Thank you to all who've 'hit' me - not literally. Thank you to all those who've read my blog posts, 7000+ today! I'm also ill, so I'm lying down, typing this post, and working on 'Manna-X', which is healing nicely, thank you (Zappa quote there, if ya didn't notice). 40,000 words so far. Still quite a bit to write up and even 'think' about, too. I'm looking for 50,000+ insane words.
So, what is it really about, this 'Manna-X'? It's about desires and their immediate conflicts with the world around them. The book is AGAIN heavy on dialogue, but isn't that what life is about? Communication and its struggle, success, failure?
The book is also crazy. I know it's turned me crazy. I hope that when I read it in the editing stage that I'll find it makes sense....
The first parts are up on authonomy.com, I updated them only the other day...
http://authonomy.com/books/50429/manna-x/
What? Okay, okay, writing already...
Check out 'The Next Big Thing' post, too, for more info :-)
http://danijcaile.blogspot.hu/2013/04/the-next-big-thing-blog-hop.html
And I have another 55 worder on Austin Brigg's site...not that it does a lot of good, but hey.
http://austinbriggs.com/flash-fiction-contest/in-the-night/
Also entered a 99 word contest with 'Girl from the East Country' (JJ Burnel reference there (Snow Country))
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
THE NEXT BIG THING (BLOG HOP)
THE NEXT BIG THING (BLOG HOP)
(also posted on Book Blog - http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/DaniJCaile)
What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them. I hope you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy. On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to other authors you can explore!
My gratitude to fellow author Jasper T Scott for inviting me to participate in this event. You can click the following link to learn more about his work, especially his new book 'Dark Space'.
Website: http://www.jaspertscott.com/
In this blog hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered ten questions about our book or work-in-progress (giving you a sneak peek). We've also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write-the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!
Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!
BTW...
Update: This post is getting a lot of hits!
Okay, as of 22 Sept 2013...
'Dani's Shorts' and 'TDX2' are still available FREE here...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/2766
All my other books are on Amazon :-)
http://www.amazon.com/Dani-J-Caile/e/B00CDX0HSM
Please review wherever you can :-)...
And I'll be in the Iron Writer Autumn Equinox Open VERY soon. Please get your voting fingers ready :-)
http://theironwriter.com/tournament/2013-autumn-equnoix-open-participants/
1: What is the working title of your book?
It was going to be 'The Manna Machine' but someone beat me to it, so it's called 'Manna-X'. It has the craziness of 'man' inside and eludes to 'manner'(s), two essential items in the book. It's also a little 'X'-treme, in terms of sanity and writing process itself.
2: Where did the idea come from for the book?
I'm always trying to think of scenarios which can carry my message of humanity and it's ultimate stupidity travelling down this road it has decided upon, and I stumbled upon an article about a scientific study on the Manna machine, a machine given to Moses to feed his people and do lots of other fantastic things. I've had an idea of a book in my head for a while now but couldn't get it out, fragmented pieces I put out under the title 'Sicknotized'. But now I can do it justice.
3. What genre does your book come under?
Comedy fantasy. There's not much out there that's any good. I read an example of the genre the other day, and it had no jokes, wasn't funny, in fact it had no substance at all, a few infantile rants but that was all. Another one was a poor Douglas Adams imitation. At least I try in my 'Carry On' sort of way to be original, and if not, then quirky. It usually creates a few titters.
4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Tricky, it would have to be a laid back Jason Statham as Graham, just because I like him. Other than that, I can't think of anyone special.
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
There's a race to find the Manna-X, a machine so powerful it can shape the world around it, but no one knows where it is.
6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
Self-published. I'm not waiting 6 years for 1000s of rejection letters. Publishers only print money now, books from their known authors with known fan bases. No one is going to risk their time and money on a 'no-name' author. The best thing for me is to write and put it out there. If anyone wants to read my work, let them. If any publisher wants to pick it up, they can. But overall, I hope all who read it, enjoy it.
7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Still haven't finished it, so far it's taken over 3 months, perhaps I'll finish in a few more, the way things are going.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Douglas Adams, I guess. There's no one else. Tom Sharpe always comes to mind, in terms of humour, and a few readers mention Terry Pratchett.But it's all a little darker and crazier than all of them put together.
9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Me. With every book I try to add a little more, do a little better, go a little stranger, deeper...and as with Hemingway, I'm trying to find the perfect sentence, and copying Shakespeare by trying to kill as many characters as possible. It's a life challenge.
10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
A few questions, perhaps. What can be found among King Solomon's treasures? Who will find the Manna-X? Where exactly is it now? And how can two stupid hobgoblins fight their way out of a paper bag?
Who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?
So glad you asked!
Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blog next week. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!
Tannis Laidlaw is a nice wonderful read, while Linda Talbot has a crazy 'Son of the White Mare' thing going on with her mythical poems and stories.
I hope you can add them into your calendars next week!
Linda Talbot's blog on Tuesday April 16th: http://lindajtalbot.wordpress.com/
Tannis Laidlaw's blog on Wednesday April 17th: http://tannislaidlaw.com/
(also posted on Book Blog - http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/DaniJCaile)
What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them. I hope you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy. On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to other authors you can explore!
My gratitude to fellow author Jasper T Scott for inviting me to participate in this event. You can click the following link to learn more about his work, especially his new book 'Dark Space'.
Website: http://www.jaspertscott.com/
In this blog hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered ten questions about our book or work-in-progress (giving you a sneak peek). We've also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write-the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!
Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!
BTW...
Update: This post is getting a lot of hits!
Okay, as of 22 Sept 2013...
'Dani's Shorts' and 'TDX2' are still available FREE here...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/2766
All my other books are on Amazon :-)
http://www.amazon.com/Dani-J-Caile/e/B00CDX0HSM
Please review wherever you can :-)...
And I'll be in the Iron Writer Autumn Equinox Open VERY soon. Please get your voting fingers ready :-)
http://theironwriter.com/tournament/2013-autumn-equnoix-open-participants/
1: What is the working title of your book?
It was going to be 'The Manna Machine' but someone beat me to it, so it's called 'Manna-X'. It has the craziness of 'man' inside and eludes to 'manner'(s), two essential items in the book. It's also a little 'X'-treme, in terms of sanity and writing process itself.
2: Where did the idea come from for the book?
I'm always trying to think of scenarios which can carry my message of humanity and it's ultimate stupidity travelling down this road it has decided upon, and I stumbled upon an article about a scientific study on the Manna machine, a machine given to Moses to feed his people and do lots of other fantastic things. I've had an idea of a book in my head for a while now but couldn't get it out, fragmented pieces I put out under the title 'Sicknotized'. But now I can do it justice.
3. What genre does your book come under?
Comedy fantasy. There's not much out there that's any good. I read an example of the genre the other day, and it had no jokes, wasn't funny, in fact it had no substance at all, a few infantile rants but that was all. Another one was a poor Douglas Adams imitation. At least I try in my 'Carry On' sort of way to be original, and if not, then quirky. It usually creates a few titters.
4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Tricky, it would have to be a laid back Jason Statham as Graham, just because I like him. Other than that, I can't think of anyone special.
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
There's a race to find the Manna-X, a machine so powerful it can shape the world around it, but no one knows where it is.
6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
Self-published. I'm not waiting 6 years for 1000s of rejection letters. Publishers only print money now, books from their known authors with known fan bases. No one is going to risk their time and money on a 'no-name' author. The best thing for me is to write and put it out there. If anyone wants to read my work, let them. If any publisher wants to pick it up, they can. But overall, I hope all who read it, enjoy it.
7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Still haven't finished it, so far it's taken over 3 months, perhaps I'll finish in a few more, the way things are going.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Douglas Adams, I guess. There's no one else. Tom Sharpe always comes to mind, in terms of humour, and a few readers mention Terry Pratchett.But it's all a little darker and crazier than all of them put together.
9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Me. With every book I try to add a little more, do a little better, go a little stranger, deeper...and as with Hemingway, I'm trying to find the perfect sentence, and copying Shakespeare by trying to kill as many characters as possible. It's a life challenge.
10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
A few questions, perhaps. What can be found among King Solomon's treasures? Who will find the Manna-X? Where exactly is it now? And how can two stupid hobgoblins fight their way out of a paper bag?
Who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?
So glad you asked!
Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blog next week. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!
Tannis Laidlaw is a nice wonderful read, while Linda Talbot has a crazy 'Son of the White Mare' thing going on with her mythical poems and stories.
I hope you can add them into your calendars next week!
Linda Talbot's blog on Tuesday April 16th: http://lindajtalbot.wordpress.com/
Tannis Laidlaw's blog on Wednesday April 17th: http://tannislaidlaw.com/
Manna-X updated + Swearing
Updated and put up the first 6 chapters of 'Manna-X' here at http://authonomy.com/books/50429/manna-x/
Scientists. They've found a part of the brain which is connected to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I wonder if blogs and writing are in there somewhere? Anyway, if this part of the brain doesn't work properly, then many things can happen, even scrupulosity (a psychological disorder characterized by pathological guilt about moral or religious issues). I don't think these people should read my books...
...and OCD of course includes things like compulsive washing of hands, cleaning...and swearing.
I don't have any swear words in my books, due to the nature of my books, I'd rather not use them...in the written form, anyway.
As can be seen here (The Science of Swearing), swearing is negatively correlated to a whole lotta pyschological and lingusitic stuff. If I swore in my writing that would open up a huge can of worms...
So, I hope you enjoy reading the first part of 'Manna-X' - I'd love some feedback, especially from my 'anonymous' readers :-)
Scientists. They've found a part of the brain which is connected to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I wonder if blogs and writing are in there somewhere? Anyway, if this part of the brain doesn't work properly, then many things can happen, even scrupulosity (a psychological disorder characterized by pathological guilt about moral or religious issues). I don't think these people should read my books...
...and OCD of course includes things like compulsive washing of hands, cleaning...and swearing.
I don't have any swear words in my books, due to the nature of my books, I'd rather not use them...in the written form, anyway.
As can be seen here (The Science of Swearing), swearing is negatively correlated to a whole lotta pyschological and lingusitic stuff. If I swore in my writing that would open up a huge can of worms...
So, I hope you enjoy reading the first part of 'Manna-X' - I'd love some feedback, especially from my 'anonymous' readers :-)
Monday, April 8, 2013
Insane post
Yes, finally, someone said 'Rage' was insane - in a postive way, of course. Along with a lot more worrying (for that reader) issues. I had a difficult time writing it, compared to the first 2. Now I see with 'Manna-X' that there are different processes of writing, and so far all 4 of my books have taken a different writing process to complete. Lots of 'different' there.
But I love the way things just link together, pieces fall into place. Maybe as a reader you can't see this. I like writing complex plots with hidden messages that make people think. There are a few books I'm reading from other authors and they're so linear, like my 'TDX2' freebie. For me, that was a rest, to see if I could win a competition (I never win competitions), and then it's just a nice linear example of my writing. 137 downloads.
I also entered a 99word competition (link later) and Austin Briggs 55 worder again. My first 'Not Me' is the first to receive 100 votes, and 87 were thumbs up!
Still writing 'Manna-X'....:-)
But I love the way things just link together, pieces fall into place. Maybe as a reader you can't see this. I like writing complex plots with hidden messages that make people think. There are a few books I'm reading from other authors and they're so linear, like my 'TDX2' freebie. For me, that was a rest, to see if I could win a competition (I never win competitions), and then it's just a nice linear example of my writing. 137 downloads.
I also entered a 99word competition (link later) and Austin Briggs 55 worder again. My first 'Not Me' is the first to receive 100 votes, and 87 were thumbs up!
Still writing 'Manna-X'....:-)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Evil Post
One reader asked "Why are your books full of evil people?"
Evil people? No, I don't think so. People taking wicked choices through opportunity? Yes.
wickedness + lack of authority + apathy of others = evil
So, the answer to the original question "Why are your books full of evil people?" is "Why are you so apathetic to those who are wicked?"
But you can't change people. They can only change themselves.
Another reader said "Wouldn't it be funny if you had 'real' monkeys in these books?"
2 things. 1. He missed the point. 2. He believes humans are not monkeys / not animals, or maybe that humans are superior beings (?!?). There, there, everything will be alright, don't you worry yourself...:-)
Manna-X is slowly coming...32,000 words...had to do some fixes, the version on authonomy.com no longer resembles the draft.
Evil people? No, I don't think so. People taking wicked choices through opportunity? Yes.
wickedness + lack of authority + apathy of others = evil
So, the answer to the original question "Why are your books full of evil people?" is "Why are you so apathetic to those who are wicked?"
But you can't change people. They can only change themselves.
Another reader said "Wouldn't it be funny if you had 'real' monkeys in these books?"
2 things. 1. He missed the point. 2. He believes humans are not monkeys / not animals, or maybe that humans are superior beings (?!?). There, there, everything will be alright, don't you worry yourself...:-)
Manna-X is slowly coming...32,000 words...had to do some fixes, the version on authonomy.com no longer resembles the draft.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
God versus King Solomon 'Manna-X' excerpt
Wrote about 2000 words of 'Manna-X' today, including God versus King Solomon. Here's just a part of that encounter...:-)
"Whatever.
Have you got the Manna-X or not?"
"Got. Along
with some other stuff." Solomon looked dejected and opened the door.
"Follow me."
The small square golden room dimmed in comparision
with the secret expanse behind the hidden door. Masses of jewels, coins and
ingots of precious metals were piled high, some touching the great hall's
beautifully muraled ceiling some 20 metres up. Lying here and there were an
assortment of crowns and treasures, and chests filled with jewellery of all
kinds.
"Nice, isn't
it?"
"What is
this place?"
"My
collection, my treasure."
"Really?
Nice."
"But my real
treasures are over here." Solomon motioned God to follow him over to the
right, to a small area cornered off from the sparkling world around it.
"Over here."
God recognised a
few of the artifacts sitting on display.
"Oh, isn't
that...?"
"Yes, the
Golden Lyre of Sumeria. And over there are the Aye-aye skinned bongos of Kush."
"Lovely."
God gave the lyre a pluck, closely followed by a blow on a golden kazoo right
next to it.
"Careful!
That's the sapphire and diamond encrusted kazoo of Quetzalcoatl! Put it
down!" God opened his mouth and let it fall back next to the lyre. There
were more things here than just sacred musical instruments. There was Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a bit
faded now, probably left out in the sun for a few centuries. Not so technicolor
anymore, more two-colour. And Noah's rudder, big and strong, even with a bite
in it from some ancient predator who couldn't find a pair. There was even a
bottle of Samson's shampoo, mango fruit, of course. Solomon started to
introduce his collection as the proud owner of all.
"Nice stuff."
"Stuff?" Solomon moved on, down the
display, past books and documents. God read a few titles off the spines, The
Idiot's Guide to
Mummification, 1001
recipes for Lentils, How to build a Pyramid in 100 easy steps, and
of course the best seller, Things you mustn't say to your de-throned
mother-in-law. Solomon noticed God's interest. "I have The Old
Testament, too, in many versions. Maybe you can tell me which one is the
original?" God laughed.
"Hey!"
God stopped at a set of books which included astrology, astronomy,
ecological substance development, mathematics and quantum physics. "You've
got The Olmecian Almanac!"
"Yes, I had
to save up a lot of stamps for those. These…" Solomon
pointed to a small collection of toys. "These are the pinnacle of my
collection. You can forget all the gold and jewels, these are the real sacred treasures."
"They're toys."
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Back with a vengence! King Solomon???
Wow! China just hit with me with a ton of views! Thanks!
Just got back from 5 days off, doing some reading and stuff, and collecting ideas for 'Manna-X'...no, it's not finished yet! I read the first bit on authonomy.com again and it needs A LOT of work...but I know what :-)
Just need time to write it all down...got King Solomon in there somewhere now, a great little piece about halfway through the book, should bring a smile to people's faces.
Yes, that's the main reason why I write - entertainment! There are deep messages, of course, but you don't need to 'get' them! Just snigger, laugh, chuckle :-)
Writing...now...
Just got back from 5 days off, doing some reading and stuff, and collecting ideas for 'Manna-X'...no, it's not finished yet! I read the first bit on authonomy.com again and it needs A LOT of work...but I know what :-)
Just need time to write it all down...got King Solomon in there somewhere now, a great little piece about halfway through the book, should bring a smile to people's faces.
Yes, that's the main reason why I write - entertainment! There are deep messages, of course, but you don't need to 'get' them! Just snigger, laugh, chuckle :-)
Writing...now...
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