Time Trap and Time trap 2 by Richard Smith

9/27/2021

Multi-volume author, Richard Smith introduces us to his MG stories of time travel, "Time Trap" and "Time Trap 2":

Time Trap

Who was the mysterious Hector Lightfoot? What was he up to when he disappeared, and who were the two ghosts once seen in his house? School friends Jamie and Todd are destined to find out when they go to London to spend a weekend with Jamie's Uncle Simon, who now lives in that very house. Soon after they arrive, Jamie has a frightening encounter with the two ghosts. Hector, a veteran from the First Afghan War, joined a covert expedition to China, and afterwards worked on a secret Government project in an underground lab at the British Museum. He vanished suddenly, and was never heard from again. Simon takes the boys to the lab, where they find a strange contraption - which, unknown to any of them, is a time-travel device. When the building is struck by lightning, the device is energised, and sends the boys back in time to the year 1862. There, surrounded by danger and exposed to disease, they are sucked into a life of crime in order to survive. Only if they can find Hector will they have any chance of getting home again. But why has he gone into hiding? Who is the man after him and what does he want? As the boys struggle to escape back to their own time, Jamie becomes convinced that the two ghosts he saw earlier are following them...

Time Trap 2

Jamie and Todd are horrified to learn that the Grand Plan, which they thought had been defeated, is about to be implemented in 1775, America. Hector and Catherine have to go back in time and thwart Travis - an agent of the Grand Plan - who is hell bent on world domination.

Jamie and Todd go with Hector and Catherine on a mission to 1775, to prevent a super gun from being used in the Battle of Bunker Hill, during the American War of Independence, but only have days to stop history from being altered.

Time Trap is a wonderful adventure story for middle grade children and above. The story clearly depicts how brutal life was in Victorian England if you didn’t have any money.
The author is smart by not explaining how the time travel mechanism actually works. We see it all from the perspective of the two teenage boys. They are unexpectedly thrust backwards in time and struggle to locate the people who might be able to help them return to their time.
I enjoyed the accents as portrayed by the people who live in Victorian England. The use of the environment as an important aspect of the experience the two boys had is quite good. The action is excellent and very important to the story.
I award 4.8 stars to Time Trap.

Time trap 2 is a fun extension of the story from Time Trap. Instead of Jamie and Todd being trapped in Victorian London, their scientist friends, Hector and Catherine, from that period appear in modern London. Hector and his wife are chasing another time traveler, Travis, who is seeking to further the goal of world domination by a shadowy organization. Travis has obtained an early model of the Gatling gun from the 1860s and is taking it to the American Colonies in the 1770s. If he is not stopped, Western History will be radically changed.
More great writing in a very exciting story!
I give Time Trap 2 a score of 4.9 stars.

You can buy these books:
https://smile.amazon.com/Time-Trap-Richard-Smith-ebook
https://smile.amazon.com/Time-Trap-Two-Richard-Smith-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/book/-time-trap

You can follow Richard Smith:
https://twitter.com/RichardSmithTT
https://www.facebook.com/Time-Trap-1862-360641754046977/
http://www.timetrap.co.uk/

I promoted his first book here: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-darziods-stone

Copyright © 2021 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introductions

101 Comments

Richard Smith link

10/2/2021 06:28:51 am

Ready when you are Mark

Mark

10/2/2021 07:46:09 am

Welcome aboard! I am glad you are here. I enjoyed reading both of your books.
First question.
Please, tell us more about yourself. Perhaps something a little bit beyond your bio.

10/2/2021 07:56:27 am

I've enjoyed writing from the age of around 9 and really got the bug when I got top marks for my storys at school. When the teacher would set a story for homework, I would spend all weekend writing it and hand in 20 pages where as other pupils were handing in two or three.
Fast forward to today and my job is a building manager - I look after six blocks - it's the perfect job for a writer where I do my writing in the office. The whole of Time Trap II was done there.
I relax by playing snooker and going for long walks.

10/2/2021 08:43:13 am

I was one of those other students. Writing a story was not easy. I would turn in the minimum required usually. I didn't understand how a story was structured back then. Now, I know a lot more. The funny thing is I still do not have an overwhelming desire to write. I would rather read.
A building manger is a good job, though drastically underpaid in the USA. I was a HVAC technician and required to have a low-voltage electrical license. The training and such is not cheap.
New questions.
Does your work have any influence on your writing?
What inspired you to write this book?

10/2/2021 09:10:19 am

With your skill and master of English you should write more. : )
There are 43 flats among the six blocks so that means a lot of residents and in turn a lot of characters, but I must say I haven't used any of them in my stories!
The inspiration to write Time Trap II comes from the first book, Time Trap, the two main themes being Victorian London and time-travel, two of my passions - it's been said many times, write about what you like and what interests you and it's a very true saying.
When I finished Time Trap, people asked if there would be a sequel and I would say definatly not as I couldn't think of another story. That was until I was talking to my American friend, Steve Battaglia, a New Yorker who was once a resident where I work. He told me of Agent 355 from the American War of Independence. The identity of that agent remains a mystery but some say it was a woman. As soon as I had that snippet of information a plot swiftly formed and it was an absolute pleasure to do the research on that time as American history has always fascinated me.
I'm actually thinking if there is a possibility of Time Trap III but at the moment nothing is coming to mind, so I'm keeping my options open for my fourth book.

10/2/2021 10:06:00 am

If I was writing I couldn't help authors with proofreading nearly as much. That is something I love to do.
That is a great story how the inspiration for TT2 came about.
Here is something you might find interesting. The first American military submarine was built and used in 1776. It was called the Turtle.
New questions.
Who designed the cover of your books? Feel free to drop a link if appropriate.
What do the elements on the cover represent on the first book?

10/2/2021 12:19:10 pm

I read about that sub, amazing. I think one reason why I like American history is because when I was a child I watched the tv programme Wild, Wild West, and it had wonderful things in it like that sub.
The brother drew all the pictures in my book apart from the cover of Time Trap II, I "borrowed" from the internet. It depicts the Battle of Bunker Hill, the main aspect in the story.

10/2/2021 01:04:12 pm

That show was a lot of fun, it was one of my favorites!
You have a talented brother. The covers of both books are nice. I like the handcrafted look.
New questions.
Was it hard to come up with the titles? What was the process?

10/2/2021 01:19:55 pm

My brother will be pleased to hear that. He's the artist in the family and me the writer. It works well.
Time Trap was the third title of the book and the best. The first was From Time to Time, then A Change in Time, but after the second choice someone said its not very dynamic, so I had a rethink. I can't take the credit for the title, it was my appraiser.
I then - foolishly - wanted to change the title to An Extraordinary Adventure, but my appraiser brought me back to my senses, saying keep it simple and punchie, and she was absolutely right.

10/2/2021 06:40:00 pm

That is nice to have all of that talent in the family.
Your appraiser is pretty sharp also.
I think keeping a title short is a good idea. A short title is easier to grasp in a glance.
New questions.
Were the character names difficult to develop? How did you choose them?

10/3/2021 07:43:23 am

Time Trap 1 and 2 couldn't have been written more differently. TT 2 took around three years to complete and six months of that was delayed by Covid-19, but that actually gave me the opportunity to alter a section of the plot which I think enhanced the story. There were no new characters in that one, only the added historical figure which I won't name here.
Time Trap 1 took many years to write with three plot changes. The names of the characters came easy although Todd was Harrison in the first plot. Hector Lightfoot was Hector Rumpus who initially was a bit of a buffoon, but when I made him a veteran of the First Afghan War, I changed his name. Catherine is a headstrong character so I wanted her to have a grand name. Catherine Wallace is the only character I have done a bio on. She gives her memoirs on my website.
It was fun naming the Holton gang, such as Swiper, Hawk- the expert pickpocket and the leader Henry Holton.

10/3/2021 07:50:35 am

Changes big and small. They all make a difference.
It's been said that a good book is not written, it is rewritten many times. I believe that thoroughly. Anyone trying to write a perfect first draft is on a fool's errand. It has never ben done. An author trying to do that is at great risk of losing contact with their muse.
I am glad you made Hector a veteran that one little change had serious ramifications in the plot and worked for the best.
New questions.
What other books and genres have you written, if any?
Do you do any public speaking? Will you be doing more in the future?

10/3/2021 08:06:43 am

I've addressed pupils at several schools when I went in to do a book signing. Answering their questions was very enjoyable. The residents where I work organised a book signing event for Time Trap II. A table was set up in one of the porticoes where I sold copies of my three books. Over 30 books were sold and quite a bit of wine was consumed. It was a successful evening.
Talking of my third book The Darziods'Stone, it's aimed at the Y/A audience where five teenagers are pitted against a secret evil order after finding a code for hidden treasure. I wanted to create a desperate situation for the school friends which I think I have achieved.

10/3/2021 08:55:07 am

I love book signings, reading and fairs! Talking about books is quite a rare pleasure these days, though it is getting easier in some areas where the Covid lockdowns are easing.
I remember The Darziods' Stone. That had some great plotting. I was on the edge of my Kindle most of the story. The link for my review is above with the other links.
New questions.
Have you entered any writing contests?
Have you won awards of any kind for your writing?

10/3/2021 09:16:37 am

I'm really glad you liked The Darziods'Stone, I call that my epic with its 120,000 word count, but interestingly, someone the other day put it to me that that book could have been in two parts. Thinking about it, it could have come in three! But no, I'm happy with the one book.
I've entered some writting competitions but I should have entered more. I've been a finalist in the Bookshelf competition and been a featured author on Hippobooks.

10/3/2021 11:18:52 am

A long book can be such a feast.
I read sci-fi almost exclusively into my junior high school years. At that time I was given a set of The Lord of The Rings. I loved it! My appreciation for fantasy was born. I read the LOTR a total of three times before graduating from high school.
Congratulations on those accolades.
New questions.
I noticed that your book is not in Kindle Unlimited. Is there a reason for that?
Have you ever gone through the query process, seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers or did you go straight to indie publishing or self-publishing, and why?

10/3/2021 11:37:04 am

The Darziods' Stone is on Kindle Unlimited and I'll look into making the two Time Traps as well.
Before I went into self-publishing, I must have contacted over 50 agents and publishers, sending sample chapters and the synopsis of Time Trap. But, as it's been said many times, it's so, so hard to get an agent or indeed published. Self-publishing is the next best thing, and you never know, I could still get discovered by a publishing house.

10/3/2021 06:10:19 pm

Being in KU doesn’t work for every author. A few make a good amount of money. Most make very small amounts. I suppose that’s how a free market works, if the book doesn’t wow a reader they may not finish it. So, KU must be doing well for you if you are going to put these books in also. Congratulations.
You are right. It’s very hard to get traditionally published. The number of large traditional publishing firms are down to four. The entire industry has been shrinking since Amazon opened publishing to everyone. Publishers struggle to make a profit anymore, agents don’t get paid until a contract is signed. Neither can afford to take a chance on anything except a sure thing. Unless you are an author with a proven record of high volume sales and advance is going to be minimal.
However, authors do get signed and traditionally published, so it’s possible.
New questions.
After rejecting traditional publishing, did you consider an independent or hybrid publisher?
Or did you choose self-publishing as the best way and why?

10/4/2021 07:18:02 am

After all the rejections, which does take it out of you, I looked into self-publishing. The annual book fare at Earls Court, London, was coming up - this was about 10 years ago - and there were three self-publishing companies attending. On the day I picked the one I got on with the best and I had a good working relationship with them.
I'm happy with what they can do, all my requests are carried out. It's a print on demand set up, so no stocks of books are needed, I can order 1 to 100 and with a press of the button their end, the books printed off.

10/4/2021 07:35:10 am

Great! You found an independent publisher you are happy with. Some authors get scammed out of lots of money and/or their intellectual property rights.
Print on demand is very useful for authors. It saves storing and shipping large quantities of books.
New questions.
Is your publisher doing anything to market your books?
How do you think your book compares to a book published by a major publisher?

10/4/2021 08:19:41 am

Yes, there are some horror stories out there where writers have been scammed, but me meeting the companies at the book fare face to face is the way to go.
My publisher, Upfront Publishing, do a promotion package which I used in the early days, but there is a cost. Every time one of my books is launched, UP notify many outlets and media concerns. As for comparing my publisher's to a major publisher for marketing, the major publishers wins every time, as your book is stocked in the main bookshops, and sometimes in the shop window. They can also get your book featured in magazines and reviewed in newspapers..

10/4/2021 10:10:31 am

You make a good point. Big traditional publishers will go to great lengths to make sure a book will sell lots of copies, if the author is a popular writer. For the little guy or gal, the real marketing is on their shoulders. I have told authors in the past how important it is to make a marketing plan and devote an hour or two every week or two in that effort. Steady effort pays off in the long run.
New questions.
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?
Is there a book that touches you deeply no matter how many times you read it?

10/4/2021 10:47:46 am

For me, it has to be Vanity Publishing. I was contacted once and I was told they wanted to take my book on - The Darziods' stone - and I was over the moon. It was when they said that I had to contribute large sums of money for the printing of the book and for its promotion I told them to get lost.
Run Baby Run comes to mind, which I read when I was about 10. It's the life story of Nicky Cruz, how he came to New York from Puerto Rico and how he became embroiled in a street gang - the Mau Maus - how he was selected Warlord after a very short time then quickly rose to become president of the gang.
It was amazing how he found religion, turning his back on his life of crime, revisited his old neighbourhood and converted some of the Mau Maus members to Christianity. An epic tale, make no mistake.

10/4/2021 11:08:17 am

Vanity publishers have been around for a very long time. They have taken lots of peoples' money. Some will publish the book. The really bad ones won't even do that.
That book sounds so familiar. I read that in the early 70s. A very powerful book. I probably read it more than once.
New questions.
Do you have a favorite book by another author or just favorite authors?
Did you have a favorite book as a child?
Which of your books is your favorite, and why?

10/4/2021 11:49:26 am

My favourite book is plural, meaning it's a series, that being the Tunnels series, by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams. When I bought the first book, Tunnels, I thought it was a one off, but more were to follow. I believe they self-published at first and when the publication date was announced an original self-published copy went for almost a £1,000!
I was hooked on the series and would order the copy at the local Waterstones and wait for its release. I must confess, there's a bit of the Tunnels series in The Darziods' Stone, but I wrapped it up in one book!
I have to say my favourite childhood book is Alice in Wonderland. A brilliant book that has everything, adventure, fantasy, and amazing characters. I even played the March Hare in a school Christmas play when I was about 9.
Which of my three books is my favourite? What a killer question! Looking back on the times I wrote them gives me good, happy memories, jumping into characters and situations/adventures. I'm struggling here to choose one...
I'm going to say Time Trap I (only by a whisker) as it brings back the best memories and the long journey I had writing it, actually, it was more like an odyssey Then of course I managed to get it stocked in the British Museum - my proudest day regarding my writing - where I would stand in front of my copies drinking in the sight.

10/4/2021 12:29:58 pm

Alice In Wonderland is an amazing story! I read that many times as a boy. It was a lot of fun to read.
Good job on getting your book placed in the British Museum. Seeing your own book there would be an amazing feeling! Do they sell many copies? Will you be able to get TT2 placed there also?
More questions.
Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired?
Why is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?

10/4/2021 02:23:27 pm

Unfortunately, Time Trap was only stocked in the museum for one year, then had to give way for other lines, but 115 were sold. I might contact the book buyer informing them of the sequel.
Writing can have a healing capacity, as my partner suffered a serious illness when I was writing part of The Darziods' Stone. In that bad time, writing was a form of escapism, and it really did help which in turn gave me strength to help my partner.
I do get tired writing when I put in a shift but its a good tired, I feel I've achieved something worthwhile.
To me, putting emotion into a character will give it more dimensions and will enhance the story.

10/4/2021 04:22:43 pm

Definitely, call that buyer. Maybe you can get both books in the gift shop at the same time.
Many authors report feeling a similar 'good tired' a sense of accomplishment.
A character with a flat affect can be very boring. I read a fun book aa couple of years ago, "SuperEgo", about a sociopathic assassin. He didn't care about anyone but himself, maybe that is a narcissist. It was a good story and he expressed little emotion to speak of.
Most characters have to be someone the reader will relate to and care about, antagonists included. Even the bad guys think they are the hero in their story. Travis was a good example of this.
New questions.
Are you an under-writer or an over-writer? When the first draft is done, do you need to add more to it to flesh it out or do you have to cut material because there is too much?

10/4/2021 04:49:12 pm

I've read a few of the Man with no Name books - as well as the Trilogy - and you didn't get much out of him but as you visualise Clint Eastwood as the character, it makes all the difference, and the character is very cool after all.
I've been told - by appraisers - my writing can be pedantic and quite a bit of cutting takes place, but having said that, when both Time Traps were finished I added aspects to them that much improved the plots.

10/4/2021 09:35:52 pm

I hadn't thought of that, but Eastwood's character certainly fits that bill.
Most stories benefit from cutting some material and boosting some other parts, it is quite the balancing act in the long run. That is a big reason why it is worthwhile to have beta readers, critique partners, an editor and a proofreader; they each bring something that helps to bring the story into focus and make it worth reading. Of course, with each successive book, your skill as a writer will improve also and your fan base will grow over the long term.
New questions.
Are you talking about sentences, paragraphs or a chapter that didn't survive the final cut?
Do you save the parts that didn't make it into the final version?
Did you cut mostly descriptions, action, dialogue or whole chapters?

10/5/2021 05:16:35 am

With each book I write, I am definitely finishing them quicker, and that's where a complete plot comes into it's own. With The Darziods' Stone, I worked on the plot only to half way then got on with writing the story. When I got to half way I came to a shuddering half and had no where to go. I left it for two years trying to find the right second half to the story. I can't say enough how important it is to do the full plot before you start which I did with Time Trap II and it worked wonders as I followed the guidelines. I've never saved discarded text, once it was gone, it was gone.
chapters were never cut, just the odd sentence where I described something too much.
With the two Time Traps, the parts I changed were both in the last third. and even though at the time I knew the changes would better the stories, I still waited until I finished to make the changes, so there's one lesson I should learn, go with your instinct and write it in as you go.

10/5/2021 07:13:54 am

Your writing skill is improving.
I think plotting out a book is a good idea. Though some fear it will stifle their creativity many authors realize that plotting provides the steps to reach the goal. It's hard to drive from point A to point B, a distance of several hundred miles, unless you have a map or navigating app. The map helps you to avoid dead end roads. You can always take a scenic side trip if desired.
Another good tip I read years ago, stop a writing session in the middle of a chapter, don't write it out to the end. Stopping in the middle allows you to return to the moment of inspiration and leading into the next chapter is easier.
Some authors save everything they cut out. If I was a writer, I might do the same thing. I do have a tendency to collect things.
New questions.
What do you do to flesh out the characters for your stories?
Have you ever used yourself or other acquaintances as a starting point for a character in a story? Would they recognize you or themselves in the story?

10/5/2021 09:04:04 am

I have stopped mid chapter even when I had a plot. The plot is only a guideline, the inspiration comes in between.
I have another confession: I'm Mitch in The Darziods' Stone. I too, when I was around 8/9 wanted to visit exotic locations in a yacht to experience turquoise seas, palm trees and beautiful beaches. Like Mitch, I too was fascinated with Captain Cook's voyages of discovery, and a school trip to Greenwich where I saw the yacht the Gypsy Moth which Sir Francis Chichester circumnavigated the globe single handedly in, it might have been a factor too.

10/5/2021 09:38:29 am

That must have been fun to write yourself into the story. Getting to write about those experiences through the eyes of your character must have been entertaining and fulfilling.
I think most boys that age dreamed of adventures like circumnavigating the globe.
New questions.
If you used a close friend or family member in a book, would you tell them or make sure that they wouldn't recognize themselves in the story?
Which is more fun to write, the protagonist or the antagonist, and why?

10/5/2021 09:47:17 am

It was fun, it was actually like I was there experiencing the dreadful things that was happening to the teenagers.
I don't think I would tell a close friend or family member if I used them as a character, but maybe if they asked, I think I would.
it might sound like a cop out but I like writing about the protagonist and antagonist in equal measures, you're getting the best of both worlds seeing it in different view points.

10/5/2021 10:54:14 am

That is not a copout at all. Some writers have said it's hard to choose. Many others have said it's more fun to explore the antagonist. Most of us don't get to live out the dark impulses we sometimes feel.
The well-written antagonist is the hero in the story that plays out in his mind. Not many of them are evil for the sake of evil alone. Their actions must be logical in their mind.
New questions.
What is one thing you hate about your protagonist and one thing you love about the antagonist?
Which is more important to a story pace or flow? How do you control it?

10/5/2021 01:45:43 pm

I would say Hector Lightfoot is the main protagonist and I have to say there isn't anything I hate about him. I made him a hero, a veteran of the Royal Engineers and then made him a mechanical engineer where he worked on the time machine.
The thing I love about Travis is he's a charming man with a hidden iron will to get what he wants. A charming wolf, maybe.
One thing a lot of people say about the two Time Traps is how pacey they are and that will do for me!

10/5/2021 02:05:40 pm

Hector doesn't seem to have any negative characteristics unless it is his nearly overwhelming devotion to duty. That single-minded focus is a very male characteristic. Sometimes I find it hard to reorient my concentration away from a task at hand.
Travis is a beguiling individual, no doubt about that. He is easily believed by the boys and other characters in the story.
New questions.
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?
Do you write in a straight line or do you write whatever the muse provides for you at a given moment?

10/5/2021 03:36:24 pm

I wrote Time Trap II entirely in the office where I work and it was a success. Being at work, I was governed when I could write but once I was done with my duties I was on the computer. When I was in full writing mode I would make sure I got in two hours a day even if I had to do four sessions of 30 minutes.

10/5/2021 04:29:41 pm

What a nice employer you have. Getting all of your work done first so you could write is quite an incentive.
Not many get paid to write a novel while at work.
New questions.
Did your writing process change much from your early books to your current book or did it stay the same?
Now that your book is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?

10/5/2021 04:44:50 pm

The biggest change in my writing is I now use the computer. I can't believe I used to do my stories by hand, I got through quite a few pens! I made the change to computer with The Darziods'Stone and after that I could never go back.
I am so happy with Time Trap II that nothing needs to be changed, I now have it exactly how I want it.

10/5/2021 05:31:03 pm

It has been some time since an author has said they once used pen and paper. That is refreshing. When I started proofreading, personal computers didn't exist, in 1974, everything was typed up by hand and correction fluid was very common. Carbon copies were still common also, but they were going away because of copy machines primarily built by Xerox. Xerox became a common word like Kleenex, a thing and not just a brand.
Most authors say they are pretty happy with their book as it is.
New questions.
How do you think your book relates to the world we live in today?
What is the one thing you hope readers will remember from your book?

10/6/2021 06:38:49 am

Going through people's manuscripts written by pen must have been a nightmare, trying to work out their hand writing.
There is a reflection of today in Time Trap, where Jamie longs to be in Todd's street gang. They were once best friends but when Jamie's father gets a job that moves them up in the world, Todd, whose single mother and three children struggle. By the end of the story, Jamie, who samples life in a Victorian street gang - who have to turn to crime because of no welfare - doesn't want to be in Todd's gang, he wants to study astronomy. I'm hoping kids reading the books can see for themselves you don't need to be in a gang.
I'm hoping readers will see the friendship between Jamie and Todd become solid again after their adventures and to study hard at school is very important.

10/6/2021 06:43:28 am

I didn't have to work with handwriting, I always was given a typed copy, usually a carbon copy.
That is an important lesson. Pursue your dreams, don't let others drag you away from your goals.
New questions.
What else are you writing these days?
Do you have a classical author or poet you admire?

10/6/2021 08:05:44 am

My writing options are open at the moment but I am leaning towards a change of genre, an adult tale.
I never really got into the classics I'm afraid. The oldest book I've read is the Invisible Man by HG Wells and that was a classic!

10/6/2021 08:28:43 am

A different genre might be a good idea. Perhaps a story written in first person point of view. Those can be very powerful when done well.
H. G. Wells, the grandfather of science fiction. He was an amazing author. He wrote so many books, in different genres.
New questions.
What popular modern authors have influenced you?
What software do you use to write and publish your books, and why do you use those?

10/6/2021 09:05:43 am

As I mentioned earlier, the Tunnels series writers Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams have had the most influence on me, they are just great writers.
I use Word for my writing then put it on a USB stick then send it to the printers.

10/6/2021 09:15:46 am

MS Word is probably the most used software for writing. It has an incredibly large user base around the world. Every writer I have asked that question has said Word or a clone of Word, like Open Office.
New questions.
How do you keep track of all the characters and events in your books?
Are you a plotter, a pantster, or a hybrid?

10/6/2021 10:34:14 am

I keep my characters in a book and I add stuff to them as I go with the story. I find this very helpful for referencing. That way I can keep track of characters and keep them fresh and updated.
I'm a plotter as I think that's the best way to go.

10/6/2021 10:46:37 am

Your book sounds very familiar. I have heard of other authors doing something very similar. Some authors use character sheets to do the same thing, keep track of the characters and make them consistent. Seldom do characters change eye or hair color without good reason.
I am reminded of a website one of my guest bloggers created. It's purpose was to make sure that your characters are psychologically congruent. Here is a copy-and-paste link to the blog: https://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/character-creation The website is quite good and offers many examples.
New questions.
Have you ever had the experience of the story swerving in a different direction than planned, as if a character was driving it?
I know there are many ways to build the outline. Do you do it all on the computer or do you get analog at some point with sticky notes or note cards?

10/6/2021 12:47:12 pm

Thank you for the link, I'll take a look at that.

I feel my characters come alive when I write and most definitely there could be a swerve when following the plot. My mind is in that character and there's been times when the plot changes because that particular character made it change. Fascinating really.
My brother helped on the plot with Time Trap II. We would meet in pubs, cafes and one time in the Montague Cafe at the British Museum, and I would write the plot on sheets of A4 then later put it on the computer. It certainly helped bouncing off ideas with someone.

10/6/2021 02:09:57 pm

Quite a few authors have told me a similar story. It feels like the character or characters are driving the story line and plot. Most have reported that the story was improved when they listened to the characters. Are the characters real? Not outside of your mind and that is real enough it seems.
You are blessed to have a brother that is involved and encouraging you in your craft.
New questions.
Do you have defined space for writing at home, or would you be a coffee-shop writer, if we weren’t stuck in the covid mess?
Do you listen to music or have the TV on when writing at home, or do you need quiet?

10/6/2021 03:00:02 pm

Yeah, I have a good brother, he's seven years older than me. When I was at primary school, he would draw a Marvel comic strip and I would rush home to see an action story involving Iron Man, Thor, Cyclops and others. He could draw a galleon with ease but mine would look terrible.
I need solitary confinement to write, no distractions whatsoever and my office is the perfect place.

10/6/2021 03:19:11 pm

I was the oldest brother of my siblings and not nearly as nice as your brother. I did discover a little bit of talent with pencil drawing in my sophomore year of high school but I didn't continue working to develop the talent into a skill.
When I am proofreading I need a lot of quiet. A great deal of concentration is involved. When I am only reading it doesn't matter what is going on around me, especially if it is a really good story. I am lost to the external world when I am in a good book.
New questions.
Action, dialogue, or narration; which is easiest to write?
Of the five senses which is the easiest to write and which is the hardest?

10/6/2021 03:53:06 pm

Needing total silence when you're concentrating on proofreading makes sense because you could easily miss something.
For me it's action and when I write it, I get carried away and a few mistakes are made. I have to go over it several times and iron out the errors.
Sight must be the easiest sense as that's what you do most of the time when you write and I would say hearing must be the hardest.

10/6/2021 04:22:15 pm

I am not surprised that writing an action scene births a few errors. You are likely writing faster than normal. I know my reading speed picks up when I am reading an action scene. I think that is why many recommend short words and short sentences for action. The reading is easier.
We certainly are visually-oriented creatures. We take in so much detail every minute through our eyes. That is why a striking cover is important to grab the shopper's eye.
New questions.
Have you ever participated in theater in some way?
What kind of marketing are you doing or planning on doing for your book?

10/7/2021 06:19:18 am

I loved acting at school where I could explore my imagination but as I got older I lost interest in it and became someone who only went to the theatre. I went to see The Woman In Black, in Covent Garden the other day and it was fantastic. Different to the film but it had its scary moments.
I'm trying to get my book out there going to people like you - who's doing a great job. I have my Facebook page time trap 1862 Twitter and I'm thinking of going on Instagram.
I've actually placed Time Trap one and two in a reputable bookshop in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, called Medina Books. So I'll keep plugging away.

10/7/2021 06:32:32 am

Live theater is wonderful! It has a quality that is far beyond film.
With a million or more books published every year on Amazon and other platforms it is really hard to get noticed. It takes steady and consistent marketing to make a dent in the marketplace. That is why I say marketing is more like an ultra-marathon than a sprint.
Congratulations on the placement of your books. Keep working the local-author angle and seek to place your books in places wherever people gather. Get some inexpensive, cardboard counter holders to facilitate placement. put a picture of the cover inside the holder and reordering instructions on the back. Maybe the manager will place them on consignment or even buy them at a discount rate.
New questions.
Do you think your experience in theater helps you as a writer?
What kind of marketing has worked the best and the least for you for your books?
Speaking of marketing, why did you pick me to help promote these books?

10/7/2021 08:13:14 am

Some good marketing tips there, thanks!
I'm not sure if the theatre has helped me with my writing but I think I gave up acting for writing. These days I would like to be behind the scenes and let the actors take the glory.
I think Twitter has been good for promotion as it reaches so many people, readers, publishers, everyone.
I found you a while back doing research for promotion and liked the great reviews writers left but you're so busy, I've had to wait months for this interaction with you but it's worth the wait.

10/7/2021 09:59:48 am

You are welcome. Here is another promotional aspect of being a local author. In the USA, we have small, local, public-access, cable-TV stations. Many of the colleges and some larger high schools have a similar setup. They are always looking for material to broadcast. Interviewing the local author is good for them. Don't forget radio and neighborhood newspapers also. Plus, some civic-minded organizations like to bring speakers in. Some book clubs love reading a book and then talking with the author. It makes them feel special.
Here is another copy-and-paste link about marketing where you live: How to be a marketing star right where you live.
https://annerallen.com/2019/08/hometown-book-marketing/ via @annerallen
Thank you, I wish the wait wasn't so long but my book promotion service, with the only live interview for authors on the internet, is very popular.
New questions.
Have you ever thought of adding music to your books, like what the characters listen to or they went to a concert as a plot point?
I have seen some authors use music to flesh out the characters, they create a playlist for them. They publish the playlist in the back of the book.

10/7/2021 10:20:06 am

That's really good what they are doing for local authors. I've tried to get on BBC London radio as I thought they'd be interested in the self-guided London walk connected to the story but nothing happened.
Thanks for the link and the Twitter name.
Having music connected to characters is a new one on me, sounds interesting though. Do they use main stream music or unknown artists?

10/7/2021 10:43:40 am

For the local operations it is a mutually beneficial relationship. It is harder to get o n the big stations. It might be worthwhile to keep trying.
Anne Allen is one of my favorite book bloggers. I have links to many of her blogs.
Talking about marketing, I forgot to mention another resource on my website. I have several outstanding guest blogs about marketing and selling books. Plus, I have a long list of book reviewers on my Twitter page and book promoters as well. Check their requirements carefully before approaching them.
From what I have seen, mostly popular music of one genre or another is used. Care must be taken to not infringe their IP rights.
New questions.
How do you know when a book is finished?
Did anything in the book come as a surprise while you were writing?

10/7/2021 12:44:23 pm

Thanks for the advice, very helpful.
Doing a tight plot I know when and where the story will finish.
There were no surprises in Time Trap II just the extra work to the last third, which I'm really glad I did.

10/7/2021 01:09:42 pm

You are welcome. You did a good job of plotting out the story.
We have talked about the plotter life, since you are a plotter. But there is the other end of that line where pantsers or pantsters reside. For one reason or another they don't plan out or plot their book on paper or onscreen. They sometimes get stuck by writing themselves into a blind corner from which there is no escape. Another common complaint is they lose touch with their muse at some point in the story. The muse wants to go to a different point than the writer thinks the story should go.
One of my guest bloggers wrote a great piece about non-linear writing that has helped some people. So, I offer a copy-and-paste link again. http://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/non-linear-writing
New questions.
How long does the research process take before you start to write a book or do you do the research as you write the book?
How much time passed from when you got the idea to write your TT1 or TT2; then actually starting to write the book?

10/7/2021 05:19:46 pm

I feel safe with my plots. They are my safety nets.
I do a lot of research before I start a book, then after I begin the story I continue to research at the times when it's not possible to write, so a lot of my time is taken up with the project in one form or another.
I began Time Trap I in the mid 90s believe it or not with its multiple plot changes. From then and to its release in 2012 you could say I was learning the craft of writing. It was around three years after Time Trap's release my American friend, Steve, gave my that gem of a snippet about the American Revolution but I was writing The Darziods Stone so I had to put the idea of a sequel on the back burner.
I began Time Trap II in earnest in 2018.

10/7/2021 05:24:55 pm

Plotting can be very helpful, no doubt about that.
Any type of historical fiction necessitates lots of research. The farther back the writer is going the records become more scarce.
Learning the craft of writing is very important. Some hard-nosed editors will tell a beginning author to throw the first book away and write another, because the learning curve is so steep at the beginning.
New questions.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of TT2?
How many drafts did you go through to have a ready-to-publish manuscript?

10/8/2021 04:59:21 am

Being told to dump your first book must be a hard thing to take.
The time my three books have taken to write could be looked at three thirds of a pyramid. The time Time Trap took, the bottom third with all the plot changes and rewrites to the top third, Time Trap II.
I remember writing in my works diary when I began the ms to TT II: October 5th 2020, it was finished in the following March. What took the time was working on the plot with my brother, George, we started in April 2018 and I would say we met around 15 times. To think we could have had it in the can in a fortnight is amazing, but he has a disabled daughter so it's hard for him to have free time. We could have corresponded by email but there's nothing like bouncing ideas face to face.
I sent the complete draft to my appraiser and she sent it back with her amendments, by this time I was seriously thinking of adding that extra aspect to the story. When she returned the ms the second time, I weaved in the extra plot then sent it back to her.
So Time Trap took around 18 years, The Darziods' Stone eight years and Time Trap II three years.

10/8/2021 06:34:19 am

I agree, that would be very hard to take, after a lot of time and effort. The reality for almost every author is that each book is better than the previous book. The insights and skills gained over time are priceless.
I commend you for all the work you have put in writing your books.
New questions.
A lot of new authors struggle with finding beta readers. Because, after the first draft is done, fresh eyes and feedback become very important.
Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out a lot of wrinkles before publishing? If you don’t, why?

10/8/2021 07:18:30 am

I have quite a few alpha and beta readers. My nephew, Carl, who converted the two Time Traps to ebook, gave the ms a good going over and was a big help finding errors and inaccuracies as did his mother. A copy went to one of the residents where I work, who is an English professor and then there was you, and you found a number of errors after everyone else. I feel confident the book is in a good condition now.

10/8/2021 07:56:42 am

That is a nice group. It sounds like they are being honest and transparent with you. They want to help you put out the best possible product. Some authors run into problems with family and friends doing beta reading, they are afraid of hurting the author's feelings.
New questions.
Do you give them an e-version like a PDF or a hard copy you printed off?
What kind of questions did you ask them to get the feedback you wanted?

10/8/2021 01:15:27 pm

send out mostly PDFs.
One question I do ask readers is, who was their favourite character. By the way, I havent asked you,who was yours? And The Darziods'Stone? If you can remember as it was a while ago since you reviewed that one.

10/8/2021 01:47:32 pm

Hector was my favorite character, his wife close behind. They were resourceful and brave. Just like I want to be when I grow up.
I cannot remember who my favorite character was that far back. I have read and proofread several hundred books since then.
New questions.
Will you seek out new beta readers or work with the same ones as before?
Do you reward the alpha/beta readers in any way particular?

10/8/2021 02:59:10 pm

I appreciate how you can't remember with a couple of a 100 books since!
I'm glad Catherine ranks highly with you, I wanted to make her a strong character and it seems I have. And Hector, who's the oldest in the story is your favourite, I like that.
I will keep to my reading group and add some if I can.
Every reader is rewarded with a signed copy.

10/8/2021 03:17:34 pm

I did like Catherine a great deal. She reminded me of my wife.
A signed copy is very nice. They can hold it with pride knowing they were instrumental in the process.
That reminds me, every writer starts a book alone, the first draft is pretty much as solitary exercise. But after that, the group of contributing players increases quite a bit, because so many people are necessary to bring the final, polished manuscript to publication.
New questions.
Do you have other writers you connect with, as in a critique group or support group in person or by zoom?
How many critique group members show up for the meetings usually?

10/8/2021 03:55:33 pm

That's a good point how one starts the book on their own but then it snow balls when people read it in its draft form then it reaches others you don't know.
I'm not involved in other writers, I'm a lone wolf in that aspect but I don't mind.

10/8/2021 04:44:39 pm

I think a lot of writers feel the same. It does take a certain kind of emotional strength to write the first draft. But many authors have found benefit in engaging with other authors occasionally. Their are pitfalls to watch out for if only one of the group is published they might come across too strong.
New questions.
What is the most important thing you learned from publishing your latest book?
What are three things, that you wish you knew before you wrote your first book?

10/8/2021 05:37:55 pm

After giving the first question some thought, I have to say I didn't learn anything in regards to publishing or the book, but I'll offer something from the research. I thoroughly enjoyed reading up on the American Revolution, how King George was taxing the hell out of the Colonists. The thing that stands out the most for me is, both sides didn't want war, especially the Colonists, but they were forced into it, and it was touch and go if they were going to win through.
The second question is a cracker. From 9 years old, I wrote for fun. Aged around 13, I was cutting school excersise books down to novel book size and writing a story in them, and even back then George was drawing the covers! I never went to writing classes so one thing I was guilty of was telling not showing when it's "show don't tell." I finally found out several years after I began Time Trap.
The second is when it's a change of point of view. I never used a chapter change or space in the text, so readers were getting confused with three or four characters' POVs at the same time.
The third is speech. I was always being told it was stilted. After reading tips how to improve dialogue I also read aloud a scene to hear how it sounds and change where needed.

10/8/2021 06:01:27 pm

Nothing new was learned. That is a valid answer.
Yes, it was touch and go for the colonists. Many were loyal to the crown, a few to the end. At the time, Britain was one of the world superpowers on land and at sea. The colonists were fighting a guerilla war of harassment and subterfuge. Spies were an important part of the plan.
I love that you and your brother have been working on books for so many years! That is fabulous.
Consistency in POV is important. Especially when writing one or mare characters in first person POV. I recall one book that was in first person for the protagonist and third person POV for the other characters. I enjoyed it. Delineation and definition is very important.
Reading aloud is a great idea! It can also be helpful for editing and plot issues.
New questions.
Do you have a hero, real or fictional?
What are some challenges to writing Historical Fiction?

10/9/2021 07:19:08 am

The concept where the protagonist is the first person POV and the other characters third person POV sounds intriguing.
My early heroes were the Marvel characters, down to George doing his comic strips I guess - Thor being my favourite - and that set the trend for my liking of action heroes.
The trip to Greenwich and learning about Sir Francis Chichester sticks in my mind, how I admired his around the world voyage single handedly in a small boat. On the same trip to Greenwich I found out about Horatio Nelson, and have since read a lot about him. Now, he was no Thor or Iron Man in stature, but he was brave as a lion in battle and as a tactician, a genius. He even has a saying named after him: the Nelson Touch - a masterly or sympathetic approach to a problem.
The biggest challenge to writing Historical Fiction surely has to be accuracy. Research diligently and make sure you double check dates and facts. I made sure I was very thorough writing the two Time Traps.

10/9/2021 07:19:35 am

Comics were a great source of heroes for me also. I admired them all whether they were given powerful gifts or made their own.
Solo circumnavigation is an amazing accomplishment. I think I read about his trip in National Geographic. Another story that greatly impressed me was Thor Heyerdahl's 'Kon-Tiki'.
You are right. Research is critical for historical fiction of any kind. There are those who take delight in finding factual errors.
New questions.
What kind of historical fiction do you prefer to read? Real persons or fictional persons in a historical setting?

10/9/2021 01:22:48 pm

I must admit I haven't read Historical Fiction but plenty of history books, whether it's people or events. One comes to mind when I was researching for The Darziods'Stone. It was Napoleon in Egypt. It gave a detailed account the day the French invaded, how they interacted with the Egyptians, Nelson's fleet arriving and decimating the French ships, which in turn thwarted the invasion of India, and how the French slowly lost its grip on the country.
To me, history is very important and I don't think it is taught enough in schools these days.

10/9/2021 04:37:58 pm

That book about Napoleon and Nelson in Egypt sounds quite interesting. I agree, not enough history is taught in schools these days.
New questions.
What are common traps for beginning writers?
Do you think a strong ego is an asset or liability for a writer and why?

10/10/2021 06:19:07 am

False hope can be a problem for writers starting out, especially young writers. You go to book shops and see all that's on offer and think yours will be added. It is definitely worth going on writing courses to learn the "nuts and bolts" like a couple of things I mentioned earlier, POV and Show don't Tell. I really wish I went on some courses because I could have saved a few years learning the hard way. And there's the unscrupulous Vanity Publishers out there to be wary of.
I don't think an ego is a bad thing, I would say most writers have one - what with all those characters swirling about their heads. Just don't become pretentious.
Pretentious? Moi?

10/10/2021 06:52:22 am

False hope and expectations is a real problem. Another big problem is when a new writer compares their first draft to what they see on the shelf in a bookstore. The perfect first draft has never been written. An easy to read book is darn hard to write and requires lots of rewriting.
New questions.
Other than every person on earth, who do you wish would read your book?
Can you describe the demographic of your ideal reader? Who is the person most likely to buy your book?

10/10/2021 07:19:49 am

I would like an influential out door type who specialises in history to read both books. After reading the first, they could download and take the self-guided London walk - The Time Trap Trail - and visit the locations featured in the book. After answering questions at the various locations, they can email me the answers and I will email back a certificate with date and name applied. They could also dwell on the historic elements, as I think that subject is losing its appeal these days.
The books are aimed at a 9-to-13-year-old readership, so anyone in that bracket really, but in the hope they would take an adult on the Trail, although I do appreciate not everyone lives in London.
I had feedback from one mother thanking me, after her 12-year-old son read Time Trap I, saying he wanted to take up one of the sciences as he was inspired by Hector and Catherine.
So I hope (young) readers with an adventurous mind will by my books.

10/10/2021 07:35:12 am

You have a good take on your readers. Of course, an adult being involved is necessary also.
I am glad you mentioned the Time Trap Trail. I love that extra in the story. I bet it might be possible to use the street view of Google Earth to accomplish the same thing.
New questions.
Do you have anything you consider to be your writing lucky charm?
What is the biggest obstacle you face in writing at this time?

10/10/2021 07:50:21 am

Yes, Google Earth could be used: readers considering the Trail could check out the walk and see where it will take them. Im thinking of putting a QR code at every location to promote the books, but I'm not that tech savvy, I might have to find someone who is.
Im not superstitious so I'm free of anything holding me back in that regard.
The biggest obstacle is exposure, although doing things like this really helps. I would say a lot of writers feel the same way, you just have to keep plugging away.

10/10/2021 11:17:38 am

A small placard with a QR code is a good idea. I am not that tech savvy either.
Exposure, promotion and marketing is the big thing that holds back almost every author. With a million books being published every year it is a challenge that can only be met with steady and consistent effort. Unless you have bags of money laying around.
New questions.
What is your writing Kryptonite and how has it affected you?
Do you struggle with writer's block, if so, how do you overcome it?

10/10/2021 01:00:58 pm

A million a year, wow!
My kryptonite is descriptive writing. I can get frustrated trying to describe a scene or an object. I've rewritten a paragraph many times - holding up the progress of the story - to get it as good as I could, which would make it easier for when the appraiser would come to it. They would then see what I'm trying to portray then cast their magic so it reads perfect. I must add this is not the norm, just an occasional problem.
Writer's block. The curse of almost every author. When I get it I stop writing for the day and think about it. This could last a couple of days. And the saying: sleep on it, works. Many a times I've woken up and a solution has come through a night's sleep.
And then there was the mother of all blocks when I was following the plot for The Darziods' Stone only to come to a shuddering halt because I only wrote the plot to the half way point. I must admit I could see a block coming the closer I went with the unfinished plot. That writer's block took two years!

10/10/2021 01:15:02 pm

Amazon has been a double-edged sword for the publishing industry. Amazon didn't just open the gates of publishing, it destroyed the whole wall and that has allowed anyone to publish a book.
When Amazon first started self-publishing and e-books there was a considerable novelty factor for readers. There was also a stampede to publish and make money by providing content as quickly as possible. A lot of those early books were a first draft and that soured a lot of people on the quality of self-published books. Many of those readers have never come back.
You are right, almost every author has struggled with a creative blockage. There are many ways to get past it besides what you already mentioned. Any outdoor activity can stimulate the muse. Hiking, biking and gardening are solutions for many. I enjoyed raking leaves when I was struggling with a problem. Indoor activities such as cleaning, baking or ironing have been mentioned to me by others. Almost any activity that takes your focus away from the problem can allow a solution to bubble up.
New questions.
Do you see an advantage of writing under a pseudonym, why or why not?
If you branch out into a different genre, will you use a pen name, why or why not?

10/10/2021 01:42:01 pm

I agree, doing other things apart from writing also helps. The one big thing is not to panic.
It's a real pity what's happened with Amazon.
Pseudonyms and pen names are a mystery to me, I've never given it a thought. (Sorry)

10/10/2021 02:20:27 pm

So many more authors have been published without being blocked by the gatekeepers of traditional publishing. Should all of those authors been published? Maybe not. But the democratization of publishing has been a very good thing. So many more viewpoints are out there and the market decides who flourishes and who survives.
Pen names are used by different authors for different reasons. I know a few who didn't want to water down their connection with fans by writing in a different genre than the fans were used to. Other authors simply like their privacy and living a normal life. Still others are writing in a controversial genre and don't want to face questions from loved ones or acquaintances. I am sure there are more reasons than those three.
New questions.
Are there any issues that are peculiar to writing this genre that might not apply to other genres?
Are there any writing styles or genres that you disliked at first but soon came to like?

10/11/2021 06:53:35 am

I can now see why some writer's would like a pen name, it makes sense.
It's been said writing for children is the hardest. I learnt a lot in those 18 years writing Time Trap and I hope I have made a good job with my three books. You have to think like a youngster, what would they do and say, and that's not always easy.
I remember not like Dickens at school. I would find it hard going as he described things at great length, but later in life I came to love his writing, and my research for Victorian London led me to him, how he would write about the docks, or a foggy street in minute detail, he gave a living testimony of the times and his surroundings.

10/11/2021 07:20:31 am

When we become adults we are expected to set aside most child-like activities and attitudes. Society requires us to be responsible and contribute to the overall welfare of everyone. We are allowed to hold onto a few things from our childhood in our choices of hobbies or recreation. It is hard to think like a child and write for children. That makes a lot of sense.
Writing styles have certainly changed. We can learn a lot from the past. In most genres the mantra is lean and mean. Every word is supposed to earn its place on the page. Readers don't have the patience now like they did a few generations ago.
New questions.
Do you think reading, watching movies or listening to music help you be a better writer?
At this time, do you read books for entertainment or just research homework?

10/11/2021 08:14:59 am

Reading definitely helps, and to an extent, films, they both broaden the mind and in turn provide ideas. Music can be inspirational, I'd listen to something and it would arouse my emotions and compel me to write.
I love to read for research, where you are learning as you go, and also for entertainment. I'm reading two at the moment, I'm a fan of Steve Berry, so one is The Lost Order, and the other is a self-published author, Claudette Malanson, her first book of a trilogy: Rising Tide: Dark Innocence. I like to read a self-published writer occasionally.

10/11/2021 11:23:24 am

I agree that reading helps a writer to improve their craft. Though reading critically can take a bit of the pleasure out of the reading, it is an opportunity to grow in the craft. There is always room for improvement because there is not a goal line.
Books, music and film are different mediums for telling a story and they rely on different techniques. But many of those techniques are transferable from one to the other. I have suggested to more than one author that they take a class in screenwriting or playwriting to add to the tools in their toolbox.
New questions.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer to improve your career?
Do you subscribe to any magazines, newsletters, blogs or podcasts that enhance your writing career? Feel free to share as many as you would like.

10/11/2021 01:16:49 pm

Back in the 90s, I was penning my stories, then
I bought a word processor and began the laborious task of typing it all in. Although it was a state-of-the-art piece of kit back then, only five lines were visible on the narrow screen and when one page was printed, it would thump along at a very slow speed. Getting a laptop has been my best buy for writing. It's portability is another great factor.
I occasionally buy the Writer magazine which is very resourceful. I found my current appraiser in 2009 and it was a great find. I've used her services for all three books.

10/11/2021 02:06:14 pm

It is amazing what a simple purchase can do to improve your writing craft.
In the 90s I was using a desktop computer and trying to figure out how to use MS word to write letters. I never thought about writing a book.
Now I am on my third HP laptop. My second X360. It is a convertible laptop with a touchscreen. I can use it as a tablet if I wish. This new one has a 500GB solid-state hard drive. It is fast and light.
Last questions.
Have you ever created a throw-away character that developed into a major player?
Why do most authors write in 3rd person POV instead of first and second POV?

10/11/2021 03:48:00 pm

The 500GB sounds really good.
Catherine started off as a bit part character but I soon saw the potential to bring her more into the story. I enjoyed turning her into a strong personality and making her an astronomer opened up several storylines. She's became so popular I made up a bio of her on my website.
Most books are written in the third person, so that sets the trend. I haven't read many first person books as they are not for me.
Time Trap was written entirely through Jamie's POV although by third person, and it was fun writing The Darziods' Stone jumping into various characters. I realised it had to be the same with Time Trap II but that was fun too as I jumped into the existing characters from Time Trap.

10/11/2021 04:02:18 pm

It is hard for me to imagine Time Trap and especially Time Trap 2 without Catherine. She is an important character.
Thank you, Richard, for being such a great guest on the Word Refiner channel. I have enjoyed our conversation greatly and we have had lots of visitors even though none joined us in the conversation, I am grateful for their visits.
I have a new promotion starting tomorrow to prepare for. Until next time, keep on writing!

10/11/2021 05:06:19 pm

Thank you for having me Mark, it's been a pleasure, a week-long mega interview, very different to all the others I've done that only take about 30 minutes.
And I would like to thank everyone who has retweeted and liked your tweets.

Time Trap and Time trap 2 by Richard Smith

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