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The ramblings of Derek Hart.
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Greetings again:
I know I’ve been away from my blog for a few days, but it’s because I’ve been writing, among other things.
When we last left off on our journey, I was going to share with you working on the “bad guys”, because they always require the most attention. While Adicus Schinagel is a black wizard, Heinrich Himmler is the representative of all things evil with Nazi Germany, perhaps as much as Hitler. Yet no character is simply black and white, or they become cardboard. It’s not a matter of trying to squeeze out some ounce of humanity from either men, but rather the author’s ability to add human traits, such as fear, doubt, jealousy and greed, blended with the persona of their individual evil.
With Adicus, his motivation seems to be world domination as well, but in Book 5 we get a chance to dig deeper, to delve into his motivation from the magical, wizard-world application. After all, if everyone dies, what good what that do for a man steeped in magic?
Likewise, Himmler gains nothing from destroying the world. Subjugating the population might prove interesting at first, but Himmler suspects the Third Reich is doomed and plans not only his escape, but also wants to flourish in the post-war world.
SS Gruppenführer Taubert met Reichsminister Heinrich Himmler by the main gate.
“In spite of my busy schedule, my thoughts will often turn to Wewelsburg,” Himmler said wistfully. “I dearly hope my plans for the castle can be resumed after the war.”
Himmler is a fool, of course, for thinking he can return, but his arrogance seems perfectly natural.
“I will offer the Allies the key to so many secrets,” Himmler shared. “When they discover what I know, I will be exalted among kings.”
This pompous self-importance plays a vital role in the way things turn out, as the reader will discover in Book 6. Until then, I am crafting the steps that will lead Thaddeus to confront his own demons.
Still, it requires more than just the dialogue of a maniac to communicate the danger that awaits the dragon and his three cohorts. I have collected hundreds of photographs of Wewelsburg Castle and Himmler, to study while writing. I also visited Wewelsburg many years ago, but could not bring myself to go inside. This was many years before I began writing this series, but the strange creepy feeling never ebbed away. Most of the castle is off-limits to visitors and it makes one wonder what still lies inside?
Next time – the new characters come alive.
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Greetings again.
We’re wading deep into the story now, bringing converging characters into conflict, of course, but also adding suspense.
I am adding two new characters at this point. One is human and one is a cat, but with a very enchanted and magical past.
As with the previous volumes, I add the human element to the teen’s lives, so they become part of the war’s impact on individuals. I add the fantasy character to propel the reader into discovering yet another facet of the dragon’s past history.
Let’s start with the cat. Ziggimoo is an all white kitty, who wears glasses, at least when he can find them. He is scatterbrained, absent-minded, and a bit infuriating at times, but adorable too. However, the piskie Idyllioop doesn’t like Ziggimoo, but the reader won’t find out until the climax of this book.
As you know, I’ve been hinting at the importance of cats throughout the series, as Thaddeus has discussed them before. In this book, I will explain thoroughly the association between cats and dragons, with Ziggimoo at the center.
Now as to the human character, there will actually be 2, one a British Airborne soldier and one an American Ranger, both destined to be involved on D-Day, during the Normandy invasion of France. This gives me the opportunity to include the landings as the central WWII historical event, but also gives me a wonderful tool to develop yet more friendships to Gavin, Bunty & Emily. As the war went on, year-to-year, soldiers passed through many English villages and towns, but the relationships were brief and tinged with sadness.
This portion of the novel requires in-depth research. First, I want the British Airborne soldier to be involved with the glider assault on the Orne River bridges. Remember, I want the basic details of the mission, but I will write about this soldier’s personal experience, what he sees, hears, feels, smells, etc. This vital operation also gives a wonderful opportunity for Thaddeus to meddle in the outcome, assuring success.
The American will be thrown into the bloody Omaha Beach, right alongside Dog Green beach, where the movie Saving Private Ryan began. The Rangers were part of the specialized assault and were almost wiped out from wicked German defenses. Again, at the critical moment, Thaddeus will have an opportunity to make a difference. Will he take it?
The Orne River assault is well documented, so I grabbed this historical account. This is rough, because I haven’t inserted my new character, nor fleshed out the actual glider trip. I’ll add that today.
It was a steel-girder bridge, painted gray, with a large water tower and superstructure. At 0000 hours, June 5/6, 1944, the scudding clouds parted sufficiently to allow the nearly full moon to shine and reveal the bridge standing starkly visible above the shimmering water of the Caen Canal.
Halifax bombers, two groups of three, were each towing a Horsa glider.
Thornton was singing “Cow Cow Boogie and chain-smoking Players cigarettes.
With cast-off, there was a sudden jerk, then dead silence. All the singing abruptly stopped. The engine noise of the departing bomber faded away and there was a tomb-like silence, broken only by the swoosh of air over the Horsa’s wings.
Three of the gliders landed within fifty meters of Pegasus at 16 minutes past midnight on June 6th. The first, Glider No.92, containing Major Howard and No.1 Platoon of the “coup de main” force, landed heavily and came to an abrupt halt when, as had been planned during the briefings, it pushed its nose through and penetrated the first belt of barbed wire around the bridge. The force of this sudden halt catapulted both glider pilots through the cockpit screen and rendered them, together with all of their passengers, unconscious.
Within a fe
Beginning with this introductory post, we are going to take a trip together. I thought it might prove interesting for you to go along, as I write one of my novels.
Each day that I work at writing, I will share what was accomplished, how I went about incorporating the research with the prose, as well as the thought process. It will give you a glimpse into Derek Hart’s writing, as well as the actual building blocks.
I am currently working on 4 novels, switching between them depending on both mood and motivation. However, the primary focus is on Secret of the Dragon’s Teeth – Book 5 in the series.
This storyline is beginning to reach the climax of WWII, as the reader will find themselves in the Spring and Summer of 1944. Of course, the Normandy invasion is the focal point, the high-water mark. I am faced with both the challenge of writing about the invasion from a military and historical viewpoint, but more importantly from the human experience. Likewise, Thaddeus Osbert, the dragon who meddles throughout the series, wants to take a more active role in the outcome. Add to this the three teenagers (Gavin, Emily and Bunty) who are also now firmly involved. This quandary of plots and characters will be my greatest challenge, because it not only must make sense, but the decisions and action here leads to Book 6, where most of it comes together.
First, however, I have to solve two huge events that closed out Book 4.
1) Major Vickers was captured by the Germans.
2) Emily Scott was kidnapped by the German agent Vera Ericksen and delivered to Himmler. Remember, the American bombers are on their way to obliterate Wewelsburg Castle. Oh my.
I’ve had plenty of practice with this potential peril style and decided that the Book 5 sample chapter at the end of Book 4 would answer only half of item #2, because it would both intrigue and infuriate the reader. (Always a good tool.)
So here is how Book 5 will begin: Bold print, so you’ll be able to discern when the writing stops and starts.
There was an old stone house with apple trees in the yard, surrounded by a thick stone fence, which went clear around the house, separating the apple orchard from the road. Standing near a grassy bank in the hedgerow country, not far from the village of Bayeux, Major Traber Vickers awaited his execution in the cool dawn mist.
The members of the SS Exekutionskommando firing squad had heard the guttural orders to open fire.
“Schiessen!”
Darkness fell across them as their rifles fired simultaneously.
However, not one bullet hit the target.
In fact, every round simply disappeared in mid-flight.
Dumbfounded by this strange turn of events, the soldiers all looked at their rifles first, then at their commanding officer. The SS officer could only manage a half-hearted shrug.
Major Vickers peered through half-open slits, just as surprised to be alive.
It was then that the mysterious shadow grew in proportion, blotting out the morning sunrise. The SS soldiers felt an incredible chill sweep over them and they huddled together in uncertainty and fear.
In a blink of an eye, there appeared before them a gigantic monstrosity, a magnificently terrible creature with flaming-red scales. The dragon was poised, claws extended, tail raised to strike, mouth open to display razor-sharp teeth.
Perhaps courageous, perhaps foolhardy, the SS officer shook of his initial shock and screamed for his men to open fire. They hesitated for just a moment, before discipline took over.
Weapons lifted, it was the last thing those German soldiers ever did.
Thaddeus Osbert roared in defiance and with terrible fury unleashed, the dragon i
I apologize for being away so long. Lots of distractions, interruptions and frustrations.
Anyway, besides being attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets and stung multiple times, I’ve been a bit too busy for comfort. That’s because a lot of what I’ve been doing hasn’t been very productive.
Still, doesn’t do any good to complain, so I keep plugging away.
1) Hollywood completely baffles me. I read my online copy of Variety every day and the studios keep funding remakes, retools of Boomer TV shows, and inane projects that just make me shake my head. Little wonder the ticket sales (except for a very few exceptions) suck. People are sick of the same old thing and during these tough economic times, they’re not going to part with their hard-earned money on crap. Yet I sit here with over 20 stories which would make new and entertaining movies, but can’t get anybody to pay me the time of day. And believe me, I’ve tried!
2) Speaking of the economy, I get to shake my head again. Congress is the biggest joke of my lifetime and I’ve seen some pretty unbelievable things. Politics aside, what a bunch of losers. This isn’t just an issue of cutting spending, reducing the deficit, or reigning in spending. All of this bullshit comes from a bunch of overpaid morons who emit waste products every time they open their mouths. The disparity between the rich and poor aside ( an I’m not making light of the situation), I have ZERO respect for Congress, regardless of party and wonder how much worse it will get.
3) However, I do get a thrill every Monday evening, Friday evening and Saturday, while watching my son compete with his epee in fencing. He’s really quite skilled and while having a ton of fun, Ian is improving dramatically. He won a gold medal over the summer and always makes it into the Direct Elimination rounds, but it’s more than the competition, because he has made a score of new friends and he REALLY loves the sport. So cool.
4) Finally, there’s the writing gig I do every day. With everything else going on, it’s sometimes very difficult to stay focused on my true calling. While I admit I write a pretty solid novel and they too are improving with each project completed, so far the books aren’t paying the bills. The stress of not contributing to the bottom line really gets to me at times. Sure, I look for employment, but there’s this little voice that keeps telling me to go back to the keyboard. I battle this every single day.
One last item. I have created a pretty impressive Internet footprint for Thaddeus Osbert and Derek Hart. The following does seem to being growing rapidly and I have seen an increase in book sales and overall feedback. Nothing viral yet, but I keep striving to spark it. I want my fans to participate more, to help this train along, but hey, they’ve got their distractions, interruptions, and frustrations too!
0 Comments on Distractions as of 1/1/1900
There are two senses I try to enhance when I’m writing.
First, I like to listen to music. This usually involves a selection from my extensive collection of movie soundtracks. They’re great for setting mood, while shutting out the distractions. I have a tendency to listen to action and adventure scores, since that’s the genre I’m writing. I have my favorites, of course, so if you’re interested, you should check out some of the titles I’ll list later in this article.
My favorite composers are:
1. Jerry Goldsmith – my favorite, without a doubt. Too many to list.
2. Hans Zimmer – a close second and coming on strong. Transformers!
3. Ron Goodwin – Where Eagles Dare is my favorite soundtrack.
4. Elmer Bernstein – The Comancheros & Heavy Metal score are awesome.
5. Alan Silvestri – Van Helsing & The Mummy Returns
6. Roy Budd – Wild Geese & Fear is the Key
7. John Barry – James Bond & Zulu
8. Basil Poledouris – Red Dawn & Hunt for Red October
However, since I have over 200 movie soundtracks to chose from, I really focus on the project and my mood, before selecting. There always seems to be the perfect combination to help me along.
Likewise, there are movies I watch to help with specific book plots as well. For instance, when I was writing Secret of the Dragon’s Scales – Book 4, I watched the following films. When you read the book, you’ll understand the process.
Reign of Fire and Dragonheart – dragons, of course.
Operation Crossbow – The war against Hitler’s V-1 & V-2 rockets.
The Counterfeiters – Himmler’s elaborate plan to forge millions of English pounds.
Into the Storm – Fantastic movie about Churchill’s war years.
The Last Legion – A Roman spin on the King Arthur legend.
The Battle of Britain – Mood and setting, great music.
Sometimes the DVD sits in the computer drive for weeks at a time and I may replay a specific scene over and over. I don’t always know what I’m looking for, but again, with over 400 movies on DVD, I usually can find what I’m thinking about. This process is repeated for every novel I’ve written and it also prevents me from suffering from writer’s block, because I just overwhelm any resistance with music or acting and special effects.
So, while I’m pounding the keyboard and staring at the monitor, I’m usually surrounded with music and visual enticements. There’s only one drawback. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the movie or soundtrack, I stop writing. Oh well, time for popcorn.
0 Comments on When I’m Writing as of 1/1/1990
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Okay, this site is really cool. I built a profile for Derek Hart that people can invest in, not for actual dollars, but for social networking capital. The premise is really quite simple and loads of fun. First, you create your profile and connect with all the other sites you might use for social networking (such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Facebook Fan Page, YouTube, Flickr, etc.) It takes time to make all the connections and create a solid profile, but when people start investing in you, it’s very satisfying. I’ve only been at this for 2 days, but the response has been fantastic and if you’re interested in helping DHE out, please invest.
To be perfectly honest, I sometimes really hate Facebook. It takes too much time away from my primary focus – writing. It’s time-consuming and addictive. Then add Twitter and YouTube and LinkedIn and several other social networking sites, and sometime I feel like I’ve been sucked into an electronic Internet black hole.
However, I really must admit that there are times when Facebook is an absolute joy. I think this stems from either making new friends or finding old friends.
1) New Friends. Indeed, through Thaddeus Osbert, I have discovered a bunch of really great people, who are interesting and add value to the online experience. They don’t rant and rave, or spout political rhetoric, or complain. Instead, they share and support and give. This makes the experience enjoyable.
2) Old Friends. At first, many of my friends were already on Facebook and connecting with them didn’t take much effort. Keeping up with them, however, is a daily process and once you have over 2,000 friends, they can get lost through the cracks. No matter what you may have been told, Facebook isn’t easy and requires lots of time to keep track of everyone important. I make mistakes all the time and it can be very frustrating. Still, I do my best to stay in touch and support my friends through this window.
Finally, there’s that moment when you discover a new old friend! This just happened to me a few days ago. I used the Facebook search function and found Michael Bodeen, a very dear and important friend when I was in high school, some 38 years ago. What was more thrilling than finding Michael, was that he replied favorably to my email and we connected. Now it’s not like we’re going to catch up on all those years overnight, but for me, it was a thrilling rediscovery of fond memories. This is truly what Facebook does that is marvelous. You have the opportunity, whether you pursue it or not, to reconnect, reacquaint yourse;f. and even repair some of those bridges burned long ago. Believe me, it’s worth the risk.
Now there are no promises that you’ll find everyone. In fact, I have quite a long list of people I’d like to find, but I’m enjoying the detective work and the positive responses far outweigh the negative. I highly recommend at least trying.
So, here’s to Michael Bodeen and all my other friends, old and new, on Facebook and Twitter and all the other social sites. It’s nice to know you and I only wish we could meet in person. Until then, the electronic version will have to do.
0 Comments on Looking for Friends as of 1/1/1990
Yesterday was a delightful day. My son Ian won his first gold medal, after competing in an open epee competition for unrated fencers. He has only been fencing since September 2010, on the high school level, but we just recently started participating in USFA (US Fencing Association) tournaments in May of this year. In fact this was only his 3rd tournament.
Sure, I’m a very proud father. However, what I really feel good about was how gracious my son was in victory. He remained modest, went out of his way to congratulate all the other fencers he faced, and while he was elated, Ian kept his celebration very low-key. He was a gentleman and since I’m old-school, I felt proudest of his behavior.
There’s a gigantic Georgia peach trophy sitting on our table-top display now. It takes up a lot of room, but is a unique and eye-catching addition. Ian can’t wait to return to practice tonight. He is dedicated to the sport, but it’s so obvious that he enjoys every minute and while competitive, he had made a ton of friends from other schools, older and younger, and the coaches speak very highly of him. I go to every practice, but remain quiet and just observe. I fenced for a few years in high school, but never caught the fire that Ian has now.
Back to the actual tournament for a moment. It was my first experience with not being able to sit still. I paced during every bout, which is very unusual for me. Still, it was so much fun watching all those young fencers. It’s an expensive sport, but I feel that every dollar invested has paid off incredible dividends. Not only is it entertaining, but my son has grown into a man, the right kind of man. I am thrilled and proud. I love watching Ian learn from every bout and how well he listens to his coach’s advice.
En Garde!
First, pretty awesome that our video book trailer for Secret of the Dragon’s Eye went over 10,000 views yesterday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df3X5ww1hBQ
Then, it was awesome that Secret of the Dragon’s Scales – Book 4, is now available on amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Dragons-Scales-Book-Four/dp/1462026656/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7
Add to that, the Secret of the Dragon’s Eye book trailer was entered in a contest this week and is doing quite well.
http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/
So, a busy week.
Still, I wonder what it’s going to take to get DHE finally funded? I spend every day, 7 days a week – promoting, cajoling, enticing, wooing, begging, pleading, and entertaining. I’ve been told our business plan is solid, our business model is unique and aggressive, our financials conservative and realistic, our goals achievable, our content deep, our board of directors diverse and qualified, our staff creative and skilled, and our leadership insane! Isn’t that the stuff great companies are made of?
So, what does it take to get the right person(s) to back us? We’re not talking about scads of money here. We’re talking about just enough to get all our projects underway, not ideas, but products, revenue-producing. Geez, guys, so sit down and write a check and we’ll be employing 12 people and producing great entertainment across 9 different deliverables, with 26 content streams ready to go!
Anybody know a millionaire who loves dragons?
Busy writing. The good kind of busy, where I’m actually pounding out words and holding off editing until later.
Spent most of my free time last week focused on Secret of the Dragon’s Teeth – Book 5. The storyline takes place in 1944, the high water mark of WWII. We’re quickly closing in on the climax. Of course, the main historical focus revolves around D-Day at Normandy. I had the research material, for the most part, already gathered, but I’m busy balancing the airborne assault at the Orne River bridges and the beach landings at Omaha. The interesting slant on the plot will be how Thaddeus gets involved. This time, there’s no holding back and a certain red dragon actively participates in the outcome. With certain repercussions, as you can imagine.
I also finally divulge the closely-guarded secret regarding the relationship between dragons and cats, and the reader will learn why it’s so important. My piskie character Idyllioop also plays a vital role, as he knows some critical secrets about Thaddeus and dragons in general. Gavin, Bunty, and Emily, now 16, are faced with some heady decisions of their own.
Oh, don’t forget those nasty Nazis. Himmler knows the end is coming, so makes plans to escape, with an unexpected twist. There are some other surprises in store, all leading towards some pretty fantastic excitement in Book 6. Still a long way to go, but the tale is shaping up quite nicely.
Well, back to it.
Dad.
I was told by my Dad that I could always address him as Dad. Father was too formal and Pop is carbonated and you drink it.
My Dad, who is currently 85, is my hero. I was always in awe of his presence. In his prime, he looked just like Harrison Ford. In fact, when I went to see Patriot Games in the theater, I could have sworn my Dad was on the screen. They both have a way of contorting their mouth in a tight-lipped expression of barely repressed emotion.
What I’ve always found fascinating about my Dad was his ability to communicate, both in written and oral forms. He was commanding and since I had the pleasure of working with him for a number of years, I saw firsthand his ability to speak with each fellow employee with both respect and expectation. He was also the consummate writer, which is where I got that genetic gift, I believe. Once out of the Army Air Corps after WWII, my Dad majored in journalism at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Instead of pursuing a writing career, however, my Dad was also a whiz with numbers and became an accountant instead. (In this case, none of that skill was passed on to me, because I was a dismal failure with math).
While my Dad was in the service, he earned the nickname Buzz, which I always thought was so cool. Every adult I came into contact with as I was growing up always called my Dad – Buzz, unless it was a work, then it was Bob. There’s a long story that goes with Buzz, but suffice it to say that it has to do with low-flying B-29 bombers.
My Dad was also an incredible story-teller, entertaining my sister and I almost every night over dinner. He had a real gift for timing and a wonderful sense of humor. My Mother usually commented that every time my Dad told another tale, it was new to her.
One more trait that had a profound impact on me was my Dad’s ability to show and express emotion. It was rare back then, I think, for men to show that side of their personality, but my Dad never shied away from a good cry, especially after certain movies. I never got any lectures about it wasn’t manly to cry.
Now my Dad wasn’t perfect, of course, and he made mistakes, but he was never above apologizing either. We were very close, but I never got to see him as often as I wanted, because he traveled a lot during my teens. Still, as a role-model, friend, and mentor, my Dad was first-rate.
He struggles now with poor health and is frail, which is very difficult to witness. Yet his impact on my life and his words of quiet council and wisdom still echo in my brain on a regular occasion. I am most fortunate to have grown up with his influence. Besides, he loves reading my books and is an outspoken fan. Even when I struggle with my chosen career, my Dad is always rooting from my side.
So on this Father’s Day, while I can’t be with my Dad, my thoughts are warm and fond and full of pride. I strive to be as supporting, caring, and loving with my son.
I love you, DAD.
0 Comments on Father’s Day as of 1/1/1990
Dear President Obama:
As President, I’m certain you recognize the powerful, positive economic impact a capital gains tax cut would have for small business owners.
Since such a cut would be good for small businesses, why not give it to other businesses too? Businesses large and small across the United States are struggling in the current economy. Businesses large and small are cutting jobs, because of unfavorable economic conditions made worse by burdensome government policies like the capital gains tax. You should eliminate the capital gains tax on small businesses to every American family and business in order to encourage economic growth and competitiveness.
The capital gains tax is an unequivocal burden on the capital our great nation needs to grow, prosper, and compete in a 21st century global economy. Any American or business that sees an appreciation of the value of their income (capital) must pay up to 39.6 percent in additional taxes on this appreciation (depending on the length of the investment and the marginal tax rate of the individual or business). Considering inflation, the effective rate paid on investments is even higher. As we are coming out of the recession, the United States should do everything within its power to create a financial environment that allows businesses to rapidly grow and prosper.
Despite the current slump in the economy, your administration is likely to let the capital gains tax rate increase to 20 percent in 2011. That will kill jobs and slow economic growth, as I believe it has already had a negative effect.
Part of our economic problem is that the United States has one of the highest tax rates on capital gains in the world. Many industrial countries have no taxes on capital gains including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, and Turkey. Countries that do not impose capital gains taxes on stocks include Argentina, China, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand. In order to compete with economic growth in Shanghai, America must match China’s 0 percent capital gains rate.
Moreover, the actual revenue received from a capital gains tax is disproportionate to the burden imposed. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that in 1990 capital gains tax receipts totaled $32 billion, making up just 6.8 percent of total individual income tax receipts. By 2000, this number rose to $119 billion, making up 11.8 percent of the total. Notwithstanding the current economic meltdown, CBO estimates that for 2008, capital gains tax receipts will be close to $106 billion, making up 9.2 percent of the individual income tax receipts. While discouraging economic growth and driving investors across the Atlantic, receipts from the capital gains tax are barely making a dent in government revenue.
Given the current economic problems, I implore you Mr. President, to demand that Congress immediately eliminate the capital gains tax. Even if venture capital and investment dollars are not always wisely invested, the value of 0% capital gains taxes will offset this loss, creating jobs and adding true revenue gains to the economy. Instead of bailing out banks and failing businesses, help all Americans regain their drive to invest in our future. New companies hire employees. Get behind start-up funding, which not only will employ new people, but will breathe new life into our economy, with innovation and creativity.
Thank you for your consideration.
0 Comments on An Open Letter to President Obama as of 1/1/1990
I’m a writer. That’s my thing, as you all know. I like to tell stories and paint pictures with words. I enjoy the research, creating and fleshing-out characters, and developing plots that intrigue and entertain.
So there are times, when all the other stuff, really pisses me off. On the one hand, I’m trying to keep my people motivated and focused. I work on social networking, marketing, PR, advertising, and all sorts of company issues, on a miniscule budget. Depending on the day of the week, I wake up, look in the mirror, and shake my head.
“Have you lost your fricking mind?” I ask the reflection. It’s funny how he never replies.
Of course I’ve lost my mind. Why would anyone with an ounce of intelligence, start their own company? In this current economic condition, strangely there’s plenty of cash flowing into the most ridiculous tech applications, but it seems too much to ask for someone to fund a new entertainment company with a vault full of content.
Is it too much to ask?
I snarl and hiss and grunt and groan, then go back into the fray.
I’m telling you, I’m insane. Either that, or for some illogical reason, I believe in what I’m doing. See, this dream isn’t just about me. Sure, I envision a breath of fresh air for the entertainment world, because none of my stuff is a retread. Of course I want to write more books, screenplays, comic books, graphic novels, script games and roll out the myriad of adventures in whatever format the consumer demands. Some great movies could be born from these gems.
But it’s the people who have remained loyal and true to the cause. They labor and sweat blood over projects, without pay, but with me heartfelt thanks as their only reward. I couldn’t have gotten this far without them. This includes my readers and fans and friends and family too. I want to deliver this level of quality for anyone and everyone.
In fact, our Vision Statement is:
Quality Entertainment Begins With a Magical Heart
And our Mission Statement is:
To Provide Quality Entertainment for Everyone
Yes, it’s a dream. Yes, it requires my passion every day, over and over and over again. You face the ups and downs throughout, sometimes without any light at the end of the tunnel.
“In a startup, things seem great one moment and hopeless the next. And by next, I mean a couple hours later.” Paul Graham
It’s at the critical moments, when I throw up my hands in dismay and question whether anything else can go wrong, that a voice of calm always whispers, “Go write about it.”
So rather than retreating, I whip out the keyboard and dive back into what I’m best at. Someday, mark my words, this is going to pay off. Not necessarily with a big paycheck, though that would be nice. More importantly, lots of people are going to discover quality entertainment, whether that is with a Motor Torpedo Boat officer in Element of Surprise, a rare book dealer in Dust Jacket, a US Army Captain in A Favor For FDR, or loveable Thaddeus Osbert in the Dragon’s Secrets series.
Mark my words.
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Dear Derek:
Just finished reading Secret of the Dragon’s Claw, the third book in the series. Wow. Great read. Looking forward to Book 4. Inquiry – How did you come up with the idea in the first place? Jeff Parker – UK
I’ve actually been asked this question a number of times, so I thought I’d capture the story here in the blog.
When my son Ian was 8 years old, he came to me one day and said, “Dad, it’s not fair that I don’t get to read your books. Mom says they’re filled with adult themes, you know, sex, violence, that kind of stuff.”
I admit I laughed out loud, before replying, “You’re right. I should write a series that you can read, until you’re old enough to handle those ‘adult themes’. Would that be okay?”
He nodded enthusiastically.
I grabbed pen and legal notepad and said, “I’ll ask some questions, so I can get the basic outline together and go from there.”
“What kind of novel should it be?” I asked.
“Fantasy,” Ian replied. “Historical fantasy.”
“Time period?”
“World War Two, in England.”
I smiled and nodded. Right up my alley.
Ian barely took a breath. “There should be kids my age, but teenagers, since I’ll be that old by the time you finish writing it. It should have a dragon, because I love dragons. Not a nasty dragon, but a silly, loveable, wise old dragon.”
This, of course, was the key. This is how Thaddeus Osbert found me and I found him. Such innocent statements often lead to windows of opportunity being flung open.
“Great. This is enough to get started. I’ll let you read it as soon as I’ve finished.”
Ian was greatly pleased and I must admit that I was enthusiastic.
Jump on Google. I need a location. Cornwall. It just had to be. My Cornish ancestors would approve. I had been to Cornwall and loved it. Of course, King Arthur was supposedly born in Boscastle! Tintagel Castle! I felt the surge of excitement, as the plot sprung into mind. I need someplace unusual.
Crackington Haven. Perfect.
Then began the research. Start the story in 1940 and take it through to 1945. Six books, one for each year of the war in England. Yes, it started in 1939, but I think I’ll focus on the events once Hitler invaded France.
Who knew that I would be visited by this big red dragon several days later. Thaddeus claims he was waiting for someone willing to tell his story. I think he came to steal our sugar.
0 Comments on So How Did You Come Up With That? as of 1/1/1990
I remember the change, even if the details seem a bit fuzzy now. I was complaining to my mother that I was bored. Being an insatiable reader, she suggested trying a new author. Being a teenager, I rolled my eyes, but it wasn’t wise to argue with my mom.
We went to the library (it’s a place that has lots of books, in case you’ve forgotten). My mother suggested Alistair MacLean http://www.alistairmaclean.com/
I proceeded to pick out Ice Station Zebra and by this seemingly innocent action, set into motion my future as a writer. Sure it would take a number of years, lots of trial and error, and more than a few failed manuscripts, but the course was set. I read Ice Station Zebra that very afternoon, mesmerized by the suspense, the action, and the page-turning writing. We went back to the library the next day and I checked out When Eight Bells Toll (still my all-time favorite action/adventure novel0, Guns of Navarone and Fear is the Key. From that point on, I was hooked. I freely admit that I try to emulate Maclean’s style and I study his craft.
Mom knew she had scored a huge victory and not to be outdone, she recommended Hammond Innes, Jack Higgins, and Douglas Reeman too. Likewise, each of these authors made a huge impression on me and their hardcover books still fill my bookshelves, repeatedly re-read over the years.
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/hinnes.htm Hammond Innes
http://jackhiggins.co.za/ Jack Higgins
http://www.douglasreeman.com/ Douglas Reeman
With Hammond Innes, it was Wreck of the Mary Deare. With jack Higgins, it was The Eagle Has Landed, and with Douglas Reeman, it was Torpedo Run. With each of these authors I discovered storytelling that captured my attention and made my thirst for historical fiction even more profound.
I like to write what I like to read, so I tip my hat to these writers, who unknowingly ignited the fire within me to write action and adventure novels, ever striving to entertain.
0 Comments on
Action & Adventure as of 1/1/1990
Wow, I was up to 3am last night, this morning. I’m afraid I was bitten by the writing bug, a nice, but exhausting event that occurs about once a week for me, if I’m lucky.
Now get this. I was balancing writing on 4 manuscripts. This happened, because as I was researching for one book, I cam across great stuff for the other three.
Oh, BTW, I changed the title of Biggin Hill Manor to Moonlight Manor. This happened, because the Biggin Hill location limited my plot possibilities, where creating a semi-fictional manor gives the author more latitude. This novel is shaping up very quickly.
Of course, my main focus was on Secret of the Dragon’s Teeth and Secret of the Dragon’s Wings. Because these are the final volumes in the series, it requires that all the plots must have continuity and that most of them are resolved. this also demands that the historical aspects remain true and plausible, while the fantasy element fits. I might begin with a certain viewpoint and end with a completely different end result, because Thaddeus has his own unique addition to mess things up. That’s the fun part.
Without giving anything away, there’s also a fair amount of emotion building to the central climax, both with WWII and especially with Gavin’s relationship with Thaddeus. This means I have to let the story flow in its own direction, without changing the underlying message. Again, this is the part of the craft I love most.
Then, to take an occasional break, I worked on By the Moon Darkly, my latest YA adventure. The twins are already developing nicely and I wrote the basics for their misdeeds and disobedience, which leads to the central plot. Here’s where research really makes a difference, because it’s vital for me, as the author, to be able to put aside disbelief for plausibility. With literally tens of thousands of children and teenagers sent out of the cities to the countryside to avoid the German bombing, a myriad of stories and adventures took place. This social upheaval had an incredible impact on Britain’s society in the 50′s and 60′s, one often overlooked.
So when I’m writing about how the twins react to this “compassionate banishment”, it requires a realistic emotional response. Not only that, but throw in a war for good measure and the results should make good reading.
Time to take care of business, but I’ll be back later.
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It took me awhile, but I do frequent Twitter. Sometimes it’s still a challenge to write something in 140 characters, because, after all, I am an author. To limit the number of words forces me to be Nathanial Hawthorne every time I write. His skill at never wasting a word still amazes me.
Oops, I digress.
It took me awhile to do the Facebook thing too, but I don’t regret it now. Thaddeus has earned a whole new batch of readers, most of them quite loyal and impatiently awaiting Book 4. So I do understand the benefits of social networking.
However, the greatest challenge is to entice all those readers to share with their reviews, ratings, feedback, observations, input, suggestions, and even the rare complaint.
Believe it or not, one of the best tools available to enhance book sales and spread the word, is ……… drum roll, please…….. Yes, amazon.com. They have this neat little Derek Hart profile page (link below), where a visitor can see Twitter posts, watch the latest video, and go to any of the 19 currently-available novels written by yours truly.
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004UC6M6K
Here’s my quandary. How do I get all the Derek Hart readers to go to this site, spend at least 20 minutes reviewing the books they’ve read, and perhaps even taking more time to check out the titles they haven’t read?
I’ll just ask. Please, take a few minutes and go review just the dragon books for me. It would be awesome. I really want to know what you thought, what you liked and what you didn’t like.
THANKS!
It’s always a rush when a new book comes out. Secret of the Dragon’s Scales – Book 4, is no exception. Even though I sometimes look at the bookshelf lined with 20 novels, all written by me, with Derek Hart printed on the spine, it still seems unreal.
Of course, I’m my own worst critic. I can always do better and I’m always learning, trying to improve my craft. It’s not necessarily praise I’m looking for, but satisfaction from my readers. If they’re entertained, if they find something to laugh about, cry about, anywhere on those pages, then, I’m doing what I love to do, with a purpose. I want to entertain. I want the books to educate too.
Still, I’m feeling elated tonight, knowing that another dragon book is ready.
Very cool.
Got up bright an early, went outside and worked in the yard for a few hours, before the heat and humidity knocked me out.
After a shower and a few more cups of coffee, I switched to ice water and hit the keyboard running.
Oops. Sat staring at the screen. Gee, that’s strange.
I don’t ever suffer from writer’s block, because if I stall on one book, I have 15 other manuscripts I can turn to to get the creative engine running.
Yet in this case, I really wanted to work on the latest dragon book. Hmm.
Not to waste time, I popped into the CD player a movie soundtrack (The Mummy, by Jerry Goldsmith – great mood music).
Editing previous day’s writing is a great method to start, so I did so.
Presto, told ya.
Oops. My mind is not churning out dragons, but it’s solving another plot device in Biggin Hill Manor.
Now what?
Oh well. Giving in to where I’m going, I suddenly found myself delightfully writing……..
The lights were out.
The pub looked closed.
However, as previously instructed, the officer knocked on the front door.
He listened.
Then, quite slowly, the door opened a few inches.
“Yes?” inquired a low voice, male indeed.
“Wing Commander Ramsey Brevard,” the officer said quietly.
The door opened wide.
“Do come in, sir,” the unidentified man said quite warmly.
Ramsey Brevard stepped inside, shaking the chill from his shoulders. His greatcoat was removed without permission, but the officer didn’t seem to mind.
“If you would be so kind as to have a seat by the fire, sir,” his escort instructed, pointing towards the great stone fireplace. “It won’t be but a few minutes.”
“Thank you,” Brevard said quietly, quickly moving towards the warmth. The flames looked very inviting. Ramsey sat in the chair directly before the crackling fire, rubbing his hands vigorously.
“I have been instructed to pour you a measure as well, sir,” the man added.
A glass of port was passed to the officer.
Brevard took a moment to take a careful look around, before he took a sip.
Delicious.
Ramsey couldn’t help it. He smacked his lips.
“My name’s Quillsberry, sir,” the man introduced himsel, while coming to attention. “I’m afraid I’m out of uniform, but still under orders, sir.”
Brevard smiled, but was entirely confused.
There were steps on the landing, clear and dramatic, as if someone had timed the arrival for maximum effect.
It worked.
Wing Commander Brevard came to his feet and Quillsberry backed up to stand beside him.
From the shadows emerged an elderly gentleman, hair snow white, with a wonderfully groomed matching beard. He could easily have doubled as Santa Claus, except there was no pot belly. In fact, the naval uniform was extremely well tailored and no matter how many years had passed, this officer was in excellent physical shape.
Ramsey Brevard came to attention. “Sir.”
The admiral chuckled and waved him off. “Oh bother, don’t be so bloody formal. It’s past midnight, after all, so no one but Quillsberry here even knows we’re meeting. Sit, sit, and finish your port.”
“Thank you, sir,” Brevard managed to respond.
“Sit!”
This time it wasn’t a suggestion.
Brevard’s butt hit the wood in an instant.
“That’s better,” the admiral commented, pulling up his own chair. “Quillsberry, bring the bottle, eh, there’s a good lad.”
“Yes, sir, right away, sir.”
“He’s been with me for years now, don’t know what I’d do without him,” the admiral said kindly. “Eh, Quills?”
“Yes, sir, admiral.”
The admiral held out his hand. “I am Vice-Admiral Donald Beesley, Current Head of Naval Intelligence and you are Wing Commander Ramsey Brevard.”
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WRjgv62Ayc
Well, I haven’t exactly been working in a coal mine, but Devo’s song has been on my mind for a long time. “Lord, I am so tired.”
However, I have really been churning out the words. Secret of the Dragon’s Teeth – Book 5 is past 100 pages of draft and I’m enjoying what’s been accomplished so far. This book is the turning point in the plotline, where many of the dangling stories come together at last. Of course, I’m still a long way from finishing, but it’s coming together nicely.
It’s really hot here in Atlanta and with no air conditioning, I don’t venture very far from the fan or my glass of iced tea (unsweetened, please). This weather makes for interesting times…. as I balance writing, online sites, housekeeping, running errands, and lots of other stuff.
I had two chipmunks conducting Indianapolis time trials past me earlier this morning. They’re so cute, but silly and they collide into each other, while moving at light speed. I had no idea that those little rodents could move that fast!
Okay, back to the keyboard (coal mine).
Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill was a politician, radical, soldier, artist, author, and the twentieth century’s most famous and celebrated British Prime Minister. His evocative and stirring rhetoric, employed in many famous speeches, was seen as representing the spirit of wartime Britain, and was essential to raising national morale.
Winston Churchill would lead Great Britain for most of World War 2 and Churchill’s “bulldog” spirit seemed to summarize the mood of the British people during the bad times, such as Dunkirk, or the inspirational victories, such as the Battle of Britain.
To many people in Britain, Churchill’s stand against Nazism, and all it represented, was why the war was being fought. His speeches became part of legend and are often quoted to this day.
Churchill remained in London during the Blitz and regularly visited areas bombed by the Luftwaffe. To the people of London, the Prime Minister was one of them and a man who could have removed himself from the dangers of German bombers, but refused, instead staying in London along with those who suffered.
Churchill took an active role in conducting the war, which often caused great friction with his military commanders, as well as his staunchest ally, the United States. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the perfect moderator, however, able to satisfy Churchill’s need to participate in strategic decisions, while harnessing the Prime Minister’s enthusiasm to positive ends. The two world leaders became close friends over the course of the war.
Winston Churchill was also an avid reader and had a fertile imagination, which sometimes translated into outlandish and fantastic ideas for winning the ultimate victory. However, the Prime Minister never made apologies for his creativity and vigorously defended his actions, regardless of the outcome. Winston Churchill should be remembered for his indominatable spirit, incredible daring, and dangerous creativity. Of course, he made mistakes, but he did so with impeccable style.
This is a team effort.
Sure, I create the basic content, but after that, it’s all about other people chipping in. The awesome book covers are done by David Burke. Thaddeus Osbert’s image was drawn by Eric Hammond. The financials were put together by Tony Enlow. Our marketing and sales plan was plotted by Jodi Roth-Braun. The editing of our content is handled by Cindy Orwig. The IT requirements are maintained by Alex McCarthy. The voice of Thaddeus Osbert is provided by the multi-talented Barry Burden. There is a score of brilliant artists who have designed our action figures, scripted our video games, illustrated our graphic novels and comic books, written screenplays for movies, composed soundtracks, designed websites, and a myriad of other media and delivery systems.
In short, I couldn’t have done any of this alone. Most of these people have done these wonderful tasks, because they believe in the vision and their mission to help it all come true. The burden is on my shoulders to deliver a company worthy of their dedication.
Now you know why I don’t get much sleep.
I have so many books ready to go, that it’s driving me nuts. These are not just in outline stage either. Whenever I have a free moment (ha!), I try to work on one of the manuscripts. This assumes, however, that Thaddeus Osbert won’t be nearby, tapping his talons, expecting me to work on the next volume in the dragon series.
For instance, I really want to work on:
Biggin Hill Manor, my latest WWII adventure novel, set in England during 1940-41. This is something akin to my Motor Torpedo Boat trilogy, but this time with spies and commandos.
Or
By the Moon Darkly, an adventure for all ages, also set during WWII, with twin teenage boys sent to Scotland during the Blitz, who end up never reaching their destination and instead find themselves in Occupied France!
Or
Abandoned Places, an urban fantasy novel, with a pack of urban explorers who discover far more than they bargained for.
Or
The Wreckchasers, a novel written around aviation archaeology and the location/study of airplane crash sites and wreckage all around the world.
Okay, back to the keyboard!
Just for a quick refresher, I thought I’d capture in one blog all the Internet links you might want to follow?
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derek-Hart-Author/189987996440
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Do-You-Believe-in-Dragons/127512873931435
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thaddeus-Osbert-Dragons-Secrets/383140703053
http://www.facebook.com/thaddeus.osbert
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/ThaddeusOsbert
Red Room:
http://www.redroom.com/member/derekhart
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/267106.Derek_Hart
Amazon.com:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/267106.Derek_Hart
YouTube:
