Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Finding Balance in World Building by Shannan Albright

Or better: How to Rule Your World

I’ve spent more time in my head than out of it, much to my family’s frustration, I’m afraid. Called a dreamer as a young child, I don’t think anyone was surprised when I became a writer. I claim a distinction within my eclectic relations, as being the only writer, as the majority of them are artists of some renown.

If I chose to be a brain surgeon, they wouldn’t have been more surprised, and though they cannot understand why I went down this path, I have found encouragement. I do know if my Mother still lived, she would have been thrilled, and perhaps, understood me a bit better. As it stands, my sister Lisa is a wonderful support for me, along with a few of my closest friends, I couldn’t ask for more.

My ideas come as moving pictures, much like being in a theater, only it’s all being done in my mind. The images flash in living color, complete with emotions. I quickly note the high points and get the gist of the plot. Once I know the conflict and a few character quirks, I start building my words.

Whether it’s contemporary or set in another time the world building still must hold rules to the world that can be broken and those, which can’t. In my paranormal world, all beings have a weakness to compensate for the special abilities they hold. As with this world, there are limits to what a human can endure, same holds true with my characters.

Though my vampires don’t go up like a torch in the light of day, they do grow noticeable weaker. A dangerous condition to be found if you have enemies, which have no problem with sunlight. Newly turned vampires have no endurance in daylight, needing to build a tolerance to sunlight over time. Usually falling unto a death-like  sleep until the late afternoon when the sun is weaker.

My Dark Breed world is filled with paranormal characters, which, though they have incredible powers, also must live by the rules I set down in the world I built. It’s a give and take relationship between my characters and me. I give them great powers then balance it with conditions. Hey, even superman had Kryptonite and his attraction to Lois Lane to battle.

In The Knights of Excalibur, the same rules apply. In a world of magic, there is always a price to pay. For Gwen, my witch, she has great power, but suffers insecurities, which hamper her magic. Juliet is a rare Druid who can commune with the earth and animals, but she can also make mindless zombies of humans when she subjugates their will.

It’s this yin and yang in my worlds deepens the characters and gives me the foundation for conflict to build from. The line from Spiderman comes to mind and holds true for all my worlds, ‘with power comes great responsibilities.' 

Growing up Shannan Albright was the dreamer in her family, something not always thought of as a positive thing. As a child she would draw and build stories around her pictures, so writing was a natural extension for her.
 
Recently a family member told her that from now on she would encourage those dreamers she knew. Stating with hard work and focus dreams can come true.
 
Shannan Albright is proof that dreaming can be a positive thing. When not writing she spends her time between oil painting and reading. She loves writing paranormal, urban fantasy, historical and fantasy romances because of the world building and rich characters she finds. She loves dark, edgy heroes and heroines overcoming impossible odds internal and external. She is a "hopeful" Romantic who believes a healthy relationship built on respect and a strong partnership is the key to a happy ever after.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Tax time - Coming Together with a Half-Baked Plan


Happy April! Has the weather warmed up where you are yet? Are you seeing flowers? If not, maybe now would be a good time to plan on visiting somewhere warmer.

Ah, Las Vegas, home of the sparkling lights and sunshine 320 days a year. Now that spring drifts closer to summer, half the days are in the high 80s and the other a half sit around 60 degrees. A time to keep your weather eye open and decide whether you need long sleeves and capris or tank tops and shorts. Gotta love the Mojave Desert. It's also tax time, which is a great time to plan relaxing and fun getaways after toiling to add up the the fun you had the previous year. What about Vegas in October?


To help with such arrangements, we've instigated the half-baked plan. From April 14th through May 14th 2013, we are offering a deal of buy one ticket to Hot Mojave Knights Romance Reader Event, get one half-off. Now you and your best friend can visit Vegas and spend time with your favorite authors you talk about at a reduced rate. Authors like Jade Lee, Melissa Mayhue, Raine Miller, Marla Monroe, Jenn LeBlanc, Claire Ashgrove, and many more.

Even better, with the event geared specifically with readers in mind, there will be panels, hot chivalrous men trying to earn your favor, and a costume ball. Come dressed as your favorite book characters - all the authors will be costumed as well. Just click on the following link to register:


Please keep in mind that the Chippendales show is extra for all tickets. You can choose the quantity when in PayPal. The second Hot Mojave Knight ticket is free. Hotel accommodations are not included in the price and you must be over 18 years old.

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas in October 2013 for Hot Mojave Knights, where chivalry is alive and readers' fantasies thrive!