Cate Gardner's Blog, page 48
November 23, 2010
End of the Rainbow Review
Over at Tangent Online, Jo-Anne Odell has reviewed the anthology, 'Triangulation: End of the Rainbow' which includes my story The Meaning of Yellow. Many thanks to Jo-Anne."The Meaning of Yellow" by Cate Gardner describes a world in which color is banned, but in which it behaves in a very peculiar way..." You can read the rest of the review here.
Am I mad to be happy that the reviewer said well-written. I worry so much about my grammar and punctuation (it's a constant struggle and not something I could grasp at school at all) that the words well-written make me want to dance. I am such an amateur. And yes, it is a very silly tale. She's right.
Yellow was born after spending a day watching Disney's Snow White a hundred times. You may think it's impossible to watch the movie a hundred times in one day, but trust me sitting through a Disney movie for me turns seconds into hours. It's something in the brew, I think.
Okay, word count catch up:
Today's word count: 2514 + a lousy 140 (other projects)
Total word count: 46,516 + 5244 (other projects)
November 22, 2010
I want. I want. I want
So there's somewhere that I would absolutely kill to submit to and I'm not going to say where because that would tempt the fairies and all that. All I will say is I need a project about 40,000 words long. It can be less words, but I'd prefer 40,000. I am in total awe of this market. Total. Awe. Anyhow, I'd not bothered to check their submission guidelines until yesterday (why, I've no idea) and then when I did I began bemoaning, I have to sub something there. I have to. I have to. Of course, I had nothing. Nothing at all. Well not until my mind started wandering and then I couldn't sleep last night and kept Walter up rambling ideas to him.
It's very bizarre and it makes me happy. Sometimes you have to embrace the weird. Guess I'm going to have to keep this insane daily word count up after I've finished the first draft of my NaNoWriMo book. Guess I shan't sleep until the end of January.
Today's word count: 2400 + 341 (other projects)
Total word count: 44,001 + 5104 (other projects)
Plus, check out my review of Interzone #230 over at Skull Salad. My review skills suck so bad, I felt compelled to suck a lollypop while writing the review.
It's very bizarre and it makes me happy. Sometimes you have to embrace the weird. Guess I'm going to have to keep this insane daily word count up after I've finished the first draft of my NaNoWriMo book. Guess I shan't sleep until the end of January.
Today's word count: 2400 + 341 (other projects)
Total word count: 44,001 + 5104 (other projects)
Plus, check out my review of Interzone #230 over at Skull Salad. My review skills suck so bad, I felt compelled to suck a lollypop while writing the review.
November 21, 2010
The Museum That Isn't a Museum
Otherwise titled... Where I ramble on about my NaNoWriMo book.
This book is Science Fiction, I suppose. Or as it involves time travel, a giant robot (The Breaker), fabricated people and a dystopian future it can't really be anything else and yet I'm desperate to turn it into something dark and spooky. I want it to be more about the dark than the science. And the book I'm supposed to plot to follow this (not a sequel at all or even in the same universe) is science fiction too - alien invasion with a creepy twist. Or a creepy twist, I hope.
When did I become a science fiction writer? And can I be a science fiction writer when I'm sure my science is seriously flawed? I mean, time travel shouldn't involve supermarket trolleys ever... Then again, maybe it should. I write dark stuff. It just so happens that this dark stuff happens some time hence. Well part of it. And that some of the people don't realise they're not real, that they're fabricated. But then, if no one ever told them how are they to know?
Ah, then there's the whole 1920s part of the book which I've toyed with making the 1970s (because I lived through that era - and adore the 70s) or maybe contemporary (because I'm lazy and because my Jake has a thoroughly modern voice because well, I'm lazy).
'Tis a first draft. I suppose I should stop overthinking. Can you stop overthinking?
And ooh look, I passed the 40,000 word mark.
Friday's word count: 1287
Saturday's word count: 667
Today's word count: 3350 + 1413 (other projects)
Total word count: 41,601 + 4763 (other projects)
This book is Science Fiction, I suppose. Or as it involves time travel, a giant robot (The Breaker), fabricated people and a dystopian future it can't really be anything else and yet I'm desperate to turn it into something dark and spooky. I want it to be more about the dark than the science. And the book I'm supposed to plot to follow this (not a sequel at all or even in the same universe) is science fiction too - alien invasion with a creepy twist. Or a creepy twist, I hope.
When did I become a science fiction writer? And can I be a science fiction writer when I'm sure my science is seriously flawed? I mean, time travel shouldn't involve supermarket trolleys ever... Then again, maybe it should. I write dark stuff. It just so happens that this dark stuff happens some time hence. Well part of it. And that some of the people don't realise they're not real, that they're fabricated. But then, if no one ever told them how are they to know?
Ah, then there's the whole 1920s part of the book which I've toyed with making the 1970s (because I lived through that era - and adore the 70s) or maybe contemporary (because I'm lazy and because my Jake has a thoroughly modern voice because well, I'm lazy).
'Tis a first draft. I suppose I should stop overthinking. Can you stop overthinking?
And ooh look, I passed the 40,000 word mark.
Friday's word count: 1287
Saturday's word count: 667
Today's word count: 3350 + 1413 (other projects)
Total word count: 41,601 + 4763 (other projects)
November 18, 2010
30 Days of Writing Questions - Part Four
16. Do you write romantic relationships? How do you do with those, and how "far" are you willing to go in your writing?
Romance has been lacking in my fiction lately (if you discount the girl who sorta dissolved). I desperately tried to shoe-horn a romance (and failed) into my YA 'Grim Glass Vein'. My first books though were all about the kissing and other things. Oh yes, once upon a time my characters went far.
17. Favorite protagonist and why!
Right now, Meg (from 'The Museum of Impossible Artefacts') because she's awesome and so much braver than me.
18. Favorite antagonist and why!
Right now, Derek Winters (from 'The Museum of Impossible Artefacts') because he's despicable.
19. Favorite minor that decided to shove himself into the spotlight and why!
Serena Tierney in 'The Maiden Phoenix' (how embarrassing - another unpublished novel). One minute she was a small love-interest part slated to die, the next she was doing the killing (and enjoying it).
20. What are your favorite character interactions to write?
I love it when they're verbally sparring with a tinge of sarcasm in the air.
-------
In other news, Poe Little Thing have accepted my story 'The Quiet of the Hour Glass'. And it's pro-pay. So happy. Ignoring the fact my book, 'Theatre of Curious Acts' was accepted in July by Hadley Rille (because that's a book not a short story) and that in the meantime I've placed stories with two markets where I was invited to submit (Spectral Press and Red Penny Papers), I haven't had an actual slush pile sale since May 8th. Me, panic? You betcha.
NaNoWriMo Catch up:
Yesterday's word count: 1711
Today's word count: 2047
Total Word Count: 36,297 + 3350 (other projects)
Fun Times: Meg and Jake (though in this draft I'm still referring to him as Ben - don't ask) are at the wall at the end of the world. It's mighty high and mighty wide and if they linger there too long, they'll end too.
Romance has been lacking in my fiction lately (if you discount the girl who sorta dissolved). I desperately tried to shoe-horn a romance (and failed) into my YA 'Grim Glass Vein'. My first books though were all about the kissing and other things. Oh yes, once upon a time my characters went far.
17. Favorite protagonist and why!
Right now, Meg (from 'The Museum of Impossible Artefacts') because she's awesome and so much braver than me.
18. Favorite antagonist and why!
Right now, Derek Winters (from 'The Museum of Impossible Artefacts') because he's despicable.
19. Favorite minor that decided to shove himself into the spotlight and why!
Serena Tierney in 'The Maiden Phoenix' (how embarrassing - another unpublished novel). One minute she was a small love-interest part slated to die, the next she was doing the killing (and enjoying it).
20. What are your favorite character interactions to write?
I love it when they're verbally sparring with a tinge of sarcasm in the air.
-------
In other news, Poe Little Thing have accepted my story 'The Quiet of the Hour Glass'. And it's pro-pay. So happy. Ignoring the fact my book, 'Theatre of Curious Acts' was accepted in July by Hadley Rille (because that's a book not a short story) and that in the meantime I've placed stories with two markets where I was invited to submit (Spectral Press and Red Penny Papers), I haven't had an actual slush pile sale since May 8th. Me, panic? You betcha.
NaNoWriMo Catch up:
Yesterday's word count: 1711
Today's word count: 2047
Total Word Count: 36,297 + 3350 (other projects)
Fun Times: Meg and Jake (though in this draft I'm still referring to him as Ben - don't ask) are at the wall at the end of the world. It's mighty high and mighty wide and if they linger there too long, they'll end too.
November 16, 2010
The Show Must Go On
No matter how hard going NaNoWriMo feels at times...
...we can do it.
The usual...
Yesterday's Word Count: 2100
Today's Word Count: 2372
Total Word Count: 32,539 + 3350 (other projects)
Things in the past few pages: Ghost ship, Sinister Future People, Hand Holding, Jealousy, Sewers.
And before I go and leave you for a whopping twenty-four or so hours, I have to say check out Joshua Reynold's new Shadow of Dracula blog where you can find information on his Dracula series. So cool.
...we can do it.
The usual...
Yesterday's Word Count: 2100
Today's Word Count: 2372
Total Word Count: 32,539 + 3350 (other projects)
Things in the past few pages: Ghost ship, Sinister Future People, Hand Holding, Jealousy, Sewers.
And before I go and leave you for a whopping twenty-four or so hours, I have to say check out Joshua Reynold's new Shadow of Dracula blog where you can find information on his Dracula series. So cool.
November 15, 2010
Loathsome, Dark and Deep
Book Party time.
This post feels a little like preaching to the converted. I suspect almost everyone who visits this blog knows Aaron Polson and if you don't, you should get to know him, you can find him here. For me, the internet would be an emptier place without Mr. Polson. I may have mentioned once or twice that I'm the president of his fan club. You're welcome to join.
Aaron's first novel 'Loathsome, Dark & Deep' is available to pre-order from Belfire Press where you'll also find an excerpt from the book.
Here's a mighty spiffy trailer for those not yet convinced...
We shall return to normal NaNoWriMo service tomorrow. Now go pre-order.
November 14, 2010
Tease
First off some pretty news from Spectral Press regarding my chapbook, Nowhere Hall. Daniele Serra will be providing the artwork. Forgive me while I squee. Daniele provided the cover art for this gorgeous book which just so happens to be sitting on my to read shelf.
Now onto boring NaNoWriMo stuff. It needs reporting or I'll slip into naughtiness and do nothing at all:
Saturday's Word Count: 1020 (family day - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it)
Sunday's Word Count: 2451 + 1331 (other projects) + editing
Total Word Count: 28.067 + 3350 (other projects)
Look out for an extra-special blog post tomorrow. Something, I'm really excited about.
Now onto boring NaNoWriMo stuff. It needs reporting or I'll slip into naughtiness and do nothing at all:
Saturday's Word Count: 1020 (family day - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it)
Sunday's Word Count: 2451 + 1331 (other projects) + editing
Total Word Count: 28.067 + 3350 (other projects)
Look out for an extra-special blog post tomorrow. Something, I'm really excited about.
November 12, 2010
30 Days of Writing Questions - Part Three
11. Who is your favorite character to write? Least favorite?
Tough question.
I guess, rather than an actual favourite character, I'd have to say character type - I'm more comfortable in the presence of quirky characters. Oh, and I refuse to name any of my characters as a 'least favourite' whatever their crimes.
12. In what story did you feel you did the best job of worldbuilding? Any side-notes on it you'd like to share?
I'm not convinced my 'best job at worldbuilding' has yet occurred. Maybe I'm writing it now. I hope I'm writing it now. God bless NaNoWriMo.
13. What's your favorite culture to write, fictional or not?
The otherworld.
14. How do you map out locations, if needed? Do you have any to show us?
Oh dear, yes, yes, yes. For 'The Midnight Motel' (book sitting in the shredder pile), I had a complete plan of the hotel including furnishings for each room (though I did forget to add a bathroom in a character's room so I suspect she wet herself - though it's completely apt if she did as she was hunting Death and he in his turn was hunting her).
I also have a map of Corpsetithe for 'The Poisoned Apple'. It's an ugly thing. Very, very bad. (See illustration--located under desk).
15. Midway question! Tell us about a writer you admire, whether professional or not!
Do I have to limit it to one. Aaron Polson, Katey Taylor, Natalie Sin, Mercedes Yardley - blah, blah, blah. Seriously, I bore myself sometimes. I think I'll let them speak for themselves.
The World in Rubber, Soft and Malleable by Aaron Polson
The Horologist by KV Taylor
Black Cats and Hungry Ghosts by Natalie L Sin
I'm Keeping it Light - Mercedes M Yardley
NaNoWriMo Catch Up:
Yesterday's Word Count: 2634
Today's Word Count: 2192 + 216 (other projects)
Total Word Count: 24,596 + 2019 (other projects)
Tough question.
I guess, rather than an actual favourite character, I'd have to say character type - I'm more comfortable in the presence of quirky characters. Oh, and I refuse to name any of my characters as a 'least favourite' whatever their crimes.
12. In what story did you feel you did the best job of worldbuilding? Any side-notes on it you'd like to share?
I'm not convinced my 'best job at worldbuilding' has yet occurred. Maybe I'm writing it now. I hope I'm writing it now. God bless NaNoWriMo.
13. What's your favorite culture to write, fictional or not?
The otherworld.
14. How do you map out locations, if needed? Do you have any to show us?
Oh dear, yes, yes, yes. For 'The Midnight Motel' (book sitting in the shredder pile), I had a complete plan of the hotel including furnishings for each room (though I did forget to add a bathroom in a character's room so I suspect she wet herself - though it's completely apt if she did as she was hunting Death and he in his turn was hunting her).
I also have a map of Corpsetithe for 'The Poisoned Apple'. It's an ugly thing. Very, very bad. (See illustration--located under desk).
15. Midway question! Tell us about a writer you admire, whether professional or not!
Do I have to limit it to one. Aaron Polson, Katey Taylor, Natalie Sin, Mercedes Yardley - blah, blah, blah. Seriously, I bore myself sometimes. I think I'll let them speak for themselves.
The World in Rubber, Soft and Malleable by Aaron Polson
The Horologist by KV Taylor
Black Cats and Hungry Ghosts by Natalie L Sin
I'm Keeping it Light - Mercedes M Yardley
NaNoWriMo Catch Up:
Yesterday's Word Count: 2634
Today's Word Count: 2192 + 216 (other projects)
Total Word Count: 24,596 + 2019 (other projects)
November 11, 2010
November 10, 2010
30 Days of Writing Questions - Part Two
6. Where are you most comfortable writing? At what time of day? Computer or good ol' pen and paper?
Computer, computer, computer. I used to write longhand all the time (when I had a good old typewriter and needed to save my ribbons) but now I only write notes and quick outlines on paper. I do regret losing the knack, but darn it, those words look so much prettier and real when filling a blank screen.
7. Do you listen to music while you write? What kind? Are there any songs you like to relate/apply to your characters?
Not while I write, but I do attach songs to my books and play them when I need to create the right mood / atmosphere. I've been terribly remiss with my current book, it has one lousy song. Ooh, feeling a need to procrastinate.
8. What's your favorite genre to write? To read?
I prefer to write dark stories with a touch of the weird (okay, a sledgehammer of the weird). My favourite genre to read is dark fantasy / horror, though I like anything speculative, thriller or smidgen of Austen. Never rule anything out, I say.
9. How do you get ideas for your characters? Describe the process of creating them.
I read Natalie Sin's stories and ache to have her character building talent. My process needs work. Next question.
10. What are some really weird situations your characters have been in? Everything from serious canon scenes to meme questions counts!
Where to start… Recently my characters have suffered/accepted/lived the following:
-A poor, dear farmer had his crop of hats ruined by some (unfortunate) bikers when they decided to take a joyride through his field.
-A girl stuck at her sisters wedding found herself trapped in a snow globe and facing the prospect of marrying her sister's ex.
And in my current WIP, well… I'll be updating some of the weirdness during this wonderful month of November on this here blog.
Today's Word Count: 1951 + 517 (other projects)
Total Word Count: 19,770 + 1803 (other projects)
Plus today I reviewed M-Brane SF #22 for Skull Salad Reviews. And I didn't add the review to my word count. When I stop procrastinating, I seriously stop procrastinating.
Computer, computer, computer. I used to write longhand all the time (when I had a good old typewriter and needed to save my ribbons) but now I only write notes and quick outlines on paper. I do regret losing the knack, but darn it, those words look so much prettier and real when filling a blank screen.
7. Do you listen to music while you write? What kind? Are there any songs you like to relate/apply to your characters?
Not while I write, but I do attach songs to my books and play them when I need to create the right mood / atmosphere. I've been terribly remiss with my current book, it has one lousy song. Ooh, feeling a need to procrastinate.
8. What's your favorite genre to write? To read?
I prefer to write dark stories with a touch of the weird (okay, a sledgehammer of the weird). My favourite genre to read is dark fantasy / horror, though I like anything speculative, thriller or smidgen of Austen. Never rule anything out, I say.
9. How do you get ideas for your characters? Describe the process of creating them.
I read Natalie Sin's stories and ache to have her character building talent. My process needs work. Next question.
10. What are some really weird situations your characters have been in? Everything from serious canon scenes to meme questions counts!
Where to start… Recently my characters have suffered/accepted/lived the following:
-A poor, dear farmer had his crop of hats ruined by some (unfortunate) bikers when they decided to take a joyride through his field.
-A girl stuck at her sisters wedding found herself trapped in a snow globe and facing the prospect of marrying her sister's ex.
And in my current WIP, well… I'll be updating some of the weirdness during this wonderful month of November on this here blog.
Today's Word Count: 1951 + 517 (other projects)
Total Word Count: 19,770 + 1803 (other projects)
Plus today I reviewed M-Brane SF #22 for Skull Salad Reviews. And I didn't add the review to my word count. When I stop procrastinating, I seriously stop procrastinating.
