The Familiar World of Verna McKinnon

The Sad Mistakes of Television & Sacrifice of Good TV

2012-01-29T12:38:00.000-08:00

The mistakes and frequent stupidity of television often amazes me. The long list of tragic mistakes is eternal, though I have a short personal list of issues that have bugged me. The blame is wide-producers, networks, bad writing, studios, etc...but the end result is the same-the ruin or banishment of great shows. Often science fiction and fantasy are axed.    Tragic, especially now that we are in an age of mostly rotten unimaginative TV. The few good shows struggle while wretched cheap reality shows, boring law or medical dramas or shows with toilet humor prevail. So, here is my list of some great shows that were cancelled by the idiots that rule TV/or some plain stupid moves that give me a headache. It is a short list as I could never list them all.

1. Firefly. One of the best science fiction shows with a great cast and massive potential crushed after barely a dozen episodes. Nathan Fillion was perfect and the dream ended too quickly. Shame on you TV!

2. SciFi Channel Demise. Now for some reason the channel is now called SYFY??? And they show wrestling? Beyond stupidity and I now pronounce the channel sehffee.

3.  Original Star Trek. The first of original science fiction shows to be treated like an unwanted stepchild. The potential for greatness was not erased, despite its cancellation.   Yet the networks still disregard science fiction despite the great love its fans show.

4. Crusade. Part of the Babylon 5 franchise, I loved this show and was again disappointed when they cancelled it after 13 episodes. Great original characters and mystery, plus they were going to clean up stuff left over from Babylon 5.

5. Original V Series. I loved this show and after barely a season and a big cliffhanger, they cancel it.

6. Alien Nation. One of the best science fiction shows made and set in a contemporary time. They give it a big cliffhanger and cancel it. Despite the furor that followed and the resulting TV movies that followed, it was never the same. For shame!

7. Beauty & The Beast. I started watching this show with skepticism, but the two main characters of Catherine & Vincent drew me in. Then to cancel it after 2 seasons (with another cliffhanger) and then to try to reboot the show by killing Catherine after she gives birth to Vincent's child was a violation of everything the show stood for. It quickly ended but not before I had a bad taste in my mouth. I own the first two seasons. Season 3 does not exist-ever. BAD TV DECISION!

8. Space Rangers. Only broadcast for 6 episodes and cancelled. Sigh. Another victim of network morons in suits.

9. Robin Hood. Okay this is the newer BBC edition that I attempted. They killed off Maid Marion (yet allowed her & Robin a quick marriage ceremony as she bled out). I stopped watching. Another dumbhead move. Despite it's problems, at least I have the 80's Robin of Sherwood that was so good, but also cancelled too early.

10. Adventures of Brisco County Jr. Bruce Campbell & Kelly Rutherford at their best. Fabulous show that had adventure, science fiction, romance, comedy, suspense in a tight package. Perhaps you were to good for TV..but it was a crime to cancel you after 28 glorious episodes.   Sigh. I still feel sad about this one,

11. Moonlight. Though I an weary of the vampire romance thing, the two stars of Moonlight (Sophia Myles & Alex O'Loughlin) raised the level with their shining characters & talent.   you cared about them. With barely a season of episodes they cancelled it. RIP Moonlight.

That is my short list of television sins.   I have more of course, but I must get back to writing.

Verna McKinnon

Write, write, write

2012-01-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, between bouts of frantic games of Plants vs. Zombies & Scrabble online, I am writing. Writing is a strange occupation if you think about it. We create worlds and characters in our heads and often think about cruel things to do to those characters. My poor characters are going to be put through many many tortures in the next 3 Familiar's Tale books-but I am also a believer on happy endings-for some.

I am also angling to play Skyrim-we just bought the game. Nothing boosts the creative juices like a dragon chasing you whilst you try not to pee your armor. But in between I am getting some great stuff written for book 3 and the new fantasy book for a new series. So, as I am off work today in Seattle due to freezing blizzard conditions, I shall put my creative juices to proper use and write a new chapter of excitement where Mellypip is trying to teach a baby dragon to read. This goes well until Mellypip's scrolls end up burning from the dragon's burps of flames when he has an upset tummy. Dragons are very high high maintenance.

More later.

Verna McKinnon

New Year Coming

2011-12-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all my friends out there! It is almost 2012 and I am ecstatic. As I type it is rainy and windy here in Seattle. But I like the rain and the feel of a new year coming. New Year means a lot me, It is a new beginning to start fresh-all shiny & new. We all have the similar goals in the new year like getting fit or losing weight or getting that great job. Some people hate doing new year resolutions, but I like the ritual of it all.
For me, (I have a great job at last, so no fuss there) among getting fit part, is the resolution to write more. I have books to complete and a publisher to keep happy. I have a couple short stories coming out soon, but I need to keep doing the books. I also want an agent. I want to finish The Rose & Sparrow: Goblin Cabal (working title, but a new fantasy book series I am writing) and finish another Familiar's Tale novel. My publisher Joe swears it will be soon, as soon as we have the cover art. So I am excited about that. Reb Brown is a genius and I cannot wait to see his work. So my goals are clear, which is a good thing. I also want to develop more of a following for my fan base, especially for my novels. So to any of you out there interested, become one of my followers on my blog and also on Facebook. I will also be doing some exciting changes to my website soon with the help of my friend Sally. She is a genius who did my website and I am forever grateful. I may write on a computer, but comuters do not always like me. With my new novel Tree of Bones coming out soon, I will be posting more chapters from Gate of Souls to read, and several chapters from Tree of Bones to tantalize my readers when it is released.

So Happy New Year!

Verna McKinnon

Respect The Pulp!

2011-11-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Fantasy Friends,

I bought the new Conan the Barbarian movie and am going to watch it tonight with a side of chips and diet coke. Personally, I thought Jason Mamoa made a great Conan.  This movie is (in my opinion and a lover of Robert E. Howard work) great. Nothing will be exactly like the stories, but this adaptation is much closer to the wit, personality & smarts of the Conan character. Jason portrayed Conan as smart and clever, though with steely determination and a rough chivalry. I will not comment on the first 1981 movie or the television show with the clone of Arnold. I love old fashioned, gritty pulp writing.  Robert E. Howard short stories are the best in this genre.   Personally, I hope they make another film.   My biggest complaint is that they made is another revenge fantasy and Conan was all about the adventure and walking the misty roads of a magical, dangerous world with a glint in his eye and a sword in his hand. Hey Jason-need someone to help with the script? I write great dialogue and understand the genre (so does my husband Rick Hipps). Read my novel or check out one of my short stories.  I would love to work on a Conan film script. A girl can dream.

Which brings me back to my first thought about respecting the pulp-understand your genres.

Back to the pulp talk. People tend to assume a literature-fringed snobby attitude and claim they would never read this type of genre or watch films derived from it, yet so much of what we love to see in movies and read about bursts with pulpy goodness. You think back to the greats-such as Robert E. Howard, H. Rider Haggard and many more writers that composed adventures with feral imagination. Stay true to your story and its characters. This goes for any genre. The era in which Robert E. Howard wrote is gone forever, but his pulp stories will always survive the ages. That is because pulp writing at its best conveys action and its characters spring to vibrant life off the page. It is a genre to respect. There are many genres because life needs variety to spice up the brain cells. Romance has its place, as does horror, fantasy, mystery, true crime, drama, children, comedy, and more.  Pulp has many elements of course, because it can fall into any genre (crime, fantasy, horror, science fiction, adventure, etc.), but the execution of good pulp writing has a particular style of urgency. Do not do a classic pulp-derived character like Conan and try to make a social commentary from issues in today's society. Pick another genre for that. For Conan and other great pulp characters, stick to the core of what the character is about-action, adventure, gritty sex, and epic quests. Do not soften the tale with current social commentary. Some things are universal in the world, and do not need to be paired with unnecessary politically correct foot notes. An example is making fairy tales politically correct. Fairy tales are important folk tales that conveyed a harsh ancient morality and sense of justice for the suffering heroines. They were meant to be dark.  The magic is meant to be dark. They are not fluffy tales to read to your four year old while they hug their store bought teddy bears. Changing them to a modern view is unpleasant and turns the characters & stories into stale white bread. It destroys the magic. The same goes for old-fashioned pulp-do not water it down.  Take the heart of what it is and honor it. Do not destroy the magic. So respect the pulp.

Halloween's 13 Most Fun & Scary

2011-10-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

I love this time of year and Halloween has always been my favorite holidays. You get to dress up in costumes, be silly, eat candy, tell ghost stories, and watch scary movies. There have been many great films and books about horror, but I am going to list my current 13 favorite classic movies.   I have other favs in my contemporary & TV genres, but these are classics from the 1930's to the 1960's.  Many of these films are from Universal's great horror vault where they carved out the horror genre with class and simple artistry. Also, wonderfully scary stars like Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, Peter Cushing & Christopher Lee lead the pack in this classic list of horror greats.

1. The Mummy (1932) with Boris Karloff and Zita Johann. One of the early greats with a mixture of lost love, reincarnation, curses, mummies, and wonderful black & white film atmosphere.
2. The Mummy(1959) with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.  There were many mummy movies, but after the initial classics, but they paled until this one with two giants of the horror genre. These guys could act and always added class to the horror and fantasy films.  How could you not love Hammer Horror??? The basic tale retold with Hammer's signature mood and casting. Always fun.    Pick any Hammer classic and you will have a good Gothic time.
3. Dracula (1931)  This film made Bela Lugosi a star. The signature spooky clack & white film and stark atmosphere still hold up today.
4. Frankenstein (1931) Boris Karloff rose to greatness as Frankenstein's monster, adding yet another notch to the Universal Studios mastery of horror.
5. Bride of Frankenstein (1935) The continuation of the story finally appeared in 1935, with Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester playing both Mary Shelly and Frankenstein's bride.
6. The Thing From Another World (1951) Howard Hawks production shines though it only touched on the original short story. Both horror and sci-fi, it was great and also had strong women in the film. A classic good for Saturday and your bowl of popcorn.
7. Curse of the Demon (1957) Dana Andrews stars in a chilling horror/film noir classic. Though the demon might be silly by today's spoiled uber special effects generation, as a kid I found it scary. The core of the story about cursing someone with a piece of parchment and a little poetic justice at the end still holds.
8. The Masque of Red Death (1964) Vincent Price was a joy to watch in anything, but this is one of the truly dark efforts he made and his class lifted the film to a higher status.
10. The Devil Rides Out (1968) A rare & obscure wonderful horror film where Christopher Lee gets to be the hero instead of the monster.   There is a battle with a devil cult to save some souls and as always, if you have one of the greats like Christopher lee, how can you lose?
11. Pit & The Pendulum (1961) Vincent Price and Barbara Steele take on Edgar Allen Poe in this atmospheric horror film. Gothic horror with a 60's spin.
12.  I Walked with a Zombie (1943) A great little film with big spooky heart. I regard it as a Jane Eyre type story with zombies.
13. House of Wax (1953) Vincent Price shines in the horror classic. There is tragedy, innocent maidens, betrayal, & horror chills.

Well, there you have it. My list of 13 old classics of horror for Halloween. Check them out and pop some popcorn. Have a great Halloween!

Snow White Lives!

2011-10-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Just a quick blog to let everyone know a couple things. First, my new short story, "Snow White: My Story," will be published by Mystic Signals in their February 2012 print edition. The quarterly fantasy fiction magazine can be bought at their websites or Amazon.com. I am proud because Snow White has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. Many good (and bad) writers have done versions of this classic fairy tale. I have kept my tale in a mythical fairy age time, but have given Snow White a stronger voice and added some humor. I have also been bothered by obvious holes in the old story-Why the demand for her bloody heart in the iron casket? Why do bluebirds land on her shoulder? Why the dwarfs and who were they really? What about stepmother's past? Why the gruesome red-hot iron slippers on stepmother? I have answered these and more, and yes- it is still funny and still dark.

Fairy tales should be dark.

But these old folk tales of magic, lost princesses, stalwart princes, and witches were also morality tales with stark fates for the good and the bad. I love fairy tales, but the dark ones, not the sanitized tales that parents want to read to their five year olds. That is not why fairy tales were invented. Read them the Care Bears instead.

On another happy note,my husband Rick Hipps has a new short story accepted by Weird War Anthology. The story is called "Hunter's Run." It is through War of the Words Press and is a British print anthology. I am so proud.

That is all for now. I am writing another short story and waiting to hear about another submission.

Luv & Hugs

Verna McKinnon

Red Palace: The house that darkness built

2011-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

I have posted another "Tales of Obsydian Nights" short story for your reading pleasure. It is the darkest and most violent of my Obsydian stories and was one of those published in Descending Darkness as part of my series (sadly that webzine is no longer). Obsydia is darkness personified and clever in her cruel recruitment. She demands worship and sacrifice, and knows how to play the weakness of the human soul.

This story is important for another reason. At the end of the story, when those poor folk that have not succumbed to darkness are escaping the city, we meet a powerful wizard helping those people. His name is Neelam and he is important for many reasons, not only because he is a strong adversary to Obsydia in several stories, but because he is an important character that will be in my Familiar's Tale series starting with book 2, Tree of Bones. Neelam is a wonderful no-nonsense character. He is strong, gritty, and when I write him, the dialogue flows like water. There are certain characters that rise to take control of their rightful place in the story. Neelam is one of those. So was Darcus, who started as a two chapter one-shot character in my book and blossomed into the weary and noble mainstay that refuses to leave the tale. Neelam is someone I like to write, and his familiar Surya make a wonderful balance of wizard and familiar. There will be more Obsydia tales coming-and Neelam will be in some of those fighting her evil with sword and magic.

More later. I await more news on my book cover for Tree of Bones. Also, happy birthday to my publisher and editor, Joseph Dickerson.

Verna McKinnon

Conan The Barbarian-Jason Momoa and a rockin' Howard world

2011-08-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, just in case you are a devoted Arnold fan and love the original film version of Conan the Barbarian, stop reading now. Because as a devoted fan of Robert E. Howard and his work, the new Conan the Barbarian film with Jason Momoa rules in my world.

Few film adaptations of an author's work are like the original stories and I was not expecting it to be. You can only hope for a tribute of the writer's original perspective. The 1981 film missed on every possible level, and though it can be viewed as a fun fantasy film, it was never Conan to me.

However, this new film possesses the wild sensation and gritty life of Conan's world that I remember from the original stories. Jason Momoa does a great job of portraying the bigger than life action hero. He is basic and elemental. A born warrior, wild and free, with an odd sense of chivalry and basic code of honor. In the film, which is very violent as Conan's world was, he fights with lusty abandon and seeks to right the wrongs of his world in his way-by his sharp sword. He moves as I imagined, like a panther and Jason was expressive without going over the top. He has little dialogue, but then, Conan is a man of action, not windy speeches. The supporting cast is great! Rachel Nichols was cool but feisty. Rose McGowan was very creepy as a witch with daddy issues. We always love Ron Perlman, and his role as Conan's father was wonderful. Stephen Lang was a great surprise as the main villain. Leo Howard deserves cudos as the young Conan. The visuals are a treat. Vivid, colorful and raw-from the costumes to the fighting choreography to the cinematic portraits of the Hyborian age of ancient ruins and dangerous lands full of exotic spice and mystery.

If you are open minded about a new Conan and can leave the 1981 effort in the past, please see this movie. I loved it. I cannot wait for the DVD!!!

More later,

Verna McKinnon

Tales of Obsydian Nights

2011-07-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Familiar's Tale Fans!

I have posted the first of several short stories set in the world of "A Familiar's Tale" in my featured story section of my website. "The Bloodstone Queen" is the first story and recounts the birth of the dark immortal
Queen Obsydia. These stories are set a thousand years before Gate of Souls, A Familiar's Tale book One, but are very integral because it reveals important events of this world's past and also many important characters that are central to my current book series. Every world has a past and this one is a stage of darkness where light was challenged. You will meet a young Cathal and Belwyn, Neelam the Wizard and his familiar Surya, who are important characters in books 2 through 4 of my Familiar's Tale series. You also will get to know first hand Obsydia, who will be a major force of wickedness in books 2-4 of my book series. My second book is coming out soon, I just wish I could reveal more.
I first wrote these short stories as a way to build the past of my fantasy world where our heroes Runa and Mellypip (and their family and friends) are thrust into a world of intrigue and magic battles, and it helped me as a writer to fully develop the current timeline of my characters and plots even more. Many of these Obsydia short stories were published several years ago in a web zine under the series "Tales of Obsydian Nights," and I was proud of those stories. Some of the tales are violent and dark, much darker than my books, but provide juicy knowledge into my world and its history.
The eras of my world are broken into time lines using jewels as a reference for each era. The Diamond Age, where the Eternals created the universe and walked the world when it was newly made, The Emerald Age, where life evolved and developed and the first peoples and animals were born, The Sapphire Age, where all the races achieved greatness, both mortals and mages, and life was bright and full of magic and light. The fourth age is "The Bloodstone Age, when a dark star struck the world, hurled by a jealous Ahridum, Eternal of Darkness and Chaos. This plunged the world into a period of despair, death, destruction, and war. Whole kingdoms were destroyed and evil took deep root. This climaxed with the birth of Obsydia, who became the Bloodstone Queen and ruled the world.
Light was dimmed, but heroes fought for the Light in this terrible era of shadow and blood. There are tales where the heroes lose and some where they win, but it all leads to the exciting prologue that you will read in Tree of Bones, which recounts how Cathal and his brave companions confronted Obsydia in a great battle a thousand years ago.
Her fate is not set, however, as with most beings of immortal evil, they cannot die as we do. We can only subdue (if we are lucky). But even the most powerful sorcerous bonds are tested with time and Obsydia, the Bloodstone Queen, is difficult to imprison forever.

Enjoy the tales!

Luv,

Verna McKinnon

Alert Fantasy & Sci-Fi Girls!!!! RISE TO BATTLE

2011-06-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm very annoyed.   As time goes on, the more the media (books, but especially TV & Film) focuses all the their science fiction and fantasy efforts on the adolescent boy, or the adult male with adolescent perspectives. The films are bigger with poofy special effects, but the stories are almost non-existent. It is like bad junk food that lacks nutrition-no thought required. It is all done to attract the male species into theaters. But what about us girls, huh? Those of us, and I know there are many of us girls, that love science fiction and fantasy. The powers in suits think that they need only make certain romantic comedies for us, (though those are even degrading into toilet humor-laced duds with one dimensional scripts) but I shout my defiance.

I love science fiction and fantasy-big or small, silly or serious, but I demand some quality. I am also one of the few women writers out there that loves Robert E. Howard and relish the sword & sorcery escapades of Conan (Jason Momoa-do not let me down!) I just think that the folks in the TV and Film business need to broaden their perspective. I think it is prejudicial to think women are not interested in science fiction and fantasy, as much as I think it is lame for these producers to believe that producing lame offal on a fancy patter of dazzling special effects will satiate the creative appetite.

So I want all of you ladies out there, be you teenagers or grandmas, to voice your demands for more quality science fiction and fantasy out there. Rise up and be heard! Write the studios. Pitch your indignity to the TV stations and cable shows.   Write the producers of shows past and beg them to return! Do not let them roll you into a boring statistic!

That is my rant for the week. I want something to feed on, and Game of Thrones is almost done. I will hunger again soon. The days of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Stargate Atlantis are in the past, but with me in the spirit of DVD,  I will need something fresh to feast upon soon. It is sadly obvious that people are degrading into a murky swill of realty television drones. I think we should resist that, else our cognitive functions will shrivel into acorn nuts.

Have fun my wonderful readers. Watch something of quality and remember what once was.  I'm calling my editor (hi Joe :)) this weekend to check on my book cover for Tree of Bones and other literary things. Bye for now. More later.

Love,

Verna McKinnon

Crazy Fiction Time

2011-06-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Hello out there!
My time has been crazy of late, so I have neglected my time blogging for my readers and friends. Am so sorry. But I have been writing and waiting to see the new cover work for my new book Tree of Bones. Am so excited that Rob E. Brown is doing it.

On the personal side, I have been watching Game of Thrones on HBO. The casting is superb and the writing excellent. I hope George RR Martin is happy with it too. The production values are amazing, but more importantly, there is a real adult fantasy on television worth watching. Each episode leaves you hanging and breathless for the next episode. It is not for children under a certain age, but that is fine. A lot of great fantasy is for the adult mind, not kids. I think people have forgotten that in the age of Harry Potter. I am not knocking that, as my books fit the for all ages readership. But there is a wealth of fabulous fantasy and science fiction out there that can only be given justice on film if it is in a quality series format-and a premium cable channel is best. I pray that this series opens the gates for other great fantasy/science fiction works to be done. Also, I cannot wait for the next George R R Marin book in this series. He is one of the great masters. I bow to you sir.

I also dream that someday someone will put my Familiar's Tale series to film. I know some writers poo poo their works being turned into movies or television and often they are very right in their fears. But I also believe in hope and so far Game of Thrones is providing a solid base for that hope. Plus, I envision my entire story in a rich production movie form with a great cast (which I often change or update ), in widescreen format with a stunning Hanz Zimmer or Joel Goldsmith soundtrack. Yes, I am fantasizing, but imagination is my job after all. A girl must dream.

I will be posting a new short story soon on my website, which is long overdue. Until then, have fun and read some good books and eat some drobba.

Verna McKinnon

Mourning A Legend: Elisabeth Sladen

2011-04-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

I am barely over the fact that the world no longer has Brian Jacques or David Eddings in the fantasy/sci-fi world, but now another icon has passed-Elisabeth Sladen, the wonderful actress who immortalized the companion Sarah Jane Smith in the "Doctor Who" universe, died today of cancer. She was the first companion of the Doctor I saw when I first began watching reruns of Doctor Who on my local PBS channel, and also enjoyed her character's return in the current run of Doctor Who adventures (with Tennant)and her own spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures. I always liked the actress and the character. She was one of the first great heroines on science fiction TV. She was brave, plucky, caring, and clever. She will be missed.

The world just sucks sometimes.

Book Cover News for Tree of Bones!

2011-04-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Fantasy Fans! I am very excited that my publisher Joseph Dickerson has made arrangements with Rob E. Brown to do my next book cover for the upcoming Tree of Bones. Rob Brown is an amazing artist that has worked for many impressive venues such as Marvel Comics! Also Rob is doing black and white drawings for inside the book. I am thrilled and cannot wait to see his artwork for my book.
Also, tonight is a sacred time. The first episode of "Game of Thrones," based on legendary George R.R. Martin's wonderful fantasy series starts tonight. I have already watched the mini specials for Game of Thrones on the HBO and love the cast! Some of my favorite actors are in it (Sean Bean!!!!), Lena Headey as Queen Cersei, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, and more great actors. The new faces are impressive too, such as Emilia Clarke they cast to play Daenerys Targaryen. I will be watching these episodes over and over, I am sure. Truly great fantasy to be adapted like this is rare. It's like getting to have thick juicy sirloin after a diet of thin watery gruel.
Well, I am going back to my Game of Thrones mini specials, until tonight's episode finally comes on. Talk to you soon.

Irish Eyes and Celtic Tempers

2011-03-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, my bloodline is infused with a lot of Irish blood and the coming St. Patrick's day is irksome for because all the local great Irish pubs are always too crowded and you can't get in one to save your mother's soul. Yes, I know it is holy day, but I am more universal in my spiritual philosophies. But I will have a drink at home and think of the great story telling that the Irish are known for throughout history. And I am not talking about leprechauns in neon green suits with orange hair. The Hound of Ulster and Epona come to my mind. Despite being a warrior culture the Irish were also know for their arts, music, and storytelling.

So I shall put on some Chieftains or Clannad, and raise a glass to my heritage. A great heritage. One day I hope to visit Ireland. Perhaps if I am ever successful as an author (I mean in the financial sense) I would like to live there. So as I write my stories of magic and warriors, I cling to that hope. The love of Ireland.
More next week.

Love

Verna McKinnon

Spellbound by words...and Pilates

2011-03-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Fantasy Fans and Friends,

As a writer, I face a daily challenge of creativity on several planes of focus. In this daily challenge there is a rim of terror-terror that my writing is less than worthy, my plots are mush, and my characters flat. I could go on and on, but I shall edit myself and decline to bore you with the gruesome details that haunts authors everywhere. Those who write speculative fiction especially have even more to agonize over. We create new worlds and races, bring ancient legends to life, invent mythologies, compose exciting characters that wield magic, manipulate time and space, have to write about things that simply do not exist in this realm of reality-at least that we know of. Making it natural and real to our readers (and publishers) is the tough battle.

Two factors that writers need to focus on is character and dialogue. Characters are the lifeblood of writing and dialogue an essential soul that brings it to life. Complex plots and detailed storylines mean nothing without this central core. Consider your characters and dialogue the Pilates of your writing routine. It is your core-that important strength that holds up the rest of the body.    Without a strong core you have a weak body.

There are some authors that shine in their expert characters and dialogue. Two I will give as an example (of many I adore) are the late Brian Jacques and David Eddings. I loved the works of these authors and sadly they have both passed from this world. Their absence will be sorely missed in the realm of writing-and not just fantasy. Their characters and dialogue support there novels and their ideas, and make them damn fun to read. These essential attributes give personality and depth and support the story. They make the reader want to continue reading. All the perfect syntax in the world will not make up for dull conversations and one dimensional characters.

The next thing to consider is the natural tone of your dialogue. That can be tough. I often read my works aloud along with traditional editing because if you have trouble speaking the words then it needs work.  You will find over time every character has a certain rythym. Once you have it for that character then it becomes easier.

Now I must leave you again and will be back next week with more thoughts. I have writing to do. Characters and worlds to create and explore-and drobba to eat. Lots of love.

Verna McKinnon

Cold Magic and Hot Drobba

2011-02-26T16:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, my characters are coming out of a long hibernation and despite the firm thread of winter's freeze, I am forced to respond to their incessant demands. Dabiro and Belwyn are especially pushy.
But I am working a lot on book 3 (Fires of Rapiveshta) and I am anxious about finally seeing book 2 in actual print and the artwork.
I have run oodles of revisions on some of my characters and the various story lines.    There is a lot I cannot discuss because book 2, Tree of Bones, is not yet released and there are some new characters afoot-both good and evil-and I want you to be surprised.
What I have learned, is that you cannot set your story or characters in stone. Changes happen. They are demanded in fact. I guess that is why I have such issues with book outlines. They can only be most basic type for me. My mind works a certain way in the creative process. I know how a story will start and exactly how it ends for each book. What happens in between in an evolutionary process that fills in my gaps. I have blocks for each character and their story arcs. I know what will happen to every character in my novels.   But I cannot use the outline. As a writer you need to use what works for you. Advice can be good or bad, so I pay little heed to the so-called experts. Use what works for you.  The fun is getting there, along with some hot drobba as I weave the magic of words on my computer. Magic is what you make of it, just add your own marshmallows and stir it up.
More later. I need more hot drobba and Mellypip is tugging at my thoughts.

Madness and Magic

2011-02-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry my fellow fantasy readers that I have been lax once again in my blogging. I know I must be more frequent in such things, as it is a way for me the author to communicate, well,  to any one that thinks I am worth reading about.   The thing is I have been busy with a variety of traumas-the day to day human torments I shall not twiddle about here. We all suffer the same there.
But the writing-the creativity that is the fountain of my work-has been busy on rising levels. I am writing two novels right now, plus finished a my version of a classic fairy tale (Snow White-my favorite) for a contest.
Unfortunately, the contest is no longer an issue, so I must now also find a home for a humorous and suspenseful version of my Snow White at 11,000 plus words. There is lots of magic and fun, and some darkness to tingle your spine.
But I am going to focus on my books, plus write some new short stories here and there.
My editor promises my "Tree of Bones," the second in my "Familiar's Tale" series, will be out early this year.
I love Seattle. I am working on discipline, which for a writer can be difficult. We are amazing procrastinators.  No one can create delays better than a writer. It is a wonder we get anything done at all.
But I plan to get some things done this year-namely 2 novels and at least 3 short stories (though I may include my fairy tale in that batch).
Farewell for now. I shall be back soon to share more writer wisdom or at the very least, a recipe for low fat brownies.
Writers do need to feed their brains you know.

Writing Talk about Dark Forces & Heroes

2010-11-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

The thing about writing imaginative fiction, whether it be any sub- class of science fiction or fantasy, is to create and maintain some very strong and solid templates for world and characters. Evil must be strong and frightening-something to make your soul churn-not your stomach. At least not too much.  I have never been one for the gross out factor.  Tubs of blood is something easy for humans to spill, because they do it all the time. Do not get precious.  Our species is flawed and barely evolved out of the primordial pits. You do not even need to read history to verify this, simply watch the news or read the newspaper. We are very violent-which is why heroes (real heroes) are important.    The conundrum is to create strong heroes that do not go all wimpy or stupid-or turn as evil as the forces they battle.
A person can be brave or willing to sacrifice. A group not so much. That is why we cling to our heroes and the myth of what they represent. Hope. Hope for us. Hope for the world. Hope for the little guy or girl down the street. It serves a purpose. Which is why real stories are important. The ancients understood this, and it is why they revered the storyteller and bard. Being a scholar is still a very much a minority and an ignored one at that.
Heroes fight evil. Sometimes the fight them in the form of dark mortals or immortals, mythical beasts, wicked queens or bloody dictators-the list is endless. Darkness is easy to imagine. It lurks in every dream and shadow. A strong hero is very hard to build.    There are complications. They need to have flaws of course, a weakness or blemish which they struggle with. I also firmly believe they should not be stupid or weak.  Their moral high stance should not makes things worse. It's a fine line to battle dark forces when the bad guy has no real moral scope, and the hero must maintain his ground.
I am not saying they do not get their hands dirty (or bloody) in the fight.   Battle of some sort is always about be it magic or swords or words-or rocket launcher. It's keeping them smart enough to bring down the bad guy (or bad girl) and stay heroes and putting the adversary away in its appropriate place.   You have to make them clever and smart. Sometimes they start out innocent. That is tougher.
When I was writing about Runa in Gate of Souls, she was from the start the main heroine (among some other cool heroes) and she also had the handicap of her innocence. She had to become strong and fight and yet maintain her core of goodness.   She had to use her wits and resources to achieve her goals. She never hated. She was driven and did what she did out of love, not bitterness.   Her familiar, Mellypip, must follow this same path.
Darcus, on the other hand, is a seasoned warrior, yet must balance killing and fighting to defend the innocent. He is the world weary warrior and his code is of the highest honor. He does what he does out of love too-his devotion is without question, as his the strength of his blade.
The adversaries, Panthara and her familiar Azmadu, were abused children with dominating parental figures that drove them to the dark on purpose. You can hate Panthara, but her complexity is there.   You know why and also that she must pay for her sins.
The main evil of course was Koll and his familiar, Xabral. They are the most dangerous type of dark force-they embrace the darkness. They love it! They worship it and have no flicker of regret for anything they do in its name-and her name is Obsydia. Her evil is left for another blog after book 2, Tree of Bones, comes out. I do not which to spoil anything for my readers.
How does Runa fight the dark forces? She has her devoted friends of course, but she faces the battle with the strength she has at hand-her wits and knowledge, training with magic and staff, courage, and love. Her love of family and friends are her rock. She may hate the evil and it may scare the crap out of her, but she faces it with these weapons and wins. This does not always work in this mortal world. That is not the point. This is a world that we want to believe in.
Now I must go back to writing book 3, Fires of Rapiveshta. A writers work is never done.  Which is fine with me.

Happy Scary Halloween!

2010-10-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. My favorite holiday, since its rituals involve dressing up in costumes, parties, horror movies, eating candy and caramel apples. How could you not love Halloween? The origins of course, are in the Celtic New Year Eve's, when the veils between our world and the Otherworld are thin, and spirits and magic abound beneath the moon.   It's all good to me.
My whole weekend has been a celebration of Halloween fun movies. Army of Darkness with Bruce Campbell (We love you Bruce!), the Underworld movies, old classics like Dracula and The Mummy, and Snow White a Tale of Terror. Snow White is my favorite fairy tale. I prefer the darker versions, and Sigourney Weaver's wicked stepmother rocks. I love fairy tales and want to explore them in more depth, not just the truncated versions they do for kid's book or film. There are levels in these old tales which have only been scratched, and I want to delve deeper into the mystery.
I also watched my favorite episode of Beauty and the Beast, "Masks," I loved that show.  Sigh. I may indulge and watch some Moonlight episodes too. There are some current fantasy/horror shows out there, but sadly they do not get my attention. They have no heart. These shows are more concerned with glossy imagery and sexy clothes, are far too grim and dark to point of wishing they would just end it all, or just being gross or having inconsistent mythology. I long for the days of Buffy and Angel, and though they had flaws too, they also had heart and layers to their stories, plus a consistent mythology for the dark fantasy/horror elements. I an thankful for the option of DVDs, since I can watch them when I want and enjoy the fun and horror.   Oh, I still need to watch Resident Evil movies!
I have been working of course, and will keep you alert to when 'Tree of Bones, A Familiar's Tale Book 2," will be released, now that the final edits are done. Also I am forming new stories ideas and drafts of dark fantasy nature for other things, though I must keep them quiet until they are fully formed and accepted for publication.   I am loving Seattle. Now I must return to fun film fest.  Talk to you soon.

New Short Story in Mystic Signals in Print!!

2010-08-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hello! My new short story, "The Forest Paradox," is in the new Mystic Signals magazine issue #7. It is a print issue, so below are the links for ordering the magazine. If you would like to order copies – please use one of these links:

https://www.createspace.com/3474380
or
http://www.amazon.com/Mystic-Signals-Issue-Carol-Hightshoe/dp/1453743014/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281236860&sr=8-5

I am loving Seattle and writing. Looking forward to Steamcon this year, where I will be on some panels and promoting my novels. Have a great weekend. Talk to you soon.

Desperate Barabrians Are Back!

2010-08-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hello all. I just wanted to let you know that I have a new short story posted for your fun reading on my website. It is called Desperate Barbarians, a semi-comic fantasy adventure about two barbarian sisters. It was first published by Aberrant Dreams webzine in November 2006. I hope you enjoy the fun and mayhem. My other short story, "Dragon Toast," can still be read on my my website. It was first published in print by a magazine called Fantasy World Geographic in June 2005. But it lives on through the wonder of my website. So, sit back and enjoy the tale. More will be coming. I also have a brand new story coming out through Mystic Signals this August called "The Forest Paradox." I will update you with more details later. Have a great week and think of fantastic things!

Monsters and Moving

2010-07-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Familiar's Tale fans. I am finally resettled in new home in Seattle. I love it here and am trying to find way around. Moving is chaos-full of horrid little monsters. I prefer the fantasy monsters-not the real ones that take forever to deliver your stuff. But that is over now.

I have a new short story that will be in the August issue of Mystic Signals. It is called the Forest Paradox. Have fun reading and let me know what you think. I will get more details on post them on blog.

My poor editor Joe has promised that he will get me the last chapters of "Tree of Bones" to me soon. I cannot wait for second novel to be in print.

Well, more soon, but now I am off to write more stories. I just wanted everyone to know I was not eaten by trolls.

Sorrow, Seattle, and Rainy Days

2010-05-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Familiar's Tale Followers!
These last few days have been chaotic. Moving to Seattle, which makes me happy. Packing up house for move, insanely not happy. And what is it with the dust bunnies? Are they mutating and breeding at an accelerated rate? They are everywhere. Plus oddly, it has been rainy here in Concord, California. Usually it is dry as a bone after February and growing quite hot by May. It has been cool and rainy-which I love, but still strange. Perhaps another global warming sign where the earth is trying to get our attention, but alas, no one is listening.
Also, one of my favorite artists, Frank Frazetta, died, which is very sad. Too many of my favorites are passing on. Sigh. He will be missed. I often dreamed he might do a cover for one of my books when I am a famous writer. I admired his skill and imagination and depth.
Anyway, I am writing stories and brewing new ideas. When this move is done I must focus. My publisher, poor Joe, will be in limbo until we are settled and can unpack the computers. Then those last couple chapters for polish can come my way so we can get Tree of Bones to the printer. I know I keep promising, but have faith my friends, it will be released soon. Well, I must sign off for now, but when I write my blog again, I shall be in wonderful Seattle. Oops, where did I pack my umbrella?

Chaos and Chocolate and Seattle!

2010-05-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Okay I know I have not been around my peeps, but things have been very busy. Things are hopping in Familiar's Tale land. Down to polishing of last couple chapters with my editor and also finished final edit on my short stories that are included in the new Aberrant Dreams anthology-2 of my tales are in this collection of short stories which will be released very soon. The two short stories in the anthology are "The Wizard's Apprentice" and "The Trouble with Witches." Am excited. My poor exhausted publisher, Joe Dickerson, will get me the last pages for Tree of Bones soon. The book has been completed forever, but anyone in the publishing field knows there are periods of patience needed. My publisher does the work of ten men and we fight the good fight to keep small publishing house afloat in world of powerful big publishers. I know I have said book is coming soon and it is-I promise. You will love the new book Tree of Bones-full of our favorite heroes and evil doers, plus new heroic characters and bad guys-some with fur, some without. My publisher Joe says his favorite new character is Grimm Darkrunner. Oh I want my book to be released so I can talk about more of them. But it is coming soon. I promise.
Now, the other reason for my chaos is I am moving to Seattle at the end of May. I cannot wait! My husband and I are very enthusiastic about this new adventure. Also, we will both be at the Steamcon convention in Seattle later this year. We have been invited and are very excited. We do not know which panels we will be on yet, but we are looking forward to it. My husband and I are also working on 2 new Steampunk stories which I cannot talk about yet. They will be in both novel and short story format and will have a great cats of characters we have designed and created for these two different stories.
In the meantime, please check out the new addition to my website-my older short stories that have been published will now appear in in my website for my fans and friends to read-about one each month. Each story has been previously published in a magazine or webzine, but all rights have been returned to me. This month it is one of my favorites, "Dragon Toast." Enjoy the tale and I will return soon.

New Short Story News!

2010-03-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Am thrilled to announce that I have a new short story coming to print soon. I have not written a short story in a while, so this is a good thing. I forgot the thrill of acceptance you get when a short story is accepted. The tale is called, "The Forest Paradox" and will appear in the print July 2010 edition of Mystic Signals. It is a story about a witch besieged with many personal problems, including helping a village with a cursed forest, her former lover, a warrior with commitment issues, and a younger brother witch-it is a comedy with darker edges. I cannot wait to see it in print.
Speaking of short stories, I am planning on posting my older short stories that have been previously published to my website soon on a rotating basis. My wonderful web designer, Sally Hoss, will be helping with this. Am planning just one or two at a time. More on that later.
My publisher has promised we will soon polish up the last few chapters on Tree of Bones, book two of a Familiar's Tale, now that the print anthology for Aberrant Dreams is almost ready to go. I have two short stories in that anthology so I am very excited about that too.
So, for now I am busy with new another new short story and writing more chapters of Fires of Rapiveshta. Life is busy. But I can handle it-especially if I have access to drobba.
And coffee....lots of coffee.

Good Riddance

2010-02-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

After reading horrific article in which an actor I formerly admired brags about killing wolves-his movies are not only banned from my DVD collections now -but I shattered the DVDs into many pieces. Not even worth taking to used DVD store for trade. I am appalled and disgusted. I always find it strange that so-called outdoors men take such pleasure in killing wild animals. I also find it disturbing. We should respect nature and its wonders.

The Demon Code

2010-02-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Here's my rule about creating supernatural creatures in a story-make up your own rules. Just stick to them.
It would be very easy to research some mythological data and use these monsters, gods or demons in a usual way. Use just those same old boring perspectives. But how much fun is that? You must free your writing mind to all kinds of possibilities. Go beyond your perspective of religion, the supernatural or demons of your own upbringing. Research other cultures and histories. Study different ancient religions and philosophies. Read other novels of the types of fantasy or horror or science fiction that interest you.
You need to do this to stretch your mind.
I like making up my own dark gods and demons, good gods, monsters, spirits. After all, I am the creator of my fiction fantasy universe, so I do what I feel works best for me and my story arcs. Remember these things are also part of the flesh that makes up the culture and society of the characters. It's all important.
But when it comes to the demons and scary stuff-that is where I have the most fun. I decided to make my goblins a mortal demon race, ugly and wiry with buggy eyes. They have little intelligence, but are vicious fighters. Just the sort of thing the bad guys would hire for their armies. My trolls are stinky and stupid, but a terror of strength and power. My wicked Obsydia, whom you shall soon see as the reigning evil in the soon to be released Tree of Bones novel, is the most classical of my dark creations. She is an evil goddess who can also be seen in my short story, The Bloodstone Queen, still available to be read at Aberrant Dreams webzine. Obsydia is half mortal and half god. She is stunning in her beauty-hair of living shadow, silver-eyed, pale of skin and red lips. Very fairy tale, but deadly. She will serve, along with Koll the Sorcerer, as the chief adversaries in my Familiar's Tale series.
Poor Runa and Mellypip will have their work cut our for them.
I create a template and stick to it when I make up my evil gods and demons. It's my own personal demon code. I name them, flush out what they look like, give them strengths and weaknesses, full background and relations, all the stuff that gives stability in my fiction world. I have used the images and ideas from my study of mythology and legends, and then I adapt them to something new. It is a kernal that grown from my imagination and polished with words. There is a wealth of material out there to be scavenged-so there is no excuse. But there is responsibility-a writer must be consistent. Once that is established you can let your imagination go wild.

Wicked, Bothered, and Blue

2010-01-18T10:30:00.001-08:00

Hello all. I am in the trenches of writing Fires of Rapiveshta. The third "Familiar's Tale" novel will have return of our favorite characters, and the addition of a few new characters-both good and evil. The second is very close to coming to book form once my editor Joe and I fine tune the last few chapters before he sends it to print. I long to revel in telling you about some of those characters in Tree of Bones, the second book. But we must be patient. It is a process that involves more than writing and proofing for boo boos. There is much back and forth communication between my editor and myself, though his points are more about tiny bits of editing that slip by and very minor corrections. But even he noted many times my wicked characters are the most fun and need the least the editing. The only exception to that is a new strong but good character added to the series in book 2 named Grimm Darkrunner, which I cannot wait for you to read. He is currently my editors new favorite character. But I must not say more for now. :)
It is strange that despite my objective of writing fantasy where good triumphs and even kicks ass, I always have more fun with my "wicked" characters and they are the easiest for me to write as well.
I hope that does not reflect something bad about my "character." I also hate it when the good guys are too passive. Heroes should never be wimps. What's your opinion?
Still, starting a novel is the toughest thing, even though the whole book is in your head- like mine often are. Whole chapters of my story flood through my mind complete with dialogue, technicolor with cool special effects and a stimulating soundtrack. But it is those first words, that portion in the genesis of the novel that will hopefully bind the reader to continue, is hardest for me to formulate to my satisfaction. I am never happy with it, no matter what. It can get depressing-and as a writer depression is always ever looming.
Still, I feel that once I can get through the first chapter, it gets easier, and past chapter three I am on a roll. Then I go into hyper drive for several chapters. I never start any book without knowing exactly how it will end, and once I know what the last dialogue or scene is in my head, it all flows like a river. With Familiar's Tale, I know how the entire series of four books will play out and the fate of almost all my characters. I find that a few are in flux, not fixed in the storyline's fates, but there is usually a reason for that. It will open to me when it is ready.
Back to work. It is raining outside and I have my third cup of coffee. Time to write.

Doctor Who-Farewell David Tennant

2010-01-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

Alas a sad day, for I watched the final David Tennant Doctor Who episode tonight. I have been a great fan of Dr. Who since I stumbled across it on PBS long ago (The Tom Baker era) and have thoroughly enjoyed this new incarnation of Who, begun by the wonderful Christopher Eccelston in first season, then carried by the remarkable and energetic David Tennant (who needs to diet with Who-all that running from monsters and you get all the cardio in the galaxy following him around). The incredible writing and wonderful enthusiasm of David Tennant's Dr. Who has kept me enthralled and joyous, terrified and tearful. The show was a bit darker, but just enough to give it texture. Tennant's Who is a rare gem, not only in the Doctor Who universe, but should be a template for all science fiction and fantasy on television. Farewell David-I shall miss you.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Hail New Year 2010 and fresh shiny new beginnings. I feel very perky, but then I did not drink last night. Despite my wild Irish/Scottish DNA -I did not drink on New Year's Eve. Alas, when I gave up smoking four years ago drinking has never been the same. I did salute the new year in with a champagne glass brimming with Perrier. My naughty indulgences were in form of chocolate yummies. But I am on diet as part of new resolutions, and am learning to make my treats low fat style.
But on to more productive endeavors-I hope my editor Joe views this-Happy New Year and please send more chapters for me to polish for Tree of Bones novel.
I am antsy to get my second book in Familiar's Tale series out to my eager readers. We are so very close to completion before it goes to print. I am brimming with revisions to perfect my novel too. It is very much like evolution, it never ceases, no matter how often you type "the end" at the bottom of the page. It can always be improved and tightened.
Am slaving away on book 3, Fires of Rapiveshta. It has dragons and I love dragons. I am hoping my interpretation is original too. I have added new characters, both good and evil.
I feel positive about this new year. Another reason I avoided drinking is that my mind was buzzing.
I planned and plotted instead, like an super villain after a fateful lab accident. But fear not, for my plans are benevolent. Well, most of them are. :)
Being a writer is very strange, you get sloth-like or lazy, or you are manic and chained to the computer typing at light speed. I'm working out some new stories away from Familiar's Tale. Not sure if it will be in novel or short story form. I am feeling very primal. I feel stoked by old style fantasy of pure imagination. I see images of barbarians with sharp swords on dusty plains, sultry witches walking in shadows, and monsters crunching bones in dank caves.
Well, cheers to all.

The Edit Monster

2009-12-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Why is it that what you wrote a month or even a few days ago and edited seemed fine (even brilliant) at the time. Yet, when you go back in to edit it looks moronic in review? Sometimes I write on hyperdrive, where what is going on in my head and my poor typing skills do not merge. If my brain could imprint on some software through telepathy would have brilliant work, but alas, am restrained to primitive type type type.
Plus, it is Monday. Wretched day, cruel day, heartless day. I wanted to stay in bed and watch Christmas movies (or Doctor Who)
I often wonder about my fellow writers from the past-the ones that had only quill or creaky mammoth typewriter with heavy keys, no delete button, no easy print. Just precious paper scrawled upon in the candlelight. They had it tough. I think I am babbling now. I have been editing and polishing so much my brain is soft from mental strain.
Alas, I will eat some chocolate and continue. I will finish book on a sugar rush.
More later.

Happy Saturnalia

2009-12-11T09:23:00.001-08:00

Merry Wishes to all in this time of spiked eggnog and Christmas specials. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Solstice, Hanukkah, or Muharram this season, please have fun, eat drobba truffles, and pumpkin pie piled high with whipped cream.
Okay, now I am hungry.
While I am editing a frenzy with my editor Joe Dickerson of HD-Image, I do take time out to make merry and watch DVDS. Here is my partial list of favorite holiday specials.
1. Night of the Comet. Zombies, Christmas, and two valley girls that kick ass and appreciate automatic weapons. Now that's a holiday movie.
2. Die Hard. Bruce Willis-enough said.
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas. Even I can be traditional.
4. Any of the Lord of the Rings trilogy-there is snow somewhere, plus Aragorn.
Enjoy your own holiday treats and make merry. The diet does not start until January 1.
In the meantime, back to writing.
Happy Holidays & Lots of Fuzzy Warmth
Verna

10 Commandments For Novel Writing

2009-11-23T12:00:00.001-08:00

Okay, the thing is, I am always in a better mood when I write. It does keep me sane in this loopy world. When I am there, it flows and things are good. Much of my flow comes from a good organization of my characters and world for my tales. As I have been putting together the goods for my next two novels, there are a some writing commandments I would like to share with my readers and hopeful writers, so that it may help you create worlds of your own.
1. Character Outlines: This includes name, age, basic physical points like hair and eye color, race, importance in story, relationships, and anything that would be important to your tale. A good character breakdown list is a good thing to work with.
2. Go with the impulse: A few of my favorite characters were not planned at all. They were meant to be very minor characters or not even in book at all, but they popped in head as I was writing and they basically came to life. Go with this-it is your inner muse giving you a boost.
3. World Planning: It can be easier than you think. I do not go overboard with my world creations for my novels but I am also very specific and use common sense. I decide number of continents and seas and oceans, races, what type of goods they export and crops, weather, how many moons or suns. I name the seas and continents and give a basic ruling structure and society. If you are planning a long term fantasy novel set upon a secondary world, you will need to be organized. I do not use technical engines to generate these-I just use practical approach and then have fun coming up with names.
4. Nothing is set in stone: Sometimes your story or character takes a different turn as you are writing and that is fine-there is usually a reason behind this so just go with it.
5. Is this a story you would want to read?: Frankly, you cannot get all twisted up about what is selling or "hot." Concern yourself with characters and story. I only write things that I would want to read. Do a story that moves you to create it and write it.
6. Characters: One of the greatest compliments my editor and publisher, Joe Dickerson of HD-Image, told me is how good I am with characterization. If you can bring great characters to life on paper, you are half-way there.
7. The First Page: That is the toughest thing. Even if I know how entire book plays out that first page is critical and usually makes me want to cry-why? Because that is the test page, the page that will determine whether or not that publisher or agent will turn to page 2. Starting is the toughest thing. Once that is done, it gets much better.
8. The Final Page: Also a killer-the final words or actions that happen in a story must satisfy, even if it is only end of book 2 and there is still a book 3 coming-you want to give a sense of completion but still leave them wanting more and be faithful to what you are doing.
9. Killing a Character: Make sure there is a damn good reason-a bad guy does need to pay, but that is not what I am talking about here. It is when you kill off characters that readers have invested an interest in and come to love, even if they might be minor. Too often I have been disappointed by a writer killing a character for momentary emotional wrench. If you have to kill a good character to make a point-it had better make a good one. The temporary fix to a plot is not only cheap to me, but it makes me mad. It must be integral to story.
10. Keep writing: Blow off the toady people that try to bring you down. Just focus on you and what you want to write-and just write.
These are my personal 10 commandments. If anyone has any suggestions for writing, please contact me. As a writer-we are always learning.
Verna Mckinnon

In mourning for a wonderful actor and inspiration Edward Woodward

2009-11-16T08:08:00.001-08:00

This is a dreadful Monday. I learned this morning via phone call from my husband Rick that one of my favorite actors, Edward Woodward, has passed away.
Mr. Woodward's voice was the inspiration for one of my major characters in Familiar's Tale series, Belwyn the Owl, familiar to Cathal the sorcerer.
I know it may seem odd, but I imagine very specific voices for my characters in my "Familiar's Tale" series. Edward Woodward (who had been a fav long before I conceived of Belwyn the Owl) was a wonderful actor and someone I wished I could have met. The minute I put his voice to the character of Belwyn the owl, he was truly born. Those of you that have read my book Gate of Souls know who Belwyn is, and what a great character he is. I hope that pays the great actor some small tribute. Edward Woodward will be missed.

Focus, Focus, Focus!

2009-11-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

As a writer, it is an important skill. You need to focus to get all the great imaginative stuff jumping about in your brain into print mode (be it paper, computers, whatever) and it is often so damn tough because you get distracted by the idiocy of the world. It is easy for writers to get lazy too-I have been working on 2 books and editing Tree of Bones for my second "Familiar's Tale" book. But my focus has been dreadful. I keep getting distracted by trivial things, the way Mellypip gets distracted by a drobba-chip cookie. I have much of book 3, Fires of Rapiveshta, running scenes in my head. As I try to write it I keep getting scrambled by which part of book to write. It is very annoying because I have the last half of the book worked out but the first half is still taunting me.
I have resolved to be made of tougher metal-because when I am focused and writing-I feel better. My mood is less glum. I am less cranky. I even stay on my diet better (though drobba is always a danger)
Focus is what makes for success too. In all things in life-if you have your goals and energies directed where they should be-into your art-you will eventually succeed.
Now, I must get back to writing Fires of Rapiveshta and my 'other new fantasy' novel (The Legend of Rose Greenleaf, The Dwarven Bardess of Rhulon- a working title only).
Focus people!

Chaos of Creativity

2009-08-31T09:20:00.001-07:00

Being creative is not neat. It is not tidy. There is no linear circuit or smooth straight pass on the road to imagination.
It is messy-much like a teenager's room with the rumpled bed, hidden Twinkies, beloved stuffed animals, loud music, secret diaries with tiny keys and your favorite faded jeans rescued from mom's ironing board.
My writing room (which I share with my husband Rick, who is also a writer) is stuffed with piles of books and magazines, file cabinets, two computers, two printers, cork boards covered with writing charts, cards and colorful fantasy/science fiction prints. My desk is clogged with overstuffed notes and chapter drafts, little dragons and pewter figurines of sorceresses and stuffed animals. Stacks of Cd's teeter by the stereo to provide inspirational music for battle scenes.
But it is within this condensed madness that my mind flows clear. It is my imagination wellspring that draws out of stories I type out, even when my cat Duncan insists on helping me by flopping between keyboard and monitor to oversee my efforts. This is what makes me happy. I have a small green toy baby cthulhu propped up on my stack of folders, guarding my ideas and a stuffed toy sloth in honor of Buzzy hanging from the desk and an large stuffed owl that so reminded me of Belwyn, it sits above me on the desk shelf making sure I do not abuse my adjectives.
It is not crowded to me. It is my comfort zone. All writers need a comfort zone. You need to find out what your comfort zone is and dive in. Maybe some of you are very uncluttered and work only in pristine monastic conditions. Some of you are more crazy- like me. But we all need to find that creative space to achieve our goals-which is to write!
Write people! Because when you are a writer, that is the only thing that makes you happy in this world. Just find out where it works for you and dig in.
Baby cthulhus make great guardians by the way.
More later.
Verna

Chris Speakman's Review of Gate of Souls

2009-08-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Familiar's Tale Friends!
Here is the link to Chris Speakman's review of Gate of Souls, A Familiar's Tale, Book One,

http://www.freewebs.com/chrischatreviews/2009gateofsouls.htm

I will probably read it over and over, eating drobba until reality slaps me back to my writing.

Dragons and Critics

2009-08-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

What a summer! My editing with my publisher, Joe Dickerson of HD-Image, has been moving along for release of Tree of Bones. I am also heavy into writing "Fires of Rapiveshta," the third entry into my Familiar's Tale series. Fires of Rapiveshta storyline involves the dragons of my world. In the prologue of Tree of Bones, you get some cool dragon action though. I have so many ideas buzzing in my characters outlines that I am dying to tell you, but I must keep things underwrap for now.
I did have a recent wonderful and unexpected review on my book Gate of Souls. Chris Speakman just reviewed by book and I am amazed how much she loved my book. Usually my publisher and friends sings my praises, which yes I love it, but when someone you do not know praises you, it is a special warm and fuzzy feeling. Much like Mellypip after eating a yummy drobba snack. Thank you Chris, and I promise you will not be disappointed in the coming books in my Familiar's Tale series. Will also send you Tree of Bones for review.
Back to reality and editing now. Sigh.
More to come later.

Edit, edit, edit....and yet more edits

2009-06-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

I am in the heavy process of editing the second book in my "Familiar's Tale" series, entitled "Tree of Bones," with my publisher, Joe Dickerson. It is a fun time though, because we go back and forth with fun perspectives on the story and characters, as well as make suggestions and catching teeny but annoying typos.
Working with a small publisher has it pluses and minuses. The minus is trying to get into the bookstores, even small ones. Again, the market is tough for everyone now. I did score a big success with Barnes & Noble when they picked up Gate of Souls, A Familiar's Tale, Book One, and ordered a small but respectable number of copies for actual store placement. This was a wonderful example of the larger corporation wanting to support the smaller book publisher. This may seem like a small victory, but for small publishing houses and their diligent and struggling writers, it is a mammoth success worthy of champagne and chocolate.
But despite our topsy-turvy existence, the plus of writing for a small publishing house is the personal attention you get from your editor. At least it is for me. My publisher is very supportive and knows that things take time. They are open and do not try to change my vision of what I write. I love working with Joe when we edit. It is almost as much fun as writing the book (except for the chapters where I bang my head against a virtual wall when stuck on some literary trouble spot)
One point I would like to make, is the quality of small publishing houses is first rate. Gone are the days when substandard writing was the product of the independent publisher. Not just my own house, HD-Image, but many small independent houses are putting out great work, even though they too have tough times getting bookstore placement. They sell by whatever means necessary, and use a variety of formats. E-books and PDF format downloads for example. In this ever changing technical world, times are changing. I love the traditional book. Yes, I am an old-fashioned girl. I love book covers and the tactile feel of paper on my fingertips.
But I will sell my book by any means necessary too.
I recently sat on an interesting panel at Baycon 2009 in Santa Clara, where we talked about small publishing houses. Really marvelous novels and short stories are bring produced by the independent publisher and written by not only new struggling writers, but by many seasoned and well-published authors with great resumes with big publishers.
The point is-the work is a labor of love, whether it is through a major publisher or a tiny struggling publishing house using the tools of the web to survive in this ever changing publishing world. Small publishers are not just for lazy writers who submit stories that are good, but not good enough for their bigger publishers. That attitude is just wrong. You can no longer use that judgment. There is some wonderful stuff out there, and these authors just want to do what all good writers desire-tell a great story.
I believe that being a storyteller is important. That magic of storytelling-and the venue in which it is presented, will always be there. I think you just have to be creative about where you look.

Mourning

2009-06-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

I was prepped to do a lavish blog about my participation at Baycon 2009 in Santa Clara at the end of May. I was exhausted and as I also have a day job along with my scribal vocation, I put off for another week. Then I received news that one of my favorite fantasy writers, David Eddings, died this week.

He was a wonderful storyteller. He will be missed.

Therefore, I dedicate this week to David Eddings' memory.

I will be back next week about me. Now I am in literary mourning.

The Dark Tales of Obsydia

2009-02-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

Also great news about a series of short stories I have done set in my world of A Familiar's Tale.
My first short story about Obsydia the Bloodstone Queen, called The Bloodstone Queen, was published in Aberrant Dreams webzine a few months back. I am happy to say there will be more short stories set during the Bloodstone Age in which the immortal Queen Obsydia ruled. I have always had a fascination for the dark fairy tale queens of old, and when I conceived of Obsydia, I wanted to create dark wicked beauty and power beyond imagination. A character of my own design in originality. I wanted unique and shadowy. I wanted a Queen of Shadows.
Obsydia, daughter of the dark god Ahridum and a mortal seer, born in a dark tower and woke 13 nights after her birth a fully grown woman. Her hair is literally shadow that curls around her death pale face of flawless beauty, silver moon eyes that see all, and lips red as blood. Red as blood is fairy tale speak, but it applies to Obsydia.
She will also play a significant part in my book series, A Familiar's Tale.
After all , in a world of heroes, there must be great evil to fight. Obsydia is that evil.
I wanted Obsydia to be the most primal of all wicked queens.
I will let you be the judge.

This is a darker time for my world in which evil had power and the heroes fought to being back the Light. The stories are set about a thousand years before the story in "Gate of Souls," though because of the magical rules of my world, you will meet some familiar characters that are in the Familiar's Tale series.
I hope you enjoy these tales.
Back to writing, after a drobba break.

A Successful Book Signing for "Gate of Souls"!

2009-02-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings fans of all things Familiar!

So sorry that it's been a while since my last entry. I have been busy writing my third entry in my Familiar's Tale series, Fires of Rapiveshta, and editing the second, Tree of Bones.

I had a book signing recently at Borders Express bookstore at the Sun Valley Mall in Concord, CA. They are wonderful folks and so kind to let an unknown writer have a book signing, especially in these hard times. I was at first hesitant about a book signing, as I am not a well known writer (though I long to be princess of heroic fantasy tales) and this is my first published novel. But I am not shy either, and I managed to sell quite a few books in just a couple hours. I even surprised myself! I had such fun! And I sold many books! My husband, Rick, also took pictures which will be posted to site.

I must also thank the wonderful artists that created magnificent cover art-Henning Ludvigsen and Natascha Roeoesli-that attracted potential readers to my table. It is beautiful and the product of true artists. I also found that people are eager, even hungry, for a good new fantasy and my book attracted a variety of folks.

I also met some enthusiastic girls in their teens, desperate for a great female heroine to read about. My Runa (in Gate of Souls) is a very positive character and I know people will love her courage, humor, and strength. My book is aimed at fantasy readers of all ages, but I know this tale will appeal to girls desperate for a female heroine. I have my share of male heroes with characters like Darcus and Cathal, so this series will appeal to just about anyone who loves a good fantasy. And my wicked characters, such as Koll and Xabral, provide the danger and suspense. I also have new adversaries rising in my second book, Tree of Bones, but as I

am editing that book with my publisher, Joseph Dickerson, I must not say too much yet.

But now I feel confident that anywhere I go, whether it be a book signing or reading, I can soothe the bookseller's fears, as my book does sell quite well.

More blogging later. I promise not to be lazy. Really.

Book Signing Alert!

2009-01-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I am having a book signing for Gate of Souls this Saturday, January 24, 2009, at the Borders Express bookstore at the Sun Valley Mall in Concord, CA between 12 and 2 pm.
Am excited.

The First Time...

2009-01-17T21:47:00.001-08:00

Belated Happy New Year to all. Has been busy time. Physically, I am recovering from the holidays, though the scale turned ruthless upon my New Year's weigh-in; prepping for 2009's pristine diet and exercise regime. As a writer I must remain physically and mentally fit.
However, the ginger bread cookies and chocolates left their merciless mark on my thighs.
Cruel scale. Will have cocoa to feel better after the even crueler treadmill.

The good news is my artistic scales are better balanced. I went into my local Barnes & Noble to see if my book, Gate of Souls, was in yet. I have done this a couple times a week since I received the letter from B&N that they would carry my book in the stores. So when I finally saw it on the shelf, in the new over sized paperback shelf of the Science Fiction/Fantasy section, I was a bit dumbfounded. I stared at it like village idiot for a good deal of my lunch hour. I then took a picture of Gate of Souls on the shelf with my cell phone (technology is so nice, especially when it provides instant gratification) and called my husband. Also made a sale. A hapless couple wandering the aisle, came too close and I casually asked if they were looking for something new to read. I knew they read my genre when I saw some of the books in the gentleman's hand. He said yes. I held out my book and said "buy me."
They laughed. I did not expect them to really buy my book. However a few minutes later the wife came up to me and said she would love to buy my book and would I mind signing it. I said yes, of course. I will always sign for folks. It's only polite. So she bought Gate of Souls and I happily inscribed it. Was nice day, even though I had to go back to work.

But the first time seeing my book, Gate of Souls, in the bookstore is a great moment indeed.
More news very soon. Must get back to writing the new Familiar's Tale. Am on book three as my publisher has book two, Tree of Bones, in hand and we are in editing process. But I left one of my characters in the bit of a bind (litertally) and I think they want me to write the next chapter to resolve the situation.

Holiday Scrolls & Book News

2008-11-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hello all and happy holidays! Time for drobba cakes and endless cups of hot drobba smothered with whipped cream and dusted with cinnamon.
I should never blog while feeling peckish.

The first great news is now "Gate of Souls" will also be at your favorite Barnes & Noble store in about 6-8 weeks. I have been available since the beginning through their online site, but this is most exciting. If you see a short woman with chestnut hair staring for hours at my book "Gate of Souls" on the shelf-it could be me. Three cheers for Barnes & Noble!

I am also steaming with new ideas about the third book in my Familiar's Tale series, "Fires of Rapiveshta." I cannot say much because I want my readers to be surprised. I will say that Rapiveshta, as I mentioned in the first book during one of Belwyn's school lessons for Mellypip in "Gate of Souls," is the land of the dragons. There will be lots of dragons!

The second book in my series, "Tree of Bones," has been turned into my editor at HD-Image publishing to begin the fun task of polishing and editing before it goes to print. You will enjoy the return of favorite characters like Runa and Mellypip, plus new exciting characters too-human, feathery, furry, and immortal.

More later. I need drobba.

Sillcon '08 Adventures

2008-10-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello! Just recovered from a manic weekend where I was at Silicon '08 in San Jose, CA. I had a wonderful time. I met some wonderful writers there that I admire.

Horror writer Fred Wiehe was charming and fun, and we mugged for my husband's camera.

Mr. Larry Niven (a legend) was kind enough to have his photo taken with me and sign one of his books.

Peter S. Beagle was charming and full of tales.

I also met Chase Masterson of Star Trek's Deep Space Nine. She was a real sweetheart and sang several numbers at the Friday night meet and greet.

I had a great time on the 'Creating Fantasy Worlds' with Peter S. Beagle, Diana Paxson, and Christy Marx.

More to come. My familiars are demanding attention now.