Alan Orloff's Blog, page 23

The Proof is in the Galleys

Finished proofing the galleys for KILLER ROUTINE. Whew!

Here a few observations:

There were many occasions when I'd come across a sentence (or even a paragraph) that I didn't recognize. As in, "Who wrote this? I didn't write this, did I? You kidding, I wrote this?" You'd think after spending so much time writing and revising it, I'd have memorized the entire manuscript.

There weren't too many instances where I wanted to change something (really change, not just fix a word). I guess that's good.

Most of the "fixes" were of the stylistic consistency type. You know, spelling out numbers, capitalization of certain things, spelling of slang—stuff like that.

I didn't find any things—situations, events, timing—that would present problems for the sequel, which is mostly written. Those things I did find should be easily fixed (in the sequel).

It's better than I remembered. Which is nice.

My copy editor is terrific.

Luddite No More

After some dilly-dallying and some shilly-shallying, I finally got an ereader.

Just call me Kind-Al!

So far, I haven't done much with it. Downloaded a few samples. Downloaded a few games. Downloaded one of my manuscripts to see how that process worked (well!).

I tried the text-to-voice feature, and it reminded me about an internship I had in eleventh grade at the National Bureau of Standards (now called NIST). I was working in the computer department, on PDP 11/45 minicomputers, which were the size of large refrigerators. (Now, there's probably a hundred times as much computing power in your digital watch than in those things, but back in the day, they rocked.)

To me, a mere eleventh grader, the coolest thing was their text-to-speech function. You typed something on the terminal and two giant speakers spoke it aloud. If you listened very carefully, you could even recognize one or two words out of every twenty.

We've come a long way.

Thanks, C.H.!

Right now, I'm in the midst of proofing the galleys of KILLER ROUTINE. Luckily, I have a terrific copy editor; she's certainly worth her weight in gold (cliché. Try "she's sublime."). Thanks, C.H.!

So far, I haven't found any egregious errors (which is good). In addition to my search for typos, style inconsistencies, and the like, I'm also reading this book with an eye toward the next (which is almost finished). I need to make sure I haven't written any contradictions between KILLER ROUTINE and its sequel. Of course, if I do find something amiss, most likely I'll be changing the sequel, not KILLER ROUTINE.

It's times like these when I wish I was more of a details guy.

Perooz This!

I've joined a new book site, called Peroozal, where "Your Favorite Authors" recommend "Their Favorite Books."

It's a neat concept and it's growing fast.

As an enticement to participate, they're giving away a free ebook, Watchlist, from ITW. Simply visit the Peroozal site and click on one of the free book offer ads (this offer good thru Dec 21).

While you're there, see which books your favorite authors really like!

Eclectic or Messy?

So I happened to be looking at the design of my blog's sidebar and realized that there really is no design. Just a bunch of pictures and info and widgets, slapped up there.

Just like how I used to decorate my apartments before I got married.

I'd find a new piece of art, or a new calendar, or a photograph and I'd hammer a nail into the wall and hang my new acquisition.

What do you all think? Is my sidebar too jumbled? Are there any cool widgets you'd recommend that I try? I'm always eager to pull out my hammer!

Not the Best Speler

Required viewing for all writers.

Crank Those Dials!

Today I'm at InkSpot blogging about how working a soundboard is like revising a manuscript. Click over and say hi!

Out There

When I first started "developing an on-line presence," I wasn't sure I was going to like it. The blogging, the Facebooking, the Twittering. Guest blogging. Being interviewed*. Commenting on other blogs. The YouTube of me pole dancing. I'm a private, introverted person, and I wasn't sure all that interacting would suit me very well.

I guess I was wrong.

As I've become more comfortable putting myself "out there," I've found that it's not so bad. Even enjoyable at times. The best thing about it? The chance to meet so many great people. Other writers, readers, bloggers, stalkers, whatever. There's quite a supportive community on the Interwebs. For that, I'm grateful

Now, with the release of KILLER ROUTINE about four months away, I've begun to think about maybe beginning to start planning for a blog tour.

Any suggestions?

 

*And speaking of interviews, Jean Henry Mead has an interview, with me, on her Mysterious Writers blog. Stop by and see what I have to say about writing, and improving one's writing. Sorry, no YouTube video.

Do I Hear Groaning?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite Hollandaise. It always has bean. In my eyes, it's hard to beet—family, food, football, and a four-day leekend (which gives me a chance to ketchup* on all the stuffing I've been putting off).

Lettuce count our dressings.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

(While some of you might relish this post, others might find it corny, or way too dilly. Peas, just don't be a turkey and wine about it in the comments. It's how I roll. After all, I yam what I yam.)

 

*I had a friend who used to put ketchup on his turkey. What a goose!

He Talks!

I've blogged about how much I love libraries before here.

That's why I was thrilled when I received an invitation to be part of Fairfax County Library's BookCast series of author podcast interviews.

If you've got 18 minutes and 43 seconds, click through to hear the interview.

If you'd rather listen to the interview when you're "on the go," you can download the podcast with iTunes here (see November 18, 2010 BookCast interview). It's free.

Thanks to Director Sam Clay, interviewer extraordinaire, and Pat Bangs for their invitation and their hospitality. They made this author a happy camper—I had a great time!