While some of my close friends and family might be familiar with how I write and what I write about (when I'm not working on The Serenity Solution, anyway), I realize that most of the visitors to this page probably have no clue if I can even string together a story. Due to the fact that I want to keep any possible problems with publication rights to an absolute minimum in the event I can get this novel published, I can't share parts of The Serenity Solution itself.
I find that one of the best ways to keep my skills sharp is to work on fanfiction. Fanfiction, of course, is creating an original plot within an already developed setting, world, or universe, and often using already established characters. This alleviates the burden of having to create new settings and characters, and allows me to simply work on creating a solid plot.
At the end of this post, you'll find a link for my profile on Fanfiction.net. From there, you can browse the stories I've written, in case you're interested in how I write. I've completed a couple Star Wars stories, and one based on Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, which was also a television show. I started one based on the Halo games, but haven't finished yet due to more pressing projects (and I didn't plan the plot out very well before I started; I need to find the time to actually rewrite it).
Feel free to leave comments on the stories at Fanfiction.net, or you can do the same here on this post. Enjoy.
Fanfiction Link
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Now It Gets Real
Most of you probably don't know this, but two weeks ago I mailed my first query letter to a prospective agent, regarding representation for The Serenity Solution. This came after a month of getting my manuscript as ready for submission as I possibly could, and another 2-3 weeks of searching for agents who I thought would be a good fit for representing the novel.
Yesterday, I got the response back from the agent. It was a form rejection. Basically, "Thanks for your query, but your project doesn't interest us at this time. Good luck in the future." On the surface, it seems like it would be pretty depressing, but I'm choosing to look at the positive aspects of it.
First, by daring to send a query, I put myself ahead of the vast majority of writers out there. I got over the fear of rejection and I let someone else see what I can do. This is one of the first steps in the transformation from "writer" to "author." I'll never sell a book if I don't let anyone see it.
Second, it's keeping me grounded in reality. Sure, it would be great if I got an agent for my first book thanks to my first query letter. But then that could give me unrealistic expectations for the long road to publication ahead.
Finally, it's helping me to learn more. Not necessarily about what I did wrong, if I did anything wrong to begin with (a single form rejection by itself usually doesn't give you much information to go off of), but it is forcing me to explore other options. Mainly, I wrote a second query letter, changing up my approach to better fit the new agency that I'm querying. The more I do this, the easier it will hopefully be in the future.
People have told me they're sorry I got a rejection letter. As much as I appreciate their sympathy, I'm not sorry I got one. Every author has gotten at least one. Most have gotten many, many more. I look at it as part of building my experience. Plus, if I ever need to start a fire and I run out of kindling, the paper will be handy...
Today, I queried another agency, this time by email. Hopefully, I won't have to wait two weeks to get a response back, but we'll see. Of course, I'll keep updating this blog on the process, whether I move forward or have to go back to square one.
Yesterday, I got the response back from the agent. It was a form rejection. Basically, "Thanks for your query, but your project doesn't interest us at this time. Good luck in the future." On the surface, it seems like it would be pretty depressing, but I'm choosing to look at the positive aspects of it.
First, by daring to send a query, I put myself ahead of the vast majority of writers out there. I got over the fear of rejection and I let someone else see what I can do. This is one of the first steps in the transformation from "writer" to "author." I'll never sell a book if I don't let anyone see it.
Second, it's keeping me grounded in reality. Sure, it would be great if I got an agent for my first book thanks to my first query letter. But then that could give me unrealistic expectations for the long road to publication ahead.
Finally, it's helping me to learn more. Not necessarily about what I did wrong, if I did anything wrong to begin with (a single form rejection by itself usually doesn't give you much information to go off of), but it is forcing me to explore other options. Mainly, I wrote a second query letter, changing up my approach to better fit the new agency that I'm querying. The more I do this, the easier it will hopefully be in the future.
People have told me they're sorry I got a rejection letter. As much as I appreciate their sympathy, I'm not sorry I got one. Every author has gotten at least one. Most have gotten many, many more. I look at it as part of building my experience. Plus, if I ever need to start a fire and I run out of kindling, the paper will be handy...
Today, I queried another agency, this time by email. Hopefully, I won't have to wait two weeks to get a response back, but we'll see. Of course, I'll keep updating this blog on the process, whether I move forward or have to go back to square one.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
"The Serenity Solution" Project, Part 3
Following are the bios for the rest of the main characters.
Harmony - A mysterious woman representing the city of Intensity in trade talks with Serenity, Harmony uses only her pseudonym to protect her real identity. For all intents and purposes, she appears to be a simple diplomat, but she is working for a shady group of people which is trying to extend its control over the seven city-states. Despite her current affiliations, Harmony remains fiercely independent, and she uses her paramilitary and espionage backgrounds to catch her opponents off guard.
Master Chief Joseph Gates - As the Commanding Officer of the Serenity Police Department and a veteran of the streets himself, Gates finds himself in the unenviable position of balancing his Officers' needs with playing the political game his office requires. Generally good-natured and practical, Gates doesn't tolerate nonsense from anyone in his chain of command, either above or below his pay grade. Keeping Serenity and her citizens safe is his primary objective.
Chief Bram Heisman - Heisman is the selfish, unscrupulous second-in-command of the Serenity Police Department, and also the leader of the city's Administration, the "watchdog" organization which controls nearly every aspect of the city. Although ostensibly operating under the orders of the Administration Directorate, which oversees each city's Administration, Heisman seems to have his own agenda.
Maxim - Operating as Serenity's representative opposing Harmony's position in the trade talks, Maxim also uses his pseudonym to protect his real identity. Maxim is a highly skilled player on the political field, and is more than capable of countering Harmony's arguments. Regardless of his personal feelings or belief's, his goal is to ensure Serenity comes out on top in any negotiations.
That's it for the main characters of the book. As always, comments are welcome.
Harmony - A mysterious woman representing the city of Intensity in trade talks with Serenity, Harmony uses only her pseudonym to protect her real identity. For all intents and purposes, she appears to be a simple diplomat, but she is working for a shady group of people which is trying to extend its control over the seven city-states. Despite her current affiliations, Harmony remains fiercely independent, and she uses her paramilitary and espionage backgrounds to catch her opponents off guard.
Master Chief Joseph Gates - As the Commanding Officer of the Serenity Police Department and a veteran of the streets himself, Gates finds himself in the unenviable position of balancing his Officers' needs with playing the political game his office requires. Generally good-natured and practical, Gates doesn't tolerate nonsense from anyone in his chain of command, either above or below his pay grade. Keeping Serenity and her citizens safe is his primary objective.
Chief Bram Heisman - Heisman is the selfish, unscrupulous second-in-command of the Serenity Police Department, and also the leader of the city's Administration, the "watchdog" organization which controls nearly every aspect of the city. Although ostensibly operating under the orders of the Administration Directorate, which oversees each city's Administration, Heisman seems to have his own agenda.
Maxim - Operating as Serenity's representative opposing Harmony's position in the trade talks, Maxim also uses his pseudonym to protect his real identity. Maxim is a highly skilled player on the political field, and is more than capable of countering Harmony's arguments. Regardless of his personal feelings or belief's, his goal is to ensure Serenity comes out on top in any negotiations.
That's it for the main characters of the book. As always, comments are welcome.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"The Serenity Solution" Project, Part 2
Now that you've had a brief look at what The Serenity Solution is about, I'd like to give you a glimpse of the main characters in the book. These are the major players that will be driving the plot forward; there are other, more minor characters, but they don't figure as much into the grand scheme of things. They are listed in order of most important to the plot to least important.
Captain Zakariah Atheeda - Known as "Zak" to his friends, Captain Atheeda is a highly professional, highly dedicated Serenity Police Officer who believes in being prepared for the worst-case scenario. Even if it means breaking a few rules, his goal is to ensure his team will survive any challenge they may face on the streets. He takes his mission to protect and defend the citizens of Serenity very seriously.
Sergeant Avery Halberd - Called "Hal" by his teammates, Sergeant Halberd is Zak's second in command for the team; like Zak, he's a veteran of the SPD. He's easy-going and good-natured, but his Captain's word is law on the job. He's a little cynical about life as an Officer, but when it comes to protecting Serenity and her citizens, no sacrifice is too great.
Officer Amber Kynterle - Still considered a rookie in the Department, Kynterle's "new kid" mentality hasn't worn off. She's generally cheerful, lighthearted, and full of energy, which keeps her older male companions on their toes. Still a little naive, she starts every day looking forward to high speed chases and gun battles, without really understanding the kind of danger she's getting into every time she puts on her uniform.
Officer Chrissa Maxwell - As a brand new member on Zak's team, Maxwell is something of an unknown to the rest of her teammates. She has a cool, aristocratic manner, and remains aloof and impersonal with others around her. Although she seems exceptionally capable for a brand new Officer, she carefully guards her shadowy past and won't open up to those who would befriend her.
These are about half of the "main characters." In the interest of keeping posts to an easily readable length, I'll put up the second half in another post later on. Let me know what you think!
Captain Zakariah Atheeda - Known as "Zak" to his friends, Captain Atheeda is a highly professional, highly dedicated Serenity Police Officer who believes in being prepared for the worst-case scenario. Even if it means breaking a few rules, his goal is to ensure his team will survive any challenge they may face on the streets. He takes his mission to protect and defend the citizens of Serenity very seriously.
Sergeant Avery Halberd - Called "Hal" by his teammates, Sergeant Halberd is Zak's second in command for the team; like Zak, he's a veteran of the SPD. He's easy-going and good-natured, but his Captain's word is law on the job. He's a little cynical about life as an Officer, but when it comes to protecting Serenity and her citizens, no sacrifice is too great.
Officer Amber Kynterle - Still considered a rookie in the Department, Kynterle's "new kid" mentality hasn't worn off. She's generally cheerful, lighthearted, and full of energy, which keeps her older male companions on their toes. Still a little naive, she starts every day looking forward to high speed chases and gun battles, without really understanding the kind of danger she's getting into every time she puts on her uniform.
Officer Chrissa Maxwell - As a brand new member on Zak's team, Maxwell is something of an unknown to the rest of her teammates. She has a cool, aristocratic manner, and remains aloof and impersonal with others around her. Although she seems exceptionally capable for a brand new Officer, she carefully guards her shadowy past and won't open up to those who would befriend her.
These are about half of the "main characters." In the interest of keeping posts to an easily readable length, I'll put up the second half in another post later on. Let me know what you think!
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