Since we have posted pictures of Shemihazah, here is a reminder about his character:
As a Seraph, Shemihazah is the leader of those that chose to abandon their posts in the heavenly realm and come to earth to enjoy the physical pleasures that it offered. Unlike most of the common angels, he has six wings, instead of two, and the head of a silver and white eagle.
After it is decided that he and his companions will go to earth, he teaches mankind the magical arts (i.e. how to call upon the services of fallen angels withing the spiritual realm). He still maintains his authority as the lead angel after they settle into Eden, but his sway weakens as time progresses.
After their encounter with man, Shemihazah morphed his eagle head into that similar to his human looking brothers. He also exchanged his angelic clothing for elaborate robes. However, he still keeps his staff from the heavenly realms, since it helps him to maintain and magnify his angelic powers.
Shemihazah is a nice bad guy. He takes his role as leader seriously. He does not have quite the open animosity toward humans that some of the other angels do. Nor does he openly consort with Halel. He is also a wise and calculating angel. Although he does not posses a quick temper, when he is angered, his wrath can be quite painful.
29 November 2013
24 November 2013
14 November 2013
Book Teaser Chapter 1
The mists fell as day morphed into the evening, and the full array of the heavens came into view. A strong, cool wind began to snake its way rapidly through the avenues and down the narrow alleyways. The torches on the posts lining the streets flickered under its influence, barely keeping lit during the stronger gusts.
A tall figure clothed in thick, flowing, white robes with a hood that concealed his eyes materialized from the shadows of the western gate. His face was smooth and youthful, his figure sleek and fit. He paused after stepping into the light of a torch positioned at the entrance gate and looked toward the great hill that was the central point of the city. Along the side of the mount were small lights moving as if giant fireflies were positioning themselves on its western face. The robed figure began to walk down the boulevard that would take him to the heart of the city encircling the hill.
He lingered as others dressed in thin, flaxen, grayish robes came out of a limestone building on the right. One of them carried a small lamp in her hand. As they stepped into the lane, an especially strong burst of wind rushed down the street, blowing the door shut, causing the lantern to swing precariously, and whipping their clothes frantically around their delicate bodies. He watched as one of the men grabbed the hood of a small boy’s robe and pulled it closer around his head. Then, looking at the woman next to him, the man spoke, “It seems there is a strong wind tonight. Be sure to shield the lamp so it doesn’t go out.”
A tall figure clothed in thick, flowing, white robes with a hood that concealed his eyes materialized from the shadows of the western gate. His face was smooth and youthful, his figure sleek and fit. He paused after stepping into the light of a torch positioned at the entrance gate and looked toward the great hill that was the central point of the city. Along the side of the mount were small lights moving as if giant fireflies were positioning themselves on its western face. The robed figure began to walk down the boulevard that would take him to the heart of the city encircling the hill.
He lingered as others dressed in thin, flaxen, grayish robes came out of a limestone building on the right. One of them carried a small lamp in her hand. As they stepped into the lane, an especially strong burst of wind rushed down the street, blowing the door shut, causing the lantern to swing precariously, and whipping their clothes frantically around their delicate bodies. He watched as one of the men grabbed the hood of a small boy’s robe and pulled it closer around his head. Then, looking at the woman next to him, the man spoke, “It seems there is a strong wind tonight. Be sure to shield the lamp so it doesn’t go out.”
11 November 2013
The meshing of all creation
Since this book follows the timeline laid out in Genesis, the earth is only thousands of years old. Animals, plants and insects that were supposedly separated by large time frames of billions of years exist together at one time along with mankind.
However, animals themselves are not straightforward though. For one, many of the animal sub-kinds do not exist in this book. For instance, there are no zebras (only horses) or tigers (only saber-toothed tigers or gurmidnum as they are called), but there are animals that would have had the genetic coding that would eventually lead to such derivative creatures.
The "original" creations of the Garden were complete with Genetic coding to create every sub-kind in it's group. For example, there is a type of cow that contains genetic coding for a variety of sizes and colors. With man's help breeding and on there own, this type eventually crates a multitude of bovine sub-kinds (cows, oxen, sabu, etc.) The same pertains to dinosaurs, insects, vegetation, sea creatures, and all other land mammals.
In dealing with the issue of naming animals, many that have similar descendants that live today take the name of today's animals. For those that are extinct, like dinosaurs, there names are created using the ancient Sumerian language. We wanted to pick older languages for creatures that were closer to dinosaurs ( like sabre toothed tigers) but pre-cursor animals that are similar to the creatures of today (like the horses we use in the book) are called by today's names. The plant world is similar. Common plants use today's words while extinct, and less common plants use the Sumerian language for their names.
In dealing with the time frame of this story, animals have already begun to form sub-kinds and chose certain areas to roam.
However, animals themselves are not straightforward though. For one, many of the animal sub-kinds do not exist in this book. For instance, there are no zebras (only horses) or tigers (only saber-toothed tigers or gurmidnum as they are called), but there are animals that would have had the genetic coding that would eventually lead to such derivative creatures.
The "original" creations of the Garden were complete with Genetic coding to create every sub-kind in it's group. For example, there is a type of cow that contains genetic coding for a variety of sizes and colors. With man's help breeding and on there own, this type eventually crates a multitude of bovine sub-kinds (cows, oxen, sabu, etc.) The same pertains to dinosaurs, insects, vegetation, sea creatures, and all other land mammals.
In dealing with the issue of naming animals, many that have similar descendants that live today take the name of today's animals. For those that are extinct, like dinosaurs, there names are created using the ancient Sumerian language. We wanted to pick older languages for creatures that were closer to dinosaurs ( like sabre toothed tigers) but pre-cursor animals that are similar to the creatures of today (like the horses we use in the book) are called by today's names. The plant world is similar. Common plants use today's words while extinct, and less common plants use the Sumerian language for their names.
In dealing with the time frame of this story, animals have already begun to form sub-kinds and chose certain areas to roam.
05 November 2013
The Original Creation
The world called "Eden" was very different from the world today. It was a single continent surrounded by a great sea and was watered by rivers and streams that flowed across it and underneath it. It was very lush and mostly untamed, consisting of large thick forests, vast plains, and mostly low lying mountain ranges. Even though the world itself was known as Eden, it was only a small territory that mankind dwells in. The rest of the land was never explored due to great amount of okale (or the corrupt creation that turned to devouring flesh instead of vegetation). It was also the vast untamed land where the behemoth (herbivore dinosaurs) roamed, though a few areas of Eden are mating and feeding areas for these great beasts of the field.
Many things within the pre-diluvial world grew larger and lived longer due to the higher oxygen level and water vapor barrier that blocked the damaging rays of the sun. In this world, there was no blistering sun, except in the accursed land of the Dudail, and no great fluctuations in temperatures. It was the ideal world to live in, where the average lifespan for mankind was between 800yrs - 1000yrs. It never rained because the purity of the air, but it was heavily watered due to the evening mists that lingered till mid-morning.
Many things within the pre-diluvial world grew larger and lived longer due to the higher oxygen level and water vapor barrier that blocked the damaging rays of the sun. In this world, there was no blistering sun, except in the accursed land of the Dudail, and no great fluctuations in temperatures. It was the ideal world to live in, where the average lifespan for mankind was between 800yrs - 1000yrs. It never rained because the purity of the air, but it was heavily watered due to the evening mists that lingered till mid-morning.
31 October 2013
Shemihazah II (human) rough sketch 1
Here is the preliminary sketch for Shemihazah in his human form...
20 October 2013
Fury - The Great Steed of the Plains
Remrekesh (better known by his common name, Fury) is one of the two original "horses" that were created in the garden of Eden. Containing the full genetic spectrum along with his mate, all "horse" kind came into being. He is a wild untamed creature that still possesses the ability to speak. He acquired this trait before animals under mankind were forbidden the ability to do so.
He roams mostly in the area known as the Plains of Ur along with his herd. He is a creature of legend: many have tried to capture him in order to tame him, but have been unsuccessful. However, rather than tempt fate, he tends to keep his herd away from mankind.
He roams mostly in the area known as the Plains of Ur along with his herd. He is a creature of legend: many have tried to capture him in order to tame him, but have been unsuccessful. However, rather than tempt fate, he tends to keep his herd away from mankind.
Though Fury retains the ability to speak, he does not possess the ability to create or to perform abstract reasoning like man. He also does not have the maturity one would expect with his age. Even though he has been around since creation, his persona is that of a renegade adolescent.
12 October 2013
Nachash - The Dragon of the Dudael
Nachash is the mother of all those that are of serpent kind. She is an original animal from the Garden of Eden and the mate to the dragon that deceived Eve. She is a large, long serpent with four powerful legs, feet ending in razor like claws, a long tail that terminates in a cluster of hard sharp spines, and a set of beautiful multi-color feathered wings. He scales are near impenetrable to most common man-made weapons. They are iridescent and change color depending on her mood, light, and surroundings.
She is feared but many but confined to a cursed land known as the Dudael Desert. She chose this fate out of loyalty to her mate. When he was banished, she chose to remain with him in punishment instead of raising her children alone.
Although she can be fierce, she is also very crafty and wise for one not made in the image of God. She particularly possesses a distaste for man and has made her life's goal to hunt men foolish enough to try to create trade routes through her land. Once men wised up and decided a Saggisra confrontation was safer than a confrontation with her, she became nothing more than a legend of great terror used to scare children.
Although she had been mostly forgotten by men, she will soon find a role in helping mankind to resist the heavy hand of the Iyr even if she doesn't know it.
She is feared but many but confined to a cursed land known as the Dudael Desert. She chose this fate out of loyalty to her mate. When he was banished, she chose to remain with him in punishment instead of raising her children alone.
Although she can be fierce, she is also very crafty and wise for one not made in the image of God. She particularly possesses a distaste for man and has made her life's goal to hunt men foolish enough to try to create trade routes through her land. Once men wised up and decided a Saggisra confrontation was safer than a confrontation with her, she became nothing more than a legend of great terror used to scare children.
Although she had been mostly forgotten by men, she will soon find a role in helping mankind to resist the heavy hand of the Iyr even if she doesn't know it.
06 October 2013
21 September 2013
Shemihazah sketch
Okay, so our second artist has submitted his sketch of Shemihazah in his angelic form before the fall:
20 September 2013
Barel - Defender of the East
Barel is the son of Kelnar, the ruler of the city of Kesef, the city that rests near the base of Mt. Hebron. When we first meet him, Barel is a young teenage youth, dealing with the hustle and bustle surrounding the newly arrived angelic visitors.
After the sudden death of his father and marriage of his sister, he moves on to the city of Shahar. There he befriends the ruler, Issacar, and joins the city's defense force. When the Iyr convince Issacar to submit to their guidance, he becomes a prominent leader within the Razzmada military. He receives the title "Defender of the East" for his exploits against the Saggisera.
As time passes and the addiyrben start to grow in population, his personal unit is one of the few still comprised solely of the "Sons of Adam" He still must work with and commands other units that are mixed with the half-nephilim/half-human soldiers.
He is a fierce warrior but strategic in his work. He still possesses a sense of justice and righteousness, though he no longer believes that The Almighty has any involvement in Eden.
Barel is one of the few "good" characters that is encountered in Razmadda. He never completely trusts the Watchers, and the Iyr do not fully trust him either. He is allowed to keep his station because of his fame and relationship with Issacar. He also has a lot of freedom to do as he wills, as long as he continues to follow orders from those above him.
After the sudden death of his father and marriage of his sister, he moves on to the city of Shahar. There he befriends the ruler, Issacar, and joins the city's defense force. When the Iyr convince Issacar to submit to their guidance, he becomes a prominent leader within the Razzmada military. He receives the title "Defender of the East" for his exploits against the Saggisera.
As time passes and the addiyrben start to grow in population, his personal unit is one of the few still comprised solely of the "Sons of Adam" He still must work with and commands other units that are mixed with the half-nephilim/half-human soldiers.
He is a fierce warrior but strategic in his work. He still possesses a sense of justice and righteousness, though he no longer believes that The Almighty has any involvement in Eden.
Barel is one of the few "good" characters that is encountered in Razmadda. He never completely trusts the Watchers, and the Iyr do not fully trust him either. He is allowed to keep his station because of his fame and relationship with Issacar. He also has a lot of freedom to do as he wills, as long as he continues to follow orders from those above him.
14 September 2013
Enosh -The Chosen Leader of Siriad
Enosh is the eldest of the leaders within Siriad. He is in charge of the affairs of Padooth, while Javin rules Thoheleth, and Shamgar rules Meshfaht. After the Watchers come and unite the rest of Eden, the three city leaders and the other leaders of the people decide to make Enosh the ruler of all three cities and lands that are associated with them and form a confederation under him. All the other cities of Eden are being persuaded to join the angelic confederation of Razmadda.
Siriad is left alone by the Iyr for a while, but the offer is eventually extended to them. With the new set up of Siriad, the decision to remain apart or join falls solely on Enosh.
Enosh in this novel is considered to be a patient, reserved, and wise person. He understands the relationship between the Almighty and man and wants to preserve that relationship. He has seen how the people of Eden have slowly fallen away from a relationship with the Almighty and tries to curb such an attitude in Siriad, though some of it has already happened. Within this book, Enosh is given a vision that will propel others to discover what the true meaning of the vision is and will uncover the true intent of Eden's new divine patrons. Enosh's patience and willingness to overlook minor indiscretions is also one of his biggest flaws.
Siriad is left alone by the Iyr for a while, but the offer is eventually extended to them. With the new set up of Siriad, the decision to remain apart or join falls solely on Enosh.
Enosh in this novel is considered to be a patient, reserved, and wise person. He understands the relationship between the Almighty and man and wants to preserve that relationship. He has seen how the people of Eden have slowly fallen away from a relationship with the Almighty and tries to curb such an attitude in Siriad, though some of it has already happened. Within this book, Enosh is given a vision that will propel others to discover what the true meaning of the vision is and will uncover the true intent of Eden's new divine patrons. Enosh's patience and willingness to overlook minor indiscretions is also one of his biggest flaws.
Drawing updates
Because of the number of drawings we have to do, and the spring release for this book, we have decided to hire a second illustrator to draw the characters for us. The first drawing of Lilith is almost finished, but hopefully we will be able to begin posting at least two per month.
We are planning to begin our official marketing campaign in Spring and are going to be looking for some professional editors in the next month.
We are planning to begin our official marketing campaign in Spring and are going to be looking for some professional editors in the next month.
04 September 2013
Publication Update
We are having the book proofread this fall. Since the book is large, it requires a pretty sizable investment to do this. However, we are planning on beginning our official marketing of the book in the spring and then releasing it in Summer of 2014. This date may be earlier, depending on our marketing, but we are hoping it will not be later.
Our artist is almost finished with Lilith. If anyone would like to see a special character, they can comment on one of our posts and let us know who they would like to see next.
We still do not have a website (but we do have a website design). This is because we are trying to get together a book trailer. As soon as it is ready, we will post details.
We will post updates here as we have them. We may also post a few excerpts over the next few months to give you an idea of what the book is like real time. FYI - the book is complete in its entirety, and we are beginning to write the sequel.
Thank you for bearing with us. If people do not like our book because they are not happy about the story line - that's okay, everyone has an opinion. We realize our fiction is not for everyone. However, we do not want people to dislike our book because the quality is so poor. It takes time because we are doing everything we can to make sure that it will be well edited and well put together. (And we all have day jobs at this point.)
Our artist is almost finished with Lilith. If anyone would like to see a special character, they can comment on one of our posts and let us know who they would like to see next.
We still do not have a website (but we do have a website design). This is because we are trying to get together a book trailer. As soon as it is ready, we will post details.
We will post updates here as we have them. We may also post a few excerpts over the next few months to give you an idea of what the book is like real time. FYI - the book is complete in its entirety, and we are beginning to write the sequel.
Thank you for bearing with us. If people do not like our book because they are not happy about the story line - that's okay, everyone has an opinion. We realize our fiction is not for everyone. However, we do not want people to dislike our book because the quality is so poor. It takes time because we are doing everything we can to make sure that it will be well edited and well put together. (And we all have day jobs at this point.)
01 September 2013
Can Angels Die?
This is a tricky question. For the purpose of the book the answer is - yes. However, death for an angel means that they lose their bodies (which are silicon based instead of carbon based) and become imprisoned in the Abyss.
When angel's bleed, they do not bleed blood. They bleed light. Like a solar panel, they collect light and absorb it. This is why they do not need food.
They are also in tune with all of the atoms in their body and can command cells on an individual level. The allows them to morph, fly, and perform other supernatural feats.
When angel's bleed, they do not bleed blood. They bleed light. Like a solar panel, they collect light and absorb it. This is why they do not need food.
They are also in tune with all of the atoms in their body and can command cells on an individual level. The allows them to morph, fly, and perform other supernatural feats.
29 August 2013
Raquel
Raquel is one of Michael’s commanders
and his most resourceful warrior. The fiery red headed angel is a well-disciplined
individual. He follows orders to a "T", but is flexible enough to alter his own plans if the modification falls within orders. He is skilled with the sword, which at his command can split
into two smaller swords. He is also feared among the angelic ranks. Michael trusts him with the most important missions that need to be carried out in Eden.
It is Raquel who becomes the "guardian angel" for Jared's spy group. Most of the time, he is only a watcher, but occasionally he steps in and lends a hand.
Although Raquel is not the head of the angelic warriors, like Michael, he is more approachable. He has no one under his command, but is a lone commando, willing to battle to his death if necessary.
It is Raquel who becomes the "guardian angel" for Jared's spy group. Most of the time, he is only a watcher, but occasionally he steps in and lends a hand.
Although Raquel is not the head of the angelic warriors, like Michael, he is more approachable. He has no one under his command, but is a lone commando, willing to battle to his death if necessary.
21 August 2013
Lilith prliminary sketch
This is one of the sketches he did for Lilith. It's a little crinkly because one of our daughters got a hold of it - at least she didn't eat it. We are hoping to have a full color picture (that has not been crumpled) up sometime soon.
19 July 2013
Michael
Michael is one of the seven archangels (for the purpose of this fictional book) and commands those angels who deal with the affairs of mankind, directly or indirectly. Once the split in the heavenly realm between those who follow Halel and those who follow "The Almighty" happens, he is in charge of keeping evil angelic influences from directly acting against those who have remained faithful. He is also commanded to take action against those angels who try to go too far in their rebellion.
Michael is a powerful angel that is skilled in combat, strategy, and leadership. He is stern and steadfast in the laws that were given to the angels to follow. Before the split, he constantly tried to keep those who seemed distracted or disgruntled from abandoning their duty and following Halel in his rebellion. In the end, those whose hearts were consumed by selfishness and envy turned regardless of his efforts. He recognizes that a time of testing for mankind has come, so he patiently keeps watch over the actions of his enemies. Placing other archangels in charge of legions in key regions an angelic 'cold war' begins, where each side does what it feels it needs to do to keep the other from gaining any ground.
However, even angels have to cross enemy lines at times and Raquel is sent to protect the spies from Siriad when they venture into the enemy territory.
Michael is a powerful angel that is skilled in combat, strategy, and leadership. He is stern and steadfast in the laws that were given to the angels to follow. Before the split, he constantly tried to keep those who seemed distracted or disgruntled from abandoning their duty and following Halel in his rebellion. In the end, those whose hearts were consumed by selfishness and envy turned regardless of his efforts. He recognizes that a time of testing for mankind has come, so he patiently keeps watch over the actions of his enemies. Placing other archangels in charge of legions in key regions an angelic 'cold war' begins, where each side does what it feels it needs to do to keep the other from gaining any ground.
However, even angels have to cross enemy lines at times and Raquel is sent to protect the spies from Siriad when they venture into the enemy territory.
09 July 2013
Pictures Soon - we hope!
We are having an artist design some pictures for us that we think will help introduce the characters to you better. We hope to be able to post the first one in the next couple of weeks or so.
22 May 2013
Saraven
Saraven is the son of Ozael. He is known as a great swordsman and archer. He is also skilled in metallurgy like his father. Saraven enjoys hunting and thrives on the challenges presented by hunting the most dangerous creatures in creation. His most famous kill was the slaying the male dragon banished to the Dubail desert. This was the same dragon who cooperated with Halel to deceive Eve. For this alone,he is viewed as a great hero by the people of Razmadda.
However, his actions are solely performed to bring glory to himself and not for the benefit of men. Like many of the Nephilim, he is vain and immature and views mankind as a lesser creation to be used and discarded. Saraven does not have much of a role in the beginning of this history, but his role increases as the story continues.
However, his actions are solely performed to bring glory to himself and not for the benefit of men. Like many of the Nephilim, he is vain and immature and views mankind as a lesser creation to be used and discarded. Saraven does not have much of a role in the beginning of this history, but his role increases as the story continues.
24 April 2013
Submitting a Novel Part III
If, like us, you choose not to self-publish, you have two routes available. You can hire and agent or you can solicit a publishing company.
We would like to hire an agent for this book. The primary reason is because we are not willing to sign away our movie rights. This is not because we want to make more money, but rather because we want control of the movie. Although directly soliciting a publisher does not mean we have to sign away our movie rights, it makes it more difficult to retain them without the professional help of an agent.
Many times movie rights are sold at the signing of a book contract. Frequently, this can cause a great book to have a horrible movie. If I (Jennifer) did not have the movie/theater background that I do, I may feel that leaving the movie to the professionals would be best. However, I feel confident in my degree and the ability I have to create good theatrical work.
That being said, I may have the ability to write a screenplay and the software to do it, but I would leave it to someone else. I just want a hand in picking who that someone is.
We would like to hire an agent for this book. The primary reason is because we are not willing to sign away our movie rights. This is not because we want to make more money, but rather because we want control of the movie. Although directly soliciting a publisher does not mean we have to sign away our movie rights, it makes it more difficult to retain them without the professional help of an agent.
Many times movie rights are sold at the signing of a book contract. Frequently, this can cause a great book to have a horrible movie. If I (Jennifer) did not have the movie/theater background that I do, I may feel that leaving the movie to the professionals would be best. However, I feel confident in my degree and the ability I have to create good theatrical work.
That being said, I may have the ability to write a screenplay and the software to do it, but I would leave it to someone else. I just want a hand in picking who that someone is.
18 April 2013
Submitting a Novel Part II
Although self-publishing is always an option for us, we would prefer a traditionally published book.
So far, we have submitted this book to two agents. We were not really expecting the first one to accept it. You see, it is rather difficult to find a Christian agent who takes on Sci-fi/ Fantasy books. This particular agent had one specializing in young adult books, so we gave it a try. They did not take it.
The agent who has the book now would be my (Jennifer's) first choice. The agency has a long history in the sci-fi/fantasy realm, and unlike the Christian agents who tend to turn away from this genre, Sci-fi/fantasy agents seem to be open to Christian themes. After all Tolkein was writing a Christian allegory.
However, the hardest part about finding an agent is the wait. You send in a proposal with a synopsis and then you need to wait up to three months before you will get a response. If you are turned down, you must then rewrite your proposal - not every agent wants to see the same thing.
So far, we have submitted this book to two agents. We were not really expecting the first one to accept it. You see, it is rather difficult to find a Christian agent who takes on Sci-fi/ Fantasy books. This particular agent had one specializing in young adult books, so we gave it a try. They did not take it.
The agent who has the book now would be my (Jennifer's) first choice. The agency has a long history in the sci-fi/fantasy realm, and unlike the Christian agents who tend to turn away from this genre, Sci-fi/fantasy agents seem to be open to Christian themes. After all Tolkein was writing a Christian allegory.
However, the hardest part about finding an agent is the wait. You send in a proposal with a synopsis and then you need to wait up to three months before you will get a response. If you are turned down, you must then rewrite your proposal - not every agent wants to see the same thing.
13 April 2013
Submitting a Novel Part I
With the ease of internet publishing, it can be difficult to get your work published through traditional means. Even ten years ago, finding a publisher or agent was difficult. Now, most want an internet presence before you will even be looked at.
Many people choose to self-publish. Although this is an easy way to get your book out there, it can also kill the market for it. I cannot count how many people who have self-published and then want to know why it is not selling, or how they can increase their market. The biggest problem comes in editing.
Don't get me wrong, even books published through traditional means have seen a decline in editing. The news media is becoming a joke with its poorly edited stories. But I have had people hire me to edit a book that they had already self-published. Frequently, these books contained two or more errors per sentence. And these were works that were not edited for content - only spelling and grammar. Yes, getting your book edited can cost up to $6 per page (more for content editing), but you will end up making a better return in the end.
Many people choose to self-publish. Although this is an easy way to get your book out there, it can also kill the market for it. I cannot count how many people who have self-published and then want to know why it is not selling, or how they can increase their market. The biggest problem comes in editing.
Don't get me wrong, even books published through traditional means have seen a decline in editing. The news media is becoming a joke with its poorly edited stories. But I have had people hire me to edit a book that they had already self-published. Frequently, these books contained two or more errors per sentence. And these were works that were not edited for content - only spelling and grammar. Yes, getting your book edited can cost up to $6 per page (more for content editing), but you will end up making a better return in the end.
17 February 2013
Co-writing a novel
Writing a novel with another person is difficult, just ask any ghostwriter. For our novel, the ideas came from Jason and the techniques came from Jennifer. This created many problems and many rewrites. Thankfully, when Jason wanted to give up, Jennifer would not let him. Likewise, when Jennifer wanted to give up, Jason did not want to quit.
One of the first things we argued over was Satan's plea to Jaqon. The conversation they have is symbolic of the many conversations Satan (or Halel as he is referred to in the book) has had with other angels and it is also a reminder of the conversations he uses to tempt us.
When the conversation was first written, it came off similar to the Anakin to Darth Vader conversion in Star Wars III. Jennifer was unsatisfied, so she rewrote it. Thus, the war began. Jason knew the story and what Jennifer wrote was not part of it. He wanted to change it back to how it was originally written. Jennifer felt the transition was not smooth and threatened to quit (Jennifer quit working on the book a lot during the process). So, Jason sat down and rewrote the entire conversation. This time it was something they could both agree upon and it is what you will find if you read the book as it is now.
One of the first things we argued over was Satan's plea to Jaqon. The conversation they have is symbolic of the many conversations Satan (or Halel as he is referred to in the book) has had with other angels and it is also a reminder of the conversations he uses to tempt us.
When the conversation was first written, it came off similar to the Anakin to Darth Vader conversion in Star Wars III. Jennifer was unsatisfied, so she rewrote it. Thus, the war began. Jason knew the story and what Jennifer wrote was not part of it. He wanted to change it back to how it was originally written. Jennifer felt the transition was not smooth and threatened to quit (Jennifer quit working on the book a lot during the process). So, Jason sat down and rewrote the entire conversation. This time it was something they could both agree upon and it is what you will find if you read the book as it is now.
15 February 2013
Typos
It seems there are always typos in any written work. You hope to have them all ironed out before the book goes to print, but even after several edits, it seems you always miss something. Spell checks are notorious for passing over words that are wrong but spelled correctly.
Some typos are entertaining. As we went through and edited, here are a few I found with emphasis on the word that we needed to change:
“I am not going to waste my men by chagrining the gate, and you didn’t bring enough of those water treaders to get us all across the river quickly,” Ayil said more firmly (CH22)
“Asbel used his ability to alter his form in order to look like one of the Sagissera. The only tell tale sigh he was not one, was the faint glow of his eyes.” (CH22)
“Yes, and thank the Aras as well for his part in my recovery,” Ahman said placing his hand on Aras’s shoulder. (CH22)
Jared made his way over to the motionless Alliyz and put his face by hers. “He’s still breathing,” he said as he examined his leg and pulled out the quills, “These things must have knocked her out or something.” (CH 20)
“Isn’t that the gut from the trade post,” Jair said squinting to get a better look. (CH20)
“And don’t chew with your mouth full; it’s rude.” (CH9)
Some typos are entertaining. As we went through and edited, here are a few I found with emphasis on the word that we needed to change:
“I am not going to waste my men by chagrining the gate, and you didn’t bring enough of those water treaders to get us all across the river quickly,” Ayil said more firmly (CH22)
“Asbel used his ability to alter his form in order to look like one of the Sagissera. The only tell tale sigh he was not one, was the faint glow of his eyes.” (CH22)
“Yes, and thank the Aras as well for his part in my recovery,” Ahman said placing his hand on Aras’s shoulder. (CH22)
Jared made his way over to the motionless Alliyz and put his face by hers. “He’s still breathing,” he said as he examined his leg and pulled out the quills, “These things must have knocked her out or something.” (CH 20)
“Isn’t that the gut from the trade post,” Jair said squinting to get a better look. (CH20)
“And don’t chew with your mouth full; it’s rude.” (CH9)
13 February 2013
Fantasy or Science Fiction?
This book draws on many fantasy elements. The Watchers (or Iyr as the evil angels call themselves) are obviously able to manipulate things in ways that appear to be magical to most of the residents of Eden.You also will find mythical creatures.
However, as an alternate history, The Lost Histories of Eden would be classified as science fiction. There is definitely an element of sci-fi in the book. Hybrid dinosaurs, advanced embryological research facilities, and airships exist once the Iyr have given humans the seed of knowledge they needed.
The book draws on deep questions. The question of whether technology is good or whether it draws humans away from God is just one of those.
However, as an alternate history, The Lost Histories of Eden would be classified as science fiction. There is definitely an element of sci-fi in the book. Hybrid dinosaurs, advanced embryological research facilities, and airships exist once the Iyr have given humans the seed of knowledge they needed.
The book draws on deep questions. The question of whether technology is good or whether it draws humans away from God is just one of those.
09 February 2013
Getting started
The Lost Histories of Eden is a series of books that tell the story of when the angels came down and married women in rebellion against the Lord. It is inspired by Genesis 6 and the books of Enoch.
The series will be divided into two parts: The Age of the Watchers (which is a trilogy) and The Age of the Nephilim (which will have shorter diary style books). Although the first book in The Age of the Watchers begins with the death Seth, the Watcher series is primary about Jared, his wife, his son, and his friends.
The first book in the series is complete, but it is in the final stages of editing. We are also working on a website and a YouTube trailer and will keep you posted on those. This blog will help keep you updated and introduce you to the characters of the series.
The series will be divided into two parts: The Age of the Watchers (which is a trilogy) and The Age of the Nephilim (which will have shorter diary style books). Although the first book in The Age of the Watchers begins with the death Seth, the Watcher series is primary about Jared, his wife, his son, and his friends.
The first book in the series is complete, but it is in the final stages of editing. We are also working on a website and a YouTube trailer and will keep you posted on those. This blog will help keep you updated and introduce you to the characters of the series.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)