Phil Giunta's Blog, page 79
October 6, 2014
It's No Small Coinkydink that DuckBob Spinowitz is Back to Save the Galaxy!
Award-winning writer Aaron Rosenberg has just released
Three Small Coinkydinks
, the third installment in his "DuckBob" SF comedy series! I had the pleasure of beta-reading this and I can honestly say that I enjoyed it immensely. Unique and memorable characters, along with solid pacing, makes this a fun interstellar romp from beginning to end.
From Amazon:
Bob Spinowitz was an average guy—until aliens abducted him and gave him the head of a duck. Then they asked “DuckBob” to save the universe, since their modifications meant he could. Talk about a backhanded compliment!
Amazingly, though, DuckBob did it. And thus became Guardian of the Matrix, which protects the cosmos from further invasion—as long as he’s plugged in. Literally.
But alien techie pal Ned just made the Matrix User Interface wireless. Suddenly, DuckBob is free again—the whole universe is at his alien-altered, webbed feet! Only problem is, could being unplugged mean he’s out of a job?
As a pick-me-up, Ned takes DuckBob to his homeworld—which looks just like Brooklyn. Odd changes are afoot, there, however—ones with potentially cosmic repercussions. Soon DuckBob finds himself struggling to stay alive. And to find lunch, which is equally important.
Can DuckBob conquer his doubt, rein in his freedom, and help save Ned’s world? Or will our avian-esque hero’s first unrestricted flight be the last—not just for him but for us all?
Praise for DuckBob:
“Aaron Rosenberg has that rare quality of making other writers read his work and earning their undying hatred because he’s coming up with stuff they wish they’d thought of.” —Peter David, New York Times bestselling author and bon vivant
“If you liked Douglas Adams, this is right in your wheelhouse!” —Michael Jan Friedman, New York Times bestselling author
“. . . a novel that should not be missed by anyone who considers himself a fan of humorous science-fiction.” —Unreality SF
From Amazon:
Bob Spinowitz was an average guy—until aliens abducted him and gave him the head of a duck. Then they asked “DuckBob” to save the universe, since their modifications meant he could. Talk about a backhanded compliment!
Amazingly, though, DuckBob did it. And thus became Guardian of the Matrix, which protects the cosmos from further invasion—as long as he’s plugged in. Literally.
But alien techie pal Ned just made the Matrix User Interface wireless. Suddenly, DuckBob is free again—the whole universe is at his alien-altered, webbed feet! Only problem is, could being unplugged mean he’s out of a job?
As a pick-me-up, Ned takes DuckBob to his homeworld—which looks just like Brooklyn. Odd changes are afoot, there, however—ones with potentially cosmic repercussions. Soon DuckBob finds himself struggling to stay alive. And to find lunch, which is equally important.
Can DuckBob conquer his doubt, rein in his freedom, and help save Ned’s world? Or will our avian-esque hero’s first unrestricted flight be the last—not just for him but for us all?
Praise for DuckBob:
“Aaron Rosenberg has that rare quality of making other writers read his work and earning their undying hatred because he’s coming up with stuff they wish they’d thought of.” —Peter David, New York Times bestselling author and bon vivant
“If you liked Douglas Adams, this is right in your wheelhouse!” —Michael Jan Friedman, New York Times bestselling author
“. . . a novel that should not be missed by anyone who considers himself a fan of humorous science-fiction.” —Unreality SF
October 5, 2014
Flash Fiction Friday - "Man to Man"
I recently completed my first flash fiction story and thought I'd share it here. Hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments. Thank you!
Man to Man
by Phil Giunta
How do you walk up to a guy and confess that you’re in love with his wife? That’s exactly what I was about to do. To say that I was anxious would’ve been an understatement. It wasn’t as if I ever had a conversation like this before. I suspected that he already knew about Ally and me, yet I felt compelled to offer an explanation. After all this time, it seemed the honorable thing to do.
It started raining lightly just as I sat down to speak to him. I didn’t mind at all. The cooler temperatures were a welcome respite from the mid-July heat wave.
I rubbed my hands on my cargo shorts as I began talking. I’d rehearsed most of my speech on the way here, but that didn’t make this any less awkward. “Hey, Jared, I hope it’s OK that we meet like this. I just ask that you hear me out. I realize you never knew me, never knew the kind of guy I really am, but I think you do now. At least, I hope so. I feel I owe you an account of how all of this started between Ally and me.
“Three years ago, when she and I worked together, we had a little misunderstanding. It was completely my fault, but it triggered feelings for her that I didn’t expect. She started flirting with me at a happy hour after work one day, and I wasn’t the only one who noticed. At the time, I dismissed it. I thought it was just the booze talking, but in the months that followed, she continued to make little comments here and there.
“I became so confused and distracted that I finally had to take her aside and talk about it. To be honest, part of me hoped there was something behind her words. She was mortified that I took her remarks as anything more than innocent fun.
“Believe me, Jared, the idea of stealing your wife was the furthest thing from my mind. I just had to know the truth. Did I want to believe that Ally had feelings for me? I won’t lie. The heart wants what it wants, but I was wrong. In the end, I was just a sympathetic ear in a stressful work environment. Ally would never have left you.”
I took a deep breath, feeling the moisture on my shoulders as the rain soaked through my polo shirt. I didn’t care. All that mattered was this weight on my chest and the only way to release it was to see this through to the end. “It took me two months, but I finally left the company and once I was gone, I never saw or contacted Ally again. But I missed her.
“Then, last summer, we ran into each other on the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach. We talked for about twenty minutes, just catching up. I was genuinely sorry to hear what happened, Jared. Honestly, I was. You think some couples will be together forever. As it turns out, Ally missed me, too. The longer we talked, the more we realized how much we enjoyed each other’s company. As I’m sure you know, we’ve been together ever since.
“Look, Jared, I came here because I respect what you and Ally had together and maybe I have a bit of guilt, too, I don’t know. What I do know is that I love her. When she’s with me, nothing else matters. Ally has my heart. This past year with her has been wonderful.”
My vision clouded as tears welled up. Not sure why. I thought I’d talked through all the hard stuff. “Look, Jared, if it’s not asking too much, I came here to get your blessing. I’m going to propose to Ally tonight.”
I leaned forward and put a gentle hand on the gravestone. For a moment, I stared in silence at the inscription. Jared Henriksen, 1970-2012.
“Cancer took you far too young. I realize I can never replace you, but I promise I’ll love Ally for the rest of her life.”
Man to Man
by Phil Giunta
How do you walk up to a guy and confess that you’re in love with his wife? That’s exactly what I was about to do. To say that I was anxious would’ve been an understatement. It wasn’t as if I ever had a conversation like this before. I suspected that he already knew about Ally and me, yet I felt compelled to offer an explanation. After all this time, it seemed the honorable thing to do.
It started raining lightly just as I sat down to speak to him. I didn’t mind at all. The cooler temperatures were a welcome respite from the mid-July heat wave.
I rubbed my hands on my cargo shorts as I began talking. I’d rehearsed most of my speech on the way here, but that didn’t make this any less awkward. “Hey, Jared, I hope it’s OK that we meet like this. I just ask that you hear me out. I realize you never knew me, never knew the kind of guy I really am, but I think you do now. At least, I hope so. I feel I owe you an account of how all of this started between Ally and me.
“Three years ago, when she and I worked together, we had a little misunderstanding. It was completely my fault, but it triggered feelings for her that I didn’t expect. She started flirting with me at a happy hour after work one day, and I wasn’t the only one who noticed. At the time, I dismissed it. I thought it was just the booze talking, but in the months that followed, she continued to make little comments here and there.
“I became so confused and distracted that I finally had to take her aside and talk about it. To be honest, part of me hoped there was something behind her words. She was mortified that I took her remarks as anything more than innocent fun.
“Believe me, Jared, the idea of stealing your wife was the furthest thing from my mind. I just had to know the truth. Did I want to believe that Ally had feelings for me? I won’t lie. The heart wants what it wants, but I was wrong. In the end, I was just a sympathetic ear in a stressful work environment. Ally would never have left you.”
I took a deep breath, feeling the moisture on my shoulders as the rain soaked through my polo shirt. I didn’t care. All that mattered was this weight on my chest and the only way to release it was to see this through to the end. “It took me two months, but I finally left the company and once I was gone, I never saw or contacted Ally again. But I missed her.
“Then, last summer, we ran into each other on the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach. We talked for about twenty minutes, just catching up. I was genuinely sorry to hear what happened, Jared. Honestly, I was. You think some couples will be together forever. As it turns out, Ally missed me, too. The longer we talked, the more we realized how much we enjoyed each other’s company. As I’m sure you know, we’ve been together ever since.
“Look, Jared, I came here because I respect what you and Ally had together and maybe I have a bit of guilt, too, I don’t know. What I do know is that I love her. When she’s with me, nothing else matters. Ally has my heart. This past year with her has been wonderful.”
My vision clouded as tears welled up. Not sure why. I thought I’d talked through all the hard stuff. “Look, Jared, if it’s not asking too much, I came here to get your blessing. I’m going to propose to Ally tonight.”
I leaned forward and put a gentle hand on the gravestone. For a moment, I stared in silence at the inscription. Jared Henriksen, 1970-2012.
“Cancer took you far too young. I realize I can never replace you, but I promise I’ll love Ally for the rest of her life.”
October 2, 2014
Let's Go To The (Blog) Hop!
I was recently nominated by writer pal Aaron Rosenberg to participate in a blog hop by answering the four questions below. Additionally, I must pay it forward by electing at least three other writers. I could only find two who were willing. They are listed at the end of this post.
What am I working on?
I'm excited to announce that we're proceeding with the followup anthology to Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity , which was just released in August. All of the contributors have agreed to return, and three new writers have been invited to contribute. I look forward to the same diversity of SF, Fantasy, and Paranormal tales as we have with the first book. We're planning for a late 2016 or early 2017 release. I already have a story finished for this and I understand that two or three of the other writers do as well.
I am currently developing a science fiction novel that will tell the tale of an overpopulated and depleted Earth and the need for humanity to seek its salvation off world.
I recently submitted a paranormal thriller novella called Like Mother, Like Daughters that chronicles the further adventures of psychic-medium Miranda Lorensen (Testing the Prisoner, By Your Side). Thirty-six years after encountering the ghost of a Puritan girl named Camille, Miranda returns to Salem, Massachusettes hoping to learn more about her. In doing so, Miranda is nearly killed while uncovering a startling truth not only about Camille, but also about herself. Meanwhile, Miranda's daughter, Andrea, begins to manifest her own psychic-medium abilities when the spirit of a murdered college friend seeks her help in solving her murder.
As a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group, I submitted both a story and an essay to two anthologies slated to be published by the group next year. One will be a collection of essays on "Why We Write" and the other, strictly fiction. Both anthologies will launch at the Write Stuff conference in March 2015. As conference chair, I look forward to it!
Finally, my first attempt at flash fiction, "Man to Man", will be posted for free on this blog on Friday, October 10 to kick-off an occasional feature called "Flash Fiction Friday".
How does my writing differ from others in my genre?
I strive to create memorable characters and situations that will at the very least move or excite readers if not challenge their notions on a particular topic and open their minds to a different way of perceiving themselves and the world at large. If my work can both entertain and edify, without preaching, then I have done my job as a writer. For example, my first novel, Testing the Prisoner , tackled the disquieting topics of child abuse and family dysfunction and was extremely well-received by readers who were touched by the hero's plight.
Why do I write what I do?
I think I partially answered this with the previous question. The fact is, I live to write. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without the act of putting words to paper and connecting those words to form the kinds of tales that I also enjoy reading. While it is true that humans have an innate desire to tell stories, I write with the added intent of conveying a message, one that I hope will remain with the reader long after they have turned the final page. I find the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal to be replete with unique and powerful storytelling potential. The exercise of creating an original universe—with its own inhabitants, environments, and rules—brings nearly unparalleled satisfaction for me. As a writer, few things are more thrilling than developing both character and story arcs.
There is also a selfish reason as to why I write. Simply put, I do not wish to die forgotten. If I can leave behind a legacy of quality work that will be read and enjoyed for generations to come, then I will have achieved that ultimate goal shared by all writers.
How does my writing process work?
Once I come up with an idea--or it comes to me--I usually jot down a few paragraphs to begin fleshing it out. Often, I'll develop characters immediately, which is an extremely important step, as is defining clear arcs for the protagonist and perhaps one or two other characters. That is certainly true for longer fiction. My short stories may not always have a character who changes from beginning to end, but I always ensure that my main characters are memorable, whether heroes, villains, or somewhere in between.
For novels, novellas, and some short stories, I create an outline to map out the plot. It will frequently include lines of narrative and dialogue that will end up in the story. For me, the outline is a living document. As I write, it provides general direction, but does not restrict me. There are many routes to get from point A to point Z. I believe that writing is an organic process, especially when the characters take over and decide on their own course.
When that happens to the benefit of the story, I will then update the outline accordingly. Similarly, if I think of a better idea than what I'd originally plotted out, I will again revise the outline. At the start of each writing session, I review what I wrote before and sometime edit and tweak it before adding new material.
The next victims, er, I mean, writers in the chain are:
AMANDA HEADLEE is fascinated with the macabre. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of her written material stems from waking nightmares. It was not until she attended Kutztown University, to major in Professional Writing, that she realized she could share her terrors with the world by writing it all down. When she is not contributing to The Sarcastic Muse or cycling through the rural hills of Pennsylvania, she can be found penning worlds full of monsters, demons, and mayhem.
STEVEN H. WILSON is the creator of the Mark Time and Parsec Award-winning podcast series The Arbiter Chronicles, as well as the author of two novels spawned by the series Taken Liberty and Unfriendly Persuasion. He is also the author of Peace Lord of the Red Planet and three short stories for the ReDeus series from Crazy 8 Press. He has written for DC Comics and Starlog, and is publisher for the Maryland-based Firebringer Press , whose seventh and latest book, Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity, collects tales of science fiction, fantasy and the paranormal by Mid-Atlantic authors.
What am I working on?
I'm excited to announce that we're proceeding with the followup anthology to Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity , which was just released in August. All of the contributors have agreed to return, and three new writers have been invited to contribute. I look forward to the same diversity of SF, Fantasy, and Paranormal tales as we have with the first book. We're planning for a late 2016 or early 2017 release. I already have a story finished for this and I understand that two or three of the other writers do as well.
I am currently developing a science fiction novel that will tell the tale of an overpopulated and depleted Earth and the need for humanity to seek its salvation off world.
I recently submitted a paranormal thriller novella called Like Mother, Like Daughters that chronicles the further adventures of psychic-medium Miranda Lorensen (Testing the Prisoner, By Your Side). Thirty-six years after encountering the ghost of a Puritan girl named Camille, Miranda returns to Salem, Massachusettes hoping to learn more about her. In doing so, Miranda is nearly killed while uncovering a startling truth not only about Camille, but also about herself. Meanwhile, Miranda's daughter, Andrea, begins to manifest her own psychic-medium abilities when the spirit of a murdered college friend seeks her help in solving her murder.
As a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group, I submitted both a story and an essay to two anthologies slated to be published by the group next year. One will be a collection of essays on "Why We Write" and the other, strictly fiction. Both anthologies will launch at the Write Stuff conference in March 2015. As conference chair, I look forward to it!
Finally, my first attempt at flash fiction, "Man to Man", will be posted for free on this blog on Friday, October 10 to kick-off an occasional feature called "Flash Fiction Friday".
How does my writing differ from others in my genre?
I strive to create memorable characters and situations that will at the very least move or excite readers if not challenge their notions on a particular topic and open their minds to a different way of perceiving themselves and the world at large. If my work can both entertain and edify, without preaching, then I have done my job as a writer. For example, my first novel, Testing the Prisoner , tackled the disquieting topics of child abuse and family dysfunction and was extremely well-received by readers who were touched by the hero's plight.
Why do I write what I do?
I think I partially answered this with the previous question. The fact is, I live to write. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without the act of putting words to paper and connecting those words to form the kinds of tales that I also enjoy reading. While it is true that humans have an innate desire to tell stories, I write with the added intent of conveying a message, one that I hope will remain with the reader long after they have turned the final page. I find the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal to be replete with unique and powerful storytelling potential. The exercise of creating an original universe—with its own inhabitants, environments, and rules—brings nearly unparalleled satisfaction for me. As a writer, few things are more thrilling than developing both character and story arcs.
There is also a selfish reason as to why I write. Simply put, I do not wish to die forgotten. If I can leave behind a legacy of quality work that will be read and enjoyed for generations to come, then I will have achieved that ultimate goal shared by all writers.
How does my writing process work?
Once I come up with an idea--or it comes to me--I usually jot down a few paragraphs to begin fleshing it out. Often, I'll develop characters immediately, which is an extremely important step, as is defining clear arcs for the protagonist and perhaps one or two other characters. That is certainly true for longer fiction. My short stories may not always have a character who changes from beginning to end, but I always ensure that my main characters are memorable, whether heroes, villains, or somewhere in between.
For novels, novellas, and some short stories, I create an outline to map out the plot. It will frequently include lines of narrative and dialogue that will end up in the story. For me, the outline is a living document. As I write, it provides general direction, but does not restrict me. There are many routes to get from point A to point Z. I believe that writing is an organic process, especially when the characters take over and decide on their own course.
When that happens to the benefit of the story, I will then update the outline accordingly. Similarly, if I think of a better idea than what I'd originally plotted out, I will again revise the outline. At the start of each writing session, I review what I wrote before and sometime edit and tweak it before adding new material.
The next victims, er, I mean, writers in the chain are:
AMANDA HEADLEE is fascinated with the macabre. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of her written material stems from waking nightmares. It was not until she attended Kutztown University, to major in Professional Writing, that she realized she could share her terrors with the world by writing it all down. When she is not contributing to The Sarcastic Muse or cycling through the rural hills of Pennsylvania, she can be found penning worlds full of monsters, demons, and mayhem.
STEVEN H. WILSON is the creator of the Mark Time and Parsec Award-winning podcast series The Arbiter Chronicles, as well as the author of two novels spawned by the series Taken Liberty and Unfriendly Persuasion. He is also the author of Peace Lord of the Red Planet and three short stories for the ReDeus series from Crazy 8 Press. He has written for DC Comics and Starlog, and is publisher for the Maryland-based Firebringer Press , whose seventh and latest book, Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity, collects tales of science fiction, fantasy and the paranormal by Mid-Atlantic authors.
September 29, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, Aaron Rosenberg differentiates between endings and closure in a series. NYT bestselling writer Lee Child responds to Joe Konrath regarding the ongoing Amazon-Hachette battle. Jody Hedlund concisely lists the rules of POV while Jami Gold shows us how to balance emotions. Kristen Lamb likes those lying characters and Bob Mayer tells certain writers to quit whining!
From Writer Unboxed, Bill Ferris waxes comedic on why we should write a series. Dan Blank advises us on how to create greater capacities. Sarcastic Muse's Michelle Mueller instructs us on the proper use of italics.
All that a bit more. Enjoy!
Ending Without Closing by Aaron Rosenberg
Lee Child Chimes In by Joe Konrath
7 Point-of-View Basics Every Writer Should Know by Jody Hedlund
Showing Emotions: Finding the Right Balance by Jami Gold
Generate Nerve-Shredding Story Tension--Power of the Secret-Keeper by Kristen Lamb
Why You Need to Write a Series by Bill Ferris
Creating Capacity by Dan Blank
The Content Flood and Authors Whining by Bob Mayer
Wattpad: Digital Storytelling With a Social Twist by Beth Bacon
Writing Fluid Fiction: How to Use Italics by Michelle Mueller
From Writer Unboxed, Bill Ferris waxes comedic on why we should write a series. Dan Blank advises us on how to create greater capacities. Sarcastic Muse's Michelle Mueller instructs us on the proper use of italics.
All that a bit more. Enjoy!
Ending Without Closing by Aaron Rosenberg
Lee Child Chimes In by Joe Konrath
7 Point-of-View Basics Every Writer Should Know by Jody Hedlund
Showing Emotions: Finding the Right Balance by Jami Gold
Generate Nerve-Shredding Story Tension--Power of the Secret-Keeper by Kristen Lamb
Why You Need to Write a Series by Bill Ferris
Creating Capacity by Dan Blank
The Content Flood and Authors Whining by Bob Mayer
Wattpad: Digital Storytelling With a Social Twist by Beth Bacon
Writing Fluid Fiction: How to Use Italics by Michelle Mueller
September 28, 2014
Book Review: Larry Niven's Tales of Known Space
Larry Niven's Known Space series of anthologies and novels covers a vast timeline of spacefaring adventures encompassing 10,000 years. This particular volume contains 13 stories. While it was interesting to see how richly populated and developed Niven's universe is, only about half of the tales in this collection appealed to me. All were interesting in their own way, but I found the other half to be anticlimactic. My favorites included:
"Eye of an Octopus" - Human explorers on Mars discover the corpse of a Martian and a strange well made of diamond bricks. How are the two connected? The answer is explosive!
"How the Heroes Die" - A murder occurs in the human "Bubbletown" settlement on Mars and a dangerous chase ensues across the surface of the red planet.
"Intent to Deceive" - At the Red Planet restaurant on Mars, robot waiters run amuck! You can never have too many shrimp cocktails...or can you? Maybe it's all just a fable...
"Cloak of Anarchy" - In San Diego's parks, anything goes--except violence, which is stictly punished by the all-seeing "copseyes" that patrol the parks, but what happens when every one of these hovering spheres loses power at once? Who will maintain law and order?
"The Borderland of Sol" - Beowulf Shaeffer is stranded on the deep space colony Jinx, until he comes across old friend Carlos Wu. Carlos offers him passage back to Earth aboard the Hobo Kelly, a starship belonging to wealthy trader Sigmund Ausfaller. The problem: ships have been disappearing in alarming numbers just beyond Earth's solar system. Could there by a ship-devouring entity lurking in interstellar space?
"Safe at Any Speed" - Our hero's test car is swallowed whole by a giant bird--with our hero inside!
Overall, Tales of Known Space is an enjoyable, if not entirely inspired, anthology.
"Eye of an Octopus" - Human explorers on Mars discover the corpse of a Martian and a strange well made of diamond bricks. How are the two connected? The answer is explosive!
"How the Heroes Die" - A murder occurs in the human "Bubbletown" settlement on Mars and a dangerous chase ensues across the surface of the red planet.
"Intent to Deceive" - At the Red Planet restaurant on Mars, robot waiters run amuck! You can never have too many shrimp cocktails...or can you? Maybe it's all just a fable...
"Cloak of Anarchy" - In San Diego's parks, anything goes--except violence, which is stictly punished by the all-seeing "copseyes" that patrol the parks, but what happens when every one of these hovering spheres loses power at once? Who will maintain law and order?
"The Borderland of Sol" - Beowulf Shaeffer is stranded on the deep space colony Jinx, until he comes across old friend Carlos Wu. Carlos offers him passage back to Earth aboard the Hobo Kelly, a starship belonging to wealthy trader Sigmund Ausfaller. The problem: ships have been disappearing in alarming numbers just beyond Earth's solar system. Could there by a ship-devouring entity lurking in interstellar space?
"Safe at Any Speed" - Our hero's test car is swallowed whole by a giant bird--with our hero inside!
Overall, Tales of Known Space is an enjoyable, if not entirely inspired, anthology.
September 22, 2014
Local Authors Night at Barnes and Noble in Easton, PA!
I'm ecstatic to announce that I will be participating in Local Authors Night at Barnes and Noble in Easton, PA on Thursday, September 25 from 7 to 9PM. Approximately 35 authors from the Lehigh Valley and surrounding area will be present to sign copies of their books purchased at the store on this special night.
Click here for more details!
If you live in the area and are in search of something new to read, please consider stopping by or at least spreading the word. Thank you for your support!
4445 Southmont Way, Easton, PA 18045
(610) 515-0376
Click here for more details!
If you live in the area and are in search of something new to read, please consider stopping by or at least spreading the word. Thank you for your support!
4445 Southmont Way, Easton, PA 18045
(610) 515-0376
September 16, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, Dayton Ward offers a gentle reality check for those looking to break into media tie-in writing. Tom Chalmers prefers quality over quantity when it comes to self-publishing. The latest round of the Amazon-Hachette battle sees Authors United drafting a letter of rebuke to Amazon's Board of Directors. Jeremy Greenfield, Clay Shirky, Mike Shatzkin, and of course, Joe Konrath weigh in on the situation with links to many others.
Jami Gold suggests methods for looking at our stories objectively and fixing problems in our manuscripts. Jody Hedlund clarifies the art of character description and questions the idea of writing only when inspired. Michelle Mueller likens writing to music and Marcy McKay delves into the writer's fears.
All that and a little more. Enjoy!
When Dreams Meet Reality by Dayton Ward
Starting From Zero by David Gaughran
Quality Not Quantity for Self-Published Writers by Tom Chalmers
Authors Target Amazon's Reputation in Latest Salvo in Amazon-Hachette Battle by Jeremy Greenfield
Amazon, Publishers, and Readers by Clay Shirky
Big Publisher Bashing Again with Fictional Facts by Mike Shatzkin
Nonsense United by Joe Konrath
Too Close? 5 Techniques to See Our Story Objectively and Feedback: Finding Problems vs. Fixing Problems by Jami Gold
Describing Characters: Moving Beyond Hair and Eye Color and Is Writing Under Inspiration Just a Huge Myth? by Jody Hedlund
Why Every 1st Novel Should Be a Ghost Story by Siobhan Adcock
3 Reasons to Think of Your Writing as Music by Michelle Mueller
5 Facts About Fear for Writers by Marcy McKay
Jami Gold suggests methods for looking at our stories objectively and fixing problems in our manuscripts. Jody Hedlund clarifies the art of character description and questions the idea of writing only when inspired. Michelle Mueller likens writing to music and Marcy McKay delves into the writer's fears.
All that and a little more. Enjoy!
When Dreams Meet Reality by Dayton Ward
Starting From Zero by David Gaughran
Quality Not Quantity for Self-Published Writers by Tom Chalmers
Authors Target Amazon's Reputation in Latest Salvo in Amazon-Hachette Battle by Jeremy Greenfield
Amazon, Publishers, and Readers by Clay Shirky
Big Publisher Bashing Again with Fictional Facts by Mike Shatzkin
Nonsense United by Joe Konrath
Too Close? 5 Techniques to See Our Story Objectively and Feedback: Finding Problems vs. Fixing Problems by Jami Gold
Describing Characters: Moving Beyond Hair and Eye Color and Is Writing Under Inspiration Just a Huge Myth? by Jody Hedlund
Why Every 1st Novel Should Be a Ghost Story by Siobhan Adcock
3 Reasons to Think of Your Writing as Music by Michelle Mueller
5 Facts About Fear for Writers by Marcy McKay
September 8, 2014
Book Review: Robert Silverberg's Nightwings
In the distant future, during the Earth's "third cycle of civilization", a group of guardians known as Watchers use portable machines to project their minds into space in search of potential threats from other worlds. One elderly Watcher in particular has been devoted to that duty since his youth, yet has never found even a hint of the invaders who, according to prophesy, would arrive to conquer Earth at the end of days.
The Watcher's companions include a stocky, bipedal changeling named Gormon who appears as a lizard, and Avluela, a graceful, lovely flier whose wings expand only at night, for the "pressure of solar winds would crush them" should she attempt flight during the day.
Together, the three make a pilgrimage to the ancient city of Roum, once considered the capital of Man in an earlier cycle of civilization, long before the oceans rose to reshape the continents. Although they hoped to settle there, the trio is unable to find lodging. The Watcher is advised to seek the mercy of the Prince of Roum.
Inciting Gormon's wrath, the Prince takes Avluela as his consort before granting quarters to them in the Royal Hostelry. While there, Gorman reveals to the Watcher his love for Avluela and swears revenge on the Prince. Later, the three visit a structure that houses a massive globe depicting present-day Earth. The Watcher and Alvuela each find their birthplace and describe the events that led them to meet one another. When Gormon is asked to the do the same, he indicates that his birthplace is not on the globe, but says no more.
Afterwards, they enter a giant sphere in which they find the Mouth of Truth. The mouth, lined with rows of sharp fangs, is actually that of a stone serpent carved as high relief into one of the walls. Each person must place his or her hand into the mouth and answer a question truthfully...or else A round-robin between them forces the Watcher to admit that his life has been a waste. Avluela confesses her love for Gormon, and Gormon reveals that he was not born on Earth, but is a member of the promised enemy race that is right now on an attack course for Earth!
Through his instruments, the Watcher confirms the approaching fleet and sounds the alarm. Will Earth's defense forces rally in time to defeat the enemy or will the city of Roum fall once more? What of Avluela and Gormon? Will the changeling avenge himself upon the prince and steal away with the beautiful night flier?
Nightwings is essentially a story of love, revenge, and betrayal set in a future dystopia when life on Earth has regressed to primitive times, yet has managed to preserve a certain level of technological advancement including the Watcher's machine, energy weapons, and even space combat fighters. The world-building is exceptional for such a short tale, not just for what is prominently featured in the story, but also for what is merely mentioned (such as Guilds and Rememberers), and what is left to the reader's imagination. The version I read was a graphic novel published by DC Comics in 1985 with gorgeous, lush artwork by Gene Colan and Neil McPheeters. Fast-pacing and strong characters make this an enjoyable SF tale from the legendary Robert Silverberg.
The Watcher's companions include a stocky, bipedal changeling named Gormon who appears as a lizard, and Avluela, a graceful, lovely flier whose wings expand only at night, for the "pressure of solar winds would crush them" should she attempt flight during the day.
Together, the three make a pilgrimage to the ancient city of Roum, once considered the capital of Man in an earlier cycle of civilization, long before the oceans rose to reshape the continents. Although they hoped to settle there, the trio is unable to find lodging. The Watcher is advised to seek the mercy of the Prince of Roum.
Inciting Gormon's wrath, the Prince takes Avluela as his consort before granting quarters to them in the Royal Hostelry. While there, Gorman reveals to the Watcher his love for Avluela and swears revenge on the Prince. Later, the three visit a structure that houses a massive globe depicting present-day Earth. The Watcher and Alvuela each find their birthplace and describe the events that led them to meet one another. When Gormon is asked to the do the same, he indicates that his birthplace is not on the globe, but says no more.
Afterwards, they enter a giant sphere in which they find the Mouth of Truth. The mouth, lined with rows of sharp fangs, is actually that of a stone serpent carved as high relief into one of the walls. Each person must place his or her hand into the mouth and answer a question truthfully...or else A round-robin between them forces the Watcher to admit that his life has been a waste. Avluela confesses her love for Gormon, and Gormon reveals that he was not born on Earth, but is a member of the promised enemy race that is right now on an attack course for Earth!
Through his instruments, the Watcher confirms the approaching fleet and sounds the alarm. Will Earth's defense forces rally in time to defeat the enemy or will the city of Roum fall once more? What of Avluela and Gormon? Will the changeling avenge himself upon the prince and steal away with the beautiful night flier?
Nightwings is essentially a story of love, revenge, and betrayal set in a future dystopia when life on Earth has regressed to primitive times, yet has managed to preserve a certain level of technological advancement including the Watcher's machine, energy weapons, and even space combat fighters. The world-building is exceptional for such a short tale, not just for what is prominently featured in the story, but also for what is merely mentioned (such as Guilds and Rememberers), and what is left to the reader's imagination. The version I read was a graphic novel published by DC Comics in 1985 with gorgeous, lush artwork by Gene Colan and Neil McPheeters. Fast-pacing and strong characters make this an enjoyable SF tale from the legendary Robert Silverberg.
The Cake from the Middle of Eternity
I'm battling a head cold that trying to escalate to bronchitis, but over the weekend, I hosted a party to celebrate the new anthology. Good times!
We even had a photo cake of the book cover!
We even had a photo cake of the book cover!
September 3, 2014
Somewhere in the Middle of the Science Fiction Section...
Our anthology is on the shelf at Barnes and Noble at Rowan University! Flanked by Phil K. Dick' books, no less. A true place of honor!
