Phil Giunta's Blog, page 16
July 8, 2021
About This Writing Stuff…
This week, Deb Caletti offers reliable tips on unreliable narrators while Chris Winkle explains the importance of planning character arcs. Emma Lombard and Carol Van Den Hende discuss developing a marketing plan and creating an author brand, respectively.
At the Write Practive, Jeff Elkins provides six critical steps to creating a good villain and J.D. Edwin gets back to basics with four foundational skills for writing fiction.
Claire Armitstead delves into the growing theme of climate fiction (cli-fi) and if you’re struggling to write the perfect ending to your novel, the folks at NaNoWriMo might be of help.
All that and a little more. Enjoy!
8 Tips to Writing Unreliable Narrators by Deb Caletti
How to Develop a Marketing and Promotion Plan as an Indie Author by Emma Lombard
Don’t Cheat Your Reader by Mae Clair
Keeping it Real—or Not: Fact and Fiction in the Novel by Carol Goodman
Planning Character Arcs by Chris Winkle
How Twitter Can Ruin a Life by Emily VanDerWerff
Stories to Save the World: The New Wave of Climate Fiction by Claire Armitstead
Selling Foreign Book Rights – How Authors Generate International Income by Matt Knight
How to Write Good Fiction: 4 Foundational Skills and How to Build Them by J.D. Edwin
How to Write a Villain – 6 Scenes Your Story Needs by Jeff Elkins
8 Mistakes to Avoid While Writing the Perfect Ending to Your Novel from the NaNoWriMo Blog
The Myth of Quality vs Quantity in Publishing by Kristina Adams (podcast)
What is Author Brand and How to Craft Yours by Carol Van Den Hende
July 6, 2021
My (Virtual) Shore Leave Schedule
Shore Leave SF Convention will be virtual again this year using a combination of Zoom, Discord, and GatherTown.
Below are the panels in which I’m scheduled to participate. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, July 10
12PM – Our Words Unmasked. Given COVID-19, are people still writing stories where characters walk around unmasked, shake hands, hug, and so on? Do you have to include the pandemic in your work, going forward? How does that even work? Participants: Phil Giunta, Greg Cox, Andrew Hiller, Laura Ware, Christopher D. Ochs.
2PM – Plotting vs. Pantsing? Or Plantsing? Find out which of our authors outline, which ones make it up as they go, and which are somewhere in between. Participants: Phil Giunta, Christopher D. Abbott, Heather E. Hutsell, Greg Cox, John Coffren, Aaron Rosenberg (moderator).
3PM – Writing in “Interesting Times.” Our authors talk about how they’ve managed to keep going, stay focused, and continue writing despite the events of the past year. Participants: Phil Giunta, Andrew Hiller, Jenifer Rosenberg, Jim Johnson, Paul Kupperberg, Russ Colchamiro (moderator).
5PM – Beta Readers and Critique Groups. Authors discuss how inviting readers to their early drafts shape—or reshape—their narratives, transforming works in progress into polished works of fiction. Participants: Kelli Fitzpatrick, Phil Giunta, Joshua Palmatier, Andrew Hiller, Rigel Ailur, Russ Colchamiro (moderator).
6PM – Firebringer Press Presents. Join the authors of Firebringer Press as they celebrate the release of Meanwhile in the Middle of Eternity, the third volume in their anthology series of SF, Fantasy, and Paranormal tales. Participants: Phil Giunta, Christopher D. Ochs, Diane Baron, Steven H. Wilson (moderator).
Sunday, July 11
12PM – Author Role Models. We all look up to someone, especially in our chosen field. Which authors do our guests look up to, and why? Participants: Phil Giunta, Heather E. Hutsell, Scott Pearson, Michael Jan Friedman, Amy Imhoff, Kevin Dilmore (moderator).
6PM – Memorial for Sandy Zier-Teitler.
June 22, 2021
About This Writing Stuff…
This week, Paula Munier offers advice on transitioning from writing nonfiction to fiction while Anne R. Allen reminds us that self-publishing is serious business. Anne’s article has a few points in common with Sue Coletta’s tips on maintaining etiquette in the writing community.
TD Storm discusses the pros and cons of using filtering language, Alison Flood delves into the effects of cancel culture in publishing, and Kathryn Craft explains how we can increase tension in our stories through the eyes of an observer.
Oh, I almost forgot—Hanna Mary McKinnon provides tips on crafting characters with amnesia.
All that and much more. Enjoy!
How to Write About Amnesia by Hanna Mary McKinnon
Your Nonfiction is Showing by Paula Munier
Self-Publishing is a Business: Don’t Treat it Like a Childish Game by Anne R. Allen
To Filter or Not to Filter by TD Storm
What is DRC and How to Make it Work for You by IndieReader
Writing Community Etiquette by Sue Coletta
Six Ways to Add Stakes to a Mystery by Chris Winkle
Publishing’s Debate over Cancel Culture by Alison Flood
Managing a Motif by Dave King
Heighten Tension with a Watcher by Kathryn Craft
Character Description: 6 Tips from Stephen King’s Memoir by David Safford
Bringing a Character to Life by Barbara Linn Probst
The Unintended Consequences of a Lack of Setting by Amanda Patterson
June 13, 2021
Into That Good Night
It’s taken me a week to write this blog post. I could blame that on a few recent disruptions in my life, but the truth is that I needed time to gather my thoughts, which have been muddled in a torrent of emotions as of late.
In the first week of June, I lost two wonderful friends within days of each other.
On June 2, I received word that Sandy Zier-Teitler had died at the age of 67 after a series of health complications.
I met Sandy at the Farpoint SF convention over 20 years ago, but her history in fandom dates back much further. She was a legend in the Maryland convention scene, having worked for ClipperCon, OktoberTrek, and Farpoint. She was also a writer and editor for the Star Trek fanzine Mind Meld.
My friendship with Sandy solidified when I started publishing with Firebringer Press, owned by friend, fellow writer, and Farpoint co-founder, Steven H. Wilson. Sandy was the line editor on my novels and was always enthusiastic to read my next story. Hers was one of the most encouraging and effusive voices in my writing career. I’m grateful to have been her friend.
On June 6, one of the most adorable, intelligent, and vibrant young women I ever met lost her battle with a rare form of cancer at the age of 25.
My wife and I met Jessica Headlee through SF fandom and got to know her when she and our friend Ethan Wilson began dating around 2014 or so. Jess became a ubiquitous presence in the Maryland SF convention scene, volunteering at Balticon, Farpoint, and Shore Leave where she was often seen dressed as the Shore Leave mascot (the giant rabbit from the original Star Trek episode from which con derives its name).
Jessica also joined us in Rehoboth Beach for our summer vacations with the Wilson family every July. She was a marine biologist with a passion for saving our environment. Jess and Ethan were married on the beach in Rehoboth in October 2019.
In June 2018, I drove down to Maryland to help the Wilsons with landscaping and yard cleanup at Steve’s parents’ house.
There was a point when I took a break and stepped into the kitchen. I was alone and my thoughts drifted to whatever problems were plaguing my life at the time and exacerbating my depression. At that moment, Jess happened to walk in and observe the despondent expression on my face. She said, “Oh my God, Phil! It can’t be that bad!”
She snapped me out of my dark reverie and for the rest of the day, I realized that it can never be that bad when you’re surrounded by friends who care. Of all the memories I have of Jessica, this is the one I will cherish the most.
May 20, 2021
About This Writing Stuff…
It has been three weeks since my last blog post. How the hell did that happen? Well, I’ve been stretched thin as of late with my FT job, a few expensive home renovations, health problems, managing eBay auctions (the time has come to downsize), and yes, writing projects.
I have a short story in progress for a contest, the second draft of my SF novel awaits my attention after that, and I’m waiting to hear back from two small presses on short stories I submitted to them. I’m also scheduling a book signing or two for a speculative fiction anthology I just released with a group of fantastic writers and I’m reviewing a presentation on self-editing that I wll be giving to a local writers group on Monday evening (24 May).
However, the fact that I’ve been neglecting my blog has been gnawing at me, so here we go!
This week, Steve Hooley reviews several sites for serialized fiction, including Kindle Vella, while Jodie Renner discusses close and deep third person POV.
Mary Alice Monroe and KL Burd use fiction to raise awareness of environmental issues and social issues, respectively, while Philip Athans offers advice on blending SF, fantasy, and horror. James Scott Bell provides tips on increasing productivity, Terry Odell delves into crafting character descriptions, and Kathryn Craft wages war against the lame apology.
All that and much more. Enjoy!
Serialized Fiction and Vella – What Do You Think? by Steve Hooley
Tips for Deepening the POV in Your Fiction by Jodie Renner
Weaving Real-Life Environmental Issues into Your Fictional World by Mary Alice Monroe
Fantasy and/or Science Fiction and/or Horror by Philip Athans
The Five Things You Need When Writing a Mystery Novel by Melodie Campbell
6 Practical Business Tips for Authors to Market Their Story of Success by Taylor Payne
7 Tips for Producing More Words by James Scott Bell
Character Descriptions Part I by Terry Odell
Character Descriptions Part II by Terry Odell
Why Bookshop.org is Not the Savior the Book World Needs by Ellen Peirson Hagger
The Magic Number by Todd Sattersten
Legal Protection for Fictional Characters by Matt Knight
Kick Your Story Up a Notch by Knowing Your Character’s Conflict Style by Kelsey Allagood
Unapologetic Characterization by Kathryn Craft
Incorporating Social Issues Into Your Manuscript by KL Burd
April 28, 2021
Book Review: The Lavalite World by Philip Jose Farmer
On an artificial world created by the immortal Lord Urthona, the landscape is forever shifting. Mountains crumble into plains, flesh-eating trees roam the surface, chunks of the planet are ejected into orbit as temporary moons only to fall back and crash into the surface. It is on this world that Earthman Paul Janus Finnegan—known as Kickaha among other aliases—and his companion, the Lady Anana, find themselves stranded with the devious Urthona, Red Orc, and their human henchman, McKay. Somewhere on this vexing planet floats Urthona’s palace and the means for finding a gateway to another world. Before Kickaha and Anana can find it, however, they must survive the treachery of the other three—not to mention the dangerous plants, animals, and natives.
In this fifth and penultimate volume in his Word of Tiers series, Farmer provides enough detail about previous events involving the characters that you don’t need to read the previous books to enjoy The Lavalite World. However, what this story fails to mention is that the series began with a character named Robert Wolff also known as Jadawin, one of the immortals lords. Thus, to grasp the full scope and breadth of the World of Tiers, it is advisable to begin with book one, The Maker of Universes.
I can’t help but to compare Farmer’s World of Tiers to Jack Vance’s Planet of Adventure series or to some of Farmer’s other works such as The Stone God Awakens, The Green Odyssey, or even Riverworld. In all cases, a human finds himself (by whatever means) in a strange world and in order to escape, must venture across the planet, battling dangerous tribes, animals, and the environment along the way, all while earning the companionship of a beautiful woman and making a few unlikely allies. There is nothing wrong in these comparisons and each story puts its own spin on that basic premise, making every one a rip-roaring adventure.
April 21, 2021
Your Story is Perfect! Don’t Change a Thing. Well, Except For….
Details
Your Story is Perfect! Don’t Change a Thing. Well, Except For….
You finished your story. You’re proud of it and should be, but now, it’s time for other eyes to judge your work. Before you fire it off to your agent, publisher, editor, open call, or even your critique group, you should take the time to review and polish your story. Always submit your best work! In this presentation, we’ll cover several easy ways to trim and tighten your prose. This will be especially helpful for short stories that must adhere to a word limit.
April 9, 2021
About This Writing Stuff…
This week, Ken Miyamoto discusses five categories of SF and Fantasy worldbuilding while Anne R. Allen lists several reader pet peeves that writers should avoid.
Kris Calvin and Philip Athans provide their points of view on writing multiple points of view, Brian Andrews concludes his lesson on crafting believable action scenes, and Penny Sansevieri offers strategies for book marketing and author branding.
All that and a little more. Enjoy!
The Craft and Rules of Worldbuilding in Science Fiction and Fantasy by Ken Miyamoto
Three Things Your Query Letter Needs to Stand Out by Lucinda Halpern via Anne R. Allen
How to Avoid Writing Stuff Readers Hate by Anne R. Allen
30+ Ideas for Bite-Sized Book Marketing by Penny Sansevieri
Writing from Multiple Points of View by Kris Calvin
Whose POV Should it Be? by Philip Athans
How to Write Amazing Action Scenes (Part 2 of 2) by Brian Andrews
5 Great Tips: A Beginner’s Guide to Author Branding by Penny Sansevieri
Make Your Protagonist an Actor by Kathryn Craft
7 Awesome Foreshadowing Tips for Fiction Writers by Mia Botha
April 7, 2021
A Giveaway in the Middle of Eternity!
If you’re a member of LibraryThing, and signed up for their Member Giveaways program, we’re running a giveaway for five (5) paperback copies of our new anthology, Meanwhile in the Middle of Eternity, now through Wed. April 28!
Winners will be randomly selected by LibraryThing.
In eternity, all stories are timeless.
Join gods and mortals in combat against slithering demons in famine-stricken Finland… Witness an unconventional battle of wits as a devious genie tries to outfox a clever robot… Ride with two hapless deliverymen as they stumble upon a frightening ritual to propitiate an ancient and malevolent power… Escape to a remote corner of the globe with a desperate family fleeing an insidious alien invasion… Follow a fraternity pledge as he undergoes an initiation to terror at a local cemetery… and much more!
Travel through time and across the cosmos with storytellers Daniel Patrick Corcoran, Michael Critzer, Sean Druelinger, Julie Feedon, Phil Giunta, Christopher Ochs, Peter Ong, Bart Palamaro, Susanna Reilly, Stuart S. Roth, April Welles, Lance Woods, and Steven H. Wilson.
March 6, 2021
About This Writing Stuff…
The past several weeks have been hectic, leaving me little time for blogging. Unfortunately, I’ve also been contending with depression, burnout, and fatigue for reasons too long to elucidate here (and you probably don’t care anyway). Winter and ongoing pandemic stress have exacerbated the problem. Whatever. I’m working through it.
On a lighter note, I’m thrilled to announce that four of my short stories will be published across two anthologies in late March. More information on that soon! For now, I lined up another fantastic selection of helpful articles about writing and publishing.
Monica Valentinelli discusses the ingredients of dark science fiction and offers a generous helping of positive writing advice to keep us motivated.
Ken Miyamoto explains the difference between story and plot while Susan DeFreitas delves into strategies for presenting backstory.
Over at Mythcreants, Oren Ashkenazi warns prose writers against emulating TV and film while Chris Winkle teaches us how to improve reader engagement.
Brian Andrews guides us through writing believable action scenes, Julie Duffy provides pointers on transitioning between novels and short stories, and Philip Athens summarizes the history of pulp magazines.
All that a little more. Enjoy!
When Science Fiction Meets Horror in World-Building by Monica Valentinelli
101 Softly-Delivered Writing Lessons by Monica Valentinelli
What the 2021 Facebook Changes Mean for Authors by Thomas Umstattd, Jr.
Plot vs. Story: What’s the Difference? by Ken Miyamoto
Backstory and Exposition: 4 Key Tactics by Susan DeFreitas via Jane Friedman
Focus on Short Fiction by Julie Duffy
Five Bad Habits Writers Learn from Movies and TV by Oren Ashkenazi
Optimizing Your Story Ideas for Better Engagement by Chris Winkle
How to Write Amazing Action Scenes by Brian Andrews
How to Write A Bestselling Thriller by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Doublespeak: A Look at Voice by Terry Odell
A Brief History of Pulp Fiction by Philip Athans
