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![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.1) johnjosephadams | |
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Originally published at John Joseph Adams. You can comment here or there. As of 9:24am Pacific Time yesterday, the Nightmare Magazine Kickstarter is funded! Due to the $245 pledge by sf author and all around great guy John Scalzi, we’ve now reached 100% funding. So a big thanks to John, and to the rest of you who pledged. (Also a special thanks to Arachne Jericho, who obviously had the same thought as John, but was about two seconds too late to be the one that put us over the top.) A big thanks too, to our largest donor, George Peyton, who purchased a lifetime subscription to Nightmare and to Creeping Hemlock’s entire list of books.
Although we’ve reached our goal, there’s still time–11 more days–to pre-order an issue or a subscription, or to get one of our limited edition chapbooks (which will only be available to people who pledge via the Kickstarter).
For more information about Nightmare, you can visit www.nightmare-magazine.com or follow us on Twitter @nightmaremag.
***
Note to writers: We’ll be opening to submissions soon. Stay tuned for updates.
Tags: front page featured, general
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cassiealexander | |
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Originally published at Cassie Alexander. You can comment here or there. I am having such a good time at Wiscon!
My final panel (of three) was this morning, and everything went very well, and I’m getting quality hang time with some of my favoritist people in the world :D. Plus, some people here (Na’amen, *cough*Na’amen) have even read Nightshifted already and said super positive things, and are telling other people about it completely of their own accord, which is awesome and amazing to watch. I guess books do, if you’re lucky, go on to have a life of their own? But it’s very odd — and wonderful! — to see it happening to your own book. Even in a small way. After all the solo writing I’ve done in the dark, it’s very strange to see my book out in the day ;).
I have some more people to shout out now too!
I don’t think I linked to Book Sake‘s review a few days ago, and I should! While she’s not over the moon about the vampires in Nightshifted, she feels the hospital stuff is spot on, which I’m am so happy to see. I think half of my book related anxiety is fear of other medical professionals finding holes in my stuff, or thinking that I stretched things too far, so it’s nice when other nurses (or nursing students) feel it passes muster :D.
And there are two Nightshifted giveaways running right now, if you want to try to win a copy for free –
My Bookish Ways did an interview with me and they’re giving away a copy of Nightshifted and a very cool syringe necklace for one lucky enter-er. :D
And the Nocturnal Library also interviewed me and they’re also giving away a copy of Nightshifted — this one I can ship internationally! (I’m also very fond of this interview because I answered the questions late at night, maybe a little more honestly than I should have, heh.)
I’m positive I’m missing stuff, and I already know I’m not caught up — it’s probably going to take me a good week or two to get all the links I need down and emails responded to, so sorry if I missed your review or I’m linking/responding too slowly. I still have page proofs on Moonshifted to do when I get back home, not to mention going back to work, so it’ll be a process — but I swear I’ll get there :D.
Tags: giveaways, interviews, nightshifted, reviews, uncategorized
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asakiyume | |
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One thing I'd wanted to do for National Poetry Month was carve a poem in soap and leave it somewhere. But, it turns out to be more difficult to carve words in soap than I had expected--you need to write rather large... which cuts down on the length your poem can be. In the end, I decided to try for aphorisms instead of poetry, and then, hey, if it's soap, I thought going for things related to clean ought to do the trick. So, intending irony, I carved "clean hands, clean conscience." Heh, not true, alas. And then, by way of a prayer (maybe by the guy with the troubled conscience?) I did "Wash away my iniquity." I thought I'd leave them in a highway rest stop--that way lots of people would have a chance to see them. So this Friday, I left them at a rest stop on our way west. "People are going to think you're a religious nut," Little Springtime remarked. The god of irony is laughing at me. clean hands, clean conscience wash away my iniquity soap in situ Tags: art, photos
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newguydave | |
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Robert McKee packs a metric ton of great advice into the first paragraph of "Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting." Here's the text: Story is about principles, not rules.
A rule says, "You must do it this way." A principle says, "This works... and has through all remembered time." The difference is crucial. your work needn't be modeled after a "well-made" play; rather, it must be well made within the principles that shape our art. Anxious, inexperienced writers obey rules. Rebellious, unschooled writers break rules. Artists master the form.Now, this sounds great at first, a true epiphany for me. However, after giving it some thought, it would have meant nothing when I first started writing. Anxious, inexperienced writers don't know the rules, so they have no idea if they they're following them. Somebody has to tell them what the rules are before then can decide to follow them or not. Regardless of what they choose, they need that first learning stage. While I don't disagree with the last line, nor the crux of what McKee is trying to say in is opening paragraph, that the inexperienced follow or break rules and the experienced master form, it isn't fair. People don't learn in a vacuum. You can't become experienced and master form without first learning about the rules and principles. Only then, can you master the form. Having learned a few rules over the years and maybe a principle or two, I'm ready to work on my form. This book comes highly recommended from various sources, so I'm excited. Cheers, NGD Tags: non-fiction, rules, writing
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jaylake | |
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So the whack factor ran a little higher yesterday. All to the good. After sleeping quite late (by my standards) and a morning workout, I met up with @howardtayler for a leisurely lunch off-site. We had a terrific conversation about writing, life and the value of kindness. Howard also did nifty caricatures of both our waitress and her manager. It was hilariously fun to watch them react with such delight. Walking back from lunch, we passed a pretty radical steampunked car.  More photos later when I have the bandwidth to upload them. (That would not be right now, unfortunately.) Back inside, I hooked up with Ellie Copperbottom of the League of S.T.E.A.M. to host a High Tea. Which was a blast, and very odd at the same time. After that, I recorded a brief podcast interview with them. Then I wound up down in the Vendor Room signing books, where we all but sold out of my stock at the table of Off the Beaten Path Books. Gail Carriger and I crossed paths there again. Dinner consisted of me and a very helpful concom rep making a White Castle run. Sixty dollars later, the League and I were pigging out hard. From there, things devolved into an evening of music, hot tubbing (well, warm tubbing), drinking, and electroshock therapy. I managed to enjoy an electric kiss with a lovely young woman, as well as try out the new sport of electric motorboating. Plus people were doing shots off Boba Fett's icy head, but I eschewed that particular pursuit. Today I have an author panel and a reading and a day of hanging out. So, yeah. A lot of fun here. A lot of fun.
Photo © 2012 Howard Tayler, used with permission. Tags: cars, cojnventions, detroit, friends, funny, photos, steampunk
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jaylake | |
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Easter Island statues had bodies — Did no one ever think to look? CSR project aims to create a high-speed, carbon-neutral steam-powered locomotive — Oh, cool. (Thanks to David E. Vincent.) Egos and Immorality — Paul Krugman on the Wall Street fairy tale. Scientist: Evolution debate will soon be history — This is stupid. The evolution debate has been history for a long time. What you have today is a combination of religious willful ignorance and conservative political opportunism. It's not a "debate" in any meaningful sense of the word, as the anti-evolution side has no evidence, logic or credibility. Conservatives used to care about community. What happened? — They lost their fucking minds. ?otd: Ever been electric motorboated?
5/27/2012 Writing time yesterday: 0.0 hours (Con time) Body movement: 30 minute stationary bike ride Hours slept: 6.5 (solid) Weight: n/a Currently reading: Shattering the Ley by Benjamin Tate; Of Blood and Honey by Stina Leicht Tags: business, cool, culture, links, personal, politics, religion, science, tech, trains, weird
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marthawells | |
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This is one of those weekends where everyone is off at a con having fun without us. I did see Men in Black III and enjoyed it a bunch. It was a huge lot of fun. It made a nice antidote for The Woman in Black which we rented and watched Friday night, and which was a very well-made, gorgeously filmed movie which I disliked so intensely it upset my stomach. Question answers: Brennan Griffin asked
Gate of Gods trilogy
Do you have any plans to re-visit the Ile-Rien world? You may have addressed this somewhere else, but I thought that Gate of Gods did not get nearly the shelf-space it deserved, and I'd definitely like to see more.
Not to say that I'm not enjoying your Cloud Roads sequence! And I quite liked the Wheel of the Infinite as well. Thank you! The third book in the trilogy, The Gate of Gods, definitely did not show up in most bookstores and I've talked to many people who read the first two books ( The Wizard Hunters and The Ships of Air) and never saw the third. The first two books didn't sell as well as the publisher wanted, so they didn't put much effort into getting the third out there. Technically, they are all three still in print, but you have to order them online. They are available as ebooks, too. I did originally start a prequel novel about Giliead and Ilias, but the publisher wasn't interested in it, so I just turned it into a series of short stories which were eventually published by Black Gate Magazine. (Three of them are on my web site now: Holy Places, Houses of the Dead, and Reflections. There's one more that hasn't been published yet.) At this point, it's been so long I kind of doubt whether I would ever go back to that world. I haven't completely ruled it out, though. desertport asked I have been wondering this for a little while: What is the ultimate fate of the Ravenna? Does she end up a museum or sink fantastically? Something else?I always imagined her becoming a floating museum, kind of like the Queen Mary, but more honored and better maintained. If anyone has anymore questions (about my books or about writing or publishing in general or about what I'm doing today (hint: it's boring)) go ahead and ask. Tags: writing question
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jongibbs | |
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I love hanging out with other writers. Aside from all the useful information I get to hear, I always come away from group events inspired to write better (and for longer) than what I usually does, so I was disappointed yesterday, when I was unable to attend this month's GLVWG (Greater Lehigh Writer's Group) meeting.
On the bright side, I still get to venture into Pennsylvania this weekend when I travel to the Writers Coffee House meeting later today. It takes place at the Barnes & Noble store in Willow Grove (102 Park Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090), hosted by the always impressive, Jonathan Maberry. The meeting starts at noon. If you'd like to come along, I'd love to see you there.
How about you?
What are you up to today?Tags: fiction, writing
Current Mood:  cheerful
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dsmoen | |
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Several people have asked why I’m not at Wiscon. Short answer: I have better things to do with my vacation time.
With a thriving local con, I’d rather go there. Also: this year, my travel costs to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador cost less in aggregate than Wiscon would, and I think it’s a better use of travel budget than a non-local con.
Also, I simply cannot see giving Wisconsin any of my tourism dollars while that state continues to have people like Scott Walker in power. Sure, I’ve gone to foreign countries that were more oppressive, but not ones contributing to the problems here at home. Besides, the Argan oil from the women’s cooperative in Taroudant is great stuff.
Originally published at deirdre.net. You can comment here or there. Tags: conventions, travel
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dr_phil_physics | |
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The Weather Is All Back And ForthIt is warm, about to turn HOT. When we left the house today at 3:30pm, it was around 77°F -- as I handwrite this in Holland, it's around 81°F. Sunday it is supposed to be in the 90s and very humid, also hot on Monday -- but Tuesday through Thursday has highs forecast in the 60s. And did I see on the weather map that near the Indiana border it'll be 98°F? It's been so warm for so long this year, that it's hard to remember that May is NOT summer. And I'm not talking about the technical start of summer nearly a month from now. But until you get to Memorial Day weekend, it's really not summer in America. The air is filled with cottonwood fluff. Not quite the same as the pulsing flowers of Avatar, but close. The parking lot at the Holland 7 was sealed recently, so there's still some puddles from earlier, which now have become fluffy with fluff. The pictures don't quite show off the 3D nature of the effect:  Cottonwood fluff on puddle. (Click on photo for larger.)  A closer view. (Click on photo for larger.) We were in Holland on a mission. It's been ten years since we saw Men in Black II. There's been a lot of talk about how bad MIB 2 was, but we didn't think so -- the post office scene alone was worth it -- and we quite enjoyed it. Sure, it follows the emotional and quality letdown that follows Dr. Phil's Rule of Sequels, but so what? So far, the one comment I'd heard about MIB 3 was "better than 2". Men in Black 3 3D [PG-13]Holland 7 Theatre 5, 4:30pm, $18.50 Well, we thoroughly enjoyed MIB 3, which we saw in 3D, but not IMAX 3D, and overall the 3D was nicely done. Certainly didn't detract from the movie. As for the movie itself, it is useful to note that Mrs. Dr. Phil and I are old enough that we watched all the Apollo 11 coverage from July 1969 live. And in stirring Black & White. But in November 1968, I'd moved to White Plains NY, 27 miles north of New York City, so I watched the Mets become the Amazing Mets and pull off their miracle. Mrs. Dr. Phil was a loyal Cubs fan living in Chicago during the swoon. So perhaps this movie will always be a little more special to us than to the young whippersnappers of the Summer Blockbuster Ideal Demographic. It's been some time since we've had a Will Smith "I own the 4th of July" summer blockbuster, so this year we get one on the official Memorial Day kickoff to summer. Considering that Spiderman is coming and how strong some of the spring movies were, it's still a pretty big weekend. Because with good popcorn and a suitable summer mindset, MIB 3 doesn't disappoint. Our villain is pretty villainous. Reminds me of Mickey Rourke's villain in Iron Man 2, but, you know, alien. Good lord, how meta is it to be comparing sequels to sequels? Of course my big question in the opening shot is this -- I understand why high heeled boots have zippers, but why does the zipper go all the way down the stiletto heel to the floor? (grin) And it's no spoiler secret to know that we have a time travel adventure to deal with or that Josh Brolin has managed to channel an excellent young Tommy Lee Jones. Meanwhile Emma Thompson is flawless -- no one can deliver lines like she can (snicker) -- and the Andy Warhol bit is great fun. But this isn't just about "the usual" time travel issues of what to reveal about the future to anyone in the past. Or even the small nods to recognizing Will Smith's special problems in dealing with 1969. No, where this movie becomes a joy for us is Griffin -- a (mostly) joyous alien who has a rather special relationship with time. Or his appreciation for the significance of temporal and cultural events. Even when the setups are obvious -- think Cracker Jacks -- he's still a fun romp of a character. Unlike Battleship, which intends to use real world technology to battle the invincible aliens, there's no point in trying to worry about the Physics in a MIB movie. This is a special effects fest, delivered in a big tub of summer popcorn, emphasis on the corn. What the time travel plot does -- besides inventing yet another novel AND ridiculous method of jumping in time -- is to put a fresh spin on what would be just the same old retread of the Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones J & K schtick. And the puzzles and clues aren't too devious to figure out with or ahead of the characters. Although I have to say that the final two reveals, one in 1969 and one in 2012, are unexpected. I'd really hoped for a Dr. Phil Special at the end of all the credits, but alas, producer Steven Spielberg is too cheap for that. (grin) Still, MIB 3 follows Dr. Phil's Rule of Sequels in that it doesn't have the innocence of the first, but knowing how this series goes, the third installment really delivered for us. Mrs. Dr. Phil opined that this was her favorite. And I think that'll suffice to leave this review there. BTW, methinks that the Wikipedia entry is in error, referring right now to liquid nitrogen, when it makes perfectly more good sense that it should be liquid oxygen. I'm sure it'll shortly be changed. (double-entry-grin) Highly RecommendedTrailers: Finding Nemo in 3D. Sure it's a Disney re-release, but it's been years since this one has been on the big screen and frankly the colors and the 3D animation are really great looking. And in November we get a new James Bond film with Daniel Craig. Still fence sitting on the new The Amazing Spiderman movie. Added: 5-27-2012: First trailer I've seen of the new Total Recall. No Ah-nold. No Mars. No decision yet. Dr. Phil Tags: movies, photos, reviews, science fiction, summer, weather, west michigan
Current Mood:  thrilled
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ericjamesstone | |
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Originally published at Eric James Stone. You can comment here or there.
- In honor of the #Avengers, I ate shawarma last night at CousCous Mediterranean Grill in Murray. http://t.co/Hrf8iDIi #Yummy 10:44:48, 2012-05-19
- RT @rosefox: Watch the #nebs2012 live at http://t.co/gwu39zVp 18:22:16, 2012-05-19
- Blog post: http://t.co/6ttvv6US – Tweets for the week of 05-12-2012 23:59:46, 2012-05-19
- Headed to Kanarraville, Utah, to see the eclipse. 16:39:26, 2012-05-20
- @marionjensen Cars are lining the roads. 18:51:27, 2012-05-20
- A demon is devouring the sun! #NotReallyItIsJustASolarEclipse 18:58:55, 2012-05-20
- The sun is amazingly bright considering it's more than half covered. 19:20:09, 2012-05-20
- Blog post: http://t.co/r2AxOyjx – Bookmarklet to add totals to Kindle sales stats 07:41:24, 2012-05-21
- @rachelswirsky @ann_leckie Congratulations to you both. in reply to rachelswirsky 10:01:49, 2012-05-21
- @bencrowder Unfortunately, it leaves out the step where we disregard as "outliers" some dots that don't fit with our pet theory. in reply to bencrowder 17:18:24, 2012-05-21
- Blog post: http://t.co/wktUgAhU – Nebula Awards Showcase 2012 08:10:11, 2012-05-22
- @teashopgirl Thanks. Glad it's working for you. in reply to teashopgirl 10:42:28, 2012-05-22
- Either I've developed leprosy or my sunburn from attending the UtahRenFest on Saturday is starting to peel. #SunscreenIsNotAuthentic 12:11:12, 2012-05-22
- I've been trying to think what the opposite of Occam's Razor is, and I've finally come up with it: Occam's Fake Beard. 17:28:06, 2012-05-22
- Occam's Fake Beard: All else equal, the simplest explanation is what the shadowy disguised forces controlling the world want you to believe. 17:38:58, 2012-05-22
- @ferretthimself Umm, yes. I'd never heard of a merkin, and I can only hope that someday senility will allow me to forget. in reply to ferretthimself 17:40:39, 2012-05-22
- Blog post: http://t.co/HdCssrjn – CONduit 2012, this weekend in SLC 18:30:52, 2012-05-24
- @pattyjansen If your blog allows pingbacks, then if someone links to your blog post from a blog that supports pingbacks, it will notify you. in reply to pattyjansen 23:42:45, 2012-05-24
- @pattyjansen The point is that it shows somewhere else on the internet that people are talking about your blog post. Like a remote comment. in reply to pattyjansen 23:54:14, 2012-05-24
- Blog post: http://t.co/1qBmUTrQ – I So Want To – я так хочу 08:34:08, 2012-05-25
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ericmarin | |
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If a Myth Fails in a Kelp Forest, Does It Make a Sound?Soft-shell lobstermen listen to the catch in the sea siren's quick-pincered voice, puzzled at her veiled cross-references to post-Byzantine, haremless life and orthodox triune espionage conducted beneath Mediterranean subfloors and among Phoenecian ruins excavated for touristic use, shrug and return to setting traps. ---- Tags: 365 poems, poetry
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