Michael Ambersons book updates

Update 9-17-09

majykmike — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:42:04 +0000

Ok back to writing. Been busy the last couple of months and unfortunately haven’t been able to write a whole lot. I’m still working on converting the book from first person to third person and that takes almost as much time as writing it did in the first place. I also am adding to the story as I go. It seems to be shaping up nicely and my test readers seem to be enjoying it. I will post more teasers once the book starts to progress again, but I’ll keep you updated in the mean time

Update 7-15-09

majykmike — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:48:03 +0000

Well I’m currently working on converting the book from a first person perspective to a third person perspective. It’s amazing how when you go back over what you’ve written fresh ideas pop into your head. Having a great time with it and getting to know the characters better.

Brain Rest

majykmike — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:23:59 +0000

Well I’ve taken some time off to rest the brain a little from writing. I’ve spen the last couple weeks listening to audio books of the Inheritance series (Eragon), and the last few Harry Potter books.

I did this for a couple reasons. Both of these series have been very popular and well recieved, especially Potter. For that reason, having only seen the movies, I wanted to check out the writing styles of the authors (audio books are good if your trying to do housework simultaneously). Of course every author has their own style and I’m sure mine will be as unique as any other, but I wanted to see what the draw was.

I will say this. I can see why these books and not just the movies have become so popular. If anyone out there like myself has been waiting for the movies to come out… Stop waiting. The books themselves are excellent and as is the case with any book to movie you lose some of the book and in the case of Eragon, the story almost completely changes.

Anyway, stepping back a bit, thinking of some minor changes, and taking some time to flesh out the characters a bit more than I have. I’m also brainstorming some plot points.

More to come soon.

Restructuring of the book

majykmike — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:54:24 +0000

Well as with any draft nothing is final. I have decided to do a minor restructure and add a chapter division a little earlier in the book. So in effect I am now working on Chapter 4 instead of chapter 3. Chapter 4 is coming along wonderfully. The action is starting to pick up and our Hero is learning that there is more to him than he ever imagined (or truly comprehends even now).

For those keeping track, I’ve written about 12,500 words (56 pages including the prologue). I’ve tried writing many times before and this is the farthest I’ve ever gotten.

I’m getting a lot of great feed back from the poeple I have “Test reading” as I go, and I can’t tell you all how much it means to me. They have all been very supportive while remaining constructive.

Just a side note too. I’m trying to keep the book “Family Friendly”. However with the nature of the book as it is right now there may be a few places where the action can be a bit, well, violent. It won’t be a blood and gore kind of novel though.

By the way… for those considering writing a book of your own I’d like to recommend a book or books to read first. James N. Frey has a series of books on the writing process. The one that I have is How to Write a Damn Good Mystery: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide from Inspiration to Finished Manuscript

Here’s a little snippet from Deceptions In Time, Chapter 4

Another thunderous blow was delivered to the front door of the house, followed by the sound of it tearing off the hinges and falling to the floor. I almost fell as Dee pushed me through the hole in the wall that I had just created. Then she darted through, followed by Hugh and Mojo who came through at the same time.

“CLOSE IT! CLOSE IT NOW!” Dee yelled.

Chapter 2 – Continued

majykmike — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:17:39 +0000

Things are coming along good with the book and I’m done with the first draft of chapter 2. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of rewrites as I go but for now chapter 2 is done and I’m moving on to chapter 3. My sister picked up a book for me at the Library called “How To Write A Damn Good Mystery“. It’s got a lot of good information in it and I’ve started to put it to work.

If this is your first time here you might want to read the prologue (under the prologue tab at the top) and my previous posts. They are not very lengthy.

Also here’s another little teaser from Chapter 2.

Almost instantly the silver inlay on the floor began to glow. The candle flames brightened, streams of white light rising from them like serpents into the air, intersecting and forming a dome over me like the top of a bird cage.

Chapter 2 – First Draft

majykmike — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:44:27 +0000

Chapter 2 is coming along. I’m about half way through but again so far it’s just a first draft. As to what I have planned; In this chapter our hero starts to figure a few things out, but not without a little help. What is it he’s trying to figure out? Well, actually a number of things. It ought to be interesting to see if he manages to keep his sanity.

Jumping out of bed, I stomped like a 3 year old having a temper tantrum, out of the room and down the stairs. I yelled, “Destinee Quinn, I hope to God you can tell me what’s going on. Ghosts, disappearing costumed alleged friends, and talking cats who can bully German Sheppard’s. I want answers, and I want them now!”

Chapter 1

majykmike — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:03:44 +0000

After many rough drafts I’ve finally reached a semi-final version of it. Through Chapter one you’ll meet the main Character Michael Quinn and his Aunt. You’ll learn a little about him and his life situation as he goes to St. Augustine to look after his aunts’ cat while she is away on business.

I turned back in time to see his transparent eyes were looking directly at me. His sword arched down toward my head.
Thankfully I remembered the martial arts training I had when I was in high school, and sparring with friends, so I reacted accordingly. I yelled “Aahhh!” very loudly, as I ducked and shut my eyes tightly, praying that the sword would hit the wall and not me.
OK, not exactly black belt material, but Shotokan Karate doesn’t exactly teach how to defend against an ethereal, sword wielding, Spanish soldier.

Hello world!

majykmike — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:32:11 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I’ve recently started writing a book, and much to my amazement, a lot of friends have been wanting information on it. I have decided to start this blog to keep people posted on its progress. I won’t be posting the whole book here as I write it but I will give a little teaser and then try and keep everyone posted on the progress I’m making, and maybe a clue here or there about what’s going on in the book. For the teaser, click on the “Prologue” tab above. I have included the whole prologe as it is right now as it is the semi-final draft of it.

The working title is Deceptions In Time

Also please feel free to make comments on any of the posts.