Home

Advertisement

The Night Rider Blog [entries|archive|friends|userinfo]
bd_updates

[ About | livejournal userinfo ]
[ Archives | journal archive ]

Quick News [Nov. 29th, 2009|05:43 pm]
[Tags|, ]
[Mood | accomplished]

Typed Chapters: 15 Chapters
Word Count: 41,452
Chapters Written: 24/30
Number of Pages So Far: 180

Some exciting news people!

Currently, as I've said before, I am on the homestretch of the rough draft for the first novel in my series. This is exciting because I haven't gotten to the point of a complete draft in probably four or five years, and overall I've been working on this entire series for six years. Anyway, calculations aside, I worked over the weekend at my dad's on the story, and now have the rough plot points for the second and third book squared away, seeing as I had a couple new big ideas to integrate into the story and fill plot holes with.

I've actually been stuck working with Chapter 24 for some time now, because it is so far my longest chapter to date, and I've been steadily hacking away at it all week. I finally decided I needed to split it up and sacrifice my desire for an even 30-chapter layout of the story because, let's face it, after writing front-and-back twelve pages of teeny-tiny writing that would probably count at least 3 pages on my computer versus the single front-and-back paper in my hands, it was just getting too long. Plus I like uniformity in chapter length. I'm really anal about this crap and I don't know why.

Anyway, Chapter 24 has been split up into three parts. I'm surprised I managed to think I could fit that much into one chapter. I would've been rushing/cramming too much if I'd tried to follow the plot points I'd given. So now instead of one crammed in, rushed chapter I have three spread-out chapters that better work with the pacing and flow of the beginning of it. Anyway, that is nerdy stuff that none of you care about. The big question is:

When are you going to finish writing the rough draft, Tysandri?

Welll, if I can keep up the steady pace I'm working now--hopefully before Christmas I should have the rough draft completed, and that's at the latest. These last chapters have a LOT I have to include so it's way way harder to work on them than the open-ended chapters from before. I had it easy with my middle-meat chapters, because I was free to gallavant on whatever subject I wanted. With these last chapters, they've been designed, plotted, and mapped out to a "T" and no I don't want to give myself creative freedom because this is the exact stuff I want in the story is what I've written down chapter-by-chapter. It was just so many thoughts I couldn't keep it in my head. That's where planning the book for six years gets me; I can't keep it all in one place anymore haha.

Anyway, I'm hoping the next chapters won't give me as much hell as Chapter 24 has (including a shocking scene that I didn't even BET on that Aidan pulled out of his as--I mean sprung on me when Dawn and I were not looking) but I'm really excited to just have the draft finished and done with before my mind comes up with any more brilliant ideas or my characters decide on a last-minute scene change augh.

It's Aidan's fault for screwing up the bar scene and pulling off this whole "big epic talk outside on the porch in the harbor" deal where he starts acting retarded and singing. Gosh Aidan, quit throwing me for a loop. The Captain too. >8c You weren't supposed to be such a big softie.

Oh well, I don't really have control over them I just stick them in situations and see what they do. It's like lab-rats really. XD I'm so cruel.

Also, I came to the realization last night while reading over the base plot lines for the second and third novel..... this series gets really dark, guys. Seriously. I was reading it and thinking to myself "My gosh, people are going to be truly disturbed by what goes on :[" and I'm actually afraid now I might scare people a little too much... because it's almost like a horror movie in ways.

Let's just say the story gets very disturbing and dark after the first book. ;___; I didn't mean for it to happen I swear haha. It just...is.

P.S.
I'm going to start keeping a tab on how many chapters I've typed, how many I've completed (I hand-write all my chapters first and then type them. It helps my brain think faster), the word count, and how many pages so far on the formatted manuscript version of the first book.
LinkPlunder

An Omnomnom Peek. [Nov. 5th, 2009|12:31 am]
[Tags|]
[Mood | Awake]

So I am wide-awake and typed up three chapters (WOOH go me) except it's not really progress because I just finished writing three new chapters yesterday ahahahah. ;__; I've gotten as far as typing 13 chapters, and I have 20 written currently. I have such a way to go haha.

ANYWAY.

I just wrote up one of my most colorful and squee-worthy chapters, featuring the lovely Dawn and ever-provoking shirtless pirate we all know best--Aidan. I personally find this is my favorite chapter in the matters of describing how they act around one another. It's absolutely positively freaking adorable.

Plus you will laugh your head off and then maybe blush and go "bawwww" because Dawn is so cute when she's ruffled.

Chapter 13, Kissing on a Dare )

And just for the record, I don't actually label my chapters, I just thought it might catch your attention. ;D

<333 Lemme know what you think, guys! I feel like I'm writing these entries for myself most of the time haha.
LinkPlunder

Big News! Sort of. [Oct. 31st, 2009|01:58 am]
[Mood | accomplished]


So! I'm SUPER excited right now because guess what?

I FINALLY decided on covers for the series!! It has taken me six years to settle on a design for the trilogy book covers, guys, but I think I am finally satisfied. I needed something to represent the books very, very well, which was hard considering how many deep metaphors and symbols go on in each one of the editions of the trilogy. It needed to be metaphorical, and a symbolic expression for each individual edition.

I've played with so so so many ideas so much, but it wasn't until just earlier I was struck with an amazing idea while plotting out Benjamin's master plans. I have brief sketches I did, but I don't think those do the symbolism justice. Plus they are really sloppy so you can't really see what's going on in the pictures. Basically it's this:

1st edition cover - Black Dawn: The Night Rider
Closeup of Dawn's front face from the lips down to her collarbone, with the centerfocus on her hand held up to her neck and gripping her compass necklace in her hand and crying. Symbolic of the storyline centerfold as well as symbolism for the necklace and how it represents her pain and progress through the first book.

2nd edition cover - Black Dawn: White Flag
Closeup of a partial side-view from Aidan's Jaw to nose, with his head tilted away from the camera and jawline being closest to the viewer. Has a dagger to his cheek pressed into the skin and drawing a small trickle of blood. Dagger is symbolic to the betrayal he feels as well as him showing the self-loathing he slowly progresses into for hating himself for not saving "them" (can't say who). Blood trickle is symbolic to a rather literal thing that has to do with his blood brother Benjamin, but I can't say more.

3rd edition cover - Black Dawn: Red Rose
Closeup of Anna laying face-down and facing the camera, on her stomach. A shot from her lips to her shoulders, and gripping a rose in her hand closest to the camera. Her hair is draped over her face and shielding her eyes, which isn't in the shot but suggested and also symbolic about her being "shielded" from the truth about her parents. The rose, seemingly red and just dribbling of blood, is actually a white rose completely drenched in blood. Also symbolic of the "wolf in sheep's clothing" thing that is going on as a mutual expression between all the main characters, mostly between Dawn and others.


I could probably pull more symbolism out of my ass with these pictures, but at the moment I'm still trying to decide on color schemes for all of them. The final products will be amazing. I won't lie though - I'm extremely intimidated. I'm almost tempted to just hire someone to paint them because I'm not that great at painting, but I swore to myself I would be the artist to do the covers. I want to. Realism/symbolism this deep is going to be hard to pull off, but I'm determined to do it. Oh and for the record "Red Rose" is extremely symbolic as a title as well as "White Flag" is for the second book. The Night Rider unfortunately has no deep meaning other than being the ship Dawn gets stuck on, but it's the only one I am super deadset on keeping because it just...fits the first volume so I won't change it.

The others were actually accidental symbolisms because they changed so much from their original plotlines which had everything blatantly to do with the subtitle for each edition but now take on some amazing metaphorical meaning so LOL I'm not complaining.

I will say each object in the shots were specifically chosen for that edition. (aka the compass necklace in the first, the bloody dagger in the second, and the "bleeding" rose in the final one) Dang man I love symbolism. :)

I'm so freaking pumped to get started on the second book like HOLY CRAP you don't even knowwwwww. I have so many scenes I want to write, but first I have to get the stupid first book completely written as a rough draft. I'm still on chaper 17 and I've got 30 chapters total to write. ;___;

Woe is me. I plan too much.
Link1 Gunshot-Plunder

This is big news. Jimmy's even amazed by the length. [Sep. 21st, 2009|03:51 pm]
[Mood | Bleh]
[Music |"Fireflies" - Owl City]


So aside from the progressively lengthening pages in the story, I have quite a few new things to share with everyone.

As most of you know, Black Dawn is now in the form of a trilogy thanks to a wonderful suggestion from Emily to cut out the original third book and just leave the 1st, 2nd, and 4th in the series and make it a trilogy.

Click here to read further and listen to BD ranting )

That was way too excessive but...you get my point. The middle part when it's switching between Aidan and Dawn finally starting to like each other and then Aidan and Dawn getting into that big trust tiff and sort of having a falling out is where I'm having my problem. I'm afraid the flow in that general area won't match the rest of the book, which seems to flow decently IMO. I'm afraid I rush too quickly from the "hey I like you" to "hey you are a jerk" portion thing...

I dunno any suggestions/comments about everything? I'd greatly appreciate it.
LinkPlunder

Massive Progress. [Aug. 29th, 2009|12:09 am]
[Tags|]
[Mood | accomplished]


These past few weeks have been extremely accomplishing.

Because I have so much spare time on my hands at school during my classes, I've taken the liberty of directing almost all of my attention to Black Dawn and commissions in that time span. Most of the time I get more distracted by Black Dawn haha.

Writing has become surprisingly easy, and I usually get an entire chapter done within a day. Each chapter I write on (front and back) really huge college-ruled paper from this special notebook I bought at Walmart a long time ago. So I'd say each side of the paper counts for two regular pages, so that would be four pages per college-note-book paper. How many pages are generally in each chapter, you ask?

Minimum of five. Usually seven to ten pages long.

I'm super super proud of myself, but enough boasting. I bet you want to know what's going down in these awesome, top-secret chapters! I'll post a bit about them in this LJ cut below, but I warn you: There is NO WHERE ELSE online that I have ANYTHING about these chapters posted. Absolutely nowhere. Not on DA, not on my website, not just stashed on a forum somewhere. You guys are getting the absolutely fresh new files right out of the oven. Never-before-seen stuff.

Be very excited. :)

Click for awesome details of the new storyline opening! )

Stay tuned for more updates about the chapters of Black Dawn! I just started Chapter 11 but I should have it finished on Monday. :] I had a lot of trouble getting through the last chapter because I don't have prompts anymore for each chapter. (I had the previous 9 chapters completely mapped out with key points on what was going to happen.) I'm in the middle "meat" of the story now so I'm sort of flailing and freaking out. I haven't been able to say I'm on that portion of the story for almost five years. Amazing.

Terrifying as well haha.

I only have a vague idea of what happens in the middle. The ending is planned, and the beginning. Just that middle part that is going to kill me. Wish me luck. X__X

Suggestions always welcome, by the way!
LinkPlunder

An Inexcusable Amount of Time [Aug. 15th, 2009|04:45 pm]
[Mood | accomplished]
[Music |"You Are the Moon" - Hush Sound]



I have been a bad writer; in fact, a horrible writer for not updating this like I should have been. In truth, Black Dawn has simply been going through very extensive, violent redesign. the time period has changed, the storyline has changed massively, and a lot of research has been going on.

As always, updates on Black Dawn are (usually) heard here first, and (usually) consist of things that spoil some of the story.

And as usual, I am supplying that information today.

Black Dawn took a turn for the better )

Uhm. Yes. c8 Lol that probably made ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE. Heeeee.....hee. c|

My fingers and brains hurt. I am done with this.

Can you tell I got bored halfway through this thing?
LinkPlunder

Black Dawn: Night Rider 2008, Chapter 1 [Jul. 1st, 2008|10:12 pm]
[Tags|, ]
[Mood | Artistic]



I swear this is the last time I'm rewriting this bloody thing. :/ Chapter one, by far, is possibly the most extensively reworked/rewritten/edited chapter out of this entire series. :| I cannot begin to fathom how many times I've rewritten this one single chapter.

But it's a good thing--because the first chapter is the most important. If it is not just so, the readers will put it down and/or it won't have the same impact as it would if it were at its best. So, now that I've covered that--I'd like to introduce the final for chapter one.

I really think I've finally nailed exactly what I wanted to, and opened it with a more mature, lighter air than the previous overworked versions. I'm also getting Dawn across much better now, so that's a good thing. :] Anyway, you guys know the drill and why I put these here. I want you to read, but I also want you to tell me what you think. Critique me, point out things to me, I don't care--just tell me exactly what you think. Why you liked it, why you didn't. I need feedback, that's the only reason I put these on the blog for you loyal fans. c: So, please enjoy and be sure to read slowly. It isn't a race, after all. <3

Night Rider, Chapter One )

Jimmy's always lookin' out for dear ole' Dawn. c: It's so sweet yet so sad, you could say. :[ Poor thing. <3

Stay tuned for Chapter 2!
LinkPlunder

A sneak Preview. [Mar. 23rd, 2008|10:04 pm]
[Mood | In Pain]
[Music |"Fairy Dance" Peter Pan Soundtrack]



Because I am lazy and feel like I've got knives twisting in my abdomen, I'm going to spare the droning and just post this chapter.

This is most likely a BIG spoiler sortave...nothing bad but it will give away something that uh...happens. :/ In the second volume/edition of Black Dawn.

This chapter/portion-of-a-chapter is from volume three of Black Dawn. I haven't decided on the name for it, although the second edition is called "White Flag" Anyway! Enjoy this really lovely scene. :) This is one of the first chapters of the third book, bytheway.

And d'aww this is where JosephxDawn starts coming in. He's such a good guy. <3

Clickhereplz for Writing! SPOILER alert! )

Augh that evil old woman. I wanted to take a wooden chair to her face after I wrote this--and I just created her too! D8 That's very terrible. cx She's the only "bad guy" I've managed to actually despise so far. I'll probably end of adoring her evil ways though--because she's a total *bleep* if you know what I mean. c:

I should start drawing Joseph...

P.S.
I was inspired to write after watching a combination of "Hook" AND the live-action movie of "Peter Pan" and also this song from the Peter Pan soundtrack I loved so much. The first-half of the scene is coherent with the song, then the rest is just..yeah. xD

Augh such a pretty songggg. <3
LinkPlunder

A Spoiler. [Mar. 16th, 2008|10:26 pm]
[Mood | Blargh]
[Music |Black Dawn instrumental recording]



You'll have to forgive the fact this is going to be relatively short, BUT--it's well worth it. :) In the cut below I have the pre-climax scene of the first edition to Black Dawn, somewhere around chapter 11 or 12. If you've done your homework and seen all my other entries, you can probably guess what it involves or what happens. Yes, I kept that idea from the original--it's still going to happen. However, if it makes you feel any better I changed the final outcome.

One of these days I'll type up the overview for you guys to see and tell me what you think. cx Plenty of stuff has changed enough to do so. But anyway! Below is the cut from the pre-climax, on the deck of the Anna Marie. I figure this is around early morning when it's still foggy, and I still haven't decided about the fire. (if you don't know what I'm talking about, don't ask. xD)

So anyway, enjoy and CLICK AT YOUR OWN RISK; There are spoiler writings AND spoiler-arts in this cut.

Yay Angst and Drama and Swords )

IIII warned you. 8D I'll be making another update later with some actual Black Dawn inspired MUSIC. And no, not band songs. Songs I did. I played. On real instruments.

Or rather, a keyboard. You'll see. cx It's really awesome. I listened to one of the songs I played while I wrote the excerpt overhead. On my next post, listen to the song and read back over the excerpt and you will TOTALLY get the full effect of the scene. I almost wanted to cry. xD (It has violinss)

EDIT: Actually, well nevermind. I went ahead and uploaded. xD So here's the recorded songs.Please bear this in mind while you listen: This was completely, completellyyy free-form playing on the keyboard. I had no intention of making a song, and no intention of actually making it sound pretty decent. (which I personally think it did) Oh, and bear in mind--I've never played the piano or keyboard or anything akin to that in my life. I have no training whatsoever. xD I was surprised I even managed a decent harmony with the keys.

Click to see songs--PART OF SPOILER. WARNINNGG! )
Link2 Gunshots-Plunder

New Chapters and Song [Jan. 24th, 2008|09:36 pm]
[Mood | Complacent]
[Music |BD Lullaby]


AS you can see, I've posted quite a few new chapters! Chapters three through seven, to be exact. Anyway, since I am rather..tired of typing tonight I'm going to cut this short and get to the point.

First of all, I have a little treat to show you guys. I decidedly got out the keyboard and played the basic notes for my Black Dawn lullaby (see earlier entries for details and song) on it and recorded. :)

Go to this link to see-->http://www.winterdreams.org/BDpianonotes.WAV

I'm no expert on piano; heck I've never even taught myself. But I managed to find the basic notes for the lullaby on there. xD Since a few of you I know have a blessed talent to play an instrument, and a couple of you have wanted to play the song with your instrument, here's the basis if you need it so you know the notes. (since I'm sure it's kinda difficult basing notes offa my shakey singing >>; )

ANDD NEXT, for your convenience here's the links to ALL the new chapters, including chapters one and two. (Chapter two has been revised to I suggest you go back and read.)

BLACK DAWN CHAPTERS

Chapter One: http://bd-updates.livejournal.com/7669.html
Chapter Two: http://bd-updates.livejournal.com/7933.html
Chapter Three: http://bd-updates.livejournal.com/8053.html
Chapter Four: http://bd-updates.livejournal.com/8330.html
Chapter Five: http://bd-updates.livejournal.com/8609.html
Chapter Six: http://bd-updates.livejournal.com/8829.html
Chapter Seven: http://bd-updates.livejournal.com/9042.html

Enjoy!
Link1 Gunshot-Plunder

Chapter 7 Final [Jan. 24th, 2008|09:30 pm]

This is also a brand new chapter, never seen before. I rather like this one, for the fact it introduces a lot of the crew, including the lovely Captain Catherine Rosario. :) She is one brilliant woman, I say.

And oooohh didn't expect that ending did you?

Chapter Seven! )

Things are starting to weave together and make sense, aren't they? c:

Oh and favorite quote from this chapter:

"Not a single feature gave away any hint as to what was going through her complicated mind, just a simple look of disconnected sympathy."
LinkPlunder

Chapter 6 Final [Jan. 24th, 2008|09:23 pm]

Like I promised, here is the little "break" from all the emo-ness going on with Dawn back on the Anna Marie.

And nowww we move onto the other star of the series....

Aidaaan!

Yey! Lol a few of you will recognize this li'l chapter. It was an old short story I wrote about Aidan out of the blue. It somehow managed to incorporate itself into the actual story. I'm sortave glad for it, really, because without these few "introductory" chapters people would assume him to be a cold and heartless jerk just like Dawn's father.

This shows that he's not really as cool as he likes to think. xD Man is Aidan a treat to write about. <3 He makes me lol.

Chapter Six <3 )

Fuahaha Aidan you little scallywag, you. <3
LinkPlunder

Chapter 5 Final [Jan. 24th, 2008|09:05 pm]

This is getting all so very monotonous, but thankfully this is a very new, completely fresh chapter no one has read so this is the point where I get happy. :)

This chapter is an attempt to "lighten" up all the gloom and doom. I'm still a bit annoyed I ended up having Dawn crying (yet again) but alfkdh raugh...at least it's sorta...

happy..

tears?

I dunno. I'll let you guys decide. Suggestions, if you like. :) I like the beginning, because for once her father isn't a total jerk and we see that. And so does Dawn. I'm trying to show that James is not a prick for no reason. He's just a frustrated father with a short temper. :) And what he tells her is a really deep metaphor only a few people may guess in a long time. xD Let's just say it's not what you think it means. My metaphors never are. x_x;

Chapter 5! Yay! )

D'awww....that last part just makes me melt a l'il bit. And YES, finally gave Jimmy a break. Poor fella needed some retribution after all that...crap I put him through. x|

Augh this just makes it harder. :/ *sigh* Enjoy!
LinkPlunder

Chapter 4 Final [Jan. 24th, 2008|08:44 pm]

I finally decided I'm just going to have to move certain chapters to other peoples' perspectives. So this one starts off not with Dawn, but instead gives you a breather and moves to Jimmy to see how he's coping with all this.

I'm really edgy about the fact the very beginning is quite...grim in perspective and very sullen, but I promise it picks up later on when it moves to Aidan's perspective on the Night Rider, which should give readers a much-needed laugh. :)

Please let me know what you think about this chapter and others before it! I don't post them on here for "Great job!" (even though that's lovely to hear, don't get me wrong) but I really would like to know why or why not you liked it. c:

Chapter Four and Whatnot.. )

Augh I keep feeling so bad for poor Jimmy and Dawn. I just put them through all sorts of crap. x|
LinkPlunder

Chapter 3 Final [Jan. 24th, 2008|08:24 pm]


Because I am so desperately behind on posting my enormous cache of new chapters, I'm posting all my latest chapters in pieces. So their will be quite a few new posts for you to read.

NOTE! Before you begin reading these new chapters, go back and reread Chapter 2. I have completely edited and revised it since last seen, and there is a huge new chunk in the beginning you have not seen that I added in. Please re-read that and THEN read these chapters. Thank you. :)

This chapter (chapter three) picks up where we last left off with Dawn, who seemed hopeless and uncontrolled to her fate. It starts off the next morning, after she awakes to quite a surprise.

Chapter Three Final )

Nothin' much else to say except PLEASE reread chapter 2 if you haven't. It's been severely edited. 8(

Chapter four next and whatnot. *goes to post it*
LinkPlunder

Black Dawn - Ch. 2 Final [Dec. 4th, 2007|01:23 am]
[Mood | Typing away]
[Music |"Everything" by Pillar]


Finally got this puppy typed up and whatnot and ready to go! :)

Originally, I had a different chapter two I'd typed up, and a NEW one at that! I must've forgotten I had it though, because a few weeks ago I wrote another one, and I think I like this one better.

I'm really nervous, however, for the fact my first two chapters are extremely emotional and start off on a very....--how do you say--...violent foot. Some people may really, really dislike this, or the complete opposite and really, really like it.

See, I based off how I should start this from when I read books. When I open up a new book to explore it a little bit and see if I wanna buy it from a bookstore, this thing has gotta HOOK me good. Meaning either make it the best dang writing I've ever seen or make something INTERESTING happen, from the very beginning.

I cannot stand to see those books that piddle along for about...oh, say...ten chapters? And THEN get interesting..? That bores me to tears. Sooo we have superemoangst and superfurysadness ANDDD superlovecomplication in the very very beginning. xD

Tell me what you think of this novel theory, I tend to put as much "emotion" into my writing as I can. THAT is my main focus when I write, I want the readers to FEEL the emotions I'm portraying. If they can feel them, then I've done my job.

Anywaay...click the cut below to read my fresh chapter two, hot off the press. I'd love to know your thoughts! :3

New Chapter Two, Revised and whatnot.. )

....Hmm........IIIII think I need to start giving my chapters titles, because I have so many "chapter one revised/edit/final"s on this blog...ittttt is....confusing. xD I might have to delete all the old chapter entries, since they may confuse readers.

Feh. :| Whutev. Enjjoooyy. Comments about why you did/didn't like this would be sincerely appreciated. <3

Oh bttww the music you see overhead I was listening to--yeah this is like the theme song for this chapter. xD Every chapter has a theme song, I swear. 8|

(*reads back over* God I'm so mean to Dawn...xc)
LinkPlunder

Chapter One - New Final [Nov. 9th, 2007|11:06 pm]
[Mood | Calm]
[Music |"Someone Somewhere" by Jason Reeves]



Like promised, I am posting my final for chapter one on here. I had many, many wonderful suggestions from some wonderful people.

From the few things I remembered, Eshkenazi (DA user) told me chapter one might be more effective to have the opening scene in the forest, rather than just as she finished running and ended up at the edge of the cliff. I also was told by various people that the speech was a bit--odd. So I went back and played out conversations in my head. And then one day I just started writing after getting a spark of inspiration.

Somehow my writing took on a mind of its own and the entire cliff scene was removed, as well as the useless and redundant flashbacks and memories Dawn has to make way for more in-the-moment action, which I was told was far more effective in my writing.

Jimmy, as you may realize while reading, has become a very, very important figure in this series. And as of now he decided that he and Dawn would have a very important role together..

:) So anyway, please enjoy and let me know what you think of the final. I won't be changing the setting or scenes. I'm just posting for you BD fans to enjoy. :3 Plus, it is far safer on the blog than on Deviantart.

Black Dawn - Two Worlds Chapter One FINAL draft )

Note after you finish: Alright, one thing I will let you know that I'm really nervous/curious about is the "mood" of the first chapters. Usually..and most of the time (as I'm sure you noticed), novels never start off this..depressing. It is a knee-jerk reaction, reading something this strong from chapter one, and I will be honest--I almost felt as if I could cry as I wrote it broke my heart so much. For a writer to write an emotion well, they usually have to feel it a little bit. So it was really, really hard to write that, I feel so terrible in a way. But I'm hoping, hoping very much that my small contribution of emotion and feeling to this chapter worked out for the better, and that this is a GOOD thing to start it out this way.

What I'm wanting to do is affect the readers from square one--immediately I'm wanting them to feel strongly for this girl, no specifics but just feel STRONGLY for her. Sometimes the best way to introduce a character is by stripping them of their outer shell and exposing their innermost feelings out in the open. It is probably the trickiest thing to do, and I'm trying to do it well. So let me know how that worked out. :)

Chapter Two will be posted sometime this weekend, I just have to transfer it from handwritten paper to typed writing.

I should be shanked because..Jimmy is becoming my favorite. 8'< Poor Dawn, she doesn't get half the love and attention I give to the boys.

Oh, and also a little low-quality version of a speedpaint in OC for practice and some sketches -->

Artsy stuff )
Link1 Gunshot-Plunder

Major News 10/30/07 [Oct. 30th, 2007|04:34 pm]
[Mood | apathetic]
[Music |"Fin" by Anberlin]



Decided I should update on a holiday, just because I haven't been online to do anything for months. So, aside from pardoning a severe absence in production for Black Dawn, I have exciting news I've been working out during the time I was gone.

Let's start with major news. I have decided, as of yesterday, that the book series for this project will be called, officially, Black Dawn. I realize I said it was supposed to be The Night Rider, but over the past five years ALL of the books in this series, I have associated to 'Black Dawn', therefore--it is now the official series name.

So what about the first edition, you say? What will it be called now? Simple. The new name for the first book in my series will be subtitled "Two Worlds". I sketched up a cover idea last night while drawing BD artwork and concept art, and the title spurred from how the drawing looked. Fit so perfectly I'm surprised I didn't come up with it sooner.

Alright, major updates for the writing. I started back over, for those that don't know. Went back to square one, and I'm basically rewriting most everything. I also am changing up the plot line. The story, I think, won't follow Joseph as much as I'd hoped. Moreso it will focus on Dawn and her experience, and briefly follow her father to his whereabouts (but with this I'm not even sure). Jimmy, a minor character who originally started off as just a random shipmate, has now become a main character with a bit of pushing. He now appears in the first chapter and has become a major, major part of the story--somewhat taking Joseph's place.

I think Joseph will become more important for the third book, but the first and second focuses on Dawn, Aidan, and Jimmy. They appear in all four, but the first two will mainly revolve around their experience. Jimmy, however, is currently just as important or possibly even more important than Aidan at this point, so that should tell you a lot.

I will post the new chapter one for you all to look over, and please--PLEASE give me your thoughts on it. It is my final, and I'm very optimistic about it. There is new plot news, MAJOR plot news, involving Jimmy and Aidan, which you will all be very excited to hear about.

For the time being, please click the cut below and enjoy a lovely collection of sketches I cannot release to the public eye for somewhat-spoilers. Plus, no one really knows what each sketch pertains to.

Black Dawn Sketchdump (Warning! Some Spoilers!) )

I might have to put together a big music compilation for a BD sountrack again, because I've found a good sack full of songs for each characters that I think you guys would enjoy, and also get you in the BD-mood. So after this I'll put the first chapter up, and you guys let me know what you think.
Link7 Gunshots-Plunder

So I have this song.. [Jul. 25th, 2007|01:30 pm]
[Mood | Amused at Self]



Black Dawn Lullaby ---> Click Here to Listen

I'm not sure if I ever mentioned this before, but Black Dawn has a theme song, a lullaby, if you will.

It started out with a catchy little hum-tune while I was writing one day two years ago. It developed into a little hum-song, and eventually I started adding words, which I started writing down. ANDDD eventually it just...became this full-out song in my head I wanted to professionally make someday.

Sooo here's the song, without the music. (Once I discover how to play keyboard, it'll have violins, piano, and flute. I'mma get my Dad to help me hopefully.)

It sounds so much cooler in my head, with the beats and the background violins, but this is just how it sounds basically..I sing it all the time.

Yes that's me singing.

Yes I sound horrible.

Click Here for Lyrics! )

It's supposed to be a lullaby Dawn's mother sang to her when Dawn was younger. S'all sweet and stuff.

Enjoy...sorta. :
Link7 Gunshots-Plunder

Chapter One Rewrite - NEW! [Jul. 22nd, 2007|07:30 pm]
[Mood | Content]
[Music |Instrumental Piano/Violin]



I think I'm sorta just going to start over. The mess-of-a-novel I'm dealing with now is just too much, and I want freedom to express my ideas and thoughts.

Besides, my old writing is just bad...I've taken this huge step lately and my writing style changed a bit.

Also, all these chapters I've been posting were so rushed. So stretched. I was writing them based off ideas already created, and had to circle them ONLY around those ideas. No room for creativity.

So here I am, free to do what I like.

AND HOLY CRAP JIMMY IS IN THE FIRST CHAPTER NOW. 8)

I decided to change up a few things. This time I'm going to do it write. I'm going to write with PATIENCE, and I'm going to write with FEELING. Not technicality.

Alright so enjoy. I JUST wrote this. No hand-writing, just flat out typed onto the computer.

New Chapter One for New Rewrite )

Please tell me what you guys think, and if you see a difference with Dawn. I changed up her original "introductory" personality a bit. I didn't want her to seem so depressed and wimpy and bitchy this time.

I think it's better. :)

Please offer your thoughts, I NEED to hear them!
Link1 Gunshot-Plunder

navigation
[ viewing | most recent entries ]
[ go | earlier ]

Advertisement