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The Black Fortress

BONUS EXTRAS

Archie to the rescue...

10/21/2019

8 Comments

 
Without dropping any spoilers...

When we were plotting out one of the big action sequences in The Black Fortress, we needed a gadget for Archie to use to help in the rescue effort. While brainstorming ideas, Eric blurted out, "Wouldn't it be great if we could just give Archie a blowtorch?"

To which Gael responded, "That would fit the scene perfectly, and Archie is always bringing the steampunk, but I can't imagine they had blowtorches in 1877."

Eric wholeheartedly agreed.
Picture
By Users Diceman, Anthony Appleyard - Photo taken by Stephen West. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1056478
​Good thing we didn't just leave it there! We took a moment to check it out with a little quick research, and, wow were we surprised! Modern blowtorches date back a hundred years before Jake's time. PERFECT!

​The blowtorch pictured here is what Archie's would have looked like. But how on earth were we to describe the scene as Archie got it burning? We know nothing about blowtorches. YouTube to the rescue. The below video was indispensable in making it sound like we knew what we were talking about, lol, when describing the scene. (How did anyone ever write a book before the internet???)
The details in the video above became the below details in the book. Just a few little touches really brought the scene to life.

Choosing a spot, Archie pulled down his goggles and frantically pumped the pressure handle on his blowtorch. He twisted the valve open, fired up the blowtorch, and stood back while it flamed. He waited while it burned off the charge in the flash pan, then the blowtorch began climbing to operating temperature. When the flame streaming out of the nozzle burned blue, Archie picked up the blowtorch with care and started...
You'll have to wait till you get to that part of The Black Fortress to find out how he used the blowtorch to save the day. But one thing is certain. The boy genius has always got some trusty gadget in his toolbox to help his friends out of a jam! :)
8 Comments
Mia
10/21/2019 06:35:25 pm

This was such a great moment for Archie! He was so brave and I always admire his quick thinking for find the perfect solutions!

Reply
Eric
10/22/2019 08:36:01 am

Thanks! Sometimes his quick thinking takes his authors days to work out the details, lol.

Reply
Kristin
10/21/2019 08:23:25 pm

We loved the character development of Archie in this book! All of the characters captured a place in our hearts

Reply
Eric
10/22/2019 08:36:48 am

Thanks! That's so great to hear! :)

Reply
Theresa Geider
10/21/2019 10:43:26 pm

I love how Archie & Dani without any "super powers" usually find solutions by just using their wits.

Reply
Eric
10/22/2019 08:39:52 am

Yes! Thanks! We think it helps to ground the story better than to always have a magical solution to all problems. Archie and Dani are perfect for that.

Reply
Melanie Durfee
10/28/2019 10:56:36 pm

I loved the injenuity that Archie portrays. This was one of my favorite parts. He was so quick to come up with a plan. A blow torch I never would have thought of that. It wS such a great idea!

Reply
Eric
10/29/2019 08:59:49 am

AWESOME!!! Thank you much! Who knew those clever Victorians would have the blowtorch. Amazing!

Reply



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  • Home
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  • Books
    • The Gryphon Chronicles
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    • Store Home
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