Let me kick off with a message sent to me by a reader, Garrett Kidd. (Used with permission):
“Descriptions of martial skills have become so fanciful that they make up the majority of the fantasy in the book. It’s difficult to immerse yourself in a book when such a critical aspect has been done wrong.”
It’s a view we share. I remember reading one or two books in which combatants did things that were humanly impossible. Once I was so confused by a sequence that I tried to duplicate the hero’s actions and realised that the author had more or less broken the laws of physics to vanquish the foe. But there’s more to this than avoiding mistakes. When a writer really knows the subject, there’s a sense of conviction we get from the little details and unexpected observations. These are the things that convince me it’s really happening. It’s not easy to capture and personalize experiences you haven’t had – thawing yourself in front of a winter fire, skinning your toe, jumping off the high board, tasting ice cream for the first time, running in the rain (or hail if you’re less fortunate). They are all such rich experiences that can be explored in such interesting ways – and I’m convinced it’s the personal impressions and inflections rather than general details that make the descriptions most compelling.
Obviously there are some things mentioned in the book that I’d prefer not to write from experience for various reasons. But if it’s a crucial aspect to the story and a wholesome one to engage in, I’m there. Let me not pretend that this is all about a martyrish commitment to excellence. Much of it is just a love of adventure, and I suppose that’s what inspired much of this series. Who could fail to be inspired by climbing rock walls, swimming across snow-melt dams, rafting down rapids, or by that moment on the bungee platform when thrill and raw fear have a little standoff in your mind, when you look down at the ground and it seems approximately as far away as the moon, and you’re wondering exactly what part of this seemed like a good idea when you signed that indemnity … Whether you make the jump or accept a little helping shove, you’re buzzing afterwards and you’ll relive the experience many times over. I think adventure is terrific inspiration for writing, but it’s also inspiration for life.
To that effect, I’m heading to Israel for a few weeks of intensive Krav Maga training. You might have seen that in the first book there was quite a bit of hand to hand combat. There is going to be a good deal more in the second book. Because the skills of the characters will have improved, I want to deepen my own understanding of what I’m writing about. A second reason for the trip is the aspect of experiencing a foreign country and culture, which is also key to the second book. I need to be reminded of what it is to be in a place where things run differently – how it affects the little details of getting through the day. And the last reason – I need a break from writing!
The first revision was a quite a challenge, and it’s more or less done. All that remains is a few chapters I need to revisit with a fresh perspective, but right now I need rest and inspiration, so this comes at a good time.
This was an awesome read as an aspiring writer. Just wanted to say I absolutely loved your first book. Aaedan was such a great character, he reminded me a lot of a not Peggy sue version of Kvoth from the name of the wind. Thank you for writing it and I’m looking forward to the next one.
I’m interested to know what you thought about the culture in Israel. What were your favorite and least favorite parts? Was there anything enlightening that stood out to you while you were there?
And now you can beat up anyone who gives you a bad review.
I have *never* been more excited to read a book. I drive 2 hours to work each day, and your book made the drive enjoyable to the point where I looked forward to the drives. I’m mad at you for not having the second book out when I finished (haha)!
In all seriousness, fantastic. Thank you.
I too did not want the first book to end. Then I was saddened when I didn’t see a book two. I can hardly wait until book 2 is released!!! I love the details also. I read “The Clan of the Cave Bear” series, well started it when I was a teenager and then finished it in my 40’s when I had a bit more time for reading and kids had grew up and left the nest. I loved those books, I could picture making meals and such just as the main character was doing. But after a while there were so many details I would stop read them all and just skip to the next part of action. Details are great but too many get…should I say…old/boring? Just a thought/my opinion.
I’ve lived in another country for a couple of years and the first thing you have to get over is the cultural shock I think. Next how to get around and buy things you need or services. I was in another country that I did not know the language at all and had to learn key words and phrases quickly in order to function on a day to day basis. The customs are another key piece a person has to learn so they don’t insult others.
I’m looking foreword to book #2!!!!!!! 🙂
Book 1 was magnificent. I can’t tell you how thankful I was to come across a really great book that I could actually allow my son to read. It’s so hard to find quality reading for younger teen boys. He loved the book. And just when I thought there were no great Christian writers any more. And when I thought I was already happy and ecstatic over the book I went looking for the second and found this site, then I read your author bio, I could have shouted for joy. Thank you for writing and for also bring brave enough to stand for Jesus. I pray God blesses all the rest of your books.
THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME I actually didn’t want it to end…can’t wait for the next audio book, pre-order worthy for sure.
thanks mate
Jonathan great job on book #1. I’m in the middle of the audio version now and really enjoying it. Also I just got back from Israel this last November. My wife and I lived there for over a year while she went to school. If you are ever in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem again I can make some good recommendations.
Having finished the first book I thought a lot about my frustrations with the character having moments of strength and weakness. Towards the end of the book however I felt like I had experienced a side of abuse that I have been lucky to not know myself. While my own background does contain parts of abuse from my father this book was very helpful in identifying my own “triggers”.
What made this even better was my mother suggested the book as a good read early on in her own time of reading. I found my mother and I calling each other checking on the progress and hearing how each of us felt about certain points in book 1.
From the way you talk about your immersion into parts of this book I hope that this aspect of the book has been more absent in your personal life.
While I anticipate your next book I am happy to note that my mother and I have bonded over your telling of events. I wish you luck when it comes to your time revising and exploring the adventures of life. Take with that a knowledge that your book while filled with pages of fantasy have had a real world impact on myself and my mother.
Thank you for the first installment of what I expect to be a very rewarding read.
P.s. I am quite envious of the research that comes with your writing.
How did training go?
Twas most excellent! It was interesting learning a different approach to Krav and hearing the reasons why certain techniques are preferred to others I’ve learned previously. Absorbing all those little details made for quite a mental workout. Perhaps it balanced out the physical one. Things are slightly crazy right now, but I promise to post more on it in a bit.
I just finished the 1st book and am excited to read the continued adventures. I have been practicing Krav since 2004 and upon reading this blog entry am really excited (and super jealous you get the opportunity to travel to Israel to train there!) to see how you incoporate that into the storyline as character development. Enjoy your trip! I hope to someday make it to Wingate Academy there for intense training as well!
I would also recommend learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Krav Maga is an excellent “offensive” martial art, where the goal is to do as much damage to the opponent as fast as possible. Bjj, on the other hand, is a controlling martial art where the object is to make the other person do what you want them to do. It also has the added benefit of being the only martial art that you can train at 100% intensity without risk of serious injury. (If both people training are intelligent and know when to tap.)
I actually do Jits and Muay Thai alongside Krav. Each focusses on different aspects and helps me think (and write) outside the limits of a particular discipline. I know what you mean about being able to train at 100% intensity. With the others, especially Krav, you need to be so careful when sparring that it’s only partially competitive.
Hope you have a lot of fun in Israel. I know they are great hand to hand fighters down there. Is this a military installment or civilian? Growing up overseas in South America I know what you mean about getting inspiration from other cultures. It is so hard for people to understand if they have not lived there or been there before. Let me know if you need any help on Indigenous fighting tactics, horses, and other stuff from my time overseas. Get some good rest.
That they are. It’s a civilian instalment with a 5th dan instructor.
Thanks. Will do.
Sounds like the perfect excuse for an adventure!
I wish I had the finances to go on adventures in pursuit of enriching experiences for writing. 😉
Have fun!
Your fellow author,
Trivia Ither