Russ Colchamiro's Blog, page 13
December 20, 2011
Russ' Newsletter: Vol. 5, Issue 11 – Happy New Year!
Hi Gang- 2011 has been a heck of a ride on numerous fronts, so I thought this would be a good time to recap the year, offer many thanks and give some insight into what lays ahead for 2012. So as my hero Jackie Gleason used to say … and awaaaaaay we go: * More [...]
In the Writer's Chair: Cut ... Or Else!
In the Writer's Chair - If You Can't Cut 10 Percent Then You're Not Really Trying
Writers write. Sure. We've all heard that one.
But the problem is that as writers, we often write too much. Given enough time and space, we have a tendency to ramble.
I've tried writing short stories, but I just feel too confined. The short form doesn't work for me. I need to room to explore, to let characters and plot and setting go where they go.
And yet ... no matter what I end up with, I ultimately have more than I need.
Example: my first draft of Finders Keepers was 127,000+ words.
Way. Too. Long.
Ultimately, I cut it down to about 97,000 words. That's more like it. But the discipline I needed was, der ... to write less. To cut.
So I did.
The conversation with myself went something like this:
Editor Russ: Cut ten percent.
Writer Russ: Bite me.
ER: Cut ten percent. Your book is too freakin long.
WR: I know, but that's 12,700 words. How am I suppose do that?
ER: Not my problem. Get to it.
WR: But--
ER: Do it!
WR: But--
ER: Do it!!
WR: ... sigh ... fine.
And so I did.
Phase II left me with a manuscript of about 110,000 words. Better, but still too long. And my two selves went at it again.
ER: Cut ten percent. Your book is still too freakin long.
WR: I know, but that's ANOTHER 11,000 words.
ER: Aaaand ...?
WR: ... You're going to yell me again aren't you?
ER: Do I really need to answer that?
WR: ... sigh ... you suck. But okay.
And ultimately I got down to 97,000 words.
The directive to myself had nothing to do with content or style. It was simply forcing myself to be economical.
My second novel, Crossline is in the hands of my editor right now. I handed in a manuscript that came in at about 95,000 words. I may ultimately prune a bit, but I won't need to cut 25,000 words.
As writers, we write. But the more you can discipline yourself to write -- or at least, keep -- only what you need, you'll find that cutting isn't nearly as tough as it might first appear.
And if you wind up arguing with yourself about it, think of it this way: If you don't force yourself to cut what you don't need, somebody else will. And however rough you think your inner voice might be, it's often a lot friendlier than if you hear it from someone else.
Writers write. Sure. We've all heard that one.
But the problem is that as writers, we often write too much. Given enough time and space, we have a tendency to ramble.
I've tried writing short stories, but I just feel too confined. The short form doesn't work for me. I need to room to explore, to let characters and plot and setting go where they go.
And yet ... no matter what I end up with, I ultimately have more than I need.
Example: my first draft of Finders Keepers was 127,000+ words.
Way. Too. Long.
Ultimately, I cut it down to about 97,000 words. That's more like it. But the discipline I needed was, der ... to write less. To cut.
So I did.
The conversation with myself went something like this:
Editor Russ: Cut ten percent.
Writer Russ: Bite me.
ER: Cut ten percent. Your book is too freakin long.
WR: I know, but that's 12,700 words. How am I suppose do that?
ER: Not my problem. Get to it.
WR: But--
ER: Do it!
WR: But--
ER: Do it!!
WR: ... sigh ... fine.
And so I did.
Phase II left me with a manuscript of about 110,000 words. Better, but still too long. And my two selves went at it again.
ER: Cut ten percent. Your book is still too freakin long.
WR: I know, but that's ANOTHER 11,000 words.
ER: Aaaand ...?
WR: ... You're going to yell me again aren't you?
ER: Do I really need to answer that?
WR: ... sigh ... you suck. But okay.
And ultimately I got down to 97,000 words.
The directive to myself had nothing to do with content or style. It was simply forcing myself to be economical.
My second novel, Crossline is in the hands of my editor right now. I handed in a manuscript that came in at about 95,000 words. I may ultimately prune a bit, but I won't need to cut 25,000 words.
As writers, we write. But the more you can discipline yourself to write -- or at least, keep -- only what you need, you'll find that cutting isn't nearly as tough as it might first appear.
And if you wind up arguing with yourself about it, think of it this way: If you don't force yourself to cut what you don't need, somebody else will. And however rough you think your inner voice might be, it's often a lot friendlier than if you hear it from someone else.
Russ' Newsletter: Vol. 5, Issue 11 - Happy New Year!
Hi Gang-
2011 has been a heck of a ride on numerous fronts, so I thought this would be a good time to recap the year, offer many thanks and give some insight into what lays ahead for 2012.
So as my hero Jackie Gleason used to say ... and awaaaaaay we go:
* More than anything else, 2011 has been absolutely incredible watching Abby and Nate come alive. Abby will one day rule all of Metropolis, if not the Galaxy (and be a wonderful, wide-eyed leader at that), while Nate seems destined for the comedy circuit along the lines of John Belushi and Bill Murray, without, of course, all the personal drama.
Until then, they are as fast as ninjas and twice and smart, keeping Liz and I on our toes at every turn.
With a soft launch at the end of 2010, Finders Keepers made its way into the world in a big way in 2011. Among the highlights:
* Endorsement from Publishers Weekly
* National distribution contract
* Picked up by Barnes & Noble
And while the great reviews keep piling up, here's my absolute favorite:
Ruled By Books reviewer Jaime Chambers said the following about me:
"Comedy writing in any form is hard to do well. The intangible stuff that makes people laugh can be hard to grasp and even harder to deliver. There are only a handful of comedic authors that I enjoy, tops among them being [best-selling authors] Douglas Adams and Christopher Moore. After reading Finders Keepers, I was happy to add Russ Colchamiro to that list."
Here's a link to the full interview:
http://www.ruledbybooks.com/author-in...
To be considered among the greatest comedic authors ... ever? Wow. I'll take it!
* With Finders Keepers in full groove, I'm now putting the finishing touches on my next book, Crossline. A stand-alone space adventure, Crossline is in the Buck Rogers/Flash Gordon style of space opera, with my usual time-bending philosophical ruminations that really give the adventure some extra layers of zing.
Good buddy and fellow writer James Chambers -- who at one point collaborated with Spock himself, Leonard Nemoy, on some comic book projects -- is editing Crossline, so I'm feeling pretty darn good about the process. Jim will be handing over pages to me any day now, and then I'll spend the next few months staying warm, putting the final touches on what will be a rollicking adventure.
* So what's in store for 2012? Oooh ... so glad you asked! As noted, first order of business is wrapping up Crossline and then lining up a publication deal.
Then ... I'll be doing some conventions in the spring, where I'll be signing copies of Finders Keepers.
And as I continue to promote Finders Keepers and line up that Crossline deal ... I'll start work on book No. 3 ... the first Finders Keepers sequel!
In between, I'll be out there on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads, trying to squeeze in a few blogs here and there, and chatting up my fellow creators along the way.
Somewhere in there I'll also find time to you know ... go to work every day, buy a house! Ahh! ... and spend as much as time as possible with the family, which is my source of strength and inspiration.
Which leads me to ...
* For this issue's shout-out it's a two-fer!
First, let me thank everyone who has and continues to support me. As I'm sure you know, this publishing gig ain'teasy, and there are days when I just ain't in the mood. But your unwavering support and enthusiasm is nothing short of phenomenal, so to all who are behind me, my deepest thanks and gratitude. You rock!
Of course, Nate and Abby are an endless source of love and joy. My life has changed forever in the most remarkable way, and watching my children grow is simply spectacular.
And finally, to my wife Liz ... who stands behind through it all, with my endless piles of paper and notes clutter here, there and everywhere. Since even before we met, she has always been the one. And while she may be my wife, she will always be my girl.
Okay. That's all she wrote for this ... year! I'll be back in January with more updates, so until then ... be festive, be safe ... and Happy Holidays.
All the Best!
Russ
www.russcolchamiro.com
@FindKeepNovel
Follow me on Facebook and Goodreads
2011 has been a heck of a ride on numerous fronts, so I thought this would be a good time to recap the year, offer many thanks and give some insight into what lays ahead for 2012.
So as my hero Jackie Gleason used to say ... and awaaaaaay we go:
* More than anything else, 2011 has been absolutely incredible watching Abby and Nate come alive. Abby will one day rule all of Metropolis, if not the Galaxy (and be a wonderful, wide-eyed leader at that), while Nate seems destined for the comedy circuit along the lines of John Belushi and Bill Murray, without, of course, all the personal drama.
Until then, they are as fast as ninjas and twice and smart, keeping Liz and I on our toes at every turn.
With a soft launch at the end of 2010, Finders Keepers made its way into the world in a big way in 2011. Among the highlights:
* Endorsement from Publishers Weekly
* National distribution contract
* Picked up by Barnes & Noble
And while the great reviews keep piling up, here's my absolute favorite:
Ruled By Books reviewer Jaime Chambers said the following about me:
"Comedy writing in any form is hard to do well. The intangible stuff that makes people laugh can be hard to grasp and even harder to deliver. There are only a handful of comedic authors that I enjoy, tops among them being [best-selling authors] Douglas Adams and Christopher Moore. After reading Finders Keepers, I was happy to add Russ Colchamiro to that list."
Here's a link to the full interview:
http://www.ruledbybooks.com/author-in...
To be considered among the greatest comedic authors ... ever? Wow. I'll take it!
* With Finders Keepers in full groove, I'm now putting the finishing touches on my next book, Crossline. A stand-alone space adventure, Crossline is in the Buck Rogers/Flash Gordon style of space opera, with my usual time-bending philosophical ruminations that really give the adventure some extra layers of zing.
Good buddy and fellow writer James Chambers -- who at one point collaborated with Spock himself, Leonard Nemoy, on some comic book projects -- is editing Crossline, so I'm feeling pretty darn good about the process. Jim will be handing over pages to me any day now, and then I'll spend the next few months staying warm, putting the final touches on what will be a rollicking adventure.
* So what's in store for 2012? Oooh ... so glad you asked! As noted, first order of business is wrapping up Crossline and then lining up a publication deal.
Then ... I'll be doing some conventions in the spring, where I'll be signing copies of Finders Keepers.
And as I continue to promote Finders Keepers and line up that Crossline deal ... I'll start work on book No. 3 ... the first Finders Keepers sequel!
In between, I'll be out there on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads, trying to squeeze in a few blogs here and there, and chatting up my fellow creators along the way.
Somewhere in there I'll also find time to you know ... go to work every day, buy a house! Ahh! ... and spend as much as time as possible with the family, which is my source of strength and inspiration.
Which leads me to ...
* For this issue's shout-out it's a two-fer!
First, let me thank everyone who has and continues to support me. As I'm sure you know, this publishing gig ain'teasy, and there are days when I just ain't in the mood. But your unwavering support and enthusiasm is nothing short of phenomenal, so to all who are behind me, my deepest thanks and gratitude. You rock!
Of course, Nate and Abby are an endless source of love and joy. My life has changed forever in the most remarkable way, and watching my children grow is simply spectacular.
And finally, to my wife Liz ... who stands behind through it all, with my endless piles of paper and notes clutter here, there and everywhere. Since even before we met, she has always been the one. And while she may be my wife, she will always be my girl.
Okay. That's all she wrote for this ... year! I'll be back in January with more updates, so until then ... be festive, be safe ... and Happy Holidays.
All the Best!
Russ
www.russcolchamiro.com
@FindKeepNovel
Follow me on Facebook and Goodreads
December 19, 2011
Backpacking Comedy Holiday Giveaway!
Hi Gang-
Just a friendly -- and festive! -- reminder about the FINDERS KEEPERS holiday giveaway.
Last chance in 2011 for a FREE, SIGNED copy of my hilarious sci-fi backpacking novel that's getting rave reviews from this planet ... and the next!
All the Best,
Russ
http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Just a friendly -- and festive! -- reminder about the FINDERS KEEPERS holiday giveaway.
Last chance in 2011 for a FREE, SIGNED copy of my hilarious sci-fi backpacking novel that's getting rave reviews from this planet ... and the next!
All the Best,
Russ
http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
November 30, 2011
Russ’ Top 10 Rock n’ Roll Voices of All Time
I’ve been on a huge music kick lately, so in that spirit below is my list of the top 10 rock n’ roll voices of all time. Now, to clarify … this list is strictly narrowed to Rock n’ Roll, so there are no pop, soul or R&B singers here. Granted, there are some cross-over [...]
Russ' Top 10 Rock n' Roll Voices of All Time
I've been on a huge music kick lately, so in that spirit below is my list of the top 10 rock n' roll voices of all time. Now, to clarify … this list is strictly narrowed to Rock n' Roll, so there are no pop, soul or R&B singers here. Granted, there are some cross-over [...]
November 28, 2011
Finders Keepers Turkey Day Giveaway!
Hey Gang-
Just a quick reminder about the Thanksgiving FINDERS KEEPERS giveaway here on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
All the Best,
Russ
Just a quick reminder about the Thanksgiving FINDERS KEEPERS giveaway here on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
All the Best,
Russ
November 23, 2011
Russ’ Newsletter: Vol. 5, No. 10 – Top 3 Comedy Authors – Douglas Adams, Christopher Moore and … Russ Colchamiro?
Hey Gang- Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so with the leaves changing and some gobble gobble in the air, here’s the latest tasty meal I’ve got to report about my adventures in publishing: * About a month ago I went through a three-day span that had me super high, super low and then pretty [...]
Russ' Newsletter: Vol. 5, No. 10 – Top 3 Comedy Authors – Douglas Adams, Christopher Moore and … Russ Colchamiro?
Hey Gang- Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so with the leaves changing and some gobble gobble in the air, here's the latest tasty meal I've got to report about my adventures in publishing: * About a month ago I went through a three-day span that had me super high, super low and then pretty [...]
November 21, 2011
PhilCon 2012 – Fans, Authors and the Bupkis Effect
PhilCon was a bit of a mixed bag this year. For an annual sci-fi convention celebrating its 75th anniversary, there wasn't so much as a banner to mark the event, and more than one author — including myself — was more than slightly annoyed at not having been invited to speak on panels, which is [...]
