Monday, April 13, 2015

Writer's Notes and Excerpt: Tips on Approaching Your Story

    When it comes to writing a story, a patience is a must. Sometimes it can take 2 weeks or 4 years to plan just a single scene. When it comes down to a crucial scene, it is important to get it right. However, just letting it stay unwritten will not do the job for you. Sometimes you have to change how you think about. It is common to think linearly and write the scenes as they come. However, I do not know of many authors that do just that. Like a director who shoots many scenes and rearranges them later, an author must be ready to tackle a scene from multiple directions.
    I prefer writing things in order, but when you skip around and concentrate on the crucial points first, then you are able to better craft the entire story. This is because you get to think about what needs to happen and when. What must happen for this scene to exist? What impact do you want it to have? I realized that one scene would make more sense and have a greater impact if one small detail was included before. Not only did it help me set the stage, but it gave a better glimpse of the characters and their motives. I hope this advice helps you with your own novel endeavors.
   
    So I do like giving you all something other than my own thoughts and notes. However, I don't have another Legend prepared. On the other hand, I do have a small piece from the novel to share which you are probably more curious about anyways. I hope you enjoy this small taste as well as knowledge what my next novel is about. Keep in mind that this is only a small piece of the first draft. Some details are bound to change and improvements to the writing style as well. Anyways, enjoy!

J. D. Nyle

~during the battle, Zel finally encounters Daelan.~

“I must admit, your skills are far beyond what Celonret and Zenoth have anticipated,” the shadowy figure exclaimed across the cleared area. His purple armor with black highlights took a fearsome shape. Legends spoke of the knaunuhts but even they would pale in comparison to the Daelan king. However, Zel had always overcome his own nightmares and this was no different in his mind.
“So you finally emerge, Daelan,” the warrior prince said, focusing intently on his mighty foe. At least, that is what one Daelian soldier thought as he attempted to assault the prince before being slashed by his holy sword.
Impressed by this talent, Daelan smiled and shouted out in a loud voice that could be heard across the battlefield, “No Daelian soldier shall approach the mighty prince! He that ignores my instruction shall face my wrath!” Then turning his head back toward the prince and said, “No one shall steal such glory from me.”
“Hoh?”  Zel smiled in return. “That pride is going to be your downfall.”
“Enough blabber. My sword will silence that tongue of yours!”
The two royal warriors rushed in crossed blades. One-two, swings were tested. Three-four, speed was observed. Five-six, skill had been assessed. They backed off slowly and rotated clockwise as if in a well-coordinated dance. A feint here and a motion there, the contest of wits had just begun.
“I know you have a few tricks in your set,” the king stated.
“It is rarely wise to reveal your secrets at the start,” the prince replied.
“Your wisdom does not apply to me,” Daelan said as he raised his left hand and a blast of purple flame shot out toward the prince but he quickly evaded it.
“You are certainly a fine warrior. Not even fazed,” the Daelian king complimented.
“There’s not much to be fazed by. I could sense the dark energy emanating from you. So you really did bond with Zenoth.”
Daelan laughed. “Of course! Once I learned of this power, there was no one who could stop me from mastering it.”
“You jest! The Dark Power’s only master is evil. No man could tame chaos like that.”
“That’s where you are wrong. Zenoth recognized my greatness and granted this to me as a gift for me to control.”
“If he is the source of your mighty power, wouldn’t that mean he is more powerful than you?”
This statement enraged the Daelian king and his swings become more ferocious. Nonetheless, Zel was more than capable in fending off his attacks. A parry here, a redirect there, the mighty prince was patient in awaiting his opportunity. When it came, he took it and with a glowing rising slash, he leapt into the air and followed with a strong turn-around kick in Daelian’s face, knocking the wicked king back before any counter could be made.
Daelan staggered as he regained his footing. “I see you have control over the Elements.”
Zel softly landed and readied his shining blade for any movement. “The Elements were used to defeat Zenoth before and they shall be your downfall as well.”

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