Creating a Cinematic Exerience

While writing, I picture each chapter as if it were a movie playing within my head. The words on the paper paint the imagery and express the emotions as the story unfolds. However, an important component of films that is lacking is the music to set the mood. An outstanding soundtrack can elevate a good film to become an amazing cinematic experience.

With the launch of The Buried Symbol, I thought that it would be fun to offer readers this type of experience while reading the book. Below is the soundtrack that I would choose to enhance my story if it were a movie. If you decide to play along, follow the text below and listen to the music as directed. Enjoy.

My Best Theory by Jimmy Eat World

Start the song BEFORE you begin the book. Read the intro text below as My Best Theory plays, but be ready to pause the music at 1:11 mins in:  

The Moment BEFORE Chapter 1:

A solitary seabird soars through the night. Hundreds of feet below, the wavering reflection of starlight dances on the rippled surface of the ocean. The bird approaches the pale form of a low cloud bank, so thick that it appears tangible. Without slowing, the bird is engulfed by the wall of fog, the damp air slipping past as it flies blindly through the murk.

The bird dives lower until the tile rooftops of a city begin to take shape. Leveling to fly just above the rooftops, the bird passes over the empty streets of the sleeping city. With two flaps of its wings, the bird gains enough elevation to clear a wall that divides the city. Once over the wall, buildings far more grande than those behind it emerge from within the milky air.

Curling its wings in, the bird slows to land softly on the ridge of a tiled rooftop. With a twitch and a ruffle of its body, moisture flicks off the bird's feathers. Now upon a comfortable perch, the bird sticks its head beneath a wing as it begins to preen itself. The sudden movement of a shooing hand flicking nearby catches the bird's eye, causing it to squawk and take flight. The bird sails off into the mist as the flapping sound of its wings fades into the still night.

Pause song at 1:11 and read CHAPTER 1.

After CHAPTER 1 is finished, listen to the rest of the song as you begin reading CHAPTER 2. The music should finish before you reach any dialog.

Meant to live by Switchfoot

Play the song after CHAPTER 3. Listen to the first verse, thinking about Brock's emotional state. Once the first verse is complete, go ahead and begin reading CHAPTER 4 while the song finishes.

I'm already gone by A Day to Remember

Start the song just before the last paragraph of CHAPTER 10. Once it's over, begin CHAPTER 11.

See me smiling by Yellowcard

Play the song before you begin reading CHAPTER 20.

Pause after the first verse (1:15) and read until the first mid-chapter break.

Play another verse (until 2:18) and pause again as you read until the next mid-chapter break.

Play the end of the song and then finish the chapter after its over.

The Kids in the Dark by All Time Low

Start the song with the fourth paragraph of CHAPTER 25.

Failure by Breaking Benjamin

Start the song after CHAPTER 29. Listen to it until the 2nd verse completes (2:16) and then begin reading CHAPTER 30 while it finishes.

Dare you to move by Switchfoot

I know, I know. Another Switchfoot song. What can I say? Their songs are intended to be inspirational. Play this song right after finishing CHAPTER 49. Let it finish before starting CHAPTER 50.

Starlit Sky by Workday Release

Play this song during or right after CHAPTER 59. Oh, no Brock. What is happening? Let it finish before you begin CHAPTER 60.

Two is better than one by Boys Like Girls

Play song between CHAPTER 72 and CHAPTER 73. Yes, this one is quite sappy. That's how love is sometimes.

My Hero by Foo Fighters

Listen to this after CHAPTER 79. Feel free to begin CHAPTER 80 whenever you wish.

Give me a sign by Breaking Benjamin

Yes, two songs by BB. I like the band and the song works.

Play the song at the mid-chapter break in CHAPTER 87 (page 334). Listen until 1:25 in and pause to read the rest of CHAPTER 87.

Play the song again until 2:52 in and then read CHAPTER 88 until you get to the mid-chapter break on page 338.

Play the end of the song as you read the rest of the chapter. Timing is VERY important on this one. You'll see why if it works out.

My Best Theory by Jimmy Eat World

Play the song at the end of CHAPTER 91. Pause at 1:11 and go on to read the EPILOGUE. After the EPILOGUE, finish the song, imagining final film credits with motion paused scenes similar to SHERLOCK HOLMES (starring Robert Downey Jr.).

That's my soundtrack. Try it out while you read the book. Let me know if you like the idea. Maybe I am starting a new trend for other authors to follow.

Another World

A defining element of epic (or high) fantasy novels is journeying to another world, born of the writer’s imagination. This type of literary work offers the author numerous opportunities and a plethora of challenges. Before writing the first word of a new epic fantasy novel, the author should have a comprehensive strategy for the world-building that is about to take place. 

Crazy Concept

One approach is to dive deep and veer far from our reality. Taking this route can be daunting and difficult to properly execute. If the world is too different from our own, continuously introducing cryptic terms, inventive creatures, and exotic landscapes, it risks alienating the reader due to a complete lack of familiarity. When the world becomes extremely foreign, it requires very descriptive writing to translate the terms and concepts, which can detract from the overall reading experience. Developing a highly unique world is not necessarily a bad idea, and some readers actively seek this type of story. However, it demands careful planning on the author’s part and likely requires a lot of extra text to convey the imagery and intricacies involved.

Dungeons and Dragons

Another option is for the author to closely copy the world-building tropes that are common to the genre, not straying far from the world and race elements that Tolkien introduced so long ago. Intrigued by the fantastic humanoid races of elves and dwarves or by magical creatures such as dragons and unicorns, this approach has entertained eager fantasy lovers for decades. Since a plethora of fantasy novels have taken this world-building path, I fear that it has fed the perceived stereotypes of the genre and slowed its acceptance into mainstream reading.

A Bit of Magic

The third approach is to closely mirror a time-period from our own history and introduce specific elements that make the world within the novel special. This world-building approach is easier to execute and makes the book more approachable, perhaps even inviting new readers to the genre. Politics, social issues, races, creatures, landscapes, and magic systems are examples of elements on which the author can focus. The key is to ensure that the unique characteristics are critical to the plot or to the overall experience that the author wishes to convey. Translating foreign concepts requires additional effort for both the writer and the reader. If those elements are not important, the author is wasting their effort and the reader’s time, which will slow the pace of the story.

When I began writing The Buried Symbol, the first book of The Runes of Issalia trilogy, I opted to leverage renaissance Europe as my point of reference, embracing an era of discovery, art, and invention over the dark brutality that is typically found in the medieval era. I then applied specific unique elements that were critical to the story I wished to tell:

• A controlling and oppressive theocracy governs the Issalian Empire, which defines the politics of the world and significantly impacts the social issues of its citizens.
• In the reality of our Earth, words have power, but only if you comprehend the words. In the world I was creating, runes (words in the form of symbols) have an intrinsic power that is tied to very the laws of nature. This well-defined magic system has a profound effect on the people, creatures, and natural resources within the world. 

Wrapping these elements within a world shaped by a long and dark history, I hope to send readers on an enjoyable adventure while the story remains quite approachable.

If you enjoy epic fantasy, think back on the reading experiences that thrilled you the most. Did the author create a world using one of the three approaches listed above? If so, which approach did they take? What aspects of world-building do you enjoy as a reader?

Seeking Those Elusive Reviews

As an author who is working with an independent publisher, I must participate heavily in the promotion of my books or suffer with putrid sales numbers. Similar to other types of media, professional and user reviews of your book have a huge impact and can encourage consumers to purchase your product with confidence. While book PR has unique aspects compared to other types of media, reviews are critical for a book's success.

To prepare for my impending book release, I conducted research to find book review sites that I thought would be a good fit for my book. Over the period of three weeks, I visited over 350 book blog sites, deciding to target about a third of them. With my book formatted and finalized, I immediately began to contact book bloggers and review sites that cover YA fantasy novels.

Over the period of a week, I contacted over 100 sites that would accept digital copies for review. I would have contacted more, but many sites weren't accepting requests due to an overwhelming backlog of books to be read.

Sadly, only eight bloggers agreed to conduct a review of my book. Half of those sites, and a few others, also offered to post an author interview. Most of the blog sites have yet to offer any response.

With the advent of self-publishing and the growth of independent print houses, book bloggers have been inundated with review requests. Some claim to receive over 100 review requests a day. Although only four major publishing houses remain, they each produce 1000's of books each year. Those big publishers are offering books to these review sites, consuming reviewer bandwidth and taking priority over the smaller guys. It’s understandable that these bloggers will bend-over backward to review a book for Penguin Random House or HarperCollins. If they don’t, they won't see future books from these big publishers. However, where does that leave indie and self-published authors?

My publisher is a mid-size indie, printing about 150 books a year, yet I couldn't even get one reviewer in ten to consider my work. Many of the reviewers that I researched flat-out reject any self-published material, leaving self-published authors in an even more dire predicament. So what can we do?

Many sites offer a paid review service, some by professional reviewers while others are book bloggers who have capitalized on the overwhelming demand. Who can blame them? When demand outstrips supply, it is our right as a capitalist society to charge more for the product or service.

Another option is to beg everyone you know to read your book and leave a review on sites such as Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and others. This is tricky because Amazon will ferret-out and remove any reviews posted by people you have friended on Facebook. System abuse forced their hand some time ago, due to a proliferation of biased 5-star reviews for sub-par books devaluing the importance of a review on their website. I can’t fault them and would rather have consumer confidence in a few reviews than have 100's of reviews that readers deem meaningless.

In summary, I attempt to sift my way through this quagmire, hoping to eventually achieve the magical number of 100 reviews on Goodreads and book eCommerce sites. When that day comes, I will throw a party and anyone who has posted a review is invited. 

The Book Cover

There is a famous saying "Never judge a book by its cover." However, human nature says otherwise. The cover creates an impression about a book and plays an important role in its success.

The image presented needs to tantalize the reader, enticing them to scoop your book off the shelf for further inspection. If aren't drawn to the cover, the reader moves along and your wonderful story never gets the chance to be told. After spending thousands of hours crafting a beautiful tale, you lose a reader just because the cover didn't peak their interest. It's not fair.

Knowing this, I had some ideas in mind for my cover design. I needed a cover that spoke to my main two audiences: teens and fantasy geeks (like me). The image had to intrigue them enough that they felt compelled to pick the book up, flipping it over to read the synopsis on the back.

After a number of iterations with the graphic artist, I now have a cover. It's not quite what I imagined, but I am happy with it. I'm hopeful that the image of the character holding a book of magic alludes to the secrets that readers will discover within the pages.

Check out the cover and let me know what you think. If I get enough positive feedback, I may submit it for a cover contest once the book is released.

For more information about Jeffrey L Kohanek and his books, visit jeffreylkohanek.com 

The Science of Magic

Raising her hands in the air, lightning blasts from a sorceress's hands. With the wave of his wand, a wizard freezes an enemy in a block of ice. How is this possible? It doesn’t matter; you are just supposed to believe. Magic needs to be mysterious, right?

It shouldn’t be.

Having read a plethora of fantasy novels, I’ve come to appreciate authors who take a practical approach to magic. Having a well-defined logic behind how magic functions is when it truly has the power to captivate my imagination. If I don't understand magic and the rules behind it, how can I picture myself using it? I believe that the best magic is just a science that we haven’t yet discovered.

Logic defines the magic that exists within the world of Issalia. While readers won’t know anything about the two sides of magic when they begin The Buried Symbol, they will feel like apprentice-level magic users by the end.

Magic is a powerful tool that can be used for good or ill intent. When abused, magic can create problems and be destructive. However, it can also make the world a better place by improving society and saving lives. Brock, the protagonist in my story, is a planner and problem solver. After he discovers a new magic by acting on instinct, he learns to hone his skills and begins to use magic as a tool to solve problems. The practical use of fantastic powers helps readers to really consider the possibilities that these new abilities present and how our world might be impacted if this magic became a reality.

After all, magic is just a science that we haven’t yet discovered. Once you understand this new science, it all makes sense.

Let me know what you think on this subject.

For more information about Jeffrey L Kohanek and his books, visit jeffreylkohanek.com 

The Cast of Characters

At the age of seventeen, the protagonist in The Buried Symbol teeters on the edge of adulthood. A tragic event causes Brock to reconsider his role as the Empire has defined it, choosing to break free from society’s bonds in pursuit of a better life.

His mother's influence during early childhood, followed by a difficult upbringing after her untimely death, imprint him with a deep sense of compassion. Possessing an insatiable curiosity and a Sherlock Holmes-like sense of logic, he has a tendency to identify a secret from a minuet clue and then pursue the truth at any cost. These traits, along with his God-given abilities, lead him to discover a magic that has been buried for centuries.

His friends have their own dark pasts, leaving them emotionally damaged and feeling incomplete. They gravitate toward Brock, drawn by his likeable personality and strong belief in right and wrong. The relationships that Brock establishes within the story say as much about him as his action do. 

Brock’s companions include: his loyal childhood friend, who is homeless and lives on the streets of his home town; his quiet, yet massive roommate who is destined to be a great warrior; a quirky brainiac who creates amazing inventions; a jolly giant; a brooding aristocrat; and his strong-willed girlfriend, who is hiding secrets of her own.

From his beginnings at the coastal city of Kantar, throughout his journey to Fallbrandt, and within the walls of the Academy itself, Brock meets a vast array of interesting characters. Among them is a powerful rival, intent on seeing Brock destroyed in any way possible. The actions of this rival are among many obstacles that Brock must overcome in pursuit of his dream of becoming an Academy Master.

I invite you to follow Brock on his journey. Expect to fall in love with him and other personalities found within the pages of The Buried Symbol. When you finish reading the story, let me know how you feel about his rival. Do you despise him or do you feel sorry for him?

For more information about Jeffrey L Kohanek and his books, visit jeffreylkohanek.com 

So, What's Your Book About?

It’s a question that I hear often, yet struggle to find a suitable response. Any reply does an injustice to the depth of the story. However, I realize that question will not go away, so I need to pinpoint the ideal answer.

Many elements exist within the novel, including action, adventure, mystery, magic, romance, fantasy, suspense, comedy, drama, and others. While these terms are descriptive, none properly portray the feeling that I wish the reader to experience.

When I began the creative process, I made a conscious decision to write a story I would have cherished when I was seventeen, since that is when my love for books first reached its peak. Accordingly, I focused on the elements that were common in the reading experiences that I have most enjoyed.

First, I needed to create a rich world with a dramatic history. I made it similar enough to our own that it was easy to understand on a basic level, but included complex undercurrents that are exposed as the story progresses. Since I was inventing my own world, it could operate according to the rules that I define. Those rules, including how magic functions, would be the basis of my tale.

Second, my story needed characters with depth. Character investment is the key to triggering emotion within the reader. I wanted the characters to be easy to identify with, yet complex and flawed. Whether its love, hatred, laughter, sadness, fear, or any other number of emotions that I wanted to draw from the story, the reader must feel some sense of emotion for the character first. 

The third element that I decided to target was a sense of discovery. My favorite moments in reading come when a secret is revealed. It feels as if I, as the reader, just uncovered a treasure chest in the form of a new piece of knowledge. Accordingly, I decided to construct my tale so that the reader is continually discovering something new or is tantalized by a secret soon to be exposed. Not only is The Buried Symbol written to present a constant sense of discovery, I have outlined the whole trilogy with that precept in mind. This is why the tagline for my first book is Discover a Magic, Buried and Forgotten…

There is my short answer to the question above: My book is about the Spirit of Discovery. Discover the secrets hidden within the pages, you might find a little magic for yourself.

For more information about Jeffrey L Kohanek and his books, visit jeffreylkohanek.com