Joseph Carrabis's Blog, page 102

Samuel Bothers Boo

Sometimes our indoor children have discussions with our outdoor guests. Most times they tolerate each other. Ghost, our indoor cat, barely gives a nod when someone shows up. Boo lets us know when various Old Ones are about. He sometimes whines at the door. Translation, “The raccoons are here.” Or he’ll sit and stare out … Continue reading "Samuel Bothers Boo"

Is your work product or art?

Bit of a trick question, that. Art is also a product. The question has more to do with production values. There’s a difference in the care put into producing a Velvet Elvis and the Mona Lisa. It has nothing to do with Da Vinci thinking, “Yeah, some day, hot dang, I’ll be remembered for this.” … Continue reading "Is your work product or art?"

What’s Your Plan B? (or “After 100 Agents, what?”)

We don' need no stinkin' Plan Bs

My apologies

Long ago and far away I received a letter (shows how long ago this was) from AJ Budrys congratulating me on getting my short story, Cymodoce, nominated for the Nebula (1995). Flattered, honored, and I mention it when it seems appropriate.   Someone wrote me they couldn’t find any record of my nomination. First, Wow! … Continue reading "My apologies"

Why It Works for Me – Brian Fagan’s “The Little Ice Age”

This is the ninth in a series I’m doing wherein I discuss why a particular piece of writing works for me, aka, this piece of writing taught me something about writing, encouraged me to be a better writer, engaged me, captivated me, educated me, et cetera. As I’ve written elsewhere, it’s one thing to know … Continue reading "Why It Works for Me – Brian Fagan’s “The Little Ice Age”"

Shaman Story Chapter X – The Wild, The Shadows

[I mentioned in Shaman Story Chapter 5 – Lessons that chapter numbering would get wonky as Shaman Story is a work in progress. This week’s entry bears that out, as it comes before chapter 6 and after chapter 5. So far. I think.] Read Shaman Story Chapter 5 – Lessons. Shaman Story Chapter X – … Continue reading "Shaman Story Chapter X – The Wild, The Shadows"

Early March Raccooning

Last week I shared Turkeys on the mating prowl in Two and a Half Toms. We continue the theme of Spring awakenings with today’s early March raccooning. In early Spring all the Sleepers waken. Most are familiar with Bear. We have two, Horace and Lucien, who parade and not recently. Raccoons are not true sleepers, … Continue reading "Early March Raccooning"

Sabine Rossbach’s Happy Hour – 14 May 2020 Interview (wherein she waxes wonderfully about “Empty Sky”)

Sabine Rossbach is the wonderfully talented Luxembourg based actress and voiceover artist who’s blessing me with readings from my books. You can see the first one, a reading from my short story Cymodoce, here and on YouTube   You can hear the full interview on the ARA Happy Hour podcast which included several notables: Sandra … Continue reading "Sabine Rossbach’s Happy Hour – 14 May 2020 Interview (wherein she waxes wonderfully about “Empty Sky”)"

Why It Works for Me – Truman Capote’s “The Grass Harp”

This is the eighth in a series I’m doing wherein I discuss why a particular piece of writing works for me, aka, this piece of writing taught me something about writing, encouraged me to be a better writer, engaged me, captivated me, educated me, et cetera. As I’ve written elsewhere, it’s one thing to know … Continue reading "Why It Works for Me – Truman Capote’s “The Grass Harp”"

Talking about inspiration, titles, protagonists, genre, author toolkits and more with Patricia M. Osborne

West Sussex author and MA in Creative Writing scholar Patricia M. Osborne invited me to guest post on her blog.   She asked for ~500 words on writing. She asked for it on a day I had a breakthrough on my work-in-progress. I ended up writing about inspiration, figuring out book titles, defining protagonist issues, … Continue reading "Talking about inspiration, titles, protagonists, genre, author toolkits and more with Patricia M. Osborne"