Victoria Janssen's Blog, page 32
November 19, 2012
November 18, 2012
November 12, 2012
The Mechanics of Research Into Writing
This post is a tidier version of a talk I gave to the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society in October, 2012. The purpose was to give some concrete examples of how my research reading finds its way into my fiction.
I read Into the Breach: American Women Overseas in World War I by Dorothy and Carl Schneider early on in my World War One research, for my first attempt at a historical novel; when I later had the opportunity to write a short story about women in WWI, I chose the canteen workers...
November 11, 2012
“A Consecration,” John Masefield
A Consecration
Not of the princes and prelates with periwigged charioteers
Riding triumphantly laurelled to lap the fat of the years,–
Rather the scorned—the rejected—the men hemmed in with the spears;
The men of the tattered battalion which fights till it dies,
Dazed with the dust of the battle, the din and the cries.
The men with the broken heads and the blood running into their eyes.
Not the be-medalled Commander, beloved of the throne,
Riding cock-horse to parade when the bugles are blown,...
November 7, 2012
My 2012 Philcon Schedule
Resources for New Writers
Sat 3:00 PM in Plaza III
What books, websites and other research materials are essential for the new and prospective writer?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Keith R.A. DeCandido, A.C. Wise, Tim W. Burke, Meg Howard, Bill Olver
Old Friends We Keep Coming Back To
Sat 6:00 PM in Plaza II
Some books we return to reading again and again. What are the qualities of those books we return to as old friends? Does the experience change each time we read them?
Victoria Janssen (mod), Mary...
November 5, 2012
The Next Big Thing
Gregory Frost tagged me to participate in The Next Big Thing, so….
Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing
1. What is the title of your Work in Progress?
The tentative title is The Dreamlord War, but I think that will end up being an overarching title for a series, with this segment being called something else.
2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
I came up with the main characters and the central concepts of the world one day while I was exercising on the elliptical machine...
November 2, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Signal Boosting – Donate Money and/or Time
FEMA guide to donating and volunteering.
For Cuba and Haiti in particular, donate to Operation USA or to the International Medical Corps.
At the Gothamist, How to Volunteer, Donate in the U.S. and in NYC specifically. Network for Good provides a whole list of links where you can donate.
Blood and Platelet Donation through the Red Cross.
Tips for Giving in Times of Crisis at Charity Navigator.
October 29, 2012
October 22, 2012
The General’s Mistress by Jo Graham
The General’s Mistress by Jo Graham is out tomorrow. It’s based on the life of a real person, Maria Versfelt. I thought I’d post about it, since it has a crossdressing heroine!
Here’s the summary, which *heh* does not mention that very important story element:
A Dutch woman flees her marriage to become a courtesan against the backdrop of the French Revolution in this steamy historical novel described as Girl with a Pearl Earring meets Dangerous Liaisons.
As a spirit of change overturns Euro...
October 21, 2012
“The Choice,” Rudyard Kipling
The Choice
1917
(The American Spirit Speaks)
T0 the judge of Right and Wrong
With Whom fulfilment lies
Our purpose and our power belong,
Our faith and sacrifice.
Let Freedom’s Land rejoice!
Our ancient bonds are riven;
Once more to us the eternal choice
Of Good or Ill is given.
Not at a little cost,
Hardly by prayers or tears,
Shall we recover the road we lost
In the drugged and doubting years.
But after the fires and the wrath,
But, after searching and pain,
His Mercy opens us a path
To live with ourselv...
