Tag: adventure novels

Book Review: To Catch A Marlin

On By jccasselsIn Book Review11 Comments

What a fun ride!

From the start, the cat-and-mouse game between copper Pedroni and vigilante Jax had me hooked! I was in the boat from the get-go!

Pedroni is a burned-out police detective who would rather keep his feet on good old terra firma than go chasing a slippery vigilante to a space-based wonderland of debauchery. But because it’s Jacinda Fish, a.k.a Jax Marlin, he goes.

In the tradition of Leslie Charteris classic series “The Saint,” Jax is a cross of Catwoman, Xena, and Simon Templar, with ninja skills and catlike reflexes. Pedroni reminds me of both Columbo, with his sometimes deceptive and intentional bumbling, and Nick Charles with his delightful biting wit and self-effacing view of the world. In TK Toppin’s deft hands, the mix is pure GOLD!!

As the story progresses we get a sense of both characters’ internal conflict as they fight their attraction to each other. Pedroni, jaded enough to wonder if Jax way isn’t better, and Jax idealistic enough to want to do the right thing, come together in a perfect blend of moral ambiguity that leaves the reader questioning where the line should be drawn.

I laughed out loud at some scenes and held my breath in heart-pounding excitement at others. Toppin creates a full and rich world with amazing wonders and believable details and paints a brilliant picture of them in crystal clear detail. She does it with a light hand and a master’s touch. Her action scenes only lack the heart-thumping bass rhythms of a musical score.

Just when you think the story couldn’t get any better, there are space pirates! Not just any space pirates, either. Captain Taris is a memorable rapscallion who deserves a book or two of his own!

I didn’t want this book to end. My one consolation is that this is one of many stories starring Jax and Pedroni.

Please Ms. Toppin… keep them coming!

Saturday Snippet: Shrinking Starlets

On By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS29 Comments

Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Snippets of ten sentences or less are yours for the reading!

Today’s snippet comes from Book Two of The Black Wing Chronicles ~ HERO’S END.

***

He sidled up to the doorframe and peered inside.

Two young humanoid females huddled behind a row of dank and musty seats, sobbing in terror. They reeked of that strange combination of sweet fragility and blind ambition that marked aspiring starlets. Ordinarily he didn’t see their type this frightened outside of fending off lecherous producers.

Energy blasts split the air around them.

Poor kids.

Fear paralyzed them making them stay put when good sense should be pushing them out the door to safety. They weren’t really in the line of fire, but they way they huddled there, one would think they were pinned down.

***

That’s the snippet for the week. Thank you for stopping by. Please take the time to visit the other wonderful authors taking part in Science Fiction/Fantasy Saturday!

Saturday Snippet: The Last Firefight?

On By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS18 Comments

Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Snippets of ten sentences or less are yours for the reading!

Today’s snippet comes from Book Two of The Black Wing Chronicles ~ HERO’S END.

Blade heads into a firefight in a theater, and his life is about to change forever.

***

He glanced at the darkness that filled the open door of the theater. Colorful flashes lit the shadows. The unmistakable whine and hiss of blaster fire punctuated the shrieks and howls of civilians unaccustomed to live fire.

Maker help him. If he didn’t find a way around Marin’s orders, this could well be his last firefight, too, and that simply wouldn’t do. They were too damn much fun.

Blade strode up the walk to the open door, unfastening his jacket as he went. If he needed the blaster nestled in the shoulder holster under his arm, he wanted to be able to reach it. If he played his role right, he wouldn’t need it. Nothing short of a squad of IC-trained Predators would provide much of a challenge.

***

That’s the snippet for the week. Thank you for stopping by. Please take the time to visit the other wonderful authors taking part in Science Fiction/Fantasy Saturday!

Saturday Snippet: Research? Riiiiight.

On By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS31 Comments

Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Snippets of ten sentences or less are yours for the reading!

Today’s snippet comes from Book Two of The Black Wing Chronicles ~ and a short story DEATH OF A HOLOFEATURE HERO.

This is a life-altering gunfight for Blade, and it takes place in a theater. Hell of an audition, right?

***

“You’re not going in there!” She cried, throwing her arms around his neck again.

Swallowing his annoyance, he pried her loose. “Don’t worry about me,” he said with a grin, slipping easily into the holofeature hero role he’d played ever since he walked away from his Inner Circle career five years earlier. “I’m just going to take a look in the door and see if I can help anyone else get out before the authorities get here. I’m not a hero, I only play one in holofeatures.”

He shrugged her off. Now wasn’t really the time.

“Call it research for my next role.” He nudged her towards the security office. “Go get help.”

***

That’s the snippet for the week. Thank you for stopping by. Please take the time to visit the other wonderful authors taking part in Science Fiction/Fantasy Saturday!

From Frying Pan to Fire: Scene and Sequel

On By jccasselsIn Writing10 Comments

Most writers have heard the terms “scene” and “sequel.” The first time I was exposed to the concept was when I read Dwight Swain’s book TECHNIQUES OF THE SELLING WRITER. They are such an important element in storytelling that I wanted to write a blog post about them, but every time I started, I realized that consolidating all of the important elements of scene and sequel into a short post would be nearly impossible if I were to deal with the mechanics of them in any depth. After all, Swain took an entire chapter to delve into the nuances of scene and sequel – they are that important.

At the most rudimentary level, scene can be explained as “action” and sequel can be explained as “reaction.” Both exist together to drive the action forward and control the pace at which the story unfolds. Scene is about linear events and sequel is about the emotional impact of these events and opens the door to the next scene.

Every scene should be like a microcosm of a story in itself, with your character having a goal, reaching an obstacle, and encountering change as a result. In the sequel, the character has an emotional reaction to the conflict created by having their goal blocked and either overcoming or failing, deals with it and transitions into a new mindset in order to face the next scene.

A scene has three elements:

  1. Goal
  2. Conflict
  3. Disaster

The term disaster is used to describe the new negative state of affairs that must be overcome. Swain calls it a hook that pulls the story forward. The goal in a scene is a short-term, focused goal, small in scope and immediate. The conflict is the obstacle keeping your character from attaining his goal.

One example of these elements is found in the opening scenes of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. Indiana Jones has reached the golden idol in the temple of the Chachapoyan Warriors. His goal? To take the idol. The obstacle? The pedestal is booby trapped. The disaster? The temple collapses around him.

Enter the sequel. Swain’s three elements of a sequel are:

  1. Reaction
  2. Dilemma
  3. Decision

Reaction: Indy’s smug confidence turns to anxiety as he realizes he’s about to become a permanent part of the site. Dilemma: He doesn’t have the time to carefully negotiate his way back through the booby-trapped floor tiles. The ceiling is falling, setting off the poisoned darts. Decision: He makes a mad dash through and prays he makes it without getting hit by a dart or falling rocks.

Of course, Indy makes it through unscathed, stops and turns, adjusts his hat with a little relieved smile and the wall behind the idol shatters as the giant boulder crashes through. New goal, new conflict, new disaster.

That is an oversimplified explanation of scene and sequel, but you get the idea. Sometimes, it is possible to have several scenes in succession before bringing in the sequel, but the sequel must come into play. The sequel not only lets the character internalize the emotional impact of the action, but it also lets the reader figure out their own emotions as well.

Evoking an emotional response is what good fiction is all about. And that in a nutshell is how scene and sequel work together towards that end.

***

Are you conscious of scene and sequel in your reading and writing? How do you keep track of scene and sequel?

Saturday Snippet: Gunfire and Hysterics

On By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS21 Comments

Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Snippets of ten sentences or less are yours for the reading!

Today’s snippet comes from Book Two of The Black Wing Chronicles ~ But it may find release as a short story called DEATH OF A HOLOFEATURE HERO.

This week’s snippet comes from a scene that is one of the oldest parts of my story canon. The idea for this scene dates back to 1984. Though it had been referenced many times over the years, it had never even been written until NOW!!

This is the scene in which Blade Devon finds himself involved in a gunfight theater, and if he makes it through the audition, it could change his life forever.

***

She threw her arms around his neck and sobbed into his shoulder.

“Oh Blade! Thank the Maker it’s you!”

“Nyla, what’s going on?”

“We were getting set up for auditions and these men came in! They had guns! Real guns!”

He cast a speculative eye towards the open theater door. A tiny spark of hope flickered to life. After weeks of compliance and submission, going through the motions of tying up the loose ends of his life in holofeatures, this could be the break he’d been waiting for. Men with guns often had means of getting off-planet quickly. If he played this scene right, he might be able to make his escape once and for all.

***

That’s the snippet for the week. Thank you for stopping by. Please take the time to visit the other wonderful authors taking part in Science Fiction/Fantasy Saturday!

Saturday Snippet: Wooden Damsel in Distress

On By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS19 Comments

Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Snippets of ten sentences or less are yours for the reading!

Today’s snippet comes from Book Two of The Black Wing Chronicles ~ Taking a week off from title worries.

This week’s snippet comes from a scene that is one of the oldest parts of my story canon. The idea for this scene dates back to 1984. Though it had been referenced many times over the years, it had never even been written until NOW!!

This is the scene in which Blade Devon leaves the perks of his Inner Circle affiliation and his holofeature career for the seedy galactic underbelly of the Sub-socia. A gunfight at an audition in a theater on the studio lot provides Blade just the right opportunity to change careers and escape the IC security detail sent not only to protect him from attempts on his life, but to drag him kicking and screaming back to a desk job on Trisdos at the end of a month’s time.

***

Blade switched off the engine and dismounted the cycle then reached for the straps holding his helmet in place. As he pulled it off, he heard the faint sounds of a commotion from the theater as one of the emergency doors flew open. Blade’s head snapped around. A young actress, burst through, running as if the terrors of hell chased her.

Nyla Losh was too beautiful to be real — which was a good indication that her beauty was surgically enhanced — but she had all of three expressions and a completely monotone line delivery. She was only marginally better in bed. The only reason his affair with her had lasted through principal shooting of the one holofeature they’d made together had been because the producer begged him not to end it until they’d wrapped. It had been the only way to make their onscreen love scenes believable.

***

That’s the snippet for the week. Thank you for stopping by. Please take the time to visit the other wonderful authors taking part in Science Fiction/Fantasy Saturday!

Saturday Snippet: Red Carpet Risk 1

On By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS12 Comments

Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Snippets of ten sentences or less are yours for the reading!

Today’s snippet comes from Book Two of The Black Wing Chronicles ~ Thinking of going with REQUIEM FOR THE BROKEN WING to make it sound less fluffy.

This week’s snippet is from one of the first scenes written for this book which may not make it to the final draft. After the hovercycle accident is determined to be sabotage, Blade is assigned an IC security detail for the premiere of his latest holofeature, The Watchtower. He’s also got extra security that the IC isn’t aware of in the form of his Joy Babe — none other than Bo Barron herself. Despite the danger to Bo, she’s joined him on Cormoran so she can watch his back. If she’s recognized, she’ll be arrested and executed on the spot. She’s taking position and waiting for Blade to run the media gauntlet down the red carpet.

***

Bo found her way to the VIP entrance and took up a position that gave her a clear view of both the crowd and the new arrivals. She shifted her weight so she could more quickly reach the compact palm blaster strapped to her thigh. That tiny energy weapon in its shielded holster was a huge risk. It was illegal for Joy Babes to carry energy weapons of any kind. If someone took another shot at Blade, she wanted to be ready. She would deal with the consequences later.

Blade’s cruiser pulled up to the gate and stopped. Bo took a deeper step into the shadows. Her amber eyes flicked over the crowd and the surrounding buildings.

***

That’s the snippet for the week. Thank you for stopping by. Please take the time to visit the other wonderful authors taking part in Science Fiction/Fantasy Saturday!

Saturday Snippet: Destiny and Fate

On By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, SFFS16 Comments

Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. Snippets of ten sentences or less are yours for the reading!

Today’s snippet comes from Book Two of The Black Wing Chronicles~ how does THE BROKEN WING sound?

This week’s snippet is the next few sentences that follow last weeks’ snippet in which Blade is still recovering from the hovercycle crash and he’s still on Kah Lahtrec. Tahar, the strange spiritual guru of the Lahtrecki people is still caring for him.

***

Tahar poked the fire again, sending another shower of sparks skyward. “You pursue a fate which will only end in your death, and hers. Without you, she has no chance of meeting her destiny. Without her, you have no chance of meeting yours. Your lives are entwined. That, you know. It is why you protect her from your father. Your future lies with her.”

Blade gaped at the old man. “What do you know about my father?”

***

That’s the snippet for the week. Thank you for stopping by. Please take the time to visit the other wonderful authors taking part in Science Fiction/Fantasy Saturday!

From Bones to Hair: Building a Story

On By jccasselsIn Black Wing Chronicles, Update, Writing2 Comments

When I write a new story, I approach it like constructing a building or a living organism. First you lay the foundation (premise), then you build the framework, which I envision as the bones. At this stage, I have the main plot points down and the major scenes are in their place to push the rising and falling action to the climax and the denoument. Some scenes are fully realized, others are brief narratives that describe the action and the purpose of the scene. Anything goes at this point. Anything, no matter how bizarre or disjointed is allowed. That’s the first draft.

The second draft is where the meat and connective tissue are added. In the second draft, I focus on transitional scenes and place the actions and dialog that foreshadow coming events. I beef up and write the scenes that are simple narratives and I look for plot holes and dropped plot lines. Simple scenes that were mostly dialog get blocking and characters start moving around the space. Scenes that do not serve to advance the plot in any way are cut, but saved for reference or re-purposing.

The third draft gets skin. The “skin” hides the technique. Scene and sequel should flow seamlessly. Transitions are smoothed. Passive voice is removed. Grammar is analyzed for consistency. Character reactions are analyzed and tweaked for appropriate response. Stilted dialog is reworked to sound more natural. Characters’ mannerisms and subtle gestures are tweaked. Setting and descriptions take center stage.

The fourth draft is the hair, makeup and clothing. In the fourth draft, typos, overused words and phrases come out. The fourth draft is where the little details are added to ensure that readers are emotionally involved in the story. Everything that doesn’t create immediacy or place the reader in the middle of the action comes out or gets reworked. This is the devilish draft because it takes  so long to complete and the results are not readily apparent to anyone but me. The devil is in the details and the fourth draft is all about the nit-picky details. Upon completion, this is the draft that goes to the beta readers for a final look.

A fifth draft goes to the editors for a figurative photoshopping, and becomes the final draft that makes it to publication.

I don’t know if all writers work this way, but this technique has worked for me because it allows me to write cyclically. Once I have the main points in, I can jump around in the story as details for plot threads solidify in my mind, returning to key points to make sure there is a coherent flow from one to another.

***

The first draft of THE BROKEN WING is complete and revisions have already begun on the second draft. Still no concrete date set for its release.