Characters.

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So what makes a character come alive for me? I have to see the world through their eyes and with their perspective. This is the first step. The second step is immersing myself in their lives. If it is not real to me, then it is not real to my readers, but that is a secondary consideration.

I am not an outliner. I simply can’t stick to that and I have tried. I am a panzer as the story comes to me as it will and through the eyes of the characters. They dictate what will happen next, not me. I just go along with the flow, hoping something reasonable comes out of my musings.

To a certain extent, beta readers also have a huge say in what happens next. I will never, ever, forget the death threats I got as a result of killing off a popular character in the second book of the Shadow series. I found I had to unkill him in an unprecedented hurry. Score? Beta readers one. Me … nil  I fixed the problem tout suite. Takes a moment out to thank all those responsible for the death threats. Yep, you were right. .He really needed to be there.  The second book, Sword of Shadows, is scheduled for publication in 2014 by Kristell Ink, my publishers. There is a third book in the offing.  

Homework.

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One of the most important things a writer needs to do is read. Sometimes a book can demonstrate what not to do. I have just read one like that and it had a saggy middle. The beginning and end were stellar, but the middle? Not so much. I waded through as I had bought the book, but I was skimming heavily. No, I will not be reviewing this on any site. For one thing, this is not fair to the author. For another, my take is purely my taste as should not reflect on a story.

Nope, this was not a book written by anyone that I know. All the people I know write masterpieces.

In the meantime, Darkspire Reaches is on offer at the Amazons for a very reduced sum. For the price of a fast food meal, a person could have both Darkspire Reaches and Shadow Over Avalon. Now there is a thought as we approach Black Friday.

The ultimate cut.

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What happens when everything, including their name, is taken away from a person? What happens when those memories start to return and the person knows what they have lost? Rage builds, for there is nothing of value left to lose. A killer is born, and yet can they be salvaged? Should they be salvaged? And how does this impact on a beleaguered humanity with only one last chance left for freedom? The stakes are terminal. Failure cannot be an option, or hope will be gone. How does this resolve? Who will win and who will lose?  Find out now in Shadow Over Avalon

.http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Over-Avalon-C-N-Lesley-ebook/dp/B00GAN6HMG/ref=la_B00DJS9QP0_1_2_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384916073&sr=1-2

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Over-Avalon-C-N-Lesley-ebook/dp/B00GAN6HMG/ref=la_B00DJS9QP0_1_2_bnp_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384916124&sr=1-2

 

Why, oh why?

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My publishers, Kristell Ink, have generously allowed Darkspire Reaches to now retail at 77pennies uk and 99c US after the free period ended. I have no idea how long this offer will hold. If you want it , then get it now.

My second book, Shadow Over Avalon, is available on all ebook platforms except Kobo, who are still behaving like prissy old women throwing an apron over their collective heads. They are apparently objecting to sex scenes from the books by indy authors. Oh quell horreur. I am so utterly mortified. And yet when I went to find a book on sweet smelling flowers, they suggested ‘The Perfumed Garden’. ROTFLMAO. I note they are still listing the ‘Karma Sutra’ and ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. Nuff said. Yep, Shadow Over Avalon does contain sex scenes. They are not under the heading of erotic, but they are adult. Go figure.

Shadow Over Avalon.

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Genetics is a tricky area to play in. When a person has left no living decedents, it is necessary to reach into their ancestry to recreate them. However, it is also necessary to endow the recreated person with extra gifts. This is when all hell is let loose. Nothing is what it seems and no one can be trusted. The fate of mankind rests on untried shoulders. Let fortune fall where it will.

http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Over-Avalon-C-N-Lesley-ebook/dp/B00GAN6HMG/ref=tmm_kin_title_popover?ie=UTF8&qid=1384657698&sr=8-3

Why is setting important?

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The characters provide the motive for the story, but without a cohesive setting it doesn’t come to life for the reader in my opinion. So what is it about setting? For me, I have to be able to look through the character’s eyes and see what they are seeing. This has to be real and that involves research. Yep, that is right, down to the flower that will be in bloom in that season.

How to accomplish this? Each season has a certain feel about it. Think fall, when the smell of overripe fruit permeates the air and the drone of bees made sluggish by the chill of night fills the morning air. This is the season where everything is closing down for the winter sleep. Why is this important? It gives a marker in time that allows the reader to progress. Without this marker, the time is static.

Want a good book for Thanksgiving?

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How about an epic science fantasy? Did you ever wonder what would happen when the legendary King Arthur returns to save his people in the time of their greatest need? Set in the far future, Shadow Over Avalon take the reader to a level of suspense unsurpassed. Nothing is as it seems. Humanities survival hinges on the lives of a few. If even one of them dies, so will all hope for the future.

http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Over-Avalon-C-N-Lesley-ebook/dp/B00GAN6HMG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1

Ginger is bad?

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Not in my books. I hadn’t really thought about it, but then my characters come through fully developed. I find I have three gingers in Shadow Over Avalon and two of them are red hot hunks. A guy is a guy and it is what is inside him that makes him interesting. Hair color is totally incidental. Character is everything and my guys rock. 

Phillipines. Make a difference. Help them now.

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This post is a blatant appeal to bid on a copy of Darkspire Reaches to help the people of the Philippines.  These sunny and hardworking people have a horrendous situation facing them. My publishers, Kristell Ink, have donated a package of eight books, including mine, to help raise money. A book critique is also offered in this package from Kristell Ink writer, Joanne Hall.  The auction lot is # 106.
I know xmas and American Thanksgiving are coming up, but these people have lost everything, including family members. So little would mean so much. http://authorsforphilippines.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/106-fantasysf-manuscript-critique-by-joanne-hall-kristell-ink-books/