Jim Vuksic's Blog, page 19
December 9, 2013
Hey! That's not funny.
Everyone loves a good laugh; which explains the popularity of joke books and funny fiction and non-fiction literature.
That said; an author must be very careful when writing what he/she may think is real funny stuff; especially when injecting a bit of humor into a tense or stressful situation.
One must always remember that what some readers may think is hilarious, others may interpret as an insult; especially when a story deals with a serious social, cultural, or religious theme.
Almost all religious texts (regardless of which religion) include some varation of, "Treat others as you would like to be treated". Good advice; even if you don't happen to be religious yourself.
Rule of thumb: Before you write something that you think is funny, think about it for awhile. If there is the slightest doubt in your mind whether or not it may be offensive to someone, seek a third party's advice. Just make sure that the third party is not an insensitive idiot.
Some may say, "Hey! If you don't like it, you don't have to read it." This is true. But it is also true that talented, skillful writers can always find a way to accomplish their purpose without deliberately hurting anyone in the process. If you can't or won't, maybe it's time to consider a career change.
That said; an author must be very careful when writing what he/she may think is real funny stuff; especially when injecting a bit of humor into a tense or stressful situation.
One must always remember that what some readers may think is hilarious, others may interpret as an insult; especially when a story deals with a serious social, cultural, or religious theme.
Almost all religious texts (regardless of which religion) include some varation of, "Treat others as you would like to be treated". Good advice; even if you don't happen to be religious yourself.
Rule of thumb: Before you write something that you think is funny, think about it for awhile. If there is the slightest doubt in your mind whether or not it may be offensive to someone, seek a third party's advice. Just make sure that the third party is not an insensitive idiot.
Some may say, "Hey! If you don't like it, you don't have to read it." This is true. But it is also true that talented, skillful writers can always find a way to accomplish their purpose without deliberately hurting anyone in the process. If you can't or won't, maybe it's time to consider a career change.
December 6, 2013
The Pre-Publishing Process
Attempting to have a work published may prove to be one of the most grueling tasks you have ever undertaken; but it is worthwhile, if you do it right.
I wish that I could take credit for the following suggestions and wisdom that I am about to share with you, but I can't. I learned them during my personal experience trying to discover what to do and how to do it.
The initial advice came from a friend of one of my adult children; who happened to be a commercially successful author.
The rest, I obtained from many, many books borrowed from the local library.
Ready! Set! Go!
1) Prior to even thinking about being published, make sure that you have created something worthy of publication.
This requires a lot of time and effort dedicated to reading, writing, rewriting, evaluating, polishing, re-evaluating, and then rewriting again.
No matter how original or good your ideas may be, if the final product is full of misspellings, poor grammar or punctuation, and bad sentence or paragraph structure, no mainline publisher will accept it. Copy editors are supposed to spot and correct the occasional error; not salvage a mess submitted by an undisciplined or lazy would-be writer. That is a job for a ghost writer.
2) Don't waste your valuable time or that of others. Narrow down your potential choices by finding out which publishers specialize in which genres.
3) Eliminate publishers in name only. There are books and magazines that provide lists of mainline publishers who can help you achieve your goal and a separate list of those that claim they can, but actually can't.
4) A mainline publisher is the premiere option, but certainly not the only one. I possess only a cursory knowledge of the alternatives; so they are not included in this posting. I only post what I know; or at least think I do.
Do some investigative research to determine if an organization is truly what it claims to be.
A mainline publisher directly employs or sub-contracts personnel who specialize in acquisition, copy & conceptual editing, layout & graphic design, printing, distribution, marketing, and publicity. Some also include recording studio technicians and professional narrators. The publisher will provide the names of its personnel along with their contact information and sometimes even their picture.
Mainline publishers also have an actual physical location and will provide an address along with directions how to get there.
4) Eliminate the internet as a search tool for evaluating publishers. 97% of all submissions are rejected.
Some people do not take rejection well and tend to seek revenge by spending hours on Google, websites, or blogs defaming publishers who had the audacity to reject their work. 95% of their claims often prove to be lies. The remaining 5% just aren't true.
5) Never send a publisher an unsolicited manuscript. Most, if not all, are forwarded directly to the trash bin.
Send a one-page query letter expressing your desire and providing a brief, yet enticing, overview of your book.
You will either receive a polite rejection letter or a request for a copy of your manuscript.
6) If your manuscript is rejected, your search continues. If it is accepted, you will be offered a contract and a retention copy. Have your attorney look it over before signing.
Once you have signed and returned the author's contract to the publisher, the real work begins; but that is another subject entirely. (It is covered in the very first post of this blog - How a personal challenge became a published novel...). If curious, check it out.
As I confessed at the beginning of this posting, this information and advice did not originate from me. I am not an expert in this field. Throughout my life, some of my best ideas have come from others.
Whether or not you choose to accept this information and advice is your prerogative. There may be better options. Seek them out. I hope to read your book someday.
I wish that I could take credit for the following suggestions and wisdom that I am about to share with you, but I can't. I learned them during my personal experience trying to discover what to do and how to do it.
The initial advice came from a friend of one of my adult children; who happened to be a commercially successful author.
The rest, I obtained from many, many books borrowed from the local library.
Ready! Set! Go!
1) Prior to even thinking about being published, make sure that you have created something worthy of publication.
This requires a lot of time and effort dedicated to reading, writing, rewriting, evaluating, polishing, re-evaluating, and then rewriting again.
No matter how original or good your ideas may be, if the final product is full of misspellings, poor grammar or punctuation, and bad sentence or paragraph structure, no mainline publisher will accept it. Copy editors are supposed to spot and correct the occasional error; not salvage a mess submitted by an undisciplined or lazy would-be writer. That is a job for a ghost writer.
2) Don't waste your valuable time or that of others. Narrow down your potential choices by finding out which publishers specialize in which genres.
3) Eliminate publishers in name only. There are books and magazines that provide lists of mainline publishers who can help you achieve your goal and a separate list of those that claim they can, but actually can't.
4) A mainline publisher is the premiere option, but certainly not the only one. I possess only a cursory knowledge of the alternatives; so they are not included in this posting. I only post what I know; or at least think I do.
Do some investigative research to determine if an organization is truly what it claims to be.
A mainline publisher directly employs or sub-contracts personnel who specialize in acquisition, copy & conceptual editing, layout & graphic design, printing, distribution, marketing, and publicity. Some also include recording studio technicians and professional narrators. The publisher will provide the names of its personnel along with their contact information and sometimes even their picture.
Mainline publishers also have an actual physical location and will provide an address along with directions how to get there.
4) Eliminate the internet as a search tool for evaluating publishers. 97% of all submissions are rejected.
Some people do not take rejection well and tend to seek revenge by spending hours on Google, websites, or blogs defaming publishers who had the audacity to reject their work. 95% of their claims often prove to be lies. The remaining 5% just aren't true.
5) Never send a publisher an unsolicited manuscript. Most, if not all, are forwarded directly to the trash bin.
Send a one-page query letter expressing your desire and providing a brief, yet enticing, overview of your book.
You will either receive a polite rejection letter or a request for a copy of your manuscript.
6) If your manuscript is rejected, your search continues. If it is accepted, you will be offered a contract and a retention copy. Have your attorney look it over before signing.
Once you have signed and returned the author's contract to the publisher, the real work begins; but that is another subject entirely. (It is covered in the very first post of this blog - How a personal challenge became a published novel...). If curious, check it out.
As I confessed at the beginning of this posting, this information and advice did not originate from me. I am not an expert in this field. Throughout my life, some of my best ideas have come from others.
Whether or not you choose to accept this information and advice is your prerogative. There may be better options. Seek them out. I hope to read your book someday.
December 3, 2013
Excerpts from Chapter VI of "Levels" - Separation
The boundaries were secured and methods were developed to severely limit interaction between the ancient and new worlds. (Page 160)
No matter how fast I ran or where I tried to hide, there was no escape. (Page 164)
"The ultimate goal will be for you all to attain Highest Level, but it will not be the same for everyone." (Page 167)
"Maybe this, maybe that! Maybe so, maybe not! That's a brilliant theory. I can't believe you came up with it all by yourself. Maybe it's because you're stupid!" (Page 168)
"With freedom come certain responsibilities and obligations." (Page 171)
"How will we know when we are ready for advancement to Next Level?"
The Revered One simply replied, "You will know. You will always know." (Page 172)
Like our band of five, a few had formed personal friendships or cliques, but most chose to be loners. (Page 173)
Overcoming my personal fear of the unknown with a fierce determination to achieve Next Level, I walked with my friends along a pathway leading to the future. (Page 173)
No matter how fast I ran or where I tried to hide, there was no escape. (Page 164)
"The ultimate goal will be for you all to attain Highest Level, but it will not be the same for everyone." (Page 167)
"Maybe this, maybe that! Maybe so, maybe not! That's a brilliant theory. I can't believe you came up with it all by yourself. Maybe it's because you're stupid!" (Page 168)
"With freedom come certain responsibilities and obligations." (Page 171)
"How will we know when we are ready for advancement to Next Level?"
The Revered One simply replied, "You will know. You will always know." (Page 172)
Like our band of five, a few had formed personal friendships or cliques, but most chose to be loners. (Page 173)
Overcoming my personal fear of the unknown with a fierce determination to achieve Next Level, I walked with my friends along a pathway leading to the future. (Page 173)
December 2, 2013
It's good to be loved; but be prepared not to be.
A writer, like any other artist, must possess a strong ego. I do not mean conceit; there is a distinct difference. The dictionary defines ego as "the self as distinguished from others".
The only problem with having a strong ego is that the possessor tends to be extremely sensitive to negative criticism.
In the very first posting of this blog, (How a personal challenge became a published novel...), I describe how proud I was, after fourteen months of writng, re-writing, and re-writing again, to have produced a completed, polished manuscript which was praised by those who read it; only to then receive rejection letters from four mainline publishers who apparently thought otherwise.
My ego received a boost when a representative of the acquisition department at Tate Publishing phoned to inform me that my manuscript had been deemed to have commercial potential and that I was being offered a publishing contract.
The feeling of euphoria I experienced rapidly evaporated during eleven months of participating in the publishing process (copy editing, conceptual editing, layout, cover, spine, and backmatter design, abridgement, printing, distribution, and marketing) which forced me to accept the fact that the completed, polished manuscript, of which I had been so proud, was neither complete nor polished.
The lesson to be derived from criticism, whether it be constructive, positive, or hurtful, is that it is just an opinion; and one opinion is as good as another. Learn from every criticism and become better at whatever you do. I think I did.
The only problem with having a strong ego is that the possessor tends to be extremely sensitive to negative criticism.
In the very first posting of this blog, (How a personal challenge became a published novel...), I describe how proud I was, after fourteen months of writng, re-writing, and re-writing again, to have produced a completed, polished manuscript which was praised by those who read it; only to then receive rejection letters from four mainline publishers who apparently thought otherwise.
My ego received a boost when a representative of the acquisition department at Tate Publishing phoned to inform me that my manuscript had been deemed to have commercial potential and that I was being offered a publishing contract.
The feeling of euphoria I experienced rapidly evaporated during eleven months of participating in the publishing process (copy editing, conceptual editing, layout, cover, spine, and backmatter design, abridgement, printing, distribution, and marketing) which forced me to accept the fact that the completed, polished manuscript, of which I had been so proud, was neither complete nor polished.
The lesson to be derived from criticism, whether it be constructive, positive, or hurtful, is that it is just an opinion; and one opinion is as good as another. Learn from every criticism and become better at whatever you do. I think I did.
November 29, 2013
Excerpts from Chapter V of "Levels" - Revelation
"Isn't it rather odd that we never get to visit more than one or two sectors in any level?" (Page 121)
I had known Cecil for nearly twenty-four cycles, yet his ability to logically arrive at a totally illogical conclusion never ceased to amaze me. (Page 126)
Their clothing resembled ours in style; however, instead of the traditional gray color, theirs was covered in scattered patches of various shades of brown and green, the edges of which appeared to blend seamlessly into one another. (Page 133)
"Brain damage is the only possible explanation for how your mind works." (Page 136)
For the first time in my life, the term outside took on a whole new and disturbing connotation. (Page 140)
The ability to see through the boundary was nothing short of miraculous, but the scene beyond it was even more astonishing. (Page 142)
"How could we stuff ourselves at every meal and not once seriously question where the food came from or how it got to us?" (Page 151)
For the first time in our lives, we now experienced oppressive, searing heat. (Page 152)
Although the flames were immense and actually made contact with the port, they did not seem able to penetrate beyond it. (Page 153)
"There are three distinct mysterious substances that fuel the various power sources. (Page 154)
I had known Cecil for nearly twenty-four cycles, yet his ability to logically arrive at a totally illogical conclusion never ceased to amaze me. (Page 126)
Their clothing resembled ours in style; however, instead of the traditional gray color, theirs was covered in scattered patches of various shades of brown and green, the edges of which appeared to blend seamlessly into one another. (Page 133)
"Brain damage is the only possible explanation for how your mind works." (Page 136)
For the first time in my life, the term outside took on a whole new and disturbing connotation. (Page 140)
The ability to see through the boundary was nothing short of miraculous, but the scene beyond it was even more astonishing. (Page 142)
"How could we stuff ourselves at every meal and not once seriously question where the food came from or how it got to us?" (Page 151)
For the first time in our lives, we now experienced oppressive, searing heat. (Page 152)
Although the flames were immense and actually made contact with the port, they did not seem able to penetrate beyond it. (Page 153)
"There are three distinct mysterious substances that fuel the various power sources. (Page 154)
"Levels" Quiz
If you have read "Levels" or listened to the abridged audiobook, narrated by Stephen Rozzell, you may enjoy taking a quiz to determine just how much you remember. (Hint: Reading the exerpts from various chapters of the book included in my blog may help.)
Click on "Explore", select "Quizzes" and click again.
Type my name, Jim Vuksic, in the "Search" box.
I'm anxious to see how well you do. Those who obtain a perfect score will win my admiration and undying gratitude for paying such close attention while reading or listening to my book.
Click on "Explore", select "Quizzes" and click again.
Type my name, Jim Vuksic, in the "Search" box.
I'm anxious to see how well you do. Those who obtain a perfect score will win my admiration and undying gratitude for paying such close attention while reading or listening to my book.
Excerpts from Chapter IV of "Levels" - Procreation
"I wish the Revered One had explained why we bypassed Level Three and were transported directly to Level Four instead." (Page 80)
"Everything has a beginning and an end. For you and me, the end comes with death. Does anyone here have any idea of how we begin?" (Page 84)
"Others inhabit our world. They are very much like you yet very different from you. You share many common physical traits but differ in some areas. You will soon meet them." (Page 86)
We were informed that our cycle had attained the stage in our mental and physical development that would now allow us to participate in an activity absolutely essential to the continued survival of our society: procreation. (Page 87)
I found it difficult to look directly at her face, so I lowered my eyes and, in doing so, made a discovery that caused me to temporarily forget my name. (Page 88)
"They are called breasts. There. Now you know my name and that of the objects of your attention, but I still do not know yours." (Page 88)
I had always assumed that the mouth and tongue served only two purposes: tasting and forming words. I was wrong. (Page 94)
Edward announced a startling revelation. He had spotted a Revered One wearing a blue robe coming out of the Solemn Place. (Page 102)
"Do you mean to say that there are females who are attracted only to other females?" (Page 111)
"You have fulfilled your purpose. You have created a life inside of me." (Page 113)
Like it or not, we could not deny that the explanation and justification provided by the Revered One was logical and served the common good. Still, I could not help wishing that it would not have to hurt so much. (Page 116)
Apparently, they too had moved on to wherever their Next Level might be. (Page 116)
"Everything has a beginning and an end. For you and me, the end comes with death. Does anyone here have any idea of how we begin?" (Page 84)
"Others inhabit our world. They are very much like you yet very different from you. You share many common physical traits but differ in some areas. You will soon meet them." (Page 86)
We were informed that our cycle had attained the stage in our mental and physical development that would now allow us to participate in an activity absolutely essential to the continued survival of our society: procreation. (Page 87)
I found it difficult to look directly at her face, so I lowered my eyes and, in doing so, made a discovery that caused me to temporarily forget my name. (Page 88)
"They are called breasts. There. Now you know my name and that of the objects of your attention, but I still do not know yours." (Page 88)
I had always assumed that the mouth and tongue served only two purposes: tasting and forming words. I was wrong. (Page 94)
Edward announced a startling revelation. He had spotted a Revered One wearing a blue robe coming out of the Solemn Place. (Page 102)
"Do you mean to say that there are females who are attracted only to other females?" (Page 111)
"You have fulfilled your purpose. You have created a life inside of me." (Page 113)
Like it or not, we could not deny that the explanation and justification provided by the Revered One was logical and served the common good. Still, I could not help wishing that it would not have to hurt so much. (Page 116)
Apparently, they too had moved on to wherever their Next Level might be. (Page 116)
November 28, 2013
Author Giveaway - Hosted by Goodreads.com
Win a copy of "Levels" signed by the author (Me).
Members may enter the Author Giveaway beginning at midnight on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 and ending at midnight on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. http://goodreads.com/giveaway/
Goodreads will randomly select ten (10) lucky winners and each will receive a signed paperback copy of "Levels" along with a special gift; a coupon code to download the book's audiobook edition - 8 hours listening time, narrated by Stephen Rozzell.
I hope you will continue following the ever-evolving story behind the story of "Levels" on my blog.
Thank you,
Jim Vuksic
Members may enter the Author Giveaway beginning at midnight on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 and ending at midnight on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. http://goodreads.com/giveaway/
Goodreads will randomly select ten (10) lucky winners and each will receive a signed paperback copy of "Levels" along with a special gift; a coupon code to download the book's audiobook edition - 8 hours listening time, narrated by Stephen Rozzell.
I hope you will continue following the ever-evolving story behind the story of "Levels" on my blog.
Thank you,
Jim Vuksic
November 27, 2013
First or Third-Person (Decisions! Decisions!)
Initially, I started writing "Levels" in the third-person; however, by the time I had completed the sixth page, I found myself disliking my own story.
I was sure that allowing one of the characters to narrate events as they occurred would gradually create an empathic bond between him and the reader. So I shredded the six pages and started over.
As a result of this decision, readers discover the world of "Levels" through the eyes and mind of the main character, Jonathan. Even though they only witness those events and situations that Jonathan himself personally experiences, their interpretation of those events and situations may often differ quite a bit from his.
As he advances from one level to another, Jonathan is exposed to surprisingly diverse groups of people whose lifestyles and customs are totally alien to anything he has ever known. Through them, he gradually learns that honor, courage, maturity, humility, and accountability are more than just abstract concepts.
Readers may at times be angered or upset by some of the personal opinions expressed by Jonathan; so it is imperative that they constantly remind themselves that these are only opinions. After all, in the world of "Levels", there is no definitive right or wrong - true or false - real or illusion; therefore, the reader's opinion is just as valid as those formed by Jonathan or any other character in the story.
I was sure that allowing one of the characters to narrate events as they occurred would gradually create an empathic bond between him and the reader. So I shredded the six pages and started over.
As a result of this decision, readers discover the world of "Levels" through the eyes and mind of the main character, Jonathan. Even though they only witness those events and situations that Jonathan himself personally experiences, their interpretation of those events and situations may often differ quite a bit from his.
As he advances from one level to another, Jonathan is exposed to surprisingly diverse groups of people whose lifestyles and customs are totally alien to anything he has ever known. Through them, he gradually learns that honor, courage, maturity, humility, and accountability are more than just abstract concepts.
Readers may at times be angered or upset by some of the personal opinions expressed by Jonathan; so it is imperative that they constantly remind themselves that these are only opinions. After all, in the world of "Levels", there is no definitive right or wrong - true or false - real or illusion; therefore, the reader's opinion is just as valid as those formed by Jonathan or any other character in the story.
Excerpts from Chapter III of "Levels" - The Crossing
"Where's the overhead? What could have happened to it?" (Page 71)
He landed in an area completely surrounded by killing strands... (Page 74)
I pretended not to notice his wounded legs and hands. I had never seen so much blood. (Page 75)
There is nothing dramatic or heroic about death; it is depressing and permanent. Those left behind ache terribly inside because their hearts have been broken and never completely heal. (Page 77)
We reformed our column of twos except for me. I walked alone. (Page 78)
He landed in an area completely surrounded by killing strands... (Page 74)
I pretended not to notice his wounded legs and hands. I had never seen so much blood. (Page 75)
There is nothing dramatic or heroic about death; it is depressing and permanent. Those left behind ache terribly inside because their hearts have been broken and never completely heal. (Page 77)
We reformed our column of twos except for me. I walked alone. (Page 78)
