ArcheBooks' Writers Forum!

My publisher, ArcheBooks, introduced new boards today! We have all sorts of forums where you can talk to authors from fantasy to sci-fi to horror to contempory and self-help.

There's also an area for Conventions, Events, marketing tips, general writing conversation and lots more.

Drop by and check out the forums!

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About the Author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks, May 2007)

Work Out Cheats!

No, I don't mean cheating by less reps or weaseling out of working out :P

One of the best things you can do for yourself, personally, AND for your carreer is keeping in shape. A rigorous work out routine and a healthy diet give you more energy and brain power than any substitute for it - like high energy drinks, coffee, pop or worse...those energy pills.

So by all means work out and keep working out!

However, here are some ways you can eek writing into your work out -

If you go to a gym turn off your radio on your way to and from the gym. Use the time driving to ponder your plots, characters, twists or promotions.

Use timers. If your workout can be timed instead of having to count reps by all means do it. This frees your mind to ponder!

Take full use of video and DVD workouts. Once you run through a workout a few times with the people on the screen you can put yourself on autopilot. I do this a lot...I tune out what the instructor is saying (I've already worked through the program a few times - so I don't need the repeat), visually follow their movements and allow myself to delve into my characters, hash out the days writing (I usually work out in the morning), work through plot issues or ponder new promotions for Apparitions.

Give it a shot and see how much time for writing you can swindle in during your workout!

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About the Author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Grave Thoughts

I've got exciting news! Greg from Grave Thoughts will be hosting me on his show on April 10th. There will be a short reading from Apparitions and an interview. He seems like a really interesting guy and I can't wait to talk with him.

In the meanwhile, check out his site and listen to the other authors and artists he has featured including - Steve Vernon, Gary Braunbeck and Scott Nicholson.

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About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Re-Casting

I'm often asked by writers -

"What do I do if I'm stuck?" or "What's wrong when I get stuck?"

My answer is usually there's something wrong either with the characters (wrong ones or the right ones were forced to do the wrong thing etc.) or the plot went awry or there's an opportunity (scene, elaboration etc.) that's missing.

The first one is what just happened to me with the new horror / suspense novel I'm working on - Windigo. Now, see, with my horror novel Apparitions (ArcheBooks, May 2007) I started with a very strong set of characters, a hint of a plot and let plot develope from there. With Windigo it's the opposite. I started with a strong plot and a vague idea of the characters. It also didn't help that I changed the slant of the plot several times without thinking to re-cast.

So I sat...and sat...and pondered why it was none of my scenes were fitting. I couldn't jump start the story. It was all flat. Bleah.

Then I remembered my own advice and went through the plot. Nothing wrong there. Then the characters...and the AH HA! moment hit. A few of my characters were definately off and, as they stood, had no real role in the story. I was trying to make them fit and that just wasn't working.

I've since re-casted oh...4 of them, tweaked their bios and gave them new jobs. Now the subplots are coming along nicely and the plot is falling into place.

So next time you're stuck try seeing where things got off track and even if it takes some time and some changing - fix it! It'll be worth it in the end.

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About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)

Time Change

[Start Public Service Message] This is a warning. This is real and not a test. Starting this Saturday at Midnight (our beloved hour even...blasphamy...) the clocks turn forward by one hour. Yes. We lose one hour of darkness. Find and prepare your shelters now! Again, this is not a test........This has been a public service message from the dark side.[/End Public Service Message]

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About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

Improved Method

On my web site I mentioned that I'll be using a new method with Windigo (horror / suspense) than I have with my previous two novels - Apparitions (horror / suspense) and Night Wing (dark fantasy). Here's a brief summary of the new system -

All characters (big and small) are written out on 3x5" cards.
Each character with major to moderate roles are color coded with different markers
Each character with minor roles are color coded all in yellow.

I'm keeping a running set of cards on 'Detail' - ie the details of the fictional town I've created for Windigo.

Each scene or sequel is written out on a card and color coded in the VP (view point) character's color. Included on the card is a list of details (sensory type stuff - this addition is thanks to M.B Weston), list of actions, brief summary, list of emotions and most importantly the RESULT (effect) of the scene.

Working with a cause and effect system I list out each scene and sequal, make a calendar allotting for when each happens in 'fiction time'. Then I break these cards into chapters usually consisting of 4 average sized VPs or up to 7 short ones.

Then all of these are placed neatly into an index file with appropriate segments ie - Characters, Details, Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and so forth.

On top of this file I keep a 3 pronged folder with print outs of the major characters' bio sheets, intensive write up of the area and general plots (broken into the main plot and the various sub plots).

Annnnd I keep a spiral notebook (usually a matching color - I lean heavily to purple ;) ) where I do my bubble charts, notes and various other doodling.

It seems intensive but for anyone that's taken on a novel length work organization is key! Or in my case, organised chaos...

So this is my new system. Once Windigo is out you can let me know if it worked!

____________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

World Fantasy Convention '07

I just got an email from the WFC - their hotel rooms are already half full. If you're planning on attending please book your room soon!

For more info contact them here

___________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks 2007)

Dun Dun Dun

I had a great interview with our Undersheriff yesterday. He helped me out quite a bit with honing details for Windigo. It was very exciting and I can't wait to get all of this on paper now!

Outlining and Character write ups start today. 'course the kids have the day off of school because of the ice storm heading our way. So we'll see how far it actually gets...

___________________
About the author -

Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks May 2007)