R.J. Hore's Blog: Fall is Here, page 5
December 10, 2019
Why Genre Writers Need Cats
Sci Fi authors looking to plumb the depths of alien intelligences, have you ever attempted to communicate with a cat? To get a cat to act reasonable? If we cannot understand or communicate with a creature with which we’ve shared some DNA over the last sixty million or so years, how can we ever expect to describe or chat with life from other far more distant worlds?
What about those mysterious objects that suddenly appear, or familiar things that disappear?
Mind control, stare back at a cat. Experienced researchers know the creature is attempting to take over and guide its unwary subject to the food cupboard or the tap in the bathtub.
Horror writers need to experience the mysterious bump in the night, the unearthly wail for no good reason. How about the small mangled remains you may come across in both unusual and familiar places? There’s a description waiting recording.
Then there are the writers of fantasy fiction. Superheroes? Pay close attention to how cats can fly from the floor to the top of the refrigerator. Ever watch a cat staring at a blank wall or out a window at nothing. They do it on purpose, of course, just to cause confusion. There is nothing there! Or is there?
Drop something on the kitchen floor and a cat can materialize out of almost thin air, when you knew it was on another floor of the house, and at the far end of the building, asleep.
And they do liven up the Christmas Season. Where do all those ornaments go? Why is the tree shaking? Why are the presents moving under the tree? Is this examples of mind over matters?
Inquiring authors need to know!
Cats are a practice in patience and a useful distraction when writer’s block threatens.
If nothing else, if you have room nearby, but not on, the keyboard, cats are quite willing to offer serious encouragement or criticism of your ability as a writer, free of bias. At least they don’t put it in writing, as far as I’ve noticed, to date.
What about those mysterious objects that suddenly appear, or familiar things that disappear?
Mind control, stare back at a cat. Experienced researchers know the creature is attempting to take over and guide its unwary subject to the food cupboard or the tap in the bathtub.
Horror writers need to experience the mysterious bump in the night, the unearthly wail for no good reason. How about the small mangled remains you may come across in both unusual and familiar places? There’s a description waiting recording.
Then there are the writers of fantasy fiction. Superheroes? Pay close attention to how cats can fly from the floor to the top of the refrigerator. Ever watch a cat staring at a blank wall or out a window at nothing. They do it on purpose, of course, just to cause confusion. There is nothing there! Or is there?
Drop something on the kitchen floor and a cat can materialize out of almost thin air, when you knew it was on another floor of the house, and at the far end of the building, asleep.
And they do liven up the Christmas Season. Where do all those ornaments go? Why is the tree shaking? Why are the presents moving under the tree? Is this examples of mind over matters?
Inquiring authors need to know!
Cats are a practice in patience and a useful distraction when writer’s block threatens.
If nothing else, if you have room nearby, but not on, the keyboard, cats are quite willing to offer serious encouragement or criticism of your ability as a writer, free of bias. At least they don’t put it in writing, as far as I’ve noticed, to date.
November 15, 2019
The Writers Vineyard
I used to belong to a monthly blog format where each writer was assigned one day of the month in order to write about anything they wanted to, as long as it wasn't a too blatant effort to "buy my book."
The group lasted until the end of 2018 and then faded as the group's monitor passed away and no one else had the ability to take over.
What I appreciated about the group was that each month you had twenty to twenty-five different essays on writing and attracted interested parties from not one writer but several. It also forced me to regularly come up with new material each month.
I suspect most of the essays are still valid.
If anyone is interested they can find them under "The Writers Vineyard" or "the writersvineyard.blogspot.com"
The group lasted until the end of 2018 and then faded as the group's monitor passed away and no one else had the ability to take over.
What I appreciated about the group was that each month you had twenty to twenty-five different essays on writing and attracted interested parties from not one writer but several. It also forced me to regularly come up with new material each month.
I suspect most of the essays are still valid.
If anyone is interested they can find them under "The Writers Vineyard" or "the writersvineyard.blogspot.com"
August 1, 2019
As of Today
Just finished editing the third book in my space opera trilogy, "Expeditions to Earth." The second book, "Hammer Across the Stars" was finished editing a month or two ago. Now just waiting to see the covers and get the news on Publisher release dates. Still haven't done the line edits on either project. Have that grim task to look forward to. Expect "Hammer" will be out later this year, with "Expeditions" in 2020.
The first book in the series, "Of Destiny's Daughters" hit the ebook pages in February and print in April of this year.
Spending most of the summer working on book sales, talking with stores, showing up at farmers markets and cons.
August 9th, 10th, 11th will be at "When Words Collide" in Calgary and show up on three panels plus the autograph session.
Been doing some work with the Canadian Authors Association, representing Manitoba and Saskatchewan on the executive.
Besides gardening, and arguing with the cat, and wishing I were sailing, what have I been doing to amuse myself? Been playing around with writing another episode of "The Housetrap Chronicles." This time a sort of Christmas story. Only time will tell...
Oh good grief...
The first book in the series, "Of Destiny's Daughters" hit the ebook pages in February and print in April of this year.
Spending most of the summer working on book sales, talking with stores, showing up at farmers markets and cons.
August 9th, 10th, 11th will be at "When Words Collide" in Calgary and show up on three panels plus the autograph session.
Been doing some work with the Canadian Authors Association, representing Manitoba and Saskatchewan on the executive.
Besides gardening, and arguing with the cat, and wishing I were sailing, what have I been doing to amuse myself? Been playing around with writing another episode of "The Housetrap Chronicles." This time a sort of Christmas story. Only time will tell...
Oh good grief...
June 5, 2019
Book Sales
Someday I should slow down long enough to write a post on how authors with small publishers often spend a lot of time trying to sell their books in person, at cons, craft sales, all sorts of events.
Do you make a lot of money doing this?
I often consider success breaking even, and frequently share my loaded table of books with other authors.
For example, this coming Saturday (June 8th) I'm at the 2019 Steampunk Tea and Ladies Bazaar Grinder's Market put on by the Society for the Ethical Treatment of Kraken.
There's a mouthful.
In two weeks I will be at the Manitoba Highland Gathering June 22nd and 23rd taking part in the Scottish Market.
If nothing else these venues allow authors to meet readers and become better known. We often get the opportunity to encourage budding authors.
And yes, we even get a chance to sell a book. Twice in my sales career I've had someone come up to the table and buy a copy of everything I've written. At that time it would have amounted to thirteen novels. (I'm at 14 now). Those sorts of things help to make an author's day.
But don't be shy. You have to be prepared to step up to the table and start the conversation. Who knows where that might lead?
Do you make a lot of money doing this?
I often consider success breaking even, and frequently share my loaded table of books with other authors.
For example, this coming Saturday (June 8th) I'm at the 2019 Steampunk Tea and Ladies Bazaar Grinder's Market put on by the Society for the Ethical Treatment of Kraken.
There's a mouthful.
In two weeks I will be at the Manitoba Highland Gathering June 22nd and 23rd taking part in the Scottish Market.
If nothing else these venues allow authors to meet readers and become better known. We often get the opportunity to encourage budding authors.
And yes, we even get a chance to sell a book. Twice in my sales career I've had someone come up to the table and buy a copy of everything I've written. At that time it would have amounted to thirteen novels. (I'm at 14 now). Those sorts of things help to make an author's day.
But don't be shy. You have to be prepared to step up to the table and start the conversation. Who knows where that might lead?
May 28, 2019
Space Opera
Some days I'm not sure what a space opera is, but I think I've just written one.
I know no music is involved!
This week I sent off my manuscript for book three: "Expeditions to Earth." Publisher approves. That's a good start. With luck the finished product should appear sometime in 2020.
Book two: "Hammer Across the Stars" is winding down its way through the editing process. Had a favourable reaction from my editor while reading it. That too is a good sign. I expect this will see the light of day, first as an ebook and then in print, sometime in 2019.
Book one, "Of Destiny's Daughters" is out now and I've got a supply I've had to one con and a couple of craft sales. Must do more.
But then I promised to clean my office before I start any new projects.
Have two sales set up for June and some interesting irons in the fire.
My daughters have a favourite old manuscript of mine that has never been published (although one publisher did hang on to it for a couple of years.) It was written on a commodore 64 and I have one print copy. I'd almost given up on converting it to Word. One of the daughters has taken on that task. If they resurrect that creepy tale I make have to work it over to bring it up to my current standards, and then search for a suitable publisher
But I did promise I'd finish off the Housetrap Chronicles next....
So may projects, so little time.
To top things off, we now have a prairie dog in our back yard. Just the latest chaos... Something to amuse the cat I suppose...
I know no music is involved!
This week I sent off my manuscript for book three: "Expeditions to Earth." Publisher approves. That's a good start. With luck the finished product should appear sometime in 2020.
Book two: "Hammer Across the Stars" is winding down its way through the editing process. Had a favourable reaction from my editor while reading it. That too is a good sign. I expect this will see the light of day, first as an ebook and then in print, sometime in 2019.
Book one, "Of Destiny's Daughters" is out now and I've got a supply I've had to one con and a couple of craft sales. Must do more.
But then I promised to clean my office before I start any new projects.
Have two sales set up for June and some interesting irons in the fire.
My daughters have a favourite old manuscript of mine that has never been published (although one publisher did hang on to it for a couple of years.) It was written on a commodore 64 and I have one print copy. I'd almost given up on converting it to Word. One of the daughters has taken on that task. If they resurrect that creepy tale I make have to work it over to bring it up to my current standards, and then search for a suitable publisher
But I did promise I'd finish off the Housetrap Chronicles next....
So may projects, so little time.
To top things off, we now have a prairie dog in our back yard. Just the latest chaos... Something to amuse the cat I suppose...
May 15, 2019
KeyCon39
This coming weekend I will be manning a book table in the dealer's room at KeyCon39.
We're open to the public as well as the Con attendees, no charge to get in to the Dealer's room.
We are open:
Friday 17th: 7pm to 10pm
Saturday 18th 10am to 7pm
Sunday 19th 11am to 4pm
I will be on a panel discussion Saturday afternoon.
We are at the Radisson Hotel, 288 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB.
Drop by and chat about writing or just say hi!!
Of course I will have copies of all my books available including the latest, "Of Destiny's Daughters"
We're open to the public as well as the Con attendees, no charge to get in to the Dealer's room.
We are open:
Friday 17th: 7pm to 10pm
Saturday 18th 10am to 7pm
Sunday 19th 11am to 4pm
I will be on a panel discussion Saturday afternoon.
We are at the Radisson Hotel, 288 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB.
Drop by and chat about writing or just say hi!!
Of course I will have copies of all my books available including the latest, "Of Destiny's Daughters"
April 6, 2019
Space Opera Progress
Work progresses on my first attempt at a space opera trilogy.
Book one: "Of Destiny's Daughters" came out as an ebook last month and is available at the usual places. A print version is scheduled for release by the end of May. I hope to have some copies available when I attend KeyCon on May 17,18,19th.
Book two: "Hammer Across the Stars" has gone through a couple of rounds of editing with my publisher. Haven't seen a cover yet. Expect it will be out sometime later this year.
Book three: "Expeditions to Earth" is completed in first draft form. I have a couple of extensive re-throughs to do and then pass along the final chapters to my beta reader who will fire comments back at me I'll have to consider before sending off to the publisher. This should be finished, edited, and released some time early in 2020, all things go as planned.
After I get "Expeditions" away I promised to take some time off from writing to straighten up my office before the papers scattered on the floor get too deep.
After that, it's time to return to the Housetrap Chronicles. One more novella and the publisher will have enough for a third anthology and I can get to work shaking out those ideas for a fourth collection.
Should keep me out of trouble...
Book one: "Of Destiny's Daughters" came out as an ebook last month and is available at the usual places. A print version is scheduled for release by the end of May. I hope to have some copies available when I attend KeyCon on May 17,18,19th.
Book two: "Hammer Across the Stars" has gone through a couple of rounds of editing with my publisher. Haven't seen a cover yet. Expect it will be out sometime later this year.
Book three: "Expeditions to Earth" is completed in first draft form. I have a couple of extensive re-throughs to do and then pass along the final chapters to my beta reader who will fire comments back at me I'll have to consider before sending off to the publisher. This should be finished, edited, and released some time early in 2020, all things go as planned.
After I get "Expeditions" away I promised to take some time off from writing to straighten up my office before the papers scattered on the floor get too deep.
After that, it's time to return to the Housetrap Chronicles. One more novella and the publisher will have enough for a third anthology and I can get to work shaking out those ideas for a fourth collection.
Should keep me out of trouble...
February 5, 2019
Space Opera Progress
Well, we are making some headway.
"Of Destiny's Daughters" finally hit the digital world last week. The first in my attempt at a Space Opera style trilogy, it is first out as an eBook.
The print edition should follow along in the next month or two.
The manuscript for the second book, "Hammer Across the Stars," is lurking on the publisher's desk waiting for us to get up the ambition to tackle the editing process. I would expect to see work on that finished by the middle of this year.
The third book, "Expeditions to Earth" is rolling along. I've passed what I think of as the half-way mark at 50,000+ words. If I can stay on schedule, this one should see the light of day sometime in 2020.
After that I'll go back to looking at a couple of ideas I have for the Housetrap Chronicles Series.
This is shaping up as a busy year. Already manned the table at one book sale, and have at least four other venues lined up.
The best advice I can give to a writer at any level, is "Finish the project." You don't know what you will ultimately have until you write the first completed draft. You can polish and wrestle with it later. The second best advice I can think of is "SEND IT OUT!"
Enjoy your writing/Reading!
"Of Destiny's Daughters" finally hit the digital world last week. The first in my attempt at a Space Opera style trilogy, it is first out as an eBook.
The print edition should follow along in the next month or two.
The manuscript for the second book, "Hammer Across the Stars," is lurking on the publisher's desk waiting for us to get up the ambition to tackle the editing process. I would expect to see work on that finished by the middle of this year.
The third book, "Expeditions to Earth" is rolling along. I've passed what I think of as the half-way mark at 50,000+ words. If I can stay on schedule, this one should see the light of day sometime in 2020.
After that I'll go back to looking at a couple of ideas I have for the Housetrap Chronicles Series.
This is shaping up as a busy year. Already manned the table at one book sale, and have at least four other venues lined up.
The best advice I can give to a writer at any level, is "Finish the project." You don't know what you will ultimately have until you write the first completed draft. You can polish and wrestle with it later. The second best advice I can think of is "SEND IT OUT!"
Enjoy your writing/Reading!
January 5, 2019
Progress Report
Been working on my new venture into space opera. Happy to report that the first book in the trilogy should be out sometime in January 2019. We've completed the rounds of edits and seen the drafts of the cover. Final step before publication is the line edits on the completed format.
So watch out for: "Of Destiny's Daughters."
Book two: "Hammer Across the Stars" is completed in final draft form and now awaits the editing process. I expect it will see daylight before the end of this year.
Book three is: "Expeditions to Earth." I'm about 35,000 words into the first draft. I suspect it will be into 2020 before this one sees the light of publishing day.
All three are being published by the Champagne Book Group. They will be available through the publisher, Amazon, Kobo, and the usual outlets. Print versions will follow shortly after the ebooks.
So watch out for: "Of Destiny's Daughters."
Book two: "Hammer Across the Stars" is completed in final draft form and now awaits the editing process. I expect it will see daylight before the end of this year.
Book three is: "Expeditions to Earth." I'm about 35,000 words into the first draft. I suspect it will be into 2020 before this one sees the light of publishing day.
All three are being published by the Champagne Book Group. They will be available through the publisher, Amazon, Kobo, and the usual outlets. Print versions will follow shortly after the ebooks.
November 7, 2018
The Latest News
Just received the latest news from my publisher and it is all good.
First of all, the Housetrap Chronicles.
Tale number nine (still untitled) comes out as a ebook in April 2019.
This means that numbers 7, 8, and 9 can be gathered into a print edition, volume 3.
Housetrap #10, The Road to Hell is Paved with Parsnips, is scheduled to come out July 2019.
I started writing a space opera to see what it would be like to take a break from the fantasy genre. This turned into a trilogy.
The first novel, "Of Destiny's Daughters" comes out in January 2019.
The second novel, "Hammer Across the Stars" is scheduled for May 2019.
Which means I have to get down to writing the third and final novel. Unusual for me, I have actually started an outline. Now the hard work begins.
Looking forward to seeing the covers!
First of all, the Housetrap Chronicles.
Tale number nine (still untitled) comes out as a ebook in April 2019.
This means that numbers 7, 8, and 9 can be gathered into a print edition, volume 3.
Housetrap #10, The Road to Hell is Paved with Parsnips, is scheduled to come out July 2019.
I started writing a space opera to see what it would be like to take a break from the fantasy genre. This turned into a trilogy.
The first novel, "Of Destiny's Daughters" comes out in January 2019.
The second novel, "Hammer Across the Stars" is scheduled for May 2019.
Which means I have to get down to writing the third and final novel. Unusual for me, I have actually started an outline. Now the hard work begins.
Looking forward to seeing the covers!
