.  They disappear on impact and Fate still looks angry.

“Miracle has a point.  If Solix had not come along, none of us would be here.  We’d be awaiting the end of the universe on Earth with everyone else.  Now we can actually do something to help out everyone.  This is our chance to be heroes for the entire universe.  It’s important and we owe Solix our help in succeeding.  Now, I’m gonna be going back to bed and I’m staying with Solix,” says Infinity right before he leaves.

Fate tosses one of the chairs across the room and watches it clang against the doorway after Infinity leaves the room.  Hydrana just shakes her head at Fate and follows Infinity’s example by leaving.  Miracle just stands there and finally sits down on one of the chairs.  She stares at Fate for a few minutes.

“I take it that you are on Solix’s side also,” mutters Fate as he stares back into her eyes.  She looks very sad and breaks eye contact.  He walks over to her and starts to put his arms around her.  Instead she breaks away and kicks him in the stomach when he makes another advance toward her.

“You are acting like such a child, Edward Slane.  We’re your friends and you can’t make us choose sides that aren’t really there.  Nothing is going to make me leave this place and I really don’t want to leave you.  But if you keep acting like this then I’ll have no choice but to say good-bye to you.  I’m sorry.  It isn’t Solix who betrayed us.  It’s just that you can’t trust anyone whom even if they have good reason to lie to you.  Solix did it for our own good.  I just want to go to bed right now.  Don’t even think of stopping me, Edward.  I’ll talk to you once you remember how old you are,” says Miracle.  She turns away and heads out the door while Fate hears her starting to cry.

Fate punches the nearby table and puts his arm completely through the metal table.  He storms into the multi-sport arena and turns on the hologram combat program.  Instead of fighting, he lets the holograms beat him around for two long hours.  After he heals all of the injuries, Fate starts fighting back and keeps going for the entire night.

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Sal’s Sublime Submarine Supermarket!

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

Submarines!

So, you’re looking to journey to the depths of our world!  Not the rocky ones, but the watery ones that have plenty of critters to haunt your nightmares.  Well, since you’re lacking gills and fins, you’ve come to the right place.  Come this way and check out the merchandise!

Our submarines range from your large crew vessels with plenty of living quarters to a single-person quick journey model.  All of them come with armor plating that is designed to withstand the pressure of the sea.  Paneling inside gives off enough warmth to make you comfortable, but not so warm that you get drowsy.  All windows are triple-paned and the glass has been tested by our pet to make sure it can withstand blows that could shatter titanium.  Every model is equipped with a beacon that our central computer can track in case of an emergency.  You will not be told where this device is located because we don’t want you tampering with it.  For your own safety, I assure you.

You want to talk about . . . Not color.  Engines and power source are the first things on our list.  This can help us narrow down the model that is best for you.  We have nuclear, gas, oil, seaweed, solar, lunar, electric, pedal, and a few other types that you can see being demonstrated here.  Ah, that one in the back is a curious one that many find a curiosity, but not worth buying.  It is a biofeedback, which is a misnomer.  You sit in the chair and put on that helmet, which displays a virtual landscape.  It is your thoughts that direct the submarine and your hands hold onto those bars to give you extra control.  It’s a wonderful method, but the user needs to remain focused.  Distractions and panicking can result in a crash if you’re not careful.  Pedal it is, so I assume you also want the free gym membership that comes with it.  Only good for leg days.

Here is where our customers get that glint in their eyes.  Weapons that can handle whatever the water has to throw at you.  Our basic package includes four torpedo tubes, a single missile for any sky issues, and an array of harpoons.  There are a few sonic weapons, but those come with several warnings.  For example, you can hurt or kill the more sensitive creatures that happen to be in your way.  Also, you may attract the attention of a male sperm whale and his randiness might be the only thing our armor can’t stand up to.  I can put spikes and barbs on the armor to slightly protect, but we make no promises.  Moving on, we have mine setters and a few close-range weapons.  Buzz saws, piercing noses, and the like.  They can help in some situations, but you have to be careful with slamming into things down there.  Basic with two wing blades?  You got it.

For the rest of the package, we have periscopes and other sensors.  We have one periscope that is covered in a skin that makes it blend into its surroundings when exposed to sunlight.  That means you can take a look without people noticing you.  Sonar system is highly recommended and we don’t offer much variety on that.  There are these surveillance drone swarms that we can connect to your computer for a higher visual.  They may hit interference for an incomplete picture, but it isn’t for more than a second.  What if they’re damaged?  We replace them if you get the warranty, but the system can work as long as three remain.  This is why we suggest that you only send the minimum out and keep the other eighteen around for spares.  That’s only for the big ones while the thumb-sized clouds of drones can self-replicate to a point.  They are programmed to not go beyond a certain number, so you maintain a perfect number regardless of issues.  Yes, I thought you’d like that one.

Color and the other details can be handled in private.  Looks like you have a bunch of people following you and taking notes.  Don’t worry.  They can’t take any pictures and steal our plans.  Now, let’s look at the contract.

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Teaser Tuesday: You People Are Very Rude #fantasy #adventure

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

Cover Art by Jason Pedersen

Another book that doesn’t seem to have many teasers.  Must be something with the search engine.  Anyway, Path of the Traitors was a fun diversion from the main plot of the series to follow some side characters.  It still had an impact, but I felt that I needed to give them some closure.  It explained some more of the prophecy’s background too.  This is a fun, low key scene.  Enjoy.

Continue reading →

Posted in Legends of Windemere, Path of the Traitors, Teaser Tuesday | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

7 Tips to Writing Underwater Adventures

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

From Disney . . . Duh.

First, I really wanted to find a cool underwater adventure picture or gif, but nothing worked.  So, I got frustrated and went with Sebastian from ‘The Little Mermaid’.  Okay . . . Moving on.  This is a simple post about a subject that came to mind when I was thinking about adventure types.  There are many times when water is involved in a story because characters need to travel.  You have rivers, oceans, and lakes that can stand in the way of progress.  The journey can be a grand adventure in itself, especially if you can’t stay on the surface.  We don’t go under the waves as much as above, so what happens if the only way forward is to submerge?

  1. If your characters are underwater without a ship then you need to explain how they can function.  This sounds like a duh, but it really isn’t.  Not only breathing needs to be considered.  It’s hard to move underwater and talking isn’t possible without special abilities or gear.  Don’t just toss them in and expect the audience to be okay with there being no preparation for the inevitable problems.
  2. Magical gear for traveling without a ship is a good way to handle the issues that #1 went over.  Do NOT have the equipment abruptly get pulled out by one of the heroes as if everyone carries it around.  The only time this can work is if they are well aware of the crossing and one of them has a way to procure what is typically specialized gear.  To have the bard suddenly hand out water-breathing rings that they picked up for ‘just such an occasion’ doesn’t work with most adults.  Consider utilizing some foreshadowing here or even having them stumble onto those who attempted the adventure earlier, but died.  It’s still a stretch with that last one, but easier to swallow.
  3. Communication underwater is a challenge for those that live on land.  Magical gear and spells aside, there is an easier way to handle this.  This would be sign language and facial expressions.  Pointing, gesturing, frowning, head movements, and everything else that comes with verbal communication can still be used in the absence of words.  It isn’t that difficult to do either if you keep it simple.  There’s no need to research real sign language.  Make your own signals or stick to universal ones.  I’d recommend the second option more because everyone can translate those.
  4. Research what it’s like underwater to get a basic understanding of the mechanics.  The pressure and resistance to movement are essential.  Visibility isn’t the same as above and you need to get a sense of how far down the sun can go in your world.  Go over a few ocean maps can give you a sense of how currents travel across the globe.  This one might be the most important since it can dictate which way is easiest to travel for the heroes.  Do they go with or against the tide?
  5. This one is fairly simple: Remember that things get wet and react to water.  Pulling out anything made of paper underwater typically means it’ll get destroyed.  Long hair will not stay in position unless bound in some fashion.  Drinking from a flask means sucking in water and spoiling whatever is inside. Same goes for food because the character will inhale their surroundings.  Projectile weapons will meet resistance if they aren’t propelled by enough force.  Just keep all this in mind.
  6. If you are using an underwater craft then do some research on submarines or sea creatures to get a sense of how it can move.  Magic can counter a lot, but you want to demonstrate some level of knowledge here.  The ship needs to be airtight, handle pressure, give some visibility for steering, and being a home for the crew.  Rapidly rising to the surface has negative effects too, so don’t think this allows heroes to escape quickly.
  7. Let’s get to the big one.  SEA MONSTERS!  Go wild, but remember that they’re underwater.  Feathers and fur can be hindrances.  It’s very cold, so blubber or some other form of temperature control may be needed at least in your head.  Don’t be afraid to make an amalgamation of real creatures.  Bioluminescence is a trick to consider when you want to go deep too.  Finally, not every sea monster needs tentacles or shark parts.
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How to Publish with KDP: Part Ten

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

Harmony Kent's avatarStory Empire

Image courtesy of bigstock.com

Hello SErs. Harmony here.  As promised, here is  part ten in the post series dedicated to taking a step-by-step look at how to get your finished manuscript from your computer and on sale on Amazon in both ebook and paperback.

If you’d like to take a look back at the previous posts in this series, please click on the links at the end of this post.

So, here’s Part Ten: How to Upload Your eBook File.

Access your KDP dashboard. You will see something that resembles the image below >>>

At the top of your list of books (if you have any here yet), you will see two options:

  1. + Kindle eBook
  2. + Paperback

Select the first option: +Kindle eBook.

The following ‘edit eBook’ page will open >>>

This page is where you input such things as the language of the book, the book title, a…

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Puzzle Disappointment

Posted on June 7, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

Looks like a cool puzzle, right? It was a really tough one too. Unfortunately, it’s back in the box and probably going to get dumped in the trash or recycling. You can see why:

21 missing pieces

I knew it was going to be an issue since I was missing two edge pieces. I didn’t realize it would be this bad. Before you ask, I checked under all the furniture at the end and in the bag right away. Since I had made the edge as soon as I opened the puzzle, I knew it wasn’t me losing anything. Frustrating and disappointing even though it’s the first puzzle I’ve had like this since I started last year. Makes me think about a few things.

1. How do you handle inevitable disappointment?

2. Have you ever continued with a project that you know will be broken or faulty when you finish?

(Added frustration after scheduling this:  I began another puzzle from the same company and it looks like I’ve got the same issue.  2 edge pieces are missing right out of the gate.  I have 4 more puzzles from this company too.  Hopefully, my email to them gets some kind of response because this is ridiculous.)

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On the Edge of Completion of Many Things

Posted on June 6, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

I was tempted to start this off by talking about current events.  Then, I remembered all of the arguments I’ve gotten into this week.  You see, I think about the psychological impact of an action and play devil’s advocate too much.  I ask questions for clarification or because I simply don’t know.  Extremes aren’t in my nature unless I’m in the midst of an anxiety-fueled spiral.  So, it’s difficult for me to get into the topics that should be talked about.  I’ve done it with people I trust and those I see are open to discussion instead of shouting matches.  Not knowing what I would get here, I don’t know if I’m willing to toss myself back into a meat grinder that has driven me to more panic attacks than I have fingers this week.  Because of that, I’m going to get on with the show here and we’ll see what happens.

Due to that meat grinder thing, I ended up screwing myself over with editing War of Nytefall: Ravenous.  I wanted to get a chapter done every night, but I only pulled that off once.  Then I had lunch with a friend on Thursday.  We ate outside and sat at different tables to chat for a few hours.  A few days had events that lasted longer than expected as well.  I’ll be finishing the book this weekend.  Either I’ll do it tomorrow or, if I push myself, I can do it tonight and use tomorrow to rest.  I’ve only got 4 chapters yet while I make this post.  If I don’t leave the house today and stay up late then it’s possible.  All depends on if I can stay away from distractions.  Still, the end result is that I’m going to be finishing this and moving on to the next project.

Anybody know what that’s going to be?  I could jump right into editing War of Nytefall: Savagery.  Probably finish that by the end of June.  On the other hand, I could also start in on War of Nytefall: Anarchy and save all the editing for August.  Those two books won’t be published into end of the year and 2021 respectively.  That’s if I’m not delayed in what I’m planning.  So, I can tackle the next book and prepare to use August for editing/writing the fantasy tip book.  That sounds like a decent plan.  I’m going to have to take time to make posts for August too.  Hopefully it’s doing a month of hype posts to prepare for a September release, but we’ll see what happens.

Life is going.  Next week is really the last one for school.  After that, my son and I get to spend our days relaxing until his summer session starts.  I’m still hoping to be a part of my school’s summer program, but we’ll see.  Remote learning changes the equation.  Worst case scenario is that I get a writing summer before graduate school turns up.  That’s going to create a big balancing act.  I really wish I had more to say about school, but it’s all finishing things up.  Nothing exciting and I shouldn’t be sharing a bunch of information about students on the Internet anyway.  Same goes for my son.  I am looking forward to next weekend when I can give him his presents.

Television has been meh.  I watched a small anime called Hyperdimensional Neptunia that I’d seen clips of.  It wasn’t as good as I expected and I only finished it to get it off my ‘to watch’ list.  Once you start, you can’t always get it off.  I still have a ‘Captain Underpants Choose Your Own Adventure’ episode on Netflix that won’t go away and ‘Assassination Classroom’ on Hulu even though I finished that a week ago.  The new one I started is okay, but I’ve been distracted.  It’s called ‘Fire Force’ and it’s about Earth where people can be turned into fiery beings due to spontaneous combustion.  The Fire Force are people who destroy these Infernals and many of them have fire powers.  The main characters can create flames in his feet that he can use for combat and blasting around.  I really like that unique take and how every pyrokinetic has their own style.  For example, another can conjure a plasma sword and another is able to turn pre-existing flames into obedient creatures.  There’s a lot of world politics and mystery in it, but I’m enjoying it whenever I’m focused on it.  I’ll finish it soon and then I should take a break from anime.  Just to cleanse the tongue.  I forgot if it was palette or palate.

That’s really it and next week isn’t too exciting.  Work, writing, and whatnot.  Can’t think of anything else going on.  So, what are the goals?

  1. Last full week of school!
  2. Finish editing War of Nytefall: Ravenous
  3. Start writing War of Nytefall: Anarchy?
  4. Finish chapter titles for Do I Need to Use a Dragon? (Fantasy Writing Tips)
  5. Play with son.
  6. Get some sleep.
  7. Work on a puzzle.
  8. Watch TV.
  9. Make another goal post next week.

Yeah.  My life is boring as heck.  Sorry.

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Queen Titania’s Court — War of Nytefall: Lost, by Charles E. Yallowitz

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

DebyFredericks's avatarWyrmflight

Lost studies the magnificent palace with crimson eyes as she approaches. The half-elven vampire’s short silver hair is neatly brushed, and she is swathed in an enormous ball gown. The ungainly skirt nearly conceals the fact that she is barefoot and telekinetically hovering at times. A reanimated bunny peers over her shoulder. Lost speaks to it in a painfully polite voice. “We must be on our best behavior, Bunny.”

Character Questions

Are there any fantastic beasts where you live?

Only if you’re not from here. We have vampires, dragons, fairies, elves, orcs, mermaids, griffins, goblins, undead, gods, humans, dwarves, halflings… Mom says I shouldn’t list everything we have in Windemere. To us, these are fairly common beasts, so we only get surprised by them if they’re trying to eat us. For a tourist, I can see how they would be fantastical. I’d be the same way if I visited another…

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The Thrill of Words

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Charles Yallowitz

More Reading Rainbow

Words on the page
Each one a step
Into a vivid world
That absorbs the senses
To bestow knowledge
And escape
And lull one into slumber
*
It is a skill
Finely crafted from youth
Marked by stumbles
Language nuances
Half-followed rules
And dwindling interest
Carry on into adulthood
*
Books can be salvation
A respite within the storm
Letting minds wander
To learn
Or detox from day’s trials
Humans need reading
To continue on their way

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