Welcome to my worlds!

I'm James Maxey, author of fantasy and science fiction. My novels include the science fantasy Bitterwood Saga (4 books) the Dragon Apocalypse Saga (4 books), numerous superhero novels including Nobody Gets the Girl and the Lawless series, the steampunk Oz sequel Bad Wizard, and my short story collections, There is No Wheel and Jagged Gate. This website is focused exclusively on writing. At my second blog, Jawbone of an Ass, I ramble through any random topic that springs to mind, occasionally touching on religion and politics and other subjects polite people are sensible enough not to discuss in public. If you'd like to get monthly updates on new releases, as well as preview chapters and free short stories, join my newsletter!




Sunday, April 17, 2011

Hush 57370

Just starting Chapter 14. Facing what may be the most critical choice I have left in the rest of the book: whether or not to introduce a new major cast member, or whether to stick with only the characters already in play. I've introduced more characters than I really need for this book, since I'm also laying groundwork for the next book, Sorrow, introducing characters that will carry on to play major roles there. But, I've also had the characters, many of whom are related, making reference to a brother who is now captain of a rival ship. I feel like I've laid the proper stepping stones that introducing this character at this point in the plot would certainly be acceptable, and I could potentially use him as a delivery device for a plot twist I'm pondering. On the other hand, I can just plow ahead with only the characters already on the set and treat my remaining plot as a puzzle, figuring out how to use the elements I've already put into play to solve the problems currently in play, even thought, at present, I feel that the problems and problem solvers are a wee bit mismatched. Both Greatshadow and Hush feature superpowered characters, but Greatshadow had characters who could slug it out with the Avengers or the JLA. The cast of Hush has superpowers from the B list roster of the Legion of Superheroes, when Mon-el and Ultra Boy are already out on a mission and the Suneater attacks and the only folks left in the clubhouse are Matter-Eater Lad, Bouncing Boy, and Shrinking Violet.

And if you really understand what I'm talking about here, you are a geek of the highest magnitude, a fellow member of my tribe, and I salute you.

2 comments:

TheyStoleFrazier'sBrain said...

I do understand. Just pray that the Legion aren't busy fighting the Fatal Five, so that the Suneater has to be opposed by the Legion of Substitute Heroes, with members like Chlorophyll Kid and Stone Boy.

heresolong said...

Remember, the more characters you have, the more royalties you get when they eventually start selling action figures.