Scifi Saturday: THE BLACKHOLE

Short Film Friday: SHE

May Events

I have a couple in-person events coming up in May. Come out and say hi, get a book signed or just point and laugh!

• May 11th - Manassas Reads
• May 19th - Spring Lot Con
• May 24th to 26th - Balticon

 

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: Beta Readers

One lesser-known tip for authors is to utilize beta readers before publishing your work. 

Beta readers can provide valuable feedback on your manuscript, helping you identify areas for improvement and ensuring that your story resonates with your target audience. Additionally, beta readers can catch errors or inconsistencies you may have missed. This can ultimately lead to a stronger final product that is more likely to be well-received by readers. 

I like to have a mix of beta readers. Some are fellow authors, some are avid readers of the book's genre, and some have never read any of my other books.

The key is that they all need to be brutally honest and specific.

I like to have about ten beta readers. About 30% don't have time, and that's fine. I have had as many as thirty (too many) and as few as three (too few). 

--They always help make my books better.

On Sale Now!!

 

Mmmmm... Bacon.

 

Scifi Saturday: ALIEN TRESPASS

From NASA...

Quote of the Week

 

Some Great Tips

Hardcover Edition Now On Sale!

 

Bacon and Burglary

 

Scifi Saturday: Encounter (1:32)

Short Film Friday: Firmware

Quote of the Week

 

Now On Sale: Kindle, KU, Paperback, and Hardback Editions!

 

The Eclipse!

Today is the Eclipse! Let's hope there won't be a Zombie outbreak!!

Detailed View of a Solar Eclipse Corona Image Credit & Copyright: Phil Hart

 --Did you notice?

Next Up: Time Travel

 

Cinema Saturday: Kaena: The Prophecy

Short Film Friday: SHE

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tip!

Here is a really important tip for people who write Science Fiction.

You may have a great idea for new scifi gadgets and tech. You may have done some amazing world building and created a scifi setting that's kick ass. You may even have a good plot, a detailed nine act structure.

None of that will matter if you don't have great characters. 

A great story NEEDS compelling characters that the audience can relate to. Include a clear protagonist, the antagonist(s) AND secondary and even tertiary characters.

--Even if it's a cat...

New Release! Revenge of the Render

 

Yet Another Release Day!!

 

Book Club: Sole Survivor

This morning I am going to my Book Club. This month we read Sole Survivor by Ruthanne Lum McCunn.

I really love this book club. Not only are the people great but it leads me to read books I may not otherwise read. Sole Survivor is no exception.

This book was really brutal in detailing all the hardships Poon Lim went through. These kind of stories will help make me a better author.

Here is the description from Amazon:

On November 23, 1942, German U-Boats torpedoed the British ship Benlomond and it sank in the Atlantic in two minutes. The sole survivor was a second steward named Poon Lim, who, with no knowledge of the sea, managed to stay alive for 133 days on a small wooden raft. Finally rescued at the mouth of the Amazon River, Poon was hailed as the "World's Champion Survivor." He still holds the Guinness World Record for survival at sea.

--Great book, highly recommended.

Short Film Friday: NEVEN

Coming Soon!! Sunday!

 

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tip: Ending First

So you have a great idea and you have no idea where to begin. 

Try this: Write the ending first.

If you can see where the destination of the idea goes, write that climax. You may find it easy when you flesh out the ending, to back up into the inciting incident.

--Give it a try.

Kindle Countdown Deal!!

 What if everything they knew about Vampires was wrong?

--Back to regular price on April 1st!

Cats, any cats...

 

Scifi Saturday: Voyager

Short Film Friday: Love Automated

Need I say more?

Quotes of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips!

A Great Writing Tip for New Authors:  Habit

One great writing tip for new authors is to develop a writing habit. Building a consistent writing routine can help you overcome writer's block, stay motivated, and make progress on your projects. Here's why establishing a writing habit is important:

Consistency: Making writing a regular part of your life helps you develop discipline and consistency. By setting aside dedicated time for writing, you create a habit that becomes ingrained in your routine.

Productivity: When writing becomes a habit, you're more likely to make progress on your projects. Even if you don't feel particularly inspired, sitting down to write regularly can help you overcome creative blocks and generate ideas.

Improvement: The more you write, the better you become. Writing regularly allows you to practice and refine your skills, helping you grow as an author. It's through consistent practice that you can develop your unique voice and style.

To establish a writing habit, consider the following tips:

Set a Schedule: Determine a specific time each day or week when you can dedicate yourself to writing. Treat it as an appointment with yourself and prioritize it.

Create a Writing Space: Designate a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus on your writing without distractions. Having a dedicated space can help signal to your brain that it's time to write.

Start Small: If you're new to writing, start with shorter writing sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Consistency is more important than the length of each session.

Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable writing goals for each session, such as writing a certain number of words or completing a specific scene. Breaking down your writing into smaller tasks can make it more manageable and less overwhelming.

Remember, building a writing habit takes time and effort, but it can greatly enhance your writing journey. Embrace the process, stay motivated, and keep writing consistently to develop your skills and bring your stories to life.

March 31st!!

 

The Squirrels Again...

 

Scifi Saturday: The Day Time Ended 1979

Short Film Friday: The Fore-Men

Can We Unleash Creativity Harnessing AI to Write a Novel?

In an era where technology continues to transform various aspects of our lives, it is no surprise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has found its way into the realm of writing. Aspiring authors and seasoned writers alike have begun exploring the possibilities of using AI to assist in the creative process. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of using AI to write a novel, exploring the advantages, challenges, and potential implications of this emerging trend.

Enhancing Creativity: AI can be a powerful tool for writers, acting as a creative assistant by generating ideas, suggesting plot twists, or even developing unique characters. By feeding the AI system with relevant data and prompts, authors can tap into a vast reservoir of information, expanding their own creative boundaries. AI can provide fresh perspectives, offering unique ideas that may not have occurred to the writer otherwise.

Enhancing Efficiency: Writing a novel is a laborious task that requires time and dedication. AI can significantly enhance efficiency by automating certain aspects of the writing process. Grammar and spell-checking, proofreading, and even generating drafts can be streamlined with the assistance of AI tools. This allows authors to focus more on the creative aspects of their work, saving time and energy.

Balancing Human Touch and AI Assistance: While AI can be a valuable aid in the writing process, it is crucial to maintain a balance between human creativity and AI assistance. It is essential for authors to maintain their unique voice and style, ensuring that the final product remains a genuine expression of their creativity. AI should be viewed as a tool to augment and support the writing process, rather than as a replacement for human imagination.

Ethical Considerations: As we embrace the potential of AI in writing, it is important to consider the ethical implications. Plagiarism, copyright infringement, and the authenticity of the creative process are concerns that need to be addressed. Authors should be transparent about their use of AI tools and give due credit where necessary. It is vital to understand the limits of AI and to preserve the integrity of the writing profession.

Conclusion:

The integration of AI into the writing process opens up exciting possibilities for authors. From inspiring creativity to enhancing efficiency, AI tools can be powerful allies. However, it is important to strike a balance between human creativity and AI assistance, ensuring that the final work remains an authentic expression of the author's unique voice. As we venture into this new frontier, it is essential to navigate the ethical considerations and preserve the integrity of the writing profession. With the right approach, AI can be a valuable asset, helping authors unleash their creativity and bring captivating stories to life.

Quote of the Week

 "Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it's the only way you can do anything really good." 

- William Faulkner .

"As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand." 

- Ernest Hemingway.

"To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme." 

- Herman Melville .

"Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on." 

- Louis L'Amour .

"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story." 

- Terry Pratchett .

22 Story Tips from Pixar

These rules were originally tweeted by Emma Coates, Pixar’s Story Artist. Number 9 on the list - When you’re stuck, make a list of what wouldn’t happen next – is a great one and can apply to writers in all genres.

1. You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.

2. You gotta keep in mind what’s interesting to you as an audience, not what’s fun to do as a writer. They can be very different.

3. Trying for a theme is important, but you won’t see what the story is actually about til you’re at the end of it. Now rewrite.

4. Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.

5.Simplify. Focus. Combine characters. Hop over detours. You’ll feel like you’re losing valuable stuff but it sets you free.

6. What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?

7. Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.

8.Finish your story, let go even if it’s not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on. Do better next time.

9. When you’re stuck, make a list of what WOULDN’T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.

10. Pull apart the stories you like. What you like in them is a part of you; you’ve got to recognize it before you can use it.

11. Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you’ll never share it with anyone.

12. Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.

13. Give your characters opinions. Passive/malleable might seem likable to you as you write, but it’s poison to the audience.

14. Why must you tell THIS story? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That’s the heart of it.

15. If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.

16. What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don’t succeed? Stack the odds against.

17. No work is ever wasted. If it’s not working, let go and move on – it’ll come back around to be useful later.

18. You have to know yourself: the difference between doing your best & fussing. Story is testing, not refining.

19. Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great; coincidences to get them out of it are cheating.

20. Exercise: take the building blocks of a movie you dislike. How d’you rearrange them into what you DO like?

21. You gotta identify with your situation/characters, can’t just write ‘cool’. What would make YOU act that way?

22. What’s the essence of your story? Most economical telling of it? If you know that, you can build out from there.

Audio Edition now on sale!

 

That Cat is always looking for new angles...

 

SciFi Saturday: This Island Earth (1955)

Short Film Friday: Goliath

Quick Software List

I got several emails recently about what software I use. Here is a quick list:

Some useful software for sci-fi authors includes Scrivener for organizing and structuring your writing. There are lots of Scrivener training vids on YouTube and books on Amazon. 

Plottr for plotting and outlining your story.

I also recommend ProWritingAid and Grammarly for editing and improving your writing. Neither is perfect but both are useful.

That's my quick list!

Quotes of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips!

Here are five great tips:

1. Develop a unique and believable world: Create a detailed and immersive world for your story, complete with its own history, technology, and social structures.

2. Focus on character development: Make sure your characters are well-rounded and relatable, with their own motivations and flaws.

3. Use science and technology creatively: Incorporate scientific concepts and futuristic technology in a way that enhances your story and adds depth to your world.

4. Explore ethical and philosophical themes: Sci-fi is a great genre for exploring complex ethical and philosophical questions, so don't be afraid to delve into these themes in your writing.

5. Keep the plot engaging and unpredictable: Make sure your story has plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked, and don't be afraid to take risks with your plot.

I hope these tips help! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Pre-sale! Makin it happen!

 

To be a cat...

 

SciFi Saturday: War of the Satellites (1958 Roger Corman)

Short Sci-Fi Film Friday: "Blank Shores"

Short Sci-Fi Film Friday: "Blank Shores"

Short Film Friday: "Forever Sleep"

Writing a novel for fun!

Writing a novel for fun can be a great creative outlet and a rewarding experience. When starting to write a novel, it's important to first come up with a compelling idea or concept that excites you. This could be a unique plot, interesting characters, or a specific setting that you find intriguing.

Once you have your idea, it's helpful to outline your novel to give yourself a roadmap to follow as you write. This can include creating character profiles, plotting out key events, and establishing the overall structure of your story.

When it comes to actually writing your novel, consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to work on your manuscript, even if it's just for a short period. This will help you stay focused and make progress on your novel.

Don't be afraid to let your creativity flow and explore different ideas as you write. Writing a novel for fun should be an enjoyable experience, so allow yourself to experiment and take risks with your storytelling.

Remember, writing a novel is a process, and it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Editing and revising your work is an important part of the writing process, so don't be afraid to go back and make changes to improve your story.

Overall, writing a novel for fun is a wonderful way to express yourself and unleash your imagination. Enjoy the journey, and have fun bringing your story to life!

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: Getting started.

First off, don't worry about anything else until your book is written. 

The hardest part for new authors to finish their first book can vary from person to person. Some common challenges include finding the time and motivation to write consistently and overcoming self-doubt.

Perfectionism has killed many a good story. Navigating the complexities of storytelling and plot development is a skill that can only be learned by practice. 

Additionally, many new authors struggle with finding their unique voice and style, as well as dealing with writer's block and the fear of failure. I personally don't believe writer's block is a thing. Bad discipline and planning are what stop writers.

New authors just need to persevere and seek support from fellow writers or writing communities to overcome these challenges.

--Good luck. Finish things.

Kindle Unlimited!

Do you have Kindle Unlimited? It's like Netflix for Books! It lets you check out my books for free! All my novels and short stories are available on KU!

--- Check them out!

It always comes back to...

 

SciFi Saturday: Divergent

Short Scifi Short Friday: Webcam

Author Snacks: More important than you think...

Many authors find that light and easy-to-eat snacks are ideal, as they don't require much effort or distract from the writing process. 

Some common choices include fresh fruit like grapes or berries, nuts such as almonds or cashews, or even a small bowl of popcorn. Ultimately, the best snack for an author may vary depending on their personal taste and dietary preferences.

My best snack is chocolate-covered, roasted, coffee beans...

Click the image to get yours now...

Quote of the Week.

 --Writer Retreat coming soon!!

Soon: Spring Writer Retreat

I will be heading out for a twelve-day Writer Retreat later this month. In those twelve days, I will write the first draft of an entire novel. I will average 5,000 to 10,000 words a day. But to do that, I will need to do some prep work:

• Write a detailed outline. 20-30 pages. Scene-by-scene bullets.
• Character sheets for all the main characters.
• Plot location planning with maps.
• A playlist that sets the tone.
• No distractions. No internet except my phone.
• Great food and drink for all 12 days, so I need not go anywhere.
• Lots of DVDs to watch in the evenings.
• Put the Outline into Scrivener before you go.

For this retreat, I will be in a mountain cabin in West Virginia. I go places by myself to remove the distractions of my daily life. Mostly because I LOVE my favorite distractions. My wife, my pets, my ultra high-speed Internet, and every streaming service available. I love all of that. 

Plus, it doesn't hurt that this cabin has a hot tub...

Need some Audio Adventure?

 

Demanding Bailey is demanding...

 

SciFi Saturday: Transcendence

6 Years ago today!

 Today, six years ago, was my last day at work. It's been a fast, glorious six years.

I think I will take my wife out to lunch to celebrate! 2,190 days of freedom!

I still don't know why I wake up at 6am every day...

I started outlining my next novel today...

I will be using the Nine Act Structure. 

In the Nine Act structure, the story is divided into nine acts, each with its own purpose and focus. These acts are:

1. Act 1: Introduction - This act introduces the main characters, setting, and conflict of the story. It sets the stage for the events to come.

2. Act 2: Rising Action - This act builds upon the introduction and develops the conflict further. It introduces obstacles and complications that the characters must overcome.

3. Act 3: Midpoint - This act marks the halfway point of the story and often contains a major turning point or revelation. It can change the direction of the plot or reveal new information.

4. Act 4: Rising Action - This act continues to build upon the conflict and raises the stakes for the characters. It introduces new challenges and obstacles.

5. Act 5: Climax - This act is the highest point of tension and conflict in the story. It is the moment of greatest intensity and often leads to a resolution or change in the story.

6. Act 6: Falling Action - This act follows the climax and begins to resolve the conflict. It ties up loose ends and starts to bring the story towards its conclusion.

7. Act 7: Resolution - This act brings the story to a close and provides a resolution for the main conflict. It ties up any remaining loose ends and provides closure for the characters and the reader.

8. Act 8: Epilogue - This act is optional and provides a glimpse into the future of the characters or the world of the story. It can offer additional closure or leave room for interpretation.

9. Act 9: Aftermath - This act reflects on the events of the story and explores the consequences and aftermath of the conflict. It allows the reader to reflect on the story and its impact.

The Nine Act structure provides a clear roadmap for writers to follow, ensuring that their story is well-paced and engaging. It helps to create a sense of progression and development, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end. Wish me luck!!

Happy VDay, Humans!