Phil Giunta's Blog, page 77

January 29, 2015

Meet Write Stuff presenters Michael Jan Friedman and Richard White!

The blog interviews continue for the Write Stuff conference with NYT bestselling author Michael Jan Friedman and Richard White!

For thirty years, Michael Jan Friedman has written SF, Fantasy, paranormal, media tie-in, biographies, and comic books for both DC and Marvel. He is one of most prolific authors out there. We are honored to have him join us for the 2015 Write Stuff conference.

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We're pleased to welcome veteran author, Writer Beware representative, and swordsmen Richard White to the Write Stuff this year!richard_white
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Published on January 29, 2015 03:46

January 28, 2015

By Your Side now available as a FREE audiobook on Podiobooks.com!

Ladies and gents, the FREE audio version of my second novel, By Your Side, is available at Podiobooks.com! If you can tolerate the sound of my voice for hours, and if you like paranormal mysteries, then you might just enjoy this. Hey, it's FREE!

While haunted by visions of her brother’s suicide, psychic-medium Miranda Lorensen is called to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to investigate a series of bizarre deaths–some of which are also suicides. Miranda and her team of paranormal investigators quickly find themselves confronted by a vengeful spirit awakened 33 years after a bloody family tragedy. Miranda realizes that only she can stop the entity before it claims its final victims, but will her obsession for saving lives redeem her for the brother she failed?

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Published on January 28, 2015 16:44

January 26, 2015

Meet Write Stuff presenters Donna Galanti and Aaron Rosenberg!

Let the Write Stuff interviews begin as we chat with talented writer pal, conference presenter, and lovely lady, Donna Galanti !


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Our second Write Stuff interview is with veteran multi-genre writer and friend, Aaron Rosenberg . Aaron was one of the creators and editors of the ReDeus series, to which I contributed two stories. A fantastic guy to work with, an honor to know, and we're excited to welcome him to our conference!



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Published on January 26, 2015 13:38

January 22, 2015

About This Writing Stuff...

This week,  Susan Stepney discusses the mutually inspiring relationship between science and science fiction.  From the Kill Zone, James Scott Bell exterminates exposition while Joe Moore expounds on endings (holy alliteration, Batman!).  Jody Hedlund ponders publishing's gatekeepers and the taut rope of tension in our stories.   Melissa McPhail sees gods and immortals from a different POV. Kristen Lamb extols the virtues of social media and the importance of work-life balance while Jami Gold offers tips on crafting worthy characters.

All that and a little more, enjoy!


The Real Science of Science Fiction by Susan Stepney

Kobo Feels 'Singled Out' in Canadian Investigation by Leigh Anne Williams

Do Agents Still Hold the Gatekeeper Key to Getting Published? and How to Utilize Tension More Effectively by Jody Hedlund

First Page Critique: Watch That Exposition by James Scott Bell

The Basics of Endings by Joe Moore

Immortality and Gods in Fantasy by Melissa McPhail

Social Media is a Waste of Time for Writers.  Hmmm, Think Again and Writing, The Glamorous Life, and Finding Balance in the Madness of Branding by Kristen Lamb

How to Create Characters Worth Reading by Jami Gold

Ray Bradbury's House: The Postmortem by Carolyn Kellogg

Register Today for the Write Stuff Conference, March 26-28 in Bethlehem, PA !  Keynote speaker: Kristen Lamb.  Presenters: Kristen Lamb, Chris Richards, Michael Jan Friedman, Aaron Rosenberg, Donna Galanti, Richard White, Steven H. Wilson, Becky Bartlett, Bart Palamaro, Geoff Gehman, Curtis Smith, Tina Gallagher, Patty Giordani, and Gabriela Periera.   Critique sessions, flash fiction contest, book fair, agent and editor pitch sessions, and more!


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Published on January 22, 2015 19:22

January 20, 2015

Book Review: Protector by Larry Niven

By 2125 AD, the human race had spread across the cosmos and colonized worlds christened with such names as Wunderland, We Made It, Home, Jinx, and others.   Within Known Space, there are two primary groups of humans. Flatlanders are those accustomed to living on Earth or other planets while Belters reside in the asteroid belt.

After traveling interstellar space for over 30,000 years, an alien named Phssthpok enters our solar system in search of others from his species, known as the Pak.    Their physiology is comprised of three stages:  childhood, breeder, and finally, genderless protector.   Pak sustain themselves primarily on a root from the Tree of Life.   Over 2.5 million years ago, a group of breeders left the Pak homeworld, after it had been ravaged by war.  They were never heard from again, but after thorough study of Pak history and astronavigation, Phssthpok set out to find them.

As he entered Earth's solar system, Phssthpok encountered and captured a Belter named Jack Brennan.   While in captivity, Brennan discovered and consumed a large quantity of Tree of Life root.  As a result, Brennan mutated into a human-Pak hybrid complete with hardened skin, enlarged musculature, increased speed, and immense intelligence.   Brennan's transformation had completed soon after Phssthpok landed on Mars to conceal himself from other humans.

However, telescopes both in the asteroid belt and on Earth had tracked the Pak’s ship.   Nick Sohl, leader of the Belters, teams up with retired UN law enforcement officer Lucas Garner to track down the alien (or "Outsider").   By the time they reach Mars, they are greeted not by Phssthpok, but by Brennan--who murdered his Pak captor.  Brennan explains to Sohl and Garner the purpose of Phssthpok's journey.  Yet, when the Pak realized that there was no colony of breeders, he planned to create one in the same way as Brennan was transformed.

Shortly after meeting Sohl and Garner, Brennan escapes in Phssthpok's ship.  Abandoning his supply of Tree of Life root, Brennan disappears into interstellar space.

Two centuries later, a human named Roy Truesdale is kidnapped for four months and returned with part of his memory erased.   Roy is but one in a string of victims abducted by a mysterious strangers known only as Vandervecken.   Soon after he awakens from his abduction, Roy encounters a lovely Belter named Alice Jordan and together, they set off to the edge of the solar system where Vandervecken supposedly lurks--and might somehow be connected to the legendary "Brennan-monster".

What awaits Roy and Alice near the solar system's tenth planet Persephone?   Is it the human-alien hybrid that was once a Belter named Jack Brennan?  If so, what is the reason behind the abductions and how is it connected to the pending war between humans and the Pak?

Protector is divided into two connected novellas, Phssthpok and Vandervecken, respectively.   Of the four Niven books I've read over the past few months (the previous three being Tales from Known Space, Convergent Series, and A Gift from Earth), Protector was the most engaging.  I enjoyed the development and exploration of the Pak species and the scenes that were written from Phssthpok's point of view, which made his off-camera death disappointing.  Finally, the combination of science and storytelling surrounding the ship-to-ship combat near the end kept me turning pages.    Next up, A World Out of Time.

Protector-Niven
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Published on January 20, 2015 18:56

January 12, 2015

About This Writing Stuff...

Happy New Year!  This week, internet kerfuffles are kerfuffling as YA author Stacey Jay cancels her Kickstarter campaign to fund her second novel amidst vitriol from the online community regarding where some of the money was going.  Among others, Chuck Wendig and Laura Lam respond.

Smashwords CEO Mark Coker presents his publishing industry predictions for 2015 while James Scott Bell assures us that self-publishing will actually remain alive and well.  Victoria Strauss reflects on the best of Writer Beware from 2014, while Marcy McKay successfuly examines failure.

On the convention scene, Farpoint is a mere four weeks away and brings a distinguished cadre of speculative fiction writers with special guest Timothy Zahn.  Actor guests Colin Ferguson (Eureka, Haven) and Tim Russ (Star Trek: Voyager) will also join us for a weekend of fun and fandom!

In March, the Write Stuff writers conference will be led by keynote speaker, writer, and social media Jedi, Kristen Lamb, along with a variety of industry professionals including writers, agents, and editors.  Three days of sessions on the craft of writing, editing, publishing, marketing, audio book recording, podcasting, writing children's books, writing memoir, writing for business, and much more.

Enjoy!


Kickstarter Tag Team Post: What's Asking Too Much? by Chuck Wendig and Laura Lam

Kickstarter Kerfuffle, Part Two: Thoughts and Clarifications by Chuck Wendig

2015 Book Publishing Industry Predictions: Slow Growth Presents Challenges and Opportunities for Authors by Mark Coker

Don't Muddle Your Message by Jodie Renner

The Self-Publishing Sky is Not Falling by James Scott Bell

Character Driven or Plot Driven?  by Veronica Sicoe

We We Write, Why We Stop, and How We Can Possibly Restart and Keep Going by Julianna Baggott

The Two BEST Reasons to Fail as a Writer by Marcy McKay

2014 in Review: The Best of Writer Beware by Victoria Strauss

Ray Bradbury's House, Sold for $1.76M, Being Torn Down by Carolyn Kellogg

Farpoint SF Media and Literature Convention coming to Timonium, MD in February 2015!

Write Stuff Conference coming to Bethlehem, PA in March 2015!
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Published on January 12, 2015 19:56

January 11, 2015

The Write Stuff Conference is LIVE!

Registration for the Write Stuff Conference opens tomorrow, January 12!

I am proud to announce Kristen Lamb as our keynote speaker and workshop leader for the Write Stuff conference to be held March 26-28, 2015 at the Best Western Inn, 300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem, PA.

This conference is sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. Our august cadre of writers include Becky Bartlett, Michael Jan Friedman, Donna Galanti, Tina Gallagher, Geoff Gehman, Pattie Giordano, Bart Palamaro, Aaron Rosenberg, Curtis J. Smith, Richard White, and Steven H. Wilson.

We will also be joined by editors Christine Richards with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Katherine Ernst of Jasper Ridge Press.

Agents include Claire Anderson-Wheeler of Regal-Hoffman and Associates, Patricia Nelson of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, David E. Fessenden of WordWise Media Services, and Alex Slater with Trident Media Group.



Kristen Lamb



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Published on January 11, 2015 18:50

January 1, 2015

New Year Wishes from Neil Gaiman

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Published on January 01, 2015 16:17

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.   Here's hoping for a happy, healthy, and prosperous year for everyone.  What resolutions or plans have you made?

Looking ahead, 2015 certainly seems replete with challenges and potential.   For the rest of January, this blog will see sparse updates as I have a deadline to meet for a short story this month and preparations for March's Write Stuff conference are becoming increasingly time intensive.

Every February, I'm excited to attend Farpoint convention in Timonium, MD.  This year, celebrity guests include Colin Ferguson (Eureka, Haven) and Tim Russ (Star Trek: Voyager). Writer guest of honor is Timothy Zahn.   Other writer guests include Peter David, Bob Greenberger, Michael Jan Friedman, Aaron Rosenberg, Howard Weinstein, Richard White, Don Sakers, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Allyn Gibson, Kelly Meding, Steven H. Wilson, Phil Giunta, Lance Woods, Kelly Meding, and more!

In March, the Lehigh Valley's annual writers conference will celebrate it's 22nd year! The Write Stuff will bring in keynote speaker Kristen Lamb and presenters Michael Jan Friedman, Richard White, Steven H. Wilson, Aaron Rosenberg, Geoff Gehman, Donna Galanti, Becky Bartlett, Curtis J. Smith, Bart Palamaro, Pattie Giordano, Tina Gallagher, Chris Richards, and Gabriela Pereira.

Agents include Claire Anderson-Wheeler of Regal Hoffman & Associates, David E. Fessenden with WordWise Media Service, Cassie Hanjian with Waxman Leavell, Patricia Nelson with Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.   We will also have editors Katherine Ernst of Jasper Ridge Press and J. Christine Richards of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.

The Write Stuff is sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group (GLVWG).  At the conference, we will launch GLVWG Writes Stuff,  an anthology of short stories and essays written by the group's members including my story "My New Shiny" and essay, "Write or Die."

This year, I'm eager to edit a second anthology for Firebringer Press called Elsewhere in the MIddle of Eternity, due out in 2016.  It will contain stories from returning contributors Stuart Roth, Amanda Headlee, Susanna Reilly, Michael Critzer, Steven H. Wilson, Michael Critzer, Lance Woods, Daniel Patrick Corcoran, and myself.  There will be new writers involved as well.  Phenomenal artist Michael Riehl will once again create our cover and interior art.   More info as the project progresses.

I also await feedback from the publisher on my paranormal thriller novella, Like Mother, Like Daughters, which was submitted in September, and I'm still developing a SF novel that's been simmering for years.

Once the Write Stuff is over, it will be time to turn my attention to my IT career and renew my MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Engineer) certification.  Studying for this, and taking all of the requisite exams, will likely consume my spring and summer.  Unfortunately, this will defer my fiction writing until such time as I complete this goal.

Of course, I look forward to attending Balticon and Shore Leave as a writer guest later this year.

For now, I hope you achieve all of your plans and goals in the coming year and wish you nothing but success and joy!




Happy New Year 2015 Hot Colors On Black Backgrounds
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Published on January 01, 2015 10:18

November 28, 2014

About This Writing Stuff...

This week, science proves that reading fiction increases one's empathy and loyalty.  Philip Maughan questions the apparent increase in religious themes in fiction.  Writer Beware's Victoria Strauss offers advice on how to properly rid yourself of a deadbeat publisher while Kristen Lamb proposes that fatigue might make us better writers.

From Writer Unboxed, Donald Maass offers suggestions on plotting the unplottable (is that even a word?) while Elizabeth Craig examines the pros and cons of outlining.

I also have an update on the Write Stuff conference coming in March to Bethlehem, PA!   All that a little more...enjoy!


Arthur C. Clarke Describes the Future of the Internet in 1974 via You Tube

Science Shows Something Surprising About Those Who Still Read Fiction by Gabe Bergado

The Books of Revelations: Why Are Novelists Turning Back to Religion?  by Philip Maughan

Outlining: Why I Made the Switch and Tips for Trying It by Elizabeth S. Craig

Jodi Picoult Says Fuck You to Lit World Sexism (and Nicholas Sparks) by Madeleine Davies

Don't Do This: The Wrong Ways to Try and Escape Your Deadbeat Publisher by Victoria Strauss

Paul Kupperberg: Life with Archie and Beyond by Robert J. Sodaro

Can Being Tired Make Us Better Writers? by Kristen Lamb

10 Things Successful Authors Do by Writers Write

Plotting the Non-Plot Driven Novel by Donald Maass



Click here for a preview of the Write Stuff Conference coming March 26-28, 2015 to Bethelehem, PA!  Keynote speaker and conference presenter: Kristen Lamb.

Additional presenters include Chris Richards, Bart Palamaro, Becky Bartlett, Donna Galanti, Michael Jan Friedman, Geoff Gehman, Gabriela Pereira, Aaron Rosenberg, Curtis J. Smith, Richard White, and Steven H. Wilson.   Critique sessions, agent/pitch sessions, book fair, and more!   Registration opens in January!

Happy Holidays!!!Santa UFO
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Published on November 28, 2014 09:30