Ten Things about Synopses
1. Vivian Teresa Beck's Me Write a Synopsis?.
2. Mia Crews's Writing a Selling Synopsis.
3. Del Rey's How to Write a Synopsis: FAQ.
4. Fiction Writers Connection Writing a Novel Synopsis.
5. Lisa Gardener's .pdf file for her lecture on Conquering the Dreaded Synopsis is available here.
6. Dr. Vickie Hinze's Synopsis vs. Outline.
7. Sheila Kelly's Writing the Novel Synopsis (hey, that name looks familiar...)
8. Lee Masterson's Mastering the Dreaded Synopsis -- Condensing Your Novel.
9. Mary Rosenblum's The Novel Synopsis -- Just What Is It?.
10. Robbert J. Sawyer's Outlines and Synopses page has examples of both.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Pup Moment
Conversation with my daughter about the puppy today:
"Mom, why did Daddy scold Buddy this morning for hugging me?"
"Buddy can hug you?"
"Well, not me, my leg."
"Um, honey, he wasn't hugging your leg."
"Then what was he doing?"
"Do you really want to know the answer to that?"
"But he wasn't . . . oh, euwww."
"Mom, why did Daddy scold Buddy this morning for hugging me?"
"Buddy can hug you?"
"Well, not me, my leg."
"Um, honey, he wasn't hugging your leg."
"Then what was he doing?"
"Do you really want to know the answer to that?"
"But he wasn't . . . oh, euwww."
Way of the Cheetah
Here's the announcement I promised last week:
My first book of 2006 is a brand-new venture for me: Way of the Cheetah, a how-to ebook. I got the idea last year after so many e-mails and comments came in about my WotC posts here at the weblog. When Holly Lisle told me she was setting up an e-book shop, I pitched her the idea and she kindly agreed to sell the ebook at the shop for me.
I've always wanted to write a book about writing, but I wanted mine to be about what I really do. Using actual writing experience rather than talking about theory seemed the best way to help someone else, and realistic ways to boost productivity is something I think every competitive writer needs.
Way of the Cheetah the ebook is about the methods and disciplines I've developed and use to be a productive writer. Along with detailing these, it's about the way I work, the reasons as to why I work the way I do, and the exercises I've used that can help other writers learn to be more productive.
While I was writing, I also tried to make it a quick, fun read. I don't know about you, but nothing puts me to sleep faster than a stodgy how-to text.
The ebook is done, and it's on sale right now at Holly Lisle's new web site shop, Shop.HollyLisle.com: Way of the Cheetah by Lynn Viehl. If you stop by, also check out Holly's terrific new ebook, Create a Character Clinic.
My first book of 2006 is a brand-new venture for me: Way of the Cheetah, a how-to ebook. I got the idea last year after so many e-mails and comments came in about my WotC posts here at the weblog. When Holly Lisle told me she was setting up an e-book shop, I pitched her the idea and she kindly agreed to sell the ebook at the shop for me.
I've always wanted to write a book about writing, but I wanted mine to be about what I really do. Using actual writing experience rather than talking about theory seemed the best way to help someone else, and realistic ways to boost productivity is something I think every competitive writer needs.
Way of the Cheetah the ebook is about the methods and disciplines I've developed and use to be a productive writer. Along with detailing these, it's about the way I work, the reasons as to why I work the way I do, and the exercises I've used that can help other writers learn to be more productive.
While I was writing, I also tried to make it a quick, fun read. I don't know about you, but nothing puts me to sleep faster than a stodgy how-to text.
The ebook is done, and it's on sale right now at Holly Lisle's new web site shop, Shop.HollyLisle.com: Way of the Cheetah by Lynn Viehl. If you stop by, also check out Holly's terrific new ebook, Create a Character Clinic.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
RIP PBW
Rumors about authors are funny things. We hear them from friends, colleagues, readers, booksellers and even our own agents and editors. We read about them in biz rags and on industry blogs. Like any gossip, rumors can spread like wildfire, especially if they have anything to do with an author's professional wrongdoings, as James Frey just found out.
One of the most enduring rumors I've heard surrounded the dismaying but apparently forgivable change of direction a popular author's work took that chased off many of her readers. While I was a bookseller, at least a dozen customers told me the exact same thing -- "Her writing is horrible, but I heard she's going through a divorce" -- and that rumor is still going around the biz four years later.
As a hobby I collect rumors about myself, which usually sound like something out of a Twilight Zone episode. I think it's because I write SF. Anyway, here are ten of my favorites, and in parentheses at the end, the source of the rumor:
1. I only published a science fiction novel in order to break into the romance genre (colleague.)
2. While serving in the AF, I met real alien life forms (slightly unbalanced booksigning attendee.)
3. Someone tried to kill me at a writer's conference (internet rumor.)
4. I am a man pretending to be a woman (discussion board.)
5. Author Holly Lisle and I are the same person (internet rumor.)
6. I don't make public appearances because I am disfigured (genre rag.)
7. Author S.L. Farrell and I are the same person (amateur expose web site.)
8. My StarDoc novels are semi-autobiographical (book club critic.)
9. None of my editors have ever met me (colleague.)
10. I'm deceased (colleague.)
Now for fun, guess which two of these rumors actually have a little truth to them.
One of the most enduring rumors I've heard surrounded the dismaying but apparently forgivable change of direction a popular author's work took that chased off many of her readers. While I was a bookseller, at least a dozen customers told me the exact same thing -- "Her writing is horrible, but I heard she's going through a divorce" -- and that rumor is still going around the biz four years later.
As a hobby I collect rumors about myself, which usually sound like something out of a Twilight Zone episode. I think it's because I write SF. Anyway, here are ten of my favorites, and in parentheses at the end, the source of the rumor:
1. I only published a science fiction novel in order to break into the romance genre (colleague.)
2. While serving in the AF, I met real alien life forms (slightly unbalanced booksigning attendee.)
3. Someone tried to kill me at a writer's conference (internet rumor.)
4. I am a man pretending to be a woman (discussion board.)
5. Author Holly Lisle and I are the same person (internet rumor.)
6. I don't make public appearances because I am disfigured (genre rag.)
7. Author S.L. Farrell and I are the same person (amateur expose web site.)
8. My StarDoc novels are semi-autobiographical (book club critic.)
9. None of my editors have ever met me (colleague.)
10. I'm deceased (colleague.)
Now for fun, guess which two of these rumors actually have a little truth to them.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Winners
You know how much I hate picking the winners of the giveaways, right? Because I want everyone to win. For me, it's torture not to be able to get the books into everyone's hands. I was really feeling the pain with the Ice Giveaway, because what you all wrote about your writing and life landmarks was so great.
Well, tonight I took a hard look at the promo budget for Rebel Ice, and there's just enough left in there to cover what I was thinking about doing. Plus I've always wanted to do this for one of my novels on the weblog, and we should celebrate all of our landmarks once.
So the winners for the Ice Giveaway are:
Everyone who participated.
Now, I need all 61 winners to e-mail me at LynnViehl@aol.com, and send your full name and the address where you want me to send the book. It will take me a few more days to get the extra books, sign, package and get them all out, but I figure you'll be okay with that.
Congratulations to everyone.
Well, tonight I took a hard look at the promo budget for Rebel Ice, and there's just enough left in there to cover what I was thinking about doing. Plus I've always wanted to do this for one of my novels on the weblog, and we should celebrate all of our landmarks once.
So the winners for the Ice Giveaway are:
Everyone who participated.
Now, I need all 61 winners to e-mail me at LynnViehl@aol.com, and send your full name and the address where you want me to send the book. It will take me a few more days to get the extra books, sign, package and get them all out, but I figure you'll be okay with that.
Congratulations to everyone.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Tres Cool
At first I thought this was some sort of beaded tornado sculpture, but it's actually a tower made of books. Thanks to Patricia for the heads-up on the exhibit.
Interesting
Author and Storytellers Unplugged Kahuna Joseph Nassise's novel Heretic, the first book in The Templar Chronicles dark fantasy series, will be the first novel from a New York publisher to be podcast in its entirety starting January 31st. More details about signing up for the podcast are at The Templar Chronicles website here.
I think I'm the only writer left in the U.S. who has never listened to a podcast or used an iPod. Yeah, 'tis true. I like my Walkman. Anyway, what do you guys think of this podcasting stuff? Effective marketing move, or yet another vanity perk?
I think I'm the only writer left in the U.S. who has never listened to a podcast or used an iPod. Yeah, 'tis true. I like my Walkman. Anyway, what do you guys think of this podcasting stuff? Effective marketing move, or yet another vanity perk?
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Ice Giveaway
I promised I'd do another giveaway for my January release, Rebel Ice, and lo and behold, my box of author copies just landed on the doorstep today.
Every book you write is special for one reason or another: the first book published, the one that became a bestseller, the story that changed your career. Some are special for reasons more personal than the traditional writer landmarks, and RI is one of those. To see it in print is the ultimate reward for a very long haul.
If you'd like a chance at winning one of fifteen signed copies of Rebel Ice, tell us in comments about one of your own personal writing or life landmarks. Post your comment by midnight EST on Thursday, January 19, 2006, and I'll draw fifteen names at random from everyone who participates. Winners' names will be posted here by noon EST on Friday, January 20, 2006. Giveaway open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW before now.
Every book you write is special for one reason or another: the first book published, the one that became a bestseller, the story that changed your career. Some are special for reasons more personal than the traditional writer landmarks, and RI is one of those. To see it in print is the ultimate reward for a very long haul.
If you'd like a chance at winning one of fifteen signed copies of Rebel Ice, tell us in comments about one of your own personal writing or life landmarks. Post your comment by midnight EST on Thursday, January 19, 2006, and I'll draw fifteen names at random from everyone who participates. Winners' names will be posted here by noon EST on Friday, January 20, 2006. Giveaway open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something here at PBW before now.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Slow Times I
Slow Times at Publishing High School
(Part One)
Well I don't care about Sacred Cows
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
'Cause that's not what I wanna be
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
I just wanna sell some books
I just wanna get some chicks
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
Well the congirls out there knock me out, you know
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
Cruisin' around in my leisure suit
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
I hate it when the NYT don't find me cool
Don't wanna be no reviewer's fool
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school...
"Jimmy Frey, please report to the Principle's Office," a tired-sounding voice announced over the intercom. "Jimmy Frey to the Principle's Office, please."
Liz stood just inside one of the entry doors to the student lobby. She looked back over her shoulder at the curb, and the lean blond boy behind the wheel of a black and silver GTO. The surf board on the GTO's roof rack gleamed like the ocean, green and blue. Her boyfriend grinned, cocked an eyebrow and patted the empty seat beside him. Liz shook her head and walked into school.
Writers, bloggers and reviewers choked the lobby like restless salmon in home-faded blue jeans. Most were clustered in their cliques, the schools within the school. A few rogues hemmed the edges, looking for opportunities to spawn. Posters of all the hot new books written by the students of Bestseller University adorned the walls. The smell of Love's Baby Soft-scented bookmarks didn't quite cover the odor of young, earnest sweat.
On her way in Liz passed a slinky girl dressed in black leather and exchanged a passing low five. "What's up, Sel?"
"I got detention for speaking up during awards assembly." Selah rolled her eyes. "Again."
Liz smiled. Detention had been boring since John had finished doing his time for his last Hardboiled Jesus parody. "See you there."
"Good morning, students. It's another wonderful day at Publishing High School," Binky, the President of the Literary Glee Club announced, mouth-breathing between the words. "Please stand while we have the Sacred Pledge of Publishing Allegiance. I pledge allegiance, to promote the image, of the publishing industry of America..."
Liz watched her peers go still, press their hands to their wallets, and recite the pledge. She'd gotten detention more than once for not doing the same, but there were no image safety patrols around this morning. Probably out in the parking lot looking for Jimmy Frey.
"You may be seated," Binky said with nasal graciousness after the pledge was over. "Here are today's announcements: The Junior Sisters of the Immaculate Love Scene are having a super-dee-duper non-erotic historical romance sale at lunch time; proceeds to go toward instituting mandatory chastity belts and religious instruction for all female students. Girls, make the proper, decent choice and buy all your romances only from the Sisters."
Liz eyed Dodie, a pudgy girl in a pink twinset with pearls who was glaring at her. The Junior Sisters still hadn't discovered who had defaced the JSILS chastity belt drive bulletin board with unused Trojans and tubes of KY Jelly, but Dodie had put Liz at the top of their suspect list.
"Our mystery team, the Way Cool Guys, are taking on Tartan Noir tonight at 8 p.m. in the gym, remember to wear your sunglasses and think up nasty things to call the Scottish."
Liz blew a kiss to Dodie, receiving a sniff and a plump shoulder in return, and made a mental note to wear her shortest kilt and sit by Fiona on the opposing team's side at the gym.
"Which reminds me, have you stopped by the Literary Glee Club's student bookstore and checked out our Better Read It! novel of the semester?" Binky demanded. "It's another fabulous story by a struggling writer who's not actually struggling but we think makes us look fabulous for picking her. Remember our motto: All the smart students in the know-know know where to go-go-go to be told what to read."
A worried-looking freshman rushed over to Liz. "Hi, Lizzie. Are you going to read the Club's new pick? It sounds like what we should be reading."
Liz imagined shaking Binky until her brains rattled, but she wasn't sure Binky had any. "Hell froze over already?"
The freshman laughed, paled, looked from side to side, and grimaced. "Um, thanks." She hurried off.
"Hey." Alison, Captain of the school gymnastics team, stopped and nudged Liz. "Be nice."
Liz yawned. "I am not nice."
"We know, but you could pretend." Alison linked her arm through Liz's. "C'mon, I'll buy you a latte at Nick's Java Hut before class starts."
(stayed tuned for part two)
(Part One)
Well I don't care about Sacred Cows
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
'Cause that's not what I wanna be
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
I just wanna sell some books
I just wanna get some chicks
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
Well the congirls out there knock me out, you know
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
Cruisin' around in my leisure suit
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school
I hate it when the NYT don't find me cool
Don't wanna be no reviewer's fool
Publishing, publishing, publishing high school...
"Jimmy Frey, please report to the Principle's Office," a tired-sounding voice announced over the intercom. "Jimmy Frey to the Principle's Office, please."
Liz stood just inside one of the entry doors to the student lobby. She looked back over her shoulder at the curb, and the lean blond boy behind the wheel of a black and silver GTO. The surf board on the GTO's roof rack gleamed like the ocean, green and blue. Her boyfriend grinned, cocked an eyebrow and patted the empty seat beside him. Liz shook her head and walked into school.
Writers, bloggers and reviewers choked the lobby like restless salmon in home-faded blue jeans. Most were clustered in their cliques, the schools within the school. A few rogues hemmed the edges, looking for opportunities to spawn. Posters of all the hot new books written by the students of Bestseller University adorned the walls. The smell of Love's Baby Soft-scented bookmarks didn't quite cover the odor of young, earnest sweat.
On her way in Liz passed a slinky girl dressed in black leather and exchanged a passing low five. "What's up, Sel?"
"I got detention for speaking up during awards assembly." Selah rolled her eyes. "Again."
Liz smiled. Detention had been boring since John had finished doing his time for his last Hardboiled Jesus parody. "See you there."
"Good morning, students. It's another wonderful day at Publishing High School," Binky, the President of the Literary Glee Club announced, mouth-breathing between the words. "Please stand while we have the Sacred Pledge of Publishing Allegiance. I pledge allegiance, to promote the image, of the publishing industry of America..."
Liz watched her peers go still, press their hands to their wallets, and recite the pledge. She'd gotten detention more than once for not doing the same, but there were no image safety patrols around this morning. Probably out in the parking lot looking for Jimmy Frey.
"You may be seated," Binky said with nasal graciousness after the pledge was over. "Here are today's announcements: The Junior Sisters of the Immaculate Love Scene are having a super-dee-duper non-erotic historical romance sale at lunch time; proceeds to go toward instituting mandatory chastity belts and religious instruction for all female students. Girls, make the proper, decent choice and buy all your romances only from the Sisters."
Liz eyed Dodie, a pudgy girl in a pink twinset with pearls who was glaring at her. The Junior Sisters still hadn't discovered who had defaced the JSILS chastity belt drive bulletin board with unused Trojans and tubes of KY Jelly, but Dodie had put Liz at the top of their suspect list.
"Our mystery team, the Way Cool Guys, are taking on Tartan Noir tonight at 8 p.m. in the gym, remember to wear your sunglasses and think up nasty things to call the Scottish."
Liz blew a kiss to Dodie, receiving a sniff and a plump shoulder in return, and made a mental note to wear her shortest kilt and sit by Fiona on the opposing team's side at the gym.
"Which reminds me, have you stopped by the Literary Glee Club's student bookstore and checked out our Better Read It! novel of the semester?" Binky demanded. "It's another fabulous story by a struggling writer who's not actually struggling but we think makes us look fabulous for picking her. Remember our motto: All the smart students in the know-know know where to go-go-go to be told what to read."
A worried-looking freshman rushed over to Liz. "Hi, Lizzie. Are you going to read the Club's new pick? It sounds like what we should be reading."
Liz imagined shaking Binky until her brains rattled, but she wasn't sure Binky had any. "Hell froze over already?"
The freshman laughed, paled, looked from side to side, and grimaced. "Um, thanks." She hurried off.
"Hey." Alison, Captain of the school gymnastics team, stopped and nudged Liz. "Be nice."
Liz yawned. "I am not nice."
"We know, but you could pretend." Alison linked her arm through Liz's. "C'mon, I'll buy you a latte at Nick's Java Hut before class starts."
(stayed tuned for part two)
Story Ops
A pair of submission opportunities for you short story and novella writers out there:
Genre Benders and Rebels: The Interstitial Arts folks have open submission until May 2005 for their anthology Interfictions, with payment and submission guidelines here, 5 cents/word; hard copy submission only.
Old School Horror & Rod Serlingites: Tabloid Purposes III is looking for novellas starting Feb. 3rd; e-submissions only, lead story $45, e-copies for other contributors; guidelines are a bit quirky but definitely enthusiastic.
Genre Benders and Rebels: The Interstitial Arts folks have open submission until May 2005 for their anthology Interfictions, with payment and submission guidelines here, 5 cents/word; hard copy submission only.
Old School Horror & Rod Serlingites: Tabloid Purposes III is looking for novellas starting Feb. 3rd; e-submissions only, lead story $45, e-copies for other contributors; guidelines are a bit quirky but definitely enthusiastic.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Awards Policy
In e-mail over the weekend, a couple of these came in: PBW, just to let you know, I've nominated you for [award] . . .
I appreciate the compliment, but I don't accept awards of any kind. I have had my name and/or my work removed from everything for which they have been nominated since 2002, and with the exception of one romance rag, everyone has respected my wishes. I hope you'll save me the headaches and do the same.
There are many, many other writers out there who deserve recognition and rarely get it. Please nominate one of them for your favorite award.
I appreciate the compliment, but I don't accept awards of any kind. I have had my name and/or my work removed from everything for which they have been nominated since 2002, and with the exception of one romance rag, everyone has respected my wishes. I hope you'll save me the headaches and do the same.
There are many, many other writers out there who deserve recognition and rarely get it. Please nominate one of them for your favorite award.
Scheduling Ten
Ten Things for the Calendar/Schedule Junkies
Freeware caution: always scan free downloads of anything for bugs and other threats before dumping the programs into your hard drive.
1. Agenda from Wallie Online is a simple and small calendar/organizer program.
2. Into calendars in a big way? Check out Calendar Magic.
3. OSAF's Chandler is an experimental, server-based free calender being offered for individuals and small workgroups as a test release (they want to know how it works for you.) Use it for a basic and multiple calendar(s), recurring events and more.
4. Sort out your schedule with Martin Bresson's Chaos Manager.
5. Never forget another anniversary or birthday again with Vellosoft.com's MiniMinder.
6. Multi Reminders from TheAbsolute.net reminds you of holidays, celebrations and when to pay your bills.
7. Our blog pal Simon Haynes freely offers Remind Me Please, a program to give you a nudge on: " . . .upcoming events, appointments, TV programs, movies, birthdays and so on. Enter one-off or repeating events: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and specials like 'Every two weeks from 1/1/2002' or 'Third Sunday of each month'."
8. pAgenda from Pcbypaul.com is a calendar/scheduler program using sqlite database. "A single click prints daily schedule."
9. Cinnamon Software's Talking Alarm Clock does just what it says with a talking animated alarm, or any sound you choose.
10. Need a cross platform standalone calendar application based on Mozilla's XUL user interface language? Whatever the dickens that is? Well, you guy should go look at Sunbird.
Freeware caution: always scan free downloads of anything for bugs and other threats before dumping the programs into your hard drive.
1. Agenda from Wallie Online is a simple and small calendar/organizer program.
2. Into calendars in a big way? Check out Calendar Magic.
3. OSAF's Chandler is an experimental, server-based free calender being offered for individuals and small workgroups as a test release (they want to know how it works for you.) Use it for a basic and multiple calendar(s), recurring events and more.
4. Sort out your schedule with Martin Bresson's Chaos Manager.
5. Never forget another anniversary or birthday again with Vellosoft.com's MiniMinder.
6. Multi Reminders from TheAbsolute.net reminds you of holidays, celebrations and when to pay your bills.
7. Our blog pal Simon Haynes freely offers Remind Me Please, a program to give you a nudge on: " . . .upcoming events, appointments, TV programs, movies, birthdays and so on. Enter one-off or repeating events: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and specials like 'Every two weeks from 1/1/2002' or 'Third Sunday of each month'."
8. pAgenda from Pcbypaul.com is a calendar/scheduler program using sqlite database. "A single click prints daily schedule."
9. Cinnamon Software's Talking Alarm Clock does just what it says with a talking animated alarm, or any sound you choose.
10. Need a cross platform standalone calendar application based on Mozilla's XUL user interface language? Whatever the dickens that is? Well, you guy should go look at Sunbird.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Harry, Don't Read This One
All right, a post about the pup.
Buddy has been with us two weeks now, and he's doing fine. He spends a lot of time in the yard with me, helping me weed, sunning himself, and trying in vain to catch squirrels and cardinals and jays that come to the bird feeders. His big thrill is chasing a chicken or rooster back over the fence (we live between a couple of farms.)
He's got a great personality; bright and alert but also pretty mellow for a pup. He cuddles with me and most puppies won't do that. Like all pups, he wants to chew on everything so we're majorly invested in chew toys. He loves sock tug-of-war.
Outside he's a ball of energy, already trying to herd my kids and their friends when they're out playing basketball in the drive or tossing the football around the yard. With our dogs we prefer to use hand signals instead of voice commands, and he's so smart he's already got down the basics.
At night, we keep Buddy in our master bath with a baby gate up in the open doorway. I don't like keeping pets in kennels or cages. In the bathroom he has a comfortable quilt and dog bed, food and water, and plenty of space and toys. The gate allows him to see us and me to hear him. The floor is tiled so accidents aren't a big deal (we're almost house trained, and as soon as he is, he gets the run of the place.)
Our cats have accepted Buddy for the most part. It was obvious the first week that they'd forgotten what it's like to live with a dog in the house. Buddy is dying to play with them, but so far only Jak, my friendliest and most laid-back cat, will let the pup approach him. Jeri walks away or climbs out of reach; Rush simply won't stay in the room. We've always had dogs and cats so I don't anticipate any problems; it'll just take time for them to adjust to each other.
Sometimes it's tough to see him and not think of Missy, our Sheltie who passed away two years ago. I've had a couple of bad moments, but the joy of having a dog in my life and with the family again outweighs the sadness. I do think after you lose a much-loved pet that it's important to wait until you know you're ready to bring a dog into your life again rather than try to do a replacement. Buddy can't replace Missy, but he doesn't have to. We've let her go now, and we're enjoying our pup for his own unique personality and presence.
I don't have my new roll of film developed, but when I do I'll post some new pics.
Buddy has been with us two weeks now, and he's doing fine. He spends a lot of time in the yard with me, helping me weed, sunning himself, and trying in vain to catch squirrels and cardinals and jays that come to the bird feeders. His big thrill is chasing a chicken or rooster back over the fence (we live between a couple of farms.)
He's got a great personality; bright and alert but also pretty mellow for a pup. He cuddles with me and most puppies won't do that. Like all pups, he wants to chew on everything so we're majorly invested in chew toys. He loves sock tug-of-war.
Outside he's a ball of energy, already trying to herd my kids and their friends when they're out playing basketball in the drive or tossing the football around the yard. With our dogs we prefer to use hand signals instead of voice commands, and he's so smart he's already got down the basics.
At night, we keep Buddy in our master bath with a baby gate up in the open doorway. I don't like keeping pets in kennels or cages. In the bathroom he has a comfortable quilt and dog bed, food and water, and plenty of space and toys. The gate allows him to see us and me to hear him. The floor is tiled so accidents aren't a big deal (we're almost house trained, and as soon as he is, he gets the run of the place.)
Our cats have accepted Buddy for the most part. It was obvious the first week that they'd forgotten what it's like to live with a dog in the house. Buddy is dying to play with them, but so far only Jak, my friendliest and most laid-back cat, will let the pup approach him. Jeri walks away or climbs out of reach; Rush simply won't stay in the room. We've always had dogs and cats so I don't anticipate any problems; it'll just take time for them to adjust to each other.
Sometimes it's tough to see him and not think of Missy, our Sheltie who passed away two years ago. I've had a couple of bad moments, but the joy of having a dog in my life and with the family again outweighs the sadness. I do think after you lose a much-loved pet that it's important to wait until you know you're ready to bring a dog into your life again rather than try to do a replacement. Buddy can't replace Missy, but he doesn't have to. We've let her go now, and we're enjoying our pup for his own unique personality and presence.
I don't have my new roll of film developed, but when I do I'll post some new pics.
Blog Raiders
Here's an interesting question someone e-mailed me today before I blew a fuse over paying for editing (posted with permission):
I should save this question for next Friday, but today I read two blog posts elsewhere about some of your techniques. Neither blogger gave you any links or credit. It also was not the first time I've seen that happen to you. What can you do about this?
Not much. Blog links are a courtesy, not a requirement. So far there has been no outright copyright infringement of my posts that I know of (and I did check out the links you sent, kind reader) but if someone were genuinely trying to pass off my work as their own, I'd probably hear about that, too. I'm not what you'd call generic.
Weblogging is about interconnections and information sharing. It's a good idea to credit any source, but the Blog God doesn't strike you down if you don't. You can't copyright an idea, a couple of words, or even a writing technique (and as to the latter, many are just common practice among pro writers.) Also, I think a lot of bloggers simply forget to post the links or aren't aware that it's a courtesy.
Even if they like or use what they read here, some bloggers don't want to link to PBW because of the taint of association and implied endorsement. That sort of thing still holds water in a few parts of the industry, and even more so among blog cliques. You have to do what you think is right for your career, and to get along with your friends, so I understand this and hold no grudges (and if anyone ever wants me to take down a link to their weblog for any reason, just let me know via e-mail and I'll delete it, no questions asked.)
Blogs like mine are easy to raid. I'm not much of a trend-follower, meme-doer or quiz-taker, so I end up writing a lot of my own stuff here. Despite my best efforts to drive you off, you all keep coming back here to read the blog and have interesting discussions. Maybe I should talk about the puppy more often . . .
Seriously, I don't notice that many blog raiders out there, so I don't think it's a huge problem. I think eventually, like James Frey embellishing his memoirs, it will come back to bite those who do in the ass. Why should I waste the energy? Besides, I like seeing my ideas and techniques out there in BlogLand, even if I don't get credit for them. It's a backhanded compliment, but the ideas are way more important than my ego.
I should save this question for next Friday, but today I read two blog posts elsewhere about some of your techniques. Neither blogger gave you any links or credit. It also was not the first time I've seen that happen to you. What can you do about this?
Not much. Blog links are a courtesy, not a requirement. So far there has been no outright copyright infringement of my posts that I know of (and I did check out the links you sent, kind reader) but if someone were genuinely trying to pass off my work as their own, I'd probably hear about that, too. I'm not what you'd call generic.
Weblogging is about interconnections and information sharing. It's a good idea to credit any source, but the Blog God doesn't strike you down if you don't. You can't copyright an idea, a couple of words, or even a writing technique (and as to the latter, many are just common practice among pro writers.) Also, I think a lot of bloggers simply forget to post the links or aren't aware that it's a courtesy.
Even if they like or use what they read here, some bloggers don't want to link to PBW because of the taint of association and implied endorsement. That sort of thing still holds water in a few parts of the industry, and even more so among blog cliques. You have to do what you think is right for your career, and to get along with your friends, so I understand this and hold no grudges (and if anyone ever wants me to take down a link to their weblog for any reason, just let me know via e-mail and I'll delete it, no questions asked.)
Blogs like mine are easy to raid. I'm not much of a trend-follower, meme-doer or quiz-taker, so I end up writing a lot of my own stuff here. Despite my best efforts to drive you off, you all keep coming back here to read the blog and have interesting discussions. Maybe I should talk about the puppy more often . . .
Seriously, I don't notice that many blog raiders out there, so I don't think it's a huge problem. I think eventually, like James Frey embellishing his memoirs, it will come back to bite those who do in the ass. Why should I waste the energy? Besides, I like seeing my ideas and techniques out there in BlogLand, even if I don't get credit for them. It's a backhanded compliment, but the ideas are way more important than my ego.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Promise
I promise that I will no longer get sucked into comment debates with anonymous bloggers claiming to be pros on other people's blogs because, you know, they might not blurb my books in the future, and we all know the value of a cover blurb written by ANONYMOUS. It could wreck my whole career.
Yes, I know better. I know better. Jesus Christ.
You guys, just do me a favor: don't pay to get published unless you're self-publishing. No matter what some anonymous publishing conspiracy theorist assures you that is what all the Big Name authors do. We don't. Ask those of us who don't hide behind anonymous blogs and threaten anyone who disagrees with us.
Vanessa, I apologize again for making shoddy use of your comments. It won't happen again.
Yes, I know better. I know better. Jesus Christ.
You guys, just do me a favor: don't pay to get published unless you're self-publishing. No matter what some anonymous publishing conspiracy theorist assures you that is what all the Big Name authors do. We don't. Ask those of us who don't hide behind anonymous blogs and threaten anyone who disagrees with us.
Vanessa, I apologize again for making shoddy use of your comments. It won't happen again.
Wishing
The Publishing Fairy Godfather has just materialized in your writing space. He is a nearsighted bald fat man in a powder blue tux with a yellow sequined cummerbund that is one size too small. He smells of old money (reserves against returns) and old slush pile manuscripts (pages of which are stuck to the back of his heels.)
"I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse." He sets down his martini glass, refills it with straight gin, and regards you over a toothpick adorned with two green olives and a former literary agent's pickled testicle. "You get one wish."
You immediately say, "I wish for--"
The Publishing Fairy Godfather wags his hairy finger at you. "No can do. My powers only extend to your writing and the publishing industry."
You then say, "I wish for--"
"Only Cinderella's Fairy Godmother can grant that, and she's tied up in Vegas outfitting Wayne Newton for his next show," the Publishing Fairy Godfather informs you. "Pick something else."
You think.
The Publishing Fairy Godfather lights up a Havana cigar with a flaming midlist author's last contract. "Did I mention after you that I've got to go and visit a plague of toads and cockroaches on that Frey guy for abusing the wish I granted him?"
Now post your answer to the Publishing Fairy Godfather in comments.
"I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse." He sets down his martini glass, refills it with straight gin, and regards you over a toothpick adorned with two green olives and a former literary agent's pickled testicle. "You get one wish."
You immediately say, "I wish for--"
The Publishing Fairy Godfather wags his hairy finger at you. "No can do. My powers only extend to your writing and the publishing industry."
You then say, "I wish for--"
"Only Cinderella's Fairy Godmother can grant that, and she's tied up in Vegas outfitting Wayne Newton for his next show," the Publishing Fairy Godfather informs you. "Pick something else."
You think.
The Publishing Fairy Godfather lights up a Havana cigar with a flaming midlist author's last contract. "Did I mention after you that I've got to go and visit a plague of toads and cockroaches on that Frey guy for abusing the wish I granted him?"
Now post your answer to the Publishing Fairy Godfather in comments.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Friday Feature
For this new feature, I'd like to do a weekly variation on the open thread: 20 Questions Friday. You post a writing- or industry-related question in comments, and I'd try to answer it, up to twenty questions max per Friday (any more than 20 and I'll never get any work done.)
I know more than 20 people visit here, so if you all can take turns that would be great. I'll also open the 20 Questions post at a different time each Friday so everyone gets a fair shot at posting theirs.
I also think your suggestions, like Doug Hoffman's Tales from the Trenches, are terrific, so I'll try to work those in on a revolving basis to serve as my Friday post.
Some things that I don't think I can do as a feature:
1. Authors Behaving Badly -- We had a lot of candidates for ABB show up this week, but unless you go to certain genre cons and hang out in the bar, it's not really a predictable thing.
2. Book recs -- I'm going to add some sidebar links for books I recommend in the genres I read, but I'm reluctant to start writing up any kind of regularly scheduled recommendations. Also, I really don't read much fiction these days outside of market analysis, which is not reading for enjoyment. I'd rather write a post about a great discovery when I make it; more spontaneous and fun that way.
3. Book reviews -- I am not a reviewer. See? I said it nicely.
4. The Process -- I don't know. When I talk about my own writing, I think my eyes glaze over. Here's something I wrote about my process last week for Jo Leigh's Uber Challenge group; you tell me if it's interesting:
I'm still waiting for some how-to books to arrive, but I started off on
my write-better-setting challenge by forcing myself to write a scene
with no characters and no dialogue. All I had to work with was a small
town, a quiet lake, an assortment of birds and Nature-related stuff.
For me, this equals writing agony.
I wrote of description of the town, lake, birds and Nature at large. I tried to make it sound interesting without that annoying, patronizing omnipotent narrator thing syrupy travel writers do. I admit, I was tempted to crash a gigantic meteor into the lake and flash-fry the town to cinders, but I didn't. Boring people need somewhere to live, right? Also, no birds or other defenseless fauna were harmed in the writing of this scene.
I printed out the scene, tagged it UC#1, and shoved it in a file. I'll
keep doing that until I write better setting, I'm kicked out of the
group, the filing cabinet collapses or my head explodes.
5. Way of the Cheetah -- I have an announcement to make about WotC, but I have to hold off on it until next week. For reasons which I will explain next week.
Floor's open -- any questions?
I know more than 20 people visit here, so if you all can take turns that would be great. I'll also open the 20 Questions post at a different time each Friday so everyone gets a fair shot at posting theirs.
I also think your suggestions, like Doug Hoffman's Tales from the Trenches, are terrific, so I'll try to work those in on a revolving basis to serve as my Friday post.
Some things that I don't think I can do as a feature:
1. Authors Behaving Badly -- We had a lot of candidates for ABB show up this week, but unless you go to certain genre cons and hang out in the bar, it's not really a predictable thing.
2. Book recs -- I'm going to add some sidebar links for books I recommend in the genres I read, but I'm reluctant to start writing up any kind of regularly scheduled recommendations. Also, I really don't read much fiction these days outside of market analysis, which is not reading for enjoyment. I'd rather write a post about a great discovery when I make it; more spontaneous and fun that way.
3. Book reviews -- I am not a reviewer. See? I said it nicely.
4. The Process -- I don't know. When I talk about my own writing, I think my eyes glaze over. Here's something I wrote about my process last week for Jo Leigh's Uber Challenge group; you tell me if it's interesting:
I'm still waiting for some how-to books to arrive, but I started off on
my write-better-setting challenge by forcing myself to write a scene
with no characters and no dialogue. All I had to work with was a small
town, a quiet lake, an assortment of birds and Nature-related stuff.
For me, this equals writing agony.
I wrote of description of the town, lake, birds and Nature at large. I tried to make it sound interesting without that annoying, patronizing omnipotent narrator thing syrupy travel writers do. I admit, I was tempted to crash a gigantic meteor into the lake and flash-fry the town to cinders, but I didn't. Boring people need somewhere to live, right? Also, no birds or other defenseless fauna were harmed in the writing of this scene.
I printed out the scene, tagged it UC#1, and shoved it in a file. I'll
keep doing that until I write better setting, I'm kicked out of the
group, the filing cabinet collapses or my head explodes.
5. Way of the Cheetah -- I have an announcement to make about WotC, but I have to hold off on it until next week. For reasons which I will explain next week.
Floor's open -- any questions?
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