Ask the Author: A.J. Bruner
Answered Questions (10)
A.J. Bruner
I've been asked this about certain projects. However, I don't really have a defined approach, other than having a specific purpose for the name in mind. Usually the name I begin with is the name that I end up with though. With Soul Mates, I wanted to indicate that the books are part of the same universe, without being a series. With Legends of Dragons, I decided to pay homage to Mel Brooks and Spaceballs(tm), using descriptors in the title: "the Book", "the Card Game", like "Spaceballs(tm), the Cereal". Or inspiration from the source material can be helpful too, like a game I published was titled The Legend of Ezmerelda, and it was influenced by "The Legend of Zelda"(tm) video game.
Names mean a lot, and the wrong name can turn people off from engaging with the material. If a name sounds "good" to the creator, try it out with family and friends to see how they react. If you really get stuck on naming something, you can use a printed dictionary for help. Stand the book on the spine, and let it gently fall open. Flip a coin: heads = even page, tail = odd page, then select one of those words as part of the name.
Names mean a lot, and the wrong name can turn people off from engaging with the material. If a name sounds "good" to the creator, try it out with family and friends to see how they react. If you really get stuck on naming something, you can use a printed dictionary for help. Stand the book on the spine, and let it gently fall open. Flip a coin: heads = even page, tail = odd page, then select one of those words as part of the name.
A.J. Bruner
I suppose you will have to wait and read the book(s) that get published, because every book includes "mysteries" from my life.
A.J. Bruner
Krynn; for "adventuring" a day with Tasselhoff, before his untimely demise.
A.J. Bruner
I really should read more...however visiting my local library often yields interesting results that are found among the used books for sale.
Two books by Billy Crystal, one by Steven Tyler, and another by Stephen King, for 2020.
Two books by Billy Crystal, one by Steven Tyler, and another by Stephen King, for 2020.
A.J. Bruner
From being a dragon, the UDIC kind anyway. The material for the book was born after joining Weyrmount and creating some bits there for ambiance. Some details written there were inspired by the Dragonlance series, so when it came time to write original material those details were part of the foundation used in creating the lore, as well.
A.J. Bruner
No one may like your material. It does not mean that you should stop writing. On the contrary, write even more. Publish even more. There are far too many services that cost nothing or very little for independent authors to publish their works. Take advantage, but don't be taken advantage of.
A.J. Bruner
Two books, one short story, two video games and #ColoringTherapy projects too.
A.J. Bruner
Being able to tell a story for others.
A.J. Bruner
This really varies quite a bit. It depends on what the subject is and how far my mind wants to take it, but usually little pieces of a story inside of something larger grab my attention and I wonder; what would a story have been like if this had happened instead?
A.J. Bruner
Writing is not my only hobby/outlet/pass time/etc., but rather one facet of many. Simply being able to switch to another project, or even switch gears in your mind will help resolve such issues. Some of my ideas come while I'm doing dishes too.
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