Phil Giunta's Blog, page 84
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
By Your Side Concludes on Audio
The final audio chapter of By Your Side is now available. If you tuned in since the beginning, or even jumped in somewhere in the middle, I thank you and hope that you enjoyed listening to the story as much as I did writing and recording it.
By Your Side is available in trade paperback and eBook formats from Amazon , Barnes and Noble , Kobo , and almost all online book sellers on the planet. In fact, as of today, By Your Side ranks #518 in the Fiction & Literature\Ghost category on Kobo. Not bad for a newbie!
Click here to listen to the conclusion!
By Your Side is available in trade paperback and eBook formats from Amazon , Barnes and Noble , Kobo , and almost all online book sellers on the planet. In fact, as of today, By Your Side ranks #518 in the Fiction & Literature\Ghost category on Kobo. Not bad for a newbie!
Click here to listen to the conclusion!
Calling All Writers: Do You Have the Write Stuff?
I will be speaking at two sessions of the Write Stuff writers conference in Allentown, PA on Saturday, March 22:
8:50AM - 9:40AM: "The Difference Between Writing Novels and Short Stories" - Short stories must "hit the beats" much faster than novels. We'll examine such differences as character development and POV, time frame, plotting, and pacing.
11AM - 11:50AM: "Time Management for Writers" - We'll discuss methods for carving out time for writing and other productive uses for your writing time if you can't get the words out.
I will also be a panelist at the Friday night critique session, Page Cuts, from 6:30PM - 8:30PM.
There are 19 interactive sessions with industry leading authors, editors and agents including Hank Phillipi Ryan, Scott Nicholson, Mary Shafer, Kathryn Craft, Don Lafferty, and more. I find myself in august company to be sure!
Click here for more information on this fun and educational conference sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group .
8:50AM - 9:40AM: "The Difference Between Writing Novels and Short Stories" - Short stories must "hit the beats" much faster than novels. We'll examine such differences as character development and POV, time frame, plotting, and pacing.
11AM - 11:50AM: "Time Management for Writers" - We'll discuss methods for carving out time for writing and other productive uses for your writing time if you can't get the words out.
I will also be a panelist at the Friday night critique session, Page Cuts, from 6:30PM - 8:30PM.
There are 19 interactive sessions with industry leading authors, editors and agents including Hank Phillipi Ryan, Scott Nicholson, Mary Shafer, Kathryn Craft, Don Lafferty, and more. I find myself in august company to be sure!
Click here for more information on this fun and educational conference sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group .
Time Management for Writers
I will be speaking about "Time Management for Writers" at the January meeting of the Brandywine Valley Writers Group in West Chester.
Date: Tuesday, January 21
Time: Approximately 7PM
Location: Ryan's Pub (second floor), 124 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380
Click here for more information
Date: Tuesday, January 21
Time: Approximately 7PM
Location: Ryan's Pub (second floor), 124 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380
Click here for more information
January 6, 2014
BY YOUR SIDE Continues on Audio with Chapters 17 and 18!
And we're back after the holidays with two more chilling audio chapters of
By Your Side
!
Chapter Seventeen – Last Dance
Jeff Vernon battles his wife to stop her from murdering Matt. Meanwhile, the Vernon girls lead Miranda to Adam. She persuades him to come back with her and help convince his mother to leave the Meade family in peace. Before crossing over, Nancy tries to claim a final victim.
Chapter Eighteen – Pancakes
After a night in the hospital, Miranda is visited in her hotel room by a grateful Adam Vernon. Meanwhile, romance sparks between Amy and Eddie.
Click here to listen to Chapter 17
Click here to listen to Chapter 18
Chapter Seventeen – Last Dance
Jeff Vernon battles his wife to stop her from murdering Matt. Meanwhile, the Vernon girls lead Miranda to Adam. She persuades him to come back with her and help convince his mother to leave the Meade family in peace. Before crossing over, Nancy tries to claim a final victim.
Chapter Eighteen – Pancakes
After a night in the hospital, Miranda is visited in her hotel room by a grateful Adam Vernon. Meanwhile, romance sparks between Amy and Eddie.
Click here to listen to Chapter 17
Click here to listen to Chapter 18
