#rodney evanson

[amandakthompson]

How Stargate Atlantis Inspired 'The Adventures of Rodney Evanson'

'Hide and Seek' is my favorite Stargate Atlantis episode, if not my favorite Stargate episode of all time.

Brilliant and totally self-centered scientist Rodney McKay is experimenting with an Atlantean personal shield and can't figure out how to get it off. When a mysterious cloud is let loose in the city, feeding off electricity and eventually the life force of humans, McKay is the obvious choice to lure the energy hog through the gate to a different planet. At the thought of real danger, McKay's shield falls right off. Typical for his 'looking-out-for-number-one' mentality. But when all else fails, McKay realizes he is the only hope for Atlantis. So, despite his terror, McKay wades into the belly of the beast. He manages to lure the creature away. And passes out.

"Yes!" I thought. "That's it! That's exactly what I want!"

Rodney McKay isn't a hero. He can be quite the coward when he lets himself. But when the time came that he was needed, when it was up to him to save the day, he swallowed back his terror and did what needed to be done.

And then he fainted.

Thus Rodney Evanson was born. Like his namesake, Rodney isn't a daring hero or a knight in shining armor. He doesn't even have the guts to stand up to a bully. He bases most of his life around his long list of fears.

I wanted to show that being a hero isn't about being the fastest or the strongest, but doing what needed to be done. That bravery isn't bravado or the product of suddenly discovered superpowers. It isn't the absence of fear that makes one courageous, but taking action in spite of it.

I didn't want my protagonist to struggle in his rise to heroism, only to realize suddenly that it was easy. I wanted him to accomplish his task despite his trembling limbs. And when the danger had passed, he wouldn't bask in his victory. He wouldn't say, "Oh, that wasn't so bad. Let's do that again." He would pass out.

If you're interested in seeing Rodney struggle with his fears, you can read the first two chapters of Rodney and the Gonjii right here.

[amandakthompson]

Diving Back Into Rodney's Head

This is it. I'm finally doing it.

Several months back, I finished what is hopefully the final draft of my first children's book, Rodney and the Gonjii. I set it aside and have only recently been thinking on it, since it's currently being read by an agent, an editor and a new critique group. (Yay!)

But this brings me to the inevitable task of writing the second book. And it is something I've been holding off on for a while. At first, it was perfectly reasonable. I wanted a break from Rodney, and I had several other projects to concentrate on. I wrote a first draft for another book, 50k of a different novel for Nano, and focused on two fanfiction projects I have going.*

Recently, it has come to my attention that what at first was a healthy rest between creator and creation was something much more dreadful.

I'm scared.

I love Rodney and the Gonjii. This is huge for me, because there was a span of two/three years where I loathed the book.

In the back of my head, I think I'm afraid that the next book will be just as hard, if not worse. That it will take me another seven grueling years to create a story of which I love every word, every scene, every spoof and allusion.

What if I can't do it? What if this was a fluke?

What if I fail?

Even I know these doubts are ridiculous. Perhaps the fears are genuine or to be expected, but allowing these to cloud my judgement or my pen is the truly ridiculous part.

We cannot give in to doubts. We cannot think of the astronomical odds that are not in our favor. 

We write because it is our passion, and we must believe that it is a passion that people will see and recognize. 

Which is why I'm diving back into Rodney's head. Today. Book 2, here I come.

*Yes, I freely admit it. I am an unabashed writer of fanfiction.

[amandakthompson]

Another Madcap Adventure Awaits!

It's that time of year again. While the rest of the world goes gangbusters over the perfect costume and tubs of delicious candy (CANDY!!!), every writer is patiently or pensively biding their time because they know October is nothing. Nothing but the painful wait to NaNoWriMo!

Of course, October doesn't have to be the last stretch to that blessed National Novel Writing Month. Instead, it can be used as prep time.

I, for one, have always enjoyed using NaNo as a serious madcap, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of madness. No pre-plotting, no pre-thinking, and cram as many Dares into that sucker as possible!

But over the years I have realized something. It's exhilarating -intoxicating- to create something from an oblivion of nothing in 30 short days. However, looking back on those pieces I've created, I know they're never great. Or even very good. I'm often able to come up with great ideas and even a group of brilliant scenes, but on the whole my 50k novels are always crap.

Understand that the purpose of NaNo is simply to hash out 50,000 words, to push you to write something. It's expected that most of what you throw out there is going to be crap and, frankly, this never bugged me until I experimented with Karen Wiesner's First Draft in 30 Days.

Now that I know I am capable of forming a completely cohesive plot, broken down scene-by-scene with incredible detail in 30 days, producing a haphazard novel for NaNo is evidently no longer an option. Even thinking about it sends my Inner Editor into conniptions.

And so, October has become Nano Prep Month.

The first novel I ever did for Nano was back in '07, and it was the very first novel-length adventure for Rodney Evanson and co. As I'm ready now to transform this into the sequel for Rodney and the Gonjii, I've just been re-reading this original version.

You guessed it -crap. An occasional glimmer of brilliance, but on the whole not something I want seen in public.

Incorporating one of the handy final chapters of Wiesner's book -'Creating an Outline for a Project Already in Development or Re-Outlining a Stalled Project'- I'm going to see what magic I can work with this horrible first draft before I begin my dash to the 50k mark in November.

I know November is less than 30 days away, but if you're considering a Nano novel yourself I urge you to undertake the 30 Day Method with me and see what wonders you, too, can work!

And even if you don't want to use the Method, at the very least peruse the Nano site (www.nanowrimo.org). This place is a brilliant think tank for amateur, wannabe or professional writers alike. The members are awesome, the Dares are hilarious, and the Office of Letters and Light are the blessed saints of aspiring novelists.

[amandakthompson]

Pitch Perfect

While I wait for feedback from my selected group of beta readers, I've turned once more to the other side of the author's coin. Now that the book is finished, it's time to get it out there.

But -to paraphrase a popular Boromir meme- One does not simply send one's manuscript willy-nilly into the world.

To generate interest in your manuscript, you need things like a solid query and a captivating hook. I have discovered a wonderful authority on this part of the author's life. Putting Your Passion into Print is a brilliant tell-all and it will be my constant companion forevermore. [Thank you Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry!]

It is the pitch that I have been working on this past week, and unfortunately it's been giving me some issues.

Me --> Roadblock = Kablooey!!!

I was having trouble grasping the true soul of the pitch. Instead, I found myself piecing together summaries and taglines. So today I finally sat down with someone to hash it out with. We talked for about five minutes, bouncing different ideas off each other without tons of success.

And then he said something. Something completely brilliant.

"You know that minute and a half quote from Psych you have on DVR?"

This would be from the episode 'Let's Get Hairy' and the content is a perfectly worded epitomization of Carlton Lassiter. Since I cannot find a clip of it, you will have to enjoy it in mere print. My apologies.

Imagine Robert Dule dressed as Mr. Bean playing the Scarecrow in a summer stock production of The Wizard of Oz dedicated to Tony Randall.

Having watched and re-watched this clip somewhat fanatically I replied that yes, of course I knew it.

"That's basically a pitch," he explains. "You want to compare your book in such a way that whoever reads it sees exactly what they're going to get."

This is what did it. After days of slaving away, trying to read between the lines to understand what I was missing -and the genius writers of Psych are the ones to get it through my head with one perfect comedic line. How fitting.

Read that description again. Can't you just see Lassie?

So that's what I did today. I used the advice of a marvelous book, coupled by a favorite quote from a great TV show, and I wrote a pitch for my middle grade novel. I'll let it sit for a few days and then try to clean it up, but I'm confident I've found the bones from my perfect pitch.

[amandakthompson]

Rodney and the Gonjii

Sometimes the only thing worse than being afraid is having to face your fears.

Silly me! I've been teasing you with excerpts for months -and last week I announced that my middle grade novel is finally finished -and I didn't give you the link!

This shall quickly be amended. Rodney and the Gonjii is posted on Figment.com. I read every comment and review I get, and I would love to hear what you think!

And just to get your attention, here's the first page:

Fear is nothing but an illusion. At least, that’s what Dr. Bill always says. I think he’s wrong. Maybe that’s my problem.

Dr. Bill explains that even though it’s only an illusion, fear is sometimes a good thing. It gives us pause, time to stop and think ‘Hey, this is a really stupid idea’ just before we jump from an airplane at 9,000 feet with only a parachute or plunge from a precipice connected to nothing but a bungee cord. This I agree with.

But Dr. Bill also says that fear can be a hindrance, that it will stop you from doing perfectly logical things like daring the trek into the dark and low-ceilinged arcade or pulling something from the subtly treacherous confines of a hot oven. This is where the good doctor and I begin to disagree.

Take Little Zeus, for instance. The freak magnetic storm is the largest ever recorded and it’s about to strike any day. Dr. Bill would probably insist that it’s perfectly healthy to be nervous about it. Natural disasters can be scary. But I’m not ‘nervous’ about it. I’m terrified. A white-knuckled, heart-stopping, breath-catching kind of terror.

The heavy clomp of footfalls behind the Chervanicks’ front door reminded me that the storm wasn’t here yet. I managed to plaster on an almost convincing smile just as the door opened with its tired groan.

Mrs. Chervanick peered out at me, a little surprised. “Oh, good morning, Rodney.”

I shifted uncomfortably. “Um, hi, Mrs. Chervanick,”

“You’re a little early.” She smiled kindly at me though, like she could hear my heart still racing. She ushered me in.

The moment I stepped into their house, I felt better. The familiar smell of saw dust and apple crisp washed away my worries.

The entryway was tight with the both of us standing in it. I slid along the wall to keep from being stepped on as Mrs. Chervanick maneuvered to face me. I’ve been around centaurs long enough to know how they move and I’ve had my puny human foot trod on enough to avoid it at all costs.

“How are you this morning?” she asked in her usual meek tones.

As she moved left, I backed to the right, into the hallway. We expertly avoided one another’s steps. Back, clomp, left, clomp, right, clomp, dodge. It was like a carefully choreographed comedy routine. I couldn’t help grinning.

"Getting better," I said.

[amandakthompson]

The Next Step

It's finally finished. Last week, I wrapped up the final moments of my middle-grade novel Rodney and the Gonjii.

Now it is time for the next, vital step.

Feedback.

Every writer needs this. Other readers bring in different opinions and a fresh set of eyes. The best feedback comes from readers who aren't shy about telling you if there's something off.

Reach out to friends, family and colleagues, anyone you would trust with your baby. This I've done, and now I play the waiting game.

*twiddles thumbs*

Ho hum.

I guess I'll use the time to concentrate on another writing project.

The Muse waits for no author.

[amandakthompson]

They Like Him, They Really Like Him!

Last week I posted the first chapter of my novel-in-progress, 'Rodney and the Gonjii'. So far, all responses have been positive! Rodney's coming across as funny, and not pathetic, as it was always meant to be. I'm so proud of him. *huggles*

And so, thanks to the enthusiastic readers on Figment.com, I've decided to post Chapter 2: There's A Bad Storm on the Rise. There's a short excerpt below and you can follow the link for the first two complete chapters. Feedback is appreciated -nay, craved!- and my inbox is always open. Enjoy!

http://figment.com/books/309803-Rodney-and-the-Gonjii

EXCERPT:

Lundy Kottle barreled into our path. He’s roughly the shape of a barrel, so it wasn’t hard for him. But don’t mistake his girth for fat. Kottle’s tough, in body and attitude. If someone punched him in the gut they’d be in more danger of breaking their fist than winding Kottle.

Lundy smirked at us. “Hey, dorks.” He glanced at Cedric’s bulging saddlebags and grinned, revealing crooked and stained teeth that were just barely too sharp. There’s a rumor flying around school that he’s a Mix; they say he probably has some ogre-blood swimming through his veins. I don’t have any trouble believing that, but I wouldn’t dare breathe a word of it.

Lundy poked a finger at the bags. “You got something for me in there?”

Cedric cowered, but he was too scared to back away.

I gulped. “Uh…”

Kottle’s also on my List. He’s not Number One, but he’s a lot higher up than spiders.

Lundy turned on me. “I told you yesterday, Evanson,” he snarled. “The price is two candy bars a day. Without that, I can’t promise you any protection.”

Extortion was a new thing with Lundy. I get the feeling he’d been watching too many gangster movies lately.

“Sorry, Lundy,” I squeaked. I tugged at the hem of my shirt, straightened my glasses. “I, uh, forgot.”

Kottle stepped closer and got right in my face. “Well don’t forget to remember!” he bellowed.

I shuddered as he sprayed flecks of spit onto my cheeks and glasses. Don’t think about the germs; don’t think about them!

“L-l-look, Kottle-” Cedric tried to cut in. I give him points for that.

Kottle whirled on him. “What was that? Did the baby fourlegs just talk?”

Cedric averted his eyes.

Kottle smirked triumphantly and turned back to me. He jabbed at my forehead with a big, meaty forefinger. “Thanks to your friend here, the price just went up. You’ve gotta cough up four bars now. King size.” He shot Cedric a look. “You want the number to go up, Halfsy?”

Cedric flinched. Kottle couldn’t have hurt him worse than if he’d hauled back and punched him in the face.

Rage welled in my stomach and seized me by the throat. I clenched my fists but what could I do?

[amandakthompson]

Eeny-Meeny-Miny-Mo

A while back -geez, it must have been last year already- I began having issues with my novel. It wouldn't cooperate and the main character Rodney and I decided it would be best if we spent some time apart to mull things over and try to figure it out.

Recently, I picked up the pen again. (For the techie generation, that's 'opening the Word document'.) I began to read through the latest version that had caused me such aangst and aggravation. To my surprise, I've really enjoyed it. From my recollection, it should have been riddled with plot holes and uncharacteristic behavior, but for the most part it's consistent and fun; as I read a warm glow begins to spread through me as the tantalizing, thrilling thought that it's almost ready dances through my brain.

And then I reached the end. Except it wasn't the end. It was a sudden drop-off, a precipice of frustration and uncertainty. As I plummeted down I recalled rather bitterly that this spiffy, new-and-improved version was never...actually...finished.

Oh. Right. That. I became bogged down in one section and rewrote it several times before throwing my hands up in frustration and finally stepping away. I remember now.  sigh.  And I was so enjoying myself.

I'm stuck hovering somewhere between that sharp cliff and the solid bottom, trying to figure out my next move. The problem is that I've re-read the different versions and they both seem pretty good. I've spent all day poring over them, and I just can't decide.

I think I need a second opinion. Or maybe an intervention. :P