I sat down tonight to write a story. But nothing wants to come out. My muse is telling me more pressing things need to be written.
“Like what?” I asked.
“Ummm . . . how about talk about all of those struggling publications out there?”
“Why?”
“Because you are a writer and without anywhere to submit to then who is going to publish your work and why would you continue writing?”
“I enjoy it.”
“Come on, AJ, tell the truth. You want to be published.”
“Well, yeah.”
“What if all the zines shut down? Where would you get published?”
My muse should have been a lawyer.
So, here I sit, keyboard in front of me, paper of notes beside the computer for a story I wanted to start on. Instead, I am going to write on something that affects all of us writers: what if there were no markets out there?
Seriously. What if we writers had nowhere to submit our stories? What if we had no one to read our works?
This is no laughing matter, folks.
Right now, the horror genre seems to be losing publication upon publication. There are many reasons why: the inability to finance those publications, under budgeting and over spending or just not being able to get enough quality submissions to fill the pages (even online pages).
It is this last part that I want to talk about.
Writers want to get paid for their work. Am I right? Of course I am. Why give something away for free when you can sell it? The good ol’ American philosophy. It may not even be an American philosophy but a philosophy nonetheless.
So many folks say, “I’m not just going to give my stories away.” And, guess what? You’re right. You shouldn’t just give your stories away. Payment is nice, but does it always have to be in money? What about getting published and receiving free publicity? What about having your story out there so the world can read it?
But, AJ, if I give my stories to a free publication, then I can only sell it as a reprint. Yup, you got me there. This is true. But, sometimes having a story appear in an e-zine where people don’t have to pay for it will get you more reads.
But, AJ, many of these e-zines don’t have much of a following. Yup, you got me there, too. You folks are good. Some places don’t have that big of a following, but hey, what if, say, maybe a story is accepted at one of these free-zines, as I like to call them, and the writers actually advertised that their stories were there?
But, AJ, a lot of folks do that. Yes, they do, but not a lot of folks advertise when they get into a free-zine. It’s a publishing credit; it builds up the resume, but a lot of folks don’t say, “Hey guys/gals, go on over to Choking Chickens dot com and read my new story about choking chickens.” If it’s good enough to submit to, then it’s good enough to advertise that you got in it.
But, wait, I’m not throwing this completely on the writers.
No, part of the blame for these free-zines or small paying markets not getting enough subs falls on the zines themselves. What? How dare I? It’s easy. So many free-zines or small paying markets won’t take reprints and this is where I think they fall down. The best places to sub to aren’t just the places that pay you, but the places that want your story, regardless if it is an unpublished story or a reprint. The point is if it is a good story, then it’s publishable.
The key to the reprints is to make sure that the author has the rights to the story and that the publication that it first appeared in is duly noted. I’m not saying accept stories that came out within the last year, but to be open to accepting reprints. Chances are, if someone thought it was good enough to publish one time it may be good enough to publish again.
But, we want all original content. Yeah, everyone does, but many writers aren’t willing to give up a story for free or for little money. It’s just the facts.
With the state of our genre and so many magazines folding for various reasons, mostly financial, some compromise may need to be given to both the writer and the publisher.
“I don’t give my stories away.” Okay, but what about reprints?
It’s a struggle to get published, especially in the paying markets. It’s a struggle to get good submissions, especially in the non-paying markets. Some of these small zines just need a boost. A name writer or two giving them permission to use a reprint could go a long way to helping the zines and the writers.
For the publications the name of the game is staying in business, getting good stories and showcasing writers. For the writer, it’s about putting one’s self out there. And being rejected over and over again. Sometimes, those free-zines can get one’s name in the light.
We writers and publishers need to compromise a little. If we don’t start compromising then there won’t be many places to submit to. Or maybe none at all. That’s not something I want to see happen.
For now, I’m AJ and I’m out.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A Letter From My Muse
A few days ago I received a letter in my mental in box. This is what it said:
Dear AJ,
Have you lost your mind? Seriously. Have you lost your ever-loving mind?
Almost seven weeks ago, we were cruising along writing stories, having a good time. Things couldn’t have gotten much better. Well, you could have gotten a couple more acceptances but other than that, we were doing all right—you and I.
Then you receive this rejection and it was kind of harsh. I’ve never seen you take a rejection so. . . so much to heart. It’s as if it made you actually stop and think. Think. That’s not your job—it’s mine.
So, what did you do? What did you do, man? You kicked me to the curb. ME! What did I ever do but help you create some of the best stories you have ever written? I mean, remember The Woodshed? We sweated and bled and cursed as we wrote that one. Yeah, I know I had a few beers but I work better when I’m a little off kilter. What about Chapiesky? Remember that story? You heard the name but I came up with the story. ME! And how about Sarah’s Playground? Yeah, you didn’t want to write that little piece of semi-erotic horror now did you? Aren’t you glad you listened to me now?
Those were good times, AJ. Good times, I say.
Then you threw it all away and for what? For more technical and fundamental writing? You wanted to try ‘following the rules.’ You have never been a rule follower, why start now? Come on, AJ—when was the last time you listened to even the simplest of rules?
So, tell me, where did it get you? Hmm?
Oh, that’s right. You wrote five stories in almost seven weeks? Really? I’m so proud of you, and if you don’t recognize that—it’s sarcasm.
Five stories? We used to write that many in a week—you and I. Do you remember those days? The days when we sat at the computer taking turns tap-tapping away on the keyboard, discussing characters and settings and emotions and plots and all the other good writerly types of stuff.
AJ, we were meant to be together. Dump your new partner and come back to me. I’ll make you happy. I’ll show you the fun in writing that we used to have—I’m certain all you have done is work at it since you left me at the computer.
Please, come to your senses.
Love,
Your Muse.
Well, my muse was right about a few things. We sure did have a good time together. The stories we created—I can truly say she was my darker side. So, after nearly seven weeks of being away from her, I wrote her back.
Dear Muse,
Can you forgive me for my stupidity? I have missed you and the way we connected. You are so much more fun than my other muse—she is a real witch, always making me work while I am writing. I don’t function that way. I hate the new style she is imposing on me. It’s not working out.
Any way, I have a lot of groveling to do. If you will take me back I will be loyal from hear on out. I promise.
Love,
AJ
Yeah, I know mine was short, but really I am the typical male and my muse knows this. She can call me on any lie and make me feel like crap for even trying.
Just for the record, she and I have gotten back together and have penned two stories in less than a day. It feels good to be back in the saddle and writing with a familiar partner. Sadly, she has obtained a whip since we were last together—and she likes to use it.
***
Over the last few weeks I did try and experiment with following the rules of writing. I will say that I have never wasted so much time in my life. It was horrible. My creativity left me, the words fled, the thoughts vanished and I stared at a blank screen for hours. It was my first significant bout with Writer’s Block.
After starting on a story recently and getting stuck on it, I said screw it and rewrote the piece using my old style, old voice and just let the story live. Talk about the feeling of freedom.
Be wary—AJ is back…
***
In other news, you can catch a couple of my stories online now.
First there is my story, “Broken Hearted Savior,” up at Static Movement. Chris Bartholomew has had this e-zine running for a long time and it just keeps getting better. Check out “Broken Hearted Savior” here:
Broken Hearted Savior at Static Movement
While you are at it, check out the other stories there. Drop Chris a line and tell her AJ sent you. No, I won’t get any money or anything, but hopefully Chris will get a little more traffic to her site.
You can also catch my short zombie story, “Staying Dead,” at The House of Horrors. It’s a new online zine that is run by S. E. Cox. She has worked hard at getting this up and running and it shows a lot of promise. Read “Staying Dead” here:
Staying Dead at The House of Horrors
Have you heard of Sonar 4 Publications? Shells Walter has put together a fine company and she is all about helping writers out. She should be commended for her efforts, which seem tireless. They’ve released a handful of collections recently and are on the rise. One of them, From the Mouth, is a collection of flash fiction. There are some great reads in this collection, the least of which is my story, “Rust.” Other writers in this collection include Kevin Wallis, Dawn Allison, LB Goddard, Cassandra Lee among others. You can order a copy of this anthology and the others in the Sonar 4 lineup by going to their website:
Sonar 4 Publications
***
Other topics of note are:
Check out the folks at Choate Road. Greg Hall runs the 13-block road so be wary of all sorts of things that go bump in the night. There is a cool interview with Louise Bohmer in the Meet the Neighbors section. Check out all of the entertaining pages and catch them on MySpace as well. For their website, go here:
Choate Road
Also, check out the Funky Werepig every Sunday night at 9 EDT on Talk Radio. They constantly have great guests and there is even a chat room where you can party with other listeners. This past Sunday the Sinister Minister himself, Maurice Broaddus showed up as the Werepig’s guest. Don’t worry if you missed previous episodes, you can catch them in the archives. I’ll make it easy for you. Go here for the archives and a listing of the next couple of shows:
The Funky Werepig
That’s all for now, but I’ll be back soon. Hopefully it won’t be six weeks from now but next week. Until next time, be safe.
I’m AJ and I’m out.
Dear AJ,
Have you lost your mind? Seriously. Have you lost your ever-loving mind?
Almost seven weeks ago, we were cruising along writing stories, having a good time. Things couldn’t have gotten much better. Well, you could have gotten a couple more acceptances but other than that, we were doing all right—you and I.
Then you receive this rejection and it was kind of harsh. I’ve never seen you take a rejection so. . . so much to heart. It’s as if it made you actually stop and think. Think. That’s not your job—it’s mine.
So, what did you do? What did you do, man? You kicked me to the curb. ME! What did I ever do but help you create some of the best stories you have ever written? I mean, remember The Woodshed? We sweated and bled and cursed as we wrote that one. Yeah, I know I had a few beers but I work better when I’m a little off kilter. What about Chapiesky? Remember that story? You heard the name but I came up with the story. ME! And how about Sarah’s Playground? Yeah, you didn’t want to write that little piece of semi-erotic horror now did you? Aren’t you glad you listened to me now?
Those were good times, AJ. Good times, I say.
Then you threw it all away and for what? For more technical and fundamental writing? You wanted to try ‘following the rules.’ You have never been a rule follower, why start now? Come on, AJ—when was the last time you listened to even the simplest of rules?
So, tell me, where did it get you? Hmm?
Oh, that’s right. You wrote five stories in almost seven weeks? Really? I’m so proud of you, and if you don’t recognize that—it’s sarcasm.
Five stories? We used to write that many in a week—you and I. Do you remember those days? The days when we sat at the computer taking turns tap-tapping away on the keyboard, discussing characters and settings and emotions and plots and all the other good writerly types of stuff.
AJ, we were meant to be together. Dump your new partner and come back to me. I’ll make you happy. I’ll show you the fun in writing that we used to have—I’m certain all you have done is work at it since you left me at the computer.
Please, come to your senses.
Love,
Your Muse.
Well, my muse was right about a few things. We sure did have a good time together. The stories we created—I can truly say she was my darker side. So, after nearly seven weeks of being away from her, I wrote her back.
Dear Muse,
Can you forgive me for my stupidity? I have missed you and the way we connected. You are so much more fun than my other muse—she is a real witch, always making me work while I am writing. I don’t function that way. I hate the new style she is imposing on me. It’s not working out.
Any way, I have a lot of groveling to do. If you will take me back I will be loyal from hear on out. I promise.
Love,
AJ
Yeah, I know mine was short, but really I am the typical male and my muse knows this. She can call me on any lie and make me feel like crap for even trying.
Just for the record, she and I have gotten back together and have penned two stories in less than a day. It feels good to be back in the saddle and writing with a familiar partner. Sadly, she has obtained a whip since we were last together—and she likes to use it.
***
Over the last few weeks I did try and experiment with following the rules of writing. I will say that I have never wasted so much time in my life. It was horrible. My creativity left me, the words fled, the thoughts vanished and I stared at a blank screen for hours. It was my first significant bout with Writer’s Block.
After starting on a story recently and getting stuck on it, I said screw it and rewrote the piece using my old style, old voice and just let the story live. Talk about the feeling of freedom.
Be wary—AJ is back…
***
In other news, you can catch a couple of my stories online now.
First there is my story, “Broken Hearted Savior,” up at Static Movement. Chris Bartholomew has had this e-zine running for a long time and it just keeps getting better. Check out “Broken Hearted Savior” here:
Broken Hearted Savior at Static Movement
While you are at it, check out the other stories there. Drop Chris a line and tell her AJ sent you. No, I won’t get any money or anything, but hopefully Chris will get a little more traffic to her site.
You can also catch my short zombie story, “Staying Dead,” at The House of Horrors. It’s a new online zine that is run by S. E. Cox. She has worked hard at getting this up and running and it shows a lot of promise. Read “Staying Dead” here:
Staying Dead at The House of Horrors
Have you heard of Sonar 4 Publications? Shells Walter has put together a fine company and she is all about helping writers out. She should be commended for her efforts, which seem tireless. They’ve released a handful of collections recently and are on the rise. One of them, From the Mouth, is a collection of flash fiction. There are some great reads in this collection, the least of which is my story, “Rust.” Other writers in this collection include Kevin Wallis, Dawn Allison, LB Goddard, Cassandra Lee among others. You can order a copy of this anthology and the others in the Sonar 4 lineup by going to their website:
Sonar 4 Publications
***
Other topics of note are:
Check out the folks at Choate Road. Greg Hall runs the 13-block road so be wary of all sorts of things that go bump in the night. There is a cool interview with Louise Bohmer in the Meet the Neighbors section. Check out all of the entertaining pages and catch them on MySpace as well. For their website, go here:
Choate Road
Also, check out the Funky Werepig every Sunday night at 9 EDT on Talk Radio. They constantly have great guests and there is even a chat room where you can party with other listeners. This past Sunday the Sinister Minister himself, Maurice Broaddus showed up as the Werepig’s guest. Don’t worry if you missed previous episodes, you can catch them in the archives. I’ll make it easy for you. Go here for the archives and a listing of the next couple of shows:
The Funky Werepig
That’s all for now, but I’ll be back soon. Hopefully it won’t be six weeks from now but next week. Until next time, be safe.
I’m AJ and I’m out.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Give Them A Chance
I sat down to write this morning, a story in mind, a character to develop, a plot to work on. I went into the story with an open mind and a fresh attitude. I admit I haven't been in the best of moods lately so many of my stories haven't been coming out the way I want them to. Things just haven't been going the way they should. It shows in my writing. Well, it shows everywhere, but especially in my writing.
Writing isn't something I can just do straight through. I have to have the right mindset. Also, I need breaks. Every few hundred words or so I have to stop and do something else for a minute or two, then start back up. So, that is what I did today. I wrote about four hundred words, stopped for a second and checked my e-mail and looked at a web forum that I frequent (probably too much). A good friend of mine had posted a true story in this forum and I read it. It was about a young special needs boy who wanted to play baseball and the boys who let him play with them and how they aided him in succeeding in the game. The boy was a hero for a day and for the remainder of his short life he didn't forget the events of that afternoon. Sadly, the child died a few months later. The story was heart wrenchingly beautiful.
I leaned back in my chair, thinking of those events, picturing the little boy hitting a weak ground ball back to the pitcher. The pitcher intentionally overthrew first base. The other players followed suit, overthrowing each base and then cheering for him to run home, to score, to hit a game winning grand slam.
Some call it sportsmanship. I call it humanity. It's hard to let someone win at something—we are a competitive lot, us humans. But what these kids did was more than sportsmanship. It was more than humanity. It was all about giving someone a chance.
Do you understand what I'm getting at here?
They gave this kid—this boy who wasn't like them in many ways—an opportunity to do something they were physically gifted to do—something this child was NOT physically gifted to do. They gave him a chance to belong, to feel as if he were just one of the guys out playing ball before supper time.
In our world of money and competition and selfishness, these children put aside winning for the benefit of one person, one not like them. It was one of the greatest things each of these kids will ever do.
Isn't that what life is about? Giving? Helping?
Do you want to achieve greatness?? Do you want to feel good about what you are doing? Then take a page from these kids' books and give of yourself, put someone else ahead of you. Forget winning for a while. Forget being the best for a while. Forget about yourself for a while. Forget about money and fame and whatever else you want or feel you deserve in life. It's hard to do. Even for me, mister highly competitive himself.
Look around you. There's someone in everyone's life that we steer clear of, not because they're mean or snobby or have treated you wrong. No, we steer clear of these people because they are different. They're not like us. Maybe they're significantly overweight and you don't want to be seen with someone of that size for fear of what your friends may say. Wait, maybe the person is not as attractive as your standards would dictate for you to talk to them. Maybe they're too short or too tall or too thin or talk different or have a different skin color. Maybe they walk funny or are missing a limb or in a wheel chair. Maybe they have a disability or maybe they are an elderly person who smells like muscle and joint cream. Maybe it's the new person on the job or at the church or in the neighborhood. Maybe it's a homeless person. Who is it? Maybe it's someone in your own family that you've shunned or that you are not proud to call a family member. Yeah, we all have one of those, don't we?
I have a habit of attracting odd balls. Everywhere I go they seem to flock to me. Odd balls. You get that? Maybe they aren't so odd after all. Maybe, to them, I'm the odd ball? Maybe, to them, I'm the weirdo. You never know, do you?
Let's change gears here for a second but try to stay on the same track. In the everyday world we see all those seminars and pamphlets and television programs and books on self help or how to be successful. Education has a lot to do with it. So does drive and determination. You have to be willing to work at something to be successful at it. I say that all the time about writing. But, there is one thing that these self help/be successful guides leave out. In order to be successful, somewhere along the way, someone has to give you a chance. Someone has to say 'give it a shot.' Kind of like those boys did that day.
I don't care what anyone says, NO ONE gets anywhere without someone else giving them an opportunity to do so. We are given the prospect to succeed or fail every day. At our jobs, at our homes, out and about in everyday life. Success or failure is there for the taking. In order to have either of those you have to take a chance.
Okay, stick with me a little longer here.
I like to believe I am a decent writer—not great, not bad. I like to think that everyone would like my stories. Eh, not so much. For every acceptance letter I receive I get seven or eight rejections. It's the game of percentages and my percentages aren't too good right now. However, there are enough publications out there willing to give a no name like myself an opportunity to showcase my meager abilities. All it takes is the right person reading the right story at the right time. That can only happen when someone is willing to take a chance with someone they've never heard of. It's an endorsement on your abilities when an editor likes something of yours enough that they would publish it.
Even in the world of writing, which really is a cut throat sort of business, the right person at the right time can help create a success story. Or maybe gives the writer encouragement to continue on. For me, that person is Boyd Harris. I've mentioned him numerous times in the past and with good cause. It was his encouragement in a rejection letter that led me to trying harder, joining a workshop and learning the craft of writing. His encouragement came when I was at a crossroads with writing. I wanted to give up since it appeared no one liked anything I wrote at the time. He pointed me in the right direction and I didn't give in and quit like I thought of doing. I'd like to think I am a better writer because of it.
Life is really all about the choices you make. If you choose to do right by others, generally they do right by you. If you choose to do wrong by others, well, it is easier for bad deeds to get noticed and get talked about than good ones and people talk when the talking is juicy.
I've been a bit long winded today and I thank you for sticking with me through it all. Just remember this: You never know when something you do will affect someone in a way that changes them forever. Please, like those children who let the little boy play baseball with them, make sure the affect you have is a positive one.
I'm AJ and I'm out.
Writing isn't something I can just do straight through. I have to have the right mindset. Also, I need breaks. Every few hundred words or so I have to stop and do something else for a minute or two, then start back up. So, that is what I did today. I wrote about four hundred words, stopped for a second and checked my e-mail and looked at a web forum that I frequent (probably too much). A good friend of mine had posted a true story in this forum and I read it. It was about a young special needs boy who wanted to play baseball and the boys who let him play with them and how they aided him in succeeding in the game. The boy was a hero for a day and for the remainder of his short life he didn't forget the events of that afternoon. Sadly, the child died a few months later. The story was heart wrenchingly beautiful.
I leaned back in my chair, thinking of those events, picturing the little boy hitting a weak ground ball back to the pitcher. The pitcher intentionally overthrew first base. The other players followed suit, overthrowing each base and then cheering for him to run home, to score, to hit a game winning grand slam.
Some call it sportsmanship. I call it humanity. It's hard to let someone win at something—we are a competitive lot, us humans. But what these kids did was more than sportsmanship. It was more than humanity. It was all about giving someone a chance.
Do you understand what I'm getting at here?
They gave this kid—this boy who wasn't like them in many ways—an opportunity to do something they were physically gifted to do—something this child was NOT physically gifted to do. They gave him a chance to belong, to feel as if he were just one of the guys out playing ball before supper time.
In our world of money and competition and selfishness, these children put aside winning for the benefit of one person, one not like them. It was one of the greatest things each of these kids will ever do.
Isn't that what life is about? Giving? Helping?
Do you want to achieve greatness?? Do you want to feel good about what you are doing? Then take a page from these kids' books and give of yourself, put someone else ahead of you. Forget winning for a while. Forget being the best for a while. Forget about yourself for a while. Forget about money and fame and whatever else you want or feel you deserve in life. It's hard to do. Even for me, mister highly competitive himself.
Look around you. There's someone in everyone's life that we steer clear of, not because they're mean or snobby or have treated you wrong. No, we steer clear of these people because they are different. They're not like us. Maybe they're significantly overweight and you don't want to be seen with someone of that size for fear of what your friends may say. Wait, maybe the person is not as attractive as your standards would dictate for you to talk to them. Maybe they're too short or too tall or too thin or talk different or have a different skin color. Maybe they walk funny or are missing a limb or in a wheel chair. Maybe they have a disability or maybe they are an elderly person who smells like muscle and joint cream. Maybe it's the new person on the job or at the church or in the neighborhood. Maybe it's a homeless person. Who is it? Maybe it's someone in your own family that you've shunned or that you are not proud to call a family member. Yeah, we all have one of those, don't we?
I have a habit of attracting odd balls. Everywhere I go they seem to flock to me. Odd balls. You get that? Maybe they aren't so odd after all. Maybe, to them, I'm the odd ball? Maybe, to them, I'm the weirdo. You never know, do you?
Let's change gears here for a second but try to stay on the same track. In the everyday world we see all those seminars and pamphlets and television programs and books on self help or how to be successful. Education has a lot to do with it. So does drive and determination. You have to be willing to work at something to be successful at it. I say that all the time about writing. But, there is one thing that these self help/be successful guides leave out. In order to be successful, somewhere along the way, someone has to give you a chance. Someone has to say 'give it a shot.' Kind of like those boys did that day.
I don't care what anyone says, NO ONE gets anywhere without someone else giving them an opportunity to do so. We are given the prospect to succeed or fail every day. At our jobs, at our homes, out and about in everyday life. Success or failure is there for the taking. In order to have either of those you have to take a chance.
Okay, stick with me a little longer here.
I like to believe I am a decent writer—not great, not bad. I like to think that everyone would like my stories. Eh, not so much. For every acceptance letter I receive I get seven or eight rejections. It's the game of percentages and my percentages aren't too good right now. However, there are enough publications out there willing to give a no name like myself an opportunity to showcase my meager abilities. All it takes is the right person reading the right story at the right time. That can only happen when someone is willing to take a chance with someone they've never heard of. It's an endorsement on your abilities when an editor likes something of yours enough that they would publish it.
Even in the world of writing, which really is a cut throat sort of business, the right person at the right time can help create a success story. Or maybe gives the writer encouragement to continue on. For me, that person is Boyd Harris. I've mentioned him numerous times in the past and with good cause. It was his encouragement in a rejection letter that led me to trying harder, joining a workshop and learning the craft of writing. His encouragement came when I was at a crossroads with writing. I wanted to give up since it appeared no one liked anything I wrote at the time. He pointed me in the right direction and I didn't give in and quit like I thought of doing. I'd like to think I am a better writer because of it.
Life is really all about the choices you make. If you choose to do right by others, generally they do right by you. If you choose to do wrong by others, well, it is easier for bad deeds to get noticed and get talked about than good ones and people talk when the talking is juicy.
I've been a bit long winded today and I thank you for sticking with me through it all. Just remember this: You never know when something you do will affect someone in a way that changes them forever. Please, like those children who let the little boy play baseball with them, make sure the affect you have is a positive one.
I'm AJ and I'm out.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Short Goodnight Story
Her fingers reach for me but I resist.
"Not right now," I say, but she insists I come to bed.
With a deep sigh, I give into her wishes and make my way to the room. I know I'll feel better when we're done. As I climb into bed, Sleep's sweet arms wrap around me. I close my eyes and she takes me…
(And you thought it would be dirty, didn't you?)
"Not right now," I say, but she insists I come to bed.
With a deep sigh, I give into her wishes and make my way to the room. I know I'll feel better when we're done. As I climb into bed, Sleep's sweet arms wrap around me. I close my eyes and she takes me…
(And you thought it would be dirty, didn't you?)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Rambling On and On Like I Tend To Do
Sometimes life is funny. Other times it takes a whiz on you. Still other times it plays little jokes and leaves you dazed and very confused. Yet, other times it is just life. We get frustrated, sad and angry during rough times; happy, joyous, elated during good times; apathetic during those times that we’ve taken all we can take and given all we can give but nothing seems to go right. We shrug, we move on.
The sun eventually shines again.
Writing is very much the same. There are moments where we can’t get any words onto paper—at least words that make sense and that would be worth publishing. But, then there’s those times where we can’t type or write fast enough, the story just pours out like water, splashing onto the paper or monitor and forming a tightly woven tale that leaves us exhausted but fulfilled when we are done, kind of like sex. There are moments where we can’t get anyone to accept a submission and the rejections pile up one after the other, making us wonder why we even try. Counter those moments with the ones where you get a handful of acceptances in a row and your name is getting out there.
It’s an ebb and flow.
Our economy is very much the same but during the leaner times things seem dire and a little bleaker. Money is the driving force of this great nation of ours. Greed is a deciding factor for many companies when hiring and (mostly) firing. I’m not certain there’s really a pursuit of happiness anymore. It’s become a pursuit of possessions and monetary things and it is that pursuit that has put America in the hole it is in right now. Less spending by the higher ups, including the government, could save jobs and homes.
The bailout is not a solution, just throwing good money after bad. But that is for another day. I don’t feel like politics on this day.
It’s been a few weeks since my last note and there have been both the dry times of writing and the flourish that comes with the territory. There has been an ebb and a flow.
So, let’s see where we sit with some of the writing goals.
The writing 1,000 words a day thing has come along nicely. So far for the year I sit at a healthy overage of words. The breakdown is simple:
January: 53327
February: 37659
March: 33329
That’s roughly 124,000 words written in three months. I would say that goal is being met so far. April is sitting around 14,000 for the month. The good thing about those 138,000 words is that most of them are completed stories. Some of them are pieces that won’t meet the light of day, while others should get published fairly easily.
The next goal is to work on a novel. Nope, I haven’t even come close to that one yet. However, I did outline one last week and I’m ready to get working on it.
My other goal, the one I want more than any of the other ones and the one that’s a little loftier than any of the other ones is the publication goal. If you’ll recall way back at the beginning of January I stated I would like to get 50 acceptances this year. It’s a tough feat but one I am shooting for.
As of right now I sit at 11 acceptances since January 1st. That puts me at 22% of my goal. Many of those have come in recent days. To put that in perspective, I had 16 acceptances for the 12 months that made up last year.
Right now you can catch “Where Colors Go To Die,” over at SNM Horror Magazine. It’s my second story placed there. It was a third place entry to their April themed contest. I like what Steven Marshall has going on there and it’s going to get better and better.
Since “Where Colors Go To Die” ended up third I’m going to have to try a little harder to get that first place story.
You can find “Where Colors Go To Die” Here
While you are at it check out the other stories too and Lillith’s interviews. You won’t be sorry you did.
Now for a few pieces that won’t come out until later on:
Sinister Tales picked up “I Carved Her Name Upon My Skin.” The print issue is coming out on April 15. If you would like to buy a copy check out their website at:
Sinister Tales
“Losing Grandma” was picked up by Everyday Fiction. It may not pay a lot but they have a large following so the exposure is worth more than the money. You can read Every Day Fiction at their website or subscribe to their e-mail list and receive the story of the day in your inbox EVERY DAY. If this is of interest to you, check them out here:
Every Day Fiction
Allegory picked up an odd piece I wrote last year titled, “Throwin’ Dem Bones.” It was a fun write and I’m sure you will enjoy the read. It is set to debut on May 1.
“The Dead Don’t Like the Sounds of Basketballs” will be appearing in the Tooth Decay Anthology over the summer. The anthology is being put out by Sonar 4 Publications and the closer we get to the publishing date the more information I will give out.
And “Sarah’s Playground” is going to make another appearance, courtesy of the folks at SNM Horror Magazine. They just picked SP up for their Bonded By Blood II Anthology, due out in January of 2010.
I’m stoked. Now, let’s keep that train rolling.
Chris Bartholomew runs a publication titled Static Movement Online. She always has good fiction and interviews up. Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Chris. You can check it out here:
Static Movement Online
I leave you with a simple thank you for reading. I apologize for not having any humor in this installment. Maybe next time.
For all of you out there, have a good day and a safe and happy Easter. For now I’m AJ and I’m out.
The sun eventually shines again.
Writing is very much the same. There are moments where we can’t get any words onto paper—at least words that make sense and that would be worth publishing. But, then there’s those times where we can’t type or write fast enough, the story just pours out like water, splashing onto the paper or monitor and forming a tightly woven tale that leaves us exhausted but fulfilled when we are done, kind of like sex. There are moments where we can’t get anyone to accept a submission and the rejections pile up one after the other, making us wonder why we even try. Counter those moments with the ones where you get a handful of acceptances in a row and your name is getting out there.
It’s an ebb and flow.
Our economy is very much the same but during the leaner times things seem dire and a little bleaker. Money is the driving force of this great nation of ours. Greed is a deciding factor for many companies when hiring and (mostly) firing. I’m not certain there’s really a pursuit of happiness anymore. It’s become a pursuit of possessions and monetary things and it is that pursuit that has put America in the hole it is in right now. Less spending by the higher ups, including the government, could save jobs and homes.
The bailout is not a solution, just throwing good money after bad. But that is for another day. I don’t feel like politics on this day.
It’s been a few weeks since my last note and there have been both the dry times of writing and the flourish that comes with the territory. There has been an ebb and a flow.
So, let’s see where we sit with some of the writing goals.
The writing 1,000 words a day thing has come along nicely. So far for the year I sit at a healthy overage of words. The breakdown is simple:
January: 53327
February: 37659
March: 33329
That’s roughly 124,000 words written in three months. I would say that goal is being met so far. April is sitting around 14,000 for the month. The good thing about those 138,000 words is that most of them are completed stories. Some of them are pieces that won’t meet the light of day, while others should get published fairly easily.
The next goal is to work on a novel. Nope, I haven’t even come close to that one yet. However, I did outline one last week and I’m ready to get working on it.
My other goal, the one I want more than any of the other ones and the one that’s a little loftier than any of the other ones is the publication goal. If you’ll recall way back at the beginning of January I stated I would like to get 50 acceptances this year. It’s a tough feat but one I am shooting for.
As of right now I sit at 11 acceptances since January 1st. That puts me at 22% of my goal. Many of those have come in recent days. To put that in perspective, I had 16 acceptances for the 12 months that made up last year.
Right now you can catch “Where Colors Go To Die,” over at SNM Horror Magazine. It’s my second story placed there. It was a third place entry to their April themed contest. I like what Steven Marshall has going on there and it’s going to get better and better.
Since “Where Colors Go To Die” ended up third I’m going to have to try a little harder to get that first place story.
You can find “Where Colors Go To Die” Here
While you are at it check out the other stories too and Lillith’s interviews. You won’t be sorry you did.
Now for a few pieces that won’t come out until later on:
Sinister Tales picked up “I Carved Her Name Upon My Skin.” The print issue is coming out on April 15. If you would like to buy a copy check out their website at:
Sinister Tales
“Losing Grandma” was picked up by Everyday Fiction. It may not pay a lot but they have a large following so the exposure is worth more than the money. You can read Every Day Fiction at their website or subscribe to their e-mail list and receive the story of the day in your inbox EVERY DAY. If this is of interest to you, check them out here:
Every Day Fiction
Allegory picked up an odd piece I wrote last year titled, “Throwin’ Dem Bones.” It was a fun write and I’m sure you will enjoy the read. It is set to debut on May 1.
“The Dead Don’t Like the Sounds of Basketballs” will be appearing in the Tooth Decay Anthology over the summer. The anthology is being put out by Sonar 4 Publications and the closer we get to the publishing date the more information I will give out.
And “Sarah’s Playground” is going to make another appearance, courtesy of the folks at SNM Horror Magazine. They just picked SP up for their Bonded By Blood II Anthology, due out in January of 2010.
I’m stoked. Now, let’s keep that train rolling.
Chris Bartholomew runs a publication titled Static Movement Online. She always has good fiction and interviews up. Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Chris. You can check it out here:
Static Movement Online
I leave you with a simple thank you for reading. I apologize for not having any humor in this installment. Maybe next time.
For all of you out there, have a good day and a safe and happy Easter. For now I’m AJ and I’m out.
Monday, March 9, 2009
I Wonder Sometimes
Good evening. I like to start things with the word ‘good.’ It is a greeting that doesn’t suggest that all is crap in the world around us. Usually it’s all down hill from there anyway, so why not start off with the best and work my way down?
That’s not exactly true. A lot of folks think that when you see that ‘good’ word at the front it’s time to bend over. Yeah, yeah, I know most of the time that’s true but not all the time and hopefully, not when you encounter me in a dark alley and I’m holding a rubber chicken over my head, wearing platform shoes and singing We Are the Champions. In that case if I use the word ‘good’ in any form, I would advise running.
Anyway . . .
I’m wondering a few things tonight. First off, why does the media insist on telling us every minute detail about every celebrity’s life? Seriously, do I really care if the president finally has a first dog or first cat? No. Do I care what Jen said to whichever girl Brad is with at the time? No. Do I care what color panties Ashley Judd wears? Well . . . Oh, wait. No.
It’s not important to me and I wish the media would just stop. It’s going to get to the point one day where even the most mundane thing the average Joe does is going to be in the tabloids.
JOE SHMOE WASTES ENERGY—HAD A THREE HUNDRED DOLLAR LIGHT BILL . . .
Who cares?
I wonder why most people start counting at one and not zero. It seems to me that zero is the first number. Or am I missing something here?
I also wonder about speculative fiction. Why does it put off so many people? Now, before you answer that question, understand this: Why do people asks why did this happen or that happen in speculative fiction? Shouldn’t we leave something to the imagination or does everyone need their hands held while they read these days?
I think Shaun Ryan asked a pretty simple question when dealing with speculative fiction when he said: If there is no speculation or reflection on the part of the reader after they finish your story, if they don't sit and ponder what you just said and how it might fit into their view of the universe, why bother?
I love this statement, because, in my opinion, it holds a basic truth to it: why bother if you can’t make your reader think? Got yah thinking now, don’t I?
***
Recently I have been debating the state of the short story—especially the flash story. For those of you who have followed me over the recent months (or years if you are a glutton for punishment) you will know that I constantly say that today we live in a world with the McDonald’s Mentality. We’re in that time period where everything has to be done fast and if it takes too long, well then we want nothing to do with it. It’s got to be quick for our on the go lifestyles.
Slow down partner. Why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world and read a four thousand-word story? Why not let a story slowly suck you in just before spitting you out? (You men can get your minds out of the gutter now.) I think writing has become a lost art. Yeah, a lot of people are good at it—a lot of people are so much better at it than I am. However, a lot of people use that cookie cutter, it’s got to be this way and not that way format. They want something tried and true and are afraid to step out on a limb, put their neck out there so someone can lop off their head. Yeah, I know the publishing world isn’t too receptive to things that don’t follow the typical rules of writing, but them and you may be missing out on some great stories because of ‘rules.’
Weren’t rules made to be broken?
I’ve been experimenting a lot with my fiction lately, trying not to stay in that old rut that us writers get into. If it ain’t broken don’t fix it. Well, I want to break it and change it and mold it into something different. I want to change the way people view the short story. It isn’t always about what follows the rules the best, but what story is the best story told. That’s what I’m looking for. That’s what I want to do. Change the short story world, one imperfect story at a time.
Wish me luck—I may need it.
***
As of today I sit at 10,601 words written on the month of March, keeping with my thousand words a day goal. I’m still holding strong and looking to continue doing so.
So far for the year I sit at 101,587 words. I think that’s a good number. What do you think?
***
Don’t forget I have an interview up at SNM Horror Magazine. I know many of you will want to read the Romero interview, but if you can read it and then the next two interviews you will see my ugly mug, donning my always there sunglasses and then my interview. It’s a fun read and Kasandora Lilith asked some great questions.
You can find it here: SNM Horror Magazine Interview
***
A couple of other notes and I’ll be off.
I received a couple of acceptances in the last few days. I’m pretty stoked about both of them. The first one is my short story, “I Carved Her Name Upon My Skin,” to Sinister Tales. It’s slated to debut on April 15th. As the date gets closer I’ll keep you updated on where it can be purchased.
The other acceptance is to a place I’ve wanted to get into ever since I heard of them: Every Day Fiction. They accepted my story, Losing Grandma, for publication. As soon as I know the date, I’ll let you all know.
That’s about it for now. I’m tired and have a few other things to do. For now I’m AJ and I’m out.
That’s not exactly true. A lot of folks think that when you see that ‘good’ word at the front it’s time to bend over. Yeah, yeah, I know most of the time that’s true but not all the time and hopefully, not when you encounter me in a dark alley and I’m holding a rubber chicken over my head, wearing platform shoes and singing We Are the Champions. In that case if I use the word ‘good’ in any form, I would advise running.
Anyway . . .
I’m wondering a few things tonight. First off, why does the media insist on telling us every minute detail about every celebrity’s life? Seriously, do I really care if the president finally has a first dog or first cat? No. Do I care what Jen said to whichever girl Brad is with at the time? No. Do I care what color panties Ashley Judd wears? Well . . . Oh, wait. No.
It’s not important to me and I wish the media would just stop. It’s going to get to the point one day where even the most mundane thing the average Joe does is going to be in the tabloids.
JOE SHMOE WASTES ENERGY—HAD A THREE HUNDRED DOLLAR LIGHT BILL . . .
Who cares?
I wonder why most people start counting at one and not zero. It seems to me that zero is the first number. Or am I missing something here?
I also wonder about speculative fiction. Why does it put off so many people? Now, before you answer that question, understand this: Why do people asks why did this happen or that happen in speculative fiction? Shouldn’t we leave something to the imagination or does everyone need their hands held while they read these days?
I think Shaun Ryan asked a pretty simple question when dealing with speculative fiction when he said: If there is no speculation or reflection on the part of the reader after they finish your story, if they don't sit and ponder what you just said and how it might fit into their view of the universe, why bother?
I love this statement, because, in my opinion, it holds a basic truth to it: why bother if you can’t make your reader think? Got yah thinking now, don’t I?
***
Recently I have been debating the state of the short story—especially the flash story. For those of you who have followed me over the recent months (or years if you are a glutton for punishment) you will know that I constantly say that today we live in a world with the McDonald’s Mentality. We’re in that time period where everything has to be done fast and if it takes too long, well then we want nothing to do with it. It’s got to be quick for our on the go lifestyles.
Slow down partner. Why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world and read a four thousand-word story? Why not let a story slowly suck you in just before spitting you out? (You men can get your minds out of the gutter now.) I think writing has become a lost art. Yeah, a lot of people are good at it—a lot of people are so much better at it than I am. However, a lot of people use that cookie cutter, it’s got to be this way and not that way format. They want something tried and true and are afraid to step out on a limb, put their neck out there so someone can lop off their head. Yeah, I know the publishing world isn’t too receptive to things that don’t follow the typical rules of writing, but them and you may be missing out on some great stories because of ‘rules.’
Weren’t rules made to be broken?
I’ve been experimenting a lot with my fiction lately, trying not to stay in that old rut that us writers get into. If it ain’t broken don’t fix it. Well, I want to break it and change it and mold it into something different. I want to change the way people view the short story. It isn’t always about what follows the rules the best, but what story is the best story told. That’s what I’m looking for. That’s what I want to do. Change the short story world, one imperfect story at a time.
Wish me luck—I may need it.
***
As of today I sit at 10,601 words written on the month of March, keeping with my thousand words a day goal. I’m still holding strong and looking to continue doing so.
So far for the year I sit at 101,587 words. I think that’s a good number. What do you think?
***
Don’t forget I have an interview up at SNM Horror Magazine. I know many of you will want to read the Romero interview, but if you can read it and then the next two interviews you will see my ugly mug, donning my always there sunglasses and then my interview. It’s a fun read and Kasandora Lilith asked some great questions.
You can find it here: SNM Horror Magazine Interview
***
A couple of other notes and I’ll be off.
I received a couple of acceptances in the last few days. I’m pretty stoked about both of them. The first one is my short story, “I Carved Her Name Upon My Skin,” to Sinister Tales. It’s slated to debut on April 15th. As the date gets closer I’ll keep you updated on where it can be purchased.
The other acceptance is to a place I’ve wanted to get into ever since I heard of them: Every Day Fiction. They accepted my story, Losing Grandma, for publication. As soon as I know the date, I’ll let you all know.
That’s about it for now. I’m tired and have a few other things to do. For now I’m AJ and I’m out.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Snow In South Carolina? Yeah, Right.
February has come and gone and, just like that we are at the beginning of March.
Here in the heart of South Carolina we have managed to survive the Winter Storm of 2009 getting so much snow that we . . . couldn't even see it. I awoke on Monday morning expecting to see anywhere from three to six inches of snow on the ground and saw exactly . . . none. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
My children were disappointed, as I'm sure most, if not all, the children of Columbia were when they got up to see their yards just as they had been left the day before. We were Snowless in Columbia but still there were inclement weather delays and closings. Are you serious? Closings? Yes, many schools and businesses closed on Monday because of the threat of winter weather.
Amazing. It's going to suck when South Carolina gets some real winter weather. "Shut the state down. Call the president. Declare South Carolina a disaster area and pray for financial relief."
On the news we'll see some redneck, probably from my family, with a beer in her hand, her hair all messed up and stubble on her chin, crying about her coon dogs' tongues being stuck to the bumper of her pick up truck. You know, the one with the shot gun rack in the window and the squirrel tail on the extended antenna.
Snow. In Columbia? Yeah right.
***
Sometimes it's nice to say I told yah so. So, here we go:
I TOLD YAH SO.
***
I think this is going to be a short blog today. I have a lot to do and not near enough time to do it in.
For those keeping track, February was a down month for writing. I still met my thousand words a day goal and ended up with 37659 words on the month.
However, I only received two acceptances for submissions I sent out, bringing my total to just five for the year or only 10% of what I would like to have by the end of the year. I admit I got a little discouraged when one story was rejected—I just KNEW it was going to make it into the publication I sent it to, so when it didn't I got bummed for a couple of hours. Put that in the 'don't count your chickens before they hatch' category and move on. Nothing to see here, folks. It's all under control.
***
A couple of other things:
I was interviewed for SNM Horror Magazine and it is live here:
SNM Interview
You'll need to scroll down and try to make it pass the Romero interview and the two that follow. If you can do that and get over my ugly mug, read the interview. I would appreciate it.
Also, 2M Magazine is not accepting submissions. The short version of the fiction guidelines are as follows:
Stories up to 1500 words. This is a firm word count. 2M will not publish any fiction longer than 1500 words. Stories can be horror, fantasy or action/suspense. They pay 1 cent per word. If you have something you want to send along, send it to:
ajbrown@darkmythproductions.com
Though the website is not currently up, you can find the full guidelines here:
2M Guidelinese
***
That's about it for today. I'm AJ and I'm out.
Here in the heart of South Carolina we have managed to survive the Winter Storm of 2009 getting so much snow that we . . . couldn't even see it. I awoke on Monday morning expecting to see anywhere from three to six inches of snow on the ground and saw exactly . . . none. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
My children were disappointed, as I'm sure most, if not all, the children of Columbia were when they got up to see their yards just as they had been left the day before. We were Snowless in Columbia but still there were inclement weather delays and closings. Are you serious? Closings? Yes, many schools and businesses closed on Monday because of the threat of winter weather.
Amazing. It's going to suck when South Carolina gets some real winter weather. "Shut the state down. Call the president. Declare South Carolina a disaster area and pray for financial relief."
On the news we'll see some redneck, probably from my family, with a beer in her hand, her hair all messed up and stubble on her chin, crying about her coon dogs' tongues being stuck to the bumper of her pick up truck. You know, the one with the shot gun rack in the window and the squirrel tail on the extended antenna.
Snow. In Columbia? Yeah right.
***
Sometimes it's nice to say I told yah so. So, here we go:
I TOLD YAH SO.
***
I think this is going to be a short blog today. I have a lot to do and not near enough time to do it in.
For those keeping track, February was a down month for writing. I still met my thousand words a day goal and ended up with 37659 words on the month.
However, I only received two acceptances for submissions I sent out, bringing my total to just five for the year or only 10% of what I would like to have by the end of the year. I admit I got a little discouraged when one story was rejected—I just KNEW it was going to make it into the publication I sent it to, so when it didn't I got bummed for a couple of hours. Put that in the 'don't count your chickens before they hatch' category and move on. Nothing to see here, folks. It's all under control.
***
A couple of other things:
I was interviewed for SNM Horror Magazine and it is live here:
SNM Interview
You'll need to scroll down and try to make it pass the Romero interview and the two that follow. If you can do that and get over my ugly mug, read the interview. I would appreciate it.
Also, 2M Magazine is not accepting submissions. The short version of the fiction guidelines are as follows:
Stories up to 1500 words. This is a firm word count. 2M will not publish any fiction longer than 1500 words. Stories can be horror, fantasy or action/suspense. They pay 1 cent per word. If you have something you want to send along, send it to:
ajbrown@darkmythproductions.com
Though the website is not currently up, you can find the full guidelines here:
2M Guidelinese
***
That's about it for today. I'm AJ and I'm out.
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