Dragons in Film: the ugly and the great!

It is hard to imagine a better rendition of a dragon than what I recently watched in The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug.

Cinema has always struggled with making realistic dragons. Personally I found the Eragon dragon to be a shock when I saw feathered instead of leather wings. It just was not... threatening. More like a giant bird.

An impressive attempt was made in the movie Dragonheart. Sean Connery voiced the dragon in an effective manner. However the movie was filled with a lot of humor as well that took some of that dragon threat away... And a later attempt to create a sequel made the dragon animation feel and look like a video game.

In the Hobbit the standard is finally raised. Smaug was crafted to perfection! This movie really was fantastic and the dragon is what made it so. Not only were the special effects believable, but the characterization of the dragon was spot-on. Smaug is the epitome of a greedy, spiteful creature whose pride (amazingly) manages to fill the screen more than his tremendous length.

Let's hope this will open the door for other fantasy films on the level of The Desolation of Smaug where the dragons are true monsters with intelligent minds!

Shearing a dragon?

A while back I worked with this girl in sales who shared my passion for great fantasy stories. As I like to do with enthusiasts, I brainstormed and decided to create an original character in the Neverqueen series.

Raven is a hermit (or shall I say a hermittess, for she is a woman). She lives deep in the forests west of Turser's Mountains and she keeps a companion that is, perhaps, not unique to fantasy, but what she does with this companion is. Her companion is an old dragon.

Raven keeps the dragon in chains. She feeds him and even sees to it that he enjoys good conversations with her, but all the while she pulls off his thick scales one-by-one and sells them to passing traders.

What does the dragon think of this arrangement? Find out when you read the Neverqueen series.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU, AS A READER, ENJOY SEEING IN ONE OF MY FANTASY NOVELS?

Christmas Giveaway! & Donita K. Paul discusses her new trilogy

I recently requested an interview with Donita K. Paul who is well respected for her Dragon Keeper Chronicles books. She has announced a new series and the concept was so unique that I just had to pose some questions to her.

Note: After you read the interview, please post a comment to be entered for the Christmas Giveaway!

 

Q: Lately the Christian fiction market has announced a couple new fantasy novels that are original in their concepts and well-written. Can you tell us what prompted you to write "One Realm Beyond" and what most excites you about this story?

Mrs. Paul: I’m always excited when I get to let my imagination loose. I’ve incorporated images from fantasy movies that I love. You want to know what they are? Stardust, Ella Enchanted. Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Return to Oz, and Enchanted. Not that a reader would be able to pick something out of the book and trace it back to a movie, but when I watch something like those wonderful movies, sparks fly in my head. I’m visual so Pinterest is very good for me. I see pictures that make ideal portals, or stunning backdrops, or hint at character and personality. I think the thing that most excites me about this book is the changing relationship between Cantor and his dragon and between Cantor and Bixby.

As to what prompts me to write a particular story, it’s usually characters chattering inside my skull and never leaving me in peace.

Q: How long did it take you to write "One Realm Beyond"?

A: About a year. It usually takes me a year to write a fantasy. I can write a romance in two months and a picture book in about six weeks. But fantasies need time to brew in the pot. More interesting things bubble to the top if I allow time for the mixture to age. Also the sharp flavor of Christian fantasy needs to mellow. I hope my work is not didactic, and I think the time element has something to do with not coming across as proselytizing.

Q: Because you target the Christian fiction market, what is your response when people ask why you write fantasy?

A: I’ll let the greats say it for me.

G. K. Chesterton:

• Fairy Tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.

C.S. Lewis:

• Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.

• Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the organ of meaning.

Chesterton tells us that stories allow our imagination to conceive what we cannot physically see. In that abstract determination, we can also see how to remain upright in fighting of overwhelming obstacles.

Lewis tells us that through story we experience more than our everyday world and while engaging this literary world we discover attributes which are needed, such as courage, integrity, persistence, hope, compassion, and a host of other noble traits. Having plowed the field and planted these seeds, the story encourages our desert soul to bring forth a triumphant character.

And, Lewis also reminds us that truth can be represented in facts, (one plus one equals two) meaning is rooted in imagination (if I have one apple and you give me another, I have two apples to make an apple tart).

Q: You have become a household name with many readers. What components do you feel have made your writing career successful?

A: Well for one thing, I didn’t have anything to do but invest time in my career. The old adage

“Don’t quit your day job.” is sound advice. However, my day job kind of quit me. I had a crippling infection in my leg and couldn’t teach full time anymore, and then I couldn’t teach at all. So I was at home, driving my mother batty. (She lived with me and my two teens, or we lived with her.) She was used to having the house to herself all day. In order to protect her sanity, she ordered me to my room to write a book. I had always wanted to and now was my chance. Bless mothers! So years of being a Christian, years of reading, and obeying my mom opened the door to being an author.

Q: So many readers have loved your Dragon Keeper Chronicles. Are you finished with that storyworld, or is there a possibility you will revisit it in new books?

A: I’m afraid so. There are a couple of short stories on the website under Librettowit’s Library.

 I may write more of those, but I’ve met these other characters and we’re exploring a different world together. 

Many thanks to Mrs. Paul for answering the questions! You can learn much more about her and her books on her website www.DonitaKPaul.com 

Now, on to the Christmas giveaway. Two random comments will be selected by a random generator on the internet, and those two individuals will win one of these two items from Mrs. Paul:

1st Prize: a copy of "Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball" 

2nd Prize: a fairytale necklace (if a guy wins he can give it to a girl as a Christmas gift!)

I will announce the giveaway winners Saturday December 7th. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

An Interview with Debut Fantasy Novelist "Just B. Jordan"

Always on the lookout for a good fantasy book to read (for I consider myself a picky reader) Marcher Lord Press's feature on their new release caught my eye instantly. Never To Live by debut author Just B. Jordan (yep, a pen name, but we'll learn about that in the interview). First, here is a blurb for her novel to whet your appetites:

Imprisoned, Elwyn endures torture so horrific she drives herself insane to elude true madness. 

When she finally escapes, unless her broken mind is playing another cruel trick, she discovers she is turning into the monster she despises most of all.

If you love a good fantasy story, folks, you have got to try this one. I got the Kindle sample and now I am hooked. I am going to purchase a copy for my bookshelf.

I contacted the authoress, Jordan, and she graciously answered my interview questions. Here is the interview:

Thank you for taking my questions today! I found your novel Never to Live on Marcher Lord Press's website and my first thought was "Wow! A Christian Fantasy novel with a great cover that catches my eye!" I immediately downloaded the Kindle sample onto my iPad. Commendably, your prose is very solid and the story feels original rather than pieced together from well-known novels.

Q: What inspired you to write this story? And how long did it take you to finish the manuscript?

A: Initially it started with a scene in my head that I couldn't get off my mind, and it grew from there. I had always thought a lot about the bad life stories I heard others share and how it took forever for them to realize they didn't have to let their past shape them. Those stories stayed with me. I found myself writing that type of story into my world; a character who was told she was horrible and had horrible life experiences, yet she wanted to be something different than what she was told she would be and already was. Originally I thought this story was going to be very different from the story it became. While I was writing it, the song "Set Me Free" by Casting Crowns became some of the inspiration that shifted it to what it is now. As time went on I even started thinking of it as Never To Live's theme song.

The manuscript was finished about two and a half years after I started it. I only dabbled around with it in that first year. Most of it was written in the second year, and it was finished up in the months after that.

Q: Would you like Never to Live to be a stand-alone novel, or the beginning of a series?

A: I hope for it to be a series. I have ideas for at least 7-8 other books in this series circling around in my head. We’ll see where it goes.

Q: Why write fantasy? Did you read fantasy novels as you were growing up?

A: Actually, what I read most of growing up was historical fiction and classical literature. The fantasy novels I did read stuck with me though. I almost became obsessed with some of them. I think the reason I chose to write fantasy was because it can be so magical and unreal, and there are no boundaries to what a story can be or where it can go. The possibilities are endless. I like that.

Q: Now, the other thing that caught my eye about you was the pen name that you chose. Do you mind revealing what led to the decision to use a pen name?

A: From the time I started writing I knew I wanted to use a pen name. I didn't like the idea of my real name floating around in cyber space, I guess. I also wanted a name that would catch people’s attention and that would (hopefully) be remembered. Sadly my real name isn't very memorable, so a pen name was the way to go. I knew I still wanted to incorporate my first and middle name into it, though. One morning my mom hunted me down and said that she had woken up in the middle of the night with an idea: Just B. Jordan. (I had always been worried about being myself around people, so my mom would say “Just be Jordan!”)  The pen name uses my real name and my middle initial “B”, so I feel like it is still my name, with a twist. :) I thought it was a little odd for a pen name at first but it quickly grew on me. And it stuck.

Q: Do you plan to make writing your career?

A: I certainly hope so. :)

Q: Marcher Lord Press has been established as one of the go-to markets for Christian speculative fiction. Did you initially intend to seek out publication there? Tell us a little about your journey from writer to published author.

A: Originally my plan was to self-publish my novel. I knew my manuscript wasn't anywhere near being publishable yet, so I began looking to hire a freelance editor. I looked up lists of recommended editors and rifled through their websites. Among the dominating swarms of romance editors I found a link to Where The Map Ends. I read through some pages on the website and noticed that this guy also ran his own publishing company. I thought that was cool, but I didn't give it much thought. I was still planning on self-publishing my book. I hired Jeff for a 4 page editorial review. He came back with 17 pages and an offer for a publishing contract. At first I was going to decline the offer. I was pretty set on self-publishing. But then my gut intervened and I knew becoming a MLP author was what I should do. So here I am.

Q: What is your favorite novel (that you have read of course!)?

A: Oh dear. That's always a question I dread. I have way too many favorites! But I think I have to say it's Just David by Eleanor H. Porter. It's not a well known story and it's not a fantasy, but that book is connected to a lot of good memories for me.

Q: I have to ask the question that everyone is probably curious about: What other books are you working on that are 'in the pipeline' so to speak?

A: I have started working on a book that's in the same series as Never To Live. The MC in this one is the character named Jasper in Never To Live. His story isn’t quite what people might expect it to be. I'm really happy with how it’s turning out so far.

LEARN MORE ABOUT "NEVER TO LIVE" AT THESE LINKS:
Author's Website: http://www.justbjordan.com
Publisher's Website: http://www.MarcherLordPress.com
Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-B-Jordan/478299992225683

Introducing the dark fairy

In my upcoming novel Neverqueen a new villain enters The Sword of the Dragon story world. A dark fairy by the name of Genj.

Do you remember Hermenuedis, the Art'en wizard? If so, you will find this new entree fascinating. He was the wizard's right hand, as thoroughly corrupted as the Art'en himself. But after an absurdly long time has passed this dark creature has latched on to a new master, none other than Turser. In Swords of the Six we watched Specter slash Turser's face with the scythe blade, and now it is time to reveal Turser's later fate.

I do love creating memorable characters, and in Genj I believe I have accomplished that goal.

Look for Neverqueen to arrive on your Kindle, Nook, and in Print on November 5th!

"Neverqueen" A new series ready to begin!

That satisfied feeling I have right now is because Neverqueen the first book in the new series is finished today!

Also, the cover underwent a minor change that has made it 'pop' better. The heroine's eyes needed to be glowing. All part of the story. And a key part of the story!

Story pitch line is next and a summary to tease all the Fantasy lovers out there.

Coming November 2013!

The Hobbit... So the journey begins!

It was with great curiosity and high hopes that I went with my wife today and watched The Hobbit. Yes, I know, this movie has been in theatres for some time now. But with life being as crazy busy as it has been for me this was my first opportunity to view this major production.

First, in answer to those who might wonder, yes, I have read the book and enjoyed it greatly. In fact, it was one of the first if not the first fantasy title I ever read. Jackson's film did not disappoint me. Yes, he added in a few elements and drew greatly from The Scilmarillion (I thought). The Hobbit is more uplifting than the Lord Of The Rings. Delightfully so. The acting was great, the special effects were amazing, and the choreography very satisfying.The violence in this movie is a bit more than in LOTR but I did not feel it was gratuitously so.

Did anyone else pick up on the moment that Galadriel gave Gandalf the ring of power?

Anyway, there is my simple review. This is a great film (but don't bring your little ones to see it).

The importance of visualization

You have heard the adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" but how often have you found that to be true?

When I look for a new book to read, especially if it is fiction, my eye turns first to the intriguing, unique, and beautiful covers. With fantasy novels I think this is especially important. Without good art the reader will have  a poor understanding of the type of story that is hidden between the covers.

Introducing the latest artist to do a book cover for me, Petra Rudolph. I discovered Petra on Elfwood and proceeded to explore his website. He is highly talented. You can learn more about him and his work at Dracoliche.com

The sketch you see here marks the beginning of the upcoming cover for Neverqueen book 1. I hope it intrigues you! This book will released Fall 2013 along with book 2 in this new series. Neverqueen is an expansion of The Sword of the Dragon series.

Neverqueen (book 2) The Suffering Challice

In the midst of starting a full-time sales job, I am working on another fantasy novel. You have heard me talking a bit about my offshoot series from The Sword of the Dragon, this one titled Neverqueen. The idea at the moment is to release the first TWO books in the Neverqueen series simultaneously in 2013 with a focus on ebook promotion and sales.

In lieu of that, I have started writing Neverqueen: The Suffering Chalice. The story is going to be a lot of fun. In particular I am excited about one concept in the story: a chalice that is literally suffering. In some way I want the chalice to be alive. Sound intriguing? I hope so... I know I am looking forward to finding out where this story takes me!

From aweful to fantastic?

I am probably going to get booed for saying this, but I really do not like the movie Wizard Of Oz. It was melodramatic and distasteful in its design.

Last year when I bought my iPad I rediscovered The Wizard of Oz when I downloaded the book for free. For those of you who are unaware, this book is a classic about an ordinary man who keeps up a facade to protect his people from the witches. He is not a wizard, but everyone believes that he is, including his enemies. The story is charming to say the least and ingenious on many levels. I greatly admire the work.

Recently I reviewed the new Spiderman movie and one thing I forgot to mention is that I really missed James Franco's portrayal of Harry Osborn. So yesterday when I watched the trailer for next year's Disney re-imagining of Oz and saw Franco as Oz, I was pulled in. This movie looks like a classic.

So now we have two big fantasy movies on the horizon: The Hobbit Christmas 2012, and Oz the Great and Powerful March 2013.

Can't help but wonder...

Can't help but wondering...

A couple weeks ago contract negotiations with AMG Publishers closed with pleasing results. In a short while I will be ending production of "Swords of the Six" and transfering that privilidge to AMG. The publisher expects to release "Swords of the Six" this November and I find myself wondering, with great anticipation, what the new cover will look like and the new interior design. The publisher agreed to use the same artwork, so I can expect to see the dragon image on the new book.

I am eager to begin promoting the new book--and the forthcoming two sequels. The success of my self-published book gives me great hope that, once released, I can continue to give it into the hands of fantasy readers everywhere. I've noticed that most of my readers are fans of secular series such as Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings. But, now, with AMG backing my series I expect to grow my audience with readers of Christian Fantasy (Dragons in Our Midst, The Door Within, and Narnia).

AMG Publishers asked me to provide material for sales, marketing, and book cover copy, and catalogue information. They had some pretty challenging requests, namely succinct sales lines/pitches. Here is a glimpse of what I worked out:

1. Described my book in 25 words
   A dragon prophet seeks justice and hatches human daughters from eggs, paving with holy sacrifice the path to conquering an ancient evil.


2. Described by book in 50 words
   Betrayed in ancient times by his choice warriors, the dragon prophet sets a plan in motion to bring the traitors to justice. One thousand years later he hatches human daughters from eggs and arms them with the traitors’ swords. Either the traitors will repent, or justice will be served.

This has been a great year. I'm looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in the coming months!