Lately, I've been contemplating the storyline of my latest Pitch, Hatchet Man (http://www.zeros2heroes.com/pitch/723). It's rather unconventional, at least in my mind, compared to a lot of mainstream stories and I'm honestly not sure if it will work or not. It's not really a story of good vs bad. It's morelike a tale about picking the best of two evils.

What am I talking about? Well, (and no. It sorta sounds like Bourne Identity but is nothing like it beyond the first glance.) the synopsis is essentially this:

A secret agent has an accident in which he suffers from dissociative amnesia. Or at least that is the official story. Nevertheless, Richard Kensley is currently an Agency Hatchet Men. Hatchet Men are paid killers working for a special branch of the SIA (Secret Intelligence Agency). When there is someone that needs to be eliminated or silenced, a hatchet man is called in to take care of the job.

One of the Agency's best, when a tough or very important assignment arrives it is usually Kensley who is called upon to eliminate the target. In fact, they call him "the Finisher" because he always finishes the job.

Of course, Kensley's secret is that he doesn't truly remember who he was or much of his past. Not that it mattered much to him, either way. He was completely content not knowing. In fact, in his line of work it might even have been a protection.

However, when his next mark turns out to be a woman that he somehow recognizes but can't place, everything changes. Kensley suddenly realizes that she could not only hold the key to his past but also to his future. The only question is, what's really going on here?

---

Of course, what you will find actually going through the series outline in my pitch (I've uploaded the summary outline for the first seven books among other things) is that you are in the dark as much as Kensley. This isn't some silly, "oh... now I remember" flick. Kensley likely may never recover his lost memory.

In the end, it comes down to him deciding which Agency (FSA or SIA) is the best of two evils. They both could be considered good depending on how you look at them, but they both definitely have their own agendas and those agendas work in opposition of each other more often than not.

Who is really manipulating Kensley and to what end? Well, Book 8 is where the main revelation comes that will effect the entire course of the rest of the series ( hehehe... :P ).

But the real issue is that there really isn't actually an obvious "bad guy." Just two organizations trying to use Kensley against the other to fulfill their own agenda. The truth be told, depending on how you wanted to look at it you could easily rationalize that either side is the good guys and the other, the bad guys. It's all based on your point of view and it's up to Kensley to decide which one he thinks is the best of two evils.

I know. Maybe I'm being too vague about what exactly I mean, but in general I'm curious what people think of that idea. A story built on mystery, manipulation, uncertainty, and large shades of gray. Bad idea?

P.S. I've gone ahead and given you Level 3 Clearance for both the SIA and FSA Agent Databases should you want to look for further agent information. ( http://www.zeros2heroes.com/pitch/723 ) Enjoy. :D

881

So I don't have any huge revelations to make here, really. But I just like to stay present, so I'm gonna blog. And what is a blog if not a place to just, you know, spout off a bunch of junk? Nothin', that's what.

Anyways, firstly: I'm very... eager to see the CCN comics go live. Alma is coming along, one day at a time, and I'm looking forward to it being finished in a manner that makes everyone involved very proud of it. As I'm sure every other creative team on here hopes. It's sort of odd, though, as there's this time-crunch but it's kinda ill-defined, and, much as I ranted and raved about the smooth sailing getting the comic made, I've recently discovered a "picky" gland, probably much to the chagrin of my previously-content editor. Now, out of left field, I'm actually NOT approving everything that comes in? Where do I get off?!

In somewhat related news, I now have a vested interest in building steam about Alma, in any way possible. I gotta build up the fans, I gotta foster the investment people have with the characters and settings. In a lot of ways, people who used the Z2H system as it was designed, as a form of offer-counteroffer fluid creation framework, got really good payoffs. The more transparent creators, who really asked and took advice and made changes based thereon built a fanbase of readers with vested interests. These were no longer just characters, they were, in a manner of speaking, their characters [to each interested individual, if you follow.] In my megalomania I did very little asking for input, and as such, more or less, built a somewhat neutral-to-cool level of "connectivity." Alma was there, but it didn't really belong to the readers the way the more interactive pitches did. And now that we're entering a brave new world where fan passion becomes something quantifiable [if you don't know what I mean, stay tuned... I'm not sure how much I should be saying], I need to build that love back up again.

Easy way to do it? Write a new issue! Now... again... I'm four issues on. I COULD rework parts 2-4 based on input [probably the wise approach], but instead I'm taking it even further down the line. I've launched the pitch for ALMA: The Vessel, which I'll be working on in earnest over the next little while. I'm also gonna make this one far more interactive, soliciting and taking advice regarding any number of things. Hopefully, this can get people passionate about Alma, which, really, benefits us all.

Well, mostly me. But if we get a good story out of it, then that's good, too.

I just wanted to add a little bit to the first thing I said, and I didn't feel like editting in case someone out there had already read the post: 

I had given up on this site being my way to "break in" because I know my writing style is long-winded. And, regardless of how good or bad a story is, if it's long-winded writing, it's hard to make a decision on whether or not you like it. And, considering there isn't enough time or space on here to put an entire story (nor would I want to considering then who would want to buy it after it came out if they'd already read it) I figured my efforts would be best put towards other attempts to "make it".

Shows what I know, I guess.

I'm well-received here, though, and I love that. Not because I'm an ego monster (though I am; what writer isn't?), but because I love this site. The system isn't perfect, but as far as I'm concerned, Z2H has the most competent system for creators to come together (outside of comic shops themselves). The problem I've noticed with other sites meant for creators to get together is that it always ends up just being a show of favoritism for whoever's been around longer and not an actually judge and jury on the project itself. Here, though, the site is set up by project, not person. When you're looking for something to read, you don't see a giant picture of my smiling face, you see a log line and a picture representing the project.

The project. And, isn't that what the point to these sites are about?

Well, I think the Academy has started playing its music and I have to leave the podium now.

Thanks again, guys. I'll try to actually stick around this time.

When will I learn? Every time I walk away from this site, this site does not let me sit idley by. No, it doesn't. I walk away and, unlike most, doesn't ask for child support, but instead holds the door for me to try to get my foot in it.

 That's right, for those of you who don't know, I had two stories chosen for the Direct to Development campaign.  Six spots. Only six spots and I'm two of them? I guess good ol' Matt Toner will be expecting that billion dollars I promised.

 So, please, if you've got love to give me, now's the time. If you don't, please send me as much hate-mail that you can possibly type before your fingers fall off, because the "You suck, because..." notes are the ones that help good writers become great writers.

Thanks, guys. You don't know how much I needed a boot to the ass like this. 

After changing the name from the Vigil to Blood Belly, the title has finally landed on Wolf and Bat. It might seem a bit underwhelming, but its simple, its catchy, and it addresses the buddy comedy nature of the overall story. Plus, I think it will be very easy for the artist to make a dynamite cover - and a logo for that matter - that goes with the simplicity of the title.

You have no idea how many teeth I had to pull just to get that title. Actually, many of you probably do. Thanks to everyone who suggested titles or provided a much needed reality check!   

So how did it all turn out? I tallied the votes and this is what we came up with:

Character Job:
A. Freelancer

Character's Significance:
C. Accidentally caught up in things

Character's Normal Work history:
B. Small Crew

Character has a Pet(s):
B. No

THE WORLD

The Aliens:
C. Humans and various types of aliens

The universe:

A. Small portion of the galaxy with many inhabited planets

The Frequency of Aliens:

B. Primarily Humans

Weapons:

B. Melee and Projectile balanced

Projectiles:

C. Blaster Only

Combat Focus:

A. Space/Ship Combat Orientated Combat Focus

 (The only thing that everyone selected something different one was Character Background... but it might not matter too greatly considering the nature of the story... so I'll take some creative freedoms with that one)

So there is our setting. Now comes the fun part. The story. With that in mind, I'm going to place the proposed introduction. Things to keep in mind. This just happened. I didn't originally intend to do it in first person but it just seemed to fit. If you don't like the first person please let me know and I can do up a third person version.

Pros of first person:

More personal. More individualized. We get a better feel for the main character.

Pros for Third Person:

More details/descriptions. Unbiased commentary/narrative. We get to see the world from various character perspectives.

Secondly, I realized that we need to also decide the way you all will interact with Lucas, Marla, and any other future crew, and just the world in general. Here's what I mean.

First this first post I've left it up to you all to decide what they discover when they open the escape pod. This will decide what direction the story takes from here on out. However, for future reference... which to you prefer:

A. Control the events and people who are thrown at Lucas and the crew of the Hammerhead.

B. Control Lucas's decisions when presented with a key problem.

C. Control Marla's decisions and how she effects the story and Lucas must decide how to act and react accordingly.

Essentially, I give an example of A. at the end of this first post.

As far as B, an example would be whether Lucas decides to save just X person, or save himself or go back and try to save both X & B person or whatever.

Likewise, C would be where Marla makes decisions throughout based on your votes/feedback and Lucas then has to decide how he wants to act based on his character, who he is, and the situation presented.

A mixture works... but it can only be just one of the three or a combination of A & B or A & C. Basically, what it amounts to is whether or not we want to have fun throwing crap at Lucas and seeing how he handles it or actually controling Lucas and seeing where the story leads us if we go that direction.

So what I'm looking for?

Story Style:

A. Keep in how it is

B. Keep it in 1st person but tone it down a bit to be a little less "personal"

C. Try it out as Third Person instead 

Story Control:

A. Control the events and people who are thrown at Lucas and the crew of the Hammerhead.

B. Control Lucas's decisions when presented with a key problem.

C. Control Marla's decisions and how she effects the story and Lucas must decide how to act and react accordingly.

What was Discover? (See the end of part 1)

As before, anyone is welcome to sound off on these matter, make comments, suggests, criticisms, etc. about the story, plot, or characters, as well as vote.

SCI-FI UNIVERSE VOLUME 1: The Story Begins (Don't worry. It looks long but that's just because there is lots of space due to dialogue. :D )

My names Lucas Burchell. I'm what most people refer to as a freelancer. Or at least, I was. But Wait... I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start back at the beginning. It all started about a week ago on a routine shipping mission.

We were shipping a supply of Catrillium ore from the Traviti region to Setie 4. Where is that, you ask? Don't worry about it. As my father always told me, "Your job is to follow orders and get things were they need to be. Everything else is irrelevant. This galaxy is just made up of a bunch of small clustered planets with small minded people and your occasional odd alien species. As long as you're getting paid, who gives a Framn about anything or anyone else!" Ah, pa. Those were the gold old days. Of course, I'm not saying that those are like some kind of golden set of words to live by or anything, but they haven't failed us yet.

And when I say us, I mean me and Marla. I don't know her real name but I guess it's something too long and complicated for lowly humans to pronounce so she just introduces herself as Marla and so that's what everyone calls her. Marla is a Tovarian. They are human looking creatures with clay red, almost salamander like skin, slightly large eyes, and slits that function as nostrols were their nose should be. Oh, that and they have holes on the side of their heads where there should be ears and like no visible body hair as far as I know. It's kind of weird actually. I mean, no body hair? Don't get me wrong. I'm not a very hairy guy myself, but even I have a full head of wavy black hair and a mild case of the pricklies curtosy of my six o'clock shadow. Gotta stay looking good for the ladies, after all.

The same can't be said of Marla.

"Luke."

Of course, that doesn't detract much from the fact that she's the best pilot this side of the Antilles Nebula.

"Luke!"

In fact, me and Marla get along pretty well. What can I say. I have that way with women.

"LUKE!"

Startled and a little disoriented, I fumbled a reply, "Wha...What? What happened? What's going on?"

Marla squinted her eyes with a piercing glare.

"You were sleeping again!"

"Wa... No. Me?"

Marla continued to stare at me accusingly.

"That? Nah. No. I was...uh... well... what I mean to say is that, ya see..."

Turning her attention away from me and back to piloting the ship, Marla raised a hand.

"Forget it, Lucas. Just please pay attention. You know this area of space is known for raiders and if we pick up one I need to be able to hightail it to safety before they are right on top of us." Marla sighed, "What's got you so tired anyways?"

Catching myself before I doze off again, I tried by best to shift in my seat and refocus my attention on the console in front of me.

"Uh...wha... yeah... Uh...," I began, clearing my throat. "Business. I just had some business to take care of. I mean, seeing that we were spending the night at the station anyways. So yeah. Business. That's all."

Marla rolled her eyes, "Girls or gambling?"

"What? No," I retorted letting the 'no' drag a little. "Why does it always have to be girls or gambling? I do have morals, you know."

Marla gave me a coy smirk, "Yeah. It comes with the job, right?"

Becoming a little indignant now, I couldn't help but sit up in my chair and raise a finger into the air.

"Look. Just because we smuggle the occasional illegal shipment of weapons or medicine or other goods or take a few less than reputable jobs doesn't mean I'm moral-less."

"Uh, huh. And what does it mean, Lucas?"

I paused for a second.

"It means... It means..."

And right when I was about to come up with my most brilliant answer ever and shock and awe Marla once and for all time, it happened. My console rang.

"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!"

Marla suddenly shot me an alarmed glance, "Woah. Luke? What's that?"

"Dive! Dive! Dive!" I exclaimed as if shaking my console would assist her in doing so.

Marla jerked the stick hard as we ducted under the unidentified object just in the nick of time. Once again, I had saved the day. Of course, Marla wasn't quite as impressed.

"What the framn, Luke! What was that?"

Looking at my console just slightly bewildered, I hit the side of it with the palm of my hand as if that would actually help.

"Uuhh... I... I don't know. But there doesn't seem to be anything else in the near vicinity. You wanna circle around and get a better look?"

There was a short paused before Marla nodded.

"Yeah. Ok. I guess it wouldn't hurt."

The ship lurched a little as she squealed and changed direction. The Hammerhead was a good ship. Shaped almost like a small "t", the 31 meters long, Enchotti Escort Class vessel was more than 10 years old. Still, even though this model had long since been retired, Enchatti are known to build their vessels to last and the Hammerhead was no exception. The key was recognizing that she was a refined and elegant older lady and thus treating her accordingly.

"There it is. See that thing to the left," Marla spoke as she pointed out the cockpit window at to a small, dark gray metallic object that was cylindrical in nature. "What do the scans say?"

"Oh. Right. Scanning it as we speak... Let's see..."

Of course, Marla cut me off.

"Hey. You don't think that's an escape pod of some sort, do you?" Marla queried as she eyeballed it very quizzically.

I sighed, "Well... if you hadn't cut me off I'd have said, yes. Yes, that is an escape pod 'of some sort'. And someone 'of some sort' seems to be still inside it..."

"Although," I added, "I seem to be having trouble reading life signs of any sort."

Marla shot me a look before continuing, "Open the aft bay. Where ever it came from or whatever happened here must have happened fairly recently. Let's find out what's going on."

Of course, I couldn't help but get excited about such a ridiculous idea.

"That's the worse idea I've ever heard! What if it's some space pirate waiting for some good Samatarian to come along and let her aboard so she can rape and pillage us!"

Marla laughed a little.

"Luke," Marla paused. "Seriously, what are the chances of that?"

---

Poll 1. What do they discover:

A. An angry space pirate waiting for some good Samaratin to come along and let them aboard that they can rape and pillage the crew

B. An important dignitary from a nearby planet who has been hiding away in this escape pod awaiting rescue.

C. Someone whose ship had came under attack and the rest of their crew was kidnapped.

D. A dead person carrying a map that could possibly lead to some kind of treasure.

E. Just some "random person" that refuses to tell them how or why he ended up there.

846

I've hired a colleague for mine from DeviantArt.com, Stephanos Williams, to write a sample story for my Blackbird Blugrass pitch. He's a fine for my character art at ther site, and give me some story ideas for the bounty hunting title. So expect the story to be online in my pitch in three weeks.

To brush up on the characters, click the link below.

Blackbird Bluegrass 

Dangerman_1973

So the recent Dark Horse post got me thinking...

Is anyone published in any other form (book or short stories), and if so, what publishers? 

I just wanted to let everyone know I just added my creator bio, completing all the blanks on my pitch. Of course, I'll be adding more elements as the weeks go by, so this is far from over. Pictures (of me, not the blood belly. Who'd want to see that?!) are also forthcoming. 

I also figured I'd let you all see what titles I've been tossing around the household these last couple days. I promised myself I wouldn't change the title till tomorrow. This works out better for me - Mondays are my busiest day, so the title change will probably be the only signifcant change made to my pitch.

Here's some titular candidates I've been working with. I'm still adding/subjecting more based on you guys' input, but the ones I've come up with myself are:

The Night Hood

Blue Bloods

The Dead Beat

Red Eyes

Red in Tooth

Gloom of Night

With that said, I'm still considering everything from plain ol' Vigil to Mid-Death Crisis, but I wanted to let you all know where I stood. Thanks for the help!