Michael C. Bailey's Blog, page 99

Playwright Interview – Scott Kegler

Something a little different today! Instead of a fellow independent author, I present to you an interview with an independent playwright, my friend Scott Kegler, who recently realized a career dream and had his play WHACKED! published by JAC Publishing & Promotions. WHACKED! is also available on Amazon.com.

A bit of background: Scott and I met in 2007, when I was on the writing staff for the Connecticut Renaissance Faire and Scott was portraying the Green Knight in that year’s production (you can check out a key scene featuring the Green Knight here). We didn’t really connect as friends until a few years later, when we were both performing in the New England Pirate Faire, and we bonded over our respective statuses as happily married men (which I say without any irony or sarcasm. We both have awesome wives).

Okay, Scott, introduce yourself to the readers, and tell them what else have you done outside of writing this particular play.

I began writing when I was in high school and found that my stories were best told through dialogue. I wrote screenplays and by the time I was through college had almost a hundred different shorts, with only a couple of full length scripts.

I have had the advantage of being able to have performed on the stage and directing for the stage. These opportunities have really helped me have a larger understanding of theater, and how to pace a script.

What are your professional influences? 

My writing style is definitely fast paced and almost always plays within the absurd. I think a lot of this comes from my childhood, and what I watched. While my friends were usually watching Saturday morning cartoons, I was filling my mind with rerun episodes of Whose Line is it Anyway?, MST3K, and Blackadder.

I do enjoy however the styles of comedies from the 30’s and 40’s, where you see these very straight laced protagonists thrown into settings filled with insane, broad characters.

Now, onto WHACKED! What inspired you – or perhaps I should say, what possessed you to write a sex farce?

Poster by Amanda Marie.

Ha. Well, I was actually in rehearsals for the Scottish Play. Yes, Macbeth. I was backstage with one of my cast members sitting on a couch, and we were talking about comedies. We were talking about the classic sex farce and how they are usually all over the place, and the sex is just a general theme. I commented how it would be interesting to focus on one sex act, and more importantly a socially taboo one. When I made the claim that an entire play about masturbation could be interesting. My friend stated it couldn’t be done. So, I opened my laptop and started while waiting for my cue. The first draft was done in 6 days.

You’ve  mentioned that there are some elements in the show that were inspired by real-life people or events. What were those real-life inspirations (feel free to change any names to protect the not-so-innocent)? 

In general, I always have some actor’s voice in mind when I write anything. But with WHACKED, I had one character in particular that was if at the very least a parody of my father. The character David in the play is a combination of both my father, and how I see my own voice in a few decades. The biggest influence for the show being my father’s ability to speak primarily in factoids. I can’t argue with the results.

Most of the show is pretty grounded in reality, but there are bits in the show that are completely over-the-top (Jesus Bill comes to mind). In retrospect, do you wish you’d pulled those wilder moments back a little? Or made the rest of the show crazier? Or are you happy with the balance?

A lot of my comedies depend on the absurd and often the fantastic. So, it was fun to tease the idea of the show going for a “fantastic” ending, only to end up being just another ludicrous turn. Jesus Bill was never an intended part of the show when I set out. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, but I remember just snapping at one point and saying, “The hell with it. Jesus appears in the door way.” Since I am a recovering Catholic, I couldn’t resist bringing Him into this show.

What made you decide to submit this particular play for publication? Did you ever worry it was too risqué or weird to be accepted for publication? 

I think it was the response. I have written a lot of the years, but this show just seemed rocket propelled. At the first table read I had at a local pub, the actors were practically demanding I get this produced. The rest happened pretty quickly.

Chances are some people reading this are familiar with the process of submitting a novel for publication, but what is the process for submitting a play?

The process is similar once the show is a proven commodity. The biggest difference is that almost any publisher/agent would like to see that the show/script has been performed in front of a paying audience.

If you have a script with which you are looking to move forward. I would recommend getting some actors together for a table read, and then getting a location for a stage reading. See what sort of response you get and then pursue a production. Once you have been able to that, you should be able to write your query letters and proceed.

What’s up next for you, writing-wise?

I am putting the queries together for two shows that were produced earlier this year. A full length show and a one act, which are about ready for that next step. I am working with a group on a web series currently as well, which I have gotten through about 3 episodes. I would like to find the time to finish two new works that are written, but needing some edits and reading, but there is this thing I have been involved with since the beginning of July. New baby or something? The wife says he is mine, and she is usually on the up and up. I figure I should raise him either way. You know…for appearances.

From Hell’s Heart – An Action Figures Short Story

It’s here! The new AF short featuring Dr. Enigma, From Hell’s Heart, is up! You can go read it right now on this page.

EDIT: The broken link is now fixed. Sorry about that!

Remember, next week the Kindle edition of Action Figures – Issue One: Secret Origins goes on sale for 99 cents for three days only, September 9 through 11. Grab it for yourself if you haven’t checked it out, or buy a copy for a friend. The week after that Action Figures – Issue Two: Black Magic Women goes on-sale for three days only, then after that, Action Figures – Issue Three: Pasts Imperfect makes its debut!

Pasts Imperfect – Cover Reveal!

First, a quick reminder that an all-new AF short, From Hell’s Heart, featuring Dr. Enigma, will debut tomorrow! The story will be up at 10 AM EST, and hopefully that will tide everyone over nicely until Action Figures – Issue Three: Pasts Imperfect  (now available for pre-order at Amazon) becomes available later this month.

Now onto the big item today, the full, finished front and back covers for AF3, courtesy of my ever-reliable cover artist Patricia Lupien. And check it out: I have my first-ever reviewer blurb on the cover!

SCIENCE!

A quick post today to share the finished artwork for the back cover of Action Figures – Issue Three: Pasts Imperfect — now available for pre-order at Amazon! — featuring Concorde.

I asked my crack cover artist Tricia Lupien to create something that looked like a house ad for Bose Industries, the company that created the Concorde suit. Her first pass at Concorde wasn’t quite what I’d envisioned, so Tricia went back to the literal drawing board, refined his look and this is what I saw sitting in my inbox this morning.

 

This made me ridiculously happy.

Book Three – Pre-Order Now!

Check it out!

 

Okay, the image is too small to make anything out, but this is the pre-order page for the Kindle edition of Action Figures – Issue Three: Pasts Imperfect! That’s right, you can line up your Kindle edition now and it’ll automatically pop up on your e-reader on September 27. The future is amazing!

For a little while I thought I might not be able to set this up due to my regular editor’s unexpected unavailability (until January!), but the Internet is a mighty resource, and I was able to pin down a replacement in short order.

Depending on how things play out, the print edition should be available around the same time as the Kindle edition.

From Hell’s Heart – Sneak Peek!

Next week the official ramp-up to the release of Action Figures – Issue Three: Pasts Imperfect beings in earnest with the release of From Hell’s Heart, a new short story that takes place immediately following the events of Action Figures – Issue Two: Black Magic Women. Dr. Enigma takes center stage for this one, and here’s the illustration of the good doctor that will accompany the short, courtesy of my cover artist Tricia Lupien, who once again took my boring idea and turned it into something awesome.

From Hell’s Heart debuts on Wednesday, September 3.

Can’t wait that long for some new reading material? Then click the link above and check out the first two chapters of book three!

More Announcements Than Humans Should Be Allowed To Have!

September is Action Figures month! I declare now, so mote it be.

Action Figures – Issue Three: Pasts Imperfect is in its final stages of preparation and is now slated for a September 26 release — which happens to mark one year since Action Figures – Issue One: Secret Origins debuted! This is still a bit of a tentative date because things can always still go wrong, but that’s what I’m gunning for.

Once I nail the date down a little better, I’ll be taking advantage of Amazon’s new pre-sale feature for indie authors, which means when book three is officially available, it’ll be automatically delivered to your Kindle!

To build up excitement for the release, I’ve got several things planned for the weeks preceding book three’s release…

Wednesday, September 3: Action Figures – From Hell’s Heart, a brand new AF short story starring Dr. Enigma, will be posted on this website.
Tuesday, September 9 through Thursday, September 11: the Kindle edition of Action Figures – Issue One: Secret Origins will be on sale for 99 cents!
Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18: the Kindle edition of Action Figures – Issue Two: Black Magic Women will be on sale for 99 cents!

This is a perfect time for new readers to jump on-board. If you’re already a fan of the series, let your friends know about these upcoming sales, or maybe drop a buck or two yourself and get them as gifts.

I’ll post updates as these benchmarks arrive, so stay tuned!

An Adventure In Babysitting 2.0

If you pop on over to the page featuring Action Figures – An Adventure in Babysitting, the short story that takes place after Action Figures – Issue Two: Black Magic Women, you’ll notice a new little touch:

I was looking at the page one day and realized how dull it looked, so I gave my ever-reliable cover artists Tricia Lupien a shout and asked her to whip up a spot illustration to add to the short. Since this story features Farley Quentin (a.k.a. Final Boss of the Quantum Quintet), I asked her to use him for the image. As usual, I gave her a general description and she perfectly interpreted what I’d envisioned.

Now I’m chomping at the bit to see what she comes up with to go along with the upcoming second AF short, From Hell’s Heart featuring Dr. Enigma. That will be be out as soon as Tricia finished working her magic. Consider that something to keep you all occupied until Action Figures – Issue Three: Pasts Imperfect drops — which will be next month!

Boston ComicCon!

I spent my weekend working Boston ComicCon with my wife, and as always, the cosplay watching was one of my favorite parts.

My now-autographed copy of Solo Avengers #12, featuring Amanda Conner’s first published work.

 

Before I get to that, I have to share my happy fanboy moment. Writer/artist Amanda Conner, one of my favorite comic artists, was at the con, so I dug out my copy of Solo Avengers #12, which features her very first published work. This is an original copy, which I’ve held on to throughout the years (and through several comic collection purges) because I really liked her art — so much so that I wrote to Marvel and praised her work. Marvel ran the letter three issues later.

I have no idea why her artwork struck me like it did, I just knew Amanda would one day be big in the industry, and that I had to keep that comic no matter what.

I brought both to the con for Amanda to sign, and when I presented her with the issue with my letter, she exclaimed, “I remember that letter!” Apparently, I had authored her very first fan letter. She signed that issue too, adding a very nice inscription. I guess this stands as an object lesson to people trying to make a career of their art: a few sincere words of encouragement from a complete stranger can be very powerful.

Amanda Conner’s note to me. You can see my name at the top edge of the photo.

Now, onto the cosplayers. BCC wasn’t quite as cosplayer-heavy as some other shows, but they were out in force. Here are some of my favorites…

My favorite costumes of the show. The really cool part? They were two individual cosplayers who just happened to bump into each other.

My friend Laura as Pepper Potts (on the right, obviously).

My friends Lara (who, cheap plug, runs Black Cat Tours in Salem) and Kate as two iterations of Captain Marvel.

Kate again as Black Widow (bonus fun fact: she is Russian, and she can kick your ass), my buddy Justin (the Jake Hawking series) in his award-winning Assassin’s Creed outfit, and some guy who shouted “Geronimo!” a lot. Weirdo.

Arya Stark, complete with Needle and Nymeria.

A very cool and subtle Kamala “Ms. Marvel” Khan.

My favorite part of Mad Magazine!

Usagi Yojimbo. Please note the raised eyebrow. I love little touches like that.

My wife with one of the many Deadpools. Head to storiedthreads.tumblr.com for the full story on their meeting.

Critiquing Critiques: How To Leave A Review

As I’ve mentioned here on several occasions, reader reviews are a critical (ha, see what I did there) element of an independent author’s formula for success. As positive reviews pile up, they act as a bit of friendly, low-key peer pressure to potential new readers wondering whether an unfamiliar book from an unfamiliar author is worth their money.

The problem with getting reviews is that few people want to give them. They might absolutely love a book, but they won’t take that extra little step to leave a good review for it, and from what I’ve heard from some of my readers, the most common reason for this is, “I don’t know how to write a review.”

I understand the problem, but Christ, is it frustrating to know that more than 1,000 people have bought my books (and another 850 or so downloaded Action Figures – Issue One: Secret Origins during a free promo period back in March), and yet I have a grand total of 50 reviews.

I repeat: out of approximately 1,900 readers, 50 have left reviews. That’s a three percent rate of return.

In the hopes of getting some people motivated, I present here a brief tutorial for how to leave a review on Amazon – although, this process is easily transferable to writing reviews for other things on other websites, from a toaster you bought on Target to a Yelp review for a hotel. Take a look, and then consider leaving a few reviews for me, or for any other indie author you’ve discovered.

1 – Leave a rating

This is the easy part. Amazon uses a star-based system for rating products, and that’s the standard for many review systems. Simply, five stars equals “This was awesome!”, three equals, “It was okay, nothing special,” and one equals, “What a godawful piece of crap.” Pick the rating that fits your opinion of the work in question and move on.

2 – Open with a simple statement reflecting your rating

This is also fairly easy. Write a sentence, just one sentence, that reflects your rating and encapsulates your feelings toward the book. “I had so much fun reading this book!” “I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it highly.” “This was a fun, engaging story.” (Or, if your rating isn’t terribly favorable, “This book was decent, but disappointing.” “What a waste of my time.” Et cetera.)

If you’re not feeling terribly ambitious, you can call it quits here. Really, it’s okay. A rating and a sentence is enough, but if you want to leave a little more…

3 – Pick something about the book you loved/hated, say what that something was, and why

You do NOT have to write some grand epic poem about the book you’re reviewing. Seriously. Get that thought out of your head right now, because that may be why you find the thought of leaving a review so intimidating. Instead of trying to hit multiple points of interest, pick one thing about the book you loved (or hated) — the plot, the dialog, the prose, the characters, whatever — say what that one thing is, and say why it made such an impression. That’s enough to give potential readers a sense of what to expect, and since different reviewers will extol different virtues, Amazon customers will get a nice, well-rounded picture of their prospective purchase (because they will read more than one review, you know. It’s not all about you, ya narcissist).

Guess what? You’re done. You just wrote a review.

Now, you may have noticed I worded my advice to cover bad reviews as well as good. If you’re considering leaving a bad review for someone’s book, here’s a fourth point to ponder:

4 – Ask yourself if you really need to leave a negative review

I’m not saying you should never leave bad reviews. Some books warrant them. What I’m saying is that you should take an extra minute and ask yourself why you want to leave a bad review — and please be aware that “I didn’t like the book” is not a good answer.

A teacher of mine from many years ago, Benito Ruiz, gave me perhaps the best advice I’ve ever received about giving constructive criticism. He told me that I had to learn how to distinguish my personal, subjective feelings toward a work of art from my objective critical assessment of the work’s technical competence. When I say something is “good” or “bad,” am I making a call on its substantive qualities, or am I really saying “I like this” or “I don’t like this”?

That’s what I mean when I say think before leaving a negative review, and ask yourself why you think a book is “bad.” Is the plot dull, predictable, and/or nonsensical or riddled with holes? Are the characters flat and boring, or a bunch of stereotypes? Is the dialog unrealistic? Is the book itself riddled with misspellings, bad grammar, incorrect punctuation, etc.? These are signs of a book that is actually bad. A well-written story that for whatever reason did not speak to you is NOT a BAD book; it is a book you did not care for.

And you know what? There’s nothing wrong at all with leaving a three-star rating and a review that simply reads, “This was a well-written book, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.” If the book was truly terrible, then speak your mind, but a mediocre book or a book that just didn’t speak to you personally isn’t necessarily deserving of harsh criticism.

One final piece of advice, and this is for the authors in the event they receive a bad review: DO NOT RESPOND TO IT. Nothing will make you look more unprofessional, petty, and insecure than trying to justify your work, criticizing the critic, or asking the review to take down or change the review to salve your bruised ego.

Besides, if you can’t deal with criticism, you probably shouldn’t be a writer.