FFB Review: Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction by Terry W. Ervin II

 

From the massive archive here at Casa Tipple and Home Eatery Library…

 

Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction features thirteen previously published tales classified into four categories. Published by Gryphonwood Press last year, the book continues the author’s word count assault on the reading public with quality storytelling and interesting characters. Like his Flank Hawk series, there are plenty of twists and surprises in these very good tales.

 

The book opens with the “Horror/Suspense” category. There are three stories in this section and they begin with “The Scene Of My Second Murder.” A graveyard in the middle of the night and a long ago death are just two of the many elements in the tale.

 

Scary stories told to young kids at a retreat or camp is a classic idea used in film as well as in books. So classic we all pretty much know how the tale will go before we read one as the names and circumstances are usually the only difference. Author Terry W. Ervin II puts a very different spin on things with “Skull Face Returns” proving there is a grain or more of truth in every story.

 

Scaring kids at camp also plays a major role in the next story titled “The Candy Bar Game.” A Saturday night highlight and tradition at “Camp Mekanayzn” is about to go very wrong for assistant senior patrol leader Rick in ways he never saw coming.

 

“Accelerated Justice” leads off the five stories is the “Science Fiction” category though several could have worked just as well in the preceding category. In the not too distant future it was supposed to be a simple trip back and forth across the border for limo driver Jack Hollister and his passenger. Classic issues still plague mankind and Jack Hollister has few options.

 

A deep space battle might turn the tide for humanity in “Seconds Of Eternity.” Major Parsons knows a thing or two about fighting and will push his Starfury IV to do what absolutely has to be done.

 

He was supposed to go into a peaceful cryogenic sleep in “Tethered In Purgatory” and await advances in medical science that could save his life. Instead, Thomas Mayvin finds himself conscious in some way and only able to observe his own body and those that come near o him. This is not at all what he paid for.

 

A newbie reporter two weeks out from graduation and on his first assignment is sent to Florida in “Vegetable Matters.” The reporter is to interview a Mr. Dennis Sherkle on behalf of the “Weekly Electron Star.” All reporter Marvin Petro knows is that his editor told him the story involved corporate theft and property rights. Petro will soon learn what that really means in this incredibly good tale.

 

Sallie Thurstin and her baby are in real trouble in “The Exchange Box.” That is until Travis Collington shows up with his special box and makes an offer she can’t refuse.

 

While the next category is referred to as “Inspirational” a more fitting term would be “Literary.” Despite the idea that the stories are uplifting as implied by the category term and their track record of publication, these primarily depressing tales did not strike this reader that way at all.

 

“It Was A Mistake” details a series of mistakes that led up to the ultimate fate.

 

“Even Zero Can Add Up To Something” makes a point about the math involved with the number zero. A very short tale that really can’t be described--it just has to be read.

 

It has been a long trip, but worth it in “The Last Meeting” as a man goes home to the church he grew up in long ago.

 

The final two stories of the book are found in the closing category of “Mystery.” The first story features a routine day in second period Geometry until the police got involved in “Drug Dogs.” Mitch is about to have his high school life and more turned upside down and then things will get worse.

 

Modern day archeology and ancient secrets abound in “Fictional History.” Artifacts must be placed in context. A major find could radically change that established context.

 

Terry W. Ervin II is one of those writers who has many talents. Whether it is the excellent Flank Hawk series or the tales here in Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction the read is a good one. This is one of those rare cases where the blurbs from author Earl Staggs and others accurately portray the book. Short stories in a variety of settings populated with interesting characters facing major and minor moments are present here resulting in a very good read.

 

 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4drgqKO 

 

 

 

Material supplied by the author quite some time ago in exchange for my objective review.

 

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013, 2015, 2024

Up Around The Corner: Piqua ComicCon 2024

 Up Around The Corner: Piqua ComicCon 2024

Up Around the Corner: Knights of the Pageless Library's Review of Outpost

 Up Around the Corner: Knights of the Pageless Library's Review of Outpost

Up Around The Corner: Classic Plastics Expo March 2 & 3, 2024

 Up Around The Corner: Classic Plastics Expo March 2 & 3, 2024

Up Around The Corner: Fandemonium 2023

 Up Around The Corner: Fandemonium 2023

Up Around the Corner: Piqua Comic-Con 2022 Reminder

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FFB Review: Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 by Terry W. Ervin II

From the massive archive… 

Relic Tech Class 4 Transport Security Specialist Krakista Keesay has a significant problem. Actually, he has several problems and they are all very significant. Employed by the Negral Corp and assigned to the transport ship Kalavar, Keesay has been seriously injured as Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 by Terry W. Ervin II begins. He has no memory of how he sustained those injuries. He has no memory of ever being onboard the Kalavar.

 

He is accused of numerous crimes, including treason, and is accused of being responsible for the deaths of over 100 military and corporate personnel. He has no memory of any such actions either. Due to his injuries as well as the fact he is heavily restrained, fleeing is not an option. With no memories, he is unable to refute the charges against him. He also does not care for the option strongly suggested by his appointed legal counsel to plead guilty because the evidence against him is insurmountable. 

He is aware that things are not right though he has no real clue as to what is wrong. His only option is a very dangerous plan using alien technology. An ancient alien race known as the Umblegarri assisted mankind years ago with becoming part of the intergalactic community. This was before the Silicate War. One of their capabilities is an A Tech-- or advanced technology – machine known as Cranaltar IV. A brain scanning instrument that has the ability to retrieve and store the memories of the subject in the machine. These memories can then be displayed through various means. It also has a tendency to scramble the brains of human test subjects.

 

Keesay, by invoking his right to be scanned may prove his innocence, but he could also be permanently damaged if he survives the encounter. He might prove his innocence, but he also could easily have no mind left afterwards. It is a risk he is willing to take. Assuming he makes it alive to the small moon of Io to undergo the scanning. Between his health and the forces against him that need him dead to keep the secrets in his head hidden nothing is assured.

 

Published in 2013 the first book of a new series by author Terry W. Ervin II, Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 is a combination political/ espionage and science fiction alien invasion war book. While plenty of reviews note the western style aspects of the read, those same reviews seem to miss the political/espionage elements also strongly present in the book. Blending science and history along with plenty of creatures one never wants to meet, Terry Ervin has created a far flung space opera style science fiction read set far in the future with plenty of mystery and thriller elements along with the previously mentioned elements. While it is clearly science fiction, like many of the author’s other works, the tale has elements of nearly every other genre heavily present throughout the work. At over 400 pages, the book certainly isn’t a fast read, but there is plenty of action, intrigue, and various attacking creatures as well as plenty of other things to keep the reader turning pages. You won’t be bored.

 

Like the very good Flank Hawk series that I also strongly recommend, Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 is a very good read and well worth your time.

 

Material provided by the author long ago in exchange for my objective review. 

 

Kevin R.  Tipple © 2017, 2022

Short Story Wednesday Review: Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction by Terry W. Ervin II

From the massive archive …

 

Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction by Terry W. Ervin II features thirteen previously published tales classified into four categories. Published by Gryphonwood Press, the book continues the author’s word count assault on the reading public with quality storytelling and interesting characters. Like his Flank Hawk series, there are plenty of twists and surprises in these very good tales.

 

The book opens with the “Horror/Suspense” category. There are three stories in this section and they begin with “The Scene Of My Second Murder.” A graveyard in the middle of the night and a long ago death are just two of the many elements in the tale.

 

Scary stories told to young kids at a retreat or camp is a classic idea used in film as well as in books. So classic we all pretty much know how the tale will go before we read one as the names and circumstances are usually the only difference. Author Terry W. Ervin II puts a very different spin on things with “Skull Face Returns” proving there is a grain or more of truth in every story.

 

Scaring kids at camp also plays a major role in the next story titled “The Candy Bar Game.” A Saturday night highlight and tradition at “Camp Mekanayzn” is about to go very wrong for assistant senior patrol leader Rick in ways he never saw coming.

 

“Accelerated Justice” leads off the five stories is the “Science Fiction” category though several could have worked just as well in the preceding category. In the not too distant future it was supposed to be a simple trip back and forth across the border for limo driver Jack Hollister and his passenger. Classic issues still plague mankind and Jack Hollister has few options.

 

A deep space battle might turn the tide for humanity in “Seconds Of Eternity.” Major Parsons knows a thing or two about fighting and will push his Starfury IV to do what absolutely has to be done.

 

He was supposed to go into a peaceful cryogenic sleep in “Tethered In Purgatory” and await advances in medical science that could save his life. Instead, Thomas Mayvin finds himself conscious in some way and only able to observe his own body and those that come near o him. This is not at all what he paid for.

 

A newbie reporter two weeks out from graduation and on his first assignment is sent to Florida in “Vegetable Matters.” The reporter is to interview a Mr. Dennis Sherkle on behalf of the “Weekly Electron Star.” All reporter Marvin Petro knows is that his editor told him the story involved corporate theft and property rights. Petro will soon learn what that really means in this incredibly good tale.

 

Sallie Thurstin and her baby are in real trouble in “The Exchange Box.” That is until Travis Collington shows up with his special box and makes an offer she can’t refuse. 

While the next category is referred to as “Inspirational” a more fitting term would be “Literary.” Despite the idea that the stories are uplifting as implied by the category term and their track record of publication, these primarily depressing tales did not strike this reader that way at all. 

“It Was A Mistake” details a series of mistakes that led up to the ultimate fate. 

“Even Zero Can Add Up To Something” makes a point about the math involved with the number zero. A very short tale that really can’t be described--it just has to be read.

 

It has been a long trip, but worth it in “The Last Meeting” as a man goes home to the church he grew up in long ago.

 

The final two stories of the book are found in the closing category of “Mystery.”

 

The first story features a routine day in second period Geometry until the police got involved in “Drug Dogs.” Mitch is about to have his high school life and more turned upside down and then things will get worse.

 

Modern day archeology and ancient secrets abound in “Fictional History.” Artifacts must be placed in context. A major find could radically change that established context.

 

Terry W. Ervin II is one of those writers who has many talents. Whether it is the excellent Flank Hawk series or the tales here in Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction the read is a good one. This is one of those rare cases where the blurbs from author Earl Staggs and others accurately portray the book. Short stories in a variety of settings populated with interesting characters facing major and minor moments are present here resulting in a very good read.

 

 

Material supplied by the author quite some time ago in exchange for my objective review.

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013, 2015, 2022

Up Around The Corner: Interview on Dueling Ogres Podcast

 Up Around The Corner: Interview on Dueling Ogres Podcast

Up Around the Corner: Interview with author Joshua E. B. Smith

Up Around the Corner: Interview with author Joshua E. B. Smith

Review: Outpost: Monsters, Maces and Magic Book One by Terry W. Ervin II

Imagine, if you will, the possibility of crossing from this plane of existence into another one built on a role playing game. Where the decisions you made in setting up your character and your abilities, as well as ones made by all of the players in your group, could have life and death consequences within moments of your arrival. That magic, vampires, goblins, and more are totally real as is your ability to fight as a warrior and maybe heal yourself and others depending on the severity of the injury and what you chose moments before here in this world. That is the world as it exists for the characters in Outpost: Monsters, Maces and Magic Book One by Terry W. Ervin II.

The whole reason Glenn was in the Grimes Student Center that Friday evening was research for his Sociology 102 paper. He plans to participate in one of the get togethers hosted by the Role Playing Game Club on campus. By hanging out with the players of whatever game he chooses to be a part of, he hopes to gather enough material for his paper. A key point of his paper is to participate in a social setting or situation that is unfamiliar to him and being part of a role playing game fits the requirement very well.

While he has played a little bit of Dungeons & Dragons years ago, it wasn’t very much, and nobody needs to know that information. The point is to get in, play for a couple of hours, and get out as he has a life and isn’t going to waste his Friday evening this way.

It does not take long before he as well as Stephanie and Kim, two girls who are also from his Sociology class, are at a table with Kirby, Derek, and Ron along with a Game Master. Not only is the Game Master a bit unfriendly, he just seems rather weird and Glenn thinks there is something up with him, but pushes those thoughts aside as he and the other players build the characters and plan out the game.

As all the players are committed to the game and their characters, the Game Master pulls out various items and sets up things to get underway. The last item, when activated, pulls the six players into another dimension based on the fictional world they just created. What seemed to be a joke or unnecessary before, now has major importance as their very existence hangs in the balance at almost every moment. The foes are many, the challenges get harder and harder, and getting back to the reality they left is going to have to wait.

The first book of a series, Outpost: Monsters, Maces and Magic Book One by Terry W. Ervin II is full of intrigue, mystery, action and adventure, and occasional flashes of humor which are often of the adult variety based on how a certain female appears in the fantasy world. Billed as AN “LITRPG novel” or a literary role playing game novel, this is a book where the read combines role playing games with fantasy elements to entertain readers. Those who are seriously into role playing games may find it a bit light in that regard as the focus in much of the book is more of a fantasy quest style story. Those of us who are not serious about such games and therefore are not burdened with a need for continuous complicated game play information that has little relevance as the read unfolds can relax and just enjoy the tale.

A fun read, Outpost: Monsters, Maces and Magic Book One by Terry W. Ervin II is a solidly good read and well worth your time. It is available in print, audio, as well as eBook formats. 

Print material received many moons ago from the author with no expectation of a review. I do have the next in the series, Betrayal, here in my personal print TBR pile and intend to read it soon.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2020

Up Around The Corner: Gryphonwood Press has 8 of my Books on Sale

Up Around The Corner: Gryphonwood Press has 8 of my Books on Sale

Up Around The Corner: Now Available--Monsters, Maces and Magic: Guild

Up Around The Corner: Now Available--Monsters, Maces and Magic: Guild

Guest Post: Value in Co-Authoring by Terry W. Ervin II

It has been awhile, but author Terry W. Ervin II is back today with a new guest post. Today he talks about authoring with a partner and his new project with David Wood for Rock House and the sequel, Cavern.

Value in Co-Authoring

by Terry W. Ervin II

I’d just completed proofing the galley for Thunder Wells, when I received an email from author David Wood, wondering if I might be interested in co-authoring a novella for the launch of the Dane Maddock Universe, a new Kindle Worlds series.

At first, I wasn’t so certain. Writing is often a solitary task, and it’d take me a little out of my comfort zone, and I had another novel ready to begin. But I knew David Wood, and have read and enjoyed many of his Dane Maddock books and figured: Why not. It’s only a novella.

So, after checking Amazon’s contract and the content specifications, I discussed the process with David (he’s been a part of at least a dozen co-authoring projects). Next, I came up with an idea for Rock House. After a little research, I outlined my storyline and emailed it to David.

While waiting for a reply, I began re-reading several of my favorite Maddock books, this time paying attention to dialogue, descriptions, mannerisms, and pacing. The Dane Maddock Series is sort of pulpy action-adventure, along the lines of a modern day Indiana Jones. My novels, and most of my short stories have a lot of action and adventure, but I mainly write fantasy and science fiction, so it’s not exactly the same.

The other challenge was getting the characters and tone right. Most of the readers would be the fans of the Dane Maddock Series. There was no way the novella would be 100% David Wood, style and content, but I wanted it to be close. I took notes and knew David would be doing more than his part.

In short, David emailed back, having added to the outline and offered suggestions, including specific examples of dialogue he thought would fit. From there I wrote the first draft, and revised it and emailed it back to David. He revised, sent it back with a few more suggestions, most of which I implemented. After an outside editor gave the novella review, David did the final proofing and off for publication Rock House went.

In the end, I’m glad I took on the challenge. Not only has Rock House, and the follow on novella, Cavern, sold very well, but I learned a lot along the way.

I learned to write in a different genre. That may not sound like a lot, but the scene construction, pacing and even the overall plot structure differed from what I was used to. Less world building and descriptions, more combining of scenes and content to propel the story forward.

Although some of my published short stories were written in the third person limited point of view, all of my novels have been in first person POV. Working with David strengthened my skill with third person limited, which better enabled me to write my most recent Monsters, Maces and Magic novels, both part of a LitRPG fantasy series.

Would I work on co-authored projects in the future? Yes, if the opportunity sounds like a good fit. Over the years I’ve heard about a number of bad experiences, but that’s fodder for another article.

Terry W. Ervin II ©2018

Terry W. Ervin II is an English teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His science fiction novels include Relic Tech and Relic Hunted (part of the Crax War Chronicles), and Thunder Wells, a post-apocalyptic alien invasion novel.

Rock House and Cavern are his co-authored action adventure novellas (with David Wood), and Genre Shotgun is his short story collection, that includes SF, mystery, horror/suspense and inspirational tales.

His post-apocalyptic fantasy series, First Civilization’s Legacy, includes Flank Hawk, Blood Sword and Soul Forge.

Terry’s newest series (Fantasy/LitRPG) Monsters, Maces and Magic includes Outpost, with Betrayal slated for release in April of 2018. He is currently working on Relic Shield, the third novel in the Crax War Chronicles.

To contact Terry or to learn more about his writing endeavors, visit his website at www.ervin-author.com, that of his publisher, Gryphonwood Press, and his blog, Up Around the Corner at uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com.

Up Around The Corner Blog: Cavern Released!

Up Around The Corner Blog: Cavern Released!

Review: Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 by Terry W. Ervin II

Relic Tech Class 4 Transport Security Specialist Krakista Keesay has a significant problem. Actually, he has several problems and they are all very significant. Employed by the Negral Corp and assigned to the transport ship Kalavar, Keesay has been seriously injured as Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 by Terry W. Ervin II begins. He has no memory of how he sustained those injuries. He has no memory of ever being onboard the Kalavar. 

He is accused of numerous crimes, including treason, and is accused of being responsible for the deaths of over 100 military and corporate personnel. He has no memory of any such actions either. Due to his injuries as well as the fact he is heavily restrained, fleeing is not an option. With no memories, he is unable to refute the charges against him. He also does not care for the option strongly suggested by his appointed legal counsel to plead guilty because the evidence against him is insurmountable. 

He is aware that things are not right though he has no real clue as to what is wrong. His only option is a very dangerous plan using alien technology. An ancient alien race known as the Umblegarri assisted mankind years ago with becoming part of the intergalactic community. This was before the Silicate War. One of their capabilities is an A Tech-- or advanced technology – machine known as Cranaltar IV. A brain scanning instrument that has the ability to retrieve and store the memories of the subject in the machine. These memories can then be displayed through various means. It also has a tendency to scramble the brains of human test subjects.

Keesay, by invoking his right to be scanned may prove his innocence, but he could also be permanently damaged if he survives the encounter. He might prove his innocence, but he also could easily have no mind left afterwards. It is a risk he is willing to take. Assuming he makes it alive to the small moon of Io to undergo the scanning. Between his health and the forces against him that need him dead to keep the secrets in his head hidden nothing is assured. 

Published in 2013 the first book of a new series by author Terry W. Ervin II, Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 is a combination political/ espionage and science fiction alien invasion war book. While plenty of reviews note the western style aspects of the read, those same reviews seem to miss the political/espionage elements also strongly present in the book. Blending science and history along with plenty of creatures one never wants to meet, Terry Ervin has created a far flung space opera style science fiction read set far in the future with plenty of mystery and thriller elements along with the previously mentioned elements. While it is clearly science fiction, like many of the author’s other works, the tale has elements of nearly every other genre heavily present throughout the work. At over 400 pages, the book certainly isn’t a fast read, but there is plenty of action, intrigue, and various attacking creatures as well as plenty of other things to keep the reader turning pages. You won’t be bored.

Like the very good Flank Hawk series that I also strongly recommend, Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 is a very good read and well worth your time. 

Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1

Terry W. Ervin II

http://www.ervin-author.com/

Gryphonwood Press

http://www.gryphonwoodpress.com/

November 2013

ISBN# 978-1940095-10-3

Paperback (also available in e-book and audio formats)

452 Pages

$13.99

Material provided by the author long ago in exchange for my objective review. The second book in the series, Relic Hunted is in my TBR pile.

Kevin R.  Tipple © 2017

Dueling Ogres Interview of Terry W. Ervin II at the Classic Plastics Expo

Dueling Ogres Interview of Terry W. Ervin II at the Classic Plastics Expo

Guest Post: Terry E. Ervin II on "Writing Warfare in Fiction"

Last week Terry came by to talk about things research and getting the little things right in his stories. Today he offers his thoughts about getting the fight scenes right in his stories. The methods he outlines below are probably better than hands on research at the malls fighting crowds of people….

Writing Warfare in Fiction

Epic combat scenes are a common fare in fantasy and science fiction. Think: Armored phalanxes armed with spears and catapults, backed by earth wizards and flame-spewing dragons vs. necromancer-controlled zombie hordes, goblin mobs and brutish ogres, backed by propeller-driven dive-bombers and mechanized tanks reminiscent of WW II technology.

Okay, maybe that combination isn’t ‘common fare’ (unless you’ve happened to stumble across my First Civilization’s Legacy Series). The question is: How can an author bring such battles to life for the reader. Infuse them with excitement and, well, believability?

Personally, I have absolutely zero military combat experience. I don’t count the several years of U.S. Civil War reenactment, where I learned 19^th Century drills and military tactics, including the basics wielding a bayonet and saber. I am competent in firearm safety and basic use, my experience mainly with shotguns and revolvers. That’s it.

Add to that, how can I convincingly write about what no author, let alone human, has experienced? For example, an interstellar taskforce made up of carriers, cruisers and destroyers encountering a hostile alien fleet, from large formations down to ship to ship combat using pulse lasers, nuclear tipped missiles, railguns, ion cannons, fusion beams, and more?

It can be done, as proven by a multitude of authors. Admittedly, sometimes it’s accomplished more convincingly than others. In any case, here’s what has worked for me.

The first thing that I’ve done is a lot of reading, supplemented by watching various programs and documentaries focusing on wars and conflicts humanity has engaged in over the centuries. My reading includes a variety of books which, if listed in detail, would take up several pages. Nevertheless, I’ll share four examples in several categories:

1. Books that provided ideas of overall units, weapons and tactics on a large scale:

• How to Make War by James F. Dunnigan
• The Face of Battle by John Kegan
• 50 Weapons that Changed Warfare by William Wier
• Jane’s Fighting Ships of WW II by Antony Preston

2. Books that covered tactics, responses and reasoning, including personal experiences and insight from larger to smaller scale:

• The Battle of Leyte Gulf by Edwin P. Hoyt
• Citizen Soldier by Stephen E. Ambrose
• Iron Coffins by Herbert A. Werner
• Modern Air Combat: The Aircraft, Tactics and Weapons Employed in Aerial Warfare Today by Bill Gunston and Mike Spick

3. Novels that included depiction/tales of combat at various levels, using a variety of technologies, including magic, and equipment:

• Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy
• The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson
• The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny
• World War Series by Harry Turtledove

There is also the audiovisual aspect garnered from television and movies that proved useful in supplementing the various reading material studied:

• Babylon 5
• The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
• Saving Private Ryan
• Gettysburg

I can add that playing some strategic war games, mainly during my college years, such as Star Fleet Battles, Panzer Leader, Kingmaker, Diplomacy, and Global Supremacy also laid a foundation for depicting fictional strategies and tactics.

All of that said, I believe that #3 above is the most important and useful as it’s directly relevant in exclusively using words to depict and provides specific and varied ‘how to’ examples for me as an author.

Maybe as a writer you’re feeling overwhelmed and, as a reader, thankful it’s not your job. Really, it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Identify the scope of what’s to be achieved when writing a battle or combat scene. I remind myself I’m telling a story, not writing an extensive training manual or doctrine to be studied and employed.

Identify the POV used and focus on the knowledge and observable aspects from that perspective. Yes, as the author, I have a wider understanding of the war, battle or conflict, all the way down to the individual vs. individual level. Having that allows for depth and consistency, and much of that content won’t make the pages of the novel because it isn’t necessary to convey the story. Think world building. An author may create an extensive world, with names and places, culture and history, but only a fraction of it graces the pages of a novel.

In my Crax War Chronicles, the main character, Security Specialist Keesay, has a far different perspective and available knowledge than his superiors, whether he’s serving in the trench line, fending off the advancing Crax air and armored offensive, or attempting to survive a Crax hit-and-run landing assault, assigned to defend the research lab deep within the Io colony, until help arrives—if it arrives.

Being written in first person POV, the only description and events available to the reader are those available to Specialist Keesay. But, as the writer, I’ve already determined the Crax objectives, ships, equipment and numbers they have available, and the tactics and backup plans they’ll use. I also have the resources, plans and strategies Specialist Keesay’s side will employ.

From there I just write what happens. What Keesay personally observes, is told or witnesses through cameras, sensors or other reports. His emotions and responses, and those of the characters around him. I keep in mind the effectiveness of grenades, shotguns, magnetic pulse pistols and medium-duty laser carbines, as well as the caustic pellets, molecular saws and tactics of the armored and energy shield-protected Crax, and of their Stegmar Mantis allies, with their CO₂ powered firearms sending sprays of toxin-coated needles.

In addition to thoughts and actions, I include the senses. Yes, sight and sounds, but tactile and especially smells are important in relaying the desperate struggle to the reader.

But how do you get it to flow? Make it real to the reader?

First, I remember that I am telling a story, and relay sufficient action, movement, thoughts and emotion, dialogue, and sensory description to the readers so that they can create the action in their minds’ eye. No amount of words and description can match the readers’ imagination.

Then I work to pace it. Get the wording and description right. The amount of dialogue and movement and reactions set properly for the reader to make it—the conflict occurring—theirs.

How do I know if I’m doing it right? Multiple revisions. I read it orally, and share with a trusted reader. If I’m stuck or unsure, I go to the work of another authors (category #3 above), ones who have relevant examples of combat—similar to what I’m trying to achieve. I read and re-read those sections, paying attention to wording and pacing and description and more. Determine what made their scene work for me. Then I apply what I learned (or re-learned) to my own scene and writing style, making the fictional combat/struggle as real and believable as possible.

With my most recent work, Thunder Wells, an apocalyptic alien invasion novel, I counted on One Second After by William Forstchen Alien Invasion: How to Defend Earth by Travis S. Taylor and Bob Boan, and the Discovery Channel’s Alien Invasion: Are You Ready? If you, as a reader, want additional insight or as a writer, more information, add them to your list.

Terry W. Ervin II ©2016

Terry W. Ervin II is an English teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. Beyond his new release, Thunder Wells, his Crax War Chronicles (science fiction) includes Relic Tech and Relic Hunted, and his First Civilization’s Legacy Series (fantasy) includes Flank Hawk, Blood Sword and Soul Forge. His short story collection, Genre Shotgun, contains all of his stories previously published in magazines, ezines and anthologies.

When Terry isn’t writing or enjoying time with his wife and daughters, he can be found in his basement raising turtles.

To contact Terry, or to learn more about his writing endeavors, visit his website at www.ervin-author.com and his blog, Up Around the Corner, at uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com.