Ms. Jaime Lee Moyer over at sends word they're not going to take "A History of Lightning." The rejection email was completely personal with her direct reason why she wasn't going to take it for publication. One of the major things she felt was wrong is the spec part of the story took to long to get to and there should have been more weirdness up front. Fair cop. And that was mostly intentional. I put all the clues in the front and tried to give the reader an feeling or normalcy. After all, the POV is intensely normal and grounded, but finds himself thrust into the weird. And much of what she comments about are things I tried doing with the story. It didn't work for her. Again, fair cop. She's the editor and she needs to purchase and publish stories that appeal to her readers. But personal rejection letter, it's obvious she read the whole story and gave it some good consideration. I put that in the win category.
So, before I let the story molder on the hard drive for another three weeks, I sent it off before going to bed. Back then John Joseph Adams announced his Way of the Wizard Anthology I thought that this story could work for that. Jedd is definitely a different kind of wizard. It was a hard choice between a few markets, some others which have closer deadlines. The final choice was I think the story would work for his antho, I've dealt with him before (and I believe he likes my stories), and his payment scheme was better. I also know him to be quick. So if he doesn't like it or doesn't feel it'll fit into his antho, I'll probably hear back before some of the other markets close.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Crazy Idea for the Week and Questions
What is it? I can't tell you, at least not yet. But I can tell you it was one of those ideas that put me on automatic on the drive home as my brain worked through the parameters. If I pulled this off it would be a lot of work, lots of contractual issues, and probably small margins. And I can tell you this, it involves t-shirts and other promotional materials.
Now you all may know that I love designing things and making cool things that go out into the public sphere (much of what I do is limited to very small audiences). I've always loved designing posters and t-shirts as well as other consumables. I've often toyed with creating my own lines of t-shirts. And now there are several services that handle this kind of low volume work:
CafePress
Zazzle
Skreened
A few friends have used all these services to create store or individual t-shirts for programs, etc. Has anybody used these stores to order products? And if so, what's you're impression of them (quality, durability, cost, customer satisfaction, etc)? They all have similar pricing schedules (although Zazzle seems to have slightly lower prices).
The next question is, how much would you be willing to pay for a graphic t-shirt? I'm a cheap bastard so I'm not a good judge. The last graphic t-shirt I bought at full price was $25. But I'm not sure what a good price really is.
Now, I'm not saying I'm going to be able to do this thing. It would be a lot of work. However, I'm interested in your experiences.
Now you all may know that I love designing things and making cool things that go out into the public sphere (much of what I do is limited to very small audiences). I've always loved designing posters and t-shirts as well as other consumables. I've often toyed with creating my own lines of t-shirts. And now there are several services that handle this kind of low volume work:
CafePress
Zazzle
Skreened
A few friends have used all these services to create store or individual t-shirts for programs, etc. Has anybody used these stores to order products? And if so, what's you're impression of them (quality, durability, cost, customer satisfaction, etc)? They all have similar pricing schedules (although Zazzle seems to have slightly lower prices).
The next question is, how much would you be willing to pay for a graphic t-shirt? I'm a cheap bastard so I'm not a good judge. The last graphic t-shirt I bought at full price was $25. But I'm not sure what a good price really is.
Now, I'm not saying I'm going to be able to do this thing. It would be a lot of work. However, I'm interested in your experiences.
Dear Representative Price and fellow Republicans
You are a tool. It's a demand for regular order. STFU and sit down. The delaying action is stupidly pointless.
The rules have been agreed to. They have been voted on. If you can behave like adults, you really shouldn't be given the responsibility you have been.
The rules have been agreed to. They have been voted on. If you can behave like adults, you really shouldn't be given the responsibility you have been.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Burn him like a blazing star
Remember, remember the fifth of November
of gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.
Happy Guy Fawkes day.
of gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.
Happy Guy Fawkes day.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Watching TV
Watching Dr. Bill Cosby receiving the Mark Twain Prize on PBS. Damn funny man. I'm sure I've mentioned how I studied stand-up comedians to learn timing and dialog. Bill is a master. He has timing and a drive that are excellent. When he has an audience going he doesn't let them go. You could do worse, if your doing a stage performance, than studying his performances. His style is difficult to translate to the page as his routine requires the technology and the visual of his face.
Writerly Linkee-poo
"Want a child-friendly way to introduce your little one to the traditions of the Old Cult?" So begins the Adventures of Lil' Cthulhu Had to watch this without sound, but what a friggin' excellent cartoon. Much laughing was had. (Grokked from John Scalzi)
Scott Westerfield give some tips on writing for NaNoWriMo, Tip 1 Dialog Spine, and Tip 3 Dialog Spin Analysis. Justine Larbalestier wrote and hosts Tip 2 The Zen of First (Zero) Drafts and Tip 4 Word Count Is Not Everything. Lots of good stuff there. I've done the Dialog Spine thing for short stories (although I didn't know it had a name). As for the Draft Zero thing, yeah. It certainly helps. As to word count, I put my own up here as a personal whip to do more. It's also a way of saying, "Hey, I don't do 1500 words a day, but I am finishing my stuff and sending it out." If I can find time with two jobs and a freelance gig, most people can (the one thing I don't have is kids, they would take up a lot of that time).
Joshua Palmatier discusses the dread monster, exposition. He ties it into POV and a few other things. Exposition is one of those things I end up doing around the third draft, although I'm getting better and including some of it earlier. I know for my writing it leads to my first reader(s) going, "I don't get it." Take for example, the "cell" in my WIP. Yes, it is based around a cell phone, but that's not all it is. One of the commented I received in the first round of edits was, "This is supposed to be in the future, but I'm not seeing a lot of future tech" (well, that's the paraphrase). Well, in this world Silicon Valley never happened (California, mostly destroyed and economically crippled, remember?). So tech went a different way. The "cell" as I envision it is like an iPhone, but is a real computer. Making calls on it is the least of it's capability. When we encounter actual computer towers we call it "server porn" because most people, as they have personal computers now, use their cell. And I hope the flashback chapter worked well. People seemed to like it, although without italicizing the kata moves, it left some people a little confused.
A cartoon's humorous take on NaNoWritMo. Ha! I like NaNo, never been able to participate, but I think at heart it's a good idea. But, yeah, this is funny.
Scott Westerfield give some tips on writing for NaNoWriMo, Tip 1 Dialog Spine, and Tip 3 Dialog Spin Analysis. Justine Larbalestier wrote and hosts Tip 2 The Zen of First (Zero) Drafts and Tip 4 Word Count Is Not Everything. Lots of good stuff there. I've done the Dialog Spine thing for short stories (although I didn't know it had a name). As for the Draft Zero thing, yeah. It certainly helps. As to word count, I put my own up here as a personal whip to do more. It's also a way of saying, "Hey, I don't do 1500 words a day, but I am finishing my stuff and sending it out." If I can find time with two jobs and a freelance gig, most people can (the one thing I don't have is kids, they would take up a lot of that time).
Joshua Palmatier discusses the dread monster, exposition. He ties it into POV and a few other things. Exposition is one of those things I end up doing around the third draft, although I'm getting better and including some of it earlier. I know for my writing it leads to my first reader(s) going, "I don't get it." Take for example, the "cell" in my WIP. Yes, it is based around a cell phone, but that's not all it is. One of the commented I received in the first round of edits was, "This is supposed to be in the future, but I'm not seeing a lot of future tech" (well, that's the paraphrase). Well, in this world Silicon Valley never happened (California, mostly destroyed and economically crippled, remember?). So tech went a different way. The "cell" as I envision it is like an iPhone, but is a real computer. Making calls on it is the least of it's capability. When we encounter actual computer towers we call it "server porn" because most people, as they have personal computers now, use their cell. And I hope the flashback chapter worked well. People seemed to like it, although without italicizing the kata moves, it left some people a little confused.
A cartoon's humorous take on NaNoWritMo. Ha! I like NaNo, never been able to participate, but I think at heart it's a good idea. But, yeah, this is funny.
Post-Election Morning Hangover
Well, the nation election is one thing. But for our little burgh, we passed a new charter that will change our form of governance in two years. We're going from a weak mayor position to a village administrator, removing the water board, and reducing council to 5 from 7. Sure, it passed with 15 votes (4%), but it had everything going against it; fear of change, distrust of those proposing it, that an administrator “might not be one of us” (more than likely), and that the local elections board incorrectly listed the vote blocks as “for/against the levy.” So the good news is that in two years I expect to be out of a job (my seat is one of those being cut, as I expect one of the other two councilmen to run, and they consistently garner the most votes of any of us). Go us. Now the second half of the hard work begins.
We also didn't approve of a 1.55mils "Improvement" Levy for our new school (only 4 years old). This is the exact levy our school board said they would allow to expire since we approved the levy to build the new school (104 votes or 4.5%). I expect they'll float it again. They tried to do this one through stealth (absolutely no campaigning for the off year election). Next time might require actual campaigning against.
And while the state did some other things I disapproved of, we did finally pass a casino initiative. And hey, it only took a complete collapse of our economy and state revenues to do it. Unfortunately we had to do it through a Constitutional Amendment, but then our state constitution is weird that way.
We also didn't approve of a 1.55mils "Improvement" Levy for our new school (only 4 years old). This is the exact levy our school board said they would allow to expire since we approved the levy to build the new school (104 votes or 4.5%). I expect they'll float it again. They tried to do this one through stealth (absolutely no campaigning for the off year election). Next time might require actual campaigning against.
And while the state did some other things I disapproved of, we did finally pass a casino initiative. And hey, it only took a complete collapse of our economy and state revenues to do it. Unfortunately we had to do it through a Constitutional Amendment, but then our state constitution is weird that way.
Ah, the spam flies again like shit into a fan
Dear Anonymous Spammer (of whose posts were deleted permanently),
Please roll over and die. Oh, and really piss me off and you'll see what old style hacking was all about. I don't roll my own blog because I don't have the time to devote to its maintenance, nor do I wish to spend the money (yet). Don't give me a reason to devote more time and money to you.
Love and kisses,
The Administrator of this blog
Please roll over and die. Oh, and really piss me off and you'll see what old style hacking was all about. I don't roll my own blog because I don't have the time to devote to its maintenance, nor do I wish to spend the money (yet). Don't give me a reason to devote more time and money to you.
Love and kisses,
The Administrator of this blog
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Vote Again!
Oh crap. They made a misprint on our ballots. Damn it, that means a greater chance I'm going to have to run again in 2 years. I was so looking forward to putting down the second job (and I've made the promise to myself if I sell this book, I'm quitting the second job anyway).
Monday, November 2, 2009
Vote!
Tomorrow is election day. If you're registered and able, go out and vote. Last years we saw the power of what happens when everybody gets involved. Here in Ohio we have plenty of things to vote for and against.
Go forth and do the democracy thing. Good luck to all concerned, but almost half of us will be disappointed.
Go forth and do the democracy thing. Good luck to all concerned, but almost half of us will be disappointed.
All Soul's Day Hang-over Writerly Linkee-poo
Chapter 31 is going a bit weird, but then maybe it's a good weird. Another character might die (but I'm not sure he should, maybe badly injured). Still didn't take the time to flow in Chapter 30 so I haven't updated the counter.
Ever wanted to know what to call a bunch of ghosts? Wonder no longer. Wondermark with an excellent table of Supernatural Collective Nouns. Probably not gospel, but certainly good for a laugh. Although I personally like "a rage of orcs" and "a flurry of yeti." Although "an exigency of wendigoes" is growing on me. (Grokked from Jay Lake).
Writing Excuses releases their podcast on How to Write Without Twists. One of the things I had planned on with this book was a fairly straight plot. We may swerve from side to side, but it's a fairly straight "we start here, and end over there" concept. So, food for thought. I'm going for the "watch the interesting character grow/progress" and "watching people who are good at something doing it" (the satisfaction argument).
Mer Haskell talks about collaging here book. This is obviously a thing people do, not that I was aware of it. I don't know, to me (and it may be my degree talking here) it feels a little too much cat waxing (me, I'd do 500 thumbnail sketches, but that's me). But you know what, if it helps you (and it seems to have helped Mer) it's definitely worth it. I know people who create whole notebooks filled with images for their novel. They include images of the characters, pictures of what they'd wear (includes catalog descriptions), pictures of their ideal living space, where they've vacationed (or liked to), all sorts of things. That might have helped me, I don't know.
World Fantasy San Jose is over which means it's time to get my membership for World Fantasy Columbus. That's just down the road from us. Also, according to their website, registration goes up soon. An extra $25 will pay for some books, or at least a dinner out with friends. The year after that WF goes back to California. Hopefully I'll have a book to flog and can justify the expense. (Oh, and to the Columbus committee, hey, San Diego has their theme, would be nice if you posted yours already)
Ever wanted to know what to call a bunch of ghosts? Wonder no longer. Wondermark with an excellent table of Supernatural Collective Nouns. Probably not gospel, but certainly good for a laugh. Although I personally like "a rage of orcs" and "a flurry of yeti." Although "an exigency of wendigoes" is growing on me. (Grokked from Jay Lake).
Writing Excuses releases their podcast on How to Write Without Twists. One of the things I had planned on with this book was a fairly straight plot. We may swerve from side to side, but it's a fairly straight "we start here, and end over there" concept. So, food for thought. I'm going for the "watch the interesting character grow/progress" and "watching people who are good at something doing it" (the satisfaction argument).
Mer Haskell talks about collaging here book. This is obviously a thing people do, not that I was aware of it. I don't know, to me (and it may be my degree talking here) it feels a little too much cat waxing (me, I'd do 500 thumbnail sketches, but that's me). But you know what, if it helps you (and it seems to have helped Mer) it's definitely worth it. I know people who create whole notebooks filled with images for their novel. They include images of the characters, pictures of what they'd wear (includes catalog descriptions), pictures of their ideal living space, where they've vacationed (or liked to), all sorts of things. That might have helped me, I don't know.
World Fantasy San Jose is over which means it's time to get my membership for World Fantasy Columbus. That's just down the road from us. Also, according to their website, registration goes up soon. An extra $25 will pay for some books, or at least a dinner out with friends. The year after that WF goes back to California. Hopefully I'll have a book to flog and can justify the expense. (Oh, and to the Columbus committee, hey, San Diego has their theme, would be nice if you posted yours already)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The gales of November coming early
The forecast has snow and rain for Thursday.
Spent the day taking care of business. Went up on the roof to sweep off the gutters. I had hoped that with the removal of the trees closest to the house that we wouldn't have as many leaves on the roof. However, I was wrong. One of these years I should get gutter guards or gutter helmet which are while gutter systems that rely on water tension to shed debris and channel the water down the gutter system. Right now I have plastic gutter tops which help keep the leaves out of the gutters, but they have the bad habit on holding leaves on top (the stems get caught in the openings, or sticks get lodged in them creating a leaf damn). I still go up on the roof and sweep off the gutters. At least I don't have to scoop out the gutters any more. Going to gutter helmets would be about a $1000+.
Then we took down the Halloween decorations and set up the Thanksgiving displays. In some cases this meant turning the jack o' lanterns around. We put away the rest of the stuff. This year we had a first, someone decided to take some of our stuff. It eventually showed up on someone else's lawn. They were good about it, telling me that the stuff just started showing up and they put it out by the street hoping someone would recognize it.
And then we raked up the leaves on the lawn. With our weird weather and with our decorations on the lawn we hadn't been able to rake yet. So this was like two of our normal raking periods.
I guess this is a long winded way of saying I'm tired, I hurt, the muscles don't want to work the same. This getting old sucks. Add in the time change and I'm really out of sorts.
Trying to get back in the swing of things writing wise. I have one novel I need to finish proofing soon and it's going very slowly. Some of the short stories are calling for attention (the deep-space and Somali Cthulhu stories). I'm working on breaking my distractions and procrastination habits.
Spent the day taking care of business. Went up on the roof to sweep off the gutters. I had hoped that with the removal of the trees closest to the house that we wouldn't have as many leaves on the roof. However, I was wrong. One of these years I should get gutter guards or gutter helmet which are while gutter systems that rely on water tension to shed debris and channel the water down the gutter system. Right now I have plastic gutter tops which help keep the leaves out of the gutters, but they have the bad habit on holding leaves on top (the stems get caught in the openings, or sticks get lodged in them creating a leaf damn). I still go up on the roof and sweep off the gutters. At least I don't have to scoop out the gutters any more. Going to gutter helmets would be about a $1000+.
Then we took down the Halloween decorations and set up the Thanksgiving displays. In some cases this meant turning the jack o' lanterns around. We put away the rest of the stuff. This year we had a first, someone decided to take some of our stuff. It eventually showed up on someone else's lawn. They were good about it, telling me that the stuff just started showing up and they put it out by the street hoping someone would recognize it.
And then we raked up the leaves on the lawn. With our weird weather and with our decorations on the lawn we hadn't been able to rake yet. So this was like two of our normal raking periods.
I guess this is a long winded way of saying I'm tired, I hurt, the muscles don't want to work the same. This getting old sucks. Add in the time change and I'm really out of sorts.
Trying to get back in the swing of things writing wise. I have one novel I need to finish proofing soon and it's going very slowly. Some of the short stories are calling for attention (the deep-space and Somali Cthulhu stories). I'm working on breaking my distractions and procrastination habits.
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