How do you regroup and restart writing when faced with a loss of past work/edits? I figure that one is to do the same thing I did when I finished my first novel draft - have some fun with a short story. When I glanced at some of my recent blog stats, I noticed my post on the Star Trek fanfic contest had some recent hits.
The good and bad of it is that I've got a couple of ideas for stories, but I'm not sure which to choose. Contest rules limit to one story.
One idea follows the last Next Generation cast movie - Nemesis. With the Romulans becoming friends, all of the Trek villains are now allies. Starfleet wants to promote Picard to admiral and make him a figurehead in the Federation. Some high ranks in Starfleet are worried that with all the known Trek villains now friends, that this will actually split the Federation. Why? You'll have to read it and find out.
The second story idea takes place about a year after the JJ Abrams Trek movie. The Enterprise has spent lots of time touring the Federation with the crew being more like celebrities than Starfleet officers and explorers. Kirk finds things becoming very routine and actually getting dull. When a chance for action comes about, he jumps at the chance - too quickly and people die for the first time as a direct result of his orders. How will he react? Think about it. His situation is really no different than a Navy Academy Senior going from the classroom directly to command of an aircraft carrier. Is he truly ready to command?
So, which to write? I think both have potential. Obviously I think they do or I wouldn't consider them! I'm open to input. Which sounds more interesting?
Share your feedback and
Write On.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Rest In Peace William Campbell
Actor William Campbell died today. Star Trek fans will remember Mr. Campbell as Trelane, The Squire of Gothos and (more importantly) as Captain Koloth from what many consider to be the best of the original series episodes, The Trouble With Tribbles.
I'm sure that true Klingon fans will stare into the eyes of death and howl a warning to the dead for one of the greatest Klingon warriors has joined them.
Rest In Peace Mr. Campbell and thank you.
I'm sure that true Klingon fans will stare into the eyes of death and howl a warning to the dead for one of the greatest Klingon warriors has joined them.
Rest In Peace Mr. Campbell and thank you.
Friday, April 22, 2011
It Was Inevitable But Came Quicker Than Expected
E-Books have outsold hardcover and paperbacks in every reading category in the US. The sales were over 200% higher than just one year ago.
Is this a fluke? Doubt it. It's been discussed for a while but many that I've spoken to thought it wouldn't happen for a few years. However, keep in mind that e-readers ranked among the top gifts for last Christmas and e-book sales have been on the rise..
Not something big publishers are too fond of. Especially now that small publishers and self-publishers are taking the fight to the big dogs regarding prices. This leads to smaller margins. To make things worse, I'm hearing more and more about e-book libraries coming. Why is that worse? Libraries are more likely to buy extra copies of the same book, not just for demand but, let's face it, people are harder on things they don't own. Library books are more likely to get damaged and need replacing. That wouldn't be an issue with e-books. Best part for library patrons is, unless the library can only share a limited number, no waiting list.
Is this a fluke? Doubt it. It's been discussed for a while but many that I've spoken to thought it wouldn't happen for a few years. However, keep in mind that e-readers ranked among the top gifts for last Christmas and e-book sales have been on the rise..
Not something big publishers are too fond of. Especially now that small publishers and self-publishers are taking the fight to the big dogs regarding prices. This leads to smaller margins. To make things worse, I'm hearing more and more about e-book libraries coming. Why is that worse? Libraries are more likely to buy extra copies of the same book, not just for demand but, let's face it, people are harder on things they don't own. Library books are more likely to get damaged and need replacing. That wouldn't be an issue with e-books. Best part for library patrons is, unless the library can only share a limited number, no waiting list.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Redundant Backup Is An Oxymoron
I've been procrastinating about this post because I'm embarrassed to admit this. I've been in a major writing/blogging slump because a few months ago I hit the unlucky/stupid jackpot. My computer had a virus and, while many files were saved, much of my writing was lost. Fortunately, I had it all backed up on a USB flash drive - that got left in my pants pocket and washed - aka RUINED.
At first, I thought all was lost until I went to our old computer and did find a copy of my story. The problem is it was about 1-2 years out of date. So, I'm back to a raw draft - most of my edits lost and friends who've edited for me deleted their copies. For now, I'll probably have to shelve this piece and, when I have time to write again, work on another project. There are plenty of creative voices in my head. I'm sure one of them has something entertaining to say.
Learn from my stupidity. Don't just backup often, make a couple of backups to keep your work safe!
At first, I thought all was lost until I went to our old computer and did find a copy of my story. The problem is it was about 1-2 years out of date. So, I'm back to a raw draft - most of my edits lost and friends who've edited for me deleted their copies. For now, I'll probably have to shelve this piece and, when I have time to write again, work on another project. There are plenty of creative voices in my head. I'm sure one of them has something entertaining to say.
Learn from my stupidity. Don't just backup often, make a couple of backups to keep your work safe!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Commercials on Kindle! Is Nothing Sacred Anymore?
I've heard family and friends say that they'd be willing to pay a little more for DVDs and Blu Rays if it meant skipping ads and things like that. This is a little like that. A new Kindle is coming May 3 that costs $25 less, but the price is sitting through some "well-placed ads." But Kindle/Amazon isn't using the term "ads." They're calling it a "Kindle with special offers."
One difference I've heard with these ads is the ability to vote on the types of ads through their web site and the AdMash Kindle app.
I think I'll stick with my iPad e-reader.
One difference I've heard with these ads is the ability to vote on the types of ads through their web site and the AdMash Kindle app.
I think I'll stick with my iPad e-reader.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Motivate To Write Through Non-Writing Projects
After about 2 months of working out, training, and happily sweating off about 25 lbs, I finally tested last Saturday and earned my second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Of course, one of the best aspects of that was the fact that my six-year old son was there to watch it. He seemed more interested in his iPad for the most part, but took notice sometimes when Daddy got up for sparring, grappling, and board breaking. What dad doesn't like to succeed in front of his child?
For the most part, I've done no writing or editing work on my own projects during this time, but I'm hoping to change that some now. In some ways, I think this break is good for me as a writer. I'm in the best shape I've been in for a few years, I have a renewed sense of self-confidence because of what I have just achieved, and now I can come back and look at my projects with a fresher perspective.
I know some people who seem so dedicated to their writing that there's no room for anything else. I don't think that's good for anyone. Too much focus on one thing will lead to burnout and frustration that much faster. Don't be impatient. Sometimes it will help writing to walk away from it and do something else. Some science fiction writers are former military. I've seen how some writers are also artists or have other hobbies.
Another consideration is that I believe that my martial arts training helps my credibility as a writer. I remember in writing workshops hearing people say, "Write what you know." Incorporating outside interests into writing helps the credibility of a story, and makes associated research easier/more pleasurable (less like "work"). Also, think of your favorite writers. When reading the bio on the backs of the books, how often do you see that they've had military service, or other activities where their expertise shows clearly in their writing? As a reader, does that make you more interested in the author than if the book bio simply listed a college and no "life experiences?"
Personally, I like reading good books written by interesting people. I'd be very proud to include things in an author bio as: former member of the United States Army. 2nd Degree Tae Kwon Do Black Belt (maybe 3rd by the time I actually publish). Of course, my most important credential is, and always will be, Daddy.
Get out, take on the world and
Write On.
For the most part, I've done no writing or editing work on my own projects during this time, but I'm hoping to change that some now. In some ways, I think this break is good for me as a writer. I'm in the best shape I've been in for a few years, I have a renewed sense of self-confidence because of what I have just achieved, and now I can come back and look at my projects with a fresher perspective.
I know some people who seem so dedicated to their writing that there's no room for anything else. I don't think that's good for anyone. Too much focus on one thing will lead to burnout and frustration that much faster. Don't be impatient. Sometimes it will help writing to walk away from it and do something else. Some science fiction writers are former military. I've seen how some writers are also artists or have other hobbies.
Another consideration is that I believe that my martial arts training helps my credibility as a writer. I remember in writing workshops hearing people say, "Write what you know." Incorporating outside interests into writing helps the credibility of a story, and makes associated research easier/more pleasurable (less like "work"). Also, think of your favorite writers. When reading the bio on the backs of the books, how often do you see that they've had military service, or other activities where their expertise shows clearly in their writing? As a reader, does that make you more interested in the author than if the book bio simply listed a college and no "life experiences?"
Personally, I like reading good books written by interesting people. I'd be very proud to include things in an author bio as: former member of the United States Army. 2nd Degree Tae Kwon Do Black Belt (maybe 3rd by the time I actually publish). Of course, my most important credential is, and always will be, Daddy.
Get out, take on the world and
Write On.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Stargate's End
I'm sure those who read this have already seen some other posts regarding the upcoming cancellation of SyFy's Stargate Universe (SG-U). I've seen some of them and agree with some things while disagreeing with others. Let me make a comparison with the prior shows, Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis (SGA).
SG-1 and SGA had so many similarities that the shows really didn't have a lot of things that differentiated them. Both had balanced ensemble casts who seemed very familiar. The immediate leaders Col O'Neil (replaced by Col Mitchell) for SG-1 and Col Sheppard for SGA were competent military commanders/pilots who basically came off as likable goofballs. Each show had their scientific genius (Carter/McKay). The addition of Ronan on SGA was their answer for Teal'c. In some ways Daniel Jackson and Teyla filled the same roles. While they were very different people, they both seemed to play the role of the team's conscience/wisdom. SG-U didn't have the chemistry those characters developed. And fans noticed.
Overall plot similarities. When it came right down to it, both shows were about protecting Earth against malevolent entities. For SG-1 it was the Goa'uld and then the Ori. Both similar concepts - highly advanced races that consider themselves gods and plan to enslave humanity. For SGA it was the Wraith. While not having delusions of being deities, the Wraith were obviously a threat. They wanted us to eat, which does indicate a level of superiority even if it's not god-like. Face it, we think we're better and more deserving than our dinners.
The producers of SG-U wisely wanted to come up with something different so it didn't look like another spinoff/new names and same types of character. Good idea in concept, but unfortunately they took it too far from a formula that worked. I never really got that into the characters. I looked up a couple of things to refresh my memory (since the show couldn't keep my interest enough to make me care to follow the broader plot). IIRC, early in the show, Destiny seemed to be following seed-ships that were dropping Stargates on planets. However, I thought I saw more recently a big reveal that Destiny's true mission had to do with finding the origins of the universe? If Destiny's the ship that's looking for this great truth/solve this great mystery, why is it following the seed ships? Shouldn't it be leading?
Lastly, regarding the overall plot. SG-1 and SGA had threats to humanity and the fans liked having a constant threat/villain to boo (or even cheer), while SG-U was looking for the source of the universe or something (literally) more cosmic. The broad plot for SG-1 and SGA, while possibly more cliche, were at least exciting. For SG-U, I give it's reveal a big "WHO CARES!"
Better luck next time SyFy.
SG-1 and SGA had so many similarities that the shows really didn't have a lot of things that differentiated them. Both had balanced ensemble casts who seemed very familiar. The immediate leaders Col O'Neil (replaced by Col Mitchell) for SG-1 and Col Sheppard for SGA were competent military commanders/pilots who basically came off as likable goofballs. Each show had their scientific genius (Carter/McKay). The addition of Ronan on SGA was their answer for Teal'c. In some ways Daniel Jackson and Teyla filled the same roles. While they were very different people, they both seemed to play the role of the team's conscience/wisdom. SG-U didn't have the chemistry those characters developed. And fans noticed.
Overall plot similarities. When it came right down to it, both shows were about protecting Earth against malevolent entities. For SG-1 it was the Goa'uld and then the Ori. Both similar concepts - highly advanced races that consider themselves gods and plan to enslave humanity. For SGA it was the Wraith. While not having delusions of being deities, the Wraith were obviously a threat. They wanted us to eat, which does indicate a level of superiority even if it's not god-like. Face it, we think we're better and more deserving than our dinners.
The producers of SG-U wisely wanted to come up with something different so it didn't look like another spinoff/new names and same types of character. Good idea in concept, but unfortunately they took it too far from a formula that worked. I never really got that into the characters. I looked up a couple of things to refresh my memory (since the show couldn't keep my interest enough to make me care to follow the broader plot). IIRC, early in the show, Destiny seemed to be following seed-ships that were dropping Stargates on planets. However, I thought I saw more recently a big reveal that Destiny's true mission had to do with finding the origins of the universe? If Destiny's the ship that's looking for this great truth/solve this great mystery, why is it following the seed ships? Shouldn't it be leading?
Lastly, regarding the overall plot. SG-1 and SGA had threats to humanity and the fans liked having a constant threat/villain to boo (or even cheer), while SG-U was looking for the source of the universe or something (literally) more cosmic. The broad plot for SG-1 and SGA, while possibly more cliche, were at least exciting. For SG-U, I give it's reveal a big "WHO CARES!"
Better luck next time SyFy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)