S.L. Viehl's Blog, page 200
March 15, 2011
Excel Your Goals
When you're constantly working under one or more deadlines, keeping track of your writing progress is important. I think most writers have some system they use with their work, such as jotting their numbers on a note they tape to their monitor or posting and updating one of those Nanowrimo WIP trackers on their blogs. One of my writer friends uses a virtual calendar/reminder program to nudge him on his goals; it actually sounds an alarm every morning, too.
I'm hardly an expert with Microsoft Excel, but it's enough like the ancient Lotus program I trained on as a bookkeeper back in the Jurassic era that I can use it without making a mess of things. In addition to my budgets and general ledger, I also use it to run simple writing quota spreadsheets that track my progress and project my work schedule (to see a larger version of this screen shot, click on the image.)
I decided to start using a spreadsheet because I usually write more than one novel at a time, and having all the counts on one sheet allows me to plan my time better. I also used easy formulas so all I have to do is record the total wordcount for each manuscript at the end of the writing day, and Excel does all the rest.*
I'm presently tracking two novels under deadline, mainly as both are due to my editors on the same day. After labeling the columns with the file codes I use for the titles, I list the ms goals for each one (whatever the wordcount limit for the entire novel is.) In this case both books have a limit of 85K.
"Current" represents the total wordcount I've completed for each manuscript. To determine how much I have left to write, I subtract current from ms goal, which results in the figures in the "Left" row.
"Weekly" calculates what my weekly wordcount goal is for each book. This is calculated by dividing "Left" by the number of weeks I have left to write (in this case, seven. This is the only formula I adjust weekly; next Monday I'll change the seven to a six. I'm sure you spreadsheet experts out there can figure out a better formula for this row.) If you have different deadlines for different novels, remember to adjust your weekly formulas accordingly.
"Per day" divides the "Weekly" figure by seven to show how much I have to write daily for each book.
"Pages" divides the "Per day" figure by 250 (this because one manuscript page is roughly equal to 250 words.)
To update the sheet, at the end of the writing day I put in my new current numbers, and Excel recalculates everything for me. At the end of the week, I adjust the number of weeks I have left by -1, and that's basically it.
The numbers can seem intimidating at first, but you'll find they can be motivational, too. If I want to take a day off, I know with one glance that I have to write an extra ten pages to "buy" the time for myself. I also like seeing the per day figure drop when I write consistently over quota, so I usually do more than I strictly have to. Also it helps to know what you are committed to already before you take on any other writing projects, and having all your counts in one place can give you an exact look at what your current workload is.
One thing you don't want to do is neglect a spreadsheet. If you set up a daily quota sheet like mine, be sure to update it at least a couple times a week, and keep an eye on your projected work figures. If your per day or per week figures are starting to climb then you're not making your goals, and you need to address that well before you get too close to your deadline.
Also, always be sure to leave enough time in your writing schedule for things like days you may be doing things other than writing (family events, holidays, etc.) This goes for the other tasks you need to do for your novel. For example, I edit whatever I write daily, so all I need when the book is finished is time to do my final read-through edits. If you prefer to wait to do all your editing until the manuscript is finished, allow an extra week or two (or however long you think it will take you) of time before your deadline.
Now it's your turn: do you have a system for tracking your writing progress? Are there any programs you find particularly helpful? Let us know in comments.
*If you'd like to copy my spreadsheet and the formulas I've used, you can download it in excel format here. Just remember to change the totals for your current and ms goals, and adjust the formula for the weekly count to reflect the number of weeks you have left until your deadline.
I'm hardly an expert with Microsoft Excel, but it's enough like the ancient Lotus program I trained on as a bookkeeper back in the Jurassic era that I can use it without making a mess of things. In addition to my budgets and general ledger, I also use it to run simple writing quota spreadsheets that track my progress and project my work schedule (to see a larger version of this screen shot, click on the image.) I decided to start using a spreadsheet because I usually write more than one novel at a time, and having all the counts on one sheet allows me to plan my time better. I also used easy formulas so all I have to do is record the total wordcount for each manuscript at the end of the writing day, and Excel does all the rest.*
I'm presently tracking two novels under deadline, mainly as both are due to my editors on the same day. After labeling the columns with the file codes I use for the titles, I list the ms goals for each one (whatever the wordcount limit for the entire novel is.) In this case both books have a limit of 85K.
"Current" represents the total wordcount I've completed for each manuscript. To determine how much I have left to write, I subtract current from ms goal, which results in the figures in the "Left" row.
"Weekly" calculates what my weekly wordcount goal is for each book. This is calculated by dividing "Left" by the number of weeks I have left to write (in this case, seven. This is the only formula I adjust weekly; next Monday I'll change the seven to a six. I'm sure you spreadsheet experts out there can figure out a better formula for this row.) If you have different deadlines for different novels, remember to adjust your weekly formulas accordingly.
"Per day" divides the "Weekly" figure by seven to show how much I have to write daily for each book.
"Pages" divides the "Per day" figure by 250 (this because one manuscript page is roughly equal to 250 words.)
To update the sheet, at the end of the writing day I put in my new current numbers, and Excel recalculates everything for me. At the end of the week, I adjust the number of weeks I have left by -1, and that's basically it.
The numbers can seem intimidating at first, but you'll find they can be motivational, too. If I want to take a day off, I know with one glance that I have to write an extra ten pages to "buy" the time for myself. I also like seeing the per day figure drop when I write consistently over quota, so I usually do more than I strictly have to. Also it helps to know what you are committed to already before you take on any other writing projects, and having all your counts in one place can give you an exact look at what your current workload is.
One thing you don't want to do is neglect a spreadsheet. If you set up a daily quota sheet like mine, be sure to update it at least a couple times a week, and keep an eye on your projected work figures. If your per day or per week figures are starting to climb then you're not making your goals, and you need to address that well before you get too close to your deadline.
Also, always be sure to leave enough time in your writing schedule for things like days you may be doing things other than writing (family events, holidays, etc.) This goes for the other tasks you need to do for your novel. For example, I edit whatever I write daily, so all I need when the book is finished is time to do my final read-through edits. If you prefer to wait to do all your editing until the manuscript is finished, allow an extra week or two (or however long you think it will take you) of time before your deadline.
Now it's your turn: do you have a system for tracking your writing progress? Are there any programs you find particularly helpful? Let us know in comments.
*If you'd like to copy my spreadsheet and the formulas I've used, you can download it in excel format here. Just remember to change the totals for your current and ms goals, and adjust the formula for the weekly count to reflect the number of weeks you have left until your deadline.
March 14, 2011
If Manuscripts were Lovers
He always looks better in your head than he does in reality.
He constantly changes his name.
Your friends think he's stupid, useless, and are either jealous of him or pity you for getting involved with him. Secretly you're pretty sure he's worthless, too.
You don't want your mother to meet him. Ever.
If you talk about him too much, he'll try to abandon you. If you show him off too much to strangers, at least one of them will try to steal him, and he won't fight them off.
The cat wants to pee on him, the dog wants to gnaw on him, and your five-year old constantly spills things like red Kool-Aid on him.
He keeps promising to get a job but usually ends up sitting around the house.
He is not as interesting as he was when you first met.
Most editors think he's unoriginal, unattractive, uninteresting, and flat-out refuse to fall in love with him. Even if they kinda like him, they want to make him change into what they think he should be.
He vanishes whenever the power goes out, your computer fries or you move. Sometimes he doesn't come back.
He keeps waking you up in the middle of the night for no good reason.
He's not as, um, long as you thought he would be.
When he finally gets between the covers you're too tired to do anything fun with him.
You take him from nothing, give him your best, adore him, cling to him, devote most of your free time to him, and in the end you know he's going to leave you and become a total attention slut about whom no one has anything good to say.
He constantly changes his name.
Your friends think he's stupid, useless, and are either jealous of him or pity you for getting involved with him. Secretly you're pretty sure he's worthless, too.
You don't want your mother to meet him. Ever.
If you talk about him too much, he'll try to abandon you. If you show him off too much to strangers, at least one of them will try to steal him, and he won't fight them off.
The cat wants to pee on him, the dog wants to gnaw on him, and your five-year old constantly spills things like red Kool-Aid on him.
He keeps promising to get a job but usually ends up sitting around the house.
He is not as interesting as he was when you first met.
Most editors think he's unoriginal, unattractive, uninteresting, and flat-out refuse to fall in love with him. Even if they kinda like him, they want to make him change into what they think he should be.
He vanishes whenever the power goes out, your computer fries or you move. Sometimes he doesn't come back.
He keeps waking you up in the middle of the night for no good reason.
He's not as, um, long as you thought he would be.
When he finally gets between the covers you're too tired to do anything fun with him.
You take him from nothing, give him your best, adore him, cling to him, devote most of your free time to him, and in the end you know he's going to leave you and become a total attention slut about whom no one has anything good to say.
March 13, 2011
Sub Ops Ten
Ten Things About Submission Opportunities
The 10th Annual Gival Press Oscar Wilde Award for best previously unpublished poem (any form, style or length) in English that best relates GLBT life is is on. Prize: "$100 and publication on Web site." Note: They do charge a reading fee of $5 per poem, (but since their award honors Oscar Wilde I'm going to forgive them.) Deadline: June 27, 2011. For complete details, e-mail givalpress@yahoo.com or visit their web site for the contest page.
The American Journal of Nursing (AJN), the oldest and largest circulating journal of nursing in the world, is looking for "poems and visual art related to health or health care for its Art of Nursing department. Authors need not be health care professionals. Original perspectives and clear, unsentimental writing are preferred." No specifics on length, Payment: "$150 honorarium paid upon publication." Query Art of Nursing coordinator at: sylvia.foley@wolterskluwer.com.
Arktoi Books, an imprint of Red Hen Press that specializes in the work of lesbian authors, publishes one title per year, and is looking for poetry manuscripts. No fee, submit between August 1 and November 30; looks like they accept hard copy and electronic subs (but confirm that before you hit send.) For more info see submission guidelines page or contact Eloise Klein Healy at eloisekleinhealy@mac.com.
The Backwaters Press has extended the deadline for their Letters From Grass Country antho to June 2011. They're looking for "essays on poets, poetry, or the influence of the Great Plains poets; related subjects." I'm not seeing any payment mentioned in their submission guidelines so you're probably looking at bragging rights and a contributor's copy, but you can e-mail them at thebackwaterspress@gmail.com with subject "Letters From Grass Country." for more info.
Bloodroot Literary Magazine reads submissions from April to September 1st, and is looking for "high-quality submissions of unpublished poetry, short stories, and creative nonfiction." From their web site: "We consider free verse and sonnets only. We do not accept translations. We accept only literary prose, no genre fiction such as sci-fi, gothic, juvenile fiction, or sexually explicit fiction." Length: "Submit 3–5 poems: 10 lines to two pages. Prose: 5,000-word limit." Payment: contributor copies. No electronic submissions, no reprints, see guidelines page for more details.
This one has a March 15th deadline, which is tomorrow, but just in case someone has a piece that fits: It's All in Her Head: Women Making Peace with Troubled Minds blog has an open call for "first-person, literary non-fiction essays (please, no poetry) from established writers and talented emerging voices detailing your experience with a mental health issue, and how you've learned to make peace with it. Although your essay may (and should) reveal the truth about what it is/was like to live with your particular challenge, I'm looking for contributions that have a positive and/or hopeful tone (humor is more than welcome), with concrete examples of how you've managed to be productive, successful, satisfied, and yes, happy–or at least content." Length: 2-4K, Payment: "commensurate with publishing history." See guidelines page for more details.
Founded in 2006 by breast cancer survivor Debra LaChance, LaChance Publishing aspires to be "an oasis of information, inspiration and support for those affected by chronic or life-threatening illnesses through the publication of the acclaimed Voices Of book series. From that labor of love grew a company whose ever-expanding list of the highest-quality books on health, fitness, psychology, wellness and medical science continues to garner critical acclaim and worldwide distribution." They do accept queries and proposals for book-length projects, too, "in the categories of non-fiction adult, young adult and juvenile health and fitness. We are pleased to accept proposals from professionals in the health/science fields. We prefer agented projects but will consider projects of merit from qualified individuals without agent representation." See their book submission guidelines page for more details.
Mutabilis Press has an open call for poets "who have a connection with the states of Texas or Louisiana, by birth, residency and/or employment" to submit for an as yet untitled poetry anthology which will explore the theme "Given our noisy marketplace of beliefs, how or where can the sacred be found?" No specifics on length, and I don't see payment mentioned, but they're non-profit so it's probably for the glory and a contributor copy. See web site for more details.
Main Street Rag publishes books as well as their magazine, and is venturing into novellas: "seeking novellas between 25k-50k words and short fiction for themed anthologies up to 10k words." Looks like their reading period is May-September 1st, but everything else is questionable (I'm a bit confused by the multiple pages on submissions on their web site.) I strongly suggest you read them carefully and query the publisher if you have any questions. They also state on one page that they waived their $10 reading fee for 2010; I'd see if that is going to stay the same for 2011.
Switchgrass Books, a fiction imprint of Northern Illinois University Press, publishes exclusively "literary novels that evoke the Midwestern experience, whether it be urban, suburban, or rural" and notes: "Switchgrass authors must be from the Midwest, current residents of the region, or have significant ties to it. We publish only full-length novels set in or about the Midwest. We will not consider memoirs, short stories, novellas, graphic novels, poetry, or juvenile/YA literature. Agented manuscripts will not be considered." Length: web site only specifies "Full-length novels." No info on payment, no electronic submissions; mail hard copy manuscripts to Northern Illinois University Press, Switchgrass Books, 2280 Bethany Road, DeKalb, IL 60115.
All of the above sub ops were found over at P&W's classifieds pages.
The 10th Annual Gival Press Oscar Wilde Award for best previously unpublished poem (any form, style or length) in English that best relates GLBT life is is on. Prize: "$100 and publication on Web site." Note: They do charge a reading fee of $5 per poem, (but since their award honors Oscar Wilde I'm going to forgive them.) Deadline: June 27, 2011. For complete details, e-mail givalpress@yahoo.com or visit their web site for the contest page.
The American Journal of Nursing (AJN), the oldest and largest circulating journal of nursing in the world, is looking for "poems and visual art related to health or health care for its Art of Nursing department. Authors need not be health care professionals. Original perspectives and clear, unsentimental writing are preferred." No specifics on length, Payment: "$150 honorarium paid upon publication." Query Art of Nursing coordinator at: sylvia.foley@wolterskluwer.com.
Arktoi Books, an imprint of Red Hen Press that specializes in the work of lesbian authors, publishes one title per year, and is looking for poetry manuscripts. No fee, submit between August 1 and November 30; looks like they accept hard copy and electronic subs (but confirm that before you hit send.) For more info see submission guidelines page or contact Eloise Klein Healy at eloisekleinhealy@mac.com.
The Backwaters Press has extended the deadline for their Letters From Grass Country antho to June 2011. They're looking for "essays on poets, poetry, or the influence of the Great Plains poets; related subjects." I'm not seeing any payment mentioned in their submission guidelines so you're probably looking at bragging rights and a contributor's copy, but you can e-mail them at thebackwaterspress@gmail.com with subject "Letters From Grass Country." for more info.
Bloodroot Literary Magazine reads submissions from April to September 1st, and is looking for "high-quality submissions of unpublished poetry, short stories, and creative nonfiction." From their web site: "We consider free verse and sonnets only. We do not accept translations. We accept only literary prose, no genre fiction such as sci-fi, gothic, juvenile fiction, or sexually explicit fiction." Length: "Submit 3–5 poems: 10 lines to two pages. Prose: 5,000-word limit." Payment: contributor copies. No electronic submissions, no reprints, see guidelines page for more details.
This one has a March 15th deadline, which is tomorrow, but just in case someone has a piece that fits: It's All in Her Head: Women Making Peace with Troubled Minds blog has an open call for "first-person, literary non-fiction essays (please, no poetry) from established writers and talented emerging voices detailing your experience with a mental health issue, and how you've learned to make peace with it. Although your essay may (and should) reveal the truth about what it is/was like to live with your particular challenge, I'm looking for contributions that have a positive and/or hopeful tone (humor is more than welcome), with concrete examples of how you've managed to be productive, successful, satisfied, and yes, happy–or at least content." Length: 2-4K, Payment: "commensurate with publishing history." See guidelines page for more details.
Founded in 2006 by breast cancer survivor Debra LaChance, LaChance Publishing aspires to be "an oasis of information, inspiration and support for those affected by chronic or life-threatening illnesses through the publication of the acclaimed Voices Of book series. From that labor of love grew a company whose ever-expanding list of the highest-quality books on health, fitness, psychology, wellness and medical science continues to garner critical acclaim and worldwide distribution." They do accept queries and proposals for book-length projects, too, "in the categories of non-fiction adult, young adult and juvenile health and fitness. We are pleased to accept proposals from professionals in the health/science fields. We prefer agented projects but will consider projects of merit from qualified individuals without agent representation." See their book submission guidelines page for more details.
Mutabilis Press has an open call for poets "who have a connection with the states of Texas or Louisiana, by birth, residency and/or employment" to submit for an as yet untitled poetry anthology which will explore the theme "Given our noisy marketplace of beliefs, how or where can the sacred be found?" No specifics on length, and I don't see payment mentioned, but they're non-profit so it's probably for the glory and a contributor copy. See web site for more details.
Main Street Rag publishes books as well as their magazine, and is venturing into novellas: "seeking novellas between 25k-50k words and short fiction for themed anthologies up to 10k words." Looks like their reading period is May-September 1st, but everything else is questionable (I'm a bit confused by the multiple pages on submissions on their web site.) I strongly suggest you read them carefully and query the publisher if you have any questions. They also state on one page that they waived their $10 reading fee for 2010; I'd see if that is going to stay the same for 2011.
Switchgrass Books, a fiction imprint of Northern Illinois University Press, publishes exclusively "literary novels that evoke the Midwestern experience, whether it be urban, suburban, or rural" and notes: "Switchgrass authors must be from the Midwest, current residents of the region, or have significant ties to it. We publish only full-length novels set in or about the Midwest. We will not consider memoirs, short stories, novellas, graphic novels, poetry, or juvenile/YA literature. Agented manuscripts will not be considered." Length: web site only specifies "Full-length novels." No info on payment, no electronic submissions; mail hard copy manuscripts to Northern Illinois University Press, Switchgrass Books, 2280 Bethany Road, DeKalb, IL 60115.
All of the above sub ops were found over at P&W's classifieds pages.
March 12, 2011
Writer Math
Some observations I've made lately (never mind about what or who) have me feeling the urge to do some writer math today. Bear with me; this is the stuff they don't teach you in Algebra I.
Serial weather reports ≠ world-building.
To build a world, you need just a tad bit more than an overcast sky and temperatures in the light jacket range. Show me some architecture, some locals, some flora, fauna, anything but current climate conditions, I beg you.
Endless introspective interludes < interesting reading.
I am your reader, not your character's therapist. Reading ten pages of your character's thoughts is like listening to my mother talk nonstop for three hours. I am sympathetic, really I am, but three pages is my absolute limit (Mom gets thirty minutes.) Try interspersing all those issues with some dialogue and action.
Hateful, selfish, shallow, disgruntled, untalented narcissists are not ≥ true storytellers.
They do quite well in Publishing, however, so get used to their unbearably evil presence, 'cause they ain't going anywhere. Don't wait for them to die young, either, because they also live forever. Look, just be glad you aren't married to one of them.
A first-novel bestseller does not → perpetual genius, stardom or even a very long writing career.
It often does = too much con-going, Tiki-bar visiting, online time-wasting, not enough writing and a second novel that tanks so bad they tear up your contract and tell you ta-ta. Your fans are waiting, so get back to work, genius.
Self-doubt spawned urges > rational thought.
Example: you e-mail your freshly-finished manuscript to your best writer friend with this demand: Just read the damn thing and tell me how much it sucks. Even if it sucks like a turbo-charged Dyson, your BWF isn't going to tell you that. At least not while you're acting all read-the-damn-thing crazy.
Soft amorphous fantasy places are not ⊆ adequate story setting.
Remember during the eighties, when you went to that mall photographer to have them do your author bio photo in that cashmere sweater that you thought was fun but in reality made you look like a great big pink Yeti as viewed by someone after cataract surgery? Same thing. And don't give me that "if it's not a real place it doesn't have to be all that detailed" nonsense. You want me to believe it's real? Make me.
What writer math have you done lately? Add your equations in comments.
Serial weather reports ≠ world-building.
To build a world, you need just a tad bit more than an overcast sky and temperatures in the light jacket range. Show me some architecture, some locals, some flora, fauna, anything but current climate conditions, I beg you.
Endless introspective interludes < interesting reading.
I am your reader, not your character's therapist. Reading ten pages of your character's thoughts is like listening to my mother talk nonstop for three hours. I am sympathetic, really I am, but three pages is my absolute limit (Mom gets thirty minutes.) Try interspersing all those issues with some dialogue and action.
Hateful, selfish, shallow, disgruntled, untalented narcissists are not ≥ true storytellers.
They do quite well in Publishing, however, so get used to their unbearably evil presence, 'cause they ain't going anywhere. Don't wait for them to die young, either, because they also live forever. Look, just be glad you aren't married to one of them.
A first-novel bestseller does not → perpetual genius, stardom or even a very long writing career.
It often does = too much con-going, Tiki-bar visiting, online time-wasting, not enough writing and a second novel that tanks so bad they tear up your contract and tell you ta-ta. Your fans are waiting, so get back to work, genius.
Self-doubt spawned urges > rational thought.
Example: you e-mail your freshly-finished manuscript to your best writer friend with this demand: Just read the damn thing and tell me how much it sucks. Even if it sucks like a turbo-charged Dyson, your BWF isn't going to tell you that. At least not while you're acting all read-the-damn-thing crazy.
Soft amorphous fantasy places are not ⊆ adequate story setting.
Remember during the eighties, when you went to that mall photographer to have them do your author bio photo in that cashmere sweater that you thought was fun but in reality made you look like a great big pink Yeti as viewed by someone after cataract surgery? Same thing. And don't give me that "if it's not a real place it doesn't have to be all that detailed" nonsense. You want me to believe it's real? Make me.
What writer math have you done lately? Add your equations in comments.
March 11, 2011
Blessings
As many of you know, our blogpal author Nadia Lee lives in Japan. I've been in touch with her via e-mail, and I am quite happy and relieved to report that she and her family are okay. She's also just posted more details about the situation there in an update on her blog.
This morning I finally got a clear shot of the mourning dove who decided to nest in one of my poinsettias (click on any image to see larger version):
Naturally while she was in the tree we decided to take a peek in the nest and see how her eggs are doing. Only they're no longer eggs:
I'll guess they hatched sometime late yesterday or last night, as they are tiny and still a bit egg-shaped:
Now we just need to explain (again) to our UPS guy why we'd like him to leave our packages by the garage door for the next three weeks.
My thanks to the Powers That Be for providing so many blessings this week.
This morning I finally got a clear shot of the mourning dove who decided to nest in one of my poinsettias (click on any image to see larger version):
Naturally while she was in the tree we decided to take a peek in the nest and see how her eggs are doing. Only they're no longer eggs:
I'll guess they hatched sometime late yesterday or last night, as they are tiny and still a bit egg-shaped:
Now we just need to explain (again) to our UPS guy why we'd like him to leave our packages by the garage door for the next three weeks.
My thanks to the Powers That Be for providing so many blessings this week.
March 10, 2011
Sneak Peek
Here's a first look at the cover art for Nightshine , the fourth and final novel in the Kyndred series, which will be released on November 1, 2010.
March 9, 2011
Talking Back to Fortune
After nine weeks of 2011, I am inclined to think my New Year's fortune might have been a warning versus a suggestion. Sought-out or otherwise, changes have been coming at me nonstop since January 1st. I've been grateful for the positive, and have done what I can to manage the negative, but oy. At this point the Year of Change has me thinking less about changing and more about doing what I can do to make the next ten months a little less stressful.
Cave. Tibet. Paradise!
Kidding. In the meantime I've cracked open a few more cookies, and this is what else they had to say:
This one is probably a direct cosmic nudge for me. Outside immediate family, people who care about me are usually the last to know when something is going on in my life. I think it's because the words "support system" always instantly make me think of other phrases, like "misery loves company" and "share the depression."
I'd rather handle things on my own; in my experience self-reliance is more dependable than other people. Easier to deal with, too, as I never like to impose on those I trust. But as a very patient and understanding friend just reminded me, the people who do care about us often go through similar or even the same problems (and kept it quiet because they don't want to impose on us.)
I'm going to work on my trust issues, but I do wish my troubles would go on a diet and slim down to minor annoyances.
This is a perfect analogy for all those things in life that are much desired, often dreamed of, and rarely bestowed. I for one love cake, always have, always will. I never met a cake I didn't want. Okay, maybe not that one some women make with condensed tomato soup; as ingredients go that is just a wee bit too weird for me. But as for the rest of them, really, what's not to lust after?
These days, plenty. Once upon a time cake used to be simply cake. Much desired, often dreamed of, and rarely bestowed. Not anymore. Now folks are spreading around lots of pretty frosting on all manner of things and calling them cake (when a lot of them are actually more like what my grandmother used to call horsey pies.) We should be able to smell these fake cakes a mile away, but times are tough and everyone wants to believe there's a cheap and easy way to get all the cake they want.
I don't have a problem with this because I can't have cake anymore. I'm strictly a bran muffin girl these days. Not everyone is on the nuts-and-twigs diet, though, so you should be careful what you buy, and what you buy into. You've all heard the one about If it sounds too good to be true, etc. Here's an updated version: If someone tells you that for a couple hundred bucks you can have a million cakes, they aren't selling you cake.
So what has fortune been telling you these last nine weeks? Any significant messages from the cosmos land in your lap? Let us know in comments.
March 8, 2011
A Belated Christmas Gift
Before I get to today's post, I asked the magic hat to give me five winners for the Cat Magic giveaway, and they are:
Trisha, who favors the kittens, writes about mice and has us all very intrigued with this mention of the turkey
Charmaine Clancy, who knows exactly how spooky cats can be (a rattling doorknob would freak me out)
Margaret Claire, whose cat-loving sister should give her a big hug right now
bluebamboo, who in addition to loving the usual suspects wants an alpaca story (me, too -- will someone write this book, please)
Digillette, who reads, writes and converses with cats
Winners, when you have a chance please send your full name and ship-to address to LynnViehl@aol.com so I can send these books out to you. My thanks to everyone for joining in.
Onto the post:
This past Christmas my guy gave me some baskets of pointsettias to hang out on the front porch, which I hadn't taken down yet because I love the way they look (they also survived every cold snap and freeze we've had since December.) But lately they've been looking a bit droopy and sparse, so over the weekend I went out to finally take them down:
As soon as I touched the basket a little mourning dove flew out at my head and then went to perch in the tree nearby. I suspected at once why she was giving me the evil eye, but took down the basket to be sure. And sure enough, just like last year:
She's a few months early this time, but not like I can do anything about it now. Thus we will start off Spring with a little leftover Christmas to give Mama the time she needs for the twins.
Trisha, who favors the kittens, writes about mice and has us all very intrigued with this mention of the turkey
Charmaine Clancy, who knows exactly how spooky cats can be (a rattling doorknob would freak me out)
Margaret Claire, whose cat-loving sister should give her a big hug right now
bluebamboo, who in addition to loving the usual suspects wants an alpaca story (me, too -- will someone write this book, please)
Digillette, who reads, writes and converses with cats
Winners, when you have a chance please send your full name and ship-to address to LynnViehl@aol.com so I can send these books out to you. My thanks to everyone for joining in.
Onto the post:
This past Christmas my guy gave me some baskets of pointsettias to hang out on the front porch, which I hadn't taken down yet because I love the way they look (they also survived every cold snap and freeze we've had since December.) But lately they've been looking a bit droopy and sparse, so over the weekend I went out to finally take them down:
As soon as I touched the basket a little mourning dove flew out at my head and then went to perch in the tree nearby. I suspected at once why she was giving me the evil eye, but took down the basket to be sure. And sure enough, just like last year:
She's a few months early this time, but not like I can do anything about it now. Thus we will start off Spring with a little leftover Christmas to give Mama the time she needs for the twins.
March 7, 2011
International Women's Day
Before I get to today's post, I wanted to say bravo for the many wonderful author and book recommendations made in the entries for the Friendly Power giveaway.
Also, tonight we revved up the magic hat, and the winners of the giveaway are:
Nadia Lee, who likes Ilona Andrews and The Edge series
Sherri, who tossed her name in the hat so she definitely needs this book
Maripat, who is torn between the early Anita Blake books by LKH (have to agree with you there) and J.K. Rowling.
Lauraine D., who recommends Maria V. Snyder's books.
lxz, who mentioned Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
Winners, when you have a chance please send your full name and ship-to address to LynnViehl@aol.com so I can send these books out to you. My thanks to everyone for joining in and adding yet more stuff to my next bookstore visit shopping list.
Onto the post:
Today is International Women's Day. If you're not familiar with it, every March 8th people around the world celebrate the wide variety of achievements of women from all countries and cultures, past and present, and mark the progress we've made toward gender equality.
Writer, teacher, editor and historian Dr. Gillian Polack graciously invited me to write a blog post to share something from my personal history that might fit the occasion. I did warn her that I'm just not that interesting, but she was very persuasive and talked me into giving it a try. Thus you can blame her for the result, which can be read on her LJ here.
Also, tonight we revved up the magic hat, and the winners of the giveaway are:
Nadia Lee, who likes Ilona Andrews and The Edge series
Sherri, who tossed her name in the hat so she definitely needs this book
Maripat, who is torn between the early Anita Blake books by LKH (have to agree with you there) and J.K. Rowling.
Lauraine D., who recommends Maria V. Snyder's books.
lxz, who mentioned Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
Winners, when you have a chance please send your full name and ship-to address to LynnViehl@aol.com so I can send these books out to you. My thanks to everyone for joining in and adding yet more stuff to my next bookstore visit shopping list.
Onto the post:
Today is International Women's Day. If you're not familiar with it, every March 8th people around the world celebrate the wide variety of achievements of women from all countries and cultures, past and present, and mark the progress we've made toward gender equality.
Writer, teacher, editor and historian Dr. Gillian Polack graciously invited me to write a blog post to share something from my personal history that might fit the occasion. I did warn her that I'm just not that interesting, but she was very persuasive and talked me into giving it a try. Thus you can blame her for the result, which can be read on her LJ here.
March 6, 2011
Sub Ops Ten
Ten Things About Submission Opportunities
Save your stamps, SF short story writers, as Analog magazine now accepts (and prefers) electronic submissions. They are also issuing a "submission ticket number" that allows the author to track the status of their story.
Auriga Press is looking for science fiction or fantacy novels to publish as e-books, and notes: "Please make sure your work is either science fiction or fantasy. Most horror can be classed as dark fantasy, but if you feel your work is pure horror then we're not likely to publish it. Likewise, we are not likely to publish any other genre of novel that is wrapped inside a fantasy or sci-fi setting." Length: "At the moment, we are looking primarily for novels of 100,000 words or more. If you have yet to have a novel published, then your novel must be completed at the time of submission. If your novel is the first in a trilogy (or other set), the entire story does not have to be finished, but the first 100,000 words must be. This is so that we can be sure you have the ability to finish what you start." Payment: negotiable advance + 50% net. Reprints okay, electronic submission only via online form, see guidelines page for more details.
Del Rey is temporarily open to unagented submissions via their Suvudu editorial review contest, details of which can be found here. What they're looking for: "a work of speculative adult fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror or paranormal romance) from 50,000 to 150,000 words in length." One grand prize winner will receive a full edit from Editor Betsy Mitchell along with a bunch of books, and (possibly) a chance to publish the winning ms. with these folks. [If you are tempted to enter this one, be sure to read every single word on the contest page as there are lots of terms and restrictions involved.] Deadline: midnight EST, March 18, 2011.
Alliteration Ink has an open call for The Crimson Pact Vol. II , and would like to see "stories based thematically on the loose frame of "The Crimson Pact" [link to TCP theme & details provided]. "We are concerned about quality of the story first, then only secondarily about fitting it in the frame. Our editor has to earn their fame and glory somehow, right?" Whatever you say, sweetie. Length: up to 1K, Payment: $10.00, no reprints, electronic submission only, see guidelines for more details. Deadline: June 6, 2011.
Darwin's Evolutions is shifting their focus from webzine to antho publishing, and has an open call for what sounds like a series of anthos: "Our target anthology length is 120,000+ words. The number of stories in each collection will be at most twelve. Release of an anthology will occur within three months of acceptance of the final story for a collection. What we are looking for in terms of content is stories that are entertaining to read and that will leave the customer feeling glad they invested their time and treasure in acquiring our product. Entertainment is the key word, here. If the story is entertaining with an engaging plot, solid character development, and has a conclusive, fitting ending, then it's what we want. We will consider any story belonging to the broad classifications of Science Fiction or Fantasy." Length 7.5-40K; Payment $50.00 +shared royalty, no reprints, electronic submission via online form only, see guidelines page for more details. No deadline listed.
Plainswede Press has a rather interesting open call for their Live Free or Die, Die, Die! antho, and wants to see "twisted tales of hardboiled detectives, femme fatales and two-bit thugs in a style inspired by the classic pulp fiction of the early 20th century" with a catch, on which I'll quote the editor: "It's got to be set in New Hampshire and it's got to be have that special atmosphere you find only here." [I shine you not; I pulled this straight from the guidelines.] Length up to 8K (firm on this), Payment: $50.00 + copy, reprints okay, electronic submissions okay, see guidelines page for more details.
Pseudopod, the "world's premier horror fiction podcast" has a new editor and is now open to submissions. Length: fic=2-6k, flash=Ralan's listing here for more details.
Samhain Publishing is now accepting novel submissions for their horror line: "We are actively seeking talented writers who can tell an exciting, dramatic and frightening story, and who are eager to promote their work and build their community of readers. We are looking for novels—either supernatural or non-supernatural, contemporary or historical—that are original and compelling. Authors can be previously unpublished or established, agented or un-agented. Content can range from subtle and unsettling to gory and shocking. The writing is what counts." [Ah, I want to hug whoever wrote this.] Length: "Between 12,000 and 100,000 words, for print eligibility minimum 50,000." Payment: "royalties of 40% of the cover price on single-author ebooks sold directly through Samhain, 30% of the cover price on single-author ebooks sold through third-party vendors such as Mobipocket, Fictionwise and All Romance eBooks, and 8% of the cover price on single-author print books, with a 3% reserve against returns. Multiple-author books will split the above royalty percentages equally."
Shadowgate Magazine is "currently accepting submissions for our April issue. We accept all science fiction types, steampunk and cyberpunk, and poetry. As well, if you have stories of alien abductions or interesting sightings we would love to hear them and would pay to feature them if it's what we're looking for." Length: .5-4K, Payment: $6.00 + copy, no reprints, electronic submission only, see guidelines page for more details.
Voluted Tales magazines "publishes six monthly editions, spread across the month. These include Voluted Tales General edition, Voluted Tales Themed edition, Voluted Tales Serials edition, Voluted Tales YA edition, Voluted Tales Paranormal Romance Edition and Voluted Tales Noir Thriller Edition. Voluted Tales Magazines is looking for stories and artwork which cover the entire spectrum of speculative and Noir fiction in all of of their different genres and sub-genres. Do not send query letters, just make the submission." [Hookay.] What they are looking for: "Submissions must be of an original and creative nature, no fan-fic; avoid cliches and tired ideas. Humorous and ʻquirkyʼ tales are welcome, but they must make clear sense, not so ʻout thereʼ and experimental that readers canʼt understand them. Save those works for the writerʼs sites. We accept poetry and articles, but these must be speculative poems of some form, and articles dealing with the spec fic genres in some way. We also welcome author/writer/artist interviews, or interviews of figures in the spec fic publishing trade generally. Anyone wishing to be interviewed, perhaps with a novel to promote, please contact the editor." Length: less than 8k (longer serilized), Payment: ½¢/word ($10.00 min). Reprints: "yes, if informed", electronic submissions only, see guidelines page for more details.
Nearly all of the above submission oppportunities were found among the many marvelous market listings at Ralan.com
Save your stamps, SF short story writers, as Analog magazine now accepts (and prefers) electronic submissions. They are also issuing a "submission ticket number" that allows the author to track the status of their story.
Auriga Press is looking for science fiction or fantacy novels to publish as e-books, and notes: "Please make sure your work is either science fiction or fantasy. Most horror can be classed as dark fantasy, but if you feel your work is pure horror then we're not likely to publish it. Likewise, we are not likely to publish any other genre of novel that is wrapped inside a fantasy or sci-fi setting." Length: "At the moment, we are looking primarily for novels of 100,000 words or more. If you have yet to have a novel published, then your novel must be completed at the time of submission. If your novel is the first in a trilogy (or other set), the entire story does not have to be finished, but the first 100,000 words must be. This is so that we can be sure you have the ability to finish what you start." Payment: negotiable advance + 50% net. Reprints okay, electronic submission only via online form, see guidelines page for more details.
Del Rey is temporarily open to unagented submissions via their Suvudu editorial review contest, details of which can be found here. What they're looking for: "a work of speculative adult fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror or paranormal romance) from 50,000 to 150,000 words in length." One grand prize winner will receive a full edit from Editor Betsy Mitchell along with a bunch of books, and (possibly) a chance to publish the winning ms. with these folks. [If you are tempted to enter this one, be sure to read every single word on the contest page as there are lots of terms and restrictions involved.] Deadline: midnight EST, March 18, 2011.
Alliteration Ink has an open call for The Crimson Pact Vol. II , and would like to see "stories based thematically on the loose frame of "The Crimson Pact" [link to TCP theme & details provided]. "We are concerned about quality of the story first, then only secondarily about fitting it in the frame. Our editor has to earn their fame and glory somehow, right?" Whatever you say, sweetie. Length: up to 1K, Payment: $10.00, no reprints, electronic submission only, see guidelines for more details. Deadline: June 6, 2011.
Darwin's Evolutions is shifting their focus from webzine to antho publishing, and has an open call for what sounds like a series of anthos: "Our target anthology length is 120,000+ words. The number of stories in each collection will be at most twelve. Release of an anthology will occur within three months of acceptance of the final story for a collection. What we are looking for in terms of content is stories that are entertaining to read and that will leave the customer feeling glad they invested their time and treasure in acquiring our product. Entertainment is the key word, here. If the story is entertaining with an engaging plot, solid character development, and has a conclusive, fitting ending, then it's what we want. We will consider any story belonging to the broad classifications of Science Fiction or Fantasy." Length 7.5-40K; Payment $50.00 +shared royalty, no reprints, electronic submission via online form only, see guidelines page for more details. No deadline listed.
Plainswede Press has a rather interesting open call for their Live Free or Die, Die, Die! antho, and wants to see "twisted tales of hardboiled detectives, femme fatales and two-bit thugs in a style inspired by the classic pulp fiction of the early 20th century" with a catch, on which I'll quote the editor: "It's got to be set in New Hampshire and it's got to be have that special atmosphere you find only here." [I shine you not; I pulled this straight from the guidelines.] Length up to 8K (firm on this), Payment: $50.00 + copy, reprints okay, electronic submissions okay, see guidelines page for more details.
Pseudopod, the "world's premier horror fiction podcast" has a new editor and is now open to submissions. Length: fic=2-6k, flash=Ralan's listing here for more details.
Samhain Publishing is now accepting novel submissions for their horror line: "We are actively seeking talented writers who can tell an exciting, dramatic and frightening story, and who are eager to promote their work and build their community of readers. We are looking for novels—either supernatural or non-supernatural, contemporary or historical—that are original and compelling. Authors can be previously unpublished or established, agented or un-agented. Content can range from subtle and unsettling to gory and shocking. The writing is what counts." [Ah, I want to hug whoever wrote this.] Length: "Between 12,000 and 100,000 words, for print eligibility minimum 50,000." Payment: "royalties of 40% of the cover price on single-author ebooks sold directly through Samhain, 30% of the cover price on single-author ebooks sold through third-party vendors such as Mobipocket, Fictionwise and All Romance eBooks, and 8% of the cover price on single-author print books, with a 3% reserve against returns. Multiple-author books will split the above royalty percentages equally."
Shadowgate Magazine is "currently accepting submissions for our April issue. We accept all science fiction types, steampunk and cyberpunk, and poetry. As well, if you have stories of alien abductions or interesting sightings we would love to hear them and would pay to feature them if it's what we're looking for." Length: .5-4K, Payment: $6.00 + copy, no reprints, electronic submission only, see guidelines page for more details.
Voluted Tales magazines "publishes six monthly editions, spread across the month. These include Voluted Tales General edition, Voluted Tales Themed edition, Voluted Tales Serials edition, Voluted Tales YA edition, Voluted Tales Paranormal Romance Edition and Voluted Tales Noir Thriller Edition. Voluted Tales Magazines is looking for stories and artwork which cover the entire spectrum of speculative and Noir fiction in all of of their different genres and sub-genres. Do not send query letters, just make the submission." [Hookay.] What they are looking for: "Submissions must be of an original and creative nature, no fan-fic; avoid cliches and tired ideas. Humorous and ʻquirkyʼ tales are welcome, but they must make clear sense, not so ʻout thereʼ and experimental that readers canʼt understand them. Save those works for the writerʼs sites. We accept poetry and articles, but these must be speculative poems of some form, and articles dealing with the spec fic genres in some way. We also welcome author/writer/artist interviews, or interviews of figures in the spec fic publishing trade generally. Anyone wishing to be interviewed, perhaps with a novel to promote, please contact the editor." Length: less than 8k (longer serilized), Payment: ½¢/word ($10.00 min). Reprints: "yes, if informed", electronic submissions only, see guidelines page for more details.
Nearly all of the above submission oppportunities were found among the many marvelous market listings at Ralan.com
S.L. Viehl's Blog
- S.L. Viehl's profile
- 224 followers
S.L. Viehl isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
