Month: December 2023

An Author’s 2023 Journey

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

As we approach the end of 2023, I find myself in a reflective mood, looking back on a year filled with creative milestones and personal adventures. It’s been a year where each day was a page in my story, filled with its own lessons. Let’s look at an author’s 2023 journey. My journey.

Expanding the Creedverse: 300,000 Words Strong

One of the crowning achievements of this year has been adding a staggering 300,000 words to my Creedverse series bible. It’s nearly 400,000 words long, now, and that’s a lot of information! This massive expansion is not just about quantity but also the depth and complexity it adds to my fictional world, enriching the backstories and plotlines. While many of these articles remain a private resource for my writing, sharing some on my Creedverse World Anvil site has allowed readers to dive deeper into the lore of this universe.

 

A Memorable Adventure at San Diego Comic-Con

Attending San Diego Comic-Con with my son was a highlight that will stay with me for years. Taking part in the “Welcome to the Weird West” panel was an honor and a chance to connect with like-minded authors and fans. The experience went beyond the panel discussions and book signings. Roaming the exhibition hall, attending vibrant parties, and reconnecting with fellow authors in the bustling corridors of Comic-Con was an exhilarating experience that underscored the community and camaraderie of the event.

 

Writing ANna, Daughter of Creed

The journey of writing Anna, Daughter of Creed has been an example of the non-linear process of creative writing. After starting over following two extensive drafts, I’ve found a narrative thread that truly resonates with the direction I want to take. This year’s writing process has been about discovery, understanding my characters better, and refining the story’s direction. Now, well into the current draft, the end is in sight, and I’m eager to bring this story to its conclusion and share it with the world.

 

Diving into Patreon and New Skills

Revamping my Patreon this year has opened new avenues for connecting with my readers. Soon, I plan to offer exclusive content for fans, who will get two exclusive short stories per month for their $5. I’ve also embraced the challenge of learning and implementing Facebook ads for my books. This foray into digital marketing represents a blend of creativity and strategy, teaching me the nuances of online promotion.

 

New Connections and Ventures

Participating in Indie Author Day at Anaheim Central Library was a highlight of my year, offering a mix of education, networking, and connection with the indie author community. Starting the day with book setup at Mystery Ink, I was honored to be part of the Crafted Words: Mastering the Writer’s Toolbox panel, in which we discussed various aspects of writing fiction. The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, including a resource to find a French-speaking editor for the translation of my Bodacious Creed novels.

Attending LosCon as a vendor brought a unique flavor to this year. Selling books and dice towers, while making new friends and enjoying the con atmosphere, was a highlight. It’s these kinds of events that remind me of the vibrant and diverse community that exists in the sf/fantasy world. The connections made, especially with individuals involved in the Writers of the Future Contest, have opened new doors and provided fresh perspectives in my writing journey.

Creative Risks Pay Off

Launching new products in my Etsy shop was a leap of faith that paid off. The positive reception of the Dungeons and Dragons themed decks and signed copies of my novels has been both validating and motivating. It’s fun, turning my creative products that others love. These ventures have not only contributed to my financial stability but also enhanced my connection with the broader fan community.

 

Prioritizing Self-Care

Amidst all the creative and professional hustle, prioritizing self-care has been a key theme for me this year. Ensuring adequate sleep and maintaining a daily journaling habit have been non-negotiables in my routine. These practices helped to keep me focused so I can approach each day with renewed energy and clarity.

 

Looking Ahead

As I look back on the year, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, the growth, and the creative fulfillment I gained in 2023. It’s been a year of embracing new challenges, staying true to my vision, and growing as a writer and as an individual. Stepping into 2024, I am excited for new adventures, armed with the lessons from this year.

Here’s to another year of storytelling, creativity, and connections. Let’s make 2024 another remarkable chapter in our lives!

“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Tools That Transformed My Writing Journey

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

As a professional author, I’ve always believed that the journey of a writer is one of continual growth and exploration. Over the years, I’ve discovered several books, courses, and even an app that have become close companions in my writing endeavors. These resources have not only refined my skills but have also offered me new perspectives, guiding me through the complex and beautiful process of storytelling. Sharing these gems feels like passing on a part of my own writer’s journey, and I’m excited to dive into each one, hoping they might light the same spark in you that they did in me. Here are six tools that transformed my writing journey.

How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey

James N. Frey’s How to Write a Damn Good Novel is a must-read for novelists at any stage of their career. This book stands out as both a guide to dramatic storytelling and a philosophical exploration of fiction writing. Frey’s accessible style and clear presentation of essential storytelling elements, such as creating strong premises, compelling plots, and vibrant characters, make this book invaluable. Its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to storytelling basics is perfect for both beginners and professionals looking for a refresher.

Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling (Masterclass)

Neil Gaiman’s Masterclass on the Art of Storytelling is a journey into the mind of one of the most celebrated contemporary authors. Over nineteen videos and numerous workbook exercises, Gaiman covers the essence of effective storytelling. This class is not about writing a book quickly but delving into the concepts behind great fiction. It’s an enriching experience for anyone interested in exploring the alchemy of storytelling and finding their own voice.

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is a comprehensive guide on novel-writing, transforming Blake Snyder’s method for screenwriters into a format suitable for novelists. This book delves deep into genres and storytelling beats, providing a detailed framework for crafting well-structured narratives. It’s a tool for novelists at any stage, offering solutions for common writing challenges and a checklist for ensuring a compelling hero’s journey.

 

Write a Great Novel by Russell Nohelty (Online Course)

 

Though no longer available to new students, as far as I can tell, Write a Great Novel by Russell Nohelty was a transformative course. It covered everything from idea culling to character development, setting, world building, and story structure. The course helped me streamline my writing process, enabling me to complete the first draft of “Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake” in less than six months. For those interested in Nohelty’s approach, his books on Amazon, such as “How to Build Your Creative Career” and “Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter,” are excellent resources.

Tome Writing App

The Tome app is an innovative tool that has revolutionized the way I approach novel writing. Available at https://www.tomewriting.com/, it’s a comprehensive program that caters to both seasoned authors and beginners. I discovered its utility when I received it as a Christmas gift, initially to assist in accelerating the writing process for my current project, “Anna, Daughter of Creed.” The app’s ability to guide writers through each step of crafting a novel is remarkable. It’s structured to provide support regardless of where you are in your writing journey, making it a versatile tool for any novelist. In my experience, Tome has been instrumental in refreshing the basics of novel writing, ensuring that foundational elements of storytelling are robust and well-developed. This has been particularly helpful in maintaining the quality and pace of my writing.

 

For me, these resources have been helpful in refining my writing skills. Each of these books, courses, and tools offers insights and practical advice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned author, there’s always something new to learn and ways to enhance your storytelling.

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
~ Albert Einstein

Weaving Holidays into Fiction

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

We’re in the middle of the 2023 holiday season, and I got to thinking about how I’ve used holidays in my novels. Then, I thought, why not write today’s blog post about how holidays can enhance stories, even if the holidays aren’t the focus? So, here’s that blog post.

Remember, though, that this information is useful any time of the year as you work on your own fiction, or encounter holidays in novels, comics, television, or movies.

As an author, I find holidays to offer their own sort of narrative potential. In my Adventures of Bodacious Creed trilogy, I’ve used holidays days not just as a backdrop but as a catalyst to deepen the storytelling, enhance character development, and enrich the world I’ve created. Holidays, with their rich traditions and emotional weight, offer an opportunity to add layers of meaning to a story.

Crafting Emotional Depth by Weaving Holidays into Fiction

In my novel, Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, the protagonist’s death on July 4, 1876, America’s Centennial, is no mere coincidence. I chose this day for its inherent symbolism of freedom and new beginnings, creating a poignant contrast with Creed’s demise. (Of course, his death is just the beginning, but you’ll need to read the novel to learn more!)

This juxtaposition isn’t just about setting a scene; it’s about embedding the story with historical gravity and emotional resonance. The choice of this particular holiday adds a layer of irony and depth.

Building a Believable World

In Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate, the Christmas celebration of 1877 with fireworks off the Presidio is more than a festive scene. It’s an immersive experience into the era’s culture and social customs. This isn’t just about painting a picture of the time; it’s about allowing readers to live it, and to experience how Creed and his new friends have become a found family. The holiday setting gives a glimpse into the societal norms and traditions of the period, offering a richer understanding of the characters and their world.

Holidays as Narrative Milestones

Holidays in fiction can serve as significant plot points and catalysts for character evolution. Just as Charles Dickens used Christmas in A Christmas Carol to drive Scrooge’s transformation, I find that holidays can mark crucial moments in a character’s journey. In the Harry Potter series, Rowling uses Christmas at Hogwarts not just for merriment but as a key plot and character development device. Similarly, in my work, holidays act as turning points, marking significant changes or revelations in the story.

Striving for Authenticity

When integrating real holidays like the Fourth of July into my novels, I prioritize authenticity. Understanding the historical and cultural significance of such a day in 1876 America enriches the narrative, adding layers of depth and authenticity. It’s about more than just the date; it’s about capturing the era’s spirit, norms, and historical importance.

 

Symbolism and Thematic Reinforcement

Authors use holidays to highlight themes or character arcs. Harper Lee’s use of Halloween in To Kill a Mockingbird is a great example of how a holiday can encapsulate a novel’s themes, such as loss of innocence. This approach allows me to explore themes and character development more deeply, making the story resonate on multiple levels.

 

Originality in Fictional Celebrations

If you write in a world other than our own, or an alternate version of ours, creating unique holidays can add a layer of originality. Holidays like Durin’s Day in “The Hobbit” not only enrich the cultural tapestry of the world but also serve as pivotal plot elements. They ground the fictional universe, giving it a sense of reality and relatability. And, although the old Star Wars Holiday Special was a mess, the wookiee holiday, Life Day, has survived in canon and has enriched the Star Wars universe.

 

 

Weaving holidays into fiction is a powerful tool for deepening the emotional resonance, enhancing world-building, and driving character and plot development. In my Adventures of Bodacious Creed trilogy, I use these special days to make the story more vivid, relatable, and compelling. By weaving holidays, both real and imagined, into the narrative, authors can create richer, more immersive worlds that resonate deeply with readers.

“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” ~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Ethnic Diversity in the Creedverse

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

Including Ethnic Diversity in the Creedverse, my Weird West Alternate History

As the author of the Adventures of Bodacious Creed trilogy and the architect of the Creedverse, I’m driven by the desire to create a world that mirrors the rich, cultural diversity of the 19th-century American West. This alternate history steampunk universe is both a backdrop for thrilling adventures and a vibrant world where the stories of people from varied ethnic backgrounds interweave. Let’s now explore ethnic diversity in the Creedverse.

Crafting a Reflective Narrative

In the Creedverse, characters like James Creed and Anna Lynn Boyd, while being white, are integral to a narrative that celebrates diversity. They interact with, and are often influenced by, a variety of characters from different ethnicities, which adds layers to their own stories. Creed’s resurrection and transformation challenge the traditional notions of life and death, while Anna’s journey from a tragic childhood to a technological pioneer in a male-dominated society underscores themes of resilience and breaking barriers.

 

The Heroes

 

James Creed: His transformation from a U.S. Marshal to a mechanically enhanced investigator after a tragic demise reflects themes of rebirth and redemption. His character arc, crossing the boundaries of life and death, adds a unique dimension to the traditional Western hero.

Anna Lynn Boyd: Anna’s character is a brilliant blend of intellect and emotion, showcasing a woman’s ability to navigate and conquer the challenges in a male-dominated field. Her inventions and leadership at The House of Amber Doves underline the theme of female empowerment in an era where such notions were rare.

The Villains and Their Complexities

 

Maxwell Gregg: Gregg’s narrative explores how villainy can stem from ambition and how it is shaped by the society in which a person lives. His white ethnicity is incidental to his actions, portraying villainy as a human flaw, not confined to any race.

Ginger Guo and Dr. Darius Alexander: These characters bring a global perspective to the Creedverse, highlighting the broader implications of the era’s technological advancements and moral dilemmas. Their complex motives and actions add layers to the narrative, showcasing that characters of color can be as nuanced and integral to the story as their white counterparts.

The Allies

 

Ethan Smith, Ace Feng, Selena Moreno, and Hiram Pinel: These are just a few of the characters representing different cultures and ethnicities, and they lend the Adventures of Bodacious Creed series authenticity and depth. Their unique perspectives and skills are essential in shaping the course of the story, and their interactions with other characters, including James Creed and Anna Lynn Boyd, highlight the interconnectedness of different cultures in the Creedverse.

Brotherhoods: Unity in Diversity

 

The Brotherhood of the Golden Cog, with members like Selena and Guillermo Moreno, and the Brotherhood of the Bold Ox, with members of several ethnicities, represent the unity in diversity that is central to the Creedverse. These organizations are not just groups of individuals but symbolize the collective strength that comes from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Their solidarity in the face of challenges underscores the narrative’s emphasis on community and cooperation.

AN AUTHOR’S Reflection

 

As an author, it’s been quite a journey to bringing to life a world that not only entertains but also reflects the diverse reality of our past and present. The Creedverse, with its array of characters from different ethnicities, is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides. I hope that this universe resonates with readers, reminding them of the strength found in diversity and the shared humanity that binds us all.

The ethnic diversity in the Creedverse is a celebration of the multifaceted nature of our society. By including characters like Selena and Guillermo Moreno alongside James Creed and Anna Lynn Boyd, the narrative becomes a rich, inclusive story that honors the diversity of the American West. It challenges conventional narratives, offering a more truthful and inclusive depiction of the era, while still presenting an alternate west with advanced technology. Through its diverse cast, the Creedverse highlights the importance of understanding and embracing our differences to create a more unified and just society.

“As someone obsessed with and who writes small-town America, if you don’t see diversity in your town, you’re not looking hard enough.” ~ Julie Murphy

Put the Fantastic in Your Fiction

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

The Basics of Writing Fantastical Fiction 

 

In science fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural, the art of integrating fantastical elements into a narrative’s plot is both a challenge and a delight for writers. The key lies in achieving a balance between the extraordinary and the plausible, creating a universe where the impossible coexists seamlessly with the logical, even the familiar. I’d like to take you through the basics of writing fantastical fiction. There’s a lot more to know, but I hope this gets new writers in the right headspace.

Understanding Fantastical Elements

 

Fantastical elements are the bedrock of genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural fiction. These can range from advanced technological innovations and alien species to magical systems and mythical creatures. What sets them apart is their departure from the real and the everyday, so they offer an escape from the familiar to the unusual. Speculative fiction writers explore ideas beyond the constraints of everyday reality with stories that challenge our perception of the possible.

 

Establishing Rules and Boundaries

The first step in integrating fantastical elements is to establish the rules and boundaries of your world. This is true whether you’re writing a short story or a novel. In science fiction, these rules might be based on scientific principles and theories, as seen in Arthur C. Clarke’s rigorous approach to space travel. Fantasy worlds, such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, rely on a well-defined magic system. For supernatural stories, the parameters of ghostly or otherworldly interactions must be clear, as evidenced in Neil Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book.” This framework not only guides the narrative but also gives the reader a set of expectations about how the world operates.

Consistency is Key

Once the rules are set, consistency becomes paramount. Inconsistent application of fantastical elements can jolt the reader out of the story. George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series maintains meticulous consistency in its portrayal of dragons and magic, enhancing the believability of Westeros and beyond.

 

Integration with Plot and Characters

Ideally, the fantastical elements should be integral to the plot and character development. However, your world needs to seem like it doesn’t exist just for your main characters, and I encourage you to remember that whatever the world, people love a good character-driven story. Still, the fantastical elements work best if the story wouldn’t be the same, or even wouldn’t work at all, without them.

In Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” series, psychohistory is not just a futuristic concept; it drives the entire plot. Similarly, in “Harry Potter,” the magical elements are central to Harry’s growth and the story’s progression. These elements should evolve alongside the characters, influencing their decisions and shaping their journeys.

 

a Reflection of Reality

Speculative fiction often reflects real world issues back at us, letting us see them afresh. Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Left Hand of Darkness” uses an alien society to explore gender and sexuality. The dystopian elements in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” offer commentary on political and religious extremism. Through these fantastical mirrors, authors can address complex social and ethical issues in a way that feels distant yet deeply relevant.

Balancing the Familiar with the Unfamiliar

While fantastical elements introduce the unfamiliar, they should be balanced with familiar emotions and experiences. In “Star Wars,” amidst space battles and the Force, the story remains grounded in familiar themes of friendship, betrayal, and the struggle between good and evil. This balance helps readers connect with the story on an emotional level, making the fantastical elements more impactful.

 

Subverting Expectations

Occasionally, subverting the typical tropes of fantasy and science fiction can create impactful narratives. Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” series challenges established norms of the fantasy genre, offering a fresh perspective. This approach not only keeps the genre evolving but also engages readers who are looking for something new and unexpected.

 

Final Thoughts

The integration of fantastical elements in plot development requires a balance between imagination and structure, the extraordinary and the plausible. When executed skillfully, these elements can transport readers to new worlds, offer fresh perspectives on our own, and remind us of the endless possibilities of storytelling. In the hands of a skilled writer, they doors to new ideas and experiences, challenging us to dream bigger and bolder.

“Science fiction frees you to go anyplace and examine anything.” ~ Octavia E. Butler