A Wicked Plot

Flipping raccoons, friends!

Sure, you may be hearing about them in the news a lot, but that isn't what I'm here to talk about!

No, I am talking about plotting right now. It is a venomous beast, with long legs and a deep freeze full of moose hamburger! Now, I will preface this by saying that I used to be of the mind that you didn't have to do a whole lot of plotting, you just needed to know your characters, and they would live in your mind world and sort of live out the adventure, and dictate to you exactly what to write. I still believe this is doable for some people in some situations, but for me, I have discovered the magic power of plotting out my books.

Sure... it sorta seems like a no brainer. Duh! Of course you should plot your flipping book! It isn't a funhouse mirror show, after all! Not that I know what that means...

Anyway... I can't remember what we are talking about now. The mirror thing got me off track. Let me read back...

...

Right! Plotting!

I wont make some weird statement about how you need to plot to write a good book, or to write fast or what have you. I wont, because for everyone who is gonna write at some point in their lives, it might not be true. I mean, I am sure there are hosts of writers who have written brilliant books with no idea what they were doing. I like to think that Gone with the Wind is such a book. Well... that's not true. Or maybe it is.

The point is, lost on me, so let me start again...

I think everyone should consider plotting their book to some depth. It has had a great effect on my story telling. I thought, at the outset, that such a thing would be limiting to me. I thought it would take away the magic of seeing my characters come to life in a way only writers understand. Where they surprise you, by doing things that you had not anticipated. I think that is one of the reasons that many great writers want to fly by the seat of their pants, as it were. It is exciting, and you get to see your characters living...

But does plotting really take this magic away from you? In my experience, I have to say it doesn't. In fact, as I am finishing up a project, now... I tend to think it helps me experience these events more frequently. Again, this may be just me. But that is how it worked out. I know it has made me a better writer, and I don't intend to go back to the seat of my pants for ideas. Honestly, he stank... Get it?

Okay, that was immature, I will give you that. I am also pretty sure I am rambling at this point. But then again, isn't that what we writers do? I like to think so. Or is that statement a lie?

 

Honestly, I am way more lost than you right now. If you could point me in the direction of my purpose for writing this, I would be grateful...

 

You don't wanna? That's cool, too.

 

But I suppose that's all I have to say.

 

Or is it?

 

Yeah... probably.

A New Era is Coming...

Things are starting to get crazy over at Ravania Entertainment. I mean, I knew we were going to be expanding, and offering some new content, but wow! I have been writing right now more than ever before, and there are some good ideas in the oven.

So, what am I here to say today? Well, if you haven't heard, we are going to be releasing a digital magazine of sorts. You can read about it a bit more here. Arlin does a better job at explaining it than I do.

 

With all this extra writing, I'm as busy as I've ever been, but it feels very good. Things are still in the early stages, but I'll give a little bit of information on what's to come. I just finished writing a short story starring Jack Lantern. He's a well known figure to me. His first adventure is available now. Have you bought it? No? Well, here is a link... You should check it out. Sources within my own brain say it's a pretty beastly read.

Anyway... where was I? Oh, right! Short story!

It takes place before the first book in the series which holds claim on the eponymous character. There are ghosts, and goblins and maybe even a talking cat! Yeah... It's cool.

 

Over, and well above my humble little offering, there will be three other stories. These are all a very big treat. All of them showcase the talent of their authors so well, I am almost scared to be placed alongside them. Every single one of them promises to grab you by the eyeballs, reach into your brain and hold onto your attention like some kind of lemur. Well... as long as lemur's are well known for holding onto things... like, really tightly.

 

Umm... yeah. Maybe that was a little odd to say, looking back at it, now.

 

Anyway... As we move forward with this, there will be serialized stories appearing, as well as somewhat standalone pieces.

Right now, I am plotting out a new series that will début in this magazine in future. It's a real challenge, and a different way of approaching a story and the process of writing, but like anything I decide to write, it's gnarly and has me pretty stoked.

 

So, what I am saying is... Keep your eyes open. There is a lot more to come.

 

We are a new era in entertainment.

 

The New Era is Now.

A Moment of Silence...

I try not to talk about celebrities a whole bunch. Okay, so I talked about meeting Derek Landy! That was one flipping time, people! Can you just give me a break already? What I'm saying is, I try not to talk about them all the time because it just feels weird, ya know?

They live in their own little world and we observe them from the outside, but sometimes, I feel the need to mention a select few. There are some actors and writers that awaken in me massive amounts of adventure, and inspire me beyond my ability to keep up. These people are usually ones I've grown up observing and learning from. You'll see very obvious references to them in my books, trust me.

 

There is one person I would like to mention now, because I've always enjoyed his work, and always been inspired by his ability to make you believe in the character he was. Immediately, you simply accepted him for who he said he was. Let me tell you, he's been on a heck of a lot of adventures in his time, too. I've always wanted to write a story that spoke to his characters, and captured the same adventure and wonder that he excited in me.

 

I always thought I'd get around to doing it sooner or later, and that was just that. He'd keep making film and I'd keep watching, soaking up the inspiration that he'd send me and then, one day... Id finally have a story cool enough to write...

 

Well, I'm getting closer to that story, and I think it's starting to solidify in my mind. But the hero of my T.V. screen is gone now. It makes me sad, but I know he'll be alright. Somebody's gotta have car chases up there... Somebody's gotta charge five hundred dollars a day... Plus expenses. Somebody's gotta ride into town with a thousand dollar bill pinned to the inside of his jacket.

 

James Garner may be gone, but his stories live on. His characters endure.

 

I know it's sappy, and I just sound like a fan lamenting the passing of an actor, an old timer from a different age. Maybe that's all this is, but I just feel he deserves a mention. There countless people who will remember Mister Garner. There are so many that were inspired by his characters, too. I'm proudly one of them, and I'll continue to be.

 

Jack Lantern thanks you, Mister Garner. Along with a host of other characters I know, and have yet to dream up.

 

Rest in Peace, Mister Rockford... Your job is done.

Mandatory Post

Well, I am at a loss for words. See, I promised a few people I would write one of these doodads, and I assured said parties that said doodads would be done by morning.

...The thing is... I don't know what to write about!

Sure, it's late here, and I am very tired... but by golly, I need to do this! So, without any further warning.... Here is me... writing.

I'm making a lot of progress on a few really cool projects. Honestly, I can't wait to tell you more about them... If I spill the beans now, however, I'm afraid a large group of mountain gnomes will kidnap my best friends first born child... When he has child. No, I suppose, for now... it's best to play this secret information close to the chest.

 

A few weeks ago, I lost a chunk of my files, due to a computer crash. It was unfortunate, and most likely linked to gang violence. My laptop was just on its way to work for the day when it was jumped, and its hard drive mercilessly attacked with a massive sack of broken.

Thank heavens for backups and such, right? All in all, I think I lost a few pages and had a big black eye to my pride. It was cool, though...

I guess the moral of the story is... backup your work often!

There you go, kids.

 

Okay. Enough babbling. I can't tell you much, but I will say this, before I go...

I'm half done writing the first draft to a sequel, which will remain nameless. On top of that, I am happy to say that a series of stories I feared dead, is now back on track! That is really cool news, because I have been hoping to tell this tale for a long time. I wont promise any date for a release, but know it is in the works. I finally figured out the heart of the series The soul of the books. It's very exciting and I flipping cant wait to show you. Shadow Mountain is coming, and I promise you it's going to be better than ever!for now, I am just gonna go pass out.

Okay with you? It's okay with me.

More news soon, people.

Oh, and I apologise for the nonsensical post. I have a mighty sleep upon me. And now, I go to conquer said beast... with shield of blanket, helm of pillow and sword of... another blanket!

TO BATTLE!

 

 

 



Hello, my name is...

 

So today is a pretty big day for me. It is the cusp of the weekend, Dominion Day right around the corner... and a friend of mine gets to see the light of day after a long while in the making.

There is a lot of work that goes into one of my books. Sure, some people, even myself, would say that maybe there's not enough... But still, you get the picture.

I started down this road... well, a long time ago, now. This character spoke to me immediately, wanting to be brought to life, to see the world, and show me his own. I got excited, and tried to bring him out, but apparently I rushed.

Jack doesn't like to be rushed.

I can't remember exactly how many times I started this story. I think it was around four, but I could be wrong. Might have been eight. The point is, Jack's worlds was one that required a little more finesse than I was used to. I learned a lot writing this book, and I'm still learning.

Jack taught me that some things are worth fighting for. He taught me that no matter how hard it seems, and how hard you get hit, you need to get back up.

This was one of the hardest stories to write, because it taught me, and fought me every step of the way. I think, in the end, it was worth the trouble.

I hope you agree.

So, it is with great trepidation and a smattering of pride, that I introduce everyone out there to my latest story. One that I think you will grow to love as much as I have.

 

Meet Jack Lantern;

Private Eye.

Personal Protection.

Pumpkin-for-a-Head.

The road ahead is totally awesome... and filled with Pumpkins or something...

 

 

 

Available to read now, at

https://www.createspace.com/4567877

 

 

There is a poo load of cool things coming that will hopefully get you all excited for Jack's first adventure. Read about them here, and keep checking back.

 

Two Years Later...

Okay, so it's been a while.

Let's just get that out of the way.

 

Now that that's out of the way... Welcome, to my world my friends.

I have been hard at work, writing, and sleeping... maybe eating a few too many doughnuts.

 

Today marks the beginning of a journey. There is a buttload of stuff I wanna share with everyone that likes totally awesome stuff, and that is all coming down the track very soon. In the next day or so, I will post the cover for my new book, and thus, show you the gateway to this new journey. This road we shall all travel down together.

It promises to be quite exciting.

Very quite!

 

Dalkey Book Festival 2012

I am a happy man!

I know you’re probably wondering why I have this ridiculous grin plastered on my face. I know that after wearing it for two weeks, you’re sure I’ve damaged my face, and scared many innocent people all over the world. Sure, I may have creeped some people out, and sure, you may be more than a little annoyed that I still refuse to stop smiling… But in my defence, I have good reason for this stupid smile.

Do I know something that you don’t know? Am I in some way superior to you?

Well, I can answer that.

Yes.

Okay, that’s really stuck up, I’ll admit. It’s more pompous than… a really pompous… man. But I can’t help it. I have been supercharged. I have seen the light! I have met my hero!

Sure, I suppose you’re rolling your eyes right now, grumbling and mumbling some random string of words, complaining about how that’s really nothing too exciting. First off, that’s really rude! Why are you trying to tear me down, just because I am happy? Secondly, you obviously don’t understand just how awesome my hero is! Sure, I’d agree with you if I had some rubbish hero… But I don’t!

Yes, I met Mister Landy, and it was a true experience. It shook me to my core. I mean, this is the man! THE GOLDEN GOD! Truly, he impacted me on a level that I think is more than a little obvious. Even with how great of a writer and how big of an influence he has been on me, I’m sure the question still remains… WHY are you writing about this meeting?

Truthfully, a big part of it is because I am just so excited. I mean, this, for me, was like meeting the king! You choose which king… What I’m getting at, is this was a very big deal for me! That excitement I feel is one of the reasons I got into writing. And here I was, randomly in Ireland, and able to meet him! How awesome for me!

More important than how cool it was for me, is how uplifting it was to hear him speak to the audience, and the inspiration he gave. That is what got me really excited. That’s what filled me with a fire to get back to it, to keep plugging away, and working on my writing. Not only was I reminded that it’s supposed to be fun to write, but that it’s doable. I know it’s hard, and I know it takes a lot of work, but Derek truly is an inspiration.

What am I trying to say? I have no idea. Probably nothing… Except…

I MET DEREK LANDY!!!!!