On Writing (Julie)

To outline or not to outline. That is the question. It seems that writers either hate it or love it.

You’re either a plotter or pantser. Plotters outline the whole story before writing a single word.

On the other hand, pantsers have a general idea of the story.

They know the beginning and ending, but not much in the middle, so they write by

the “seat of their pants.”

I never thought anything about outlines when I first started writing.

I was so excited to let the creative ideas flow that I didn’t want to waste writing time outlining.

When I finally finished my first draft, I came to a startling discovery.

There was still more story to tell. Which meant I had more books to write!

I’ve now decided to make it a trilogy:) But that presented a problem.

The more I wrote, the more I discovered errors. Huge errors.

Like the “whys” behind the motivation of the antagonist.

I made him the villian but didn’t have a strong motivation behind his actions that drove the plot.

Needless to say, I spent countless hours outlining and rewriting so my story

would have continuity and plausibility. The strange thing is that I actually

enjoyed it, granted I’d already written the story though.

But, I now know my story and characters more intimately

and have a solid direction for the rest of it.

I started out a pantser and ended more a plotter with some pantser tendencies.

What about you? Are you the avid plotter who never begins a story

without first plotting every scene? Or do you prefer to let creativity flow as you write?

The third option is where I belong--in both worlds.

You plot enough to get your story in the right direction but leave the

majority of your scenes to whatever comes to mind in the moment.

To help get a better understanding, here's a short list of pros and cons

to the two types of writers:

Plotter

👍Pros:

Helps avoid some writer’s block because you’ve already written the ideas for each scene.

Will save time in the long run because you won’t have to do as much rewriting.

Your story will most likely flow smoother because you’ve already worked out the kinks in the plot

during the outlining stage.

👎Cons:

Outlining can limit your creativity. Half way through,

if you are struck with an awesome new idea, you’ll have to redo your outline,

which will take time.

Pantser

👍Pros:

Freedom and flexibility to do as you wish.

Easier to change ideas as you go along.

👎Cons:

Could potentially have more writer’s block.

Finding plot holes that require fixing.

Do these ring true in your own writing, or have you experienced something different?

Top 3 Fantasy Reads for 2018 (Lizzie)

I plan to read numerous books in 2018, but here are my Top 3 fantasy novels to read.

Three books to read in 2018

1) The Wounded Shadow (The Darkwater Saga) by Patrick Carr

This is the third and final book of Patrick Carr's The Darkwater Saga series, which I've mentioned before when I reviewed The Shock of Night. I can't say enough how much I have enjoyed Patrick Carr's two series (The Sword and the Staff and The Darkwater Saga) for the writing itself, the characters, the plots, as well as the intriguing questions built into the stories, like what if talents were transferable and could be exceptionally strong? That a pure physical gift could make you almost faster than sight? Or one for trade to make your family exceptionally rich for generations (how would the non-gifted feel about this)? Or what if there was a gift that let you not just see another's memories (and absorb everything they've learned) just by touching them, but keep those in your mind? What would that do to your sense of self to have those memories? Should you use that to get "confessions" from criminals?

There was a shocking revelation at the end of The Shattered Vigil, Book 2, so I am eager to find out what happens in this book, but I have to wait until it releases in April!

2) Blood Song (A Raven's Shadow Novel, Book 1) by Anthony Ryan

This one is on my list because K.M. Weiland had it on her favorites of 2017 list, and since a well-known writing teacher recommends it, I figured I should check it out. I doubt it will be the light fantasy with romance or LOTR-style book I usually go for, but variety is good, right?

Here's the blurb from amazon.com:
Vaelin Al Sorna was only a child of ten when his father left him at the iron gate of the Sixth Order—a caste devoted to battle. Vaelin will be trained and hardened to the austere, celibate and dangerous life of a warrior of the Faith. He has no family now save the Order.
Vaelin’s father was Battle Lord to King Janus, ruler of the Unified Realm—and Vaelin’s rage at being deprived of his birthright knows no bounds. Even his cherished memories of his mother are soon challenged by what he learns within the Order.
But one truth overpowers all the rest: Vaelin Al Sorna is destined for a future he has yet to comprehend. A future that will alter not only the Realm, but the world.

3) The Warrior Heir (Heir Chronicles Book 1) by Cinda Williams Chima

I ran across this series at Books-a-Million last Christmas and the covers caught my attention, so I bought book 1. I think it's time I actually read it.

Blurb: A teenage boy unremarkable except for the scar above his heart and the medicine he must take daily discovers that, when he skips his medicine, he's not unremarkable at all--he's stronger, fiercer, more confident (except when those unexpected bouts of magic occur). He's also now the target of covert society of wizards, enchanters, and warriors.

Bonus: Common by Laurie Lucking 

I've actually already read this since I had the privilege of endorsing it, but I look forward to getting my own copy of Common by our own Laurie Lucking to put on my shelf.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2018? Or what were you favorites of 2017?

Your Turn: Your Favorite Social Media Site (Jill)

Recently, I asked my author group a question: which do you like better, Instagram or Twitter? Instagram was the winner, although someone went rogue and voted for Facebook. I started thinking about all the different social media sites I was encouraged to be on, to build my platform. And unfortunately, that never stops. I’m assuming my gravestone’s epitaph will be “Follow me at “https://www.facebook.com/jmhackman/!”

I’ve made an account on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, Twitter, Google+, as well as my own personal author website. That’s a lot to keep track of, but since my favorite is Facebook, that’s where I usually am.

My question for you? What is your favorite social media site? Do you manage to stay active on several at a time? Maybe you have a social media tip or technique that’s worked really well for you? 

Please share below in the comments!

Photo by William Iven on Unsplash

Personal Notes (Erin)

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.                        Ephesians 3:20

As I am winding down my regular post schedule here at Lands Uncharted, I wanted to leave you with some encouragement for the new year. As we hold our callings loosely, in order for God to move us where He wants us, we need to remember God will do so much more than we can imagine through the power of His Holy Spirit at work through us. God's primary goal is for us to show His love to the world. Paul tells us, earlier in chapter 3 of Ephesians, that he prays believers will:

be rooted and established in love, and have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how long and wide and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know the love that surpasses all knowledge, that we may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.

So, whatever God calls you to do this year, don't be afraid to ask Him how to show His love to those around you, and don't be afraid to imagine yourself and those you love being filled to the measure of the fullness of God!

Top 3 Series Conclusions Coming in 2018 (Laurie)

Happy 2018 everyone!! The New Year is always a great time to both reflect back and look ahead. And for me, of course, those reflections tend to include books :) But I was having a lot of trouble narrowing down three favorite books of 2017 or three books I'm looking forward to in 2018, because I just know so many amazing authors! But I noticed that some of my favorite series are coming to an end in 2018. So here are the three series finales I'm most looking forward to in 2018:


3) Sage by Jamie Foley

This series is just so amazing! Adventure, tension, characters that jump off the page, and just enough romance to keep my inner romantic satisfied :) There are many central characters in Foley's series, but each book focuses a bit more on a certain one, which connects to the titles and covers. Tara, who as a sage is able to foresee possible futures, played a complicated role in the first book of the series and then was in a coma during the second, so I can't wait to get more of her perspective in book 3! Also, the second book, Arbiter, ended with several characters setting out to make what appears to be a very poor and dangerous decision. What's going to happen?? I get to find out on March 10th, which happens to be my birthday :)

Want to know more about this series? We've got you covered! I reviewed Sentinel (book 1) and Viper (a prequel which is now titled Vanguard) in this post. Plus, the author, Jamie Foley, has visited Lands Uncharted in the past for an interview and to share about her favorite aether gifts (the spiritual gifts different characters have in her series).



2) Unbreakable by Sara Ella

Sara Ella's books produce All. The. Feels. The love triangle is just heart-wrenching, and Eliyana's personal growth is beautifully moving. The ending of Unraveling, the second book in the series, left me reeling and kind of in shock. I have a feeling the characters have some difficult times to get through before everything will resolve, but I can't wait to see what kind of happily-ever-after Ella cooks up, because I'm trusting her to give her readers a satisfying ending. (Right, Sara Ella, right??) I'm also looking forward to revisiting these complex characters, continuing to learn more about the Reflections, and smiling at the humor and fun cultural references incorporated into every page of this awesome series.

Unbreakable releases on May 1st, so you have plenty of time to catch up on Unblemished and Unraveling if you haven't read them yet!



1) Dominion by Julie Hall

Talk about stress-inducing cliffhangers! Gah!! I absolutely adore this series, but in the second book, Warfare, the main two characters were finally making significant progress in their relationship, and then... I can't really say much to avoid spoilers, but let's just say something really bad happened. Something that put one of them in grave danger and is about to endanger many others as they embark on a rescue mission. These books have fantastic world-building, romance, and action, so I just know the conclusion is going to be epic! And will hopefully answer so many questions! Like why a certain character gets to use a special weapon and is targeted by the worst bad guy, why a different character became a traitor, and whether another character will come back from the dark side. Ha, sorry for being so vague - when I first started this post I didn't think about how hard it would be to write about these books without spoilers! Dominion doesn't have a cover or release date yet, but it's coming out sometime this year!

If the name Julie Hall sounds familiar, it may be because she's visited Lands Uncharted before! (Or because she's a USA Today bestselling author!) I reviewed the first book in her Life After series, Huntress, here. And she did a guest post for us last spring sharing her Top 3 Places to Travel.




How about you? What books are you looking forward to this year? Are any of your favorite series coming to an end?




Thanks for reading!
Laurie

Candy Shop Wars (Julie)

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Writing Lessons from Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Lizzie)

Probably like many of you, I went to watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi over Christmas break. Don't hate me, but I must admit being disappointed with it--I wasn't expecting to ask myself "when will this movie be over?" while watching Star Wars! Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike it--I actually did like it, but was still somewhat disappointed.

As a writer should, I considered what I did and didn't like about the story and how I could apply those lessons to my writing. Here are some takeaways. Note: There are some spoilers. Many references are to the original three films, however.

Lessons from Star Wars: The Last Jedi

1) Humor is huge

I loved the opening scene where Poe tricks a First Order leader during the radio call, pretending not to hear the officer's replies in order to buy time. It was bold, impudent, and perfectly fit Poe's character.

Humor of various types was scattered throughout the movie. Star Wars is known for what I think of as "creature humor" (the mechanical mice and R2D2's reactions and so on) as well as the arrogance and sarcasm of some characters (Han Solo's arrogance, Leia's calling Chewy a walking carpet), and situational humor (Han, Luke, and the rest "escaping" into a garbage compactor in A New Hope). This movie also employed humor that was less subtle, obvious ploys for laughs like the standard "I don't think they like me very much." "I can't imagine why." routine. This begs the question, what type of humor fits my voice or my genre?

Cute critters like these from The Last Jedi add humor to the story.

Take away: Humor is usually a plus. The caveat is that the humor should match the expected tone of the story. Should the humor be subtle, clever, slapstick? And what is the balance of humor to seriousness? Is the story meant to be humorous overall or does the humor help keep the violence or sadness from overwhelming? (For more on humor, read K.M. Weiland's post How to Write Funny, which is based on Thor: Ragonk.)

2) Have a Hero; it's expected

It took a loooong time, but Luke finally showed up to save the day. We were expecting it; we would have been very, very angry if he hadn't. Also, Rey didn't turn to the dark side, and Poe managed some pretty good tricks too. This is good.

Luke Skywalker

Takeaway: If a hero and heroic actions are expected in your story, you'd better have them. If your genre calls for something, like a happy ending or a dramatic sacrifice or romance, be sure to give it to your readers. Don't be too stingy with small payoffs along the way or make your readers wait too long. The longer you make them wait, the bigger the pay off had better be.

3) Inside or Out: Action or change of heart

For a movie titled The Last Jedi, Rey and Luke (a possible new Jedi and an old Jedi) add little to the overall storyline of saving the rebel forces. Rey was supposed to find Luke, get some training, and bring him back. Instead, they are hidden away on a remote island arguing most of the movie, with Luke being difficult about returning to the rebels because of an issue in his past. This is all tied to Kylo Ren and his internal conflicts. So the jedi characters are all stuck doing "inside stuff" for a good portion of the movie. Drama instead of the action/adventure I expect from a Star Wars movie. Rey does go off on a separate quest with some action, but even though this results in the death of a major bad guy, don't make any difference in the goal of saving the rapidly dwindling rebel forces. Leia, Poe, Finn, and new character Rose, are responsible for that plot line, which does have the expected action/adventure.

The conflicted, highly troubled Kylo Ren, subject of much of Rey and Luke's time together.

Takeaway: Know your reader's expectations about the balance of action and introspection/convince-the-bad-guy-to-change. Are your characters doing what they are expected to do? 

4) Streamline your plot line: hanging around too long could be fatal

The Last Jedi was two hours and thirty minutes long. I think they could have chopped off thirty minutes easy. This movie, as some stories do, felt like beads on a string--one small goal/fight after another after another, getting bigger, but when you think you it should be time to wrap it up, it just keeps going. Yes, the overall goal was to save the rebel forces, but there were so many side jaunts it didn't feel like a true goal. Finn and Rose and the droid go on a quest, but they didn't actually succeed, so what was the point? (This is Star Wars; I expect the main characters to succeed. Or was the quest simply "fun enough" to justify it? But that's a subject for another day.) There's Rey/Luke/Kylo Ren's plot line that didn't really affect the rest of the story until the end and was mostly about internal conflict. There was a mutiny of sorts among the rebels that could have be avoided if purple-haired lady had answered Poe's question with "Yes, I have a plan to protect us and this is it..." In my opinion, Poe's mutiny was adding unnecessary drama and length.

Visiting a jazz club-type setting is practically a given in a Star Wars 
movie, but like any setting or plot point, it must fit organically into the overall
storyline. 

Takeaway: Before adding a plot point, subplot, battle, trouble between hero and heroine, etc., ask if it is really necessary. Are you simply adding drama or length? Are you adding subplots merely to utilize characters that don't fit into the main storyline? Is a subplot entertaining enough to justify adding the length to an already long story? Could a very simple communication (which any rational person would make) have prevented the episode (like Poe's mutiny)? Readers hate this type of drama, or at least I do; figure out a better way to up the tension or move the story along.

5) Death and Destruction

An epic fantasy is expected to have a lot more death and destruction than say a fairy tale or a romance. Even though Star Wars is an epic fantasy, I wasn't expecting quite so much loss. When Catniss's sister dies in The Hunger Games, the reaction is "wasn't the point keeping her alive?". You have to consider whether the losses will make readers wonder if the characters failed. It's okay to have national or cosmic success in defeating the bad guys but still have characters suffer great personal loss, just consider whether you would accept it if you were the reader. 

Likable droids add to the humor and help us
tolerate the death and destruction of action movies.

Take away: Consider the level of death, destruction, or cruelty your readers expect and care to deal with. Near total destruction, rape, death of certain characters (beloved ones or children) are deal- killers to some readers, so just know your audience and be okay with some readers disliking your stories.

6) So many characters, so little time together

Maybe those who've read all the Star Wars books and watched the movies multiple times knew who all the characters in this movie were, but it seemed to me there were way more characters than I cared to keep up with. Was I really supposed to remember that Storm Trooper Finn has a showdown with? Enough to care for a showdown?

More importantly to me, we didn't get a building of the relationship between Poe, Rey, and Finn, which I was hoping for based on the tight connection between Leia, Luke, and Han. I was hoping for friends adventuring together; that's not what I got.

Poe off to blast something. Alone.

Take away: Do your readers want action or character interaction? How can you balance them? How many characters does your story really need? Which ones will your readers remember for later interactions?

7) Replay: we've seen this before

If you're doing a series, be conscious and careful of reusing themes, settings, or events. A trip to a jazz club-type place, a soul-seeking jaunt to a creepy cave, a foolish mission to turn Dark Vader or Kylo Ren away from the dark side. Been there, done that in the original three and again in The Last Jedi. Good or bad? Die-hard fans or new watchers may love the hat-tip to the old, or just be ignorant of the reuse of material. The in-betweens may not be enamored enough to enjoy the repetition.

Take away: Be wise in your reuse of settings, events, and character-types. It can enhance the story or appear like a lack of creativity.

Have you seen The Last Jedi? What did you think of it? Or what were some writing tips you picked up from a recent book or movie?