The harsher the critique - the better

I recently revisited old critiques of my first novel - it was difficult to re-read. I remember them very differently than when I first read them. I remember one editor telling me that she wished I spent more time with my secondary characters; however, I thought she wanted to see more of them because they were such interesting characters. Boy was I wrong. After revisiting her notes, she wanted me to revisit them to work on them because they were so indistinctive. By spending more time on the characters, I could develop their personalities beyond just physical appearance.

It is so important to get as much feedback as possible - even when it is difficult to hear. But it will make your work better. Watching the Oscars last weekend, I thought to myself how many Oscar winners worked so long and so hard  and received such heavy criticism only to help them become the successful people they are today. I want to embrace every difficult, harsh, mean feedback there is out there. I want to be better. I hope I can accomplish that. I know my first novel is not great, but it is ok. Who can say that there first attempt at anything was successful. Maybe a marginal few can but most of us can't. I embrace my faults and I can work on them to make a better novel. I can never re-write Bound, it's my first novel. All I can do is make Hearthstone and all that follows better.

What’s in a name?

I am very particular when it comes to selecting names for my characters. I research the history and roots of the name while considering character type, personality, and fate. I love it when writers pay attention to the little details when naming their characters that goes above and beyond, adding depth and meaning.

I keep a list of good names on my phone that I come across in newspapers or online. A name should ignite an image that you can work with, building up on their physical features, personality, and actions that can either be predictable or unpredictable – your choice, you are their creator.

Here are some websites that can help with naming characters and places.

Behind the Name
Seventh Sanctum
Fantasy Name Generator

A new year... a new path

Happy New Year!

First, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in the last few years. It has been a long journey and many lessons learned. But 2014 is going to be a big year for me, I feel it. My resolutions are mostly the same as many others: loose a couple of pounds, focus on health, and a new positive outlook on life. I've also committed to some life changing experiences that are not only going to impact every part of my life but also come with a welcome package of utter fear and complete lunacy.

I won't divulge anymore but it will no doubt appear in future postings.

Where I live darkness descends arounds 4:45pm and it is 5min past that. I wish everyone a wonderful new year, health & happiness, and a year full of adventures and happy memories.