R.B. Wood's Blog, page 16
July 8, 2016
Readercon 27
Note: I tend to separate various entries by timestamps. They are in reverse order, with the latest posting at the top.
Thursday 7 July 11:00 PM
Reading: Livia Llewellyn- Livia read something different then a snippet from her upcoming novel for us. A bit of a story she wrote called "The Acid Test." It will be included in Black Feathers, an anthology by Ellen Datlow due to be released in 2017 by Pegasus Books.
Reading: Scott Edelman- Scott reads a bit of “The Man Without the Blue Balloon and the Woman Who Had Smiles Only for Him.” Since he'd JUST gotten to the reveal when time was up, I told him he needed to read the rest to me before the con was over! Afterwards he and I spent time catching up and he showed me some photos from the Bram Stoke awards in Vegas earlier in the year.
Reading: Jim Kelly-Jim's story that he read for us was picked up earlier in the day for the tenth anniversary issue of Clarkesworld. I wish I'd written the name down, but it was the story told in the first person by a 20 year old woman working in a bakery in a tourist area in the future...
Chatted with folks for a while more then headed up to crash.
Thursday 7 July 7:00 PM
Saw a few people come in--the familiarity of the faces negates any misgivings I had about attending this year. Mike and Anita Allen, Phil Merkel, Walt Williams (and his wife Margo and daughter Hannah), Yves Meynard, Scott Edelman, Liz Hand...so many others. Had dinner and hung out with Glenn Skinner who is usually the first person I seek out at the convention. He and I took a brief look at the program, decided on our evening's events, and parted ways with a promise to catch up later. I choose to hear some readings.
Thursday 7 July 3:40 PM
"The Gathering" continues. Like myself, I bump into a few folks who are getting to know the new digs. Since I've been attending Readercon, it has (up until this year) been held at the Marriott in Burlington, Massachusetts. This year, the Marriott in Quincy is our hosting hotel. I have a room on the 8th floor with a nice, if distant view of the Harbor Islands.
Wednesday 6 July 7:00 PM
There are a few things that make me feel alive, beyond the whole breathing thing I mean.
The touch of my wife. The laughter of my children. A good story. Writing.
Readercon.
I know this is starting off rather dramatic. But I shouldn't be at Readercon this year. See, last November I should have died.
Twice.
The story is long and boring and I've gotten to the point where I can tell it with a few amusing asides and gripping pauses. I even throw in a pirate occasionally just to spice things up a little.
Blackadder as a Pirate. I thought the concept was gold.But the bottom line is this: from hospital bed, through rehab and radiation....I was determined to hit many milestones during my recovery. Attendance at my favorite con is...was...one of those milestones.
Now that I have you all weeping, ready to rent your garments in grief over the bizarre story I never quite told you, it's time to put my big-boy pants on and write about the readings, the panels, and the people that bring me back year after year.
July 6, 2016
Pre-gaming Readercon 27
This will be my seventh Readercon.
All my followers (both of you) will know that last fall I had a series of unfortunate events that continued through the death of my dad in March, my cancer diagnosis, and subsequent radiation treatment (NO gorram superpower, by the way. What a gyp!).
Oh. Never mind."What does this have to do with Readercon Pre-gaming?" the two of you may be asking yourselves. To which I would reply "How did you two get out of the locked basement?"
Or, to provide a less disturbing answer: "Everything."
See, I wasn't going to go to Readercon this year. Yes, I adore the conference (if you need proof, see here. And here. Aaaaand here, here, and finally, here) and this year it's even closer to my house than ever,
Yes. I've kept the badges. Don't judge.Part of the cognitive damage that occurred last fail was caused by a cluster of strokes. Physically there has been only a slight impact. But there have been some subtle personality changes, not the least of which has to do with a dislike of crowds. And guess what a 'Con consists of?
My Neurologist and other medical type professionals have encouraged me to go. My wife is encouraging me to go. They all said it would be good for me.
So. I'm going. I am excited to see friends. I'm interested in a lot of the panels they have in store for us. I'm going to get a lot of writing done. I'll do my semi-streaming blog, as usual. So I'll need to pack the Mac and the iPad.
Perhaps I should go get a new hat, too. See y'all in Quincy.
July 4, 2016
The #WordCountPodcast episode 58 OPEN for SUBMISSIONS!
Ah, the hazy, lazy days of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere!
On this, the American Independence Day (or "Amexit" as I'm now calling it), I thought we would do something a bit different for the show this time around.
Foregoing our normal "Three Word" theme format, I thought I'd provide the first sentence of your story to be completed by your fine selves:
"I was enjoying the summer holiday when..."
Oooooh! What happens next! That, dear sinners, is up to you!
The submission guidelines are below, but first--and for those unfamiliar with the show…
The Word Count Podcast is truly one of my joys. I direct, produce, write and host the show—and also come up with the various themes our writers—The “Word Count Irregulars”—use to create unique and brilliant stories.
All for the listener and lovers of great storytelling.
There are no endorsements…no paid stories. It’s all done for the love of the written word. And downloads are always free. Always.
The only thing I ask is a little help via social media (use the hashtag #wordcountpodcast) to point folks at the show.
To start listening go to either my Libsyn Page or to iTunes:
There are Fifty Seven shows available right now!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 58 – "I was enjoying the summer holiday when..."
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY as they have recently CHANGED)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by Friday 15 July 2016 by MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original story based on the opening line "I was enjoying the summer holiday when..."
Do NOT exceed SEVEN minutes.
As this is a podcast, I need to receive a file of YOU, a friend or multiple friends reading (singing or otherwise performing) your work. MP3 FORMAT ONLY, and please attach your MP3 file to an e-mail or contact me for a Dropbox link.
Your submission MUST also contain the following:
Your pen name
Your latest bio (DO NOT ASSUME I HAVE YOUR LATEST)
Links to your website(s) – Include your personal site, Facebook Fanpage etc.
Your Twitter handle (if you have one)
A photo of you I can use for the show notes
At the end of your recording, please add “This is author of and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
Permission to use your recording in the podcast.
PLEASE Make sure you have included ALL ARTIFACTS I have asked for. Do not assume I can “Get your picture from the internet” or can “Pull your bio from your web page.”
Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 15 July 2016. You can also e-mail me with questions beforehand. I do reserve the right NOT to post your submission, but will communicate that to you should it be the case. I add the ‘Explicit’ tag to the ‘cast, so if your story uses adult themes or language that’s ok—but it should be necessary for the story.
Peace
June 27, 2016
Deliciously Dark–My review of Gutted: Beautiful Horror Stories
Gutted: Beautiful Horror Stories
Publisher: Crystal Lake Publishing
Anthology Edited by:
Doug Murano and D. Alexander Ward
Forward by:
Richard Chizmar
Rating: 5 out of 5 Skulls
I keep reading that "the Horror genre is dead." Obvious pun aside, Gutted:Beautiful Horror Stories deliciously drives a stake in that theory. One of the best anthologies I've read in a while. I would be remiss if I didn't first give credit to editors Doug Murano and D. Alexander Ward for another superbly crafted collection of stories (as an aside, check out Shadows Over Main Street, their Lovecraftian anthology).
The stories within do exactly what true horror should--tear at the soul. From Stephanie M. Wytovich's opening poem that sets the tone for the entire work, to Brian Kirk's tale of abduction and parental love; through Mercedes M. Yardley's extreme love story and Richard Thomas' "Repent..."
Look. It's simple. Every story in this anthology is horrifyingly gorgeous. Other reviews break down a story by story commentary, check those out if that's what you need. For me, Gutted was a few hours of reading enjoyment followed by days of emotion, reflection and a dark desire to read more of the same. I picked up the paperback version because Caitlin Hackett's cover and Luke Spooner's interior art are a stunning compliment to the works within.
If you like dark, then pick up a copy. But be warned...these stories will haunt your dreams well after the reading is done. And that's just as Horror should be.
Check it out on Amazon.
May 29, 2016
The Word Count Podcast episode 57 – Pirate, Island, Rat
Finally!
Between radiation treatment and misbehaving software, it's taken me nearly a week to get the show done! But it's well worth the wait as we have four amazing tales of high-seas hijinks and mayhem for your listening pleasure. The theme this go-around was Pirate, Island and Rat.
Anyway, before we introduce our cadre of writers and their most excellent stories, a bit about the show:
What is The Word Count Podcast?
It is a free broadcast by writers for writers. Simply put, a theme for each show is announced via this site, Twitter and Facebook and writers are given a week or two to write AND RECORD their stories based on said theme.
Why?
Why not, says I. It’s a great way to practice writing and public speaking. It’s another way for writers to get their work “out there.” And I love to meet fellow authors and have a blast putting the show together. It’s just that simple.
Okay. Where can I find it?
You can listen to the latest podcast below, subscribe via iTunes or listen at the show’s site.
Direct: http://thewordcount.libsyn.com/webpage
iTunes (and remember, iTunes takes their sweet time in posting. If you don't see it yet, keep trying!):
http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-word-count/id392550989
Our guests this week:
Bill Kirton
“A Happy Ending”
Before taking early retirement to become a full-time writer, Bill Kirton was a lecturer in French at the University of Aberdeen. He’s written stage and radio plays, short stories, novels, skits and songs for revues, and five non-fiction books aimed at helping students with their writing and study skills. His five modern crime novels, Material Evidence, Rough Justice, The Darkness, Shadow Selves and Unsafe Acts are set in north east Scotland and his historical crime/romance novel, The Figurehead, is set in Aberdeen in 1840. The Darkness won the silver award in the mystery category of the 2011 Forward National Literature Awards and his spoof mystery, The Sparrow Conundrum, was the winner in the humor category.
He’s published a novel for children called The Loch Ewe Mystery, and his latest publication is a satirical novella about online gaming and the real and virtual worlds.
He’s had radio plays broadcast by the BBC and the Australian BC. His short stories have appeared in many anthologies, including three of the CWA’s annual collections, and one was chosen by Maxim Jakubowski for his 2010 anthology of Best British Crime Stories. It’s also been optioned by a film company in Los Angeles.
He’s been a Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow at universities in Aberdeen, Dundee and St Andrews.
Twitter: @carver22
Website & Blog: www.bill-kirton.co.uk
Rob Edwards "Legend of Redhook's Gold"
Rob Edwards is a British born writer and podcaster, currently living in Finland. His podcast, StorycastRob, features readings from his short stories and excerpts from longer work. His work can also be found in the anthologies *Tales from the Universe* and the forthcoming *Tales from Alternate Earths*, published in Kindle format by Inklings Press.
His greatest geek pride is his entry on wookieepedia, the a result of
writing several Star Wars RPG scenarios back in the day.
Rob is currently working on a YA novel featuring superheroes in space.
Twitter: @storycastrob
Websites:
PODCAST: www.storycastrob.co.uk
BLOG: www.storycastrob.co.uk/wp
C. Thomas Smith "The Bear's Fate"
C. Thomas Smith is the author of hundreds of short stories (99% have never left his hard drive) and half a dozen unpublished novels (50% cowardice / 50% self-doubt). He is a fan of common sense, free speech, noticing the truth in the absurd and caffeine. He sort of likes cats. He lives in Ireland with his partner, two children, a mortgage and a cat he doesn’t trust.
At present, Chris is writing a series of novels (adult dark comedy set in medieval Ireland that may include a token Leprechaun) and editing a second series (Dark Fantasy). Along the way he hopes not to starve to death or be mauled in his sleep by a shifty eyed cat. He and his two besties still work at ManDay but it's a tough slog and only Odin knows where it will all end.
I still love you Bear.
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = www.infinity-forge.com
Maria Haskins "Treasure Island"
Maria Haskins is a Swedish-Canadian writer and translator with a passion for science fiction and fantasy. She was born and grew up in Sweden, but moved to Canada in the early 1990s and now lives just outside Vancouver with a husband, two kids, and a large black dog. Maria debuted as a writer in Sweden, and has had several books published there. Her English language debut Odin's Eye - a collection of science fiction short-stories - was published in March, 2015. Cuts & Collected Poems 1989 - 2015 - a collection of poetry - was released in November, 2015.
Website: https://mariahaskins.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahaskinswriter/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13459869.Maria_Haskins
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00UICDA2K
Smashbooks: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mariahaskins
Twitter: @mariahaskins
May 9, 2016
The #WordCountPodcast episode 57 OPEN for SUBMISSIONS!
What's this strange itching sensation?
No, it's not some sort of new medical malady nor is it the result of an illicit bit of naughtiness.
It's the itch to kick off another Word Count Podcast!
Let's get straight to the three word theme,then. Contain your excitement!
The 3-word theme:
Pirate, Island, Rat
You must construct a story using all three words. Anyone can write, read and record a submission! Not that anyone EVER reads past the theme. I mean, RB always writes the same thing, right? there is never anything past the theme worth reading.
Wibble, Wibble! Queen Elizabeth wears frilly knickers! I am the very image of a modern Major General!
Anyway.
The submission guidelines are below, but first--and for those unfamiliar with the show…
The Word Count Podcast is truly one of my joys. I direct, produce, write and host the show—and also come up with the various themes our writers—The “Word Count Irregulars”—use to create unique and brilliant stories.
All for the listener and lovers of great storytelling.
There are no endorsements…no paid stories. It’s all done for the love of the written word. And downloads are always free. Always.
The only thing I ask is a little help via social media (use the hashtag #wordcountpodcast) to point folks at the show.
To start listening go to either my Libsyn Page or to iTunes:
There are Fifty Six shows available right now!
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 57 – “Pirate, Island, Rat"
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY as they have recently CHANGED)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by SUNDAY 22 May 2016 by MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original story based on the three words: "Pirate, Island, Rat”
Do NOT exceed SEVEN minutes.
As this is a podcast, I need to receive a file of YOU, a friend or multiple friends reading (singing or otherwise performing) your work. MP3 FORMAT ONLY, and please attach your MP3 file to an e-mail or contact me for a Dropbox link.
Your submission MUST also contain the following:
Your pen name
Your latest bio (DO NOT ASSUME I HAVE YOUR LATEST)
Links to your website(s) – Include your personal site, Facebook Fanpage etc.
Your Twitter handle (if you have one)
A photo of you I can use for the show notes
At the end of your recording, please add “This is author of and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
Permission to use your recording in the podcast.
PLEASE Make sure you have included ALL ARTIFACTS I have asked for. Do not assume I can “Get your picture from the internet” or can “Pull your bio from your web page.”
Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 22 May 2016. You can also e-mail me with questions beforehand. I do reserve the right NOT to post your submission, but will communicate that to you should it be the case. I add the ‘Explicit’ tag to the ‘cast, so if your story uses adult themes or language that’s ok—but it should be necessary for the story.
Wibble, wibble.
Peace
April 17, 2016
The Word Count Podcast episode 56 – Dawn, Cat and Flower
Welcome to Episode 56 of “The Word Count” podcast!
Been a continuing health saga as of late. During the rather difficult task of determining why I had a sudden pulmonary embolism along with a few dozen strokes, my Sit-com of a story took a turn when (unrelated to everything else) it was determined I had thyroid cancer requiring a full thyroidectomy.
I’m in week two post surgery and am exhausted, but getting better.
What better way to celebrate a horrendous few months then recording a new show? And how’s THAT for subject avoidance? Five returning Word Count Irregulars (those intrepid writers who participate on the show on an…irregular… basis) have written stories for you, good listener, based on the three-word theme:
Cat, dawn and flower.
Anyway, before we introduce our cadre of writers and their most excellent stories, a bit about the show:
What is The Word Count Podcast?
It is a free broadcast by writers for writers. Simply put, a theme for each show is announced via this site, Twitter and Facebook and writers are given a week or two to write AND RECORD their stories based on said theme.
Why?
Why not, says I. It’s a great way to practice writing and public speaking. It’s another way for writers to get their work “out there.” And I love to meet fellow authors and have a blast putting the show together. It’s just that simple.
Okay. Where can I find it?
You can listen to the latest podcast below, subscribe via iTunes or listen at the show’s site.
Direct: http://thewordcount.libsyn.com/webpage
iTunes (and remember, iTunes takes their sweet time in posting. If you don't see it yet, keep trying!):
http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-word-count/id392550989
Our guests this week:
C. Thomas Smith
”Truly”
C. Thomas Smith is the author of hundreds of short stories (99% have never left his hard drive) and half a dozen unpublished novels (50% cowardice /50% self-doubt). He is a fan of common sense, free speech, noticing the truth in the absurd and caffeine. He sort of likes cats. He lives in Ireland with his partner, two children, a mortgage and a cat he doesn’t trust.
At present, Chris is writing a series of novels (adult dark comedy set in medieval Ireland that may include a token Leprechaun) and editing a second series (Dark Fantasy). Along the way he hopes not to starve to death or be mauled in his sleep by a shifty eyed cat.
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = www.infinity-forge.com
Cameron D. Garriepy “Fresh Scandal”
Cameron D. Garriepy has been writing love stories since she was old enough to get a thrill from reading Sweet Valley High. What does her love story look like today? A house in a Boston suburb, a husband, a second-grader, and a pug named Maurice who barks at the scrolling headlines on the nightly news. It looks like working through dialogue while folding laundry, trying not to plot novels at the office, and scribbling in a Moleskin during swimming lessons. Cameron’s earliest stories were very glamorous — Sweet Valley meets Pine Valley (oh, yes, straight to All My Children). Fame, wealth, drama, exotic locales: your basic teenage nightmare. These days, she finds the beauty in small town love stories. Last April, Cameron released Damselfly Inn, the first full-length novel in her Thornton Vermont series. The sequel, Sweet Pease is coming soon from Bannerwing Books.
Webpages:
http://facebook.com/camerondgarriepy
http://amazon.com/author/camerondgarriepy
Twitter:
@CameronGarriepy
Eden Baylee
“Puppy Love”
Eden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to write and is now a full-time author of multiple genres.
She has written three collections of erotic novellas and flash fiction ~ SPRING INTO SUMMER, FALL INTO WINTER, and HOT FLASH.
In 2014, she launched the first novel of her trilogy with Dr. Kate Hampton--a psychological mystery/suspense called STRANGER AT SUNSET. In addition to working on her next novel, Eden created Lainey Lee for the Lei Crime Series, a feisty divorcée who finds adventure and romance in Hawaii. Her stories--A SNAKE IN PARADISE and SEAL OF A MONK can be found on Kindle Worlds.
To stay apprised of Eden’s book-related news, please add your name to her mailing list.
Connect with her via her website | blog | twitter | facebook | goodreads
Bill Kirton
“Cats”
Before taking early retirement to become a full-time writer, Bill Kirton was a lecturer in French at the University of Aberdeen. He’s written stage and radio plays, short stories, novels, skits and songs for revues, and five non-fiction books aimed at helping students with their writing and study skills. His five modern crime novels, Material Evidence, Rough Justice, The Darkness, Shadow Selves and Unsafe Acts are set in north east Scotland and his historical crime/romance novel, The Figurehead, is set in Aberdeen in 1840. The Darkness won the silver award in the mystery category of the 2011 Forward National Literature Awards and his spoof mystery, The Sparrow Conundrum, was the winner in the humor category.
He’s published a novel for children called The Loch Ewe Mystery, and his latest publication is a satirical novella about online gaming and the real and virtual worlds.
He’s had radio plays broadcast by the BBC and the Australian BC. His short stories have appeared in many anthologies, including three of the CWA’s annual collections, and one was chosen by Maxim Jakubowski for his 2010 anthology of Best British Crime Stories. It’s also been optioned by a film company in Los Angeles.
He’s been a Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow at universities in Aberdeen, Dundee and St Andrews.
Twitter: @carver22
Website & Blog: www.bill-kirton.co.uk
Maria Haskins “Miriam and Cat”
Maria Haskins is a Swedish-Canadian writer and translator with a passion for science fiction and fantasy. She was born and grew up in Sweden, but moved to Canada in the early 1990s and now lives just outside Vancouver with a husband, two kids, and a large black dog.
Maria debuted as a writer in Sweden, and has had several books published there. Her English language debut Odin's Eye - a collection of science fiction short-stories- was published in March, 2015. Cuts & Collected Poems 1989 - 2015 - a collection of poetry - was released in November, 2015.
Website: https://mariahaskins.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahaskinswriter/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13459869.Maria_Haskins
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00UICDA2K
Smashbooks: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mariahaskins
Twitter: @mariahaskins
April 4, 2016
Just for the record, #fuckcancer
Cancer Sucks. Here are two kissing bunnies to make up for it.It’s been an exhausting few months so let me try and bring all you folks up to speed.
After the pulmonary embolism and mini-strokes back in November, I’ve been slowly recovering. The brain is a marvelous tool (go ahead, make the joke) and I have been relearning many things as well as reconnecting neurons damaged by the little brain-bastards.
One of the things that happened during that whole emergency room/ICU scene was I had a PET scan for possible cancer (originally the doctors thought I had a mass in my right lung which they were sure was cancer and were equally sure that’s what had caused all my problems).
They were wrong. The “mass” was just a blood clot that was reabsorbed by the body.
However, my thyroid lit up during the scan.
Since this was the least of my problems at the time, this little factoid was put on the shelf temporarily.
I’d made enough progress to have the anomaly finally looked at—turned out to be a 1.7 cm carcinoma embedded in the thyroid. I spoke to an endocrine expert and a thyroid surgeon and we all agreed that the mass couldn’t just be removed—the entire thyroid should come out to be on the safe side.
This past Friday, I had that done. Too bad I couldn’t collect frequent flyer miles for my hospital stays.
Although I’ll be on a synthetic thyroid hormone the rest of my life, the good news is it looks like they got everything…AND the lymph nodes in the area were clear.
The support I’ve gotten from everyone has been overwhelming. From kind words, notes, and cards from friends and family (not to mention a small GoFundMe campaign that was successful in every way—thank you all again) —to the most amazing care I’ve received by the dozen or so doctors working my case.
So why am I telling you all this? Because, honestly, I feel amazingly blessed. The love of an amazing woman (yes, wife….that’s YOU), the prayers, the notes of support, the comedy. They all added (and continue to add) to my recovery.
I survived. I expect to thrive. After all, it took four separate cancers to take my dad down a few weeks ago and he was nearly 90. I think he would be disappointed if I checked out early.
I’m recovering. I have things to do. Life has complete new meaning for me—probably the meaning it should have had all a long.
Better late than never.
Love to you all,
RB
March 29, 2016
The Word Count Podcast Episode 56 OPEN for SUBMISSIONS!
A little disclaimer before releasing the theme for episode 56 of the Word Count Podcast.
This Friday (April 1st appropriately enough) I will be going into hospital for surgery. Because all the health entertainment of the past six months that I’ve been through obviously didn’t test me enough, I now have to go and get my thyroid ripped out. You know…because cancer.
#fuckcancer, by the way.
So…with additional medical nonsense going on, why am I soliciting stories for the next show?
For two simple reasons.
One, I EXPECT TO SURVIVE this. Period. Anything else will just piss me off. Second, there is a possibility I could lose my vocal chords as a part of this. I’m determined that THAT won’t happen either.
So. Plan for greatness. And the authors who write for the Word Count Podcast epitomize greatness. For me, my own mindset, and the listeners, I therefore declare it time for a new show. And I’ve picked rather positive words for a change.
The 3-word theme:
Cat, Flower and Dawn
You must construct a story using all three words. Anyone can write, read and record a submission! The submission guidelines are below, but first--and for those unfamiliar with the show…
The Word Count Podcast is truly one of my joys. I direct, produce, write and host the show—and also come up with the various themes our writers—The “Word Count Irregulars”—use to create unique and brilliant stories.
All for the listener and lovers of great storytelling.
There are no endorsements…no paid stories. It’s all done for the love of the written word. And downloads are always free. Always.
The only thing I ask is a little help via social media (use the hashtag #wordcountpodcast) to point folks at the show.
To start listening go to either my Libsyn Page or to iTunes:
There are Fifty Five shows available right now!
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 56 – “Cat. Flower. Dawn.”
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY as they have recently CHANGED)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by SATURDAY 16 April 2016 by MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original story based on the three words: " Cat. Flower. Dawn.”
Do NOT exceed SEVEN minutes.
As this is a podcast, I need to receive a file of YOU, a friend or multiple friends reading (singing or otherwise performing) your work. MP3 FORMAT ONLY, and please attach your MP3 file to an e-mail or contact me for a Dropbox link.
Your submission MUST also contain the following:
Your pen name
Your latest bio (DO NOT ASSUME I HAVE YOUR LATEST)
Links to your website(s) – Include your personal site, Facebook Fanpage etc.
Your Twitter handle (if you have one)
A photo of you I can use for the show notes
At the end of your recording, please add “This is author of and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
Permission to use your recording in the podcast.
PLEASE Make sure you have included ALL ARTIFACTS I have asked for. Do not assume I can “Get your picture from the internet” or can “Pull your bio from your web page.”
Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 16 April 2016. You can also e-mail me with questions beforehand. I do reserve the right NOT to post your submission, but will communicate that to you should it be the case. I add the ‘Explicit’ tag to the ‘cast, so if your story uses adult themes or language that’s ok—but it should be necessary for the story.
Peace
March 13, 2016
Dog. Wheelchair. Addiction. The Word Count Podcast Episode 55 is LIVE!
Welcome to Episode 55 of “The Word Count” podcast!
A rather crazy three word prompt this go ‘round…had no idea what to expect. But I was incredibly pleased to receive three wonderful (and slightly mad) diverse tales based on:
Dog, Wheelchair and Addiction.
I need to get a new random word generator.
Anyway, before we introduce our cadre of writers and their most excellent stories, a bit about the show:
What is The Word Count Podcast?
It is a free broadcast by writers for writers. Simply put, a theme for each show is announced via this site, Twitter and Facebook and writers are given a week or two to write AND RECORD their stories based on said theme.
Why?
Why not, says I. It’s a great way to practice writing and public speaking. It’s another way for writers to get their work “out there.” And I love to meet fellow authors and have a blast putting the show together. It’s just that simple.
Okay. Where can I find it?
You can listen to the latest podcast below, subscribe via iTunes or listen at the show’s site.
Direct: http://thewordcount.libsyn.com/webpage
iTunes (and remember, iTunes takes their sweet time in posting. If you don't see it yet, keep trying!):
http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-word-count/id392550989
Our guests this week:
Maria Haskins “Nemesis”
Maria Haskins is a Swedish-Canadian writer and translator with a passion for science fiction and fantasy. She was born and grew up in Sweden, but moved to Canada in the early 1990s and now lives just outside Vancouver with a husband, two kids, and a large black dog.
Maria debuted as a writer in Sweden, and has had several books published there. Her English language debut Odin's Eye - a collection of science fiction short-stories - was published in March, 2015. Cuts & Collected Poems 1989 - 2015 - a collection of poetry - was released in November, 2015.
Website: https://mariahaskins.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahaskinswriter/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13459869.Maria_Haskins
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00UICDA2K
Smashbooks: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mariahaskins
Twitter: @mariahaskins
C. Thomas Smith
”Doug Needs Mary”
C. Thomas Smith is the author of hundreds of short stories (99% have never left his hard drive) and half a dozen unpublished novels (50% cowardice / 50% self-doubt). He is a fan of common sense, free speech, noticing the truth in the absurd and caffeine. He sort of likes cats. He lives in Ireland with his partner, two children, a mortgage and a cat he doesn’t trust.
At present, Chris is writing a series of novels (adult dark comedy set in medieval Ireland that may include a token Leprechaun) and editing a second series (Dark Fantasy). Along the way he hopes not to starve to death or be mauled in his sleep by a shifty eyed cat.
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = www.infinity-forge.com
Eden Baylee
“The Runner”
Eden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to become a full-time writer. She incorporates many of her favorite things into her writing such as: travel; humor; music; poetry; art; and much more.
Stranger at Sunset is her first mystery novel, on the heels of several books of erotic anthologies and short stories. She writes in multiple genres.
An introvert by nature and an extrovert by design, Eden is most comfortable at home with her laptop surrounded by books. She is an online Scrabble junkie and a social media enthusiast, but she really needs to get out more often!
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Connect with her via her website | blog | twitter @edenbaylee | facebook
