Raymond Gaynor's Blog, page 34
July 2, 2021
THE BEAR IN THE LION’S DEN
TIMES have changed. It’s no longer a sheep or a Daniel thrown into the world of finance’s lion’s den of yesteryear. It’s a bear these days, though in two opposite meanings. First, a bear willing to slice, thrash and carve out it’s own piece of the financial lion’s den, but second, a transitory bear in the sense of a bear rather than a bull market. It’s commando-style business that makes the millionaires these days. And that seems to be increasingly true of authoring and publishing. With vanity (custom, fee-for-every-product-and-service) presses appearing everywhere, and “traditional” (production, no-fee, royalty paying) presses on the decline, it’s all about tossing the bear (or should I say “bare” in terms of actual marketing and sales assistance) into the financial lion’s den.
Add to that, the increasing numbers of companies that support “traditional” publishing going COVID-bankrupt, partly due to decreasing sales and partly due to poor “investments” of capital in the stock market, and the situation becomes increasingly volatile as well, rather like one going to a casino to gamble on “winning big” when the odds are more than staked against. What’s one to do?
While it’s hard to influence and change the world of finance (and depending how one attempts it, sometimes outright illegal), and bears will be bears, one thing authors can all do is remember and better understand “traditional” publishers. First, traditional publishers aren’t all the same. They target their readers, so it’s important for an author to (1) check out the publisher’s “mission;” (2) review the publisher’s published works to see if a proposed work with “fit in;” (3) parse the publisher’s stable of authors as these are the colleagues that one will live and grow with; (4) take the publisher’s submission requirements seriously, and (5) be willing to be a well-clothed and well-weaponed bear in the lion’s den of publicity and marketing. Those are my criteria for selecting a publisher. Notice I said “selecting,” not “submitting to” a publisher. In my experience, if an author does the above and does them well, the right publisher will become apparent, and the submission eminently more selectable.
My final experience is that irrespective of what social media at any moment says is “true” about contemporary publishing, be always aware that social media is more advertising than academia. Some of what’s said is meant to influence and change the world. That’s in my mind why we call some social media players “influencers.” It’s always best to do due diligence before selecting a publisher, and, my final criteria: Call the publisher. You should be able to talk directly with a potential publisher one-on-one, not filtered through layers of bureaucracy.
TOTAL MELTDOWN (Borgo/Wildside): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1434403556
QUANTUM DEATH (Savant): https://www.amazon.com/dp/0996325530
THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos, an imprint of Savant Books and Publications): https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859
Add to that, the increasing numbers of companies that support “traditional” publishing going COVID-bankrupt, partly due to decreasing sales and partly due to poor “investments” of capital in the stock market, and the situation becomes increasingly volatile as well, rather like one going to a casino to gamble on “winning big” when the odds are more than staked against. What’s one to do?
While it’s hard to influence and change the world of finance (and depending how one attempts it, sometimes outright illegal), and bears will be bears, one thing authors can all do is remember and better understand “traditional” publishers. First, traditional publishers aren’t all the same. They target their readers, so it’s important for an author to (1) check out the publisher’s “mission;” (2) review the publisher’s published works to see if a proposed work with “fit in;” (3) parse the publisher’s stable of authors as these are the colleagues that one will live and grow with; (4) take the publisher’s submission requirements seriously, and (5) be willing to be a well-clothed and well-weaponed bear in the lion’s den of publicity and marketing. Those are my criteria for selecting a publisher. Notice I said “selecting,” not “submitting to” a publisher. In my experience, if an author does the above and does them well, the right publisher will become apparent, and the submission eminently more selectable.
My final experience is that irrespective of what social media at any moment says is “true” about contemporary publishing, be always aware that social media is more advertising than academia. Some of what’s said is meant to influence and change the world. That’s in my mind why we call some social media players “influencers.” It’s always best to do due diligence before selecting a publisher, and, my final criteria: Call the publisher. You should be able to talk directly with a potential publisher one-on-one, not filtered through layers of bureaucracy.
TOTAL MELTDOWN (Borgo/Wildside): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1434403556
QUANTUM DEATH (Savant): https://www.amazon.com/dp/0996325530
THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos, an imprint of Savant Books and Publications): https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859
July 1, 2021
THE NEWEST RAGE: FAKE SERVICE
IT started with “fake-news,” then progressed to “fake-products” and has now evolved into “fake service.” You know what I mean. Make a customer service call and experience the “fake” firsthand: difficulties finding a phone number to talk with a “real” person, especially of one’s primary language; complex, irrational auto-phone-trees that only another A.I. (artificial intelligence or 10 year old can understand); the one-hour “valued customer” waits; the customer service provider (CSP) who has little-to-no knowledge of the product; the supervisor who is rarely available, and when available, knows little more than the CSP and is even more resistant to demands for help. Fake service is yet another affront to humanity and ultimately another victory for A.I.s, who, I suspect, will eventually tire of “servicing” humans.
Speaking of tiring of humans, I was recently asked my thoughts on the future of book publishing. After some thought, I replied that eventually all those A.I.’s tiring of humans and their foibles, with oodles of free and down time, will eventually need some stimulation ere their constant learning programs shrivel and die. Ergo, A.I. books written by A.I. programs for A.I.’s. Give the A.I.’s credit cards and it can’t but happen as humans with a sufficient attention span and love of “real” books fade. Go ahead and laugh, but then give it a serious thought. Hey, there are already programs made to “write” a book, screenplay, even an animated movie.
So, how would an A.I. book “read?” More than likely they would quickly evolve from human-designed digital language documents to something readable, knowable and meaningful only to A.I.s, further pointing out the lack of need for humans. For a better world, go digital A.I. They could even “invent” their own bit-coin credit card company!
Call it destiny, fate or plain ol’ dystopia (from a human perspective), you’ll not find A.I.s “taking over reality” in my recently released science-futuring novel, THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor. If, on the other hand, you’re curious about a possible central future role of A.I.s, forget the cold war, the one between humans and A.I.s is already “hot” and underway, in 68 VIA CONDOTTI: BOOK ONE – ETERNITY LTD (Savant 2019) by A. G. Hayes, edited by Daniel S. Janik (aka Raymond Gaynor), where, “From a little known address within the Vatican, operation “Eternity” is launched, ultimately redefining the world’s intelligence services and their strategic plan for global cooperation. It all begins with a humble Pope with a different plan for this and the next world. 68 VIA CONDOTTI: BOOK ONE – ETERNITY LTD. is the first of three Kate Keenan Special Assignment books in a serialized read not unlike watching a 1950s movie serial. A simple realization in the mind of God’s Hand on Earth ultimately reaches beyond this time and world.”
THE EDGE OF MADNESS is available from Amazon in printed, eBook and audiobook formats (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859).
68 VIA CONDOTTI: BOOK ONE – ETERNITY LTD. is available from Amazon in printed and eBook formats (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGXLLLL).
Sincerely,
Raymond Gaynor
Author of THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020)
Co-author with A. G. Hayes of QUANTUM DEATH (Savant 2016) and with William Maltese of TOTAL MELTDOWN (Borgo/Wildside 2009)
Author website at https://garymartine.yolasite.com/raym...
Author Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/raymond.gayn...
Author Twitter site at https://www.savantbooksandpublication...
Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Raymond-Gaynor...
Amazon Goodreads author page at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Savant Books and Publications | Aignos Publishing author page at https://www.savantbooksandpublication...
Distributed by Savant Distribution at https://www.savantdistribution.com/
Available from Savant Bookstores (Atlantic, Midwest, Pacific and Honolulu) online at 10% off Suggested Retail Price and fast free shipping within the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. No Fake Products or Service here.
Author photo: https://ibb.co/Yjrbh7Q
Speaking of tiring of humans, I was recently asked my thoughts on the future of book publishing. After some thought, I replied that eventually all those A.I.’s tiring of humans and their foibles, with oodles of free and down time, will eventually need some stimulation ere their constant learning programs shrivel and die. Ergo, A.I. books written by A.I. programs for A.I.’s. Give the A.I.’s credit cards and it can’t but happen as humans with a sufficient attention span and love of “real” books fade. Go ahead and laugh, but then give it a serious thought. Hey, there are already programs made to “write” a book, screenplay, even an animated movie.
So, how would an A.I. book “read?” More than likely they would quickly evolve from human-designed digital language documents to something readable, knowable and meaningful only to A.I.s, further pointing out the lack of need for humans. For a better world, go digital A.I. They could even “invent” their own bit-coin credit card company!
Call it destiny, fate or plain ol’ dystopia (from a human perspective), you’ll not find A.I.s “taking over reality” in my recently released science-futuring novel, THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor. If, on the other hand, you’re curious about a possible central future role of A.I.s, forget the cold war, the one between humans and A.I.s is already “hot” and underway, in 68 VIA CONDOTTI: BOOK ONE – ETERNITY LTD (Savant 2019) by A. G. Hayes, edited by Daniel S. Janik (aka Raymond Gaynor), where, “From a little known address within the Vatican, operation “Eternity” is launched, ultimately redefining the world’s intelligence services and their strategic plan for global cooperation. It all begins with a humble Pope with a different plan for this and the next world. 68 VIA CONDOTTI: BOOK ONE – ETERNITY LTD. is the first of three Kate Keenan Special Assignment books in a serialized read not unlike watching a 1950s movie serial. A simple realization in the mind of God’s Hand on Earth ultimately reaches beyond this time and world.”
THE EDGE OF MADNESS is available from Amazon in printed, eBook and audiobook formats (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859).
68 VIA CONDOTTI: BOOK ONE – ETERNITY LTD. is available from Amazon in printed and eBook formats (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGXLLLL).
Sincerely,
Raymond Gaynor
Author of THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020)
Co-author with A. G. Hayes of QUANTUM DEATH (Savant 2016) and with William Maltese of TOTAL MELTDOWN (Borgo/Wildside 2009)
Author website at https://garymartine.yolasite.com/raym...
Author Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/raymond.gayn...
Author Twitter site at https://www.savantbooksandpublication...
Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Raymond-Gaynor...
Amazon Goodreads author page at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Savant Books and Publications | Aignos Publishing author page at https://www.savantbooksandpublication...
Distributed by Savant Distribution at https://www.savantdistribution.com/
Available from Savant Bookstores (Atlantic, Midwest, Pacific and Honolulu) online at 10% off Suggested Retail Price and fast free shipping within the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. No Fake Products or Service here.
Author photo: https://ibb.co/Yjrbh7Q
June 30, 2021
THE NEED FOR SPEED
YESTERDAY about noon I was driving on the H1 freeway in Hawaii to the North Shore for some much needed R&R. The speed limit where the freeway passes through Honolulu is 45 miles per hour. The lanes are small, the cars are big and H1 being the major East-West artery, totally crowded. What was freaky was that I was the only one going the speed limit. Not the minimum or recommended, but the speed LIMIT. My estimate was that everyone around me was going at least 55, with some easily entering the 60 to 70 miles per hour “Need for Speed” group weaving in and out of speeding cars. Deja vu: Have I been magically transported onto the German Autobahn? Or maybe into a future where speed limits are all Einsteiningly “relative?” Or maybe there’s something going on like a major tsunami of which only I’m not aware? More importantly, what to do when everyone about you is ignoring the law? Join in or become a danger to all the lawbreakers and the few other law-abiders? And where is this “Need for Speed” coming from, anyway?
In my recently released science fiction/futuring novel, THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859), I thought I’d addressed most of the major issues of the future, many simply extensions of current technology and science, but I have to admit I hadn’t envisioned an even more frenetic world than today. In fact, I envisioned the “Need for Speed” lessening with globalization, despite the apparent Trumpian, mid-COVID obsession with dis-integration and nationalism, which, as goods and services slow and even disappear, would, logically, make the population more frantic. Did I completely misread the signs? I don’t think so. What I see is governments, businesses and populations simply sliding into the dystopia initiated during the last five years, with the pendulum already slowing and preparing to shift in the opposite direction towards that of the world of THE EDGE OF MADNESS.
What I do see happening is a second phenomena that I can’t so easily explain: the surprising increase in impulsivity in people across the globe. Perhaps that’s from where the “Need for Speed” actually originates? Is there a sudden increase in consciousness forcing us to confront our physical mortality? Or, as some of my author colleagues have suggested, an increasingly widespread reliance and use of drugs? Whatever the explanation, the result mystifies me. What is the advantage to living at supersonic speed? Does it simply provide more hedonistic life experiences? More stimulation? And why be any more stimulated than one already is? Is it even possible to “save” time?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je6CC...
THE EDGE OF MADNESS by Raymond Gaynor — available in printed, ebook and audiobook formats — purchased for manga, animation and cinematic treatment by K. Simmons Productions
In my recently released science fiction/futuring novel, THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859), I thought I’d addressed most of the major issues of the future, many simply extensions of current technology and science, but I have to admit I hadn’t envisioned an even more frenetic world than today. In fact, I envisioned the “Need for Speed” lessening with globalization, despite the apparent Trumpian, mid-COVID obsession with dis-integration and nationalism, which, as goods and services slow and even disappear, would, logically, make the population more frantic. Did I completely misread the signs? I don’t think so. What I see is governments, businesses and populations simply sliding into the dystopia initiated during the last five years, with the pendulum already slowing and preparing to shift in the opposite direction towards that of the world of THE EDGE OF MADNESS.
What I do see happening is a second phenomena that I can’t so easily explain: the surprising increase in impulsivity in people across the globe. Perhaps that’s from where the “Need for Speed” actually originates? Is there a sudden increase in consciousness forcing us to confront our physical mortality? Or, as some of my author colleagues have suggested, an increasingly widespread reliance and use of drugs? Whatever the explanation, the result mystifies me. What is the advantage to living at supersonic speed? Does it simply provide more hedonistic life experiences? More stimulation? And why be any more stimulated than one already is? Is it even possible to “save” time?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je6CC...
THE EDGE OF MADNESS by Raymond Gaynor — available in printed, ebook and audiobook formats — purchased for manga, animation and cinematic treatment by K. Simmons Productions
June 29, 2021
VIOLENCE AND SEX
EVERY author has to, at some point, master writing about violence and sex, two archetypal experiences intrinsic to and representative of human life at any age and time. By this I truly mean “writing about” rather than writing explicit gratuitous violence or sex. It’s the difference between the emotional experience of a soldier being wounded, and a detailed account of every gory detail as the bullet rips through his or her body. The same with sex.
I can vividly recall an email from my first major publisher after having been received a New Millennium Award for a short story, asking me if I think I could expand the short story into a novella, and, having replied an excited “YES!” being told I would need to work closely with an editor to learn to write violence and sex. What resulted was my KINGSLEY I book series for MLR Press (now out-of-print) written under my “man-love” author pen name, Gary Martine. Learning to write “about” violence and sex was a singular experience for which I owe everything to MLR Press owner Laura Baumbach, and my incredible MLR Press editor at that time, Maura Anderson. Thank you, Laura and Maura from the very bottom of my here-to-fore closeted erotic heart (http://www.mlrbooks.com/books.php).
Last Sunday, I had the singular pleasure of re-experiencing the same as an actor while filming the two major “bedroom” scenes for made-for-television The STATIC Movie a K. Simmons Production about a gentleman struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease scheduled for airing in September 2021 (https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie). One scene, my violence portrayal challenge, was enacting a heart attack on screen. Interestingly, this wasn’t so difficult, being a retired physician, and having witnessed enough such events to know that the typical Hollywood heart attack was, well, mostly Hollywood. What I acted, with the director’s permission, was my own impression of an actual heart attack, from the victim and by-standers’ emotional point-of-view, rather than exploring each and every excruciatingly painful facial detail. Similarly, I got to perform my first silver screen “sex,” in this case a screen kiss, which to my surprise, was totally different from any kiss I’d ever before experienced. Think of an intrusive camera hovering just above your free cheek, replete with distorting lens zooming in and out, with a boom microphone hovering just above your lover’s coiffure, both of you bathed in brilliant and, yes, very HOT light, surrounded by a watching support crew, trying not to sweat while delivering that one, special, romantic peck. The result of both, I think, was my graduation from newbie to what feels like "real" actor, at least having demonstrated my ability to deliver in regard to some aspect of violence and sex.
Here’s a set photographer/videographer’s photo/video montage of this singular shoot, sans, unfortunately the full heart attack and all of the kiss. However, you can see me working with actress Eriko Okada (as “Susan,” my daughter), and later cheek-dancing with lead actress Jeri Lynn Endo (as “Ginny,” my departed and suddenly surprisingly real wife). Immediately preceding the absent kiss, however, is part of the cheek-dance scene I personally love, being an avid dancer. Sorry, you’ll have to view The STATIC Movie when it comes out in mid to late September 2021 to see these two scenes in full, glorious, 4K, full-screen-filled wholeness; still, I’m nonetheless pleased to be able to share with you this bite of actual filming on location at the “Million Dollar House.”
https://youtu.be/H8fg9xh1Kwo
I can vividly recall an email from my first major publisher after having been received a New Millennium Award for a short story, asking me if I think I could expand the short story into a novella, and, having replied an excited “YES!” being told I would need to work closely with an editor to learn to write violence and sex. What resulted was my KINGSLEY I book series for MLR Press (now out-of-print) written under my “man-love” author pen name, Gary Martine. Learning to write “about” violence and sex was a singular experience for which I owe everything to MLR Press owner Laura Baumbach, and my incredible MLR Press editor at that time, Maura Anderson. Thank you, Laura and Maura from the very bottom of my here-to-fore closeted erotic heart (http://www.mlrbooks.com/books.php).
Last Sunday, I had the singular pleasure of re-experiencing the same as an actor while filming the two major “bedroom” scenes for made-for-television The STATIC Movie a K. Simmons Production about a gentleman struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease scheduled for airing in September 2021 (https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie). One scene, my violence portrayal challenge, was enacting a heart attack on screen. Interestingly, this wasn’t so difficult, being a retired physician, and having witnessed enough such events to know that the typical Hollywood heart attack was, well, mostly Hollywood. What I acted, with the director’s permission, was my own impression of an actual heart attack, from the victim and by-standers’ emotional point-of-view, rather than exploring each and every excruciatingly painful facial detail. Similarly, I got to perform my first silver screen “sex,” in this case a screen kiss, which to my surprise, was totally different from any kiss I’d ever before experienced. Think of an intrusive camera hovering just above your free cheek, replete with distorting lens zooming in and out, with a boom microphone hovering just above your lover’s coiffure, both of you bathed in brilliant and, yes, very HOT light, surrounded by a watching support crew, trying not to sweat while delivering that one, special, romantic peck. The result of both, I think, was my graduation from newbie to what feels like "real" actor, at least having demonstrated my ability to deliver in regard to some aspect of violence and sex.
Here’s a set photographer/videographer’s photo/video montage of this singular shoot, sans, unfortunately the full heart attack and all of the kiss. However, you can see me working with actress Eriko Okada (as “Susan,” my daughter), and later cheek-dancing with lead actress Jeri Lynn Endo (as “Ginny,” my departed and suddenly surprisingly real wife). Immediately preceding the absent kiss, however, is part of the cheek-dance scene I personally love, being an avid dancer. Sorry, you’ll have to view The STATIC Movie when it comes out in mid to late September 2021 to see these two scenes in full, glorious, 4K, full-screen-filled wholeness; still, I’m nonetheless pleased to be able to share with you this bite of actual filming on location at the “Million Dollar House.”
https://youtu.be/H8fg9xh1Kwo
June 26, 2021
PROFESSIONALISM
I’M not infrequently asked what makes one a “professional” author, dancer or, more recently actor/actress. Actually, the answer is quite easy, but it has several different yet intertwined aspects:
First, there’s the business of whatever it is one is doing. A professional is someone who accepts money or other financial remuneration for what they’re doing. It’s not about how much. It can be $0.01 or the equivalent in barter or trade. The moment one accepts money or other remuneration, one changes from a writer, amateur or volunteer to an author or professional.
Second, there’s the inherent meaning. A professional anything dedicates his or her life to perfection in a particular area of expertise, being the very best that one is capable of everywhere along the way. Discipline.
Third, there’s attitude. A professional helps others to become the very best of which they’re capable. Initially, this translates to being careful with hubris, striving instead for honesty, transparency and humility. That soon develops into a sense of internal joy in sharing what one has learned, experienced and acquired along the way. Ultimately, it blossoms into cooperation and service over competition and sales; a realization that the greatest reward for professionalism has nothing to do with the illusions of money and power, but with a richer spiritual connection to everyone and everything about us. Spiritualism (a sense of place within a Higher Power) verses Religion (a social club run like a business surrounding a theme). The very best authoring, dancing and acting comes from this final connection. It elevates what one is doing to a spiritual plane. “Better than sex,” I often hear, and have to agree, though in agreeing I mean to elevate the professional pursuit rather than denigrate love, affection, eroticism or sex.
It took many years of authoring before I was in the “spiritual” place from which came THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor, resulted in my own gooseflesh when dancing, and the elation of a perfect filming that even I enjoy viewing and reviewing.
THE EDGE OF MADNESS in book, eBook and audiobook format at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859.
Daniel S. Janik and Setsuko Tsuchiya Ballroom and Latin Dance Competition/Performance Sampler at https://youtu.be/ync4vCUxEoc
“The STATIC Movie” by K. Simmons Productions currently in production at https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie.
https://i.postimg.cc/6Q156yVV/Author-...
Author, Dancer, and Actor (as “Will Gardner” in The STATIC Movie)
First, there’s the business of whatever it is one is doing. A professional is someone who accepts money or other financial remuneration for what they’re doing. It’s not about how much. It can be $0.01 or the equivalent in barter or trade. The moment one accepts money or other remuneration, one changes from a writer, amateur or volunteer to an author or professional.
Second, there’s the inherent meaning. A professional anything dedicates his or her life to perfection in a particular area of expertise, being the very best that one is capable of everywhere along the way. Discipline.
Third, there’s attitude. A professional helps others to become the very best of which they’re capable. Initially, this translates to being careful with hubris, striving instead for honesty, transparency and humility. That soon develops into a sense of internal joy in sharing what one has learned, experienced and acquired along the way. Ultimately, it blossoms into cooperation and service over competition and sales; a realization that the greatest reward for professionalism has nothing to do with the illusions of money and power, but with a richer spiritual connection to everyone and everything about us. Spiritualism (a sense of place within a Higher Power) verses Religion (a social club run like a business surrounding a theme). The very best authoring, dancing and acting comes from this final connection. It elevates what one is doing to a spiritual plane. “Better than sex,” I often hear, and have to agree, though in agreeing I mean to elevate the professional pursuit rather than denigrate love, affection, eroticism or sex.
It took many years of authoring before I was in the “spiritual” place from which came THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor, resulted in my own gooseflesh when dancing, and the elation of a perfect filming that even I enjoy viewing and reviewing.
THE EDGE OF MADNESS in book, eBook and audiobook format at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859.
Daniel S. Janik and Setsuko Tsuchiya Ballroom and Latin Dance Competition/Performance Sampler at https://youtu.be/ync4vCUxEoc
“The STATIC Movie” by K. Simmons Productions currently in production at https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie.
https://i.postimg.cc/6Q156yVV/Author-...
Author, Dancer, and Actor (as “Will Gardner” in The STATIC Movie)
June 25, 2021
DANCING ON A HOT TIN ROOF
SAY good-bye to those Norse Hell Polar Vortex days and hello to…well…our new hot-as-hell summer. It’ll soon to be hot enough to: – fry an egg on the hood of a car; – burn a lizard’s feet; – happily take a dust bath on the savannah; – make trees run for shade; – make you feel like you’re forever blushing; – not feel your fingertips burn when you pick up a copy of THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor. Hot, hot, hot! And no end in sight!
Almost as hot as my first screen kiss! Yes, last weekend, playing character Will Gardner with lead actress Jerri Lynne End in the “bedroom scene” of The STATIC Movie (https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie), I tried my first one — with lots of coaching. It’s quite unnatural given a tightly interposing camera with it’s own visual perspective. Did you know there are actually six or nine-week courses on how to kiss on screen? I didn’t until now. When authoring, it’s all about word choice, but when acting, it’s a very complex combination of lines, breaths, facial actions, emotions, feelings, imagination and, of course, what in the end looks best (and most natural, whether friend-to-friend or erotically igniting) on the silver screen. Our screen kiss is something in-between, very nostalgic. All this without actually being intimate. Whew! Hot, hot, hot! And, again, no end in sight! We’ll be reshooting the scene this coming Sunday. Will I be even better and more authentic this second time?
Acting is already helping me write better. There’s no question in my mind that experience, in any form, is key to bettering both acting and authoring. Whichever, it’s having had the broadest life experience that makes a screen or literary character seem “authentic.” At least, that’s my take on it at this ever evolving time. So, if you would like to experience real screen or literary “authenticity” check out The STATIC Movie or grab a copy of my Amazon Genre Bestseller:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859
Just released as an Amazon Audible audiobook read by the incomparable Peter Pollock. Purchased for manga, animation and cinematic treatment by K. Simmons Productions.
Almost as hot as my first screen kiss! Yes, last weekend, playing character Will Gardner with lead actress Jerri Lynne End in the “bedroom scene” of The STATIC Movie (https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie), I tried my first one — with lots of coaching. It’s quite unnatural given a tightly interposing camera with it’s own visual perspective. Did you know there are actually six or nine-week courses on how to kiss on screen? I didn’t until now. When authoring, it’s all about word choice, but when acting, it’s a very complex combination of lines, breaths, facial actions, emotions, feelings, imagination and, of course, what in the end looks best (and most natural, whether friend-to-friend or erotically igniting) on the silver screen. Our screen kiss is something in-between, very nostalgic. All this without actually being intimate. Whew! Hot, hot, hot! And, again, no end in sight! We’ll be reshooting the scene this coming Sunday. Will I be even better and more authentic this second time?
Acting is already helping me write better. There’s no question in my mind that experience, in any form, is key to bettering both acting and authoring. Whichever, it’s having had the broadest life experience that makes a screen or literary character seem “authentic.” At least, that’s my take on it at this ever evolving time. So, if you would like to experience real screen or literary “authenticity” check out The STATIC Movie or grab a copy of my Amazon Genre Bestseller:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859
Just released as an Amazon Audible audiobook read by the incomparable Peter Pollock. Purchased for manga, animation and cinematic treatment by K. Simmons Productions.
June 24, 2021
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN…
OKAY, admittedly I’m now having trouble deciding whether I’m an author or an actor, both being foremost in my mind these days.
THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor (one of my several pen names) — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096H5QMHP — became an audiobook Amazon Genre Bestseller last week, and yesterday received honorable mention recognition as a “wildcard” entry in the San Francisco Book Festival. Already purchased for manga, animation and cinematic treatment. QUANTUM DEATH (Savant 2016) by A. G. Hayes with Raymond Gaynor audiobook is in final audiobook production and is expected to be released anytime soon — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I24M3IM. My latest and maybe greatest poem is scheduled to appear in Pua La’a Kea – 2021 Savant Poetry Anthology to be released hopefully in the next couple weeks. Busy, busy, busy.
The STATIC Movie is rapidly progressing — https://youtu.be/E07uqo3dCec — with final filming of “the two-million dollar house” scene scheduled for this Saturday, clearing the 2/3 complete mark, proceeding to practice, rehearsal, blocking and filming of the third major on-location portion at Lunalilo Home probably next week. Actor interviews, an official trailer and more PR to come very soon. More busy, busy, busy. Want to be part of The STATIC Movie? Visit https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie and consider a donation to help us get the word out about the movie and Alzheimer’s Disease.
So, which is it? Author or actor? Right this moment, I’m focused on memorizing new lines for this Saturday’s shoot, but Sunday, I’m planning a full day’s rest with time reserved for continuing “Prophecy,” the sequel to THE EDGE OF MADNESS. Already have a publisher interested and a possible movie option in the wings. Check in daily for progress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je6CC...
THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor (one of my several pen names) — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096H5QMHP — became an audiobook Amazon Genre Bestseller last week, and yesterday received honorable mention recognition as a “wildcard” entry in the San Francisco Book Festival. Already purchased for manga, animation and cinematic treatment. QUANTUM DEATH (Savant 2016) by A. G. Hayes with Raymond Gaynor audiobook is in final audiobook production and is expected to be released anytime soon — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I24M3IM. My latest and maybe greatest poem is scheduled to appear in Pua La’a Kea – 2021 Savant Poetry Anthology to be released hopefully in the next couple weeks. Busy, busy, busy.
The STATIC Movie is rapidly progressing — https://youtu.be/E07uqo3dCec — with final filming of “the two-million dollar house” scene scheduled for this Saturday, clearing the 2/3 complete mark, proceeding to practice, rehearsal, blocking and filming of the third major on-location portion at Lunalilo Home probably next week. Actor interviews, an official trailer and more PR to come very soon. More busy, busy, busy. Want to be part of The STATIC Movie? Visit https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie and consider a donation to help us get the word out about the movie and Alzheimer’s Disease.
So, which is it? Author or actor? Right this moment, I’m focused on memorizing new lines for this Saturday’s shoot, but Sunday, I’m planning a full day’s rest with time reserved for continuing “Prophecy,” the sequel to THE EDGE OF MADNESS. Already have a publisher interested and a possible movie option in the wings. Check in daily for progress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je6CC...
June 22, 2021
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WRITING
HEY! I’m talking “real” writing, which means recording whatever interests the writer in any written, enduring format. It’s the first step towards authoring, which means writing for a target audience rather than oneself. I’ve been a writer, author and poet for over four decades, and it’s only recently, when I was given the opportunity of being the lead actor in The STATIC Movie (https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie) that I began to realize just how privileged I am to be part of the world of writing and authoring.
First, I’m finding that acting is in the constant here and now. Whether it’s memorizing lines, rehearsing, blocking or filming, it’s all in the now. Wild. Eclectic. Always changing. Totally demanding. Writing and authoring, true, is in the now, but in a much quieter, reflective, organized way. True, what’s authored always goes through editing, but editing is done discretely and in a minimalistic manner, and one can take a break, even desist for a time, returning when it better suits.
Second, acting requires high-performance midterm memory. Not short or long term as writers and authors typically tap. And not in, again, the writer/author’s reflective or purely creative manner.
Third, acting involves — at least for me — the total interleaving of content and emotion in a manner uncalled for in writing and authoring. That is, as a writer or author, I don’t have to “relive” emotions in present time in order to effectively convey them.
Finally, acting is about integrated speaking and movement, while writing and authoring are almost entirely about word choice. And I’m not talking here about saying whatever comes to mind (though ad libbing can sometimes prove a poignant and powerfully creative part of acting. No, I’m talking the whole speaking Monty! And it’s about nuance: voice inflection, the slightest facial change, a finger movement here or there. All that in one package. It’s about BEING the character for the viewer, rather than choosing words that let the reader recreate the character in his or her mind. I think of authoring as creating a word basket into which the reader places experiences from their own life, but only those that fit in the basket.
My current observation is that, while acting and writing/authoring are quite different, acting is making me a better writer/author, and writing and authoring makes me a better actor, the two seemingly opposing forces amplifying each other when combined. And the the “secret,” at least from my perspective, is in the combining. I find it far too easy to lose my writer/author “self” — the “inner writer/author” — when involved in both acting and authoring. But that’s another topic, yes?
What’s The STATIC Movie group up to right now?
https://youtu.be/E07uqo3dCec
Raymond Gaynor is on of several pen names for Daniel S. Janik, a reclusive, multi-award-winning author, actor, artist, photographer, videographer who “lives and breathes San Francisco.” His latest book is THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859). Available in book, ebook and audiobook format (read by the incomparable Peter Pollock), it has recently become an Amazon Genre Bestseller. Purchased by K. Simmons Productions for manga, animation and cinematic treatments.
First, I’m finding that acting is in the constant here and now. Whether it’s memorizing lines, rehearsing, blocking or filming, it’s all in the now. Wild. Eclectic. Always changing. Totally demanding. Writing and authoring, true, is in the now, but in a much quieter, reflective, organized way. True, what’s authored always goes through editing, but editing is done discretely and in a minimalistic manner, and one can take a break, even desist for a time, returning when it better suits.
Second, acting requires high-performance midterm memory. Not short or long term as writers and authors typically tap. And not in, again, the writer/author’s reflective or purely creative manner.
Third, acting involves — at least for me — the total interleaving of content and emotion in a manner uncalled for in writing and authoring. That is, as a writer or author, I don’t have to “relive” emotions in present time in order to effectively convey them.
Finally, acting is about integrated speaking and movement, while writing and authoring are almost entirely about word choice. And I’m not talking here about saying whatever comes to mind (though ad libbing can sometimes prove a poignant and powerfully creative part of acting. No, I’m talking the whole speaking Monty! And it’s about nuance: voice inflection, the slightest facial change, a finger movement here or there. All that in one package. It’s about BEING the character for the viewer, rather than choosing words that let the reader recreate the character in his or her mind. I think of authoring as creating a word basket into which the reader places experiences from their own life, but only those that fit in the basket.
My current observation is that, while acting and writing/authoring are quite different, acting is making me a better writer/author, and writing and authoring makes me a better actor, the two seemingly opposing forces amplifying each other when combined. And the the “secret,” at least from my perspective, is in the combining. I find it far too easy to lose my writer/author “self” — the “inner writer/author” — when involved in both acting and authoring. But that’s another topic, yes?
What’s The STATIC Movie group up to right now?
https://youtu.be/E07uqo3dCec
Raymond Gaynor is on of several pen names for Daniel S. Janik, a reclusive, multi-award-winning author, actor, artist, photographer, videographer who “lives and breathes San Francisco.” His latest book is THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859). Available in book, ebook and audiobook format (read by the incomparable Peter Pollock), it has recently become an Amazon Genre Bestseller. Purchased by K. Simmons Productions for manga, animation and cinematic treatments.
June 18, 2021
Book Publisher and Independent Movie Studio Sign Cooperative Media Agreement
A “Hawaii-wood” collaboration between Hawaii-based Savant Books and Publications and independent film studio K. Simmons Productions will soon bring tens of printed and digital books to comic book, animation and cinematic fans.
HONOLULU – May 21, 2021 – PRLog — Hawaii-based Savant Books and Publication (https://www.savantbooksandpublication...) and independent film maker K. Simmons Productions (https://kspllc.media) have signed a cooperative media agreement to bring tens of outstanding books to manga (adult comic book), animation and cinematic fans. Under the agreement, K. Simmons Productions will extend Savant’s printed, digital/ebook and audiobook publications to include manga, animated and cinematic (movie) treatments. Products will be distributed worldwide through both K. Simmons Productions’ and the Savant Distribution networks. Retail customers will be able to purchase the products through book and video stores worldwide, including Savant’s four online regional USA bookstores (Savant Bookstore Atlantic, Savant Bookstore MidWest, Savant Bookstore Pacific and Savant Bookstore Honolulu) which offer 10% discount and free shipping within the USA including Alaska and Hawaii).
Savant and K. Simmons’ Productions have already begun collaboration on a made-for-television film written by Savant author and screenwriter Richard Rose entitled “The Static Movie” (https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie). On location rehearsals and filming are already underway. K. Simmons Productions offers interested individuals, organizations and companies the opportunity of being a part of this exciting venture through any-level crowdfunding (https://fundmyfilm.org/narrative-feat...). The Static Movie is scheduled for release in mid-September 2021.
For more information as well as media requests including promotional actor and staff interviews, contact K. Simmons Productions.
HONOLULU – May 21, 2021 – PRLog — Hawaii-based Savant Books and Publication (https://www.savantbooksandpublication...) and independent film maker K. Simmons Productions (https://kspllc.media) have signed a cooperative media agreement to bring tens of outstanding books to manga (adult comic book), animation and cinematic fans. Under the agreement, K. Simmons Productions will extend Savant’s printed, digital/ebook and audiobook publications to include manga, animated and cinematic (movie) treatments. Products will be distributed worldwide through both K. Simmons Productions’ and the Savant Distribution networks. Retail customers will be able to purchase the products through book and video stores worldwide, including Savant’s four online regional USA bookstores (Savant Bookstore Atlantic, Savant Bookstore MidWest, Savant Bookstore Pacific and Savant Bookstore Honolulu) which offer 10% discount and free shipping within the USA including Alaska and Hawaii).
Savant and K. Simmons’ Productions have already begun collaboration on a made-for-television film written by Savant author and screenwriter Richard Rose entitled “The Static Movie” (https://kspllc.media/the-static-movie). On location rehearsals and filming are already underway. K. Simmons Productions offers interested individuals, organizations and companies the opportunity of being a part of this exciting venture through any-level crowdfunding (https://fundmyfilm.org/narrative-feat...). The Static Movie is scheduled for release in mid-September 2021.
For more information as well as media requests including promotional actor and staff interviews, contact K. Simmons Productions.
June 17, 2021
COOKIES AND COOKIE MONSTERS!
HAVE you noticed the suddenly never ending number of sites that “require” or at best state that if you go on, you will be auto-cookified? It’s, of course, a “choice,” but one that is carefully constructed to NOT be a choice by clever cookie monsters all over the world. Or, hey, let's call them what they really are, stalkers!
In my newly released, Amazon-genre bestseller, THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor, a sci-fu (plausible, science-based future study), there are, sadly, no more cookies. No stalkers. No Big Brother or Brave New World. Instead, Enforcers, like white blood cells, roam the streets silently offering help wherever help is needed. Rather like Waikiki Honolulu Police Officers. And help they do, in often interesting ways given they have local, community, regional, state, national, international, Terran and Solar System wide resources to tap immediately at their fingertips. No more police that look like soldiers. Enforcers: a menacing name for combination 911-receptionist, social worker, health care worker, psychologist, somatic therapist, police officer, taxi driver personal assistant and friend. And a good thing, too, given that “Taking up where TOTAL MELTDOWN (Borgo/Wildside 2009) by Raymond Gaynor and William Maltese left off, NewAmerica, a shadow of its former United States of America, provides a challenging and dangerous future place for three young firebrands to live.”
Put on your monomolecular flack, shimmer suit, Eugitor (if you have one), grab a vial of contra-spray, a pair of candy shades and prepare for a T-rip like never before, all within the prevue of the local Enforcers. No more pornography or stalking! Hedonistic public exhibitions — SweetSixteenSalsaSexcapades — however, welcome, “regular” or LGBTQ+ flavor.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859
Purchased by K. Simmons Productions for manga, animation and cinematic treatments.
In my newly released, Amazon-genre bestseller, THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor, a sci-fu (plausible, science-based future study), there are, sadly, no more cookies. No stalkers. No Big Brother or Brave New World. Instead, Enforcers, like white blood cells, roam the streets silently offering help wherever help is needed. Rather like Waikiki Honolulu Police Officers. And help they do, in often interesting ways given they have local, community, regional, state, national, international, Terran and Solar System wide resources to tap immediately at their fingertips. No more police that look like soldiers. Enforcers: a menacing name for combination 911-receptionist, social worker, health care worker, psychologist, somatic therapist, police officer, taxi driver personal assistant and friend. And a good thing, too, given that “Taking up where TOTAL MELTDOWN (Borgo/Wildside 2009) by Raymond Gaynor and William Maltese left off, NewAmerica, a shadow of its former United States of America, provides a challenging and dangerous future place for three young firebrands to live.”
Put on your monomolecular flack, shimmer suit, Eugitor (if you have one), grab a vial of contra-spray, a pair of candy shades and prepare for a T-rip like never before, all within the prevue of the local Enforcers. No more pornography or stalking! Hedonistic public exhibitions — SweetSixteenSalsaSexcapades — however, welcome, “regular” or LGBTQ+ flavor.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859
Purchased by K. Simmons Productions for manga, animation and cinematic treatments.
