Monica Valentinelli's Blog: booksofm.com, page 66

The Thirteen Is Thirteenluminous

It’s been a little over a month and a half now since I kicked off The Thirteen. By far, this was the smartest and best decision I have made all year for many reasons — some of which you’ll find out in 2013! Hee.

Comments that are coming through the group have provided me with immediate feedback on my writing style to hone in on how that’s defined by others. The word that has resonated the most has been “accessible.” (The second being “fresh.”) These terms are important to me; accessibility has been the goal of my writing style for as long as I can remember. Fresh is… Well, not precisely controllable. Some of that is just me and how I view fiction.

Feedback has included a nice cornucopia of comments. Some areas of fiction that don’t populate well in my drafts (Remember, I take no issue showing those. This isn’t bravery, this is the nuts-and-bolts of storytelling.) tend to bubble up later through revisions. These readers get to see the evolution of the storytelling on a deep level and their enthusiasm is fueling my own. I am VERY excited because this group provides a strong focus on the work itself — rather than ego management or frilly mannerisms or what have you. These folks are awesome!

And that, my dear Readers… Reality aside, there’s no better creative feeling than the one that originates from being happily married to your Work. The rest of the b.s. that comes with publishing — especially when dealing with other people’s insecurities — pales in comparison to that glorious emotion.

Tragedy Fuels

I don’t understand why murder happens. I guess I’ll never comprehend the need to take someone else’s life or harm another. There has to be a better way: a solution that doesn’t require violence. It must be hard to be in the military, never questioning orders, carrying out what must be done for safety’s reasons. It has to be even more difficult to be a police officer in this hour of non-stop media always pressing, pressing, pressing for an answer — even if that response is not accurate.

I don’t understand why we need to over-rationalize the assholes. Popularity seems to excuse the jerks while loneliness provides a justification to target villains. Sometimes? An asshole is just an asshole. Period. There is no answer for it other than that. I am tired of folks questioning the accuser saying: “Well, are you sure they were an asshole?” When are we going to start asking the assholes of world to change and tell the victims it wasn’t their fault. Do we really have to wait until violence happens to act? Is death the only way we can show that something is wrong?

I don’t understand why some find it necessary to bully their way through life, either. I especially don’t understand why anyone would dare to harm a child — any child — nor do I “get” the whole idea of exerting your life’s ways on another. Provided you are not harming anyone else, who cares if your hair is pink? Or your pants too short? Or your stripes too plaid? Oh, I’m not holier than thou. I joke about “bad fashion” because I love art so, so, so much. But clothing is the absolute least on my radar of “very important” things. Trust me.

I look at what happened on Friday, what happened all last week, and I have to seriously wonder why it’s even a question that we should arm civilians with more elaborate weaponry (and no training) than the police. Where did this come from? This need to find newer, easier ways to kill? To arm Joe Citizen and not require a background check? Even if Joe Citizen has a history of violence? Mental illness? Perhaps the questions we should be asking ourselves should be related to preventative diffusion: affordable health services, safer methods of restraint, and conflict resolution.

I take no issue with responsible gun control or ownership. I take zero issue with responsible hunting, with responsible protection, and with responsible living. But, as a humanist, I have no patience for the over-justification of abuse (domestic, animal, or not), the devaluation of life, and the easy access of tools that allow people to harm another.

I am appalled at the way the media handled this particular incident. I wanted to be a reporter when I grew up. (Also Indiana Jones, Amelia Earhart, Mozart, Marie Curie, and Shakespeare, but that’s another story for a more appropriate time.) The thrill of daily news, the investigation required — all that pissed away. The facts in this story have been so twisted and so ridiculously mishandled some of these people should either be fired or sued for libel. The wrong names were shared. The wrong pictures were offered. Worse, once again we are glorifying the murderer and not talking about the heroes — the everyday teachers — who risked their lives for their students. What happened to the need for truth? Ethical reporting? Who protects an eight year old who just watched/heard their classmates die from a nosy reporter? Who watches the press?

I could go on and on, but there is nothing I can do. My words will not get through to anyone because these are the same questions others have said and they are now added to a chamber of echoes. I hope that this time, this time, is the last shooting. I hope that this tragedy will set a fire under people to push for basic common sense, human decency, and living responsibly.

For myself? Since I wasn’t directly affected by this tragedy, there are only two things I can do. First, I can ask my state senators to strongly consider repealing concealed carry or reinforcing what’s required to carry a gun. (A “lovely” policy that was installed by our guv’nor.)

And second? Deal with my mixed emotions the only way I know how — through Art, in all its mixed forms.

Mood: somber

Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: sigh

Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Too much frakking sitting in a car.

In My Ears: “Luke and Leia” from Return of the Jedi Soundtrack.

Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Awakenings

Movie Last Viewed: The Hobbit

Latest Artistic Project: Holiday gifts

Latest Release: “The Dig” The Lovecraft eZine Issue No. 19

A Public Service Announcement

I’m tired. I’m tired in a way that most adults who suffer from insomnia might be, though I don’t suffer from insomnia and am rather hilarious without sufficient sleep. So, to even mention the vagaries and trappings of what happened in The Hobbit would be rather cruel and unusual–

GOLLUM!!

–punishment.

DWARVES!!

And, if nothing I say here makes any sense whatsoever, keep in mind that I am as sleep-deprived (if not more so) than when I wrote my first draft of “Don’t Ignore Your Dead” for the Don’t Read This Book anthology.

RADAGAST!!!

So forgive me on this auspicious day o’ days, until I can return to some semblance of normalcy.

NECROMANCY!!!

This message has been brought to you by the department of concerned adults whose motto, “Err Less Through Prevention,” has been oft contested as the reason why there’s less chocolate milk in the grocery store.

MOAR HOBBITS!

SQUEE! Midnight tonight I’ll be sitting in a spacious theater in my comfy sweats geeking out with a LOT of coffee and… HOBBITS!

So, let me link to two of the many paraphernalia accouterments available now this holiday season. First? Lego Hobbits. Yes, that’s right. The Hobbit. And Lord of the Rings. In Legos. (I have a set gifted to me with Gandalf and Frodo and I’m grateful for the Grey Wizard by my side.)

The second? You can wear Galadriel’s Ring. Personally, I’d love to see a set with all the rings, just because I love how much world building was involved on that level, but I feel a touch partial to this one.

And last? BUT NOT LEAST? A Latin translation of The Hobbit! I know Barnes and Noble is carrying it; you can see that alongside a ton of other journals, books, toys, etc. (Though I draw the line at the Gollum bobblehead… Because preshus is creepy enough.)

You can also find a ton of other ephemera at the HobbitShop.com. Because… Well, the chess set alone is awesome.

Okay, I think I’m done geeking out now. Hee. Time for a nap before required caffeination! Wheeee!

Mood: SQUEE SQUARED!

Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: THIS IS MOAR NATURAL EXCITEMENT ZOMG!

Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: The Gym.

In My Ears: The screams of ten thousand orcs!

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

Answering Reader Questions Squeefully

Today, I present you with a reader-driven interview of fantastic indeterminable quality and size.

Scott R. Asks: Have you ever loved a character concept but found it just would not fit into the project you were working on? If yes, how did you work that out?

In fiction, I suppose I’m rather odd, because I feel the most connected to my work when I hear character voices. Those voices usually “talk” to me after I decide what type of story I want to tell. So I begin with the elevator pitch or concept first, and then match characters to that. When I start the other way ’round, the story just doesn’t flow like it should, because I’m so giddy about that character I don’t have a plot. I’ve never heard a character that needed to be silenced for a story; but I have had plots that didn’t work for characters.

In games, though, this sort of thing happens all the time when I’m outlining. “Oh, it’d be so cool to…” occurs frequently. This is why line developers (a.k.a. gaming gods) exist to rein me in. (Or, when I’m developing, to handcuff myself.)

Mark B. Asks: What advice would you give to people who “run out of creativity” when writing?

There is some reason why you did. Either it’s an emotion, like insecurity or boredom, or it’s something deeper but just as annoying, like the realization that you really can’t stand writing “X” or you have given up on working for “Y” or you can’t write with someone singing words in the background. Find out what that trigger is so you can recognize the warning signs and make better decisions for yourself, your mental health, and your career.

Then? BE CREATIVE. Pick up some silly putty. Draw a stick figure. Learn how to bead or cross-stitch or paint or scrapbook. Choose anything — anything at all — that you can pick up and put down at your leisure and do it in a space where you can be completely free. No judgement. No feedback. No money exchanging hands. You do this hobby because you enjoy it immensely to get a creative break. Do this for a set period of time. Fifteen minutes. Half an hour. Then get back to it!

Other methods that work are: switching projects, using a timer, or diving into a creative writing prompt. I do not recommend sitting at your computer until the words flow for the thing you’re working on because that will kill your productivity. If you turn writing into a punishment, whether that’s mentally or emotionally or not, you’ll do less of it without even realizing it. Yes, you have to write and I firmly believe this, but you also need to be good to yourself or you’ll kill that which you most desire.

Ursula M. H. Asks: What do you wish you had learned in school?

I desperately tried to understand the business side of writing when I was in college. My Creating Writing program was outstanding because it offered me the flexibility to master form and function, but making money was something I did not learn. That, more than anything, would’ve helped me move forward with a career in writing as opposed to just storytelling. I very much lament the two paths presented in front of me — a literary career (a la The New Yorker) or a career in academia. Neither of which appealed to me at the time, but *shrugs* you never know.

Tiara L. A. Asks: How do you transition from short-story pacing to novel pacing? This is a constant struggle, and I don’t seem to be improving, even after years trying. I can rock a short story but my novel attempts just run out of gas, always about the same point.

The software that helped me the most was Scrivener, because I was able to separate out the pieces of a novel. If you think about the pieces as interconnected (I always write short stories with the promise of more, more, more…) then you’ll have an easier time with it. More than that, I cannot say, because my novels aren’t out yet.

I also feel, as I alluded to above, that if you’re stuck on a particular form you may have something else on the emotion side that’s blocking you. I feel you need to figure out whatever that is, perhaps take some time to meditate on the subject, so you can work through it. It may be simple as: “I’m really insecure about writing a novel on spec because I’m not sure if I can sell it and I have other projects people are paying me for.” (Which was my hold up.) Or, it may be complex as: “I’ve never done this before, there’s no one out there to teach me, and I’m worried I’m going to suck.”

I know others have said to just power through that blockage, but the reality is that you have to do what’s best for you. You may determine that you aren’t a novelist or you only have the one book in you or you have resigned yourself to writing short stories. If that’s the case, own that. Be the writer you want to be, not the one you feel pressured to because everybody else says you won’t be a real writer if… These are your stories, your legacy. Own your own destiny as a writer, and you’ll be so happy you just never know what’ll happen.

David J. Asks: Out of all the things you’ve written, what’s your favorite?

The novels that haven’t been published yet. I love them so hard… You have no idea. I’m so deeply emotional about these stories that I’ve been very selfish about not sharing them and not polishing them for submission. Soon, though. It’s time.

In terms of what stories have already been published? I’m enamored with Atlas, my mysterious vampire who first debuted in modern-day noir story called “Fangs and Formaldehyde” for the New Hero anthology through Stone Skin Press. This story was completed a little over two years ago and was part of a very successful Kickstarter. It’s my commentary on the vampire genre (MY VAMPIRES BLOW UP IF THEY GET TOO EMOTIONAL!) and there are more stories to tell in this world.

Preston D. Asks: At what point does more coffee become counter-productive?

Apparently, Preston follows my blog… So, yes. It’s true. *raises hand* I am a coffee snob and a caffeine addict. To manage said addiction, I have been marking down what happens when I have too much of it. Soda is… Whoa. Bad. Very, very bad. I try to limit myself to one 20 oz. per day (or less) if at all possible. My recent addiction to cardio workouts has also reduced my caffeine consumption, because here’s what happens to my sensitive system when I have too much of it…

…I’M SO ENERGETIC AND EVERYTHING IS VERY LOUD AND ALL THE IDEAS CRASH AND BURN LIKE A MICHAEL BAY BLOCKBUSTER ONLY NO ONE IS THERE TO PAY ADMISSION…

…soooooooo it has to be managed and stuck into the queue of moderation. Provided (key word there) I have a strong focus. Caffeine without focus is counter-productive. But? Caffeine WITH focus is a worthy time for consumption. Indeed.

Jim C. Asks: Is creating an outline really a necessary part of the writing process?

Gods, no. I would even drop an F-Bomb or two in there for extra special emphasis. My process varies depending upon what I’m working on, where it will be published or submitted, and who I’m working for. Outlines are not always required. They are necessary for certain types of publishers and genres (I’m thinking romance, my friends…) but you can also get away with writing down milestones or reminders for yourself.

I mentioned this earlier, but if I’m writing something, I prefer to begin with my goal or logline. When I don’t, the story evolves and shifts and changes as if it has a life of its own. And, well… If you’ve met me, you probably think they do, since my nickname is Miss Random USA.

An example of this is what happened last week. I saw a contest I wanted to enter and I had a concept floating around in my head. It began with a title and a specific scene. I heard the voice in my head and I started writing. BAM! 2,500 words later… I realized that the story was too big for the contest parameters, so I trimmed and trimmed and trimmed and pared and found another story that tried to sneak past me. So I focused on that and cut off the original idea like a bad habit. Mind you, I really like both concepts, and I did get not one, but TWO stories out of the effort — but if I had been writing for a publisher? This would have been bad. “I asked for ‘X’ — but you gave me ‘Y’. That’s not what I wanted!!!”

Regardless of how you write, there’s a fair amount of technical skill involved — especially when you start involving other people in your process. While I don’t believe outlines are a requirement for you, persay, I do believe they are necessary as part of the professional writer’s toolkit.

Anyhoo… OY. Now hitting that over-caffeination point I was referring to earlier… (In my defense, I’m answering these question as I prepare for the midnight showing of The Hobbit… BUT I LOVE THE WORLD AND TOWELS AND EVERYTHING AND ZOMG!)

Eric C. Asks: Any subject matter you feel is taboo and you won’t touch?

Okay. (Puts on serious face.) I despise anything that goes in the realm of “creating for the sake of…” Writing for shock value, a la rape/incest/sodomy/etc., is so far removed from what I want to do as a storyteller it’s not even funny. When I tell stories, my goal is not to grab you by the throat to shock the living beejeezus out of you — even though that is a type of story to tell — it’s to entertain you in a way that leaves a different, softer lasting impression through a sense of wonder and mystery.

Take rape for example. Rape is ugly and common, overlooked and not socially forgiven (e.g. the woman is often treated like the culprit), and is very, very, very wrong. When a writer defaults to that in a horror story, at the exclusion of all other possibilities, there’s very little room for plot. You see vengeance. You see character motivation. You see the victim becoming the antagonist/protagonist. But that rape is a story in and of itself and when it’s not? It turns into gratuitous violence.

I feel an overemphasis on that (gratuitous violence) against women or people of color or any other “minority,” gross body behaviors (e.g. focus on defecating), and slaughter are cheap tricks that overwhelm plots. There are so many other dark dimensions that can be explored — which I do to highlight that little pinprick of light. In my storytelling world, death means something.

Other writers may choose to go the shock and awe/gore pr0n route, but that’s not me. Not unless there is a very tangible reason related to the plot and I can write it in a way that does not serve those tropes up on a platter or overly disgusts the reader. There’s already enough of that out there.

****BONUS!!!! GUILTY ADMISSION!!!!****BONUS!!!! GUILTY ADMISSION!!!!****BONUS!!!! GUILTY ADMISSION!!!!****

Here’s my guilty admission for the day: my favorite lunch to make is a variation on macaroni and cheese. I’m a huge fan of Annie’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese and often add in things like: tuna, buffalo chicken, broccoli, jalapenos, portabella mushrooms, etc. I could write a whole cookbook just on the 100 varieties of mac-and-cheese we’ve come up with!

HOBBITS!

I’m in training this week to stay up for the midnight showing of THE HOBBIT! WOOOOOOO! As you can tell, I’m VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS MOVIE ZOMG!

Perhaps, that is why I’ve been singing this little ditty all week? The cat version of this video was the best, but sadly I cannot find it. I do believe cats are hobbits. Second breakfast, brunch, late supper, snack, early dinner, breakfast…

Mood: SQUEE!

Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: THIS IS NATURAL EXCITEMENT ZOMG!

Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: The Gym.

In My Ears: They’re Taking The Hobbits To Isengard, Gard, Gard, Gard…

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

A Hearty Thanks

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

The Lion and the Aardvark Available in the UK

Just a quick note today to let you know that copies of The Lion and The Aardvark (Aesop’s Modern Fables) have been spotted on bookstore shelves in the UK.

I’ll have more information about when this tome will be available in the U.S. soon, or you can check the publisher website at www.stoneskinpress.com/ for updates.

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

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