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Just a heads up to all my fellow Sci-Fi freaks, there are some pretty mind blowing (and free) stories available over at Asimov's Science Fiction. I'm talking award winning short stories, novellas, and novelettes.
So far I've read 2011 Dell Magazines Award Winning short story "The immaculate conception of Private Ritter". Both were great, the latter was mind-blowing.
I'm inspired to write some sci-fi!
14 Ağustos 2012 Salı
On The Other Side of the Desk
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You're called into an office and you take a seat. Whoever is sitting at the desk, you've stepped into their realm, their home base. You're out of your element Donny. You look up at them, not only because the situation demands it but because they're sitting in a throne-like office chair while you're crouched in an oddly tiny reception chair. The seating arrangement isn't the only uncomfortable part of this situation. You're vulnerable. You're in a position to be judged. Your ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
BUM, BUM, BUUUUMMMMMM!!!!
Being on the other side of a desk from someone in a position of authority is not only intimidating and uncomfortable, sometimes to the point of terrifying, but infinitely relateable. We've all been there. Whether it was a visit to principles office back in grade-school, a job interview, bad news from a doctor, or an ass-chewing from a boss, everyone has been on the business end of of a desk-visit. This is a universally understandable experience.
And this makes it a perfect addition to your story.
As writers, our goal is to put our readers into the story. To do this we have to give them situations, emotions, characters, settings, etc., that they can relate to and identify with. Putting your character on the other side of the desk gives your readers instant-empathy for that character.
I've actually written several short stories recently that take place exclusively at the desk. One is a robot sci-fi story I've submitted to Asimov's Science Fiction (keep your fingers crossed for me) and the other is a "genetic enhancement" sci-fi story that's up for critique at On Fiction Writing. I would love to hear what folks have to say about the latter. If you're up for doing some critiquing (it's only ~1,200 words) head over to OFW and click the "Critique" tab on the top of the page. My story is called "Customer Service".
Or if you're not feeling OFW, shoot me an email at adamg73 [at] juno [dot] com and I'll email you the story. Thanks!!!
 |
| President Obama at the Resolute Desk in the oval office. |
Being on the other side of a desk from someone in a position of authority is not only intimidating and uncomfortable, sometimes to the point of terrifying, but infinitely relateable. We've all been there. Whether it was a visit to principles office back in grade-school, a job interview, bad news from a doctor, or an ass-chewing from a boss, everyone has been on the business end of of a desk-visit. This is a universally understandable experience.
And this makes it a perfect addition to your story.
As writers, our goal is to put our readers into the story. To do this we have to give them situations, emotions, characters, settings, etc., that they can relate to and identify with. Putting your character on the other side of the desk gives your readers instant-empathy for that character.
I've actually written several short stories recently that take place exclusively at the desk. One is a robot sci-fi story I've submitted to Asimov's Science Fiction (keep your fingers crossed for me) and the other is a "genetic enhancement" sci-fi story that's up for critique at On Fiction Writing. I would love to hear what folks have to say about the latter. If you're up for doing some critiquing (it's only ~1,200 words) head over to OFW and click the "Critique" tab on the top of the page. My story is called "Customer Service".
Or if you're not feeling OFW, shoot me an email at adamg73 [at] juno [dot] com and I'll email you the story. Thanks!!!
5 Resons Every Writer Needs A Dog
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Good news everyone who's trying to convince their spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, mistress, mom, dad, landlord, roommate, body double, parole officer, gay cousin, -self that you need a dog:
I'm going to give you 5good great reasons that will finally shut them up once and for all are sure to convince them that as a writer, you need a new best friend.
Sorry cat lovers, this post isn't for you. Actually, there's a pretty good chance that you'll never find a post on this site extolling the virtues of cat ownership. Cats aren't my thing.
No wait, you'll love my cat. He's just like a dog.
You have a pet that makes me sneeze and craps indoors but otherwise is just like a dog. Why don't you just get a dog. Oh, and don't let your cats outside people. Seriously. They're pretty much the 8th biblical plague as far as wildlife goes.
BAD KITTY!!!
Anyway, back to subject at paw:
1. Companionship: Even though there are plenty of posts floating around to the contrary, writing really is a solitary sport. The internet has given us writers a wonderful tool to interact with and stay connected to other writers, which is great. But when it comes down to the actual act of writing, it's just you a blank page...and your dog (if you have one). My dog is my writing partner. While I'm typing away you can usually find him under my desk lending emotional support.
Good dog.
2. Dog Walking Cures Writers Block: I swear this is true. Whenever that blank page wants to stay blank I just walk the dog. **POOF** The mind clears and the ideas come.
Q: Want to know what to do if that doesn't work?
A: Walk the dog again.
3. A Dogs Not Gonna Pee On Your Laptop: I have a friend who's laptop was just fried by her cat's overactive bladder. I'm just saying.
4. Dogs Are Great Listeners: As writers, it's sometimes hard to get people to listen to our story ideas. Our friends and family are sick of it. Our significant others do their best but their eyes glaze over as soon as the words "plot hole" are uttered. It's not their fault. But your dog will listen. He will listen intently to every crazy story idea and character description you subject him to. Sure he's only paying attention in the hopes of hearing the word "treat" but that's not important. What really matters is that you have an audience that pays attention to what your saying (and doesn't give snarky feedback to boot!).
5. BONUS PIPPIN VIDEO:
I'm going to give you 5
Sorry cat lovers, this post isn't for you. Actually, there's a pretty good chance that you'll never find a post on this site extolling the virtues of cat ownership. Cats aren't my thing.
No wait, you'll love my cat. He's just like a dog.
You have a pet that makes me sneeze and craps indoors but otherwise is just like a dog. Why don't you just get a dog. Oh, and don't let your cats outside people. Seriously. They're pretty much the 8th biblical plague as far as wildlife goes.
BAD KITTY!!!
Anyway, back to subject at paw:
 |
| I got your back! |
Good dog.
2. Dog Walking Cures Writers Block: I swear this is true. Whenever that blank page wants to stay blank I just walk the dog. **POOF** The mind clears and the ideas come.
Q: Want to know what to do if that doesn't work?
A: Walk the dog again.
3. A Dogs Not Gonna Pee On Your Laptop: I have a friend who's laptop was just fried by her cat's overactive bladder. I'm just saying.
 |
| Pippin's listening! |
5. BONUS PIPPIN VIDEO:
Lollipop and Grandpa's Back Garden Safari - Penelope Harper and illustrated by Cate James
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Summary:
Back gardens have never been this exciting! Lollipop and Grandpa are intrepid explorers, always on the lookout for the next adventure! It’s often just the two of them against the world in their expeditions, armed only with ham sandwiches and imagination. In this book they set out on an exciting expedition in the back garden where they encounter Chimpan-trees, a Hippo-potta-compost and even a Croco-logus. They’re prepared for action, but will Lollipop and Grandpa make it back home safely?~~~
I was given this book a little while ago and I completely fell in love with it. The story is charming, imaginative and heart-warming. It's great for kids who want to have some adventures in their garden or in the park - instead of a boring patch of grass, they can discover a world full of danger and scary creatures like the Chimpan-trees or the Croco-logus. Any corner of the garden can transform into a scary creature and there really isn't a peaceful place to eat ham sandwiches!
The illustrations by Edinburgh-based illustrator Cate James are simply fantastic. They're very stylish and evocative and play on textures as well as colour. The font is really easy to read and Penelope Harper's story is well-paced, funny and an amazing springboard for children's imagination.
This is an adorable book for grandparents to read to their own little explorers and this is the start of an amazing picture book series about Lollipop's adventures with her Grandpa. Thumbs up from me!
Lollipop and Grandpa's Back Garden Safari, by Penelope Harper and illustrated by Cate James | 2012 | Phoenix Books | Age 3 to 5 | Gift
Summary:
Back gardens have never been this exciting! Lollipop and Grandpa are intrepid explorers, always on the lookout for the next adventure! It’s often just the two of them against the world in their expeditions, armed only with ham sandwiches and imagination. In this book they set out on an exciting expedition in the back garden where they encounter Chimpan-trees, a Hippo-potta-compost and even a Croco-logus. They’re prepared for action, but will Lollipop and Grandpa make it back home safely?~~~
I was given this book a little while ago and I completely fell in love with it. The story is charming, imaginative and heart-warming. It's great for kids who want to have some adventures in their garden or in the park - instead of a boring patch of grass, they can discover a world full of danger and scary creatures like the Chimpan-trees or the Croco-logus. Any corner of the garden can transform into a scary creature and there really isn't a peaceful place to eat ham sandwiches!
The illustrations by Edinburgh-based illustrator Cate James are simply fantastic. They're very stylish and evocative and play on textures as well as colour. The font is really easy to read and Penelope Harper's story is well-paced, funny and an amazing springboard for children's imagination.
This is an adorable book for grandparents to read to their own little explorers and this is the start of an amazing picture book series about Lollipop's adventures with her Grandpa. Thumbs up from me!
Lollipop and Grandpa's Back Garden Safari, by Penelope Harper and illustrated by Cate James | 2012 | Phoenix Books | Age 3 to 5 | Gift
Giveaway!! [UK and Ireland only]
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Hi guys,
As you may have seen from my twitter feed if you follow me, I am moving to Edinburgh to live with my better half and start a new job at the end of this week.
I am extremely excited and I really can't wait to move, even though I'll miss everyone in London!
I am halfway through packing and realized I have some books that I have in duplicate or some book proofs for which I have a finished copy of, so I will be giving away some of my fave books here (new copies) and giving the rest to charity!
I have 3 book proofs which will only be given away to a blogger and some finished copies which will be given away to bloggers and readers alike. I will only send to UK and Ireland only (sorry!).
Please send me an email here with "GIVEAWAY" in the subject line. Send me your name and which book you would like. Please add your address as well so that I can send them asap (I won't use that information and emails will be deleted after the giveaway). The books will be attributed on a first come first served basis. I would rather give each book to a different person but if there is another book you are dying to read and no one else has claimed it, I'll send it as well.
I hope this is all clear and some of you will be thrilled to receive the following books!
Cheers,
Caroline x
Update: Books which are already claimed arebarred.
~~~
BOOK PROOFS:This is for bloggers only so send me your blog URL with your email!
Dead Rules, by R. S. Russell
Poison Heart, by S. B. Hayes
The Prince of Mist, Carlos Ruiz Zafon
~~~
BOOKS:For everyone in UK and Ireland
Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson
Ash, by Malinda Lo
Jessie [Hearts] NYC, by Keris Stainton
Annie On My Mind, by Nancy Garden
Shine, Lauren Myracle (US HB)
As you may have seen from my twitter feed if you follow me, I am moving to Edinburgh to live with my better half and start a new job at the end of this week.
I am extremely excited and I really can't wait to move, even though I'll miss everyone in London!
I am halfway through packing and realized I have some books that I have in duplicate or some book proofs for which I have a finished copy of, so I will be giving away some of my fave books here (new copies) and giving the rest to charity!
I have 3 book proofs which will only be given away to a blogger and some finished copies which will be given away to bloggers and readers alike. I will only send to UK and Ireland only (sorry!).
Please send me an email here with "GIVEAWAY" in the subject line. Send me your name and which book you would like. Please add your address as well so that I can send them asap (I won't use that information and emails will be deleted after the giveaway). The books will be attributed on a first come first served basis. I would rather give each book to a different person but if there is another book you are dying to read and no one else has claimed it, I'll send it as well.
I hope this is all clear and some of you will be thrilled to receive the following books!
Cheers,
Caroline x
Update: Books which are already claimed are
~~~
BOOK PROOFS:This is for bloggers only so send me your blog URL with your email!
~~~
BOOKS:For everyone in UK and Ireland
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