The Idea of Culture and Writing

 To many, we don't think about how our culture affects how we write.  How you are raised, where you are raised, even your cultural background, is going to affect how you explore your writing universe.

I know it is a sensitive issue, but sometimes you note that you like another culture's approach to something and want to borrow the idea.  Personally, I think this is a wonderful idea as long as you are respectful of what you are borrowing.  Look at America, we are a melting pot of ideas and peoples, so why not bring in the whole country's lifestyles, backgrounds, and ideas when you write.  Here are a few things I try to stick to when I borrow ideas or cultures not my own, (or even my own).

1) The first thing I worry about is if I am using the cultural/ethnic/history item in a respectful way.  For me, for example, I use words from various native cultures as well as some European cultures.  Sometimes they are just more awesome than plain old English.  My most glaring example of this is the mountains in Taina, my northern continent.  I named the mountains the Tsalagi Mountains.  To those who are in the know this means Cherokee in Cherokee.  It is pronounced Jah-La-Gee.  And before I get hate mail, my father's side of the family is Cherokee, so I'm using my culture in this case.  My point being, though, I chose that name to honor my family and my history.  And the mountain range is a very important part of my geography.

2)If you are going to use the culture of another people then your own in a bad light, do so carefully.  I mean, how many times have you seen German World War II type bad guys?  And how about slavers here in America?  Just because it may not be your culture, bad things happened in history and such can be used to help shape your bad guys.  My example is the Roman Empire and their history of slavery, (and government).  I used it for the basis of my southern Empire my main characters interact with, but I made sure to make them feel "human" where you could hate them, but you still understood that not everyone from this Empire was bad.

I guess my biggest point would be, be respectful, but don't be afraid to use real life history to help you in your writing structure.

Happy Writing!

When Your Notes Don't Mesh With Your Story

 As I endeavor to go through my old stories, I'm finding quite a few things which do not mesh with my current books.  I read whatever it is in my old books and go, "oops, can't fix that now".  So here are my ideas on what should happen.

1) If you are doing prequels after your main story arc, go with whatever the change is in the published books.  This can take the form of just switching to your new idea and having to work it in to the older stories.  There were a few things with Amber and her having Richard as a Charge that do not happen in my published works with Miyaca and Shadizar. 

2) Which this leads into making a reason that it's different in the prequels.  In my case, my book timelines are thousands of years between stories, so there is definitely time for change.  In the case of Amber/Richard she isn't supposed to let Richard know she is his protector on pain of death, (which, of course, does not happen) I just make it that after Amber's ordeal, the Clan Leader(s) decide it's easier if the Charge knows who their protector is. Thus, this explains why the difference between Amber/Richard and Miyaca/Shadizar situations.

3) The third item might be you need to get rid of the idea all together.  I have a few, and it will definitely take some reworking to make it mesh with the published books.  Their plot points so I don't want to give anything away...

Don't give up, just think of it as a writing exercise!

Happy Writing!

Qalataqa, City of the Elves

 My second book of the Chosen series was Qalataqa, City of the Elves.  I believe that the name is Lakotah, but I can't remember what it means.  Apologies, my notes are a mess in this regard.

The premise is the Chosen find out there are still Shaniko supporters and there might be a chance he is alive.  (Imagine that, apologies for cliches). The group splits to head out on different tasks with plans to return to Battlefield to finish all that needs to be done.

They all find some new people to lead them on their ways, either good or bad. to help them on their way.  Eric and Mouse are sent on one task, Amber and Richard on another.

It's this book I introduce Akicitia (I know this is police in Lakotah!) and the legendary Mahatalo, Krom's great, great, etc.... grandfather and bring in the mythical city of Qalataqa.

I'm working on editing it right now, so more specifics are on the way, since, sadly I remember few of the details of my first baby.  Sadly.

So not only should you keep writing, go back and look at your old writings, just to remember all the good  you've written in the past.  My suggestion for the week.

Happy Writing!

A Brief Synopsis on My Never to Be Seen Original Books

 Okay, so definitely not doing well with keeping up on my blog, but here I go in trying to keep up with the world I created and love!

So originally, I had 3 or 4 books/stories with my main characters the Chosen.  These four characters are often referenced in my published books, sometimes by name, sometimes by actions, sometimes in passing.  They shaped the world of Martapa, or at least got me on the path to writing.  So, I figured, since they are so important to the history of my High King's Sword series I would touch on these short novels I probably will never publish.  (Never say never, because you never know about anything in life!)

The first book I named The Chosen. It is essentially the bringing together of all the main characters, the main villain and the back story of the world.

We start with Eric Calabay and Richard of Varanath.  These two are human squires and House Leaders.  They are young, twenty at the oldest. Their families were taken from them by Shaniko and so they are technically Leaders of their Houses, though at the beginning of the story they have regents appointed by the High King that deal with the day-to-day activities until they are Knights themselves.  Eric is the happy-go-lucky one and Richard is the thoughtful and brooding one. 

Then we meet Mouse, or Jared Swiftarrow.  He is a human gypsy thief who only wants to be loved by his father and do what is right, which is hard in his life situation.

And lastly, we meet Amber Blackwolf.  She is a half elf and the last Wolf Warrior of the elven kind.  She takes her duties very seriously and doesn't know how to handle other people well, since she was raised pretty much in isolation.

Amongst the chapters you also meet Shaniko, a Wizard who follows the God of Undeath, Kahalla.  You discover some of his plans, but only a tidbit, since I was hoping to throw in a few twists here and there later on.  You also meet Ukiah, Amber's human father who has had an extraordinary long life, due to some godly intervention.  He has been working centuries to keep Shaniko in check until the time was right and the Balance could be maintained.

The book eventually ends with the four thinking they have defeated Shaniko and they go back to Battlefield/Devonshire.

I have been slowly going through each story, just so I can remember everything I wrote, (with a few, "oops" moments that don't mesh with the current books), and see if I can make them a decent book or just keep popping in lore in other, newer books.

Happy writing!