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shadowkat1. Novel update: Spent the last few days fighting with things. Today, I was arguing with the create space editor in my head, and orally arguing with a consultant regarding a mobilization cost (its complicated). At least I'm successful at multi-tasking - sort of have to be in today's world.
So my novel takes place in 2004, because I wrote it in 2004 and it's a lot easier to just let it take place back then - than to attempt to update all the technology, places, etc to fit 2015. A heck of a lot has changed in the past 11 years. Editor hadn't heard of Steinberg beer -- poor dear. And was questioning me on it. Granted I had misspelled it, Streinberger. But still. By the way - it's an amazing beer - I miss it. I could drink it back in 2004. (Well no, I really couldn't but I didn't know that back then. Didn't get diagnosed with ceiliac disease until 2005-2006.)
Also editor seems to think lawyers would know about identity theft and what to do about it. (Uh no. I didn't - I had non-lawyers inform me.) Silly, editor. And...I'm sorry, but the Chicago Manual of Style rules make 0 sense. Turns out all the comma, semi-colon and dash changes I'd made, had to be corrected. Plus the damn style contradicts legal and academic writing rules, not to mention many rules relating to business, financial, and
railroadese. Frigging world has one too many contradictory rules. All the rule-makers should get together and create one set of rules to follow.
2. On writing Sex Scenes in Novels, and also Romance Novels in general Am officially done with the romance genre, at least for a while. Finally got burned out on the genre, which I'd been binging on for about three years now, with a couple breaks in between. There's only so many variations of girl meets boy, boy screws up royally or girl screws up royally or they both screw up royally, one or the other or both seeks redemption/forgiveness/ or some way back into the other one's pants, they make up and have babies. It's gotten to the point that now I'm more interested in their relationships with the supporting characters, family members, and villains than each other. Also, sigh, there's only so many realistic ways to have sex - and graphic sex scenes are rather boring and unfortunately, unless someone gets raped, dies, loses their virginity, gets pregnant, the sex scene often doesn't do much to further the characters or move the action forward. Sometimes it can - if the writer uses the sex scene to explore a character flaw, strength or their relationship. But that is not easy to do and a lot of writers like to use kinky sex to do it -- which is fine, I actually find that interesting at times. But I've rarely seen it done well. Often it is used in a cliche or stereotypical manner (see 50 Shades of Gray, Sylvia Day's novels, Anne Rice's novels, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer for examples. Although to be fair, Rice is probably the least cliche of the bunch, her's reminded me more of the late-20th Century (ie. 1970-90s) take on the trope, considering she wrote most of them back then - that makes sense...).
It's interesting in my own novel - I don't write the "sex scene per se" or the scene leading up to the sex, instead I write the scene right after it or post-coital, mainly because that scene interests me more and tells me more about the characters. I find sex scenes in of themselves not that interesting to write. (Not erotica writer - and not a romance writer.)
I also only do it with one character - the female identity thief/con artist - who likes sex, but doesn't take it all that seriously. So for me - the sex scene is used to further her character and explore the changes in her character over time. There's three scenes that explore this - two take place in the present, one in the past, and all three are in her point of view.
And with three different men, and for three different reasons. One - is just after she's had sex to let off steam or spend the time, a lark so to speak or hook up, the second - is making love, the first time ever for her, and the third - the flash-back, is revenge sex - to hurt someone else.
Action, regardless of what it is, should push the characters, plot and theme forward, otherwise it's just gratutious and eventually boring or repetitive. That was my problem with Outlander - there were a lot of unnecessary sex scenes, which seemed to be there for no other reason but to titillate the reader. But I was just bored. And I've noticed this with Elizabeth Hoyt's novels, as well as a lot of the erotica and other romance novels. The porn with little plot -- which granted is the whole point. But after a bit it makes for dull reading, unless of course the writer has gotten, ahem, rather creative with the sex scenes. Which was what 50 Shades of Grey and a lot of fan fic writers have done. I still think Nautibitz wins the award for craziest sex scene with a scene in a shower - where Spike has anal sex with Buffy, standing up, with her legs wrapped around his hips, (her back is to him) while the water is running. Yes, apparently she worked at Cirque du Soliel previously. Do not try this at home. Oh and it was an Everybody's All Human fic, so no he's not a vampire and she's not human. Also he's in his late 40s, apparently in excellent condition.
That said? To be fair, I had similar issues with Jim Butcher and GRR Martin's novels. Too many action scenes, and they don't go anywhere. It's fine if they go somewhere, but if its just there for well action -it's rather boring. It's like those gratiutious chase scenes in movies. (And it would help a great deal if I could spell gratiutious, right?)
After the third chase sequence in Skyfall - I'm thinking come on, more story, less running around. That's the case with Martin - after the fiftieth battle - come one, enough fighting, give me more dialogue and a little plot movement. Clash of Kings was battle heavy, and boring. Storm of Swords, longer, had less battles and was far more interesting. Same problem with Jim Butcher - Skin Game bored me - it was just one action sequence strung after the next, while Cold Days which had less action sequences and more character moments - was far more interesting and haunting. I guess if your idea of a novel is well, playing a video game, then ...but you wouldn't be reading this journal if that was the case, you'd be playing a video game.
3. Wed Reading Meme
*What I just finished reading
The Necromancer (Johannas Cabal #1) by Jonathan Howard -- it was okay. Suffered from some of the same problems that I felt Jim Butcher's Skin Game did. It meanders, there isn't really any true character evolution, and it's hard to follow or care that much about the plot as a result.
Here's the review I posted on Good Reads after I completed it:
Interesting concept and narrative structure, but I'm not sure the writer was able to pull it off. The book reads a bit as a twisted satire of the urban fantasy genre, specifically Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. The protagonist, Johannas Cabal, is an anti-hero, and a somewhat crazy one at that. He's a necromancer who has become obsessed with raising the dead not as zombies or Frankenstein, but as the person was when they were actually alive. He is willing to do anything to accomplish his aim - he does not care. So he makes a deal with Satan, in exchange for his soul, Satan will give him the knowledge he needs. Only to realize that his experiments aren't working - because he sort of needs his soul to make them work or figure out why they don't work. Frustrated, Cabal goes back to Satan and requests his soul back. Satan agrees in return for 100 souls by the end of one year. Satan will even provide Cabal with the means necessary to acquire the souls - a traveling carnival. Cabal picks up his brother from a local graveyard, to aid him in his endeavor. His brother is a vampire.
The book meanders. It's more a series of vignettes strung together over a central plot. With the point of view constantly shifting amongst various supporting characters. It reminds me a little bit of Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett's Good Omens in how it is structured and the irreverent sense of humor. But not quite as deft.
I figured out somewhat early on why Cabal was doing it. The writer drops multiple anvils throughout his story. The twist...I also more or less saw coming, but it was less obvious and somewhat clever.
Overall it's an okay read, but the characters didn't grab me, and I found myself plodding through most of it. The next book in the series, I've heard, is better -- but I'm not sure I care about Cabal enough to continue.
* What I'm reading now?
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison (which apparently is a pseudonym for Sara Monette who by the way is![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
truepenny. A lot of professional sci-fantasy writers on livejournal still.)
So far, I'm enjoying it quite a bit and agree with the people who rec'd it to me. (Ironically, I'm enjoying it more than I enjoyed GRRM's books. Ironic, because he didn't like this one as much. But then he cares about different things than I do or we think differently -- for instance? I don't need a map - capable of visualizing it in my head just reading the words. I have the ability to visualize things through words, not everyone does apparently. Also, the names don't bother me that much. Actually had more difficulty keep track of all of GRRM's characters. Plus, it's a joy to read a fantasy novel that isn't filled to the brim with violence, often graphic and gory. This has no violence -- or not really any I can see. There's conflict - but its' more realistic and political. Mental and emotional. As opposed to merely physical. It's also a joy to read a fantasy novel with a likable lead character that I don't feel an overwhelming need to strangle or smack upside the head continuously and who doesn't resort to physical violence to obtain his way.)
Maia, the protagonist, is kind. He's empathetic. He genuinely cares for others. The one person that he truly hates - he does not wish vengeance on or to cause injury, he just wishes to not have to be anywhere near him. What a breath of fresh air. I've read over 300 romance novels and have yet to find such a likable and appealing male character. (Unfortunately, for reasons I fail to understand, most romance novelists find domineering/brooding assholes who, without warning, throw violent temper tantrums incredibly appealing. These guys are, or so I've found, more interesting and easier to take in historical romance or fantasy, but in contemporary - it's hard to understand why the heroine is putting up with it. Or their male protagonists are clueless wimps that you want to smack upside the head.)
Anyhow...here's the Good Read's blurb on the book:
The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an "accident," he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.
Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend... and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne – or his life.
This exciting fantasy novel, set against the pageantry and color of a fascinating, unique world, is a memorable debut for a great new talent.
Addison clearly has a great deal to say about sexual politics and well as racial/ethnic discrimination and politics. The main character has been discriminated against and isolated by his father based in part on his heritage and a marriage that was forced upon his father. While raised by a resentful and brutal cousin, he does not become mean or bitter as a result. It discusses how we often make generalizations about "the other" or "demonize them" - but not overly so. It's subtle, not preachy.
I'm rather impressed by the writing and the novel. Fantasy is not easy to pull off - or rather high fantasy, where you have a specific language and world. She does it well.
And the rituals, etc, depicting court life are lovingly rendered. In addition - it's an interesting discussion of power - how heavy it weighs and it isn't necessarily what it seems. Everyone wants it, but few have the capability to wield it well. I've always found that those least inclined towards it or reluctant to have it - often wield it the best, while those who lust for it - should not be allowed within a stone's throw of it.
At any rate, I'm enjoying this book - which means that I may finally be out of my book rut. I think I just needed to completely switch genres. (This was nominated for a HUGO this year, but it should be noted not by the crazy puppy people, but by the sane people. Crazy puppies would hate this book. (eyeroll))
* What I'm reading next?
Flirting with The Martian by Martin Wier and Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie, the first in her three book series. It won the Hugo last year. And her second volumn in the series was nominated this year for one (not by the crazy puppy guys, by the sane people). Have decided to avoid the books nominated by crazy puppies. Well except for Jim Butcher's Skin Game which I already read, before I knew the crazy puppies existed. Damn the internet for making me aware of it. I was happier not knowing such crazy people were out there. (Hint - you know you are a crazy person and need counseling or at least a vacation from pop culture, when you decide to put all your resources into hijacking a prestigious sci-fi fantasy fandom award. Seriously, don't you have better things to do or worry about? These folks wouldn't survive in my world. They just don't have the proper equipment.)
So my novel takes place in 2004, because I wrote it in 2004 and it's a lot easier to just let it take place back then - than to attempt to update all the technology, places, etc to fit 2015. A heck of a lot has changed in the past 11 years. Editor hadn't heard of Steinberg beer -- poor dear. And was questioning me on it. Granted I had misspelled it, Streinberger. But still. By the way - it's an amazing beer - I miss it. I could drink it back in 2004. (Well no, I really couldn't but I didn't know that back then. Didn't get diagnosed with ceiliac disease until 2005-2006.)
Also editor seems to think lawyers would know about identity theft and what to do about it. (Uh no. I didn't - I had non-lawyers inform me.) Silly, editor. And...I'm sorry, but the Chicago Manual of Style rules make 0 sense. Turns out all the comma, semi-colon and dash changes I'd made, had to be corrected. Plus the damn style contradicts legal and academic writing rules, not to mention many rules relating to business, financial, and
railroadese. Frigging world has one too many contradictory rules. All the rule-makers should get together and create one set of rules to follow.
2. On writing Sex Scenes in Novels, and also Romance Novels in general Am officially done with the romance genre, at least for a while. Finally got burned out on the genre, which I'd been binging on for about three years now, with a couple breaks in between. There's only so many variations of girl meets boy, boy screws up royally or girl screws up royally or they both screw up royally, one or the other or both seeks redemption/forgiveness/ or some way back into the other one's pants, they make up and have babies. It's gotten to the point that now I'm more interested in their relationships with the supporting characters, family members, and villains than each other. Also, sigh, there's only so many realistic ways to have sex - and graphic sex scenes are rather boring and unfortunately, unless someone gets raped, dies, loses their virginity, gets pregnant, the sex scene often doesn't do much to further the characters or move the action forward. Sometimes it can - if the writer uses the sex scene to explore a character flaw, strength or their relationship. But that is not easy to do and a lot of writers like to use kinky sex to do it -- which is fine, I actually find that interesting at times. But I've rarely seen it done well. Often it is used in a cliche or stereotypical manner (see 50 Shades of Gray, Sylvia Day's novels, Anne Rice's novels, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer for examples. Although to be fair, Rice is probably the least cliche of the bunch, her's reminded me more of the late-20th Century (ie. 1970-90s) take on the trope, considering she wrote most of them back then - that makes sense...).
It's interesting in my own novel - I don't write the "sex scene per se" or the scene leading up to the sex, instead I write the scene right after it or post-coital, mainly because that scene interests me more and tells me more about the characters. I find sex scenes in of themselves not that interesting to write. (Not erotica writer - and not a romance writer.)
I also only do it with one character - the female identity thief/con artist - who likes sex, but doesn't take it all that seriously. So for me - the sex scene is used to further her character and explore the changes in her character over time. There's three scenes that explore this - two take place in the present, one in the past, and all three are in her point of view.
And with three different men, and for three different reasons. One - is just after she's had sex to let off steam or spend the time, a lark so to speak or hook up, the second - is making love, the first time ever for her, and the third - the flash-back, is revenge sex - to hurt someone else.
Action, regardless of what it is, should push the characters, plot and theme forward, otherwise it's just gratutious and eventually boring or repetitive. That was my problem with Outlander - there were a lot of unnecessary sex scenes, which seemed to be there for no other reason but to titillate the reader. But I was just bored. And I've noticed this with Elizabeth Hoyt's novels, as well as a lot of the erotica and other romance novels. The porn with little plot -- which granted is the whole point. But after a bit it makes for dull reading, unless of course the writer has gotten, ahem, rather creative with the sex scenes. Which was what 50 Shades of Grey and a lot of fan fic writers have done. I still think Nautibitz wins the award for craziest sex scene with a scene in a shower - where Spike has anal sex with Buffy, standing up, with her legs wrapped around his hips, (her back is to him) while the water is running. Yes, apparently she worked at Cirque du Soliel previously. Do not try this at home. Oh and it was an Everybody's All Human fic, so no he's not a vampire and she's not human. Also he's in his late 40s, apparently in excellent condition.
That said? To be fair, I had similar issues with Jim Butcher and GRR Martin's novels. Too many action scenes, and they don't go anywhere. It's fine if they go somewhere, but if its just there for well action -it's rather boring. It's like those gratiutious chase scenes in movies. (And it would help a great deal if I could spell gratiutious, right?)
After the third chase sequence in Skyfall - I'm thinking come on, more story, less running around. That's the case with Martin - after the fiftieth battle - come one, enough fighting, give me more dialogue and a little plot movement. Clash of Kings was battle heavy, and boring. Storm of Swords, longer, had less battles and was far more interesting. Same problem with Jim Butcher - Skin Game bored me - it was just one action sequence strung after the next, while Cold Days which had less action sequences and more character moments - was far more interesting and haunting. I guess if your idea of a novel is well, playing a video game, then ...but you wouldn't be reading this journal if that was the case, you'd be playing a video game.
3. Wed Reading Meme
*What I just finished reading
The Necromancer (Johannas Cabal #1) by Jonathan Howard -- it was okay. Suffered from some of the same problems that I felt Jim Butcher's Skin Game did. It meanders, there isn't really any true character evolution, and it's hard to follow or care that much about the plot as a result.
Here's the review I posted on Good Reads after I completed it:
Interesting concept and narrative structure, but I'm not sure the writer was able to pull it off. The book reads a bit as a twisted satire of the urban fantasy genre, specifically Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. The protagonist, Johannas Cabal, is an anti-hero, and a somewhat crazy one at that. He's a necromancer who has become obsessed with raising the dead not as zombies or Frankenstein, but as the person was when they were actually alive. He is willing to do anything to accomplish his aim - he does not care. So he makes a deal with Satan, in exchange for his soul, Satan will give him the knowledge he needs. Only to realize that his experiments aren't working - because he sort of needs his soul to make them work or figure out why they don't work. Frustrated, Cabal goes back to Satan and requests his soul back. Satan agrees in return for 100 souls by the end of one year. Satan will even provide Cabal with the means necessary to acquire the souls - a traveling carnival. Cabal picks up his brother from a local graveyard, to aid him in his endeavor. His brother is a vampire.
The book meanders. It's more a series of vignettes strung together over a central plot. With the point of view constantly shifting amongst various supporting characters. It reminds me a little bit of Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett's Good Omens in how it is structured and the irreverent sense of humor. But not quite as deft.
I figured out somewhat early on why Cabal was doing it. The writer drops multiple anvils throughout his story. The twist...I also more or less saw coming, but it was less obvious and somewhat clever.
Overall it's an okay read, but the characters didn't grab me, and I found myself plodding through most of it. The next book in the series, I've heard, is better -- but I'm not sure I care about Cabal enough to continue.
* What I'm reading now?
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison (which apparently is a pseudonym for Sara Monette who by the way is
truepenny. A lot of professional sci-fantasy writers on livejournal still.)So far, I'm enjoying it quite a bit and agree with the people who rec'd it to me. (Ironically, I'm enjoying it more than I enjoyed GRRM's books. Ironic, because he didn't like this one as much. But then he cares about different things than I do or we think differently -- for instance? I don't need a map - capable of visualizing it in my head just reading the words. I have the ability to visualize things through words, not everyone does apparently. Also, the names don't bother me that much. Actually had more difficulty keep track of all of GRRM's characters. Plus, it's a joy to read a fantasy novel that isn't filled to the brim with violence, often graphic and gory. This has no violence -- or not really any I can see. There's conflict - but its' more realistic and political. Mental and emotional. As opposed to merely physical. It's also a joy to read a fantasy novel with a likable lead character that I don't feel an overwhelming need to strangle or smack upside the head continuously and who doesn't resort to physical violence to obtain his way.)
Maia, the protagonist, is kind. He's empathetic. He genuinely cares for others. The one person that he truly hates - he does not wish vengeance on or to cause injury, he just wishes to not have to be anywhere near him. What a breath of fresh air. I've read over 300 romance novels and have yet to find such a likable and appealing male character. (Unfortunately, for reasons I fail to understand, most romance novelists find domineering/brooding assholes who, without warning, throw violent temper tantrums incredibly appealing. These guys are, or so I've found, more interesting and easier to take in historical romance or fantasy, but in contemporary - it's hard to understand why the heroine is putting up with it. Or their male protagonists are clueless wimps that you want to smack upside the head.)
Anyhow...here's the Good Read's blurb on the book:
The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an "accident," he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.
Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody. Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor. All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend... and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne – or his life.
This exciting fantasy novel, set against the pageantry and color of a fascinating, unique world, is a memorable debut for a great new talent.
Addison clearly has a great deal to say about sexual politics and well as racial/ethnic discrimination and politics. The main character has been discriminated against and isolated by his father based in part on his heritage and a marriage that was forced upon his father. While raised by a resentful and brutal cousin, he does not become mean or bitter as a result. It discusses how we often make generalizations about "the other" or "demonize them" - but not overly so. It's subtle, not preachy.
I'm rather impressed by the writing and the novel. Fantasy is not easy to pull off - or rather high fantasy, where you have a specific language and world. She does it well.
And the rituals, etc, depicting court life are lovingly rendered. In addition - it's an interesting discussion of power - how heavy it weighs and it isn't necessarily what it seems. Everyone wants it, but few have the capability to wield it well. I've always found that those least inclined towards it or reluctant to have it - often wield it the best, while those who lust for it - should not be allowed within a stone's throw of it.
At any rate, I'm enjoying this book - which means that I may finally be out of my book rut. I think I just needed to completely switch genres. (This was nominated for a HUGO this year, but it should be noted not by the crazy puppy people, but by the sane people. Crazy puppies would hate this book. (eyeroll))
* What I'm reading next?
Flirting with The Martian by Martin Wier and Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie, the first in her three book series. It won the Hugo last year. And her second volumn in the series was nominated this year for one (not by the crazy puppy guys, by the sane people). Have decided to avoid the books nominated by crazy puppies. Well except for Jim Butcher's Skin Game which I already read, before I knew the crazy puppies existed. Damn the internet for making me aware of it. I was happier not knowing such crazy people were out there. (Hint - you know you are a crazy person and need counseling or at least a vacation from pop culture, when you decide to put all your resources into hijacking a prestigious sci-fi fantasy fandom award. Seriously, don't you have better things to do or worry about? These folks wouldn't survive in my world. They just don't have the proper equipment.)
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no subject
Date: 2015-04-23 01:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-04-24 12:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-04-24 02:42 am (UTC)Most of teen dystopia novels, heck even Fault in Our Stars feature snarky teenagers.
I do find him to be very different. But the last book I read featured an anti-hero protagonist, who was somewhat sarcastic, and didn't care about anyone but himself and his needs. So, this is sort of the exact opposite.
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Date: 2015-04-24 02:46 am (UTC)