Phil Giunta's Blog, page 84
March 3, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, readers strike back against Lynn Shepherd for her diatribe against J.K. Rowling. Birgitte Rasine explains the four elements of pain. Catherine McKenzie cites five things to know before publishing your first book. Speaking of publishing, Michael Kozlowski feels that a self-pubbed writer has no claim to the title "author". Digital Book World's Jeremy Greenfield responds. Joe Konrath examines how writers and publishers ascertain their identities, which also ties into Kozlowski's article.
Amanda Headlee shares a touching history behind the creation of her story, "Parallax", for our upcoming anthology, Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity. And did you know that writing is so easy, a caveman can do it?
All that and a little more. Enjoy!
Crime Author Reaps Whirlwind After Urging JK Rowling to Stop Writing by Alison Flood
Theme of the Day: Pain by Birgitte Rasine
5 Things I Wished I Knew Before I Published My First Book by Catherine McKenzie
Gatekeeping: Snobbery or Quality Control? by Ed Charlton
Identity and the Writer by Joe Konrath
Self-Publishers Should Not Be Called Authors by Michael Kozlowski
Why Self-Publishers Should Call Themselves Anything They Want by Jeremy Greenfield
Shaping the Story by Amanda Headlee
How to Take Criticism Like a Pro by J.E. Fishman via Kristen Lamb
Writing--So Easy a Caveman Can Do It by Kristen Lamb
Amanda Headlee shares a touching history behind the creation of her story, "Parallax", for our upcoming anthology, Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity. And did you know that writing is so easy, a caveman can do it?
All that and a little more. Enjoy!
Crime Author Reaps Whirlwind After Urging JK Rowling to Stop Writing by Alison Flood
Theme of the Day: Pain by Birgitte Rasine
5 Things I Wished I Knew Before I Published My First Book by Catherine McKenzie
Gatekeeping: Snobbery or Quality Control? by Ed Charlton
Identity and the Writer by Joe Konrath
Self-Publishers Should Not Be Called Authors by Michael Kozlowski
Why Self-Publishers Should Call Themselves Anything They Want by Jeremy Greenfield
Shaping the Story by Amanda Headlee
How to Take Criticism Like a Pro by J.E. Fishman via Kristen Lamb
Writing--So Easy a Caveman Can Do It by Kristen Lamb
February 22, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, Authorgraph founder Evan Jacobs examines discoverabilty and readership loyalty while the lovely Kathryn Craft offers advice on handling change. Do you enjoy riding the rails? Well, Amtrak is allowing writers to do so for free! Joe Konrath has been busy taking plenty of people to task lately; this time it's James Patterson (again). Jami Gold analyzes hybrid publishing and shows us how to avoid all things boring. Kristen Lamb talks author brand, Jordan Dane gets into layers, and Eric Praschan delves into fear and pain for the sake of story.
And for some godforsaken reason, the Huffington Post allows a whiny and petulant Lynn Shepherd to air her ludicrous grievances against J.K. Rowling...
The Lifetime Value of a Reader and Publishing's Post-Discovery Problem by Evan Jacobs, Founder of Authorgraph.com
5 Tips to Help Writers Embrace Change by Kathryn Craft
Inside Amtrak's (Absolutely Awesome) Plan to Give Free Rides to Writers by Ben Cosman
Konrath on Patterson Deux by Joe Konrath
Is Hybrid Publishing Always the Best of Both Worlds? and 3 Tips for Skipping the Boring Parts by Jami Gold
Author Branding-Harnessing the Power of Digital Age Storms by Kristen Lamb
Key Ways to Layer Depth Into Your Scenes by Jordan Dane
Using Real-Life Fear and Pain to Springboard Your Story by Eric Praschan
If JK Rowling Cares About Writing, She Should Stop Doing It by Lynn Shepherd
Why JK Rowling Has Failed Readers: A Letter from a Concerned Fan by Jason Pinter
And for some godforsaken reason, the Huffington Post allows a whiny and petulant Lynn Shepherd to air her ludicrous grievances against J.K. Rowling...
The Lifetime Value of a Reader and Publishing's Post-Discovery Problem by Evan Jacobs, Founder of Authorgraph.com
5 Tips to Help Writers Embrace Change by Kathryn Craft
Inside Amtrak's (Absolutely Awesome) Plan to Give Free Rides to Writers by Ben Cosman
Konrath on Patterson Deux by Joe Konrath
Is Hybrid Publishing Always the Best of Both Worlds? and 3 Tips for Skipping the Boring Parts by Jami Gold
Author Branding-Harnessing the Power of Digital Age Storms by Kristen Lamb
Key Ways to Layer Depth Into Your Scenes by Jordan Dane
Using Real-Life Fear and Pain to Springboard Your Story by Eric Praschan
If JK Rowling Cares About Writing, She Should Stop Doing It by Lynn Shepherd
Why JK Rowling Has Failed Readers: A Letter from a Concerned Fan by Jason Pinter
February 18, 2014
We Are Go For Launch!
It seems the cat has finally clawed its way out of the bag, so now it can be told! I am ecstatic to announce that the anthology I both edited and contributed to will launch at Shore Leave 36, August 1-3, in Hunt Valley, MD.
Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity will be published by Firebringer Press and features 13 stories of fantasy, science fiction, and the paranormal. In addition to myself, contributors to the anthology include Mark Time and Parsec award winner, Steven H. Wilson (publisher at Firebringer Press), Susanna Reilly, Lance Woods, Daniel Patrick Corcoran, Michael Critzer, Amanda Headlee, and Stuart S. Roth.
The anthology will contain one interior illustration per story by phenomenal artist Michael Riehl, who has also created the cover art. For those who attend Shore Leave, you've undoubtedly seen Mike's incredible hand painted ornaments in the dealer room.
Many of the writers plan to be at the con. For at least one of them, it will a first Shore Leave. For a few of them, it will be their first publication. To say that I am proud of them and our collective achievement is an understatement.
So, bottom line, I'm launching this fantastic book, bringing some new authors out to meet the fans, reuniting with so many friends I miss, and meeting a TV hero of mine (Richard Dean Anderson) all in the same convention. My head might explode that weekend!
Click here for convention information
Click here for author guest list (check back often as the list continues to grow!)
Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity will be published by Firebringer Press and features 13 stories of fantasy, science fiction, and the paranormal. In addition to myself, contributors to the anthology include Mark Time and Parsec award winner, Steven H. Wilson (publisher at Firebringer Press), Susanna Reilly, Lance Woods, Daniel Patrick Corcoran, Michael Critzer, Amanda Headlee, and Stuart S. Roth.
The anthology will contain one interior illustration per story by phenomenal artist Michael Riehl, who has also created the cover art. For those who attend Shore Leave, you've undoubtedly seen Mike's incredible hand painted ornaments in the dealer room.
Many of the writers plan to be at the con. For at least one of them, it will a first Shore Leave. For a few of them, it will be their first publication. To say that I am proud of them and our collective achievement is an understatement.
So, bottom line, I'm launching this fantastic book, bringing some new authors out to meet the fans, reuniting with so many friends I miss, and meeting a TV hero of mine (Richard Dean Anderson) all in the same convention. My head might explode that weekend!
Click here for convention information
Click here for author guest list (check back often as the list continues to grow!)
February 9, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, David Mamet makes it clear that drama is key in screenwriting. J.M. Gregoire pens an open letter to indie authors with sage advice on craft and general behavior. Jim Hines and Robyn LaRue both weigh-in on the recent publishing debates between Joe Konrath and, well, everyone. Dean Wesley Smith dispels the myth that indies cannot get their books into brick-and-mortar stores while Joe Moore reminds us to identify our audience. Allison Winn Scotch advises us to have contingency plans and Steven James wants to...pump you up!
All that and a bit more. Enjoy, and don't forget about the Write Stuff conference coming next month in Allentown, PA!
Thanks to the fine scribes at Crazy 8 Press for sharing some of these excellent articles.
David Mamet Screenwriting Masterclass in a Memo via Chris Jones
Open Letter to Indie Authors by J.M. Gregoire
The Gospels of Publishing by Jim C. Hines
The Great (Publishing) Debate - Arm Yourself with Knowledge by Robyn LaRue
A Victory Against Author Solutions by David Gaughran
Can't Get Books Into Bookstore Myth by Dean Wesley Smith
A Book That Failed and What We Can Learn From It by James Scott Bell
Pump Up Your Creativity by Steven James
Who is Your Audience? by Joe Moore
After You Publish by Dave King
Plan B: or What To Do When Things Go Wrong by Allison Winn Scotch
The Write Stuff Conference is Coming in March! via The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group (GLVWG)
All that and a bit more. Enjoy, and don't forget about the Write Stuff conference coming next month in Allentown, PA!
Thanks to the fine scribes at Crazy 8 Press for sharing some of these excellent articles.
David Mamet Screenwriting Masterclass in a Memo via Chris Jones
Open Letter to Indie Authors by J.M. Gregoire
The Gospels of Publishing by Jim C. Hines
The Great (Publishing) Debate - Arm Yourself with Knowledge by Robyn LaRue
A Victory Against Author Solutions by David Gaughran
Can't Get Books Into Bookstore Myth by Dean Wesley Smith
A Book That Failed and What We Can Learn From It by James Scott Bell
Pump Up Your Creativity by Steven James
Who is Your Audience? by Joe Moore
After You Publish by Dave King
Plan B: or What To Do When Things Go Wrong by Allison Winn Scotch
The Write Stuff Conference is Coming in March! via The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group (GLVWG)
February 3, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, Donald Maass divides writers into classes, to which Joe Konrath and Barry Eisler provide a colorful response. Speaking of class and the establishment, R.H. Kanakia offers his own observations. Jami Gold defends pantsers while Jody Hedlund advises writers to go on a brutal attack (against their own writing). Ollin Morales counsels us on writer's block. Kristen Lamb delves into the topic of research.
And have scientists found the secret to writing a bestseller?
Also, check out the Write Stuff conference coming to Allentown, PA in March, organized by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. Many excellent speakers including bestselling writers, editors, and agents. Somehow, little old me ended up on the list and will be hosting two sessions: Time Management for Writers and Differences Between Writing Short Stories and Novels.
All that and a little more!
Why You Should Hate the Creative Writing Establishment by R.H. Kanakia
In Defense of Pantsing and What Makes a Story Event a "Turning Point"? by Jami Gold
Attack Your Story so That Readers Don't Have To by Jody Hedlund
The Devil's in the Details: Taking Your Fiction to a Higher Level and Keep Research from Taking Over by Kristen Lamb
Scientists Find Secret to Writing a Best-Selling Novel by Matthew Sparkes
The Ugly Truth About Writer's Block (And It's Cure) by Ollin Morales
The New Class System by Donald Maass
Fisking Donald Maass by Joe Konrath
The Digital Revolution: Subscribing to Change by Erika Liodice (from Bethlehem, PA!)
Four Ways to Survive the Copy Edit Gauntlet by Ariel Lawhon
Writing a Mystery is no 'Joke' by Claire Langley-Hawthorne
The Write Stuff Conference is Coming in March! via The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group (GLVWG)
And have scientists found the secret to writing a bestseller?
Also, check out the Write Stuff conference coming to Allentown, PA in March, organized by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. Many excellent speakers including bestselling writers, editors, and agents. Somehow, little old me ended up on the list and will be hosting two sessions: Time Management for Writers and Differences Between Writing Short Stories and Novels.
All that and a little more!
Why You Should Hate the Creative Writing Establishment by R.H. Kanakia
In Defense of Pantsing and What Makes a Story Event a "Turning Point"? by Jami Gold
Attack Your Story so That Readers Don't Have To by Jody Hedlund
The Devil's in the Details: Taking Your Fiction to a Higher Level and Keep Research from Taking Over by Kristen Lamb
Scientists Find Secret to Writing a Best-Selling Novel by Matthew Sparkes
The Ugly Truth About Writer's Block (And It's Cure) by Ollin Morales
The New Class System by Donald Maass
Fisking Donald Maass by Joe Konrath
The Digital Revolution: Subscribing to Change by Erika Liodice (from Bethlehem, PA!)
Four Ways to Survive the Copy Edit Gauntlet by Ariel Lawhon
Writing a Mystery is no 'Joke' by Claire Langley-Hawthorne
The Write Stuff Conference is Coming in March! via The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group (GLVWG)
February 2, 2014
Shore Leave 36: Writers, Scientists...and MacGyver!
You know, I've been attending SF conventions for nearly 30 years. I stopped "gushing" over the actors a long time ago, but this announcement from
Shore Leave
has brought back that young fan-boy feeling again!
One of my heroes, THE MAN from MacGyver straight through Stargate SG-1, Richard Dean Anderson , has been scheduled to appear at Shore Leave 36 ! In addition, fellow Philadelphia native Robert Picardo (Star Trek Voyager, Stargate, China Beach) has also been booked.
As usual, Shore Leave also offers a wonderful line-up of writer guests including Peter David, Michael Jan Friedman, Bob Greenberger, Howard Weinstein, Steven H. Wilson, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Diane Carey, David Mack and more including…Phil Giunta (hey, that’s me!)
Stay tuned to the Shore Leave website as they continue to add to the guest list in the months to come!
Me and MacGyver gonna be in the same building!!!
One of my heroes, THE MAN from MacGyver straight through Stargate SG-1, Richard Dean Anderson , has been scheduled to appear at Shore Leave 36 ! In addition, fellow Philadelphia native Robert Picardo (Star Trek Voyager, Stargate, China Beach) has also been booked.
As usual, Shore Leave also offers a wonderful line-up of writer guests including Peter David, Michael Jan Friedman, Bob Greenberger, Howard Weinstein, Steven H. Wilson, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Diane Carey, David Mack and more including…Phil Giunta (hey, that’s me!)
Stay tuned to the Shore Leave website as they continue to add to the guest list in the months to come!
Me and MacGyver gonna be in the same building!!!
January 26, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, Dert asks whether we should judge a creator's work by his or her personal morals. Jodie Renner offers advice on foreshadowing while James Scott Bell talks dialogue tags. The legendary John Cleese gives a lecture on how to put yourself in a creative mindset. We have a few "How To's" as Robyn LaRue explains her method for organizing writing ideas, Joe Bunting helps us finish our writing projects, and Monica M. Clark weaves backstory.
For comic book fans, veteran comic writer Paul Kupperberg delivers an insightful essay addressing some of the rumors and vitriol about several legends of the comic book industry.
Stan and Jack and Steve and Mort and Jerry and Joe by Paul Kupperberg
Should We Use a Moral Filter to Judge Artists and Creators? via Dert
Know Your Goals: Artist-Author or Professional Author? by Jami Gold
Fire Up Your Fiction with Foreshadowing by Jodie Renner
A Short Course on Dialogue Attributions by James Scott Bell
John Cleese on Creativity (Video) via Robyn LaRue
Rediscovering the Lost Ark: Writing by Hand by Michelle Mueller
How to Organize Writing Ideas by Robyn LaRue
How to Finish Your Writing Projects (Even When You Don't Feel Like It) by Joe Bunting
How to Weave Backstory Into Your Novel by Monica M. Clark
For comic book fans, veteran comic writer Paul Kupperberg delivers an insightful essay addressing some of the rumors and vitriol about several legends of the comic book industry.
Stan and Jack and Steve and Mort and Jerry and Joe by Paul Kupperberg
Should We Use a Moral Filter to Judge Artists and Creators? via Dert
Know Your Goals: Artist-Author or Professional Author? by Jami Gold
Fire Up Your Fiction with Foreshadowing by Jodie Renner
A Short Course on Dialogue Attributions by James Scott Bell
John Cleese on Creativity (Video) via Robyn LaRue
Rediscovering the Lost Ark: Writing by Hand by Michelle Mueller
How to Organize Writing Ideas by Robyn LaRue
How to Finish Your Writing Projects (Even When You Don't Feel Like It) by Joe Bunting
How to Weave Backstory Into Your Novel by Monica M. Clark
January 17, 2014
The Arbiter Chronicles
If you're looking for an excellent science fiction book series at an affordable price, may I recommend The Arbiter Logs by Steven H. Wilson. These are novelized versions of Steven's Parsec and Mark Time award-winning audio show, The Arbiter Chronicles.
Follow the wildly daring adventures of the space-faring CNV Arbiter and her motley crew for only 99 cents per book on Amazon or Smashwords . The first four novellas are available now!
Your support of small-press writers is deeply appreciated!
Follow the wildly daring adventures of the space-faring CNV Arbiter and her motley crew for only 99 cents per book on Amazon or Smashwords . The first four novellas are available now!
Your support of small-press writers is deeply appreciated!
January 14, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week on the X-Files, uh...my blog, Gillian Anderson has signed on with Simon & Schuster to write a science fiction book series. Speaking of science fiction, let's travel 50 years into the past to review Isaac Asimov's prescient article about life in the year 2014. Janice Gable Bashman describes the four essentials every writer needs while Kerry Gans explains why fiction must make sense. James Scott Bell urges us to keep writing and never decompose. Jami Gold analyzes recent surveys focusing on self-published and hybrid authors both from Digital Book World and Beverly Kendall.
And in what has become a popular and somewhat contentious article in many circles, Joe Konrath responds to questions regarding indie authors posed by Kensington Publishing CEO, Steve Zacharius.
All that and a bit more...enjoy!
'The X-Files' star Gillian Anderson to Pen Sci-Fi Book Series for New Simon & Schuster Imprint by Jeff Jensen
Visit to the World's Fair of 2014 by Isaac Asimov
4 Things Every Writer Needs by Janice Gable Bashman
No Nonsense Allowed: Why Fiction Must Make Sense by Kerry Gans
Very Bad Publishers: The Strange Case of Haven Publishing by Colleen Doran
Questions from Steve Zacharius, CEO and President of Kensington by Joe Konrath (warning: this is a long read, but well worth it!)
The Self-Publishing Survey Results - It's a Brave New World by Beverley Kendall
All About the Money: Authors, Readers, and Ebook Prices by Jami Gold
Ten Myths About Writing by Keith Cronin
Write Until You Die by James Scott Bell
Top 10 Fantasy Writing Tips from 'Game of Thrones' Author George R.R. Martin by Chris Jager
And in what has become a popular and somewhat contentious article in many circles, Joe Konrath responds to questions regarding indie authors posed by Kensington Publishing CEO, Steve Zacharius.
All that and a bit more...enjoy!
'The X-Files' star Gillian Anderson to Pen Sci-Fi Book Series for New Simon & Schuster Imprint by Jeff Jensen
Visit to the World's Fair of 2014 by Isaac Asimov
4 Things Every Writer Needs by Janice Gable Bashman
No Nonsense Allowed: Why Fiction Must Make Sense by Kerry Gans
Very Bad Publishers: The Strange Case of Haven Publishing by Colleen Doran
Questions from Steve Zacharius, CEO and President of Kensington by Joe Konrath (warning: this is a long read, but well worth it!)
The Self-Publishing Survey Results - It's a Brave New World by Beverley Kendall
All About the Money: Authors, Readers, and Ebook Prices by Jami Gold
Ten Myths About Writing by Keith Cronin
Write Until You Die by James Scott Bell
Top 10 Fantasy Writing Tips from 'Game of Thrones' Author George R.R. Martin by Chris Jager
January 10, 2014
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, we're "fundamentally inconsolable!" Dani Shapiro responds to an angry reader, clearing up misconceptions about the purpose of a memoir. Lisa Cron warns of the dangers of pantsing while famed pantser Jami Gold lauds story structure. David Gaughran offers marketing advice for writers who hate marketing. Jody Hedlund reveals valuable lessons learned during her years as a writer. Clayton Lindemuth and Benjamin Percy lob bombs and flaming chainsaws, respectively, to illustrate the need for tension and trouble in your story.
"Let me give you a lesson on dialogue tags," Alythia Brown said, while Kristen Lamb railed against online bullies.
Enjoy!
Open Letter from Dani Shapiro: "Dear Disillusioned Reader Who Contacted me on Facebook" by Dani Shapiro via Salon
"I think most artists are fundamentally inconsolable. That's why they keep doing it." by Therese Walsh
A Modest Proposal to Pantsers: Don't! by Lisa Cron
Anything for the Story: Tension by Clayton Lindemuth
If You Don't Enjoy Marketing, You're Doing It Wrong by David Gaughran
Why Story Structure Matters by Jami Gold
9 Lessons I've Learned So Far About Writing & Publication by Jody Hedlund
Brave New Bullying: Goodreads Gangs, Amazon Attacks-What Are Writers to Do? by Kristen Lamb
Writing Fiction: Dialogue Tag Basics by Alythia Brown via Joanna Penn
How To Write Books that Sing by Joe Bunting
The Dance of the Flaming Chainsaws by Benjamin Percy
"Let me give you a lesson on dialogue tags," Alythia Brown said, while Kristen Lamb railed against online bullies.
Enjoy!
Open Letter from Dani Shapiro: "Dear Disillusioned Reader Who Contacted me on Facebook" by Dani Shapiro via Salon
"I think most artists are fundamentally inconsolable. That's why they keep doing it." by Therese Walsh
A Modest Proposal to Pantsers: Don't! by Lisa Cron
Anything for the Story: Tension by Clayton Lindemuth
If You Don't Enjoy Marketing, You're Doing It Wrong by David Gaughran
Why Story Structure Matters by Jami Gold
9 Lessons I've Learned So Far About Writing & Publication by Jody Hedlund
Brave New Bullying: Goodreads Gangs, Amazon Attacks-What Are Writers to Do? by Kristen Lamb
Writing Fiction: Dialogue Tag Basics by Alythia Brown via Joanna Penn
How To Write Books that Sing by Joe Bunting
The Dance of the Flaming Chainsaws by Benjamin Percy
