F. P. Dorchak

Speculative Fiction Author

Writing

Update on WIP: First Comments In!

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Not Out Of The Woods Yet. (By Galatà Maria Grazia [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)
Not Out Of The Woods Yet. (By Galatà Maria Grazia [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)
I just received my first set of comments in on my WIP, and wow, I am so humbled and honored by this reader’s thoughts—and, well, praise—for the work-in-question! My head’s still spinning! I still have three other’s inputs I’m awaiting, but this first set of comments are quite encouraging!

So, here are some comments from Edie Scott, who has graciously allowed me to reprint her comments and use her name. Edie is a big reader across all genres. After she had finished reading my WIP, I’d sent her some questions to help me assess the whole effort. I’ve included some my questions (the others give away too much of the story, so I left them out of this post) where necessary, and deleted content that would give away too much of the story or is of a more personal note:

Overall: Edie says: “Well, I have to say that this story really was very impacting….”

Question: So, did you think it all “fit” the story?

Answer: Everything fit so well. To use an old cliché, it fit like a glove. There was no getting lost in the “action,” there were no questions and no left over ideas just hanging out there. The story certainly required the reader to “get lost” in the book or they would lose so much of the story line, but this fit…perfect!!!

Question: Wasn’t “too much”? Yes, graphic, but did the scenes “work” for the given story? I was trying to strike a contrast between the mental and the physical. It had to be stark.

Answer: I think if you would have been less graphic the story would have been less intriguing and less grabbing. I honestly felt the story grab me from my current reality into what was truly happening in this guy’s mind. <Deleted material> the book was one I couldn’t put down…the other “scenes” <deleted material> detailing and deepening the storyline….

Question: The ending make sense?

Answer: The ending shocked me to be honest with you and that is why I think it was awesome! I expected the story to just continue how it was <deleted content>. However, the ending you chose almost made me want to stand up and cheer for Benjamin…it actually made me feel happy and excited for him.

Question: Any other comments?

Answer: I saw this question last night and gave it a lot of thought. I’m not one to tell you what you can do better because in all honesty what you do is great. You have gone so out of your comfort zone and so far out of the box with this one and then to have it turn out so intriguingly and mind-bogglingly, what could you possibly do to make it better?

I think you actually are successful with this new path…to me because the broad difference between what you are used to and what this book entails…that should totally boost your confidence to write anything you want! That’s the idea of a great author…a person who can write variety and be brave enough to embark on an entirely different story line…your you…I can never think of any kind of criticism, constructive or otherwise…I just love what you write.

***

Thank you, Edie, for all your support and generous words!

As mentioned, I still have to receive additional comments from three more readers, including my Cover Dude, Lon Kirschner (also keep an eye out for some near-future blog posts, probably starting this Fall, where Lon and I are going to highlight and comment on some of his work, which I love! I’m really looking forward to these posts!), then incorporate them, format them, then will release it to the world. I’m still hoping for a July/August 2015 release!

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The Man With No Name

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Well-Heeled Magic. (By Julien Bertrand (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)
Well-Heeled Magic. (By Julien Bertrand (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)
The Man With No Name.

Magic Man.

He who sports work boots and flannel.

Mows his lawn at night.

This is a character I’ve written about in two of my novels, Sleepwalkers and Psychic, and a short story, “Tail Gunner.” The Man With No Name (aka “MWNN”) is a character I had the idea for way back. He makes himself known through…well, interesting means, which I don’t exactly want to give away. I have at least one more novel planned for his appearance. It would be in line with the previous two mentioned books. And even then he won’t be finished with by any stretch. My intent was to have him pop up in various pieces of fiction—short stories and novels. A crossover character. I like that idea and it’s quite in keeping with what he does. When I wrote “Tail Gunner” it was cool how he seamlessly incorporated himself into the story (he was the carnival’s Ticket Taker). He got his second name, “Magic Man” when I’d been driving to work one morning and passed by this van with “Magic Man” on its side. It just fit.

Talking about “Tail Gunner”…it still affects me on a creepy level.

Shiver.

Chicken skin.

Every time I go to the gym and walk by that now-hurtful-decible-levels-screaming-music-for-Zumba/whatever room where I first met my tail gunner, I look to that overhead fan. Yesterday (as I originally wrote this post, May 14th) that fan was spinning in an empty room (it isn’t usually spinning in an empty room). My tail gunner must’ve known I was gonna write about this.

Anyway, back to the MWNN. He is perhaps the coolest character I’ve ever written. He gets around…knows stuff…is kinda Forrest Gumpish in a certain way (think “JFK”). And he hearkens back to some of my earliest writing (my fifth manuscript of the 12 in whole or in part in my novel-length repertoire; only five are/will-be published, counting my current WIP). Back to when I was hot and heavy into the dream of getting published. The “halcyon days,” if the term be used. I was literally in the middle of creating all these new manuscripts, one right after the other. I’d finish one…then uninterruptedly start the next one. It was a wildly creative part of my life and I loved it! Now, I’m going over previously created material and publishing the better of them. There is at least one other trunk-manuscript I’d love to rework and publish, my second manuscript, Village Idiot. We’ll see….

But, I digress.

As the MWNN is sometimes wont to do!

So, who is this man with no name?

Though his origins are detailed in Psychic, he’s very much a part of me…or I’m a part of him? He embodies a lot of how I like to think of my perfect self: wears flannel, jeans, and boots. Does what he wants, when he wants…by slightly funky means. Helps others out. Filters out the bullshit. Did I mention he wears flannel? Sometimes a trickster. Always has a sense of humor.

He explores places most people aren’t interested in going…or are afraid to.

He’s bad-ass enough without resorting to weaponry, martial arts, or whammy shots.

And I love that he mows his lawn and weeds his garden at night.

Drinks iced tea. Loves his iced tea.

He is…the best part of me.

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It's Been So Freeing…

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Happy! By KenBerthold (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Happy! By KenBerthold (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
…going Indie!

No longer do I feel like I’m writing “toward” contests and agents and editors…but for readers. Well, as if I ever really did feel that way. Not so much “toward” the aforementioned, but, you know…had to go through them to get to all of you.

I am writing what I want to write and getting it out there.

So, sure, much can be made of the necessity for gatekeepers in the industry to keep things up to a certain standard, and yes, a certain argument can be made for that…but other arguments can also be made for going indie. The big one is that I now have four books out, with a fifth this year…whereas before…I had none.

This bears repeating: I have four books out with good reviews….whereas before I had none.

Am I pulling in revenues hand over fist from these efforts?

No, at least, not yet…but I have four novels whereas before that I had none. And readers are enjoying them. I have added “into the Wild” a handful of efforts that will be new to the readers who have never heard of these stories. Whether or not I rake in millions, I am finally fulfilling the part of me that has always wanted to be a published writer. To the part of me that has always wanted to help the world to look at itself differently. To give a new perspective on life and what may go on in the backgrounds to our lives. To add a little enjoyment to people’s lives. Sometimes I just want to write a story because it’s a cool idea.

So…nothing too deep in this post…just an appreciation for where I am now, in my publishing career…an appreciation for the readers in my life…for all the Mandys and Edies and Wendys and Lons and Pams and Pauls and Marcs and whomever-else-I-missed in my life, whereas before this I would never have met nor known any of you (well, except for Edie! ;-] ). I got into social media only because of my writing…but the friendships (virtual and otherwise) I have created over the past few years has been most enriching. The support for indie publishing has been incredible and surprising. You’ve all been great friends and supporters! Thank you—all of you—for your support!

And to new readers…I hope I’m able to entertain and enlighten and that we’re further able to learn from each other…to spread the joy of reading and writing!

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It’s Been So Freeing…

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Happy! By KenBerthold (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Happy! By KenBerthold (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
…going Indie!

No longer do I feel like I’m writing “toward” contests and agents and editors…but for readers. Well, as if I ever really did feel that way. Not so much “toward” the aforementioned, but, you know…had to go through them to get to all of you.

I am writing what I want to write and getting it out there.

So, sure, much can be made of the necessity for gatekeepers in the industry to keep things up to a certain standard, and yes, a certain argument can be made for that…but other arguments can also be made for going indie. The big one is that I now have four books out, with a fifth this year…whereas before…I had none.

This bears repeating: I have four books out with good reviews….whereas before I had none.

Am I pulling in revenues hand over fist from these efforts?

No, at least, not yet…but I have four novels whereas before that I had none. And readers are enjoying them. I have added “into the Wild” a handful of efforts that will be new to the readers who have never heard of these stories. Whether or not I rake in millions, I am finally fulfilling the part of me that has always wanted to be a published writer. To the part of me that has always wanted to help the world to look at itself differently. To give a new perspective on life and what may go on in the backgrounds to our lives. To add a little enjoyment to people’s lives. Sometimes I just want to write a story because it’s a cool idea.

So…nothing too deep in this post…just an appreciation for where I am now, in my publishing career…an appreciation for the readers in my life…for all the Mandys and Edies and Wendys and Lons and Pams and Pauls and Marcs and whomever-else-I-missed in my life, whereas before this I would never have met nor known any of you (well, except for Edie! ;-] ). I got into social media only because of my writing…but the friendships (virtual and otherwise) I have created over the past few years has been most enriching. The support for indie publishing has been incredible and surprising. You’ve all been great friends and supporters! Thank you—all of you—for your support!

And to new readers…I hope I’m able to entertain and enlighten and that we’re further able to learn from each other…to spread the joy of reading and writing!

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Words. They Affect Us.

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Make The Right Choice. (By Realart Pictures Corporation [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)
Make The Right Choice. (By Realart Pictures Corporation [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)
Isn’t it amazing how words affect a person?

Oddly enough, this really hit home as my wife and I were watching Birdman—a movie we both loved. But there was a scene in there when Michael Keaton’s character, Riggan, was baring his soul about why he was doing what he was doing, and Edward Norton’s character, Mike, basically tells him his reason was based on a lie. Riggan believes him. Questions his life (there was more than one scene like this, but this one in particular really drove my point home to me), really hit me.

The words we say…write…have incalculable power. They can destroy relationships and topple governments. They can also soothe and bring together. Yet we don’t seem to really respect the power of our words when we speak them. We say things we wish we could take back. We’re flippant and uncaring of those we hurt.

We claim we just say it “like it is.”

That we’re only “being honest.”

But is that really the truth?

This can all be applied to both the spoken and written word: what if it’s not so much “honesty” we’re being…as lazy? What if…we’re just not putting in the time and effort to be more observant of the distant end of our conversations? We’re not putting in the effort to tailor our vocal or written expositions to be more considerate of the situation or persons with which we are interacting?

As writers, we like to think that we’re considering each and every word we put down. We like to think we ask the tough questions, explore the uneasy avenues. But when we write or voice brutal, even nasty reviews or opinions about someone or something…are we really putting in the needed effort? What’s the real point in tearing down another’s work, even if it is in the public domain? To prove you’re better? That another sucks? Why? Why does it really matter? In writing that book review, what’s the real reason you’re being ruthless about your opinion of a weak plot, lame characters, or poor writing? To show your mastery and command of your native language?

Why must there be so much accusatory finger-pointing and negativity?

Show your mastery of your native language by avoiding “the nasty” and discussing the item at hand by “taking the High Road.” Whatever that means.

When talking at parties, don’t be so ready to pick apart another’s work or talk behind another’s back. Spread gossip. In fact, do you really even have to talk about something you don’t like at all? Is there really so little you do like to talk about that you have to tear down other people’s efforts? Other people? Is there so little good in the world that you have to constantly visit the negative?

And I’m not just talking about writers.

Lately, I seem to be running into so many people who seem to have nothing good to say. I recently stood in a line and as I listened to the various conversations going on, I realized not one person had one good thing to say about anything. Don’t you see how this will color your outlook on life? How it will color your actions and thoughts? If all you talk about is the negative, how can you be positive?

How can you be a good person and how can you spread goodness and positive energy?

Everything in this world starts with you.

Your thoughts. Your actions.

And, as in Riggan’s case, if you know the real truth behind an action…an action that another used as a corner-stone upon which they created their life (in a good way)…why spoil it for others? Keep it to yourself. If it doesn’t hurt anyone, allow that person to live their life and exist as they choose to.

Words have power. Words contain energy.

Energy is Life.

Focus on only using, attracting, and putting out only good energy.

And if you’re gonna nail me and this post with propagating “Pollyanna nonsense,” you’re missing the very deep, very soulful and salient point. Please reconsider your thoughts and reread this post.

Namaste!

I Can Work On My Novel….

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I'm Dyin' Here. (By Rafi B. from Somewhere in Texas : Flickr [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)
I’m Dyin’ Here. (By Rafi B. from Somewhere in Texas : Flickr [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)
Being a writer used to be unique and “different”…like being an astronaut used to be…but, now, well, everybody seems to be doing it.

“Hey, while traveling the world with my spouse, I think I’ll work on my novel….”

or

“Gee, now that I’m laid off, I can finally work on my novel….”

or

“My cousin’s brother’s girlfriend’s aunt knew a guy who knew this girl who made tons writing her first award-winning NYT’s best-seller romantic fantasy dystopian zombie mainstream young adult novel that actually went to auction….”

Was the uniqueness of writing something that attracted me to it? No, not even. It was always the whole writing bit that I’d just gravitated to…and it wasn’t like I was sitting there throwing darts at “Things to do When I Grow Up”…it was just something that organically emerged from within at a young age.

Right, like every thirty-something out there, today. Twenty-something. Teen-something. I’m waiting for the first Ga-Ga Doodle Book from an infant-something….

I’ve always played with words. Some would say I’m just playing with punctuation, too, but that’s another story.

So, what’s a unique job today? What can I shoot for when I grow up that is not commonplace, with all these millions now becoming astronauts and best-selling noveliers?

What could I do to make a living at The Unique?

Let’s see..I could be:

A snowplow driver.

A bounty hunter.

A magician.

Stuntman.

Police sniper.

Grave digger.

Life coach.

Animal actor…agent.

Coroner.

Dolphin trainer.

Elephant trainer.

Oooh…ice cream truck driver!

Zamboni mechanic.

Well, there are plenty of odd and weird unique jobs I could look into…but, clearly what I’m really looking for…is for all of you aspiring writers out there to take a hard look at any of the above interests.

Now.

Really.

So that I can get back to working on my own novels without all of your interference….