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)

Snow snow snow...GAH

We got dumped on here in Michigan. Lots of snow and wind...

Right now I'm plotting Windigo, a horror suspense novel. So this is actually good, it gives me an excuse to not do the errands in town and instead bundle up, get cozy and work on plotting! :D

___________________
About the author -

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

New Web Site Design!

Whoever works on web design for a living is an angel or demon...in either case they possess unearthly powers of patience.

After lots of trial and error we present the new and greatly improved Raven Bower web site!

Take a gander. It's design has been spiffed up and 98% of the content is available. There are some links to horror sites, Halloween sites and other fun stuff.


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About the author:

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

Att: Authors

If you're a fellow author please consider attending the Book 'Em program. If you can't make it they accept donations of books from authors and publishers. It's an annual Book Convention that donates its proceeds to literacy programs.

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About the author -

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

Night Wing

The first book in a dark fantasy trilogy I wrote is now off to my publisher, ArcheBooks. To get a slight gist of the style it's fantasy meets horror…or horror meets fantasy…depending on how you view it :)

I didn't even try to keep the creepy, horror slant out of this one. I've given that up and no...not just for Lent...forever! It's something that will be present in all of my work from hence forth.

It's written in the fantasy world of Farath and is rife with evil creatures and dastardly plots!

Keep your fingers crossed for it!

I'll update as I get news.

_____________________
About the author -

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

Free E-book

My publisher is offering a free e-book to anyone that visits their web site. So take a gander - you just might find some neat new authors!

ArcheBooks

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

Boards at Horror World

Nanci at Horror World was kind enough to create a message board for me. Thanks Nanci :)

For those of you who'd like to take a gander check them out here - Raven's Board

While you're there check out the other boards. There's a lot of authors, publishers and places for general talk on writing -- particularly horror of course!

__________________
About the author -
Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks April 2007)

Annnnd It's Done!

Night Wing is complete and done! YAY!!!! Finally.

I wound up changing the ending and adding a few more nasty surprises :)

The extra work of editing through it for the nth time and honing it even finer has paid off! At least according to the final readers which is what matters to me!

Thanks guys for all your support and help. Not to mention kicking me for doing silly things in it.

So as far as this Dark Fantasy goes I'm calling it good. I'll be contacting my publisher to see if he's interested. Hopefully he will be and we can get it into your paws soon. If not it'll be sent off to find another home. Either way I'll keep you guys updated.

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

ITW Contest

Here's a fun contest from the International Thriller Writers --

150 Thrillers!

It's a thriller lover's dream - the chance to win 150 novels by some of the biggest and best thriller authors in the business. That's right, 150.

Imagine receiving books written by Joseph Finder, Tess Gerritsen, John Lescroart, Gayle Lynds, and David Baldacci for free. Then multiply that by thirty, because they represent only five of the 150 books you will receive if you're the winner in the International Thriller Writer's "150 Thrillers" contest.

The best part? Just by entering you'll begin receiving the free ITW newsletter, a monthly email newsletter that contains loads of information about upcoming thriller novels, thriller authors and thriller news.

All you have to do is go to www.150Thrillers.com, or email contest@150Thrillers.com before February 15th and sign up to get the free ITW newsletter. That's it.

Once you've subscribed, you're entered. The winner will be picked randomly from all entrants, and will receive 150 thriller novels from some of the top novelists writing today. Three runner-up entrants will each receive a copy of the 2006 Thriller Anthology, edited by James Patterson. But really, everyone who signs up to receive the ITW newsletter is a winner.

So go on, sign up. You know you want to.

Please note: one entry per person, and, as usual, ITW will not share your email information with anyone.

For further information, contact M.J. Rose at MJRoseAuthor@aol.com

Print Print Print

Well the readers are done with Night Wing and thus far feed back has been great!

Thanks to those of you that took the time and effort to help me in this newest adventure -- Greg, Mark & Jas. A special thanks to Lora for her excitement after reading the first half -- it really helped to get my rear in gear on the rest of it.

I've printed out the hard copy and am final editing through that. All I can say is wow. It's amazing how different things look in print than on the computer screen. I find myself saying...

"We've been through this five times and never caught that!?"

So this week's tip is -- no matter how done you think you are print your story and go through it again. Snuggle into your favorite chair and get cozy with those old-fashioned red pens. Chances are a lot managed to slip by you in the electronic version that you...and editors...will note in the final copy.

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

Apparitions Blog

The time has come to say farewell to 2006 and usher in 2007! YAY! 2006 was a rough year for us and I can't wait to kick its arse out the door.

Sticking with tradition I've concocted a list of New Year's Resolutions. I find that if I use the word 'will' instead of 'I'll try' etc. and keep things doable it's easy to obtain most if not all of your goals.

So for 2007 I WILL:

Spend more time with positive friends and family members
Support hubby in his artistic endeavors
Work more with the kiddos
Do my best editing job on Apparitions and get it out to you
Find a home for Night Wing
Have Windigo done by November
Continue to learn and grow in my chosen fields
Work out regularly so I can be around to write for a good long while

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About the Author -
Raven Bower is the author of the upcoming horror novel, Apparitions (ArcheBooks April 2007)

Apparitions Blog

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas season is here and we're close to heralding in a new year! Such a grand time of year!

We're going to be doing the family thing and visiting a dear friend of mine that I haven't seen in two years. And she's pregnant with her first baby. How wonderful is that? I can't wait to see the belly!

In other good news my second novel, the first in a fantasy series -- Night Wing -- is finally done!!! YAY! Due to a hectic year in our family most notably the deaths of three dear family members, it took me a lot longer to complete than I had planned for. But it is now done and the final reader is red-penning it. After that I'll print it, go through it in hard copy again and make corrections. Then it'll be ready to go!

Which means I might have time to actually read a novel over Christmas holidays! I'm so excited! I haven't read a novel since Koontz's last Frankie came out.

Anyway, have a Merry Christmas! Enjoy your company, enjoy the food and drink! The season isn't about worrying about your waist line!

Cheers!
~Raven

_____________________
About the author -

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

Apparitions Blog

I believe...

That the term 'ignorance is bliss' is way off mark. I happened across this link at Writer's Market -- take a gander.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/07/books/07pync.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin

I find it truly astounding that the article against McEwan ever found its way to print. Plagiarism is indeed vile and should be stomped ruthlessly when found. However, there is a vast difference between plagiarism and the results of research and proper writing of procedures.

Writers research everything from police procedures to hospital procedures and so on. If the topic is touched on in the novel chances are the writer has spent time researching it. That said, there are realistically only so many ways things are done in this world. Must writers have to incessently find 'new' ways to describe them? If so then not only would our fiction read like tripe but it'd confuse the hell out of readers -- particularly those who do know how things work in a given field.

In this instance, Mr. McEwan is accused of plagiarism because he describes the techniques that a period hospital uses. Without creating such absurdities such as 'He jumped twice, turned in circle, doused the bandage in fuel from an alien ship and then smacked it on his patient' there truly are only so many ways you can apply a bandage.

I find this modern plague of finger pointing and court trials over such flimsy cases of plagiarism disturbing.

Face it folks, nothing 'original' or 'authentic' has been written since the bible and if we include verbal storytelling…nothing new since we learned how to speak. Since days untold writers have been building off of the research and imagination of other writers. Nothing is created from a vacuum and that certainly includes fiction.

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About the Author -

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

Apparitions Blog

Stress'n

A friend of mine made a post elsewhere asking what others do to relieve stress. Here's my answer to his question --

I think the first step towards dealing with stress is accepting its reality and accepting the knowledge that it will grow the older you get and the more responsibilities and freedom you get. The same applies when particularly stressful times arise. For example this next 12 months for us is going to be a time of very high stress and nearly zero 'play time'. We have to accept that and realize that once the goals get met then the stress will start to ebb and time will free up for a bit. Without that acceptance the time of stress seems like an infinite black hole and that only compounds the stress.

I used to write to de-stress. Although I still love writing and couldn't live without doing it...once you add in those deadlines and it becomes a career instead of relaxation or 'experiment' time the ball game changes. Writing still works, to a limited degree, to vent -- particularly the articles I write for the blogs. Or those wonderful, choice moments when the story is flowing so well and it's so vivid that deadlines, commitments and marketing fade to nothingness.

Another thing that works well for me with stress is using that negative energy like I use the negative energy of anger -- aim it at positive goals. I ran into 3 really mean book store owners last week that were so rude they left me staring at the phone with that "wow. When's the last time they had a BM?" look. It took my stress level from already high to sky rocketing. I had to be in this area at this particular time and all the owners were treating me like some form of flesh eating bacteria. I turned the stress into anger and aimed it at the problem. Researched the area more found other stores, fired my proposals at them and landed 3 more signings. To the other peeps I say...

If the stress comes from lack of time I find that stepping back from activities helps. Cut out any unnecessary things to free up time to work on what you need done. Trips are nice. Gaming is nice. Hanging out is nice. Visiting is nice. Partying is nice. Goofing off is nice. Playing games is nice. But if they aren't necessary to your goal then cut them for a while and see how much time that frees up for you to accomplish your goal. Once your goal is met and the stress is off then pick them back up as seen fit.

Sometimes all that's needed is a bit of blow off time. This is usually the case when you've been working on something for so long your brain is mush, you feel like the blob and you can't decipher the ground from the sky. In those cases I set up a limited amount of time to just 'blow off'. This is time you just wantonly waste on brainless movies, video games or whatever it is you want to do. But do note the 'limited'. The idea is to blow off enough stress and relax enough to get back to obtaining your goal. Any more than that and you can go backwards in your goal which again compounds stress. As well as guilt for not getting done what was needed or promised.

Anyway, those are the primary modes I use to destress and get back on track. And using them helps to keep me from being a danger to others :D

__________________
About the Author -

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

Apparitions Blog

Take a few moments out of the hectic Holiday rush to give thanks for all your blessings. It's what Thanksgiving is about!

I think my dentist has a fabulous idea too. Instead of promising yourself you won't stuff yourself this holiday season...just admit that it'll happen and have fun! Eat and enjoy! It's better than feeling down on yourself or guilty about the fun and good times you had.

Just increase your activity for the next month by a few minutes a day and your body will never know you splurged.

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About the author -

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

Apparitions Blog