Ask the Author: Michael R. Hicks
Answered Questions (13)
Michael R. Hicks
I recommend you start with First Contact, which tells of the first encounter between humans and the Kreelan Empire… :-)
Michael R. Hicks
Larry - Long belated answer, but when it’s FINALLY finished, Red Legion will be on Amazon and the other major retailers in ebook form (and hopefully eventually print, but no promises on that)...
Michael R. Hicks
Hi, Jeff! Actually, I’m probably not going to post any more chapters prior to releasing the book. I’ve been trying to coax my muse back into action to get the thing finished (FINALLY), and I only have a couple chapters left to go. But it’s all up to her and whether she decides to return from Tahiti or whoever she’s been off to all this time...
Michael R. Hicks
Hi, Deryk! I’ve thought about it, but I’ve already got more story ideas (for the IHN series and others) than I’ll be able to get down on paper before I’m 110, lol! But I’ll add a project note for that, as it WOULD be a pretty cool story line to explore. Thanks for that! 😎
Michael R. Hicks
Hi, Andrew! Well, they don’t have horns like in a steer’s horn, for example. It’s more like a ridge of bone (or horn-like material) instead of eyebrows, if that helps. :-)
And I think they’re described again in Empire, which is book 4...enjoy!!
Mike
And I think they’re described again in Empire, which is book 4...enjoy!!
Mike
Michael R. Hicks
As in artwork? Sure, that'd be awesome! :-)
Michael R. Hicks
Hi, Manan!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the books! :-) Most of the books are available in paperback, but not hardcover.
And yes, I have plans to continue the series, although not after the end of Final Battle, with a mix of viewpoints between the Confederation and Empire. :-)
I'm so glad you enjoyed the books! :-) Most of the books are available in paperback, but not hardcover.
And yes, I have plans to continue the series, although not after the end of Final Battle, with a mix of viewpoints between the Confederation and Empire. :-)
Michael R. Hicks
Yes, they would, because their motivation is, first and foremost, to find The One that would redeem their race. And, in truth, had they stumbled upon a civilization in that age of development - or, better yet, back in the Middle Ages in Europe or Imperial China or Japan, as a few examples - they would have been overjoyed: sword against sword. They don't like using technology in battle unless they have no other choice.
Enjoy!
Mike
Enjoy!
Mike
Michael R. Hicks
There will *definitely* be more books for the In Her Name series. At a minimum I'm planning a series leading up to where Empire picks up, and then a book or two filling in some of the gaps in the Empire-Confederation-Final Battle timeline... :-)
Michael R. Hicks
For an aspiring writer, my advice might be summed up in a paraphrase of Tour de France winner Eddy Merckx, who when asked by a reporter what advice he would give to aspiring cyclists, he answered, "Ride lots." In the case of writing, it would be, "Write lots."
There is, of course, a great deal more to it than that, but that's where it begins. I don't know how many times I've been asked by folks who want to write the next Great American Novel, "Where do I begin? How do I do this?"
My answer is always the same: sit your butt down and start writing. If you're a "plotter," map out the story, then start writing. If you're a "pantser" (as I am), then dispense with the outline and just get to it. Procrastination probably kills more potentially great stories than anything else.
Beyond that, work hard to improve your craft. Find a few folks who are avid readers and know their way around grammar and plot continuity, and are happy to critique your work. And by critique, I mean tear to pieces without mercy, coating your precious manuscript with gallons of red ink. And by happy, I mean that they don't hold back: if something is wrong, they gleefully fire torpedoes at your story. The last thing you want are people who are afraid to hurt your feelings.
And YOU must be tough enough to take that pounding, to learn to love the red ink. You don't necessarily have to accept all the changes they suggest, but you have to be honest with yourself about whether a given change really doesn't work, or if your ego is getting in the way. This is often very, very hard for people, but it's absolutely vital if you plan to be successful as an author.
Why do you want these horrible, awful people tearing apart your precious story? Because that's how you will improve, and that's how your story will go from a stinking mess to something really worth reading. Keep in mind, that if you can't handle criticism from your editors, how do you think you're going to fare when readers start firing one-star reviews at you? Readers can be far more brutal than editors.
So, what are you waiting for? Sit your butt down and start writing!
There is, of course, a great deal more to it than that, but that's where it begins. I don't know how many times I've been asked by folks who want to write the next Great American Novel, "Where do I begin? How do I do this?"
My answer is always the same: sit your butt down and start writing. If you're a "plotter," map out the story, then start writing. If you're a "pantser" (as I am), then dispense with the outline and just get to it. Procrastination probably kills more potentially great stories than anything else.
Beyond that, work hard to improve your craft. Find a few folks who are avid readers and know their way around grammar and plot continuity, and are happy to critique your work. And by critique, I mean tear to pieces without mercy, coating your precious manuscript with gallons of red ink. And by happy, I mean that they don't hold back: if something is wrong, they gleefully fire torpedoes at your story. The last thing you want are people who are afraid to hurt your feelings.
And YOU must be tough enough to take that pounding, to learn to love the red ink. You don't necessarily have to accept all the changes they suggest, but you have to be honest with yourself about whether a given change really doesn't work, or if your ego is getting in the way. This is often very, very hard for people, but it's absolutely vital if you plan to be successful as an author.
Why do you want these horrible, awful people tearing apart your precious story? Because that's how you will improve, and that's how your story will go from a stinking mess to something really worth reading. Keep in mind, that if you can't handle criticism from your editors, how do you think you're going to fare when readers start firing one-star reviews at you? Readers can be far more brutal than editors.
So, what are you waiting for? Sit your butt down and start writing!
Michael R. Hicks
I always feel a bit at a loss for these types of questions, LOL! You see, I don't construct the characters (or the plot) beforehand. I go into a story with little more than a vague idea of where it might take me, following "movie clips" that I see in my head as the story develops. The characters, human and alien, and their motivations develop as the story goes along, as do their relationships between one another. But I honestly have no idea what a character is going to do in a given situation until it arises, and then they just sort of take control and do their thing. It's all in the hands of my muse: my fingers are just her tools to get the words on paper. :-)
Michael R. Hicks
Hi, Steven!
Each book has a little section that lists the other books that are available, and these are all listed in suggested reading order. However, you can also just pop over to the bibliography on my web site at http://authormichaelhicks.com/books-b... which has the most current and complete list. :-)
Enjoy!!
Mike
Each book has a little section that lists the other books that are available, and these are all listed in suggested reading order. However, you can also just pop over to the bibliography on my web site at http://authormichaelhicks.com/books-b... which has the most current and complete list. :-)
Enjoy!!
Mike
Michael R. Hicks
Hi, Kelley! Actually, all of them do. I have been blessed with many strong female role models in my life, and I think that's reflected in my writing. You won't find any of my female characters running away screaming, clumsily tripping over something, then swooning before their doom, only to be saved by the gallant hero. As often as not, the hero's bacon is being saved by the heroine... ;-)
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more