Ken Lizzi's Blog, page 79

Under Strange Suns Update

And at last it can be revealed. Behold the Brad Fraunfelter awesomeness in full color. I’d buy that.

Of course, first I have to finish writing it. Or, more precisely, I need to finish editing it. The book is written. But I’m giving it another polish. Tweaking, emphasizing, clarifying, smoothing off any rough edges, refining any clunky phrasing.

I figure it will take me until late July to complete. That means setting aside the book I’d started writing a few weeks ago. I’d just passed the ten-thousand word mark. Well, it will still be waiting for me next month.

And now, as it is Father’s Day, and my daughter is currently sleeping, I’m going to give myself the present of a nap.

Happy Father’s Day to the rest of you dads.

Soldiers and Science Fiction

 

There is a tendency to think the military comprises dour, unimaginative people of the sort who’d have no use for science fiction, fantasy, or other such frivolous nonsense. A lot of films depict soldiers as robotic, linear thinkers, programmed to follow orders without deviation.

I think most of us know better than that, right? The military has long been home to devotees of speculative fiction. Pick any large military base in the United States, then travel to the nearest town. In addition to the inevitable military supply stores, sewing shops (never short of customers needing new patches sewn on uniforms), tattoo parlors, barbershops, and bars, you will find a well-stocked game store, a comic book shop, and a used bookstore with an excellent selection of science fiction and fantasy.

Despite the busy work that accompanies the job, soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen have a lot of time to read, and plenty of them take advantage of it. Personal example: Back in ‘95 I was called up to active duty and deployed to Haiti. Before I left home, I indulged in a couple of extravagant shopping sprees at used bookstores. My foot locker was half-full of paperbacks, most of them speculative fiction. I think I read fifty novels during my months in the less attractive side of Hispaniola. Every few months, when I had the chance, I’d box up the books I’d already read and ship them back home, freeing up space in my foot locker and lessening the weight I’d eventually half to lug around. (What was I doing that allowed me that much free time to read? Another time, perhaps.)

Gaming is a not uncommon pastime amongst service personnel. During Advanced Training, I sat in on few games of D&D. As I recall, that was my introduction to Second Edition.

The SF/Fantasy connection with the military isn’t just on the consumption side. Many of the writers from the Golden Age of science fiction served in World War II. Isaac Asimov comes to mind, and Robert A. Heinlein. As I understand it, Heinlein’s “Starship Troopers” is on the Marine Corps officers’ reading list. L. Sprague de Camp, I believe, served with both Asimov and Heinlein. J.R.R. Tolkien, as is well known, served in the trenches in World War I, his experiences deeply influencing “The Lord of the Rings.” More recent examples include Robert Jordan (James Rigney) who served a couple tours in Vietnam, and Glen Cook, who served in the Navy. There must be dozens of examples, the above are just from memory.

What is the connection, then? My guess is, there isn’t one. Or at least not a direct one. And indirectly, more than one. The military, like any other institution, draws from a vast cross section of the population. Meaning many in uniform couldn’t give a damn about science fiction, or even actively dislike it. No different than civilians, right? Meanwhile, plenty of others dig this stuff. And some of them are going to serve. Some are drawn to serve because of the stories they read in fantasy or science fiction, the military offering a promise, or at least a suggestion, of adventure. The military can provide access to and training with all sorts of gadgets that appeal to the technically minded reader of science fiction who would likely end up studying computer engineering or something similar anyway. Why not learn on the job and get to play with the toys? War is a frequent subject of speculative fiction. The point of the military is to prepare for war. Coming from a job that requires concentration on the subject, it isn’t surprising that some continue to think about warfare and write about it, exploring fictional scenarios.

So, my respect to those who serve, and those who have served. And let’s see what books come out of it, shall we?

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Lord Dunsany, Appendix N

Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett – now there’s a moniker to drag along behind you like an anchor. It is probably for the best we know him simply as Lord Dunsany. Lord Dunsany belongs among the stylists immortalized in the Dungeons & Dragons recommended reading list, Appendix N. I’d say he’s their standard bearer, along with Jack Vance. The others on the list fit at varying points along the spectrum from serviceable pulp journeymen to bona fide literary greats.

Lord Dunsany is noted primarily for “The King of Elfland’s Daughter.” But in my opinion it was his short stories that won him his Appendix N spurs. I submit “The Hoard of the Gibbelins” as Exhibit A. That reads to me as more directly influential on gaming than the lyrical “Elfland’s Daughter.” I liked the novel, but despite its brevity it isn’t a fast, punchy read. It takes its time, meandering and philosophizing.

Dunsany’s stock in trade was whimsy and humor. My personal favorites are the truly funny stories. Check out his “Jorkens” stories as examples. Or the ironic and witty “Pegāna” stories. Grin plastered on your face, laugh out loud knee-slappers. Funny guy for a lord.

I recall driving through Ireland a few years back, on my way to visit Tara. I passed through Dunsany. Most other tourists would admire the scenery, the fields, the vintage architecture. I noticed all that too. But mostly I was jazzed to be in Dunsany, the Dunsany of Lord-Appendix N-himself-Dunsany. I may need help.

 

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Coloring the Tabula Rasa

 

Victoria Valentina Lizzi reached a year-and-a-half of age about a week ago. She is becoming a discriminating serial viewer of Disney films. Highly discriminating and highly serial. I never thought “The Bare Necessities” and “I Want to Be Like You” could grow tiresome, but after the umpteenth viewing of “The Jungle Book”I want to strangle the shiftless jungle bum, Balu.

Still, there is no denying V.V.’s good taste in this instance. “The Jungle Book” is a fine animated feature. It little resembles its source material. But since the bones of the tale derive from Rudyard Kipling, the adaptors would have had to work hard to screw it up.

V.V. likes “Winnie the Pooh” well enough, but what really gets her grinning is “Winnie the Pooh Springtime with Roo.” As a writer I’m pleased she’s been captivated by this one. She’s absorbing early on such advanced concepts as non-linear storytelling, metanarrative, and breaking the fourth wall. Seriously. You might not have seen this one, but check it out, you’ll see what I mean.

She’s starting to get into Robin Hood. As a fan of the sorts of fiction featuring arrows, swords, and castles, this makes me happy.

Besides “Jungle Book” and “Springtime With Roo,” another film in heavy rotation is “Lilo & Stitch.” Again, this makes me happy. Science fiction. A touch of space opera. A monster story. Men (or, at least, man) in Black. Plus it instills an appreciation for Elvis. It is winning all the way down.

She’s shown some interest inf “101 Dalmatians,” “Tangled,”  and “Princess and the Frog” but gets bored eventually. She had no patience with “Sleeping Beauty.” And “Cars 2” didn’t even get through the first lap. Again, showing good taste. “Cars” was the runt of the Pixar litter. How it warranted a sequel I don’t know. Well, yes I do. Money. Fine, that’s a good reason. But surely they could have done better than “Cars 2.” Message fiction wrapped in weak jokes and an even weaker Bond spoof. Ugh.

The Disney flow continues to trickle through the library and Netflix. So we’ll see what strikes her fancy. I have my favorites, films I hope she enjoys. But I’ll settle for just about anything to spice up the “Jungle Book/Lilo/Roo” stew. Its becoming rather unpalatable.

At it Again: Yet Another Post-Signing Report

I enjoyed another signing recently. And I mean enjoyed; beer featured prominently.

The accommodating publicans at Journeys Pub, Bob and Shannon, offered to host a signing of “Reunion.” Not only did they offer the venue, they advertised the event and held all night happy hour. So, to all those who enjoyed the discount on beverages, “You’re welcome.”

A pub provides a different atmosphere for a signing than does a bookstore. Not an improper or unpleasant atmosphere, just different. The sale of books is not the primary purpose of the establishment. Most of the people there are present to consume food and drink. They aren’t thinking foremost about books. But a pub is a convivial place, and what better topic of conversation than books? Especially when you just so happen to have some for sale.

I had a chance to chat with several people, savored a pint of a pretty decent red ale, and sold some copies of my novel. Not a shabby evening, by any stretch. In fact, I’m wondering if there are any other Portland area pubs interested in having me monopolize a table and peddle my papery wares. Drop me an email, I don’t take up much space.

 

Slim Volumes

I’ve been ill. Still am, to be honest. Head throbbing, muscles and joints aching. Tired. No surprise then that it is hard to concentrate. But today is Sunday, so a web log post must be completed, illness be damned.

I’ve been re-reading Simon Hawke’s “TimeWars” novels. Fun, fast-paced stuff, the kind you really don’t see much of in today’s marketplace of 300+ page novels. Number four in the series, the one I”m reading now, weighs in at about 196 pages, if I remember correctly. I’m too tired to check. My bookshelves hold a lot of paperbacks of roughly the same page count, the 175-200 page range. I miss those. Not that I dislike longer books, it’s just that I don’t seem to have any other option when it comes to new releases.

This makes me wonder what to do with a project I’ve been working on, “Thick as Thieves.” Once I sit down to work on the third draft, and if I decide I like it, I’ll have to start finding it a home. But it fights in the “TimeWars” weight category. I don’t think it even reaches 65,000 words.

What does that matter? Well, let’s consider a couple of points. Most small press publishers print only in trade paperback format, those taller paperbacks that tower over the mass market paperbacks on your shelves. The price point is higher, in the $12-$19 range. I imagine that cost of printing in the mass market paperback format doesn’t pencil out, with the lower $7.99 price point. ($7.99! I used to go to the mall with a $10.00 bill, buy a paperback at one of the three (three!) bookstores, have lunch in the food court, and still have money left over for the arcade.)

What would a 65,000 word book look like in trade paperback? Rather on the slim side, don’t you think? I suppose that’s where e-books come in. We’re unlikely to see a $4.99 paperback again. Digital may be the best fit for the 200-page books.

I had a bit more to write on the subject, but there are some very insistent people pounding on the inside of my skull, demanding my attention. I suppose I’ll let them in, learn all about the religion of the skull-dwelling micro-people.

“Reunion” Book Signing After Action Report

Tip of the hat to Tanasbourne Barnes & Noble bookstore. The store graciously hosted a signing of “Reunion,” even moving me up to the front of the store away from some sort of children’s event going on near the space originally intended for the signing.

So, how did it go? Well enough. Of course as long as any unsold books remain on the table or the store shelves I’ll still complain. I’m like that.

Let me review the steps I took over the previous couple of months to promote the event. There are a couple of on-line author promo sites I posted the event to. The local television stations offer community event listings and I hit up three or four of them. The local newspaper carried a listing the day before in its Arts and Entertainment section. I posted in the events section on Craigslist. I mentioned the signing more than once on Twitter and Facebook. I mentioned it in this web log and sent a notice to those of you on my mailing list. (Hi y’all.) I printed leaflets and distributed over 250 of them among libraries and coffee shops near the bookstore.

How effective was any particular aspect of this campaign? I dunno. I didn’t poll the customers to see how they’d learned about the event. (Should I have? Or would that have been rude?) My guess is that most of those who purchased a copy of “Reunion” – at least those people I didn’t already know – just happened to be in the store that day. None offered, “I saw this leaflet in the coffee shop,” or, “I read about the signing in the newspaper.”

Some friends of mine showed up as well, people I’m connected to on Facebook. So, empirically, I suppose the most effective advertising tool was creating a Facebook event. About eleven people stated an intention to show. Twenty plus stated attendance was a possibility. Most who said they’d show up actually did. (Thanks, guys.) Everyone else – well, it was a very nice day out. Beautiful, sunny. I can see not wanting to spend it inside.

A question for those of you who’ve put on a book signing or two: what do you find works best to get out the word?

And now, more pictures.

Hey, Look at Me!

May is a busy month for me this year. What is going on, you ask? You’ve come to the right place for answers.

My short story “Brava – or – the Fire Demon” is out, published by the fine folks at Swords and Sorcery Magazine. If you like sword and sorcery fiction, if you like reading your fiction in digital editions, then this one is for you. This is the second of my ‘Cesar the Bravo’ stories. The first one, “Bravo,” is available at whichever on-line book seller you frequent.

Yes, self-serving promotion. How degrading. Let’s stick with it.

May 9, beginning at 2PM, I’ll be signing copies of “Reunion” at the Tanasbourne Barnes and Noble Bookstore. It should be fun. I’ll be set up over by the childrens’ section, so even if nobody shows, I’ll be able to play with the blocks and the stuffed animals. I’m already a winner. But if you happen to be in the Portland metropolitan area that day, come by and say hello. I don’t bite. At least, not so often anymore; the therapy and medication are working wonders.

And wait, there is even more. If you can’t make the B&N signing, or if you prefer to enjoy an adult beverage at book signings, I’m also scheduled to sign copies of “Reunion” May 21, starting around 6:30, at Journeys, a terrific little pub in the Multnomah Village neighborhood of Portland. Come by, buy my book or buy me a beer. Or both. Both would be nice.

Afterwards you can walk across the street to the toy store. I’ll be in there playing with the blocks and the stuffed animals.

World Building – One Day at a Time

I’m going to continue musing on world-building. A central factor of a person’s or a society’s existence is timekeeping: calendars, the breakdown of the year into seasons, months, weeks, etc.

Tolkien dealt with this by using the conceit that he was publishing a translation of an older work. That, yes, he was using Sundays and August, etc., but that the original work used entirely different terms. He was merely employing contemporary calendar usage for familiarity.

This works well enough if the world in question is intended to be ours in an earlier epoch. But does it create a dissonance when the world is something else entirely, but the characters are referring to Tuesday, July 2nd instead of, say, the fourth day of the Blood Moon?

Of course thinking about that can raise other issues, depending on how deep one wishes to drill. Time depends upon planetary rotation and the circuit about the sun. So, if it isn’t Earth, a twenty-four hour day and a 365-day year is unlikely. On the other hand, is that level of detail and realism necessary? Does it place unnecessary burdens on the reader, requiring him to learn and absorb an unfamiliar calendar in order to appreciate the story? And if having a thirty-hour day and a 220-day year broken into ten 22-month periods contributes nothing to the story, is it worth doing? Is there a level of world-building that harms storytelling?

I think an argument can be made for simplicity: keeping a familiar diurnal and annual cycle. But using our standard terminology is probably a bit much. Meaning creating new names for the days of the week and the months of the year might be the proper balance between world-building and smooth storytelling.

Thoughts?

Currently in the Book Chute

I am usually reading three or four books at any given point, all at varying points of completion. Call it the book chute. There are books upstream, queuing up to enter the chute, and there are others just emerging from the chute, freshly read. So here’s a snapshot of the book chute now, and it is fairly representative.

I finished Robert Sheckley’s “Immortality, Inc.” recently. And I’m about a quarter into Neal Stephenson’s “Snow Crash.” Yes, I’m late to the party on both of those. “Snow Crash” I’ve meant to read for years, but I wanted to buy a copy instead of checking it out from the library. I’m also cheap, so I wanted to buy a used copy, but have never been able to find anything other than new. Birthday gift card to the rescue! Actually my intent was to pick up the latest of Steven Brust’s Vlad Taltos novels, but Barnes & Noble didn’t have a copy in stock (odd, since they’d been pushing it in the inescapable online advertisements that accompany my web browsing.)

I mention “Immortality, Inc.” and “Snow Crash” together because I find it interesting to read almost side by side two visions of the future written about fifty years apart. Both still hold up despite missing certain developments. Sheckley didn’t forecast the computer revolution. And it is disconcerting to read so much about telephone operators and pay calls. The nineteen-fifties permeate the book, but it is still an inventive take on the future. Stephenson stuck with the cyberpunk conception of the internet as an immersive, virtual world, navigated on foot by avatars, interfacing with programs on an almost physical basis instead of through the intermediation of a keyboard. And he didn’t take wi-fi far enough, not envisioning the speed and data capacity we now take for granted. But I’m digging the book to this point.

I’m also reading M.A.R. Barker’s “Flamesong.” I finished the first of his Tékumel novels, “The Man of Gold,” a couple of months ago, and moved on to “Flamesong.” The world-building is first rate, and hyper-detailed. Perhaps overly so. I almost worry there will be a test once I’ve finished the book.

I’m reading “The Thousand” by Kevin Guilefoile. Think Dan Brown, but with more originality and a bit of a sci-fi component. And, so far, better writing.

Then there’s the collection of Sherlock Holmes stories sitting on the upstairs toilet tank, “The Improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.” One must have a bathroom book, right?

In line I’ve got a couple of Violette Malan’s Dhulyn and Parno novels, conveniently combined in a single volume, and a John Ringo novel, “Live Free or Die.”

So long as I keep the chute fed, I’m content.