February 18, 2021 2:18 pm | Russell StollComments Off on Quiznot 2 and other news
Hi folks, I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted here. That’s going to change. Promise.
First off, Quiznot 2 is moving toward completion. I’m at about 48,000 words now and expect the final product to top out at 65,000 words. I think we’re a month or two away.
Exciting news. New covers are coming for Quiznot 1 and Quiznot 2 (when it’s ready). I have a very talented illustrator working up ideas and I’m sure the final products will be stunning. Why the change? I wonder if the current Quiznot 1 looks too much like a horror novel set at some crumbling mansion. Stay tuned.
April 14, 2020 9:08 am | Russell StollComments Off on A Blast from the Past
Back in my LEGO Creative Director days, I commissioned Templar Studios in NYC to produce an online game to feature the new LEGO Bionicle toys. Here’s a terrific 30-minute documentary about its production.
It’s a real headache for writers and other creative work that most of the world runs according to a manager’s schedule (with office hours from 9am-5pm peppered with 1/2 hour-long meetings). Creative folk need uninterrupted time.
Visit this link for an insightful take on the dilemma. If you’ve figured this all out, and can still feed a family of 5, send me a note. I’ll be eternally grateful.
Catherine Rose Putsche just added a nice review of Quiznot on her blog. Here’s an excerpt:
What a wonderfully crafted story! I was pretty much hooked from the start and look forward to reading more books in this planned trilogy. Russell Stoll has successfully created a thrilling young adult/sci-fi/fantasy book with a likable heroine that the reader can get behind and root for as he is strong, brave and loyal. The only disappointment I had is that I must wait to hear more of Timothy’s adventures and can’t wait to see what they entail. I expect an exciting epic to be awaiting this heroine.
He writes,
“Quiznot blends elements of The Last Starfighter and X-Men and a little bit of the sadly canceled TV show Tower Prep. It’s about a kid who discovers he has powers, and enigmatic people at a mysterious school with kids who also have strange stuff. The whole product is just enjoyable, a hero’s quest mixed with teen-outsider melodrama.
“Give this one a shot. It’s new characters and a new story that will remind you of classic stuff. It’s an all-ages story with a creature that reminds me of Lockheed from X-Men. So that’s a few bonus points right there.”