Phil Giunta's Blog, page 65
February 27, 2016
About This Writing Stuff…
This week, Chuck Wendig and Kristen Lamb eviscerate Huffington Post for exploiting contributors. Kathryn Craft encourages writers to consider how much they’re willing to give away.
Eric Wecks ponders a better info dump while Chris Winkle guides us from concept to story and Larry Brooks leads us even further to story structure. Jane Friedman explains the purpose of author websites, and Konrath dissects Lee Child regarding Amazon’s brick and mortar bookstores.
All that, and a little more. Enjoy!
***Please note that this will likely be the last installment of About This Writing Stuff for at least six months as I have become far too busy. My publisher and I are releasing a new anthology in July, I have a novella coming out after that, and I am writing the first draft of a science fiction novel.
Additionally, I need to pass two more Microsoft exams to achieve my MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert). I work in the IT field and–as with writing and most other areas of life–continuing education is critical to success and longevity.***
Scream It Until Their Ears Bleed: Pay the Fucking Writers by Chuck Wendig
Shame on You AOL/Huffington! NO More Literary Booty Calls by Kristen Lamb
How Much Will You Give Away? by Kathryn Craft
Info Dumps Aren’t Evil by Eric Wecks
Lee Child on Amazon’s Real-Life Bookshops-and Why We Should Be Worried by Lee Child
Fisking Lee Child by Joe Konrath
How to Turn You Concept into a Story by Chris Winkle
Let’s Address a Common Misunderstanding About Author Websites by Jane Friedman
A Kinder, Gentler Perspective on Story Structure by Larry Brooks
Visiting the Oldest Bookstore in America–and its Resident Ghost by Gregory Lee Sullivan
Coming Soon: The “Write Stuff” Writers Conference in Bethlehem, PA!
February 18, 2016
About This Writing Stuff…
This week, Rachel Thompson offers sage advice on book marketing while K.M. Weiland and Jami Gold talk story structure. Gwendolyn Kiste gives us the low down on how to properly share your Amazon links.
Mary Carroll Moore provides wonderful tips on using sensory details to engage readers’ emotions. For a little fun, comic-book industry veteran Paul Kupperberg delves into the novelizations of A-list superheroes…and B-listers, too!
All that and a little more. Enjoy!
This is Why Your Books Aren’t Selling: 4 Ways To Improve Now and These Are the Reasons Most Authors Fail at Book Marketing by Rachel Thompson
Indie Bookstores are Back with a Passion by Francis X. Clines
How Writers Ruin Their Amazon Links by Gwendolyn Kiste
Using Ebooks to Understand Story Structure by Jami Gold
Planting Sensory Details-What to Use, When to Use It-for Emotional Impact in Your Writing by Mary Carroll Moore
Your Book’s Inciting Event: It’s Not What You Think It Is and How to Study Plot and Character in Your Favorite Stories: 5 Easy Steps by K.M. Weiland
How to Overcome Procrastination and Finish Writing Your Book _ Part Two by Jan Yager
Is Self-Publishing Coming of Age in the Digital World? by Dougal Shaw
Capes, Cowls, & Costumes 4: Stars and Second Stringers by Paul Kupperberg
February 12, 2016
Book Review: Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke
Secretary General Stormgren of the United Nations finds himself in a unique position as ambassador to the Overlords, a group of enigmatic–and seemingly omniscient–alien beings whose ships have hovered over Earth’s major cities since their sudden arrival five years before.
Stormgren is regularly flown to one of the vessels to meet with Karellan, the apparent leader of the Overlords. However, Karellan conducts each encounter from behind a one-way mirror and thwarts Stormgren’s attempts to catch a glimpse of him.
It is not for another fifty years before Karellan reveals himself to the human race. During that time and shortly after, the Overlords bring peace and prosperity to the planet, ushering in a golden age for mankind, but also a stagnation in science, art, and general cultural development.
Over time, most of the Earth’s population becomes complacent and docile, as there is no longer a need to work for a living or struggle to make ends meet. However, a small colony forms on a remote island called New Athens with the purpose of maintaining independence from the Overlords and continuing the pursuit of art and culture.
It is around this time when the children of man begin to manifest extraordinary and frightening mental abilities. What does this development mean for the future of Earth, if indeed there is one?
What is the ultimate objective of the Overlords and are they, in fact, serving an even more powerful master?
Childhood’s End has become one of my all-time favorite science fiction novels. One of the golden age masters, Clarke adroitly covers a century of humanity’s relationship with the Overlords without losing momentum.
As with most films that find their genesis in a novel, the contrast between Clarke’s vision and SyFy’s lackluster mini-series are evident. SPOILER ALERT, but some examples include:
Stormgren (Mike Vogel) remains through far more of the series than he did the novel and dies of a slow, debilitating illness caused by his repeated flights from Earth’s surface to Karellan’s ship. This did not occur in the book.
The scientist character of Milo Rodricks (Osy Ikhile), who stows away aboard an Overlord ship to become the only human to see their world, was named Jan Rodricks in the novel and did not actually step foot on the Overlord’s home planet, but rather, one of their moons.
In the book, Jan had no girlfriend. Thus, the scene in the mini-series where the Overlords return Milo/Jan to Earth after his 80-year expedition and present him with the levitating, preserved corpse of his girlfriend was new for the film and utterly pointless to the story.
The ultra-religious character of Peretta (Yael Stone) did not exist in the novel, nor did anyone fire a gun at Karellan (brilliantly portrayed by Charles Dance). The fact that the SyFy film decided to focus rather heavily on the destruction of religion was a departure from Clarke’s novel, which devoted hardly a page to this.
The mini-series attempted to condense a century into six hours, all the while adding unnecessary characters and subplots and failing to clarify the main plot. Still, kudos to the SyFy channel for attempting to return to its roots. Childhood’s End was a refreshing and intelligent change from such tripe as Sharknado, various reality shows, and WWE wrestling (which has been thankfully moved to USA).
February 11, 2016
About This Writing Stuff…
This week, Kristen Lamb wants all artists–especially burgeoning writers–to be PAID for their work instead of being promised “exposure” by those who would take advantage.
A.S. Winchester would like to remind us that writing is hard work while Jan Yager and James Scott Bell offer advice on how get the job done. Conversely, Jordan Dane explores roadblocks to progress. Are you ever “too old” to start writing? Keith Cronin doesn’t think so!
Questions about branding? Joe Moore has some answers. Want to run a Goodreads giveaway? Let Cynthia help. Robyn LaRue begins a series on depicting accurate crime scenes and Jo Eberhardt believes in supporting characters.
All that, and a little more. Enjoy!
A Culture Addicted to FREE–How FREE is Poisoning the Internet and Killing the Creatives by Kristen Lamb
Writers Are Not Lazy! by A.S. Winchester
How to Overcome Your Procrastination and Finish Writing Your Book – Part One by Jan Yager
My Top 12 Most Common Obstacles a Writer Faces by Jordan Dane
What’s Your Brand? by Joe Moore
The Ten Events of the Highly Successful Writer by James Scott Bell
Crime Scenes for Writers: Introduction by Robyn LaRue
Filling the Silence by Donald Maass
Too Late to Start Writing? by Keith Cronin
Culture Shock: A Window to World-Building by Gaëtane Burkolter
Writing Supporting Characters that Matter by Jo Eberhardt
Five Tips for Running a Giveaway on Goodreads by Cynthia
Please note that this weekly collection might be placed on hiatus yet again compliments of an overwhelming workload both at my day job and, happily, in my writing life. If this occurs, it will only last perhaps a month.
I am working with my publisher, Firebringer Press, to release volume two of our Middle of Eternity anthology series by July. The first volume, Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity was released in 2014.
Further, my paranormal mystery novella, Like Mother, Like Daughters will be released in both ebook and audio formats later this year. The audio will be recorded by yours truly so I expect that shall cause another blogging hiatus down the line.
However, I promise it shall not be a yearlong absence as in 2015. I do enjoy culling these articles from the interwebs and presenting them to you in the hope that you find them as educational and enlightening as I.
February 4, 2016
About This Writing Stuff…
This week, my publisher and writer pal, Steven H. Wilson, is interviewed by fellow podcaster James DeRuvo about copyright violations and the CBS lawsuit against Star Trek: Axanar.
Over at Mythcreants, Chris Winkle provides his POV on viewpoint characters. Writer Beware’s Victoria Strauss examines the Author Guild’s recent efforts to improve publishing contracts for authors, and on Writer Unboxed, Steven James encourages us to abandon strict adherence to outlines and write organically. In the Kill Zone, Larry Brooks dismisses the plotting vs. pantsing debate in favor of using the process that works best for you.
On the technical side, we get some tips on Ebook formatting and importing files into Scrivener while Chris Musgrave reviews popular writing software.
Finally, in light of the upcoming Suicide Squad film from DC Comics, Bob Greenberger discusses the recent reprinting of the 1980s comic book series, which he edited, and his contribution to a character’s backstory.
All that, and a little more. Enjoy!
doddleTALKS TECH: Steven H. Wilson and the Axanar Copyright Debate via James DeRuvo at doddleNews
What’s Out There For Me? Part One by Chris Musgrave
Importing Files Into Your Scrivener Project by Gwen Hernandez
How to Pick the Best Ebook Format by Daniel Berkowitz
Dirty Little Secrets About the Story Development Process by Larry Brooks
How to Abandon Your Outline to Improve Your Story by Steven James
The Fair Contract Initiative by Victoria Strauss
Choosing Viewpoint Characters by Chris Winkle
I Appear to Have Been Reprinted by Bob Greenberger
Amazon Considers Opening Hundreds of Bookstores by Leena Rao
Three Brilliant Publishers Doing Things Differently by Matt Goolding
February 3, 2016
The Write Stuff Writers Conference is Nearly Upon Us!
Calling all writers! Registration for the 2016 Write Stuff writers conference opens in one week. The conference will be held April 7-9, 2016 at the Best Western in Bethlehem, PA .
Keynote speaker is best-selling thriller writer, Robert Liparulo. Other presenters include Ramona DeFelice Long, Kelly Simmons, Jon Gibbs, Catherine E. McLean, Shawn Smucker, and more. Agents and editors will be on hand to hear your story pitches (available by appointment). Click the link below for information about our sessions, check the conference schedule, and read about our presenters.
I shall be there on Friday night for the Meet and Greet and again on Saturday to attend sessions, help where needed, and enjoy a day with fellow wordslingers. I cannot believe it’s been nearly a year since I was the conference chair!
January 31, 2016
Book Review: Tales of the Crimson Keep by Crazy 8 Press
The Crimson Keep…an ensorcelled castle, ever-expanding and growing as a result of an ancient spell. Within its walls lives a sagacious and puissant old wizard known only as the Master who alone bestows his knowledge onto a gifted coterie of pupils.
In each story of this enchanting anthology, you can’t help but fall into step with these intrepid wizards-to-be as they attempt to steal forbidden spells, outwit bloodthirsty demons, suffer the consequences of cutting class, find dangers lurking in the eternally shifting halls of the Keep, and even travel through time!
Crazy 8 Press is comprised of an august body of veteran storytellers, including Russ Colchamiro, Peter David, Michael Jan Friedman, Robert Greenberger, Glenn Hauman, Paul Kupperberg, and Aaron Rosenberg. Each of them contributed a smart and delightful tale to this collection introduced by SF writer, Kevin Dilmore.
Even the book itself boasts a fascinating genesis. It was at the 33rd annual Shore Leave science fiction convention in Maryland where–prompted by an opening line provided by Dilmore–Peter, Michael, Bob, Glenn, Aaron, and Howard Weinstein took turns writing a story all the while tucked in a small alcove in the lower hallway of the hotel. In full view of the public, these talented craftsmen created the engaging novella Demon Circle as a fundraiser for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. That story is also included in Tales of the Crimson Keep.
January 30, 2016
The Great Philadelphia Comic Con!
I shall be sharing a table with the redoubtable Joseph F. Berenato, author and pop-culture expert, at the Great Philadelphia Comic Con, April 22-24, 2016 in Oaks, PA! Celebrity guests so far include Bruce Boxleitner, Marina Sirtis, Kel Mitchell, Glenn Morshower, Erin Cahill, Jason Faunt, Brimstone, and more to come!
I will be there only on Saturday as I have a conflict on Sunday. Please stop in and check out this most excellent convention!
January 28, 2016
About This Writing Stuff…
In addition to posting current events in the writing and publishing community, I’m still catching up with highlights from last year, during this feature’s hiatus.
One item in particular caught my attention: the decision of the World Fantasy committee to discontinue using the bust of HP Lovecraft as their award statue. This was reported in November 2015, but I had not heard about it until this week and decided to share it here, objectively. I have no opinion on this matter one way or another.
From the Kill Zone, P.J. Parrish advises us to write every day while Joe Moore offers editing tips for independent writers. Think your characters are clever? Oren Ashkenazi has some questions for them. From Writer Unboxed, Kim Bullock provides a handy checklist on how to kill your darlings, and Dan Blank discusses distractions. Miranda Beverly-Whittemore reveals a bit of hindsight from her arduous journey to success. All that, and a little more. Enjoy!
World Fantasy Award Drops HP Lovecraft as Prize Image and HP Lovecraft Biographer Rages Against Ditching of Author as Fantasy Prize Emblem by Alison Flood
Freedom of Expression? by Barry Eisler via Joe Konrath
I Was Wrong…You DO Need to Write Every Day by P.J. Parrish
Editing Tips for the Indie Author by Joe Moore
Desperately Seeking Darlings by Kim Bullock
Four Questions to Ask when a Character is Clever by Oren Ashkenazi
Don’t Worry, It Only Gets Harder by Dan Blank
Five Things I Wish I’d Known Five Months Before I Published My First Novel by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore
10 Women Who Changed Sci-Fi by BBC America
I’d also like to shout out to writer pal, Steven H. Wilson, who just released his SF/F novel, Peace Lord of the Red Planet, on Audible, and to Crazy 8 Press as they launch their Kickstarter to fund the publication of the second volume of their SF anthology series, Pangaea. Check them out and thank you for supporting small press writers!
January 23, 2016
Here Blizzard, Blizzard, Blizzard!
Once the holidays are over, I have no more use for winter. Honestly, January is a pain in the ass. It’s the Monday of the year. Before today, I had hoped that we would escape this month without incurring the wrath of that vindictive prick, Old Man Winter.
After today, I’d like to kick him right in the snowballs.
In the past 24 hours, nearly a meter of this white crap has accumulated along many areas of the northeastern United States. Below are some pics I took from inside and later, during my second round of snow removal.
The storm should move out of the area overnight. Although from the state of things, it’s a foregone conclusion that I ain’t leaving the house until Tuesday at the earliest, folks.
And now, I am inside, working on the outline to my next novel in front of a blazing hearth.
