So a lot’s going on, and here’s what’s up!  But first an update – I won’t be speaking at Kraken-Con.  Space is a bit limited –  this September they actually landed Zach Callison.  Yes, Steven Universe. So as a fellow Steven I understand it’s limited -but it’s also a con well worth going to!

 

Plot Twist Generator

Now let’s talk the Plot Twist Generator which is now in early Beta.  OK, I’m not entirely sure what early Alpha and early Beta are in reality since most people have broad ideas, but my take is “it’s now vaguely kind of useful”

I’ve managed to do enough research and get enough feedback that I have a lot of ideas to put in – and once I get there it’ll be close to done.  You folks have been invaluable and it’s a much better generator for it.

Really, this one is far, far harder than I expected.  Twists can be general or specific, tropes or unique, simple or complex.  I figured there’d be some archetypes and patterns to mess with, dump a bunch of data on it, and it’d work – but instead there’s a lot more complexity and potential complexity.  So, lesson learned.

I will probably need a break after the next update in a week or so, then see about getting it done end of month/early October.

I do have a few fun generators planned, and I’m considering a really neat idea – documenting one of them as I do it.

Way With Worlds

Almost done with my latest editing sweep.  I’m doing one more in September, then it goes to my pre-readers for awhile.  I can say there’s a lot of good advice, but damn did some of it need a rewrite.  There’s also things I added or expanded on.

The format looks good, and I plan to send out  a sneak peak with my newsletter in the near future.  Don’t forget to sign up – plus beyond the free updates, you get my LinkedIn Guide.

I already have the sequels planned, as mentioned.  Let’s just say they’ll be different, they’ll be fun, and they’ll be helpful in a different way.
Respectfully,

– Steven Savage
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

Way With Worlds

This week I finish my current editing sweep – and then the next one begins.  In that one I plan to read the sections backwards – which helps me get a fresh view on the things I was editing when I was tired of it, and catch continuity errors between sections.  We’re definitely on schedule to get it to pre-readers in October.

Plot Twist Generator and Other Generators

The plot twist generator didn’t get an update this weekend, but I hope to do one soon.  I think it’s time to just sit down and do a serious push on it to take it to beta.  Fortunately everyone’s given me great feedback.

I also may need to take a small break from it after I get it to beta, and write something fun and simple.

Respectfully,

– Steven Savage
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

Hello gang, and here’s what’s been up!

Plot Twist Generator – The latest version is here.  I’m collecting feedback from people and reading up on plot twists, and it’s finally getting into shape.  Still a good month or so before I think it’s ready, but I now feel some hope I can get it into shape.  Still, I think like the Writing Prompt Generator it’ll really be more a case of “good enough” as opposed to perfect.

Way With Worlds – I expect to finish up my big editing round this month.  Then one more round next month before the pre-readers.  Some of the edits are simple – but some are pretty extensive, verging on rewrites – so expect it to be different enough from the original columns and the rewrites. There’s also a sort of sequel type thing in the work, but one that will be quite different . . . and it may give you out there ideas for your own inspirational works.

Other Generators – After the Plot Twist Generator I’m going to do some more fun generators, so stay tuned . . .

 

– Steven Savage
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

Just a reminder, Scott Delahunt will be publishing his series on adaptions, “Lost In Translation” here at Seventh Sanctum’s own Codex!  Be sure to check out his considerable backlog of work!

 
– Steven Savage
http://www.musehack.com/
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

Had a lot of crazy times lately, so I’m a bit behind – new roommate moving in, new roomdog moving in, family visiting, work, etc.

Plot Twist Generator

The Plot Twist Generator definitely is behind after the busy week and weekend and I plan to return to it.  It’s pretty straightforward actually, almost refreshing – less crazy-making than the Writing Prompt Generator.

It also makes me think about how many plot twists are almost archetypical – a mix of trope and mythical.  Some we take for granted yet we also joke about ones similarly repeated.  Part of what I’m trying to do is take some basic twists and tropes and shake them up – the villain is always the hero’s father, why can’t (s)he be their uncle or grandmother?

Way With Worlds

The book is roughly formatted, and I’ve done some editing – and then just decided to switch over to the old print-and-edit method.  It’s not like it’s not done, it’s just that the book needs to be edited.  So I’ve got piles of papers marked up so I can start entering changes.  A few sections are probably getting extensive rewrites.

I also am debating splitting it into two, but right now just can’t bring myself to do it – it’s roughly a mix of direct advice and worldbuilding approach and philosophy so I could split it but it just doesn’t seem right.

Oh, and I’ve got some lighter sequels/spinoffs/extras in mind, but you won’t see that until it’s out . . .

On that note, I probably will write out more things next year because, simply, I want to preserve more of my theories and knowledge.  Hey, I’m not young here . . . oh, and there may be a book on creativity and brainstorming coming even sooner . . .

The Informotron

I’m merging my work at MuseHack into my press site, The Informotron!  There you’ll get both my published writing, free stuff, and blog entries and speculations.  It’ll probably double up with some of my work at Seventh Sanctum, but will be mostly original stuff – and I plan to package up and make a lot of my past writing more accessible.

You know when I get time . . .
Respectfully,

– Steven Savage
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

Hello everyone, here’s the latest.

Plot Twist Generator

It’s starting to shape up, and right now what I’m finding is it actually works best if I keep it simple.  You don’t really want things to get too complicated – you want impactful ideas.  It may be easier than I thought, though the challenge now is diversity not complexity.

Here’s some examples:

• There is a predicted snowstorm – but it’s not what was expected.
• The world is revealed to be in another time instead of the one we were led to believe.
• A character suddenly reveals a sentimental side.
• The protagonist turns out to be the antagonist’s father.
• It turns out that everything that is happening actually takes place inside a computer – this is revealed by the antagonist.
• A mysterious string of numbers turns out to refer to the antagonist’s childhood toy.
• A character suddenly reveals a malicious side.
• The secondary antagonist turns out to be the protagonist’s grandfather.
• There is a sudden snowstorm.
• The antagonist suddenly reveals a romantic side.

What I’m doing now is reading famous plot twists and randomizing them.  As I go on those inspire some variants and ideas.  So forward!

Way With Worlds Book

The WWW Book editing continues – and I’m really busy re-editing the part on species and race (which will spawn one or two new sections), and the part on sex (which needs a little more coherence).

One thing I’m debating is splitting the book in two – there’s really two sections, the worldbuilding and the being a worldbuilder.  As for now I’m keeping it as one, but I may want some feedback – that means a poll (we haven’t had one of those in awhile).

Still projecting next spring, depending how fast my editors and pre-readers get to it.

New Columnist

Well, old Columnist.  Scott from over at MuseHack is going to be doing his Lost In Translation column here as well.  I’ll be uploading the old ones – and we’ll see his new stuff soon.  It should be a great addition.
Respectfully,

– Steven Savage
http://www.musehack.com/
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

Hope everyone is doing well!  Here’s what’s up!

New Columnist/Old Columnist

Working out when we’ll bring over a new columnist – who’s really an old columnist for another site.  Look for something around August . . .

Plot Twist Generator

I’ve built the initial code for the Plot Twist Generator, and now I need to start populating it.  As noted I’m going to pretty much dive on in.

I figure this one will be one like last year’s Writing Prompt Generator where I just keep at it, make it public early, and take feedback.

Way With Worlds

Still editing the Way With Worlds book.  I expect to have the first editing run-through done around the start of August.

At that point, it does need a more structural review – does each section flow well, complete the goals, etc.  I was a bit concerned some things may need extensive reorganization, but so far (about 1/5 to 1/4 the way through) it seems decent.  I just made a lot of stylistic and flow choices based on subject matter not consistent style.  I need to review it as a whole.

After that?  Pre-readers.  Probably in October.  And yes, I’m lining them up.

Right now it’s still looking like it’ll be Spring for the release.

I do think the book presents a lot of value, and I’m really glad to have this “final,” more polished edition coming out for purchase.  I’d like to see more books done on worldbuilding.

That’s a hint, by the way . . .

Respectfully,

– Steven Savage
http://www.musehack.com/
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

Hope everyone is doing well. Caught a bit of a cold last week so I’m a tad behind i’m afraid – sort of a case wwhere one thing led to another and I got sick.

Way With Worlds Book:

This one is probably due around March 2016. It’s actually a pretty regular piece of work since it’s all written – the challenge is the editing and making sure everything from 70 something columns actually coheres. The size also means it takes a little longer to edit than my last work.

I’m actually pleased with how solid it is. There’s a lot in there, and I’m going to be adding a bit more . . .
though I don’t know if I’ll add any new columns. I think I said 90% of what I need to say, though I’ve still got a way to go through edit #1.

Plot Twist Generator:

As noted I figured it out.  Now if I can get well I can get back to it . . .

Respectfully,

– Steven Savage
http://www.musehack.com/
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

Well been awhile, so here’s where we are!

Plot Twist Generator

After examining the options, I’m going to go straightforward randomization – putting together, iterating, and/or extending common elements.  So you’ll have twists like “The villain is the protagonist’s mother” or “The villain is the protagonist’s mother, and has a deadly disease” and so on.  I could try and provide various boundaries and options, but it’s just going to lower the level of detail and potential, so why not go a little broad?

Now I’ve got to start on it, but it feels comforting to have a focus.

Other Generators

I need to get to that one, but I’m kicking one around inspired by a particular TV show.  Darn it.

Way With Worlds Book

Editing this now.  It’s going pretty smoothly, but I need about 2-3 edit runs to make it ready for “real editing.” The book itself promises to be 450 or so pages long, so this is a lot of work, probably easily 3+ months before I get it into enough shape I want someone else to go over it.  So I think it’s very likely we won’t see it until 2016.

However, I think the edit of the . . . uh . . . . rewrite . . . is going to make the book much better.  I can tone up or streamline language, expand information, make things clearer, and make it flow better.  The new chapter structure breaks the columns into logical subsections that really add consistency to the lessons.

Sailor Moon Book

On top of all of this, I am writing a book on Sailor Moon fandom with a co-author and friend.  You can find more here at my personal blog.  This one has no exact deadline, but it’s probably a year away from completion, more of a long-term project.

More Columns

Working to bring another column here to the Codex.  Stay tuned . . .

 
Respectfully,

– Steven Savage
http://www.musehack.com/
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/

 

Let’s see what I can cover this week!

Way With Worlds

OK, Way With Worlds is now all uploaded and included into a book format – which means sorting, then editing.  It’s also looking to be enormous – try about 450 pages when done.  That’s 120 pages more than any of my last books.  It’s good it’s already basically done and in need of editing . . .  but that’s a lot of work.  So yeah, I don’t think we’ll see this one until 2016.

It’s going to be interesting to rewrite what is basically a rewrite, but I want to bring more coherence to the various essays, fill in gaps, and basically make it a manual for worldbuilding.  So I guess it’ll be version 3.

Generators

 

I’m still kicking around how to do the plot twist generator – got a bit held up between work and having some dental work done, along with other chores.  I just can’t find an “in” yet so if anyone has suggestions, please, contact me.  Otherwise I may just take a stab at it and see how it goes – I just would hate to restart this thing after a lot of initial effort.

Thanks to Steven Universe, I’m also considering a “Gem” generator.  Well a generator of “Gem-based alien techno-wizards” or something.  You know, nothing truly openly tied to the show.  But let’s just say it seems there’s a need among that growing fandom . . .

Other Writing

No idea yet what else I’ll write here, so it’ll be Ryan for awhile.  I’m sure something else will get me fired up to write about creatively . . . . I just wish I knew what . . .

 

Respectfully,

– Steven Savage
http://www.musehack.com/
http://www.informotron.com/
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/