Ever wonder how we do it? How we organize jumbles and scraps of thoughts and make an actual story or video game or coherent plot line out of what could very well be an endless labyrinth of mumbles and forgotten scribbles on napkins. This is what I have found, mostly free and opensource software, that have become great tools to support my worldbuilding and storytelling.
Tools for maps, art and other visual aids:
Gimp:
A free open-source alternative to adobe photoshop. this program can be hard to get used to as there are almost too many things you can do with it, but I have used it for pretty much all map making and for creating proof-of-concepts for my artwork. It has become a mainstay in my process of creating visual aids for my worldbuilding.
Paint.NET
Not sure about the overbearing nature of Gimp. Try Paint.NET. It combines the ease of use of windows paint with more advanced features that will cover 90% of what anyone would need.
Tools for organizing notes:
Onenote:
Windows now offers its ultimate note taking and organizing software as a free download. Combine this with one drive and you will have access to your notes from anywhere in the world.
EmaWiki:
Like wikipedia's way of linking articles to other articles and creating a web of interlinking notes and articles. Now you can make one on your desktop that syncs to an Android App(and vice versa) through dropbox so you can edit and take notes on the go. There are also many other flavors of wiki and even free hosted ones that you can share with others in a group. But I am partial to EmaWiki due to it's lightweightness and ease of use.
Tools for Writing:
Chrome Documents:
This is available to anyone who has a gmail account. Now I wouldn't suggest using gdocs as a tool for finalizing writing, but I've used it extensively for years as a simple way to get words on the page no matter where I am. You can also share documents with friends and G+ groups which makes it great for group projects and editing.
Microsoft Word:
Duh. Everyone knows how to use Microsoft Word. But it's also kind of expensive if it doesn't come with your computer (like mine). LibreOffice Forever!
Scrivener:
This is a paid application that I have used to go from notes to chapters to print ready manuscripts. I like it a lot but I also realized that after paying $40 dollars for the windows license and software that it is missing a lot of features that the Macintosh version has. I have to say I felt kind of ripped off. but it is still a great tool and if you plan on self-publishing there is no easier way to go from beginning to finished product.
yWriter:
Want an opensource version of Scrivener and don't need pretty buttons then this is for you. Has great tools to link characters, places, to notes and is another way to go from start to finish within one program. I couldn't use this for my upcoming novel The King's Challenge as I wanted to break it into parts, and this was unable to do so. But I want to try it again for a less strict project.
Tools for Mindmapping:
Dia:
Have a need to map out a plot line with multiple characters, POVs, or what have you. If you create anything other than a linear A to B story line than you will need something to make sure you don't get stuck in a plot hole or that your characters are all accounted for at the end. This allows you to zoom out in any direction in near-infinite expansion, so as your story grows so can your mind map and organization.
Never Underestimate a notebook and sticky notes:
Sometimes because of the confines of the screen or sometimes you just need something that allows more free-form of thought and you don't have to wait for it to work or learn how to use it. A notebook, a red pen, and sticky notes and you are set to design the next GRRM novel with interlocking time travel and never having to worry about losing track of that one event that creates the big plot hole. Or something like that, I wouldn't know.
I like and believe in opensource software. I work with Linux and CentOS for my paying job and opensource is the place you want to go for stability and knowing that you didn't just download a virus. Yes, you will lose flashy buttons and pretty lights but you will be in control of everything on your system just like your world. I recommend trying some of these tools most are free or come with free trails, try them see what works for you. And if nothing on here is what you are looking for use altenativeto.net and find what you need.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Workspace: Creating an Environment
Distractions are an ever present battle that any author must ignore if he/she is going to be successful in accomplishing their goal. I think it is wise to set up a space that is as distraction free as possible in order to allow your ideas to flow onto the page. I get distracted very easily by the internet, funny videos, family, my phone, the TV, my cat, you name it and I've probably been distracted by it. How does one break away from that stuff to create a momentary oasis where they are able to create without restriction?
Turn It OFF:
One could say this section is the angry old man section or the antithesis of this song, but it still holds true. Turn everything electronic off. Turn the TV off, turn social media off, don't even have a browser open for more than a quick research trip then close it once you gather the information you need. It's the 21st century and if you want to write with a clear mind you are going to have to make some sacrifices for an hour or two. My SO likes to watch TV in the evenings, so I have to be the anti-social one and put headphones on or I will stop writing anything that makes sense and start watching the show instead.
Cocoon yourself:
This is as much about comfort as it is about eliminating distractions. Use a chair that has a good back or like I do become a couch monster and wrap yourself in every blanket until you are cozy and won't want to get up to do something else. I like to wear over-ear headphones so that I completely shut off from the outside world and can focus on the world I am creating in my story.
Plan for It:
This is a hard one for me, but I try to take time when my family is not in the house and dedicate all that time to writing so that when they are around I can spend time with them. Also I work best in the morning, so every Saturday and Sunday I try to devote at minimum 3 hours of solid writing. If you plan for it, your mind will become used to the pattern and be ready to impart your imagination on the page. Sticking to this pattern lead me to finishing the first draft for 2 books in about 8 months. But always leave room for those spur of the moment lightning bolts that give you a huge leap forward in the plot or characterization.
Any writers out there feel free to share your tips on creating the perfect writing environment for yourself. Everyone has their own ritual that works for them and I love hearing about different techniques to get the creative juices flowing.
Side note: Writing a blog post is also a good way to procrastinate if you are stuck on how to begin your next story, like I am!
Turn It OFF:
One could say this section is the angry old man section or the antithesis of this song, but it still holds true. Turn everything electronic off. Turn the TV off, turn social media off, don't even have a browser open for more than a quick research trip then close it once you gather the information you need. It's the 21st century and if you want to write with a clear mind you are going to have to make some sacrifices for an hour or two. My SO likes to watch TV in the evenings, so I have to be the anti-social one and put headphones on or I will stop writing anything that makes sense and start watching the show instead.
Cocoon yourself:
This is as much about comfort as it is about eliminating distractions. Use a chair that has a good back or like I do become a couch monster and wrap yourself in every blanket until you are cozy and won't want to get up to do something else. I like to wear over-ear headphones so that I completely shut off from the outside world and can focus on the world I am creating in my story.
Plan for It:
This is a hard one for me, but I try to take time when my family is not in the house and dedicate all that time to writing so that when they are around I can spend time with them. Also I work best in the morning, so every Saturday and Sunday I try to devote at minimum 3 hours of solid writing. If you plan for it, your mind will become used to the pattern and be ready to impart your imagination on the page. Sticking to this pattern lead me to finishing the first draft for 2 books in about 8 months. But always leave room for those spur of the moment lightning bolts that give you a huge leap forward in the plot or characterization.
Any writers out there feel free to share your tips on creating the perfect writing environment for yourself. Everyone has their own ritual that works for them and I love hearing about different techniques to get the creative juices flowing.
Side note: Writing a blog post is also a good way to procrastinate if you are stuck on how to begin your next story, like I am!
Friday, September 26, 2014
The Unboxing of The Writers of the Universe
Watch me unwrap the very first print of The Writers of the Universe. I couldn't be more pleased with how it came out!
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The King's Challenge Short Description
I made a back cover/short description for my next book The King's Challenge
"The once prosperous nation of Redren fought back against the darkness. A darkness that entered their world through an impossible event and promised to deliver every living soul to its master Death. The king and magici of an age long past found a way to defeat the darkness and wrote The Knowledge a historical account that should never be forgotten. They also created The King's Challenge a once in a generation event to determine the king's worthiness and readiness should the darkness return. As family and friends fall victim to a faceless shadow that haunts Khymn throughout her life, she must decide on the ultimate choice: Save the world and turn her back on everything her people hold dear or be the one who allowed permanent darkness to fall over the world of Aura."
Does this sound like something you would want to read? Does it intrigue you enough to open the book and see what adventure is in store for Khymn Xupiter?
"The once prosperous nation of Redren fought back against the darkness. A darkness that entered their world through an impossible event and promised to deliver every living soul to its master Death. The king and magici of an age long past found a way to defeat the darkness and wrote The Knowledge a historical account that should never be forgotten. They also created The King's Challenge a once in a generation event to determine the king's worthiness and readiness should the darkness return. As family and friends fall victim to a faceless shadow that haunts Khymn throughout her life, she must decide on the ultimate choice: Save the world and turn her back on everything her people hold dear or be the one who allowed permanent darkness to fall over the world of Aura."
Does this sound like something you would want to read? Does it intrigue you enough to open the book and see what adventure is in store for Khymn Xupiter?
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
I Learn The Hard Way
I'm a guy that likes to try new things. I like to push myself into areas I've never been before. I once wrote a book entitled Roundtripping. I'll be honest with you, it's not a very good book. I'd say it's filled with 100% too much self-indulgence and an overall sense of bigheadedness. I was so in love with the idea that I could write a book and put it on the internet, I never stopped and asked myself if it was a story anyone would actually want to read. I believed that I could break the rules with my writing and do something different, this belief dissolved into nonsensical wankering all over the story. I feel as a more mature person, that I must apologize for that story. but it taught me valuable lessons that I will never forget.
Lesson 1: Don't waste peoples time.
People are very very very busy. They only have 24 hours in a day and most of that is dedicated to surviving until the next 24 hours. If you're going to write a book and convince them to spend a few days reading it, it had better be worth it to them by the time they get to the end or they will not return for the next installment.
Lesson 2: It's okay to do things different, just don't expect people to accept it.
I like self-publishing and self producing my music. I like being in control of the entire process. But if you feel like a punk and write like one, chances on anyone understanding what you are trying to say is one, yourself. With Roundtripping I tried to play into tropes of the fantasy genre and instead it became the trope I was trying to have a laugh at.
Lesson 3: Try Again
Never lose hope. You are talented, you do have a story worth telling, but ti's equally possible that it takes you a few tries before you find your groove. I've written three books in my life (A fourth on the way) and I have to say it wasn't until The Writers of the Universe that I have truly felt that I was an author and not a poser attempting to act like a writer.
I'm sure for many of you readers out there, it would have taken you a single sentence to say 'that's not going to work', 'no one wants to read that rubbish', but for me I'm a slow leaner and I will always learn the hard way. But now I get to share those hard fought battles with you! this is me apologizing to the few of you that read Roundtripping, and saying I hope you'll forgive me and give my new story a chance on your bookshelf.
Lesson 1: Don't waste peoples time.
People are very very very busy. They only have 24 hours in a day and most of that is dedicated to surviving until the next 24 hours. If you're going to write a book and convince them to spend a few days reading it, it had better be worth it to them by the time they get to the end or they will not return for the next installment.
Lesson 2: It's okay to do things different, just don't expect people to accept it.
I like self-publishing and self producing my music. I like being in control of the entire process. But if you feel like a punk and write like one, chances on anyone understanding what you are trying to say is one, yourself. With Roundtripping I tried to play into tropes of the fantasy genre and instead it became the trope I was trying to have a laugh at.
Lesson 3: Try Again
Never lose hope. You are talented, you do have a story worth telling, but ti's equally possible that it takes you a few tries before you find your groove. I've written three books in my life (A fourth on the way) and I have to say it wasn't until The Writers of the Universe that I have truly felt that I was an author and not a poser attempting to act like a writer.
I'm sure for many of you readers out there, it would have taken you a single sentence to say 'that's not going to work', 'no one wants to read that rubbish', but for me I'm a slow leaner and I will always learn the hard way. But now I get to share those hard fought battles with you! this is me apologizing to the few of you that read Roundtripping, and saying I hope you'll forgive me and give my new story a chance on your bookshelf.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
But Why A Pen Name?
Are you afraid? Is a question no one likes to hear or answer. This question often comes at a time when we ourselves have not yet decided what state of mind we are in. Are you hiding something by using a pen name and not your real name although it's quite obvious who you really are? Is a question I image I will receive throughout the lifetime of my writing. So I'll try and get ahead of the curve and answer that question for those who wish to know.
Back to the question. Why are you using a pen name?
I am using a pen name because I felt that I could not divorce my own personal surroundings from my writings. I needed to create a character that was not me so that I could tell any story I had floating in my head and have no fear of repercussions. You see when I use names like Dan, Jessica, Ryan, or any assortment of names I can't help but think of people that I know who have those names. I don't want those people to feel like I'm writing stories about them, that's too much pressure to put on a person. If I have a character Dan die in the third chapter I don't want Dan in real life to think I have a vendetta against him. Most people can probably logically divide between 'Oh this is a make-believe story' and 'oh he's being serious with this one' but I didn't want to risk it. As a self-published author my only audience at the moment is my community, so I certainly don't want to offend the few people that might ever read my story.
I will forever write under the pseudonym Stew Stunes because it allows me to write without fear, without worry, and enjoy the story being told instead of concern that i might inflict too much real life into something that is only made for entertainment.
Back to the question. Why are you using a pen name?
I am using a pen name because I felt that I could not divorce my own personal surroundings from my writings. I needed to create a character that was not me so that I could tell any story I had floating in my head and have no fear of repercussions. You see when I use names like Dan, Jessica, Ryan, or any assortment of names I can't help but think of people that I know who have those names. I don't want those people to feel like I'm writing stories about them, that's too much pressure to put on a person. If I have a character Dan die in the third chapter I don't want Dan in real life to think I have a vendetta against him. Most people can probably logically divide between 'Oh this is a make-believe story' and 'oh he's being serious with this one' but I didn't want to risk it. As a self-published author my only audience at the moment is my community, so I certainly don't want to offend the few people that might ever read my story.
I will forever write under the pseudonym Stew Stunes because it allows me to write without fear, without worry, and enjoy the story being told instead of concern that i might inflict too much real life into something that is only made for entertainment.
The First Review
The first review for The Writers of the Universe by my good friend Paul from the Youtube channel Darn Hooligans. He gives a good summary and an honest review. Thanks Paul! Be sure to like and subscribe to the Darn_Hooligans Youtube channel and follow them @darn_hooligans on twitter.
Worldbuilding: The framework
Worldbuilding is, to me, the most exciting and fundamental part of writing fiction. Before one can even type Chapter 1, the author has to have a place, a character, a time, and hopefully a reason. But those are just facts, objects that have the slimmest of connections to each other. Worldbuilding is the process of defining the bits that connect the facts of your story and make the story become more than just empty words on a page.
I have a chapter in my book The Writers of the Universe entitled Dragons In Space. I have had this idea for a very long time to clash two things together that make no sense and are extreme opposites in the literary world. Dragons generally belong on earth and in Fantasy lore, Space is normally reserved for a bright future in Science Fiction novels. Worldbuilding is the mechanics of setting up a scenario where such a thing is believable and also interesting to the reader. By asking myself questions and with the answers I made up, I could build a framework in which both dragons and spaceships could collide in a coherent and semi-believable manner.
The Setting:
Some Worldbuilders like to start with a place. So ask yourself who lives there? Then making an example up off the top of my head I say The Karj are the biggest nation on the main continent. What food do they eat? The Karj mainly eat and hunt large elk-like cattle. Do inhabitants live by the ocean or desert? This nation is nomadic and roams over the large plains of the continent. What other species of animals live in this world? Are they hunters, prey, predators, free rangers, or bugs? Ask a question, develop an answer that sounds plausible for the world you have made and then refine the question with more specific ones until you are satisfied with that aspect of your world. Some start with big questions like planets, continents, nations. Others like to start with a micro world, for example a single village on the edge of a dark forest. In this way you can build up or down, expanding the richness of your imaginary world.
A Character:
Now that you have defined a place where people, aliens, sea monkeys, and warlocks can all live in peace. It is time to put a character on the map. This doesn't have to be the second step in your world building. It can be the first, or the last, whichever comes naturally to your own creative process. The first character does not have to be the main character for your story, nor does it have to even be a character that will be mentioned in your story. It only has to serve as information to enrich your world and connect the missing links between plot, places, and our understanding of your world.
A Time:
These are the when questions. When does the king live/die? When is the major earthquake that uncovers the spaceship. When does character X meet character Y and fall in love? For my Universe of Chaos I have defined a timeline for the world of Aura as starting at the end of The Writers of the Universe. As I write more stories within this universe I plan on advancing the timeline so that I can go from fantasy to science fiction and have an understanding with the reader that this all happens but at specific points of advancement for the societies and nations of my world. You don't have to do this, but I found it a nice way to connect events and objects of importance in shadowy ways that enrich the fables I am trying to tell.
Hopefully A Reason:
Some worldbuilders like to create a place where they can escape to and dream about. Some build RPG campaigns to play with groups of friends, Some like to only create Wikis (I recommend Ema personal wiki), others video game concepts. I like to tell stories, It helps me feel more normal as it is something I can totally escape into. My reason for worldbuilding is because it honestly keeps me happy and sane. It's a tough world out there and sometimes the best way to fight it and understand it is to write about it. Hopefully a long time in the future when I hang up my quill for good, I will be able to say my writing helped others the same way it has helped me through my own troubled times.
Shout out to r/worldbuilding! Best community out there and the best place to ask questions if you are interested in pursuing any form of worldbuilding or are generally curious about this thing i do.
Stew Stunes
I have a chapter in my book The Writers of the Universe entitled Dragons In Space. I have had this idea for a very long time to clash two things together that make no sense and are extreme opposites in the literary world. Dragons generally belong on earth and in Fantasy lore, Space is normally reserved for a bright future in Science Fiction novels. Worldbuilding is the mechanics of setting up a scenario where such a thing is believable and also interesting to the reader. By asking myself questions and with the answers I made up, I could build a framework in which both dragons and spaceships could collide in a coherent and semi-believable manner.
The Setting:
Some Worldbuilders like to start with a place. So ask yourself who lives there? Then making an example up off the top of my head I say The Karj are the biggest nation on the main continent. What food do they eat? The Karj mainly eat and hunt large elk-like cattle. Do inhabitants live by the ocean or desert? This nation is nomadic and roams over the large plains of the continent. What other species of animals live in this world? Are they hunters, prey, predators, free rangers, or bugs? Ask a question, develop an answer that sounds plausible for the world you have made and then refine the question with more specific ones until you are satisfied with that aspect of your world. Some start with big questions like planets, continents, nations. Others like to start with a micro world, for example a single village on the edge of a dark forest. In this way you can build up or down, expanding the richness of your imaginary world.
A Character:
Now that you have defined a place where people, aliens, sea monkeys, and warlocks can all live in peace. It is time to put a character on the map. This doesn't have to be the second step in your world building. It can be the first, or the last, whichever comes naturally to your own creative process. The first character does not have to be the main character for your story, nor does it have to even be a character that will be mentioned in your story. It only has to serve as information to enrich your world and connect the missing links between plot, places, and our understanding of your world.
A Time:
These are the when questions. When does the king live/die? When is the major earthquake that uncovers the spaceship. When does character X meet character Y and fall in love? For my Universe of Chaos I have defined a timeline for the world of Aura as starting at the end of The Writers of the Universe. As I write more stories within this universe I plan on advancing the timeline so that I can go from fantasy to science fiction and have an understanding with the reader that this all happens but at specific points of advancement for the societies and nations of my world. You don't have to do this, but I found it a nice way to connect events and objects of importance in shadowy ways that enrich the fables I am trying to tell.
Hopefully A Reason:
Some worldbuilders like to create a place where they can escape to and dream about. Some build RPG campaigns to play with groups of friends, Some like to only create Wikis (I recommend Ema personal wiki), others video game concepts. I like to tell stories, It helps me feel more normal as it is something I can totally escape into. My reason for worldbuilding is because it honestly keeps me happy and sane. It's a tough world out there and sometimes the best way to fight it and understand it is to write about it. Hopefully a long time in the future when I hang up my quill for good, I will be able to say my writing helped others the same way it has helped me through my own troubled times.
Shout out to r/worldbuilding! Best community out there and the best place to ask questions if you are interested in pursuing any form of worldbuilding or are generally curious about this thing i do.
Stew Stunes
Welcome
Welcome to the Stew Stunes Writing Blog! Here I will post and discuss my adventures, struggles, and achievements as they happen. I have just recently self-published my second novel The Writers of the Universe, a science fiction story that I must say I am quite proud of. The link for those interested can be found here. I hope to make this blog fun, not super narcissistic and a new/old way to entertain and keep in touch with fans as I create more works of fiction within The Universe of Chaos.
Thanks!
Stew Stunes
Thanks!
Stew Stunes
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