Ideally, I aim for some kind of cross-media experience to accompany my eventual book releases. I love the idea of artwork, music, and special edition items to go with my work. Pictures of the characters would be an absolute must, and maybe some action scenes or a couple of the more exciting locations drawn up, too. A website where people can download theme music for the different places and people in the stories. Pocket versions of my books where they are printed all small and super cute!
Ambitious, much?
Half of this, I could probably manage with a pile of help from my talented and creative husband (who is an illustrator and songwriter, among other things). Things like the pocket books, and including high quality art prints with sales would be a deal I would have to wrangle with my publisher. And we all know that publishers tend to have their “tried and true” method for making books, and it probably wouldn’t be seen as profitable enough to step outside the boundaries of normal publishing.
But a girl can dream. Goodness, half my profession is made of dreams and fantasy, so what’s another mad idea on top of the rest!
Since I am a big fan of videogames and cartoons/anime, as well as enjoying a good movie, I tend to think of my stories in a very visual mindset. If I had the opportunity to make a graphic novel, or an animated series from my books, I already have all the pictures in my head. To be totally honest, it would make me deliriously happy to animate some of my stories. Maybe one day I’ll put some of my other extensive hobbies on hold and get to work on that kind of project. In the meantime, I’ve still got new books to write, and they are eagerly demanding my attention. And I have nothing wrong with that!
~A
The Fane 
Perhaps we’ll both break big and have awesome epic movies made in honour of our books!? We certainly can dream! And what you speak of isn’t too far from what’s possible anyway… Check out Selina Fenech’s site for her graphic novel and all it’s bells and whistles: http://memoryswake.com/ 🙂
One of my secret favourite mental-procrastinations is figuring out which actors and actresses I would most like playing my characters. I just don’t know enough of them! 😀 Thanks for the link, I will definitely check it out.
~A
Haha! I used to do that! It’d sometimes help me visualise, too. I mean, there’s a difference between ‘seeing’ in your minds eye and actually envisioning an individual of flesh and blood! You don’t know enough? One of my little known quirks is my fascination with the celebrity world. I don’t think there’s an A-list celebrity I don’t know! I partially despise them, but they’re like shiny ponies on display… interesting to watch them succeed, as well as stumble! Oh, I’m terrible! And no problem, Selina is very inspiring!
Sounds wonderful on so many levels… y’know, James Allen was also an author that wrote one of my favourite quotes–
“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.”
So, keep dreaming big!! 😉
There’s no point in dreaming small, eh? 😉
~A
Maybe you’ll find a publisher willing to think forward. A lot of extras can be done cheaply and are a great way to get people involved.
I used to think of myself as a purist– give me the story only. To a degree, I still am, but I’m starting to see how easy little extras are to do, like posting little online stories that add onto the novel without being necessary.
I actually heard that my publisher for “Harvest” was already interested in doing smaller-than-normal books! So I might be onto something awesome there if they like my other work! 😀
~A
Ooh, have you ever thought about a video game based on any of your writing (if any of it has enough physical objectives, that is)?
I have! I don’t think any of the stories so far would translate too great into a game, but the consideration is definitely there. That would be super exciting, too. :3
~A