S.J. Reisner's Blog, page 101
February 24, 2011
Going Back to My Roots
It's been nice delving back into the OTS mystery. It gets me back to my roots and I get to write from where I'm extremely comfortable, about a subject I know a great deal about. No - no - not murder. That part is fictitious (obviously), but about the ins and outs and ups and downs of helping to run a large underground occult organization, and all about Demonolatry, magick etc...
I've also been alternating that with the NF projects I'm working on right now. I'm in my "zone".
Don't get me wrong - I enjoy writing the erotica, but I definitely needed a break from it. I still have three more contracted stories to put out this year (one might not go out until next year) in that genre. I'm glad I agreed to do it and step outside my comfort zone. For the record, this OTS mystery has a bdsm element to it and this book, is in part, what sparked the whole experimental jump into erotica anyway.
But my real home, where I belong is in esoteric writing and occult fiction. I'm also very comfortable writing fantasy novels. That doesn't mean Anne is retiring after the next three books. Who knows what the future will bring for 'her'? I love writing the erotica (the sub-genre I write in is something I know - minus the whole club scene) and I might stick around there for awhile. Like with many things - if I get bored, I'll move on.
I don't write anything just because I think I'm going to make money at it. Gods no! LOL! I wrote two erotica stories that didn't do all that great before the third one really took off. Any writer who writes thinking they're going to cash-in on a specific genre is an idiot. Not to mention I know other writers who tried that and failed miserably. So the fact that I didn't fail says something. Certainly not everyone likes my erotica (usually because it's not real enough for them and some of it does require you to have a rich imagination) but there are a good number of people who do. I actually write what I enjoy reading. The minute I stop enjoying what I'm writing is the minute the reader stops enjoying reading it, IMHO.
So we'll see. I make no promises for Anne, or Audrey, or S. J. or even S.. Love my work or hate it - it is what it is. I make no apologies.
Now back to working on the OTS mystery. Liz is at the police station in an interview room. I wonder why?
I've also been alternating that with the NF projects I'm working on right now. I'm in my "zone".
Don't get me wrong - I enjoy writing the erotica, but I definitely needed a break from it. I still have three more contracted stories to put out this year (one might not go out until next year) in that genre. I'm glad I agreed to do it and step outside my comfort zone. For the record, this OTS mystery has a bdsm element to it and this book, is in part, what sparked the whole experimental jump into erotica anyway.
But my real home, where I belong is in esoteric writing and occult fiction. I'm also very comfortable writing fantasy novels. That doesn't mean Anne is retiring after the next three books. Who knows what the future will bring for 'her'? I love writing the erotica (the sub-genre I write in is something I know - minus the whole club scene) and I might stick around there for awhile. Like with many things - if I get bored, I'll move on.
I don't write anything just because I think I'm going to make money at it. Gods no! LOL! I wrote two erotica stories that didn't do all that great before the third one really took off. Any writer who writes thinking they're going to cash-in on a specific genre is an idiot. Not to mention I know other writers who tried that and failed miserably. So the fact that I didn't fail says something. Certainly not everyone likes my erotica (usually because it's not real enough for them and some of it does require you to have a rich imagination) but there are a good number of people who do. I actually write what I enjoy reading. The minute I stop enjoying what I'm writing is the minute the reader stops enjoying reading it, IMHO.
So we'll see. I make no promises for Anne, or Audrey, or S. J. or even S.. Love my work or hate it - it is what it is. I make no apologies.
Now back to working on the OTS mystery. Liz is at the police station in an interview room. I wonder why?
February 23, 2011
Reality Shows: The Decline of 21st Century America
I expect that will someday be a chapter in a history book.
When will the phenomena of reality shows go away? I really dislike them. MTV no longer shows music videos or music anything (unless it's hip-hop videos in the middle of the night). Even Cartoon Network and SyFy have started showing reality shows instead of cartoons and Science Fiction, respectively. Also, I'm tired of cooking shows and television series where there's some big secret that's never explained. "Lost", "The Event"... I mean seriously? Does no one know how to write a story anymore? They have beginnings, middles and ends, folks! Another annoying trend... how Hollywood is just doing remake after remake and the remakes suck.
It seems the entertainment industry is out of ideas (bringing in new blood threatens the "good old boy's club) and as my husband says, "There's a new genre of music called 'Suck'". The IQ of the average American is under 100. I think we're witnessing the fall of Western Civilization. ::sigh::
Either that or I'm just getting old and curmudgeon -y.
When will the phenomena of reality shows go away? I really dislike them. MTV no longer shows music videos or music anything (unless it's hip-hop videos in the middle of the night). Even Cartoon Network and SyFy have started showing reality shows instead of cartoons and Science Fiction, respectively. Also, I'm tired of cooking shows and television series where there's some big secret that's never explained. "Lost", "The Event"... I mean seriously? Does no one know how to write a story anymore? They have beginnings, middles and ends, folks! Another annoying trend... how Hollywood is just doing remake after remake and the remakes suck.
It seems the entertainment industry is out of ideas (bringing in new blood threatens the "good old boy's club) and as my husband says, "There's a new genre of music called 'Suck'". The IQ of the average American is under 100. I think we're witnessing the fall of Western Civilization. ::sigh::
Either that or I'm just getting old and curmudgeon -y.
February 22, 2011
Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles...
Upon cleaning out a cupboard in my house the other day I came across a 2005 Donatello Happy Meal Toy. I decided to toss it in the keep pile to see if it was worth anything figuring maybe I can sell it on eBay or something. While Donatello isn't worth much (about $5), I learned a great deal about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This, in turn, caused me to take a glimpse at similar things people collect. The things people collect crack me up. Of course I shouldn't laugh. My husband collect micronaughts, Star Wars and Star Trek memerobilia. I collect old books, swords and daggers. We all collect something (even if it's just dust).
Of course it made me think about collections. What purpose does it really serve to possess them? Things, after all, are merely things. You can't take them with you. Collections are merely to look at. It's kind of bizarre outside the context of a museum. Even if we like said things. Of course a collection of things one might actually use rather than just look at seems more practical.
I have a writer friend who collects fountain pens that she actually uses. I have another friend who collects thimbles (that she doesn't use).
So what do you collect?
Of course it made me think about collections. What purpose does it really serve to possess them? Things, after all, are merely things. You can't take them with you. Collections are merely to look at. It's kind of bizarre outside the context of a museum. Even if we like said things. Of course a collection of things one might actually use rather than just look at seems more practical.
I have a writer friend who collects fountain pens that she actually uses. I have another friend who collects thimbles (that she doesn't use).
So what do you collect?
February 21, 2011
What I'm Currently Reading
I haven't done a post on what I'm reading lately. Shame on me.
First things first. I recently started Greenhouse Gardener's Companion, Revised: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace. So far it's a highly entertaining and informative read. The author has a great, interactive writing style that is keeping me interested and engaged, even through the boring bits. I had NO idea how different light bulbs have different light spectrums that effect plants differently.
I'm also reading Alchemy. A practical look at the alchemical process. I don't really have a review yet since admittedly I am not that far into this one.
And right now I'm just not reading any fiction. However I have considered starting If Walls Could Talk: A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery - my splurge for the month. What can I say? I really like Juliet Blackwell.
I need to quit following so many series. I can't keep up with them all.
I still want to read:
Home for a Spell
First things first. I recently started Greenhouse Gardener's Companion, Revised: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace. So far it's a highly entertaining and informative read. The author has a great, interactive writing style that is keeping me interested and engaged, even through the boring bits. I had NO idea how different light bulbs have different light spectrums that effect plants differently.
I'm also reading Alchemy. A practical look at the alchemical process. I don't really have a review yet since admittedly I am not that far into this one.
And right now I'm just not reading any fiction. However I have considered starting If Walls Could Talk: A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery - my splurge for the month. What can I say? I really like Juliet Blackwell.
I need to quit following so many series. I can't keep up with them all.
I still want to read:
Home for a Spell
Some People Take Things Too Seriously...
Relax a little. One-true-wayers and absolute realists are not only running rampant in the occult world. They wander through other walks of life as well, I've learned. LOL! Evidently some folks don't understand the definition of "fiction".
Several times in the past few months I've gone onto Amazon and GR to leave reviews for books I enjoyed only to find questionable reviews by folks who hated the book because, "In real life no one can get a cat to do what they want" or, "In real shaman traditions [insert one-true-way here]"
Well, um, that's why it's paranormal fantasy (or urban fantasy, or fantasy), jackass. The cat was the woman's familiar and she could communicate with it. In the fictional world the parameters are different. Now if the book says, "Based on a true story", I'd raise my eyebrow, too. After all, I'm owned by three cats. But seriously? To bitch about book so much just because the MC could communicate with the cat (or insert scenario here)? Yeah - it requires some suspension of belief. A LOT of fiction does. Some of my favorite authors always get stuff wrong about things like LHP religions etc... It's F-I-C-T-I-O-N.
I often wonder why the super serious bother to read "fantasy" (whether urban, contemporary, etc...) anyway. There's always one and they usually have no other - or very few reviews - posted to their accounts which makes people like this suspect to me anyway. Not to mention I marvel at the insults flung at authors. Don't like the author's voice or writing style? Say they can't write. Make assumptions about the publishers and authors motivations (like they conspired to "steal" your eight bucks). Yeah - I'm pretty sure Joe Writer (among the long list of writers - perhaps all of us - who have been accused of not being able to write) can write whether you like his stuff or not - otherwise he wouldn't have gotten a publishing contract and he certainly wouldn't have fans of his work. And I'm pretty sure the author wasn't going, "I'm going to write absolute shit just to steal your $8!" LOL! Dur. Whatever. I wonder if reviews like this are written by a rival author or someone who has sour grapes over an author's success. ::shrug::
Of course it always reminds me of the movie Heckler. Those who criticise most about the silliest things do it because they're either jealous or because they don't have a creative bone in their body. Even authors I don't like (I can't stand Mercedes Lackey or Glen Cook for example) - I still appreciate the work that went into their books (writing is NOT as easy as it looks - don't believe me, write ten to twenty books then come back and tell me how easy it is). Clearly these writers (despite my dislike of their books) write very well and have huge followings because there are people who DO like what they write. I respect that. I just admit it's not my cup of tea.
Several times in the past few months I've gone onto Amazon and GR to leave reviews for books I enjoyed only to find questionable reviews by folks who hated the book because, "In real life no one can get a cat to do what they want" or, "In real shaman traditions [insert one-true-way here]"
Well, um, that's why it's paranormal fantasy (or urban fantasy, or fantasy), jackass. The cat was the woman's familiar and she could communicate with it. In the fictional world the parameters are different. Now if the book says, "Based on a true story", I'd raise my eyebrow, too. After all, I'm owned by three cats. But seriously? To bitch about book so much just because the MC could communicate with the cat (or insert scenario here)? Yeah - it requires some suspension of belief. A LOT of fiction does. Some of my favorite authors always get stuff wrong about things like LHP religions etc... It's F-I-C-T-I-O-N.
I often wonder why the super serious bother to read "fantasy" (whether urban, contemporary, etc...) anyway. There's always one and they usually have no other - or very few reviews - posted to their accounts which makes people like this suspect to me anyway. Not to mention I marvel at the insults flung at authors. Don't like the author's voice or writing style? Say they can't write. Make assumptions about the publishers and authors motivations (like they conspired to "steal" your eight bucks). Yeah - I'm pretty sure Joe Writer (among the long list of writers - perhaps all of us - who have been accused of not being able to write) can write whether you like his stuff or not - otherwise he wouldn't have gotten a publishing contract and he certainly wouldn't have fans of his work. And I'm pretty sure the author wasn't going, "I'm going to write absolute shit just to steal your $8!" LOL! Dur. Whatever. I wonder if reviews like this are written by a rival author or someone who has sour grapes over an author's success. ::shrug::
Of course it always reminds me of the movie Heckler. Those who criticise most about the silliest things do it because they're either jealous or because they don't have a creative bone in their body. Even authors I don't like (I can't stand Mercedes Lackey or Glen Cook for example) - I still appreciate the work that went into their books (writing is NOT as easy as it looks - don't believe me, write ten to twenty books then come back and tell me how easy it is). Clearly these writers (despite my dislike of their books) write very well and have huge followings because there are people who DO like what they write. I respect that. I just admit it's not my cup of tea.
February 20, 2011
Interesting Decisions
I'm on the eve of making a decision about something really huge in my writing life. It could be a few months before the clock runs out. The question keeps coming up and pretty soon I'm going to have no choice but to make the decision...
There are a lot of factors that are going to weigh into the decision like the contractual terms, what I'm really gaining as the author, and what I'm willing to give up for what I gain.
This could be the worst or best decision I ultimately make in my writing career. It's not so black and white. In previous posts I've talked about what I'd turn down and what I wouldn't and why - and a lot of those things still stand.
I see where it's going though. It's a bizarre twist of events (if you knew me you'd know just how bizarre) that has the potential to toss me into the big leagues publishing-wise. I'm both scared and excited. I'm also both confused and still in shock (in a good way). We'll see what happens.
There are a lot of factors that are going to weigh into the decision like the contractual terms, what I'm really gaining as the author, and what I'm willing to give up for what I gain.
This could be the worst or best decision I ultimately make in my writing career. It's not so black and white. In previous posts I've talked about what I'd turn down and what I wouldn't and why - and a lot of those things still stand.
I see where it's going though. It's a bizarre twist of events (if you knew me you'd know just how bizarre) that has the potential to toss me into the big leagues publishing-wise. I'm both scared and excited. I'm also both confused and still in shock (in a good way). We'll see what happens.
February 19, 2011
Sometimes It Is What It Is...
Some of the recent success of one of my novels and a novella have prompted other writers to ask me the question, "What did you do differently that other people didn't?"
I sat and brainstormed this. I talked it over with my sister, my husband, and several writer friends. We couldn't come to any conclusions except the following:
1. The novel and novella that are popular are good for what they are within their genre. (People consistently recommend them to their friends and write good reviews.)
2. The price is right in a bad economy.
Both of these factors seem to have spurred word-of-mouth recommendation for Training Amy (BDSM Erotica) and
Weekend Captive (BDSM Erotica). Another of my friends suggested perhaps it was the cover art. Let's face it, the cover art on both books is simple and very elegant rather than trashy or tawdry. I think some covers in the genre are in really poor taste, or they look like everything else out there. Gavin, my designer, does a really beautiful job on my covers. I specifically asked for no nude bodies on my covers. It's passé in my opinion.
Now how *Amy* made it into the top 75 romance novels on Amazon is beyond me. I'm still reeling from that revelation. Evidently I have a talent for writing decent erotic romance. Who knew?
For what it's worth - it could also be dumb luck. But we kind of struck that idea after we discovered numerous reviews on various sites where readers were sharing how much they enjoyed these books. The biggest complaint seems to be people think the novella is too short.
I think it's a combination of factors that make a novel successful or not. First - is there a market for it? Second - is it well written and does it engage the reader (i.e. does it get good reviews)? Third - is it eye-catching or grabbing? Fourth - is the price affordable?
Advertising is a plus, but really -- nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising. If your readers start a storm of chatter about your book and other readers pick up on it - it's going to translate into book sales. I wish I had a sure-fire formula for success for you struggling writers out there, but I don't. ::sad face::
I sat and brainstormed this. I talked it over with my sister, my husband, and several writer friends. We couldn't come to any conclusions except the following:
1. The novel and novella that are popular are good for what they are within their genre. (People consistently recommend them to their friends and write good reviews.)
2. The price is right in a bad economy.
Both of these factors seem to have spurred word-of-mouth recommendation for Training Amy (BDSM Erotica) and
Weekend Captive (BDSM Erotica). Another of my friends suggested perhaps it was the cover art. Let's face it, the cover art on both books is simple and very elegant rather than trashy or tawdry. I think some covers in the genre are in really poor taste, or they look like everything else out there. Gavin, my designer, does a really beautiful job on my covers. I specifically asked for no nude bodies on my covers. It's passé in my opinion.Now how *Amy* made it into the top 75 romance novels on Amazon is beyond me. I'm still reeling from that revelation. Evidently I have a talent for writing decent erotic romance. Who knew?
For what it's worth - it could also be dumb luck. But we kind of struck that idea after we discovered numerous reviews on various sites where readers were sharing how much they enjoyed these books. The biggest complaint seems to be people think the novella is too short.
I think it's a combination of factors that make a novel successful or not. First - is there a market for it? Second - is it well written and does it engage the reader (i.e. does it get good reviews)? Third - is it eye-catching or grabbing? Fourth - is the price affordable?
Advertising is a plus, but really -- nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising. If your readers start a storm of chatter about your book and other readers pick up on it - it's going to translate into book sales. I wish I had a sure-fire formula for success for you struggling writers out there, but I don't. ::sad face::
February 18, 2011
Garden Blog
For anyone wanting to follow this year's garden in more depth than what I'll post here, jump on over to The Magician's Garden which is my garden blog, which will be active between February and September or October every year. (Or that's the hope).
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Temple of DOOM Friday!
Okay, it was bound to happen. I'm starting to get bored with my Temple of DOOM, probably because it's just not DOOMy enough. So this week I didn't make a video. Instead, I thought I'd just make a list of all the things I'm DOOMed to in this life.
Dealing with annoying peopleWanting tasty treats and goodies that I can only have in moderationBeing loved by the people who love me (this can sometimes be DOOMy)Loving those I love too much (also occasionally DOOMy)Pulling weedsDomestic ChoresWriting - Editing - Editing - Editing - Writing some more (not really DOOM, but it is a lot of work)Infamous to some, Famous to others. (Where's the Paparazzi?) LOL! ::rolls eyes::Oh screw it. I'm not DOOMed at all! There are millions of people not as fortunate as I have been and I'm grateful for what I have - big time. Obviously the whole Temple of DOOM posts were nothing more than facetious snark on my part. Sure, every person's life has problems. Mine is no different. I'm not perfect and neither is my life. I just don't dwell on the imperfections and if something in my life is broken - I almost always have a means to "fix it" by changing what isn't working. Imagine that. I'm happy with where I'm at and all the fortune I've had. I'm also grateful for every day I have with those I love. I am grateful I'm able to do what I love. That's all most of us can hope for.
So goodbye Temple of DOOM! You amused my readers and me for about a month. We had fun.
Dealing with annoying peopleWanting tasty treats and goodies that I can only have in moderationBeing loved by the people who love me (this can sometimes be DOOMy)Loving those I love too much (also occasionally DOOMy)Pulling weedsDomestic ChoresWriting - Editing - Editing - Editing - Writing some more (not really DOOM, but it is a lot of work)Infamous to some, Famous to others. (Where's the Paparazzi?) LOL! ::rolls eyes::Oh screw it. I'm not DOOMed at all! There are millions of people not as fortunate as I have been and I'm grateful for what I have - big time. Obviously the whole Temple of DOOM posts were nothing more than facetious snark on my part. Sure, every person's life has problems. Mine is no different. I'm not perfect and neither is my life. I just don't dwell on the imperfections and if something in my life is broken - I almost always have a means to "fix it" by changing what isn't working. Imagine that. I'm happy with where I'm at and all the fortune I've had. I'm also grateful for every day I have with those I love. I am grateful I'm able to do what I love. That's all most of us can hope for.
So goodbye Temple of DOOM! You amused my readers and me for about a month. We had fun.
February 17, 2011
10 Reasons Why I'll Never Buy An iPad
1. $500+ ??? Really Apple? I can buy an entire desktop system and some laptops for that kind of money, replete with all the software I need.
2. It's just a giant iPhone without the phone.
3. It's mostly just a toy. I played with my brother-in-law's when I was in NY this past November. Played is the keyword there.
4. A writer friend of mine bought one because she thought she could do line editing to her MS on the go. As I'm also a writer, that would be my only use for it, too. When she found out it wouldn't do what she wanted - she gave it to her kids. That's an awfully expensive kids toy.
5. If I watch movies I'm either in a theatre or in front of the television at home. I'm not on the road enough to need a small device to watch movies on.
6. If I need or want to listen to music on the go I have an MP3 player ($20).
7. If I need to surf the web on the go - my Blackberry does that already (free with service plan).
8. My BlackBerry also keeps me organized, keeps my grocery lists, watches all my bank accounts for me, etc...
9. I have a dedicated eReader. (under $150).
10. If I need or want to work - I have my laptop. What I need for work, the iPad can't do.
Finally - for what I could reasonably use the iPad for - I already got for $170. Why would I spend upwards of $500???
Not to mention I watched my brother-in-law try to sync all his Apple stuff (iPhone, iPad, iPod) to his apple computer and laughed my ass off when he lost his pictures, lost applications that he had to reload several times, and it took him 20 minutes longer to do anything than it took me to sync any of my devices.
I'm not really an Apple hater. Really, I'm not. I just don't see the practicality of designer, idiot-proof electronics, especially when they're more for show and status rather than actual practical, functional use.
2. It's just a giant iPhone without the phone.
3. It's mostly just a toy. I played with my brother-in-law's when I was in NY this past November. Played is the keyword there.
4. A writer friend of mine bought one because she thought she could do line editing to her MS on the go. As I'm also a writer, that would be my only use for it, too. When she found out it wouldn't do what she wanted - she gave it to her kids. That's an awfully expensive kids toy.
5. If I watch movies I'm either in a theatre or in front of the television at home. I'm not on the road enough to need a small device to watch movies on.
6. If I need or want to listen to music on the go I have an MP3 player ($20).
7. If I need to surf the web on the go - my Blackberry does that already (free with service plan).
8. My BlackBerry also keeps me organized, keeps my grocery lists, watches all my bank accounts for me, etc...
9. I have a dedicated eReader. (under $150).
10. If I need or want to work - I have my laptop. What I need for work, the iPad can't do.
Finally - for what I could reasonably use the iPad for - I already got for $170. Why would I spend upwards of $500???
Not to mention I watched my brother-in-law try to sync all his Apple stuff (iPhone, iPad, iPod) to his apple computer and laughed my ass off when he lost his pictures, lost applications that he had to reload several times, and it took him 20 minutes longer to do anything than it took me to sync any of my devices.
I'm not really an Apple hater. Really, I'm not. I just don't see the practicality of designer, idiot-proof electronics, especially when they're more for show and status rather than actual practical, functional use.
