[From the Archive] The Long Haul Projects
This week’s archive post…
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In my quest to coordinate my life and my writing, I’m stuck in the middle of two “Long Haul Projects” – novels both. These are two very different projects requiring totally different mindsets. How do most writers handle that? Simply put, many don’t. Probably most don’t. The – most likely – sane way to handle the Long Haul Projects (the ones that take forever and go on and on) is to start at the beginning, putting aside everything else, and not stopping until its completion.
That would very likely be the sane and logical thing to do. If you ask those who know me, I’ve not always been the embodiment of logic and sanity. I routinely work on multiple projects simultaneously because 1)I’m a multi-tasker, and 2)I’m a glutton for punishment. No, seriously, I find having more than one project going helps keep the word counts coming when I’m distracted by life.
I don’t know about other writers, but I’m not always in the right frame of mind to work on certain projects. Two projects I’m working on now are diametric opposites – one is a serial killer
thriller, the other a humorous YA fantasy. You can see where some days I need something lighter to work on, and others the darker.
I know this seems awfully disjointed, and it’s not for everyone, but for me – and maybe for others, it allows me to get past obstacles in my path when I’m working on these projects. If the scene stalls, or something jams my thought process, I can go to the other project. This allows my subconscious to work its way through the roadblocks and see the problem differently while my conscious mind is actively working on something completely different.
This is what works for me. It may work for you, but if you’re a “start to finish” person that’s okay, too. And it’s okay to be a combination of the two. I’ve had several short stories that demand to be written NOW and don’t let up until their finished. You have to find out what works for you – and don’t let anyone tell you you “HAVE” to do something one way or another. Writing is personal and subjective.
No two writers have the EXACT same processes – they definitely don’t have the exact same results. You, as a writer, have to figure out what works for you – and then DO IT. No process is right. No process is wrong. Take what seems right to you and discard the rest, and good luck.
[Bonus Post] North Texas Comic Book Show and Why I Like Social Media
It’s a really gray, gloomy day. I have most of my housework down for our local fan group meeting here on Saturday. I’ve submitted two revised stories to markets. And I’m down to chore typing… so what does that mean for YOU??? BONUS POST!!!! Besides, yesterday was ranty… Ranty…hmmm, there’s a Dwarf you never hear about.
Anyway… Promo alert. I’ll be appearing at April 1st (No Foolin’) North Texas Comic Book Show at the Lamar St. Hilton in Arlington TX. The headliner this time is Ben Dunn who’s been with Antartic Press for quite a while, as well as other comic book companies. This show is growing, so come check us out. It’s still ridiculously affordable – Free until Noon – then only $1.
Speaking of Dwarves…And I mentioned this on Facebook (badly) but one of the many reasons I like Social Media – the ability to “friend” people who’s work I admire. It’s not hard to imagine that the writer/creators are on social media – we all procrastinate. I’ve been able to “meet” many of the television writers who influenced me through the years. They still continue to inspire me – because a lot of that Television from the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s still holds up for me as darned good storytelling.
But also many of the (current) CHARACTER ACTORS I admire are on Social Media. Bruce Campbell is a hoot on Twitter. Amber Benson…Love being able to mention on Facebook that I made a Barnes and Noble dig out her book and shelve it because they hadn’t yet, and having it get back to her. And the more I watch Buffy reruns, the more I think Tara was the “underground” hero. (And seriously, as much as my favorite “Death” character has to be my own. Amber’s Calliope Jones/Death series? High second.) But also actors like Lee Arenberg – you know him, you just don’t know you know him. He was a goofy pirate in 3 of 4 Caribbean movies, he was on Scrubs, and now… Grumpy on Once Upon A Time.
I’ve always loved the character actors. They are so very talented and often over-looked in the shadow of the heart throb. But they’re also the ones that tend to have the cooler quirks and more humor. I never dream of writing for the George Clooneys of the world. I want to write for the Dwight Schultzes, the Amber Bensons, and the Lee Arenbergs of the world. Because there has to be a lot of skill and talent involved to write a character WORTHY of the talents they bring to their characters. If I can write a story THEY can sink their teeth into, then I’ve done what I want to do successfully.
Not that I would say “No” to working with leading actors, like say, Nathan Fillion. That wouldn’t be a horrible thing at all…
And yes, I realize I mostly write prose, but come on, we’ve all “cast” our stories/books in our heads for the imaginary movie. And I do have screenwriting training, I just have picked some of my battles. 
[Writer Post] Godin, Coppola, and Not Getting Paid (again)
I’ve been trying to get this post going for well over an hour now. It’s a gray, gloomy day. There are chores ahead of me – typing up long-hand work, housecleaning, praying for a miracle that the lawn guys come before it rains this weekend and we have people over. Though I wouldn’t say I was BLOCKED this morning, I would say that I was BLANK…until Writer Beware started posting articles on their facebook feed. Now I’m…perturbed.
Over the last couple of weeks, there’s been some talk in the social media worlds of PayPal forcing Smashwords to stop selling e-books that contain certain erotic elements. There’s been some outrage on this (not as much as some people would like) but some. Writer Beware passed on this article that explains it a bit more. This is economic censorship that has no place…anywhere.
For the record, I don’t write these types of things. I don’t necessarily like the topics listed to be taken down, but I don’t think anyone has the right to demand they stop being available. There are a lot of ways these topics are dealt with in other forms of fiction (including Christian/Inspirational) and non-fiction that could be swept up in the net. As many people point out, the topics included in the list are also mentioned in the Bible. Though I haven’t worked with Smashwords yet, I do appreciate their attempts to work with PayPal and their pressures to make this situation more palatable for the most people. It’s a difficult situation all around.
The other “hide-chapping” thing that popped up this morning…Seth Godin being somewhat misquoted, but still head-thumping. The article is titled: Godin to authors: You have no right to make money any more. Now technically, this is a misquote. What he’s quoted as saying is: Who said you have a right to cash money from writing?
I know I don’t have a “right” to be paid for anything. NO ONE has a RIGHT to be paid. They do have an expectation to be paid for services rendered. Despite the campaigns against speculative work in the art industry, I still have to do it in the writing one. Until you have a history -you write a novel, you try to sell the novel. Until you reach a certain level with short fiction – you write a story, you find a market for the story. It’s “how it’s done”.
I don’t get paid for my blogs – I do occasionally get sent a fun pen to try out with the pen blog – but cash, no. I don’t do THIS for money. I do this to help build an audience and because it’s a way to vent some frustrations. I think that was part of Godin’s point. But when people who’ve got more money than they could ever spend, like Francis Ford Coppola, say things like: I’m going to be shot for saying this. But who said art has to cost money? And therefore, who says artists have to make money? I say, DUDE, reality check…it’s bouncing.
Art costs money to make in terms of time and equipment. Writing (and most art) requires a computer, an internet connection, paper, pens/pencils/paint, and electricity – not to mention someplace to put said equipment and electricity. None of that is free. Time? 95% of all artisans DO NOT CHARGE what their time is worth in any other industry. You couldn’t afford it. That’s why 95% of all artisans have “Day Jobs”. Some art requires postage/shipping to get material to where it can be sold.
Artists have to make money in order to continue to create art. And yes, in terms of self-publishing and ebooks, there is a LOT of material out there. It’s harder and harder to make a living writing, and yes, we’re all throwing stuff at the wall to see if it’ll stick in terms of new monetizing avenues, because we don’t know what will work at the moment.
But the more people like Godin and Coppola start putting it in the mind of the public – no matter how misquoted – that writers and artists don’t have the right or need to be paid, then they won’t even try to value our work. Content is valuable. We need to work together to make sure everyone understands that. And if no one’s being paid because there is “no scarcity” in material? Keep discouraging writers and artists by telling them their work has no monetary value, that should CAUSE scarcity.
I would to be shown how wrong I am. Debate me. Argue with me. But keep it civil. As for me, I have a novel to get back to writing.
[Pen/Pencil Review] The Palomino Blackwing Wooden Pencil
I was not alone in receiving a pretty black box for Christmas – though mine did not contain jewelry, but a dozen Palomino Blackwing pencils. I’ve held off reviewing them because 1) there was a glut of reviews on them right after Christmas; and 2) I have a habit of randomly plucking thing out of my “to be reviewed” cup. So, today… the Palomino Blackwing wooden pencil.
I tell people I go in cycles with my writing instruments. There are days/weeks all I want to write with are fountain pens, others pencils – and anything in between. And even with the pencils I go in cycles between wooden and mechanical. I have some weird “productive” feeling about working through an entire wooden pencil. The drawbacks I have with wooden pencils is that I like (really, really like) sharp points on my pencils, so I sharpen a lot. I also really like dark, soft leads. I’m a 2B kind of girl. Herein lies my dilemma – soft, dark leads require more sharpening. Another issue I can have with wooden pencils are using up erasers long before the pencil, requiring the need for extra erasers.
The Palomino Blackwing somewhat addresses all of these problems. They are a dark, soft lead like I like. There’s nothing on the black lacquer body to tell you what the lead actually is, but it feels like a good B to me. Which means it’s NOT A #2 PENCIL for standardized tests/scantron sheets, but really, why would you? These are too pretty for that. The black body and the gold trim just makes it a pretty, pretty thing to look at. It’s also a sturdy pencil of solid wood, not that plastic pseudo-wood that bends and doesn’t sharpen well.
The Blackwing also caters to those of us who like to erase. Instead of the standard eraser on the end of the pencil, the Blackwing was a flattened, rectangular eraser that resembles a paintbrush in shape. The white eraser rubs the graphite out cleanly without crumbling. Over time it remains flexible instead of going hard like cheaper erasers. It’s also held into the end of the pencil with a spring clip so it can be adjusted to length – and makes it an oversized eraser so you don’t run out of eraser before you run out of pencil. And if you’re using a LOT of eraser, JetPens sells replacement erasers in black, white, and pink, so you can choose your look.
Now to the numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – I really like these pencils. They’re a good, solid wood. When I fidget with them, I have no worries that I’m going to snap them in half or bend them out of shape, like with really cheap pencils. It is a soft lead, so if you like a hard, sharp point, you might be a little disappointed, but I like a solid, dark line, so this is my happy place pencil.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s a standard, hexagonal pencil. But like with the above comment, it’s a good sturdy pencil that feels good in the hand.
3. Material – 1 – One of the best built pencils I’ve had in a while. Solid wood, nice accents. The eraser mechanism is well-built and solidly attached.
4. Overall Design – 1 – I don’t know what else to say about this pencil’s design. It just rocks – for me.
5. Price Point – 0 – It’s an expensive wooden pencil. A box of 12 will run about $20. They may be worth it if you really like wooden pencils and/or replaceable erasers, but this is not going to be your “back to school” pencil. You are paying for the fact it’s a darned good wooden pencil – and if you go for the pretty gift box? You’re paying more. That’s the only real drawback to this pencil. If you’re used to getting a dozen for a $1…this will be sticker shock.
I give it 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
[From the Archive] Embracing the Low Tech
This is actually appropriate – considering I had a computer hiccup earlier this week (still in the process of diagnosis), and I’ve spent time out and about with a notebook and pen…
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Besides having an innate love of all things ink and graphite, and my love of (vetted) High Technology (yes, Virginia, there is an iPhone in my future – I’ve finally justified the cost), some may wonder why I still do a lot of my drafting in longhand (tree killer!)
Now, I could say it’s an editing process. I can feel freer to do my “pre-writing”, etc., on paper and have a more complete draft when the story is complete. And that would be true – to a certain extent. I do use my longhand draft as a “zero” draft and the typed version as a First Draft. That’s not the full reason. To be honest, I do a lot of things on paper with pen (not only because I like it) but because technology can – and will (the jerk) – let you down.
Technology is not always available where you may be. Smart Phones, iPads, and wireless devices are only as good at the network signal you can find for them. If something depends on you being online – Murphy will make sure there’s no way you’re getting online. Or you could be in a situation where use of technology (say, working at a renaissance festival is frowned upon, or your booth will not have electricity or something).
Technology is fickle. Just when you think you have all your devices playing nicely with each other and communicating properly – something happens. An update, a power blip, someone’s code hurts another code’s feelings and everything is a big jumbled mess of bytes and bits. In this case, technology does mimic human life…go figure.
Technology WILL FAIL!!!! It will. Count on it. Technology will fail. This is inevitable. Things that run on batteries will drain said batteries. Devices required to be plugged in will experience power failure. There will be power failures (the gas company cut a power line to my office building this week). Coffee WILL be spewed on keyboards, and cell phones DO fall in toilets. Hard drives inexplicably implode, and data will be lost – even if it’s backed up six times.
I’m not saying Low Tech options are not without their dangers. Dogs eat homework. Coffee spewed on notebook paper has the same effects (so does dropping a notebook in a toilet). BUT…low tech has some advantages. It’s as (or more) portable. You can always have a pen and pad with you – even in inconvenient times. No one frowns on a pen and pad at, say, Renaissance Festivals. If you’re traveling, you don’t have to worry about accidentally deleting (or having to turn off your devices) anything when hitting turbulence (or pot holes), you just have to worry about legibility. Oh, and when you’re frustrated with a project, it’s not a huge financial investment to throw a paper wad across the room (unlike a cell phone or computer).
And for the treehuggers – ink and paper are natural, biodegradable materials that don’t necessarily stay in landfills (and many plastic pens are now made of recycled materials). I’m not saying ditch your technology (then how would you read my brilliance? Kidding!!!), but to simply consider the joys and stress relief of the Low Tech now and then. And remember – those annoying paper wads are also good pet toys. Just sayin’.
[Writer Post] Anecdotal Wednesday
It’s Writer Post Wednesday, and I totally forgot until I was halfway out the door this morning. So this will be Random Anecdote Day, which Is similar to a “SQUIRREL! Day”, but slightly different. We’ve had “Family Stuff” happen this week that’s thrown me off, which makes coherence (much less brilliance)…difficult.
1. If you haven’t already, check out CT Adams’s blog. On Wednesdays, she features guest writers – or, as she calls it, Visiting Dignitaries. Due to pet-aided circumstances she double-booked today. SO I’m one of the Leap Day Bonus Two-Fer post. Which is great, because while I’m good at the “Visiting”, I’m not so sure about the “Dignitary” part. I talk about a little-known, post-convention affliction known as “Special Snowflake Syndrome”. Go check it out.
2. I’m tickled that I picked out a detail in last week’s CSI episode before the cast did. A house was stolen – or actually “Jacked”, since they jacked it up and rolled it away. They found shoe prints. I took one look at the impression and said, “Those are Converses.” Actually, they were more specifically Chuck Taylors. I know those show prints because I – and whole lot of people I know – leave those prints behind. I’m kind of surprised none of the really hip guys on CSI didn’t recognize them. And SURE ENOUGH, 5 show time minutes later, they identified a dead guy (with the house dropped on him) with shiny, new, red, Chuck Taylor Converses — sure enough, the shoe prints matched. Woo! I was actually observant.
3. Be careful what you make up, it might be true. I jokingly (ish) refer to a forensic veterinarian in a story. Because they have forensic everything else, right? Um, right. There actually is a profession and a professional association for FORENSIC VETERINARIANS! Sometimes Google can be useful – when it’s not being EVIL. Still trying to figure out where in Texas there might be a chapter…I’m thinking Texas A&M, but wouldn’t mind being sure.
So that’s my anecdotal, pseudo-squirrel post. This is more productive than brainstorming ideas for a project that will NEVER, EVER happen – like Quantum Leap – The Next Legacy (which yeah, it comes off as half ST:TNG and half Tron Legacy. But it was a fun plot bunny while we walked the dogs.
[Conventions] Dead Robots Society ConJour Podcasts
Terry Mixon from Dead Robots Society records many panels from conventions and posts them on Dead Robots Society. These are from this year’s ConJour (that I happened to be on).
Dead Robots Society Podcasts from ConJour in Houston, January 2012
PLOT DEVELOPMENT 1 – with Terry Mixon, Michael “Talthos” Willett, P.L. Blair, Rhonda Eudaly
PUBLISHING AND MARKETING REALITIES FOR THE EMERGING AUTHOR – with Michael Ashleigh Finn, O.M Grey, Terry Mixon, Rhonda Eudaly, David Doub
THE BUSINESS ASPECT OF WRITING – with Panelists – Michael Ashleigh Finn, Rhonda Eudaly, P.L. Blair, and David Doub.
[Pen/Pencil Review Post] The Pilot Plumix – Medium Nib Beginner Fountain Pen
This week, we take another look at fountain pens – specifically the Pilot Plumix. This is actually the second Plumix I’ve owned. It’s categorized by JetPens (and Pilot, I believe) as a “Beginner Fountain Pen”. And I rather agree with that. I’ve bought both of mine at Target.
Now…why have I had two of these pens? I bought one on a whim and used it until the ink ran out – then couldn’t find refills in either Target or the major box stores. That’s one of the major stumbling blocks to impulsively picking up this pen. Unless you know about places like JetPens, finding refills for the Plumix is nigh on to impossible. Once I DID know about JetPens and what refills are required for the Plumix, I’d tossed my original Plumix and had to replace it.
So, the Plumix… It’s a decent pen. It won’t appeal to tons of people for every day, practical use because it has no clip to secure the pen to, well, ANYTHING. It’s more artsy than anything else, but it’s really designed to be comfortable. The grip is a tri-corner type thing that sits comfortably in the hand. The accents on the barrel are pretty. The plastic is sturdy, and the bullet-shaped cap does post firmly on the pen. It’s nearly 6″ long capped and posted, which is long enough for me to find it comfortable. It’s also remarkably well-balanced for a plastic pen.
The nib is stainless steel and comes defaulted to a Medium width – which for beginners or people who prefer a wider line is fine – I prefer finer nibs. It does write smoothly and lays down a good line of ink – the width does depend on how you hold the pen, and this does allow for beginner hesitation and learning curves. It’s a perfectly acceptable and serviceable pen.
Now to the numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – it works well. It’s got a decent learning curve. There’s minimal leaking around the nib (and generally only if you don’t dry it well after cleaning). The nib is sturdy and takes a lot of abuse.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – the length is comfortable. The pen is light, but balanced and comfortable in the hand. The grip is slick, but ergonomic. There’s no doubt that it can be used for long periods of time, because I have.
3. Material – .5 it’s plastic. It’s lightweight plastic. It’s meant to be a beginner pen and to be graduated up to a nicer pen. It’s not going to be a pen you weep over if it’s lost, stolen, or somehow thrown away.
4. Overall Design – .5 Though I do like this pen over all, there are so many “buts” and “ifs“. It’s great, BUT… it’s difficult to find refills if you don’t know where to look. It’s great IF you like medium nibs (which I’m not fond of). It doesn’t have a clip. It doesn’t secure to anything, BUT it’s comfortable and easy to use.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s an OKAY price point for a beginning pen. Looking online you can find this pen from $5-$8 (which for a fountain pen is pretty darned inexpensive). It runs in the $6-$7 range at Target, a bit over $7 on JetPens. It is refillable (if you know where to get refills), so that price can even out once you’re good to go on it.
That’s a 3.5 out of 5.
[From the Archive] To Enter or Not to Enter – that is the Question
This week’s archive post…
Many new writers wonder if entering contests is worthwhile – both to their careers and to their budgets. The answer to that – as with just about everything else in the publishing industry is…maybe. Picking a contest is a lot like picking an agent or publisher. You have to weigh the risk to reward factors. Is the time, effort, and possibly money to invest in the contest worth the potential pay out.
First – you have to decide if you’re going to pay to play. Many contests charge an entry fee to pay for prizes and contest judges and the like. The thing is – does the entry fee justify the prize. It’s a ratio thing. If the entry fee seems high in terms of the prize pay outs, then it’s probably not worth it. You also want to look at the judges – if you have more credits than the judges of the contest, you probably want to run. The other thing to factor in would be Odds – Writers of the Future is an awesome Free contest with a kickin’ payday (pro rates plus and publication), but the competition can be fierce because it is free.
Second – figure out why you want to enter the contest. Do you have a story that fits the contest but almost no place else? Is the prize something you really need/want? Or does the theme of the contest just strike a chord with you? You can use contests as exercises in craft. If there’s a good reason for you, personally, to enter the contest, then go for it. As long as you know why you’re doing it.
Third – contests can be fun. Especially if you’re entering to see what you can learn/accomplish from the contest rather than thinking you’re going to earn cash and prizes. Learning is the key thing.
Shameless plug time, a month or so ago, Revolution SF announced a contest on their website. In honor of the new Best of Joe R. Lansdale collection, they asked entrants to write a weird story (in honor of Joe) in 67 words or less. I took that as a challenge. For, as most writers discover, Flash Fiction is one of the hardest skills to learn, and to be excel at doing. I chose to do it as an exercise in craft – that and I like Joe Lansdale as both a writer and a person. I was one of 5 winners, it made me silly happy to win – and when all of us as writers have those moments of “I’ll never sell again”, a cheesy contest win can make a big difference. Besides, it was FUN, and the time outlay to write the story was minimal.
So, bottom line…it’s up to you. Contests – if not take super seriously – can be a fun and profitable way to hone your craft – especially if the judges offer feedback. Or they could just be fun. As with everything in the publishing industry, do your homework first. Know what you’re getting into, and have some fun.
[Writer Post] ConDFW and Convention Brain
It’s Wednesday, which means Writer Blog Day – and I am still battling “convention brain”. “Convention Brain” is kind of like SQUIRREL! Brain, but not quite (Squirrel! Brain has more energy). That also means the convention was a rousing success.
We “officially” launched Redheads in Love, the 3rd installment of The Four Redheads of the Apocalypse. Thanks to all who are supporting the book and the series. We are very excited about this particular installment. We can’t wait to introduce the new book to other conventions/audiences throughout the year.
with Bill Crider and Julie Barrett
ConDFW used to be my “kick off” convention, but I guess now that’s ConJOUR… It’s one of two AWESOME conventions in the D/FW area that has encouraged and supported me as a writer my entire career. And as much as this is a “fun” convention with great fans and great parties — it’s also one where deals can be struck, if you play your cards right.
Reading with Jaye Welles
You also don’t know what can happen from something that seems silly at the time… like posing for a photo with a NASA group mascot. Sure at first you wonder, Why am I taking pictures with a rubber chicken in a steampunk outfit? The quickest answer is: “It’s a convention, why wouldn’t I be posing with a steampunk-outfitted, rubber chicken?” The BETTER answer is… any SF writer who can make friends with NASA has a good resource for information on future projects, and potential to help/support programs that need awareness and (potentially) increase your audience.
I thoroughly enjoyed talking with the ladies from NASA’s SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory) Goddard who had the table next to Yard Dog Press. And on June 5, 2012, I hope to remember where I’ve put my direct solar viewing glasses so I can watch Venus pass in front of the Sun. And if I can remember to link back up with the local chapter of the National Space Society, maybe we can work out some cross support or promotion for that as well.
Because let’s face it, my science is weak. I know it. More times than I care to admit, I identify with Penny on Big Bang Theory than any of the guys. Although, I do say I’m a “Science Fantasy” or straight fantasy writer. I DO NOT have the hard science background for hard science fiction. Though I’ve always found space fascinating or I wouldn’t be here.
So, what’s in store? More writing. That’s the other thing conventions do – they let you recharge your creative batteries. I have plot bunnies. I have projects demanding attention…I’m slowly getting my energy back to work on them. Conventions are EXHAUSTING. You come back WANTING to do all this STUFF. Set the world on fire with your creative brilliance, but facing facts (even though I HAVE gotten in a word count this week) we don’t have the brain capacity or energy to do more than laundry when we get home for about 2 days (I liken the 2nd day after a convention to the 2nd day after an injury – it hurts more then because all the adrenalin is GONE.)
However, the results are COMPLETELY worth the two days of convention brain. Really. Trust me. I’m a writer.
P.S. the panel pictures are from our friends, John and Susan.
