Sins of a Solar Empire: The Novel

Book based on the Storyline and (soon to be suggested) Creations of Sins of a Solar Empire

from Sins Forums

Hey everyone. I've been down through these forums often enough to see a lot of people want a better storyline, or campaign, or just overall plot to SOASE. I (some time ago) thought of writing a book about it and i plan on using all the names of ships (Classes, Randomized names, etc.) and i sent a letter to Stardock Entertainment about it, seeing if they want to put their 2 cents in about it and allowing me to use all their copyrighted names. Sadly, I have yet to hear a reply. But, in the meantime, I wanted suggestions from anyone who cares to allow thier ideas flow and I will write a proto-book for everyone who wants one. I will make sure i check this post every day to see your suggestions and I will get back to you all individually.

Right now I mainly have it based completely on the storyline given to us by Stardock. It's minimal but it's something to go off of. I currently have NO character names or anything. I'm at square one and have nothing but the forum readers, Stardock, and my imagination to go off of. Please be serious when you post a suggestion, I don't want this being clogged up with any of you idiots who think it's funny to make irrelevant remarks.

Because this will be a book, it will take a lot of manipulation to turn it from a plot-less game into a novel and many of you will barley recognize it when its done. And you CAN blame me if it comes out bad. I'm the author after all :grin:

ALSO: Due to there being a delay in response from Stardock, i can't officially sell anything, but i CAN give away PDF docs with a preview of what i have so far in the book. Currently: I have Nothing.

Thank You.

 

If you have a suggestion and you for some reason want only me to see it, or I request you to send me what you have to my email so I can keep track of it or make sure I get it (I will probably request everyone to send their stuff to my email to make sure I do keep track of it). I am going to make an GMail account specifically for this. Please Email me at: soase.novel.suggest@gmail.com

PLEASE MAKE THE SUBJECT:

"SOASE-IDEA"

For any suggestions you have.

If i send you a reply or new email with a Subject: "SOASE-NOVEL" then it is a preview of what i have so far if you wish to see.

If i send you a reply or new email with a Subject: "PERSONAL CONVERSE" (DO NOT NEED HYPHEN) then it is about either a converse just between you and me or a converse about a certain part of the book or charachter or anything.

PLEASE: do not send me an initial email with either of those 2 subjects. i am setting up filters for them and i dont want these getting mixed up. and make sure when you send it or reply the the subject is CAPS with the hyphen  -  .

THANK YOU AGAIN!

140,335 views 36 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top

iBooks!

Go for it.  Several people have written bits and pieces.  Heck, even I did (note shameless plug).

Develop characters, map out a background of historical/social events, timelines, etc.  Map out characters and their plotlines and get started!

 

Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top

What I really want to see is a movie trilogy...

First movie:  Vasari hits the TEC empire, epic battle sequences, lots of lovable characters die or go through hardships, and the last scene is the arrival of the Advent...

Second movie: Several years after the first, Vasari front is at a stalemate, movie focuses mostly on battles and stuff with the Advent...hell you could even have some Advent-Trader romance where some Advent chick thinks the war is wrong and changes sides...

Third movie:  Picks up where 2nd left off, and basically you have rebellion and civil war everywhere...Advent could be at civil war of whether attacking Traders was right...TEC maybe have to deal with labor revolts and politics and sectarian violence...Vasari have to deal with insurgencies...and at the end you have a sketchy Advent-TEC alliance to drive off the Vasari once and for all...

Believe it or not I actually have given this quite some thought, but only specific scenes or characters...I've never found macro plot to be quite as interesting so I never really connected all the dots in my mind...

In general though I think the characterization and thematic elements of Battlestar Galactica would be a good bar to try and meet...movie or book, people are going to appreciate following specific and dynamic characters...an old grizzly TEC commander, a young rebellious Advent, a diehard TEC insurgent whose lost his whole family to the Vasari...you get the picture...

Anyway that's my two cents, best of luck to you!

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Sinperium, reply 1
iBooks!

Go for it.  Several people have written bits and pieces.  Heck, even I did (note shameless plug).

Develop characters, map out a background of historical/social events, time lines, etc.  Map out characters and their plot lines and get started!

 
End of Sinperium's quote

Thanks for this donation. When i finish reading it i will send you a personal message, ask anything i have to ask, etc. If i use it i will make sure to add you on the list of "Special Thanks".

Seleuceia: I was also thinking of a trilogy idea but I'm not doing a movie. just a book. I love your ideas on characters:

Quoting Seleuceia, reply 2

In general though I think the characterization and thematic elements of Battlestar Galactica would be a good bar to try and meet...movie or book, people are going to appreciate following specific and dynamic characters...an old grizzly TEC commander, a young rebellious Advent, a die hard TEC insurgent whose lost his whole family to the Vasari...you get the picture...
End of Seleuceia's quote

These are fairly generalized, lots of wiggle room. they are something i will absolutely be doing because its something every good book has. the wise-man, the insurgent/rebellious, the vengeful, etc.

as for the ORDER and generalized summary of the 1st movie 2nd movie and 3rd movie, i don't truly agree. if anything it would begin like u said, TEC meet Vasari and at end advent comes into the picture. but the way u put book 2 and 3, you structured it like "Starship Troopers" (great movie trilogy). They started off with their base characters, then in the 2nd they made a completely different storyline that went off in a completely different direction, then came back to their sense in the 3rd. IF i do a trilogy i will be making it more chronological. if anything i may make book one the Prelude to sins and make book 2 sins, and book 3 after sins, or the end of sins.
thank you for the insight :)

PS: Love both of your Avatar pictures. very pretty :)

Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top

What I was kind of thinking was that in movie/book/part 1, the focus was on the Vasari front (and the characters involved)...then in part 2, the focus was on the Advent front (mostly different characters involved)...part 3 would include all surviving characters from parts 1 and 2....

For example, a Trader who lives on one of the first planets hit by the Vasari in part 1 may end up fighting in the insurgency in part 3...an Advent who rebels in part 2 may end up leading a joint strike in part 3...at least, those are some possibilities...

To be honest, the type of plot that works in a single book/movie is probably very different from what you might do when you know you can revisit characters in sequels...so, what makes a good trilogy may not be applicable at all if you are just doing a single book...

And of course as you pointed out what works for movies (trilogy or not) doesn't always work for books...I figured I'd just throw some ideas out there...I for one much prefer movies over books (if of course the plot is meant for a movie) so I really haven't put a lot of thought into making any sort of literature of the sins universe...

Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Seleuceia, reply 4
What I was kind of thinking was that in movie/book/part 1, the focus was on the Vasari front (and the characters involved)...then in part 2, the focus was on the Advent front (mostly different characters involved)...part 3 would include all surviving characters from parts 1 and 2....

For example, a Trader who lives on one of the first planets hit by the Vasari in part 1 may end up fighting in the insurgency in part 3...an Advent who rebels in part 2 may end up leading a joint strike in part 3...at least, those are some possibilities...

To be honest, the type of plot that works in a single book/movie is probably very different from what you might do when you know you can revisit characters in sequels...so, what makes a good trilogy may not be applicable at all if you are just doing a single book...
End of Seleuceia's quote

this is why i am still thinking whether or not to do a trilogy, or a single book, or a chronological multi-book story (like a trilogy but more like, say, Star Wars or Percy Jackson and the Olympians where you have a set of main characters and you have a story based for them. i COULD do something like that with a set for each race and make their own set of stories in each book. Like having a couple of TEC guys and their story and every now and then switch to the Advent group or Vasari group. let em cross here and there. I am aiming for something like that kind of. this is all still speculation so keep the ideas coming :)

Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top

Take it in major phases.

Book 1: The Vasari attack

Book 2: The Advent attack

Book 3: The forces entrench

Book 4: Diplomacy starts up

Book 5: The rebellions erupt

Each would have plenty of flashbacks and allusion to give greater detail to the past. For stories like entrenchment and diplomacy, there will be more focus on the turning tides of battle or political intrigue. You would have a series of characters that are built up in number as time goes on, not worrying about hovering over the shoulder of any single person. Something of an ensemble cast. Although not all need to be major players every time, characters will be recurring in some capacity or another.

Just a thought.

Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top

Just have a master plan and flow chart--a lot easier that way.

Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top

I like the snowflake method for writing. One line description (great for pitching the story), then branch that into a handful of major plot points, then break those down and so on. The outlining can take a while and all, but when you start writing, it breezes by in comparison to what it would be otherwise. And Excel or Quattro Pro allows you to insert rows to make this all easier.

Do keep a separate sheet of character descriptions handy. It's useful for pitching, and you can start with a few characters and grow both the number and complexity of the characters as you go, keeping track of details along the way. Remember that character descriptions include personality traits, physical traits, how they are when they start, how they are when they finish, personal flaws and strengths, and major turning points in their characters.

For a series, it's good to get down to chapter by chapter overall, then start focusing in one novel at a time, remembering that the end or beginning of a novel can be shifted as need be. Nothing is set in stone until it's published.

Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Draakjacht, reply 6
Take it in major phases.

Book 1: The Vasari attack

Book 2: The Advent attack

Book 3: The forces entrench

Book 4: Diplomacy starts up

Book 5: The rebellions erupt

Each would have plenty of flashbacks and allusion to give greater detail to the past. For stories like entrenchment and diplomacy, there will be more focus on the turning tides of battle or political intrigue. You would have a series of characters that are built up in number as time goes on, not worrying about hovering over the shoulder of any single person. Something of an ensemble cast. Although not all need to be major players every time, characters will be recurring in some capacity or another.

Just a thought.
End of Draakjacht's quote

Quoting Draakjacht, reply 8
I like the snowflake method for writing. One line description (great for pitching the story), then branch that into a handful of major plot points, then break those down and so on. The outlining can take a while and all, but when you start writing, it breezes by in comparison to what it would be otherwise. And Excel or Quattro Pro allows you to insert rows to make this all easier.

Do keep a separate sheet of character descriptions handy. It's useful for pitching, and you can start with a few characters and grow both the number and complexity of the characters as you go, keeping track of details along the way. Remember that character descriptions include personality traits, physical traits, how they are when they start, how they are when they finish, personal flaws and strengths, and major turning points in their characters.

For a series, it's good to get down to chapter by chapter overall, then start focusing in one novel at a time, remembering that the end or beginning of a novel can be shifted as need be. Nothing is set in stone until it's published.
End of Draakjacht's quote

 

i like how you you broke it up for me but for right now im still working on deciding where to start. do i start from the first attack or do i start with a history of each. and i love your snowflake idea of plot writing. very useful.

 

Quoting Sinperium, reply 7
Just have a master plan and flow chart--a lot easier that way.
End of Sinperium's quote

 

sorry im going with Draakjacht's idea of "Snowflake"

Reply #10 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting The-TEC-Empire, reply 9
sorry im going with Draakjacht's idea of "Snowflake"
End of The-TEC-Empire's quote

to be fair, we both made the same point. I just elaborated.

Reply #11 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting The-TEC-Empire, reply 9
do i start from the first attack or do i start with a history of each.
End of The-TEC-Empire's quote

I like 'en media res', starting with a point of action and filling in the background through flashbacks and in-story references. Keeps the pacing fast and allows history to be revealed dramatically.

Reply #12 from Sins Forums Top

The snowflake leads you to a flow chart.  Eventually you have to stop branching out and focus on the main plot line and characters.

Start with snow, then carve a path.

I like the time traveler in another time but unaware he's in an alternate reality all happening while he is dreaming in still another reality where ultimately he is plugged into a machine that feeds reality to him.  See?  You'll need that flow chart.

Reply #13 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Sinperium, reply 12
The snowflake leads you to a flow chart. Eventually you have to stop branching out and focus on the main plot line and characters.

Start with snow, then carve a path.

I like the time traveler in another time but unaware he's in an alternate reality all happening while he is dreaming in still another reality where ultimately he is plugged into a machine that feeds reality to him. See? You'll need that flow chart.
End of Sinperium's quote

Yeah, this is that point after the general chapter summations I mentioned. Once you focus down on the details, you need to ride with the ebb and flow, this also being when the character sheets will really take form and come in handy. Nothing really stays with one style alone, but the overall point is that a massive organizational effort preceding the actual writing will make the whole ordeal several times smoother.

Reply #14 from Sins Forums Top

Also watch what tense you tell your story in--try not to switch between narration, first person, etc. going back and forth all the time.

Reply #15 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Draakjacht, reply 10

Quoting The-TEC-Empire, reply 9sorry im going with Draakjacht's idea of "Snowflake"

to be fair, we both made the same point. I just elaborated.
End of Draakjacht's quote

ah. OK didn't know that. thanks for pointing that out. Sorry Sinperium, didn't notice it was the same XD

Quoting Draakjacht, reply 11

Quoting The-TEC-Empire, reply 9do i start from the first attack or do i start with a history of each.

I like 'en media res', starting with a point of action and filling in the background through flashbacks and in-story references. Keeps the pacing fast and allows history to be revealed dramatically.
End of Draakjacht's quote

making flashbacks is a given in the way I'm writing it. I'm still working out the bugs in the programs I'm gonna be using. and installing little bits i will need.

Quoting Sinperium, reply 12
The snowflake leads you to a flow chart.  Eventually you have to stop branching out and focus on the main plot line and characters.

Start with snow, then carve a path.

I like the time traveler in another time but unaware he's in an alternate reality all happening while he is dreaming in still another reality where ultimately he is plugged into a machine that feeds reality to him.  See?  You'll need that flow chart.
End of Sinperium's quote

If you stopped at "Start with snow, then carve a path." i would have been fine but that last bit about the time traveler messed me up a bit. me no comprende.

Quoting Draakjacht, reply 13

Quoting Sinperium, reply 12The snowflake leads you to a flow chart. Eventually you have to stop branching out and focus on the main plot line and characters.

Start with snow, then carve a path.

I like the time traveler in another time but unaware he's in an alternate reality all happening while he is dreaming in still another reality where ultimately he is plugged into a machine that feeds reality to him. See? You'll need that flow chart.

Yeah, this is that point after the general chapter summations I mentioned. Once you focus down on the details, you need to ride with the ebb and flow, this also being when the character sheets will really take form and come in handy. Nothing really stays with one style alone, but the overall point is that a massive organizational effort preceding the actual writing will make the whole ordeal several times smoother.
End of Draakjacht's quote

yah im definitley grateful im going to have something like that to work with. I'm currently working on getting my progras all up-to-date and getting all my need supplies and facts and stuff straight. dont expect to write for mabye another week or so while i work with this.

Quoting Sinperium, reply 14
Also watch what tense you tell your story in--try not to switch between narration, first person, etc. going back and forth all the time.
End of Sinperium's quote

and yah, ive seen that happen in some of my previous writings (nothing published mind you) just i have done that before. one problem ive encountered is i ramble on endlessly. that makes the changes in POV happen almost on a per sentence basis so i will be working on making sure i keep it the same.

 

love what you 2 are doing for me, i thank you both Sinperium and Draakjacht. You two are helping me out tremendously here. i think i look more forward to putting both your names on the "Special Thanks" page in the book more than anything :)

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Reply #16 from Sins Forums Top

Lol--I made the time traveller comment tongue-in-cheek...to illustrate how a convoluted storyline with too many directions can end up an unreadable mess. O:)

Reply #17 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Sinperium, reply 16
Lol--I made the time traveller comment tongue-in-cheek...to illustrate how a convoluted storyline with too many directions can end up an unreadable mess.
End of Sinperium's quote

ah. ok im better now. thanks for clearin that up.

Reply #18 from Sins Forums Top

I was just snowflakin' it. B)

Happy New Year.

Reply #20 from Sins Forums Top

Happy New Year. I'm late, but I didn't log in at all over the weekend. That's a sign of social success in my book.

Yes, not only watch what POV you choose to give it, but also past vs. present tense. You want to pick one and stick with it. That can be easily checked on editing, whereas POV is something you have to nip in the bud from the get go. If you have trouble telling a first person story without switching from person to person, I suggest third person omniscient. That way you can tdescribe anything going on anywhere and give away character thoughts at will.

It is possible to switch from person to person, BUT you have to make the transitions smooth and disctinctive. You also have to keep from doing it a lot within a small timeframe. Think Starcraft, how the story was broken into thirds, each telling the story when it was at the height of their given conflict. But that's if you feel practiced or confident with the experiment.

Reply #21 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Draakjacht, reply 20
Happy New Year. I'm late, but I didn't log in at all over the weekend. That's a sign of social success in my book.

Yes, not only watch what POV you choose to give it, but also past vs. present tense. You want to pick one and stick with it. That can be easily checked on editing, whereas POV is something you have to nip in the bud from the get go. If you have trouble telling a first person story without switching from person to person, I suggest third person omniscient. That way you can tdescribe anything going on anywhere and give away character thoughts at will.

It is possible to switch from person to person, BUT you have to make the transitions smooth and disctinctive. You also have to keep from doing it a lot within a small timeframe. Think Starcraft, how the story was broken into thirds, each telling the story when it was at the height of their given conflict. But that's if you feel practiced or confident with the experiment.
End of Draakjacht's quote

that is a social success. good job

past vs present tense is easy for me to determine so its not that big a deal.

and i had already planned on 3rd person omniscient, i just didn't know if that was how my teacher described it or if it was commonly called that. otherwise i would have said it earlier.

also i have never read, nor played Starcraft. sorry to disappoint you there.

Reply #22 from Sins Forums Top

I was actually planning on writing a book based on the Advent POV and hopefully coming up with some ideas that would be considered cannon by Stardock, if it ever came to be that my life would be complete

Reply #23 from Sins Forums Top

Someone should write, "The Book of Unity" and lay out all the Advent psycho-religion.

Reply #24 from Sins Forums Top

I was sort of planning on doing something like that.

Reply #25 from Sins Forums Top

i love that idea. technically i am not writing a book with everything in it for the advent so there may be pieces missing. so that leaves your book of psycho-religion open for you :grin: .

have fun MayallCommunion. Let the unity guide you! :thumbsup: