Stuart Aken's Blog, page 338
November 24, 2010
Interview with Jesse S. Greever, Author.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Image via WikipediaI actually have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and I have worked as a teacher, a government researcher and a high-technology sales professional. I have always had a keen sense of curiosity about the world in which we live, and I take that curiosity and use it to craft stories that address these curiosities. My first published story, "A Summer Wedding" is an unusually short flash-fiction piece available from Untreed Reads publishing, and has enjoyed enormous success in the United Kingdom. My recent release, "5", is available at most United States eBook retailers, and will be coming soon (in the next few weeks) to United Kingdom retailers. It is also available through Amazon.co.uk as a Kindle ebook.
Tell us about "5" in a few sentences:
"5" tells the story of a man frantically trying to contact a quality assurance inspector at a clothing factory after he finds the "Inspected by #5" slip in his new pants pocket with a mysterious message written on the flipside. When he learns the truth of the message, he finds something entirely unexpected.
How did you come to write "5"?
I was actually sitting in a hotel room in Albuquerque, New Mexico on a business trip, and had some time to kill (as is often the case when I'm away from home). I remember, as a child, occasionally finding these little slips of paper in my jeans pockets announcing that the pants had been inspected by someone, usually indicated by a number. I had always been curious about whom these people were and what they must be doing, and as a result, I set up a situation where a man seemingly received a slip with a cry for help on it. Interestingly, as I molded the story, I found the main characters guiding me towards a resolution that even I didn't initially see coming. What started as a story of paranoid intrigue evolved into something quite unforeseen.
How do you set about writing a piece?
I was educated as a scientist, so I have always had an inquiring mind. The "seed" for a story generally starts with a "What If?" type of question. In the case of "5", I wondered about the lives of these seemingly anonymous inspectors at clothing factories. In the case of my previous story, "A Summer Wedding", I built upon a question about teenage love and how our emotional intelligence evolves as we become older and wiser.
What do you think makes a successful writer?
Well, I'm not sure I'm what you would call "successful" in any conventional sense. I define my success by actually having established a relationship with a publisher (Untreed Reads) that found my stories compelling and agreed to publish them. I guess, looking at my stories and the stories that I like to read, I believe what makes a writer successful is the ability to either tell a compelling story effectively, or take a solid story and telling it in a compelling manner. For instance, a story that is inherently compelling can be told poorly or fantastically, depending on the writer's skill. Likewise, a wonderful author can take any situation and tell it in a gripping manner that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
How long does it take you to write your works?
5
That, of course, depends on the length of the work. When it comes to short stories and flash fiction, I generally try to write the first draft in a single sitting. I don't start writing until the story line is complete in my mind, although, sometimes I find that as I develop characters, they start to bend the story to their will. For instance, I wrote the first draft of "5" in about two hours. It's not a terribly long story, but as I was writing it, I found the story evolve around the main character's loneliness.
In the case of longer works, such as my forthcoming longer story, "The Annex", it took me about seven or eight hours, split up over a week, to come up with the first draft. I am also working on a Novella that is about 50 pages in length that required about three weeks to fashion a rough draft that told the story I wanted to tell. Another three or four weeks of revising and rewriting was required until I was happy with the manuscript.
Overall, I guess the simple answer is it takes as long as it takes.
How do you know where to begin a particular story?
For me, a story starts with a single idea or a curiosity. But in order for me to start writing the story, it has to be built around a character. Characters drive the story. I know that no matter how fabulous an idea is, without the proper cast of characters, the story can go nowhere. So, when writing, the story begins and ends with the characters. It begins with the character exploring the story idea, and it ends when the character has followed the story to the logical conclusion. As I said before, sometimes, I let the characters dictate the story to me, as they become more real during the development phase. In those cases, the story is finished when they tell me it's finished. I don't know that I could fully explain that, but I just get a certain feeling that the character is satisfied with how the events have unfolded, and when that occurs, it's time to "put down the pen"
What are you working on now?
I've submitted a manuscript called "Morningstar: Dawning" to Untreed Reads that I've been working on for the past few months. Hopefully, if it is published and well received, it will be the beginning of a series of novellas that explores an idea that I have been incubating for the past few years: What if the Devil decided to make himself known to the world, and ostensibly give up fighting the battle for humanity? It's probably my favorite work that I've done to date, simply because it allows me to tell (what I believe to be) a fascinating story, all while exploring deep metaphysical and spiritual concepts.
How much manuscript revision do you do before submitting to a publisher?
For me, if a story is read out loud, and flows both grammatically and logically, then it is finished. It is amazing how different my stories sound in my head as opposed to being read out loud. I find all sorts of issues with my prose as I say the words aloud, and I find it to be one of the most effective revision tools in my arsenal.
How did you come to work with Untreed Reads publishing?
Untreed Reads is an exclusively digital publisher, and I decided that if I were going to find a publisher with which I could form a relationship, digital publishing was the way to go. I realized that most traditional publishers would be less likely to take a chance on an unknown. However, digital publishing requires considerably less overhead, and I surmised that those publishers might be more willing to try out a new author. Untreed Reads accepted my first story, "A Summer Wedding" gladly and worked with me to polish it and get it ready for publication. As I worked with Jay Hartman (editor), I found that I would much rather focus my energy on working with a single publisher and forging a solid relationship, and so at this point, I am publishing solely and exclusively with Untreed Reads. They have a tremendous distribution network, both in the United States and abroad, and in fact, through their fabulous marketing efforts, "A Summer Wedding" has consistently been on the short story bestseller list at Waterstones.com.
Is there any aspect of writing that you find particularly frustrating?
I am not, by nature, a very patient person. Writing has taught me patience. Many times, I sit down with a story idea, and I want to regurgitate it onto the screen as quickly as possible. However, once I'm in the middle of writing, impatience can actually work against me. I have to slow down and develop the setting and characters carefully. Once I take the time to address those facets of the story, the story begins to unfold on its own, far more effectively than if I tried to force the story out quickly.
Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful and what advice would you give?
In my view, the biggest mistake a beginning writer can make is believing there is no room for improvement on any given story. When I wrote "5", I thought it was as close to perfect as it could be. When Jay returned the story with suggestions, I quickly realized that by adding a few paragraphs near the end of the story, the poignancy of the tale reached a new level. The best suggestion I can give a new writer is this: be open to suggestions. Generally, if an editor is making suggestions, it means that they are interested in the story. Even if you disagree initially with their assessment, try revising to address the questions and concerns. It is surprising how much a story can improve just by doing that.
Links to "5":
http://store.untreedreads.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=56
http://www.amazon.co.uk/5/dp/B0045Y26G8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1286830664&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/5-ebook/dp/B0045Y26G8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1286830516&sr=8-2
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/26108
Image via WikipediaI actually have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and I have worked as a teacher, a government researcher and a high-technology sales professional. I have always had a keen sense of curiosity about the world in which we live, and I take that curiosity and use it to craft stories that address these curiosities. My first published story, "A Summer Wedding" is an unusually short flash-fiction piece available from Untreed Reads publishing, and has enjoyed enormous success in the United Kingdom. My recent release, "5", is available at most United States eBook retailers, and will be coming soon (in the next few weeks) to United Kingdom retailers. It is also available through Amazon.co.uk as a Kindle ebook.Tell us about "5" in a few sentences:
"5" tells the story of a man frantically trying to contact a quality assurance inspector at a clothing factory after he finds the "Inspected by #5" slip in his new pants pocket with a mysterious message written on the flipside. When he learns the truth of the message, he finds something entirely unexpected.
How did you come to write "5"?
I was actually sitting in a hotel room in Albuquerque, New Mexico on a business trip, and had some time to kill (as is often the case when I'm away from home). I remember, as a child, occasionally finding these little slips of paper in my jeans pockets announcing that the pants had been inspected by someone, usually indicated by a number. I had always been curious about whom these people were and what they must be doing, and as a result, I set up a situation where a man seemingly received a slip with a cry for help on it. Interestingly, as I molded the story, I found the main characters guiding me towards a resolution that even I didn't initially see coming. What started as a story of paranoid intrigue evolved into something quite unforeseen.
How do you set about writing a piece?
I was educated as a scientist, so I have always had an inquiring mind. The "seed" for a story generally starts with a "What If?" type of question. In the case of "5", I wondered about the lives of these seemingly anonymous inspectors at clothing factories. In the case of my previous story, "A Summer Wedding", I built upon a question about teenage love and how our emotional intelligence evolves as we become older and wiser.
What do you think makes a successful writer?
Well, I'm not sure I'm what you would call "successful" in any conventional sense. I define my success by actually having established a relationship with a publisher (Untreed Reads) that found my stories compelling and agreed to publish them. I guess, looking at my stories and the stories that I like to read, I believe what makes a writer successful is the ability to either tell a compelling story effectively, or take a solid story and telling it in a compelling manner. For instance, a story that is inherently compelling can be told poorly or fantastically, depending on the writer's skill. Likewise, a wonderful author can take any situation and tell it in a gripping manner that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
How long does it take you to write your works?
5
That, of course, depends on the length of the work. When it comes to short stories and flash fiction, I generally try to write the first draft in a single sitting. I don't start writing until the story line is complete in my mind, although, sometimes I find that as I develop characters, they start to bend the story to their will. For instance, I wrote the first draft of "5" in about two hours. It's not a terribly long story, but as I was writing it, I found the story evolve around the main character's loneliness.In the case of longer works, such as my forthcoming longer story, "The Annex", it took me about seven or eight hours, split up over a week, to come up with the first draft. I am also working on a Novella that is about 50 pages in length that required about three weeks to fashion a rough draft that told the story I wanted to tell. Another three or four weeks of revising and rewriting was required until I was happy with the manuscript.
Overall, I guess the simple answer is it takes as long as it takes.
How do you know where to begin a particular story?
For me, a story starts with a single idea or a curiosity. But in order for me to start writing the story, it has to be built around a character. Characters drive the story. I know that no matter how fabulous an idea is, without the proper cast of characters, the story can go nowhere. So, when writing, the story begins and ends with the characters. It begins with the character exploring the story idea, and it ends when the character has followed the story to the logical conclusion. As I said before, sometimes, I let the characters dictate the story to me, as they become more real during the development phase. In those cases, the story is finished when they tell me it's finished. I don't know that I could fully explain that, but I just get a certain feeling that the character is satisfied with how the events have unfolded, and when that occurs, it's time to "put down the pen"
What are you working on now?
I've submitted a manuscript called "Morningstar: Dawning" to Untreed Reads that I've been working on for the past few months. Hopefully, if it is published and well received, it will be the beginning of a series of novellas that explores an idea that I have been incubating for the past few years: What if the Devil decided to make himself known to the world, and ostensibly give up fighting the battle for humanity? It's probably my favorite work that I've done to date, simply because it allows me to tell (what I believe to be) a fascinating story, all while exploring deep metaphysical and spiritual concepts.
How much manuscript revision do you do before submitting to a publisher?
For me, if a story is read out loud, and flows both grammatically and logically, then it is finished. It is amazing how different my stories sound in my head as opposed to being read out loud. I find all sorts of issues with my prose as I say the words aloud, and I find it to be one of the most effective revision tools in my arsenal.
How did you come to work with Untreed Reads publishing?
Untreed Reads is an exclusively digital publisher, and I decided that if I were going to find a publisher with which I could form a relationship, digital publishing was the way to go. I realized that most traditional publishers would be less likely to take a chance on an unknown. However, digital publishing requires considerably less overhead, and I surmised that those publishers might be more willing to try out a new author. Untreed Reads accepted my first story, "A Summer Wedding" gladly and worked with me to polish it and get it ready for publication. As I worked with Jay Hartman (editor), I found that I would much rather focus my energy on working with a single publisher and forging a solid relationship, and so at this point, I am publishing solely and exclusively with Untreed Reads. They have a tremendous distribution network, both in the United States and abroad, and in fact, through their fabulous marketing efforts, "A Summer Wedding" has consistently been on the short story bestseller list at Waterstones.com.
Is there any aspect of writing that you find particularly frustrating?
I am not, by nature, a very patient person. Writing has taught me patience. Many times, I sit down with a story idea, and I want to regurgitate it onto the screen as quickly as possible. However, once I'm in the middle of writing, impatience can actually work against me. I have to slow down and develop the setting and characters carefully. Once I take the time to address those facets of the story, the story begins to unfold on its own, far more effectively than if I tried to force the story out quickly.
Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful and what advice would you give?
In my view, the biggest mistake a beginning writer can make is believing there is no room for improvement on any given story. When I wrote "5", I thought it was as close to perfect as it could be. When Jay returned the story with suggestions, I quickly realized that by adding a few paragraphs near the end of the story, the poignancy of the tale reached a new level. The best suggestion I can give a new writer is this: be open to suggestions. Generally, if an editor is making suggestions, it means that they are interested in the story. Even if you disagree initially with their assessment, try revising to address the questions and concerns. It is surprising how much a story can improve just by doing that.
Links to "5":
http://store.untreedreads.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=56
http://www.amazon.co.uk/5/dp/B0045Y26G8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1286830664&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/5-ebook/dp/B0045Y26G8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1286830516&sr=8-2
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/26108
November 23, 2010
Is Population a Primary Cause of Global Climate Change?
Image via WikipediaDoes anyone else feel, as I do, that the rising human population is probably the greatest threat to our security on the planet? Currently, according to the World Population Clock as I write, there are 6,855,542,801 (click the link and frighten yourself to death as you watch it increase before your eyes). The same counter estimates a world population of 8,730,121,285 by November 2050. These numbers are too large to properly comprehend, of course. But the overall upward trend terrifies me. We have already reached a stage where millions are starving, millions if not billions have no access to safe water supplies, energy reserves are too scarce to go round, and many mineral resources are rapidly declining.As the underdeveloped nations climb the ladder toward a Western level of consumerism, the calls on almost every resource will become unsustainable. If we can't avoid starvation in the world now, how are we going to do so with a 20% increase in mouths to feed? Many experts predict that the next wars will be over drinking water; that seems to me like stating the bleeding obvious. The increased consumption of materials and fuel and the resultant output of pollutants and carbon dioxide will inevitably accelerate the rate of climate change, which in turn, will add damaging stress to the ecosystems producing crops. It is likely that war is inevitable under such circumstances. As a species, and as separate social groups, we have always shown a remarkably blinkered attitude to inevitable changes. Many of the civilisations that preceded ours vanished or declined rapidly as a result of ecological disasters. Are we to go the same way?We do have a choice. We can do something to prevent catastrophe. It won't affect me, other than at the very end of my likely lifespan. But it will affect my child and any individual currently under the age of about 40.A fundamental change has to be the way we view our reproduction as a species. We have long had the means to limit our growth, to reduce the many children born to some couples. Of course, there are authorities in the world who see such intervention as sinful and against the will of their God. Perhaps these authorities should look at the poverty, misery and distress that their insistence on such dogma cause. The perceived need to continually increase the membership of any club (for which, read religious grouping) is hardly a reason to threaten the stability of life on Earth, is it? They will no doubt use the defence that we must not behave as if we were God. But we do that daily by our intervention in the health and welfare of the population at large. If we can intervene to save life, why can't we intervene to prevent its development?I've had my say – or some of it – and now invite you to say your piece. Please, let me and the world know what you think about this.
November 22, 2010
Author Interview with Victoria Roder
I'm author Victoria Roder. I live in beautiful central Wisconsin and I'm an average girl that likes to hang out with my family. We enjoy camping, hiking, shooting bow, and motorcycle rides. My first novel a paranormal romance ghost story, The Dream House: Visions and Nightmares was released by www.asylettpress.com . My serial murder mystery Bolt Action was released April 2010 from www.champagnebooks.com
Tell us about your action thriller, Bolt Action .
Secrets of the past, murder, mystery, revenge, deception, sexual tension, and the "State Quarter Killer"; Bolt Action offers it all. Detective Leslie Bolt is a tough talking, gun hording, motorcycle riding investigator with as much insecurity as the rest of us. After a childhood of abuse suffered at the hands of her father, Leslie stashes a collection of pistols, revolvers, and even keeps a Browning A-Bolt Stalker Rifle in her broom closet. She is stand-offish and down right rude. Having to work a serial murder case with her handsome ex-lover Detective Lance Kestler doesn't improve her disposition. The "State Quarter Killer" is selecting victims that appear to have nothing in common except for the State Quarter placed under their lifeless bodies. As the body count mounts, Leslie Bolt begins to fall for the sexy medical examiner, Jack Donington. Perhaps a couple of Harley's, paint drumming to music, and a new romance can help Detective Bolt conquer her own demons from the past. When Bolt's apartment is tossed and her sister goes missing the question rises; will Detective Bolt capture the serial killer before her sister is the next victim?
Where is Bolt Action available?
From Amazon.com here.Bolt Action is also available in paperback here.
How did you come to write this particular book?
I am addicted to true crime shows, so it was just a matter of time before I wrote a serial murder mystery. The idea of Bolt Action started with the characters, Detective Leslie Bolt and her sister Tasha. My personal story of adoption was published in the anthology entitled A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families, Adams Media 2009. My story entitled Why I Believe in Angels is the account of how I came to live with my current family at the age of seven. With their acceptance and support, they helped me become who I am today. That publication has inspired many people to share their own stories of adoption with me. Heartfelt tales told through the eyes of parents and also from the children that were adopted. I am sorry to report I also heard a few troubled stories of adoption, and one comment remained in my thoughts and stalked me. That sole comment became the disposition for the sisters in my novel, Bolt Action.
Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?
I have a spot in my heart for Detective Leslie Bolt. I can understand her hard, kick ass, outer shell and the chip on her shoulder, but she's a good person and wants to reach out without knowing how. I feel pain and pity for her sister Tasha because she acts happy on the outside, but she is bitter and superficial. Life can be hard, but we choose our positive or negative attitude. How much time do you spent on plotting etc before you start writing? An idea will formulate in my head and once a character starts talking to me I begin writing. So far, I don't plot stories out. I do write a description of the characters down on paper, so that I don't give them green eyes on page 4 and blue eyes on page 104. My characters take on a life of their own, I just tell their story.
Where do you do most of your writing? In my den, but I've been known to scribble notes on gum wrappers and restaurant napkins. You've also written a ghost story/murder mystery. Tell us about your story, The Dream House Visions and Nightmares.
Although a sweet romance develops throughout the novel, it is a murder mystery wrapped in a paranormal ghost. I personally have had a recurring dream since I was a child about a house that my family lived. With encouragement from my sister, Tammy, that dream and the house became the premise for my novel, The Dream House Visions and Nightmares. A ghost in a bloody nightgown pleads for help for her children, dream sequences of blood spewing out of windows, drowning, and walking across human bones foretell of sins of the past and forewarn of danger in the present. After recurring dreams stalk her, Hope Graham returns home to learn that the truth can be more frightening than a nightmare. The Dream House Visions and Nightmares contains, ghosts…dream interpretation…revenge…and murder!
It is available at www.asylettpress.com and Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Dream-House-Visions-Nightmares/dp/1934337641/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2
What are your current projects and works in progress?
My first picture book, What if a Zebra had Triangles? Will be released by Vintage Reflections Publishing. I am excited about paranormal thriller, The Haunting of Ingersull Penitentiary that I just finished. Detective Leslie Bolt will return to kick a little butt in Bolt Reaction: A Detective Leslie Bolt Mystery. I am also working on a children's puzzle book, The This, That, and Another Kind of Puzzle Book , and two picture books, An Important Job to Do – A Noah's Ark Tale and Baby's First Book of Jesus. Please feel free to visit and contact me through my website at www.victoriaroder.com
You can't change the past, but you can choose your future.
November 21, 2010
Blog Jog Away
Thanks for stopping by my Blog! Please explore what I have on offer here, then jog on over to "Max the Quilt Cat Blog" http://www.maxthequiltcat.com contact MaxTheQuiltCat@gmail.com This is an initiative by Blog Jog Day to try to get readers to visit other blogs that might interest them but that they might not otherwise get to know about. Visit http://blogjogday.blogspot.com to find other blogs taking part.
The Dangers of Reviewing Books for Authors Known to You.
As a writer and blogger, I'm often asked to review books by other writers I know or am acquainted with. I almost always decline (unless I happen to be confident about the quality of their writing already). Why? Firstly, I'm always, but always, honest when I review a book. I'm not in the business of hyping up something just because I happen to know the author. One quality an author needs is integrity, so I would much rather refuse than invite the possibility of offending someone.I do, however, read quite a lot. And I usually review those books I read. Recently, I was sent a book through the post as a gift. I read it. It infuriated me. Why? Because the story was so damned good but the way it was written broke almost every rule in the book (sic). There was a great deal of telling instead of showing. There was continual provision of detail about meals, greetings and banal conversations that added nothing to the story and interrupted the pace. And, yes, before you ask, it was self-published (Not that that is any indication of quality – see my earlier review of 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' for my feelings on this 'great' work of literature, published via the traditional route). So, why did I read it? Because I was compelled to. The story was so captivating, the characters so sympathetically drawn. I cared about them, wanted to know what happened. But I had to wade through great swamps of unnecessary detail to pick out the story.The author of the piece is a nice guy; a genuine lover of humanity. I'd already advertised that fact that I was reading the book on a public website I belong to, so I found myself in the awkward position of having to say something about it there. I said more or less what I've said above, but in slightly more gentle terms. And, to be fair, he was not at all put out by my review when I sent it to him. I'm not convinced I would have had the same generous response from most authors.So, this is my plea and my warning. If you're a writer, and you want your book read and reviewed by a friend who is also a writer, be prepared to have them tell the truth. This may be a risk or it may not: it depends on the quality of the book and the attitude and tastes of the reader. But, please, understand that you lay yourself open to honesty here. Of course, some writers engage in mutual sycophantic reviewing, praising each other's work regardless of merit and often without bothering to read the piece. I'm not such a writer or reader. So, if you're tempted to send me a book and expect me to read it, please be prepared for me to tell the truth about my feelings about it.
November 20, 2010
Jogging Blogging
Thanks for stopping by my Blog! Please explore what I have on offer here, then jog on over to "Max the Quilt Cat Blog" http://www.maxthequiltcat.com contact MaxTheQuiltCat@gmail.com If you,d like to visit a different Blog in the jog, go to http://blogjogday.blogspot.com.
Author Interview With K J Rigby
I was born in Crosby, north Liverpool and am now living in Devon, England. I have been writing for over thirty years. I realized my unhip credentials were mounting up so I decided to write about it. However I'm not completely unhip. My punk novel, Fall Of The Flamingo Circus was published by Allison & Busby (1990) and by Villard (American hardback 1990). Skrev Press published my novels Seaview Terrace (2003) Sucka! (2004) and Break Point (2006) and other shorter work has appeared in Skrev's avant garde magazine Texts' Bones including a version of my satirical novella Lost The Plot. Thalidomide Kid was published by Bewrite Books (2007).I've had other short stories published and shortlisted including Hard Workers, first published in The Diva Book of Short Stories and now published as part of the Dancing In The Dark erotic anthology, edited by Diane Nelson (Night Publishing 2010)I also received a Southern Arts bursary for my novel Where A Shadow Played. My latest book Little Guide to Unhip is published by Night Publishing. 
Tell us a bit about your latest book: Little Guide to Unhip.Little Guide To Unhip is a departure from my usual fiction. I would describe it as a quirky look at my own personal unhip top 50, each with its own star rating. My list includes
What inspired you to write this book?
Funnily enough, Gilbert O'Sullivan was the inspiration for Little Guide To Unhip. Gilbert had me pondering how it was that he'd never enjoyed a comeback, unlike many of his contemporaries such as Slade, Sweet, even Abba. From Gilbert, I started to reflect on other unhip paraphernalia, people, props, personality traits, and it grew from there.
Did you learn anything from writing this book?
I've learned that I can do non-fiction as well as fiction and that it doesn't have to be lofty, dry or inaccessible – that actually it can be a lot of fun.
How do you do research for your books?
I'm quite an obsessive note-taker, but research is now easier than it ever was with Google and widespread access to the internet. They say write what you know and I do try and draw on my own experiences.
What qualities make a successful writer?
I would say, persistence and self-belief. You need that staying power and not to give up at the first or even the tenth hurdle. You need a balance between developing a tough skin but being humble enough to take on board constructive criticism. You need to learn to be your own critic. Yes, take on board suggestions for improvement, but don't go changing everything on the basis of one comment if you disagree with it, otherwise you may end up like a boat without a rudder. I think the general rule of thumb is – if enough people say it, then there's probably something in it. Otherwise, it might just be personal taste. It also begs the question as to what is successful. Aim for the sky by all means, but if you only get as far as the roof of your house, well, that ain't such a bad thing in this day and age! Which is another way of saying be proud of small successes.
New writers make many mistakes: what do you think is the most harmful?
I would say being too arrogant and not accepting constructive suggestions for improvement. All other mistakes, whether it be telling too much instead of showing, or sudden changes of tense in the wrong place etc can easily be rectified as long as the attitude of the writer is good and they are willing to improve. To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
I would say they're pretty important. If the story or concept is brilliant, or the spelling and grammar are intentionally breaking the rules, then OK, but it's easy for a sloppy piece to pull the reader up and detract from the piece.
How much revision do you do before you send it off?
This varies. I do fewer drafts than I used to. I've learned that you can over-revise. In many cases I tend to try the market when I want to move on to something else. There's nothing like the offer of publication to galvanize you into doing final edits. There's always scope for a bit more revision, I've found, before it goes into print!
To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?
It's important for marketers, mainstream book publishers and shops for their shelves, but some of my favourite fiction is often a bit off-beat and doesn't easily sit in a particular pigeonhole – it would probably be classified as literary fiction.
How do you know where to begin any given story?
For me it's organic. I gradually build the story up and often it's not until you start writing it that you know for sure whether you have started in the right place. This is why many authors leave their beginnings until later or even leave it until the end!
Do you have support from family, friends or a writing group?
Very much so. My mother was a major influence on me as she was writing a novel when I was 17, so the idea of novel-writing wasn't an alien concept. I was able to pick her brains and get lots of tips passed on from her. My family are or have been generally involved in creative ventures be it art, music or writing. I also have writing friends and even more since I joined several writing network sites, earlier this year, such as Authonomy and Night Reading
What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?
Well, there's the usual household chores that need to be done. There's emails and Facebook. I also have fibromyalgia so I suddenly run out of energy late afternoon and need to lie down or sleep. This, with a late start to the day actually shrinks the window of opportunity for focussed uninterrupted writing.
Which genre or authors inspire you?
My favourite genres are contemporary/literary fiction, popular culture or well-written non-fiction - something to make me sit up, or laugh, or move me. A good story is important but more important to me is the way it is written. Original voice and imagery is what floats my boat. Writers I've enjoyed in the last couple of years include Sebastian Barry, Ali Smith, Bill Broady, Paul Magrs, Jane Gardam, Daithidh MacEoichaidh, Markus Zusak, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I've also enjoyed books from many writers I've met on Authonomy. I've not long finished reading Gerald Hansen's 'An Embarrassment of Riches' a superb blackly comic novel and I'm now reading Allie Sommerville's non-fiction account of her travels in Europe 'Uneasy Rider: Confessions of A Reluctant Traveller'. I now have a backlog of books I want to read from Authonomy and Night Publishing.
Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
Both. The old adage of 10 per cent inspiration and 90 per cent perspiration still holds true!
What are you writing now?
I've returned to writing fiction for the time being. It's in the very early stages – I'm still trying to fashion the clay as it were, though a follow-up to Little Guide isn't out of the question. I've had plenty more ideas on that score and suggestions from others!
Do you have a website or blog that readers can visit?
My wesbite: http://kjrbooks.yolasite.com/My blog: Bub's Burble (I've only done two posts so far)! http://bit.ly/aqyG85The facebook pages for Little Guide to Unhip:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=127345853945903&ref=tshttp://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161444913868650&ref=mf
Where can you get a copy of the book?
It is orderable from all bookshops in the UK. Or online from Amazon UKAmazon.com (Kindle edition):Smashwords:
Blog Jogging - Find something new
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November 19, 2010
Why is Assisted Suicide Illegal?
Cover of Terry PratchettIt has long struck me that the 'authorities' take serious liberties with us as individuals. Don't we all 'own' our lives? If we don't have control over the outcome of our lives, then what do we really have that we can call ours? My assumption (and I'm ready to be corrected on this) is that the major religions see our lives as 'gifts' from their particular gods and therefore not something we should be allowed to spend as we wish. But, for those of us who don't have a god complex, and see no need of some divine power to oversee our existence, this requirement for servile gratitude to a higher power as an imposition. When such belief is enshrined in law to make our lives the property of the State, it becomes more than an imposition; it infringes our rights. I believe that our life here is the one and only, and there is no afterlife in any sense that we can understand. We have one chance to live, or not to live, as we will. So, it's perfectly logical and sensible for us to determine the manner, time and place of our death, when we are given that opportunity. Of course such a liberty would be abused, and of course some individuals would use such freedom to end the lives of others and disguise this as a self-administered demise. But such evil behaviour already exists regardless of such freedoms. And, of course, it is a given, in my view, that a decision to end your life is taken under the understanding that you have considered the feelings and needs of those who love and depend on you.We have the means to prolong life artificially, frequently by placing the individual into an impossible position over which he or she has no control. We keep alive mere shells. If you don't believe me, visit any accommodation devoted to the preservation of the elderly demented. You will see there the remains of people who once were vital, alive and whole, people who could contribute and lead full lives before their demise. They exist only as shades of their former selves with no awareness of who they are or what is happening around them. The very essence of being human is the capacity for self-awareness. Once that has left, the shell is no more than meat. We hear so often, 'You wouldn't treat an animal that way.' And, of course, we wouldn't and don't. It seems we reserve this living hell for the humans we love. It seems a strange form of love to me. And, I suspect this form of 'caring' has more to do with the needs of the carers than with the poor individuals in their care.I have no wish to linger on this Earth once I've lost the capacity to think. It haunts me to imagine that I might be made to drift on in an unliving existence once my mind has gone, so I've signed an Advance Decision (available from Dignity in Dying) to ensure that I'm not kept alive artificially once that time comes. And I've made clear to my wife and my daughter my wishes in this regard.Dignity in Dying has patrons as well-known and respected as I'd far rather be able to legally decide the date of my death. That way I could plan it, inform those who cared that it was going to happen, and prevent the inevitable shock and distress that comes with the unexpected death of a loved one. Seems far more civilised to me than this dreadful habit we've developed of clinging to life at any cost, regardless of its real worth. Surely the measure of life is its quality, not its quantity?Let me go when I'm ready to go, and remove the legal barrier that currently makes it a crime. My life is just that; mine. It belongs not to the State, not to any religion, not to any god you care to name. It is mine, mine alone, and should be mine to end when I so desire.I know many people will be troubled, incensed even, by these thoughts. I'm sorry for that, but it doesn't make my case any less valid. If you're one of those who believes we are the children of some divine power, prove it to me. Not by quoting passages from dubious sacred works (such books are the words of man, not of any divine being, and therefore of no more value than any other story) but by demonstrating the love and concern of your creator by examples that have no negative counterparts. After all, any creator with a concern for the created can hardly be considered a positive force if what is created is also destroyed with equal energy and disdain.I'd love your feedback on this topic.
November 18, 2010
Interview with Author, J E Taylor
J.E. Taylor is a writer, an editor, a manuscript formatter, a mother, a wife and a business analyst, not necessarily in that order.She first sat down to seriously write in February of 2007 after her daughter asked:"Mom, if you could do anything, what would you do?"From that moment on, she hasn't looked back and now her writing resume includes four novels either published or targeted for release in late 2010 and early 2011 along with several short stories on the virtual shelves including a few within upcoming eXcessica anthologies.Her first book, DARK RECKONING was released by FIDO Publishing on July 5, 2010 and introduced Special Agent Steve Williams to the masses. The follow up VENGEANCE was released on November 1, 2010.She also released her first erotic thriller in July 2010 - SURVIVAL GAMES, which received a Grade-A Recommended Read from Romance At Heart. The final two books in the Games Trilogy - MIND GAMES and END GAME will be released in November 2010 and February 2011 by eXcessica.Ms. Taylor moonlights as an Assistant Editor of Allegory, an online venue for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, and as a "slush slasher" for Dark Recesses, an online venue for literary horror. She also lends a hand in formatting manuscripts for eXcessica as well as offering her services judging writing contests for various RWA chapters.She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children and during the summer months enjoys her weekends on the shore in southern Maine.Visit her at http://www.jetaylor75.com/
Tell us about Vengeance in a few sentences.
After an undercover bust goes to hell, Special Agent Steve Williams becomes the target of an assassin and his wife's visions escalate, forecasting a brutal assault on their family. Escaping from the city and armed with scant details from Jennifer's dreams, Steve trudges through a litany of past connections, searching for the key to stop the course of fate. A brother with a grudge, a serial killer and a mafia assassin are all on his trail and the hunt begins . . .
Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?
Vengeance takes place in modern times and the first half takes place in New York City and the second half takes place in Brooksfield, New Hampshire with a quick cameo in Italy. I happen to love New York City and what better place to be as a backdrop for my FBI agent to go undercover in a drug ring.
How can people buy your books?
Both my e-books and paperbacks can be found on Amazon and the quickest way to find them all is through my Amazon page here: Amazon.com: J. E. Taylor: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle.
I also have a slew of short stories on Smashwords ranging from middle grade all the way to erotic romance. You can also obtain a copy of my full length novels here in e-book format: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JETaylor75
Another avenue for purchase is through my publishers websites: www.eXcessica.com and www.fidopublishing.com
What qualities make a successful writer?
Beyond raw talent, I believe a writer has to have patience to wait until they are sure the story is the cleanest it possibly can be before sending it on the agent query-go-rounds, tenacity and thick skin to get through the hard times, the rejections and the less than glowing reviews. They need to be open to critique partner feedback and editors rewrite suggestions but they also need to have enough of a backbone to stand up for a passage they believe in – as long as it moves the story forward. If a passage doesn't move the story forward, they can't be so in love with their words that they refuse to cut these extraneous babies out.
So in a nutshell: Talent, patience, tenacity, thick skin, open to different ideas and flexibility.
Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful?
Querying before they are ready. This can kill any chance the writer has of getting their dream agent. Get yourself in a writing group or a good critique group – one that will be honest about where you need to focus your efforts but won't cut you a new one just for the hell of it and then submit your query. All the critiques you receive will give you a clue as to what is wrong (or right) with your query and will lead you into areas you need clarification. In diverse groups, you will get different and often conflicting critiques, but try to look at the underlying problem – not necessarily what the person is pointing you toward. (i.e. it isn't compelling enough, it's too Hollywood – things like that.)
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
Huge – at least from an editorial standpoint. It is very frustrating to review a piece where spelling errors are rampant or grammatical errors leave you scratching your head as to the meaning of the sentence.
I will reject work if it isn't clean. That's not to say a mistake here and there, I'm talking repeat errors – things easily caught by spell check or by reading the story aloud. It irks me so yes - I think it's very important.
How do you know where to begin any given story?
Me personally? Well, I just start it where it begins in my head. Then I test out the beginning to see if it makes sense and if it really matters to the story. If it doesn't, then I cut it or move the timeline back to a point where it does make sense.
I think that's the key. I've seen situations - and experienced some of my own early on - where I've looked at the submission and thought it was laden with back-story. Those are the situations where it's wrong. The writer shouldn't stack the beginning like that – it slows down the momentum and that's a dream killer.
Start with the action – the hook – the mystery that will make the reader turn the page and pepper back-story throughout the first hundred pages instead of using an info dump.
Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?
Yes, yes and yes. I found the best writing group on the planet. Backspace (www.bksp.org) and through that venue have found the most shrewd and supportive writers in all walks of publication, from award winning New York Times selling authors to the newbies on the block along with agents and editors and public relation folks that give their time to regularly answer questions.
My family has also been the supreme definition of supportive – especially since I also have a day job and my writing actually eats into significant "family" time. But my kids see me reaching for my dreams and they are inspired.
If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?
I get especially frustrated when a word escapes me. I know in my head what I'm trying to say, but sometimes my brain seems to stall and that word remains just beyond the tip of my tongue. Those are times I want to fling the keyboard across the room.
Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
Absolutely. The telling of the story, creating different worlds, being the master of the universe for my characters - I love all of these things and they are the reason I write.
Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
Both. I believe the natural gift is in the storytelling but crafting it on paper is a skill that can be acquired through training and practice.
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
99 Nubble overlooking the Atlantic ocean. J It's my dream house in York, Maine and I would love to create office space overlooking the bluff in the back of the house.
Where do you actually write?
I write in a chair in the family room. You can see pictures on my website on my About Me page. Not exactly your quiet recluse. I can write with all sorts of chaos surrounding me.
What are you writing now?
I'm working on edits to my YA crossover Dome Warriors and on my next Steve Williams novel – Hunting Season.
Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
I available in several places – my website: www.jetaylor75.com has details of all my books, my calendar of events and my books and blog. I'd love for folks to drop by and sign my guestbook!
I also have a blog at http://jetaylor75.blogspot.com – where I interview authors and people can follow my Jenny Craig weight loss journey.
Tell us about Vengeance in a few sentences.
After an undercover bust goes to hell, Special Agent Steve Williams becomes the target of an assassin and his wife's visions escalate, forecasting a brutal assault on their family. Escaping from the city and armed with scant details from Jennifer's dreams, Steve trudges through a litany of past connections, searching for the key to stop the course of fate. A brother with a grudge, a serial killer and a mafia assassin are all on his trail and the hunt begins . . .
Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?
Vengeance takes place in modern times and the first half takes place in New York City and the second half takes place in Brooksfield, New Hampshire with a quick cameo in Italy. I happen to love New York City and what better place to be as a backdrop for my FBI agent to go undercover in a drug ring.
How can people buy your books?
Both my e-books and paperbacks can be found on Amazon and the quickest way to find them all is through my Amazon page here: Amazon.com: J. E. Taylor: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle.
I also have a slew of short stories on Smashwords ranging from middle grade all the way to erotic romance. You can also obtain a copy of my full length novels here in e-book format: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JETaylor75
Another avenue for purchase is through my publishers websites: www.eXcessica.com and www.fidopublishing.com
What qualities make a successful writer?
Beyond raw talent, I believe a writer has to have patience to wait until they are sure the story is the cleanest it possibly can be before sending it on the agent query-go-rounds, tenacity and thick skin to get through the hard times, the rejections and the less than glowing reviews. They need to be open to critique partner feedback and editors rewrite suggestions but they also need to have enough of a backbone to stand up for a passage they believe in – as long as it moves the story forward. If a passage doesn't move the story forward, they can't be so in love with their words that they refuse to cut these extraneous babies out.
So in a nutshell: Talent, patience, tenacity, thick skin, open to different ideas and flexibility.
Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful?
Querying before they are ready. This can kill any chance the writer has of getting their dream agent. Get yourself in a writing group or a good critique group – one that will be honest about where you need to focus your efforts but won't cut you a new one just for the hell of it and then submit your query. All the critiques you receive will give you a clue as to what is wrong (or right) with your query and will lead you into areas you need clarification. In diverse groups, you will get different and often conflicting critiques, but try to look at the underlying problem – not necessarily what the person is pointing you toward. (i.e. it isn't compelling enough, it's too Hollywood – things like that.)
To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?
Huge – at least from an editorial standpoint. It is very frustrating to review a piece where spelling errors are rampant or grammatical errors leave you scratching your head as to the meaning of the sentence.
I will reject work if it isn't clean. That's not to say a mistake here and there, I'm talking repeat errors – things easily caught by spell check or by reading the story aloud. It irks me so yes - I think it's very important.
How do you know where to begin any given story?
Me personally? Well, I just start it where it begins in my head. Then I test out the beginning to see if it makes sense and if it really matters to the story. If it doesn't, then I cut it or move the timeline back to a point where it does make sense.
I think that's the key. I've seen situations - and experienced some of my own early on - where I've looked at the submission and thought it was laden with back-story. Those are the situations where it's wrong. The writer shouldn't stack the beginning like that – it slows down the momentum and that's a dream killer.
Start with the action – the hook – the mystery that will make the reader turn the page and pepper back-story throughout the first hundred pages instead of using an info dump.
Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?
Yes, yes and yes. I found the best writing group on the planet. Backspace (www.bksp.org) and through that venue have found the most shrewd and supportive writers in all walks of publication, from award winning New York Times selling authors to the newbies on the block along with agents and editors and public relation folks that give their time to regularly answer questions.
My family has also been the supreme definition of supportive – especially since I also have a day job and my writing actually eats into significant "family" time. But my kids see me reaching for my dreams and they are inspired.
If there's a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?
I get especially frustrated when a word escapes me. I know in my head what I'm trying to say, but sometimes my brain seems to stall and that word remains just beyond the tip of my tongue. Those are times I want to fling the keyboard across the room.
Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy?
Absolutely. The telling of the story, creating different worlds, being the master of the universe for my characters - I love all of these things and they are the reason I write.
Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?
Both. I believe the natural gift is in the storytelling but crafting it on paper is a skill that can be acquired through training and practice.
Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?
99 Nubble overlooking the Atlantic ocean. J It's my dream house in York, Maine and I would love to create office space overlooking the bluff in the back of the house.
Where do you actually write?
I write in a chair in the family room. You can see pictures on my website on my About Me page. Not exactly your quiet recluse. I can write with all sorts of chaos surrounding me.
What are you writing now?
I'm working on edits to my YA crossover Dome Warriors and on my next Steve Williams novel – Hunting Season.
Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?
I available in several places – my website: www.jetaylor75.com has details of all my books, my calendar of events and my books and blog. I'd love for folks to drop by and sign my guestbook!
I also have a blog at http://jetaylor75.blogspot.com – where I interview authors and people can follow my Jenny Craig weight loss journey.
