S.L. Viehl's Blog, page 73
December 13, 2014
What About . . . ?
I've had a couple of people ask me when I will be writing this story, which I promised (and then had to scrap) last year:
The truth is I still have not written it. While I know it's already been reviewed, every time I go to start working on it I get the most annoying twitch in my right eye. Plus it only stops when I stop thinking about writing the story and work on something else. Since I don't care to write with a blinky eye, Forget-Me-Knot will have to go on existing only in my mind (and, naturally, anyone who can scan my thoughts for stories I haven't yet written or travel to the future to read stories I someday publish, etc.) until such time as the twitching problem goes a way.
Okay, I'm kidding about everything except not having written it (yet). F-M-K is something I plan to get back to after the holidays. I'm just not sure if I want to keep the idea to novella length (my original plan) or let it expand into a novel (which is what it wants to do.)
To get a sneak peek at the next freebie, which I hope to have ready for you all before the end of the year, stop by tomorrow.
The truth is I still have not written it. While I know it's already been reviewed, every time I go to start working on it I get the most annoying twitch in my right eye. Plus it only stops when I stop thinking about writing the story and work on something else. Since I don't care to write with a blinky eye, Forget-Me-Knot will have to go on existing only in my mind (and, naturally, anyone who can scan my thoughts for stories I haven't yet written or travel to the future to read stories I someday publish, etc.) until such time as the twitching problem goes a way.
Okay, I'm kidding about everything except not having written it (yet). F-M-K is something I plan to get back to after the holidays. I'm just not sure if I want to keep the idea to novella length (my original plan) or let it expand into a novel (which is what it wants to do.)
To get a sneak peek at the next freebie, which I hope to have ready for you all before the end of the year, stop by tomorrow.
December 12, 2014
Other Worlds
Chicago artist Bruce Riley explains a bit about his process as he creates gorgeous, otherworldly art from recycled paintings, paint, resin and flow (with background music, and narration by the artist, for those of you at work):
Bruce from Jason Stanfield on Vimeo.
December 11, 2014
Just Write for the Holidays
As I mentioned last week (where were you, shopping?) I thought I'd bring back Just Write Thursdays for the holiday season, if for no other reason than to give everyone a weekly break from the relentless BUYBUYBUY amd HOHOHO that devours the blogosphere every December.So: Today I'm off to write something new and post it online before midnight. Everyone inclined to do the same is invited to join me.
For more details on Just Write Thursdays, click here to go to the original post.
Image credit: sosha333
December 10, 2014
Sub Op
Darkhorse Books has an open call for their upcoming Stories from the World of Tomorrow SF anthology: "Darkhouse Books is seeking stories for an anthology of science fiction stories that take place in the future envisioned by the World’s Fair of 1939, known also as 'The World of Tomorrow'." Length: "We are seeking stories in the 2500 to 7500 word range, though if it’s knockout material, we’ll consider any length." Payment: 50% of the royalties split equally among the contributing authors. On reprints: "Previously published work will be considered, provided the author has the power to grant us the right to publish in ebook, audio, and print versions, and that it has not been published elsewhere more recently than April 1st, 2014." Electronic submissions only, see guidelines for more details. Deadline: February 14th, 2015.
December 9, 2014
Mood Boosters
Getting into the holiday spirit can be difficult, especially after a very tough year (and I think 2014 definitely qualifies.) If you're not feeling the hohoho, one cure can be to do something charitable in your community. I'm making stops at the food bank and the no-kill cat shelter this week to drop off some donations, and taking some signed books over to a retirement community center and the veteran's hospital -- and I'm wearing my Santa hat when I go. It is utterly impossible to be grumpy in a Santa hat.
When I'm online I often visit these holidays sites I've bookmarked as mood boosters, too:
Thanks to NORAD's Santa Tracker site we can play a new game every day, watch videos, learn lots of stuff about the holidays and keep an eye on their countdown-to-Santa timer on their front page.
It's always snowing somewhere, but with Snowday's holiday classic Create Your Own Snowflake site you can create virtual versions of the real thing, add messages and enjoy the simple delight of turning snips into gorgeous designs (without the paper mess.)
Last year my niece passed along her link to NorthPole.com, which is a free, child-safe holiday site with lots of interesting craft ideas and recipes for parents along with tons of activities for the kids.
One of my annual holiday traditions is to visit Jacquie Lawson's animated e-card The Snow Dog, which will make even the chilliest heart melt.
What do you do to get into the spirit of the season? Let us know in comments.
When I'm online I often visit these holidays sites I've bookmarked as mood boosters, too:
Thanks to NORAD's Santa Tracker site we can play a new game every day, watch videos, learn lots of stuff about the holidays and keep an eye on their countdown-to-Santa timer on their front page. It's always snowing somewhere, but with Snowday's holiday classic Create Your Own Snowflake site you can create virtual versions of the real thing, add messages and enjoy the simple delight of turning snips into gorgeous designs (without the paper mess.)
Last year my niece passed along her link to NorthPole.com, which is a free, child-safe holiday site with lots of interesting craft ideas and recipes for parents along with tons of activities for the kids.
One of my annual holiday traditions is to visit Jacquie Lawson's animated e-card The Snow Dog, which will make even the chilliest heart melt.
What do you do to get into the spirit of the season? Let us know in comments.
December 8, 2014
Knock-Off No-Nos
Ten Knockoffs I Will Never Write (and neither should you)
Divergent, but as a mashup with The Hunger Games
Let's see, we'll merge the Choosing Ceremony with The Reaping; when Tris gets a bird tattoo we'll make that a mockingjay, make the dystopian society a . . . um, dystopian society, take lots of violence and add that to, ah, lots of violence, and factions with classes and . . . I'm sorry, what exactly can I mash up again?
The Fault in Our Stars, but as an HEA contemporary romance
Then there would be no story, yes? Next.
Frozen, but as a paranormal romance with vampires and werewolves
If Elsa is a guy with amnesia, then I already wrote it. Before the movie came out, ha!
The Goldfinch, but as a Dickensian literary novel
All I'd have to do is retitle it: David Copperfield's Great Expectations. Send me my millions now, please.
Gone Girl, but as a M/M literary romance
Nick would have to fall in love with himself, at which point Amy would totally refall in love with him, and then Desi would kill them both. Actually, that kind of works for me.
Heaven is for Real, but as a Redneck humor book
If you read it in Jeff Foxworthy accent and ad lib a bit it's really hilarious. Go on, try: "Aw, it's gonna be okay. First person you're gonna see is Jesus -- and whooooo-wee, is he pissed at you!"
Mockingjay, but as a cozy cat mystery
I get as far as "It's another lovely day in Underground 13's book store, where every stray kitty is welcome. Only today the fur flies when our mystery-loving, bird-catching, still somewhat feral Catnip finds out Pita isn't bread, I mean, dead . . ." and then I can't stop laughing.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!, but as a political thriller
Well, then everyone is going to only one place. Think very, very, very south, with no chance of snowballs.
Pride & Prejudice, but as inspirational chick-lit
Because it is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen didn't care if Lizzie talked in church, had a hussy for a sister or if her shoes ever matched her gloves.
Under the Dome, but as a cookbook.
This is complicated. If you're old enough to remember that Ronco Food Dehydrator infomercial in which Ron Popeil featured his kid and filled in the bald spot on his dome before he demo'd the unit . . . okay, you're not that old, never mind.
Divergent, but as a mashup with The Hunger Games
Let's see, we'll merge the Choosing Ceremony with The Reaping; when Tris gets a bird tattoo we'll make that a mockingjay, make the dystopian society a . . . um, dystopian society, take lots of violence and add that to, ah, lots of violence, and factions with classes and . . . I'm sorry, what exactly can I mash up again?
The Fault in Our Stars, but as an HEA contemporary romance
Then there would be no story, yes? Next.
Frozen, but as a paranormal romance with vampires and werewolves
If Elsa is a guy with amnesia, then I already wrote it. Before the movie came out, ha!
The Goldfinch, but as a Dickensian literary novel
All I'd have to do is retitle it: David Copperfield's Great Expectations. Send me my millions now, please.
Gone Girl, but as a M/M literary romance
Nick would have to fall in love with himself, at which point Amy would totally refall in love with him, and then Desi would kill them both. Actually, that kind of works for me.
Heaven is for Real, but as a Redneck humor book
If you read it in Jeff Foxworthy accent and ad lib a bit it's really hilarious. Go on, try: "Aw, it's gonna be okay. First person you're gonna see is Jesus -- and whooooo-wee, is he pissed at you!"
Mockingjay, but as a cozy cat mystery
I get as far as "It's another lovely day in Underground 13's book store, where every stray kitty is welcome. Only today the fur flies when our mystery-loving, bird-catching, still somewhat feral Catnip finds out Pita isn't bread, I mean, dead . . ." and then I can't stop laughing.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!, but as a political thriller
Well, then everyone is going to only one place. Think very, very, very south, with no chance of snowballs.
Pride & Prejudice, but as inspirational chick-lit
Because it is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen didn't care if Lizzie talked in church, had a hussy for a sister or if her shoes ever matched her gloves.
Under the Dome, but as a cookbook.
This is complicated. If you're old enough to remember that Ronco Food Dehydrator infomercial in which Ron Popeil featured his kid and filled in the bald spot on his dome before he demo'd the unit . . . okay, you're not that old, never mind.
December 7, 2014
Reader Prezzies
Since I covered gifts for writers yesterday I thought I'd put together same ideas for the readers on your holiday shopping list. Readers may seem picky, but we're actually pretty easy to please -- we want books, books and more books.
For a number of reasons readers tend to be selective about what books we like, so it's always best to check with us before you purchase a pile of books. If you don't want to be that direct, check to see if we have an online wishlist that can be your guide (and readers, creating a wishlist somewhere online and letting your people know about it does help.)
When I did a search on Etsy for gifts for readers I got back 7,216 results (and for more ideas, I've got a treasury of reader treasures here.)
Thanks to the popularity of e-readers many book lovers are now converting their libraries over to e-book form. Find out what device they're using and you can usually find some nifty accessories for it, like these for the Nook HD.
Gone Reading is an indie online retailer that offers a whole slew of delightful reader-themed gifts, and donates 100% of their after-tax profits to provide new funding for reading-related charities, so they're also pretty much saints.
While out gathering linkage I came across the Library Foundation of Los Angeles's Gifts for Readers page and found some really nifty gift ideas there.
Ideas for the budget-challenged:
If your reader doesn't mind used books (some do, so check first) you can shop for them at any used book or thrift store; most books are under a dollar. I also like looking in on library, garage and rummage sales for cheap used books. If your reader prefers unused books, try the Dollar store or the remainder tables at your local chain bookstores.
Look for free reads online, bookmark what you find and create a list for your reader. Some authors like me make their free reads available to be downloaded and shared (mine are all in .pdf format so they'll need a compatible e-reader or Adobe reader software.)
Some e-readers allow you to lend one of your purchased e-books to another reader; others regularly offer free titles.
What are your favorite gifts for readers? Let us know in comments.
For a number of reasons readers tend to be selective about what books we like, so it's always best to check with us before you purchase a pile of books. If you don't want to be that direct, check to see if we have an online wishlist that can be your guide (and readers, creating a wishlist somewhere online and letting your people know about it does help.)
When I did a search on Etsy for gifts for readers I got back 7,216 results (and for more ideas, I've got a treasury of reader treasures here.)
Thanks to the popularity of e-readers many book lovers are now converting their libraries over to e-book form. Find out what device they're using and you can usually find some nifty accessories for it, like these for the Nook HD.
Gone Reading is an indie online retailer that offers a whole slew of delightful reader-themed gifts, and donates 100% of their after-tax profits to provide new funding for reading-related charities, so they're also pretty much saints.
While out gathering linkage I came across the Library Foundation of Los Angeles's Gifts for Readers page and found some really nifty gift ideas there.
Ideas for the budget-challenged:
If your reader doesn't mind used books (some do, so check first) you can shop for them at any used book or thrift store; most books are under a dollar. I also like looking in on library, garage and rummage sales for cheap used books. If your reader prefers unused books, try the Dollar store or the remainder tables at your local chain bookstores.
Look for free reads online, bookmark what you find and create a list for your reader. Some authors like me make their free reads available to be downloaded and shared (mine are all in .pdf format so they'll need a compatible e-reader or Adobe reader software.)
Some e-readers allow you to lend one of your purchased e-books to another reader; others regularly offer free titles.
What are your favorite gifts for readers? Let us know in comments.
December 6, 2014
Writer Prezzies
Finding a fun gift for the writers on your holiday shopping list is easy, and I'm not saying that just because I'm a writer (okay, I might be a bit biased.) I always suggest first asking your writer what they need because writers are generally poor and will usually be in need of something to help them with their work.
Some other ideas:
My #1 gift suggestion is always a bookstore gift card, as we're always in need of books and we love going to the brick and mortars. Runner up: online bookseller e-giftcards are super convenient and can be delivered via e-mail.
Go to Etsy.com and perform a search with the words gift for writer; you'll find everything from handmade journals to handcrafted pendants with your writer's favorite quotation (and I put together a treasury here with some of my favorite gifts for writers.)
I've never met a writer who doesn't love Magnetic Poetry, and if you're looking for a stocking stuffer or a gift under $10.00 their little boxes of words are perfect.
Fill a pretty mug with tea bags, one-serving envelopes of instant coffee or hot cocoa, add a small box of cookies or other type of nibbly and present in a gift bag. If you like to sew you can also make a mug mat to go with it.
My favorite online indie shop to visit for writer gift ideas is Writer's Bloc; they have amazing Clairefontaine notebooks, beautiful pens and great sales, too.
Finally, if money is tight this year you can opt for a DIY writer gift that you can make for little or no cost.
What are some of your favorite gifts for the writers in your life? Let us know in comments.
Some other ideas:
My #1 gift suggestion is always a bookstore gift card, as we're always in need of books and we love going to the brick and mortars. Runner up: online bookseller e-giftcards are super convenient and can be delivered via e-mail.
Go to Etsy.com and perform a search with the words gift for writer; you'll find everything from handmade journals to handcrafted pendants with your writer's favorite quotation (and I put together a treasury here with some of my favorite gifts for writers.)
I've never met a writer who doesn't love Magnetic Poetry, and if you're looking for a stocking stuffer or a gift under $10.00 their little boxes of words are perfect.
Fill a pretty mug with tea bags, one-serving envelopes of instant coffee or hot cocoa, add a small box of cookies or other type of nibbly and present in a gift bag. If you like to sew you can also make a mug mat to go with it.
My favorite online indie shop to visit for writer gift ideas is Writer's Bloc; they have amazing Clairefontaine notebooks, beautiful pens and great sales, too.
Finally, if money is tight this year you can opt for a DIY writer gift that you can make for little or no cost.
What are some of your favorite gifts for the writers in your life? Let us know in comments.
December 5, 2014
Christmas in Prague
Prague in the Czech Republic is one of those beautifully ancient European cities that always seems to merge the past with the present in gorgeous and unexpected ways; this video shows some from a holiday persective (contains background music, for those of you at work):
Night in Prague from Metron on Vimeo.
December 4, 2014
Just Write for the Holidays
I thought I'd bring back Just Write Thursdays for the holiday season, if for no other reason than to give everyone a weekly break from the relentless BUYBUYBUY amd HOHOHO that devours the blogosphere every December.So: Today I'm off to write something new and post it online before midnight. Everyone inclined to do the same is invited to join me.
For more details on Just Write Thursdays, click here to go to the original post.
Image credit: sosha333
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.
