If you're looking for a fantasy adventure that mixes noble-bright themes, faith themes, and some dark fantasy elements, look no further. Dark Blade Forged is coming in October, and before that, for a limited time only, you can sign up to be an ARC reader. Check out the form below for more information.
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I am running a bit ragged this month, so I will be posting the transcript from today's podcast which includes an answer to our month's question, and hopefully visiting around this evening.
Transcript:
00:00
Hello, and welcome to the truth about storytelling. This is Tyrean Martinson and today is an extremely short episode and it's not going to be one of my World building episodes. I will do that again next week on Wednesday, I will be talking about work and play in World building (next week).
00:17
But today, I am going to do a short little bit for Insecure Writer Support Group because our question of the month is: what's a writing rule you learned in school that messed you up as a writer? So I'm going to name two.
The first one, I learned in school and I think it was only one teacher one year.
00:39
So, I don't really know why I took it to heart, but her rule was "Put a comma every time you would naturally pause in your speech." Now, this doesn't sound bad, actually, because commas are meant to indicate when we're pausing when we're reading. So, if you were going to read something out loud, a comma is whether you kind of have like a half a breath.
01:04
And a period is when you have time for a full stop, or maybe a full breath, right? So when you're reading out loud, you can do that and do it well. So, again, having a comma, every time you pause is not a bad idea on the surface level of it, but the reality is that's not how commas work.01:24
I took a college grammar class and we learned a lot about commas. However, I can't say that I've remembered all of it. It was a long time ago, but I actually enjoyed the class, which is another, another Side Story, but let's just say that putting in comma wherever you pause in a sentence when you're normally speaking is not a good idea especially if you're like me and you actually watch the original Star Trek series in the 70s, and you were hearing William Shatner, pause. Every dramatic. Moment. You would not want to put a comma after every one of those words to the sentence when you are writing.
02:07
But that's again, that's the common rule that stuck with me for a really long time even though I think it was just one teacher one time. And I don't think any other teacher ever said that. Another writing rule that messed me up that did not come from school that I remember, but it came from peers, family members community and actually from one of the fiction books that I liked as a kid Anne of Green Gables. If you read the Anna Gray, Gable series, she becomes a writer. But the story (she writes) that does well (in a contest) is a story that's about her life and there's sort of this implied, "Write what you know."
Okay. So I don't often write when I know I write fantasy and science fiction. And I've definitely had some pushback on that for different people in my life at different times who were disappointed. They want me to write about what my life is really like, they want me to write about things that happened in my childhood and show how you know, hard things can be overcome.
03:11
And I'm kind of like well I do want to write about hard things being overcome but I want to write about hard things being overcome in a fantasy and sci-fi world because that's what I enjoy imagining. And I like the exploration part of fantasy and science fiction. Because exploration and discovery are part of who I am.
03:35
So in a way, I'm still writing what I know because I'm writing what's true to myself because I like to discover things, I like to explore. And some of the first fiction that I really enjoyed was fairy tales and then also, again, I watched the old Star Trek show, and my parents took me to see the original Star Wars movies, even though I was a really little kid the first time.
04:02
So for me, discovery and exploration and wild ideas are actually kind of what I know in my imagination because it's what stirred my imagination for so long. And yes. I did have many oral storytellers in my family and yes, they did mainly focus on real world events that had happened to them.
And I love those stories. So I think there is a great place for their stories in the world. And maybe someday I will write more of those stories but right now, I write what I can imagine. I write what's true to what I know that inspires me.
IWSG has been this wonderful encouraging group that I've been a part of for over a decade and I think that it's just a great group to be a part of and we encourage people to write and write.
And I am looking for a street team, or a launch team or a release team, however, you want to put it for my book, Dark Blade Forged, which is coming out in October. So if you're interested in that, please drop me a note in the comments section.
Book Funnels
Spectacular September Book Sale for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and other Speculative Fiction!
STARSHIPS & CYBERPUNKS: Must Read Science Fiction - September Edition
Happy IWSG Day!
In addition to this IWSG Post, I wanted to share some photos with you from my recent trip to St. Louis for Realm Makers so those are at the end.
Yes, there’s a lot here. Please feel free to skip to the sections you want to see.
The IWSG Question was worded as follows: Do you use AI in your writing and if so how? Do you use it for your posts? Incorporate it into your stories? Use it for research? Audio?
My Overall View of AI: God is greater. Human creativity is more imaginative. Human relationships are more important. Many aspects of life are more important to me than AI. But it is a tool and we need to consider how we view it, and how we use it. Human creativity is always going to win the day. Believing that, and sticking with that, is going to help us alleviate the issues surrounding AI use. I’m not saying “let’s stick our heads in the sand,” but I am saying, let’s be positive and refocus the way we view AI - as a tool.
AI use as a tool is widespread already: Unless you are currently using pen and paper, you are using AI. If you are reading this on a smartphone or a laptop or a desktop or a screen hooked to the internet, you are using AI. If you use autofill, you are using AI. If you use email, you are using AI. If you use search engines, you are using AI. If you use Amazon, you are using AI. If you are using social media, you are using AI. If you use Google translate, you are using AI.
From a faith and creativity perspective: I have heard Pastors speak in favor of AI use and I have heard Christians say it’s the work of the devil and users are turning their mind over to evil. I’ve heard proponents share how much AI tools have improved their creative life and I’ve hear naysayers say it is killing creativity. Either side of the argument is not new to me.
To me, AI is a tool and will always be a tool, until we decide to give it more power over our minds, hearts, and creativity. By fearing it, by judging or bullying those who have used it in some measure or another, I think we are giving it more power than we need to.
How have I used it:
Have I used it to write a blog post? No.
Have I used it to brainstorm and do bits of research? Yeah.
Have I used it for writing? I experimented with it, but I like my own creativity more. I would rather write because I love to write.
Have I used it for grammar issues? Yep. Prowriting aid is one of the tools I use regularly - although I rarely do for blog posts. That may change in the future.
Have I used it to create art for fun? Yeah.
Have I used it to create book covers? Not wholesale, no.
Have I used it to create book cover elements? I tried it, but wasn’t happy with the results. However, this may change. I’m going to be honest. I already have Canva Pro and I use their design templates for books and then rearrange elements, using their stock art (paid for art) and their design tools. I also don’t have a ton of money from previous book sales to put into this area, regardless if said previous books had professional art or I made the covers on my own. Some of my own covers have brought in better sales.
I like being human. I’m messy. I’m quirky. I also don’t mind using AI tools. I don’t plan on it taking over my life or allowing it to whisper to my soul and suck me down into a fiery pit - partly because I don’t think either of those is possible. I have a choice, as does each person reading this.
Pictures from my trip to St. Louis and Realm Makers - more are out on my IG page.
And one of my favorite photos from the St. Louis Museum was a particular one from their ancient weapons exhibit. Note how tall the double-handed broadsword is compared to my husband. (And yes, we're short, but not that short. That sword was huge.)
I write fantasy with plenty of sword-fighting, so I’m always happy to admire an old sword on display at a museum.
What are your thoughts on AI?
Have you done anything fun lately?
Links:
The Truth About Storytelling on RSS
Summer Fantasy Adventures Book Funnel
Blaster Cannons, Aliens, Space Opera, and Really Big Ships Book Funnel
The optional question for the July post is: What are your favorite writing processing (e.g. Word, Scrivener, yWriter, Dabble), writing apps, software, and tools?
I'm keeping my answers brief today, but my favorites are: Word, Google Docs, Atticus, Canva, Dragon Naturally Speaking (dictation software), ProWriting Aid, and Book Funnel. I also use RSS Feeds and Substack for this podcast.
Word is the word processing software that I find the most familiar. I am able to change around chapters and do most of what I need to do within word and the familiarity makes it easy to use.
I also use Google Docs for projects I plan to work on via my phone and my computer. I write on the go this way and keep my writing with me.
Atticus is a great piece of software and has an incredibly helpful team for writers who are PC users. Atticus software allows authors an easier process of formatting their books for ebooks and print than any other I have used. It's also possible to write within their program. I haven't learned how to use all the features yet but their team has plenty of helpful videos.
Canva.com offers a free and pro version of their online image program for anyone who wants to create images for their business. I find it helpful for book cover creation and images for marketing for my books, website, podcast, and more. I find Canva to be an addictive creative tool, and I enjoy using it for fun as well as for business.
Dragon Naturally Speaking is professional dictation software and I've tried plenty of the inexpensive types of dictation software, but this one is the best. I haven't used all the features yet, but I find it helpful for specific types of writing.
Prowriting aid was a piece of online software I didn't want to use, but once I started using it, I found it helpful for finding typos, grammar errors, and repetitive words. I don't like their "replace all" type substitution ideas, so I take all their suggestions and then rework them in my own document.
I have found Book Funnel helpful for building a newsletter audience and selling books and I have a current Book Funnel running, so you can see what it's like (you don't have to click my book or buy anything if you click the link below to see what a campaign looks like).
I use both RSS Feeds and Substack for my podcast hosting, and I host my newsletter through Substack.
And, I'm sure I'll think of something else as soon as I finish this post, but that already feels like a lot.
My links:
NobleBright Scifi and Fantasy Book Funnel - 37 Free Books, including Champion in the Darkness
BTW - I have had and will have a busy morning today, so I will be briefly hopping in the afternoon/evening today.
#IWSG Website / Facebook Group / Twitter / Book Club
Reedsy Discount
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
The awesome co-hosts for the June 5 posting of the IWSG areLiza at Middle Passages, Shannon Lawrence, Melissa Maygrove, and Olga Godim!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
June 5 question - In this constantly evolving industry, what kind of offering/service do you think the IWSG should consider offering to members?
I'm rephrasing that question a bit: What are authors looking for from writing websites like IWSG?
I know I have found the community and general encouragement of IWSG to be what I am looking for here. But, I do know that I also enjoy reading the 20Booksto50K posts on Facebook, and I found them rather late in the game (just last year), and there are a number of helpful bits of advice/thoughts/questions for authors who are in the trenches of their work, and who are asking craft, publishing, and marketing questions, or sharing insights on what has worked for them.
That is something we have at IWSG as well, and I like that, but I would love to see more community involvement with those kinds of specifics.
I know we all write different genres and may be coming to this from different places in our careers, but I think we can continually benefit from some idea/tip swaps about specifics with craft, publishing, and marketing. These could be on the website, but also here in our monthly hops.
What do you think we need for the IWSG website? What offering/service do you want to see offered, if any?
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
The awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the IWSG are Victoria Marie Lees, Kim Lajevardi, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine! And we are led, as always, by Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh!
May 1 optional question - How do you deal with distractions when you are writing?
I deal with distractions daily. I use particular playlists of music, alarms on my phone, timers, prayer, and specific routines to deal with my bouncy brain distractions. I recently moved away from having visual images about my books and a bookshelf on the wall opposite to my desk, and hung a huge image of a green forest. (I actually used curtains I found online to do this inexpensively.) I find the color green to be both calming and helpful for focus.
However, one of the biggest ways I deal with distractions is to set aside "deep work" times for my writing, revision, and "business sessions" as an author. During these deep work sessions, I turn off or mute most distractions. But the most important part of these sessions is how I start.
I start with affirmations about being a writer, like so: I am a writer. I am an author entrepreneur.
When I say those things out loud at the beginning of my work sessions, I find it easier to overcome distractions.
If you've followed me for long, you know I've pivoted before. I think it is something to do with my bouncy, easily distracted brain. I decided to pivot away from video for now and stick with audio for my rambling bits about writing and sharing our work. You can check it out here: The Truth About Storytelling on Substack. It's also on Spotify, and I am trying to wrangle it to be in the right place on Youtube, but I haven't gotten there yet. In today's episode, I discuss our optional question and the IWSG.
One pivot I am glad I tried last year is BookFunnel. I have found the service to be helpful for growing my newsletter and for gaining new readership.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
The awesome co-hosts for the April 3 posting of the IWSG areJanet Alcorn,T. Powell Coltrin,Natalie Aguirre, and Pat Garcia! The founder of IWSG is Alex J. Cavanaugh.
I decided to do a partial Social Media Fast during Lent, only posting once a week unless I had already committed to post about something, like a Storybundle or a BookFunnel, or for the IWSGPit.
What I learned:
My sales numbers didn’t plummet.
My newsletter subscriptions increased. (Although I did take part in a newsletter subscriber BookFunnel, so that probably helped.)
I am healthier in mind, body, heart, and soul when I only check social media platforms once a week, and not even on every platform.
The Optional Question for IWSG is: How long have you been blogging? (Or on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram?) What do you like about it and how has it changed?
I have blogged since 2008/9 and I have been on Facebook since 2009. I feel it has changed in tone. Since the beginning, I have always felt this need to produce more content to create a stronger platform, but I think this is changing. I think this was encouraged and may still be.
Currently, I am cross-posting over three platforms and “highlighting” my posts on other platforms. This will change drastically this year as I take the three lessons I learned from my social media fast and start applying them over time.
The Deep Work Principle
I recently learned the idea of doing Deep Work and I am implementing it into my writing and media posting. This is my “next” step for online content.
What have you learned lately about writing, blogging, and life?
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Find more information at the website: Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Kristina Kelly,Miffie Seideman,Jean Davis, and Liza @ Middle Passages!
March 6th question: Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?
To the first question, yes, I have played with AI to write a synopses, with mixed results. I don’t feel guilty about using AI for ad copy of various kinds because this kind of writing is short, necessary, and not something I am good at. I still have to revise everything - so this is not without work.
For the second part of the question, I think AI has already had an impact on creative writing, when we consider the use of grammar programs. Creative writing includes the joy of knowing the rules and knowing when to break them. AI doesn’t feel joy, or sorrow, or any other emotion. Only humans do. I maintain that this will always be what makes human powered creativity full of depth.
Massive, fun, interesting, overwhelming, frustrating, joyful, and full - these are just a few words to sum up my experience at Emerald City Comic Con last weekend, from Thursday through Sunday.
Authors from left to right: Peter V. Brett, Saara El-Arifi, Django Wexler, Katherine Arden, Terry Brooks, and moderator Madeleine Roux.
It was my first ECCC, and I loved the panels with writers they had for the literary track. I didn’t get to meet, but at least did get to see, Terry Brooks (Shannara, Magic Kingdom for Sale).
I will be on four panels at Norwescon, March 28-31! This event includes cosplay, panels, interviews, merch, and the Philip K. Dick awards. The panels are: “I Wrote a Song for My Story!” with Amanda Cherry, Metaerie, and Karen Eisenbrey; “Developing Strong Teen Characters” with Lish McBride, Kara Swanson, Karen Eisenbrey, and Anastasia Wilde; “Worldbuilding: The Burden of Being God” with Brenda Carre, Sandra Rosner, Thea Prieto, Lish McBride, and Kate Alice Marshall’ and “Short Stories vs Novels” with Camden Rose, Karen Eisenbrey, Tom D. Wright, and Kendare Blake. I’m excited to be a part of Norwescon this year!
I’m in the revision cave for a project and I will have news about it next month, I hope.
Are you looking for a #free, clean fantasy or scifi read? Check out this Book Funnel with over 70 authors and 80 books! This is only running until March 17th. https://books.bookfunnel.com/cleanepicfiction/c7jutgzu16
I have a book in The Galactic Mystery Bundle, curated by Simon Kewin! You can find out more at the Storybundle Website, but just to note, this sale is on for only two more weeks.
This is just a short note to say...
Are you looking for a #free, clean fantasy or scifi read? Check out this Book Funnel with over 70 authors and 80 books! https://books.bookfunnel.com/cleanepicfiction/c7jutgzu16
#freebooks #freereads #fantasyreads #fantasybooks #amreadingfantasy #cleansff #cleanfantasyread #cleanfantasybooks #cleanscifireads
Website / Facebook Group / Twitter / Book Club
Reedsy Discount / Past Issues
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day.
The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, SE White, Victoria Marie Lees, and Cathrina Constantine!
OPTIONAL February 7 question: What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author's books? Constant mention of books?
I'm going to turn that question upside down and re-ask: what do I like about visiting author's websites? What do I think works?
My answer: Clarity and authenticity.
I want to know who this author is, what they write, and a little bit about how they view the world, what they think/feel specifically about their writing and the writing life.
I enjoy fun memes, gifs, pictures, and slices of life, but the most important pieces I look for when I go search for an author online are usually to find their books and to discover their unique perspective.
I have been taking a class that recommends an extremely clear author website that makes it easy for readers to find books and to take a side jig over to an author page. I can see the benefit of that. I have always opted for "here I am," and "oh, over here are my books" kinds of blogs, websites, and such, but I may be recreating something that is easier to navigate from the front page.
What do you think?
What do you like to see on author websites?
While I am a big reader, I also enjoy movies. This week I am discussing my fandom of various recent reads and films this week at my Youtube channel The Truth About Storytelling and I don’t want to repeat all, but I thought I would give a short take on four films and why I will rewatch them as a writer.
Wonka, the Musical. A gorgeous, imaginative film from every aspect - storytelling, sound, visuals, acting, scripting, editing. As a writer, I want to rewatch this for the big heartbeat moments and apply what they did to my own writing. Good family film.
Boys in the Boat. A moving historical fiction narrative following a tighter story arc than the nonfiction book of the same name. As I write, I plan to re-read and rewatch for the way they wove history and narrative together for a satisfying story on an emotional level. Good family film.
Anyone But You. A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with references to the Kenneth Branaugh film of that play. There’s definitely skin and raunchiness (although Shakespeare’s plays translated well are incredibly raunchy) so there’s a reason for the R-rating, but I still enjoyed many aspects of it. I plan to rewatch it with a rewatch of the Branaugh film and a reread of the play, specifically looking at the humorous bits I enjoyed the most. Only for 18+ audiences.
The Beekeeper. An action thriller with Jason Statham that packs a good character arc, starting with a slow beginning and to a raising of stakes to a high-pitch series of events. Again, R-rated for a reason, but this time for the action scenes and some language. I plan to rewatch it as a writer for the way they layered the intrigue, character development, world-building, and action scenes. Only for 18+ audiences.
Normally, I do not see that many films in the theater in a month, but I went to see most on matinee or “member” night at the theater. Also, I don’t normally enjoy four films in a row as much as I did these, although with the latter two, I want to caution anyone who is easily offended or squeamish.
The longer rundown with more specifics is on my Youtube channel, but I did not give out any spoilers.
Traffic
multilevel traffic
a grid on her eyes
she blinks - -
lights change
systems override
AI Art with Canva. Trying out a bit of this. This was try #8 for this image using the poem as a prompt. (I’ll be talking about AI here in March-April briefly, so this is a pre-cursor of that.)
Starry Horizon
starry horizon
beckoning us to come
play supernova
Major Tom
The coundown is on.
The chopper is waiting.
I glance back at the towers behind me and the wall of ocean behind them.
It’s time.
These were previously published in Dragonfold and Other Adventures and Flicker: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry.
Do you like free books of fantasy and science fiction? Check out New Year’s Quest for free books.
I had a great time at the Open Mic hosted by Creative Colloquy on Monday. I hope to read again, when I can.
My books are all in process - writing and revising.
BTW - I will be reposting this on my Website and Blog this Week… Trying to stretch the content.
Images “explained”:
A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, a book club, and thousands of links – all to benefit writers! #IWSG
Website / Facebook Group / Twitter / Book Club
Reedsy Discount / Past Issues
