Thursday, June 27, 2013

Heinlein's Five Rules for Writing

Science fiction ace Robert Heinlein composed these aids to crafting the written word  back in 1947:

1. You must write.
2. You must finish what you start.
3. You must refrain from rewriting except to editorial order.
4. You must put it on the market.
5. You must keep it on the market until sold.”

Then he added: “The above five rules really have more to do with how to write fiction than anything said above them. But they are amazingly hard to follow — which is why there are so few professional writers and so many aspirants, and which is why I am not afraid to give away the racket!” More on the subject here.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Publishing Update

www.authormedia.com

Insomnia pays! Couldn't sleep early this morning so instead of gnashing my teeth—which hurts—I got up and started writing. Dashed out almost two thousand words on eBook number one before heading to the gym.

So here's the update. I have rough outlines on three full-length novels. But I realize now I might only get one up on Amazon Kindle Direct by my deadline. I want three. So I'm parking all three books and devoting my efforts to expanding and publishing a long short story, Bane Fish. (First fiction work I ever sold.) That'll be book one.

The second book will be a collection of unpublished long and short stories that fall into the category of dark urban fantasy.

The third book will consist of my jury duty tale plus an expanded version of my 2002 trip to Vietnam in search of a battlefield.

Most of the material is already present in some form. (I always find it easier to rewrite than to write.) So I'm moving, typing, slugging down the joe.

This is going to happen! Will they make any money? Can't say, but they will be published!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The IndieTribe


The IndieTribe



Charlie Bray's website seems stuffed with interesting news, promotions and tips for the self-published scribe. Writer blogs are promoted and there's a log line competition where winners receive free book publicity. Learn about gratis downloads and much more.

Monday, June 17, 2013

My Story in a Lovecraft Rich eBook






Just a reminder to Lovecraft lovers and others that for under a buck you can read old school and new school H.P. all in one handy eBook. My very own "Dagon and Jill" warps up a horror bonanza of mythos-centered tales. (And if you were pleased with your purchase, do comment on Amazon. And if you single out "Dagon and Jill" for special praise, I shall blush like a youth.)

Friday, June 14, 2013

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Book Review: The Forgotten Man

The Forgotten Man (Elvis Cole, #10)The Forgotten Man by Robert Crais

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Crais wore me down a bit this time with the constant switch between first/third person. If nothing else, it shows the author at work and intrudes on the pace. The story of private investigator Elivs Cole searching for the killer of a man claiming to be his estranged father was interesting enough. It's a quick exciting read save for the moments when forlorn cop Starkey tries to work up her nerve to bed Cole. Then the tale felt like star-crossed YA romance. That said, Crais adds enough cop stuff to make me believe it's real and mixes his action and clues well enough to keep the pages turning. Worth a peek.  



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