Rebecca Besser's Blog, page 66
June 20, 2013
Sealed In - Sean T. Page - Reposted
The post, reposted:
Sean T. Page is a horror writer. He writes zombie and other fiction to entertain and enlighten the masses of what events could transpire should the world fall apart. He doesn’t stop there…NO! He’s going to seal himself into a Cold War bunker for five days, and that’s what we’re going to talk about today. I have questions about it all, and I’m sure you do too! If I don’t cover them in this interview, feel free to post comments and ask Sean a few things yourself.
Bec: I’ll start with the obvious question: Why?
Sean: It was one of those things I’ve always thought about, something you day-dream about when writing the kind of survival fiction I do. Then I found the bunker and got to know the owner. I ran the idea past him and suddenly the chance was there. I knew if I didn’t grab it now I wouldn’t be able to do it. So, it’s really the lonely survival experience for me.
Bec: What does your wife think about this? What are her concerns? Does she
support you in this endeavor?
Sean: She’s been very supportive. She’s used to my strange adventures now. I think as long as I stick to the week and don’t come out a mental wreck she’ll be happy with it.
Bec: How does one go about finding a bunker to hide out in?
Sean: That’s not easy. I just got lucky with this one. We have a lot of Cold War bunkers here in the UK so there are plenty about, some are open, some not. I just got to know the owner through an event and it went from there.
Bec: What safety precautions have been taken? What would you do if you had an emergency?
Sean: I can get out if I need to and there is an emergency phone line at ground level – I hope.
Bec: You said you’ll be doing a Blog once a day… Do you have electricity, or will you be using a generator? What kind of internet connection will you have to post these daily updates?
Sean: Ironically, the place is packed with computer hardware and telex printers. There are screens everywhere. However, they are all 1980s classics and leftovers from the Cold War. There is electricity and that ‘bunker hum’ of the lights. On the ground level they have one internet point so I’ll go up and upload my blog once a day. Don’t forget, this is a big place – over 3 floors of concrete and made for up to 400 people.
Bec: What kind of food are you taking down with you? Is there a favorite snack you decided you couldn’t live without?
Sean: Good point. I’m taking rations, nothing fancy. There is a fridge so I’ll be OK for milk but I’m not taking much meat – mostly dried stuff. Treat will be Bounty chocolate bars.
Bec: What insights do you hope to glean from this experience? How will you use that information?
Sean: That’s a tough one. I’m really not sure. All I know is that I’ve read so many accounts in zombie and survival horror of folks surviving in isolation – authors describing how people feel etc. I suppose I just wanted to get just a small insight into it. I’m really going to try and get myself in the spirit. For example, every night, I’m going to barricade myself into one room as per I am Legend to help build up that tension.
Bec: If all goes well, will you do it again for a longer period of time? (We talked about the five days on Facebook. I don’t think that would be as hard as say, thirty.)
Sean: Well I’ll see. I really wanna see how I get on. I originally planned to do it the Sinai desert but with everything going on just couldn’t organize it. I think 5-6 days will be a challenge – 30 days I think would be life-changing…
Bec: Do you think it will be harder going this alone? Or would it be more difficult to have others with you (you know, whining and complaining)?
Sean: Harder alone for sure. It’s a big bunker. If there were two of you, you could easily split for the day then meet up later – it’s that big. I think having at least some company would make it much easier. Also, the other person can help keep your imagination in check!
Bec: What do you plan to do while you’re sequestered from the world?
Sean: I have a full routine of security sweeps, perimeter checks, workouts and other activities to keep me busy. I tried to model it on I am Legend so I know routine is vital if you
don’t want to slip into lethargy.
Bec: I’m assuming you’ll be taking books to read… What titles (and authors) will be
your buddies in solitude? Why did you select those books?
Sean: I am. To keep myself busy, I’m taking a selection of books and am going to review them whilst I’m in the bunker, making little videos of the reviews. I’ve got a range of stuff – certainly David Moody but also some of my indie writer friends like Eric S Brown – I want
to try and make them a really cool trailer if I can. This is all subject to my limited technical skills.
Bec: What scenario are you trying to (mock) escape with your “sealing in”?
Sean: My brief is that there has been a major viral outbreak in the UK. I managed to seal myself in and must keep the perimeter sealed. Hence, the regular patrols. I don’t know if anyone is left outside and I don’t know how long I need to stay underground. I suppose it’s a kind of I am Legend/28 Days Later vibe.
Bec: What made you choose that scenario?
Sean: I just think it was a simple one that could really explain why I’d be stuck down there. In fact, it is a Cold War bunker and the charts and set up is all designed as a regional control centre to manage the chaos after a nuclear strike on London but I thought that was to grim!
Bec: Do you think something like a five day seal in would make for a great apocalyptic
writer’s retreat? Why or why not?
Sean: I hadn’t thought about that but I suppose it would. It would certainly be a great venue for it. I’ll see when I’m down there and if people are interested, I’m sure we could do it. It certainly has the atmosphere for it.
Bec: If you said yes to the above question, how many writers would you think would be a good idea at one time, and which would you most like to be sealed away with?
Sean: I reckon we could do 5 in a place like that. As I said above, it’s three floors and a large area. People could easily work in isolation from each other and still get that inspiration.
Bec: What type, and how many changes, of clothes are you taking with you?
Sean: I will be trying to stick to ex-military clothing. I think I have enough – limited
amounts!
Bec: What do you plan to use as a toilet? How are you going to keep the place from stinking?
Sean: There is plumbing down there so the toilet is fine.
Bec: How do you plan to take a bath?
Sean: OK – this one I’m not as sure. I have a sink for strip washes. There may be a shower down there but I haven’t found it yet. Would you take a shower in an abandoned bunker alone? I gotta see if I just don’t prefer staying dirty.
Bec: What do you think will be the hardest thing for you to handle during those
five days?
Sean: The long hours of not talking. We are just not used to it these days and I don’t think I’ve ever shut up for this period of time.
Bec: Is there anything you would like to share that I haven’t asked you about?
Sean: I suppose the only thing would be to mention that as it’s got closer, I’ve grown less gung-ho about the whole thing. At first, I thought it would be an easy PR stunt. Now, I realize it’s much tougher and will be a real test of character for me.
Bec: Good luck with your “seal in” vacation. I wish you all the best, and I hope you’ll stop by for another interview once you’re out in the world with us again! Thanks for stopping by!
Sean: Cheers all and wish me luck.
If there’s a question you’d like to ask Sean, please post it as a comment. Don’t wait too long, because in just days he’ll be all alone in a Cold War bunker, not talking to anyone!
If you’d like to follow his blog and learn more about his experience and/or watch the Vlog posts (when they go live), go here:
Search for ‘Ministry of Zombies’ on facebook
or
www.ministryofzombies.com
June 19, 2013
Experience = Knowledge - Return to Civilization
Bec: As some of you may know, Sean T.
Page spent a week in solitude in a World War II bunker equipped for a
nuclear attack. I interviewed him before he went in, now I’m
interviewing him about his experience inside. Here’s the link to his vlog: http://www.ministryofzombies.com/page66.php
Bec: What was your first thought after
the doors were closed behind you?
Sean: I’ll be honest. I
think I underestimated the challenge. We all imagine this situation
but that’s from the safety & perspective of where we are at the
time. In this case, it was real. I was alone in a massive bunker -
sealed in, with strange noises coming from everywhere. It was a
unique experience & your senses go into overload for the first
few hours. Time seems to slow and you have to snap out of it. I
reckon I snapped out of it after about 3 hours & my preparation &
training kicked in but my first thought was ‘this is going to be
one hell of a challenge!’ as I watched the clock slowly
ticking.
Bec: Would you do it again if you could? For a longer
or shorter period of time?
Sean: 5-6 days was enough for this
time. I learned a lot & I think that if someone was going for much
longer they would need to do some serious planning. Having a focus or
a ‘job’ would be central - a task which needs to be completed
every day or regularly. For example, I had a complete schedule of
patrols, door checks etc to keep me occupied. The real killer for me
was the lack of outside light. I could cope with the isolation but
spending every waking hour under the humming electronic lights really
sapped me. Something like a 3-month period would I suspect be a
life-changing event!
Bec: If you did do it again, would you
want to take people with you? How many and who?
Sean: I’m
not sure. I’m currently talking to someone about something similar
but I think we would need to add a twist. I think in a bunker this
size doing it in a team would make it much easier as it’s so large
you could disappear for the day & meet up at the end of the
‘day’! If you did have a group, I think you’d need a military
structure to support it – so allocated tasks & an agreed
schedule – particularly if you were sealed in over a long period of
time. I have thought about leading a workshop of writers down to the
bunker for a shorter time. Can you imagine anything worse? Being
stuck with a bunch of writers!!
Bec: You said in your vlog
that you couldn’t write and had a somewhat hard time reading while
you were down there… Have you been able to write about the
experience since you’ve been out? Does reading apocalyptic fiction
bother you still?
Sean: This was the most interesting
part. When I started, I’d imagine productive hours of writing –
it was the perfect set up. But, once I was down there. The atmosphere
is dreary, oppressive & the post-apoc scenario seems just too
real. I couldn’t really write a word apart from a daily blog. I was
in an environment in which everything pointed to there being a
nuclear war outside. I knew it wasn’t the case but I did a lot to
help create this ‘belief’. Therefore, when I started writing
about it, it felt almost childish creating fiction. For example, all
of the warning posters about burn radius & megaton impact etc
were still up. I just couldn’t escape my surroundings & start
writing stories about such a horrific thing. Same with reading – I
just couldn’t escape into a novel or anything. I think if I was
there longer, I’m sure I would or if there were other people around
to normalize things.
Bec: I loved how you kept your sense of
humor and demonstrated it in your vlog posts. Was that hard for you
to do?
Sean: I think it’s part of who I am. I always like to
look on the brightside. At times, such as in the Infirmary it was
hard but the situation was so strange, there was nothing else I could
do. For example, it was 2 a.m., I was alone in a bunker, surrounded
by a coffins, body bags & cardboard caskets – not to mention a
lot of mannequins – what else was there I could do but insert a
dance routine? I suppose in reality it was my way of coping – the
surroundings are so grey & dull, if you don’t keep a sense of
humour, you could easily slip into depression or at least a
‘depressive’ state of mind.
Bec: Do you miss
Shirley?
Sean: I do. To get into the ‘mindset’ I wanted to
make things as realistic as possible & staying armed seemed a
good way of doing this. It was love at first site with that AK-47. It
became my surrogate companion, my crutch & my prop. It made me
feel safe, less exposed & was heavy enough to make me think about
planning my journeys around the bunker. She was a great assault rifle
;o) Looking back, I realized it also become a focus for my
blogs.
Bec: Do you think the apocalyptic fiction you’ve read
effectively depicts the true feeling of being isolated and alone
during a world tragedy?
Sean: I began to make sense of some
things I’d seen & read. The best example is the bit where he is
playing Bob Marley in the I Am Legend movie – I thought it was just
a Hollywood montage at the time but then I realized when you are
alone – music or any pre-recorded human speech is essential – it
really makes you feel less alone. I know folks are probably thinking
it was only 5 days but it felt like a long week alone & it has
made me read with a different eye.
Bec: Would you suggest that
more authors who write apocalyptic fiction go through such an
experience for learning purposes?
Sean: I’m not sure. I
think maybe different kinds of experiences would be beneficial. I
know my experiment was only ‘play acting’ but at the moment I am
struggling to work through how this will impact on my writing. I
suppose I’m in information & experience overload. I think
better writers might get stacks out of it & come out with the
best scary tale ever. The big thing it did show me is that it’s
easy to write about a post-apoc world when you are comfortable &
cozy in your writing place. I suspect it’s the same for war,
particularly frontline combat, & scenes of extreme violence.
Again, I hope I’m not exaggerating as I know I was only in a bunker
for the week but just that little taste of the end of the world made
me realize that I was writing from a privileged position of comfort.
I don’t know if that makes sense…
Bec: Is there anything I
didn’t ask you about that you would like to share?
Sean: The
whole experience was a great one for me & something I wouldn’t
rush to do again but would not have missed for the world. I’m sure
everyone’s experience would be unique. For me, it taught me about
self-reliance, about not taking some things for granted & I’m
sure it will help me with the writing but it may take a bit of time.
Also, it taught me how to put a dance routine together but you can
judge that one for yourself!
Bec: Thank you for stopping by
and sharing about your experience.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser and Sean T. Page, 2013. All rights reserved.
June 4, 2013
Sensitive Artist? - Get over it!
I know writers are sensitive about rejection and about learning and being pushed out of their comfort zone. I also know that if you never leave your comfort zone, you'll never grow.
Learning = Growing.
After reading the blog post I realized I'm one of the people who wouldn't have walked out of the room. I'm one of the people who would have stayed and took value from the efforts they were putting forth with the "Author Hot Seat" exercise. I want to learn, and I want to grow.
I'm one of those oddball people who will intentionally JUMP out of my comfort zone in an effort to get past what makes me uncomfortable. For example... A few years ago, one of my writing goals was to send out a set number of submissions in one year. (I'm thinking it was 100 or 150.) I submitted around 200 times in that year, smashing my goal. It was also my most published year. It wasn't about writing new pieces, it was about putting myself out there and practicing following guidelines, and MOST OF ALL , it was about taking away the sting of rejection.
I basically beat any negative feelings associated with a rejection out of myself. When I received a rejection, it wasn't about not being published anymore, it was about sending it out again and increasing my submission count. I got to the point where I actually looked forward to rejections so that I could turn around and send the piece out again. (Most were poetry or short stories.)
Don't get me wrong, I was equally excited about acceptances, because that's what I was really after. I just found a way to make rejection work for me.
I beat the sensitive artist bullshit out of my system. There's nothing wrong with being sensitive, mind you, but you need to control it and get over yourself in some areas. It's awesome to be sensitive when you're writing a story, or a song, or giving a character depth, but it has to stay there. Like it or not, writing is a business. You have to treat the sales/publication end of writing as the business that it is! Which means, rejection isn't personal. It is just business! I don't know of any editors who actually like sending rejections. Believe me, they WANT to publish things that are up to par and meet their needs.
Since I've trained myself to not take rejections personally, I've actually had editors who've rejected my work give me compliments on how I've dealt with the rejection. I don't know... Maybe since I've built a name for myself and have been widely published by a variety of small presses in the Indie community, people think I'm going to be a diva. Nope. I have no interest in getting upset. I've been on the editing end and I know the reason some rejections come about (something else that helps me). I know they aren't targeting me or singling me out.
I'm glad that pushing myself out of my comfort zone has helped me grow, and through those comments/compliments from editors I respect, I know I've grown more professional because of my self-inflicted experience.
People like Mark and Ingrid who will spend their time trying to help writers grow should be valued - people only help when they care. They wanted to help those writers, but those writers still had rainbows and kittens in their writer's vision, and they hadn't felt the cold sting of rejection over and over - the polish used to make writers truly shine.
If you're going to be a writer, write. Just don't expect everything to be easy and to stay within your comfort zone. You're going to have to face harsh realities.
Value what those who know more than you try to teach you. Even if it hurts a little.
If you have to, beat the sensitivity out of yourself like I did.Don't be the one to walk out and quit on yourself or those who have faith in you because they aren't stroking your sensitive little ego.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
May 21, 2013
Need a Cover? - Original Art
Basically, we were setting up a master plan for me to connect my writer friends who might need original art book covers and his artist friends who might be able to provide those (with respectable professional fees, etc).
This post is the birth of our brain child! TA-DA! I'm posting all the links to the flickr accounts that were comments to a post he did on Facebook asking if anyone was interested in having their art possibly become a book cover! I hope this helps out someone who is looking for just the right pic to represent their story/ies!
NOTE: Most all of the links have some portraits, I just added "portraits" to those who had a lot of them.
Marley C. Cumbee (my work friend who does photography and some modeling) - there are some dark and some not so dark photos by him: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marleycarlylecumbee/
B.K. Frye - family photos, portraits, nature, and landscapes: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ADD-Photography-A-Different-Dimension-Photography/217335751646211?fref=ts
Rob Woodcox - dark and surreal, some light and landscapes/nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawjrphotography/
Tasha T. Faye - light, nature, and surreal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tasha-faye/
Rachael Putt - dark and surreal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachaelputt/
Sean Mundy - dark and surreal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seanmundy/
Allison Nading - family, surreal, and some dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/look_ma_im_flying_pictures/sets/72157633288546357/
Elizabeth Gadd - surreal, animals, and nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethgadd/
Ethan Coverstone - surreal and dark, and some nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spiderthan/
Lille Allen - nature and surreal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/call_the_sun/
Shelby Robinson - fairytale, surreal, and some nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelby_rae/
Marissa McPeak - nature and some surreal: www.flickr.com/photos/29859769@N03/
Spencer McKinney - surreal, nature, and some dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/semmanuelmck/
Conner Allen - surreal and dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/connerallenphotography/sets/72157631740787427/
Sean Stein - surreal, nature, and some dark: www.flickr.com/photos/65966106@N08/page1/
Bryan Chavez - surreal and some dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanchavezphotography/sets/72157633538352670/
Lauren Wisnewski - surreal (bright colors), nature, and a couple dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurenrw/
Brianne Hardcastle - dark, surreal, and some nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bh12photography/
Emerald Shatto - portraits and some nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/emeraldshatto/
Arimbi Alessandra - surreal: www.flickr.com/photos/77973670@N07/
Steven Sites - surreal, dark, goth, nature, apocalyptic destruction: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steven_sites/
Valerie Kasinski - surreal, nature, and some dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valeriekasinskiphotography/
Gina Vasquez - surreal, nature, and some dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ginaballerina/
Evan Blaise Walsh - surreal, nature, some dark, and portraits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/be_luminescent/page1/
Evan Booth - surreal and nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oh_the_places_youll_go/
Natalie Zigdon - portraits and some nature: www.flickr.com/photos/83696794@N05/page1/
Michael Duschl - dark, surreal, and nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaeladuschl/
Lauren Withrow - portraits, surreal, and a few dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennicole81/
Vera Benschop - surreal, some dark, and nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nevershoutvera/
Rachel Baran - surreal, dark, and nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beee33/
Nicole Matthews - surreal, some dark, and nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolematthewsphotography/page1/
Jake Hegel - surreal and dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jake179/
David Talley - dark and surreal: http://www.davidtalleyphoto.com/fineart
Mary Jo Dennison - nature, portraits, and a few dark: www.flickr.com/photos/65830221@N06/
Shelby Ann Gill - surreal and nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acrosstariddledskies/
David Uzochukwu - surreal and a few dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davideji/
Gabrielle Shamon - surreal, dark, and nature: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielleaphoto/
April Yoder - dark and surreal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bumblebeerider/
Brad Wagner - nature, surreal, and dark: http://bradwagner.4ormat.com/
Katie Lingan - portraits and some surreal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/linganator/
Benjamin Holtrop - surreal, dark, and portraits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjaminyholtrop/page1/
Naomi Seed - nature, portraits, and objects: http://www.flickr.com/photos/-nominomi/
Marcie Dawn Pagliaro - fantasy, surreal, and a few dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/radnezeoz/
Morey Ptolemy - surreal and dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/silentears/
Carolyn Hampton - fantasy, surreal, and a few dark: www.flickr.com/photos/26600310@N03/
Emma Katka - surreal and dark: http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmakatkaphotography/
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser and other artists named, 2013. All rights reserved.
May 10, 2013
Sean Page - Sealed In
Sean T. Page is a horror writer. He
writes zombie and other fiction to entertain and enlighten the masses
of what events could transpire should the world fall apart. He
doesn’t stop there…NO! He’s going to seal himself into a Cold
War bunker for five days, and that’s what we’re going to talk
about today. I have questions about it all, and I’m sure you do
too! If I don’t cover them in this interview, feel free to post
comments and ask Sean a few things yourself.
Bec: I’ll
start with the obvious question: Why?
Sean: It was one of those things I’ve
always thought about, something you day-dream about when writing the
kind of survival fiction I do. Then I found the bunker and got to
know the owner. I ran the idea past him and suddenly the chance was
there. I knew if I didn’t grab it now I wouldn’t be able to do
it. So, it’s really the lonely survival experience for me.
Bec:
What does your wife think about this? What are her concerns? Does she
support you in this endeavor?
Sean: She’s been very supportive.
She’s used to my strange adventures now. I think as long as I stick
to the week and don’t come out a mental wreck she’ll be happy
with it.
Bec: How does one go about finding a
bunker to hide out in?
Sean: That’s not easy. I just got
lucky with this one. We have a lot of Cold War bunkers here in the UK
so there are plenty about, some are open, some not. I just got to
know the owner through an event and it went from there.
Bec:
What safety precautions have been taken? What would you do if you had
an emergency?
Sean: I can get out if I need to and there is an
emergency phone line at ground level – I hope.
Bec: You said
you’ll be doing a Blog once a day… Do you have electricity, or
will you be using a generator? What kind of internet connection will
you have to post these daily updates?
Sean: Ironically, the
place is packed with computer hardware and telex printers. There are
screens everywhere. However, they are all 1980s classics and
leftovers from the Cold War. There is electricity and that ‘bunker
hum’ of the lights. On the ground level they have one internet
point so I’ll go up and upload my blog once a day. Don’t forget,
this is a big place – over 3 floors of concrete and made for up to
400 people.
Bec: What kind of food are you taking down with
you? Is there a favorite snack you decided you couldn’t live
without?
Sean: Good point. I’m taking rations, nothing
fancy. There is a fridge so I’ll be OK for milk but I’m not
taking much meat – mostly dried stuff. Treat will be Bounty
chocolate bars.
Bec: What insights do you hope to glean from
this experience? How will you use that information?
Sean:
That’s a tough one. I’m really not sure. All I know is that I’ve
read so many accounts in zombie and survival horror of folks
surviving in isolation – authors describing how people feel etc. I
suppose I just wanted to get just a small insight into it. I’m
really going to try and get myself in the spirit. For example, every
night, I’m going to barricade myself into one room as per I am
Legend to help build up that tension.
Bec: If all goes
well, will you do it again for a longer period of time? (We talked
about the five days on Facebook. I don’t think that would be as
hard as say, thirty.)
Sean: Well I’ll see. I really wanna
see how I get on. I originally planned to do it the Sinai desert but
with everything going on just couldn’t organize it. I think 5-6
days will be a challenge – 30 days I think would be
life-changing…
Bec: Do you think it will be harder going
this alone? Or would it be more difficult to have others with you
(you know, whining and complaining)?
Sean: Harder alone for
sure. It’s a big bunker. If there were two of you, you could easily
split for the day then meet up later – it’s that big. I think
having at least some company would make it much easier. Also, the
other person can help keep your imagination in check!
Bec:
What do you plan to do while you’re sequestered from the
world?
Sean: I have a full routine of security sweeps,
perimeter checks, workouts and other activities to keep me busy. I
tried to model it on I am Legend so I know routine is vital if you
don’t want to slip into lethargy.
Bec: I’m assuming
you’ll be taking books to read… What titles (and authors) will be
your buddies in solitude? Why did you select those books?
Sean:
I am. To keep myself busy, I’m taking a selection of books and am
going to review them whilst I’m in the bunker, making little videos
of the reviews. I’ve got a range of stuff – certainly David Moody
but also some of my indie writer friends like Eric S Brown – I want
to try and make them a really cool trailer if I can. This is all
subject to my limited technical skills.
Bec: What scenario are
you trying to (mock) escape with your “sealing in”?
Sean:
My brief is that there has been a major viral outbreak in the UK. I
managed to seal myself in and must keep the perimeter sealed. Hence,
the regular patrols. I don’t know if anyone is left outside and I
don’t know how long I need to stay underground. I suppose it’s a
kind of I am Legend/28 Days Later vibe.
Bec: What made you
choose that scenario?
Sean: I just think it was a simple one
that could really explain why I’d be stuck down there. In fact, it
is a Cold War bunker and the charts and set up is all designed as a
regional control centre to manage the chaos after a nuclear strike on
London but I thought that was to grim!
Bec: Do you think
something like a five day seal in would make for a great apocalyptic
writer’s retreat? Why or why not?
Sean: I hadn’t thought about that but
I suppose it would. It would certainly be a great venue for it. I’ll
see when I’m down there and if people are interested, I’m sure we
could do it. It certainly has the atmosphere for it.
Bec: If
you said yes to the above question, how many writers would you think
would be a good idea at one time, and which would you most like to be
sealed away with?
Sean: I reckon we could do 5 in a place like
that. As I said above, it’s three floors and a large area. People
could easily work in isolation from each other and still get that
inspiration.
Bec: What type, and how many changes, of clothes
are you taking with you?
Sean: I will be trying to stick to
ex-military clothing. I think I have enough – limited
amounts!
Bec: What do you plan to use as a toilet? How are you
going to keep the place from stinking?
Sean: There is plumbing
down there so the toilet is fine.
Bec: How do you plan to take
a bath?
Sean: OK – this one I’m not as sure. I have a sink
for strip washes. There may be a shower down there but I haven’t
found it yet. Would you take a shower in an abandoned bunker alone? I
gotta see if I just don’t prefer staying dirty.
Bec: What do
you think will be the hardest thing for you to handle during those
five days?
Sean: The long hours of not talking. We are just
not used to it these days and I don’t think I’ve ever shut up for
this period of time.
Bec: Is there anything you would like to
share that I haven’t asked you about?
Sean: I suppose the
only thing would be to mention that as it’s got closer, I’ve
grown less gung-ho about the whole thing. At first, I thought it
would be an easy PR stunt. Now, I realize it’s much tougher and
will be a real test of character for me.
Bec: Good luck with
your “seal in” vacation. I wish you all the best, and I hope
you’ll stop by for another interview once you’re out in the world
with us again! Thanks for stopping by!
Sean: Cheers all and
wish me luck.
If there’s a question you’d like to ask
Sean, please post it as a comment. Don’t wait too long, because in
just days he’ll be all alone in a Cold War bunker, not talking to
anyone!
If you’d like to follow his blog and learn more
about his experience and/or watch the Vlog posts (when they go live),
go here:
Search for ‘Ministry of Zombies’ on
facebook
or
April 24, 2013
Are You Serious? - Do You Think I Have All Day?
We live in a time where people want to know everything right now, with the least amount of input from them. This is obvious with how popular Twitter and Facebook are. You can go onto either of these media sites and know how life is going from a few sentences in various posts. Short and sweet wins the day in these arenas.
People scratch their heads when they can't capture or keep people's attention. Most times it's because you're long winded. I've stated before on Facebook that if your status update is long, I'll more than likely skip over it without reading it. Why? Various reasons... I could be busy with other things and don't have the time and energy to put into one post when I can read a variety of small ones and connect with more people. I could just not be in the mood to deal with the seriousness that usually leads one to post something of length. Or, I could just not want to because most people take fifty words to say something they could have said with ten. (The exceptions are people I really care about and family. If I'm too busy, I'll go back and check things out when I have time IF I remember.)
A strong ingredient in getting people's attention in any media arena (especially blogs), is to get to the point without wasting fifteen minutes of people's time. Do posts where you can say a lot with a few words. Optimal reading time is AT BEST five minutes (usually less), and that's if you write something REALLY interesting that the reader wants to know about. Otherwise, you need to tell them what you want to share and let them get back to what they were doing.
If need be, write a series of posts (or statuses in social media arenas) that are more "busy people" friendly. You might be interested in what you have to say, but does everyone else want to sit and read what you have to say?
Learn how to grab and hold short attention spans. Make things more to the point, interesting, and/or exciting. Keep people in suspense of what the next post will be about (make them come back for more), and deliver when they do return! These easy steps/tips SHOULD get you more attention and followers online.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
April 23, 2013
It's What I Want - Call Me Crazy!
I want to be successful. I've already achieved a mild level of success on my own, and yes, I'm happy with that. But, I want to see if I can do more and that's why I'm trying to get an agent. Yes, I could self-publish (and I have been experimenting with that lately), but I can try for mass market too. What harm is there in trying? I could score an agent and they could get me a contract with a large publisher. That would be awesome! And, if that doesn't work out, guess what? I still have the option of self-publishing or going with smaller presses. So, I have to ask, what do I have to lose? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING !
I've known about Mark's site for a long time, but wasn't really paying attention because I wasn't ready to start agent shopping. Now I'm ready, so I've spent some time there and got to know Mark - he's a good guy. I'm not pushing this or him just to get him business. I'm trying to share information that I've found useful with you, my fellow writers. I want all your writing dreams to come true. We all work too hard for that not to happen. I hope you don't feel like you aren't good enough for an agent, or feel intimidated by the prospect of mass market deals. You deserve the chance to reach more of the world with your writing. I have faith in you, and I have faith in myself.
So, call me crazy all you want, but I want a chance at more success than I've found so far. I also want that same chance for you. I hope you don't let fear or feeling like you aren't good enough scare you away from something wonderful that could change your life.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
April 19, 2013
How To Sell Your Book - Special Interview w/ Mark Malatesta
When you click on the link above you’ll get instant access to Mark’s:
• Complete article library (tons of great information and it’s often entertaining - he's HILARIOUS!)
• Audio/mp3 library (make sure you listen to his main mp3 about 7 insider secrets)
• Directory of Literary Agents (the best book agent directory anywhere)
• Webpage where you can ask questions about literary agents and publishing
Interview with Former NY Times Bestselling Literary Agent Mark Malatesta
What’s your philosophy on traditional publishing vs. self-publishing?
It’s almost always better to try and get a literary agent first, before self-publishing, so you have a chance of getting a traditional publisher like Random House. Traditional publishing offers more benefits: no financial risk because someone else is paying for the privilege of publishing your book; a higher quality product thanks to professional editors and cover designers; more profit due to better sales, distribution, and publicity; greater subsidiary rights opportunities like merchandising, translations, TV, feature film, etc; increased credibility and more book reviews; and the ability to spend more time writing, promoting, and doing what you love. 99% of authors would be better off trying to get a literary agent and traditional publisher (preferably with the help of a coach/consultant).
How much of an advance should an author expect for their first book?
$0-30,000 is the norm, although there are exceptions. One of my coaching clients just got two offers from two different publishers last week, both bidding against each other and finally settling at $55,000. He’s an unpublished author and it’s his first book. Some publishers pay nothing or just a few hundred dollars, and every genre is different. Major publishers, obviously, have bigger budgets. And some lucky authors get six-figure advances or more. But it’s very rare and almost impossible to get that kind of advance without insider knowledge and/or the support of a coach/consultant.
How many query letters or author submissions did you receive as an agent?
Approximately 1,500 submissions a month.
What makes a query letter stand out for you?
I have a proprietary list of 150 possible “ingredients” that an author can put into his or her query letter. It’s the same list that I used when writing my pitch letters (as an agent) to publishers. Yes, even though a lot of my pitches were made in-person and/or by phone, agent still need to write their own query/cover letters to accompany a manuscript. So I can tell within the first 1-3 sentences if agents are going to continue reading your query and/or request more material. So make sure you put something strong at the beginning of your query. If you have a testimonial from someone famous, say that. If it’s your high-concept hook or premise, say that. Don’t assume that agents are going to read your entire letter. You have to give them a reason to do that, in the first few sentences. Another thing that you should do in your query letter is put your book in context. In other words, explain briefly what your book is like and/or not like (and why). Authors who show they’re knowledgeable about their market are much more likely to be writing books that capitalize on past and current trends… but also bring something fresh and unique to the market.
Can you give an example of something negative or unprofessional that authors repeatedly do?
One of the biggest mistake that authors make is getting lazy, defiant, or in denial when it comes to the query letter writing process. They spend weeks, months, or years pouring all of their passion into their book. Then they drop the ball with their query because they’re not sure what to do or how to do it. In essence, they let one email or piece of paper stand between them and getting a top agent, publisher, and book deal. I know that most writers would prefer to spend all their time writing in the genre or category that they’re most comfortable with. But you have to get educated and comfortable with query letters as well. They are their own art form, with their own separate learning curve. I think of queries as poetry, and they are… in their own way. But, more than anything, query letters are “sales letters.” And most authors don’t know a thing about sales letters (at least not at first).
How can an author tell a good literary agent from a bad one?
If an agent asks for you money up front, or recommends you to anyone that asks you for money, they’re NOT a reputable agent or member of the AAR (Association of Authors’ Representatives). Reputable agents don’t have affiliations or get kickbacks from editing companies or vanity presses or anything else. They simply get paid (15%) of whatever money you make AFTER they sell your book. And, if they charge you for expenses like photocopying and postage, that should come out of monies they made you as well. Reputable agents make money selling books… not by charging you to edit your book proposal or anything else “creative” on the side.
Once a book is accepted for publication, how long does it typically take before it is released for sale?
6-18 months. That’s how long it takes to edit the book, design a cover, write promotional copy for catalogs and websites, and let the sales team start getting orders. If it’s a new publisher, or an established publisher starting a new imprint, everything might go faster. If a publisher has to cancel one of their other titles or something happens in the world to make your topic more timely, your publication date might also get moved forward. On the other hand, if something like 9/11 happens, it could get pushed back.
Can you describe the relationship between an author and their literary agent?
It varies greatly, depending on the personality of the agent and their chemistry with you. Some agents never get on the phone with clients and do everything by email and letters. Amazing, but true. Other agents are happy to meet with you face-to-face once in a while or at least once. The author/agent relationship is, first and foremost, a professional relationship, but some of those relationships develop into friendships. Some agents do a lot of book and/or career development. Most don’t. The only thing an author should really expect is that the agent is qualified to sell their book. Every agent should know which editors/publishers to approach and be good at negotiating deals and contracts.
How do you help authors as a consultant and book marketing coach?
Literary Agent Undercover offers a free weekly newsletter, insider articles, audio and video training (including interviews with top literary agents), an online Directory of Literary Agents, an interactive “Ask a Literary Agent” area on our website, and 1-on-1 consulting. Founded in August 2011, Literary Agent Undercover has already helped dozens of authors (in the United States and abroad) get the attention of literary agents and/or get book deals with major publishing houses.
What types of authors do you help through Literary Agent Undercover?
Literary Agent Undercover is for authors around the world, writing in any genre, that fit into one of the following three categories:
1. Unpublished authors that are just starting to write (or pitch) their book(s).
2. Self-published authors who now want to find a real (traditional) publisher like Random House.
3. Previously published authors who’ve lost their agent and/or publisher and want to find a new one.
Do you still represent authors as a literary agent?
No. The only work that I do with authors now is in a coaching/consulting capacity.
Why did you stop being a literary agent?
The main reason I became a literary agent was to learn how to get my own books published. Since I was a young aspiring author at the time (25 years old), I saw managing (and later owning) a literary agency as the chance of a lifetime – for a while. After a few years, however, I knew everything I needed to know to get my own books published. And I started getting the itch to get my own books out there. I also hated the most important part of my job as a literary agent: constantly staying on top of the wants/needs of every single editor and publishing house. Since I was based in South Florida, and didn’t have thirty years of experience and contacts in the industry, I was the proverbial fish trying to swim upstream. I had to work twice as hard to gain the attention and trust of editors and publishers. Obviously, based on my sales record (above) I was able to do it. But it felt like a grind. The thing that pushed me over the edge though was getting married. At that point I knew that I had to “get serious” about being an agent, long-term, and move to NYC… or close the agency to pursue my own writing and other things I wanted to do. I decided to close the agency, but I didn’t just “drop” my authors. I made personal referrals to other agents that I’d gotten to know so my authors wouldn’t get “orphaned.” I’m still in touch with a lot of them today.
What last bit of advice can you give to authors trying to secure a literary agent?
There are only two reasons talented writers don’t get published. First, they aren’t educated enough about the publishing process. Second, most writers that are educated about the publishing process, aren’t willing to do the work that it takes to get published. Now I know that might sound simple, but it IS simple. Not easy, but simple. That’s the most valuable lesson that I learned (as a writer) going “undercover” as an agent for many years. Getting published isn’t luck, it’s a decision. Visit my website at http://literary-agents.com and sign up for instant access to my article and audio library, as well as my Directory of Literary Agents. You can also post questions on my blog about writing, literary agents, and/or getting published. I respond to every question personally, and, of course, I offer author coaching programs. Click here to learn more: http://literary-agents.com/book-marketing.
Mark's Bio:
MARK MALATESTA is the author who went “undercover” as a literary agent for five years to find out how to get his own books published. During that time, Mark helped many previously unpublished authors launch their writing careers with major publishers like Random House. Mark’s authors have gotten 6-figure advances, been on the NY Times bestseller list, and been picked up for TV, stage, and feature film (with companies like Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks). Now Mark helps authors of all genres get top agents, publishers, and book deals through his new consulting company called Literary Agent Undercover. Get free access to Mark’s articles, audio training, and Directory of Literary Agents at http://Literary-Agents.com.
April 6, 2013
Mark Malatesta - WHO?!
You’re going to love this…
The only reason that Mark became an agent was to learn how to get his own books published. That’s why he calls his author consulting company Literary Agent Undercover. As the former President & Owner of New Brand Agency Group, Mark helped many authors launch their publishing careers, including: thriller author Jim Brown (24/7, Random House), award-winning young adult author Carol Plum-Ucci (The Body of Christopher Creed, Harcourt), nonfiction self-help author Aggie Jordan (The Marriage Plan, Doubleday-Broadway), and best-selling gift book author Harry Harrison (Father to Daughter, Workman).
Other publishers Mark has secured contracts with include Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s, Hyperion, Prentice-Hall, Workman, Andrews-McMeel, Entrepreneur, Barron’s, Amacom, and many more… resulting in millions of books being sold, as well as works being picked up for TV, stage, and feature film (with companies like Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks). Authors that Mark Malatesta has worked with have gotten 6-figure advances, been on the NY Times bestseller list, been licensed in more than 30 countries, and won countless national and international awards and honors.
Mark is also a former member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR). Less than one third of all active publishing agents are members, because you have to qualify to apply. Mark also spent several years as Marketing & Licensing Manager of Blue Mountain Arts (the book and gift publisher that invented e-greetings, and then sold their e-card division for close to $1 billion at the height of the dot com bubble). Mark has been invited to write feature articles for publications like The Guide to Literary Agents, a column for WritersDigest.com, and he’s delivered keynote addresses and seminars at some of the most prominent writers’ conferences in the United States and abroad.
If you haven’t already done so, check out this special page on this website that he just posted for my friends and followers: http://literary-agents.com/becca
When you click on the link above you’ll get instant access to Mark’s:
• Complete article library (tons of great information and it’s often entertaining)
• Audio/mp3 library (make sure you listen to his main mp3 about 7 insider secrets)
• Directory of Literary Agents (the best book agent directory anywhere)
• Webpage where you can ask questions about literary agents and publishing (make sure you post questions because Mark will be answering some of them right here on my blog – I’ll be asking Mark some questions as well).
Here’s the link one more time: http://literary-agents.com/becca
April 5, 2013
Got A Book? - Want An Agent?
If you have a book - or book idea - that you’d like to see published by a traditional publisher (like Random House or Simon & Schuster), I have something special for you. I've talked to a former NY Times bestselling literary agent recently and he has a great website that you need to check out. His name is Mark Malatesta and he’s now an author consultant/book marketing coach.
It’s been nice chatting with Mark, getting to know him while gleaning from his insights (he has a lot of them). He’s a truly genuine, up front, and honest person and those are the people I adore most in this world. That’s why I’m going to be working with Mark 1-on-1 to pitch one of my books to agents. That’s also why I told Mark that I’d be happy to share his website with you. So he just set up a special webpage on his website for you at http://literary-agents.com/becca
When you click on the link above you’ll get instant access to Mark’s:
• Complete article library (tons of great information and it’s often entertaining - he's HILARIOUS!)
• Audio/mp3 library (make sure you listen to his main mp3 about 7 insider secrets)
• Directory of Literary Agents (the best book agent directory anywhere)
• Webpage where you can ask questions about literary agents and publishing (make sure you post questions because Mark will be answering some of them right here on my blog – I’ll be asking Mark some questions as well).
Here’s the link again: http://literary-agents.com/becca
If you’re an author (or aspiring author) who wants to get a real publisher (they pay you instead of you paying them), make sure you go to Mark’s site. You have nothing to lose and a LOT of information to gain.
