The Hugo Reward - Guest Post by Danica Cornell

Today, it is my pleasure to welcome a friend and fellow board member of Rave Reviews Book Club, author Danica Cornell. Danica is a sci-fi writer and the creator of the DARK STAR Series. I'm happy to play host for this great author. And now, here's Danica.

The Hugo Reward

By Danica Cornell

Before I begin, I would like to thank author, Bruce A. Borders, for inviting me to be a guest here today.  Shortly after meeting Bruce on Twitter, I was presented with the opportunity to join Rave Reviews Book Club, where we both currently serve as members of the Governing Board.  During our time working together, I’ve grown to appreciate Bruce not only as a fabulous writer, but also as a caring colleague, mentor, and friend...

For those sci-fi/fantasy readers who’ve been following me for awhile, there’s a pretty good chance they’ve come to recognize my deep affection for dogs.  I mean, let’s face it, I include these animals in my DARK STAR Series, and I even have a  webpage dedicated to, “Henry”, a cantankerous and comedic canine character!  

“Henry”, DARK STAR’s Cantankerous and Comedic Canine Character.

With all of this in mind, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that topping my list of favorite dogs, sits my very own dachshund, Hugo.  And for those who may be wondering, the answer is yes—I did name him after science fiction’s prestigious Hugo Award! 

In truth, my little hot dog has more personality than you can shake a fetching stick at, including heaping doses of playfulness, intelligence, and stubbornness—traits which this breed are known for.  But what makes Hugo truly endearing, is how sweet and sensitive he is.  (Not to mention, protective.)  It’s quickly clear to anyone who meets us; Hugo’s a mama’s boy!

 

Hugo with DARK STAR author, Danica Cornell.

An interesting thing about my canine companion, (other than the fact that he runs our house), is that despite being similar to DARK STAR’s, “Henry”, I actually created “Henry” before meeting Hugo.  In other words, I envisioned a character that ended up being similar to a pup, which would one day join my family!  (A case of life imitating art—or arf, if there ever was one!) 

Here are a few more fun factoids:

·       Hugo is actually my fourth dachshund!  The first three were Oscar, Sara, and Wilbur.

·       Hugo’s favorite games include fetch and tug-o-war.  He loves to play first thing, (typically while I’m clutching my morning coffee), and again right after dinner.

·       I tend to think of our evening play times as a “Hugo Reward” for a day spent writing and editing.  (Yes, he typically stays right by my side while I work.)

By now, one thing’s probably clear:  My adoration and familiarity with this breed are why I’m including dachshund characters in my DARK STAR series.  Soon, readers will be introduced to DARK STAR’s “Henry” and his younger brofur, “Hector”, who has a knack for lightening the mood at just the right time. 

And the best part of all?  As a writer, I’ve found that through bringing these canine characters to life, I’m having the time of my life.  Not bad for a day’s work!

ABOUT DANICA CORNELL:   

Danica Cornell is the PR/Marketing Director for Rave Reviews Book Club who’s busily penning the forthcoming DARK STAR Sci-fi/Fantasy Series, soon to be published by Cool Geek Books.  To learn more, please visit Danica’s website at www.danicacornell.com.

CONNECT WITH DANICA:

Website  

Blog   

Twitter  

Facebook   

Pinterest    

Instagram   

Google +     

About. Me      

You Tube   

CONNECT WITH DARK STAR’S BELOVED CANINE CHARACTER, “HENRY”!

Henry’s Website Page        

Twitter    

Danica Cornell is a proud member of Rave Reviews Book Club and the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network.

On Vacation

Bruce A. Borders (that's me) is on vacation this week. But dont worry, I have found a substitute blogger to carry on in my absence. You may have heard of him, his name is Bruce A. Borders! Yep, me. Since Im the only one here, I am my own substitute. Sorry, youll just have to suffer.

Here's the deal; A couple of weeks ago I was hosted as a guest blogger on author Danica Cornell's blog: http://danica-cornell.com/2014/06/12/not-a-famous-writer/
I have re-blogged that post here.

I promise I will return next week!


First, I would like to thank Danica for inviting me as a guest on her blog. I appreciate the opportunity!

Odds are, you have never heard of me. I'm not a famous writer - yet! I'm still one of those authors who write simply for the love of writing. Good thing too, or I probably would have quit years ago!

Part of the joy of writing, and usually my goal, is to make people think, or laugh, or elicit some sort of emotion, such as anger or frustration - not directed toward me, hopefully. Then, through reviews, email, and comments on social media or blogs, readers provide valuable feedback that lets me know how I'm doing in that regard. No matter their opinion, I like hearing from readers; their thoughts, and questions. And, sometimes there are lots of questions. I thought I'd answer a few of the more common ones I've received about my book, Over My Dead Body.

The question I get the most is if it's a true story. The short answer is no. But like many tales of fiction, it does have a basis in reality. I used several news stories I'd heard for the setting and the plot, then added my own details to finish out the story. As I moved forward with the rewrites and editing, the book took on a life of its own and the original stories gave way to a single narrative. This may not be the so-called correct way to write but it worked well for me.

A lot of readers also want to know if the book is based on what I would do in a similar situation. The answer to that is a definite yes! Not only is the story based on what I would do, it is exactly what I would do. That's what provided the impetus and motivation to write it.

If you haven't read the book, and are now squinting at the screen, wondering what in the world I'm talking about, here is a short description.

How far will a man go to protect his family? When the director of Child Protective Services uses his position to exact a personal vendetta in removing three-year-old Ashley from the Blakes home, Jeff Blake, a financial advisor, responds to the threats in the only way he feels he can  violently. By the end of the short encounter, three people are dead and Ashley, the daughter, is still taken and placed in temporary foster care, so the tragic fiasco gained Jeff nothing. Or, so it seems. Matters are further complicated when Amy, the wife and mother, winds up for a brief stay in a mental ward due to the trauma she witnessed in her home. It seems as though everything is against the Blakes. Understandably, the police, as well as the Courts, are not too concerned with the needs of the family. Complete with many twists of fate, the story looks at the common problems of a typical family caught between love and the law.

I tried to write the book, especially the opening chapter, as if I were Jeff Blake. The news stories I'd heard spanned a few years so, I'd had plenty of time to consider what my response would be. That part of the book was very easy to write. Admittedly, it's probably not the wisest response and I'm under no illusion that things would not bode well for me in such an event, or anyone, for that matter, who reacted in a similar manner.

From the comments I've received, I think most readers would agree, the book describes a typical father's reaction, and initially, I marketed the book to fathers. However, thanks to feedback from readers, as well as comments from friends and family, I discovered that women, particularly mothers, connected and reacted to the book much more passionately than fathers. Not that fathers didn't like the book, or that they disagreed, but their response was more matter-of-fact. Yeah, that's what I would do too, I heard more than once - seemingly without much emotion.

Mothers, on the other hand...

Mothers were extremely emotional and far more vitriolic with their fiery reaction. They were out for blood! And calling for the head of anyone who would dare think they could use a position of so-called authority to go after a child. Remind me to never make a woman angry!

Another question that often comes up is if I plan to write a sequel. Well, originally I hadn't. I think the story definitely ended in the book. But after the response from all the female readers, I have begun to consider writing a similar book with the mother being the one who exacts the vengeance. I think there is a strong potential for quite a compelling story in that.

Problem is, I'm not a woman. Or, a mother. I'm not sure I could write through a mother's eyes. Not convincingly anyway. And I'm not sure how readers would respond. They might not be interested in a guy's portrayal of a vindictive woman. Sure, a well-known author might get away with it, but me? I'm not so certain. After all, I'm not a famous writer - yet!

Bruce A. Borders is the author of more than a dozen books, including: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and The Wynn Garrett Series. Available in ebook and paperback on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Diesel Books, and Smashwords, or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com. Amazon Profile - http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-A.-Borders/e/B006SOLWQS Bruce A. Borders also serves as the Vice President of Rave Reviews Book Club http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com