R.B. Wood's Blog, page 23

ReaderCON 24

And so it begins.  This post will be expanded over the next few days to chronicle my ReaderCON journey.  Posts will be in reverse chronological order, so look for the headings in YELLOW that have the date/time stamp.

I love this con, and I hope you enjoy my annual semi-streaming running commentary and drink fest.

Any typos etc will corrected later, once I've had sleep. :)

===========================

5:55 PM 07/12/13 (Friday Evening)

Starving, but have a couple of things I wanted to participate in first—

The Silent History: A Killer Serial

Samantha Henderson, Maureen F. McHugh, David G. Shaw (leader), Graham Sleight.

The Silent History is a unique story experience utilizing media (iOS devices), serialization and a ‘geocache-like’ ability to enhance the story via fan-fic and a GPS.

It’s absolutely a brilliant use of new media and you can learn more and enjoy the fully completed story by heading over to http://www.thesilenthistory.com.  Discussion centered on the quality of the arc and the technology involved.  Fantastic insight from the team who were virtually spoiler-free in their review, interpretation and discussion points.

I’ve got a copy on my iPad now.  I seriously suggest you pic this up as it is one of the first use of the eCodex I’ve seen that I liked—the format, movie and intactive fan-fic aspect just works.

Reading: Peter Dubé

What, I’m going to miss one of my favorite people at the con reading a different scene from The City’s Gates?  I think not!

Reading: Shira Lipkin.

Shira read from her upcoming novel—a brilliant scene between her main character and a dancer she had been observing at the club.  The use of 2nd person—while difficult—is used to perfection here.  And the cadence of the passage is written so you feel the nightclub ‘thump thump thump’ backbeat as the scene unfolded.

 

Kaffeeklatsch with James Morrow.

Another favorite author and a true intellectual and satirest—the hour long session with Jim had me crying with laughter.  We spoke about his ever-present work on Darwin and his upcoming The Buck Rogers Stuff.  I just adore the man, his writing and his outlook on life.

 

Break time.  Food, a drink then back to it.

 

 

 

12:50 PM 07/12/13 (Friday Afternoon)
 

Registration was a raucous and hilarious affair, despite the fact that I arrived an hour early.  The good news is I got through it and had time to grab a coffee and grab a seat with Glenn Skinner and Peter Dubé for the first panel of the day—and it was a good one.
 

21st-Century Fey

Steve Berman, Richard Bowes, Elizabeth Hand (moderator), Patricia A. McKillip, Kathryn Morrow.
 

I always love listening to Kathy Morrow at ReaderCON—she adds a passion and scholarly take into any discussion.  And Liz Hand lead a marvelous panel discussing fairies, the fey and the various forms they take.  The panel bantered about many different takes on the fey—from the Tolkien-esque high-browed elves to the cruel and nasty fairies of Holly Black. 
 

A lively debate on the origin of the fairy courts and the creatures that inhabit them.  I know enough now to realize that I need to research some of the scholarly works on the unseelie.
 

Of Gods and Goddesses

Richard Bowes, Lila Garrott (leader), Greer Gilman, Sandra Kasturi, Patricia A. McKillip, Sonya Taaffe.
 

Gods.  

In fantasy—especially Urban Fantasy, the genre I write in—are more and more prevalent.  Gods behaving badly is a constant through out history and the discussions focused on (initially) Greek mythos and focused more on modern works such as Gaiman’s American Gods or Discord's Apple.  The panelists, again, were brilliant—especially Sonya, Sandra and Lila.
 

This linked nicely with the first panel as the debate continued with a discussion of the potential overuse of both fairies and Gods in modern fantasy writing—are they interchangeable or is it a result of one trope becoming overused, so the ‘next set’ of ‘more powerful than mortal’ creatures are used.
An interesting theory was proposed that the proliferation of stories with the Gods as characters are a direct result of the Gods themselves make sure us mortals remember them.
 

A personal note: There was a woman in front of me knitting and I was reminded that my dear friend Leah Petersen isn’t here this year…

 

5:24 AM 07/12/13 (Friday Morning)

The cats have woken both the missus and I up.  She’s getting ready for work and I’m updating the blog.

Today, is of course, the first FULL day of ReaderCON.  Last night was the primer—two hours of free-to-the-public programming.  Multiple readings and panels offered up to wet the appetite and to get people in “Con mode”

As opposed to “KHAAAAAAAAAAN!” Mode. Um.  Ahem.

Forgive me, it was a late night.

Thursday evening started off scary.  The old Irish pub—a mainstay of ReaderCON’s over the years—was closed for renovations.  I could almost hear the ominous organ chords of an old timey horror flick playing in the background.

Where once had been a lobby along with the pub, now a bare white wall with a “pardon our appearance whilst we screw with ReaderCON” banner stood.
I exaggerated that last bit.  Nobody uses “whilst” anymore.

           Pictured: Angels Weeping

Anyway, I went to the restaurant, which thankfully has its own little bar, and had a quick drink before attending my first panel.

Have You Seen Me?: The Absent Children of Urban Fantasy
Toni L. P. Kelner, Shira Lipkin (leader), Natalie Luhrs, Veronica Schanoes, Romie Stott.

Sitting in the first row, I could hear and see the excitement for this panel as I arrived a few minutes early.  I especially wanted to listen to this discussion as children characters were in The Prodigal’s Foole and they play a role in the next book along with the future of the series.  I don’t remember if it was Shira who mentioned something about rum first, with Veronica adding “with something sweet,”  but I found myself on an entertaining mission to find both rum and coke for a panel of five beautiful and intelligent writers.

I missed the first half of the panel, which was sad—but scored a bottle of Bacardi and a two-liter Coke and placed it on the table for the team.
 

Without missing a beat, the ladies poured while continuing the discussion.

The Q&A commentary was already in full swing, and it ranged from Grimm’s original tales through to a discussion of the new child actor rules impacting how we perceive children on TV. My personal take is that children are used—in many instances as a plot device to ratchet up the tension, as a red herring or as a ‘hand-off’ for the next generation.  I have a different set of plans for the “Hell-spawn” children rescued in my first book.

A very relaxed and professional panel that was fun to participate in.

 

 

 

The Nuances of POV
John Chu, Eileen Gunn, James Patrick Kelly (moderator), Darrell Schweitzer, John Stevens.

I have a conundrum.

I want to write a book from completely different points of view.  The Arcana Chronicles is a first person series told from the Symon Bryson’s perspective.  However, I want to use a plot device where we hear Symon’s thoughts, but also hear the titular character’s thoughts from my protagonist’s perspective.  Can I do a first and third POV novel?  I settled in next to friend and fellow fantasy author Glenn Skinner to find out.

And I wasn’t the only one interested in this panel.  Yves Meynard was there (we exchanged greetings—he is one of the nicest people I’ve met at the con) as were dozens of other participants.

Including Scott Edelman, who missed his first ReaderCON ever last year.  But I’ll get back to Scott in a moment.
This panel was suggested by John Stevens and PHD candidate Meriah Crawford (who was unable to attend).  Meriah is actually finishing her thesis on Point of View, so I was expecting strong opinions.

Back to Scott.  Jim Kelly (who was in great form) used Scott as the example in discussions mostly around first and third person.  The panel agreed rather quickly that, while in use, second person is a rare device used in writing today.

Although the premise of this panel states “When writing genre fiction, many authors begin with the approach that first-person point of view (POV) is useful for horror and heroic quests to bring immediacy to the story; third-person is necessary for epic world-building; and second-person is too confusing and best avoided.”  Although the last point was basically agreed to—they rejected the statements about first and third person except to say that those perspectives are expected in that genre.
 

I was at first heartened to hear that a couple of the panel members started in one point of view then switched mid-manuscript.  But that was a change that impacted the entire story.  Although Tolkien used something called ‘third person omniscient’ allowing him to (rather successfully) head-hop, no one really recommended changing POV.  The advice I received was basically “try it and see.”  Perhaps this explains my struggles with The Young Practitioner.

Two panels behind me, Glenn and I shared a drink in the bar and discussed both our works in progress.  Glenn’s WIP (Book 5 of The Keya Quests) is building and realizing what’s been built before. It’s exciting stuff as he was kind enough to send me the first four in the series which I devoured (Yes, I know Glenn.  I owe you a couple of reviews).

On the way out, we ran into Shira Lipkin who was in process of sharing the rum I’d purchased for her with a group of friends.  I ended up staying an hour or so longer than expected—enjoying conversations about family, children, life and of course laughing until tears streamed from my eyes.

And now I need to find the anthology I have that has one of Shira’s short stories…I know it’s around here somewhere.

Seems like the lack of the old pub won’t impact the fun after all.

Peace

Planning for ReaderCON

Picking out the panels and things I want to do at ReaderCON is a bit like a good war plan.  As soon as the action starts, the plan is out the window.

The Thursday evening program is free to the public and usually I take the opportunity to listen to a few readings.  But this year there are two panels that have caught my eye.

Namely The Absent Children of Urban Fantasy (led by the rather talented Shira Lipkin—someone, after reading a few of her short stories, I’m looking forward to meeting), and The Nuances of POV (led by James Patrick Kelly whose Strangeways mag is worth a read).

But, after a long day consulting, I’ll probably show up at the pub (assuming it’s open as construction has been threatened) run into a friend or two and end up ‘pinting the night away.’

Pinting.  I just made that up. It’s royalty free, ladies and germs.

I love this conference—and I love how this weekend inspires writing for months to follow.  That’s the plan anyway.

More to follow.

Peace, love and hair grease.

ReaderCON 24 - It's Coming...

In less than a week’s time I’ll be attending the only writerly conference I’ll be able to get to this year.

I’m talking about, of course, ReaderCON.  ReaderCON 24, to be exact.

I’ll be writing my daily semi-streaming blog during the con (for past con coverage see here and here).

I love getting together with writers—we are a weird bunch and it is the only time out of the year where I can embrace what I want to be—a full time storyteller.

In past ReaderCONs, many friends have joined me.  Leah Petersen has actually stayed with my wife and I a couple of times in order to attend.  And two years ago a group of the old ‘Pubwrite’ team descended on the con—inclusive of the lovely Karen Delabar to whom the ‘Orange Karen’ anthology I was a part of was dedicated to.

Old friends will be back—Peter Dubé, Liz Gorinsky, Yves Meynard, Glenn Skinner, James Morrow, and many others will be on hand and I can already taste the bourbon and hear the laughter.

It is, for the most part, a wonderful experience.  Last year’s issues have been corrected—and addressed.  At least to the point that I look forward to this and future ReaderCONs.

That aside—the excitement builds.  I’ve checked off the panels and parties I want to attend and maybe—just maybe—I’ll find my writer mojo again and get my next book out this year.

After the blog, there is the blurb from The Young Practitioner (Book 2 of The Arcana Chronicles) so make sure you hound me to finish…

Anyway—next weekend I get to be a writer fulltime.  I like those weekends.

Peace.

 

THE YOUNG PRACTITIONER: A NOVEL OF THE ARCANA CHRONICLES

 

Fame is a deadly mistress.

Symon Bryson has rejoined his magic practitioner friends, only to find himself in virtual lockdown after multiple assassination attempts from unknown assailants.

While members of his team are traveling the world in search of Lucifer’s whereabouts, Symon is left to deal with a mother and her young son seeking the sanctuary of the Church.  But when the boy shows signs of dangerous and formidable magic, the search for clues to the source of the child's power will take Symon on a dark and deadly journey from the sands of World War II Libya through to the boardrooms of the 21st century.

When all that stands between Heaven and Hell is magic, more than faith will be tested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBMISSIONS now OPEN! The Word Count Podcast Episode 32

Once again the polling has surprised me!

I really think I love seeing what people want to hear our Word Count Irregulars put together.  Awkward sentence, yet SO bloody true.  And speaking of bloody, let's anounce our prompt for the next show!

"Being dead can be quite liberating..."

Allow me to provide a little background 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.

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.The show has been downloaded over 15000 times since it started, an average of about 500 per episode.  

Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.

Easy, fun and you'll pick up a few more fans. So...you'll be needing the guidelines then.  Right. 

THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 32

Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

GENRE: Any.

DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by FRIDAY 19 JULY, 2013 (I'm giving you all an extra week as I will be attending ReaderCON the weekend of the 13th).

THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the prompt ("Being dead can be quite liberating..."). 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 19 July 2013. 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

First lines--Pick the prompt for the next WORD COUNT PODCAST!

Bad Prose alert!

 

The next Word Count Podcast (episode 32, if y'all are keeping count) has five pretty horrendous first lines to choose from.  And YOU, dear sinner, get to pick the line that the Word Count Irregulars will use to start thier tales.

I've setup up a poll off to the left with a choice of FIVE starting lines.  You know the drill—vote for your favorite by making a selection and clicking on the “vote” button.  Remember to check the results to confirm your vote counted as sometimes the interwebs are as touchy as a menstruating cougar.

WAIT.  You don't KNOW what the Word Count Podcast is?  Well, read ON dear sinner!

 

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.

 Now for the voting!

 Again, to the LEFT, I've posted five potential prompts for the next Word Count.  The poll will remain open for the weekend, and close out midnight the 3rd of July 2013.

 

I think there are a few good ones to choose from...so vote often an early and get your friends to help YOU pick the theme for the next Word Count!

 Peace

The Word Count Episode 31 is LIVE!

Welcome to Episode 31 of “The Word Count” podcast!

I really do need a separate site for the podcast—DSGJ!  I need you!!

The show was a bit delayed (seems to be the story these days...ba-DUM-bum) due to life reasons, but we’re back on track now!

This week, four of the “Wordcount Irregulars” join us for the reader chosen theme of “THE THIEF.”

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.  It’s fantabulous, if I do say so myself.  And I do.

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 “One Stolen Night”

Eden Baylee writes literary erotica and infuses erotic elements into many of her stories. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is both sensual and sexual.

Her latest release is a book of erotic flash fiction and poetry called HOT FLASH.

SPRING INTO SUMMER is her second collection of erotic novellas and the companion piece to her first book, FALL INTO WINTER.

 

Connect with her via her website | blog | twitter @edenbaylee | facebook

 

Angelica Dawson “Blue Moon House - Kitten”

Angelica Dawson is the author of Blue Moon House, a Vampire BDSM novella, as well as contributor to the third Campus Sexpoits Anthology and the first Serviced Anthology. As an environmental consultant, she is no stranger to blood sucking hordes, but finds they are more often mosquitoes and black flies than vampires.

Twitter: @angelicadawson

Website: http://angelicadawson.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorangelicadawson

 

C. Thomas Smith “Volume 36c – Meta”

Wait what, I wrote something. I don’t remember doing that. I remember thinking about it. I remember having a conversation with my brain box but then . . . oh schnitzel fuck!

I, yeah.

Mum says I’m a very talented, “Writer”. My English teacher for the last four years of school once said, and I quote, “Smith, stop playing with that and pay attention”. I’ve never forgotten those words. That’s how come I can write them down. My influences include, sugar, imaginary friends (Hi Stabby Hands), inconsistent drug use as a teen, my Uncle Joe sitting on my head when I was a baby, my little sister trying to murder me with a van when I was seven. Some of my favourite things are jabbering, ruining TV for people by loudly criticising whatever is on, asking people to lower their music, scowling at teenagers and arguing with pets regarding the veracity of eighteenth century French philosophers.

I am C. Thomas Smith, and I apologise for this message.

Twitter = @KRSTVR

Web = krstvr.com

 

Antonio Angelo “A Simple Misunderstanding”

Antonio is the super secret identity of Brad O'Neill who is really bad at keeping secrets.  Antonio writes things that would get Brad in trouble and that is why he is confined to live out his entire existence on the internet and is never allowed to pass over into the physical realm where Brad lives happily with his wife and daughter and is currently in the process of completing a science fiction novella with a touch of spice-- and we aren't talking Dune here.

Twitter: @antonioangelo21

Book location: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/bradoneill

Roll a d20 for Entertainment...

One of the things I love about Boston is the local theater scene.  The Company One production of  Qui Nguyen’s “She Kills Monsters” was in it’s last evening kickass performances when the wife and I saw it (note to any cast member who happens to read this: 4:00 PM show, the guy with the loud laugh.  That was me).

I write fantasy—so yes.  I played D&D when I was younger.  And the show is heavy with outstanding references that poke fun and embrace the ‘game of nerds’ at the same time.

It’s the story of straight-laced Agnes, a 25-year-old schoolteacher who lost her parents and her younger sister, Tilly, in a car accident.  While cleaning up her sister’s room, Agnes discovers a D&D game written by the late teen and decides (with the help of Dungeon Master Chuck) to play the weird game her geek-sister had loved so much.

We meet Tilly through her character, Tillius the Paladin, and share in the adventure as Agnes finally finds out who her teenage sister was.

And there are two evil succubi cheerleaders.  How can you go wrong with that?

Intertwined with the game, the audience is drawn into the life Tilly led— we experience her fears, her love and most of all--her hopes. And we also, along with Agnes, learn a bit about ourselves as well.

The cast were fab—each in her or his own way bringing to life a cast of characters born from dice.

 

The Cast

Back Row: Stewart Evan Smith (Orcus), Paige Clark Perkinson (Agnes), Jordan Clark (Tilly/Tillius the Paladin), Adobuere Ebiama (Kaliope/Kelly), Meredith Saran (Lilith/Lily)

Front Row: Jordan Sobel (Miles), Jacqui Dupré (Evil Gabby), Mike Handelman (Dungeon Master Chuck), Kaitee Tredway (Evil Tina)

PHOTO: Copyright © 2012 BostonTheatreScene.com

 

This gem of a play was well performed and well received.  It’s in its last night, so I’m afraid the review is a bit late to help build an audience.  However, if you are local or ever visiting Boston, check out the Boston Center for the Arts and especially the shows that Company One put on.

Bravo and brava.  Well done all.

Peace

SUBMISSIONS now being accepted! Episode 31 of The Word Count Podcast.

The reader chosen theme for the next Word Count Podcast got out to an early start and never looked back!

So without further ado, I give you the episode 31 story prompt:

The Thief

As I cackle madly in imagining what our Word Count Irregulars will come up with, allow me to provide generalities 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.

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.

The show has been downloaded over 12000 times since it started, an average of

about 500 per episode.  Listen to past shows HERE or you can download/subscribe via iTunes.

Easy, fun and you'll pick up a few more fans.

So...you'll be needing the guidelines then.  Right.

 

THE WORD COUNT EPISODE 31

Submission Guidelines (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

GENRE: Any.

DEADLINE: I must receive your submission by SUNDAY 12 May, 2013

THE DETAILS: The work must be an original work based on the prompt (“The Thief”) 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 12 May 2013. 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

In Memoriam

“Can I %^&*ing talk to you for a minute?”

Those were the first words my late friend Jeannine Lennihan Firestone said to me.  I was running a project--moving her and the department she worked for to another building.  The type of project I’ve run a dozen times in my 30-year career.

“Sure,” I said.  “What’s up?” (Having grown up in New York, I was very used to the f-word being used as punctuation).

Jeannine spent ten minutes grilling me with questions she had regarding the move.  I answered each of her questions--and at then end, she smiled at me (with that nose wrinkling crooked smile that melted hearts everywhere) and said “Okay then.  That’s satisfactory.”

From her, that was high praise.

I know it sounds bitchy—and I guarantee I thought the same thing back then.  But it wasn’t.  It was just Jeannine.  She is—was (I’m still having difficulties speaking about her in the past tense) a perfectionist.  And the simple fact is she expected that from everyone.

We are talking about a woman who made director of a pharmaceutical company in her mid-thirties, was an extremely talented artist, a sports competitor (She played professional dodgeball while pregnant.--very VERY pregnant), a mom and a wife.

Many of these things she also did while fighting stage four cancer.

While I was dating my wife in 2007, she mentioned to Jeannine that I was going to move in.  Confused, Jeannine asked “But where will he sleep?”

My wife gave her a look. Jeannine responded with “Oh!  I thought he was gay!”

“I assure you,” said my wife. “He’s not.”

A conversation we never let her forget.

Jeannine was someone full of life, full of competitive spirit, and full of love.  For her husband, Brant. Her son, Graham.  Her sister and the rest of her family.  Not to mention the far too numerous number of friends to mention. She was a bright light that everyone wanted to see and be with.  Honest to a fault, demanding as all hell and one of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the privilege to know.

Her memory is something I will carry with me forever.  As I used a bit of who she is in one of the main characters in my series, I will always be visiting with her from time to time.

Right now, she’d be yelling at me for being sentimental.  But she’d be doing it with a twinkle in her eye, secretly pleased.

She might even consider it… satisfactory.

We love you J.  And always will.

 

Peace

YOU Pick the prompt - The Word Count Episode 31

Well, the massive project I’ve been working on went live this week and the Orange Karen anthology is out to critical acclaim.  So while I get back into my writing projects, I can’t think of a more fun way to celebrate then to put up a poll to pick the theme for the next Word Count Podcast (you can check out ALL the past shows via iTunes or by heading to my Libsyn page. ).

I’ve found a designer to help with what will eventually will become a separate site for The Word Count—but while she does here designing stuff, stay right here for now.

But for the next show—episode 31—we’ll do things the old fashioned way.

I've setup up a poll off to the left with a choice of FIVE possible prompts for The Word Count episode 31.  You know the drill—vote for your favorite by making a selection and clicking on the “vote” button.  Remember to check the results to confirm your vote counted as sometimes the interwebs are as touchy as a menstruating cougar.

WAIT.  You don't KNOW what the Word Count Podcast is?  Well, read ON dear sinner!

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.

Now for the voting!

Again, to the LEFT, I've posted five potential prompts for the next Word Count.  The poll will remain open for the weekend, and close out midnight the 3rd of May 2013.

 

I think there are a few good ones to choose from...so vote often an early and get your friends to help YOU pick the theme for the next Word Count!

Peace