Phil Giunta's Blog, page 95
March 6, 2013
Author Interview: Clarence Brown
One of the benefits to being the writer liaison for Farpoint's 20th Anniversary convention back in February was that I had the chance not only to work with writers that I'd known for many years, but also to extend invitations to writers that had never attended Farpoint. We doubled the number of writer guests, bringing in both veteran and new writers alike. In the coming weeks, some will be interviewed here.
One such new writer is Clarence Brown. Clarence had come to us highly recommended by veteran writer guest Bob Jones who had been unable to attend Farpoint. Clarence is a poet who had just recently published his first novella, NEEDS, through Baltimore-based small press, Brickhouse Books. He is also a former heroin addict who, in addition to writing, helps other recovering addicts get their lives back on track. Clarence is very open about his past and it is his experiences that lend true depth, power and wisdom to his words.
At Farpoint, Clarence's first ever SF convention, he not only attended discussion panels on the craft, he also shared a reading session with veteran writer Marianne Petrino-Schaad. As the audience was almost completely comprised of Marianne's friends who knew her work, she sat back and gave up her time to Clarence--who absolutely captivated everyone with his poetry. On Sunday, Marianne made it a point to talk to me about this, calling Clarence "a master."
So let's talk with Clarence about life, poetry and NEEDS.
What attracted you to poetry and when did you start writing it? What inspired the themes of your poetry?
When I was younger, I always loved Robert Frost and William Shakespeare. I loved the pictures they painted with words and the tricks they could make words do. There was a mastery I admired. I got started around sixteen, piecing together stuff to impress girls. It was terrible, I was too innocent. After 27 years of active addiction, living in the street, I’d collected so much beauty and trauma, violence and blessing- I then had something to write about, a need to empty myself and share these experiences so people would be less judgmental.
How did your novella, NEEDS (Brickhouse Books, January 2012) come about?
I was a couple months clean and, as any addict can tell you, experiencing a new sense of confidence and being overwhelmed with emotions I hadn’t experienced in many years. I was going in and out of Health Care for the Homeless for diabetic medicine and I saw a door with a sign that said, "Writers Group." I had written several poems having to do with addiction and I think I just wanted to be heard. I went in with a superior attitude and was surprised by some of the talent I ran into. Neil Hertz, a former professor of English at Johns Hopkins, along with Bob Jones, who recently gave me his seat on the panels at the Farpoint Convention. Both read my poetry and said that I had a book in my poetry. After some hemming and hawing, I finally sat down to write NEEDS -- originally planned as an action/cop/thriller -- which turned into what it is quite magically. I felt directed to say what was said in NEEDS, and at times when I was writing it, felt compelled to finish it and get it out there, though I had no idea what that would entail. NEEDS is a biography of sorts. All five of my sisters are represented in the female characters and the male characters. I am every one of them
What can readers expect next from you? What projects do you have on the horizon?
Next? I don’t know. I’ve finished the sequel to NEEDS which remains untitled. Brenda has grown and the other characters have, too. I expect that, like any writer, I’ll get better as I go. I will write more poetry. The whole Farpoint experience introduced me to people who’ve inspired me, made me want to go back to basics and to see more where my original writings came from. When NEEDS first got published, there was a lot of talk about movies. After that settled down, I was even more determined to get the rest of this story out-you, Phil, and Marianne Petrino gave me such encouragement that a new fire has started to burn in me. I want even more to speak to the world about addiction and how it is shaping our communities. There is hardly a spot in Baltimore where drug use hasn’t marred life, but the answers aren’t in jails. I believe they’re in understanding. I think that’s where I’m going with this.
What does Clarence Brown do when he isn’t writing (hobbies, etc)?
I love movies! Especially animated features. Disney movies are great but I’m really more into the super hero stuff. I love to read, of course. Since writing NEEDS and its sequel, I’ve been a little afraid to read as I thought it might filter into my own writing but lately I’ve discovered that this is where new ideas come from. Work and home life don’t give me nearly as much time as I would like but I believe I’m here, on this planet, to write.
Would you mind sharing a poem with us?
I would appreciate another chance to share what I’ve written. This one is called I ONCE FLEW- a study in arrogance and redemption, which I believe came out of my addiction. I’d like to thank you, Phil, for once again boosting my confidence.
I Once Flew
We were ancient, my brothers and I, the first of Gods beautiful sons
And as time passed we learned our powers, we learned that we were one
With the might our father gave to us, with the universe he’d created
With the beauty of stars and moons upon our brows, still, I was not sated
Drifting upon the solar winds with no other purpose than my own pleasure
Swooping at treetops, looking down from great heights gave me joys beyond Human measure
Somber Apollyon, bringer of destruction, with everlasting apology upon his face
Did at least try to speak of humility, of the fleeting nature of living without grace
Given the power to destroy, he alone of us understood the power of pain
Understood that his dark wings could bear him up or cover the earth in dark rain
All of us knew our own importance, performed duties for which each had been made
It was me who laughed at the new creatures- a thing by my father forbade
Wind-lord and master of distances was I- more swift than my brother Ariel
With Clarion voice I raised the sun, like the eldest of us, Gabriel
But my pride and joy was in myself: nothing greater, I thought was created
I knew not then that I would soon fall and walk the dusty places
Walking, seeing a distance too far, for the first time I knew separation
I learned that there existed such things as bloodied hands and foul defecations
You, an afterthought of my father, cast your spear and fed me gross matter
A lesser being in stitched animal skins, moldy and stinking and tattered
But you never laughed at my tales of flight, never thought to make me rescind
Even, when leaping, no wings caught air and I fell without soaring on wind
You bandaged my hurts without saying a word, your eyes scanning for food and for danger
You dried the tears of an arrogant child who was, to you, a burden, a stranger
When the pit opened up and the beast did crawl out with strong and evil intention
With malevolent, hungry and greed filled, red eyes beyond my imaginings invention
Your spear flew straight and your sling did spin true- you allowed no harm for me
I, a selfish and ungrateful child- you, falling, bleeding at my feet
Before ever the cold had caressed your limbs I saw you step from behind the veil
Great, golden wings did sprout from your shoulders, moving with the force of the gale
You looked at me with kindness and sadness but before you leapt up and were Gone
A smile did spread across your features and I heard you shout, “FATHER, I COME!”
My movements are slower, I am worn and my shoulders are now bent with care
I seek the beast for revenge or forgiveness, for passage to where you went in the air
I would show you the cast of my spear and the skill in the spin of my sling
I would cherish you as I should have, my sister, and share with you the breadth of my wings.
© 2008 Clarence A Brown
One such new writer is Clarence Brown. Clarence had come to us highly recommended by veteran writer guest Bob Jones who had been unable to attend Farpoint. Clarence is a poet who had just recently published his first novella, NEEDS, through Baltimore-based small press, Brickhouse Books. He is also a former heroin addict who, in addition to writing, helps other recovering addicts get their lives back on track. Clarence is very open about his past and it is his experiences that lend true depth, power and wisdom to his words.
At Farpoint, Clarence's first ever SF convention, he not only attended discussion panels on the craft, he also shared a reading session with veteran writer Marianne Petrino-Schaad. As the audience was almost completely comprised of Marianne's friends who knew her work, she sat back and gave up her time to Clarence--who absolutely captivated everyone with his poetry. On Sunday, Marianne made it a point to talk to me about this, calling Clarence "a master."
So let's talk with Clarence about life, poetry and NEEDS.
What attracted you to poetry and when did you start writing it? What inspired the themes of your poetry?
When I was younger, I always loved Robert Frost and William Shakespeare. I loved the pictures they painted with words and the tricks they could make words do. There was a mastery I admired. I got started around sixteen, piecing together stuff to impress girls. It was terrible, I was too innocent. After 27 years of active addiction, living in the street, I’d collected so much beauty and trauma, violence and blessing- I then had something to write about, a need to empty myself and share these experiences so people would be less judgmental.
How did your novella, NEEDS (Brickhouse Books, January 2012) come about?
I was a couple months clean and, as any addict can tell you, experiencing a new sense of confidence and being overwhelmed with emotions I hadn’t experienced in many years. I was going in and out of Health Care for the Homeless for diabetic medicine and I saw a door with a sign that said, "Writers Group." I had written several poems having to do with addiction and I think I just wanted to be heard. I went in with a superior attitude and was surprised by some of the talent I ran into. Neil Hertz, a former professor of English at Johns Hopkins, along with Bob Jones, who recently gave me his seat on the panels at the Farpoint Convention. Both read my poetry and said that I had a book in my poetry. After some hemming and hawing, I finally sat down to write NEEDS -- originally planned as an action/cop/thriller -- which turned into what it is quite magically. I felt directed to say what was said in NEEDS, and at times when I was writing it, felt compelled to finish it and get it out there, though I had no idea what that would entail. NEEDS is a biography of sorts. All five of my sisters are represented in the female characters and the male characters. I am every one of them
What can readers expect next from you? What projects do you have on the horizon?
Next? I don’t know. I’ve finished the sequel to NEEDS which remains untitled. Brenda has grown and the other characters have, too. I expect that, like any writer, I’ll get better as I go. I will write more poetry. The whole Farpoint experience introduced me to people who’ve inspired me, made me want to go back to basics and to see more where my original writings came from. When NEEDS first got published, there was a lot of talk about movies. After that settled down, I was even more determined to get the rest of this story out-you, Phil, and Marianne Petrino gave me such encouragement that a new fire has started to burn in me. I want even more to speak to the world about addiction and how it is shaping our communities. There is hardly a spot in Baltimore where drug use hasn’t marred life, but the answers aren’t in jails. I believe they’re in understanding. I think that’s where I’m going with this.
What does Clarence Brown do when he isn’t writing (hobbies, etc)?
I love movies! Especially animated features. Disney movies are great but I’m really more into the super hero stuff. I love to read, of course. Since writing NEEDS and its sequel, I’ve been a little afraid to read as I thought it might filter into my own writing but lately I’ve discovered that this is where new ideas come from. Work and home life don’t give me nearly as much time as I would like but I believe I’m here, on this planet, to write.
Would you mind sharing a poem with us?
I would appreciate another chance to share what I’ve written. This one is called I ONCE FLEW- a study in arrogance and redemption, which I believe came out of my addiction. I’d like to thank you, Phil, for once again boosting my confidence.
I Once Flew
We were ancient, my brothers and I, the first of Gods beautiful sons
And as time passed we learned our powers, we learned that we were one
With the might our father gave to us, with the universe he’d created
With the beauty of stars and moons upon our brows, still, I was not sated
Drifting upon the solar winds with no other purpose than my own pleasure
Swooping at treetops, looking down from great heights gave me joys beyond Human measure
Somber Apollyon, bringer of destruction, with everlasting apology upon his face
Did at least try to speak of humility, of the fleeting nature of living without grace
Given the power to destroy, he alone of us understood the power of pain
Understood that his dark wings could bear him up or cover the earth in dark rain
All of us knew our own importance, performed duties for which each had been made
It was me who laughed at the new creatures- a thing by my father forbade
Wind-lord and master of distances was I- more swift than my brother Ariel
With Clarion voice I raised the sun, like the eldest of us, Gabriel
But my pride and joy was in myself: nothing greater, I thought was created
I knew not then that I would soon fall and walk the dusty places
Walking, seeing a distance too far, for the first time I knew separation
I learned that there existed such things as bloodied hands and foul defecations
You, an afterthought of my father, cast your spear and fed me gross matter
A lesser being in stitched animal skins, moldy and stinking and tattered
But you never laughed at my tales of flight, never thought to make me rescind
Even, when leaping, no wings caught air and I fell without soaring on wind
You bandaged my hurts without saying a word, your eyes scanning for food and for danger
You dried the tears of an arrogant child who was, to you, a burden, a stranger
When the pit opened up and the beast did crawl out with strong and evil intention
With malevolent, hungry and greed filled, red eyes beyond my imaginings invention
Your spear flew straight and your sling did spin true- you allowed no harm for me
I, a selfish and ungrateful child- you, falling, bleeding at my feet
Before ever the cold had caressed your limbs I saw you step from behind the veil
Great, golden wings did sprout from your shoulders, moving with the force of the gale
You looked at me with kindness and sadness but before you leapt up and were Gone
A smile did spread across your features and I heard you shout, “FATHER, I COME!”
My movements are slower, I am worn and my shoulders are now bent with care
I seek the beast for revenge or forgiveness, for passage to where you went in the air
I would show you the cast of my spear and the skill in the spin of my sling
I would cherish you as I should have, my sister, and share with you the breadth of my wings.
© 2008 Clarence A Brown
March 1, 2013
About This Writing Stuff...
OK, so the short-story collection that I'd been editing for the past 8 months--and which contains three of my own stories--was finally submitted to the publisher yesterday. So I can come up for air long enough to post a special, off-schedule expanded edition of About This Writing Stuff... Then the blog will go dark again for quite a while as I go off to record about 15 chapters of By Your Side on audio.
Below are articles on everything from writers block (Hedlund, Sicoe) to the perils of the eBook gift card (Passive Voice, Smith). Jami Gold touches on theme while Sophie Mason defends description. Kristen Lamb talks confidence and Dave Kerpen offers advice on how to be taken seriously. Jane Friedman covers the basics of self-publishing, Barbara O'Neal stresses the importance of editors, and we get a two-fer from Kristine Kathryn Rusch who never fails to tell it like it is in publishing. That and much more...enjoy!
Want to be Taken Seriously? Become a Better Writer by Dave Kerpen
The Basics of DIY E-Book Publishing by Jane Friedman (Jane will be a guest at the Write Stuff later this month!!)
Good Fit for Today's Little Screen: Short Stories by Leslie Kaufman
3 Surprising Lessons About Publishing Today by Jessica Strawser
Crazy 8 Press Unveils 2013 Plans by Bob Greenberger
The Death of Publishing and Out! All of You! by Kristine Kathrryn Rusch
Platform for Indie Authors to Sell Gift Cards by Passive Voice
Book Gift Cards are Coming...But the Wrong Way by Dean Wesley Smith
Is Amazon Killing the Free eBook? and NOOK: Cost Cutting Coming by Jeremy Greenfield
How to Revise for a Stronger Theme by Jami Gold
Why I Don't Get Writer's Block and How You Can Avoid It, Too by Jody Hedlund
7 Things Confident Writers Don't Do by Kristen Lamb
13 Geeky Ways to Beat Writer's Block by Veronica Sicoe
A Question of Description by Sophie Masson
Author as Innovator: The Future of Publishing is Story, not Technology by Dan Blank
The Value of Editors by Barbara O'Neal
Below are articles on everything from writers block (Hedlund, Sicoe) to the perils of the eBook gift card (Passive Voice, Smith). Jami Gold touches on theme while Sophie Mason defends description. Kristen Lamb talks confidence and Dave Kerpen offers advice on how to be taken seriously. Jane Friedman covers the basics of self-publishing, Barbara O'Neal stresses the importance of editors, and we get a two-fer from Kristine Kathryn Rusch who never fails to tell it like it is in publishing. That and much more...enjoy!
Want to be Taken Seriously? Become a Better Writer by Dave Kerpen
The Basics of DIY E-Book Publishing by Jane Friedman (Jane will be a guest at the Write Stuff later this month!!)
Good Fit for Today's Little Screen: Short Stories by Leslie Kaufman
3 Surprising Lessons About Publishing Today by Jessica Strawser
Crazy 8 Press Unveils 2013 Plans by Bob Greenberger
The Death of Publishing and Out! All of You! by Kristine Kathrryn Rusch
Platform for Indie Authors to Sell Gift Cards by Passive Voice
Book Gift Cards are Coming...But the Wrong Way by Dean Wesley Smith
Is Amazon Killing the Free eBook? and NOOK: Cost Cutting Coming by Jeremy Greenfield
How to Revise for a Stronger Theme by Jami Gold
Why I Don't Get Writer's Block and How You Can Avoid It, Too by Jody Hedlund
7 Things Confident Writers Don't Do by Kristen Lamb
13 Geeky Ways to Beat Writer's Block by Veronica Sicoe
A Question of Description by Sophie Masson
Author as Innovator: The Future of Publishing is Story, not Technology by Dan Blank
The Value of Editors by Barbara O'Neal
February 24, 2013
Book Review: As Lie the Dead by Kelly Meding
The second installment in the Dreg City series picks up mere minutes after the epic battle at the conclusion of book one. Former bounty hunter Evangeline 'Evy' Stone finds herself facing an entirely new set of challenges. As she continues to adapt to the new body she inherited after her resurrection from the dead, and her newfound ability to teleport, Evy must also reconcile her feelings for ex-boss-turned-boyfriend Wyatt Truman. Unfortunately, there is little time for self-indulgence as Evy is recruited by Phineas, a shapeshifting member of an avian race known as the Owlkins, to protect a pregnant member of their species.
This request brings with it a certain degree of guilt for Evy. The Owlkins had been all but nearly exterminated weeks before when her fellow bounty hunters had been ordered to exterminate their home in an attempt to kill Evy who had taken refuge among the peaceful creatures. Now, Evy agrees to return the favor and takes these last remaining Owlkins into her "home", an apartment that once belonged to Chalice Frost whose body Evy now inhabits.
Meanwhile, at St. Eustachius Hospital, friend and handler Rufus St. James recovers from burns and bruises incurred from an explosion that destroyed his apartment complex. Handlers are essentially managers of bounty hunter teams known as Triads. Unfortunately for Rufus, the Clan Assembly (of non-human entities) is set to execute Rufus for his team's assault on the Owlkins...unless Evy can hand them the brass that actually gave the order. This is, of course, nearly impossible given the fact that the identities of the brass are shrouded in secrecy. It is known only that they are high ranked officials in the city's police department.
To complicate matters, enter Leo Forrester. Father of the late Alex Forrester--killed by a Halfie (half-vampire/half-human) in bok --Leo shows up at the apartment demanding to know the whereabouts of his son. Playing the role of Chalice, Evy attempts to calm him down, stating that she had not seen her roommate in days. It was easier than telling him the truth at the moment. She invites him to stay at the apartment and wait, but his bouts of rage frighten the Owlkins and Evy eventually asks him to leave.
Later that night, Evy comes under attack from two were-cats who break into her apartment. After a short brawl, one of the shapeshifting creatures is shot and wounded by Leo, who cannot believe his eyes as the creature changes from feline to human. Unfortunately, its partners manage to take the Owlkins away as they do not trust humans to protect them. Evy sets up Leo in a hotel room and promises to explain everything when she returns.
As if these challenges were not enough, a new enemy emerges with intent to raise a militia of weres and exterminate all humans in the city. As Evy and Phineas investigate this new threat, they learn that it is being coordinated by a human who may not be a new player at all, but someone very familiar with Wyatt Truman--someone with a score to settle.
As Lie the Dead is an enjoyable follow-up to Three Days to Dead with the same action-packed, fast-paced style and well-developed story. This time around though, some of the characters' reactions to insults and stinging remarks seemed a tad unrealistic. More often than not, the characters flinched or winced or leaned against walls in defeat when being told off, reminded of a past mistake, or learning of new developments in the case. Also, the do-I or don't-I romance between Evy and Wyatt that carried over from book one was starting to drag and I was glad to see that resolve in the end, though the outcome was predictable. It was nice to see some other loose ends tied up as well.
I'll be taking a break from the Dreg City series to read and review a few books that I picked up at Farpoint last weekend, but there are still two more books in the series, Another Kind of Dead and Wrong Side of Dead, which will be reviewed here over the coming weeks.
This request brings with it a certain degree of guilt for Evy. The Owlkins had been all but nearly exterminated weeks before when her fellow bounty hunters had been ordered to exterminate their home in an attempt to kill Evy who had taken refuge among the peaceful creatures. Now, Evy agrees to return the favor and takes these last remaining Owlkins into her "home", an apartment that once belonged to Chalice Frost whose body Evy now inhabits.
Meanwhile, at St. Eustachius Hospital, friend and handler Rufus St. James recovers from burns and bruises incurred from an explosion that destroyed his apartment complex. Handlers are essentially managers of bounty hunter teams known as Triads. Unfortunately for Rufus, the Clan Assembly (of non-human entities) is set to execute Rufus for his team's assault on the Owlkins...unless Evy can hand them the brass that actually gave the order. This is, of course, nearly impossible given the fact that the identities of the brass are shrouded in secrecy. It is known only that they are high ranked officials in the city's police department.
To complicate matters, enter Leo Forrester. Father of the late Alex Forrester--killed by a Halfie (half-vampire/half-human) in bok --Leo shows up at the apartment demanding to know the whereabouts of his son. Playing the role of Chalice, Evy attempts to calm him down, stating that she had not seen her roommate in days. It was easier than telling him the truth at the moment. She invites him to stay at the apartment and wait, but his bouts of rage frighten the Owlkins and Evy eventually asks him to leave.
Later that night, Evy comes under attack from two were-cats who break into her apartment. After a short brawl, one of the shapeshifting creatures is shot and wounded by Leo, who cannot believe his eyes as the creature changes from feline to human. Unfortunately, its partners manage to take the Owlkins away as they do not trust humans to protect them. Evy sets up Leo in a hotel room and promises to explain everything when she returns.
As if these challenges were not enough, a new enemy emerges with intent to raise a militia of weres and exterminate all humans in the city. As Evy and Phineas investigate this new threat, they learn that it is being coordinated by a human who may not be a new player at all, but someone very familiar with Wyatt Truman--someone with a score to settle.
As Lie the Dead is an enjoyable follow-up to Three Days to Dead with the same action-packed, fast-paced style and well-developed story. This time around though, some of the characters' reactions to insults and stinging remarks seemed a tad unrealistic. More often than not, the characters flinched or winced or leaned against walls in defeat when being told off, reminded of a past mistake, or learning of new developments in the case. Also, the do-I or don't-I romance between Evy and Wyatt that carried over from book one was starting to drag and I was glad to see that resolve in the end, though the outcome was predictable. It was nice to see some other loose ends tied up as well.
I'll be taking a break from the Dreg City series to read and review a few books that I picked up at Farpoint last weekend, but there are still two more books in the series, Another Kind of Dead and Wrong Side of Dead, which will be reviewed here over the coming weeks.
Upcoming Writers Conferences
My schedule has been so stressful and hectic lately that I was remiss in failing to mention two fantastic local writing conferences coming up over the next two months.
The Write Stuff: March 22-23, 2013. Allentown, PA. Hosted by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. Keynote speaker: Jane Friedman. Presenters include Jon Gibbs, Lee Upton, Juilenne Osborne-McKnight, Jeanette Windle, and Carol Wedeven.
Write it Right: April 20, 2013. Tamaqua, PA. Hosted by the Black Diamond Writers Group. Keynote speaker: Tracy L. Higley. Presenters include Kathryn Craft, Nicole Andel, Jon Gibbs, and Craig Czury.
I have attended both of these conferences in the past and was a presenter at Write it Right last year. I recommend both of them if you are seriously looking to hone your craft and network with other writers both new and experienced.
The Write Stuff: March 22-23, 2013. Allentown, PA. Hosted by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. Keynote speaker: Jane Friedman. Presenters include Jon Gibbs, Lee Upton, Juilenne Osborne-McKnight, Jeanette Windle, and Carol Wedeven.
Write it Right: April 20, 2013. Tamaqua, PA. Hosted by the Black Diamond Writers Group. Keynote speaker: Tracy L. Higley. Presenters include Kathryn Craft, Nicole Andel, Jon Gibbs, and Craig Czury.
I have attended both of these conferences in the past and was a presenter at Write it Right last year. I recommend both of them if you are seriously looking to hone your craft and network with other writers both new and experienced.
February 23, 2013
Another Lawsuit in the Publishing World? Noooooo, really?
And of course, the moment I announce that this blog is going dark for a few weeks, something newsworthy occurs.
Three independent bookstores have decided to file a lawsuit against Amazon and "The Big 6" over DRM for eBooks.
Cory Doctorow responded in an effort to explain that the plaintiffs seem to be confused in their terminology when speaking about DRM.
Just another indication of tumultous times in this new age of publishing...
February 22, 2013
Going Dark
Aside from a book review and a few quick updates about my latest novel--By Your Side--going live next month, this blog wil be going to dark for a while. I need to finish recording the audio book for By Your Side, give an anthology one final editorial pass before submitting to the publisher, revamp the cover to my first novel, and complete a home improvement project all within the next 8 weeks or so.
Provided I get through all of that, I'll see you on the other side!
Provided I get through all of that, I'll see you on the other side!
February 18, 2013
Farpoint Convention Recap
Farpoint's 20th anniversary convention
brought with it a number of wonderful events, a few surprises, MANY laughs, and some fun-filled firsts. It was also not without its changes. The first surprise actually occurred en route as we passed a flaming car on the side of the road along Route 78. I hoped that this would not be an omen for our weekend.
This was a special Farpoint and not merely for its milestone year, but also because I had been ordained manager of the writers programming track, or as Howard Weinstein called it, the "Writer Wrangler". Yee-haw!!
Evon and I arrived at the hotel around 3PM and after dropping off our charity auction donations at the art room and delivering copies of handouts to Howard for his Saturday writing workshop (which I wasn't able to attend for the first time in years), we were able to check-in and get our badges before schlepping our stuff from car to hotel room. First-time writer guest Donna Galanti arrived minutes after we did. Kate Mason and Clarence Brown, also new to the con, showed up later in the evening. I happened to be near the doors and unfortunately couldn't lock them in time before Aaron Rosenberg, David Mack, and Glenn Hauman strolled in. I caught up with Danielle ACKLEY -McPhail in the dealer room, then later her husband Mike McPhail, Richard White and the lovely Kelly Meding in one of the discussion panel rooms.
Finally, while chatting with operations manager Renee Wilson and con co-chair Sharon VanBlarcom in the Atrium, Bob Greenberger made an appearance just when someone made a comment about not allowing dogs in the hotel. Coincidence?
The adorable Felicia Day took time on Friday to sign autographs since she would not be there on Sunday. I gave her a copy of my second novel, By Your Side, and thanked her for being my "good luck charm". Her first appearance at Farpoint coincided with the debut of my first novel and now that she was back, I was premiering another. Coincidence?
The Friday night dinner was followed by an award ceremony as the Volker-McChesney award was presented to Patti Papineau, long-time attendee who has served as a sign language interpreter for many a con over the years. This was followed by a brief auction for one of Farpoint's charities and a second auction to help Peter David, who suffered a stroke in December. It was then that I was forced to depart to set up for the book fair and completely missed Peter David's surprise appearance on stage that, I am told, brought down the house. Sorry I missed that and the live radio drama performance that starred the cast of Prometheus Radio Theatre along with celebrity guests Rob Paulsen, Lee Arenberg, John Billingsley and his lovely wife, Bonita Friedericy.
Ah, the book fair! It took place in, and outside of, the Con Suite and despite complaints from some of the writers about conflicting with Vic's Place out in the Atrium (think karaoke with geeks and booze), the fair went well. The launch of my second novel, By Your Side , was a success. I sold 8 copies that night and 2 more during the weekend. I also sold 2 copies of each of Testing the Prisoner and ReDeus: Divine Tales during the con.
Saturday was spent mostly coordinating with the other writers to ensure they knew where to sit for their one-hour autograph sessions and fielding questions. I set up base of operations just outside the con suite. This served the dual purpose of making me easy to find and kept me close to the free goodies. Evon and I stole away from the table (thank you Ethan Wilson for standing--or sitting--guard) while we walked over to Giancarlo Esposito to get his autograph and our photos taken with him. He was very gracious. It was an honor to meet such an accomplished performer. Needless to say, Mr. Esposito also received a copy of my book. :-)
In what could be called the epitome of irony, I completely missed my 4PM panel on "Time Management for Writers". After a quick ride into Baltimore to drop off writer Clarence Brown later in the evening, Evon and I hit dinner at Basta Pasta. We returned to the hotel well in time to chill out for a few minutes in the room and catch a bit of Back to the Future II. Evon ended up crashing while I went to 10-Forward and hung out with babes Sharon VanBlarcom, Cindy Shockey, Cindy Woods, Renee Wilson and a very dapper Lance Woods. I then visited Steve Wilson, Renfield and June Swords, Nobilis Reed and other rotating cast members in Suite 308 overlooking the dance floor. Fun times and good conversations.
By Sunday morning, my duties as writer liaison began to wind down and I was able to make the "Plotters vs. Pantsers" panel with Don Sakers, Marianne Petrino-Schaad, and Aaron Rosenberg. We discussed those who outline their stories (plotters) versus those who write by the seat of their pants (pantsers). Plenty of audience participation made for a lively and informative discussion.
Later that day, I sat in for the AfterEarth panel hosted by Peter David, Bob Greenberger and Michael Jan Friedman. The trio discussed their involvement in creating media tie-in material (novels, novellas, comic books) surrounding Will Smith's upcoming summer film of the same name.
Our final event of the con was sitting in on John Bilingsley and Bonita Friedericy's comedy hour. I don't quite recall all that happened as it's mostly a blur now. Prizes for best questions consisted of such high-quality items as a bouquet of dead yellow roses, an eraser shaped like a piece of sushi, a Tupperware lid that John used to serve cookies to the audience and one other item that escapes memory. Speaking of escaping, whenever anyone left the ballroom, Bonita chased them out into the hallway and dragged them back in. Billingsely then donned a "Minister" baseball cap and purple shaw and "married" a couple in the audience, who then received the dead yellow roses from Bonita. After the ceremony, Billingsley asked everyone to stand up and proceeded to marry everyone in the room!
This was a special Farpoint and not merely for its milestone year, but also because I had been ordained manager of the writers programming track, or as Howard Weinstein called it, the "Writer Wrangler". Yee-haw!!
Evon and I arrived at the hotel around 3PM and after dropping off our charity auction donations at the art room and delivering copies of handouts to Howard for his Saturday writing workshop (which I wasn't able to attend for the first time in years), we were able to check-in and get our badges before schlepping our stuff from car to hotel room. First-time writer guest Donna Galanti arrived minutes after we did. Kate Mason and Clarence Brown, also new to the con, showed up later in the evening. I happened to be near the doors and unfortunately couldn't lock them in time before Aaron Rosenberg, David Mack, and Glenn Hauman strolled in. I caught up with Danielle ACKLEY -McPhail in the dealer room, then later her husband Mike McPhail, Richard White and the lovely Kelly Meding in one of the discussion panel rooms.
Finally, while chatting with operations manager Renee Wilson and con co-chair Sharon VanBlarcom in the Atrium, Bob Greenberger made an appearance just when someone made a comment about not allowing dogs in the hotel. Coincidence?
The adorable Felicia Day took time on Friday to sign autographs since she would not be there on Sunday. I gave her a copy of my second novel, By Your Side, and thanked her for being my "good luck charm". Her first appearance at Farpoint coincided with the debut of my first novel and now that she was back, I was premiering another. Coincidence?
The Friday night dinner was followed by an award ceremony as the Volker-McChesney award was presented to Patti Papineau, long-time attendee who has served as a sign language interpreter for many a con over the years. This was followed by a brief auction for one of Farpoint's charities and a second auction to help Peter David, who suffered a stroke in December. It was then that I was forced to depart to set up for the book fair and completely missed Peter David's surprise appearance on stage that, I am told, brought down the house. Sorry I missed that and the live radio drama performance that starred the cast of Prometheus Radio Theatre along with celebrity guests Rob Paulsen, Lee Arenberg, John Billingsley and his lovely wife, Bonita Friedericy.
Ah, the book fair! It took place in, and outside of, the Con Suite and despite complaints from some of the writers about conflicting with Vic's Place out in the Atrium (think karaoke with geeks and booze), the fair went well. The launch of my second novel, By Your Side , was a success. I sold 8 copies that night and 2 more during the weekend. I also sold 2 copies of each of Testing the Prisoner and ReDeus: Divine Tales during the con.
Saturday was spent mostly coordinating with the other writers to ensure they knew where to sit for their one-hour autograph sessions and fielding questions. I set up base of operations just outside the con suite. This served the dual purpose of making me easy to find and kept me close to the free goodies. Evon and I stole away from the table (thank you Ethan Wilson for standing--or sitting--guard) while we walked over to Giancarlo Esposito to get his autograph and our photos taken with him. He was very gracious. It was an honor to meet such an accomplished performer. Needless to say, Mr. Esposito also received a copy of my book. :-)
In what could be called the epitome of irony, I completely missed my 4PM panel on "Time Management for Writers". After a quick ride into Baltimore to drop off writer Clarence Brown later in the evening, Evon and I hit dinner at Basta Pasta. We returned to the hotel well in time to chill out for a few minutes in the room and catch a bit of Back to the Future II. Evon ended up crashing while I went to 10-Forward and hung out with babes Sharon VanBlarcom, Cindy Shockey, Cindy Woods, Renee Wilson and a very dapper Lance Woods. I then visited Steve Wilson, Renfield and June Swords, Nobilis Reed and other rotating cast members in Suite 308 overlooking the dance floor. Fun times and good conversations.
By Sunday morning, my duties as writer liaison began to wind down and I was able to make the "Plotters vs. Pantsers" panel with Don Sakers, Marianne Petrino-Schaad, and Aaron Rosenberg. We discussed those who outline their stories (plotters) versus those who write by the seat of their pants (pantsers). Plenty of audience participation made for a lively and informative discussion.
Later that day, I sat in for the AfterEarth panel hosted by Peter David, Bob Greenberger and Michael Jan Friedman. The trio discussed their involvement in creating media tie-in material (novels, novellas, comic books) surrounding Will Smith's upcoming summer film of the same name.
Our final event of the con was sitting in on John Bilingsley and Bonita Friedericy's comedy hour. I don't quite recall all that happened as it's mostly a blur now. Prizes for best questions consisted of such high-quality items as a bouquet of dead yellow roses, an eraser shaped like a piece of sushi, a Tupperware lid that John used to serve cookies to the audience and one other item that escapes memory. Speaking of escaping, whenever anyone left the ballroom, Bonita chased them out into the hallway and dragged them back in. Billingsely then donned a "Minister" baseball cap and purple shaw and "married" a couple in the audience, who then received the dead yellow roses from Bonita. After the ceremony, Billingsley asked everyone to stand up and proceeded to marry everyone in the room!
They fielded only a few questions about Chuck and Enterprise and spent most of the time cracking up the audience. They ended with an auction of autographed scripts with letters of authenticity signed by Billingsley. Since there were some autographs missing, Billingsley addressed the letters to those actors that did not sign in case the winner should see said actor(s) at a future con. He read the letters aloud and stated that "since you were the only asshole that didn't sign the script, can you please do so now for the bearer of this letter."
I hadn't laughed that much in a long time and it was a wonderful high note on which to end the con. After that, it was time to pack it in, say our good-byes, give a lot of hugs and hit the Nautilus Diner before making our way home. Happily, there were no further flaming cars to be seen.
February 10, 2013
About This Writing Stuff...
This week, we get advice on everything from selling ebooks (Konrath) to work ethic (Greenberger) and from multi-tasking (Bell) to staying afloat for the long haul (Rusch). Jodie Renner describes the ideal thriller hero while Jody Hedlund discusses the importance of the opening hook. Jami Gold covers covers and decisions to be made when self-publishing. Donald Maass and Veronica Sicoe talk character origination from very different angles...and someone has a book premiere this week!!
Knowing Something vs. Putting it Into Practice by Bob Greenberger
Apple's iBookstore Includes Indie Titles by IndieReader
How to Sell Ebooks by Joe Konrath
Do You Judge Books By Their Covers? nd Self-Publishing: Prioririzing Fast, Cheap and Good by Jami Gold
The Opening Hook of a Book: Is it Important or Not? by Jody Hedlund
What Writers Need to Know by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
How to Work on More Than One Book at a Time by James Scott Bell
Essential Characteristics of a Thriller Hero by Jodie Renner
How to Use Stereotypes When Writing Fiction by Veronica Sicoe
The Man (or Woman) in the Mirror by Donald Maass
And if you'll allow me a selfish moment, my upcoming novel, By Your Side , will debut at Farpoint SF Media Convention this coming weekend February 15-17!
Knowing Something vs. Putting it Into Practice by Bob Greenberger
Apple's iBookstore Includes Indie Titles by IndieReader
How to Sell Ebooks by Joe Konrath
Do You Judge Books By Their Covers? nd Self-Publishing: Prioririzing Fast, Cheap and Good by Jami Gold
The Opening Hook of a Book: Is it Important or Not? by Jody Hedlund
What Writers Need to Know by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
How to Work on More Than One Book at a Time by James Scott Bell
Essential Characteristics of a Thriller Hero by Jodie Renner
How to Use Stereotypes When Writing Fiction by Veronica Sicoe
The Man (or Woman) in the Mirror by Donald Maass
And if you'll allow me a selfish moment, my upcoming novel, By Your Side , will debut at Farpoint SF Media Convention this coming weekend February 15-17!
February 7, 2013
My Schedule for Farpoint
As the manager of writers programming at
Farpoint
, I decided to keep my schedule of discussion panels light for the weekend. I even opted out of doing a reading from my new novel that will launch at the con. I'll make up for that at Balticon and Shore Leave.
Thus, here is my very scant schedule for the weekend. When I'm not at these places, I'll be helping the other writer guests as needed and trying to enjoy the convention.
Friday 10PM: Book Fair (Con Suite)
Saturday 1PM: Autograph Session - One Hour (Atrium)
Saturday 4PM: Time Management for Writers (Dulaney 2) with Bob Greenberger and Nobilis Reed
Sunday 10AM: Plotters vs. Pantsers (Dulaney 2) with Don Sakers, Aaron Rosenberg and Marianne Petrino-Schaad
Thus, here is my very scant schedule for the weekend. When I'm not at these places, I'll be helping the other writer guests as needed and trying to enjoy the convention.
Friday 10PM: Book Fair (Con Suite)
Saturday 1PM: Autograph Session - One Hour (Atrium)
Saturday 4PM: Time Management for Writers (Dulaney 2) with Bob Greenberger and Nobilis Reed
Sunday 10AM: Plotters vs. Pantsers (Dulaney 2) with Don Sakers, Aaron Rosenberg and Marianne Petrino-Schaad
February 3, 2013
Book Review: Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding
Dreg bounty hunter Evangeline "Evy" Stone is dead...well, at least until she awakens on a slab in a morgue in someone else's body. While dealing with that little surprise, Evy eventually determines that her host body had belonged to one Chalice Frost, a young college student who, for reasons as yet unknown, had committed suicide by slitting her wrists.
But that's only piece in a complex and dangerous puzzle. The problem is, Evy cannot recall the details of her final days. A former member of a Triad group of bounty hunters, she recalls that her team had been killed by Halfies during an ambush (Halfies are vampire/human hybrids and are held in disdain by both races). Yet somehow, Evy had been blamed for their deaths. In other words, she'd been framed.
Now resurrected, Evy reaches out to her Handler, a Gifted human known as Wyatt Truman. Handlers are essentially managers of a Triad and Wyatt was her boss. Reuniting with him, Evy learns that it was he who had bargained to bring her back to life in exchange for his free-will. The fact that Evy had awakened in another body is a mystery to everyone…at least in the beginning.
The pair set off to find out why Evy had been framed and whether there is truth to the rumors of a Vampire/Goblin alliance that would threaten humanity. In their adventures, the pair encounter such familiar dregs as gremlins, goblins, gargoyles, vampires (aka Bloods), Halfies, the Fey, and other mystical elements until their final battle against an all-powerful elf named Tovin.
There is only one problem, Evy's new lifespan is a mere 72 hours. Once she is dead, Wyatt must relinquish his free-will to Tovin as per their deal. As the time ticks away, will Wyatt and Evy be able to clear her name and garner enough allies to stop an alliance that could consume the earth with pure evil?
Three Days to Dead is a fast, fun read. Even without a deep understanding of the urban fantasy genre, any reader that enjoys an action packed story filled with familiar creatures of the night, a little romance and dark humor will enjoy Kelly Meding's opening novel in the Dreg City series.
