Sam Stone's Blog, page 7
December 5, 2014
What kind of writer are you?
There are many different writers in the world. Which one are you?
THE 'HOBBY' WRITER
The hobby writer really writes for themselves. They may have some vague aspiration that one day they could do this for a living but they don't necessarily have the time to devote to making their words as good as they can be. Or they don't really want to achieve more than this. They may not know how to submit to publishers, or they may not wish to. They may also write really amazing, beautiful and emotive words that if given the opportunity could be successful. What they lack is motivation but they don't mind as they just enjoy what they do!
What they need: Nothing at all if they are happy. Writing should be fun. It is also cathartic. And the hobby writer is usually happy just writing for nothing more than writing's sake.
THE 'HACK' WRITER
This writer doesn't really care too much about the art of writing though they may have some modicum of skill in the field. They will understand structure and be able to shape words into a semblance of order that seems professional. Unfortunately though, they only care about being paid. They take on as much work as possible, with unattainable deadlines and the work that they produce is often below par because they spread themselves too thin. However the hack is approaching this as a business, and so as long as they get the words mostly in the right order, and the plot is okay, then they're happy. Generally though, the writing they produce is not particularly emotive or thought provoking.
What they need: A slap upside the head wouldn't hurt or rather a reality check that ALL writing should be done to the BEST of your ability. Money, fame, success should never have a bearing on it. A reminder that some of the most talented writers in the literary world barely make a living, if at all. To remember why they started to write in the first place. To write something that they WANT to write not what they HAVE to write. To write from the heart.
THE 'WANNABEANOVERNIGHTSUCCESS' WRITER
This writer wants fame. They don't necessarily want to write the best words in the best order, or to tell an emotive, shocking, wonderful, meaningful story. They have no knowledge at all of how to properly structure a story for the best emotional engagement with the reader but throw in as many clichés as possible in the hope on hitting the right tone.They want to be a success and have the money that J K Rowling has but they do not want to work for it and have not earned their stripes by selling short fiction, poems, joining writers groups, getting an education or by any other means. They are potentially the reality TV star of the writing industry. This writer thinks they are above being edited. They believe they are better than their ability or don't mind taking the bows for the work that others put in to make them look good.
What they need: To learn how to write first and seek fame later. To be taught that success has to earned and that you don't deserve the title of 'celebrity' unless you have actually done something that deserves to be celebrated. That writing is about hard work and dedication, and above all passion for the written word and story telling. That writing is about talent not fame, success or money.
THE 'UP AND COMING - BUT SERIOUS' WRITER
Wants a career in writing. They love writing and story telling. They may have raw enthusiasm, talent and loads of potential.They always want to write - it's in their blood. They are optimistic about their talent but not arrogant about it. They follow routes that take them to self improvement. This could be joining writer's groups, taking writing classes etc.
What they need: To read everything they can in the genre they want to write in. To practice writing. To write at least 1000 words a day. To take on board well-meaning criticism and use it to improve. To challenge themselves to write better with each new piece. Submit. Submit. Submit.
THE 'PROFESSIONAL' WRITER
The professional writer spends hours writing, planning, thinking and above all submitting their work and ideas to publishers and editors because they are serious about what they are doing. This person may still have another full time job. They may not be able to afford the luxury of writing full time. Or they may be one of the lucky few who can live by their writing. What makes the professional writer different to the others is that they believe that they deserve to be paid for their work and at the same time want it to be the best it can be. This is a job to them but they still love what they do. They still feel the same passion they always did for writing. The professional believes in their ability because people buy their words, but they still want to write something which is better than the last piece they wrote. They have pride in their work, but not arrogance.
What they need: A publishing industry that pays good writers what they deserve to be paid. A publishing industry that promotes and nurtures them. A publishing industry that challenges them to keep achieving their very professional best. A publishing industry that doesn't throw aside these hard-working people who have honed their craft in favour of the 'next big thing' or transient writings from television 'celebrities'.
THE 'HOBBY' WRITER
The hobby writer really writes for themselves. They may have some vague aspiration that one day they could do this for a living but they don't necessarily have the time to devote to making their words as good as they can be. Or they don't really want to achieve more than this. They may not know how to submit to publishers, or they may not wish to. They may also write really amazing, beautiful and emotive words that if given the opportunity could be successful. What they lack is motivation but they don't mind as they just enjoy what they do!
What they need: Nothing at all if they are happy. Writing should be fun. It is also cathartic. And the hobby writer is usually happy just writing for nothing more than writing's sake.
THE 'HACK' WRITER
This writer doesn't really care too much about the art of writing though they may have some modicum of skill in the field. They will understand structure and be able to shape words into a semblance of order that seems professional. Unfortunately though, they only care about being paid. They take on as much work as possible, with unattainable deadlines and the work that they produce is often below par because they spread themselves too thin. However the hack is approaching this as a business, and so as long as they get the words mostly in the right order, and the plot is okay, then they're happy. Generally though, the writing they produce is not particularly emotive or thought provoking.
What they need: A slap upside the head wouldn't hurt or rather a reality check that ALL writing should be done to the BEST of your ability. Money, fame, success should never have a bearing on it. A reminder that some of the most talented writers in the literary world barely make a living, if at all. To remember why they started to write in the first place. To write something that they WANT to write not what they HAVE to write. To write from the heart.
THE 'WANNABEANOVERNIGHTSUCCESS' WRITER
This writer wants fame. They don't necessarily want to write the best words in the best order, or to tell an emotive, shocking, wonderful, meaningful story. They have no knowledge at all of how to properly structure a story for the best emotional engagement with the reader but throw in as many clichés as possible in the hope on hitting the right tone.They want to be a success and have the money that J K Rowling has but they do not want to work for it and have not earned their stripes by selling short fiction, poems, joining writers groups, getting an education or by any other means. They are potentially the reality TV star of the writing industry. This writer thinks they are above being edited. They believe they are better than their ability or don't mind taking the bows for the work that others put in to make them look good.
What they need: To learn how to write first and seek fame later. To be taught that success has to earned and that you don't deserve the title of 'celebrity' unless you have actually done something that deserves to be celebrated. That writing is about hard work and dedication, and above all passion for the written word and story telling. That writing is about talent not fame, success or money.
THE 'UP AND COMING - BUT SERIOUS' WRITER
Wants a career in writing. They love writing and story telling. They may have raw enthusiasm, talent and loads of potential.They always want to write - it's in their blood. They are optimistic about their talent but not arrogant about it. They follow routes that take them to self improvement. This could be joining writer's groups, taking writing classes etc.
What they need: To read everything they can in the genre they want to write in. To practice writing. To write at least 1000 words a day. To take on board well-meaning criticism and use it to improve. To challenge themselves to write better with each new piece. Submit. Submit. Submit.
THE 'PROFESSIONAL' WRITER
The professional writer spends hours writing, planning, thinking and above all submitting their work and ideas to publishers and editors because they are serious about what they are doing. This person may still have another full time job. They may not be able to afford the luxury of writing full time. Or they may be one of the lucky few who can live by their writing. What makes the professional writer different to the others is that they believe that they deserve to be paid for their work and at the same time want it to be the best it can be. This is a job to them but they still love what they do. They still feel the same passion they always did for writing. The professional believes in their ability because people buy their words, but they still want to write something which is better than the last piece they wrote. They have pride in their work, but not arrogance.
What they need: A publishing industry that pays good writers what they deserve to be paid. A publishing industry that promotes and nurtures them. A publishing industry that challenges them to keep achieving their very professional best. A publishing industry that doesn't throw aside these hard-working people who have honed their craft in favour of the 'next big thing' or transient writings from television 'celebrities'.
November 26, 2014
This Week I'll be At ...
WALES COMIC CON, Wrexham, 30 Nov 2014
Sam Stone, David Howe and Raven Dane join the line-up of guests at this ever-growing and well loved North Wales event.
For More Information and to book your tickets go HERE
Time: 10am -5pm
Address Glyndwr University, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW
Date: 30 November 2014.
Sam Stone, David Howe and Raven Dane join the line-up of guests at this ever-growing and well loved North Wales event.
For More Information and to book your tickets go HERE
Time: 10am -5pm
Address Glyndwr University, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW
Date: 30 November 2014.
November 18, 2014
This Week I'll be At ...
MEMORABILIA, Birmingham, 22-23 Nov 2014.
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line-up of media guests at this very popular event in Birmingham NEC.
AUTOGRAPHS FREE WITH EVERY BOOK PURCHASE.
For More Information of this event go HERE
Time: All Weekend
Address: Birmingham NEC, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Date: Saturday 22nd Nov ONLY
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line-up of media guests at this very popular event in Birmingham NEC.
AUTOGRAPHS FREE WITH EVERY BOOK PURCHASE.
For More Information of this event go HERE
Time: All Weekend
Address: Birmingham NEC, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Date: Saturday 22nd Nov ONLY
November 15, 2014
UPDATE
UPDATE RE: MEMORABILIA - BIRMINGHAM - NEXT WEEKEND
Hi All,
I just wanted to let you know that David and I will only be attending SATURDAY now. This is due to some personal circumstances beyond our control. So if you want to see us at Memorabilia - then please do come along to our table on Saturday. Because another dealer present will be stocking many Telos Titles, we will only have our 'personal' books and audios on our table. If you want any other Telos titles then please let us know and we will have them there for you.
Thanks and hope to see you soon!!
Hi All,
I just wanted to let you know that David and I will only be attending SATURDAY now. This is due to some personal circumstances beyond our control. So if you want to see us at Memorabilia - then please do come along to our table on Saturday. Because another dealer present will be stocking many Telos Titles, we will only have our 'personal' books and audios on our table. If you want any other Telos titles then please let us know and we will have them there for you.
Thanks and hope to see you soon!!
November 4, 2014
This Week I'll be At ...
LONG ISLAND WHO, New York, USA, 7-9th November 2014
Sam Stone and David J Howe are attending as guests once more to the second Long Island Iced Tea Convention as part of this year's USA tour.
To book tickets and hotel to attend this event: LONG ISLAND WHO
Time: All Weekend
Address: Clarion Hotel, Ronkonkoma, Long island, New York, USA
Date: 7th-9th November 2014
Sam Stone and David J Howe are attending as guests once more to the second Long Island Iced Tea Convention as part of this year's USA tour.
To book tickets and hotel to attend this event: LONG ISLAND WHO
Time: All Weekend
Address: Clarion Hotel, Ronkonkoma, Long island, New York, USA
Date: 7th-9th November 2014
October 28, 2014
This Week I'll Be At ...
WALES COMIC CON, Wrexham, 30 Nov 2014
Sam Stone, David How and Raven Dane join the line-up of guests at this ever grown and well loved North Wales event.
AUTOGRAPHS FREE WITH EVERY BOOK PURCHASE.
For More Information and to book your tickets go HERE
Time: 10am -5pm
Address Glyndwr University, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW
Date: 30 November 2014.
Sam Stone, David How and Raven Dane join the line-up of guests at this ever grown and well loved North Wales event.
AUTOGRAPHS FREE WITH EVERY BOOK PURCHASE.
For More Information and to book your tickets go HERE
Time: 10am -5pm
Address Glyndwr University, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW
Date: 30 November 2014.
October 21, 2014
This Week I'll be At ...
DIMENSIONS, Newcastle, 22nd-26th Oct, 2014
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line up of guests for this ever popular Doctor Who and Media convention in Newcastle.
Also taking part in Drinks Reception (Friday Evening) and Guest Dinner (Saturday Evening).
ALL AUTOGRAPHS FREE WITH EVERY BOOK PURCHASE.
Time: All Weekend
Address: Copthorne Hotel, The Close, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3RT
Date: 22-26 October 2014
Sam Stone and David J Howe join the line up of guests for this ever popular Doctor Who and Media convention in Newcastle.
Also taking part in Drinks Reception (Friday Evening) and Guest Dinner (Saturday Evening).
ALL AUTOGRAPHS FREE WITH EVERY BOOK PURCHASE.
Time: All Weekend
Address: Copthorne Hotel, The Close, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3RT
Date: 22-26 October 2014
October 14, 2014
THIS IS ME: MR INSTRUMENTALIST
Musician and composer Mr Instrumentalist reveals what inspires his beautiful music. I am a musician and my main style is funky mellow jazz. I am self taught and my music is a reflection of the sounds I hear when I see different scenes, such as a pretty landscape, a pretty lady, a dirty junkyard (etc). I knew I could create music almost before I could speak as I used to hum tunes. original melodies all the time. As you can see by some of the titles of my songs, nature inspires me a lot. I am from Houston Texas my musical influences include my mother, who is a huge Mahalia Jackson fan. I listened to a lot of music growing up like Jimmy Reed, Lightning Hopkins Zapp and Roger, James Brown, Genesis. When I hear Genesis, I love the, the older stuff, I love the blending of styles, fast drums and smooth keys on top. My first instrument was harmonica, guitar and bass then drums. When I heard the song Cars by Gary Nueman I knew I wanted to be a keyboard player. Though I play everything on my album on keys, my goal is for the music to be authentic.
I am also a film composer and this is where the authenticity comes in. Composing allows me to leave the boundaries of genre and create whatever emotion the scene is evoking. From classical to big band to hip hop to electronica to blues and country, to me good original music is good music. My current film that I am writing the score to is the George E. Johnson story from Block Starz productions.http://blockstarz.teamelitephoto.com/
Being a cinematographer and video producer/editor and graphic designer event videographer and reporter I can take a project from start to finish. My projects always have a certain musicality about them because I am first and foremost a musician.
My two albums are available at the play store :https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Mr_Instrumentalist?id=At2w5l7ty744orxjdw2sazxtwji&hl=en
I am also a film composer and this is where the authenticity comes in. Composing allows me to leave the boundaries of genre and create whatever emotion the scene is evoking. From classical to big band to hip hop to electronica to blues and country, to me good original music is good music. My current film that I am writing the score to is the George E. Johnson story from Block Starz productions.http://blockstarz.teamelitephoto.com/
Being a cinematographer and video producer/editor and graphic designer event videographer and reporter I can take a project from start to finish. My projects always have a certain musicality about them because I am first and foremost a musician.
My two albums are available at the play store :https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Mr_Instrumentalist?id=At2w5l7ty744orxjdw2sazxtwji&hl=en
October 7, 2014
THIS IS ME - RISA HALL
Guest blogger Risa Hall tells us about her extensive career in the music industry.
This is me: My name is Risa Hall and I am a singer-songwriter from New York who settled in Manchester in the 80's after moving here from New York. I was already a working professional actor when I came to England and was in the Broadway cast of Grease as well as the National Tour of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof amongst other plays. For a few years I did a range of voice overs for TV, film and radio. But since the age of 5, all I've ever wanted to do was to write songs and sing and, after hearing Nerina Pallot, KT Tunstall and Sheila Nicholls, I decided to pick up the guitar in 2006 and give it a go. After trying out some original tunes at Open Mic Nights, I sent a bedroom demo to David Agnew,
who runs the wonderful Arts Centre, The Met, in Bury. He must have heard potential in me as I was then booked to play as the supporting artist to James Apollo. I have since supported Nerina Pallot, Alice Gold, Jess Klein, Justin Lavash and others as well as headlining the Met and other venues. I was the most asked for guest on BBC Radio Manchester's 'Andy Crane Show' and appeared about 14 times. I have done also been invited onto BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Manchester, Merseyside, Cornwall and Nottingham. My album, Glass Half?... was produced by Thea Gilmore's husband, Nigel Stonier and received 5 star reviews where it was called 'dynamic from start to finish' (Fatea Magazine). My latest release (EP) is called New York Nights and reviewers are already saying it is 'an outstanding piece of music-brilliantly sung, played and produced'. You can download Glass Half?... and New York Nights via my website www.risahall.com as well as find out about all my latest gigs, sign up for news and see the latest photos. I am also on Facebook as www.facebook.com/risahall and on Twitter as @risahall. Please send me a message as I'd love to hear from everyone. Sign up to my mailing list and find out where I'll be!
Have a listen to the title track! If you like what you hear then let me know.
Looking forward to hearing from you ...
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This is me: My name is Risa Hall and I am a singer-songwriter from New York who settled in Manchester in the 80's after moving here from New York. I was already a working professional actor when I came to England and was in the Broadway cast of Grease as well as the National Tour of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof amongst other plays. For a few years I did a range of voice overs for TV, film and radio. But since the age of 5, all I've ever wanted to do was to write songs and sing and, after hearing Nerina Pallot, KT Tunstall and Sheila Nicholls, I decided to pick up the guitar in 2006 and give it a go. After trying out some original tunes at Open Mic Nights, I sent a bedroom demo to David Agnew,
.jpg)
who runs the wonderful Arts Centre, The Met, in Bury. He must have heard potential in me as I was then booked to play as the supporting artist to James Apollo. I have since supported Nerina Pallot, Alice Gold, Jess Klein, Justin Lavash and others as well as headlining the Met and other venues. I was the most asked for guest on BBC Radio Manchester's 'Andy Crane Show' and appeared about 14 times. I have done also been invited onto BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Manchester, Merseyside, Cornwall and Nottingham. My album, Glass Half?... was produced by Thea Gilmore's husband, Nigel Stonier and received 5 star reviews where it was called 'dynamic from start to finish' (Fatea Magazine). My latest release (EP) is called New York Nights and reviewers are already saying it is 'an outstanding piece of music-brilliantly sung, played and produced'. You can download Glass Half?... and New York Nights via my website www.risahall.com as well as find out about all my latest gigs, sign up for news and see the latest photos. I am also on Facebook as www.facebook.com/risahall and on Twitter as @risahall. Please send me a message as I'd love to hear from everyone. Sign up to my mailing list and find out where I'll be! Have a listen to the title track! If you like what you hear then let me know.
Looking forward to hearing from you ...
October 6, 2014
THIS IS ME - Guest Blog Spot Starts Soon!!
I'm delighted to tell you that I have decided to open up my blog to some very special people. The new weekly spot will be called THIS IS ME and it will an opportunity for Authors, Film Makers, Writers, Radio Hosts, Artists, Musicians and other interesting and creative people to tell YOU about what they do.
The post will included links to their works, as well as a brief background on the person which may tell of their road to success, or merely talk about their aspirations. It may even explore their sources of inspiration. I expect we will see some wonderful art, terrific videos, some may even share extracts of their work if they feel kind enough!!
Welcome to all who wish to take part in this.
If you are interested in being featured on THIS IS ME then please send me a first person narrative that will tell some interesting facts about you and what you do. (About one A4 page will be enough) Include links to your work/website and any pictures that you would like to be included. This can be book, album covers, artwork you've created, etc.
First feature coming shortly. Watch this space.
sam@sam-stone.com
The post will included links to their works, as well as a brief background on the person which may tell of their road to success, or merely talk about their aspirations. It may even explore their sources of inspiration. I expect we will see some wonderful art, terrific videos, some may even share extracts of their work if they feel kind enough!!
Welcome to all who wish to take part in this.
If you are interested in being featured on THIS IS ME then please send me a first person narrative that will tell some interesting facts about you and what you do. (About one A4 page will be enough) Include links to your work/website and any pictures that you would like to be included. This can be book, album covers, artwork you've created, etc.
First feature coming shortly. Watch this space.
sam@sam-stone.com
