Pollen-Filled News from the Writer’s Front

Like the tissues surrounding my wastebasket (for I can never quite toss them in), today’s post is going to be a bit random. An amalgamation of allergies and the flu has hit my sinuses with aplomb. Ergo, drugs. No, the good kind. Sinus drugs. My head may feel clearer but the words aren’t necessarily conjoining in their proper order (or definition) by any stretch of the imagination. Not to mention — I’ve had very little caffeine the past few days and this has put me into withdrawal mode as well.

All whining aside, the reason why I’m telling you this is because the sniffles have caused me to forget about the thirty-day mark of not being on Facebook, Twitter or IM. Which, you know, is funny because it was on my mind but I’d almost forgotten about it.

I’m writing a focused article about my experience for another website, so you’ll be able to read a more coherent angle on that there. At the moment, it reads like “And then this happened… AND THEN…” so I’m going to wait until my head clears before I revise. Probably laugh my arse off in the process. Eesh. The short of it is, the responses from other authors have been far more interesting than what I’ve been going through on my own. The reactions squarely fall into two camps.

Here’s a couple of cool things that happened last week:

  • New Story Accepted! – Not sure if you remember when I talked about a story I submitted called “Tailfeather.” Set in a dystopian future based on our own reality, this story is about a woman who went through months of surgeries to become a bird. More to come on that.
  • It’s Time for Estrogen Time – My best friend moved to Atlanta a month or two ago and I’ve been dying for some sushi therapy ever since. Well, it seems I’ve reached a new nirvana — once again I return to making jewelry. I’ve been meeting a ton of people and have been working on a few designs.
  • Figured out a Better Revision Technique – Taking a page from some of the different software designs that are out there like Liquid StoryBinder and StoryBook, I started summarizing scenes during the revision process in a different color. I’m hoping to apply this technique again in the near future to a longer work, but so far so good.
  • I did not write a fan letter to Jeff VanderMeer – I’m currently reading The Third Bear, published by Tachyon Publications. The difference between the stories is pretty profound because the voices are all different. To read a talented author write multiple genres (or various shades thereof) in the same collection is extraordinarily humbling. Why is not writing a fan letter a good thing? Apparently, you’ve never read my fan letters…
  • Got a Wicked Omi Idea – To help get me in an alchemist’s mindset, I’m creating a grimoire. For the cover, I picked up an Omi. Check out some finished versions. Because one of the surfaces is flat, I can attach it to the front of the book and I already have an idea of what I want to do. Better yet — picked it up during Free Comic Book Day! Whoo-Hoo!

Well, that’s about all I have for today. I’m still writing so I hope you’re still reading! 🙂

[Recommended] Dystopian Sci Fi Movie “Sleep Dealer”

One of the best things about Netflix, is its collection of foreign films. Last night we watched Sleep Dealer, a film set in a dystopian future – in Mexico. Produced in 2008, this film has garnered several awards, and I can see why. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, the use of color to show mood and the technology gives the story a noir feel. The story isn’t action-based, but has a satirical bent, a commentary without necessarily acting as an in-your-face commentary.

Part of the reason why I enjoyed this film for two reasons: one, I have an interest in futurism and two, I have a deep appreciation for other cultures and how they view genre. I talked a little bit about my love for futurism in an earlier post entitled Writing the Future, the Slow Creep of Ages, so if you’re interested in can read up on that. In terms of other cultures and genres? Well, I wrote a short story back in December for an anthology I’m waiting to hear back on. When I watched Sleep Dealer, I was reminded of my story’s tone and its military theme.

If you get the chance, check out the Sleep Dealer Trailer (English). I couldn’t find any legal copies to share with you here, so don’t be afraid to visit their site.

[My Guest Post] An Author’s Marketing Mistake

First week of May? Must be time to tell you about this month’s guest post at the How To Write Shop. Today I take a look at a common mantra I hear time and time again from authors and artists. Many people I’ve talked to never want to promote or even mention their previously published work. In this post, entitled “Authors, Don’t Make this Marketing Mistake,” I dive into their objections with my responses.

Here’s a quote from the article:

By promoting your existing titles, you add depth to your marketing efforts because you’re adding new products to the mix. Don’t be afraid to talk about your previously published work in a way that’s new to those readers, either. After all, if you complain or talk down about what you’ve already done, then that will reflect in your sales and the way your readers/fellow authors treat you. If you’re that unhappy with your backlist, then what will that say about how you’ll treat your current releases a year from now? — SOURCE: Authors, Don’t Make this Marketing Mistake at the How To Write Shop

If you’re an author or an artist, I hope you drop by my article and add your thoughts. In a comment, Lori Devoti already pointed out another reason why authors don’t promote their backlist, and why that may need to change.

FlamesRising.com’s First Publisher Theme Week and Contest

Pelgrane Press Week at FlamesRising.comHi everyone,

Wanted to let you know that we launched a new theme week for our readers at FlamesRising.com yesterday. The idea behind it, was to highlight a specific publisher by offering new design essays, previews and reviews. For our first-ever theme week, we decided to focus on Pelgrane Press.

You may recall I mentioned Pelgrane Press when I shared with you the Table of Contents for the New Heroes anthology. Stone Skin Press is the company’s fiction imprint; Pelgrane Press has produced popular games like the Esoterrorists and the Trail of Cthulhu lines based on the Gumshoe System designed by Robin Laws. We just started an Esoterrorists campaign, which was designed by Jason Blair of Little Fears fame, and our group is having a lot of fun.

At FlamesRising.com this week, we’re featuring several design essays, reviews and other material for new and existing fans of this quality publisher. What’s more, Pelgrane Press is sponsoring a contest on FlamesRising.com. Three lucky winners will receive gift certificates to the Pelgrane Press online store. If you’re interested, visit the aforementioned contest link and read the rules. Contest ends on Friday, May 6th at midnight so don’t push off your entry.

Happy gaming!

[New Release] My Essay in Apex Magazine Issue 24

Apex Magazine Issue 24 May 2011Calling all science fiction and fantasy fans! Wanted to pop in today and mention I have a new, non-fiction essay published in Apex Magazine Issue 24. My essay is an up-close-and-personal one; I dive into my experiences and share them to ask: Are you having fun at conventions? Why or why not?

Here is what you’ll find in this edition of Apex Magazine, championed by award-winning author and editor Cat Valente:

Our May issue is sure to delight as the stories happen to swing back toward dark SF. Jeremy R. Butler channels the adventure and dangers of deep space mining with his “Recipe Collecting in the Asteroid Belt.” Annalee Newitz explores love and particle physics in “Twilight of the Eco-Terrorist.”
Our classic reprint is Will Ludwigsen’s chilling “In Search Of” where the answers to all your questions are better left unknown.

Apex presents two poetry selections this month. The first is “Black, Red, White” by Rachel Swirsky. The second is Elizabeth McClellan’s “The Walking Man Goes Looking for the Sons of John: Six Cantos.”

Finally, Monica Valentinelli gives fans and writers some important tips on how to enjoy the world of literary fan conventions with “Grab Your Badge. Ready, Set, Meet!” — SOURCE: Apex Magazine Issue 24

If you’re interested in my work or these excellent stories and poems, you can either subscribe to Apex Magazine for a full year’s worth of imaginative goodness or buy Apex Magazine Issue 24 as a stand-alone product. Visit the Apex Magazine stand for a variety of options.

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