Who am I to Give you Advice on Writing?

Author Alex Laybourne sums up my thoughts on “writing advice” and “tips from writers” style posts and blog entries. You won’t see many of them here on my blog.

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Who am I to Give you Advice on Writing?

So many of the blogs I see coming through my inbox are talking about the craft of writing; the art of writing.

There are blogs talking about creating characters, and atmosphere. Adding tension and drama to the influential scenes in your book. I’ve read at least three blogs this month talking about story arc, and a plot points.

Each blog made valid points. They all approached the topic with a different voice, and from a slightly different angle.

Writing-AdviceI will not lie, each blog was filled with tips that could, in theory by useful and interesting. Many of the main pointers were the same, which quite frankly, was a relief. There is nothing worse than reading conflicting posts.

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with these post, or the abundance in which they seem to appear. After all…

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The Stained Glass Costume Project: “Abbey” at DragonCon

Take a few moments and check out this amazing cosplay by my friend, Paige Gardner of Costume Art. This costume is even more mindblowing in person. Her attention to detail is top-notch.

CostumeArtist's avatarCostume Artist

Photography by Marcus Taylor | DragonCon 2014 Photography by Marcus Taylor | DragonCon 2014

Starting with a stack of thrift store coloring books, the “Abbey” costume project is easily the most labor-intensive and difficult task I’ve taken on.  So much…coloring. Seriously, I colored like manic five-year-old for weeks. Now, just the sight of a child’s crayon-ready placemat at Denny’s gives me the shivers.

Inspired by the outsized world of Warhammer 40K Adeptus Ministorum and influenced by Art Nouveau style, this costume evolved with my traditional tool kit of thrift store elements, no-sew shortcuts… tiny investement but lots of persistence.  It’s worth noting that I actually measured some things for this project (with a real measuring tape), which I consider a significant leap forward on my “things I can do” list. I’ll be posting the build background on the “Abbey” project pretty soon.

Abbey stepped out for the first time at DragonCon in Atlanta on Labor Day weekend. …

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Movie Rights!!!

My good friend and editor Alan Lewis just optioned the film rights to his book to the executive producer of HBO’s True Blood. Finally, the best Christmas murder mystery ever told will be seen in either a film or series format. Truly awesome news!

agilbreath2014's avatarThe Dark Oak Blog

Alan Lewis is happy to announce that the movie/TV rights for his first novel, ‘The Blood in Snowflake Garden’ have been optioned by Sidecar Inc. Brian Buckner, executive producer of HBO’s ‘True Blood’ and his production team are working to developed the novel into an ongoing murder mystery television series in the tradition of Twin Peaks.
So, everyone keep your fingers crossed that one of the networks will bite and pick it up!
http://www.darkoakpress.com/snowflake.html

Read Chapter One here:

http://www.darkoakpress.com/pdf/ch01snowflake.pdf

Snowflake Garden

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