Monica Valentinelli's Blog: booksofm.com, page 115

Ask Yourself the Tough Questions

Years ago, when I first started writing, I was more worried about seeing my name in print than I was about getting paid for my work. So, like many other "new" authors, I threw just about everything against the wall while I fulfilled my real life obligations. Would a part-time job pay my rent while I wrote at night? What about a full-time job as a writer? Or how about a volunteer position where I can write to build up my resume? What shortcuts did I need to take to see my name in print?

If...

My Guest Appearance at Geek*Kon 2010

Hi, just wanted to mention that I'll be a guest at Geek*Kon in Madison, Wisconsin at the Marriott Inn West. Right now, I'm planning on attending during Saturday, September 4th and Sunday, September 5th, but that may change depending upon my professional obligations.

I will be on four panels, which I've listed below, and I will be milling about for the various events and whatnot. Come say hello!

Saturday, September 4th

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm — Game Publishing
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm — Writing Panel
4:30...

Buried Tales of Pinebox, Texas is up for an ENnie Award

Many of you might have heard me talk about my short story "Pie," which was published in the anthology entitled BURIED TALES OF PINEBOX, TEXAS. This work has already won first place for 2009 best anthology in the annual Preditors & Editors Reader's Choice Awards. Now, I am pleased to announce that it is being considered for the ENnies, an award in the gaming industry.

The list of 2010 nominees for the ENnie awards includes some really fun games like ECLIPSE PHASE and DOCTOR WHO.

This year, we h...

New Guest Post at Apex: Creating a Language Based on Symbols

In this month's installment of my Creating an Alien Language series, I take a look at how I would create a rudimentary, symbolically-based language. Here's a quote from the article:

One of the concepts I mentioned last time was the idea that you need to have some sort of language key to use as your foundation. Before we get any further, I'd like to remind you that your aliens need to be able to create the symbols in the first place.

My basic requirements for a symbolic alien language are:

The...

[Video] Trailer for THE QUEEN OF CROWS e-Book

Hi everyone! I'm really excited to share with you the promotional trailer for THE QUEEN OF CROWS e-book. I've been blogging a little bit about the process to create this trailer over at VioletWar.com. One thing that I talked about, was the decision we had to make about the authenticity of the music. Here's a quote:

The first thing we did was listen to various sounds and whatnot to decide what the feel of the music should be. Did I want the composition to be dramatic and tense or smooth and...

Top 10 Misconceptions about Writers

Like many artistic professions, writers often encounter challenges as we pursue our careers. It seems as if every time I touch base with another writer we all seem to be facing the same, exact issues at one point or another in our lives. One of my friends joked that we should all have punch cards to mark off these trouble spots. What are they? Well, if you're a writer, too, you'll probably laugh (or cry) when you read this list of the top ten misconceptions other people have about writers.

1...

My Schedule at the GenCon 2010 Writer's Symposium

The GenCon Writer's Symposium offers aspiring writers, editors and game designers the ability to get in touch with professionals that hail from all corners of the publishing industry. Organized by Jean Rabe, this series of panels is designed to help aspiring professionals kickstart their career.

Here are the panels that I will be speaking on. The person moderating will have a star next to their name.

Thursday, August 5th

3:00 p.m. Writing and Editing for Online Publications – Track A – Jennifer ...

Dare I say that I wrote Fan Fiction for a Charity Contest? Read it here.

For anyone who has gotten to know me, there's probably a few things that stand out in your mind. One, I tell pretty awful jokes. So bad, in fact, that I have earned the nickname "humor vacuum." I assure you, this is not intentional and has amounted to lots of therapy in the form of darn, good coffee. Second, I hate clowns. Well, I guess "hate" really isn't a strong enough word for them. I despise/loathe/detest clowns. Unlike many of you who might find them innocent or cheerful; they freak me ...

Three Non-Fiction Releases about Gaming

Hi everyone,

I am pleased to announce that I've got three, non-fiction releases related to hobby gaming available for you to check out.

First, if you haven't had the chance to check out FAMILY GAMES: the 100 BEST, I'd recommend that you consider getting your copy signed if you're heading to GenCon in Indianapolis. Several of the essayists, including yours truly, will be at the convention. Also, you might want to head over to the Green Ronin booth and track down James Lowder for his signature...

You Don't Have to "Do" Anything…Other Than Write

One of the things that I find so frustrating with advice for writers, is the sheer volume of task lists, buzzwords, and blog posts that infiltrate every corner of the space telling writers what they "should" be doing. You need to have a writer's platform. You need to offer your work for free. You need to learn online marketing. You need to become an internet celebrity. You need to listen to other internet celebrities because what they say is "gospel" truth. You need to be careful what you...