Ryan Field's Blog, page 582
December 2, 2010
Another Reason Why I Love Joel Stein's "The Awesome Column"...
First, I'm feeling guilty this morning. I almost broke a few of the rules I preach about here on this blog after I read a nasty comment about one of my books. The comment was made, get this, in a nasty review for another book, and the reviewer made several uncalled for insinuations about the length of my book. And I almost had one of those author melt-downs you read about all the time. I won't mention any names in this post. Mainly because I don't want these creeps of the publishing world to get any free publicity. But if anyone has a passion for gossip, please e-mail me and I'll be happy to tell you who it was.
But I didn't rant or melt-down last night. And I'm glad. Instead, I sat down and read my latest issue of Time Magazine to take my mind off this amateur book reviewer (and review site) who knows very little about publishing. And when I started reading Joel Stein's, "The Awesome Column," I couldn't believe was I was seeing. You couldn't get better timing than this. The title of this column was "You Can't spell TIME Without 'I' and 'Me'! How My Self-Obsessed Writing Changed Journalism." And it went on to explain how people criticized Joel's first person writing style and how they attacked him personally when he first started out. Here's a link to part of the column. Time didn't post it in full online because they want you to buy the magazine (smile). So, though I don't promote any magazines here, I do think buying this particular issue just for Joel's column would be a wise investment.
I particularly liked this paragraph: "Thirteen years later and 13 years wiser, I reflect on that criticism and think, I won! All bloggers write in first person, spending hours each day chronicling their anger at their kids for taking away their free time. Every Facebook update and tweet is sophomoric, solipsistic, snarky and other words I've learned by Googling myself."
Franky, I never imagined that anyone would trash Joel's writing style. In fact, his first person style is something I've always admired. Mainly because I've only been courageous enough to write in the first person once or twice. And, I've written over fifty novels with my own name and a few with pen names. All with good sales records, and all with viable publishers. I don't count this blog. Blogging, for me, is informal and I just write as I feel, without caring about the writing police. But writing in the first person isn't easy. It's a craft only the bravest writers tackle, and it's also just one of the main reasons why I love Joel Stein's work.
But now I love him for writing this honest column and sharing his personal experiences with unfounded, snarky, criticism. I know it sounds like schadenfreude, but Joel's column saved me from writing a scathing post about an amateur author who seems to take pleasure in trashing other authors online (a concept I simply don't understand). And though I may not always agree with Joel's politics, I always walk away from his column with something I didn't have before, and I always get a laugh or two.
December 1, 2010
Something Important for All Americans
I saw this posted on facebook tonight by one of my old friends, Norma Jean. And I thought it was important enough the share here on the blog.
We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could past it on.
In these troubled times, it's important to remember the people who are fighting for our freedom.
We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could past it on.
In these troubled times, it's important to remember the people who are fighting for our freedom.
OPG's Favorite Outdoor Patio Lunch (Scene From the Miramax Movie 'Chocol...
I was looking for the scene in Chocolat where the wind begins to blow and she decides it's time to move on. But instead I found this one. If you haven't seen this film, take the time to rent it or download it. It's a perfect example of a romance that doesn't follow tradition.
Being Professional and those Nasty Little Comments on Blog Posts
I know I should probably be posting something today about AIDS. But I do work year round helping people with AIDS, and I take this work very seriously. So for me there isn't a set day for AIDS awareness. It's an ongoing process.
So I decided to post about the way authors sometimes handle themselves online. Most are excellent and professional. But every now and then I come across a comment thread on someone's blog where I see authors making snide, vicious comments about other authors and it makes me cringe. I've posted about this in the past. But I recently saw it happen all over again and it wasn't pretty.
First, whether your aware of this or not, the most popular bloggers know how to manipulate their readers and draw negative comments (just as they know how to draw positive comments as well). For some, the more negative comments they get the happier they are. It's a passive aggressive, subtle form of manipulation that some people fall for...without reading between the lines. And it only makes the blogger more popular and gives them more attention.
But at what expense? And how does this affect authors who leave nasty comments about publishers or other authors? Some could argue that it all depends on the topic of discussion. But I tend to disagree. And I have a long standing rule that I never leave a negative comment about anyone or anything, especially not online. It's not always easy either. But as an author I know and understand that whatever is posted online is usually there forever. And people tend to forget the good things you do or say and concentrate on the negative things instead. Ask anyone who has ever gone through a divorce.
This isn't preaching; it's just a little friendly advice. Beware of manipulative blog posts and always think twice before you leave a negative comment anywhere on the Internet. Because when the blog post is long forgotten, the negative comment won't be.
So I decided to post about the way authors sometimes handle themselves online. Most are excellent and professional. But every now and then I come across a comment thread on someone's blog where I see authors making snide, vicious comments about other authors and it makes me cringe. I've posted about this in the past. But I recently saw it happen all over again and it wasn't pretty.
First, whether your aware of this or not, the most popular bloggers know how to manipulate their readers and draw negative comments (just as they know how to draw positive comments as well). For some, the more negative comments they get the happier they are. It's a passive aggressive, subtle form of manipulation that some people fall for...without reading between the lines. And it only makes the blogger more popular and gives them more attention.
But at what expense? And how does this affect authors who leave nasty comments about publishers or other authors? Some could argue that it all depends on the topic of discussion. But I tend to disagree. And I have a long standing rule that I never leave a negative comment about anyone or anything, especially not online. It's not always easy either. But as an author I know and understand that whatever is posted online is usually there forever. And people tend to forget the good things you do or say and concentrate on the negative things instead. Ask anyone who has ever gone through a divorce.
This isn't preaching; it's just a little friendly advice. Beware of manipulative blog posts and always think twice before you leave a negative comment anywhere on the Internet. Because when the blog post is long forgotten, the negative comment won't be.
November 30, 2010
So You Want to Write a Novel
A friend in Florida sent me this and I was shocked. I've worked for almost twenty years in the publishing industry, following the rules and playing by the book, taking rejection at is comes and reading classic books four and five times to see how proven authors had done it. And when I see something like this I can't believe what I'm hearing.
Ravenous Romance: I Think it's an Anniversary
Okay. I'm not totally sure, but I think today is the www.ravenousromance.com second anniversary. According to this post I wrote last year, it must be. And if it's not, it's getting close.
I'm not even sure about the number of m/m romances I've written for ravenous in the past two years. I don't keep track of each book or short story I write, at least not on a daily basis. But I think it's close to twenty-five. And I'm actually getting ready to submit a brand new book this afternoon...as soon as I get all those paranoid submission day fears out of my head.
But I'd like to take this time to congratulate Holly Schmidt, Lori Perkins, and Alan Penn for creating a romance venue that's usually a little different from other e-publishers. They've allowed me to do a few things most publishers probably wouldn't have allowed. And the responses I've received from readers all over the world shows me they agree, too. But more than that, coming from a background of print publishing, I slipped into ravenous romance without making many personal changes at all with regards to the way the book publishing business operates.
And it hasn't always been easy, not for the writers or the publishers. But it's always been pleasant and professional, which makes all the hard work worth while.
So Happy Anniversary, RR.
I'm not even sure about the number of m/m romances I've written for ravenous in the past two years. I don't keep track of each book or short story I write, at least not on a daily basis. But I think it's close to twenty-five. And I'm actually getting ready to submit a brand new book this afternoon...as soon as I get all those paranoid submission day fears out of my head.
But I'd like to take this time to congratulate Holly Schmidt, Lori Perkins, and Alan Penn for creating a romance venue that's usually a little different from other e-publishers. They've allowed me to do a few things most publishers probably wouldn't have allowed. And the responses I've received from readers all over the world shows me they agree, too. But more than that, coming from a background of print publishing, I slipped into ravenous romance without making many personal changes at all with regards to the way the book publishing business operates.
And it hasn't always been easy, not for the writers or the publishers. But it's always been pleasant and professional, which makes all the hard work worth while.
So Happy Anniversary, RR.
Cover Copy for New Book Dealing with DADT and Gays in the Military
From Wiki: In the autumn of 2010, a federal district court judge declared the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy unconstitutional and issued an injunction prohibiting the Department of Defense from enforcing or complying with the policy. The appellate court stayed the injunction pending appeal; thus Don't Ask, Don't Tell remains in effect. On November 12, the US Supreme Court declined to overturn the stay.
Though the book hasn't been titled yet, here's the new cover copy.
The main focus in Duke's life has always revolved around being the best fighter pilot in the Navy, not the fact that he's a gay man. Only he's garnered a reputation for being overly aggressive and far too instinctive. And though he likes to think of the chances he takes as heroic and wise, there are many in the Navy who think of him as reckless and irresponsible.
And when the Navy sends Duke to the most rigorous flight class in the country, he only becomes more aggressive in order to be the big bad top gun everyone expects him to be. But while he's working hard to be number one, he meets an attractive young civilian flight instructor named Jaime who turns his entire life upside down. Though it all starts out as a series of harmless flirtations, it becomes so intense Duke begins to wonder whether or not he can continue to abide by the rules of Don't Ask Don't Tell.
To make matters even more complicated in his closeted life, Duke's main competition in his class, an aggressive guy who goes by the call sign, Bullet…who also happens to be gay…discovers Duke's relationship with Jaime. Bullet decides to blackmail Duke, by bullying Duke and threatening to expose him if he doesn't come in second. But after a serious accident that leaves Duke so devastated he can barely fly a plane, Duke begins to question his goals, his ferocious need to be number one, and his unyielding devotion to a military that refuses to treat him with respect and dignity and equality.
When Duke realizes the only good thing that has ever happened to him was falling in love with Jaime, he comes up with two plans of action. Both plans have the potential to change his life and Jaime's life forever, and both plans come with consequences with which they will both have to live. But he can only choose one. And though Duke isn't sure which plan he'll go with until the very end of the story, he's certain that he'll never stop fighting to keep Jaime in his life forever.
Though the book hasn't been titled yet, here's the new cover copy.
The main focus in Duke's life has always revolved around being the best fighter pilot in the Navy, not the fact that he's a gay man. Only he's garnered a reputation for being overly aggressive and far too instinctive. And though he likes to think of the chances he takes as heroic and wise, there are many in the Navy who think of him as reckless and irresponsible.
And when the Navy sends Duke to the most rigorous flight class in the country, he only becomes more aggressive in order to be the big bad top gun everyone expects him to be. But while he's working hard to be number one, he meets an attractive young civilian flight instructor named Jaime who turns his entire life upside down. Though it all starts out as a series of harmless flirtations, it becomes so intense Duke begins to wonder whether or not he can continue to abide by the rules of Don't Ask Don't Tell.
To make matters even more complicated in his closeted life, Duke's main competition in his class, an aggressive guy who goes by the call sign, Bullet…who also happens to be gay…discovers Duke's relationship with Jaime. Bullet decides to blackmail Duke, by bullying Duke and threatening to expose him if he doesn't come in second. But after a serious accident that leaves Duke so devastated he can barely fly a plane, Duke begins to question his goals, his ferocious need to be number one, and his unyielding devotion to a military that refuses to treat him with respect and dignity and equality.
When Duke realizes the only good thing that has ever happened to him was falling in love with Jaime, he comes up with two plans of action. Both plans have the potential to change his life and Jaime's life forever, and both plans come with consequences with which they will both have to live. But he can only choose one. And though Duke isn't sure which plan he'll go with until the very end of the story, he's certain that he'll never stop fighting to keep Jaime in his life forever.
The Debate Between E-books and Print Books Continues at The Philadelphia Public Library
This morning I watched the local news and saw a piece about The Philadelphia Public Library. It was fast, but the gist of the piece said the library was thinking of putting book and DVD kiosks all over the city. This way people can just use their library card and get books or DVD's without actually having to enter the library. The only written article I could find was this one, about the Chicago Public Library doing the same thing.
Now, if I'd heard something like this ten years ago I would have been excited. But I'm one of those people who have made the switch to e-books and I don't see myself going back. I still read a few print books from my own personal library. But I haven't actually purchased a print book in almost two years. And, like I said, I don't intend to purchase anything but e-books unless something drastically changes and I'm forced to go back to reading print books.
But there's still a huge debate going on about what people prefer. At this point, at least half seem to prefer print books over e-books, and the other half, like me, wouldn't even consider reading a print book now. And the debate seems to be more physical than anything else. Evidently, people love holding their print books, they love turning the pages, and they love the way they smell. Even the newscasters this morning started to argue about it. Two said they only read e-books. Two said they only read print books, and they actually became a little defensive about it...while the two who read e-books were almost apologetic. It looked as if it would get nasty for a second or two.
I used to think I'd never make the switch to reading e-books. But then I started reading a few e-books and I found there were so many advantages. I can adjust the print. I can read on bed without using a light. E-books tend to be less expensive and they are immediate. And I can take my entire personal library with me when I travel. E-readers are light and don't take up any space at all.
The main reason I switched wasn't because of my own personal preferences. I just figured I didn't have much of a choice. If you've been around at least forty years like I have, history always repeats in one way or another. Records became 8-tracks, 8-tracks became cassettes, cassettes became CD's, and now I just download all my music to my ipod. Same thing with the film industry. There aren't even any physical video stores left in my community.
Which makes me wonder how this new library kiosk idea will work. Will people actually stop buying e-readers and e-books and start taking books out of library kiosks? Are e-readers just a passing phase like hoola hoops and poodle skirts? Or is someone getting paid a lot of money by these huge public libraries to come up with some very bad, outdated ideas?
I guess this falls under the category of only time will tell.
Now, if I'd heard something like this ten years ago I would have been excited. But I'm one of those people who have made the switch to e-books and I don't see myself going back. I still read a few print books from my own personal library. But I haven't actually purchased a print book in almost two years. And, like I said, I don't intend to purchase anything but e-books unless something drastically changes and I'm forced to go back to reading print books.
But there's still a huge debate going on about what people prefer. At this point, at least half seem to prefer print books over e-books, and the other half, like me, wouldn't even consider reading a print book now. And the debate seems to be more physical than anything else. Evidently, people love holding their print books, they love turning the pages, and they love the way they smell. Even the newscasters this morning started to argue about it. Two said they only read e-books. Two said they only read print books, and they actually became a little defensive about it...while the two who read e-books were almost apologetic. It looked as if it would get nasty for a second or two.
I used to think I'd never make the switch to reading e-books. But then I started reading a few e-books and I found there were so many advantages. I can adjust the print. I can read on bed without using a light. E-books tend to be less expensive and they are immediate. And I can take my entire personal library with me when I travel. E-readers are light and don't take up any space at all.
The main reason I switched wasn't because of my own personal preferences. I just figured I didn't have much of a choice. If you've been around at least forty years like I have, history always repeats in one way or another. Records became 8-tracks, 8-tracks became cassettes, cassettes became CD's, and now I just download all my music to my ipod. Same thing with the film industry. There aren't even any physical video stores left in my community.
Which makes me wonder how this new library kiosk idea will work. Will people actually stop buying e-readers and e-books and start taking books out of library kiosks? Are e-readers just a passing phase like hoola hoops and poodle skirts? Or is someone getting paid a lot of money by these huge public libraries to come up with some very bad, outdated ideas?
I guess this falls under the category of only time will tell.
November 29, 2010
My Friend Ryan...A Guy in Love
I heard my blogging buddy, Ryan, is in the hospital. He's always had a few health issues he's posted about and he's always seemed to deal with them one by one. You can read about it here, and leave a comment for Ryan if you wish. Over the past six years, I've seen Ryan bounce back from a lot. And I'm sure he'll bounce back this time, too.
His brother, Tyler, seems to be taking care of things right now, including posting about Ryan's condition on the blog. And I have a lot of faith in Tyler. He's a tough guy and I'm sure he'll be taking very good care of his brother. In fact, if I were sick, I'd want someone like Tyler watching out for me. That's how much I trust his judgment.
And I'll be posting when I hear something, as well.
I just hate being so far away. I'd be there at that hospital right now if I lived closer.
His brother, Tyler, seems to be taking care of things right now, including posting about Ryan's condition on the blog. And I have a lot of faith in Tyler. He's a tough guy and I'm sure he'll be taking very good care of his brother. In fact, if I were sick, I'd want someone like Tyler watching out for me. That's how much I trust his judgment.
And I'll be posting when I hear something, as well.
I just hate being so far away. I'd be there at that hospital right now if I lived closer.
Gay Romance, DADT, and What's Real
I'm finishing up a novel today that deals with the subject of gay men in the military. As usual, this particular book is loosely based on the storyline from the film, "Top Gun." But there's no way I could have followed the storyline of the film and not mentioned how the main character deals with being in the military and DADT.
If I wanted to, I could still probably just make it all fantasy. I could write about strong gay men in the military who don't have to worry about coming out of the closet and being open about their sexuality. I could even create a world where Don't Ask Don't Tell doesn't exist.
But then I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.
So I'm hoping I did justice to one of the most frustrating forms of discrimination of our time, DADT. And I'm hoping I did it with simple, real examples. One of those examples, for me, was to show that not all gay men in the military are constantly trying to seduce straight men. I've interviewed gay men in the military for this book, and they've all told me the last thing on their mind is sex with straight men. These are strong men who are very career oriented and the most important thing on their minds is serving their country to the best of their ability. And they want to be treated as equals.
I'll try to put all this, and more, into the cover copy so readers know what they are getting. It is, in fact, a romance with a happy ending. But the ending is nothing like the way the film ended and the characters are not ashamed to take life head on, from a realistic POV this time. Also, this was one of those times when it would have been impossible to follow the storyline of "Top Gun" with two gay characters, and not completely deviate from the original plot. So if you're a die-hard fan of the straight version of the film, you might not like they way I ended the book. But I didn't see any other choices at this point in time.
If I wanted to, I could still probably just make it all fantasy. I could write about strong gay men in the military who don't have to worry about coming out of the closet and being open about their sexuality. I could even create a world where Don't Ask Don't Tell doesn't exist.
But then I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.
So I'm hoping I did justice to one of the most frustrating forms of discrimination of our time, DADT. And I'm hoping I did it with simple, real examples. One of those examples, for me, was to show that not all gay men in the military are constantly trying to seduce straight men. I've interviewed gay men in the military for this book, and they've all told me the last thing on their mind is sex with straight men. These are strong men who are very career oriented and the most important thing on their minds is serving their country to the best of their ability. And they want to be treated as equals.
I'll try to put all this, and more, into the cover copy so readers know what they are getting. It is, in fact, a romance with a happy ending. But the ending is nothing like the way the film ended and the characters are not ashamed to take life head on, from a realistic POV this time. Also, this was one of those times when it would have been impossible to follow the storyline of "Top Gun" with two gay characters, and not completely deviate from the original plot. So if you're a die-hard fan of the straight version of the film, you might not like they way I ended the book. But I didn't see any other choices at this point in time.
