Author: S.E. Doster

My Methods for Avoiding Writer’s Block

/ S.E. Doster / Leave a comment

A friend recently asked how I fight writer’s block, and I realized that I don’t suffer from the dreaded condition often.

Why?

I’d like to pretend that I’m just fortunate, but the truth is that I’m always doing activities that allow for great brainstorming. I’m going to share my top methods for avoiding writer’s block, so grab a pen and take some notes!

ART- You can try to sketch your own characters, but this doesn’t have to be related to your writing at all. I enjoy both acrylic painting and sketching portraits which can act as great meditation. Art can really help you relax and free your mind for a brainstorming session.

MUSIC- I like to build a playlist of music for each of my projects. I do a lot of brainstorming when I’m in the early stages of a new writing project, and I try to consider what music would set a good tone for the story. I use the selected playlist shortly before I begin a writing session, and I let that set the mood for my writing.

I really like to implement this method when I am plotting out fight scenes too. I envision the scene with music that fits the mood, and then I ask myself one question. If this scene was turned into a live-action movie trailer, what would the scene look like? I let my mind really visualize the part.

I also love combining art and instrumental music to free my mind for ultimate creativity. I enjoy writing or painting while listening to video game soundtracks. You’ll find some really beautiful instrumental pieces inside Assassin’s Creed, Skyrim, and Dragon Age games.

DREAM JOURNAL- This is a fantastic way to spark ideas! I kept a journal by my bedside that pretty much held the inspiration behind my current work in progress. I haven’t used this method in a while, but I would wake up from some crazy dream and jot down as much detail as possible. When I decided I wanted to try writing a new story, I flipped through my journal for something that spoke to me. I’m not even exaggerating when I say that over half of the crazy events in Sacrifice actually spawned from my dreams.

EXERCISE- I saved this one for last because I’m sure it will receive several groans from my readers. Get off the couch you lazy bum! I’m kidding, it’s rude to call you that! In all seriousness though, I’ve had great brainstorming sessions during and after a workout. This is not only beneficial for your body, but also for your mind as well. Exercise doesn’t have to be some strenuous full body workout either. I spend a lot of time sitting down writing or sketching, and I find that it helps to walk away for some fresh air. I’ve spawned great ideas while taking my dog for a short walk.

So those are the methods I use to keep myself inspired, and I hope the information helps another writer! Want to know more writing tips? Send me a topic suggestion on Twitter or Facebook, and your topic may inspire my next blog!

Sacrifice Illustration Full Color Reveal

/ S.E. Doster / Leave a comment

I’m finally revealing the full-color art print created by P.R. Dedelis. This beautiful art print will be one of the many rewards in various tiers of my Kickstarter project. This piece showcases our humble protagonist, Kat Reese, as she defends her girlfriend from werewolves.

Sacrifice_A_jpg

Tomorrow I will begin releasing the concept art created by Jerry Buckholt. I’ll do a character reveal that will include a bio so that you can get introduced to the characters of the Sacrifice novel.

SACRIFICE Kickstarter Reward Tiers

/ S.E. Doster / Leave a comment

Looking for some people to read over my reward tier to see if this a reasonable list. Please remember that the money for backing the reward has to go towards the physical reward items, shipping, and most importantly the project’s goals. The money from my Kickstarter that doesn’t go to the rewards, goes toward the professional editing, professional cover design, formatting for paperback, formatting for ebook, and more. I’d also like to pay my friends for their time in helping me create concept art and banners. Let me know your thoughts of the reward tiers, and which you feel holds the most value.

TIER ONE $1 – website shout out/thank you

TIER TWO $15 – PDF of the final product. Plus tier one

TIER THREE $30 – Paperback copy of the book signed. Plus tiers one and two.

TIER FOUR $50 – Paperback copy of the book signed, art print, plus tiers one and two.

TIER FIVE $75 – Paperback copy of book signed, choice of two art prints, plus tiers one and two.

TIER SIX $100 – (limited to five backers) Everything in tier four plus an acknowledgment in my book.

TIER SEVEN $500 – (limited to two backers) The backers name will be used as a minor character in the book- most likely a werewolf or mage that will be killed off in a fun and brutal fashion.Will also receive everything in tier four.

If stretch goals are reached (meaning I exceed my goal of $3,000) then I will add extra rewards. If I completely blow away my initial goal, then I will try for a mini comic and extra prints. I’d even like to do a hardcover version with some illustrations. Maybe even some bookmarks and postcards?

Sacrifice Kickstarter Illustration Pt1

/ S.E. Doster / Leave a comment

I know I promised an art reveal a few days ago, but the Kickstarter has been delayed again. I’m waiting on character concept art to be completed for my video. I don’t want to record myself on webcam just talking about the project when I can introduce you to the characters instead. I’m really frustrated with all the delays, but I would rather postpone to make sure everything launches successfully.

Here’s the pencil sketch of the Sacrifice illustration done by artist P.R. Dedelis. He is also the artist for my Extinction comic. You can find more of his work on his FB page or you can email him directly at arucardpl@gmail.com

I’ll reveal the finished color piece in a few days, but I hope this will suffice for now. Here we see the protagonist, Kat Reese, defending her girlfriend from some pretty grumpy werewolves. She’s a badass meta-human, but she’s still at risk of infection without the proper armor! There’s absolutely no cure for the Were virus.

Sacrifice_Pencils

 

Thanks for your patience and stay turned for more updates! And please message me if you are a blogger that would like to do an author interview, a Sacrifice preview, or just discuss diversity in literature.

Sacrifice Novel Kickstarter Project

/ S.E. Doster / Leave a comment

Today, I am officially announcing my Sacrifice novel Kickstarter campaign that will launch in September. Originally, I was going to use one of my comic book projects to attempt my first Kickstarter but decided against it.

Why did I choose Sacrifice instead?

I felt that this story embraces diversity of both race and sexual orientation.

I knew my first novel, The Alliance: Bloodlines, lacked diversity in a major way. At the time of writing Bloodlines, I was too scared to attempt such diversity even though I wanted too. There were characters that I originally intended to be gay, but changed it to make their sexual orientation much less obvious.

Why?

At the time I hadn’t read many books that had gay characters and was hesitant to take the risk myself.

Looking back on it now makes me feel silly for not going with my original plan, but even then all of my main characters were still white.

Why?

Almost every book that I read growing up featured a white male protagonist. The reason that I added a female protagonist was through the influences of the awesome power of Joss Whedon. After watching Buffy as a teen, I knew that I wanted to write powerful and inspiring female characters, but I wanted my heroine to be gay and not just surrounded by white supporting characters.

Sacrifice was a story that worked its way into my head a few years ago, and I let it sit and simmer for several months before taking action. I took notes and created in depth characters while I built the outline that would be the foundation for this novel. I knew that this was the time to take the risk and write the story I’ve been dying to tell.

Why?

I finally realized that if all writers simply write or modify their stories to fit the “norm” then nothing would ever change, and ten years from now a new generation would still be reading tons of books that mostly featured a white cast of straight characters when that doesn’t reflect real life. Writers of today have the power to break the vicious cycle and set new standards for the future generations. So I have chosen to write a story that’s true to my real life diversity, but of course with added supernatural elements and meta-humans!

So what is Sacrifice all about?

Sacrifice contains the romance of a lesbian couple, but that factor doesn’t define the story. This is an action packed thriller involving meta-humans and supernatural characters —some of which just happen to be gay.

The story showcases a diverse cast of meta-humans that have dedicated their lives to protecting the human race from dangerous supernatural forces. The overall theme questions how far one person would go to protect their loved ones. The protagonist, Katherine Reese, relinquishes her freedom to the meta-human military in order to keep her family safe, but she finds an even greater sacrifice is required—possibly even her life.

Rogue werewolf attacks and dastardly mages have everyone on edge when the meta-human military sends their top team to investigate.

Katherine Reese leads the powerfully stacked alpha team on a search for answers that reveals a larger threat. Supernatural leaders have set a plan in motion that could destroy the balance between the human and supernatural world.

More information will be revealed over the next few days. Stay tuned and you can stay updated by subscribing to my blog or via Facebook updates.