Character Depth - Some Thoughts About Writing

Have you ever watched a show or movie where the characters were so AMAZING? Their personalities were unique and you just fell in love with them? I have. The show I am referring to is Warehouse 13 among a dozen others.

    Claudia - The Techie, former sanitarium patient,
    Pete Lattimer - The childish retrieval expert, former marine
    Myka Bering - The smart, kick-rear, responsible retrieval expert
    Artie - The father figure to Claudia, Pete, and Myka, the leader, the mentor
    Mrs. Frederics - The mysterious guardian, the watchful eye, the secret

When I watch the show I can't help but be amazed at how fleshed out and unique each characters' depth is. It makes me want to watch the show over and over again. It also makes me want to write characters with personalities as unique as theirs.

Back to the question I stated at the beginning of this post, have you ever watched a show/movie/book where the characters were so amazing that you wish you could write characters as amazing as them? If so, post that show/movie/book in the comments below!

God bless,
Brian

Book Cover of the Week

Hey, all! I know I skipped to weeks for BCotW, but on both of those weekends I was hanging out with my cousins, whom I RARELY see. I hope you understand.

Anyway, now that we're back in business, I would like to share with you this week's BCotW!

And the winner is...........

House by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker

The book cover for House is not only intriguing, but it is also creepy looking, promising thrills, chills and adventure for lovers of the supernatural horror/thriller genre.

Congratulations, Mr. Dekker, and Mr. Peretti on winning the Book Cover of the Week award!

God bless,

Brian

Arson by Estevan Vega - A Book Review

I've been done with Arson by Estevan Vega for quite a while now, but I am just now getting to the review. Busy, busy.

Anyway, here's the synopsis:
Arson Gable feels like a freak. He can create fire. He never asked for it. He never wanted it. But he can't shut it off.


Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl - who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin - moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. After years of living in confusion and fear, he will be forced to confront his haunting past and embrace the unknown as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Edgy, realistic, and breathtaking, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated teenager with unimaginable ability, is set to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.


I found this author and this book after looking on the Facebook page of my favorite author, Ted Dekker. I'd noticed that one of his likes was by Author Estevan Vega, so I clicked the link and the first thing that caught my attention was the beautiful cover art for Arson. After looking at more of his books, I immediately went to Amazon and looked up Arson. After reading the synopsis, I added it to my shopping cart. A week or so later, I ordered it.
    When I first started it I was wary because I'd never read anything by this author before. I was afraid of what I might find, it being a teenage-centered novel and all.
    Anyway, the story line and plot were well fleshed out. I immediately felt myself sympathizing for Arson Gable and Emery Phoenix. That is always a good thing to have in a story - sympathy for the position the characters are in.
    Language was on the fence between mild and medium-high. "Fr*gg*ng", "d*mn", "s*cks", "fr**king" are used repeatedly.
    There was implied sexual behavior. Mandy speaks to Emery about her and Arson's "fling" and says the following: "all the things he did to me while we made love.".
    There is repeated drinking by Emery's father, and by a group of teenagers.
    Violence is very low.
    All in all, Arson by Estevan Vega was an enjoyable read, though I believe that the language could have been left out.
    I rate this book 4 of 5 stars.

4 of 5 stars

God bless,

Brian

Updates

*ALERT* ANOTHER SHORT POST AHEAD
I know, I still have yet to write the final character interview with Jarush. I'm getting there. It might be up today; it might not. You'll just have to find out. ;)
Anyway, now that I've set up some of the stuff to get published with Outskirts Press, I have created my official website. Now, it's not very big. It has contact, info, books, and my blog. That's about it. Anyway, here is the URL: www.shatteringthedarkness.org
I hope you all had a fantastic 4th of July! I did. :)

God bless,
Brian

Fantastic News!

First off, I have now created my author Facebook page. You can find the badge in the sidebar to the right. Also, you can click here to go there.
Another bit of exciting news is that Paradox will be getting published with Outskirts Press. So, keep your eyes and ears open these next several months!

God bless,
Brian

Book Cover of the Week - Week 3

Welcome to the third Book Cover of the Week post!

This week's cover is...

To Save A Life by Jim and Rachel Britts

God bless,

Brian