Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Alchemy of Writing - The quiet man speaks
The quiet man speaks... Having writer "angst", doubting your writer-self? Have a read...
The Alchemy of Writing
The Alchemy of Writing
Just for laughs
Kathleen Ortiz posted this link on Twitter for Janet Reid. It gave me a great morning laugh... And fear of CATS!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Janet Reid, Literary Agent
The incomparable Janet Reid has the new Lawrence Block novel... Not that I'm bitter.... #@&*%!
Janet Reid, Literary Agent
Janet Reid, Literary Agent
Something about this season
For the last few days, I've posted a few things that speak to politics.... Gulp!
Momentum of Reason, Ying and Yang, even posting Rudyard Kipling's poem, "If", all were my very small way of voicing, maybe inspiring (forgive my arrogance) a second thought on problems of today.
My blog doesn't reach as many as some. Heck, my best visit numbers would be considered a bad day for Janet Reid, Nathan Bransford or Rachelle Gardner. I've been told that politics on an author's blog is not the best thing. I agree.
The Novel Road will be going back to business as usual. To those that were ticked by my participation in political expression, know that you only have to put up with it for one week, every two years... Deal with it.
I know I risk one of the things I most despise, being labeled. Agreement with anyone's views is a choice, just as expressing my views is mine. I am here in this world, like everyone else, to learn and be a better part of tomorrow. I don't doubt that my views may change as I learn and live more. It saddens me that there are those, so convinced they are all-knowing, that the cries of others don't exist.
The thing about me is, I don't scoff or belittle. I call no name, other than those parentally given. I believe and cherish the views of all. Brought in spirit to fair debate, there is no greater moment in the life of an American or anyone else in this world.
This time, this place, is not calling on us to voice what has been, for that light has gone. The days to come are ours to light. Will we, or will we take light for granted? Is the dull, pixeled hue and venom of an analyst or network going to be the base on which we grow? Can we step back, to awaken from the information gleaned easily, to realize it has been without merit?
The path of least resistance is for the physical, not mental world. We have to challenge the status quo, because our world is not static. We have chosen to unleash information in boundless streams. Standing on the river bank as knowledge flows by, will only allow our feet to sink in the mud of "Whatever".
Care, we must... Trust we may... But learn, we will, or failure is ours.
Momentum of Reason, Ying and Yang, even posting Rudyard Kipling's poem, "If", all were my very small way of voicing, maybe inspiring (forgive my arrogance) a second thought on problems of today.
My blog doesn't reach as many as some. Heck, my best visit numbers would be considered a bad day for Janet Reid, Nathan Bransford or Rachelle Gardner. I've been told that politics on an author's blog is not the best thing. I agree.
The Novel Road will be going back to business as usual. To those that were ticked by my participation in political expression, know that you only have to put up with it for one week, every two years... Deal with it.
I know I risk one of the things I most despise, being labeled. Agreement with anyone's views is a choice, just as expressing my views is mine. I am here in this world, like everyone else, to learn and be a better part of tomorrow. I don't doubt that my views may change as I learn and live more. It saddens me that there are those, so convinced they are all-knowing, that the cries of others don't exist.
The thing about me is, I don't scoff or belittle. I call no name, other than those parentally given. I believe and cherish the views of all. Brought in spirit to fair debate, there is no greater moment in the life of an American or anyone else in this world.
This time, this place, is not calling on us to voice what has been, for that light has gone. The days to come are ours to light. Will we, or will we take light for granted? Is the dull, pixeled hue and venom of an analyst or network going to be the base on which we grow? Can we step back, to awaken from the information gleaned easily, to realize it has been without merit?
The path of least resistance is for the physical, not mental world. We have to challenge the status quo, because our world is not static. We have chosen to unleash information in boundless streams. Standing on the river bank as knowledge flows by, will only allow our feet to sink in the mud of "Whatever".
Care, we must... Trust we may... But learn, we will, or failure is ours.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Author's String Theory
Einstein as Publisher? Satyendra Nath Bose as Agent? Branes as Brains? Black Holes as Slush Piles (couldn't resist the comparative)
Alternate dimensions are to Genre as Vibrational modes are to Literary trends... If this question ever appears on an SAT test, the fall of civilization can't be far behind.
The first view of the publishing world, for me, inspired questions on the nature of the written word as commerce. The farther I researched the business, it became apparent that it exists in numerous layers. Far from labyrinthine, but don't doubt the number of paths available. Many leading to no where, some to a new light of day.
Authors posit their work as being plausible. After all, if written, it is. (Descartes was a closet romantic comedy writer.) Therefore it has the potential to be noticed, liked and published. The problems that arise are surmountable... If created by man, they can be overcome by man, no? Not always.
The intangibles, the quirks of agents, editors and the vacillations of the marketplace can conspire to make an author's dreams either disappear or to be acknowledged.
I like the string theory, not for the scientific meaning. Dimensional aspects could be applied, genres the line of realities split. But that's too deep for me, so I'll just take the string and make it into a theoretical high wire act. The theory part being that gravity works, whether you call it falling or failing.
Authors live on a high wire once their works have been polished. Submitting a manuscript is the first step out onto the wire...Easy! Next step, query an agent or two or seventy. The silence around the author, breathlessly anticipating the Inbox bringing hope, not Viagra spam. Pressure mounts as each step is taken, rejection breaks your concentration, as well as the will to live. Don't look down, next step, another, then another. You're now in the middle of the wire walk now... and you freeze, right there.
This is where you wait. Unseen eyes of speculation in the darkness far below, while the wire twitches beneath your feet. By the way, there is no net... Unless you make one... with your mind. The net is your next book. Write, and the net will rise to meet you. Now step out again and finish the walk you began. Get to the other side with the knowledge that you can begin and begin. Every word you write makes you better at your craft, more confident when you take that next walk across the wire.
An author's string theory can move us, giving the observed words flavor, energy, and life. As long as you are willing to make the walk...
Alternate dimensions are to Genre as Vibrational modes are to Literary trends... If this question ever appears on an SAT test, the fall of civilization can't be far behind.
The first view of the publishing world, for me, inspired questions on the nature of the written word as commerce. The farther I researched the business, it became apparent that it exists in numerous layers. Far from labyrinthine, but don't doubt the number of paths available. Many leading to no where, some to a new light of day.
Authors posit their work as being plausible. After all, if written, it is. (Descartes was a closet romantic comedy writer.) Therefore it has the potential to be noticed, liked and published. The problems that arise are surmountable... If created by man, they can be overcome by man, no? Not always.
The intangibles, the quirks of agents, editors and the vacillations of the marketplace can conspire to make an author's dreams either disappear or to be acknowledged.
I like the string theory, not for the scientific meaning. Dimensional aspects could be applied, genres the line of realities split. But that's too deep for me, so I'll just take the string and make it into a theoretical high wire act. The theory part being that gravity works, whether you call it falling or failing.
Authors live on a high wire once their works have been polished. Submitting a manuscript is the first step out onto the wire...Easy! Next step, query an agent or two or seventy. The silence around the author, breathlessly anticipating the Inbox bringing hope, not Viagra spam. Pressure mounts as each step is taken, rejection breaks your concentration, as well as the will to live. Don't look down, next step, another, then another. You're now in the middle of the wire walk now... and you freeze, right there.
This is where you wait. Unseen eyes of speculation in the darkness far below, while the wire twitches beneath your feet. By the way, there is no net... Unless you make one... with your mind. The net is your next book. Write, and the net will rise to meet you. Now step out again and finish the walk you began. Get to the other side with the knowledge that you can begin and begin. Every word you write makes you better at your craft, more confident when you take that next walk across the wire.
An author's string theory can move us, giving the observed words flavor, energy, and life. As long as you are willing to make the walk...
Love, Power & Fairytale Endings
Some great pics and an interesting read from New Mexico... Jeffe sounds like one of those people you'd like to meet one day...
Love, Power & Fairytale Endings
Love, Power & Fairytale Endings
Week after Week #5 - John Lennon Coin
- November 2nd will shock many. Is this the most desperate election EVER? A billion dollars in campaign spending say so...
- New John Lennon coin. Haven't seen the flipside, hope I don't find Yoko...
- Amazon is going to let people "borrow" e-book titles from friends. Already discounted from print price, authors have got to wonder if they are being "Napster-ed". Can I hear the faint chuckle of musicians?
- Livia Blackburne has to have the highest I.Q. of any author... I can't find a misspelled word anywhere on her blog... Show Off!
- Tawna Fenske is looking forward to "All-You-Can-Eat" crab night...With one eye on the door...
- Kristin has a thing for "Convoluted Plots"... Don't EVEN try it!
- One day I will post all the comments I have from my posts here... Even the un-great ones. All I have to do is find out how to get them to post...?
- I have $1.83 in unmarked bills for anyone that can bring back Firefly...
Rudyard Kipling's "If"
If
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
Of late, I have been thinking of Kipling. I liken my novel's main character, Devin Briar, to someone tested by, then lives, the tenents of "If".
Please visit everypoet.com for more great poets.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
Of late, I have been thinking of Kipling. I liken my novel's main character, Devin Briar, to someone tested by, then lives, the tenents of "If".
Please visit everypoet.com for more great poets.
Random Musings & Ruminations--whatever's on my mind: Random Thursday--where I try to bring "teh funnay"...
Random Musings & Ruminations--whatever's on my mind: Random Thursday--where I try to bring "teh funnay"...: "p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; } Random Thursday Jon Acuff has “Serious Wednesday,” Bryan Allain “Cliche Thursday,” and FlowerDust (Anne ..."
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Momentum of Reason
I don't normally write about political matters. The current energy of the Mid-Term elections has given me pause and hope.
While the major political parties appear welded to their base ideals, to paraphrase Yoda: "There is another" trend building.
REASON
At my last look-see, over ONE BILLION DOLLARS has been pledged or spent on these mid-term elections. While ground may be lost or gained by the two major parties, the center appears to have grown. Independent candidates are growing in number and popularity. Why?
For a long time, I have believed that both major parties have good intentions, at their cores. What is happening now is a growing concern that each party is an "all or nothing" choice. A voter is backed into a choice of a party, not a candidate. We are voting on, not leadership, but party ideology... All or Nothing.
The growth of the middle would seem to point out this "all or nothing" choice is not sitting well with America. People are seeing that REASON can't be limited. They aren't being bought as thoroughly as Party advertisers think they are, far from it. Tea Parties and "Yes We Cans" are going to be remembered for a lack of latitude. Anger in rhetoric is held by the far right and left, while the middle just shakes it's collective head, hoping that one day something will finally get done. The hitch here is that the middle may be ending their silence.
Here is a prediction for the coming Presidential Election season: A third party candidate will place second. It won't be a person from the far right or left. It will be a centrist.
I personally think that both our major parties have it about half right... Each. I long for the day when our country will embrace whoever is in office, giving them support, not venom in the hope of effecting the next election. We are in a constant state of campaigning. Nothing gets done. What does get proposed is so hacked up by the time it becomes a law, that we will never see progress or success. I look for a candidate who has an idea, if passed into law, stays mailable to change, to make it work and if it doesn't, be man or woman enough to admit it and move on to another way.
My views?
Health Reform --- Great idea, some super components. Won't work unless we get behind it. I see areas where it could have been better and maybe it won't work the way it was dreamed. If it doesn't, change it, don't scrap it.
Taxes --- We hate 'em, but don't deny that they are necessary. Cutting taxes when we owe this much money is absurd. The rich are going to pay more than the poor --- get over it. Your still rich.
Welfare --- When people need a hand, truly need, we as a nation should stand as one to help. That there is anyone starving in this country should be our greatest shame. BUT.... People living on welfare as a life style must change. I have no problem with working - welfare recipients. You want population control? Cut the child credit to exclude additional kids after filing. In New Mexico, welfare recipients boast about how much money they can get for additional kids.
Immigration: I have ZERO problem with anyone that wants to come here, just pay your taxes and stop sending money home.
Social Security: The funds left can't be trusted to the open market. See DJIA and NASDAQ composite for definition of unreliability. We should allow our government to invest in companies, for profit, when they are given contracts with public funds.
Based on these observations, who would I vote for? FYI- these sentiments are extremely common among moderates.
Politics has raised itself to a new high point of absurdity. Vote for the person, not the boxed-platform candidate. Look around you and find great potential leaders for our country. Then all you have to do is keep them away from lobbyists... Easy, Right? (insert slapping of forehead here)
While the major political parties appear welded to their base ideals, to paraphrase Yoda: "There is another" trend building.
REASON
At my last look-see, over ONE BILLION DOLLARS has been pledged or spent on these mid-term elections. While ground may be lost or gained by the two major parties, the center appears to have grown. Independent candidates are growing in number and popularity. Why?
For a long time, I have believed that both major parties have good intentions, at their cores. What is happening now is a growing concern that each party is an "all or nothing" choice. A voter is backed into a choice of a party, not a candidate. We are voting on, not leadership, but party ideology... All or Nothing.
The growth of the middle would seem to point out this "all or nothing" choice is not sitting well with America. People are seeing that REASON can't be limited. They aren't being bought as thoroughly as Party advertisers think they are, far from it. Tea Parties and "Yes We Cans" are going to be remembered for a lack of latitude. Anger in rhetoric is held by the far right and left, while the middle just shakes it's collective head, hoping that one day something will finally get done. The hitch here is that the middle may be ending their silence.
Here is a prediction for the coming Presidential Election season: A third party candidate will place second. It won't be a person from the far right or left. It will be a centrist.
I personally think that both our major parties have it about half right... Each. I long for the day when our country will embrace whoever is in office, giving them support, not venom in the hope of effecting the next election. We are in a constant state of campaigning. Nothing gets done. What does get proposed is so hacked up by the time it becomes a law, that we will never see progress or success. I look for a candidate who has an idea, if passed into law, stays mailable to change, to make it work and if it doesn't, be man or woman enough to admit it and move on to another way.
My views?
Health Reform --- Great idea, some super components. Won't work unless we get behind it. I see areas where it could have been better and maybe it won't work the way it was dreamed. If it doesn't, change it, don't scrap it.
Taxes --- We hate 'em, but don't deny that they are necessary. Cutting taxes when we owe this much money is absurd. The rich are going to pay more than the poor --- get over it. Your still rich.
Welfare --- When people need a hand, truly need, we as a nation should stand as one to help. That there is anyone starving in this country should be our greatest shame. BUT.... People living on welfare as a life style must change. I have no problem with working - welfare recipients. You want population control? Cut the child credit to exclude additional kids after filing. In New Mexico, welfare recipients boast about how much money they can get for additional kids.
Immigration: I have ZERO problem with anyone that wants to come here, just pay your taxes and stop sending money home.
Social Security: The funds left can't be trusted to the open market. See DJIA and NASDAQ composite for definition of unreliability. We should allow our government to invest in companies, for profit, when they are given contracts with public funds.
Based on these observations, who would I vote for? FYI- these sentiments are extremely common among moderates.
Politics has raised itself to a new high point of absurdity. Vote for the person, not the boxed-platform candidate. Look around you and find great potential leaders for our country. Then all you have to do is keep them away from lobbyists... Easy, Right? (insert slapping of forehead here)