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ReBlog: #amwriting: Too Many Characters?

Published by John T M Herres on February 4, 2017

While going through my weekly updates for blogs I’m following, I came across this article by Connie J. Jasperson  #amwriting: Too Many Characters? I’ll post an excerpt, but to get the full explanation, you must go to her website. She explains it much better than I could. You’re writing the first draft of your novel.  A beta reader has pointed out that you may have too many named characters to keep track of, and now you’re on a mission to whittle down your cast of thousands. But who should go and who should stay? What is the optimal number of characters for a book? Some say only four, others fifteen, but I say introduce however many characters it takes to tell the story but use common sense. Put the reader first–they must be able to keep them straight without any effort. When you introduce a named character, ask yourself if it is someone the reader should remember. Does he or she offer information the protagonist and reader must know? Some characters will give us clues to help our protagonist complete his/her quest.  Others show us something about the protagonist, give us a clue into their personality or past. Read More Here   Now, where this hit me is in considering a new project I thought of. I #amwriting a story about a Werewolf community, the thought being to have every chapter revolve around either a popular proverb or idiom, alternating each (proverb in one chapter, idiom in the next, then…

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3RD Word Of The Day Challenge

Published by John T M Herres on January 15, 2017

3RD Word Of The Day Challenge The “rules.” For this installment, I opted to not go with the actual Dictionary.com word, which they have as igneous. Didn’t resonate with me, so I looked to some of the lists that are there. I went through 4 groups, and happened upon absquatulate. How’s that for a word? I has an easy meaning. Here’s how the website defines it: Absquatulate [ab-skwoch–uh-leyt] verb (used without object), absquatulated, absquatulating. Slang. to flee; abscond: The old prospector absquatulated with our picks and shovel.   Funky old word, ain’t it?   But, first, a word from our sponsor: As a grammatical rule, I have been taught that most two-syllable adjectives, when written in comparative or superlative form, would use “more” and “most,” respectively. It would appear, however, there are exceptions. For instance; Stupid VS Stupider. I cringe when I see the word “stupider,” as I’ve always known “more stupid” is the correct writing. By this article, I have been mistaken. Oh, well. Since each can be correct, I’ll just go with how I use them and suffer others to use which one they wish. I’ll still cringe, though.   On with the show!   Jesse decided he needed to leave town. His girlfriend had dumped him, his best friend basically disowned him. As it turned out, the two had found they got along better together than they did with him and had been running around behind his back. Jesse never saw it, though. His attention usually focused on trying to get something for nothing. He would steal from others and sell the…

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The Barbarian versus The Nomads

Published by John T M Herres on December 8, 2016

Here is another excerpt from my WIP The Barbarian. In this section, the Barbarian, who is still unnamed, has just returned from scouting with his trainer. The main Shandan Nomad (Shandan is the desert they are in charge of ruling with tyrant abandon, if you will) is resting, as is his second-in-command, and the one left in charge, Shenkar, hates the boy more than the other two do. In the distance, they can see a cloud of dust, and the Nomad who has better long range vision sees the group of Wizards riding hard toward them. It’s a bit rough, as it is still 1st draft, but I’m sure you can get the gist of it. Well, have a look:   Nomads No More Shenkar saw the scouts returning at a leisurely pace after exploring the route to the east. Bolthed and Akheem left him in charge when they retired to one of the wagons for a brief respite, with orders to be called only if needed. Two days prior, a scout from the Wastes had brought them news of the annihilation of their allies, the Destined Ones. He also told of the warning relayed that the Nomads would be next. Bolthed immediately put the band on alert” “The way is clear for the next league, my Lord,” the older scout reported. “Get some rest, then prepare to go back out.” As they turned to leave, the trainer pointed to the north. “My lord, Shenkar; look.” A cloud of dust…

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Guest Post by Sam Gregory

Published by John T M Herres on July 2, 2016

I extend a warm welcome to Samantha “Sam” Gregory, here to tell you about her Inner Daemons series of books. There is also an Event page on Facebook. So, without further ado;   Inner Daemons Book Event Guest Post By Samantha Gregory I started writing the Daemon series back in 2010 and it was published in 2013. Mackenzie Murphy pretty much walked straight onto the page. I wanted a tough character, who despite having a difficult childhood and upbringing, is still a decent person. Mackenzie had to deal with her mother going to jail when Mackenzie was only eleven, and then being put into the foster system. As a child she discovered her ability to control demonic shadows and have them do her bidding. She was terrified of her gift for a long time, but gradually learned to use it when she needed help. I have had the story, which runs across four books, mapped out for years. Daemon Battle and Daemon War are books three and four in the series and are out in the Fall 2016 and Summer 2017 respectively.   The event I am hosting during July 2nd and 3rd, will offer several giveaway options including a $25 Amazon Gift card and the chance to win a Kindle Fire 7” tablet. Participants can take part in the event by Clicking here. The giveaway runs through my website too. And as a special treat, book 1 – Daemon Persuasion will be FREE during the event.   Thanks, Sam!…

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#BlogBattle Week 55- Leviathan

Published by John T M Herres on March 29, 2016

#BlogBattle Week 55 Howdy, all! ‘Tis time once again for a weekly writing prompt, hosted by Rachael Ritchey. It has been a while, not just since I participated, but since I’ve felt well enough (?) to write anything anywhere. I had been invited to join a blog hop with a Spring Time theme, but had to renege and withdraw from participating. Something is going on within me, and I know not what. Be that as it may: I’m here this week to offer another Thriller of a tale, but this one could be said to have a happy ending. You be the judge, and let me know in the comments, if you please. Evil In Technology By John T. M. Herres, (c) 2016   Evil. Most people think they know about Evil, but in reality, they only have a vague idea. They also think the Evil is elsewhere. It’s not. Case in point:   The day started as most every other day in recent memory. Joseph awoke alone, made a pot of coffee and sat at his computer to begin his daily routine. Quiet reigned, and he noticed even the outside noises were absent. While he waited for his favorite game site to load, he walked to the window and pulled aside the curtain to see what type of day he would face. Utter blackness met his gaze. The sun should be out by now, he thought, or at least a slate grey sky warning of impending rain. He squinted…

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My Story for Kreative Kue #63 by Keith Channing

Published by John T M Herres on February 10, 2016

Kreative Kue #63 As per his instructions: Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – pingbacks don’t seem to be working, and I haven’t yet figured out why. A Little Help Sandy couldn’t help it, sadness caused her to be able to do nothing but cry. She took little Chico, her rat terrier/Chihuahua for a walk. In his excitement, he had gotten tangled up in his retractable leash, and when she unhooked it, he took off after some imagined sight or sound. She tried to follow, calling to him even as he disappeared into the woods. She kept looking, continued calling, but she couldn’t even hear him anymore. So, she stood there on the side of the path and cried. “Why you cry, Human?” The voice startled her, as she thought herself alone. When she didn’t see anyone, she returned to her grief. “Human…?” The voice sounded a bit gravelly, high in pitch and a bit hurried. “Who… who’s there?” she stammered. “Up, Human, look up.” She turned her head up and saw a bird in the branches. “Did…

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2015 Blog Statistics

Published by John T M Herres on January 13, 2016

Statistics For johntmherres.com I know, most people have already done this and moved on, but if you remember, I didn’t have a very happy end-of-year experience, and it’s taken me a bit to get back into the swing of things.     We all hear that the New Year is a time to make resolutions intended to encourage us to force a change in our lives. Either to start a diet, the goal to make a smaller you, or to quit this, stop that, get something else done, dedicate oneself to making the goals that have, in all years past, gotten broken way too soon after being made. I learned that it is setting myself up for failure when I make such grandiose plans, and began stating that, in the New Year, I would endeavor to do just a little better than the previous year. This is so much easier to accomplish.   Here are the stats they sent me; The WordPress helper-monkeys are working day and night to provide pages and pages of detail on how our blogs are doing. A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 890 times in 2015. If it were a cable car, it would take about 15 trips to carry that many people. The busiest day of the year was November 3rd with 17 views. The most popular post that day was Home. (Even though the same stats page said “Home” didn’t have any views, and “Traffic Stop”…

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#BlogBattle 44- Worm

Published by John T M Herres on January 12, 2016

Once again, I try my hand at a #BlogBattle. I am trying to get a better handle on things related to my writing, and coming up with a story based on a prompt is supposed to be a good exercise. One I do not avail myself of too frequently. If anyone hasn’t seen, my end-of-year experience left much- way too much- to be desired, and it’s taking a bit of, not just time, but effort to better some things in my day to day operations so I won’t have to go through it again. So, I again post a brand new story for this week’s offering. #BlogBattle 44- The prompted word is “worm.” Rules: 1000 words max. Fictional tales (or true if you really want). PG (no more than PG-13) Content – let’s keep this family friendly! Your story must contain the word(s) from the theme and/or be centered around the theme in a way that shows it is clearly related. Go for the entertainment value! State the Genre of your story at the top of your post. Post your story on Tuesday, by 11:59 PM PST. Use the hashtag #BlogBattle when tweeting your story, put a link back to your #BlogBattle Short Story in the comments section of this page, and/or include a link to this page in your own blog post (it creates a “ping-back” which will alert me and our friends to your #BlogBattle post) Have fun! Each winner will receive an awesome #BlogBattle Winner Badge to…

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News- #BlogBattle #11-Repost

Published by John T M Herres on November 8, 2015

Repost This is a repost from my vanished “Velah” blog. I still have no idea what happened to that blog, nor if it could have been recovered. I’m just cutting my losses and aiming to set up another one… eventually. For now, though, I am bringing this to one and all. I had written it for the #BlogBattle #11, and got some decent comments on it. Let’s hope I can get moving and pen some more tales for future #BlogBattles. So, without further ado, I bring you; Tonight in the News; By John T. M. Herres Good evening, everyone, I’m Jake Hennings, along with Allison Arbor, with tonight’s headlines. The Sakalel have invaded yet another city. Nahthens saw the giant, silver-skinned monsters yesterday as nearly one hundred warriors stormed the streets during a holiday parade. No word yet as to the number of fatalities, but the President is expected to declare a State of Emergency later this week. Reports have come in and been confirmed with footage from ATM and traffic cameras. We are unable to show any of the images, as they are too horrific. With enormous blades bared, they stormed the Plaza in the midst of the annual Chumbo Festival, cutting their way from there to the swamps. We have had some reports that local Law Enforcement Officers attempted to blockade them at the start of their campaign, but the bullets just glanced off these armored invaders. Wait a minute… This just in: The National Guard has recalled…

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It Must Be A Sign

Published by John T M Herres on August 10, 2015

Funny Signs There are some really funny signs decorating roadways, parks, even posted on the windows of vehicles. A veritable overabundance of visual words that, if not worded correctly, can be a source of immense pleasure. Here are some I’ve found across the web. Some, I’ve had for a while, some I’ll search for to post, but all should be entertaining, to say the least. Let us begin: This is from 1983. My 18th birthday. Goodness, 32 years ago. The caption reads, “Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.” That’s a good intro, but here are some of the photos I wish to share: I had to wipe a word to keep this socially acceptable, but I think the meaning is clear.       If more people would heed this, the world might not be in such bad condition. Some might find that a bit cold…         Always read the fine print…           … and here.         “Can’t you hold it a little longer?”                 Okay, that’s enough for now. How about you? Have you seen some tongue-in-cheek signs that haven’t been overused by other blogs? I’d love to see what others can find and post! Have a great day, week, month, year… Just don’t forget to laugh along the way!

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