Christopher Stocking's Blog, page 16
February 4, 2013
Art is Dead
I appreciate a good comedian. If you can make me laugh, then I like you. While perusing Netflix for something to watch, I found a Bo Burnham comedy special I had previously watched. I remembered it being pretty funny, so I loaded it up. Bo Burhnam’s act consists of haiku, Shakespeare mockery, songs accompanied by him playing the piano or guitar to which he either sings or raps to. He’s very talented, especially because he is only 22 or 23.
One song in particular of his struck me as brilliant....
February 1, 2013
Stop Trying so Hard!
Break out the red pen and cut back on the flowery language. Image credit: cellar_door_films WANA Commons
We’ve all heard of overacting. Actors trying too hard to perform well, but it just ends up with them looking like a fool. This can happen to writers as well. We try to nail the opening scene of a book or short story, and we include beautiful details and descriptions and flowing poetic language because we’re so enveloped in a new story. We’re enchanted by the fact that we have something new,...
January 28, 2013
Music To Write To
I’ve seen a lot of people talk about writing playlists, and it got me thinking about my own. I never thought about writing to music when I first started taking writing seriously. I thought it would be too distracting. Mainly because if I ever tried to work on homework with music, there’s no way I could focus. However, I was just listening to the wrong kind of music. Plus, homework and writing vary a little bit with how much you actually need to focus. I’ll explain.
Homework requires a large le...
January 25, 2013
First Review Of His Only Star
Just a quick update today. School starts up next week, so I’ve been getting ready for that, along with doing some serious writing on my post-apocalyptic new adult novel. Yup, that’s right, novel. I’m 10,000 words in, and I can tell this is no longer going to be a novella. I’m very excited about that.
I’m also very excited to say that His Only Star has received its first five-star review, along with two other five-star ratings. Here’s the review:
Pretty cool, eh?
Also, I boughtCherie Priest’s “Bo...
January 23, 2013
Captive (A Map)
Click on the map to view it larger
I’m working on this NA (new adult) novella, which very well could turn into a full-length novel if things keep going the way they are, Captive (which is a temporary title). I thought it might make things a bit easier if I drew a map. So, as you can see, I did. Remember, I’m no artist. Drawing is just not something at which I’mproficient, but I still find it helpful. I may still add a few other things to the map. And, if it turns out good enough, it may even m...
January 22, 2013
Author Interview: Deb E
Deb!
I had the chance to interview my good writer friend Deb E. I’ve known her for quite some time, and she’s been more than amazing to me. Whether it’s giving me constructive criticism on my work, or just hanging around my blog, I know I can count on her. Deb’s debut novel, “Healer’s Touch,” is set to be released at the end of the month (just 9 days away!), and it looks pretty great. Here’s a little info:
Pretty impressive, eh?
For Llew to heal, something must die.
For Llew, a young pickpocket l...
January 21, 2013
Author Interview: Chris Stocking
Author Interview: Chris Stocking.
My good friend Deb was kind enough to throw some questions at me in exchange for their answers. I always love being interviewed. It’s always so much fun. Check it out at the link above, and be here tomorrow to read my interview with Deb!
January 20, 2013
“London Darkness: War of the Devices” Cover Reveal!
I have to say, it’s been an exciting few days for me. Yesterday, “His Only Star” went live in print, and for the Kindle, and now today I get to show you all the cover of “London Darkness: War of the Devices.” And, well, it’s great. Really great. I love it. And, it was free.
That’s right! It was free! I entered a competition for Curiosity Quills Press; a bunch of amazing literary people who publish cool stuff. And I won a free copy of Bone Wires, by Michael Shean, and a free cover design, or bl...
January 19, 2013
It’s Alive! *Insert Maniacal Laughter* It’s Alive!
I’mso very excited to announce that “His Only Star” is available! As with many books, it’s been a long experience, but always worth it.
However, there’s been a set back with the print edition. There was an issue with the cover, and Createspace demands a wait of up to 24 hours so they can check it out to make sure it meets their standards. Blah. But the Kindle version is available for $1.99, and, let’s face it, if I’ve learned anything from “London Darkness” sales, it’s that the Kindle version...
January 18, 2013
A Place To Think
Working my job gives me a tremendous amount of time to think. I spend hours at my job not needing to interact with other people. Or, if I do need to, it’s on a minimal basis where I can still keep most of my creative ideas at the forefront of my thoughts. The tasks are menial enough to where my thoughts can be elsewhere while I perform them. This is quite handy. I’ve actually had a number of revelations about some of my stories while at this job. I’ve discovered character motives and intentio...
