I really love this version.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Funny Pictures
I found a new "thing"! I decided since some of my fellow posters on the Write Brigade blog use pics to break up their articles, I should do it too.
And since my brain thinks in terms of writing/music/ART why the crud do I not make my own pics? After all, why not show Annabelle and Roland in cartoon form to illustrate my points?
Here is my first two pics. Interesting enough, the first one is Anna as she is in the first novel but the second turned out taller and thinner. Thing is, the second one takes place in the mid-seventies so Ann and Roland would've Advanced somewhat by then. So she would be taller.
Ooops. That was a spoiler.
And I've already got an idea for the next one!
Check out
Annabelle and Roland, The Site.
And since my brain thinks in terms of writing/music/ART why the crud do I not make my own pics? After all, why not show Annabelle and Roland in cartoon form to illustrate my points?
Here is my first two pics. Interesting enough, the first one is Anna as she is in the first novel but the second turned out taller and thinner. Thing is, the second one takes place in the mid-seventies so Ann and Roland would've Advanced somewhat by then. So she would be taller.
Ooops. That was a spoiler.
And I've already got an idea for the next one!
Check out
Annabelle and Roland, The Site.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
18 years!
Yesterday I spent a wonderful day with my wife. Our 18th wedding anniversary is Sunday so we decided to spend the day together.
We had a very wonderful day. There is a local amusement park nearby called Lagoon. Went spent a couple hours at the water park, then goofed around the city, ultimately going to dinner and watching Time Traveler's Wife.
A great day. Wish we had more but with four kids and seven pets, time is precious.
We had a very wonderful day. There is a local amusement park nearby called Lagoon. Went spent a couple hours at the water park, then goofed around the city, ultimately going to dinner and watching Time Traveler's Wife.
A great day. Wish we had more but with four kids and seven pets, time is precious.
Muse is pulling my chain
Ever since I decided to try e-publishing, my muse has been on fire! I can't stop working on my novel. It's like a drug fix (not that I would know). It nags at me, constantly pulling me to "it".
Sometimes "it" is working on a submission to an agent or e-publisher. Sometimes "it" means working on my platform (my web presence) and sometimes "it" means the novel, or world building.
This feeling is obsessive and I'm glad. I need to be pushed. In fact I shouldn't be posting this. I need to write!
Check out
Annabelle and Roland, The Site.
Sometimes "it" is working on a submission to an agent or e-publisher. Sometimes "it" means working on my platform (my web presence) and sometimes "it" means the novel, or world building.
This feeling is obsessive and I'm glad. I need to be pushed. In fact I shouldn't be posting this. I need to write!
Check out
Annabelle and Roland, The Site.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Change in direction
Last weekend I was reading a wonderful
interview from lit agent Nikki Van de Car. I really enjoy these guest posters on the Brigade blog because they give a great deal of useful information.
During the interview Michelle asked Nikki...
Michelle: "What do you think of authors who have self-published? Is it a career breaker or does it depend on the number of books they've sold? How about any who've been e-published?"
Nikki: "I don't think of it as a career breaker. For a very small number of people, it can be a career maker, but most authors can't sell tens of thousands of copies of books they've self-published--and you're not expected to. When I see a query from an author who has been self-published, it tells me that he or she is dedicated. And in the case of e-books as well, it says they have some experience in putting their work out there."
Now I have no desire whatsoever of self-publishing but the concept of e-publishing has always intrigued me. My wife Janeen has discussed this with me recently and some time age my friend Willard did the same. In fact I've read in various agent blogs how it's the future.
My goal, ladies and gentlemen, has always been to follow this dream to it's expected destination. I knew very early on that Annabelle had to get out into the world. To meet that endeavor, I tried chasing after lit agents. To sell your book to a publisher you must 1st find an agent to represent you. I will continue to do this.
With the tough economy agents are picking fewer 1st time authors. So it might be awhile before Annabelle gets anywhere.
One thing I did not fully realize was that most authors start small. But starting with a tiny audience that grows with time and effort is better than standing still.
So I made the decision to try e-publishers. I chose one, carefully groomed a submission package and sent it out.
It's a two month wait on word and I know I should always expect rejection but I can't help but feel nervous.
Check out
Annabelle and Roland, The Site.
interview from lit agent Nikki Van de Car. I really enjoy these guest posters on the Brigade blog because they give a great deal of useful information.
During the interview Michelle asked Nikki...
Michelle: "What do you think of authors who have self-published? Is it a career breaker or does it depend on the number of books they've sold? How about any who've been e-published?"
Nikki: "I don't think of it as a career breaker. For a very small number of people, it can be a career maker, but most authors can't sell tens of thousands of copies of books they've self-published--and you're not expected to. When I see a query from an author who has been self-published, it tells me that he or she is dedicated. And in the case of e-books as well, it says they have some experience in putting their work out there."
Now I have no desire whatsoever of self-publishing but the concept of e-publishing has always intrigued me. My wife Janeen has discussed this with me recently and some time age my friend Willard did the same. In fact I've read in various agent blogs how it's the future.
My goal, ladies and gentlemen, has always been to follow this dream to it's expected destination. I knew very early on that Annabelle had to get out into the world. To meet that endeavor, I tried chasing after lit agents. To sell your book to a publisher you must 1st find an agent to represent you. I will continue to do this.
With the tough economy agents are picking fewer 1st time authors. So it might be awhile before Annabelle gets anywhere.
One thing I did not fully realize was that most authors start small. But starting with a tiny audience that grows with time and effort is better than standing still.
So I made the decision to try e-publishers. I chose one, carefully groomed a submission package and sent it out.
It's a two month wait on word and I know I should always expect rejection but I can't help but feel nervous.
Check out
Annabelle and Roland, The Site.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Charge of the Write Brigade
I've received a great honor. A fellow writer friend has invited me to join her gathering of authors. As a first time author, I feel humbled.
It's called the
Charge of the Write Brigade. Various authors provide insight on the vast world of writing.
I will be posting articles on the writing process and the things I've learned. Come visit!
It's called the
Charge of the Write Brigade. Various authors provide insight on the vast world of writing.
I will be posting articles on the writing process and the things I've learned. Come visit!
Update
All is well. I’ve been assaulted with sickness but I’m doing better. Hey, it wasn’t the swine flu so I’m counting my blessings.
Work has been crazy. I’m under a deadline for the end of the month at it appears I’ll make it despite the load of drawings and constant interruptions at the office.
I’m seriously rocking on the second book. I’ve got roughly ten more chapters to finish. This next chap really excites me. Ruthless Rach, under Dominic’s control, is tasked with killing Annabelle. Poor Ann isn’t going to like it one bit.
I’ve been so busy with family and work that my submissions have stopped. I need to get back on the horse. Sometimes I look at the constant barrage of vampires in ever medium and I fear my voice will never be heard.
As some may notice, I’ve removed several entries from this blog. For years I’ve allowed Caption the Pic a weekly update here. This blog should be used for ramblings on my life and writing. I have a different site for the Caption Pics and the two should no longer mix.
I’m in the process of cleaning and restructuring my sites. Time is always limited but expect more updates soon.
Work has been crazy. I’m under a deadline for the end of the month at it appears I’ll make it despite the load of drawings and constant interruptions at the office.
I’m seriously rocking on the second book. I’ve got roughly ten more chapters to finish. This next chap really excites me. Ruthless Rach, under Dominic’s control, is tasked with killing Annabelle. Poor Ann isn’t going to like it one bit.
I’ve been so busy with family and work that my submissions have stopped. I need to get back on the horse. Sometimes I look at the constant barrage of vampires in ever medium and I fear my voice will never be heard.
As some may notice, I’ve removed several entries from this blog. For years I’ve allowed Caption the Pic a weekly update here. This blog should be used for ramblings on my life and writing. I have a different site for the Caption Pics and the two should no longer mix.
I’m in the process of cleaning and restructuring my sites. Time is always limited but expect more updates soon.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Ah Disney, I knew you well
Two weeks ago this morning my family entered Disneyland for the 1st time in 12 years. It was amazing. After 1/2 a year of counting down, we left in the morning (4:30 am) and drove from Utah to California. We arrived at Anaheim around 4 in the afternoon. We ate then enjoyed the pool and hot tub.
On Friday morning we entered the park and a week's worth of fun occurred. We ate the Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast (how do they make them taste exactly the same as they did when I was 6 in the early 70's?), rode our favorite rides and walked our legs off. I think I lost 10 lbs.
I want to give you a day by day report, but I'm tired and it'll take too long. Suffice to say, we didn't do everything we wanted at Disneyland and California Adventure, but that's only because we chose to ride our 8-9 favorite rides up to 4 times during those 6 days at the parks. That's fine by me. :)
It was perfect and now we want to go again next year. Hope we do.
On Friday morning we entered the park and a week's worth of fun occurred. We ate the Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast (how do they make them taste exactly the same as they did when I was 6 in the early 70's?), rode our favorite rides and walked our legs off. I think I lost 10 lbs.
I want to give you a day by day report, but I'm tired and it'll take too long. Suffice to say, we didn't do everything we wanted at Disneyland and California Adventure, but that's only because we chose to ride our 8-9 favorite rides up to 4 times during those 6 days at the parks. That's fine by me. :)
It was perfect and now we want to go again next year. Hope we do.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
ABC's new "V" remake trailer.
A remake. Hmm. I really liked the classic but it seemed to get lost in itself. Maybe this reboot will have some improvements?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
More editing
I'm further along on Book Two. I've cut two more scenes and tightened the POV. It's a start.
The goal is to turn Book Two into a complete story. Instead of breaking it into two books, I want to tell one story with it.
I went through the tender, heart breaking scenes today. I really feel for Annabelle right now.
Reginald came into the town, framed them for murder, revealed their existence to the town and that means the destruction of their quiet lives and the death of a major character.
Anyway, lots of success today. Hope for more.
The goal is to turn Book Two into a complete story. Instead of breaking it into two books, I want to tell one story with it.
I went through the tender, heart breaking scenes today. I really feel for Annabelle right now.
Reginald came into the town, framed them for murder, revealed their existence to the town and that means the destruction of their quiet lives and the death of a major character.
Anyway, lots of success today. Hope for more.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
How Do You Know When To Quit?
I just read this article by Toni McGee Causey called "How Do You Know When To Quit?"
It's very powerful.
http://www.murderati.com/blog/2009/4/19/how-do-you-know-when-to-quit.html?lastPage=true#comment3762629
Here is an excerpt...
We dream the dream, and we want it to be easy. We live in a society where pop stars get millions to show up and act badly and behave worse, and while we mock that, we’d all secretly like the trip to success to be just that simple: show up. But it’s not that simple. It’s not always easy. It’s hard work, it’s perseverance, it’s making sure you’ve got the goods when the opportunity comes along.
That last part? Yeah, that’s the hard part. It bears repeating: it’s making sure you’ve got the goods when the opportunity comes along. That means hard work, when it comes to writing. Telling a compelling story for an entire novel isn’t like making Ritz crackers and cheese and calling it a four-course meal. There’s a bit more to it than just sitting in front of the computer and spilling out a story. For some people, it may come naturally. For the rest of us, it’s a constant process of learning, improving, getting feedback, listening to it, learning from it, discarding what doesn’t work, and then trying again.
It's very powerful.
http://www.murderati.com/blog/2009/4/19/how-do-you-know-when-to-quit.html?lastPage=true#comment3762629
Here is an excerpt...
We dream the dream, and we want it to be easy. We live in a society where pop stars get millions to show up and act badly and behave worse, and while we mock that, we’d all secretly like the trip to success to be just that simple: show up. But it’s not that simple. It’s not always easy. It’s hard work, it’s perseverance, it’s making sure you’ve got the goods when the opportunity comes along.
That last part? Yeah, that’s the hard part. It bears repeating: it’s making sure you’ve got the goods when the opportunity comes along. That means hard work, when it comes to writing. Telling a compelling story for an entire novel isn’t like making Ritz crackers and cheese and calling it a four-course meal. There’s a bit more to it than just sitting in front of the computer and spilling out a story. For some people, it may come naturally. For the rest of us, it’s a constant process of learning, improving, getting feedback, listening to it, learning from it, discarding what doesn’t work, and then trying again.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
I wrote yesterday!
Life is very busy for me, both at work and home. Each morning when I walk the dogs, I recommit myself to spending a piece of each day writing something.
"Writer's write."
I heard that expression somewhere before. Sure, we edit and world build, but we also write. Sometimes all three are linked. Yesterday I actually wrote/edited some of Book Two' Chapter Two!
Kinda proud of myself.
"Writer's write."
I heard that expression somewhere before. Sure, we edit and world build, but we also write. Sometimes all three are linked. Yesterday I actually wrote/edited some of Book Two' Chapter Two!
Kinda proud of myself.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
"It's not right for me"
Just read Janet Reid's 5 things about rejections...
http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2004/08/yes-rejection-isnt-fun-but.html
Good advice. Especially...
5. You just have to get over the idea that "it's not right for me" is some sort of comment on the value or quality of your work. It's not. It's only a comment about whether it resonates with me AND whether I can sell it. I pass on really good stuff all the time.
Hmmm. Maybe it isn't my idea.
http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2004/08/yes-rejection-isnt-fun-but.html
Good advice. Especially...
5. You just have to get over the idea that "it's not right for me" is some sort of comment on the value or quality of your work. It's not. It's only a comment about whether it resonates with me AND whether I can sell it. I pass on really good stuff all the time.
Hmmm. Maybe it isn't my idea.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wonders of wonders
I actually wrote a chapter of a new book. It was great, honestly writing something new instead of editing. Sure, I wrote that short story for the contest a while back, but this was something different.
Now to get in the habit of writing more.
Now to get in the habit of writing more.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sara getting hearing aid
Yup, my daughter is getting one. I don't know if I should be sad that she needs one, or grateful that she's taking it with a strong upbeat personality.
Naw. My real feelings are right here on the surface. I'm just grateful she'll FINALLY be able to hear in that ear!
Naw. My real feelings are right here on the surface. I'm just grateful she'll FINALLY be able to hear in that ear!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Getting beeeetter...
I can do this! I forgot! I DID learn a lot in '08. Query is shaping up. Need to take bathroom break and do dishes but then I'll clean it up and repost at AW.
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