Just a warning to my fellow Prosers. If you don't post a link here on your blog day, I will. Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
My latest post, about finishing the first draft of MAGIC'S FOOL is here. Posted by Teraen (Member # 8612) on :
For what is worth, if you bloggers want even wider exposure, consider posting here:
inkpageant.com
I've been reading that every few days and I already have a few favorite bloggers that I never would have found otherwise...
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
And you can scroll down to see a couple of other newer posts, including my First Merry Christmas wishes. Or scroll way down to find some older interesting ones. I sometimes comment on more than just writing and reading.
Oh, This might very well be a good idea, I wouldn't mind more reders, a couple of more followers and a comment or two.
Oh and I just added a post. And if I can remember what else I was going to say I will be adding a second soon. Probably will be adding an update anyway.
[ December 04, 2011, 01:12 AM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :
Well. Here is the official controversial blog about my endeavor to live some months without money. Tear in:http://moneyisnteverythingisit.blogspot.com Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Ok, I made another post. Damn, I'm on a roll...
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
I've laid down a challenge over at theprosers, that EVERYBODY can participate in.
[ December 07, 2011, 04:14 PM: Message edited by: RoxyL ]
Posted by LeetahWest (Member # 9402) on :
LOL! you Prosers over there! I absolutely loved that post. Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
New post about getting BLOOD IS THICKER back on the rails. Getting Back in the Swing Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Does anyone use the word count meter? I tried using the one made by Svenja Liv but it got screwed up somehow when I pasted it on my blog. The progress bar gets put below the background.
Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
Thanks LeetahWest! The Prosers has been a ton of fun. Thanks for being a part of it.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
I wrote and posted this Bloggathah entry to celebrate my return to work (for the most part) on my young adult series, "Metzgerhund Retreat."
S!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Martin I know that Coral Moore does use one. She has two on her right side bar and even though she keeps changing her back ground they still show fine. http://www.chaosandinsanity.com
I would like to have one but haven't found one in the list of widgets for my blog.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Okay, I've been a little busy with Christmas shopping and stuff, but there are three posts on The Prosers that have gone up since RoxyL.
Is editing the weakest and/or most time-consuming and/or the most maddening part of your game? By reverting back to The Old Ways, I've been having much better success.
S!
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
My fellow Prosers are slacking on their links here, so here are few.
Definitely worth checking out. Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: Martin I know that Coral Moore does use one. She has two on her right side bar and even though she keeps changing her back ground they still show fine. http://www.chaosandinsanity.com
I would like to have one but haven't found one in the list of widgets for my blog.
My new post is up on Setting the Scene Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Line graph is fine for my needs. What other ways are there, LD?
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I meant did it put up only the line graph or that whole control box.
Most probably an obvious question but I haven't had much experience wit apps like that.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
You set the graph on their web page, then you copy the picture. If you want a graph you can update at the edge of your blog page, I haven't found one like that yet.
Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
I did some thinking and I was mad enough to put it up on my blog.
Posted by BoredCrow (Member # 5675) on :
Eesh, I haven't been on Hatrack in forever and ever. Thanks for keeping up with the links, RoxyL. I'll try to remember and stump my own Prosers posts every week. (I'm Sabrina, for those who don't know me).
(Hi guys! Nice to see you all again).
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Sarah's post on Twitter and promoting your book. No matter what she says, I'd go to a party hosted by her any time.
Finally, today we had a very special guest post by KayTi! She writes about making connections with other writers online.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
And I managed to post to notes to my blog. The second is a link to an interesting discussion on Writers Vs Authors.
Well, I vote for Author it's a much nicer name than Writer, unless your a hippie than you probably won't mind naming your kid Writer.
Seriously, the discussion is on which are you and are you still writing.
If you're not on the blogroll and wish to be, please let me know. I've stopped updating www.owasm.com.
My latest blog is merely an update. I spent some time making the physical appearance of the blog a bit better this weekend. Now I can write more!
Posted by Smaug (Member # 2807) on :
quote: If you're not on the blogroll and wish to be, please let me know.
What's the blogroll? It sounds like something I'd like to be added to, but not knowing what it is, my imagination is running wild.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Smaug,
The blogroll is where a blogger has a bunch of links to other blogs. I think I popped you into mine.
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
This one is about being how being a mother affects my writing/how being a writer affects my mothering. ~Sheena
Posted by Smaug (Member # 2807) on :
quote:Originally posted by Owasm: Smaug,
The blogroll is where a blogger has a bunch of links to other blogs. I think I popped you into mine.
Okay. I have one of those, and you're in it. I just didn't realize it was called a blogroll. I just thought of it as my list of blogs I'm following. Blogroll is so much more succinct.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Owasm First of all You're Guy Antibes that great writer? Hey, I got your book. Should have recognized your writing, and I still am not sure about who is who around here.
And second you could put me on your blogroll.
I need to see about updating mine.
Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
Whoops, forgot to list this post about editing over on the Prosers.
New post from me: this week, tips for submitting stories, given from my perspective as a slush editor at Flash Fiction Online.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
It's been a while but three new posts on three subjects, well three and a half.
I want to make sure all my fellow Hatrackers who have blogs are represented on my blog. I guess you can consider this my way of paying it forward. Or, paying it sideways. Or something along those lines. If you don't see your blog listed and you wish it to be, let me know.
S!
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
I don't know if I should keep posting here. You all are reading the Prosers, right?
I'm not just talking to the Prosers when I say please post a link to this thread. I've been following a few of you, and I know you have updated your blogs without posting here.
Just wanted you to know I'm watching you.
And for those of you that are posting links here, can I just say you're awesome. I'm really enjoying your blogs. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by redux (Member # 9277) on :
You know the whole inner editor thing...let me introduce you to the real devil on your shoulder, the inner cheerleader.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
shimiqua I can see that.
Sometimes I may have that problem. Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
And then you wonder why they're called cheerleaders...
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
My new post on The Prosers, The Loveable Rogue Posted by Merlion-Emrys (Member # 7912) on :
Does anyone have any idea why its basically impossible for us Wordpress people to comment on the blogs of you Blogspot people?
It's starting to anger me. I'm starting to want to fling Steerpike's monkey at it so the monkey can bit it on its metaphorical neck.
Posted by redux (Member # 9277) on :
Are you using OpenID?
Posted by Merlion-Emrys (Member # 7912) on :
I....think so. Is that...bad?
I just use whatever it will let me use to pick Wordpress, or enter my Wordpress identity.
Posted by redux (Member # 9277) on :
No, it's not bad. I thought Blogger/Google works better with it. Maybe it's just being a PIA so that you break down and get a gmail account Posted by redux (Member # 9277) on :
I looked into this - and it's Blogger's fault. Apparently there's some issues with OpenID and the recent Blogger software update.
So I was wrong. OpenID with Blogger is a bad combination. People recommend using the NAME/URL option instead.
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Whenever I try to comment on a blog, whether I've been successful in the past or not, I try to remember to copy my complete comment (ctrl-A then ctrl-C) so that if it doesn't work, I haven't lost all that wonderfully wise and witty stuff I typed in for my comment.
I can then try all of the options, until I find one that works.
And if none of them work, then I throw up my hands and go read someone else's blog.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmm, wonder if anyone has had problems commenting on mine.
Maybe that why two of the last three comments came just as E-mail but never showed up on the blog.
Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
Kathleen, I've learned to do that when I post here too. I'd hate for people to miss out on my fleeting genius.
Another post about romantic subplots, right in time for Valentine's Day:
My new post What am I writing today? is up and running.
Posted by BoredCrow (Member # 5675) on :
My latest Prosers post is up. How I find ideas, with a special shoutout to Hatrack for the awesome story challenges.
Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
Why aren't my comments on the Prosers visible? It's the second one I can't find. Also, I don't get the Add Comment choice until I hit Reply to a single post.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Martin, I have no idea. We'll have to look into that.
It has worked for you before. Has anything changed since then?
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Maybe my Mozilla got updated to a more buggy version. I can send screenshots if that will help.
Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
Some great writing advice from Dr. Seuss here. Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
MartinV--I spent a long, long time trying to find an invisible comment last week on Prosers. I wonder if it was yours. How funny! What did you say?
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
I've finally gotten around to having a website with a blog in it. It is here: A.A. Leil Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Osiris nice web site even though that slideshow goes by pretty fast. I don't know if you can allow each section to show longer or not but please do. I know there's only two but it's still hard to read that longer description.
The rest of it looked good,
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
There was one comment about science and fiction having similarities and differences. I think I put the comment on the love lambda in a reply instead of a comment.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: that slideshow goes by pretty fast. I don't know if you can allow each section to show longer or not but please do.
Thanks LD, consider it done! Let me know how the new speed works for you.
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
Osiris Still took me two tries to read the blurb on the zombie story and my reading speed isn't slow. I don't know if anyone else would be bothered by that, most interneters might be used to higher speeds.
But I don't what else you might up if you want only sells on the slideshow but I think it would look better with three or four items.
But at the same time you may not have to wait long for the number to grow anyway.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Been blogging a lot lately. And it looks like I may have lost a follower instead of getting more. I say may have because on the on the main page it now says one number but when I go to the page I can work on the blog it shows the another number.
The last one and this next one is me taking a break from writing about writing. Both posts are about music. A new album and a very interesting song I found by accident, one another group does. I love the way the other group does it, this group's version is interesting.
quote:Originally posted by LDWriter2: Osiris Still took me two tries to read the blurb on the zombie story and my reading speed isn't slow.
Okay, I might slow it down a bit more. It isn't obvious (and I'm not sure how to make it without putting up some text that tells you), but if you hover the mouse pointer over the blurb, it stops the slideshow. You can also click the 'read more' button, the Stupefying Stories logo, or the title of the post to go to the post itself.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Niiice Martin but don't forget to thaw it out first, don;t want to freeze your muse.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Good one, LD.
As to my muse, she was raised north of the Wall in Westeros so she's used of the cold. In fact, a freezer might be warm to her. Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
Everything you've ever wondered about me, including my favorite weapon and my plans for the zombie apocalypse. PLUS an opportunity to play blog tag. Don't miss out!
Lots more in the works, too. I should have some posts in the coming weeks that link to the Scientific American Guest Blog articles I've written. It all depends on when the editor can post them.
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
quote:Originally posted by Osiris: I should have some posts in the coming weeks that link to the Scientific American Guest Blog articles I've written. It all depends on when the editor can post them.
Well, I hope you do more than post those links on your blog. Please also post here when those Guest Blog articles go up.
Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
I wrote a book (with the critiquing help of a lot of you) several years ago. This is my post about polishing it up for publication:
Alas, the perils of self-publishing is coming back to bite me. After running out of the gate with some good sales, the market has turned its back on Guy Antibes (me).
Here is my lament and what I'm doing about it and another post on my personal trials with editing.
[ March 24, 2012, 03:37 PM: Message edited by: Owasm ]
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury:
quote:Originally posted by Osiris: I should have some posts in the coming weeks that link to the Scientific American Guest Blog articles I've written. It all depends on when the editor can post them.
Well, I hope you do more than post those links on your blog. Please also post here when those Guest Blog articles go up.
Ask and ye shall receive, oh She Who Must Be Obeyed!
I also have a short blurb on my own blog about how I met Bora, the editor of the guest blog. It is a nice little lesson on how reaching out to people on the internet can have some unexpected results.
Thank you, Osiris!
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
quote:Originally posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury: Thank you, Osiris!
And thank you for what you do for all the writers around here, myself included.
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
So last week, I wrote about how some stories can be special to you, even though they don't win any awards, and talked about one of my favorite books, The Obnoxious Jerks, by Stephen Maynes.
Around six or seven--- yes I'm behind. But there are from WotF Q1 down to Follower.
Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
Hi, my blog is called Shadows in Mind. I attempt to post at least monthly. The topics vary.
My two most recent posts were "Reading Review – Winter of Women" and "Regarding Twilight". Neither of these were written to provide direct advice or to share my writing experiences. Mainly, I'm hoping for feedback from various people.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Today on my blog:
Walking The Tightrope - How I found a balanced attitude to literary critique.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Not late this time.
April's Plans Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
Wordpress has two "flavors" for blogs. The first kind is for wordpress.com blogs on which all of the security (spam-blocking) and updates and so forth are taken care of by the wordpress people.
The second kind is for those who want to set up a wordpress blog on their own websites or servers, and those are wordpress.org blogs. The blog owner has to take care of all of the details, including spam-blocking and updates and so on.
I mention this because William Schmidt (of the Hatrack Novel Support groups) has talked about setting up a wordpress blog on his website, hence, he is using a wordpress.org blog and would need to do all of the things for it that are done automatically for those with wordpress.com blogs.
I hope this makes sense.
I just wanted to alert you all about the difference between the two Wordpress "flavors" so if you choose to do-it-yourself, you'll know that you really do have to do it all yourself.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
My new post on The Prosers Awesome Covers Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
And yet another one-- kinda fun one.
Star Trek ship Posted by Wordcaster (Member # 9183) on :
I'm kind of ridiculous when it comes to the whole blogging thing (several starts and stops)... I'm just going to keep one now without trying to keep a schedule -- gotta leave time for novel writing and enjoying my family.
A quick, fun post. If you've heard of the Lucky 7 Game, you'll know what I mean when I say I've been 'tagged'. If you don't know, or want to consider yourself tagged so you can play, check out my blog post below:
Well, that might not be what it's really about, but I guess you'll have to go look at it and find out for sure, right?
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Sheena's out of town. So I'm advertising for her awesome new post. Character quirks Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Osiris, I just read your blog from Scientific America. Very interesting. Sorry I wasn't able to critique it for you, but I don't think you needed my help. It was very well done.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Insights on writing tricky action sequences and fight scenes.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Great post, RoxyL. It got me thinking and I've written a blog post of my own about battle scenes. I hope you find it interesting.
Battle Scenes Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I'm behind on my updating, there's something like 10 new posts since my last updating I've been a bit busy with the blog it looks like. They deal with asteroid mining. One about UF, one about "Blood Will Tell" and another update or two.
The post is about Lisa Shearin a writer with about seven books out--at least five--all in one series. She sells T-shirts with sayings from her series. But recently she added what I call writing T-shirts. So I mentioned that and listed a link to the T-shirt page on her web site. http://www.cafepress.com/lisashearin
Surprise she left a "thank you" note on the blog. I've E-mailed her a few times and she usually responds- I say usually because she didn't the last time-even though at times I get long winded.
Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
Here is my Prosers post about the importance of first sentences. Some of you old-timers might remember [endlessly] critiquing this first 13 a few years ago.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
Ouch. I've completely neglected this thread. Actually, I've been neglecting my blog almost as much. My Cinco de Mayo resolution will be to attend to both more often.
Ironically, my first offering is a post from the day I decided I needed to post more often: Digital Spring Cleaning
Here's one of the many ways I conquer a rainy day: WWaHD
Here's a post about my idea of combining my Writer's Playoff Beard practice with a traditional hockey playoff beard: Double Bearded
...and here's the post where I started wondering what was going though my mind when I came up with that idea: Unshaven Goals
Thanx in advance for checking out my thoughts!
S!
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
Hey, Unwritten, in regard to your 'openings,' maybe I can offer this:
Openings: An old and tired classic...
“It was a dark and stormy night...”
This opening will guarantee rejection. Why? First, it is a tired, tired cliché. But that’s not its only sin, for it also uses passive voice construction. The setting acts upon the characters. Third, it is a redundant phrase. When are nights not dark? Especially a stormy night. Duh! Fourth, it is vague, lacking in specificity. What kind of storm? Is it a snowstorm, windstorm, hailstorm, rainstorm, thunderstorm? Well, what is it? A duststorm?
Lastly, stories are about people, and to start with setting requires a very strong reason rather than creating a mood. Give the reader something to care about.
Got it?
mbwood
Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
@mbwood: I'm not certain if you didn't read my post or if it simply confused you, but I in no way meant to imply that "It was a dark and stormy night" was a sentence anyone should use, unless it was in parody of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's first usage of the word. Toward the end, I mention that even though I always thought it was a beautiful sentence, it didn't meet my criteria of leaving the reader with an unanswered question.
On the other hand, as I read the comments people have left on my blog post, I tend to agree with them--its incredibly important that the first sentence is true to the rest of the story. And if someone feels like the way to do that is by mentioning the weather first, I say more power to them.
I apologize for inadvertently making you so upset...but I appreciate that you stopped by to visit. I'm much more likely to see comments if you leave them on the blog. Thank you.
[ May 06, 2012, 08:54 AM: Message edited by: Unwritten ]
Posted by mbwood (Member # 9525) on :
@unwritten:
Naw, I wasn't upset. It was just a little piece I used in a writing workshop presentation.
Yep, I agree, the first sentence is the most important sentence in a novel, along with the first paragraph and the first page holding the same rank.
IMHO, the only author who had used setting (successfully) as an opener (and for a close) is James Lee Burke - see Neon Rain.
Remember the first rule of writing... Write! mbwood
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Have two more posts-maybe three- but the most important one deals with the Craft Of Writing . It deals with some of what I have learned about writing.
There is also an old post I never finished. This one deals with a series I am reading so even though I finished the book months ago it still fits.
That is what the third post is. A post I left unfinished and forgot about. Blogger changed they way the set up and I discovered that I had twelve unfinished posts, Oops. Most of them didn't apply anymore so I just deleted them.
Actually that post was finished a couple of posts ago but the rest of it still applies.
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
mbwood and unwritten, you know, I hope, that Madeleine L'Engle started A WRINKLE IN TIME with that sentence.
Edited to add:
Tony Hillerman started most (if not all) of his books (and many of his chapters within his books) with settings/weather reports, and they all worked for me (mainly because they were usually settings/weather reports as observed by Jim Chee or Joe Leaphorn, and there was also characterization involved with the description.
Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
@Kathleen: Yes, and I love the way Madeleine L'Engle did it. She's an amazing writer.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Hmm, Stephen King, Hillerman, Clancy and other well-known authors can start their novels any way they want and the acquiring editor will rub her hands and say; “wonderful!”
However, if an aspiring, unpublished author submits a novel that starts: ‘It was a dark and stormy night,’ the acquiring editor will not hesitate to reach for a rejection slip. What was acceptable in 1962 no longer is today because it has been used. Peanuts even jeers at that opening.
Starting with setting is risky, particularly so for an unpublished writer. If a writer has a large fan base ('platform'), the standards are different.
mbwood
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Fascinating but I don't think it belongs to this particular thread.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
I just added a post about what I learned from starting to record one of my stories. You can even hear my voice if you click on the little link. Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
mbwood, this topic is where the subject of well-known authors being able to do things new authors can't is being discussed.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
A little post I made today about killing characters.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Also if any of you are curious about what Foste learned while he wrote a novel in 7 days, he blogged about out over on the prosers found here. It's funny and insightful, definitely worth a read. Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Good, post MaryAnn. Here's my reply. I hope you don't mind a bit of dialogue (*caugh* ideas for blog posts *caugh*).
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Been a little slow with the posts lately, so here I make a case for cliches. If nothing else, you should enjoy Legolas shooting a goblin between the eyes.
Good one, Osiris. Added my 5 cents (that would be a cliche, neh?)
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Thanks Martin. I suppose you modified the cliche, as I've always heard it as 'my 2 cents'. I suppose with inflation since the cliche was originally coined, opinions are now worth 5 cents. Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Wasn't first class postage only 2 cents when that was coined (as in "the cost of sending a letter to express my opinion")?
It would be a lot more than 5 cents by now, if that's the case.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Nice to see my blunder is taken seriously. Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Feel free to join in on making fun of me for my #5 choice. Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
Dagaz is the post where I remind myself to be joyful during my writing exploits.
Here's the post where I accept the fact that having definitive writing goals is the best way for me to get definitive results: Sharpshooting; here's the post where I pick an absolutely insane target: Ready, Aim...; and here's the post where I consciously chose to make things even more challenging for myself: Pour Me Another!
The Wooded Experience is just a fun post where I compare where I live now to all the places I used to live.
S!
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Inspired by the 1st person thread here on hatrack, I blogged about The Dreaded Mary Sue Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
It's been some time but here's a new blog post of mine. MAP, I haven't seen any of yours lately. Slacking off, are we? Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
This post was written to help get my creative mojo back.
Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
Over at the Scientific American Guest Blog, I introduce a new series I'm doing on science in the Arab world.
Okay, a whole week and no one else has posted. I refuse to let this thread die. I know some of you blogged last week. I follow you. It only takes a minute to post a link here.
Been busy but I might post a new blog post soon.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
I'm a bit behind on everything right now. Those in the mid Atlantic US might know about the Derecho that clobbered us late night on June 30. My area didn't get its power back until after 5pm on July 4, so I've been playing catch-up ever since. I've got plenty of paper notebooks, and I actually remember how to use a pen , so I very much wrote during this time...just not anything in cyberspace. The transcriptions are in progress.
S!
Posted by mrmeadors (Member # 6378) on :
Hey guys. If I can figure out how to post a link here I will happily update with my blog posts. Here is the address of my latest post, at any rate.
Damn! I have a blog post about the third Batman movie almost finished.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
LOL, Martin. Can't wait to read your take on it. Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Well, mine will probably have more spoilers than yours. Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :
A couple of posts on my blog this week, one introducing the best excuse in the world to not blog for several months, and another showing the cover art that was released for the anthology my story "Two Zombies Walk Into A Bar" will be appearing in.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
After three months of shame (no posts), I updated with a status page of a new series and a couple of posts, including a description of the technique I did to write a 260,000 word trilogy in four months (including a rewrite pass).
If you click on the Shattuk Downs Novels link at the top, you'll see the cover art and blurbs I did for the series.
That's it for now but there are more, one on John Levitt and a Mars Video link, an update PS on Alchemy ideas.
I came back to say that I forgot to add that there's no Batman crits...or any for any other movie. But there will be one for a book soon...no Batman....
[ August 22, 2012, 01:09 AM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Finally, the Batman review.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Awesome! Lots of posts to read this week. I guess everyone is done slacking off for the summer.
[ September 11, 2012, 01:41 PM: Message edited by: Osiris ]
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
First of all I thought about putting up my little 9/11 story. Kinda of fantasy dealing with what happened and our response. I need to update it though but first I have to find it. I may have posted it last year.
Good one, MaryAnn. There are definitely some common motiffs that successful stories share. The problem I see is that a successful idea gets picked up and over-used until it turns into a cliche. Then it gets dropped like a used up toy.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Very true Martin. Thus all the Twilight and Harry Potter clones. I think the trick is to make the story different enough that it feels fresh even though it has a lot of those classic elements of those popular stories that have come before.
Anyway, that isn't how I write. I'm not chasing the market. I just write what I want to write. Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I just published an actual printed book using CreateSpace. Here is how I did it.
[ September 15, 2012, 05:08 PM: Message edited by: Owasm ]
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Great news, Owasm!
PS: Umm, while I clicked that link you provided, my AVG reported a threat on your page. It's called JavaScript Obfuscation (?)
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I have no idea what that is. It's a WordPress blog and I have no idea how I could have obfuscated any javascript. Nothing on it comes from an outside source... I did mess with the picture-thing in the upper right hand corner that rotates through my book covers, but I didn't touch the script.
A conundrum.
Posted by EmilyS (Member # 9447) on :
I posted today on my brand-new blog(!) about how we identify ourselves.
Posted by MJNL (Member # 9686) on :
My blog post this week: how do you know when to write a prologue?
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Sorry I haven't made any new blog posts this month. Been busy planning my relocation to UK.
Posted by Crank (Member # 7354) on :
I finally have the new version of my blog site, Bloggathah, up and running!
I'm still tweaking it to my liking, but I'm getting there. For those who have the old 46thcyber.com links posted on their blogs, I've set that URL to redirect to this site, to save you the maintenance effort.
S!
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Looks good, Crank.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
I nearly forgot about this thread! I've got some blog reading/catching up to do. Here's my latest: Writer's and Depression Posted by EmilyS (Member # 9447) on :
Here's my post about getting ready for Nanowrimo by finding ways to free up time in November The Real Nanowrimo Preparation Starts Now Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
Finally made a new post. Not much, but there's progress to be had.
Posted by EmilyS (Member # 9447) on :
My Reading "Lies And Omens"
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
I just finished my first draft for my NaNo novel and now have to put it in the rewrite hopper. I've been thinking about the rewriting process after doing a ton of them since January, so I came up with a more formal rewrite process. I've followed this, pretty much, for my last two novels.
Somewhere between seven and ten since the last time I was here.
Various updates on my NaNo novel...a couple of political post dealing with the Presidential election just passed...a short crit of Jim Butcher's "Ghoststory"...a warning that I will be changing my blog design sometime soon.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay, I've changed my blog for Christmas. The red and green aren't quite the right shades, except for the background, but they're the best I could find.
I've got a great guest poster today, on a topic lots of people around here will find interesting. She's a member of Hatrack and the editor in chief of Flash Fiction Online. Guest Proser Suzanne Vincent on Flash Fiction Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
My interview for Every Day Fiction / Flash Fiction Chronicles is up.
I haven't mentioned my blog in a while, but I still show up here to read what everyone else is up to.
Lately, I've been checking out recent albums for the purpose of discovering the next great writing background music. This is the second of what I expect to me many more such posts. Oh...and while you're at it, I'm always open to new suggestions.
S!
Read: "Sonic Offering"
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
So another PS this one on the Political Venting post a few days ago.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
One on my reading habits
Two Books Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Hmm everyone working on stories and not blogs?
A dream Story sequence.
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
It's funny how there are only three of us who add to this thread. Here's my new one, not that I write that often.
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
Since I didn't want to bother you all too much with my nonsense, I was only going to post here if I did a writing post. But this really struck a chord with me. I'll share it.
Simple Truth Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Yet another E-publishing update.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Another update, this one has a bit of sharing on better writing.
Not to mention more about my third set of Indie stories, I'm getting ready.
Here Folks Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
And yet another update-last one for a few days-and now I spend sometime on revising a new story before I start figuring out how to do covers. All of that is in this post.
Update Here Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
Not a blog...not even an update...just posting my website again, just to celebrate my 38th anniversary as a would-be writer:
So another Vacation Update, this one also talks about writing new stuff and gives the status of my Indie publishing attempt. And a call for help with GIMP.
Last of my Vacation UpDates but not last on working on my Indie publishing. The post explains all that
Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :
I haven't posted a blog here for awhile, but this seemed timely given the discussion about co-authoring in the open discussions forum. How to Co-Author A Novel: The Less Glamorous Version Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Unnecessary changes at work again because of bad laws.
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Nice discussion, Mary Ann.
I've had the benefit of critiques by both professionally published and unpublished authors; and I have found these to be equally helpful...and less so. I've discovered desireable resources within both groups from whom I specifically seek feedback--if and when they are willing.
I suspect this is akin to finding the "shoe" that fits me best and not whether it is a dress shoe or a sneaker.
In making the transition from unpublished to a professionally published author in today's market, the gold ring (perhaps the "one to rule them all") would be "scoring" a critique from an editor/publisher.
I've heard very complementary things of Scott Andrews of Beneath Ceaseless Skies in this regard.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
[ July 12, 2013, 01:02 PM: Message edited by: History ]
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Thanks History. I appreciate your thoughts on this. You've been lucky to be able to get professional feedback on your work. I'm not sure how to manage that without paying for it. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I hope one day to get a professional editor/publisher to look over my stuff. Hopefully that would also come with some sort of contract. Dare to dream. Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
In my last post I promised a Part Two . So here it is.
It probably will be awhile until my next one but more writing then.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
[ November 18, 2013, 12:47 AM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
I haven't been here for some time. Busy with just about everything, including writing and translating. I did some blog posts (here and here), mostly about my NaNoWriMo experience. Been fighting autumn blues lately so still quite a productive time.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
A new writing update which includes what's happening with my Indie book, what I am working on now, Indie story sets I want to do, and a couple of other details with my writing.
Interesting and insightful, MAP. I like the explanation of how to recognize a character arc, too.
I found myself wondering where you'd put Pocahontas and Mulan, by the way.
Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :
Thanks Kathleen.
I can't believe I forgot about Pocahontas and Mulan.
I haven't seen Pocahontas in ages so I can't remember if she has a character arc or just guides John Smith through his, but she definitely was an active princess. So I'd put her in either stage 2 or stage 3 (depending on if she shows any character growth).
Mulan is different. I think she may be an outlier. All the other princess movies are very relationship based whether the relationship is romantic, mother-daughter, or sister-sister, but Mulan's story doesn't revolve around any relationship.
The romance with Shang is so minor that it could easily be removed completely. Her relationship with her father is important, but I don't think it is at the center of the story. Mulan isn't trying to mend any relationship, but is trying to find a place in her society where she can fit in and bring honor to her family. I think the story is hers and hers alone. I don't think that is the case with any of the other princess movies.
But I guess Mulan could fit in Stage 4. She certainly is active and goes through an amazing character arc and the story doesn't rely heavily on romance, but I kind of want to keep her in category on her own.
[ December 12, 2013, 10:13 AM: Message edited by: MAP ]
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Thanks, MAP. I don't think Pocahontas had much of a character arc, either, unless you count her falling in love with John Smith (nah).
Mulan had a bit of a relationship with her fellow soldiers, and with the eddie-murphy dragon, but I agree with you about her being in a category of her own.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
New blog post about a new book about to come out. Great writer so this book should be well written and an exciting tale. Buy her old series if you even just like Fantasy but look out for this one.
A PS on my last Writing update. This one deals mostly on a UF themed story set I want to e-publish but deals with a couple of other items too. And advice also.
Right Here Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
A Writing update--deals a lot with my Indie stuff. So Write here. Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
My website became hacked, so I had to destroy it. (Think taking a flamethrower to my HTML). I've now built it up again from scratch and added a couple of posts on IndieReCon and the progress on my four volume story.
quote:Originally posted by Owasm: My website became hacked, so I had to destroy it. (Think taking a flamethrower to my HTML). I've now built it up again from scratch and added a couple of posts on IndieReCon and the progress on my four volume story.
Nice website design, Guy. All with Wordpress? Similarly, I like your book cover designs. How did you creat them?
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
quote: Nice website design, Guy. All with Wordpress? Similarly, I like your book cover designs. How did you create them?
Thanks. This is a Wordpress template called Blogotron. I created the header graphic using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
The covers are done in Illustrator because it's easier to move text around for me (personal preference, since it could all have been done in Photoshop) and it's easier for me to create the two-page print cover. I did the illustrations in Photoshop mostly by manipulating existing photographs from various sources. Some turn out better than others. I'm still learning. I did the stick figures in Illustrator Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I agree with Dr. Bob. Niiice looking website and the covers are good too.
Oh I have the Sword novel. I was suppose to do a review on it but got side tracked so I didn't read it enough to do one. My fault there.
And I will be getting back to your web site later. I am doing correcting after my novel was editing. And I am aiming to have everything-cover, formatting, etc.-ready to go by June. The cover will be not so easy for me even though I have know what I want.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Finally wrote another post on my blog.
This one is a double review of books I am reading.
Good stuff in each book Check them out Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
New post dealing with my letter to the editor that was published.
Right Here Posted by Steve 46th (Member # 10113) on :
Not quite everything but still it's what I am doing and includes a reminder of my two story sets at smashwords.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay a blog post with a A favor to ask, a book to recommend and a possible Faux Pas to commit.
Okay another writing update, WotF, my E-novel, themed story sets,western fantasy
RightHere Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
Not a blog update (I don't have one), but I did put up two more oft-rejected stories on my website, www.robertnowall.com ---all my finished-and-submitted-and-rejected work for the past two years that's not circulating.
Not much, but a few people have asked when I'd be putting more stuff up---one right at work.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
And yet another Blog post.
This one is to explain where I am with my E-novel--which is good news.
Update on my E-novel with an excerpt and comment on bookmarks
Right Here Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Just in case someone was thinking of buying my E-book which goes live today please read my blog post here. I sent in a redone file but it didn't get sent or something.
More info here Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
New interview on my blog with one Richard Flores IV.
I posted it on blog yesterday and waited to place it here because I posted about my black friday sale on another part of the forum. But I also include three rough excerpts from the NaNo novel I am working on.
Anyway I went to it this morning to check the stats. I had 27 or 37 views when I signed off last night. Not so bad for me. So I looked this morning and I thought so three more views overnight. Hey--wait a minute that says 70 not 40. Wow, that is a record for me. Now it's up to 80. Not sure if it's the black friday tag I put on it, the nanowrimo tag or a combination of those two and four others. Niiice, whatever the case. But at the same time. It would be nice if some of those would check out my Rod's Tales page and My Stories page. I think one person has on the second one. I have links to those two pages included in the post.
And even nicer if they bought my E-book if that is the reason they came by, if it was the excerpts a note or two would be nice.
Came back to say that it's amazing. Last night the number was as 99 for a while so I thought it slowed down and I hoped for a couple overnight to take it over 100. But it jumped again, 122.
But that makes me wonder if peopler are actually reading the post since no one seems to be reacting in anyway except for a couple of plusses I assume are from Google+
[ November 25, 2014, 12:50 PM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I forgot some details on my last blog post so here is Part Two Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Not sure how many are still paying attention to this space or how many are posting here but :
I have a new post dealing with my finishing NaNo--55,700 and some words--and a cyber Monday ad for my "Above My Pay GradeX2" e-novel.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I am having a Christmas sale on my E-novel "Above My Pay GradeX2". It will be $3.99 until Dec 26.
It is Urban Fantasy set in Boulder CO. With "Ghosts", a griffin,a man bent on revenge who knows a weakness that even the twenty-something year old Main Character doesn't know about, and a mysterious bad guy out to kill and destroy for their own purposes.
And on my two story sets. If you buy the novel you can get one story set free details on the blog post.
The link leads to a blog post that goes into more detail.
More info Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Amazing on two sides.
This post has 171 views and 16 plusses. For me that is a record--a large one.
But on the other side or the second amazing thing, none of them bought my book. I guess the 16 liked the idea, but not enough to go on to the next step.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
New blog post. Including-for those here who might be following it-an announcement of a new Rod's Tales, a short writing update and a sale code for the paper version of my "Above My Pay GradeX2"
Hmm the link name change doesn't seem to be working. I tried three times but I guess it doesn't matter since the link is working.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
Not a blog, but I did update my website by adding one more story to the pile.
June 30th is the fortieth anniversary of the beginning of my career as a writer.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
My new book is live, still at its sale price. But my first Indie book is on sale too.
My blog explains it all.
Right Here Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
It's my first blog post in over a year?! Well, it feels good to post again.
It's slightly related to writing, at least. =D
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
That's good, that you got something out of it.
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
Thanks, Louis! Writing is cathartic, no matter what it's about.
I scribbled down a few things about by road trip from Houston to Salinas! Read about it here, if you want. =)
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
I've written a few more posts about my trip, if anyone's interested!
Blogging has reminded me how much I enjoy writing. =)
Read about it here!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Man been a long time since anyone posted here
But I have a new blog post dealing with Christmas.
Right Here Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Long time since I have done a blog post, a lot longer since I have done a writing update.
This is one. It includes more than I have said here at various times even though not quite everything.
This one is the beginning of a Science Fiction short story serial.
Some of you will know of it but not all.
A good chance to see some of my writing and read an exciting tale.
Right Here Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Forgot to post the next two segments of my short story serial.
It's an exciting tale of two friends in danger from pirates. They are in a small spaceship with two secret cargos, evidently neither of the two sets of pirates received the memo that stated no one knew about either cargo.
I wrote this story at least five years ago before I knew there were rules to writing. So I have had a lot of work getting it in some semblance of correct writing. I should have rewritten it but didn't realize how old it was. It's not my best but still a worthy read I think. Obviously I still am missing something in learning how to write or more likely doing half a dozen things wrong but this story should be a lot easier to read and be enjoyable.
I have placed two flash Urban Fantasy stories on my blog. The MC is an older gentleman and both are mostly non-violent. I posted them a few days ago so please pardon the first line of my greeting. The greeting explains why I wrote them.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
http://theprosers.blogspot.com/2012/01/romantic-subplots-part-1.html
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)