Things that are scary:
1. Received an email from Sears that yesterday was the new "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving). AYIIEE!
2. Having more candy than trick or treaters. Oh No!
3. The Weather Channel using the theme from Jaws as it's background music for your "Local on the 8's" forecast. Brains!
4. Nothing good on TV. ARGH!
5. Not sure if my LJ syndication site is updating. Bwahahaha!
Happy Halloween. Boo!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Halloween Scary and Writerly Linkee-poo
In case I'm not on the internets this weekend (I'm trying to limit myself as part of a "stop rewarding the procrastination and get more work done" plan, seriously, I haven't even posted pictures from VP yet), have a good Halloween everybody.
For the scary link tip of the hat to Halloween, The Danger of Celebrating Halloween. The danger here is that people still believe we live in 1692 and buy into this. Boo!
eBear (matociquala) discusses the progress of novel writing. Yeah, and all that.
Ken McConnell is having a book release party tonight. Good luck with the book, Ken.
Stewart Sternberg just sent off his novel to the editor. He also talks a little about how writers in movies end their novels and how writers in the real world do it.
Agent Kristin talks about some changes to contracts regarding e-royalties. Macmillan isn't a publisher one can sneeze at, so if they're trying to push something it might become "standard" across the board. Yet another argument of why you want an agent.
Eric over at Pimp My Novel talks about chasing trends. Sigh. And I really wanted to work on that Zombie Apocalypse Averted by Christian Vampires novel next. (Actually I'm wondering if the Post Rapture Industries novel may fall in there somewhere). Anyway, Eric's post is why you should write the novel you want to write and not worry about what's hot and what's not. Write the best damn novel you can. Of course this is contrary to John Scalzi's story of how he got into writing military sci-fi. I think the difference here, though, is one is theme and the other is gimick.
For the scary link tip of the hat to Halloween, The Danger of Celebrating Halloween. The danger here is that people still believe we live in 1692 and buy into this. Boo!
eBear (matociquala) discusses the progress of novel writing. Yeah, and all that.
Ken McConnell is having a book release party tonight. Good luck with the book, Ken.
Stewart Sternberg just sent off his novel to the editor. He also talks a little about how writers in movies end their novels and how writers in the real world do it.
Agent Kristin talks about some changes to contracts regarding e-royalties. Macmillan isn't a publisher one can sneeze at, so if they're trying to push something it might become "standard" across the board. Yet another argument of why you want an agent.
Eric over at Pimp My Novel talks about chasing trends. Sigh. And I really wanted to work on that Zombie Apocalypse Averted by Christian Vampires novel next. (Actually I'm wondering if the Post Rapture Industries novel may fall in there somewhere). Anyway, Eric's post is why you should write the novel you want to write and not worry about what's hot and what's not. Write the best damn novel you can. Of course this is contrary to John Scalzi's story of how he got into writing military sci-fi. I think the difference here, though, is one is theme and the other is gimick.
No ranting link about design, and healthcare
Okay, so a mixed bag. The subtitle of this could be, "What I read on my lunch break." Yeah, I'm weird that way.
I know I complain about those who practice my profession who have no idea just WTF they're doing. And then there are time when the clouds open and angels sing (visual map/informational graphic of manned and unmanned space missions - National Geographic). Those times remind me that not all graphic designers/visual communicators are skanks or weasels. (Grokked from Jay Lake and Dark Roasted Blend)
Some more Gallup polls on healthcare. A poll on the healthcare system and proposed bills which shows some interesting breakdowns (this report give statistics for all questions asked, including ratings of degree). Really interesting results including how people use their own healthcare, what they think the problems are, etc and includes historical data through the past decade and even questions from the expansion of CHIP two years ago. And another one entitled Five Key Realities. This one has an interesting mix showing how we view healthcare and what people are looking for. The overall sense of these reports (the second one links to many other reports) is that most people are happy with their own coverage, think that changes may impact them negatively, but also believe it is the government's job to make sure healthcare is provided to everybody. The money shot?
The general quibbling has less to do with the "Public Option" than it does over other aspects of the bill. If I were advising Congress in favor of reform, I would tell them to move the conversation off the Public Option (which we only seem to hear about) and focus on the other parts of the bill. Considering a majority will support a bill with the Public Option, they should solidify that support by emphasizing the other things these bills would do (remove limits and pre-existing conditions, expand coverage, expand and increase medicare payments, etc). And then say, "plus, we have a Public Option" (Medicare +5 works better than fee negotiation, although plain Medicare doesn't poll as well).
I know I complain about those who practice my profession who have no idea just WTF they're doing. And then there are time when the clouds open and angels sing (visual map/informational graphic of manned and unmanned space missions - National Geographic). Those times remind me that not all graphic designers/visual communicators are skanks or weasels. (Grokked from Jay Lake and Dark Roasted Blend)
Some more Gallup polls on healthcare. A poll on the healthcare system and proposed bills which shows some interesting breakdowns (this report give statistics for all questions asked, including ratings of degree). Really interesting results including how people use their own healthcare, what they think the problems are, etc and includes historical data through the past decade and even questions from the expansion of CHIP two years ago. And another one entitled Five Key Realities. This one has an interesting mix showing how we view healthcare and what people are looking for. The overall sense of these reports (the second one links to many other reports) is that most people are happy with their own coverage, think that changes may impact them negatively, but also believe it is the government's job to make sure healthcare is provided to everybody. The money shot?
"Emphasizing the most popular aspects of healthcare reform -- of which there are several -- could potentially help reform proponents... assumes Americans are not already fully cognizant that healthcare reform would achieve these objectives. Alternatively, Americans... have overriding reservations about other aspects of the bill, such as the cost."
The general quibbling has less to do with the "Public Option" than it does over other aspects of the bill. If I were advising Congress in favor of reform, I would tell them to move the conversation off the Public Option (which we only seem to hear about) and focus on the other parts of the bill. Considering a majority will support a bill with the Public Option, they should solidify that support by emphasizing the other things these bills would do (remove limits and pre-existing conditions, expand coverage, expand and increase medicare payments, etc). And then say, "plus, we have a Public Option" (Medicare +5 works better than fee negotiation, although plain Medicare doesn't poll as well).
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Submission
Finally got my butt in gear. Prince Wanted is off to Weird Tales where Ann VanderMeer is a GoH at World Fantasy this year (and this weekend). A History of Lightning is off to Ideomancer. Good luck little stories. Make papa proud.
This weekend I should take a look at those other short stories and send out query letters.
This weekend I should take a look at those other short stories and send out query letters.
More linkages on Healthcare
Since I haven't discussed healthcare in awhile, and since it's back in the news, here's some quick healthcare links.
Seems that tort reform could save more money that originally projected, but not as much as half of what the proponents of tort reform like to say (factcheck.org article on new CBO analysis).
However, don't forget to read until the end and the section labels "Health Effects?" So for saving .5% (actually .45%, but that's just a rounding quibble) we would get a .2% higher mortality rate (they don't have a number for morbidity and while we could expect that to grow as well, it's at this point undefined). I also dispute the "Tax and Save" economic theory that what companies save in healthcare costs they would actually pass on in higher salaries (which would lead to higher taxes). While I have no hard data (and don't have time for research), we have heard many stories of companies completely dropping their healthcare plans, but I've never heard them (the employers or employes) say that their pay increased to cover the employe's increased healthcare costs (since they would either have to buy private or go without).
Another factcheck.org article on the new Patients First "Medicare is going broke" ad. And I believe we've already talked about Patients First (Sourcewatch.org article, also don't miss the article on Americans for Prosperity their parent organization - and their links to the Koch Family Foundation).
An interesting Gallup poll on who the country trusts on healthcare. Also, in case I forgot to post it here, the Gallup poll on people's views of healthcare depending on the details. Now that we have more concrete details on the plan (which could all change in the floor debates), it'll be interesting to see where those 39% go.
And a TPM article on Rep. Buyer, his Frontier Foundation and big PhRMA. Really, when I was a kid this kind of stuff was done with a little bit of style and aplomb. It's like they no longer give a crap. Dudes, it's called the "internet." You all might want to look into it as I'm told it's the bee's knees.
Seems that tort reform could save more money that originally projected, but not as much as half of what the proponents of tort reform like to say (factcheck.org article on new CBO analysis).
However, don't forget to read until the end and the section labels "Health Effects?" So for saving .5% (actually .45%, but that's just a rounding quibble) we would get a .2% higher mortality rate (they don't have a number for morbidity and while we could expect that to grow as well, it's at this point undefined). I also dispute the "Tax and Save" economic theory that what companies save in healthcare costs they would actually pass on in higher salaries (which would lead to higher taxes). While I have no hard data (and don't have time for research), we have heard many stories of companies completely dropping their healthcare plans, but I've never heard them (the employers or employes) say that their pay increased to cover the employe's increased healthcare costs (since they would either have to buy private or go without).
Another factcheck.org article on the new Patients First "Medicare is going broke" ad. And I believe we've already talked about Patients First (Sourcewatch.org article, also don't miss the article on Americans for Prosperity their parent organization - and their links to the Koch Family Foundation).
An interesting Gallup poll on who the country trusts on healthcare. Also, in case I forgot to post it here, the Gallup poll on people's views of healthcare depending on the details. Now that we have more concrete details on the plan (which could all change in the floor debates), it'll be interesting to see where those 39% go.
And a TPM article on Rep. Buyer, his Frontier Foundation and big PhRMA. Really, when I was a kid this kind of stuff was done with a little bit of style and aplomb. It's like they no longer give a crap. Dudes, it's called the "internet." You all might want to look into it as I'm told it's the bee's knees.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Linkee-poos
Rachelle Gardner discusses the process of getting and agent from the agent side. Knowing both sides of the board can certainly help your chances of success.
Agents do more than sell books, a post form the BookEnds agency. Yes, and this is why you want an agent. Sure, there are some authors who do the whole thing themselves. And there's the occasional author who doubles as their own agent (sometimes with a fake name, sometimes not). But, just like I really don't want to negotiate distribution contracts, an agent earns their 15% by doing a great many things, both what is spelled out in the blog post and much more.
Since this seems to be an agent linkage post, here's Agent Kristin with some author behavior that doesn't normally get mentioned. And then she has a follow-up here. What she said. If your agent isn't working out, definitely find another route. I've seen getting an agent compared to marriage, and it's close. You and your agent are relying on each other. If either side isn't carrying their water then cut your loses and move on. However, just because you have an agent, this doesn't mean you can stop paying attention to the markets and the business end of publishing. As she says, things are tough all over.
Justine Larbalestier talks about hopes and goals. What she said. Yes, most writers have two fantasies in their heads (and here I'll speak for you all, you're welcome). The first fantasy has to do with being so incredibly successful that media outlets contact you for interviews instead of having to beg for them. The second fantasy has to do with being so incredibly successful that you ask people who come to your signings if they want your to supersize that order, or would they like an apple pie.
And this may seem like a random interjection, but it's about a book, so I think it's good.
Glenn Beck's website (yes, I know, but it's good to keep tabs on the person who may go postal, just saying) is now promoting his new book "The Christmas Sweater: A return to redemption." There's now a landing page on his site that is basically a big ad for it. I guess we're all going to get mind control sweaters this Xmas and suddenly we'll all be conservatives again. Or a few good sweaters will end the "War on Xmas." Or something like that. I guess "Xmas Shoes" were all ready spoken for.
Agents do more than sell books, a post form the BookEnds agency. Yes, and this is why you want an agent. Sure, there are some authors who do the whole thing themselves. And there's the occasional author who doubles as their own agent (sometimes with a fake name, sometimes not). But, just like I really don't want to negotiate distribution contracts, an agent earns their 15% by doing a great many things, both what is spelled out in the blog post and much more.
Since this seems to be an agent linkage post, here's Agent Kristin with some author behavior that doesn't normally get mentioned. And then she has a follow-up here. What she said. If your agent isn't working out, definitely find another route. I've seen getting an agent compared to marriage, and it's close. You and your agent are relying on each other. If either side isn't carrying their water then cut your loses and move on. However, just because you have an agent, this doesn't mean you can stop paying attention to the markets and the business end of publishing. As she says, things are tough all over.
Justine Larbalestier talks about hopes and goals. What she said. Yes, most writers have two fantasies in their heads (and here I'll speak for you all, you're welcome). The first fantasy has to do with being so incredibly successful that media outlets contact you for interviews instead of having to beg for them. The second fantasy has to do with being so incredibly successful that you ask people who come to your signings if they want your to supersize that order, or would they like an apple pie.
And this may seem like a random interjection, but it's about a book, so I think it's good.
Glenn Beck's website (yes, I know, but it's good to keep tabs on the person who may go postal, just saying) is now promoting his new book "The Christmas Sweater: A return to redemption." There's now a landing page on his site that is basically a big ad for it. I guess we're all going to get mind control sweaters this Xmas and suddenly we'll all be conservatives again. Or a few good sweaters will end the "War on Xmas." Or something like that. I guess "Xmas Shoes" were all ready spoken for.
WIP werx
Chapter 30 is out at about 1800 words. I don't have it formated yet, I'll update the side bar. I'll also have to change the end of Chapter 29 to make this fit. Also the first part of 31 came out at the same time. It still feels like I'm shoving crap, and I see much of what I need to fix in the rewrite, but I think I need to go forward before doing the major changes.
Ares is away!
Good job NASA. We have a new launch vehicle!
Now if I get to see video of it, that would be fantastic.
Now if I get to see video of it, that would be fantastic.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Three, it's a magic number
An NPR "Opinion" piece by Sandip Roy that is a basic primer for Indian Ghosts. This short piece is full of story bones. As you know, Bob, Eastern Cultures have a different relationship to their ghosts, who behave in strange ways to our Western ears. Not so much of you got back a hundred years or so, but still who remembers the ghosts of past years? Their relationship is closer and more basic. If you know about Dia de los Muertos you can see parallels where ghosts aren't only the tortured spirits of the dead, but some just are and they are still connected to the living. "... The homeless ghosts of Calcutta." Now, if that doesn't get your juices flowing, I don't know what will.
Ares has it's test flight today. Launch was supposed to have been 8:30, at this point we're looking at 9:24 (their window extends to noon Eastern Time) (edit now9:44am 10:54am Launch is scrubbed, next launch window is tomorrow). Godspeed Ares.
Gallup Polls with an interesting breakdown of depression. While the report has a quandary over their data about minorities, you could also relate this to polls about minorities who have 1) medical insurance and 2) see a doctor regularly (the question is specifically stated "Have you ever been told by a physician or nurse that you have... Depression?").
Ares has it's test flight today. Launch was supposed to have been 8:30, at this point we're looking at 9:24 (their window extends to noon Eastern Time) (edit now
Gallup Polls with an interesting breakdown of depression. While the report has a quandary over their data about minorities, you could also relate this to polls about minorities who have 1) medical insurance and 2) see a doctor regularly (the question is specifically stated "Have you ever been told by a physician or nurse that you have... Depression?").
Monday, October 26, 2009
Home again
Well, at work now, but back in Ohio and I slept in my own bed last night. Dead tired. Back up in weight (drank a lot of pop over the weekend). Just not looking forward to the week even though it ends in Halloween, perhaps my favoritest holiday. Just so tired.
Moment of panic earlier, the "I'm losing the book and I suck as a writer and nobody will want to read this drivel" part has arrived. Even though I knew it would happen, it still disappointing to be here. Sigh.
Started reading "Tough Guide to Fantasyland" last night. Laughed and laughed. And then fell asleep. Did I mention I was tired?
Moment of panic earlier, the "I'm losing the book and I suck as a writer and nobody will want to read this drivel" part has arrived. Even though I knew it would happen, it still disappointing to be here. Sigh.
Started reading "Tough Guide to Fantasyland" last night. Laughed and laughed. And then fell asleep. Did I mention I was tired?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Soon to be on the road
Yep, no more wordage. Car is mostly packed, I'm carbed to the gills, and about to head on out into the Autumnal Afternoon. Yellow maples and brown oaks as far as the eye can see. Would like to get home at a descent time since sleep wasn't all that much in the coming this weekend and next week is a long week (back into meetings and training and then Halloween!).
So, did you all have a good weekend?
So, did you all have a good weekend?
WIP III - the Search for Absolution
Finished up Chapter 29 last night. Came in at 2155 words very late last night. So late I didn't have enough mental power to format it and get a word count. That brings me to 50946 words to far. It's officially a novel now! Woohoo! Still have some 20,000 words to go for the crappy first draft goal. And then we rewrite.
So, a successful retreat so far. I don't know if or how many more I'll get today before leaving, but I think that brings me to about 5000 words or so for this weekend (I did go back and add some detail to earlier chapters, but I didn't update their wordcount in the chart or tally, well get those as a jump start for the rewrite where my goal will be 80-90000, a respectable sized first novel).
On the flip side I didn't get any reading, submitting or critiquing done while here. So still, bad writer, no cookie. But there is chocolate. Oh yes, we will have chocolate.
We were now in the middle of the street far enough away from the SUVs that we could have a proper dual. I saw that the fourth gunboy already lay bleeding in the street. Santana and one of our gunboys rounded the front bumper of the farthest SUV. The gunboy raised his rifle taking aim at the back of Xiang and Santana grabbed his elbow forcing the gun down.
Family honor. Fan Xiang was a bladesman, who knew? And I had a commission from Mr. Hernandez to kill him. Santana would let me do my job and wait to see the outcome not interfering, the bastard.
So, a successful retreat so far. I don't know if or how many more I'll get today before leaving, but I think that brings me to about 5000 words or so for this weekend (I did go back and add some detail to earlier chapters, but I didn't update their wordcount in the chart or tally, well get those as a jump start for the rewrite where my goal will be 80-90000, a respectable sized first novel).
On the flip side I didn't get any reading, submitting or critiquing done while here. So still, bad writer, no cookie. But there is chocolate. Oh yes, we will have chocolate.
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