Recommend Me Redux (Or Things That Aren’t Books)

As a follow-up to yesterday’s post where I inquire for your profferings of book recommendations extraordinaire, today I am asking for things other than books that have been on my mind. Mind you, this is an amalgamation of the bizarre and the eclectic, as I am wont to explore within the reaches of my sordid mind.

I start with the recipes I’m searching for, and it goes downhill from there. Also, I use the word “favorite” a lot. I make no apologies for the overuse of a word necessary to prompt you into recommending all, or one, or none of the things on this list. Nor do I make any inferences that you absolutely must share things that bring you joy from the deepest, darkest regions of your soul. Hey, I’m not the only one that has a heart seeped in shadow. That I know to be true.

* The “best” pie recipe of the fruit or chocolate variety
* A stunning bolognese recipe
* An amazing coffee drink that you feel should be shared year-round
* Your favorite Halloween tradition
* Best, absolute, must-listen to British band in the manner of The Doves, Muse, or Elbow
* Favorite female non-emo musician or artist
* Cross-stitch patterns for Final Fantasy, cats, and the phrase “self-rescuing princess.”
* Favorite meal-worthy vegetarian recipe
* A blog for a writer whose books you read. NO CHEATING!
* Someone you’ve worked with on a creative project that you’d kill to work with again
* Favorite Cthulhu-related item that is not a book
* An artist who sells prints of She-Hulk that aren’t boob-tastic
* Knee-high combat boots that don’t look like they were built for ‘tweens or Hot Topic goths. (Yes, I said it. Shocking, I know.)
* Favorite acrylic paint
* Favorite miniature painter (link to pics, puh-lease?)
* A craft-related blog that isn’t flowers and nature scenes
* Star Wars cross-stitch or some form of embroidery/beadwork that isn’t geared for kids
* Gothic/Victorian-era Halloween decorations of the raven, skull, or spider variety
* ANYTHING SKULLS (Only not real ones. That would just be silly, incriminating, and potentially icky.)
* Favorite cookie recipe. Dammitall! DAMODAR! I am hungry!
* The time-waster you feel guilty about but have no regrets over
* How do you podcast? Record music?
* The ugliest, most frightening sweater you have ever seen
* A picture that makes you laugh
* Best con experience evah!

    Mood: Hungry. Can’t you tell? And a *touch* sarcastic, I suppose. “Just” a touch.
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: I think there’s something in my coffee.
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: I have to be good, I have to be good, I have to be good.
    In My Ears: I have no idea what this crap is. Thanks, iTunes!
    Game Last Played: Tetris
    Movie Last Viewed: The Raven
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “Fangs and Formaldehyde” from the New Hero anthology through Stone Skin Press
October 17, 2012
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Recommend Me Books For A Change

Spike and Giles... Together at Last

It’s no secret that I feel, in order to be well-rounded both as a human being and as a writer, one must read books (and a lot of them). I get a sense and deeper appreciation of culture when I read works set in locations only seen on. . .well, it used to be Encyclopedia Britannica or National Geographic. I suppose it’s now Google Maps?

Anyhoo. My feeling is that there’s always one book that you feel defined “X” for you. For example, it’s no secret I feel American Gods defined urban fantasy. Published in 2001, I feel it was a landmark novel and extraordinarily influential on the genre. For other examples, I feel that Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice set the stage for paranormal romance and Splinter of the Mind’s Eye by Alan Dean Foster offered an exemplary take on tie-in fiction in a way that influenced other books in the Star Wars extended universe for years to come. Another one comes to mind, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series was a powerful one and I feel a shining example of historical romance and time travel. Humor? Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, sure, but even before that, anything written by Erma Bombeck.

For modern horror with supernatural elements, there’s a scale of books that begins with the unabridged version of Stephen King’s The Stand, followed by the co-authored Peter Straub/Stephen King The Talisman, and winds up ever-so-neatly with The Great And Secret Show series by Clive Barker. (What’s he up to, now-a-days. Anyone know? And yes, I realize that the trilogy I just mentioned is billed as “fantasy,” but to me, it’ll always be dark fantasy teetering on the fringes of horror.)

For fantasy? Oh, there’s also a scale given how well-read I am in that genre, too. Where to begin? The Death Gate Cycle series by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, The Dragonbone Chair series by Tad Williams, and pretty much anything by Tad, because he writes about characters that are more diverse than the traditional Anglo-Saxon Protestant living in a world where magic exists. (Sorry, folks. . .that’s a button for me. I like diversity in my fiction, especially in fantasy, because my world is diverse. Though, there is a lot to be gleaned from stories where the characters are homogeneous, too.) My list, which goes into never-never land, goes on and on and on.

Because of how I read (and when) no doubt my take on the cultural zeitgeist is a personal one — but there are gaping holes in my library at the moment, reading I lack either because I have no idea where to begin, I’ve forgotten what I had read, or because I fallen out of reading experimentation due to laziness and default to whatever’s lurking about on my shelves. Mind you, my walls are quite literally bleeding books, so this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. And reading experimentation, my friends, is what this post is all about.

Today, I am asking for your recommendations on a single tome, a work of fiction, that YOU feel is the best indicative of one of the following categories, cultures, professions, genres, etc. It does not have to be a best-seller or a modern work, mind you. It just has to mean something profound to you and available via Ye Olde Library. Now that I think about it, try to limit works published since the 1950s, unless I noted the word “literature.”

* Feminism
* Modern Romance
* Gay/Bi-sexual/Lesbian
* Transhumanism
* Post-Apocalyptic
* Werewolves
* Fairies
* Arthurian legend
* Modern conspiracy
* Ghosts
* Middle-Eastern literature (Please, not Arabian Nights.)
* Italian science fiction or fantasy (can be written in Italian)
* Norse mythology
* Mexican literature
* Steampunk
* Virtual reality
* Hard (no floofy hand-waving, please) science fiction
* Speculative (e.g. something that has its own category and doesn’t fit anyplace else)
* Pick a culture, any culture I haven’t mentioned here, and recommend a work I absolutely have to read. For example, Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is one I highly recommend.

Please comment below and share your recommendations!

    Mood: *laughs maniacally*
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: I think there’s something in my coffee.
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: WOOOOOOOOOOOOO. (Or not.)
    In My Ears: Other voices.
    Game Last Played: Tetris
    Movie Last Viewed: The Raven
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “Fangs and Formaldehyde” from the New Hero anthology through Stone Skin Press
October 16, 2012
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Scrivener Upped My Word Count. Here’s Why.

I downloaded Scrivener for the PC a few months back, but I never used it religiously until last week. Now, I realize that some other authors may feel that this is software with too many bells and whistles is a way to provide meaningful distractions from the act of getting one’s butt in the chair and proceeding a-pace. ***warning, proceeding a-pace is my new favorite phrase*** After all, there’s only so much outlining, worldbuilding, character development, and scene mapping one can do before the words flow. (Like spice, only faster and less blue-eye turning.)

Sure, the planning portion of a project can be another timesuck (a word coined by the incomparable Lili Saint Crow, might I add) in addition to all the other timesucks out there caused (in no short order) by shiny objects, demanding cats, for sale signs, plague-carrying squirrels, online friends, and Angry Birds. What I’ve also found, is that if you’re multi-tasking and using the same computer for a myriad of other work-related activities, that it’s harder to separate pay-the-bills work from working on spec.

I was trying to figure out what my novel hang-up was, and I knew it had something to do with spending weeks (if not months) on a manuscript that may never sell. THIS HURTS THE FREELANCER’S BRAIN. In a freelancing situation you get paid, sometimes before the work is done, other times half up front or whatever the case may be. Mentally, this is batshit of course, because in order to be a novelist, the only way forward is to get the story out NO MATTER WHAT. Fire, snakes on a plane, floods, biblical-level apocalypses — butt plus chair and writing utensil of some sort is the only way to get that story down, then revised, and finally submitted.

So what’s the solution? Well, I told you I changed the layout of my office and this has, indeed, had a positive impact. I’m also building in two days at the library with no internet, to reserve e-mail in the morning and at night, in order to have solid work chunk times outside of my house. What this came down to for me, was a change in perspective.

That’s what Scrivener provided for me. I often use this trick when I’m revising: I change the font or the spacing to ensure that I can approach something with fresh eyes. Now, though, I applied the same technique when I was writing. And lo! and behold! Two hours and 2,500 words (on average) later?

Now, I have a ton of theories as to why this is, and namely it’s because when I write for RPGs, or pen short stories, or draft non-fiction articles I’m always using Microsoft Word. It’s often instinctive, I automatically look for pagination, line breaks, word count, and the like. The screen is familiar to me as it has been for so, so, so many years. By changing the software I use, specifically for long form works like novellas and novels, I am infusing something new visually and viscerally to the work. I am saying that “When I use this piece of software, I am serious about spending my time on this manuscript.”

Likely, I don’t use the software like everyone else does. Outlines? Screw it. I start with a one-page pitch document which includes a logline, a generic synopsis, and my other notes. I must know the beginning, the middle (or key milestones) and the end. Then, I can dive in and write the whole damn thing. Revisions will allow me to break up scenes and smooth out the finer details in chapter-by-chapter (or scene-by-scene) form. One novella’s already plotted and I’m having so much fun I’m writing out of order again. Hey, no one said a novel had to be written linearly from beginning to end, did they? If I’m bored with a scene, that’s what Scrivener allows me to do, I can always jump back and keep going.

And proceed a-pace I shall. Oh, I definitely shall.

    Mood: It’s Monday. Why do you ask?
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Not ‘fessing up today. Screw it.
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Some form of physical activity which did not involve contortionism.
    In My Ears: Americano by Lady GaGa
    Game Last Played: Tetris
    Movie Last Viewed: The Raven
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “Fangs and Formaldehyde” from the New Hero anthology through Stone Skin Press
October 15, 2012
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Quick Warning. . . Er. . .Note About The 13

13

Just a quick update for those of you who applied to become one of The Thirteen. Thank you. I’ve been overwhelmed with your kind words and continued interest in my work. Here’s what happens next: over the next few days, I’ll be sorting through the applications, penning the rules, and putting a framework in place. Then?

Anyone who applied will receive an e-mail from me on Halloween noting whether or not you’re in the group and a number denoting your seat at the table. At that time, I’ll be asking you for your name and mailing address so I can send you a “Thank You!” in the mail. (Yes, I do that. The post office send letters with a stamp thing.)

This also means, however, that applications for 2012 are now closed.

‘Til All Hallow’s Eve. . .

October 14, 2012
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October is the Month of Breasts, Pumpkins, Reading, Art, and Generally Nice People

Fly Away E.T. Avatar

Dropping in to point out a few events going on this month. As you know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. The phrase “think pink” has become synonymous with various charities and fundraisers during this time. (Sad to say, I’m noticing that not every pink-related, pink ribbon item is associated with a legitimate charity, though.) Penguin Group (fine publishing purveyors of many exciting tomes) has put together a campaign of their own — to read pink books. Now in their third year, there’s a variety of books you can read by these authors: Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Catherine Anderson, Jodi Thomas, Carly Phillips, Madeline Hunter, JoAnn Ross, Jillian Hunter, Karen White, Natasha Solomons, Eleanor Brown, Wendy Wax, and Kathryn Stockett.

Of course, October is also leading up to my favorite holiday in all the land — Halloween. My decorations have gone up; many are not coming down. Each year, our place gets spookier and spookier. (Victorian-style, thank you. I only have so much patience for serial killers.) No All Hallow’s Eve would be replete without an atmospheric tale or two, stories that creep, thrill, scare, and turn you inside out. All Hallow’s Read, spearheaded by author/screenwriter/etc. Neil Gaiman, encourages folks to give away books on the holiday. Save those sugar-laden treats for Christmas; provide the gift of story and give trick-or-treaters a thrill ride like no other! My Halloween-related recommendation is The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. It’s a stunning narrative that explores the history of the holiday and highlights its ancient roots.

This is also the month for advocates to promote anti-bullying. StopBullying.gov has a lot of information about Bullying Prevention Month. Adjacent to that, it’s also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

While I understand that situations get to a “harm one another” point, it appalls me that people would resort to such terrifying tactics to exert one’s power/influence/etc. over another. I love humanity and its myriad facets but, sadly, I do not always admire what humanity is capable of and what dark deeds they’ve accomplished in reality. Perhaps that’s why I explore these issues in my storytelling, because I want to understand it, and hope the hero/heroine can pull through to a better day.

So, on the subject, I believe this picture I took sums up my feelings better than the words I’m using here:

Anti-Bullying Sign

I do believe, deeply and truly, that one way we can achieve mutual understanding/respect/love/joy and the overall betterment of our species is through the Artes. If you do no other activist-related thing this month, consider that October is also the National Arts and Humanities Month. There has never been a better time to support your favorite authors, game designers, artists, musicians, sculptures, crafters, cartoonists, toy designers, etc.

There has also never been a better time to create your own Arte, either, regardless of what that happens to be.

Live long and prosper, may the force be with you, don’t forget your towel and remember — when all else fails? Call the Doctor, watch the skies. The question of whether or not we are alone in the universe has been answered. There’s no better place in the ‘verse. Nanu, nanu.

    Mood: Go forth and do
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: TINY BUBBLES, MAKE ME WARM ALL OVER
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Didn’t count them, but I did them.
    In My Ears: An eerie refrain.
    Game Last Played: Tetris
    Movie Last Viewed: Harry Potter collection
    Latest Artistic Project: In progress!
    Latest Release: “Fangs and Formaldehyde” from the New Hero anthology through Stone Skin Press
October 12, 2012
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