This book has been out for a little over a year. So, I don’t think this is going to be much of a looking back. Making the situation even more difficult, this book plagued me for a while due to lack of confidence. I’ll dive right into that.
Do I Need to Use a Dragon?is a collection of blog-style entries about writing fantasy stories. The information can be shifted to other genres as well, but fantasy was the main target. I wrote this because some people said I give good advice on my blog and should put out a ‘how to write’ book. So, I spent about a year making topics and then writing them with the confidence of a person walking across a rickety bridge. Lots of backtracking and rewriting on the spot, which I guess helped since it meant I didn’t have to worry about doing a bunch of editing runs. Still, it look a long time for me to get the nerve to actually publish this collection.
Part of the reason was that I had so much trouble is that I couldn’t shake the belief that I had no right to make this book. Prior to choosing topics, I took a look at other ‘how to’ books from fantasy authors. All of them had awards, praise, and real publishing contracts while I was an indie author who could no longer sell books. Some people told me that my situation meant I had a unique perspective since I had nothing to lose by putting out a book like this. Still, one really needs to be sure of oneself when declaring that they have advice to share. This issue caused me to wrack my brain for a good week in regards to how to make this book both stand out and feel like my voice.
The first choice I made was to make this a blog-style book. Do I Need to Use a Dragon?needed to sound like me and I didn’t want to use formal jargon. I figured that writing this like I give advice on my blog would make it easier for people to understand and accept. That meant throwing in the same humor and quirks that I do when I try to explain things here. Lists were a big addition too. A few beta readers said this made it appear unprofessional, but that was kind of what I was going for. I wanted this advice to be something that any person could understand and not feel like they were being talked down too. After all, I remember starting out and being bombarded by jargon-filled advice, which made me feel like I wasn’t smart enough to be an author. These types of books should help and not harm.
The second problem that stemmed from my confidence was that I kept being afraid that someone would take my advice and it wouldn’t work. Then, they would be upset and talk as if I gave them a sure thing. My advice is never given thinking it will work 100% of the time and I try to get that point across. This time, I was more blunt and flat out stated that what works for me might not work for another person. It could require some adjustment since every story is different. I peppered the story with this reminder and stories about when I took similar advice to what I was given and failed. This ended up giving Do I Need to Use a Dragon?a more human, experienced feel to some people.
Considering I’m still harboring some doubts in me being allowed to do a fantasy tip book, I don’t think I would change anything. Whatever I altered would probably make a mess of what I completed. Is it perfect? No, but that goes along with me saying what works for one author won’t always work for another. This book was never made to be perfect. It was just me reaching out and maybe helping out a few other authors who are having trouble with their stories. Book didn’t sell, but I think I’m more okay with this one just being out there without action than my fantasy stories. At least, there’s always a chance someone might stumble onto it in their time of need.
Questions time!
How do you feel about ‘how to write’ books?
How do you prefer to receive advice?
What would you write an advice book on if you had to?
It’s pretty much over for me. Holding onto this little bit of summer while I’m away. I mean, I’m resting today and heading home tomorrow. Then, I’m back at school on Wednesday. Don’t expect much in the way of in-depth posts until Friday when I’m going to do something silly.
This was the last full weekend of my summer break. Technically, I didn’t have a big break because I worked the summer program for 6 weeks. I’ll get to me throughout the week though. This about other people.
This was the only full week of break I got between summer school and the 24-25 school year. I’m back at work on Wednesday. That’s why I’m currently on my way to Oswego, NY for a few days of rest. Just needed to get away from Long Island since I’ve been having a terrible year. I can already see the last 4 months aren’t going to be any better, so I need downtime. We’ll see how that goes.
This was the only week that I had my son, so we tried to fit in as much fun as we could even though he had a lot of appointments. For various reasons, all of these ‘had to be’ done on my time. Not going to get into it, but I wasn’t happy that this is a rather consistent trend. So, a lot of our days were Pokemon Go between appointments, school supply shopping, and Halloween costume shopping. Next Saturday is going to revolve around sewing, so I’m having to watch videos on clothing alterations. The things we do for our kids, right?
Aside from Pokemon Go and appointments, we did get two trips in. Last Saturday was the Bronx Zoo with my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. It was fun and we were pretty much at the whim of the little one. Got through most of the zoo, but it was a weekend and some lines were too long. It was pretty hot too, so a lot of the animals were resting and taking naps. Can’t say I blamed them. Best picture is probably this one:
The other outing was on Wednesday when we went to the New York Aquarium with my parents. I haven’t been there in years and they were still repairing from damage caused by Superstorm Sandy. Most was fixed, but this exhibit on invertebrates wasn’t open. It was cool with all of the jellyfish and crabs. It isn’t a big aquarium like the one out east, which is fine since we’re only allowed 3 hour parking. It was just nice to get out to some place new and relax a bit. Best picture of the trip was:
I know I said the main goal was fun, which I did have this week. Yet, there were a lot of things that had to get done. So, I didn’t get to rest and felt like everything was being rushed. Appointments set the pace more than I expected. You can’t go off and do much if you have to be somewhere in the middle of the afternoon. Either you wake up early and run around in the morning or just take it easy. Doesn’t help that I had to start packing as I got closer to today, which meant staying home for a bit. Can’t really say that a rushed, somewhat tiring summer is par for the course this year.
Writing-wise, I didn’t get to anything that I wanted. With Darwin & the Avenging Elf done in terms of edits, I didn’t want to dive into the next book until after my trip. It means I have to carry less since a printed out manuscript is heavy. I had hoped that an afternoon long appointment for my son would have given me time to work on ‘Phi Beta Files’. It didn’t because there wasn’t any place for me to work in the room, which makes sense. That and the company wasn’t very inspiring for creativity. Guess those outlines are my goal for when I’m in Oswego. Want to at least get most of them done and then I can start designing one of my other ‘group stories’. These aren’t really outlines so much as one line explaining what happens in each of the 10 short stories that compose the volumes. I hope I don’t just end up sleeping the whole two days away before I come back, but it’s entirely possible.
As I said, I go back to work next Wednesday even though the students will still be off. It’s two Superintendent Conference days and then a 4 day weekend. Got some minor stuff planned on those days like I said. Seeing a friend on Friday for a full day hang out and sewing to get as much of my son’s costume done as possible. Once I get all of that done, I’ll be starting in on Darwin & the Demon Game. Although, I might start that on the work days when I have downtime. The school district is changing the high school times from 7:50-2:26 to 8:25-2:55. I’m still showing up at 7:15 because my son has be into his own school by 7, which means I’m just getting a longer day. Might as well get my body used to it instead of making it a shock to the system on the first day. Definitely going to need a Dunkin breakfast since I go in the day after I drive back from Oswego, which is going to be about 7 hours or more depending on traffic. I really can’t get any long-term rest unless I catch Covid.
So, what are the goals for the week?
Drive safely on both travel days.
Relax and enjoy Oswego.
Do NOT fall asleep during conference days.
Get back home on Tuesday in time for Pokemon Spotlight Hour in evening.
Finish ‘Phi Beta Files’ prep.
Get together with friend for day of chillin’.
Start editing Darwin & the Demon Game.
Get to Oswego before the place with unique candy and chip flavors closes. (These are the types they have in China and Japan like Strawberry Chocolate Torte Kitkats.)
Come in and have a seat at the bar. We don’t serve alcohol here, but the setting helps people find their perfect glass. You know that the right glass will enhance the taste of what you’re drinking? It’s not scientifically proven, but it makes sense if you think about it for a few seconds. Now, take a look and see what catches your fancy. Here is our list of products:
Chalice– Perfect for any light drink such as wine. Enjoyed by many religious people, so holy engravings are available.
Goblet– Preferred for water and tea. Ours are enchanted to maintain the perfect temperature of whatever it is holding.
Beer Stein– Comes in lid and lidless varieties. Can include a snack summoning enchantment for either pretzels, pork rinds, chips, or nuts.
Snifter– Designed specifically to the customer’s hand for optimal swirling. Will do minor adjustments as person grows.
Wine Glass– Comes in sets of 8 with 4 for white and 4 for red. Made to be unbreakable and impervious to smears.
Martini– Name says it all and they have been designed to never spill.
Large Drink Glass– Enchanted to sprout drink accessories on command such as little umbrellas.
Margarita– Once the rim is covered in salt, it will self-replenish the ring until the drink is done.
Champagne Flute– Comes in set of 2, 4, and 12. Maintains bubbliness of liquid whether it be champagne or soda.
Shot Glasses– Any picture can be put on the glass. Due to small size, they are enchanted to return to the owner after an hour of being used. Special container given to prevent them from appearing at inappropriate times.
Collins Glass– Can also be adjusted to highball size. Releases flavor enhancer when touched by garnishes.
Tumbler– Basic drinking glass that is indestructible, self-cleaning, and does not sweat when ice is added.
Milkshake– Keeps drinks cold. Can be enchanted with a lactose negation spell, which means people can have a milkshake without fear.
Balloon– Can release drink as bubbles. Not sure why people like this one.
Faux Solo Cup– The glass is tinted red and made to feel like plastic. Very popular for frat parties that wish to appear fancy.
We have more, but those are our most popular ones. Why are you asking about frames and lens? So strange.
Carl Sagan Quote (Supposedly. Internet isn’t always honest.)
(A poem about missing the creativity we had as children. Feels like adults can’t even try to fly as high as kids. Maturity definitely comes at a price.)
I remember older days
When my mind would wander
Taking flight in vivid form
Leaving reality for visions
Where all my senses stirred
I remember wrestling bears
And playing games with dragons
Monsters stalked me
As I walked along with legends
Birthed from my limitless mind
An innocence of thought
That I treasured above all facts
A power I took for granted
Never dreaming
That the flights would end
Facts and fears fill my mind
As I move from boy to man
My visions begin to dull
Until they are shadows
Of the worlds I wandered
I try to fly again
Hoping to stir the power
Long ignored for practicality
All I find are glimmers
As reality strangles me
This is going to be a strange and awkward topic. I’ll connect it to writing after I give the initial catalyst event.
So, I had to deal with two people who don’t always get along. I brought up a complaint one of them made to me about the other. They were then accused of always exaggerating things, which causes trouble. While I agreed, there was an emotional side of things that made me understand why things felt bigger to them. Of course, a few minutes later, the other person made an accusation about an event I knew of and they went all in on exaggerating things. Let’s just saying pointing this out didn’t go in my favor because I was told that they are telling the flat truth.
That event had me thinking about how many people will exaggerate things, but believe their own words. I used to think this only happened when a person repeats the same life over and over again. They say it so often that they get themselves to believe that was the truth when it wasn’t. Basically, they gaslight their brains and it becomes a challenge to get them to admit what really happened. When you have people arguing over a event and even one of them is exaggerating, you can’t get anywhere. Either they have to suck up their pride to admit they went too far or dig in their heels. Sadly, I tend to see the second option.
Exaggeration on a low scale can effectively get people on your side, but it tends to fall apart when you make things too big. At that point, those who don’t blindly agree with you or are actually thinking about your story could turn. The story transforms from a simple retelling to a flat out lie. Many times, an exaggeration of a real life event is done to boost the speaker’s ego or tear another person down. Heck, I’ve seen a few people achieve both of those goals in the same conversation. Flat out manipulation, which one could consider toxic, harmful, and possibly evil.
Unless you’re an author telling a story where you want to make your world and characters as colorful as possible. Authors have a long history of using exaggeration to boost the effectiveness of a story. It could be with describing the world or the characters, but they come very close to breaking the suspension of disbelief. Fantasy authors do this a lot for creatures and battles too because one feels like they have to push extra hard to get a truly fictional world across. Don’t know what I would do without my army of adjectives to help me describe things. Can only say ‘large’ or ‘huge’ so many times, which are milder versions of exaggerations.
Even with writing, you can go too far with exaggerating things. This can happen when you describe one thing in a ‘normal’ way and then exaggerate something else to the point where they don’t mesh. It’s similar to a liar who doesn’t know when to quit and pull back on the fibbing. The author just goes a few steps too far and damages what they have previously made. For example, describing a cavern as being the size of a small house because you aren’t thinking much about setting. Then, you have the characters run into a monster with exaggerated features like enormous body, limbs that stretch for miles, or a mouth that could swallow an adult dragon. The two things don’t always add up in the mind of the reader, especially if the author made the cavern bigger in their mind as they wrote. Oops.
My question about exaggeration being effective really does appear to depend on how far one goes. Like any type of lying, there is a line you shouldn’t cross if you want to be believed. The other person’s trust in you is important because they can’t look very hard at the exaggeration before it crumbles. I definitely see it as a potent writing tool, but one with sharp edges that you can get yourself with. An author can’t always tell when they’ve gone too far because their minds adjust things in real-time. Hence, use exaggeration with caution if you want it to be effective.
Legends of Windemere 