In the latest episode of The Walking Dead, it appeared that one of the main characters, Glenn, was killed. But after taking in the chatter on the Internet, I'm convinced he is not dead. It was another body being torn apart and devoured. A body that was on top of him. Of course, the director had the actor who portrays Glenn screaming as if it was him being torn apart, but that was a ploy to trick the audience. And it was a successful ploy, as even I thought he was dead at first.
But like I said, it was the other guy's body being devoured. Glenn is not dead. That's because Glenn, along with Rick, Carl, the baby Judith, (whose aging process seems to have stopped at six months), Michonne, Maggie, Darryl, and Carol will never get killed. At least not until the final season or even the final episode. They are the core characters, and they will last for the duration of the show.
At least that's how I would write it. As for the last episode of the show, anything can happen. And that's because there will be no more shows. Like Russell Crowe in Gladiator. He died at the end, and it was okay, because the movie was over at that point.
You follow a story for one main reason. You are following the character(s), and the above characters are who the audience is following. So you don' kill them off or you lose the following. If that happens the ratings drop and the show gets canceled. It's as simple as two plus two. So, if any of them die, it will be when there's no more shows to watch. That's all.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
Hatred for Guns Projected into my Stories
Guns, guns, guns. It seems like a lot of, or most of the action stories, be they novels, movies, or TV shows, use guns. A lot of guns. It seems that most, if not all the action heroes use guns, unless their stories take place in an era before guns were invented, of course.
There's a couple shows, Bunraku, for instance, where the action takes place with no guns. That's because, in Bunraku, guns are outlawed. And now there's a new TV show coming soon, called Into the Badlands, where, like in Bunraku, guns are outlawed.
But in the real world, guns are prevalent. More than prevalent, actually, and society is surely paying the price for that prevalence. Movies, novels, and TV shows are reflecting that prevalence, often focusing on the price for that prevalence.
I hate the price that's being paid for that prevalence, although, fortunately, that price has not affected me personally, and I hope that remains true. Nevertheless, I have projected my own personal hatred for guns onto the main character in my Killer Series.
In Book One, Killer of Killers, Trent Smith never uses a gun. He is a deadly martial artist who can kill with his bare hands. He makes one comment in the story when he disarms a bad guy, and tosses the gun and knife away. "Guns and knives...weapons of cowards." That was the only allusion to his feelings about guns in the entire book, other than the fact that he never uses one.
In Book Two, I don't think Trent makes any comments about guns, but he still never uses a gun. He is forced to use a katana, however, and he just happens to be an expert. Being trained in Japan, that is a very realistic development. He's a master at Kendo, which is the art of using a katana. The fact that Trent Smith holds the rank of Judan automatically suggests he's a master with a katana, and he most certainly is.
But when it comes to guns, in Book Three, which is a WIP right now, I do put in there that Trent wishes guns had never been invented. Now I'm not so extreme in that belief, personally, but I do wish guns were limited to the military and police. I don't think 'Johnny Average' needs a gun. I don't believe in hunting, either, btw. I don't recognize the "sport" in shooting an animal that's grazing, and/or minding its own business in an area where it's at home. But the world is the way it is, and all I can do about it is write great stories. And that's all I'll ever be able to do.
There's a couple shows, Bunraku, for instance, where the action takes place with no guns. That's because, in Bunraku, guns are outlawed. And now there's a new TV show coming soon, called Into the Badlands, where, like in Bunraku, guns are outlawed.
But in the real world, guns are prevalent. More than prevalent, actually, and society is surely paying the price for that prevalence. Movies, novels, and TV shows are reflecting that prevalence, often focusing on the price for that prevalence.
I hate the price that's being paid for that prevalence, although, fortunately, that price has not affected me personally, and I hope that remains true. Nevertheless, I have projected my own personal hatred for guns onto the main character in my Killer Series.
In Book One, Killer of Killers, Trent Smith never uses a gun. He is a deadly martial artist who can kill with his bare hands. He makes one comment in the story when he disarms a bad guy, and tosses the gun and knife away. "Guns and knives...weapons of cowards." That was the only allusion to his feelings about guns in the entire book, other than the fact that he never uses one.
In Book Two, I don't think Trent makes any comments about guns, but he still never uses a gun. He is forced to use a katana, however, and he just happens to be an expert. Being trained in Japan, that is a very realistic development. He's a master at Kendo, which is the art of using a katana. The fact that Trent Smith holds the rank of Judan automatically suggests he's a master with a katana, and he most certainly is.
But when it comes to guns, in Book Three, which is a WIP right now, I do put in there that Trent wishes guns had never been invented. Now I'm not so extreme in that belief, personally, but I do wish guns were limited to the military and police. I don't think 'Johnny Average' needs a gun. I don't believe in hunting, either, btw. I don't recognize the "sport" in shooting an animal that's grazing, and/or minding its own business in an area where it's at home. But the world is the way it is, and all I can do about it is write great stories. And that's all I'll ever be able to do.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Killer Eyes Release Imminent
Killer Eyes' release is imminent. However, I found the last four typos yesterday, and Nancy, the ever vigilant Melange publisher, said she would get them fixed. I must have found those typos at the last possible minute, because I had received pre-order links last night, and was afraid it might have been too late. But Nancy's on it, and proving herself once again to be the most author friendly publisher in the world.
A publisher concerned for quality, like Nancy, is an author's dream. All Melange Books can be counted on to be error free. And if they're not, you can't blame the publisher. Nancy has proven to me time and again that she will go out of her way to keep her author's happy, and if the author is happy, you can bet the readers will be happy, too.
No readers want to read books that have typos or other errors, and that's where Melange scores big. And that's why Melange is a great publisher. Check them out. If you've already bought my Killer of Killers book, you can get Book Two soon. And check out some of the other titles, too. Knowing what I know about Melange, you won't be disappointed!
Update: It seems a digital release is going to happen on MOBI and Kindle on Halloween, but Nancy is going to confirm all typos are gone before the print version is released. Stay tuned.
A publisher concerned for quality, like Nancy, is an author's dream. All Melange Books can be counted on to be error free. And if they're not, you can't blame the publisher. Nancy has proven to me time and again that she will go out of her way to keep her author's happy, and if the author is happy, you can bet the readers will be happy, too.
No readers want to read books that have typos or other errors, and that's where Melange scores big. And that's why Melange is a great publisher. Check them out. If you've already bought my Killer of Killers book, you can get Book Two soon. And check out some of the other titles, too. Knowing what I know about Melange, you won't be disappointed!
Update: It seems a digital release is going to happen on MOBI and Kindle on Halloween, but Nancy is going to confirm all typos are gone before the print version is released. Stay tuned.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Inside the Outhouse over 16,000 Words
Over 16,000 words on my MG/YA novel Inside the Outhouse. On another note, I'm trying to see what happens by soliciting a few literary agents for Second Chance. I'm calling it a YA novel, too, because it's not violent, there's no sex, and the MC is only 24 years old. It has a lot of teenaged high schoolers in it, and the story centers around a high school football team. So I figure that qualifies it at least as a YA novel, if not an MG/YA novel, but whatever. I don't expect anyone to answer. I've learned that lesson already. Still, you have to try. Sometimes the impossible happens.
And if it does, I'll have an avenue to the big time. Meaning the top level publishers. I'm currently at level three with my Killer Series and The Vase. John Dunn had been accepted by a level 2 publisher, meaning print runs, hard bound copies, and placement in bookstores. The prospect is exciting, and I can't wait. So if Second Chance is published by KRP, that will be fine, but why not take another shot at a level 1 publisher? I've learned MG/YA novels have a better chance, so yeah.
As for Inside the Outhouse? I'll give that a shot at an agent, too. Gotta finish it first. Then we'll see.
And if it does, I'll have an avenue to the big time. Meaning the top level publishers. I'm currently at level three with my Killer Series and The Vase. John Dunn had been accepted by a level 2 publisher, meaning print runs, hard bound copies, and placement in bookstores. The prospect is exciting, and I can't wait. So if Second Chance is published by KRP, that will be fine, but why not take another shot at a level 1 publisher? I've learned MG/YA novels have a better chance, so yeah.
As for Inside the Outhouse? I'll give that a shot at an agent, too. Gotta finish it first. Then we'll see.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Walking Dead Continues to Shine
Not sure if 'shine' is the right word, but episode 2 of season 6 was a good one. That doesn't mean I don't have issues with parts of it. Or at least one part of it. It's the belief in the value of all human life. I mean when someone has already killed a lot of people in your community, and is trying their best to kill you, at what point do you stop valuing that particular person's life? I would say right about that point. I mean the point where said person has already brutally murdered several of your friends, and is trying his/her best to brutally murder you.
Yet the character Morgan is still bent on not taking anyone's life. But in the very end, that belief might have been overcome. I'm talking about the scene near the end where he may actually have killed the dude trying to kill him. The show didn't make it certain, but it did make it possible that Morgan finally crossed that line. He used his stick to lay one final smack on the dude trying to kill him. But the show didn't confirm that Morgan actually killed him. The show did convey that it was possible Morgan killed him, but didn't confirm it.
And if Morgan actually did kill the dude, then I can dismiss that particular issue with the show. Which leaves me with one more issue. The older son of Pete. Pete was the child and wife beater, who turned into a murderer when he murdered Deanna's kind-hearted husband. I don't remember the son's name, but he's the older one, and he's in that teenaged rebellious phase, even during the vicious attack by the Wolves which nearly cost him his life. He was saved by Carl, but of course, he doesn't appreciate that fact, nor does he offer a hint of gratitude for having his life saved.
To me, that's not realistic. Unless they're trying to make this guy the world's biggest douche, which is possible, making him a candidate for Zombie fodder. That just might be the objective, and if it is, then there goes my last issue with the show.
Let me say I liked what I saw with Carol, and even the priest guy was making some strides toward being a likable character. Here's hoping that continues, and the show will continue to shine.
Yet the character Morgan is still bent on not taking anyone's life. But in the very end, that belief might have been overcome. I'm talking about the scene near the end where he may actually have killed the dude trying to kill him. The show didn't make it certain, but it did make it possible that Morgan finally crossed that line. He used his stick to lay one final smack on the dude trying to kill him. But the show didn't confirm that Morgan actually killed him. The show did convey that it was possible Morgan killed him, but didn't confirm it.
And if Morgan actually did kill the dude, then I can dismiss that particular issue with the show. Which leaves me with one more issue. The older son of Pete. Pete was the child and wife beater, who turned into a murderer when he murdered Deanna's kind-hearted husband. I don't remember the son's name, but he's the older one, and he's in that teenaged rebellious phase, even during the vicious attack by the Wolves which nearly cost him his life. He was saved by Carl, but of course, he doesn't appreciate that fact, nor does he offer a hint of gratitude for having his life saved.
To me, that's not realistic. Unless they're trying to make this guy the world's biggest douche, which is possible, making him a candidate for Zombie fodder. That just might be the objective, and if it is, then there goes my last issue with the show.
Let me say I liked what I saw with Carol, and even the priest guy was making some strides toward being a likable character. Here's hoping that continues, and the show will continue to shine.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Printing Company and 2012 Review
I mentioned last week, I think, that the printing company which prints for Melange Books, (and my Killer Series, Killer of Killers and Killer Eyes,) has been advertising on several online sites. These sites include USA Today, FaceBook, SJ Mercury News, and many more. I clicked on one of them out of curiosity, and found through the link Find Reviews for Previous Versions the first review Killer of Killers received, dated back in 2012.
I was impressed with how the writer of this review worded the review, because it is exactly how I would like readers to perceive the main character, Trent Smith. The reviewer compares Trent Smith to Charles Bronson and Chuck Norris, who are well known to Hollywood audiences as tough good guys. Or good tough guys. Which is what I used to consider "cool" characters.
The only thing is the martial art in question is Budo Ju Jitsu, not Bodu Ju Jitsu, but what the heck. It's a great review. Here it is cut and pasted from the Lulu website:
I was impressed with how the writer of this review worded the review, because it is exactly how I would like readers to perceive the main character, Trent Smith. The reviewer compares Trent Smith to Charles Bronson and Chuck Norris, who are well known to Hollywood audiences as tough good guys. Or good tough guys. Which is what I used to consider "cool" characters.
The only thing is the martial art in question is Budo Ju Jitsu, not Bodu Ju Jitsu, but what the heck. It's a great review. Here it is cut and pasted from the Lulu website:
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Killer Eyes should be out soon
Don't know what the hold up on the release of Killer Eyes is, but it might be that a word needed to be changed on the back cover blurb. I used the word revenge at first, but the word should have been vengeance. I missed that on the opportunity to correct any errors on the full cover design, because I didn't see it as an error. It was only after I was proofreading the manuscript that I changed the blurb inside the book, from revenge to vengeance.
When I sent back the final draft, as in the absolute final draft to be ready for the print release, I indicated I changed everything that needed changing, but I couldn't change the back cover blurb, which still had the word revenge instead of vengeance. Apparently, it's not a one day fix, or a one week fix. It must be a two or three week period to change it. So here we are, about two weeks later, going on three, and still waiting for word on when Killer Eyes will be released.
I do salute Nancy, the publisher over there at Melange, for many reasons. She is most definitely an author friendly publisher, much like when you have a principal at a school who is a teacher friendly principal. Being a teacher, I've been fortunate to have mostly teacher friendly principals, but every once in a while you get a principal who doesn't realize that teachers are on the front lines, so to speak, and forget that a teacher's job is way more difficult than any job in administration or at the district office.
Which is curious that the administrative and district office jobs get a much greater paycheck. It's backwards. But that's the way the world is today. It's backward. Or upside down. There's no other way to put it. When will things get put straight? Who knows? I'm just waiting for Killer Eyes to be released. Will keep you posted.
When I sent back the final draft, as in the absolute final draft to be ready for the print release, I indicated I changed everything that needed changing, but I couldn't change the back cover blurb, which still had the word revenge instead of vengeance. Apparently, it's not a one day fix, or a one week fix. It must be a two or three week period to change it. So here we are, about two weeks later, going on three, and still waiting for word on when Killer Eyes will be released.
I do salute Nancy, the publisher over there at Melange, for many reasons. She is most definitely an author friendly publisher, much like when you have a principal at a school who is a teacher friendly principal. Being a teacher, I've been fortunate to have mostly teacher friendly principals, but every once in a while you get a principal who doesn't realize that teachers are on the front lines, so to speak, and forget that a teacher's job is way more difficult than any job in administration or at the district office.
Which is curious that the administrative and district office jobs get a much greater paycheck. It's backwards. But that's the way the world is today. It's backward. Or upside down. There's no other way to put it. When will things get put straight? Who knows? I'm just waiting for Killer Eyes to be released. Will keep you posted.
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