Renee Miller's Blog, page 7

Sensitive Stuff

I promised a rant, but I’m not feeling super ranty, so here’s a modified “What the fuck is going on?” kind of post. A compromise.

So, I’ve been seeing a lot of commentary on social media about something I’ve never heard of until recently: Sensitivity Readers. Honestly, my first reaction was, “What the actual fuck is this shit?”

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Then I read as much as I could find, both for and against the idea. I found that many writers are screaming about censorship and vowing never to use one. Some are defending it, explaining that the misrepresentation of marginalized groups is a big problem in society. They’re right. It is.

But let’s back up for a second. What the hell is a sensitivity reader? According to articles, like this one I read in The Chicago Tribune, a sensitivity reader is:

“a person who, for a nominal fee, will scan the book for racist, sexist or otherwise offensive content. These readers give feedback based on self-ascribed areas of expertise such as “dealing with terminal illness,” “racial dynamics in Muslim communities within families” or “transgender issues.”

Personally, I think it’s fantastic to have a resource like this available. If you’ve never experienced these things personally, then it helps to have feedback from someone who has. (although, in some cases, I wonder why one would tackle a character/group one has no clue about, but maybe that’s just me)

I worry that cultural misrepresentation isn’t the only reason some publishers are using sensitivity readers, though. It’s no secret that society is becoming a bunch of special snowflake types who feel it’s their DUTY to be offended. To get angry. To feel slighted or wronged. So many triggers, some legitimate, others not so much. Is it even possible to write a story that pisses no one off?

And this is where embracing such things as sensitivity readers could be a problem.

In order to avoid stepping on toes, sensitivity reading (when taken to the extreme) could limit the potential for diversity in our books. For example, as a straight white girl, the only people I can portray as evil, sick, twisted or just plain bad without offending anyone, are straight white people. Generally, I figure if I don’t understand the character, I’ve got no business writing them. You might argue, “But Renee, you don’t understand killers or rapists, but you write those characters.”

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Let’s face it, guys; no one gives a shit about hurting a rapist’s feelings. Ditto for a murderer. Also, I’m not sure any of them are offering sensitivity reading services so that I might see things from their point of view, so there’s that. Ditto on aliens, fantastical creatures like zombies and vampires, and such.

Moving on. Some people feel that using sensitivity readers is contributing to the problem of diversity in fiction, because of “cultural appropriation.” This term is used to describe (for example) a white male writing a story featuring a black female POV. Basically, is it right to help someone write about a culture or experiences they can’t possibly understand? Why not just focus on trying to create diversity in AUTHORS published, rather than the stories told?

Good point. I agree. Instead of paying sensitivity readers, why not publish the people who KNOW what they’re writing about?

As a reader and a writer, I’m not against this idea of having an expert go over your work to make sure what you’ve represented is accurate. Getting your facts right is good. My concern is in how far this will go, once authors feel pressured to jump on the sensitivity bandwagon. Fear has no place in a writer’s mind. Get it out of there. Censoring what you write to avoid offending everyone is not good writing. On the other hand, writing whatever you want, and to hell with facts, is also bad.

It puzzles me that there is a need for someone to flag such things in books anyway. Does no one research anymore? Do we not fact check, consult with experts or people who’ve gone through what we’re putting our characters through? I mean, that’s Writing Fiction 101, isn’t it? Do. Your. Research.

I guess the whole thing just troubles me. If you’re using these readers as a sort of fact checking resource, that’s great. How far does it go, though? How far back to we bend to make sure no one is upset by what we write?

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As you all know, I write offensive stuff. Erotica, horror and comedy are genres where if you don’t cross “the line,” your story won’t do the job it’s supposed to do. I mean, if you pick up a novel about a serial rapist/killer from the horror shelf, and then are surprised when the lead character is a misogynist, racist prick, you kind of deserve whatever happens to your feelings. You bought that book, which clearly says what it’s about. And if you pick up a book marketed as satire, you can be sure it’s going to poke fun at someone. It’s on readers as well as writers to be informed. And you know what? I think we aren’t giving readers enough credit here.

Personally, I try to stay away from POV characters I can’t relate to, because they’re not believable if I can’t put myself in their shoes, but should I avoid using any characters from races, sexual orientations, religions, socio-economic status and genders that are not my own unless I hire a sensitivity reader to make sure I don’t misrepresent or offend anyone?  Maybe I should, but I won’t.

That’s my take on sensitivity readers. I’m not anti-sensitivity, but I don’t plan to use them. It’s great if you decide you should. Let’s not get carried away, though. Good fiction pushes boundaries and crosses lines. It challenges and questions, and it should make readers feel something. That something can’t be butterflies and kittens all the time.

 

Tagged: books, publishing, rants, readers, sensitivity readers, snowflakes

All the News

Okay, so maybe just my news. All the news would be ridiculous, right? Anyway, I wanted to update you on all the shit I’m up to, and promote, because that’s what we authors do. So, in just 2 days, Thursday, February 23rd, I’ll be over at DarkFuse Magazine, hanging out at The Haunt around 9pm. We’re going to do a live chat, where everyone can ask questions or comment, which means potential shit show. I do love a good shit show. Don’t you?

Also at DarkFuse, I’ve entered a micro-fiction tournament called Tiny Terrors. I’m just a few votes behind, so I’d love it if you all went over there to vote. (This is me BEGGING for votes, so we’re clear *winky face*) There’s just two days left to vote in this round. Voting for the semifinals ends at 11:59pm on Thursday (February 23). No subscription is necessary to vote in this contest (although the option does pop up), but the cost is pretty minimal and lovers of dark fiction will love what this magazine has to offer.

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Let’s see, what else is new? Oh, just this,

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In April, my new novella, CATS LIKE CREAM, will be available online at DarkFuse as an online serial, and published as a limited edition hardcover in August. (that’s the plan anyway) Very excited about this one.

I’ve also signed with Unnerving Magazine to publish CHURCH, a horror novella (also a little weird, because that’s how I roll), which should be released in October.

AND next month, my second story in the Erotikos series, INVASION, will be available at DarkFuse, and the hardcover for Erotikos 1 is available for pre-order right now.

I’ve also got stories in DeadLights Magazine, No Safe Word, and DarkFuse 6 (available now for pre-order).

I’ve been quietly plugging away at a second Milo Smalls story too. No definite date for publication yet, but I’m working on it. We’ve got a title, though. Small’s Soldiers. Grittier and darker than the first, but still funny (I hope).

So, I think you’re all up to date on what’s up in my world. Don’t worry, the next post will be a wildly entertaining rant or sarcastic observation of something.

Don’t forget to vote for my Tiny Terror. Shameless self-promotion over for a few months. Promise.

Thieving Bastards

Had an interesting discussion the other day about ideas and folks who steal them. The conversation was about something not related to writing, but it got me thinking. Can someone really steal a book idea?

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Think about it for a minute. It’s an interesting thing to ponder. I’ll wait.

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Okay, enough of that. Fun fact: I just wrote a novella about a writer who loses his mind when his work is stolen. (Don’t you dare use it.) It makes good horror for other writers, because we’re kind of weird about our fear of someone stealing our work. This story I wrote, oddly enough, is based on an idea given to me by Christian Saunders. (I did not steal it. I don’t care what he says. Seriously, though, there was no stealing.)

See, when you stop believing you’re a special genius snowflake, you can brainstorm with other writers and EXCHANGE ideas. Give one you know isn’t right for you to someone who might make it fantastic, and vice versa.

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Okay, so maybe it’s not that amazing. Whatever. My point is writers are really weird about our precious ideas. I feel dirty even talking about this, and I’ll admit, I’m hesitant to share a new idea, especially if I’m actually working it. I’ll share with a few close friends or non-writer types, but doing something like posting in a writing group or on social media seems like I’m begging someone else to write it first. And I’d understand if they did, because I don’t own an idea. The idea I might have, any idea, has probably already been done many times before. I’m technically stealing it from whoever used it before me. So, can someone really steal an idea when it comes to fiction writing? Writers get ideas from everywhere. We use news reports, fairy tales, dreams, movies, other books, people, conversations, life events, and the list is probably endless. We’re all thieves. Think about all the time you’ve used a creative writing prompt. You’re a no good, dirty idea stealing loser. We all are.

Don’t tell me you’ve never EVER used another person’s idea.

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Even if you’ve never done it intentionally (and most of us haven’t), we’ve all used ideas that someone else thought of first. An idea isn’t a tangible thing. It’s a possibility. Until you actually write the story, there’s nothing to steal. If you’re foolish enough to share your entire outline with someone, well there is a possibility it’ll get swiped. That would suck, and it’s a shit thing for someone to do, but you and the thief could both write it, and you’ll end up with completely different stories. If not in terms of plot, then your characters and narrative will be different. The style and voice will be different. One of you will be a better writer, so the overall product will be different. You have different experiences, skills, beliefs and viewpoints, so your idea in another’s hands is probably going to be a totally different story.

An idea is a beginning. And for those of you (and I’ve heard this from some) who believe using another person’s story idea is plagiarism, just stop. Unless said writer copied your WORK, using an idea you tossed into the world is not the same as plagiarizing a book. It’s shitty, sure, and unimaginative and possibly lazy, but if they took the idea and wrote their own story based on it, they’re only doing what we all do in some way. Just imagine what it’d be like if using another person’s story idea was actually something you could sue over. You and Joe Writer over there could be working on separate books. Never met. Never talked. Never saw a social media post by the other. Now, you both come up with the same basic idea for a story.  You both write it. Later, you see Joe has used “your” idea and he sees you’ve used “his.” They’re different stories, but you both have reason to sue the other, because the basic idea is the same. You stole each other’s ideas. So, you both sue. Odds are, whoever published first would be viewed as the “victim” and whoever took too long would be ruined. Does that seem right?

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Hell, we’d all be sued in such a world, because there are no new ideas (at least in terms of plot) in fiction. Accept it. Yes, it seems depressing, but only if you’re dead set on writing something that’s never been done before in any way. However, if you view this fact as a challenge, it gets a little more interesting. Sure, every plot has been done. View these previous attempts as something you can do better and then try to realize that goal.

And if you’re really convinced that you’ve got the best, most original story idea ever, and you know someone might steal it if you share it, then shut your damn mouth and write it. Don’t tell anyone. Don’t share excerpts or blurbs on social media. Just write it. When you’re done, keep it close to your chest. Don’t even submit to editors or agents. I mean, what’s stopping them from stealing it? And don’t publish it. Someone is going to read the book and use the idea for their next book, because it’s so awesome. Better to keep it hidden, so no one is ever tempted to use it to write something new. It’s YOUR idea. Not theirs.

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Sounds a little ridiculous? You’re absolutely right. It is.

Tagged: ideas, inspiration, publishing, theft

Queen of Gross & Other Goodies

First, let’s get the gloating out of the way. You’re looking at the first Queen of GoreWars, although I prefer you refer to me as the Queen of Gross. What’s that? Oh, I just won a little online gross-out competition hosted by DarkFuse Magazine.

That’s not the point of this post.

The point is, I’m kind of not bad at this gross, horror, dark fiction thing. I’ve never been as comfortable with my writing as I’ve been since I went back to horror/dark fiction in early 2016. Still, though, I didn’t consciously make the connection with my happier writing time and horror, until someone asked during this tournament (someone who has read more than just my Gore Wars entries) why I haven’t been writing horror all along. The answer is simple and a little embarrassing. I was told, way back in the early days when I was still figuring it all out and before I published anything, that horror was not my forte. I should try a different genre. Horror was a waste of my time, because some people just can’t write it and I’m one of those people.

And I believed it. I stopped writing horror about five years ago. I still kept it dark, as you all know, but I focused on comedy and weird stuff instead. I didn’t try to scare or thrill anyone too much. Now and then I’d try my hand at suspenseful, but I kept the fuck away from horror, because I wasn’t any good at it. Who wants to do something they’re not good at?

I was stupid to let someone else tell me what I should or should not write. Back then, it wasn’t that I sucked at horror. The problem was I sucked at writing in general, because I was learning. I’d have been terrible at whatever genre I chose. Had I stuck to horror, I’d have improved.

Hindsight is so clear, isn’t it?

I think I’ll always struggle with a touch of the “impostor” syndrome. There’s a nagging feeling whenever I write that someone, at some point, is going to realize I don’t belong in this world and they’re going to out me. (I know how ridiculous that sounds) I’m never entirely confident about what I’ve written. There’s always a part of my brain that is a little shocked when someone says they loved what I’ve written. I see this as a good thing. It keeps me motivated to be better and to learn more. Makes me a little more determined to succeed.

Anyway, I know you guys haven’t seen anything from me in a while. You’re used to me publishing something every few months. And technically, I did publish 3 novels (Dragons, Dicks, Sins & Scribes, Mind Fuck, and Muse) and 3 short stories (Flesh & Blood, Hunger, and Stop Crying) in 2016, so there’s no slacking here.  I also had three shorts published in DarkFuse Magazine (Antibody, The Friday Special, and Good Vibrations), and two of those are or will be in an anthology. Horror superstar Brian Lumley will be headlining the Erotikos anthology, where you’ll find my erotic horror shorts, Good Vibrations and Invasion. I’m very stoked about that one. And I have a few more shorts scheduled for publication in 2017. I know 2016 has been shitty for a lot of you, but in many ways, it was pretty good to me.

Did I mention how much I LOVE writing erotic horror? God, it’s so much fun. Anyway, when I switched to horror (thanks, Christian Saunders), something clicked in my brain. I’ve been more productive and I’m enjoying what had become a little tedious. So learn from my mistakes. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. Go with your gut. If you are terrible at it, don’t quit. Keep plugging away until you don’t suck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What the Hell is Erotic Horror and WHY Would Anyone Want to Write It?

You all may have noticed (or not if you’ve never read my work, and shame on you) that most of my stories include sex or at least the mention of sex. Weird, romantic, disturbing, funny, confusing; I like to write all the sex.

The best sex writing, though, is the kind erotic horror inspires me to write. I didn’t realize I might actually be good at it until recently, when I was invited to submit something for DarkFuse’s Erotikos series. (which is going to be AWESOME, by the way) You can read the teaser story, GOOD VIBRATIONS, written by yours truly, for free. Here’s a look at the trailer.

https://www.darkfusemagazine.com/2016/12/erotikos-teaser-trailer/

To say I was excited to be involved in this series would be an understatement. I wasn’t sure what Erotikos editor, Dave Thomas expected, because a lot of people, publishers included, have different ideas of what the genre is about, so I sent him three very different stories. One is very dark, another is surreal and weird, and the last, Good Vibrations, has a generous dose of humor to go with the dark and weird. This is what I love about the horror genre in general. You can take one idea in so many directions, the possibilities are almost limitless.

Anyway, you probably don’t care about all of that. What the fuck is erotic horror? (Many of you have asked me this already) Isn’t that just torture porn? Or monster porn? Or maybe you’re curious about how the two themes, erotica and horror, can possibly work together? Aren’t they a contradiction? How can a person can turn your crank while also scaring the bejesus out of you? Well, I’ll try to define it.

When I say erotic horror, I’m not talking about sex with vampires or stories pussy-eating space monsters that pleasure a plain Jane Earth girl and make her a sex slave on their planet. Those are definitely dark erotica, but not examples of the erotic horror I know and love. (Although, pussy eating space monsters is going into The File.)

The really simplified, basic definition of erotic horror is a horror story with sex in it. However, that’s misleading and doesn’t really give readers an idea of what they’re about to read. All horror is a little erotic, because horror is a seductive genre. I mean, we have to convince the reader to come into our twisted world so we can scare the shit out of her. That requires some serious sweet talking. But just because a horror story has a sex scene in it, doesn’t mean it’s erotic horror. To be erotic horror, in my opinion, the sex has to be an integral element to the story. It must be necessary to either the plot or the development of your characters. Sure, you can add it for shock value, and I have done that, but the best erotic horror weaves the fear and sexual arousal so tightly together, separating them would cause the story to fall apart.

Really good erotic horror makes you question yourself, your beliefs and even your sexuality. It turns your stomach, while also turning your crank. This requires ideas or themes that are so far outside your comfort zone, you almost take a step back to question who you are. The back and forth between sexual arousal and repulsion digs into a part of the brain we don’t often visit, but don’t worry. Erotic horror is a safe place for you to explore fears, emotions and sexual desires that aren’t generally acceptable. Often, a dash of humor is needed to help the reader keep going. Lighten the mood. Make what they’re reading not quite so heavy. This combination of fear, arousal and humor is problematic for some.

It’s not about glamorizing anything or making light of anyone. I can say that a million times, though, and few people would really hear me. I think the problem lies in the bad rap the two genres have gotten over the years. I know erotica isn’t a respected genre. It’s not considered serious fiction, and its authors aren’t considered serious writers. You don’t need skill to make someone horny, after all. (I disagree, but we’ll save that for another time) Erotica is also widely considered to be a “woman’s” genre, like romance. We all know how seriously women are taken in some areas of publishing. Another topic we can discuss later. Horror has similar stereotypes attached to it, although it’s considered to be a boys’ club. Women can’t scare people and men can’t turn them on.

Combining the two is insane, because who’s going to write it?

Please.

Erotica and horror are a natural pairing, in my opinion, but I get the impression that women writing erotica that doesn’t shit rainbows and butterflies of feelings really bothers some people. On the other hand, men writing violent scenes involving sex are viewed as misogynist assholes. I’ve heard a range of questions and comments about my reasoning for choosing this genre. It’s degrading to women, so how can I, a woman, embrace such a thing? It glorifies abhorrent behavior, deviant ideas, and taboo themes. It tells people I’m cool with this stuff. I’m easy or freaky or whatever. It’s not healthy. It’s not something a good feminist would write. How can I look at my daughters and be proud of what I’ve done?

Erotic horror should be entertaining first, but it can also be liberating and empowering for both reader and writer. As a woman, being able to explore ideas and fantasies that terrify me allows me to take control of things that make me feel powerless in real life. As a writer, it frees a creative part of my brain other fiction just can’t tap into. I love that I can take an issue that is important to women, like how we’re raised to protect ourselves against rape, even though we have no control over when it’ll happen (and many of us accept it’s a matter of “when” rather than “if” which is so sad), and turn it on its head. I can make a man experience the same fear, dread, and shame that women are conditioned to feel every single day, with a just one scene. (A scene you’ll get to read in the Erotikos series) I can also make readers see that having a fantasy that’s outside the norm doesn’t make them sick or weird. We all have deviant fantasies. We all wonder about taboo ideas. Reading/watching these things lets us explore those fantasies in a safe place, and maybe opens up a whole new way of thinking. It doesn’t mean we’ll do it. It doesn’t mean we want to. It just means we’re open to exploring.

Sometimes erotic horror doesn’t have any of that. The best, and I’m talking, the ultimate, most well-crafted, perfectly written erotic horror, or just horror in general, can take a completely disgusting premise or the most terrifying and/or disturbing scenes, and still make it erotic, without using actual sex. It’s all in the word choices and the atmosphere created by the writer as he moves the reader through the story. These have you reaching the end, finally taking a breath, and then realizing you’re kind of turned on, but you’re not sure why. Man, that’s some good writing.

Now, I’m not saying erotic horror changes lives or breaks down the narrow minded bullshit that plagues today’s society, although, maybe that’s a good goal. (Personally, I’m sick of figuring out what will or won’t offend or trigger someone.) I’m saying it challenges us to question what we think we know about ourselves. Anything that challenges you can’t be all bad.

And sometimes, yes, erotic horror is just a good way to knock one out. There’s nothing wrong with that either.

Tagged: DarkFuse, erotica, horror, publishing

Are You Indie or Not?

What Is Indie?

Fuck if I know anymore. I used to think I knew, but now I’m not sure. (I see all of you clamoring to give me a definition. Go on. If you must.)

I guess I should explain what made me ask this question. You see, I’ve published books myself. I’ve had a publisher, although it was short lived and disappointing, and I’ve published short fiction with magazines and small presses as well. Recently, a couple of people said something like, “But I thought you were supposed to be Indie,” when I shared links to stories published in online magazines, implying that not publishing them myself somehow makes me not Indie.

I said, “Well, I am.”

Aren’t I?

What is Indie, though? What does it mean? Well, indie isn’t just self-published authors. I know some of you are confused by this. Hell, I’m confused. Has the definition changed? I didn’t get the memo, but then, I’m terribly disorganized, so it might be here somewhere.

My understanding of indie is that it means “independent.” So this means a self-published author or one published by an independent or boutique publisher. Small press. Not one of the Big Five or Six, or however many of those are left. Someone who self-publishes but also has a traditional deal is called hybrid.

The thing is, I don’t identify as ONLY indie. I’m hybrid, I suppose. In my head, I just use the term “author.” I’m an author. I write books. I like people to read said books. How those books get to the readers is really not important to me, as long as they get read. Publishers are awesome, because they take care of the tedious shit I don’t like to deal with, like formatting, cover design and finding my mistakes. Self-publishing is also awesome, because I’m in control. We know how much I like my control.

There’s so much stigma and judgment attached to both types of publishing. On one hand, we have these indie pricks with their low-quality, cheap books bringing everything down and ruining the industry for everyone. On the other hand, we’ve got these elitist traditional fuckers with noses stuffed firmly up their own asses. They think their shit don’t stink. Am I right?

None of that is true, of course. Each side struggles with stereotypes. I’ve dealt with self-pubbed authors (who believe indie means only self-pubbed authors) who basically call anyone who goes traditional for any reason a traitor. (A traitor to what, I’ve never been quite sure. The bloody battle for mediocrity perhaps?) Why would I give a cut of those two dollars to someone else? (Sarcasm) There are also hard-core traditional authors who will wash their hands of colleagues who try the indie waters. How dare they step down from the golden pedestal to slum it with the unwashed masses?

My point is this is all stupid. Why do we need labels? Yes, so the reader knows how you published… Is that really important if you’re putting good work out there?

I’m not ashamed of being an indie author. I take great pride in the fact that I conquered my fears of inadequacy and failure and published myself. I find no shame in being a traditionally published author either. I’m proud someone else sees value in what I’ve worked extremely hard to produce and are willing to put themselves out on a limb (even a short one) to help me get it out there.

Is there a problem with just calling ourselves authors and leaving it at that? I guess there is, because we’re all special snowflakes, blah, blah, and a label gives us a “place.” It helps readers know what we’re about and… I don’t know. Labels just define things, which, apparently, is very important.

No thanks. I’d rather be undefinable, because I’m the specialest of all the snowflakes. (More sarcasm.)

What do you guys think? As a reader, is it important to know if a book is indie or not? As an author, is there a reason you’d prefer to be considered one or the other?

NaNo-Not This Time

It’s that time of year again, where I binge write for days and come up with something genius. NaNoWriMo, kids.

Just kidding. I actually abandoned my NaNo project this year around 20K words. It’s not because I couldn’t finish. I was owning that bitch, thank you very much. I abandoned it because I had other projects I keep ignoring, and I’m just too busy. I’m technically unemployed (still working from home, though) and yet I have less time than before. Weird how being free to structure your own schedule makes you waste ALL THE TIME.

It’s not entirely wasted, though. I’ve taken up crafting again. I make some cool shit and some shit that’s not so cool. Like this Marvel collage thing is pretty cool…

But this roadkill cat is… well it requires a very specific buyer, I think.

I’m still re-learning the whole crochet thing, as you can see. And yes, we went to 1990 to retrieve our couch. Stop judging us.

Anyway, I’ve also been writing short fiction. A lot of it. Today, my horror story, THE FRIDAY SPECIAL will be featured in DarkFuse Magazine, and in the New Year, a short called WHERE THERE IS LIFE, will be published by Deadlights.

Oh, and if all goes as planned, some of my erotic horror may be featured in Erotikos (DarkFuse). This is some twisty, weird stuff, kids. You’ll love it.

The longer stuff is coming. Promise. The sequel to Mind Fuck, Small’s Soldiers, is a little more than half done. It’s darker than the first, but still just as funny (in my humble opinion). I’m trying to decide if I’m going to publish a couple of books I’ve been sitting on for way too long. I figure if I just ignore it for a while, one morning when I haven’t had enough coffee to overthink it, I’ll start the process and publish one of them.

While you’re waiting on me to finish procrastinating on that stuff, check out my Deviant Dolls page every Friday and Sunday for the next few weeks. We’re doing a mini feature on each author and some of these are HILARIOUS.

Oh, and don’t forget I write a regular column over at Underground Book Reviews, which is WAY more entertaining than my blog at the moment.

Now, I’m off to write something dark and kinky.

(Just kidding. I’m going to fold some laundry.)

 

 

Life’s Lemons

I’ve been neglecting this place, and I’m sorry. I’m hoping with more flexibility in my schedule, I’ll be able to amuse you all more often. By flexibility I mean, I’m essentially unemployed. How’d that happen? Well, sometimes in life, you quit jobs because of new opportunities, and then those opportunities fizzle out, and there you are, just floating around with nowhere to go and wondering “HOW AM I GOING TO EAT?!”

It’s not that bad for me, but you get the idea.  So, how do I take these lemons and make something better than lemonade? Good question. After much discussion, thought, and binge watching of Salem, The Flash and Orphan Black, I decided to try to work from home again. This is good, because at some point in July-August, I had a serious issue finding the motivation to write. I was tired, miserable, and just not feeling it. Oh, I wrote. Started about a half-dozen new projects, but my interest waned fast, and that’s not like me. i even contemplated taking a writing break a few times. I know, that’s a terrible idea. Not going to do it.

Slowly, my writing groove is re-establishing itself, and I think it’s because what I’m doing now lets me be creative all the time, not just when I have a spare minute here and there. What do I mean? Well, not only am I writing (working on a lot of short fiction lately, but I do have some novels “in progress” too, so calm your shit), but I decided to open a little shop of handmade things. Didn’t know I could make shit, did you? Well I can.

Shit like this:

And…

Yep, those are voodoo dolls. I also make dream catchers, Christmas stuff like this guy,

And bookmarks, bracelets, tabletop Christmas trees, and whatever else I feel like making here and there. Anyway, if you’re interested, check out my Facebook page.

Now, to the selling of books. As you know, I’m part of an author collective called Deviant Dolls Publications. We’re just a bunch of asshats writing weird stuff, dark stuff, and everything in between. We really like parties too, so we’re throwing a virtual Halloween party on the Facebook. Join us, and you could win a book, a doll or whatever that thing in our closet is.

I also decided to run a couple of sales the week of the event (October 25th to November 1st). You can get my Fangs and Fur books, Bayou Baby, In the Bones, The Legend of Jackson Murphy, Dirty Truths, and Muse for just 99 cents all week. Over the weekend of the event, October 29th and 30th, I’m making a few of my books FREE. So, you can also get Hunger, Lascivious, Lucky, Sweet Revenge, AND Stop Crying for absolutely NOTHING. All I ask is that you leave a review. Whatever your thoughts are on the books. Of course, they’re free even if you don’t leave a review, but give a girl at least one. Yes? Thanks.

I guess that’s all for now. There’s a few things “in the works” right now, so I’ll share that new later. Promise.

Dear Writers: The World Owes You Nothing

Zip. Zilch. Nada.

But let me back up a little bit. Explain myself and such. I belong to a few writing groups online. I’m not very active in these groups anymore, but they’re interesting and I’ve met talented authors because of them. Sometimes I still learn things. Other times, not so much.

But that’s not the point of this article.  A disturbing trend I see in these groups is the “entitled” attitude way too many writers seem to have. It’s an attitude that comes and goes, of course. More often than not, though, it’s present. You’ve written something, and now you feel the world owes you a reward for that something. Maybe it’s editing services. I mean, all writers use beta readers, right? Maybe it’s representation by an agent. How can they not love your shit? Maybe it’s reviews or sales. It’s the best damn book ever written, after all. Yeah, those typos can be found in all the big name books, so let’s not mention them. Also, no one would edit for free, so what are you supposed to do about that?

Some writers offer a free copy of their book in exchange for a review, and then lose their minds if it’s not a five-star raving love fest. They gave you A FREE COPY! Christ, that warrants a positive return on the favor. Some want beta readers… scratch that “editors” for works in progress or first drafts (first of all, first drafts should NEVER go to an editor), but have no money. You, as a struggling author yourself should understand their position and offer services up eagerly. I mean, experienced writers OWE it to the new guy to share their wisdom. Didn’t someone help you when you were just starting out?

Listen, I don’t encourage anyone to write for free, and I definitely don’t think anyone should offer anything else for free, ESPECIALLY if it’s expected. And hey, same goes for editing. You don’t like it when a reader expects to get your books for free. Imagine how an editor feels when her services are expected out of the goodness of her heart rather than in exchange for cold hard cash. She’s got bills too, you know.

Fun fact: Nobody owes you anything.

 

Nope. Nobody. Not reviews. Not promotion. Not editing. Not book covers. Not advice. Not publication or representation. Nothing. It’s both arrogant and assholey to expect anyone to offer a service free of charge. It’s childish to believe that just because you ask for or demand something, you should receive it.

I know. You’re a writer. You can’t afford to pay for editing or whatever. How will you learn how to be a good writer if no one helps you? How will you know if you’re doing it right? You don’t want to write a WHOLE NOVEL the wrong way.

Well, it’s not the job of other writers or editors to do the learning for you. It’s not their job to teach you either. It’s YOUR job to figure it all out. Don’t worry. Here’s how you get started:

Read, friend. Read a lot. How-to books. Good stories. Favorite authors. You read until you figure it out. If someone offers to help, for free, great. If no one offers, don’t lose your shit. And I have to say, in my opinion, you don’t deserve to be published if you don’t even know the nuts and bolts of writing fiction. If you don’t know if you’ve done it “right” then you need to keep working until you do know.

As for agents, publishers, book reviews and such, you’re not entitled to those either. Yes, you’ve worked hard. Yes, you’ve submitted your work again and again and again… it’s degrading and soul shattering to be rejected. It’s frustrating when an organization that offers REVIEWS turns you down. I mean, they review books and you have a book!

You’re not entitled to reviews. Definitely not entitled to success. You may have worked hard. You may have done all the right things. You might even be good at writing. Still doesn’t mean you’ll be successful and that’s not the fault of anyone around you or in the publishing industry. The Universe has simply decided it’s not your time or you’re not that good. Keep working.

What I’m saying hurts. I know that. I have to remind myself of these things every time I’m rejected, because my instinctive reaction is to pitch a tantrum a two-year-old would admire. I’ve worked at this shit for almost ten years. I’ve struggled and cried and almost quit more times than I can count. It’s not fair. Of course it isn’t. But life isn’t fair, muffin. I’m not entitled to anything, I tell myself. And then I try to figure out what it was about the rejected work that turned the editor off. If I can’t figure it out, I set it aside and work on something new.

And that’s what you have to do. Keep plugging away. If you allow yourself to wallow in self-pity and/or envy, you’ll become stagnant. If you become stagnant, and stop growing and learning as a writer, you definitely don’t deserve success or publication.

So, if this writing thing is what you really want to do, you need to stop whining and stop expecting everyone to fall in line and do the work for you. Pull up the big girl (or boy) pants. Get to work.

 

 

New Books, Parties and More

Good morning kids! I’ve got a ton of book news and such for everyone, so I thought, why not just share it all at once?

First, the third and (hopefully) final book of the Fangs and Fur series, titled, Dragons, Dicks, Sins and Scribes, is almost ready for publication. Yay! And second, over at Deviant Dolls, we’re hosting a virtual party on Facebook to celebrate that and new releases by the other dolls (as well as some old favorites).

I don’t have a cover to share just yet, but I will when it’s available. For now, the blurb:

Welcome to New Eden. Armageddon has passed, leaving behind a civilization of agreeable, pious humans eager to do God’s (aka: Grant) bidding.

Foul-mouthed Katrina has been Edenized as the Messiah while the rest of the gang have been reincarnated by Robert (better known as Satan) as the Seven Deadly Sins. Their task: Corrupt the humans into being the complex, assholey beings they were before.

Quite the intriguing plot, but Metatron, keeper of The Story, isn’t impressed. Grant and Robert have ruined the narrative, and possibly all of creation, with their games.

Metratron isn’t worried. Much. Plug a few plot holes, kill a darling or five, and all will be right again.

… or the Universe will implode and no amount of rewriting will bring it back.

I’m pretty excited for you to read the insanity I’ve concocted in that one.[image error]

On September 18th, the virtual party will begin around noon (EST) so get your party pants on and stop by for some serious shits and giggles, and some free stuff. Click the nifty image below to go to the event page and get all the details.

Let’s see… what else? Oh, right. I’m also getting another novel ready for publication. I’ve talked about it before, but never felt quite right about publishing it. After some tweaking, I’ve made it more literary horror than plain old “literary” and I think it’s ready. The blurb Sure. Here:

Dana Parson marries young to escape the abuse no one believes happened, and puts her life is in the hands of a different kind of monster.

Garrett has watched his father manage his mother for years. In Dana, he sees a woman needing a firm hand, so he does his part to make her into the perfect wife.

Risking everything, Dana flees Garrett. She finds love with Ronny Sampson and with him, a new closet full of demons. As their fates merge, a web of bad decisions and unfortunate truths binds Dana, Garrett and Ronny for life. They want to be better people; do the right things, but life insists they survive, no matter what the cost.

In the end, the debt for what they’ve become is paid in the blood of their children.

Right? I know. Anyway…. What else? I think that’s all. Well, except for the second Milo Smalls book I’ve started. There’s that too. It’s kind of awesome, but of course, it’s early stages, so that could change. All I can tell you right now is that Milo has got himself a killer fan club.

And I finished the draft of a horror/comedy/I don’t know what to call it, which is titled “Our Father.” It’s about a guy who starts a cult. He tells them that… well here’s the blurb for that one too:

Caleb Abraham spends years building a family that he hopes will carry him into infamy. To solidify their bond, though, he must remove them from the rest of the world. He builds a doomsday bunker to protect them from an age of devastation and chaos. A few obstacles block his path to glory, but it’s nothing a bit of murder can’t fix.

Kyle is trying to rescue his boyfriend, Scott, who has infiltrated Caleb’s family in the name of publishing glory. However, his journey is stopped when he stumbles across a body, and then another. Soon, Kyle finds himself the main suspect in two murder investigations.

He knows if he can find Caleb and the bunker he can prove his innocence, but the family is shrinking rapidly. If Kyle doesn’t hurry, Caleb Abraham, and his only chance to avoid life in prison, will disappear forever.

I think that’s all the news I have to share with you for now. Back to sweating my metaphorical nuts off. Canada is not supposed to be this hot. I should not be wishing for winter. Just saying.