I have to admit -- even though he's nothing like Wendell, my own favorite hero (besides Wendell) would be Harry Dresden, from Tim Butcher. Definitely not for kids or even teens, but Harry has a way of winning you over...
He's awesome! I don't know if he is my absolute favorite, but so highly ranked he might be: Morgon, Prince of Hed, from The Riddlemaster of Hed. I think that trilogy has had so much influence on my imagination and desire to write. More than the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Prydain, or Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising series. I read all of these when I was young and experiencing some of the same things you describe. Only I didn't stand up - I ran!
It has held up so well for me over the years. I just love the story, I love the world, and I love her writing - even with the occasional mistakes. I am so very curious as to what you think of it. It could just be me, of course, but I recommend it without hesitation.
Yep - Audible has each of the three. I don't know that I would recommend an audiobook. There is something about this tale, as with Prydain, that seems to demand a book in the hand on a cozy chair. I suggest waiting until you feel like you can spend an evening getting started, and the rest will become obvious, one way or the other. I would guess most libraries have or could easily obtain a copy of the first book.
Funny, but I think that at times, but no one has said that to me before.
Thank you for that heads up. I’ll follow that counsel. Just need a digital copy though. If it doesn’t fit on my Nook, I wouldn’t likely read it for some time.
I have zero room in my home for another book of any kind.
I’m glad Wendell has such a good wingman (you know the one that says “He’s very... VERY punchable. But his hearts in a great place” 👍)
Anyway I think Wendell is greatly written in terms of relatability. I thoroughly approve of making his age closer to target audience. And let’s be honest everyone deals with bullies. Bullies often are bullied themselves then just have a stupid copping mechanism. And every one wants to be more than they are now. (Not everyone dreams of being a hero per say) but everyone wants to be greater. Great job. This kid is worth exploring and finding out what he’s made of.
Personally (if I was to write it.) and put myself in that situation I would have the father be the one who passed away.
Loosing a father figure means you miss out on a lot of mentorship. But the real kicker in my opinion is the fact that when he’s taken from earth his mother is left behind. Not knowing if he is safe. And him not knowing if she’s safe. If I were taken from my home I would be worried for my father sure. But I would be allot more confident he would be fine. And safe. but if my mother were left like that, that’s a different matter entirely.
(This is assuming you have one of them dead.) Although a deceased parent is a common trait for a reason. it gives the characters a scope of the world from the beginning. and gives most people something the character has experienced they can relate too.
I think I'm glad I hadn't fully read your stuff until now. I like that you have really stepped into your own, unafraid and unhindered. Much success to you with the rewrites and I'm looking forward to seeing Wendell in action! He seems like a very charming, clumsy, but loveable character. <3
And Chuck might not say much in public, he's very protective over the kid -- and I love seeing that in the old man.
Thanks for the encouraging words, little sister. Have to say I appreciate you being around and dropping a comment in the mix. I wish you all that success right back at you, plus a smidge more. 🤓
I have to admit -- even though he's nothing like Wendell, my own favorite hero (besides Wendell) would be Harry Dresden, from Tim Butcher. Definitely not for kids or even teens, but Harry has a way of winning you over...
He's awesome! I don't know if he is my absolute favorite, but so highly ranked he might be: Morgon, Prince of Hed, from The Riddlemaster of Hed. I think that trilogy has had so much influence on my imagination and desire to write. More than the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Prydain, or Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising series. I read all of these when I was young and experiencing some of the same things you describe. Only I didn't stand up - I ran!
The Riddle aster of Hed? Looking it up now.
It has held up so well for me over the years. I just love the story, I love the world, and I love her writing - even with the occasional mistakes. I am so very curious as to what you think of it. It could just be me, of course, but I recommend it without hesitation.
I’ll have to pass for now. Amazon doesn’t offer an ebook. I’ll look more later.
Is there an audiobook version?
Yep - Audible has each of the three. I don't know that I would recommend an audiobook. There is something about this tale, as with Prydain, that seems to demand a book in the hand on a cozy chair. I suggest waiting until you feel like you can spend an evening getting started, and the rest will become obvious, one way or the other. I would guess most libraries have or could easily obtain a copy of the first book.
Funny, but I think that at times, but no one has said that to me before.
Thank you for that heads up. I’ll follow that counsel. Just need a digital copy though. If it doesn’t fit on my Nook, I wouldn’t likely read it for some time.
I have zero room in my home for another book of any kind.
I’m glad Wendell has such a good wingman (you know the one that says “He’s very... VERY punchable. But his hearts in a great place” 👍)
Anyway I think Wendell is greatly written in terms of relatability. I thoroughly approve of making his age closer to target audience. And let’s be honest everyone deals with bullies. Bullies often are bullied themselves then just have a stupid copping mechanism. And every one wants to be more than they are now. (Not everyone dreams of being a hero per say) but everyone wants to be greater. Great job. This kid is worth exploring and finding out what he’s made of.
Thanks for that feedback and perspective, Joseph. I’m off today, isolating myself to check over the outline for the first book.
I’m hoping to jump in with both feet by Friday (God willing)...
My focus and also fun challenge is getting parts of the comics into this as well as the yet to be revealed parts.
I’ve suddenly realized that this may be a greater challenge to do in first person perspective.
We shall see.🥸
Best of luck.
The other challenge I just noticed, and I’d not thought about this,...is the remaining parent.
In the comic his mom died, which is the real story, but it hurt to do it, so I changed it in the novels.
Which parent do I keep? Or neither??
It’s painful to think about it.
Personally (if I was to write it.) and put myself in that situation I would have the father be the one who passed away.
Loosing a father figure means you miss out on a lot of mentorship. But the real kicker in my opinion is the fact that when he’s taken from earth his mother is left behind. Not knowing if he is safe. And him not knowing if she’s safe. If I were taken from my home I would be worried for my father sure. But I would be allot more confident he would be fine. And safe. but if my mother were left like that, that’s a different matter entirely.
(This is assuming you have one of them dead.) Although a deceased parent is a common trait for a reason. it gives the characters a scope of the world from the beginning. and gives most people something the character has experienced they can relate too.
I think I'm glad I hadn't fully read your stuff until now. I like that you have really stepped into your own, unafraid and unhindered. Much success to you with the rewrites and I'm looking forward to seeing Wendell in action! He seems like a very charming, clumsy, but loveable character. <3
I sure like him.
And Chuck might not say much in public, he's very protective over the kid -- and I love seeing that in the old man.
Thanks for the encouraging words, little sister. Have to say I appreciate you being around and dropping a comment in the mix. I wish you all that success right back at you, plus a smidge more. 🤓