Clare Bell's Blog: The Scratching Log - Goodreads

Bonechewer in Kickstart Video (link)

Tod, Dani, and Sheila have put together a real treat for Ratha fans -- a music video about how the artists are developing and visualizing Bonechewer for the Ratha graphic novel.

See it here at: http://youtu.be/CTJ_UilUX2A

Please back our Kickstarter. We are at nearly 75%, with 5 days left.

http://bit.ly/rathakick

Ratha Artist Tod Wills Livestreaming Today

(Tod Wills) is Livestreaming art and cartoons today to promote the Ratha's Creature Graphic Novel Kickstarter.


http://todwills.deviantart.com/art/Ra...

From his LiveJournal:

"Prehistoric Art Stream!

I will be spending my day, until I crash, drawing prehistoric animal cartoons on my ustream channel, which you can find here - http://www.ustream.tv/channel/icon-day
While I am not limiting myself to the animals and characters from Ratha's Creature, they will likely make an appearance, and the purpose of today's show is to promote the Ratha's Creature kickstarter! We're at 69% funding - $4,079 out of the $5,900 we need - with eight days to go. This last week is crucial, and if you'd like to see the graphic novel happen, we need your help to spread the word! So, here's how this is gonna work.

Here is a graphic you are free to use to link to the kickstarter: http://todwills.deviantart.com/art/Ra...

You can use our short url - http://bit.ly/rathakick - without a / at the end, I learned the hard way 6_6

Link to our kickstarter page on your lj, your twitter, your facebook, wherever you frequent - or you could link to this post to share in the ustream goodness - and post a comment here (including your email address) if you do! You don't need a livejournal account to comment. You can post with your twitter, facebook, g+ account, or leave an anonymous comment, as long as you remember to include your email address in the comment so I can find you.

When I wake up tomorrow morning, I will randomly pick three people who commented here and send them each one of the pictures I make today. Depending on what I accomplish today, I might pick some more folks, but we'll see how it goes! So... prizes! And art to watch today! Prehistoric critters! It's gonna be a good day. :D

***
A couple brief notes for the stream
- I do not have sound on, so I can watch documentaries and babble at my roommate and partner while I work. However, I'll be hanging out in the chat and happy to type at you. :D
- please no poltical or religious discussion, and keep your comments civil and respectful in general
- if you have any questions or comments outside the chat room, you can contact me at coyotepuck@gmail.com and I'll get back to you after the stream
- I am on puppy duty, and will occasionally have to break to take him out, etc.

... that's about it!"

Thanks, Tod!

Ratha Graphic Novel Kickstarter Page Now Live

The Ratha Graphic Novel project continues to bound along its trail, jumping into 2013 with new announcements and accomplishments.

I am very proud to report that the Kickstarter page is now live at :

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/s...

Please help us realize the dream of a Ratha's Creature Graphic Novel by pledging on Kickstarter. You can also spread the word by sharing it on your social networks and blogs.

The artists ( Dani Long, Lew Lashmit, Tod Wills), Sheila Ruth, and I have been intensely involved in creating the various parts of this very critical portion of the project.

These include the Kickstarter page text, a wonderful video, a striking sample character (Thakur) reference sheet, and an amazing sample graphic novel page, lettered and fully inked and colored.

Every time I see the sample page, I am knocked clean off my paws by the skill and dedication that everyone has showed in creating it!

This reinforces my belief that working with artists drawn from the Ratha fan community is working out well, far beyond our hopes. The unusual synergy and community I mentioned before continues to flourish, nurturing not only the participants but the spirit of the project. I hope this creative luminescence shines through via the Kickstarter page, encouraging interest, support and backing.

Our decision to choose three artists who could complement and back each other up has already shown that it was a wise choice. When one or more of the artists did experience a problem or disruption, another was immediately able to step in, minimizing delays, and smoothing out bumps in the trail.
This has given the project an unusual resilience and durability.

This ability was not confined just to the art. Everyone on the team jumped in with suggestions and ideas for the video, music, storyboards, the creation process and many other aspects. Before I release this latest announcement, I will be posting my draft on the Basecamp whiteboard site we use, expecting that it will be mercilessly and lovingly pummeled into a much better version.

I believe now more than ever that a team assembled in this manner, challenged and encouraged in the way we all have done, can grow an amazing maturity and strength that can bring it through adversity and complete high-quality work. This philosophy reaches out to the best in all involved. We are not only blazing a trail for developing the graphic novel itself, but for seeking the best possible way to mold and grow an alliance between exceptionally creative individuals. Again, I don't know of any other graphic novel that has been done in quite the same way (though, admittedly, there may be some).

Here is a list of the team's accomplishments so far, as drawn (and slightly modified) from Sheila's text on the Kickstarter page.


Clare Bell has completely mapped out the story into rough storyboards.

We put out a call for art submissions, and selected the art team.

The entire team has begun collaborating, with an amazing synergy, using Basecamp as our online collaboration/project management tool.

The art team has been discussing big cat biology, prehistoric flora and fauna, California geography, characters, layout of the clan ground, and art techniques.

The team has made significant progress on developing character reference sheets.

Art tests to fine tune the techniques have been successful.

The team has done successful test runs of panel art created using our planned collaboration process, and based on the rough storyboards created by Clare.

Please visit the Kickstarter page and let us now what you think of it. We're pretty proud of it, and we hope you will enjoy what you see.
I also hope that the project catches the eye of an animation film company. I believe that the character designs are simple but striking enough to adapt well to 2 or 3D animation.
I will also be making more of an effort to post these progress updates on various sites every week at least (daily if possible), so keep watching!

CB

Publicity links:

http://www.imaginatorpress.com/kickst...

Baycon 2012, graphic novel, and NPRBooks poll

Updates as of 05/09/2012:

I got my preliminary schedule from BayCon2012 (Memorial Day weekend, May 25-28 at the Santa Clara CA Hyatt, info and reg. at http://www.baycon.org ). I will be on the following panels:

1. Young Adult Fiction: More that Blanking-out the Sex on Friday from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM in Camino Real (with Deborah J. Ross, Ann Finnin, Diana L. Paxson)

Young Adult Fiction is a rapidly growing sub-genre. What does it take to write YA, and how is it different from either children's or adult fiction?

2. Location, Location, Location -- Setting your Story in a Science Fiction
World on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM in Lafayette (with Chaz Brenchley, Deborah J. Ross, T.S. Luikart, Allison Lonsdale)

Your character has to live somewhere, and that somewhere needs to support the story. It's embarrassing to have a great scene all written involving bikini- or Speedo-dressed people, when they all live in the first permanent settlement on the Moon, and only landed yesterday....


3. Self-Promotion and Publicity for Writers on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 2:30
PM in Ballroom D (with Tony N. Todaro, Dave Trowbridge, Marty Halpern, Jaym Gates.)

So you've figured out this whole writing thing and your work is finally out there. Wouldn't it be great if people actually bought it? Just because the publisher bought your book doesn't mean they're going to publicize it. Learn the whys and hows of self-promotion from the experts.

4. Getting Girls Hooked on Science and Engineering on Saturday from 2:30 PM to
4:00 PM in San Tomas (with Juliette Wade, Karen Williams, Kay Pannell).

Ladies in lab coats: Following in the footsteps of Madam Curie.


5. Iron Editor on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM in Camino Real,(with Laurel Anne Hill, Marty Halpern, Kent Brewster)

Normally, any “writers’ workshop” is a private, behind-closed-doors affair, inviting rumors of ancient and tribal rites involving bio-based styrofoam, marshmallows, duct tape, and the odd un-observant Pastafarian. This panel is designed to bring to the public what the
process looks and sounds like. Using submissions from the audience members, our panelists will quickly mark up each manuscript and present a critique. All of our Iron Editors have been published themselves, and have a very good idea of what a story needs to get published. To
participate, bring up to two double-spaced pages of creative writing to the panel, or drop it off in the box at the Info Desk. You must be present to have your submission critiqued! The more, the merrier! Non-submmitting audience members are more than welcome.


6. Chicks Dig Comics on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM in Lafayette (with Jean Batt, Karen Williams, Kay Pannell, Allison Lonsdale, Sally RoseRed Robinson)

Once a boys-only genre, women of all ages are finding comics to love and read.


7. From Girl to Goddess: The Heroine's Quest on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
in Lawrence(with Leslie Ann Moore, Kay Pannell, Valerie Estelle Frankel)

Many know Joseph Campbell's theory of the Hero's Journey, but the Heroine's Quest has existed beside it, from the earliest tales to the modern girls of epic fantasy. Join us for a presentation following the heroine archetype as she ascends to the role of mother-goddess.

Writers' Workshop

I've also been asked to participate in the BayCon Writers' Workshop, and I'll post updates on that when I get them.

Who wants a Ratha Room party at BayCon? I can put up an announcement when I get to the convention.

As of 05/09/2012, the Ratha graphic novel has 220 responses, and Ratha got 34 votes on NPRBooks' Fictional Felines poll to tie for 3rd place, just behind first placer Hobbes the Tiger, from Calvin and Hobbes, and second placer The Cheshire Cat from Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland.


05/05/2012

The Ratha graphic novel survey has 212 responses, many from this site, so I thank all who voted.

Even though the gift certificate drawing entries are closed, you can still take the survey:
http://imaginatorpress.wufoo.com/form...

NPRBooks set up a favorite #FictionalFeline poll on their Facebook, and Ratha is tied for fifth place. And this all happened while I was in town today. It was a great surprise to return and find that Ratha fans had, once again, come through for their favorite Named clan leader.

Anyway, if you want to add your yowl and bump our pre-hysteric heroine up a notch, feel free. Maybe the phenomenon will intrigue NPR into asking me for an interview. Here's the NPRBooks Poll: https://www.facebook.com/questions/42...

You can also find NPRBooks on Twitter: @nprbooks

More soon.

R-kitty

Thank you, everyone.

A Ratha-lick and purr to all who have already responded to the Ratha graphic novel survey event, and especially to those who have taken the survey. Imaginator Press (Sheila Ruth) and I would really like to do this project, and you are helping me. Many human and feline thanks!
The event continues until 04/30/2012, so you still have time.

Realistic Animals - Resource

For those of my friends who are writing about realistic animal characters, here's a link to my Realistic Animal Characters: Exploring the Clash Between Instinct and Intelligence workshop: http://forum.rathascourage.com/index....

Blackout against #SOPA

Largest Internet Protest EVER on 01/18/2012!

 

 

 

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Today, we are striking against censorship

Join the largest online protest in history: tell Congress to stop this bill now!

 

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Write Congress Now!

Not In The US? Petition The State Department.

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LEARN MORE:

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Scratching Log - Solstice Salute

The Scratching Log Presents:

 

A Solstice Salute.

(As it appeared on Twitter 12/22/2011, the Winter Solstice).

 

8:00AM Wake up, twittercats.  Something special is happening today!

8:30AM On this special day, follow the hashtag #Solstice for a #prose #poem about the year's turning point.

9:00AM Before the #Solstice:

9:30AM #Solstice Winter's black threatens to become un-ending midnight. Even the stars'sharp light cannot pierce it.

10:00AM #Solstice The sun's arcing path drifts down as if fatally weary, the sun itself pale against a bleak sky.

10:15AM #Solstice The nights, colder and longer, are enemies eating up the day until black rules all and hope dies in misery.

10:30AM #Solstice The endless final winter has finally come, the ice will trumph while creatures and spirits wither.

10:45AM #Solstice One can only crouch in a den, afraid and shivering.

11:00AM #Solstice Yet there is a slowing that could presage a pause in the deepening cold, the lengthening night, the sun's failing path.

11:30 AM #Solstice Before that pause, defiance.  In dead branches held by jaws, held by teeth, lit by coals carefully hoarded, light flickers.

11:40 AM #Solstice Lifted to the slowing sky, flame burns and then rages, re-kindling the will to survive. One torch raised, joined by others.

11:50AM #Solstice This gift, this creature, is all that stands between life and the deathly cold that freezes the heart; the heavy dark that blinds.

12:05 PM #Solstice Four-footed, cat-eyed; those who bear the flame and those guarded by it; they circle, waiting.

12:30PM #Solstice Ratha lifts her torch on the cover of the Imaginator Press edition of Ratha's Creature. http://ow.ly/87ojz

12:35PM #Solstice Sheila and I celebrate the victory of light over dark by offering this book at a deep discount.http://ow.ly/87ojz

3:00PM #Solstice Cat-minds sense the stillness of the pause, then afterward, the tinest movement, as if time has re-started.

4:00 #Solstice Night hesitates in its encroachment on day. Dark chokes, no longer able to swallow light.

4:45PM#Solstice Ice greedily sucks moisture into hoarfrost, trying to arm itself for what will come.

5:15 #Solstice The turning, the great reversal, the promise that the sun's path will again rise; day will strive against night; ice yield to water.

5:30PM #Solstice As the moment gathers speed, and the flames roar, the voices rise in hope and celebration

5:40PM #Solstice As the new light dawns, and the flames sing, the voices rise in joy and celebration.

5:50PM #Solstice The world is re-born and the dance toward spring and summer begins.

5:55PM #Solstice As it has before, as it always will, as long as this world and it's life exists.

6:00 Blessed Be. The Named and I wish you a glorious Winter #Solstice.  CB

6:30PM #Solstice Imaginator Press and I are deep discounting on a book that lifts its torch to drive away any darkness of the spirit.

6:35 #Solstice The one that started it all:  Ratha's Creature, First Book of the Named. http://ow.ly/87ojz

7:15PM I hope you have enjoyed this Named poetic experiment in time, space, emotion, and fiction..

7:20 The entire piece, including all the tweets, can be experienced again here:  http://rathascourage.com/Scratchlog_Solstice_2011

 

Ratha's Challenge Cover Collector's Special

$14.50SKU: 015/001

Ratha's Challenge Cover Collector Deal!

 

 

Buy The Imaginator Press trade paperback edition and get the Firebird mass-market paperback for $4.00. The total price of $14.50 for both books is less than the cover price for the Imaginator Press edition!

Both books will be Ratha-doodled and autographed.

 

Price: $14.50

Who would you like the book autographed to?:

If you want it autographed to a person, please enter the name above. Otherwise, leave blank.

Ratha's Courage is IN PRINT

To the 141 Goodreaders who marked this book as a "to read", first a thank-you, and second, an announcement. Ratha's Courage and all the other Named series novels are in print and available. If a source or bookstore can't get it, tell them:

It's not out of print. Make sure the bookstores are looking at the Imaginator Press edition ISBN 9780974560366 and not the cancelled Firebird Books edition. If you want, you can order an autographed copy direct from the author at www.rathascourage.com

(scroll down to click on the cover image)

CB