Month: October 2014

To Inspire, To Create: Character Development

Smiley FaceBy David Akseizer

In a recent interview, I was asked how it felt to hold the very first copy of The Legend of Pearl Cave. My answer, “Though I’ve never given birth myself, on account of being a man and all, I’d have to say the feeling was probably similar to having a baby. You gain weight, lose sleep and at times have mood swings. Every moment leading up to the book release is uncomfortable, nerve racking and painful.But when you finally hold the book in your hands, it’s the greatest feeling ever. [Read more…]

The Legend of Pearl Cave KICKS OFF at Tiger Schulmann

Author David Akseizer and Joshu Murray

Author David Akseizer and Joshu Murray

On Saturday October 18th, David Akseizer attended Tiger Schulmann’s annual Bully Shield in Paramus, New Jersey for his first-ever book signing. The event’s purpose is to help children understand that bullying is a cyclical process and to discover ways to prevent it. Specifically, students learned how to overcome bullying at its early stages to hinder it from developing into a persistent action. The martial arts atmosphere was the perfect setting for David’s initial book signing, as he also was able to address similar themes found within his novel, such as standing up for yourself. Attendees also had the privilege of being the first to purchase a copy of The Legend of Pearl Cave.

[Read more…]

An Exclusive Interview with David Akseizer

Assistant Publisher Nadine Cauthen sat with author David Akseizer to discuss a few questions about the making of The Legend of Pearl Cave.

Author David Akseizer

Author David Akseizer

NC: When did you first decide you wanted to become a published author?

DA: Back in high school when dreaming big was all I did. My friends and I were gathered around a circular kitchen table playing cards on a Friday night. We bet with cookies of course, not real money. That’s the moment I first shared the idea of one day writing an underwater adventure novel. Everyone laughed at me, mostly because that’s what guys do, we poke fun at one another. I tried not to take it personally. Besides, I don’t think my buddies were laughing at the idea behind the novel. I think they doubted the possibility that one day I’d become an actual writer. And here I am, a published author who’s still not afraid of dreaming big. [Read more…]

To Inspire, To Create: Plot Twists

The Legend of Pearl Cave on eBook Reader

The Legend of Pearl Cave on eBook Reader

By David Akseizer

Welcome legend fans! Life is good. Correction. Life is great! The Legend of Pearl Cave is mere weeks away from being released in both digital and print formats. Now is when the hard work truly begins. The time has come to hit the pavement running. I’ll spend all my spare time promoting, marketing and advertising this powerful read to the masses. What’s that you say? Did you just ask how you could be of help? How generous of you to lend a helping mouse click. Simply click SHARE and select LIKE to help spread the word. I am forever grateful for all your support.

Last time, I provided a few tips on plot development. We discussed how the main plot is the core of your story; the essential drive for the main character. I cited specific examples from my upcoming release The Legend of Pearl Cave to help readers understand the basic concepts needed to develop a plot, as well as sub plots. Lastly, I mentioned excluding characters, wasteful dialogue, unnecessary scenery, and other non-essentials that have nothing to do with supporting the main plot.

Lesson 5: Plot Twists

The perk of being an author is that only the author knows how their story will unfold. This advantage provides authors with valuable opportunities to trick and fool their audience. And if executed properly, an author can add the type of irresistible twists that readers crave when cozying up to a novel.

How many times have you read a great book and found yourself saying, “Well…that just happened” or “Wow. I wasn’t expecting that.” With the right technique an author can deliver shock factor to every reader, convincing them to become a loyal fan for the many books the author plans to release.

Helpful Twisty Tips: 

  1. For every written conflict ask yourself whether you want your audience to read what they’d expect or if you should provide them with an unexpected outcome or plot twist. Write down five to ten outcomes for any given conflict and choose a believable resolution that you consider to be the least obvious.
  2. Release only bits of information at a time. By taking this approach, you control what comes next. This technique helps build suspense. When it comes time to deliver the final blow, follow step 1.
  3. Reversing the role of the protagonist can deliver a great plot twist. In the end, the hero becomes the villain. I just got chills.
  4. Kill someone off in the most shockingly horrific possible way you can think of. Choose a character the reader has deeply bonded with and get ready to anger your fans in a delightfully evil way.
  5. Leave the reader hanging and drive them to the brink of crazy town. Finish, I mean don’t finish your story by leaving it open-ended. This allows your audience to try and figure out what happened on their own. This option also provides the author with an opportunity for writing a sequel.

Tune in next time when I’ll discuss character development. Every character needs a personality and every character counts!

If you have any questions, please visit www.davidakseizer.com and shoot me an email. You can also follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/akseizer and send me a message. Until then, BE BRAVE!