Jarrod D. King

This is my author commentary on my first book Pangaea: Unsettled Land. Each week, I’ll be diving into one chapter in sequential order to give you the following: my thoughts on my intentions for the chapter how things changed through various drafts why you should love this chapter and even why you may stop reading SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't already read the book, buy it now and follow along: http://www.jarrodking.com/pangaea-unsettled-land/ Chapter 1 Summary We're introduced to an eight-year-old Gisela Benitez who is crying and being consoled by neighbors who find her alone by the frozen lake. We jump back a few moments and see why she's so distraught. After investigating a mysterious voice on the frozen lake, Gisela falls through, gets rescued by her mom, then her mom falls through and disappears underwater for good. Intentions for this Chapter To start off the book with a bang Gain the reader's trust that I could follow through and deliver on underlying tension Do a small bit of worldbuilding without revealing too much Changes from Earlier Drafts Included opening scene with neighbors as a way to instantly connect with character as opposed to setting the scene Why You Love This Chapter Set a tone for what's to come and left breadcrumbs leaving you interested to find out more about this world Why You May Dislike This Chapter Mixture of technologies may confuse reader about genre Faults in my own writing may show since this was my first book Read the full blog post here! What's Next? I talk about chapter 2 where we're introduced to the main character, Slade Maxwell, and see how he is similar to me at a time in my own life. Sign Up to my Email List - Get a Short Story in Exchange: jarrodking.com/subscribe

In this episode of LGBTr, I interview Christopher Murphy, author of debut thriller novel, 'Where the Boys Are'. He's active in community service, loves a good martini, and knows how to grab your attention and never let go. We talk about his inspiration for the book, doing something different with gay fiction, and he even tells a great story about the day he met none other than THE E. Lynn Harris. Follow the Author: Website: www.christophermurpybooks.com Social Media: @christophermurphybooks

Back in 2018 I felt burned out by trying to create so much original content for each social media channel. After completing my fantasy novella, The Auctorati, I decided to give content marketing another go. I've learned that it's not necessary to constantly create new stuff. These are some tips I've learned for balancing consistent content creation with your writing or other creative endeavor.

Authors, writers, and creatives in general can learn from my mistake of trying to force a story to work when it isn't. I almost posted a video about using fear to fuel me and plow through draft of a sequel to my first novel, Pangaea: Unsettled Land. But, that all changed after another failed attempt and my search for answers on Twitter. Watch to see what advice I got and  apply it to your situation.

Auctorati is the title given to paid volunteers who would fight as gladiators in the Colosseum back in the ancient Roman days. Find out why I've chosen this as the title for an upcoming novel set six years prior to the events in my first book, Pangaea: Unsettled Land. I also explain why I decided to write this new book in the first place.

Today, I talk about how the movie I Am Mother and an episode of Black mirror are keeping me in the right mindset to write this sci-fi novel. Plus, with E3 delivering tons of news, I talk about one of my favorite topics - video games!

I completed the website redesign for Philly Black Pride and sent in book cover ideas to my cover artist. I also talk about dating multiple people or just dating one person at a time. Which do you choose?

Quick thoughts on the conversation around Ava DuVernay's 'When They See Us', and also how the Google outage this past weekend almost killed my editing productivity.

Sometimes you have to clean up your timeline.

Moving out of my old house was a hassle. I also talk about using astrological signs to write characters.

I talk about my memorial day weekend with research and some relaxation, plus getting back on my grind as far as sending emails to my subscribers. Also, listen to my elevator pitches for my two latest stories and let me know which you like best.

I talk about my love of the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion plus I look at which social media network is the hardest one to use.

All about my technological singularity research for my next book.

I talk about outlining this new novel and how to speak up about big issues when you don't know what to say.

I had a great weekend by finishing one project and going to a party. Plus, I talk about the next step in the snowflake outline for my killer androids novel. Try out the Snowflake Method for yourself:  https://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/articles/snowflake-method/ 

It's all about my writing today including my anticipation to go to a party this weekend.

I made a breakthrough in my killer androids outline, and I talk about the potential impact of the viral video showing African runway models dancing on the catwalk.

A quick update on finishing a new project and picking what my next writing project will be.

I talk about my long ride home to Philly, the new gay character in Arthur, the new show Paradise Hotel, and the messiness of Vanderpump Rules.

This episode starts with a lighthearted start on my trip to Miami and turns into a lesson about avoiding getting dragged online.