For writing my novel, I have assembled the following tools
(1) A active brain, and the ability to talk to yourself (quietly).
(2) A piece of paper, pen/pencil or electronic PDA.
(3) A PC running the following software;
(i) Microsoft Word - latest revision possible to allow REVISIONS
(ii) Dramatica Pro - novel writing software
(iii) Final Draft 7 - script and dialogue writing software
(4) A printer
My daily writing routine;
On the way into work, I commute and usually spend the morning reading either my work to date, or a book on writing and style/formatting.
During my lunch hour I would update my Word files with what I have hand written so far, and print out a new clean copy.
On the journey home I will then re-write or update the revised material.
In the evenings and weekends I will use Dramatica Pro to revise the story, and make sure it is moving in the direction I want.
Friday, 17 March 2006
Friday, 10 March 2006
Evolution of a Novel
Its hard to know where to start, where to plant the flag of reference for people to start from when looking at me as a writer or as a person.
I have always been interested in the fantastical both in films, books and art. Im sure it is the dream of everyone to have a book published, a record made or a picture painted, an accomplishment which will last beyond our days.
My background is in role-playing from which I have developed narrative elements of plot, pace, action and intrigue, but one thing that has haunted most current and recent authors is the moniker of being a "rpg" novel author. This is simply because novels that are written either based on an existing campaign or group of characters will be self indulgent, while at the same time be of very little depth.
Writing a novel will demand more than just the ability to put a few ideas together, collect scraps of memories, but my biggest lighthouse warning sign will be if anyone mentions the dreaded Dragonlance Chronicles or some-such "hack-novels".
This story evolved out of a need to have a back story to the whole campaign, to know what was really going on behind the scenes of the main stage, a glimpse of behind the creator's curtain. From this then came the Orchid. A simple story of a misfit crew and their combined troubles onboard. But the story is so much more than that.
I have a beginning, middle and an end.
I have a whole troupe of characters who surprise me, because they are living breathing people, who incidently no longer belong to the players, but have become something much bigger
I have 3 chapters written so far, and working on some more, in and out of sequence.
I have always been interested in the fantastical both in films, books and art. Im sure it is the dream of everyone to have a book published, a record made or a picture painted, an accomplishment which will last beyond our days.
My background is in role-playing from which I have developed narrative elements of plot, pace, action and intrigue, but one thing that has haunted most current and recent authors is the moniker of being a "rpg" novel author. This is simply because novels that are written either based on an existing campaign or group of characters will be self indulgent, while at the same time be of very little depth.
Writing a novel will demand more than just the ability to put a few ideas together, collect scraps of memories, but my biggest lighthouse warning sign will be if anyone mentions the dreaded Dragonlance Chronicles or some-such "hack-novels".
This story evolved out of a need to have a back story to the whole campaign, to know what was really going on behind the scenes of the main stage, a glimpse of behind the creator's curtain. From this then came the Orchid. A simple story of a misfit crew and their combined troubles onboard. But the story is so much more than that.
I have a beginning, middle and an end.
I have a whole troupe of characters who surprise me, because they are living breathing people, who incidently no longer belong to the players, but have become something much bigger
I have 3 chapters written so far, and working on some more, in and out of sequence.
Thursday, 9 March 2006
Diary of a Madman
An update to my book.
I already have received favourable comments from 2 sources, both of the unconnected to me or the game in question. The decision to carry on has been spurred by the fact that I have retired, temporarily, from my gaming group. It was a decision that saddened me as I had just about to start on a Serenity/Firefly campaign. Along with 4 new players, and some amazing input from the players.
It was doubly hard when I received some very warm comments from the players, especially the new ones.
Sorry, wife needs me more.
It is a temporary withdrawal which I expect to last maybe 12-18 months. Which gives me more time now to concentrate on Orchid.
I already have received favourable comments from 2 sources, both of the unconnected to me or the game in question. The decision to carry on has been spurred by the fact that I have retired, temporarily, from my gaming group. It was a decision that saddened me as I had just about to start on a Serenity/Firefly campaign. Along with 4 new players, and some amazing input from the players.
It was doubly hard when I received some very warm comments from the players, especially the new ones.
Sorry, wife needs me more.
It is a temporary withdrawal which I expect to last maybe 12-18 months. Which gives me more time now to concentrate on Orchid.
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