Phil Giunta's Blog, page 105
June 3, 2012
About This Writing Stuff...
NYT Bestselling author Peter David re-releases book two of his Hidden Earth Chronicles under the Crazy 8 Press imprint and Kelly Meding's urban fantasy MetaWars series continues with Changeling, due out June 26. Kelly's series will see two more books in 2013 (Tempest and Chimera) from PocketStar, a new division of Simon & Schuster. They will be eBook format only as of this update.
Too Many Choices - A NYT Author Decides by Susan Squires
Gettin' Busy With It - Business Decisions for Publishing Careers by Susan Spann
Prices on Covers of Indie Books by Dean Wesley Smith
How Should Authors Handle Book Reviews? by Bob Mayer
JA Konrath vs. Stephen King by--you guessed it--JA Konrath
An Author's Guide to Fan Fiction by Jami Gold
Why Skimping on Macro Editing Could Cost You Readers by Jody Hedlund
The Not Quite So Starving Artist by Sarah Callender
Writing and Karma by Jen Haupt
Katniss Everdeen is Not a Hero by Steven H. Wilson
MetaWars Continuation by Kelly Meding
Peter David Releases Book Two of his Hidden Earth Chronicles: Height of the Depths
Author Interview: David Wood
At Balticon I had the pleasure of sharing the "Good and Evil in Genre Literature" panel with several writers including David Wood, who did an exemplary job as moderator. Later in the con, my publisher and fellow writer, Steven Wilson and I shared an author reading session with David who read from his upcoming YA vampire murder mystery, You Suck. David kindly agreed to an interview and what a prolific writer he is! Read on...
First, tell us where we can find you online.
The best place to start is my blog, davidwoodweb.com/blog. That’s where you’ll find the most current information on me, plus links to my Twitter, Facebook, website and podcast.
What was the first story you ever completed, published or not?
The first story I saw to completion was a science fiction story I wrote in seventh grade. It had no plot; just a hero shooting an alien who had invaded the “World Battle Station.” The first story I actually sold came much, much later.
Your Dane Maddock series has been highly praised for its seamless blending of historical fact and high adventure in the spirit of Indiana Jones. Starting with your debut novel, Dourado, continuing with Cibola, Quest, and the novella, Icefall, what inspired this very successful series?
I’ve always loved adventure stories. The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle was an early inspiration and, of course, the Indiana Jones movies. I drifted away from the genre for a while but rediscovered it while delivering pizza in college. I became a Clive Cussler audiobook junkie, and Cussler is perhaps my greatest source of inspiration.
Individually, I look for an ancient mystery, a lost artifact or treasure (usually Biblical), a monster, and a few exotic locales that fit together in a new an interesting way. Once I find the combination that I like, I’m off.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I understand that you co-wrote Into the Woods with your father. What brought about this collaboration?
My dad was an amateur historian and had spent much of his adult life researching family history, particularly the life of Jonathan Wood, my many-greats grandfather. He was a surveyor and pioneer who was one of the earliest settlers in southwest Virginia and fought in the American Revolution. My dad wanted to publish his research for the benefit of the family but, after kicking around some ideas and discussing some of the colorful stories and characters he’d uncovered, we decided to go the historical fiction route, and supplement the book with some of Dad’s research.
Tell us how The Zombie Driven Life came about. What motivated you to write a tale about the zombie apocalypse?
I was teaching middle school in the Atlanta area at the time and hadn’t written anything for teen readers. I wanted something that captured the cynicism and resentment of adults and institutions that so many teens feel. When you live in the “Bible Belt” you’re bombarded with religious literature, and Purpose Driven Life was everywhere, so it was a prime target for a little satire. I was turning that over in my mind when I noticed one of my students reading The Zombie Survival Guide, and something clicked. I wrote the first chapter during my planning period and shared it with several of my students who ate it up. I love the way it turned out. It’s a serious zombie apocalypse adventure with some dark, satirical humor and something to say about everyone’s purpose.
What is your writing schedule and what advice might you have for new writers struggling to find time for the craft?
When I still had a day job, I was a night time writer- usually ten to midnight Sunday through Thursday. That takes it out of you. Now that I write full-time, I write from about nine in the morning until lunchtime and then work on the business end of the author gig until it’s time to pick the kids up from school. Of course, our recent cross-country move has disrupted that, but I’m settling back in. Deep down, though, I’m still a night owl and kind of miss my late night writing sessions. I don’t miss the sleep deprivation.
What does David Wood do when he isn’t writing?
I coach fast-pitch softball, annoy my wife and daughters, and follow the toils and travails of the Atlanta Braves. I also co-host the ThrillerCast podcast, along with Alan Baxter, an Australian writer. We discuss issues relating to writing and publishing, interview thriller authors, and discuss books we enjoy. Our definition of “thriller” is loose, so we cover everything from military thriller to mystery to action-adventure to urban fantasy.
What can readers expect next from you?
This year is busy for me. I’m wrapping up a new young adult book titled You Suck, a murder mystery that spoofs the vampire genre, reality shows, and teen pop stars. The next full-length Dane Maddock adventure will be out in August and another Maddock novella in time for Christmas. I’m working on two co-authored projects: a horror novel with Alan Baxter, and the next in my fantasy series under my “David Debord” pseudonym, which I’m writing with spec-fic author Ryan Span. Finally, it’s not a done deal, but I think I’ll be co-authoring another book in the “Callsign…” series with Jeremy Robinson.
Wizard World Recap (aka TRAIN WRECK)
The first thing I noticed when we arrived was that the convention was organized differently than it had been two years ago when I was last there (having skipped the 2011 con). This was perfectly fine, of course, everyone reserves the right to get smarter. Unfortunately, Wizard World failed to exercise that right. With a guest line up led by Chris Hemsworth, Stan Lee, Bruce Campbell, all five Star Trek captains and about two hundred other guests including actors, pro wrestlers, comic artists and writers, two things became clear:
1. Wizard World should no longer classify itself as a comic con.
2. Wizard World grievously overextended themselves with the number of actor guests.
I had only four actors on my list for autographs: James Hong (Blade Runner), Scott Bakula (on a Quantum Leap photo, not Enterprise), William Shatner, and Patrick Stewart. I will say that this show allowed me to finish off the items I wanted to have signed by Stewart, Bakula, and the Shat.
My fiancee and I were first in line for James Hong, who arrived about 15 minutes late. No problems. He signed, we shook hands, I thanked him and off we went to out 11:45 photo op with Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell (see below). Slight problem, though, as we waited in line, we were told that the 11:45 photo op had to be rescheduled to 6:15PM. Apparently, with all five Star Trek captains signing autopgraphs with massive lines, the con did not want to pull Bakula away for a photo just then.
This was disappointing considering that we had no plans to remain at the con that late. These things happen sometimes, so be it. We decided to get in the autograph line for Scott Bakula. Long as it was, it moved quickly and Mr. Bakula was gracious and jovial to every fan. I snapped some pictures from a distance while in line (again, see below). To his right sat Kate Mulgrew and Patrick Stewart and on the left, Avery Brooks and William Shatner. Each actor had their own table and line.
After obtaining Bakula's autograph, I was about to get in line for Patrick Stewart but it was time for the "captains" to leave for their various photo ops so my fiancee and I strolled over to Dean Stockwell where he signed the Quantum Leap photo that Bakula had signed just a minute before. Mr. Stockwell was his usual reserved self (this is third time we've seen him over the years at cons) but he took the time to doodle on Evon's photo wherein his character, Al, was holding a cigar. With a red sharpie, Mr. Stockwell "lit" the end of the cigar and with a silver sharpie, drew wavy lines as "smoke".
From there, we walked to Kai Owen from the British SF series, Torchwood. My fiancee is a fan of the show and Kai was very friendly. It was a positive experience for her.
Having nothing to do until the "captains" returned to their tables, we grabbed an overpriced lunch in the convention center then perused the dealer tables where we bought some t-shirts (JAWS & Indiana Jones for me, Doctor Who and Big Bang Theory for my lady).
I observed a rush of people converge on Shatner's autograph table suddenly and decided it was time to join the herd. After waiting nearly 45 minutes, my fiancee and I were both tired of standing. As she had no reason to be in the line but to keep me company, I urged her to find a comfortable seat somewhere. We were both in pain from our backs to our feet but I was determined to get one special item signed...or should I say, re-signed.
Indulge me in a quick digression. Back in the mid-90s, I worked in IT at TV Guide and one of the lead sales guys was working with Shatner to promote pre-paid Star Trek-themed phone cards. I believe the Shat had co-owned a company that produced such cards. Part of the promotion for this included quite a number of 8x10 and 16x20 glossy photos of a 1993 TV Guide cover featuring Shatner as Captain Kirk.
Well, I have no idea how the promotion went but the sales guy gave me one 16x20 and about half dozen 8x10s. WOW. I kept one of each size for my own collection and traded the remaining 8x10s for other high end collectibles or given as gifts (I did not sell any of them). However, after about 15 years, Shatner's signature had faded from the 16x20 that I'd had beautifully framed. So, out of the frame and into a paper envelope just waiting for the right convention.
At the con, Shatner signed above his faded signature even larger than before. I then used a photo cleaner at home on Sunday to remove the old sig and back into the frame it went (see below...I keep saying that). I also had a 4x6 photo signed that completes a set of photos from the original Star Trek series, one photo of each cast member. The only one not signed McCoy as the late, wonderful De Kelley had retired from conventions by the time I started putting this set together.
After Shatner's line, with an aching body I marched over to Patrick Stewart's line...which had been capped at 3:30 because all five "captains" had to host their 4PM discussion panel. So again, it was time to wander, this time to Dunkin Donuts to refuel. My fiancee and I did not even try to attend the "Five Captains" panel. Frankly, we were so tired by that time, having been on our feet since 9:45AM, we didn't care. Besides, we'd seen all of these fine actors before over the many years we've been attending cons. The thrill of seeing all of them together on stage simply did not exist for us.
By 5:10PM, it was back to Patrick's line and the final autograph of the day, another 4x6 to complete yet another set of photos for Star Trek: The Next Generation and this time, I do mean complete. All cast members. And yes, I have the same for Deep Space Nine, having completed that one about five years ago. And no, I don't Voyager or Enterprise. DS9 was my last great Star Trek. Love Kate Mulgrew, big fan of Scott Bakula. I'll see Ms. Mulgrew at Shore Leave in August.
Now, about that rescheduled photo op with Bakula and Stockwell. We finally got in after a 30 minute wait. Of course, the photo itself takes about 5 seconds and you're out again with just enough time for "Hi" and "Thank you" with the actors.
Then it was the two hour wait for the photos to be printed. Uh, no. Instead, then came the bad news. Earlier in the day, some douche bag stole a stack of photo op pictures of fans with THOR actor Chris Hemsworth. Reportedly, it was no small number of photos, either. As a result, they all had to be reprinted, which delayed the printing of other photos.
Let the clusterfuck begin. We were told that if we wanted to stay until all photos were printed, we must do so across the convention area at the registration desk. About 300 people gathered. Then the photo op staff started dividing the crowd into groups based on which photo op they were waiting for. Boondock Saints? Stand way over there. Pro wrestler CM Punk? Stand right here. Quantum Leap? Stand two rows over, please, etc, etc.
Photos were brought out a few stacks at a time. Finally, by 9PM, the lights had dimmed, the crowd had thinned, and the rest of us were growing restive. There was much bitching and profanity to be had until FINALLY at 9:30, the Quantum Leap photos were brought out. My fiancee and I claimed our photos and bolted.
The photo op fiasco could not solely be blamed on the thief. The thief did not cause poor schedule management, the thief did not sign on more high profile guests than the convention could manage. Crowd control is a problem when all five Trek captains are signing side by side. Chris Hemsworth's table reportedly had only poor photocopies of pictures from his movies. Not even glossy 8x10s for the $125 fans had to pay for his autograph (not me, he ain't worth it)? The dealer and autograph areas were not furnished with any seating at all, even at the refreshment and eatery areas.
This was my last Wizard World. They'd need to bring Harrison-freakin'-Ford to get me back to that train wreck of a con. I can remember when WW brought in three celebrity guests and I enjoyed it. Don't get me wrong. I am grateful to live in a country where we get to have such gatherings. They're wonderful, when done right. I am ecstatic to meet the actors, some of whom I'd grown up watching and that means a lot to me. I just wish I didn't need physical therapy after doing so.
Above: Scott Bakula (L), Avery Brooks (R). Below: Kate Mulgrew (L), my photo op with Bakula and Quantum Leap co-star, Dean Stockwell (R).
Below: Photos of the Five Captains panel. Credit: Joe Giannetti.
My resigned Shatner TV Guide cover (below).
May 29, 2012
BaltiCon 46 Recap
On a gorgeous Friday afternoon, I turned up in Maryland at the Hunt Valley Marriott Inn for BaltiCon 46. I had scarcely an hour to check in and collect my badge and program before my first panel at 4PM, “Symbology of Animals in Fantasy and Fairy Tales". Fellow panelists included writers DH Aire, Jean Marie Ward, Trisha J. Woodridge (moderator), and artist Ray Ridenour. It was a lively discussion covering everything from bears to cats to chimps to rabbits to wolves and many other creatures great and small in both books and movies. We discussed anthropomorphism and the use of animals as omens and portents of events to come in a story.
Immediately after, I headed straight for the local Chic-Fil-A. I felt no guilt. Chickens were not discussed in the panel. :)
I was able to catch up on some reading and rest until about 9PM when I joined friend and publisher, Steven H. Wilson, and Nebula Award winner Catherine Asaro for our shared 50 minute readings. Proving that chivalry is not entirely dead, we allowed the lady to read first from her SF novel, Carnelians. I then followed with a few scenes from my paranormal mystery, Testing the Prisoner, and Steven finished with a reading from his latest SF novel, Unfriendly Persuasion.
Saturday morning started at 10AM with "Good and Evil in Genre Literature". Author David Wood moderated. The panel was comprised of Robert Chase, Robert Katz, and Patrick Thomas. Audience participation was enthusiastic. Discussion topics included characters motivated by pure evil, those forced to perform unsavory acts against the few for the benefit of the many, and whether we preferred writing protagonists that were pure and heroic (i.e. Superman) vs. those with flaws (i.e. Indiana Jones, Han Solo, Peter Parker).
I then had a four hour break that allowed me to catch up with several friends including fellow Firebringer author Lance Woods. Lance's debut novel, Heroic Park, is set to launch in August. I then made my way to the Farpoint convention table to unwind a bit and catch up with friends Sharon Van Blarcom, Steven H. Wilson, his wife Renee, and their sons Ethan and Christian.
Before my 3PM autograph session, I hit the dealer room with Steve and Ethan. As you may know or could guess, the dealer room at BaltiCon consists mainly of new and used books, small presses, and self-pubbed writers. There are also two leather accessories dealers (belts, handbags, flask holders, etc) and a few toy dealers. It was at the latter where my sights landed on a mint-in-box 1976 Mego Star Trek phaser/reflector game at a very low price. This is a pre-"laser tag" era toy. It consists of a battery powered phaser that emits a simple beam of light. When the beam hits the reflector clipped to your opponent's belt, a buzzer in your phaser sounds off. So I reclaimed a piece of my childhood. :)
From there, it was to the used book dealers where I found a 1978 paperback edition of Heinlein's Have Space Suit Will Travel, and a 1969 paperback of Dangerous Visions 1 edited by Harlan Ellison. Before leaving the con on Monday, I went back and picked up a 1979 paperback edition of Sherlock Holmes vs. Dracula. All in excellent shape.
Being a new writer, I expected little attention at the 3PM autograph session on Saturday and my expectations were met. However, I shared the table with the esteemed astronomer and astrophysicist Dr. Yoji Kondo. In his amazing career, Dr. Kondo has worked for NASA and the Johnson Space center, achieved 7th degree black belt in Aikido, and published numerous SF novels under the pen name Eric Kotani. It was also his birthday! In between us sat the lovely and gregarious paranormal romance author, Ash Krafton. Ash was giving away heart shaped cookies baked by her mom to promote her novel, Bleeding Hearts. As it turned out, all three of us at the table lived, worked, or studied in Philadelphia at one time in our lives.
Immediately after, it was time for Firebringer Press to shine. In addition to Steve, Lance, and myself, cover artists Laura Inglis, Todd Brugmans, and Ethan Wilson rounded out the panelists. Steven opened with introductions and a brief summary of current and upcoming projects from Firebringer. Steven then made the official announcement that my second novel, By Your Side, will see its launch at Farpoint's 20th anniversary convention in February. I then read aloud a haunting scene from the first chapter of that book before turning the floor over to Lance. He read a richly detailed scene describing his main character's first visit to an amusement park where attendees are granted superhuman powers for a day. Both readings were well received.
At 7PM, I attended "Gender Narration in Podcasting". Having recorded my first audiobook in 2010, and knowing that I will do so again for By Your Side, I was curious to see what advice I could glean from veteran audio narrators and podcasters including Jared Axelrod, Veronica Giguere, Tim Dodge, Chris Morse, and my publisher Steven H. Wilson who also served as moderator. It was very educational and left me with some ideas to try when the time comes.
The night ended with dinner and fun conversation at Basta Pasta with The Wilsons, Sharon Van Blarcom, and Paul Balze.
On Sunday morning, I sat in on two back to back sessions, "Choosing a Small Press or a Big Publishing House" again moderated by Steve Wilson and starring Emilie P. Bush, Trish Wilson, Ian Randal Strock, and Daniel Ackley-McPhail. While not a panelist, Joshua Bilmes of the JABberwocky Literary Agency sat in. Joshua's agency represents many top authors including Charlaine Harris. It was a lively discussion of the pros and cons of both methods of publishing as each panelist shared their experiences. Joshua chimed in with many valuable comments and was very honest on topics of eBook vs. hardback pricing and the DoJ's suit against NY publishing, accusing Amazon of predatory pricing by selling books below cost.
At 11AM, "Liberty and other Inalienable Rights" was moderated by Danny Birt and paneled by lawyer and fantasy writer Michael Ventrella, Steven H. Wilson, DH Aire, and two other gentlemen whose names escape me and were not listed in the pocket program. Of all the panels I attended at the con, this one garnered the highest attendance and the most vocal audience. Panelists debated and differentiated basic human rights, intrinsic rights, rights granted by law, how rights are determined, and how the idea of "rights" is changing and evolving along with our society and technology.
My final reading for the weekend was scheduled for 1PM and I was joined by David Wood and Steven Wilson. We outnumbered the audience by one but I'll take any chance to practice reading aloud.
After lunch at the Corner Stable, I killed the next seven hours reading, walking, perusing the dealers room again and chatting with the folks at the Farpoint before my final two panels, "New Fandoms and Online Communities" with Billy Flynn moderating and Zan Rosin, Lynn Adler-Golden and I as panelists. We had a small but very active audience as we chatted about emerging fandoms for new shows such as Sherlock, Alphas, Haven, Warehouse 13, Lost Girl, and older shows like Psych, Lost, Eureka, Stargate: Universe, Fringe, and more. Despite being two panelists short, it was a fast 50 minutes!
My final panel was at 10PM, "You Got Your Horror In My Fantasy!", moderated by Paul Elard Cooley. Andrew Fox, Richard Allen Leider, and I discussed psychological horror in other genres (fantasy, SF, even mystery) in books and films. We discussed everyone from Stephen King and his son Joe Hill, HP Lovecraft, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Tolkien. Either due to the lateness of the hour or natural human tendencies, the panel strayed from the main topics onto horror and paranormal films and personal experiences with the strange and unusual. Nevertheless, it was a blast.
I checked out on Monday and headed to the Wilsons for a few hours and enjoyed a relaxing cookout on what was the hottest day of the year. I was on the road home by 3:30 and despite a 10 minute delay on I-83N due to an RV fire, it was smooth sailing.
All told, BaltiCon was a wonderful, educational, and invigorating experience as always. Already looking forward to next year!
At the Firebringer Press Presents event. Pictured above from L to R: Artists Laura Inglis and Todd Brugmans, writers Lance Woods and Phil Giunta, artist Ethan Wilson.
Above: Lance Woods (L), Firebringer Press publisher and writer Steven H. Wilson (R)
Above: Ethan Wilson (L), Todd Brugmans (R), cover artist for Lance's novel, Heroic Park.
Above: Laura Inglis (L), cover artist for Phil's upcoming novel, By Your Side, and Todd Brugmans (R)
Above: Lance Woods reads passionately from Heroic Park, or perhaps he was singing opera...
Above: And here I am prattling on about my upcoming novel,
By Your Side (cover art by Laura Inglis, layout by Chris Winner)
from which I also read a few scenes.
A huge thanks to Paul Balze for agreeing to be our photographer during the Firebringer Press panel at BaltiCon 46.
May 27, 2012
About This Writing Stuff...
And we have a few recaps from this past weekend's Balticon 46 SF/Fantasy con in Maryland.
What Authors Seem to Forget About Marketing--Especially Those Who Dislike It by Jane Friedman
Making Time to Write by Amy Durham
Unconscionability and Joe's Letter to the DoJ by JA Konrath
Are You In This for the Long Haul? by Jami Gold
Think Like a Publisher: Chapter Four - Production and Scheduling by Dean Wesley Smith
Traditional vs. Self-Publishing is a False Dichotomy by Nathan Bransford
How Much Interaction Should Authors Have With Readers? by Jody Hedlund
The Future of Bookstores by Bob Mayer
Recaps of Balticon 46 by Steven H. Wilson , Laura Inglis , and Yours Truly .
May 26, 2012
Now It Can Be Told...
May 20, 2012
About This Writing Stuff...
And more...enjoy!
Understanding Amazon's New Algorithms is as Easy as ABC by Ed Robertson via David Gaughran
Neil Gaiman Addresses University of Arts Class of 2012 - I highly recommend watching this (approx. 20 minutes)
Exploited Writers in an Unfair Industry & Pricing Books and Ebooks by JA Konrath
The "Brutal" 2000 Word Day by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
I've Got a Secret by Ellen Weeren
You Say Potato, I Say Potato, You Say Tomato, I Say Book Sales by Liz Michalski
Contracts by Anna Elliott
Don't D-Y-I "Do Yourself In" with a D-I-Y Mentality by Rob Eagar
How to Find Great Writing Ideas by Rosanne Biederman
Rules for Writing and Revising Your Novel by Khanh Ha via Chuck Sambuchino
BaltiCon - Maryland's Longest Running SF/Fantasy Convention over Memorial Day Weekend!
May 19, 2012
Book Review: Stephen King's On Writing
I wish I had read this wonderful, entertaining, and absolutely edifying guide to the craft of fiction writing when it was first released twelve years ago. It probably would have reduced the number of drafts on my first novel. Happily, much of the advice King offers I had employed in my second novel (now in the hands of my publisher) but as with anything else in life, you never stop learning.
King neatly bookends his advice and opinions with engaging highlights from his life starting with his childhood in a single parent family and ending with his recovery after being struck and nearly killed by a van in 1999. In between his reminiscings, King offers pithy advice on many aspects of writing including characters, story, theme, research, backstory, plot vs. organic storytelling, and moral/meaning vs. resonance. Damn the adverbs and not so hot on critique groups or writing classes either is Mr. King.
What King is keen on in his memoir: write the first draft quickly and for yourself (with the door closed to the outside world), write the second draft and revise with the door open (allow your Ideal Reader to review your manuscript). The only dated advice in the book deals with publishing. In 1997, when King began this project, self publishing was still considered "vanity press" and nowhere near the booming industry that it has become wherein NYT bestselling authors have dumped their agents in favor of publishing their work directly.
When it comes to the craft of storytelling, On Writing is a recommended read especially for the burgeoning writer.
May 17, 2012
My Schedule for BaltiCon
We are one week out from Maryland's longest running SF convention: BaltiCon. Below is my schedule for the weekend. Hope to see you there!
R-1. Symbology of Animals in Folk and Fairy Tales
Friday at 4:00 pm in Salon B
Are certain animals used to symbolize certain character types. How? Why? In a modern fairy tale, what animals would you use and in what way?
Moderator: Trisha J. Wooldridge
Speakers: Phil Giunta, Jean Marie Ward; Ray Ridenour; D.H. Aire
Readings: Catherine Asaro, Phil Giunta, Steven H. Wilson
Friday at 9:00 pm in Pimlico
Catherine Asaro, Phil Giunta, Steven H. Wilson reading from their works. Please note that the authors are listed in alphabetical order, NOT in reading order. They'll determine reading order amongst themselves.
Speakers: Phil Giunta; Steve Wilson; Catherine A. Asaro
R-39. Good and Evil in Genre Literature
Saturday at 10:00 am in Salon B
Do science fiction, fantasy and horror have underlying moral perspectives? What are they? Do they differ? If so, why?
Moderator: David Wood
Speakers: Phil Giunta; Robert I. Katz; Robert (Bob) R. Chase; Patrick Thomas
Autographing: Phil Giunta, Ash Krafton and Yoji Kondo
Saturday at 3:00 pm in Maryland Foyer
Phil Giunta, Ash Krafton and Yoji Kondo at the Autograph Table in the Maryland foyer.
Speakers: Phil Giunta; Yoji Kondo/Eric Kotani; Ash Krafton
P-4. Firebringer Press Presents
Saturday at 4:00 pm in Salon B
Firebringer Press is back to celebrate the pre-release of Lance Woods's new novel, Heroic Park , as well as Steven H. Wilson's just released new "Arbiter Chronicles" book, Unfriendly Persuasion . The authors will discuss and read from these works. Phil Giunta, author of Testing the Prisoner will also be on hand with the latest on his upcoming publication, By Your Side .
Moderator: Steve Wilson
Speakers: Todd F. Brugmans; Phil Giunta; Laura Inglis
FTV-2. New Fandoms and Online Communities
Sunday at 9:00 pm in Chase
Sherlock, White Collar, New Doctor Who, Alphas, Sanctuary
Moderator: Billy Flynn
Speakers: Lisa Adler-Golden; Phil Giunta, Wayne Arthur Hall; S. Reesa Herberth; Carol Salemi; Zan Rosin
Readings: Phil Giunta, Steven H. Wilson and David Wood
Sunday at 1:00 pm in Pimlico
Phil Giunta, Steven H. Wilson and David Wood reading from their works. Please note that the authors are listed in alphabetical order, NOT in reading order. They'll determine reading order amongst themselves.
Speakers: David Wood; Phil Giunta; Steve Wilson
R-19. You Got Your Horror in My Fantasy!
Sunday at 10:00 pm in Belmont
Psychological horror as fantasy exploration. Panelists discuss what they like and dislike about and what they think does and does not work with this blending of sub-genres.
Moderator: Paul Elard Cooley
Speakers: Andrew Fox; Phil Giunta; Richard Allen Leider; T. C. McCarthy
May 13, 2012
About This Writing Stuff...
Jami Gold asks if every scene needs a goal and Jody Hedlund offers basics on POV. Theresa J. Reasor provides advice and contacts for editing your work. Enjoy!
In the E-Reader Era, a Book a Year is Slacking by Julie Bosman (via Howard Weinstein)
7 Ways to Write a Stand-Alone Book with Series Potential by Kurtis Scaletta
The 10 Commandments of How to Write a Thriller by Zachary Petit
Big Six Publishing is Dead, Welcome the Massive Three by Kristen Lamb
Another Agent Post by Dean Wesley Smith
Harlequin Fail by Ann Voss Peterson via JA Konrath
Simon Says and Agent Fail by JA Konrath
Does Every Scene Need a Goal? by Jami Gold
Avoid Being Branded as an Amateur: Use These 7 POV Basics by Jody Hedlund
Going Deeper: A Process Rather Than Technique by Robin LaFevers
Write Like a Comparative Mythologist by LB Gale
The Value of Good Editing to Your Work by Teresa J. Reasor
