A Hearty Thanks

Fire She-Ra Avatar

Just wanted to pop in and say “Thank You!” today. I told you either late last year (or earlier this one) that my intent for this website was to focus on my publishing endeavors while highlighting some day-to-day aspects of my employment and life here in the Mad, Mad City.

My goal, while not I didn’t express this overtly, was to emphasize my work as a creator by spotlighting new publications and minimize the draw to my marketing or business-related content. I rearranged my website which allowed me to blog about life, the universe, and everything in a varied, haphazard fashion to share with you who I am as opposed to focusing on articles that educate or demand that you listen. You’ve responded to the change. Now, my publication announcements are the most-read on this site and you’ve also been following my blog more readily than you have in the past. For that? I say “THANK YOU!”

I know a few of you are disappointed that I’m not blogging about business-related activities very frequently anymore. I feel there’s enough free commentary and other ephemera here to give you a sample of what I’ve done (and the teeniest taste of what I can do). I’m always open to writing paid articles on a variety of non-fiction subject, but now that I have a repertoire of sample business-related articles/posts out in the wilds, I feel if anyone wants more hands-on consulting from me, you can always contact me and ask for my rates.

For those of you who joined me later this year, part of the reason why I used to blog about more nuts and bolts business-related topics (whether they be job-related or not) is because most writers cannot afford to live off of their works. I’m a strong believer in “pay it forward.” Remember, a lot of Creative Writing programs don’t talk about the fiscal realities of writing. I hope that what I’ve posted on the site will help you determine your own path in a sensible, pragmatic fashion (while still reaching for the stars!).

2013 is going to be a VERY exciting year in a lot of ways. I can’t wait! Yay!

    Mood: Inspired
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: If I said less than the day before, that would be a lie.
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: The Gym.
    In My Ears: Winter Rhapsody by Nox Arcana
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Awakenings
    Movie Last Viewed: The Lord of the Rings trilogy
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “The Dig” The Lovecraft eZine Issue No. 19
December 11, 2012
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Food, Etymology, and Shakespeare

I just picked up Shakespeare’s Kitchen: Renaissance Recipes for the Contemporary Cook and I couldn’t be happier. Not only does this provide recipes, which are based off of original instructions from the time period, there’s a touch of history included with each and every section, dish prepared, and anecdote.

My only critical comment is that I wanted to see more pictures of the finished recipes, but other than that I’m very pleased with this cookbook. It makes me giddy that I can read stories about life in the past while making traditional dishes prepared at a time when there were no ovens, refrigerators, or fancy tools. Imagine the luxurious art in this era! Royal banquets included the fabrication of fantastical “meat” beasts, edible portraits, and a whole lot more.

This, coupled with my love of etymology AND Shakespeare… Well, I’d rather like collecting historic cookbooks. I have a Roman-era and WWII cookbook already…

    Mood: Hungry!
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Riddle me this…
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: The Gym.
    In My Ears: Something industrial and head-banging.
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Awakenings
    Movie Last Viewed: Despicable Me
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “The Dig” The Lovecraft eZine Issue No. 19
December 7, 2012
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Success!

Every time I’ve accomplished something this week, I’ve been saying the word “Success!” This comes from the video game franchise Dragon Age. I recently replayed the first game and all the expansions as a cross-class ranger-rogue. (Cross-classers do it better!)

That particular combination of cross classes was very useful — especially since you can summon a wolf/bear/spider to fight by your side AND you can steal, pick locks, etc. AND wield dual and ranged weapons. That gives you more freedom to choose who you want to fight with, too.

Anyhoo, every time you disarm a trap or break into a chest your NPC will say “Success!” After fighting my way through dragons, darkspawn, broodmothers, and the like? This week is made out of successes!

Though… Erm… It should be said that I don’t actually pick locks or disarm traps in real life. Just finish manuscripts, hit word count goals, make progress on projects… that sort of thing.

    Mood: Go, Go Gadget Go!
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Less than usual, but more than normal.
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: The Gym.
    In My Ears: Noisia
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Awakenings
    Movie Last Viewed: Despicable Me
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “The Dig” The Lovecraft eZine Issue No. 19
December 6, 2012
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Truth In Less Freak-Outs

Hellboy Avatar

I’m finally getting back in the swing of “work,” and I’m falling in love with it again. Mind you, there’s a reason for this, and I feel that that was eloquently put here:

When I shifted from my day job at Weekly World News to fulltime freelance, I was advised that 80% of my time would be spent seeking work and the remainder actually doing the work. We’re out there selling ourselves constantly – partly it’s why we blog and chat and do conventions and book signings and so on. You need to throw something like five times as many projects out there as there is time to actually write one. Salesmen chase five times the number of leads to bring in the one real sale so it’s all the same. — SOURCE: No Need For a Writer To Be Discouraged by Bob Greenberger



I find that 80/20 rule to be true, even if you have residual income coming in. The trick is finding that residual income stream (e.g. royalties or what have you) and balancing that with your non-“work” time online. That’ll give you a little more flexibility when you’re seeking out new publishing opportunities.

Of course, work/life balance is always something to be managed. Freak-outs not required. But in spite of everything? The words, like spice, must still flow.

    Mood: Soooooper-genious.
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Um…
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: The Gym.
    In My Ears: The screams of my victims cats.
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Awakenings
    Movie Last Viewed: Despicable Me
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “The Dig” The Lovecraft eZine Issue No. 19
December 5, 2012
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A Small Press Shout-Out

There's a trojan on your computer

Just wanted to take a few moments and give a shout-out to anyone who works with a small press either on the writing, editing, or business side.

Found on the internet. I have no idea who took this picture but it is precisely awesome! For awesome purposes! Isn't it awesome?

Annnnnnnd that about sums it up. Hee.

    Mood: Writing, writing, writing, writing, writing.
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: *coughs* I plead the fifth.
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: The Gym.
    In My Ears: Nuts and honey
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Awakenings
    Movie Last Viewed: Despicable Me
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “The Dig” The Lovecraft eZine Issue No. 19
December 4, 2012
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