This week, I had the chance to go to New York City to visit some writing friends from the Catholic Writers' Guild, Ann Lewis and Lisa Mladinich. We'd become good IM buddies, and I was thrilled to get to meet them face to face before I moved halfway across the country. We had a real writers' holiday.
On the flight up, I critiqued Ann's latest mystery. It was more of a character-driven story, with the mystery tossed in the middle that helps him answer his own personal crisis, but somehow, the mystery hadn't achieved its purpose. I got an idea for restructure and wrote it down just as we were landing.
Ann picked me up and on the way to Lisa's house, we talked about my idea. It might work, but still had some flaws, these of a more theological nature-the mystery involves the famous Fr. Brown--so we decided to bring it up to the writer's group Lisa was hosting. In the meantime, Ann noted a flaw in my mystery novel. While the book was a lot of fun, there was no immediate threat to give the book some depth. "Why should I, the reader, care?" Ann explained. I'd sensed the same thing, but had dismissed it as asking too much of the plot. Now the doubts came back.
At the writer's group, we met some wonderful ladies. There were poets, children's book writers, illustrators and even a bookstore owner. We shared our stories, played with verse, and exclaimed over the illustrations. Ann's plot problem was brought up and soon we had a new organization that looked promising. I shared some of the other stories and background of Dragon Eye, PI, and in doing so, came up with my plot complication--and yes, it's so cliche'! Just like the Faerie. I gave a copy of ISIG to the bookstore owner, with some marketing ideas for it, and even sold a copy to another lady in the group.
After everyone had left, Lisa, Ann and I started our brainstorming session for a Catholic cartoon we'd been working on. Later, when Ann had to get home, Lisa and I chatted about books and writing and life (isn't it all one in the same?). I told her my Miscria plot and told her daughter my Witch Androvitch stories. She told me more about her book (Catholic paranormal romance--it's GOOD!), her puppets and her hopes for the Catholic cartoon. We talked about prayer and needing to ask God to guide us in our writing.
The next day, Ann returned, bringing her 3-year-old son, and while he played in the backyard and amazed us with his wit and intelligence, we got the majority of a pilot episode hammered out. There's a real energy from discussing something in person. Would we ever had fallen so in love with Gus the Caterpillar if we hadn't been able to see Ann pinch her glasses and lift them ever so slightly with a funny half smile as she acted out Gus in a moment of discovery? Would Lisa have come up with her lovely song if we hadn't been discussing different hymns? We decided we need to try to meet at least once a year.
As I flew home, I found myself refreshed and inspired. What a great couple of days.
We sometimes think writing is a solitary experience, but there's an energy in working with others that cannot be denied.
Thanks, ladies!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Book Signing and Lessons
We had our first book signing today!
We held it at the Salem Church Library in Fredericksburg. I called a couple of weeks ago, and at the advice of the event manager, agreed to set up with a table at the lobby. I sent out some press releases, forgot about it when my computer decided to run MicroSloth instead of MicroSoft, then scrambled to let folks know the day before.
It was a busy day at our little library, with a used book sale and a quilting show. At about 9:50, we showed up at the library with our books and our paraphernalia and our box of books. The lady at the reference desk asked us what kind of table we wanted, and since it was Rob and me, we chose a long one rather than the card table. She gave us tape to put our sign on the table cloth, taped the poster to the front, and lined up some books along the left with the EPPIE trophy. On the right, we set one book on a stand, and the flyers, post cards, etc. In the middle was the sales flyer and a sign-up sheet for visitors.
So we sat for the next four hours. We greeted everyone as they came in. Usually, they'd smile and make a quick left turn to the quilts or used books. Some would come right to us...only to ask where story time was, or if there were water fountains. After awhile, I got more comfortable and started saying to anyone who would do more than give a distracted "hello" as they stared at the artwork behind us, "If you like science fiction, come look." That drew a little more reaction, even if it was just to say, "Nope, sorry. Don't like sci-fi."
About 15 people stopped and asked us about the book. Some gentlemen sat on the bench and perused it while their wives perused the quilts. A couple of people stopped to discuss the interaction of religion and sci fi. Some signed our guestbook. Some took cards with our e-mail address to check if their friend or relative were interested. We only made one sale and donated one to the library, but it was a good first experience.
Here are some things we learned:
--PR!! Don't just rely on media releases. Put up flyers in areas that attract your kind of readers. Invite your friends and neighbors. Tell them when you make the announcement, a week before and the day before. Ask them to tell a friend. Use your contact list.
--At the library, it's good to have a book signing when they're having other events. Other events draw folks. Our only sale was to a lady who came for the show. She was delighted to go home with quilting patches and summer reading.
--If you have family in the area, tell them. (Can you believe I forgot to tell my mother-in-law? She was not happy with us.)
--Don't expect your title to reveal the genre. We thought "Infinite Space, Infinite God" was obviously religious sci-fi, especially with the cover--a monstrance against a background of stars and earthscape. Nonetheless, we had several people say they couldn't figure it out. Make sure your poster gives the genre.
--Bring a scrapbook. While we had our EPPIE trophy and the sell sheet, there were times I could have generated more interest if I'd shown them the story synopses, reviews, etc.
--Have a sign-up sheet. We made one with name and e-mail, and places to checkmark for the genres we write in and whether or not we could contact them with info about our next efforts. These will add to our contact list. (I'm also sending the thank you e-cards.)
--Make sure they give you an e-mail if they want to be contacted. I have two folks who didn't.
--Take notes. Keep track of how many people you talked to. At our library, the book signing actually counts as a meeting and affects their funding. By giving them the number of folks who "attended" (had extended conversations with us), we were able to help them.
--Bring tape, straight pins (to pin things to the tablecloth) and extra pens. And a cushion. Library benches can get hard on the fanny.
--If you have a laptop, make a little video scrapbook to play on it. You might include your book trailer, read some of your reviews, give tidbits. Don't make it too long, but keep it interesting. If you're going to have sound, ask first--esp. at the library.
--Bring a camera and get a photo!
--If you're working on your next book, bring the manuscript to work on. I've got a couple of folks who are interested in my fantasy novel. Plus, it gave me something to do, so I didn't feel so pitiful.
--Meet and thank the staff. Because of timing, I didn't get much chance to do this, but these are the folks who will market your book for you after the sale. Go early and introduce yourself, bring a treat, donate a copy of the book, and give them a thank-you note. Offer to write a compliment, and give them the stats of your signing--number of folks contacted, number who showed interest, number of books you know you sold.
Done a book signing? Have extra tips? Leave them below!
We held it at the Salem Church Library in Fredericksburg. I called a couple of weeks ago, and at the advice of the event manager, agreed to set up with a table at the lobby. I sent out some press releases, forgot about it when my computer decided to run MicroSloth instead of MicroSoft, then scrambled to let folks know the day before.
It was a busy day at our little library, with a used book sale and a quilting show. At about 9:50, we showed up at the library with our books and our paraphernalia and our box of books. The lady at the reference desk asked us what kind of table we wanted, and since it was Rob and me, we chose a long one rather than the card table. She gave us tape to put our sign on the table cloth, taped the poster to the front, and lined up some books along the left with the EPPIE trophy. On the right, we set one book on a stand, and the flyers, post cards, etc. In the middle was the sales flyer and a sign-up sheet for visitors.
So we sat for the next four hours. We greeted everyone as they came in. Usually, they'd smile and make a quick left turn to the quilts or used books. Some would come right to us...only to ask where story time was, or if there were water fountains. After awhile, I got more comfortable and started saying to anyone who would do more than give a distracted "hello" as they stared at the artwork behind us, "If you like science fiction, come look." That drew a little more reaction, even if it was just to say, "Nope, sorry. Don't like sci-fi."
About 15 people stopped and asked us about the book. Some gentlemen sat on the bench and perused it while their wives perused the quilts. A couple of people stopped to discuss the interaction of religion and sci fi. Some signed our guestbook. Some took cards with our e-mail address to check if their friend or relative were interested. We only made one sale and donated one to the library, but it was a good first experience.
Here are some things we learned:
--PR!! Don't just rely on media releases. Put up flyers in areas that attract your kind of readers. Invite your friends and neighbors. Tell them when you make the announcement, a week before and the day before. Ask them to tell a friend. Use your contact list.
--At the library, it's good to have a book signing when they're having other events. Other events draw folks. Our only sale was to a lady who came for the show. She was delighted to go home with quilting patches and summer reading.
--If you have family in the area, tell them. (Can you believe I forgot to tell my mother-in-law? She was not happy with us.)
--Don't expect your title to reveal the genre. We thought "Infinite Space, Infinite God" was obviously religious sci-fi, especially with the cover--a monstrance against a background of stars and earthscape. Nonetheless, we had several people say they couldn't figure it out. Make sure your poster gives the genre.
--Bring a scrapbook. While we had our EPPIE trophy and the sell sheet, there were times I could have generated more interest if I'd shown them the story synopses, reviews, etc.
--Have a sign-up sheet. We made one with name and e-mail, and places to checkmark for the genres we write in and whether or not we could contact them with info about our next efforts. These will add to our contact list. (I'm also sending the thank you e-cards.)
--Make sure they give you an e-mail if they want to be contacted. I have two folks who didn't.
--Take notes. Keep track of how many people you talked to. At our library, the book signing actually counts as a meeting and affects their funding. By giving them the number of folks who "attended" (had extended conversations with us), we were able to help them.
--Bring tape, straight pins (to pin things to the tablecloth) and extra pens. And a cushion. Library benches can get hard on the fanny.
--If you have a laptop, make a little video scrapbook to play on it. You might include your book trailer, read some of your reviews, give tidbits. Don't make it too long, but keep it interesting. If you're going to have sound, ask first--esp. at the library.
--Bring a camera and get a photo!
--If you're working on your next book, bring the manuscript to work on. I've got a couple of folks who are interested in my fantasy novel. Plus, it gave me something to do, so I didn't feel so pitiful.
--Meet and thank the staff. Because of timing, I didn't get much chance to do this, but these are the folks who will market your book for you after the sale. Go early and introduce yourself, bring a treat, donate a copy of the book, and give them a thank-you note. Offer to write a compliment, and give them the stats of your signing--number of folks contacted, number who showed interest, number of books you know you sold.
Done a book signing? Have extra tips? Leave them below!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Forging a place for Faith-Filled Fiction
I have a friend who is working on a novel in which a character who is, for the most part, agnostic, but is marrying a devout Catholic girl. The story takes place in Victorian England, so there are some issues of prejudice, but the real intent of the story is his own personal musings on faith. In the end, the character does not undergo any miraculous conversion, merely the realization that there is more to faith than he’d previously assumed, and that perhaps he needs to give it more attention. Nonetheless, she’s concerned that she’s going to put readers off.
A week ago, a friend tried to get me a book signing at her local Catholic bookstore. The timing is bad (the owner is recovering from the post-First Communion rush), so I suggested a secular bookstore. She said she couldn’t see how she could successfully approach a secular bookstore when my book has a Monstrance—a Catholic symbol—on the cover.
I find it ironic that in a mostly Christian nation, the bookstores—esp. the sci-fi, fantasy and horror sections—are full of pictures of demons, pentagrams, and other occult symbols and books with descriptions of pagan ceremonies and magic, yet Christian writers are certain of a strongly negative reaction against their books that mention faith—either as a characterization, plot sequence or cover art.
I see this as sadly indicative of two things: how hypersensitive we have become to the topic of religion and how many Christian writers have only made the way rougher by writing high-handed, self-righteous works under the guide of fiction. Certainly not all, and perhaps not even most, published Christian writers do this, but enough have done it to give faith-filled fiction a tarnished reputation.
However, much has been said on both of these topics, so today I want to talk about what we as writers can do about it.
First and most obvious is simply to write good speculative fiction. For example, as I explained to my friend, Infinite Space, Infinite God is science fiction first, with Catholicism as its “twist.” When we put out a call for submissions, we judged first the quality of the writing, then the plot as a SF story, and finally the positive use of the Catholic faith. That’s why it’s gotten great reviews, even when most of the reviewers are not Catholic.
Second is to make the faith an integral part of the universe and the characters rather than make the characters, plot and world work for the sake of the Biblical message. In Flashpoint, for example, Frank Creed has a lot of Scripture in his story, but he’s woven it in as part of the cyberpunk universe. If it weren’t for the notations (Matthew 3:16, for example), someone not familiar with the Bible might not even realize that they’re reading the Word of God. Many successful Christian writers I’ve met have told me that they do not force the moral into their books but rather concentrate on the story and let the Holy Spirit weave its way into the writing.
Once we’ve worked our pieces so that they are quality literature with a Godly message rather than Godly literature of dubious quality, we need to promote. Not just to a narrow Christian audience, but to the mainstream. If people want a book to help them pray or learn about their faith, they may go to a Christian bookstore. However, if they want to read something for entertainment, they go to a secular one, whether independent or a big chain. If we want to reach people and sell our stories, we need to go to them. After all, Jesus didn’t just sell his stories in the Temple, nor did he tell the Apostles to preach only to a select few.
We need to go out there, unapologetic and un-apologetic. Promote your books to the secular market as a great read in the genre. Don’t hide the religious nature, but don’t hammer it, either. After all, folks should read our stories because we’re good writers with compelling tales; if they want a “Christian message,” they can go to Church or read the Bible itself.
When I promote Infinite Space, Infinite God to secular stores, I tell them the anthology has all the things that define sci-fi: interstellar and time travel, fantastic futuristic devices based on current and speculative science, utopias and dystopias garnered from projecting the trends of today. There’s even a good-old-fashioned alien abduction. Yet all are done with a twist—a Catholic world view. If I get raised eyebrows or just simple interest, I’ll go on to explain that just the Church has played an active and positive roll in science and technology for thousands of years; in ISIG, we see that roll continuing as the Church and Catholic characters use their faith and ideals as well as technology to handle the conflicts they face. Thus, this is not evangelization but the study of how technology and faith interact—and what is sci fi if not a chance to explore these kinds of questions?
Finally, once we’re out there, we need to build our audience—and we do that by being kind and encouraging, fun and informative to talk with—and by producing more great stories.
Only when we take our place as a rightful member of the mainstream--not defensively feeling like we need a special store or even a special spot in the store, but with confidence that we, too, have something readers will enjoy—will we be able to gain acceptance for our own unique take on a well-established genre.
A week ago, a friend tried to get me a book signing at her local Catholic bookstore. The timing is bad (the owner is recovering from the post-First Communion rush), so I suggested a secular bookstore. She said she couldn’t see how she could successfully approach a secular bookstore when my book has a Monstrance—a Catholic symbol—on the cover.
I find it ironic that in a mostly Christian nation, the bookstores—esp. the sci-fi, fantasy and horror sections—are full of pictures of demons, pentagrams, and other occult symbols and books with descriptions of pagan ceremonies and magic, yet Christian writers are certain of a strongly negative reaction against their books that mention faith—either as a characterization, plot sequence or cover art.
I see this as sadly indicative of two things: how hypersensitive we have become to the topic of religion and how many Christian writers have only made the way rougher by writing high-handed, self-righteous works under the guide of fiction. Certainly not all, and perhaps not even most, published Christian writers do this, but enough have done it to give faith-filled fiction a tarnished reputation.
However, much has been said on both of these topics, so today I want to talk about what we as writers can do about it.
First and most obvious is simply to write good speculative fiction. For example, as I explained to my friend, Infinite Space, Infinite God is science fiction first, with Catholicism as its “twist.” When we put out a call for submissions, we judged first the quality of the writing, then the plot as a SF story, and finally the positive use of the Catholic faith. That’s why it’s gotten great reviews, even when most of the reviewers are not Catholic.
Second is to make the faith an integral part of the universe and the characters rather than make the characters, plot and world work for the sake of the Biblical message. In Flashpoint, for example, Frank Creed has a lot of Scripture in his story, but he’s woven it in as part of the cyberpunk universe. If it weren’t for the notations (Matthew 3:16, for example), someone not familiar with the Bible might not even realize that they’re reading the Word of God. Many successful Christian writers I’ve met have told me that they do not force the moral into their books but rather concentrate on the story and let the Holy Spirit weave its way into the writing.
Once we’ve worked our pieces so that they are quality literature with a Godly message rather than Godly literature of dubious quality, we need to promote. Not just to a narrow Christian audience, but to the mainstream. If people want a book to help them pray or learn about their faith, they may go to a Christian bookstore. However, if they want to read something for entertainment, they go to a secular one, whether independent or a big chain. If we want to reach people and sell our stories, we need to go to them. After all, Jesus didn’t just sell his stories in the Temple, nor did he tell the Apostles to preach only to a select few.
We need to go out there, unapologetic and un-apologetic. Promote your books to the secular market as a great read in the genre. Don’t hide the religious nature, but don’t hammer it, either. After all, folks should read our stories because we’re good writers with compelling tales; if they want a “Christian message,” they can go to Church or read the Bible itself.
When I promote Infinite Space, Infinite God to secular stores, I tell them the anthology has all the things that define sci-fi: interstellar and time travel, fantastic futuristic devices based on current and speculative science, utopias and dystopias garnered from projecting the trends of today. There’s even a good-old-fashioned alien abduction. Yet all are done with a twist—a Catholic world view. If I get raised eyebrows or just simple interest, I’ll go on to explain that just the Church has played an active and positive roll in science and technology for thousands of years; in ISIG, we see that roll continuing as the Church and Catholic characters use their faith and ideals as well as technology to handle the conflicts they face. Thus, this is not evangelization but the study of how technology and faith interact—and what is sci fi if not a chance to explore these kinds of questions?
Finally, once we’re out there, we need to build our audience—and we do that by being kind and encouraging, fun and informative to talk with—and by producing more great stories.
Only when we take our place as a rightful member of the mainstream--not defensively feeling like we need a special store or even a special spot in the store, but with confidence that we, too, have something readers will enjoy—will we be able to gain acceptance for our own unique take on a well-established genre.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Tribute and Thanks to Lea Schizas
Today, I'd like to tell you about an amazing woman, Lea Schizas.
Lea is an author, mother, editor and organizer extraordinaire. It seems she's always up to some new scheme, project, or adventure.
I first met Lea when I attended the MuseOnline Writers Conference. As founder and organizer of the conference, she kept over a 1000 convention goers, five chat rooms, and scores of seminars—not to mention a HUGE Yahoo group—coordinated and running. If you were on a chat, she was there. If you had a problem—e-mail her and it was good as solved. But even more, she was always positive, even thrilled to do whatever needed to be done to make the conference a success. And a success it was. When I went to the conference, promoting ISIG seemed like an expensive, daunting endeavor. After the workshop, I saw it as doable and even fun. Even more, I made some good friends.
Lea is not one to rest on her laurels, however. Next, she invited us to attend a website building workshop. I was new to the website world, having hired someone to build mine and thought building one on my own would require a college level course. She taught us how to make one with free services like tripod and freewebs, where she has her own sites. Thanks to her, I have a book site for ISIG, a site for my Dragon Eye characters, and a media room that attaches to the standard website. (HTML still intimidates me.)
So Lea is a great lady for teaching groups and getting folks together, but she's also been a mentor on a personal level. From encouraging e-mails and featuring me on one of her blogs to getting me involved in a critique group, she's done more to help me in my writing than any single person.
This is what Lea does, but it doesn't really tell you what she is: enthusiastic, positive, encouraging, and lots of fun. Lea is a lady as well as a writer. She has undying energy, it seems, and an incredible desire to give. Because of that, she has touched the lives of many writers, and as a future generation of writers comes into its own, several of them—several of us—will have Lea to thank.
We didn't want to wait until that day, however, so we've chosen this weekend, Mother's Day weekend in the US, to tell our Writer Mother Hen, "Thanks."
God bless you, Lea. You're part of the power beneath our pens.
Lea is an author, mother, editor and organizer extraordinaire. It seems she's always up to some new scheme, project, or adventure.
I first met Lea when I attended the MuseOnline Writers Conference. As founder and organizer of the conference, she kept over a 1000 convention goers, five chat rooms, and scores of seminars—not to mention a HUGE Yahoo group—coordinated and running. If you were on a chat, she was there. If you had a problem—e-mail her and it was good as solved. But even more, she was always positive, even thrilled to do whatever needed to be done to make the conference a success. And a success it was. When I went to the conference, promoting ISIG seemed like an expensive, daunting endeavor. After the workshop, I saw it as doable and even fun. Even more, I made some good friends.
Lea is not one to rest on her laurels, however. Next, she invited us to attend a website building workshop. I was new to the website world, having hired someone to build mine and thought building one on my own would require a college level course. She taught us how to make one with free services like tripod and freewebs, where she has her own sites. Thanks to her, I have a book site for ISIG, a site for my Dragon Eye characters, and a media room that attaches to the standard website. (HTML still intimidates me.)
So Lea is a great lady for teaching groups and getting folks together, but she's also been a mentor on a personal level. From encouraging e-mails and featuring me on one of her blogs to getting me involved in a critique group, she's done more to help me in my writing than any single person.
This is what Lea does, but it doesn't really tell you what she is: enthusiastic, positive, encouraging, and lots of fun. Lea is a lady as well as a writer. She has undying energy, it seems, and an incredible desire to give. Because of that, she has touched the lives of many writers, and as a future generation of writers comes into its own, several of them—several of us—will have Lea to thank.
We didn't want to wait until that day, however, so we've chosen this weekend, Mother's Day weekend in the US, to tell our Writer Mother Hen, "Thanks."
God bless you, Lea. You're part of the power beneath our pens.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Where I've Been
Haven't blogged in a week, and while there's really no excuse, I do have reasons:
#1. I've been busy sending out copies of Infinite Space, Infinite God to reviewers and those who pre-ordered from me. If you would like a pre-release promotional copy of ISIG, signed, please e-mail me using the Contact button on the menu. I've also been trying to get some book signings.
#2. My computer is freaking out again. I have decided I am indeed some kind of computer jinx. This time, the problem (in addition to a return of the keyboard and DVD door problems) is slow run time. After it took over an hour to do a 10 minute cut-and-paste job on my Virtual Book Tour blog, I gave up. I tried to tackle the problem—cleaning the drive, getting rid of old programs and running virus and other security scans. Each new thing just made it worse, it seems. It's now at HP and I'm on my husband's laptop. Pray I don't "curse" it, too. Of course, this means that, even though my data is backed up, it's not easily accessible until my old computer is back from the shop and everything is re-installed.
#3 and best of all, I got a manuscript request from a publisher. A couple of months ago, I proposed a novelization of my fantasy mystery serial, Magic, Mensa, and Mayhem. The publisher is intrigued by the idea (which I hope means something along the lines of, "ROFLMAO! This is such a riot. I can't wait to see what happens next!") So for the next couple of months, I'm on a NaNo-style typing quest. I need to have the full manuscript done by the end of July and remember, in the intervening months, I'm
So anyway, life is busy and fun—except for the computer trouble. I can't even come up with a good theme song. Maybe something will hit me later.
#1. I've been busy sending out copies of Infinite Space, Infinite God to reviewers and those who pre-ordered from me. If you would like a pre-release promotional copy of ISIG, signed, please e-mail me using the Contact button on the menu. I've also been trying to get some book signings.
#2. My computer is freaking out again. I have decided I am indeed some kind of computer jinx. This time, the problem (in addition to a return of the keyboard and DVD door problems) is slow run time. After it took over an hour to do a 10 minute cut-and-paste job on my Virtual Book Tour blog, I gave up. I tried to tackle the problem—cleaning the drive, getting rid of old programs and running virus and other security scans. Each new thing just made it worse, it seems. It's now at HP and I'm on my husband's laptop. Pray I don't "curse" it, too. Of course, this means that, even though my data is backed up, it's not easily accessible until my old computer is back from the shop and everything is re-installed.
#3 and best of all, I got a manuscript request from a publisher. A couple of months ago, I proposed a novelization of my fantasy mystery serial, Magic, Mensa, and Mayhem. The publisher is intrigued by the idea (which I hope means something along the lines of, "ROFLMAO! This is such a riot. I can't wait to see what happens next!") So for the next couple of months, I'm on a NaNo-style typing quest. I need to have the full manuscript done by the end of July and remember, in the intervening months, I'm
--homeschooling the kids
--selling our house
--planning a move to Minot
--attending Commander's Wife school in Colorado
So anyway, life is busy and fun—except for the computer trouble. I can't even come up with a good theme song. Maybe something will hit me later.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Some of the many things I love about Rob
You know, you don't see a lot of door-to-door evangelists lately. I think I know why. They must have run up against people like my husband.
When my husband was agnostic, he had a lot of fun with evangelists who came to his door.
His dog tags said "Druid" and he would ague that Druids were favored by God. After all, how many Druids died in WWII? None! (No practicing Druids were in WWII that he knew of, but that's beside the point, of course...) After other similarly true but statistically insignificant examples, he showed them his potted plant and said he worshipped at the plant and they were welcome to join him. They left quickly and warned all his neighbors.
He also used his dog tags during military survival training. While a "prisoner" in the mock-POW camp, he tried to demand his Geneva convention rights to worship: "Just give me a stone knife and some blue face paint and leave me alone in the woods for a couple of hours. Come on! I'll come back when I'm done. Really, I will. I'll even forgo the virgin." Somehow, the trainers didn't buy it.
They did, however, buy his secret communications routine. Before the training, he and a friend found Tolkein's Elvish dictionary and learned a few phrases. Completely baffled the trainers. They even brought in linguists to try to figure out what they were saying.
Is it any wonder I fell in love with this man?
Ironically, I "converted" him with just seven words: "Want to come with me to Mass?" He came for the love of me and stayed for the love of God.
When my husband was agnostic, he had a lot of fun with evangelists who came to his door.
His dog tags said "Druid" and he would ague that Druids were favored by God. After all, how many Druids died in WWII? None! (No practicing Druids were in WWII that he knew of, but that's beside the point, of course...) After other similarly true but statistically insignificant examples, he showed them his potted plant and said he worshipped at the plant and they were welcome to join him. They left quickly and warned all his neighbors.
He also used his dog tags during military survival training. While a "prisoner" in the mock-POW camp, he tried to demand his Geneva convention rights to worship: "Just give me a stone knife and some blue face paint and leave me alone in the woods for a couple of hours. Come on! I'll come back when I'm done. Really, I will. I'll even forgo the virgin." Somehow, the trainers didn't buy it.
They did, however, buy his secret communications routine. Before the training, he and a friend found Tolkein's Elvish dictionary and learned a few phrases. Completely baffled the trainers. They even brought in linguists to try to figure out what they were saying.
Is it any wonder I fell in love with this man?
Ironically, I "converted" him with just seven words: "Want to come with me to Mass?" He came for the love of me and stayed for the love of God.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Homeschool Drop Outs!
We're homeschool drop-outs!
Some of you may already know that next year, we're putting the kids in "regular" school--on-base elementary for the littles and Catholic for the older two. We feel the kids need the experience and I can use the break.
Drop out #2 happened yesterday. It started with a last week's temper tantrums by our youngest (we suspect a food allergy) and ended with a failed Latin test. It was only Monday and I was already exhausted and hating the thought of going downstairs to the classroom. I found myself thinking, "Who cares about Latin, anyway?!" We'd spent five years in Virginia and had hardly seen anything aside from Kings Dominion--and that's an amusement park!
Even more, I thought about how we'd be ending our school experience: Mom stressed out and yelling about proper semicolon usage, kids thinking they're stupid or lazy because they didn't get a good grade on a test, and an incredible opportunity--living in the center of early American History--unexplored.
And, I thought, the kids actually enjoyed our impromptu short hike along the Fredericksburg battlefield, and we got a new truck with GPS navigation. I didn't have to fear getting lost on the roads; "Tecca" (we named the truck, yes) would tell us where to go.
I pulled the kids into the study and lined them up against the wall. I told them how I hated the way things were going and how I really wanted to have some fun and learn about some new stuff. They agreed they, too, were tired of books and papers and tests. So I gave them the proposition: we'd keep reading Bible, mythology, and history. Liam would continue with reading. Alex and Liam would have flash cards for math facts. Otherwise, we'd learn about something in the area one day, go see it the next and tell Dad about it when we got home. Each child has an assignment--the younger had to give some facts and the older have to give a report (oral or written). But otherwise, the curriculum, the textbooks and the assignments all go out the window.
Given the choice between braving a potentially dull museum and doing a potentially dull worksheet badly (and facing the Wrath of Mom), they chose museums.
We came up with a contract specifying behaviors and penalties as well as perks. Each child read it and agreed to it. I carry a copy with us for reference. (I have to--my memory is that bad!) Today was our first day out: a fact-finding tour. We went to the visitor's center, saw the video on Fredericksburg, got flyers on the attractions and took a carriage tour. Afterward, we explored some shops, had fudge and still made it to religious ed with time to spare. At home, the younger boys told Dad five facts and Amber and Steven gave 3-5 minute oral presentations. Overall, a successful first day.
So we're not only going to stop homeschooling next year, we're pretty much dropped out of homeschooling this year. I'm cringing when I see the unfinished textbooks, but when I think about the kids comparing the prices of antiques, talking about Hugh Mercer and his healing leeches or giving their dad a concise history of Fredericksburg based on a video and a carriage tour, I'm glad we decided to end on a happy note.
Some of you may already know that next year, we're putting the kids in "regular" school--on-base elementary for the littles and Catholic for the older two. We feel the kids need the experience and I can use the break.
Drop out #2 happened yesterday. It started with a last week's temper tantrums by our youngest (we suspect a food allergy) and ended with a failed Latin test. It was only Monday and I was already exhausted and hating the thought of going downstairs to the classroom. I found myself thinking, "Who cares about Latin, anyway?!" We'd spent five years in Virginia and had hardly seen anything aside from Kings Dominion--and that's an amusement park!
Even more, I thought about how we'd be ending our school experience: Mom stressed out and yelling about proper semicolon usage, kids thinking they're stupid or lazy because they didn't get a good grade on a test, and an incredible opportunity--living in the center of early American History--unexplored.
And, I thought, the kids actually enjoyed our impromptu short hike along the Fredericksburg battlefield, and we got a new truck with GPS navigation. I didn't have to fear getting lost on the roads; "Tecca" (we named the truck, yes) would tell us where to go.
I pulled the kids into the study and lined them up against the wall. I told them how I hated the way things were going and how I really wanted to have some fun and learn about some new stuff. They agreed they, too, were tired of books and papers and tests. So I gave them the proposition: we'd keep reading Bible, mythology, and history. Liam would continue with reading. Alex and Liam would have flash cards for math facts. Otherwise, we'd learn about something in the area one day, go see it the next and tell Dad about it when we got home. Each child has an assignment--the younger had to give some facts and the older have to give a report (oral or written). But otherwise, the curriculum, the textbooks and the assignments all go out the window.
Given the choice between braving a potentially dull museum and doing a potentially dull worksheet badly (and facing the Wrath of Mom), they chose museums.
We came up with a contract specifying behaviors and penalties as well as perks. Each child read it and agreed to it. I carry a copy with us for reference. (I have to--my memory is that bad!) Today was our first day out: a fact-finding tour. We went to the visitor's center, saw the video on Fredericksburg, got flyers on the attractions and took a carriage tour. Afterward, we explored some shops, had fudge and still made it to religious ed with time to spare. At home, the younger boys told Dad five facts and Amber and Steven gave 3-5 minute oral presentations. Overall, a successful first day.
So we're not only going to stop homeschooling next year, we're pretty much dropped out of homeschooling this year. I'm cringing when I see the unfinished textbooks, but when I think about the kids comparing the prices of antiques, talking about Hugh Mercer and his healing leeches or giving their dad a concise history of Fredericksburg based on a video and a carriage tour, I'm glad we decided to end on a happy note.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Publishing Pitfalls and Major Messes
I've had a weird couple of days. My mother-in-law had a biopsy (the chance of cancer looks slim, thank you, God!). I started a book I'm promised to review (Flashpoint by Frank Creed) and ended up unable to put it down, which meant the house stayed got messy. (I'll be touring Frank's book when it comes out--stay tuned!) Finally, we have an open house tomorrow, so we had the panic perfection clean-up job to do today.
We finally celebrated my birthday (3 days late) by going out to dinner and the bookstore. I wrote down all the publishers of sci-fi/fantasy on the shelves and looked them up. Of the 13 I'd not already approached, only two did not require agents, and neither is a good fit for The Miscria.
NOTE: Baen, Tor, DAW and Edge do not require agents, but I've already tried them. You can Google them for their guidelines.
http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=698&chapter=0 Luna does fantasy, but with romance/strong female-focus.
http://www.lion-publishing.co.uk/lionhudson/aboutLH/aboutframeset.html Fantasy with Christian perspective--looks like epic legend stuff
Can't find the guidelines, but the book trailer is a riot: http://www.riverheadbooks.com/static/cs/us/602/riverhead.html
And speaking of funny videos, check this one out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEFE3B0Rje0
My own van is a do-it-yourself job: half inch of congealed soda in the cupholders and fries stuck in the tracks of seats, and Hillary Duff in the CD player (shudder), plus pencils and pens, books, napkins and even some space clothes all around. Scratched done by sticks for that au natural look. Oh and let's not forget the ill-fitting seat cover that was a present.
Got one fun birthday present: Home Education Magazine ran the King Kluck Saga as "Mummification Most Fowl." It'll be in the May/Jun issue.
Like so many, I'm praying for the victims (and the murderer) of the Virginia Tech shootings. Please also remember all those who die in obscurity at the hands of violence as well.
Blessings,
We finally celebrated my birthday (3 days late) by going out to dinner and the bookstore. I wrote down all the publishers of sci-fi/fantasy on the shelves and looked them up. Of the 13 I'd not already approached, only two did not require agents, and neither is a good fit for The Miscria.
NOTE: Baen, Tor, DAW and Edge do not require agents, but I've already tried them. You can Google them for their guidelines.
http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=698&chapter=0 Luna does fantasy, but with romance/strong female-focus.
http://www.lion-publishing.co.uk/lionhudson/aboutLH/aboutframeset.html Fantasy with Christian perspective--looks like epic legend stuff
Can't find the guidelines, but the book trailer is a riot: http://www.riverheadbooks.com/static/cs/us/602/riverhead.html
And speaking of funny videos, check this one out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEFE3B0Rje0
My own van is a do-it-yourself job: half inch of congealed soda in the cupholders and fries stuck in the tracks of seats, and Hillary Duff in the CD player (shudder), plus pencils and pens, books, napkins and even some space clothes all around. Scratched done by sticks for that au natural look. Oh and let's not forget the ill-fitting seat cover that was a present.
Got one fun birthday present: Home Education Magazine ran the King Kluck Saga as "Mummification Most Fowl." It'll be in the May/Jun issue.
Like so many, I'm praying for the victims (and the murderer) of the Virginia Tech shootings. Please also remember all those who die in obscurity at the hands of violence as well.
Blessings,
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Like Seinfeld, the Blog About Nothing
Why is it that I always have hundreds of things to blog about-until blog day comes?
When I'm on Yahoo or chatting with friends, I can go on and on. OK, that's not always a good thing, but sometimes, it is. Sometimes, I'll make a post or have a conversation and think, "Hey, I should fix this up into a blog entry." Then I make a mental note that goes into the circular file of my mind, never to be seen again. I honestly believe that physicists searching for black holes should start by doing an MRI on mothers who write. Certainly on me.
Maybe the problem is this blog is so eclectic. It's about whatever crosses my mind as it crosses my mind. However, I don't want it to be a journal (aka "me fest"). I can't think of anything worse than reading:
Actually, there is something worse than reading it. Writing it.
So I want to write things that you'll be interested in reading, but I'm also interested in writing. Thing is, I bore easily. So I don't want to start a dedicated blog on, say book promotion or writing. Heaven knows there are enough of those out there, anyway. I could blog about my writing, but that feels too narcissistic, especially given my current level of fame, about 5 on a scale of 1 to 100. I have the feeling plenty of struggling writers do that on livejournal anyway.
So I'm not into that, either. At least not twice a week, every week.
But I promised myself twice a week, every week. Which means blogs like today--would this be whiny blog or just directionless? Whiny. Hopefully, in an amusing way.
So, if you're reading this, let me know what interests you. I'd love some direction. In the meantime, I'm going back over all my yahoo groups and pulling out entries that make good blogs.
Come by the FabChat room Thursday at 8 PM for my birthday party chat. That's probably a narcissistic comment, except that I'm giving away presents.
When I'm on Yahoo or chatting with friends, I can go on and on. OK, that's not always a good thing, but sometimes, it is. Sometimes, I'll make a post or have a conversation and think, "Hey, I should fix this up into a blog entry." Then I make a mental note that goes into the circular file of my mind, never to be seen again. I honestly believe that physicists searching for black holes should start by doing an MRI on mothers who write. Certainly on me.
Maybe the problem is this blog is so eclectic. It's about whatever crosses my mind as it crosses my mind. However, I don't want it to be a journal (aka "me fest"). I can't think of anything worse than reading:
"Hi all. S&^%y day. Had cereal for breakfast, but the milk was gross. School was OK, but the teacher is mean. (Oh, wait. I am the teacher.) Gave the hermit crabs a bath… watched Dresden Files and read a couple of books…"
Actually, there is something worse than reading it. Writing it.
So I want to write things that you'll be interested in reading, but I'm also interested in writing. Thing is, I bore easily. So I don't want to start a dedicated blog on, say book promotion or writing. Heaven knows there are enough of those out there, anyway. I could blog about my writing, but that feels too narcissistic, especially given my current level of fame, about 5 on a scale of 1 to 100. I have the feeling plenty of struggling writers do that on livejournal anyway.
"Got another rejection letter today: Dear Writer. Thank you for your submission. We're sorry, but it doesn't meet the needs of our magazine. Got depressed and had a latte. Came up with a better idea--slug farming!--and did the research. Slug farming is fascinating. I may do a novelization--wonder if I can get the movie rights? It's like National Geographic meets The DaVinci Code! I'll post sample chapters…"
So I'm not into that, either. At least not twice a week, every week.
But I promised myself twice a week, every week. Which means blogs like today--would this be whiny blog or just directionless? Whiny. Hopefully, in an amusing way.
So, if you're reading this, let me know what interests you. I'd love some direction. In the meantime, I'm going back over all my yahoo groups and pulling out entries that make good blogs.
Come by the FabChat room Thursday at 8 PM for my birthday party chat. That's probably a narcissistic comment, except that I'm giving away presents.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
My New Writing Goal
Got a rejection again on my fantasy manuscript for The Miscria. It happens, I know, but this was the last on my current "To Send" list, and I'm wondering where to send it next or if I should re-write it and how. I was also told by my publisher, Lida at Twilight Times Books, to slow down the marketing of Infinite Space, Infinite God and take a break until June. I've got book proposals waiting for answers and no story ideas eating at my brain. So, I'm taking the week off and reading some books for fun.
Rob belongs to the Sci-Fi Books club, so he buys books by the case, and I usually mooch off him. (Yet another reason I'm glad I married him!) This week, I'm working through The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher. I love Butcher's modern fantasy noir style, his incredible depth of imagination in his fairy characters, and for his bizarre spooky yet humorous scenes.
For example, in Summer Knight, the wizard Dresden meets with Chicago Detective Murphy at a Super Wal-Mart at about 1 am. (Hey, it's public and it's open, right?) They get attacked by an ogre and a chlorofiend (plant monster with a cooler name). After a fight that spans the garden, hardware and automotive sections, they finally kill the monsters with the help of metal shelving, a chain saw, gasoline and a sterno can.
I can imagine Jim Butcher, walking around the Super Wal-Mart at 1 AM, choreographing all this:
Now Jim could get away with this because he's a fantastically published (and fantastic) writer. I want to be there some day!
Yes, my new goal: to be well enough known that I can go into a store and plan havoc--and not get evicted by security. Got to have your dreams, right?
Rob belongs to the Sci-Fi Books club, so he buys books by the case, and I usually mooch off him. (Yet another reason I'm glad I married him!) This week, I'm working through The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher. I love Butcher's modern fantasy noir style, his incredible depth of imagination in his fairy characters, and for his bizarre spooky yet humorous scenes.
For example, in Summer Knight, the wizard Dresden meets with Chicago Detective Murphy at a Super Wal-Mart at about 1 am. (Hey, it's public and it's open, right?) They get attacked by an ogre and a chlorofiend (plant monster with a cooler name). After a fight that spans the garden, hardware and automotive sections, they finally kill the monsters with the help of metal shelving, a chain saw, gasoline and a sterno can.
I can imagine Jim Butcher, walking around the Super Wal-Mart at 1 AM, choreographing all this:
Jim (muttering): Weed-B-Gone? Nah, probably take too long… These shelves, though. Sturdy, metal. They hate metal. Won't stop it. What else? Oooo--chain saw!
Wal-Mart Lady: Can I help you?
Jim: Would you mind unpacking that chain saw, holding it next to your leg, wrapping it with that camping blanket and walking a bit? I want to see if it looks convincing.
Wal-Mart Lady: Sir?
Jim: (looking at another shelf) These cans of lighter fluid don't hold enough for engulfing the average ogre--do you keep gasoline in the store?
Now Jim could get away with this because he's a fantastically published (and fantastic) writer. I want to be there some day!
Yes, my new goal: to be well enough known that I can go into a store and plan havoc--and not get evicted by security. Got to have your dreams, right?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Infinite Space, Infinite God Book Review Highlights
April 1-7, the Christian Fiction Review Blog roll hosted Infinite Space, Infinite God. As a part of it, I posted some behind-the-scenes stuff on my own tour blog, www.virtualbooktourdenet.blogspot.com. Here are some highlights from the others:
From the Lost Genre Guild: http://blog.lostgenreguild.com/
All of the ISIG short stories are well-crafted and entertaining—the latter a real surprise for me considering that I do not number among the millions of sci-fi fans in this world. The range of intensity in this volume kept me reading because I couldn't predict what I'd discover when I turned another page. We see the teenager Frankie off to evangelize to alien beings; we sit with Saint Francis of Assisi as he ministers to the needs of a mannaro; we make the pilgrimage alongside an IRA 'terrorist' as he makes his way through the stations to enlightenment. The three described above: "Interstellar Calling," "Canticle of the Wolf," and "A Cruel and Unusual Punishment" were my favourites. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories included in Infinite Space Infinite God and liked the fact that they forced me to ponder and question. And one more thing, it is pretty darn refreshing to read good fiction that does not haul out the fictional stereotypes of maniacal monk or preying priest or nasty nun.
From David Brollier on www.cfrblog.blogspot.com:
About "The Harvest": This was one amazing and complex story of the unfolding of truth, the revealing of evil and the emergence of love. Lori… did an absolutely superb job in answering a universal question about what it means to be human. This carries with it so many other lessons that it could easily have been the only story in the book and I would have loved it none-the-less. Thank you for helping us to see a universe a bit larger than the one we had believed in beforehand.
About "Hopkins' Well": The feeling of “being there” in this story is powerful. No writer could ask for a better portrayal.
About "Interstellar Calling": I truly loved this story...because the story spoke to my heart.
About "Mask of the Ferret": It's the complexity and drive of the story that gets to you… Excellent. Truly wonderful.
About "Little Madeleine": I enjoyed the story, especially since accepting the truth was in itself another battle that she needed to fight… “Little Madeline” is one of those rare stories that takes you smack dab into the center of life's problems and then shows you the choices you, or rather that of the heroine in this case, have.
From Caprice Hokstad on www.shoutlife.com/capricehockstad:
I always want more, more, more. Just as I was starting to get to like a character or a setting, BAM, the story was over!
From Grace Bridges at http://www.gracebridges.blogspot.com/:
Are you ready to have your imagination expanded beyond what you thought possible, while doing some serious thinking? Then this is the book for you...
This anthology blows classic speculative fiction out of the water time and time again with amazing twists on the eternal question: “What if…” while giving you just enough time… to ponder a little along these lines for yourself…. “What if” really is a much bigger question than I ever thought…
I believe good science fiction should, among other things, always stretch your brain – and that’s just what this collection has done for me…fifteen times over. Watch out world – the Fabians are coming! And it looks like they're bringing their friends...
Oh, yes, we are, Grace! Watch out for the arrival of Infinite Space, Infinite God, coming to Amazon, B&N online and by order from other fine bookstores starting August 15.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Easter Explained, Gen X (or maybe Y) style: http://www.pvponline.com/article/3247/thu-apr-05
You laugh, but when WalMart has a man in a bunny suit ready to have kids hippety-hop onto his lap and tell him their Easter wishes, how far off can it be?
****
Saw this in a poem on ShoutLife: "It's Friday, Pilate's strutting around washing his hands 'cause he thinks he's got all the power and the victory."
I feel sorry for Pontius Pilate. As governor over a Jewish state in the Roman Empire, he was charged with keeping the peace and running an orderly state. Then come these local religious leaders insisting he kill a man that he considers innocent or they'll let it be known he (Pilate) is a traitor to Caesar. Just beating Jesus didn't appease them. Offering to set him free nearly started a riot. They'd rather have a dangerous revolutionary than a gentle man. Then there's the law/tradition that said they--not he--had the right to choose who he'd free that day.
He was manipulated both with political blackmail and the threat of riot--which meant many innocents being injured or killed.
So where's his power here? Where's his victory?
The washing of hands was more than "I refuse to take responsibility." It was a way to say, "I don't want a part of this." Didn't the disciples knock the dust off their sandals when they left a city that rejected them?
I think he was more likely slump-shouldered with what he'd felt forced to do or storming about in frustration than strutting with power and victory.
Of course, in 20-20 hindsight, it was the only decision he could make for the sake of all our souls, even his.
Tonight, as I pray for all political leaders, I make a special mention for him.
***
On Good Friday, we went to Confession and part of the Tre Ore. (A Catholic tradition: A three-hour service in honor of the three hours Jesus spent dying on the cross. We sing, meditate, pray and hear the last seven statements. It was a beautiful ceremony.) Also on Friday is the Veneration of the Cross, where we hear the story of the Crucifixion and give honor to the living cross by which we are saved.
I didn't want to go. I'd had a bad day--despite the TreOre--and was way behind on work. At 6:30, I was sill grading papers and hadn't even touched the manuscript that's due this evening. When Rob came home and saw me, he just gave me hugs. But those hugs and the Tre Ore strengthened me, and I reminded myself that I've been feeling my priorities shifting--and not in the best way. So at 7:00, I steeled myself and got everyone ready to go.
I'm so glad we did. Our family had a minor miracle happen at that service. Like Mary, I'm going to keep it in my heart, but I'd appreciate it if anyone reading this would pray that the seed planted at that service continues to bear fruit.
Have a blessed Easter.
Karina Fabian
You laugh, but when WalMart has a man in a bunny suit ready to have kids hippety-hop onto his lap and tell him their Easter wishes, how far off can it be?
****
Saw this in a poem on ShoutLife: "It's Friday, Pilate's strutting around washing his hands 'cause he thinks he's got all the power and the victory."
I feel sorry for Pontius Pilate. As governor over a Jewish state in the Roman Empire, he was charged with keeping the peace and running an orderly state. Then come these local religious leaders insisting he kill a man that he considers innocent or they'll let it be known he (Pilate) is a traitor to Caesar. Just beating Jesus didn't appease them. Offering to set him free nearly started a riot. They'd rather have a dangerous revolutionary than a gentle man. Then there's the law/tradition that said they--not he--had the right to choose who he'd free that day.
He was manipulated both with political blackmail and the threat of riot--which meant many innocents being injured or killed.
So where's his power here? Where's his victory?
The washing of hands was more than "I refuse to take responsibility." It was a way to say, "I don't want a part of this." Didn't the disciples knock the dust off their sandals when they left a city that rejected them?
I think he was more likely slump-shouldered with what he'd felt forced to do or storming about in frustration than strutting with power and victory.
Of course, in 20-20 hindsight, it was the only decision he could make for the sake of all our souls, even his.
Tonight, as I pray for all political leaders, I make a special mention for him.
***
On Good Friday, we went to Confession and part of the Tre Ore. (A Catholic tradition: A three-hour service in honor of the three hours Jesus spent dying on the cross. We sing, meditate, pray and hear the last seven statements. It was a beautiful ceremony.) Also on Friday is the Veneration of the Cross, where we hear the story of the Crucifixion and give honor to the living cross by which we are saved.
I didn't want to go. I'd had a bad day--despite the TreOre--and was way behind on work. At 6:30, I was sill grading papers and hadn't even touched the manuscript that's due this evening. When Rob came home and saw me, he just gave me hugs. But those hugs and the Tre Ore strengthened me, and I reminded myself that I've been feeling my priorities shifting--and not in the best way. So at 7:00, I steeled myself and got everyone ready to go.
I'm so glad we did. Our family had a minor miracle happen at that service. Like Mary, I'm going to keep it in my heart, but I'd appreciate it if anyone reading this would pray that the seed planted at that service continues to bear fruit.
Have a blessed Easter.
Karina Fabian
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Reading Your Book backward
Gotta do a short post today because I'm proofing the copy of Infinite Space, Infinite God for the publisher. The pre-release promotional copies come out by end of April--if I can get the galley copy to Lida at Twilight Times by Saturday.
I remember the first time I'd seen a galley copy--now called a proof copy by some. I had interviewed Kathleen and W. Michael Gear, and they sent me a copy of their latest book to review. I'd thought it was called "gallows copy," which seemed to fit in my mind. Simplistic gray cover, every error still unchecked--it looked pretty grim to me. I remember being astounded at the errors you found.
Loved the book anyway.
Now it's my turn to put on my editor's hat again, switch my mind to "Anal-retentive grammarian" and read Infinite Space, Infinite God yet again. Only this time, I'm reading it backwards.
Yes, backwards. There's no better way to catch a missing comma, a mis-capitalized word or an awkward phrase than to remove the sentence from its context and look at it in isolation. It's interesting, too, how seeing it in the book form makes a difference. Even though it's been checked twice by me in print and on the computer, by my editor, by a copy editor and again by me on-line, I'm still finding errors, missing words and differences in format. (BTW--you may not realize it from my posts sometimes--I tell folks my Native American name is "Fingers-Stumbling-Over-Keyboard"--but I'm a very good editor when I put my mind in reverse.)
I'm also finding there's no better way to appreciate the terrific writing of some of the contributors. You can tell who writes the great story and who has great writing in the story. last night, as I went over Maya Bohnhoff's "Cruel and Unusual Punishment," I would pause now and then to share a line with my friend over the IM. I paused with Colleen Drippe's "Far Traveler" to write in the margins, "Like this line!" Now, I'm in Rob's and my "These Three," and there are still lines that make me think, "Yeah, got it that time." I'm gaining a whole new appreciation for the talent that shared their stories with me.
I won't go so far as to suggest that you read your favorite book backward, but it is an interesting exercise in writing. And it's very useful when editing.
So, back to the grindstone--222 pages to go and counting down!
I remember the first time I'd seen a galley copy--now called a proof copy by some. I had interviewed Kathleen and W. Michael Gear, and they sent me a copy of their latest book to review. I'd thought it was called "gallows copy," which seemed to fit in my mind. Simplistic gray cover, every error still unchecked--it looked pretty grim to me. I remember being astounded at the errors you found.
Loved the book anyway.
Now it's my turn to put on my editor's hat again, switch my mind to "Anal-retentive grammarian" and read Infinite Space, Infinite God yet again. Only this time, I'm reading it backwards.
Yes, backwards. There's no better way to catch a missing comma, a mis-capitalized word or an awkward phrase than to remove the sentence from its context and look at it in isolation. It's interesting, too, how seeing it in the book form makes a difference. Even though it's been checked twice by me in print and on the computer, by my editor, by a copy editor and again by me on-line, I'm still finding errors, missing words and differences in format. (BTW--you may not realize it from my posts sometimes--I tell folks my Native American name is "Fingers-Stumbling-Over-Keyboard"--but I'm a very good editor when I put my mind in reverse.)
I'm also finding there's no better way to appreciate the terrific writing of some of the contributors. You can tell who writes the great story and who has great writing in the story. last night, as I went over Maya Bohnhoff's "Cruel and Unusual Punishment," I would pause now and then to share a line with my friend over the IM. I paused with Colleen Drippe's "Far Traveler" to write in the margins, "Like this line!" Now, I'm in Rob's and my "These Three," and there are still lines that make me think, "Yeah, got it that time." I'm gaining a whole new appreciation for the talent that shared their stories with me.
I won't go so far as to suggest that you read your favorite book backward, but it is an interesting exercise in writing. And it's very useful when editing.
So, back to the grindstone--222 pages to go and counting down!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Code Filk III
Well, what's a major computer accomplishment without a filk on all the trouble I had getting it done?
This week, I got doubly "blessed," as Yahoo had a glitch in its e-mail program that caused it to repeatedly send the same messages time and again. Some folks were mad; some thought their particular group was being attacked. The rest of us took the Douglas Adam's "potted plant" approach. ("Oh, not again.") I'm moderator on two groups, so I deleted the repeats and sent a notice that Yahoo was freaking. Naturally, that message was sent seven times. Yahoo also sent a notice about the problem. I didn't get the message, but I know someone who did.
No more caffeine for you, Yahoo!
As far as the movie trailer, it went fairly easily, though finding royalty-free music is hard! I was stoked to find the extra photos, especially the one of the girl pushing on the fence. It said "Little Madeleine" all over it. The music came from White Beetle and is a Gregorian chant. We has some problems with ordering, too, but the customer service folks at White Beetle got us the download, and the timing on the song was near-perfect.
Then we tried to post it.
I'd saved it as a project, not a movie. I didn't know there was a difference. So when I loaded it onto YouTube, instead of it telling me .mswmm was not accepted, it just sat for hours, "processing." In the meantime, I tried to post it elsewhere, but it had to be in .mpg or .avi to be downloaded. So we downloaded conversion software and tried to change it. It converted about half the time, meaning we got video or audio but not both. The one conversion that did both sped up the slides, cycled through the last four three times and wrecked the timing. We never did figure that one out.
In the meantime, Rob realized YouTube was trying to process the wrong file, and we finally got the movie onto YouTube. Once there, YouTube is very kind in offering .html code. (Later, Rob was playing with the Help files in YouTube and came across "What does .mswmm mean?" Like I would have thought to ask.)
So here's the Code Filk. It doesn't scan as well as I'd hoped, but, hey, it's not like I'm going to make a YouTube movie out of it.
Something is freaking out on Yahoo groups
Messages repeating, by dozens or two
Does this improve e-mails for you?
Need clear communication
Well, I made a trailer for I-S-I-G
Cut-and-paste and music, how hard can it be?
Then I tried to post for all to see
But there's not publication
Give me M-P-G
Give me A-V-I
Give me M-P-G
Why do I even try?
You'd think I was a dumb blond from
Out in the Sticks
When downloading a movie's
Something I can't fix
Tell me now what's wrong with this?
I need good conversion
I saved it as a project
Not a movie yet.
YouTube doesn't bother
To mention it.
It let the file just sit and sit
Give me some clear directions.
Yes, I see the Help sign
But what do I ask?
Why would I think mswmm
Wouldn't do the task?
It's such a pain in the a&%
Without more clear directions.
Give me M-P-G
Give me A-V-I
At least give me a clue
Why do I even try?
Silly little programs
Silly little tricks
I learn the silly secrets, but they just won't stick
Programming makes me go, "Ick!
I need more directions."
I call my techie husband. He's such a card.
He fixes up the problem without laughing to hard
Not bad for a dwarvish bard
He gives good directions
Got my M-P-G
Don't need A-V-I
It's on YouTube now
Happy I can die!
This week, I got doubly "blessed," as Yahoo had a glitch in its e-mail program that caused it to repeatedly send the same messages time and again. Some folks were mad; some thought their particular group was being attacked. The rest of us took the Douglas Adam's "potted plant" approach. ("Oh, not again.") I'm moderator on two groups, so I deleted the repeats and sent a notice that Yahoo was freaking. Naturally, that message was sent seven times. Yahoo also sent a notice about the problem. I didn't get the message, but I know someone who did.
No more caffeine for you, Yahoo!
As far as the movie trailer, it went fairly easily, though finding royalty-free music is hard! I was stoked to find the extra photos, especially the one of the girl pushing on the fence. It said "Little Madeleine" all over it. The music came from White Beetle and is a Gregorian chant. We has some problems with ordering, too, but the customer service folks at White Beetle got us the download, and the timing on the song was near-perfect.
Then we tried to post it.
I'd saved it as a project, not a movie. I didn't know there was a difference. So when I loaded it onto YouTube, instead of it telling me .mswmm was not accepted, it just sat for hours, "processing." In the meantime, I tried to post it elsewhere, but it had to be in .mpg or .avi to be downloaded. So we downloaded conversion software and tried to change it. It converted about half the time, meaning we got video or audio but not both. The one conversion that did both sped up the slides, cycled through the last four three times and wrecked the timing. We never did figure that one out.
In the meantime, Rob realized YouTube was trying to process the wrong file, and we finally got the movie onto YouTube. Once there, YouTube is very kind in offering .html code. (Later, Rob was playing with the Help files in YouTube and came across "What does .mswmm mean?" Like I would have thought to ask.)
So here's the Code Filk. It doesn't scan as well as I'd hoped, but, hey, it's not like I'm going to make a YouTube movie out of it.
Sing to Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry"
Something is freaking out on Yahoo groups
Messages repeating, by dozens or two
Does this improve e-mails for you?
Need clear communication
Well, I made a trailer for I-S-I-G
Cut-and-paste and music, how hard can it be?
Then I tried to post for all to see
But there's not publication
Give me M-P-G
Give me A-V-I
Give me M-P-G
Why do I even try?
You'd think I was a dumb blond from
Out in the Sticks
When downloading a movie's
Something I can't fix
Tell me now what's wrong with this?
I need good conversion
I saved it as a project
Not a movie yet.
YouTube doesn't bother
To mention it.
It let the file just sit and sit
Give me some clear directions.
Yes, I see the Help sign
But what do I ask?
Why would I think mswmm
Wouldn't do the task?
It's such a pain in the a&%
Without more clear directions.
Give me M-P-G
Give me A-V-I
At least give me a clue
Why do I even try?
Silly little programs
Silly little tricks
I learn the silly secrets, but they just won't stick
Programming makes me go, "Ick!
I need more directions."
I call my techie husband. He's such a card.
He fixes up the problem without laughing to hard
Not bad for a dwarvish bard
He gives good directions
Got my M-P-G
Don't need A-V-I
It's on YouTube now
Happy I can die!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
It's Done!
The book trailer for Infinite Space, Infinite God is finally done!
Click here to see it!
Saturday, I will have another code filk about my misadventures; but for today, I'm happy dancing!
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Mandate on Man Dates
Rob just got back from a 10-week joint forces training course. This is a senior officer course about how the different services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) all work together. It's supposed to be training for taking a "joint" assignment, where you work with the other services.
Of course, thanks to military bureaucracy, you often get cases like my husband, who has been working in his joint assignment for two years. He could probably teach half the classes. In fact, he ended up in a class of mostly Colonels with more experience than some of the instructors--and they did end up teaching some topics. ("I know the regulations say that. Now here's how it really works…") Rob had a terrific time and learned a lot. Even more, this has been the first such course where he really fell in with the group and did a lot of useful networking, which is another reason for these courses.
One of the side benefits, it seems, is for these up-and-comers to relax and enjoy themselves before they have to return to their positions of responsibility. For 10 weeks, they can be college kids again. They had volleyball tournaments. (Rob's crew had T-shirts with the motto "Experience and Treachery Over Youth and Ability!") They had poker games. (Rob didn't participate--he's more of an on-line role-playing sort.) And they partied. Oh, did they party. Relive-the-glory-days and act-like-the-fighter-pilots-we-know-we-are party. (Here, Rob did the "fly-by": show up for a drink or two, then turn in to chat with me on the IM. Love that man!)
They draw the line, however, at going to the movies together.
As you know, 300 is out. (Terrific movie, though it deserves the R rating.) Since it deals with the Battle of Thermopylae, Rob thought they should go see it as a class.
Oh, no! Can't do that. That'd be a Man Date.
Yep. A Man Date. We can't have that--men going to the movies together. Next thing you know, they'll be hugging and sharing their deepest thoughts over mochachinos. And to ask fighter pilots to Man Date? The entire defense of our nation could crumble!
Apparently, there's an unwritten rule that Real Men need a woman in order to attend a movie. Even a movie with excessive violence and gratuitous nudity. I guess someone's got to go for more popcorn.
There is, apparently, some kind of complex code for determining what constitutes a Man Date. As a woman, I'm not privy to the secret, but I've deduced the formula has to do with alcohol, women, stogies, and quite probably bodily functions (you know which ones). Thus, as we've seen, going to the movies is definitely a Man Date. Bar hopping is not--apparently, liquor and the presence of women in the bar (even if all the guys are happily married) make this an approved macho activity. Poker is up in the air, according to Rob. I'm guessing a good rule of thumb is that if you see guys do it on a beer commercial, it's probably not a Man Date.
Well, Rob and I saw 300 tonight. Rob thinks it will become a military classic. He predicts that one day, it may become required viewing at the Air Force Academy.
But you can bet that the male cadets won't be going out together to see it on their own.
Of course, thanks to military bureaucracy, you often get cases like my husband, who has been working in his joint assignment for two years. He could probably teach half the classes. In fact, he ended up in a class of mostly Colonels with more experience than some of the instructors--and they did end up teaching some topics. ("I know the regulations say that. Now here's how it really works…") Rob had a terrific time and learned a lot. Even more, this has been the first such course where he really fell in with the group and did a lot of useful networking, which is another reason for these courses.
One of the side benefits, it seems, is for these up-and-comers to relax and enjoy themselves before they have to return to their positions of responsibility. For 10 weeks, they can be college kids again. They had volleyball tournaments. (Rob's crew had T-shirts with the motto "Experience and Treachery Over Youth and Ability!") They had poker games. (Rob didn't participate--he's more of an on-line role-playing sort.) And they partied. Oh, did they party. Relive-the-glory-days and act-like-the-fighter-pilots-we-know-we-are party. (Here, Rob did the "fly-by": show up for a drink or two, then turn in to chat with me on the IM. Love that man!)
They draw the line, however, at going to the movies together.
As you know, 300 is out. (Terrific movie, though it deserves the R rating.) Since it deals with the Battle of Thermopylae, Rob thought they should go see it as a class.
Oh, no! Can't do that. That'd be a Man Date.
Yep. A Man Date. We can't have that--men going to the movies together. Next thing you know, they'll be hugging and sharing their deepest thoughts over mochachinos. And to ask fighter pilots to Man Date? The entire defense of our nation could crumble!
Apparently, there's an unwritten rule that Real Men need a woman in order to attend a movie. Even a movie with excessive violence and gratuitous nudity. I guess someone's got to go for more popcorn.
There is, apparently, some kind of complex code for determining what constitutes a Man Date. As a woman, I'm not privy to the secret, but I've deduced the formula has to do with alcohol, women, stogies, and quite probably bodily functions (you know which ones). Thus, as we've seen, going to the movies is definitely a Man Date. Bar hopping is not--apparently, liquor and the presence of women in the bar (even if all the guys are happily married) make this an approved macho activity. Poker is up in the air, according to Rob. I'm guessing a good rule of thumb is that if you see guys do it on a beer commercial, it's probably not a Man Date.
Well, Rob and I saw 300 tonight. Rob thinks it will become a military classic. He predicts that one day, it may become required viewing at the Air Force Academy.
But you can bet that the male cadets won't be going out together to see it on their own.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Fundamental Truths of Living
Today was a busy day tearing out a bushes, planting a garden, writing a critique and finishing Faith-Filled Fiction. Therefore, I offer up these reflections as my post:
On Moving:
No matter how spotless your house is, there will be a realtor who will tell you to clean it up.
The bush you spent the last five years caring for will die the week the house goes on the market.
The day you soak your lawn, it will rain. Heavily. Non-stop. For 36 hours.
On Writing:
It's impossible to write with a cat on your chest.
The cat will invariably sit on your chest just as you get comfortable with the laptop.
The piece of paper I toss because I don't need it anymore will be the piece of paper I need a week later--for an article that's due!
On Life:
No matter how busy you are, there's someone busier. No matter how awful you feel, there's someone sicker. No matter how bad your luck is, there's someone who's having hard times. Yet despite this, they will be continuing to live their life with love, humor and faith. They can inspire you if you let them.
No matter how many times you explain what you need to someone, that person will get it wrong and at the worst possible time--like right before a deadline. Sometimes, that person will be you.
On Moving:
No matter how spotless your house is, there will be a realtor who will tell you to clean it up.
The bush you spent the last five years caring for will die the week the house goes on the market.
The day you soak your lawn, it will rain. Heavily. Non-stop. For 36 hours.
On Writing:
It's impossible to write with a cat on your chest.
The cat will invariably sit on your chest just as you get comfortable with the laptop.
The piece of paper I toss because I don't need it anymore will be the piece of paper I need a week later--for an article that's due!
On Life:
No matter how busy you are, there's someone busier. No matter how awful you feel, there's someone sicker. No matter how bad your luck is, there's someone who's having hard times. Yet despite this, they will be continuing to live their life with love, humor and faith. They can inspire you if you let them.
No matter how many times you explain what you need to someone, that person will get it wrong and at the worst possible time--like right before a deadline. Sometimes, that person will be you.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Writing: You Get What You Give
When I was in high school, I was in a club called Rainbows, and one of the things we impressed upon members is that you only get out of Rainbows what you put in. I tried to live that motto in most of my life, yet it wasn't until the past year that I applied it to my writing.
I'm so glad I came to my senses.
My journey started with the sale of Infinite Space, Infinite God (ISIG). Until then, my interaction with other writers had been occasional e-mails on the Catholic Writers Online and Christian Fiction Yahoo groups. I'd mostly gone to the groups for what I could get out of them, and I did get a couple of writing contracts and some market leads as well as contributors to ISIG.
My publisher, Lida at Twilight Times Books, invited TTB authors to join the MuseOnline Writers Conference by hosting a workshop. At this point, I was thinking mostly in terms of "what's in it for me?" In this case, doing a workshop on Faith in Fiction would get some free publicity for ISIG. Plus, I could attend the other workshops, meet authors and editors, and learn more about marketing my book.
Something happened at that workshop that transcended marketing, however.
I discovered a whole world of writers, some with less experience than me, but many with more. Those with more so freely shared what they knew and those with less so gratefully drank it in that I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to share, too! Before the conference was over, I had done an impromptu workshop and committed to creating a newsletter on writing religion in fiction.
Afterward, I got into a website-building workshop--hosted by the conference organizer Lea Schizas--and had such fun with it, I started encouraging all authors to build one. I took a virtual book tour and set up a blog to tour others. I joined some writers' chats, and when Jo Linsdell started a chat on her website, I felt inspired to start my own. As my knowledge and enthusiasm grew, I got more involved in my Yahoo groups and found myself accepting invitations to others.
Six months later, I am the President of the Catholic Writers' Guild, publisher of Faith-Filled Fiction, owner of several active websites and blogs, member of three blog rolls, and have signed up to do three workshops at the MuseOnline Conference in October. I wake up every morning looking forward to getting on my computer, catching up on e-mail, taking care of Yahoo business, growing my MySpace and ShoutLife friends lists, and IM-ing with whichever friend is on-line.
And, true to the motto I learned as a teen, I've gotten so much back: new opportunities, new marketing skills, and even new characters and novel ideas. I've helped others advertise their books or activities and had promoted ISIG in return. Best or all, I've got new friendships: people I can depend on to provide thorough and useful critiques, to commiserate with over rejections, to celebrate acceptances, to plan for the next great project, and simply to enjoy each others' company.
We often think that writing is a solitary activity, but this year, I've discovered just how important a good group of author friends can be. It's not just about sharing the story.
It's about sharing yourself.
I'm so glad I came to my senses.
My journey started with the sale of Infinite Space, Infinite God (ISIG). Until then, my interaction with other writers had been occasional e-mails on the Catholic Writers Online and Christian Fiction Yahoo groups. I'd mostly gone to the groups for what I could get out of them, and I did get a couple of writing contracts and some market leads as well as contributors to ISIG.
My publisher, Lida at Twilight Times Books, invited TTB authors to join the MuseOnline Writers Conference by hosting a workshop. At this point, I was thinking mostly in terms of "what's in it for me?" In this case, doing a workshop on Faith in Fiction would get some free publicity for ISIG. Plus, I could attend the other workshops, meet authors and editors, and learn more about marketing my book.
Something happened at that workshop that transcended marketing, however.
I discovered a whole world of writers, some with less experience than me, but many with more. Those with more so freely shared what they knew and those with less so gratefully drank it in that I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to share, too! Before the conference was over, I had done an impromptu workshop and committed to creating a newsletter on writing religion in fiction.
Afterward, I got into a website-building workshop--hosted by the conference organizer Lea Schizas--and had such fun with it, I started encouraging all authors to build one. I took a virtual book tour and set up a blog to tour others. I joined some writers' chats, and when Jo Linsdell started a chat on her website, I felt inspired to start my own. As my knowledge and enthusiasm grew, I got more involved in my Yahoo groups and found myself accepting invitations to others.
Six months later, I am the President of the Catholic Writers' Guild, publisher of Faith-Filled Fiction, owner of several active websites and blogs, member of three blog rolls, and have signed up to do three workshops at the MuseOnline Conference in October. I wake up every morning looking forward to getting on my computer, catching up on e-mail, taking care of Yahoo business, growing my MySpace and ShoutLife friends lists, and IM-ing with whichever friend is on-line.
And, true to the motto I learned as a teen, I've gotten so much back: new opportunities, new marketing skills, and even new characters and novel ideas. I've helped others advertise their books or activities and had promoted ISIG in return. Best or all, I've got new friendships: people I can depend on to provide thorough and useful critiques, to commiserate with over rejections, to celebrate acceptances, to plan for the next great project, and simply to enjoy each others' company.
We often think that writing is a solitary activity, but this year, I've discovered just how important a good group of author friends can be. It's not just about sharing the story.
It's about sharing yourself.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Name Game II--Fits to a T
Been another banner week for my name:
Had one e-mail about Karine and Robert Fabian. Two out of three isn't bad.
Had someone (again, e-mail) call me Kariana. I actually like that and plan to save it for a character. Someone sweeter and less snarly than me.
Finally, a good friend called me Katrina--twice! He was so embarrassed, he wrote me this little essay about T and I had to share it with you. Thanks, Alex Lobdell!
Here are some more examples of strange things that can happen when you add an extra "t" to a word:
Had one e-mail about Karine and Robert Fabian. Two out of three isn't bad.
Had someone (again, e-mail) call me Kariana. I actually like that and plan to save it for a character. Someone sweeter and less snarly than me.
Finally, a good friend called me Katrina--twice! He was so embarrassed, he wrote me this little essay about T and I had to share it with you. Thanks, Alex Lobdell!
Here are some more examples of strange things that can happen when you add an extra "t" to a word:
There was no toilet paper in the bathroom, so I put a couple of trolls in there.
I was just admiring our new bus driver's bust.
We have stale prices at our store today.
John jumped in the pool and quickly stank.
I need to stew my new dress.
This experiment will stimulate a nuclear explosion.
The rich woman hid her jewelry in her stock drawer in her bedroom.
When the old priest died, his nephew was his stole beneficiary.
After Marilyn bought a new brand of bubble bath, she enjoyed having many studs in the bathtub as she bathed.
I saw many people on the beach stunning themselves.
The old fisherman had arthritis, so he went to see a sturgeon.
The spy had many treasons for defecting.
Friends, Romans, countrymen. Lend me your tears.
Song sung by a very poor locomotive engineer: "Listen to the rhythm of the falling train, telling me just what a fool I've been."
Drill sergeant to a group of doomed recruits: "Gentlemen, your M-16 is not a gun. It is a trifle."
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
EPPIE Winner!
Infinite Space, Infinite God won the EPPIE!
Best Electronically Published Science Fiction for 2007!
I got the news Sunday from our publisher, Lida Quillen. I flew down the stairs shouting to Rob, "We won! We won the EPPIE!" I almost burst into tears with joy.
I'm so proud of and tickled for our contributors. I think the fact that ISIG, an anthology with a religious theme, won out over novels and secular works just proves the quality of their writing and the depth of their thought, as well as their ability to weave stories that appeal to people of all faiths. Please, if you know any of these authors, drop by and tell them congrats:
Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff
Rose Dimond
Colleen Drippe'
Alex Lobdell
Alan Loewen
Simon Morden
Tim Myers
Ken Pick
Adrienne Ray
Lori Z. Scott
J Sherer
Rob and I are also grateful to Lida, our publisher at Twilight Times Books. Not only did she take a chance on ISIG, but she pushed the publication date so we could compete for the EPPIE.
If you want to learn more about Infinite Space, Infinite God, check out the website: http://isigsf.tripod.com. It comes out in print August 15 and will be available from Amazon.com and directly from Twilight Times Books. In the meantime, if you like electronic books, you can purchase it from Twilight Times or Fictionwise.
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