What a day!
I finished my part of chapter 5. Now I'm working on the first part of chapter 6. The reason that we're only doing part is because 5 kind of ends in a mini-cliff hanger.
I'm real excited about working on this. I keep thinking of hilarious things to put in. One of them is inspired by a Pussycat Dolls' video. It involves stripper moves and what else, a Naugahyde curtain. Yep! It's just that wacky!
The part that I'm writing for chapter six will involve a lot of superhero inspired maneuvers, a battle between a smart woman and an arrogant boy, plus a poster of a naked body part.
I hope I'm getting some suspense built up.
Okay onto my other big news. It is now available. The September 2006 Issue of Writer's Post Journal is now available through LBF books. I will be adding the link to my side bar. A few words of warning to anyone who may want to actually by it. First is that it's not my typical kind of story. It's funny( I think) but it's not superheroes, action, adventure, sci-fi. The next is that the magazine cost $9 plus $2.50 postage and the story is flash fiction. While I would love for many to buy it I realize it's quite pricey for such a short story so I won't be mad if no one buys it. Of course just because my story is short it is filled with lots of other fabulous stories and it will help support a small literary magazine that makes dreams come true for writers.
Currently watching: The Jaws marathon on AMC. Not 1, 2, or 3 but 4 Jaws movies, in a row.
"How's that novel comin?" It's not. I haven't worked on it in years because I had other things to do and that turned out to be a waste of time. So now, I'm going to Dance, Shop, Work. It's like Eat, Pray, Love but more realistic. Who the hell has money to travel the world when they end a relationship? Not a government animal shelter worker, that's for sure. Instead I'm doing everything I miss and everything I've ever wanted to do.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
Mouse=trash
I just want to say that my mouse sucks. Most of the time it doesn't move at all. I've tried cleaning it and throwing it across the room, neither has worked. I really want one of those way cool laser mouses but seeing as how I have negative money I don't think it will be happening.
My computer has also been sucking lately but I think it's because AIM and yahoo are constantly running. I've also had just about every file related to "Behind the Naugahyde" open and that's a lot of huge files.
Finally my computer just went down closing all the files with it. Only minor temper tantrums will occur since everything was saved.
On the bright side since my mouse has decided to not function, it makes wasting time on the internet very annoying so I'm doing it a lot less, thus giving me more time to write, in theory.
About to watch: Real World/Road Rules Challenge-Fresh Meat(I know I need help, I really shouldn't watch it but it is so addictive. Yikes!)
My computer has also been sucking lately but I think it's because AIM and yahoo are constantly running. I've also had just about every file related to "Behind the Naugahyde" open and that's a lot of huge files.
Finally my computer just went down closing all the files with it. Only minor temper tantrums will occur since everything was saved.
On the bright side since my mouse has decided to not function, it makes wasting time on the internet very annoying so I'm doing it a lot less, thus giving me more time to write, in theory.
About to watch: Real World/Road Rules Challenge-Fresh Meat(I know I need help, I really shouldn't watch it but it is so addictive. Yikes!)
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Tedious task of typing
Works been so slow lately that I find myself having a lot of time to read and write(Shh..don't tell the boss, I could get written up). Anyway, I've written a lot of chapter 5 in long hand and now I have the tedious task of typing it in to my computer. While it is a chance to edit what I wrote, it's boring when you're not on a roll with a new idea but rather rewriting what you just wrote. Plus, the time I take typing the story takes away from my time of writing new stuff.
Oh well, enough complaining.
Hopefully, I'll get chapter 5 and the beginning of 6 done tomorrow.
Oh well, enough complaining.
Hopefully, I'll get chapter 5 and the beginning of 6 done tomorrow.
They want more?
I'm sitting here trying not to fall asleep while I continue to write chapters five and six of "Behind the Naugahyde". Well obviously I'm not currently writing it because I'm writing in this blog. Anyway, I was attempting to write it but drowsiness caused me to stop. That's when I decided that I really don't write in my blog enough. After all I do want to be a writer so perhaps I should write more. I get really annoyed when I go to J.K. Rowling's website and she hasn't posted anything new about book 7. I can't help but dream that perhaps my two fans(more like the two people who feel obligated to read this because no one else does, rather than fans) are sitting at home angry at me for not posting more often.
Besides posting more often will get me more next blog hits which could lead to the third person that feels obligated to read this because no one else does! Speaking of next blog hits, I went through and edited some typos in a few past entries. Every time I fixed an entry I republished the blog which caused me to get a spree of next blog hits.
I got a chance to read the transcripts of John Irving, Stephen King and J.K. Rowling's Radio City Music Hall events. They answered questions from the audience and I was happy that they weren't all for J.K. Rowling. There were a lot of questions about how they write and get their ideas. It was quite interesting, at least for me.
As far as writing goes, I'm still working on chapters 5 and 6. Jenni is moving and getting a new job so she doesn't have a ton of time to get her part done either. Once we get done with the chapters and edits we're going to have some people read it and answer some questions.
Currently listening to: "The Road I'm On"-Three Doors Down
Just watched: Edward Scissor Hands
Currently Reading: 52 #14, Ultimate Spider-man #08 and Outsiders #39
Besides posting more often will get me more next blog hits which could lead to the third person that feels obligated to read this because no one else does! Speaking of next blog hits, I went through and edited some typos in a few past entries. Every time I fixed an entry I republished the blog which caused me to get a spree of next blog hits.
I got a chance to read the transcripts of John Irving, Stephen King and J.K. Rowling's Radio City Music Hall events. They answered questions from the audience and I was happy that they weren't all for J.K. Rowling. There were a lot of questions about how they write and get their ideas. It was quite interesting, at least for me.
As far as writing goes, I'm still working on chapters 5 and 6. Jenni is moving and getting a new job so she doesn't have a ton of time to get her part done either. Once we get done with the chapters and edits we're going to have some people read it and answer some questions.
Currently listening to: "The Road I'm On"-Three Doors Down
Just watched: Edward Scissor Hands
Currently Reading: 52 #14, Ultimate Spider-man #08 and Outsiders #39
Labels:
Behind the Naugahyde,
Harry Potter,
J.K.Rowling,
Jenni,
Stephen King
Monday, August 07, 2006
A funny thing happened
Jenni and I decided to get together today and plan the next chapters of our book. Originally, I was going to drive to her house but since my accelerator decided it would like to get stuck and give me a heart attack while I nearly rear end several cars, we decided it would be best if she stopped by my house.
I have to say I think these chapters will be the best yet. One idea we had was so funny that I burst out into laughter before I could even manage to tell Jenni what it was. It was just that good. Hopefully, we can tell the story as well as we picture it in our crazy heads because we were laughing so much while we were outlining it.
Since Jenni and I were at my house and it seemed as if fate had stepped in to get us both at my house rather than hers, I was almost certain a letter would come from Writer's House today. By the time Jenni left, the mail had not arrived. Even though the mail had missed Jenni the letter came today.
I called Jen and opened it while we were on the phone. I'm sure everyone has assumed that I would not have taken this long to get around to telling you the awesome news had it been good news at all. The assumption was correct. It was an "unfortunately" letter. They did give us some good feedback, making it slightly more bearable than a "Dear Author" letter.
Now our plan is to write out the chapters we planned today and then go back and work on the first chapters. We'll also be working on getting out more submissions. If all else fails, "We'll publish through a vanity press then get it on Oprah."
Just saw: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
I have to say I think these chapters will be the best yet. One idea we had was so funny that I burst out into laughter before I could even manage to tell Jenni what it was. It was just that good. Hopefully, we can tell the story as well as we picture it in our crazy heads because we were laughing so much while we were outlining it.
Since Jenni and I were at my house and it seemed as if fate had stepped in to get us both at my house rather than hers, I was almost certain a letter would come from Writer's House today. By the time Jenni left, the mail had not arrived. Even though the mail had missed Jenni the letter came today.
I called Jen and opened it while we were on the phone. I'm sure everyone has assumed that I would not have taken this long to get around to telling you the awesome news had it been good news at all. The assumption was correct. It was an "unfortunately" letter. They did give us some good feedback, making it slightly more bearable than a "Dear Author" letter.
Now our plan is to write out the chapters we planned today and then go back and work on the first chapters. We'll also be working on getting out more submissions. If all else fails, "We'll publish through a vanity press then get it on Oprah."
Just saw: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Labels:
agents,
Behind the Naugahyde,
Jenni,
rejection,
submissions
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sweaty Palms are not so bad!
Normally the horrible heat and the not-so-happy moments in my life would be really keeping me down. I've been trying to keep a positive attitude and tonight I just started complaining about how things suck.
Then I checked my e-mail. It was not a rejection notice my friends, it said "accepted". My work has been selected to appear in the September issue of Writer's Post Journal.
I submitted my job interview gone bad story, Sweaty Palms, for the September issue that had a theme of jobs/work/opportunities.
The magazine can only be purchased on-line but it is a real magazine, not an e-zine. The issue will be out in September and I'll post a link then.
I actually wrote the story as a short-short for a creative writing class assignment. And it's written in second person. Crazy, I know. I was inspired by my job interview for the job I have now. It was in September so it was still hot and I remember my palms were sweating like mad when I had to shake my bosses' hand. Then in the interview he made a comment about what not to wear and I was wearing it. I really didn't think I would get the job. I did but I thought about what else could have gone wrong and then kept elaborating until I had this story. When my creative writing teacher didn't put a bunch of horrible comments on it I thought it might be worth sending out.
I'm so excited!
Then I checked my e-mail. It was not a rejection notice my friends, it said "accepted". My work has been selected to appear in the September issue of Writer's Post Journal.
I submitted my job interview gone bad story, Sweaty Palms, for the September issue that had a theme of jobs/work/opportunities.
The magazine can only be purchased on-line but it is a real magazine, not an e-zine. The issue will be out in September and I'll post a link then.
I actually wrote the story as a short-short for a creative writing class assignment. And it's written in second person. Crazy, I know. I was inspired by my job interview for the job I have now. It was in September so it was still hot and I remember my palms were sweating like mad when I had to shake my bosses' hand. Then in the interview he made a comment about what not to wear and I was wearing it. I really didn't think I would get the job. I did but I thought about what else could have gone wrong and then kept elaborating until I had this story. When my creative writing teacher didn't put a bunch of horrible comments on it I thought it might be worth sending out.
I'm so excited!
Labels:
class,
published works,
submissions,
Sweaty Palms,
teachers
Upside down
My world is turning upside down lately. Jenni is no longer working at the store. She has left the wonderful world of footwear. Not that it matters much because I'm not really sure how much longer the store will be there. Aside from work sucking I've had some other problems in life that I don't really feel like sharing.
I wanted to have my untitled, realistic hero comic finished by tomorrow. Sometimes I think weird coincidences occur. A while back in an April entry "Good from the Bad", I wrote about how I had gotten my idea for this story and how a crazy situation in my life turned a good character into a great story.
My intention for that great story was a one issue comic that would raise awareness about an important issue, be a sort-of-tribute to someone and point out what an ass someone else was. I had the outline. All I had to do was finish the script. Then this weekend the crappy situation reoccured and I realized that there is more to this story. There are more characters more plot and more than one issue. Of course once again it's good from horrible. Anyway, I don't think I'll get it finished by tomorrow night.
I know it was vague and everyone's like "what the hell?". All I can say is sorry. I don't really want to talk about it.
I did send in a Harry Potter fan fiction story. It was a little unexpected for me because I wrote it an hour before the deadline and I didn't proof read it a hundred times and pick it apart. Normally I would just give up and tell myself 'here are a hundred reasons not to finish'. This time I figured I just had to try. I've got nothing to lose. I doubt anyone's gonna be saying "Wow remember that writer that wrote the really crappy HP fan-fic". Besides I had some cool ideas and when will I ever have a reason to use them in my writing? And it was fun to write.
I wanted to have my untitled, realistic hero comic finished by tomorrow. Sometimes I think weird coincidences occur. A while back in an April entry "Good from the Bad", I wrote about how I had gotten my idea for this story and how a crazy situation in my life turned a good character into a great story.
My intention for that great story was a one issue comic that would raise awareness about an important issue, be a sort-of-tribute to someone and point out what an ass someone else was. I had the outline. All I had to do was finish the script. Then this weekend the crappy situation reoccured and I realized that there is more to this story. There are more characters more plot and more than one issue. Of course once again it's good from horrible. Anyway, I don't think I'll get it finished by tomorrow night.
I know it was vague and everyone's like "what the hell?". All I can say is sorry. I don't really want to talk about it.
I did send in a Harry Potter fan fiction story. It was a little unexpected for me because I wrote it an hour before the deadline and I didn't proof read it a hundred times and pick it apart. Normally I would just give up and tell myself 'here are a hundred reasons not to finish'. This time I figured I just had to try. I've got nothing to lose. I doubt anyone's gonna be saying "Wow remember that writer that wrote the really crappy HP fan-fic". Besides I had some cool ideas and when will I ever have a reason to use them in my writing? And it was fun to write.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Fan-fic, finish script, goodbye store, go see RENT
I came up with a pretty interesting idea for some Harry Potter fan fiction. I'm hoping to get that written up and sent in on time.
Inspiration didn't really hit until I was in bed trying to sleep. I didn't feel like getting out of bed to write. Since I use my cell phone as an alarm clock (actually that's all I use it for) I picked it up and typed my ideas into several different "reminders".
I set a goal for myself to finish my realistic hero story by the end of Monday. It shouldn't be hard since I have a good outline I just have to break it down into script.
A few things not necessarily related to comics. The book store down the street from my house is closing tomorrow. While I was very excited to stock up on books for cheap I was also sad. I used to walk there with my grandpa when I was little and he would buy me a book or a comic. It contributed greatly to my love for reading. It's also unhappy to see another business bite the dust because it could be my job next.
On a happier note, I got my Wharton Center tickets today! I love local theater and I do actually go to performances but it's really awesome to see some big productions. I'll be going to see the Dracula Ballet ( I love both ballet and Dracula so this should be cool) and six days before my birthday I will be in the grand terrace seeing, you guessed it, RENT! YAY!
Just watched : Who wants to be a Superhero?!
Currently reading: 52 #12, Daredevil #87, Nightwing #122, Batman #655, Supergirl #8, Teen Titans Go #33
Inspiration didn't really hit until I was in bed trying to sleep. I didn't feel like getting out of bed to write. Since I use my cell phone as an alarm clock (actually that's all I use it for) I picked it up and typed my ideas into several different "reminders".
I set a goal for myself to finish my realistic hero story by the end of Monday. It shouldn't be hard since I have a good outline I just have to break it down into script.
A few things not necessarily related to comics. The book store down the street from my house is closing tomorrow. While I was very excited to stock up on books for cheap I was also sad. I used to walk there with my grandpa when I was little and he would buy me a book or a comic. It contributed greatly to my love for reading. It's also unhappy to see another business bite the dust because it could be my job next.
On a happier note, I got my Wharton Center tickets today! I love local theater and I do actually go to performances but it's really awesome to see some big productions. I'll be going to see the Dracula Ballet ( I love both ballet and Dracula so this should be cool) and six days before my birthday I will be in the grand terrace seeing, you guessed it, RENT! YAY!
Just watched : Who wants to be a Superhero?!
Currently reading: 52 #12, Daredevil #87, Nightwing #122, Batman #655, Supergirl #8, Teen Titans Go #33
Labels:
books,
comic books,
comic scripts,
Harry Potter,
RENT
Someone else's character
I just read that Leaky Cauldron, a Harry Potter fansite, is holding a competition for best fan fiction. But not just any fan fiction. It has to be set in Las Vegas or the wizarding equivalent of and can only be 750- 1500 words. The contest is limited to three entries per person but since the deadline is Friday at midnight I'm sure I don't have to worry about it. The contest will have two winners funniest and most creative.
I've never written fan fiction although I have been known to come up with ideas from time to time. Mostly with comic books because I like to think there is a miniscule chance I could be writing them one day. It's a field where writing storylines for someone else's characters is very common where as novel writers very rarely write sequels for something they did not originally create.
I'm thinking about giving it a shot. If for no better a reason than to practice working with already developed characters and ideas rather than coming up with my own.
If I do try it, I'll post it here since I have nothing to lose.
Just watched: 30 Days (the t.v. show on FX)
Currently listening to: Fall Out Boy
I've never written fan fiction although I have been known to come up with ideas from time to time. Mostly with comic books because I like to think there is a miniscule chance I could be writing them one day. It's a field where writing storylines for someone else's characters is very common where as novel writers very rarely write sequels for something they did not originally create.
I'm thinking about giving it a shot. If for no better a reason than to practice working with already developed characters and ideas rather than coming up with my own.
If I do try it, I'll post it here since I have nothing to lose.
Just watched: 30 Days (the t.v. show on FX)
Currently listening to: Fall Out Boy
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Rejection rips!
The past few weeks I have gotten quite a few rejection letters. I've had a problem with a few. When I open them the sticky part of the envelope that you would lick, is stuck to the letter inside. It seems to be that the sticky part goes higher than where the edge is . It sticks to the paper and requires me to rip the letter to get it out. If the self-addressed stamped envelopes I've been sending out are messed up than that means that it's likely a few submissions that I have sent have been ripped to shreds before the editor can read it.
Not only have they been getting my lovely business cards where I have hand-written my new address on stickers and posted it over the old one but they are also getting cheap, defective envelopes. I think I'm definitely making a good impression.
Just saw: Clerks II
Not only have they been getting my lovely business cards where I have hand-written my new address on stickers and posted it over the old one but they are also getting cheap, defective envelopes. I think I'm definitely making a good impression.
Just saw: Clerks II
Saturday, July 22, 2006
naugahyde(SP?)
Jenni and I worked out the details for the next chapter so now we just have to write it.
And yes, I know I spelled naugahyde incorrectly in the last entry. I went back and fixed it but I also wanted to point out that both Jenni and spell check did not know how to spell naugahyde so I'm not the only one. I actually had to check the glorious green shreds that curtain the "employees only" section of our store.
What is naugahyde? (Jenni you'll love this!)
Currently reading: 52 #11, Robin #152, Ultimate X-Men #72, Superman/Batman #28, Justice League of America #0 and Occult Crimes Taskforce #1
And yes, I know I spelled naugahyde incorrectly in the last entry. I went back and fixed it but I also wanted to point out that both Jenni and spell check did not know how to spell naugahyde so I'm not the only one. I actually had to check the glorious green shreds that curtain the "employees only" section of our store.
What is naugahyde? (Jenni you'll love this!)
Currently reading: 52 #11, Robin #152, Ultimate X-Men #72, Superman/Batman #28, Justice League of America #0 and Occult Crimes Taskforce #1
Monday, July 17, 2006
The first glimpse
My intention for the past few days was to post a preview of the sample chapters Jenni and I had written.
The whole thing has been a lot harder than I planned. How much do I post? What part can I post that people will understand and what part is the most entertaining? These things were hard to decide.
After a little discussion with Jen, here's what we came up with. There are two little parts. We decided not to put our most dramatic parts out because they give away too much.
Here is a quick synopsis of the novel. It's about a shoe store and the crazy things that happen there.
So here's a little bit of it. Keep in mind these are both e-mails between characters so much like dialogue they are written the way a real person would say something and are not necessarily grammatically correct. And there is a small chunk missing between the two that's why there are quotations and the ...'s.
"...Andre was supposed to open the Earlton store today. Neil got there and the store was closed. Neil called him and Andre said he was there. I guess Neil kept insisting that he was not there while he searched the store looking for Andre. On the phone Andre said he was in the bathroom. Neil got to the bathroom and the door was closed. Apparently the toilet was running, so Neil waited while talking to Andre on his phone. Neil asked Andre to hang up the phone and talk to him through the door and Andre's reply was "no I'm in the bathroom, that would just be weird." WTF?! I know! So Neil kept waiting, the toilet kept running and Andre was on the phone. Finally Neil tried the door and it was locked. All the time Andre is on the phone and Neil can't hear if he's in the bathroom because the toilet's running.
So I guess Neil dropped to the ground and tried to peer under the door. The lights were on but he couldn't see feet. Of course he could only see about two inches into the bathroom. Neil became seriously more pissed when he realized that a Milk Dud was squished on the pants of his best suit. Neil demands Andre has to come out of the bathroom in two minutes or at least give him some sign he's in there..."
"...Too bad he didn't burn the place down on his way. As if the people from Earlton can even afford Sole Comfort shoes. And I know Sandra would have been first in line to tan by the light of the fire. Seriously, how dumb is she? She wanted to fire Andre after he already quit? Yeah, she was definitely a perfect choice to manage the Earlton store. She's probably the smartest, tannest, best-dressed person in that town (uh, village?) and that's not saying much.
Anyway, I know you could hardly wait for this, so I hereby present you with the lurid details of My Day With Fred. I got to the store at 9:30 and did all of the opening procedures while Neil sat playing solitaire in his office. By 9:45, Fred still hadn't arrived. The security cameras will clearly document that he strolled in at 9:57, only 3 minutes before opening. As I was unlocking the front doors, Fred took his time to mix up a glass of Metamucil and V8 in the back. I understand the necessity for such things (I surely wouldn't want the poor guy to be irregular), and maybe when you're 78 you just don't care but why not just have your drink at home with your breakfast?!...
From "Behind the Naugahyde" by Jennifer Lamb and Ashley Shaffier
The whole thing has been a lot harder than I planned. How much do I post? What part can I post that people will understand and what part is the most entertaining? These things were hard to decide.
After a little discussion with Jen, here's what we came up with. There are two little parts. We decided not to put our most dramatic parts out because they give away too much.
Here is a quick synopsis of the novel. It's about a shoe store and the crazy things that happen there.
So here's a little bit of it. Keep in mind these are both e-mails between characters so much like dialogue they are written the way a real person would say something and are not necessarily grammatically correct. And there is a small chunk missing between the two that's why there are quotations and the ...'s.
"...Andre was supposed to open the Earlton store today. Neil got there and the store was closed. Neil called him and Andre said he was there. I guess Neil kept insisting that he was not there while he searched the store looking for Andre. On the phone Andre said he was in the bathroom. Neil got to the bathroom and the door was closed. Apparently the toilet was running, so Neil waited while talking to Andre on his phone. Neil asked Andre to hang up the phone and talk to him through the door and Andre's reply was "no I'm in the bathroom, that would just be weird." WTF?! I know! So Neil kept waiting, the toilet kept running and Andre was on the phone. Finally Neil tried the door and it was locked. All the time Andre is on the phone and Neil can't hear if he's in the bathroom because the toilet's running.
So I guess Neil dropped to the ground and tried to peer under the door. The lights were on but he couldn't see feet. Of course he could only see about two inches into the bathroom. Neil became seriously more pissed when he realized that a Milk Dud was squished on the pants of his best suit. Neil demands Andre has to come out of the bathroom in two minutes or at least give him some sign he's in there..."
"...Too bad he didn't burn the place down on his way. As if the people from Earlton can even afford Sole Comfort shoes. And I know Sandra would have been first in line to tan by the light of the fire. Seriously, how dumb is she? She wanted to fire Andre after he already quit? Yeah, she was definitely a perfect choice to manage the Earlton store. She's probably the smartest, tannest, best-dressed person in that town (uh, village?) and that's not saying much.
Anyway, I know you could hardly wait for this, so I hereby present you with the lurid details of My Day With Fred. I got to the store at 9:30 and did all of the opening procedures while Neil sat playing solitaire in his office. By 9:45, Fred still hadn't arrived. The security cameras will clearly document that he strolled in at 9:57, only 3 minutes before opening. As I was unlocking the front doors, Fred took his time to mix up a glass of Metamucil and V8 in the back. I understand the necessity for such things (I surely wouldn't want the poor guy to be irregular), and maybe when you're 78 you just don't care but why not just have your drink at home with your breakfast?!...
From "Behind the Naugahyde" by Jennifer Lamb and Ashley Shaffier
Friday, July 14, 2006
Wrinkles
Oh wow! If I had realized there was going to be a link made to my blog yesterday I would have written about something more interesting. What's more exciting than an entry that goes "I'm bored and soon to be unemployed"?
And since the link was comic book related I should post about comics. And since this blog's about writing I should post about writing comic books. Yet, there's nothing to say except I still have no artist. That is all,
Just finished reading: Dr. Blink Superhero Shrink #3
Currently watching: Firefly marathon on Sci-fi
And since the link was comic book related I should post about comics. And since this blog's about writing I should post about writing comic books. Yet, there's nothing to say except I still have no artist. That is all,
Just finished reading: Dr. Blink Superhero Shrink #3
Currently watching: Firefly marathon on Sci-fi
Thursday, July 13, 2006
What to do?
I've spent the past week or so scrambling to get the first three chapters done. It seemed like nearly every second went to that. Now that it's done I don't know what to do with myself. I know I should start working on the next part but since Jenni and I are partners we have to come up with what's next together. So until we get a chance to meet and come up with an outline for the next chapters, they really isn't much to do.
I do have other projects to work on. My comic story I was working on came to halt when the three chapter demand rolled in so I should get back to that.
Aside from what to write next my mind is kind of cluttered. I just read my bosses live journal and it seems like I might be needing a new job soon. It would be great to get something in the publishing field but their just isn't much of that around here. Maybe I can go back to bartending. That's always a great way to meet crazy characters and my boss did say that the only thing people are buying right now is booze.
Well if Jenni and I lose our jobs at least we'll have plenty of time to write our novel. There's always a bright side, I think.
I do have other projects to work on. My comic story I was working on came to halt when the three chapter demand rolled in so I should get back to that.
Aside from what to write next my mind is kind of cluttered. I just read my bosses live journal and it seems like I might be needing a new job soon. It would be great to get something in the publishing field but their just isn't much of that around here. Maybe I can go back to bartending. That's always a great way to meet crazy characters and my boss did say that the only thing people are buying right now is booze.
Well if Jenni and I lose our jobs at least we'll have plenty of time to write our novel. There's always a bright side, I think.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
It's in the mail!
The first three chapters of the novel are in the mail. Now all we can do is wait. Of course we'll continue to send out submissions and continue to write the rest of the book.
Our first three chapters equaled 46 standard pages which is equal to 72 novel pages. So we'll either have an incredibly long novel, a few very long chapters or a lot of cuts to make.
I just finished watching the first episode of Nightmares and Dreamscapes. It's an anthology of shows based on Stephen King short stories. The first story they did was "Battleground" which I think is in Night Shift, but I'm not sure, I do know that I have read it . Anyway it was the craziest thing there were no commercials, which is unusual for a t.v. show. The other thing, no one spoke. The main character grunted every now and again but nothing, no actual words. Interesting.
Currently reading: Ultimate Spider-man #97, 52 #10, Ghost Rider #1, The Next #1
Our first three chapters equaled 46 standard pages which is equal to 72 novel pages. So we'll either have an incredibly long novel, a few very long chapters or a lot of cuts to make.
I just finished watching the first episode of Nightmares and Dreamscapes. It's an anthology of shows based on Stephen King short stories. The first story they did was "Battleground" which I think is in Night Shift, but I'm not sure, I do know that I have read it . Anyway it was the craziest thing there were no commercials, which is unusual for a t.v. show. The other thing, no one spoke. The main character grunted every now and again but nothing, no actual words. Interesting.
Currently reading: Ultimate Spider-man #97, 52 #10, Ghost Rider #1, The Next #1
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
"Big words"
I've just spent the past two hours looking up "big words" to use for a character that pretends to be smarter than everyone else.
Don't worry I didn't retain much so there'll be no nothing that sounds intelligent written here!
After a while of writing I wasn't even sure if what I said made sense which could make the whole thing seem incredibly stupid or funnier because the character is trying so hard to be smart that they don't even make sense, which makes them look even more stupid or something like that.
Well the first three chapters are ready to be sent out. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but I have to say it's pretty cool!
Don't worry I didn't retain much so there'll be no nothing that sounds intelligent written here!
After a while of writing I wasn't even sure if what I said made sense which could make the whole thing seem incredibly stupid or funnier because the character is trying so hard to be smart that they don't even make sense, which makes them look even more stupid or something like that.
Well the first three chapters are ready to be sent out. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but I have to say it's pretty cool!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Going crazy!
Despite the heat I have been using just about every second of spare time to work on our novel.
I think I'm driving everyone to hate me including my dog, after losing two hours of editing last night, due to my own stupidity of not saving it. (I'm sure Jenni's cracking up because when we met to work on the novel a week ago I saved about once every ten minutes, I'm just that paranoid.) Anyway when I went to send my file to Jenni and it was not there, I kicked and threw everything in my way sending my poor baby Kreeg into hiding behind a chair ( For the record, I wasn't throwing the stuff at him). Yes, my 110 pound beast that pulls me down the street with little effort was ducking in terror from the raving lunatic that writing has made of me.
I was just a little stressed because we had set a deadline of having it sent out by Tuesday. It's now tentatively Wednesday.
Currently reading: 52 #9, Supergirl #7, the Thing #8
Just saw: Cars
I think I'm driving everyone to hate me including my dog, after losing two hours of editing last night, due to my own stupidity of not saving it. (I'm sure Jenni's cracking up because when we met to work on the novel a week ago I saved about once every ten minutes, I'm just that paranoid.) Anyway when I went to send my file to Jenni and it was not there, I kicked and threw everything in my way sending my poor baby Kreeg into hiding behind a chair ( For the record, I wasn't throwing the stuff at him). Yes, my 110 pound beast that pulls me down the street with little effort was ducking in terror from the raving lunatic that writing has made of me.
I was just a little stressed because we had set a deadline of having it sent out by Tuesday. It's now tentatively Wednesday.
Currently reading: 52 #9, Supergirl #7, the Thing #8
Just saw: Cars
Labels:
Behind the Naugahyde,
editing,
Jenni,
Kreeg,
novel writing
Friday, July 07, 2006
I'm back!
I am back on the internet.
While I was away I've been working hard. After sending out several query letters, Jenni and I heard back from a company that wants to read more of our stuff. So we've been working our butts off. It's really exciting!
I'm happy to be back on the internet and I'll try my best to keep my bills pay.
Just saw: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (It was so awesome!)
Listening to: Panic! At the Disco
While I was away I've been working hard. After sending out several query letters, Jenni and I heard back from a company that wants to read more of our stuff. So we've been working our butts off. It's really exciting!
I'm happy to be back on the internet and I'll try my best to keep my bills pay.
Just saw: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (It was so awesome!)
Listening to: Panic! At the Disco
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Starving Artist(writer)
My internet service will be down for a little while(hopefully not more than a week) due to financial reasons. I'll try to post by using my friend's computers but I don't want to impose.
Write to you soon!
Just saw: Superman Returns (I bought my ticket before they shut off my internet and it was not refundable)
Write to you soon!
Just saw: Superman Returns (I bought my ticket before they shut off my internet and it was not refundable)
Monday, June 26, 2006
GET TESTED!
Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. A day organized to remind everyone to get tested, even if it's not on Tuesday.
An estimated 2.8 million people died last year HIV/AIDS related causes. That's nearly 8,000 people a day.
Think of how many of those people thought it could happen to them, that they could be infected.
Please get tested!
If not for yourself, do it to know that you are not putting those you love at risk.
You can help the fight against AIDS!
Get tested.
Encourage others to get tested.
Stay informed.
Pass on this message.
For testing sights go to www.hivtest.org to find local, free, anonymous, needle-free testing. This sight also provides information on how to know if you're at risk and answers questions about testing procedures.
Lansing Area AIDS Network
www.aids.org
www.aegis.org
An estimated 2.8 million people died last year HIV/AIDS related causes. That's nearly 8,000 people a day.
Think of how many of those people thought it could happen to them, that they could be infected.
Please get tested!
If not for yourself, do it to know that you are not putting those you love at risk.
You can help the fight against AIDS!
Get tested.
Encourage others to get tested.
Stay informed.
Pass on this message.
For testing sights go to www.hivtest.org to find local, free, anonymous, needle-free testing. This sight also provides information on how to know if you're at risk and answers questions about testing procedures.
Lansing Area AIDS Network
www.aids.org
www.aegis.org
SAVE LIVES! GET TESTED! PASS ON THIS MESSAGE!
Friday, June 23, 2006
No comic book store, unfinished comic story, reading a few comics
This week has been crazy. At the top of the list my favorite comic book store closed it's doors this week. It's a crazy situation that might end in them just moving but still it's been sad.
I've been working on my realistic hero comic. I should name it so it's easier to refer to. Hopefully that will be done soon.
With Friday's paycheck comes more stamps for more submissions.
Today, for the first time in a long time, I was just inspired to write about how something made me feel. Not really in a prose story, just lines of thought. Almost poetry, I dare say.
Currently listening to: Tiny Dancer-Elton John
I've been reading: All-Star Superman #4, Astonishing X-Men #15, Superman/Batman #27, Robin #151, Flash #1, Daredevil #86, 52 #7, Superman Returns Prequel #3
Went to see: The Da Vinci Code
I've been working on my realistic hero comic. I should name it so it's easier to refer to. Hopefully that will be done soon.
With Friday's paycheck comes more stamps for more submissions.
Today, for the first time in a long time, I was just inspired to write about how something made me feel. Not really in a prose story, just lines of thought. Almost poetry, I dare say.
Currently listening to: Tiny Dancer-Elton John
I've been reading: All-Star Superman #4, Astonishing X-Men #15, Superman/Batman #27, Robin #151, Flash #1, Daredevil #86, 52 #7, Superman Returns Prequel #3
Went to see: The Da Vinci Code
Monday, June 19, 2006
Not my friends
Despite the return of hot weather I have been working on my writing. Currently I'm working on the comic I think I mentioned before that's about a realistic superhero story.
Using MySpace I found a comic publishing company right here in Lansing that takes script submissions without art. And it's run by a woman! So I plan on pulling a submission together and sending it out. The company she runs does a lot of comicons. They'll be at Motor City Comicon and Wizard World Chicago. Between those two shows and a friendly mySpace message that mentions I bought some of their comics(I'll be ordering it when I get paid on Friday), perhaps I can make a business connection and get a comic published.
Speaking of myspace. I joined for networking and have added a few college and high school friends, but in the past few weeks I have gotten quite a few friend request from random guys. I check their profiles to see if I know them. They all seem to have hundreds of friends that are all girls in bikinis and those girls have thousands of friends. Then the guys will actually e-mail me saying things like "are you gonna friend me or what?". No, I'm not gonna friend you. I am not a myspace whore. If you want to be my friend and I don't know you, tell me why you want to be my friend and then I'll decide.
I'm not sure if myspace is worth it sometimes. Yikes!
Currently listening to: Kelly Clarkson-Breakaway(album)
Just finished reading: Ms. Marvel Issues #2-4
Just started reading: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Using MySpace I found a comic publishing company right here in Lansing that takes script submissions without art. And it's run by a woman! So I plan on pulling a submission together and sending it out. The company she runs does a lot of comicons. They'll be at Motor City Comicon and Wizard World Chicago. Between those two shows and a friendly mySpace message that mentions I bought some of their comics(I'll be ordering it when I get paid on Friday), perhaps I can make a business connection and get a comic published.
Speaking of myspace. I joined for networking and have added a few college and high school friends, but in the past few weeks I have gotten quite a few friend request from random guys. I check their profiles to see if I know them. They all seem to have hundreds of friends that are all girls in bikinis and those girls have thousands of friends. Then the guys will actually e-mail me saying things like "are you gonna friend me or what?". No, I'm not gonna friend you. I am not a myspace whore. If you want to be my friend and I don't know you, tell me why you want to be my friend and then I'll decide.
I'm not sure if myspace is worth it sometimes. Yikes!
Currently listening to: Kelly Clarkson-Breakaway(album)
Just finished reading: Ms. Marvel Issues #2-4
Just started reading: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Friday, June 16, 2006
Al?
I just read an article about J.K. Rowling and found out that the reason she goes by J.K. instead of JoAnne is because her editor thought boys wouldn't read her book if they thought a woman wrote it.
Is this the start of A.L. Shaffier, comic book writer? Hmm...
After taking a few notes from Jenni, I spiced up my flash fiction story and submitted it. We shall see.
Current music: Shakira
Just read: 52-week 6, Nightwing #121, Superman Returns Prequel #2, Ultimate X-Men #71.
Is this the start of A.L. Shaffier, comic book writer? Hmm...
After taking a few notes from Jenni, I spiced up my flash fiction story and submitted it. We shall see.
Current music: Shakira
Just read: 52-week 6, Nightwing #121, Superman Returns Prequel #2, Ultimate X-Men #71.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Query Letters
Hopefully Jenni doesn't care if I share this but we have started sending out query letters for our novel. Keep your fingers crossed for us!
I think I'm going to start putting notes at the bottom of entries with things like current music, what I'm reading or the last movie I saw. That way everyone can see what things interest and inspire me.
Currently reading: Superman/Batman#26, Human Target(TPB)-Living in Amerika
Current music: Nickelback, Green Day
I think I'm going to start putting notes at the bottom of entries with things like current music, what I'm reading or the last movie I saw. That way everyone can see what things interest and inspire me.
Currently reading: Superman/Batman#26, Human Target(TPB)-Living in Amerika
Current music: Nickelback, Green Day
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Entry fee?
A while back in one of my writing classes we were given these cards to write random ideas on. Then we all drew and we had to write a story using the two cards we picked. I had chosen bubble gum and door-to-door salesperson. So I wrote my crazy story. My teacher put a note on it, saying that it was funny and I should submit it to a short-short contest.
Personally, I wouldn't normally submit a story of this nature. I'm sure it's a decent story (my professor never really held back when work wasn't good) but it's the kind of thing that you might find in a middle-aged, housewife kind of magazine. I'm fine with having a story published just about anywhere, so that doesn't bother me. The thing is that the magazines I can find that would fall into that category are all 'agented only' submissions. Did my professor realize this and that's what inspired the contest comment rather than a submit comment? I'm not sure but the biggest question is whether the story is worthy of a $10 entry fee?
Personally, I wouldn't normally submit a story of this nature. I'm sure it's a decent story (my professor never really held back when work wasn't good) but it's the kind of thing that you might find in a middle-aged, housewife kind of magazine. I'm fine with having a story published just about anywhere, so that doesn't bother me. The thing is that the magazines I can find that would fall into that category are all 'agented only' submissions. Did my professor realize this and that's what inspired the contest comment rather than a submit comment? I'm not sure but the biggest question is whether the story is worthy of a $10 entry fee?
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Over a year!
I started thinking the other day that my one year blogger anniversary must be coming up around August. I thought it would be really cool to go back and read a few things. So I checked and I actually started in May. Okay, so I was a little off. I still went back and read a few things, of course finding a few mistypes along the way. I went ahead and edited them.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Breaking the rule
Submissions. I've been churning out submissions for every finished short story I have. May I say that I hate companies that won't except simultaneous submissions(the same story sent to more than one company at a time). I have to sit and wait three months for them to tell me my story sucks before I can send it to someone else. Fabulous. I often think I should just send it to other companies anyway. It's not like anyone's going to publish it, and it's even less likely two companies would, but I know the one time I do it I'll get screwed over for it because that, my friends, is how it works. So when a story is ready to go, I send it to all companies that accept simultaneous submissions, once they've all rejected it, I send it out to the non-accepters one-by-one.
I'm trying to put the finishing touches on another story so that I can start shipping that one out. I have to say I'm thinking of breaking a rule. Generally, in stories told in first person, the person telling the story shouldn't die because then who's telling the story. I, however want the character to die at the end. The last line of the story will be the line they have while they are about to die, their last thought. Is that even technically breaking the rule? I don't really think so. Besides even if they did die in the middle couldn't they be telling the story from the after-life. Wouldn't that be qualified as experimental, not wrong? If no one breaks the rules then aren't we just going to find the same old stuff over again?
My former writing professor told me I couldn't do it when I wrote the story for class. Now that I'm revising it I think it works better the way I had it, but what if every publisher/editor thinks the same way he does?
I'm trying to put the finishing touches on another story so that I can start shipping that one out. I have to say I'm thinking of breaking a rule. Generally, in stories told in first person, the person telling the story shouldn't die because then who's telling the story. I, however want the character to die at the end. The last line of the story will be the line they have while they are about to die, their last thought. Is that even technically breaking the rule? I don't really think so. Besides even if they did die in the middle couldn't they be telling the story from the after-life. Wouldn't that be qualified as experimental, not wrong? If no one breaks the rules then aren't we just going to find the same old stuff over again?
My former writing professor told me I couldn't do it when I wrote the story for class. Now that I'm revising it I think it works better the way I had it, but what if every publisher/editor thinks the same way he does?
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Another hot day.
It's still hot! The weather report says it's suppose to cool down tomorrow but that's what they said yesterday about today.
I went to see X3 and it was pretty good. I've heard a lot of comic fans express disappointment but I thought it wasn't too bad if you don't compare it to the comic book. Maybe the Phoenix story wasn't exactly like the comics but try fitting 30 issues into two hours. I also don't care about the 'permanent' (it's the best way to describe things without being a spoiler) things that happened in the movie. It's the last of the series, so it doesn't matter(at least I think it's the last of the series. The last scene and the scene after the credits lead me to think maybe not).
Anyway, it gave me an awesome comic book story idea. It involves some X-Men but is not an X-Men story. Now if Marvel would just give me a job, the whole world could see my wicked idea.
I went to see X3 and it was pretty good. I've heard a lot of comic fans express disappointment but I thought it wasn't too bad if you don't compare it to the comic book. Maybe the Phoenix story wasn't exactly like the comics but try fitting 30 issues into two hours. I also don't care about the 'permanent' (it's the best way to describe things without being a spoiler) things that happened in the movie. It's the last of the series, so it doesn't matter(at least I think it's the last of the series. The last scene and the scene after the credits lead me to think maybe not).
Anyway, it gave me an awesome comic book story idea. It involves some X-Men but is not an X-Men story. Now if Marvel would just give me a job, the whole world could see my wicked idea.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
I hate the heat!
Blah! It's not even June and it's already in the 90's. I'm really upset by this. I live in the northern part of the country because I hate hot weather. If it stays this hot throughout the whole summer I will be really annoyed. The heat disgust me. It makes my hyperhydrosis flare so bad which puts me in a real bad mood. The most irritating thing is that I hate touching stuff. That means keyboards, pens, papers. I can't stand the touch of any of it and unfortunately I have yet to figure how to telekenetically use my keyboard. I thought about tape recording but it's really not the same. I'll just suffer through the annoying heat and write, no matter how unpleasant it becomes, because I love it. Sorry to complain. I'm sure I said the same crap during the heat wave last summer.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Bye "That 70's Show"!
I would just like to say good-bye to one of my favorite TV shows. The first one I've watched from the beginning to the end. It was hilarious and, I know this sounds wrong since it is a sitcom but, the characters were inspiring, especially when I was in high school. I'll miss you 'That 70's show'!
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