Tag: writing

The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing is an author interview series currently generating lots of buzz for its inside look into how writers, working in a variety of genres, create their best work. Special thanks to Alan Zendell who invited me to participate and provided the questions. Take a look at Alan’s interview about his book, The Portal.

And now, it’s my turn to be The Next Big Thing!

1. What is the working title of your book?

I was initially going to write about Thief of Hope, but I also want to mention Thief of Destiny, which is the sequel and currently in progress. It’s a two for one interview deal!

2. What genre does your book fall under?

This is a fantasy series.

3. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A pickpocket becomes entangled with the commoners’ fight against an oppressive society, a would-be king’s bid for the throne, and the strange and dangerous magic of the faery folk.

4. Where did the idea come from for the book?

Well, Sydney, the heroine, was inspired by a D&D character. Yes, I played D&D in college. I’m a geek and proud of it. But as I wrote the story, the characters evolved and took on a life of their own. The more I rewrote the book, the more it evolved.

I knew there’d be a sequel because even though Thief of Hope is somewhat self-contained and that particular arc of the story has an ending, there was still more to tell. Thief of Destiny expands the scope of the story quite a bit. Sydney leaves her comfort zone and learns things that shake the foundation of what she believes. Plus there’s an additional plotline of Willem’s fight to win the throne and his challenges. There are some interesting new characters plus some old favorites return as well.

5. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I have no idea. I don’t know any actors who are the right ages. When Peter Jackson finishes with The Hobbit and is looking for his next project, he’s welcome to cast a bunch of unknowns. I have a friend who has offered to play a barmaid, though. I’m sure I can find a role for her.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Thief of Hope was published by Crescent Moon Press. I’m hoping they will also publish the sequel once it’s finished.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

I’m embarrassed to say. Years and years. I’m crossing my fingers that Thief of Destiny moves along quicker. My goal is to have it finished by fall of this year. I’m about halfway through now.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’ve had a couple people tell me it reminded them of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn because there are some similarities between Vin in Mistborn and Sydney (they share a thief/street urchin background), but otherwise the stories are completely different. I recently read Mistborn and loved it, and am very flattered by any comparison with it. When I tell people I write fantasy I usually say, you know, like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, but my book isn’t like either of those at all.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

If anything, I’ve been inspired by people who are willing to fight for justice and freedom and follow their beliefs, no matter what the cost.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Even though my books are fantasy and set in a made-up world with some magic, my characters are real and flawed and sometimes make bad choices. I think that makes them believable and I hope the reader will want to follow their stories.

Coming Up On Next Big Thing! Nancy Griffis is a dear friend and fellow author who has published a number of novels and short stories. Check out her blog to find out what she has to say about her books: http://www.nancygriffis.wordpress.com.

Calling up the muse

You know how when you get lost in a book and it starts to take over your world? I’ve been working my way through Stephen King’s Dark Tower series (now on book 4) and I’m definitely having that feeling. I admit, I have a bit of a fantasy crush on Roland Deschain. Maybe it’s because my introduction to the series was through the graphic novel The Gunslinger Born with its gorgeous artwork and a young, attractive Roland. In the series he’s older, a bit more grizzled, a survivor who is single minded in his goal of finding the Dark Tower. He’s a badass with an old world, courtly charm.

Of course, instead of spending my precious free time reading the Dark Tower series, I really should be writing. But I seem to have lost my muse. Maybe I need some of Roland’s single mindedness so I can finish writing book 2? I really don’t want to view GRR Martin as a role model in how long it takes to put out another book.

So I’m trying to picture Roland as a muse.

“You there. You have forgotten the face of your father.”

“Um, no. I just want to kickstart my writing. Can you help with that?”

He stares at me with those weathered blue eyes. “How do you write, with your hand or your heart?”

Ah yes. “See, that’s the problem. I know it’s in my heart, but how do I find it again?”

“You don’t find it. You do it.” He shakes his head in disgust. “It’s in your heart or it’s not. If you don’t know that, you don’t deserve the title gunslinger.”

“But I’m not a gunslinger. I’m trying to be an author.”

“Trying? Do or do not. There is no try.”

Wait a minute. “That sounds an awful lot like Yoda.”

“If I’m your muse would you not expect Star Wars to slip in somewhere?”

“Yes, I guess you’re right. But how–”

“There is no how. Write from your mind and your heart. That is how you will remember the face of your father. Go. Do it. Now.”

“Thankee sai. I’m off to write.”

He stares at me again. “And this facebook? And twitter? What of those distractions?”

“Yes yes, signing off.”

“And email. And the book. Put it down. For a time. We will wait. The Tower will wait. Your characters are more impatient. They need you.”

He’s right about that. And so I am off to write and lead my characters on their way to their own version of the Dark Tower.

Happy 2013 and a new writer’s wish list

Hope you all had happy holidays and wishing you joy and peace and success for 2013. I’m emerging from the whirlwind of December and trying to get things back on track and do some planning for the upcoming year. The nice thing about January is the blank slate. Anything is possible. I hope there will be big things to come this year.

I did a writer’s wish list post last year and I thought I’d do another for this year. I’m feeling a bit more introspective this time around. Stuff doesn’t seem as important as the ability to spend time with loved ones.

mp900402202The 2013 Writer’s Wish List

1. Time

This was on the list last year. I think it’s a given. We all need more time. I hope to prioritize more in 2013 and make time for the things that are really important to me. Life is too short to waste it.

2. Confidence

I’m working on this one. Sometimes it’s hard to have confidence in myself as a writer. I’m probably my own worst critic. My wonderful critique groups aren’t shy about telling me when something needs work and giving praise when something is good, but I need to remind myself also that yes, I can write and sometimes I even write well.

3. Better networking skills

I’m working on this one also. I did Balticon this year and was a panelist and survived. I even talked to a few people. I’m hoping to participate again in 2013. I’m planning to do some book festivals and other events, so this will also help build on #2.

4. An ending to my current work in progress

I admit, I’m envious of the Crescent Moon Press authors who already have sequels out. I’m working hard on Thief of Destiny and I’m determined to finish it this year. Thief of Hope has had a pretty positive reception, and Journey to Hope, a short prequel, just came out in December. I hope book 2 will help bring more fans to the series.

5. Good health and happiness to friends and family

This isn’t writing related, but I’ve found that my mental health really does impact my writing. 2012 was a tough year for a lot of people. When bad things happen, it puts into perspective what is really important. I wish I could be closer to my family and my dearest friends, but at least technology makes it easier to stay in touch. I want to send out healing thoughts to a good friend who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and is undergoing chemo. He expects to be in remission this year, but it’s going to be a challenge getting there. His wife and I have been friends for ages and I was lucky to be able to attend their New Year’s Eve wedding a number of years ago. Please check out his blog (http://myrepochbattle.wordpress.com) where he’s sharing his experiences and could use some support.

More than anything, 2012 was a reminder that we all need to be there for each other. If nothing else, I hope this is one wish that will be fulfilled this year.

Muse Online Writers Conference

This will be my second year doing a workshop for the Muse Online Writers Conference. My topic this time is point of view, and my workshop will be on Saturday, October 13.

Mastering Point of View
Are you a head hopper? Can’t decide between first person and third person? Or does the word “omniscient” make you want to run for the hills? Let’s talk point of view. I’ll cover the basics and provide examples to help you figure out what works best for your story. You’ll never be afraid of slipping into the dog’s point of view again—unless you mean it.

There is a whole week of free online workshops, but you have to register by September 3o. It’s all free. Once you register, you can access any of the workshops. So sign up and stop by and chat about point of view! I’ll be posting and responding to comments throughout the day on 10/13. And check out all of the other great workshops while you’re at it!

Happy book anniversary!

It’s been exactly a year since Thief of Hope was published. A whole year as an official author. I can’t say I’ve made enough to quit my day job, but I never expected to do that. Okay, I hoped I might and I still hope maybe someday that will happen.

I wrote a guest blog about five things I’ve learned during this past year, which was perfect timing: http://gelatisscoop.blogspot.com/2012/05/cindy-young-turner-5-things-i-have.html. Marketing has been the biggest challenge by far. I’m not sure anyone has figured out the secret or we’d all be best-selling authors. I think a lot of work and a lot of luck are involved. And what I’d much rather be doing is writing because that’s what I do best. Although I haven’t sold a ton of copies, I’ve earned two award nominations and had some really good reviews. I’m also taking heart in the fact that so many people keep asking me when the sequel is coming out. (I’m working on it, I promise!)

And if you don’t have Thief of Hope yet, get it here:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle

Barnes & Noble: Paperback | Nook

Kobo: ebook