R.R. Campbell's Blog, page 8

Oddtoberfest, Here We Come!

The EMPATHY series has just added another event to its fall lineup.

On Saturday, September 28th from 2 – 6 p.m., I’ll be at Fireman’s Park in Columbus, Wisconsin with dozens of other exhibiting authors and artists.

So come pay me and other area authors and artists a visit! We can chat all things sci-fi and bookish, and I’ll of course have copies of Imminent Dawn and Mourning Dove to sign and sell as well.

Don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook to let me know you’re coming!

Want to get your hands on either book before this event? You can find them at the links below.

Imminent Dawn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords| Goodreads | Author Website

Mourning Dove

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Goodreads| Author Website

The Worst Writing Advice I Ever Received

This is a topic that rears its head from time to time in the writing community, and it was recently reignited on Twitter after a creative writing teacher told one of his students the below.

My creative writing teacher just said I should wait 10 years to publish a book or I’ll regret it. He called my book a burner novel, he’s never seen it. When I tried to protest he said I was stubborn and impatient.

Please tell me he’s wrong, I’m crying.#WritingCommnunity

— Avy Aubin (@26LetterWorlds) July 18, 2019

Yikes.

Not only is this bad advice, it’s downright harmful and discouraging to the community at large. Though it is true that many writers’ first manuscripts don’t often live up to the high hopes they have for them, there are plenty of exceptions to this generalization. I personally know at least one author who came to the world of fiction as a total stranger and, within a year, had her debut novel published with NineStar Press.

There are also hundreds of authors who opt-in to independently publishing their own work—first manuscripts included—and, aided by savvy marketing and advertising plans, go on to achieve great success. In some cases, they even surpass the sales numbers of authors who are with traditional publishers!

Knowing that, there’s no doubt the advice Avy was given by her creative writing teacher is beyond bad. Lamentably, however, it’s not the only bad advice out there. At some point in our writing careers, we’re going to encounter some jaw-droppingly foul suggestions, and my experience is no exception.

So strap in; it’s time for me to regale you with the worst writing advice I ever received (or at least the WTF-level advice that had me spinning in my chair while I fumed).

Those of you who have read my work know I enjoy stitching in small details to enrich the settings and cultures in which my novels take place (something that’s true for any author worth their salt, in my opinion). This is especially the case when I have scenes that take place in regions where English isn’t the primary language.

This means I’ll often include simple phrases in the dialogue (normally cognates most English speakers would recognize) in the native language of those on the page (French, Spanish, Portuguese, what have you). At times, I’ll stretch my use of foreign languages a little more when I feel the broader context of the scene makes it apparent what’s being said.

Fun, right?

Not if you’re the person who gave me the worst writing advice I ever received.

The individual in question was working as a proofreader for one of my manuscripts at the time, and their angst regarding the inclusion of foreign languages was clear from the start. Even the simplest of phrases (think bonjour or buenos días or obrigado in a situation where it’s clear someone is being thanked) were flagged with comments like “readers will not want to have to stop to look this up” and “this is taking me so far out of the scene.”

You can imagine my consternation, not only because these were the teensiest of teeny linguistic flairs but because, given they were working as a proofreader, comments like those were outside their purview (a developmental editor might comment on matters like these, but a proofreader? Go home, you’re drunk!).

Then we got to the scenes where a character might use three or five foreign language words in a row. These were highlighted and commented on with abandon, each note more derisive than the last—until we reached the grandaddy of them all. I’m paraphrasing here, but:

I know you had a native speaker double check all of this, but when I put many of these phrases into Google Translate, they just don’t make any sense. If you’re going to insist on including them, I think they should be changed so that they match Google Translate.

Yes, you read that right; their comment actively encouraged me to do something incorrectly by using Google Translate instead of trusting input from a native speaker of the language in question. Not only that, but they made this recommendation for completely personal reasons, another big no-no in the editing world (or at least on the editing planet I come from, anyway).

I understand the intention behind their feedback, I do, but the audacity to think one’s insight as a proofreader should trump that of a trained linguist and polyglot (me) and a native speaker of the language in question (a beta reader who was kind enough to double check my work), well, that had me leaving some rather scathing replies in the document’s margins. Imagine being a native speaker of French and going, “Wow, how neat this author took the time to include French in this book,” only for that reader to get a few lines down and go, “Uh, all of this is wrong. The author clearly didn’t do any research.”

Bummer with a capital B, right?

Needless to say, I disregarded the proofreader’s input and forged onward, buoyed by support from my regular beta readers and my developmental editor (yes, even editors need editors, and anyone who says otherwise should not be trusted, but that’s a post for another time). I worry sometimes, however, about writers who might not yet have the depth of experience or the support from others in the community to know when it’s okay (and wholly justified!) to call out and push back against poor writing advice.

That’s one of the reasons I try to make my editing services as collaborative as possible, using “we” statements and ensuring the suggestions I offer are in line with the vision my clients have for their manuscripts. One also has to consider context in when giving a particular bit of advice; plenty of situations are better served by including adverbs than by shunning them, for example, and there are also so many occasions where a simple “tell” (rather than a “show”) would be the stronger, more economical choice.

As is the case with writing itself, there’s a great deal of nuance to quality writing advice, which is why I encourage writers to narrow their eyes at any broad, sweeping generalizations and absolutist platitudes (like Google Translate is the Holy Grail and shall not be contradicted). Chances are, any writing “wisdom” that’s full of words like always and never and only is more likely to harm or restrict than it is to do good, so stay skeptical out there.

Alright, that’s my story, but now it’s your turn. What’s the worst writing advice you ever received? Tell me in the comments!

Like what you’ve read here? You can subscribe to my newsletter to get more articles like these throughout the year. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, too. You can also meet me at any one of my upcoming events, or reach out about having me speak at one of your own.

Limited Time Offer: 50% Off E-Books!

Have you heard? Accounting for It All is currently 50% off on Smashwords! Just use code SSW50 at check-out to cash in on these great summer savings.

An IRS audit. A money laundering scheme. The adult-film-star-turned-accountant stuck accounting for it all.
The savings begin here.

Limited Time Offer: 50% Off E-Books!

Have you heard? Both books in the EMPATHY series are currently 50% off on Smashwords! Just use code SSW50 at check-out to cash in on these great summer savings.

Get Imminent Dawn on Smashwords here.
Buy Mourning Dove here while this deal lasts.

R. R. Campbell Returns to Eau Claire!

I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be returning to Eau Claire this October for a joint reading and signing event with author Nathan Hopp! On October 12th, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at The Local Store, you can join us for an afternoon of bookish fun. Don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook here!

If you haven’t yet picked up a copy of either of the books in the EMPATHY sci-fi saga and want to read one (or both!) before this event in October, I’ve got links to them below. Regardless, I’ll plan on seeing you at The Book Cellar!

Imminent Dawn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords| Goodreads | Author Website

Mourning Dove

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Goodreads| Author Website

It’s Here! Mourning Dove Character Art

Over Memorial Day weekend, I had the privilege of speaking at WisCon 43. While there, I also worked as a vendor, peddling my books and chatting with other conference-goers.

One such conference-goer was artist A D’Amico, who snagged a copy of Imminent Dawn (yay!) and also took a moment to pass along a sample of her portfolio. I really loved her work and, after a brief back and forth, she agreed to do a commission for the EMPATHY series!

I’ve been waiting for the “perfect” moment to share all of this with you, but… what does “perfect” even mean? I can’t sit on these forever! I’ve got to share this wonderful art with the world.

With that in mind, away we go!

Ty (left), Chandra, (middle), and Kyra (right)!
Chandra, our art-school dropout who’s just trying to get by in the present.
Kyra, determined as always to reclaim the past.
Ty, a goof to be sure, but one who’s determined to seize the future.
Oh, and Sphinx, whose name really should have been spelled M-I-S-C-H-I-E-F.

And there you have it! I think they look great, don’t you? I’m looking forward to rolling these out more in the coming weeks and months.

If you haven’t yet got your hands on Mourning Dove or book one in the series, Imminent Dawn, you can find them at the links below!

Imminent Dawn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords| Goodreads | Author Website

Mourning Dove

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Goodreads| Author Website

R.R. Campbell Comes to Chicago!

I’m excited to announce I’ll be headed to Chicago this October for my first author event outside the state of Wisconsin! On October 16th, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at The Book Cellar, you can join me and other area authors for this reading and signing event. I very much look forward to it!

If you haven’t yet picked up a copy of either of the books in the EMPATHY sci-fi saga and want to read one (or both!) before this event in October, I’ve got links to them below. Regardless, I’ll plan on seeing you at The Book Cellar!

Imminent Dawn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords| Goodreads | Author Website

Mourning Dove

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Goodreads| Author Website

This Fall: UW Course with R.R. Campbell

I’m honored to formally announce I’ll be teaching a class this fall through the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Continuing Studies in Writing Department.

I’ve been an attendee of the department’s conferences and seminars since graduating from the university in 2012, and to now be in a position to empower other writers in the same way my own instructors have empowered me over the years is truly a thrill.

So what will we be covering in this course, and how can you enroll? Great questions! Read on to find out.

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Write Your Novel Now – Plotting Your Way to Success

“How’s that novel coming?” A tough question, but never fear! After attending this course, writers will have strengthened their concepts, explored various plot structure models, and outlined their novels scene-by-scene. Not only will attendees then be empowered to take to the page, they’ll never fret answering that dreaded question again!

Enroll for this fall’s multi-week course with the UW Continuing Studies Department here! Space is limited, so sign up now.

In the future, I also plan to offer most of the classes seen on this page online as well. Sound like something you’d be interested in? Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be among the first to know when enrollment opens.

Thanks to the staff of the UW’s Department of Continuing Studies in Writing for this opportunity, and thanks to those of you who created the demand for this course. I look forward to working with you in the fall and beyond.

Have questions about this course or just want to get in touch? You can reach out through my contact page.

Courses and Seminars List Now Available!

In light of a great deal of positive feedback on my craft of writing sessions at the University of Wisconsin Writers’ Institute and WisCon, I’m thrilled to announce a new course and seminar list here on rrcampbellwrites.com!

This page now includes a partial listing of courses and seminars I can conduct at your organization’s upcoming conference or event.

More exciting still is that my flagship course, Write Your Novel Now – Plotting Your Way to Success, is now open for enrollment through AllWriters’ Workshop and the University of Wisconsin Department of Continuing Studies in Writing.

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Write Your Novel Now – Plotting Your Way to Success

“How’s that novel coming?” A tough question, but never fear! After attending this course, writers will have strengthened their concepts, explored various plot structure models, and outlined their novels scene-by-scene. Not only will attendees then be empowered to take to the page, they’ll never fret answering that dreaded question again!

Enrollment is now open for a one-day seminar and for a more in-depth multi-week course for the fall of 2019. Sign up now! Space is limited.
Enroll for this fall’s multi-week course with the UW Continuing Studies Department here!
Sign up for my one-day course through AllWriters’ Workshop at this address.
Please note the AllWriters’ Workshop program is listed at the bottom of the page and under a different name. To fit within the five-hour window available, the course material for this program will be condensed relative to that of the UW’s course in the fall.

In the future, I also plan to offer most of the classes seen on this page online as well. Sound like something you’d be interested in? Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be among the first to know when enrollment opens.

Have questions? Interested in having me present one of these courses or seminars for writers in your area in the near future? Let me know through my contact page.

In the meantime, I’m curious—which classes are you most excited about? Tell me in the comments!

Thanks as always for visiting. Write on and write well.

Mourning Dove – The Reviews Have Arrived!

It’s been two months since the release of Mourning Dove, book two in the EMPATHY sci-fi saga, and the reviews are coming in.

And they look great!

You can find a sample of the most glowing reviews below, followed by a description of the book and links to where you can find it online!

Book Description

In the aftermath of the calamitous Human/Etech research study, Chandra and Kyra struggle to reclaim the life they shared in a pre-EMPATHY world, while Ty, armed with knowledge of EMPATHY’s programming language, seeks revenge on the Halmans for the harm that’s befallen his friends.

As a North American Union investigation into the happenings on the compound looms, a grief-stricken Peter works to resurrect the memory of his mother from a harvested nanochip, and Heather scrambles to keep her family—and their company—together. Alistair, having abandoned the family business, plots to save his hide and that of his wife while she strives to stay one step ahead of a husband she has no reason to trust.

Far to the north amid civil unrest, a recently retired Rénald Dupont investigates the disappearance of his friend and former colleague, Meredith, despite grave threats from an increasingly skittish North American Union government.

As old and new foes emerge, spouse is further pit against spouse, brother against sister, and governments against their people. In the end, all must choose between attempts to reclaim the past or surrender to the inevitable, an intractable world of their own creation.

Mourning Dove is an evocative, sweeping symphony of love, revenge, and desperation in cacophonous times. It is the second installment in r. r. campbell’s epic EMPATHY sci-fi saga.

Imminent Dawn

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords| Goodreads | Author Website

Mourning Dove

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | NineStar Press | Kobo | Smashwords | Goodreads| Author Website