Carl Alves's Blog, page 56
April 13, 2013
Monster Mash Final Vampire vs. Wendigo
Monster Mash finals
Vampire vs. Wendigo
It all comes down to this. The NCAA basketball tournament has nothing on the Monster Mash. We’ve seen vampires bust through the Chupacabra and the mummy on the road to the finals. Some interesting facts about vampires. Many believe that the first vampire in history is Judas Iscariot. The aversion vampires have to silver stems from the payment that Judas received after betraying Jesus. The oldest vampire legend is Lilith, from Sumerian and Babylonian mythos. Lilith has recently been popularized in the show True Blood. Although there are vampire myths from around the globe, most of the current beliefs about vampires stem from Romanian vampire legend.
The Wendigo is very underappreciated as far as monsters go. There has not been much made about them. There was a pretty mediocre movie called The Wendigo from 2001. If you really want to dig deep into a good Wendigo story, check out Graham Masterton’s novel Edgewise, which is pretty awesome and gives a good depiction of them. A creature of magic, they are exceptionally strong and excellent hunters, mostly targeting cannibals.
So, who will win? I had to think long and hard about this one, because both characters bring a lot to the table. Vampires are fighting machines if you take away the aversion to silver and that a stake to the heart can kill them. The Wendigo is hard to kill and can only be seen if you are facing them directly. All the same, I don’t see how they would take out a powerful vampire. So there you have it. The winner of my first monster mash is the vampire, just as long as they aren’t the sparkly ones found in the Twilight movies.
Vampire vs. Wendigo
It all comes down to this. The NCAA basketball tournament has nothing on the Monster Mash. We’ve seen vampires bust through the Chupacabra and the mummy on the road to the finals. Some interesting facts about vampires. Many believe that the first vampire in history is Judas Iscariot. The aversion vampires have to silver stems from the payment that Judas received after betraying Jesus. The oldest vampire legend is Lilith, from Sumerian and Babylonian mythos. Lilith has recently been popularized in the show True Blood. Although there are vampire myths from around the globe, most of the current beliefs about vampires stem from Romanian vampire legend.
The Wendigo is very underappreciated as far as monsters go. There has not been much made about them. There was a pretty mediocre movie called The Wendigo from 2001. If you really want to dig deep into a good Wendigo story, check out Graham Masterton’s novel Edgewise, which is pretty awesome and gives a good depiction of them. A creature of magic, they are exceptionally strong and excellent hunters, mostly targeting cannibals.
So, who will win? I had to think long and hard about this one, because both characters bring a lot to the table. Vampires are fighting machines if you take away the aversion to silver and that a stake to the heart can kill them. The Wendigo is hard to kill and can only be seen if you are facing them directly. All the same, I don’t see how they would take out a powerful vampire. So there you have it. The winner of my first monster mash is the vampire, just as long as they aren’t the sparkly ones found in the Twilight movies.
April 9, 2013
Monster Mash Round 2 Werewolf vs. Wendigo
Monster Mash semifinals
Werewolf vs. Wendigo
Werewolves, which also go by the name lycanthrope, become wolves under the right conditions such as being bit by another werewolf or having been cursed. The concept of the werewolf originated in Europe, but can be found in legend throughout the world. Their vulnerability to silver or silver bullets are not found in legend but come from fictional accounts of werewolves. In Europe, werewolves are often tied to magic, whether by transforming into wolves through a magical device or through an incantation. Werewolves were also thought to attain their current state as a result of a punishment from God. They have super strength and agility, along with the fighting prowess of wolves and the ability to take significant damage.
Many believe that the Wendigo is real creature that can be found in the upper Midwest of the United States as well as regions of Canada. Wendigo’s are supposed to very thin and tall, in excess of fifteen feet in height with yellow skin, long fangs and a long tongue. According to legend, the Wendigo can only be seen if it is faced head-on. It is a gigantic spirit, which had once been human but has been transformed through the use of magic, and can be summoned by magic. Wendigo’s are believed to have superhuman strength and be superior fighters. They are also believed to control the weather through the use of magic. Wendigo’s are hard to kill. One method of killing them is to pierce their heart with a silver stake and behead them with a silver axe.
This is the most difficult matchup of the monster mash tournament thus far. For sure werewolves have superior fighting skills and power, but so does the Wendigo. Based on their physical stature, magical abilities and outstanding hunting skills, I have to give the Wendigo a tiny edge as it advances to the final to meet up against the vampire.
Werewolf vs. Wendigo
Werewolves, which also go by the name lycanthrope, become wolves under the right conditions such as being bit by another werewolf or having been cursed. The concept of the werewolf originated in Europe, but can be found in legend throughout the world. Their vulnerability to silver or silver bullets are not found in legend but come from fictional accounts of werewolves. In Europe, werewolves are often tied to magic, whether by transforming into wolves through a magical device or through an incantation. Werewolves were also thought to attain their current state as a result of a punishment from God. They have super strength and agility, along with the fighting prowess of wolves and the ability to take significant damage.
Many believe that the Wendigo is real creature that can be found in the upper Midwest of the United States as well as regions of Canada. Wendigo’s are supposed to very thin and tall, in excess of fifteen feet in height with yellow skin, long fangs and a long tongue. According to legend, the Wendigo can only be seen if it is faced head-on. It is a gigantic spirit, which had once been human but has been transformed through the use of magic, and can be summoned by magic. Wendigo’s are believed to have superhuman strength and be superior fighters. They are also believed to control the weather through the use of magic. Wendigo’s are hard to kill. One method of killing them is to pierce their heart with a silver stake and behead them with a silver axe.
This is the most difficult matchup of the monster mash tournament thus far. For sure werewolves have superior fighting skills and power, but so does the Wendigo. Based on their physical stature, magical abilities and outstanding hunting skills, I have to give the Wendigo a tiny edge as it advances to the final to meet up against the vampire.
April 6, 2013
Monster Mash Round 2 Vampire vs. Mummy
Monster Mash semifinals
Vampire vs. Mummy
Ah vampires how we love you so, even when you sparkle and glow. Today’s vampires are a good bit different than how they have been depicted in legend. The change seemed to have occurred with Anne Rice’s romantic, guilt-ridden vampires and have extended to the current abomination that Twilight gives us, which are hardly vampires at all. Vampires of old are horrific monsters. They have enhanced powers of speed, strength and endurance. They are vicious and hateful, and in a combat situation quite dangerous. These reasons make them favorites to win the monster mash tournament. But how will they stack up against mummies?
Mummies are bodies whose skin and organs have been preserved through exposure to chemicals, extreme cold, or other conditions that prevents them from decomposing. Mummies are not just native to Egpyt. The first mummy of a human corpse is believed to be over 6000 years old originating from South America. In horror movies and fiction, mummies are depicted as undead creatures. They often come alive as the result of a curse. Modern day mummies have superhuman strength and durability. They have skill in combat as well as the use of magic.
This is a definitely a contest between heavyweights, so to speak. Although formidable, the powers that mummies have are not quite at the same level of vampires. Vampires are stronger, faster, more durable and can take more damage. Although they have more vulnerabilities than mummies, there fighting skill is superior. All of this allows the vampires to defeat their mummy foes and advance to the finals of the monster mash tournament.
Vampire vs. Mummy
Ah vampires how we love you so, even when you sparkle and glow. Today’s vampires are a good bit different than how they have been depicted in legend. The change seemed to have occurred with Anne Rice’s romantic, guilt-ridden vampires and have extended to the current abomination that Twilight gives us, which are hardly vampires at all. Vampires of old are horrific monsters. They have enhanced powers of speed, strength and endurance. They are vicious and hateful, and in a combat situation quite dangerous. These reasons make them favorites to win the monster mash tournament. But how will they stack up against mummies?
Mummies are bodies whose skin and organs have been preserved through exposure to chemicals, extreme cold, or other conditions that prevents them from decomposing. Mummies are not just native to Egpyt. The first mummy of a human corpse is believed to be over 6000 years old originating from South America. In horror movies and fiction, mummies are depicted as undead creatures. They often come alive as the result of a curse. Modern day mummies have superhuman strength and durability. They have skill in combat as well as the use of magic.
This is a definitely a contest between heavyweights, so to speak. Although formidable, the powers that mummies have are not quite at the same level of vampires. Vampires are stronger, faster, more durable and can take more damage. Although they have more vulnerabilities than mummies, there fighting skill is superior. All of this allows the vampires to defeat their mummy foes and advance to the finals of the monster mash tournament.
April 2, 2013
Monster Mash Round 1 Vampire vs. Mummy
Monster Mash semifinals
Vampire vs. Mummy
Ah vampires how we love you so, even when you sparkle and glow. Today’s vampires are a good bit different than how they have been depicted in legend. The change seemed to have occurred with Anne Rice’s romantic, guilt-ridden vampires and have extended to the current abomination that Twilight gives us, which are hardly vampires at all. Vampires of old are horrific monsters. They have enhanced powers of speed, strength and endurance. They are vicious and hateful, and in a combat situation quite dangerous. These reasons make them favorites to win the monster mash tournament. But how will they stack up against mummies?
Mummies are bodies whose skin and organs have been preserved through exposure to chemicals, extreme cold, or other conditions that prevents them from decomposing. Mummies are not just native to Egpyt. The first mummy of a human corpse is believed to be over 6000 years old originating from South America. In horror movies and fiction, mummies are depicted as undead creatures. They often come alive as the result of a curse. Modern day mummies have superhuman strength and durability. They have skill in combat as well as the use of magic.
This is a definitely a contest between heavyweights, so to speak. Although formidable, the powers that mummies have are not quite at the same level of vampires. Vampires are stronger, faster, more durable and can take more damage. Although they have more vulnerabilities than mummies, their fighting skill is superior. All of this allows the vampires to defeat their mummy foes and advance to the finals of the monster mash tournament.
Vampire vs. Mummy
Ah vampires how we love you so, even when you sparkle and glow. Today’s vampires are a good bit different than how they have been depicted in legend. The change seemed to have occurred with Anne Rice’s romantic, guilt-ridden vampires and have extended to the current abomination that Twilight gives us, which are hardly vampires at all. Vampires of old are horrific monsters. They have enhanced powers of speed, strength and endurance. They are vicious and hateful, and in a combat situation quite dangerous. These reasons make them favorites to win the monster mash tournament. But how will they stack up against mummies?
Mummies are bodies whose skin and organs have been preserved through exposure to chemicals, extreme cold, or other conditions that prevents them from decomposing. Mummies are not just native to Egpyt. The first mummy of a human corpse is believed to be over 6000 years old originating from South America. In horror movies and fiction, mummies are depicted as undead creatures. They often come alive as the result of a curse. Modern day mummies have superhuman strength and durability. They have skill in combat as well as the use of magic.
This is a definitely a contest between heavyweights, so to speak. Although formidable, the powers that mummies have are not quite at the same level of vampires. Vampires are stronger, faster, more durable and can take more damage. Although they have more vulnerabilities than mummies, their fighting skill is superior. All of this allows the vampires to defeat their mummy foes and advance to the finals of the monster mash tournament.
March 31, 2013
Monster Mash round 1 mummy vs. bigfoot
Monster Mash round 1
Mummy vs. Bigfoot
Coming from ancient Egypt, pharaohs were mummified for preservation in their journey to the afterlife. Because the concept of a mummy is so cool, people have attributed special powers to a mummy that could rise from its sarcophagus and wreak havoc in our world, as exhibited by the series of movies starring Brendan Fraser. This type of mummy has superhuman strength and durability. The mummy is also invulnerable to many types of attack due to its hard skin. It’s wrappings make it resistant to fire. These type of mummies also have the use of magic.
Much like the yeti, Bigfoot is a giant ape-like creature found in various sightings in North America, in particular the Pacific Northwest. Most scientists believe that Bigfoot is merely a hoax, but there have been numerous sightings have led people to believe in its existence. Bigfoot is thought to be up to ten feet tell and weigh in excess of 500 pounds. Footprints indicate that the creature has huge feet as well as claws. A creature like this would be a fearsome foe being able to walk like a person with massive size and incredible strength.
Bigfoot would certainly be a formidable foe. In close, it would be able to crush or tear apart just about whoever it went up against. Having said that, mummies have powers far more impressive than physical strength. With the magic that they possess, they would not need to get to close to their opponent, thereby negating Big Foot’s biggest advantage. Sorry, Bigfoot, but you’re going down in this round.
Mummy vs. Bigfoot
Coming from ancient Egypt, pharaohs were mummified for preservation in their journey to the afterlife. Because the concept of a mummy is so cool, people have attributed special powers to a mummy that could rise from its sarcophagus and wreak havoc in our world, as exhibited by the series of movies starring Brendan Fraser. This type of mummy has superhuman strength and durability. The mummy is also invulnerable to many types of attack due to its hard skin. It’s wrappings make it resistant to fire. These type of mummies also have the use of magic.
Much like the yeti, Bigfoot is a giant ape-like creature found in various sightings in North America, in particular the Pacific Northwest. Most scientists believe that Bigfoot is merely a hoax, but there have been numerous sightings have led people to believe in its existence. Bigfoot is thought to be up to ten feet tell and weigh in excess of 500 pounds. Footprints indicate that the creature has huge feet as well as claws. A creature like this would be a fearsome foe being able to walk like a person with massive size and incredible strength.
Bigfoot would certainly be a formidable foe. In close, it would be able to crush or tear apart just about whoever it went up against. Having said that, mummies have powers far more impressive than physical strength. With the magic that they possess, they would not need to get to close to their opponent, thereby negating Big Foot’s biggest advantage. Sorry, Bigfoot, but you’re going down in this round.
March 29, 2013
Monster Mash round 1 werewolves vs. yeti
Werewolves are not quite as prevalent in legend and in pop culture as vampires, but they are not far behind. They made it into the Twilight movies, and more importantly True Blood. According to legend, people become werewolves when bit by that type of lycanthrope. Typically, a full moon will turn them into a werewolf, although in some legends magical devices are used to turn a person into a werewolf. Werewolves have super strength and agility, along with the fighting prowess of wolves. They can take considerable damage and are vicious fighters.
It’s pretty safe to say that if you are a legendary creature, you have made it into the fabric of American culture if a ride in a Walt Disney World theme park has been named after you. The Yeti is a giant ape-like creature believed to be lurking in the Himalayas in Nepal. Also known as the Abominable Snowman, the Yeti is believed to be a legend, although there have been numerous sightings of these beasts. They are believed to carry spears or use large stones as weapons.
Although I personally wouldn’t care to go face to face with a Yeti the next time I climb Mount Everest, I don’t think it would go so well for the furry white apes. Werewolves have a huge edge in speed and ferocity. Although the Yeti are probably stronger than a werewolf, the lycanthrope would run circles around it. Wolves in general are adept at fighting, and werewolves all the more so. I would have to go with the werewolf in this bout by bloody mess.
It’s pretty safe to say that if you are a legendary creature, you have made it into the fabric of American culture if a ride in a Walt Disney World theme park has been named after you. The Yeti is a giant ape-like creature believed to be lurking in the Himalayas in Nepal. Also known as the Abominable Snowman, the Yeti is believed to be a legend, although there have been numerous sightings of these beasts. They are believed to carry spears or use large stones as weapons.
Although I personally wouldn’t care to go face to face with a Yeti the next time I climb Mount Everest, I don’t think it would go so well for the furry white apes. Werewolves have a huge edge in speed and ferocity. Although the Yeti are probably stronger than a werewolf, the lycanthrope would run circles around it. Wolves in general are adept at fighting, and werewolves all the more so. I would have to go with the werewolf in this bout by bloody mess.
March 27, 2013
Monster Mash round 1 zombie vs. wendigo
Monster Mash round 1
Zombie vs. Wendigo
Zombies have become ultra-popular in today’s culture, possibly exceeding vampires. One of the highest rated shows on Television is AMC’s Walking Dead, and there have been a myriad of movies and novels written about them, most recently the delightful zombie comedy Warm Bodies. Those things are all nice to know, but it won’t do anything for a zombie in a battle against the Wendigo. The traditional zombie is a slow moving, stumbling creature that is awfully fond of eating the brains of its victims. There have been other, hyper-fast, crazed zombies like those in 28 Days Later. The latter zombies would definitely be more fierce, and harder to defeat, so we’ll go with those in this battle.
The Wendigo is a little known Native American legend. The name translates to “the evil spirits that devours mankind.” According to legend, the Wendigo can only be seen if it is faced head-on. It is a gigantic spirit, which had once been human but has been transformed through the use of magic, and can be summoned by magic. It is reputed to have glowing eyes, long fangs and long tongues. They are driven by a hunger for human flesh, and are thought to attack cannibals. The Wendigo is also seen as a sign of impending doom.
They might be popular, by I think zombies are overrated in terms of their fighting skills. In reality, a well-trained military could handle a zombie apocalypse. The Wendigo, on the other hand, is absolutely fierce and nearly impossible to kill. If you don’t believe me, read Edgewise by Graham Masterton, an excellent novel featuring a Wendigo. Sorry zombies. You’re going down in this fight, but they can take solace in the fact that they have one of the highest rated programs in television.
Zombie vs. Wendigo
Zombies have become ultra-popular in today’s culture, possibly exceeding vampires. One of the highest rated shows on Television is AMC’s Walking Dead, and there have been a myriad of movies and novels written about them, most recently the delightful zombie comedy Warm Bodies. Those things are all nice to know, but it won’t do anything for a zombie in a battle against the Wendigo. The traditional zombie is a slow moving, stumbling creature that is awfully fond of eating the brains of its victims. There have been other, hyper-fast, crazed zombies like those in 28 Days Later. The latter zombies would definitely be more fierce, and harder to defeat, so we’ll go with those in this battle.
The Wendigo is a little known Native American legend. The name translates to “the evil spirits that devours mankind.” According to legend, the Wendigo can only be seen if it is faced head-on. It is a gigantic spirit, which had once been human but has been transformed through the use of magic, and can be summoned by magic. It is reputed to have glowing eyes, long fangs and long tongues. They are driven by a hunger for human flesh, and are thought to attack cannibals. The Wendigo is also seen as a sign of impending doom.
They might be popular, by I think zombies are overrated in terms of their fighting skills. In reality, a well-trained military could handle a zombie apocalypse. The Wendigo, on the other hand, is absolutely fierce and nearly impossible to kill. If you don’t believe me, read Edgewise by Graham Masterton, an excellent novel featuring a Wendigo. Sorry zombies. You’re going down in this fight, but they can take solace in the fact that they have one of the highest rated programs in television.
March 23, 2013
Monster Mash Round 1 Vampire vs. Chupacabra
Monster Mash round 1
Vampire vs. Chupacabra
Vampires have existed for thousands of years in just about every culture around the globe. There are many different vampire mythos out there in these various cultures, which have been bolstered by the popularity of vampires in film, television and literature. Before I go any further, as a caveat, I don’t consider vampires that sparkle to be actual vampires, but rather an abomination made popular by a certain writer who will go nameless. Anyway, vampires are more or less fighting machines with preternatural speed and strength, an ability to take heavy damage and still continue to tick. All of these things would make them very tough to defeat in the monster mash tournament. Of course, they also have vulnerabilities that are well documented, such as an inability to be out in the sunlight. They can be killed by a stake to the heart, beheading, and sometimes burning. These things vary depending on what vampire mythos you follow.
The Chupacabra is a Puerto Rican legend, which has spread to Mexico and the United States. The term translates into “goat-sucker”. The legend of the Chupacabra started when goats were found with their blood drained and two puncture wounds in their necks. Besides the draining of blood, the animal’s organs have also gone missing in certain cases. There are many variations of the Chupacabra. Some believe that it is an alien creature. Some believe the Chupacabra is a panther-like creature with a long, snake-like tongue. Others believe that it hops like a kangaroo, and others believe it is a lizard-like creature with spines running down its back.
Sorry Chupacabra, this one’s a no contest. You might be scary to goats and livestocks, but a vampire would shred you in about 3.5 seconds. The final verdict – vampire by absolute slaughter.
Vampire vs. Chupacabra
Vampires have existed for thousands of years in just about every culture around the globe. There are many different vampire mythos out there in these various cultures, which have been bolstered by the popularity of vampires in film, television and literature. Before I go any further, as a caveat, I don’t consider vampires that sparkle to be actual vampires, but rather an abomination made popular by a certain writer who will go nameless. Anyway, vampires are more or less fighting machines with preternatural speed and strength, an ability to take heavy damage and still continue to tick. All of these things would make them very tough to defeat in the monster mash tournament. Of course, they also have vulnerabilities that are well documented, such as an inability to be out in the sunlight. They can be killed by a stake to the heart, beheading, and sometimes burning. These things vary depending on what vampire mythos you follow.
The Chupacabra is a Puerto Rican legend, which has spread to Mexico and the United States. The term translates into “goat-sucker”. The legend of the Chupacabra started when goats were found with their blood drained and two puncture wounds in their necks. Besides the draining of blood, the animal’s organs have also gone missing in certain cases. There are many variations of the Chupacabra. Some believe that it is an alien creature. Some believe the Chupacabra is a panther-like creature with a long, snake-like tongue. Others believe that it hops like a kangaroo, and others believe it is a lizard-like creature with spines running down its back.
Sorry Chupacabra, this one’s a no contest. You might be scary to goats and livestocks, but a vampire would shred you in about 3.5 seconds. The final verdict – vampire by absolute slaughter.
March 21, 2013
10 Questions with Angel Leigh McCoy part 2
What current writing projects are you working on?
I'm making slow progress on a novel that's been percolating in my brain and heart for several years. The working title is "The Widow Grey." The title character is a genius, in the vein of Sherlock Holmes, who is living in a world that has become overripe and a bit moldy around the edges. She attracts troubled people who need her help, primarily because she usually manages to sort things out for them.
What advice do you have for beginning writers?
I have three very important bits of advice for beginning writers.
Lick criticism, but don't let it lick you. Writers learn by examining their work, re-evaluating their methods, and stretching their craft—often as the result of someone else's criticism. Criticism is valuable. Even though it's hard not to take it personally, never let it stop you from writing. You have not failed until you've quit.
Writing is a craft. It has its magical moments, but it also has its mechanical, boring, unromantic parts. And, it can be learned by anyone who puts the time, energy, and attention to detail into a study of writing. No one is born a good writer, and the ability to speak English isn't enough. Becoming a truly good wordsmith requires lifelong endeavor. With each passing year, as you study the writings of others, read books on how to be a better writer, AND AS YOU PRACTICE, you will get better and better at your craft.
Think of everything you write as practice. Write it, polish it, and finish it, then move on to the next thing you want to practice. Your entire career as a writer does not hinge on one book or one story. Finish it and move on to the next one.
Is there any subject that is off limits for you as a writer?
No. As a writer, I'm willing to let my mind go into dark and dangerous places—and have done so on many occasions, visiting very personal Hells even. That's not necessarily a requirement for good writing, but it's a choice I've made about my own writing. It comes down to wanting to get to the truth of things, whatever that means.
The human race is capable of the most god-awful acts and sufferings. In my writing, I choose not to shy away from those things if they come up. And I have no taboos about it.
Nor, however, do I shine my writer's spotlight solely on the obscenities in life. I go where the story takes me, following its unpredictable and precocious lead.
How do you define success as a writer?
Honestly, I feel the most successful when someone who has read my work tells me how much they enjoyed it. After all, that's why I write: to reach people, to entertain them. I never tire of seeing someone's eyes light up when they talk about a story or character that I've created, when they reveal their delight or horror with a frisson that makes us both smile. That's gold to me. Gold.
If you could invite five people to a dinner party (alive or dead, real or fictional) who would you invite?
I've answered this question many ways in the past, and each answer was undoubtedly representative of my state of mind at the time. At this point, during this rather hectic and strange phase of my life, I would invite five of the characters I'm creating for my novel (Widow Grey, Amie, Jacob, Mams, and Sweetpea) so I could interrogate them about where I was getting their stories right and where I was completely cocking them up. I'd pillage them for details of their lives, loves, and hates; and I'd take copious notes.
Angel Leigh McCoy is a narrative designer at ArenaNet, where she directs the Living Story project in the massively multiplayer online roleplaying game environment of Guild Wars 2.
In her hauntingly spare time, she writes short fiction, produces a podcast, edits anthologies, serves as the Horror Writers Association’s bumbling webmaster, and volunteers with the American Red Cross (to keep herself humble). Among her babies is the podcast at WilyWriters.com, the DEEP CUTS anthology, and tiddle-bits of fiction scattered here and there among anthologies and magazines.
I'm making slow progress on a novel that's been percolating in my brain and heart for several years. The working title is "The Widow Grey." The title character is a genius, in the vein of Sherlock Holmes, who is living in a world that has become overripe and a bit moldy around the edges. She attracts troubled people who need her help, primarily because she usually manages to sort things out for them.
What advice do you have for beginning writers?
I have three very important bits of advice for beginning writers.
Lick criticism, but don't let it lick you. Writers learn by examining their work, re-evaluating their methods, and stretching their craft—often as the result of someone else's criticism. Criticism is valuable. Even though it's hard not to take it personally, never let it stop you from writing. You have not failed until you've quit.
Writing is a craft. It has its magical moments, but it also has its mechanical, boring, unromantic parts. And, it can be learned by anyone who puts the time, energy, and attention to detail into a study of writing. No one is born a good writer, and the ability to speak English isn't enough. Becoming a truly good wordsmith requires lifelong endeavor. With each passing year, as you study the writings of others, read books on how to be a better writer, AND AS YOU PRACTICE, you will get better and better at your craft.
Think of everything you write as practice. Write it, polish it, and finish it, then move on to the next thing you want to practice. Your entire career as a writer does not hinge on one book or one story. Finish it and move on to the next one.
Is there any subject that is off limits for you as a writer?
No. As a writer, I'm willing to let my mind go into dark and dangerous places—and have done so on many occasions, visiting very personal Hells even. That's not necessarily a requirement for good writing, but it's a choice I've made about my own writing. It comes down to wanting to get to the truth of things, whatever that means.
The human race is capable of the most god-awful acts and sufferings. In my writing, I choose not to shy away from those things if they come up. And I have no taboos about it.
Nor, however, do I shine my writer's spotlight solely on the obscenities in life. I go where the story takes me, following its unpredictable and precocious lead.
How do you define success as a writer?
Honestly, I feel the most successful when someone who has read my work tells me how much they enjoyed it. After all, that's why I write: to reach people, to entertain them. I never tire of seeing someone's eyes light up when they talk about a story or character that I've created, when they reveal their delight or horror with a frisson that makes us both smile. That's gold to me. Gold.
If you could invite five people to a dinner party (alive or dead, real or fictional) who would you invite?
I've answered this question many ways in the past, and each answer was undoubtedly representative of my state of mind at the time. At this point, during this rather hectic and strange phase of my life, I would invite five of the characters I'm creating for my novel (Widow Grey, Amie, Jacob, Mams, and Sweetpea) so I could interrogate them about where I was getting their stories right and where I was completely cocking them up. I'd pillage them for details of their lives, loves, and hates; and I'd take copious notes.
Angel Leigh McCoy is a narrative designer at ArenaNet, where she directs the Living Story project in the massively multiplayer online roleplaying game environment of Guild Wars 2.
In her hauntingly spare time, she writes short fiction, produces a podcast, edits anthologies, serves as the Horror Writers Association’s bumbling webmaster, and volunteers with the American Red Cross (to keep herself humble). Among her babies is the podcast at WilyWriters.com, the DEEP CUTS anthology, and tiddle-bits of fiction scattered here and there among anthologies and magazines.
March 19, 2013
10 Questions with Angel Leigh McCoy part 1
How has working in the role playing game industry affected you as a fiction writer?
An interesting question. It has primarily affected me in two different ways, one bad and one good. I’ll give you the bad news first. Working in the games industry is a huge commitment. We often work extra long hours and, even when we’re not working, we’re thinking about what we need to do and how best to do it. Thus, I expend a majority of my energy and creative juices on my job, leaving me with less than I’d like for my fiction writing. My resources are depleted by my job: time, mental energy, and creativity.
However, it’s a sacrifice I make willingly because I love my job. I’m extremely lucky to have a job that’s a whirlpool of creativity swimming with smart and passionate coworkers who make me a better person and a better writer/narrative designer every day.
Now, for the good news. When you design narrative for a game, you come nose-to-nose with many of the rules of good fiction writing:
Start where the story begins, not before.
Without solid characters, there is no good story.
Keep dialogue short, to the point, and flavorful.
Eliminate all unnecessary words.
Find the exact right word to express what you want to say.
The 3- or 5-act structure is classic and extremely useful.
If you want your audience to hate an enemy, have the enemy destroy something everyone loves—like a beloved pet.
Passive voice is rarely a good idea.
And so on and so forth, ad infinitum.
That’s just the beginning. I get to practice all these things and come to a better understanding of how and why they’re good within the medium of gameplay. It’s been incredibly instructive, and I don’t feel like this time is wasted at all. I can say without a doubt that my fiction has improved as a result of the lessons learned in my job.
Who has been your biggest influence as a writer?
neil gaiman
It’s difficult to nail it down to one person. I read many different authors and learn something from them all. I learn from the short story submissions I receive for Wily Writers, as well, and I learn as I’m editing stories for the anthologies I do. However, if I had to name one writer who has intrigued me enough that I’ve studied his work and professional moves, I’d have to say it’s Neil Gaiman.
Reading Mr. Gaiman’s work, for me, is an exercise in chasing down what it is that makes him so beloved to so many. I have yet to quantify the spark of magic he brings to his writing, but I won’t stop looking for it. And, perhaps, at some point, some of that magic will sneak into my own writing—probably when I least expect it.
I just wish I had a sexy accent.
What made you get involved with the Wily Writer’s Podcast?
wily writers
The podcast came about as the result of several conversations I had with other writers. We were frustrated that there weren’t many outlets for short fiction, and it all seemed so impersonal. So, I decided to create Wily Writers. Initially, it was intended to be as much a community of writers as an actual market for short fiction. We had forums where the writers could hang out and share information, etc. If you were published at the site, then you were welcomed in.
Unfortunately, the forum side of it didn’t take off. It actually fizzled fairly quickly as people were drawn to the sparkly new Facebook. What remained was the podcast and the underlying concept of publishing writers—no matter how well-known—who had written marvelous stories.
I never expected it to take off as it has, nor did I expect it to pay professional rates, as we started doing this year.
In your time as the editor of the Wily Writer’s Podcast, what is the best short story you have come across? What is your all-time favorite short story?
Oh, my goodness. That’s like asking a grandmother which of her grandchildren she prefers. The stories are all so different, and I love them for their unique qualities. Each year in the anthologies, I choose my favorites from among the stories, but I couldn’t possibly narrow the list down to one. The attempt might just make my head explode!
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Only one? I’d have to choose the I Ching (Book of Changes). It’s an ancient Chinese text used for introspection and contemplation of universal truths and untruths. It has so many layers and stories in it that I would never tire of delving its secrets and applying its lessons to my life.
An interesting question. It has primarily affected me in two different ways, one bad and one good. I’ll give you the bad news first. Working in the games industry is a huge commitment. We often work extra long hours and, even when we’re not working, we’re thinking about what we need to do and how best to do it. Thus, I expend a majority of my energy and creative juices on my job, leaving me with less than I’d like for my fiction writing. My resources are depleted by my job: time, mental energy, and creativity.
However, it’s a sacrifice I make willingly because I love my job. I’m extremely lucky to have a job that’s a whirlpool of creativity swimming with smart and passionate coworkers who make me a better person and a better writer/narrative designer every day.
Now, for the good news. When you design narrative for a game, you come nose-to-nose with many of the rules of good fiction writing:
Start where the story begins, not before.
Without solid characters, there is no good story.
Keep dialogue short, to the point, and flavorful.
Eliminate all unnecessary words.
Find the exact right word to express what you want to say.
The 3- or 5-act structure is classic and extremely useful.
If you want your audience to hate an enemy, have the enemy destroy something everyone loves—like a beloved pet.
Passive voice is rarely a good idea.
And so on and so forth, ad infinitum.
That’s just the beginning. I get to practice all these things and come to a better understanding of how and why they’re good within the medium of gameplay. It’s been incredibly instructive, and I don’t feel like this time is wasted at all. I can say without a doubt that my fiction has improved as a result of the lessons learned in my job.
Who has been your biggest influence as a writer?
neil gaiman
It’s difficult to nail it down to one person. I read many different authors and learn something from them all. I learn from the short story submissions I receive for Wily Writers, as well, and I learn as I’m editing stories for the anthologies I do. However, if I had to name one writer who has intrigued me enough that I’ve studied his work and professional moves, I’d have to say it’s Neil Gaiman.
Reading Mr. Gaiman’s work, for me, is an exercise in chasing down what it is that makes him so beloved to so many. I have yet to quantify the spark of magic he brings to his writing, but I won’t stop looking for it. And, perhaps, at some point, some of that magic will sneak into my own writing—probably when I least expect it.
I just wish I had a sexy accent.
What made you get involved with the Wily Writer’s Podcast?
wily writers
The podcast came about as the result of several conversations I had with other writers. We were frustrated that there weren’t many outlets for short fiction, and it all seemed so impersonal. So, I decided to create Wily Writers. Initially, it was intended to be as much a community of writers as an actual market for short fiction. We had forums where the writers could hang out and share information, etc. If you were published at the site, then you were welcomed in.
Unfortunately, the forum side of it didn’t take off. It actually fizzled fairly quickly as people were drawn to the sparkly new Facebook. What remained was the podcast and the underlying concept of publishing writers—no matter how well-known—who had written marvelous stories.
I never expected it to take off as it has, nor did I expect it to pay professional rates, as we started doing this year.
In your time as the editor of the Wily Writer’s Podcast, what is the best short story you have come across? What is your all-time favorite short story?
Oh, my goodness. That’s like asking a grandmother which of her grandchildren she prefers. The stories are all so different, and I love them for their unique qualities. Each year in the anthologies, I choose my favorites from among the stories, but I couldn’t possibly narrow the list down to one. The attempt might just make my head explode!
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Only one? I’d have to choose the I Ching (Book of Changes). It’s an ancient Chinese text used for introspection and contemplation of universal truths and untruths. It has so many layers and stories in it that I would never tire of delving its secrets and applying its lessons to my life.
