We’re excited to announce that the Kickstarter campaign to support the launch of Bright Eyes: A Kunoichi Tale, is now open — and already halfway to its initial goal!
This crowdfunding campaign, which runs through April 10, will help us create the best possible book — while guaranteeing our supporters copies at less than the retail cost.
As author David Kudler said, Continue reading Bright Eyes Kickstarter Live!
Here’s the story of how I crushed a character mutiny and finished a book.
Back when Risuko first came out, I was hard at work on the sequel, Bright Eyes. I was cruising along, with every expectation that I’d have the book ready for publication in 2018.
Then one of my characters mutinied.
I was about to kill her off (spectacularly, I thought) in order to move the plot forward. As I began to write the scene, however, I realized that I hadn’t set up the death or the character well.
In my mind, she sat there, yelling at me, telling me the scene sucked. And the way I had written her character sucked. And because they sucked, the whole book to that point sucked. Massively.
She wasn’t very polite about it.
I realized, to my horror, that she was right. Continue reading Character Mutiny, Pt. II — The Author Strikes Back
Can a man write from a woman’s point of view?
Gosh, I sure hope so! I am, after all, currently writing a series of books from the point of view of a thirteen-year-old girl.
Now, she’s also Japanese, living in Japan.
In the sixteenth century.
I’m an American man living in twenty-first-century California.
Continue reading Writing from another point of viewAs an author of young adult books, I’ve been asked many times about the authors who had the greatest impact on me. I’ll often start by mentioning Maurice Sendak, which people assume is a joke, but isn’t.
Next, I’ll mention Ursula K. Le Guin, the late author of science fiction and fantasy.
Continue reading Ursula K Le Guin — GrandmasterI’ve written nearly sixty-eight thousand words of Bright Eyes, the sequel to Risuko.
The most satisfying word of all to write? Continue reading Bright Eyes Complete!
Last summer, I had a really interesting conversation with Scott Calhoun of the Inner Typewriter about Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey® and how authors can use it to enrich and focus their writing:
Among other things, I look at Risuko, and how my work on it reflects the Hero Journey.
The Hero’s Journey is a registered trademark of Joseph Campbell Foundation (JCF.org)
So, hi.
I owe you an apology.
I had promised — and confidently expected — to finish and release Bright Eyes, book #2 in the Seasons of the Sword series, in 2018.
What happened? Continue reading Character Mutiny: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Bright Eyes
Kee Sun is one of my favorite characters, and I’m not alone. I get asked about the Korean cook a lot — especially about his accent. I recently was asked a question over on Goodreads:
Hi David – enjoyed Risuko and will be adding my review soon. Curious about the Korean cook and the odd way he speaks. Is that on purpose to indicate he might have some type of accent? Also, is there any particular reason for him not being Japanese? Perhaps I missed something 🙂 — Steve
Great question! Continue reading What’s with Kee Sun’s accent?
Waiting for next Seasons of the Sword book? Author David Kudler just shared this sneak preview from the next exciting installment in Risuko’s adventures:
I’m ecstatic to tell you that the Risuko audiobook is now available on Audible, iTunes, Amazon, and Stillpoint Digital Press!
I’m so excited, in fact, that I’d love to make you an offer. If you send me a purchase receipt for the Risuko audiobook, I’ll send two download codes good for any audiobook on Audible.com!*
In any case, hope the end of summer is treating you well (or the end of winter, if you’re in the southern hemisphere).
Back to work on Bright Eyes for me! (By the way, thanks for the help choosing a cover — I’ll be announcing the winner in the next few weeks.)
P.S. If you’ve read Risuko but haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts, I’d love it if you’d post a review on Goodreads or Amazon or your favorite ebook store. Or you can even respond to this email and let me know what you thought directly!
*If you’re in Britain, let me know and I’ll send you codes good on Audible.co.uk.
