R.B. Wood's Blog, page 20
May 23, 2014
The Word Count Episode 41 OPEN for Submissions!
Well, episode 40 was a marvelous success for the Word Count Podcast! We had nine intrepid authors who submitted stories for our “Three Word” prompt. The show lasted 90 minutes and took two days to put together. I’m thinking we are finally at the point where I will need to limit the number of stories I place in the ‘cast. For future reference, I’ll be imposing a new time limit (down to 7 minutes from ten) and will limit the number of stories to SEVEN as well.
After all, I’ve been told seven is a most magical number.
Now, below fine a new set of three words for consideration, creativity and consternation:
“Sign. Compact. Mobile.”
The Word Count is not only open to this contributing crazy-people I call ‘The Irregulars.” It’s open to ANY writer, as long as you follow the guidelines below.
A little about the show:
I put together the podcast to feature writers (new and "old hands," famous and just starting) as a way to get YOUR writing out there. The show is simple: based on a prompt; you create an original short story and then record yourself reading it.
That's it. No ads, no hard sell. Just a podcast with great stories. I rely on the contributing writers and fans to promote the hell out of it and we are over 26,000 downloads at this point.
Why do I do it? It's a hobby. And I've been meeting wonderful authors through the show. It's all about networking and friendships.
Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.
Easy, fun and you'll pick up a few more fans. So...now you'll be needing the guidelines.
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 41
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 6 June 2014 at MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the key words:
“Sign. Compact. Mobile.”
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
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 <state your name> author of <state your work(s)> and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
Permission to use your recording in the podcast.
Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 6 JUNE 2014. 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.
I will be limiting the number of stories to SEVEN per show, the criteria being “first come, first serve” --so get writing and recording!
Peace
May 11, 2014
The Word Count Podcast Episode 40 is LIVE!
Welcome to Episode 40 of “The Word Count” podcast!
NINE, my friends. NINE original stories this week. I guess it’s time to come up with a “do not exceed” threshold for future casts.
But I wanted to include every one of the stories sent in because they are just that good. We tried something a little different this week. I posted three words that our intrepid “Word Count Irregulars” would need to weave into their tales…and they all did a magnificent job.
The three words?
“Glass. Bed. Bow.”
But before we introduce our cadre of writers, 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 Final Countdown”
Eden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to become a full-time writer. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is sensual, sexual, and literary.
Spring into Summer is her second collection of erotic novellas and the companion piece to Fall into Winter. Her latest release is a book of flash fiction and poetry called Hot Flash.
She is changing genres in her next book due 2014—a psychological mystery set in the tropics.
Connect to her via her | website | blog | twitter @edenbaylee | facebook
M. A. Fink “Living in a Bubble”
The author of the ontological mystery novel "The Found Diary of Avery Alexander Myer," M. A. Fink estimates he has read aloud 25,000 pages of text in his lifetime to date, on stage and in more intimate settings. He has also had a number of poems and flash fiction pieces published, including "A Murder," which won first place in the 2013 "Monterey County Weekly's '101-Word Short Story Contest.'"
Website of Tornado Skin Press, the novel's publisher: www.tornadoskin.com
Twitter: @onetarot
Jane Ayers “Finders, Keepers” Read by Lisa Payne
Jane is a writer, tutor, thinker and fundraiser who also enjoys a good rant (and finds plenty to rant about). She had her first pony story published at the age of 14 and has continued to trot out (sorry!) more than 30 pony novels for teenagers, most available from Amazon. She is also naively excited about completing the first year of a part time MSc in Science, Communication and Society (as a rather mature student). Her current project is organising events to fundraise for Pancreatic Cancer UK, in memory of her parents.
Websites: Blog: http://www.janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/ and https://www.justgiving.com/Jane-Seaman1
C. Thomas Smith “El Chupr’aw Who Gives A Shit”
I’m cutting and pasting this bio to make sure I’ve captured it correctly (He’s barking. That’s why I like him):
People often ask me questions that are not so easily answered. Where do you get your ideas from, why is your awesome beard both beautiful & terrifying. Why won’t you let me go, I got you the money. It’s hard as an artistic genius & genius artist to state where the pool of perfection that is my mind dwells exactly, the true source of my power as it were. Is it my life experiences, raised by cats, trained by strangely articulate seals (yes, otters helped), or that time as a baby when my uncle sat on my head. Is it the time I have spent researching the secret lives of gingerbread men, or writing epic non linear poetry about snails in battle. Is it this glue filled hefty bag? Or, as many believe, am I simply a god. The reality is ... yes, to all those things.
C. Thomas Smith is the beloved author of, How to Train your Snail Self Defence. Barking Mad – The true story of one hobo’s urgent need to poop. And the acclaimed Just Give Me Your Money And Stop Asking So Many Fucking Questions series starring the loveable rogue and serial Killer, Terrible the Crooked Face. He will be doing book signings in your closet or under your bed any time now. See you then, chums.
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = krstvr.com
Cameron Garriepy
“Calm as Glass”
Cameron D. Garriepy is the author of Buck’s Landing, the first of the New England Seacoast romance series, and a champion of emerging writers and independent authors everywhere. She is a Managing Editor at Write on Edge, where she created Precipice: The Literary Anthology of Write on Edge as an annual spotlight for short fiction and memoir writers. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Bannerwing Books, a small independent press and publishing services company. 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 her wonderful husband and six-year-old son. Her second full-length novel, Damselfly Inn, will be released in late 2014.
M. M. Tosen “Caprice”
M.M. always had a love of reading and books from a young age. So much so that his mother had to limit how many he could read or he would not get sleep. This developed into writing stories, musings, (attempted) poems, and an affinity for the arts and music in general.
He has always had a passion to write and is steadily being encouraged again by those around him.
M.M. currently lives in the northern part of New York where he works and lives and is fond of the weekends when he can write and binge-watch Netflix movies.
Blog: mmtosen.blogspot.com
Twitter: @MMTosen
Matthew Munson “Glass” Read by Lisa Payne
Matthew is English, a writer, a Grammar Pedant and a writer. Quite possibly in that order.
He's the author of two books, Fall From Grace and Leap of Faith, that are published through Inspired Quill, and an unabashed fantasy geek He loves - absolutely adores - the work of Terry Pratchett, China Mieville, Joe Abercrombie, Neil Gaiman ... etc, etc, etc.
Oh, and he's also one of The Two Dyspraxics. There's another one, obviously, otherwise the title just doesn't make sense.
Lisa Payne is a completely different person, and not just Matthew's alter-ego. It's her dulcet, lovely tones you hear reading Matthew's story.
Lisa is a trained actor based in England, and runs her own Drama Workshop Company, as well as the Perfectly Dreadful Murder Company (a touring theatre company, honest). She's appeared both on stage and screen, and is an experienced director as well as actor.
Oh, and she also loves cake, just as Matthew does, and their friendship relies heavily on this one food type.
Twitter: @mnwjm1981
Websites: www.matthewmunson.co.uk or www.facebook.com/matthewmunsonauthor
Kadin Seton
“The 3rd Division”
Kadin spent over 15 years managing book stores and then another 7 years writing training manuals before finally deciding to branch out into her favorite fiction genre, sci-fi. In 2013 she released her first novel, Eye of the Draco: Darkfall. Kadin now lives in New York State with her husband and two dogs. She is still writing training manuals, but is also hard at work on the next book in the Draco series.
Twitter: @kadinseton
Website: www.Kadinseton.com
Bill Kirton
“Princess”
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: www.bill-kirton.co.uk
Blog: www.Livingwritingandotherstuff.blogspot.com
April 24, 2014
The Word Count Podcast Episode 40 Now Open for Submissions!
Well, I have a new and wonderfully complex job with National Grid as Portfolio Director for all IT projects for the US Operations group. Busy times are ahead, but that does NOT mean slacking on the Word Count Podcast!
Forty, people. We are at 40 episodes—a milestone we’ll celebrate together with a spectacular new theme format!
Word Count Irregular, C. Thomas Smith, started referring to stories on the cast via single descriptive word—much like the Sherlock seasonal episodes are announced. I loved the idea; so immediately stole it from him and have been doing it since.
In honor of Mr. Smith, I give you the THREE words that must be used in your story as key elements:
“Glass. Bed. Bow.”
The Word Count is not only open to this contributing crazy-people I call ‘The Irregulars.” It’s open to ANY writer, as long as you follow the guidelines below.
A little about the show:
I put together the podcast to feature writers (new and "old hands," famous and just starting) as a way to get YOUR writing out there. The show is simple: based on a prompt; you create an original short story and then record yourself reading it.
That's it. No ads, no hard sell. Just a podcast with great stories. I rely on the contributing writers and fans to promote the hell out of it and we are over 26,000 downloads at this point.
Why do I do it? It's a hobby. And I've been meeting wonderful authors through the show. It's all about networking and friendships.
Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.
Easy, fun and you'll pick up a few more fans. So...now you'll be needing the guidelines.
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 40
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 9 MAY 2014 at MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the key words:
“Glass. Bed. Bow.”
Do NOT exceed ten 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
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 <state your name> author of <state your work(s)> and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
Permission to use your recording in the podcast.
Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 9 MAY 2014. 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
April 7, 2014
The Word Count Podcast Episode 39
Welcome to Episode 39 of “The Word Count” podcast!
Grab a little frozen drink with an umbrella, dear sinners, and sit back on your beach chairs—for we have seven tales from the Caribbean for your listening pleasure this month, all based on the theme:
“I was walking on the white sands at Magen’s Bay in St Thomas when…”
But before we introduce our writers, 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 Locket”
Eden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to become a full-time writer. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is sensual, sexual, and literary.
Spring into Summer is her second collection of erotic novellas and the companion piece to Fall into Winter. Her latest release is a book of flash fiction and poetry called Hot Flash.
She is changing genres in her next book due 2014—a psychological mystery set in the tropics.
Connect to her via her | website | blog | twitter @edenbaylee | facebook
C. Thomas Smith “Retirement”
I’m cutting and pasting this bio to make sure I’ve captured it correctly (He’s barking. That’s why I like him):
"HAVE IT YOUR WAY" for all your euthanasia needs. Our free starter pack at just $1.97 includes a sharp rock, scissors, a picture of someone running with scissors while grinning and baggy containing the half decomposed remains of a field mouse that presumably died of rabies (note; the baggy is the one marked "eat me"). If you order today we'll send you a Justin Bieber poster, a copy of Nicholas Cage's 'The Wicker Man' and some popular quotes from some of the world's most insane politicians regarding our future. These include old favourites from idiots such as, Newt Gingrich and the moon, Louie Gohmert and how Obama's trying to rebuild the Ottoman Empire and Michele Bachmann's wise words on how carbon dioxide isn't harmful. In case you have second thoughts, we will include a remastered medley of David Hasselhoff's greatest hits. Still depressed, then call Switzerland today on, 41 61 284 82 55 and ask about the specials.
HAVE IT YOUR WAY, we really aren't that bothered, and you'll not need the money.
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = krstvr.com
M. M. Tosen “Untitled”
M.M. always had a love of reading and books from a young age. So much so that his mother had to limit how many he could read or he would not get sleep. This developed into writing stories, musings, (attempted) poems, and an affinity for the arts and music in general.
He has always had a passion to write and is steadily being encouraged again by those around him.
M.M. currently lives in the northern part of New York where he works and lives and is fond of the weekends when he can write and binge-watch Netflix movies.
Blog: mmtosen.blogspot.com
Twitter: @MMTosen
Cameron Garriepy
“Voluntary Amnesia”
Cameron D. Garriepy is the author of Buck’s Landing, the first of the New England Seacoast romance series, and a champion of emerging writers and independent authors everywhere. She is a Managing Editor at Write on Edge, where she created Precipice: The Literary Anthology of Write on Edge as an annual spotlight for short fiction and memoir writers. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Bannerwing Books, a small independent press and publishing services company. 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 her wonderful husband and six-year-old son. Her second full-length novel, Damselfly Inn, will be released in late 2014.
Twitter: @camerongarriepy
Matthew Munson “Killer”
Matthew is English, a writer, a Grammar Pedant and a writer. Quite possibly in that order.
He's the author of two books, Fall From Grace and Leap of Faith, that are published through Inspired Quill, and an unabashed fantasy geek He loves - absolutely adores - the work of Terry Pratchett, China Mieville, Joe Abercrombie, Neil Gaiman ... etc, etc, etc.
Oh, and he's also one of The Two Dyspraxics. There's another one, obviously, otherwise the title just doesn't make sense.
Lisa Payne is a completely different person, and not just Matthew's alter-ego. It's her dulcet, lovely tones you hear reading Matthew's story.
Lisa is a trained actor based in England, and runs her own Drama Workshop Company, as well as the Perfectly Dreadful Murder Company (a touring theatre company, honest). She's appeared both on stage and screen, and is an experienced director as well as actor.
Oh, and she also loves cake, just as Matthew does, and their friendship relies heavily on this one food type.
Twitter: @mnwjm1981
Websites: www.matthewmunson.co.uk or www.facebook.com/matthewmunsonauthor
Kadin Seton
“Pangea”
Kadin spent over 15 years managing book stores and then another 7 years writing training manuals before finally deciding to branch out into her favorite fiction genre, sci-fi. In 2013 she released her first novel, Eye of the Draco: Darkfall. Kadin now lives in New York State with her husband and two dogs. She is still writing training manuals, but is also hard at work on the next book in the Draco series.
Twitter: @kadinseton
Website: www.Kadinseton.com
Bill Kirton
“A Hole In The Beach”
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: www.bill-kirton.co.uk
March 25, 2014
The Word Count Podcast Episode 39 Now Open for Submissions!
What’s that itch? Is it spring after a very long winter? Some sort of fungus? Bugs?
No! That itch means it’s time for another Word Count Podcast!
The Word Count is not only open to this contributing crazy-people I call ‘The Irregulars.” It’s open to ANY writer, as long as you follow the guidelines below.
But before the guidelines, what shall our theme be?
With a Nor’easter on approach scheduled to bring even more snow to the Boston area, I’m having dreams of sun, surf, beaches and boozy drinks with little umbrellas in them. So let’s go with that:
“I was walking on the white sands at Magen’s Bay in St Thomas when…”
So there it is. Got those creative juices flowing? Have at it then! I think I’ll make myself a Daiquiri and dream of warm waters and all the stories I’ll get for this one…
But first, allow me to provide a little background on the Word Count for those of you not familiar with the podcast.
I put together the podcast to feature writers (new and "old hands," famous and just starting) as a way to get YOUR writing out there. The show is simple: based on a prompt; you create an original short story and then record yourself reading it.
That's it. No ads, no hard sell. Just a podcast with great stories. I rely on the contributing writers and fans to promote the hell out of it and we are over 24,000 downloads at this point.
Why do I do it? It's a hobby. And I've been meeting wonderful authors through the show. It's all about networking and friendships.
Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.
Easy, fun and you'll pick up a few more fans. So...now you'll be needing the guidelines.
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 39
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 4 April 2014 at MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the prompt “I was walking on the white sands at Magen’s Bay in St Thomas when…”).
Do NOT exceed ten 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
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 <state your name> author of <state your work(s)> and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
Permission to use your recording in the podcast.
Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 4 April 2014. 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 17, 2014
The Word Count Podcast Episode 38
Welcome to Episode 38 of “The Word Count” podcast!
Six stories by fan favorites and a newcomer (soon to be a fan favorite) await you for this month’s show. This time our adventure-writers have composed for you a tale based on the written theme:
“It was in the dim light of the fire that I saw…”
But before we introduce our writers, 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
“Love Song”
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: www.bill-kirton.co.uk
Blog: www.Livingwritingandotherstuff.blogspot.com
M. J. King “Ashes”
M. J. King currently lives with her husband on the coast of Maine. Her urban fantasy short story "A Trick of Shadows" can be found in the Kickstarter-funded anthology Fight Like a Girl (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17980397-fight-like-a-girl), and she is one of the three women behind Anxiety Ink (http://anxietyink.com). M. J. can be found at her blog (http://wordpress.com/mjkingwrites) or occasionally on Twitter @mjkingwrites.
Matthew Munson “Sorry”
Matthew is English, a writer, a Grammar Pedant and a writer. Quite possibly in that order.
He's the author of two books, Fall From Grace and Leap of Faith, that are published through Inspired Quill, and an unabashed fantasy geek He loves - absolutely adores - the work of Terry Pratchett, China Mieville, Joe Abercrombie, Neil Gaiman ... etc, etc, etc.
Oh, and he's also one of The Two Dyspraxics. There's another one, obviously, otherwise the title just doesn't make sense.
Twitter: @mnwjm1981
Websites: www.matthewmunson.co.uk or www.facebook.com/matthewmunsonauthor
M. M. Tosen “Change or Die”
M.M. always had a love of reading and books from a young age. So much so that his mother had to limit how many he could read or he would not get sleep. This developed into writing stories, musings, (attempted) poems, and an affinity for the arts and music in general.
He has always had a passion to write, but this is his first attempt at putting out a short story.
Be gentle.
M.M. currently lives in the northern part of New York where he works and lives and is fond of the weekends when he can write and binge-watch Netflix movies.
Blog: mmtosen.blogspot.com
Twitter: @MMTosen
Kadin Seton
“Theoretical Physics”
Kadin spent over 15 years managing book stores and then another 7 years writing training manuals before finally deciding to branch out into her favorite fiction genre, sci-fi. In 2013 she released her first novel, Eye of the Draco: Darkfall. Kadin now lives in New York State with her husband and two dogs. She is still writing training manuals, but is also hard at work on the next book in the Draco series.
Twitter: @kadinseton
Website: www.Kadinseton.com
C. Thomas Smith “Was”
I’m cutting and pasting this bio to make sure I’ve captured it correctly (He’s barking. That’s why I like him):
“I’m a little sociopath, have no doubt. I’m eating squirrel babies in my mouth. Because the drugs don’t work you’ll hear me shout. “Fuck all yall”, drop the mic and I’m out..”
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = krstvr.com
February 28, 2014
Episode 38 of The Word Count open for Submissions!
Oh I think it’s time for another podcast!
The Word Count is not only open to this contributing crazy-people I call ‘The Irregulars.” It’s open to ANY writer, as long as you follow the guidelines below.
But before the guidelines, what shall our theme be?
It’s currently 12 degrees here in Boston (that’s -11 to you Celsius lovers). So to help stay warm, I’ve picked a theme that brings to mind toasty thoughts:
“It was in the dim light of the fire that I saw…”
So there it is. Got those creative juices flowing? Have at it then!
But first, allow me to provide a little background on the Word Count for those of you not familiar with the podcast.
I put together the podcast to feature writers (new and "old hands," famous and just starting) as a way to get YOUR writing out there. The show is simple: based on a prompt; you create an original short story and then record yourself reading it.
That's it. No ads, no hard sell. Just a podcast with great stories. I rely on the contributing writers and fans to promote the hell out of it and we are over 23,000 downloads at this point.
Why do I do it? It's a hobby. And I've been meeting wonderful authors through the show. It's all about networking and friendships.
Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.
Easy, fun and you'll pick up a few more fans. So...now you'll be needing the guidelines.
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 38
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 14 March 2014 at MIDNIGHT Eastern time.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the prompt “It was in the dim light of the fire that I saw…”).
Do NOT exceed ten 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
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 <state your name> author of <state your work(s)> and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
Permission to use your recording in the podcast.
Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 14 March 2014. 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 16, 2014
The Word Count Podcast Episode 37
Welcome to Episode 37 of “The Word Count” podcast!
Six stories, a long lost “Irregular” and a tale by moi all await you for this month’s show. This time our adventure-writers have composed for you a tale based on the picture off to the right and the written theme:
“I was out for an early morning stroll when…”
But before we introduce our writers, 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 “Wild World” (With Thanks to Cat Stevens)
Eden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to become a full-time writer. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is sensual, sexual, and literary.
Spring into Summer is her second collection of erotic novellas and the companion piece to Fall into Winter. Her latest release is a book of flash fiction and poetry called Hot Flash.
She is changing genres in her next book due 2014—a psychological mystery set in the tropics.
Connect to her via her website | twitter @edenbaylee | facebook
Matthew Munson “Invasion” (Read by Lisa Payne)
Matthew is English, a writer, a Grammar Pedant and a writer. Quite possibly in that order.
He's the author of two books, Fall From Grace and Leap of Faith, that are published through Inspired Quill, and an unabashed fantasy geek He loves - absolutely adores - the work of Terry Pratchett, China Mieville, Joe Abercrombie, Neil Gaiman ... etc, etc, etc.
Oh, and he's also one of The Two Dyspraxics. There's another one, obviously, otherwise the title just doesn't make sense.
Lisa Payne is a completely different person, and not just Matthew's alter-ego. It's her dulcet, lovely tones you hear reading Matthew's story.
Lisa is a trained actor based in England, and runs her own Drama Workshop Company, as well as the Perfectly Dreadful Murder Company (a touring theatre company, honest). She's appeared both on stage and screen, and is an experienced director as well as actor.
Oh, and she also loves cake, just as Matthew does, and their friendship relies heavily on this one food type.
Twitter: @mnwjm1981
Websites: www.matthewmunson.co.uk or www.facebook.com/matthewmunsonauthor
Kadin Seton
“Trivial Persuit”
Kadin spent over 15 years managing book stores and then another 7 years writing training manuals before finally deciding to branch out into her favorite fiction genre, sic-fi. In 2013 she released her first novel, Eye of the Draco: Darkfall. Kadin now lives in New York State with her husband and two dogs. She is still writing training manuals, but is also hard at work on the next book in the Draco series.
Twitter: @kadinseton
Website: www.Kadinseton.com
R. B. Wood “The Arch and the Recluse”
Since I’m the host, let's keep it simple. I’m an author, storyteller, and podcaster.
My bio link: About Me
Other links:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | LinkedIn | Podcast
C. Thomas Smith “These Nuts South of the Border”
I’m cutting and pasting this bio to make sure I’ve captured it correctly (He’s barking. That’s why I like him):
“I enjoy eating things, sometimes even with my mouth.”
Twitter = @KRSTVR
Web = krstvr.com
Bill Kirton “The Threshold” (With thank to www.freefx.co.uk)
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: www.bill-kirton.co.uk
January 31, 2014
Let's Have Another Show, Shall We?
I was contemplating prompts for the next Word Count Podcast when Word Count Irregular, Matthew Munson posted a photo from an stroll he took early one morning near his home.
Look at the photo off to your right. Does it not smack of writing possibilities? Where is that strange green light coming from? Whose foot steps do I hear behind me? What has the glowing eyes at the end of the alley?
So, dear sinners…we now have our prompt for episode 37 of the show:
“I was out for an early morning stroll when…”
The Word Count is open to submissions to anyone. And I want to be clear here. I affectionately call those who contribute more than once to the show the “Word Count Irregulars.” Submissions to the show are absolutely open to ALL artists out there. I have had poems, songs and rants submitted that have made it onto the podcast.
My point is this. If you write and want to expand your audience for free, this is a really fun way to do it. Just follow the submission guidelines and get writing!
But first, allow me to provide a little background.
I put together the podcast to feature writers (new and "old hands," famous and just starting) as a way to get YOUR writing out there. The show is simple: based on a prompt; you create an original short story and then record yourself reading it.
That's it. No ads, no hard sell. Just a podcast with great stories. I rely on the contributing writers and fans to promote the hell out of it and we are over 20,000 downloads at this point.
Why do I do it? It's a hobby. And I've been meeting wonderful authors through the show. It's all about networking and friendships.
Listen to past shows for FREE HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes (also free).
Easy, fun and you'll pick up a few more fans. So...now you'll be needing the guidelines.
THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 37
Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
GENRE: Any.
DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 14 February 2014 (Bloody Valentine’s day) at MIDNIGHT.
THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the prompt (“I was out for an early morning stroll when…”).
Do NOT exceed ten 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
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 <state your name> author of <state your work(s)> and you’re listening to The Word Count Podcast”
Permission to use your recording in the podcast.
Send your file to me@rbwood.com (or via the dropbox link I can provide) by 14 February 2014. 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 24, 2014
Thoughts In Between Consulting Gigs
Other than the Word Count shows, there have been very little in the way of blogs lately. I’m sure there’s a bit of procrastination involved in the reason of “why not,” but it’s more than that.
To be honest, until this week, I haven’t done much by way of writing—let alone blogging—and my issue isn’t so much time.
God knows I’ve been extraordinarily busy. The consulting Program Manager life isn’t for the faint of heart—you’re responsible for everything but have the authority to change nothing. Yet you still have to deliver.
I love that challenge, by the way. Don’t let me ever tell you otherwise.
There. I’m doing it again. Procrastinating. And avoiding.
See, I’m struggling a bit and I’m not the type of guy who normally asks for help. One of the reasons I went “indie” is control. I can write and publish what I want. I can pick an editor I love (yes—as an indie you NEED an editor. See the bazillion posts on that particular issue all over the internet. It’s second only to cat videos). I can choose the cover artist I like. I can publish when I want in the format of my choice.
But I hit a problem a couple years ago. A famous author started to bring out books of her own with the same series name as mine. And by “bring out” I mean be published by one of the big publishing houses.
I tried to trademark my series name after the fact. No dice.
I tried to write to her, her agent and her publishing house. Close your eyes and you’ll see the number of responses I received.
But…no one has tried to send me a cease and desist order either. Small blessings.
I’ll be changing the name of the series—probably whenever I get book two done. But this entire situation and the walk through of this tough patch was done mostly alone. Because I’m a…you know…”indie.”
I typed earlier that I’m not one to ask for help. That’s kinda of a critical flaw when it comes to being an indie writer. I have NO issue asking for help in the Program Management life I lead by day.
But in my "writer life," it's an issue.
I tried a small press once—not the best of business experiences for me.
There certainly are other small presses out there. Booktrope has an interesting model and I like the folks who work there. Ragnarok Publications looks really awesome too—and they signed Mercedes M. Yardley who is a terrific writer, mom and all-around good person (and she has a stuffed dragon I’m gonna steal someday).
I just submitted a short story to Grey Matter Press—who also seem pretty awesome.
I know, I know. I’m wandering a bit. We are coming close to my struggle here. It’s my blog, my therapy session. Stay with me.
...but I don't have the right temperment...!
See, I need more structure to my writing. I need somebody who ‘gets’ what I’m trying to do and will work with me to make me a better writer—and a better storyteller.
I need someone to be blown away when I write something awesome. I need them to kick me in the nuts when I don’t.
The writing groups and individuals I’ve met in this industry over the years provide bits and pieces. Some good advice, some bad. A lot of folks hawking their own books. And lots and lots of noise.
This, more than anything else, is what I’ve learned being an Indie writer. I’ve learned what I need to do better. I’ve learned what I can’t do on my own. I’ve learned what I need to better the story.
I need a mentor, a confidant, a fan, an editor, a publicist and the crazy nun/penguin from The Blues Brothers.
Okay. Maybe not the penguin.
In short, I think I might need to find a publisher.
“For reals,” (as my daughter says).
Peace
