R.B. Wood's Blog, page 17
February 29, 2016
The Word Count Podcast Episode 55 – OPEN for SUBMISSIONS!
With 54 episodes in the can and Spring nearly here, the itch to create is already awakening from its winter slumber.
What does that mean? I have no idea--so lets move along...
The #wordcountpodcast provides YOU the listener with free original stories by brilliant authors--the 'peeps' I euphemistically call the Word Count Irregulars.
Over 300 stories, over 80 authors. And we are still going! Now it's time to open up episode 55 for submissions!
A new three-word prompt is on tap for this show:
DOG, WHEELCHAIR, ADDICTION
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 to point folks at the show.
To start listening go to either my Libsyn Page or to iTunes:
There are Fifty Four shows available right now!
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 55 – “Dog, wheelchair, addiction.”
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY as they have recently CHANGED)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 11 March 2016 by MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original story based on the three words: "Dog, wheelchair, addiction.“
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 11 March 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
February 21, 2016
Chocolate, Thorns and Lust – The Word Count Podcast episode 54
Welcome to Episode 54 of The Word Count Podcast!
We return to our “three word prompt” format, a little late for Valentine’s Day, with four stories based on:
Chocolate, thorns and lust.
Should have just said “write about RB’s favorite things.” Would have been quicker.
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:
Eden Baylee
“The Letter”
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!
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 @edenbaylee | facebook
C.
Thomas Smith
”Take Me”
It has been brought to my attention that my bios are not “good”, that they are in fact, “silly” and I should do as the professionals do and extol my values and my work. Ok. Here goes:
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.
Wasn’t that a hoot. Of course the point of a bio is to tell someone who you are and what you are offering. I’m a highly strung neurotic scribbler who likes to write “silly” things in the hope that they make you smile, or laugh or shake your head in confusion. Or at the very least take a moment out of an otherwise challenging day to enjoy a little bit of the ridiculous for no other reason than it's on offer from someone who wants to thank you for giving up some of your time. I’m not a professional, though I am working to change that. I’m someone who knows that the words don’t always work, but that once in a while when they do, they’re golden. I thank you for your time, I thank you for hearing and reading my words and I promise to always try and creep you out or make you laugh. Because that is who I am and that is what I offer.
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = www.infinity-forge.com
Bill Kirton
“Genesis”
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 “The Unicorn”
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
February 4, 2016
The Word Count Podcast Episode 54 – Open for Submissions!
I'm so amazingly excited.
The last few episodes of the #wordcountpodcast have been downloaded more than all the previous episodes...53 shows and well over 100,00 downloads at this point.
Free original stories by brilliant authors--seems to be taking hold. I'd love the show to go viral! And your help in promoting the show via social media has been a huge help.
But we'd be nothing without our authors--the 'peeps' I euphemistically call the Word Count Irregulars.
Over 300 stories, over 80 authors. And we are still going! And it's time to open up episode 54 for submissions!
So I think for this next show. we'll return to out three word prompt:
CHOCOLATE, THORNS, LUST
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 to point folks at the show.
To start listening go to either my Libsyn Page or to iTunes:
There are Fifty Three shows available right now!
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 54 – “Chocolate, thorns, lust,”
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY as they have recently CHANGED)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 19 February 2016 by MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original story based on the three words: "Chocolate, thorns, lust “
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 19 February 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
January 31, 2016
The Word Count Podcast Episode 53 – Celebrity Death
Welcome to Episode 53 of “The Word Count” podcast!
With all the celebrity deaths of late--some of which have impacted me in ways I never imagined, I switched up from the normal three-word theme to a simple one:
Celebrity Death, a Fan’s Perspective.
This time around we have three stories for your listening pleasure.
Before we introduce our cadre of writers and their most excellent tales of wonder, 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:
Cameron Garriepy “
Serious Moonlight
”
Cameron D. Garriepy is the author of Damselfly Inn (the first of
the Thornton Vermont Trilogy) and a champion of emerging writers and independent authors everywhere. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Bannerwing Books, a small
independent press and publishing services company, and was previously a Managing Editor at Write on Edge, where she curated Precipice: The Literary Anthology of Write on Edge as an annual spotlight for short fiction and memoir writers. Cameron also writes for her own eponymous blog, fondly recalls writing
her first romance novel in middle school on an antique typewriter, and shares her life with a patient husband, a goofy second grader, and a poorly behaved pug.
Twitter: @camerongarriepy
Web:
http://facebook.com/camerondgarriepy
http://amazon.com/author/camerondgarriepy
C. Thomas Smith
”To Kadath and Back”
Things and stuff. You know? Like, what? Maybe. Grrraaaaarghhh.
And now for the weather.
Freezing temperatures, frigid eerie conditions and off peak howling gales. But enough about my home life. Perhaps I did over step the mark. Maybe sometimes I go too far, I dangle my good nature over the precipice of good taste and good god but it's a long way down. So I try to reel myself in, honest I do. But sanity isn’t my forte. Neither is reason for that matter.
Oh, you don’t want to hear what I did. You don’t need to hear my horrific sob story. Why would you want to hear me repeat the damnable thing I said?
Who can it help now? And it was wrong, by gods it was filthy. I’m
shuddering even now. But that might be because I’m sitting outside my front door in a pair of heavily worn socks and Sponge Bob Speedos as ice rains down from Valhalla. And the language. Wow, that’s all I’ll say. How does one even fit ‘crevice’ and ‘turgid proboscis’ into a sentence of only six words without expecting repercussions? It's madness. And that was but the start. A simple heart-warming joke about—never mind. I shall say no more and bother you no further. Adieu dear reader, adieu. And should you find
these words, digitised in some form and locked within the alien mind of this far fangled electronic lap suitable finger tap operated device. And said device is protruding from my anus. Know this. For what I said god’s love and hold me- I deserve better. Because I am better than you people.
Most of you people, like 90% at least. Unless Neil deGrasse Tyson pops his clogs before I do. Then it's more like 98% better. Build a statue to my name. Carve my face into some poor unsuspecting mountain and gaze lovingly on it. For I am your better and you should never be allowed to forget that.
But seriously, the joke was hideous so I probably did deserve it. Wow. I am a bad person. Anyhoo, cheerie pip and all that.
(HOST'S NOTE: I have requested that an ankle monitor--two, in fact, for redundancy-- be surgically attached to CTS so that we may know where he is at all times)
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = krstvr.com
Eden Baylee "I Just Want to be Your Everything"
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!
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 @edenbaylee | facebook
January 16, 2016
The Word Count Podcast Episode 53 – OPEN for SUBMISSIONS!
Wow.
2016 has started on a very sour note! From the deaths of Natalie Cole and Motörhead front man Lemmy Kilmister to David Bowie and Alan Rickman’s passing.
So I thought I’d ask for a story based on a different sort of theme for the next show
Celebrity Death, a Fan’s Perspective
I want stories from a fan’s perspective—dealing with the death of a favorite celebrity. Could be a musician or an actor. Perhaps a famous author. It can take place in present day or in the past.
A unique challenge for those I lovingly call “The Word Count Irregulars.”
In the meantime, 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 to point folks at the show.
To start listening go to either my Libsyn Page or to iTunes:
There are Fifty Two shows available right now!
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 53 – “Celebrity Death, a Fan’s Perspective”
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY as they have recently CHANGED)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 29 January 2016 by MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original story based on a theme of “Celebrity Death, a Fan’s Perspective.”
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 29 January 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
January 14, 2016
On Death and Celebrity
You, ma'am, need a "Time Out."We are just barely at the halfway mark of the first month in the New Year and we have already lost so many iconic performers. Death, that fickle bitch, needs to take a time out, in my very humble opinion.
Over on social media, David Bowie posts, memes, and notes of remembrance, are already being over taken by “always,” and many other Alan Rickman-isms. I get it—I really do. It’s not so much their celebrity, it’s more about how these people helped us discover who we are.
To paraphrase Moriarity (from the Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman most brilliant Sherlock series) People die. That’s what they do.
Celebrate life. Celebrate the good things you’ve enjoyed and the people that mean something to you. Laugh. Be different. Be something special.
I know we are sad for these most recent losses because these performers (actors, musicians, what have you) touched our own lives in different ways. Cancer took both Bowie and Rickman-- both at the too-young age of 69. But look what they accomplished in those 69 years.
So I say reflect. Watch a copy of Galaxy Quest or Labyrinth. Listen to one of David Bowie’s 25 albums or enjoy an Indie film of Alan Rickman’s.
Then stop mourning and start living. That’s my plan for today, anyway.
January 10, 2016
The Word Count Podcast Episode 52 – Second Chances
Welcome to Episode 52 of “The Word Count” podcast!
Second Chances.
This phrase will forever have new meaning to me. See…I should have died in November. If you are interested in THAT story, read my post on it here.
But we are celebrating six different stories today. All about Second Chances.
Before we introduce our cadre of writers and their most excellent tales of wonder, 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
”Fledglings”
Yup. Oh, I’m going to write a book. I was just wandering if I could get your opinion. You see, there are two clear choices and I can't choose between them.
The first ones called, “Pictures of Cats in Hats”, there are no pictures though. Actually there are no cats either. It's really about Hedge pigs you see. I just love their demented little grins.
The second book is called, “Fun with Gnomes” and it can go one of two ways. Either it's a seriously dark erotic crime thriller were the main protagonist is an albino gnome called Sven chasing after the elusive *I*nternational *K*nights of the *E*litist *A*lliance or, it's a joke book for kids where the punchline for every joke is essentially the same. For example, why did the kitten cross the road? Doesn’t matter now its heads been knocked clean off its body. Its neck hole is spurting blood for fuck sake. Or, why did Jeremy Fish cross the road? Who cares dumbass, its ass blew out and its gills followed after that bus squished the shit out of it. There’s also jokes about grannies too, same answers though. I’m aiming for pre-schoolers I think.
Anyway, just let Richard know your thoughts and remember, HOSTS NOTE: No. Don't let me know your thoughts. Honestly, I stay awake at night rocking myself slowly, wondering what demented Bio CTS will devise next....
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = krstvr.com
M. J. King “Full Deck”
M. J. King lives in the woods of coastal Maine with her husband. Her short stories have appeared in the fantasy anthologies Fight Like a Girl and What Follows, and she is the Monday contributor to the Anxiety Ink group blog.
Between writing, travel, and the dreaded day job, she can generally be found reciting lines on a stage.
Websites:
Twitter: @mjkingwrites
Tristan Stone
“How to Get a Promotion in Time Travel”
Born the elder of non-identical twins, Tristan Stone trained as a classical pianist and violinist at the Royal College of Music, where he was a Junior Exhibitioner for seven years. He then read Theology and Religious Studies at Cambridge University, where he begun to develop an idea of Imaginal Theology –that in order to speak meaningfully of what is otherwise beyond our epistemology, we must use our imaginal faculty. This will be the focus of his forthcoming doctoral research on philosophical/theological method.
Upon graduation, Tristan trained as a Secondary School teacher, teaching English, Music and RS in schools and colleges around Kent. He is delighted to be currently teaching Philosophy, Theology and Ethics at Harris Westminster Sixth Form, London (which opened in September 2014).Over the past decade, Tristan has written and produced several plays and published Study Guides for topics in Philosophy of Religion.
When he is not writing, teaching or working on independent films, Tristan occasionally sleeps, and enjoys living in Surrey with his wife, Laura, and their imaginary pets.
This short story is a tie-in to the Time’s Fickle Glass series, the first book of which, “The Lesser Evil” is available from Amazon or on kindle.
Website: http://www.tristanjohns.co.uk
Cameron Garriepy “
Uncertain Chapters
”
An Aries, a self-described shenaniganist, and an unabashed romantic, Cameron writes romantic fiction and genre-crossing short stories from the metro-Boston area, where she lives with her husband, son, and a poorly behaved pug.
In the eighth grade, she wrote her first romance novel on an antique typewriter, using a stack of pink paper. Detours between that draft and publishing her first novel included a BA in Music from Middlebury College, a professional culinary education, and twelve years in the child-wrangling industry.
Cameron's adventures (in flash fiction and real life) can be found on her blog.
Formerly, she was an editor at Write on Edge, and she is the founder of and senior editor at Bannerwing Books.
Twitter: @camerongarriepy
Web:
http://facebook.com/camerondgarriepy
http://amazon.com/author/camerondgarriepy
Matthew Munson
“Stitch in Time”
Matthew is a writer, a geek and ... nope, that's about it. He's written two contemporary fantasy novels published through Inspired Quill, is currently finishing off a serial crime novella for an online audience, is writing the first in a series of non-fiction books on disabilities, and has been appointed to the diversity panel of a new UK-based publisher.
Life is good, although there could be more chocolate.
Twitter: @mnwjm1981
Websites: www.matthewmunson.co.uk or www.facebook.com/matthewmunsonauthor
Bill Kirton
“Second Time Around”
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
January 2, 2016
2016 Reading Challenge-I Need your Help!
Well the holidays are over and here in Boston winter has fully shown it's ice-encrusted face. The submissions are due soon for the next Word Count podcast and I'm slowly getting back into writing.
With so many things going on, the one thing I have been slacking at is actually READING. So I'm going to be setting a goal of 150 books read in 2016.
But WHAT to read, dear sinners...this is where you come in. In the comments (under the heading above there is an icon to add a comment) I'd love to hear your suggestions for what to read this year. I love Dark fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction and Science Fact. A good Mystery story never goes a miss, nor would a rip-roaring Action/Adventure tale. Haven't read a lot of Romance (except for Jennifer Gracen and the Erotica of Eden Baylee among a select few others).
I am currently reading two books--Neal Stephenson's Sevenevesns and C. T. Phipps' Games of Supervillainy.
So what else to read this year? I'm waiting to hear from YOU!
Peace
December 29, 2015
Pre-Birthday Post
Tomorrow I’ll be 51 years old. By all rights I should’ve not made it this far. And while I continue to recover from my strokes and other ailments, I thought I’d take today to reflect on a few things and some decisions I need to make for 2016.
To be honest, I haven’t just sat back and “reflected” on my life for a long while now. I’m a little rusty, so bare with me.
I realize that I’ve been holding a lot of anger in check for a couple of years. When people lie to you that tends to happen. But (upon reflection) what I realize is this. Anger, is incredibly unhealthy. I know—shocking. People will make choices in their life. I cannot make choices for them. If they choose to behave poorly, that’s THEIR choice. Life is too short to continually play the victim for something I have no control over.
But what I CAN do is forgive and move on. That’s my choice. The anger was beginning to spiral out of control and taking me toward a very dark place.
I CHOOSE to not be angry. I CHOOSE to forgive.
So the first of four key attitude shifts for 2016 is Forgiveness.
The second word for 2016 is perhaps the hardest for me. That’s Patience. I’m a product of the “me” generation—instant gratification. Whether it’s a new gadget I just MUST have, or being stuck in traffic, leaning on the horn and yelling at no one in particular, I must learn to be patient. Stopping to smell the roses occasionally is not a bad thing. Neither is taking an afternoon walk to stroll along a beach or to watch a child’s swim meet. Or to help an elderly person with their groceries (instead of getting annoyed because they move too slow).
Number two is Patience.
The third word for 2016 is Kindness. I used to be kind…well, a lot kinder then I am today. It’s time to reverse that trend. Oh, don’t worry. I’m not about to lose my sarcastic streak or my cynicism. But kindness is a way of life and I need to embrace that more than I have as of late. A lot of things have happened to make me bitter and resentful over the past few years. I just need to get over myself and rejoin to world at large. I’m not talking about moving to Africa to help build schools there. That would be impractical at best. But I need to pay more attention to my surroundings—help where it’s needed. It’s amazing what a kind word or two will do.
Now to the fourth and last of my words for 2016. Appreciate. To often I’m “too busy” to really appreciate the people (family, friends, co-workers etc.) around me. I need to be more vocal about that. Appreciation and encouragement—be the person I always meant to be.
So let me start this one right now.
For all of you who took the time to write to me when I was ill, for all the flowers candies and cards that arrived. For the phone calls and the hospital visits. And most of all to my wife who stood watch over me during the darkest (and nearly last) hours of my life—
Thank you. You have no idea how you all helped me to get back on my feet again. I’m truly blessed by having you in my life.
And I appreciate all that you have done for me.
In 2016, I’ll prove that.
Yes, I almost died. Almost. Tomorrow, I celebrate 51 years of life. It’s time to start living again.
Happy New Year.
Peace.
December 24, 2015
My Childhood Awakens
This will be a spoiler-free review, specifically because my son hasn’t seen the latest Star Wars picture yet. I will also be reminiscing a bit because…well, because I can.
Approximately 30 years after the destruction of the second Death Star, Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi, has disappeared. The First Order has risen from the remains of the fallen Galactic Empire and seeks to eliminate Luke and the Republic. The Resistance, backed by the Republic and led by Luke's sister, Leia Organa, opposes them while searching for Luke to enlist his aid.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was the first Star Wars Film I did not see on opening day. I was only twelve when Star Wars (now rechristened “A New Hope”) hit the theaters. I saw the original three times that day.
To say that I am a geek or a nerd or a “Star Wars” freak would be accurate. My wife isn’t—but she loves me. So when she offered to take me to see the latest Star Wars movie…it was out of love.
She ended up liking it very much…and I’d like to start my review there.
JJ Abrams made a Star Wars movie—trust me I’ve been waiting 32 years for another good one—but he also wove a tale that a non-Star Wars Fanatic (I’m the fanatic, by the way) could enjoy.
Is it Shawshank Redemption great? No. But it’s fun, exciting and will have you cheering from your seat just like the Star Wars films of old.
The “new comers,” (Daisy Ridley , John Boyega, Adam Driver) are brilliant and a welcome addition to the universe originally created by George Lucas. Original cast members Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are amazing—Harrison especially brings his “A” game to The Force Awakens. I cannot speak about Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker without some spoilers (but it’s why he’s not on the poster nor in any of the trailers).
The script by Lawrence Kasdan, JJ Abrams and Michael Arndt is spot on and is a balance between “epic fantasy” and the pure fun that is Star Wars (“Oh, YOU’RE cold…”).
The bottom line is this. It’s a brilliant Star Wars picture. It’s not perfect, but none of them were. I’d put it up there with The Empire Strikes Back.
Peace. Or should I say "May the Force be with you..."
