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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Dec 2007 : 00:05:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Karzak
It's not perfectly legal even when money's not being made, actually: it's dubious - and more of a "don't ask, don't tell" kind of thing than "pristine shiny perfectly legal."
On further thought, you're right. Although, I can say I've seen plenty of FR fiction floating around over the years, and I'm sure WotC knows about it--and I don't recall ever hearing about WotC taking action against it. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Aravine
Senior Scribe
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2007 : 00:33:14
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| Looked good. |
The brave don't live forever,the cautious don't live at all |
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2007 : 02:58:03
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Thanks Aravine.
I am furiously proofreading the book one last time. You can't get them all but they are so distracting when you catch one. |
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freyar
Learned Scribe
Canada
220 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2007 : 03:41:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Originally posted by Karzak
It's not perfectly legal even when money's not being made, actually: it's dubious - and more of a "don't ask, don't tell" kind of thing than "pristine shiny perfectly legal."
On further thought, you're right. Although, I can say I've seen plenty of FR fiction floating around over the years, and I'm sure WotC knows about it--and I don't recall ever hearing about WotC taking action against it.
Actually, isn't a lot of the stuff here on Candlekeep, including the wonderful Compendia, in this same sort of quasi-legal category? |
My DnD Links and Creations |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2007 : 04:12:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Karzak
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Originally posted by Ozzalum
I wasn't trying to start an argument. I'm just not sufficiently knowledgeable of the fan fiction community to know if there are different terms used to describe fiction involving characters already well defined by another author and stories involving new characters. I know some folks have strong feelings about the former I wanted to say that's not the kind of book I wrote.
This novel would be fan-fiction (as you aren't using your own setting, and you aren't writing on behalf of WotC), but as long as you aren't making money off it, and you aren't, it's perfectly legal. 
It's not perfectly legal even when money's not being made, actually: it's dubious - and more of a "don't ask, don't tell" kind of thing than "pristine shiny perfectly legal."
Placing A "CAMPAIGN" story line on paper, then sharing it with a bunch of interested friends. No issue from my perspective. If it was, I am sure Alaundo would not allow it here. |
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 24 Dec 2007 : 20:14:00
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So while it is not yet Christmas I do know what I got for "Deadwinter Day."
A laser printer.
So now it won't take an entire cartridge of "HP 21 Black" to print the book.
End of the week for the release...
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 25 Dec 2007 : 17:42:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Ozzalum
So while it is not yet Christmas I do know what I got for "Deadwinter Day."
A laser printer.
So now it won't take an entire cartridge of "HP 21 Black" to print the book.
Well, that's nice to know--I might want one. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 26 Dec 2007 : 17:18:36
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It has been sent to Alaundo, considerably lighter on typos and continuity errors.
Hopefully it will be part of the next update.
EDIT: Advance copies available upon request! |
Edited by - Ozzalum on 26 Dec 2007 20:55:04 |
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Ranak
Learned Scribe
USA
190 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2007 : 05:35:21
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Sign me up Ozzalum! Hehe, actually I can probably wait for the next CK update... Can you tell me a little more about the book without giving it away? Perhaps a couple of characters. What inspired you to write a full novel? That takes some doing. I have tried and failed a few times at it myself.
quote:
Originally posted by Ozzalum
It has been sent to Alaundo, considerably lighter on typos and continuity errors.
Hopefully it will be part of the next update.
EDIT: Advance copies available upon request!
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2007 : 19:43:43
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Not sure how my response got triple posted under some other guy's name but that's computers for you.
Let me repost.
quote:
Sign me up Ozzalum! Hehe, actually I can probably wait for the next CK update... Can you tell me a little more about the book without giving it away? Perhaps a couple of characters. What inspired you to write a full novel? That takes some doing. I have tried and failed a few times at it myself.
Let's see, I suppose I can reveal some things...
This book started as a backstory for a character I wanted to play: a Ranger/Sorcerer. I started to write an encounter he had with an Yuan-ti in the Firesteap Mountains as a way to flesh out his personality and history.
I soon realized that he would be doomed as a PC but decided with the careful guiding hand of an author he might make an interesting protagonist in a book. And so Ehric Graimen never saw a play session and actually managed to keep me from playing much DnD for the last year or so.
As for how I managed to actually finish a book; I attribute that to truly foolish optimism. I feel pretty confident that I could be a published author with the proper allotment of good fortune. I took to heart the advice in the Authors' Forum here that I should finish what I start. No one sits down to read 80% of a book.
As for the story itself...
Ehric is not a natural "loner" but his pledge to keep the Orcs and Ogres of the Firesteap Mountains from uniting has made for a solitary existence. He lives with his family during the winter months but has no close friends. So instead of a loner he is merely lonely. This makes him susceptible to the influence of, among others, Shoptim Nuln.
Shoptim is a newly raised Red Wizard on her first assignment to the Enclave in Innarlith. She is a Transmuter in an Enclave run by an Evoker. Her mission is to spy on the head of the Enclave and learn what it is he is searching for in the mountains. A fortuitous encounter with Ehric gives her hope she might be able to accomplish the task set before her.
There are plenty more characters (probably too many) but I can't tell too much more without ruining it.
The overall tone I was going for was what I would deem "serious." Characters may have a sense of humor but the world they inhabit is dangerous and sometimes brutal.
Thanks for the interest, Ranak.
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Edited by - Ozzalum on 27 Dec 2007 20:04:31 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2007 : 19:57:54
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I believe the Sage let his gremlins loose again... Those pesky critters like to cause problems, and are a pain to get out of the carpet if you step on them.  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Karzak
Learned Scribe
196 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2007 : 21:26:24
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| Please tell me Ehric and Shoptim don't fall in love (or that Shoptim pretends to engage in a romantic relationship in order to gain influence over him). |
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2007 : 21:34:20
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quote:
Please tell me Ehric and Shoptim don't fall in love (or that Shoptim pretends to engage in a romantic relationship in order to gain influence over him).
Too late Karzak, you already said you'd read it. (Where's the maniacal laughter emoticon when you need him?)
I'm taking a strict no comment policy on romantic relationships. I will say that my primary reader/editor responded exactly the same way you did but ended up liking the novel (and Shoptim, in particular) just fine. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2007 : 14:41:27
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| I think you should be proud that you finished a novel. Optimism isn't foolish if it gets results. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2007 : 16:56:31
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In which year is the novel set Ozzalum?
Does your novel make mention of any of the events which take place in the Watercource Trilogy, which also features the Red Wizard Enclave in Innarlith? |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Karzak
Learned Scribe
196 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2007 : 17:40:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Ozzalum
quote:
Please tell me Ehric and Shoptim don't fall in love (or that Shoptim pretends to engage in a romantic relationship in order to gain influence over him).
Too late Karzak, you already said you'd read it. (Where's the maniacal laughter emoticon when you need him?)
I have two shiny RPGs on my plate, on top of leveling a new character in WoW.
Also, after reading what you've said about Ehric, I suspect he's not the kind of character that'd interest me a great deal, either. |
Edited by - Karzak on 28 Dec 2007 17:44:26 |
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2007 : 18:47:33
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quote:
Does your novel make mention of any of the events which take place in the Watercource Trilogy, which also features the Red Wizard Enclave in Innarlith?
Alas it does not. Try as I might, I was unable to get through those novels. I chose Innarlith because of its reputation for hedonism, exploitation, and the rising threat of Cyric. I used material from sourcebooks but I know I likely go against canon lore presented in the Watercourse Trilogy. Hopefully readers will forgive me this deviation.
When I first became aware of the Watercourse Trilogy, I considered moving the action to another, less well known city with a similar reputation. I believe Reth in the Vilhon Reach came to mind. But in the end I figured it would just introduce new frustrations trying to shoehorn the action into a new place with its own local flavor.
I've nominally set the tale in 1376 but this is a largely stand alone story at this point. I didn't feel I had the expertise in Realmslore to really tie in many outside events. If only your book had come out sooner! |
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2007 : 19:04:54
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quote:
I have two shiny RPGs on my plate, on top of leveling a new character in WoW.
Also, after reading what you've said about Ehric, I suspect he's not the kind of character that'd interest me a great deal, either.
It's like it's Friday night and the girl I asked out says she has to pluck her eyebrows. Except in this case she called me to specifically give me that excuse. Ouch. |
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Pasta Fzoul
Seeker
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2007 : 05:18:18
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| I'll reserve judgment on Ehric, but Shoptim's story has piqued my interest |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Karzak
Learned Scribe
196 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2007 : 06:35:39
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Well, a promise is a promise. I took a look.
I don't know, I find the writing clumsy. For example:
quote:
He intoned; taking his time as he carefully spoke the syllables. He would have been shocked to realize he was speaking in the Sylvan tongue, but any Fey creature of the world would recognize the words.
Not only is the semicolon misused (adsdgskljkl why can't people just stay away from the semicolon if they have no clue how to use them?), the second sentence is just irritating. It's a completely random factoid thrown out in the most jarring manner possible. Who's telling the reader this? Pick a viewpoint! Omniscient third person isn't easy to do and most of the time it does nothing for the writing, despite what many fantasy authors seem to think.
I find Ehric boring. I find the fight scene really boring. Skim, skim.
quote:
"No My Lady."
Why the random capitalization? This isn't being written in German, is it? Also, you need a comma. Skimming some more, there's a lot more iffy punctuation. (Commas where there should be none, no comma where there should be some, no question marks after questions.)
I'd comment more on the content, but I'm afraid it isn't doing much to hold my attention. By chapter three, I still don't get a feel for Ehric's personality. He's one of those bland everyman types I've no patience for. Works for some people, I guess, but for me I prefer more distinct protagonists (or at least a bland protagonist who's surrounded by interesting secondary characters, which this one is not). Scenes that should be filled with strong emotions, like Rhonain's funeral, fall flat; Ehric's "I am sorry" feels insincere, Evandra's tears feel perfunctory. This kind of told-but-not-shown bits:
quote:
Mere's angry exterior collapsed into anguish.
Collapse into anguish? How do you tell? What's his body language like? And so on. Merely telling the reader "he is angry" or "he is sad" isn't the best way to go about conveying emotions.
The dialogue in general tends toward the wooden and forced. I'd be more than happy to recommend you some authors who write natural-sounding dialogue, if you're interested. |
Edited by - Karzak on 31 Dec 2007 06:55:35 |
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2008 : 00:26:55
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Thanks Karzak. A deal was a deal.
That was a fine constructive panning and I'm sorry you had to slog through the first few chapters to generate it. If you could hear the OmniscientThirdPerson right now, Sie, I mean he, would tell you, "Ozzalum is sad." You'll have to imagine the appropriate body language as I clearly haven't the words to decribe it.
I hope you enjoy your shiny new RPG's and I wish your Night Elf Mohawk a long life with many interesting secondary characters. |
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Ranak
Learned Scribe
USA
190 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2008 : 08:07:15
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Your book really starts to come alive at about page 15. I agree with Karzak that it starts out feeling a little rough, but once you get past those opening pages that are a little stilted you seem to fall into a much better rhythm.
I disagree about the fight, which I thought was well written and Rhonain's funeral, which I was pretty touched by - I thought Ehric's response was appropriate, I do not expect a woodsman to be an eloquent preacher, and I think it speaks to his recognition that no words can possibly make up for the loss of a life.
Your prologue was pretty intriguing, I am sort of left wondering how the Untheric pantheon is figuring into this story. Hyliph and Nanna-Sin don't seem to be figuring into the story at all and I am up to Chapter 6 - so far we have some menacing Yuan-ti and an interesting Red Wizardress who I am growing fond of.
Don't sweat the semi-colon. You can always claim artistic license 
quote:
Originally posted by Ozzalum
Thanks Karzak. A deal was a deal.
That was a fine constructive panning and I'm sorry you had to slog through the first few chapters to generate it. If you could hear the OmniscientThirdPerson right now, Sie, I mean he, would tell you, "Ozzalum is sad." You'll have to imagine the appropriate body language as I clearly haven't the words to decribe it.
I hope you enjoy your shiny new RPG's and I wish your Night Elf Mohawk a long life with many interesting secondary characters.
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Karzak
Learned Scribe
196 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2008 : 11:12:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Ranak
I disagree about the fight, which I thought was well written and Rhonain's funeral, which I was pretty touched by - I thought Ehric's response was appropriate, I do not expect a woodsman to be an eloquent preacher, and I think it speaks to his recognition that no words can possibly make up for the loss of a life.
It's not the character's verbal eloquence or lack of it. It's in the prose, the characters' gestures, in the things said and unsaid. There're authors who can make you feel even for a minor character's death, feel the impact and importance of it even if you don't care for the dead character (though it helps a lot if the deceased party, say, has a personality). Here, it's just "okay, a bit character nobody cares about died, let's move on... what do you mean, that was supposed to be emotionally moving?" Or at least, that was the only response it got out of me.
I've started to notice a trend. Some authors - not saying Ozzalum thinks this way, just what a lot of writers think - will kill off bit characters to make a statement that, look, isn't my fantasy edgy and violent and realistic? See, people die! Never mind that they're completely unimportant, minor, and essentially faceless. Think red shirts. |
Edited by - Karzak on 01 Jan 2008 11:22:00 |
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Ranak
Learned Scribe
USA
190 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2008 : 16:11:43
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I haven't given the red shirts issue too much thought, in this case I will reserve my judgement on that matter until I read through it some more.
quote:
I've started to notice a trend. Some authors - not saying Ozzalum thinks this way, just what a lot of writers think - will kill off bit characters to make a statement that, look, isn't my fantasy edgy and violent and realistic? See, people die! Never mind that they're completely unimportant, minor, and essentially faceless. Think red shirts.
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Shilo99
Seeker
63 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2008 : 04:53:58
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Ozzalum,
Well done on the completion of your novel! I know they say there's a novel in everyone, but to take the time and have the intestinal fortitude to actually do it, is a huge effort.
I look forward to reading it (on the small screen).
S |
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fw190a8
Acolyte
United Kingdom
32 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2008 : 05:22:12
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| I admire anybody with the dedication to write an entire novel. I'm looking forward to reading this. Thanks for making it available. |
Contributor to the Forgotten Realms Wiki: http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com |
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2008 : 15:13:04
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Thanks Shilo99 and fw190a8. I hope you enjoy it.
quote:
I know they say there's a novel in everyone, but to take the time and have the intestinal fortitude to actually do it, is a huge effort.
I think releasing the book with my name on it is testing my intestinal fortitude more than writing it did. |
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Ranak
Learned Scribe
USA
190 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2008 : 17:45:46
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I am enjoying it a lot, don't stress too much, Ozz. I am up to about page 110, and I thought the fight between Nizrim and Shoptim was excellent, and I am warming up to Ehric, particularly after his verbal exchange with Torbag.
quote:
Originally posted by Ozzalum
Thanks Shilo99 and fw190a8. I hope you enjoy it.
quote:
I know they say there's a novel in everyone, but to take the time and have the intestinal fortitude to actually do it, is a huge effort.
I think releasing the book with my name on it is testing my intestinal fortitude more than writing it did.
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Ozzalum
Learned Scribe
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2008 : 20:41:22
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| Thanks Ranak. I want to be careful that posters don't spoil the book in their reviews/comments. Rhonain being a red shirt was supposed to be a bit of a surprise, but since it did happen pretty early in the book I'm not too concerned. I just don't want someone to show up and really spoil something important. Maybe we can start a new scroll with spoilers once some people have actually finished the book. |
Edited by - Ozzalum on 02 Jan 2008 22:13:44 |
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Full Length FR Novel - Fates' Guide
Topic Locked
