S.L. Viehl's Blog, page 129

Comments Catchup Day

See you in comments.

Librarians Want Promo

Got this heads-up by e-mail today:

The Ohio Library Support Staff Institute (www.OLSSI.org) is looking for promotional items to give to their attending librarians at this year's conference. This is a great opportunity for writers to reach out to those all important librarians who can hand-sell and recommend books to patrons. Around 100 librarians will be in attendance. They are looking for bulk of up to 100 or individual items including overstocks and ARCs. If you would like to donate some of your works or goodies to the cause, please contact Katie Mihaly, OLSSI Steering Committee, at 419-372-7908, or kmihaly@bgsu.edu.

Evidently the theme for their con this year is noir and mystery fiction, so if you're publishing in those genres your promo will probably be especially welcome. Also, for those of you who are librarians but can't afford the $225.00 registration fee, OLSSI is holding an essay contest here that will award three winners free registration; deadline for entering is April 22. There are some other conditions involved so do read the rules carefully.

Doing What You Love

After working fifty years as a shoemaker and repairer, 91 year old Frank Catalfumo still puts in five days a week at his Brooklyn shop -- and is still smiling (narrated with background music, for those of you at work):

The Shoemaker from Dustin Cohen on Vimeo.

(Video link nicked from Gerard at The Presurfer)

Something Grand

This morning I was made aware of yet another commonly-used term that has become a new no-no: Stay at Home Mom. For some reason it is now offensive to use this as a reference for a woman who opts to pass on the day job in order to care for her family and home. I did try to watch the interview explaining why, but the responsible party had a loud, obnoxious voice and weird white wires sprouting from her ears (those iPod things? Not sure), a combo that frankly I found a little unbearable at 7:00 am.

I was a stay at home mom for ten years, so I'm also a little perplexed. I never minded being called a housewife or homemaker, but when those terms became no-nos I was okay with the replacement (which happened to be stay at home mom). It's a tough, thankless job and really, no one else wants to do it; you don't see all that many new fathers marching into work and declaring "I'm quitting so I can stay home with my kids and take care of the house." I do have one guy friend whose circumstances led him to become a stay at home dad while his wife worked for the last year, and let me tell you, he has all kinds of new respect for his lady.

Sometimes -- probably more frequently than most gals -- I simply don't understand my gender. Having a job and generating income is great, especially in this economy, but it doesn't make you superior to someone who elects to be whatever we're now supposed to call a stay at home mother. Nor does the opposite. You do what you have to so you can take care of your family. If that means a day job, good for you. If that means no day job, good for you. Why do we have to call you anything? Whatever sex we are and wherever we choose to work, if we have kids or we don't have kids, we're all working people, yes?

Right now I do both: I work as a professional writer, and I work at the house in order to care for my family and home. Honestly, I'm tired of having to relearn a new term for my second job every couple of years. So if we're going to do away with stay at mom, I vote we come up with something so grand that it will forever shut up the nit-pickers. My personal favorite is Domestic Crises Manager; that's a one-size fits all unisex term that embraces all aspects of the job. Can never be called sexist, sounds important, and looks good on an application or resume when it's time to stop being a Domestic Crises Manager and work outside the home.

I'd also like to hear from those of you who are stay at home moms or dads: what do you want to be called? Let us know in comments.

Free Folio with Neo Purchase

The folks at NeoDirect, home of AlphaSmart keyboards Neo and Dara, are currently offering (while supplies last) a free folio case with the purchase of a Neo2. I discovered this when I went to the site to buy one as a gift and thought since it was free I'd go for it. The keyboard and folio arrived this morning:



Knowing how freebies are I was half-expecting some cheap, flimsy case, but the folio is actually quite nice -- it's like a zippered heavy-duty briefcase with lots of pockets and places for papers and other writer junk as well as the keyboard:



The top part has a deep pocket where initially I thought you were supposed to put the keyboard:



That's actually a storage pocket. They include an adhesive strip of Velcro material that you can stick to the back of the keyboard to hold it in place on the lower half, like so:



They also include a hook-on shoulder strap you can connect to two rings on the outside of the folio, or you can pull out these handles and use them:



I don't often get excited by freebie cases but this one is very well-made; I'd willingly pay $25.00-$30.00 for something comparable. At $119.00 plus shipping for the Neo2 battery-operated model this freebie makes a nice incentive to order now if you're in the market for a smart keyboard.

Roll with It

I'm off today to deal with the accountant. So that your stop here wasn't entirely wasted, have you ever thought of what you might make out of masking tape and old/discarded objects? You'd be surprised (narrated and with background music, for those of you at work):

Sarah DiNardo. Tape Artist. from gnarly bay productions, Inc. on Vimeo.

Sub Ops Ten

Ten Things About Submission Opportunities

Mystery and Horror LLC has an open call for their All Hallows' Evil anthology: "An anthology of mystery stories set during Halloween/Samhain/CandyFest. Paranormal elements are acceptable as long as the central story is a mystery. We're seeking stories that are 4000 - 8000 words in length (firm). Query about reprints. We will accept multiple submissions, but not simultaneous submissions. Open submission period: April 20 - July 15th, 2013. All contributors will receive a free trade paperback copy of the book, plus a $5 advance on royalties. Contributors will also be able to purchase more print copies at a 50% discount on the cover price. We're seeking first world rights in English to publish in print and electronic format for 12 months, beginning on the date of publication. Please see our Guidelines and Payment page for further information on the rights we ask for and the compensation we offer." [PBW notes: Remember to wait until the submission period opens on 4/20.]

UK digital quarterly ARC is looking for fiction and more: "Arc publishes short stories over 5000 words. On acceptance, it pays a flat fee of £1500 (c. US$2370) for first world serial rights. We publish stories that have some bearing on the future. You don't need to write science fiction to do that -- all we're interested in is your vision, your skill, and your ability to move us. We set our bar very high. Arc’s writers so far have included Margaret Atwood, Bruce Sterling, Stephen Baxter, M John Harrison, Hannu Rajaniemi, Alastair Reynolds, Adam Roberts, China Mieville, Frederik Pohl, Paul McAuley, Nick Harkaway, Lavie Tidhar, Robert Reed, Liz Jensen, Nancy Kress and Kim Stanley Robinson. If you can hook the editor's attention on page one, there is some slim hope for you. Joseph Conrad and Raymond Carver knew how to hook a reader. You should too. We like technology and science, but we love people. The stories we're looking for will explore their anxieties, their joys and fears. We don't publish fantasy and if you send us anything with even a whiff of steampunk about it we will come round and burn down your house." [PBW notes: And they say the British don't have a sense of humor.] "Arc also publishes features, essays and poetry. Please contact us before submitting these as we have very specific requirements and we usually commission this work. Our boilerplate rates are: (for essays under 1500 words) £250 (for features over 2000 words) £500 and £75 per page for poetry and experimental work. We commission news pieces and reviews for our blog at http://arcfinity.tumblr.com. We pay £30 per blogpost. If you're interested in contributing, tweet or DM us at @arcfinity." No reprints, electronic submission through online form only, see guidelines here for more details.

The submission period for The Future Embodied anthology has been extended; they want spec fic stories "exploring how science and technology might change our bodies and what it means to be human. The editors are looking for character-driven, near-future stories of how the trajectory of current science and technology could impact our daily lives and choices. Social sciences and as-yet-untested or anecdotal discoveries are fair game. If an idea or discovery has the potential to impact human behavior and bodies, it could make a great story. We are looking for stories of medical and aesthetic body modification. Consider topics like genetic engineering, prosthetics, implants, body ornamentation, surgical augmentation, and age retardation or reversal. Surprise us. Don’t give us stories that we’ve read before. We want this anthology to embody the wide range of human experience, voices, and bodies, and, in particular, to credibly consider our present and future demographics. You are encouraged to populate your stories of the future with the kinds of bodies that have been under-represented in speculative fiction but which should be ever more present in visions of our near future — aging bodies, obese bodies, chronically ill bodies, diverse racial and multi-racial bodies, bodies from diverse geographies." Length: 2-5,5K; Payment "3¢/word +copies." Reprints okay, electronic submissions only, see guidelines for more details. New Deadline: April 15th, 2013.

UK Publisher Gollancz is looking for manuscript submissions: "Gollancz publish Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Dystopia and a little YA cross-over fiction. If you’re writing in these areas, we’re happy to take a look at your work. Only get in touch when you have a complete, spell-checked manuscript of 80,000 words or more." Length >80K; no mention of payment but Ralan notes "assume industry standard." Query on reprints, no electronic submission, see guidelines for more details.

The John A. Hartford Foundation is holding a heroic stories competition, and is seeking stories "that convey how a person with geriatric expertise (in any profession and discipline) can make a difference in peoples' lives. Stories must be true, so the genre would most likely be creative nonfiction or essay. (Audio and video stories are also being accepted.)" No entry fee, length not specified [PBW notes: might query first to find out length requirements].Prizes: $3,000 First Prize, $1,000 Second Prize, $500 Third Prize. Eligibility: "USA-only, 18+" See guidelines for more details. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

Masque Books, the new digital imprint of Prime Books, is looking for submissions: "Our emphasis is on both general sf/fantasy, and sf/f romance." What they want to see: "We expect great writing, fully developed plots, and well-rounded characters speaking believable dialogue. Ideally characters will reflect the diverse nature of human experience. Science or magic systems must be logical and world-building complete. Science Fiction/Fantasy: Any subgenre or cross-genre including planetary romance, steampunk, space opera, alt-history, small-scale fantasy, contemporary fantasy, and dark fantasy. No romance is required, but if there is a romantic element it should be secondary to the main action of the story. SF/F Romance: The relationship between the protagonists should be the heart of the story and their emotional arc should be resolved. Science fictional or fantasy elements are essential to the plot. Multi-partner relationships are welcome as are queer ones. All heat levels will be considered, from sweet to explicit, but the sex scenes should be integral to the story. No stories under 30,000 words; no collections of short fiction; no poetry; no Young Adult, children’s books, or non-fiction. We plan on launching with three titles in July 2013 and publishing three titles a month thereafter. For now, please send only the first three chapters and a synopsis of your completed manuscript. If we respond to your submission positively, we expect to see a full manuscript immediately." Length: 30-50K (novellas) 50-120K (novels). Payment: "Masque Books pays a small advance (usually $100-250) against royalties of 50% net of all digital receipts. Our contract includes an option for print trade (not POD) publication after digital, but we do not promise this. If your book is traditionally published in print, we pay standard industry royalties." On reprints: "At this point we are interested only in original fiction, although we may be interested in previously published material that has reverted to the author at a later date. WITH THIS EXCEPTION: We may be interested in republishing a first or first and second of a series if new fiction for the series is available." Electronic submissions through their online form; see guidelines for more details.

MindShift: Writers Who Rock is "a forum for published and emerging writers of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. Writers Who Rock offers paid opportunities for first time and veteran authors to write essays, book reviews, short stories and columns." Length and Payment: "Short stories and essays up to 1000 words $50; Book Reviews up to 300 words $25." For more info, staycalm09@gmail.com.

Montag Press is looking for novel-length manuscripts, and "currently seeks subversive, speculative, science, historical, young adult (YA), new adult (NA) and horror fiction, in either a narrative or dramatic structure, with a strong plot, well-developed characters and engaging voices." Length: >40K; Payment: $100 advance and 30% net. Reprints okay if self-published, electronic submissions only, see guidelines for more details.

There's an open call for Neverland's Library , a Kickstarter-funded anthology, and the editors are looking for stories "focusing on the rediscovery of the fantastic; magic, dragons, the supernatural, etc. We are looking for stories which highlight finding that which was once thought lost, incorporating fantastical and/or fictitious elements. We will not restrict how the story is told. All styles, settings, and tones are welcome. We are looking for only unpublished stories. If the story has been made available for free or payment online then please do not submit it for consideration as it will be considered ineligible under our criteria. We ask that authors limit themselves to no more than 2 submissions, with no simultaneous submissions. That means when a story is submitted to us, it should not be submitted for publication consideration anywhere else." [PBW notes: I generally avoid posting charitably-funded ops because the whole practice troubles me, but the editor notes elsewhere that they have alternative funding to fall back on should the Kickstarter campaign fail. In light of that I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, but do be cautious with this one.] No reprints, electronic submission only, see guidelines for more details. Deadline: June 20, 2013 or when filled.

Mystery and Horror LLC also has an open call for their Strangely Funny, an anthology of humorous paranormal stories: "All stories must contain paranormal elements (ghosts, psychic abilities, vampires, etc.) and be funny. Think Addams Family, Zombieland, or Love at First Bite. They should not contain gratuitous violence, gratuitous sex, or excessive foul language. We're seeking stories that are 2000 - 5000 words in length (firm). We will also accept cartoons if submitted in electronic format. No reprints. We will accept multiple submissions, but not simultaneous submissions. Open submission period: March 1 - June 10th, 2013. All contributors will receive a free trade paperback copy of the book, plus a $5 advance on royalties. Contributors will also be able to purchase more print copies at a 50% discount on the cover price. We're seeking first world rights in English to publish in print and electronic format for 12 months, beginning on the date of publication." Query on reprints, electronic submissions only, see guidelines for more details.

Most of the above sub ops were found among the many marvelous market listings at Ralan.com.

Comments Catchup Day

See you in comments.

Basket Case

Every year at Easter, no matter how busy I am, I've always dyed eggs and made up baskets and had an Easter egg hunt for my kids. Last year no one ate my pretty eggs (I would have, but they're one of the forbidden things on my diet) and the baskets sat around the house untouched for three months until I threw out the candy (also a no-no for me). One kid bowed out of the egg hunt; the other slogged through it like it was a punishment. All of this was a little depressing for me; I'm not a huge fan of Easter but I've always enjoyed the holidays through my kids and their happiness. Suddenly Easter had become a chore, not a celebration, and I realized it's because while I wasn't looking my kids have gone and grown up. They're both adults now and logically not interested in kid stuff anymore.

This year I made myself march past all the adorable stuffed bunnies, basket goodies and egg dye kits while I looked for more adult ways to celebrate the holiday. And there aren't any; Easter has become like Halloween -- all about the kids. I had to think of what I do for adult family and friends for holidays. I usually hand out gift cards for the market; everyone needs food and I feel like in a small way I'm contributing to their family celebrations. My nephew once told me the market gift card I send to him and his wife every Christmas is his favorite gift, so at least I'm doing that right.

That wasn't going to work for Easter. My kids don't need market gift cards; I do the shopping and the cooking so they have no use for them. What they do love is going out to eat; sometimes with their parental unit but mostly on their own or with friends.

A nice meal is a great gift for anyone, but as I stood in front of that rack of restaurant gift cards I waffled. I felt like I was giving the kids a gift that basically said, "Here. Go away and eat somewhere else." How personal and loving is that? Then I thought of it from the kids' POV. My daughter in particular loves to go out to dinner with her boyfriend; between school and work they don't get to see each other very often these days. Dinner out also = time alone together, and while they don't mind hanging out with us it gives them some private time. They're also both too cash-strapped to do it very often.

I shook off my qualms and bought the restaurant gift cards (presented in an Easter card along with one chocolate bunny, because I simply couldn't resist one mulish reminder of the old days) -- and they were a huge hit. The kids thanked me; my daughter's boyfriend thanked me, and they rushed out to use them, and when they came back, they thanked me again. For once I got it right.

As for not making Easter baskets, well, I cheated a little. My mom has been having a tough time getting through the holidays without Dad, so I made up one basket for her. I've never done that; I always send her flowers. And from her childlike delight in the basket, I didn't mess that up either.

Times change, people change, and the things we do have to change with them. It's tough letting go of traditions and testing yourself in new waters. Parents of children who are suddenly all grown up struggle with this in a million ways. We want things to stay the same because of all the happy memories we collect over the years. We want to hold onto that and have it forever. But we can't, and unless we want to reside by that river in Egypt, we have to let go and move on.

There's a lot of new out there to be discovered. I'm slowly getting up to speed on using the e-reader, although by the time I'm an expert I know the damn thing will probably be obsolete and I'll have to learn to use some other gadget. And I will, because most of my favorite authors and writer pals are publishing electronically now. Even my fiftieth novel, my big landmark book, will first be published as an e-book. I love print, and as long as I can buy it I'll stick to print, but I knew from the first time I saw a prototype e-reader back in 2001 that electronic publishing was coming in a big way. Now it's here, and I have to embrace the change . . . or move to Cairo and learn how to fish.

You youngsters out there won't understand how difficult this can be for your elders, but growing up my generation never had video games, Gameboys or any of those gadgets. Put it this way: I remember when handheld calculators and LED watches first came on the market; the first computer I worked on was the size of desk and didn't have a monitor; it printed out what I typed as I worked and I had to look at the paper to check my entries. Floppy disks were almost the size of record albums (the things music used to be recorded on before MP3s and CDs.) Telephones still had dials and were connected to heavy bases by short little curly cords. When I wrote a novel I typed it on my trusty Royal Academy with a bottle of white-out nearby for corrections. If I wanted to go somewhere I'd never been I used a paper map; if I wanted to write someone I put it on paper and mailed it with a stamp.

Before any of you youngsters sigh -- and I know this is like hearing Grandma grumble When I was in school I had to walk five miles through the snow . . . -- remember that without my generation yours wouldn't be here.

It does all sound a little fantastic now that it's all changed. I miss some of those things but I'm not afraid to put my stories in a word processor program, or e-mail, or use a GPS, or back up fifteen years of my work on a little stick drive. Three stick drives, actually; I don't trust the damn things.

Change can be bad or good or anything in between, but the one thing I've learned it never does is go away.

What changes are you struggling with? Let us know in comments.

Learning Bridge

This looks like a cute cartoon film, and it's funny, but this wisdom it contains might teach the entire world about peace, cooperation, and just plain good manners (background music and sound effects, for those of you at work):

Bridge from Ting on Vimeo.

(Video link swiped from Gerard over at The Presurfer, who's also having an unrelated T-shirt contest)