On My Digital Absence...

Sorry I am behind in participating, guys.  My writing has literally been kicking my ass, not to mention all of the life I have had happening.  End of the school year approaching, and my manuscript is now up to 80 pages.  For a short story writer and poet, THAT is a daunting number.

On top of all of it, I have sold my principal on letting me venture into the field of experimentation with electronic books in the classroom. I am getting four Nooks on Monday!  How awesome is that???  This is totally new, and newsworthy story.  Every time a classroom gets these things they end up on CNN or something. I am writing all the curriculum and lesson plans, and carefully building a book list that will withstand parent and public scrutiny... attending spring concerts, soccer games, piano recitals, graduations, retirement parties, and all of the usual stuff.  Yadda yadda yadda.  Oh, and I write, somewhere in there.

Anyway, today is the day I have designated to get caught back up on my online work.  I have copies printed of Daniel's, Riley's, and Chris's work.  Looking forward to reading all of it!

Looking forward to seeing you guys in July, it's getting close!

Jason

REDUCTION - Chris Campbell

I forgot to start a new post for comments. Thanks for the reminder, Dave.

What doesn't work? What seems forced? What would you like to know? Worldbuilding--missed opportunities?

Thanks everyone.

God of Shadows

So, I'm not sure if anyone saw an earlier draft of this or not, I did bring it to workshop a year ago. This is the first 20 pages of my YA fantasy, God of Shadows. This is a long-term book that I've been working on since I was an undergraduate. I've probaly had about 6 or 7 different (as in completely new, not counting revisions) begginings since this started, though I do feel I'm much much closer now than I have been before. Also, sorry I had to cut the story off mid-chapter, but I didn't want to go over the 20 pages. It's right when a new major character enters the stage, too! If anyone does want the rest, i can send it to you. ;)

I'm up for any comments you guys can through at me, character, voice, plot, dialogue, setting, all the usual stuff. Also, how does this work as a beggining. Is it effective, does it draw you in and keep you wanting to read more? How do you feel about the protagonist, Zahz? I've been playing around with his character, so I'm curious how he feels to you. I'll take whatever comments you can give me, big or small!

I'm working with Kelly Easton on this write now, and haven't gotten comments back since revising, so I'm curious to compare and contrast what she says when I do get her comments and yours.

Thank you all so much for the help, and thanks to Dave for creating such a great writing blog!

PS - like everyone else, I'm emailing out a word document to you, and not including the 20 pages here. let me know if for some reason you don't get it!

Writing by hand

Hey guys, have any of you tried writing your stories by hand? How does that work out for you? I have been on a keyboard since I was a baby, but I just this week decided to try a notebook as a way of breaking out of this writer's block I've been struggling with all semester.

It's slow but I think it's helping me concentrate slightly better. Problem is I'm left handed and I hook, so I smear my ink all over the page and my hand. Here's the notebook I bought from Target. I had to have it because I'm actually writing about space robots!

Year of the Comet

Hi guys.

This is yet another manifestation of the first two chapters of my novel (tentatively titled Year of the Comet). Some of you have seen other versions of this. Help me with the usual stuff—what’s working, what’s not, voice, characterization. All that good stuff. I’m just throwing it out there. Offer whatever comments you are moved to provide.

Thanks so much!

Riley

P.S. Actual text is attached in an email. Let me know if you didn't get it. Thanks!

Pet Stores: WHAT! Kermit's Swamp Years

Yes, that's right, gang. I found a movie for Bill, Andy, and well, Dave likes everything that is kid related and it has MUPPETS. Kermit's Swamp Years, (click for overview of the plot) features a young Kermit who gets captured, put into a pet shop, purchased by a high school teacher to dissect for anatomy class, and well, hi-jinks ensue. Cue talking dog, and a pet store featuring tons of reptiles. Really, Bill, this DVD would maybe fuel your thoughts on voice in your story. My kids loved it when they were younger, and I actually didn't mind sitting through it either. I thought of it both times during Bill and Andy's selections. Also, unlike the regular Muppet movies, the animals can't talk to humans... It is billed as "The prequel to The Muppet Movie".  You can also click the image for a larger view!

BADASS - Ben Thompson

BADASS - A relentless onslaught of the toughest warlords, vikings, samurai, pirates, gunfighters, and military commanders to ever live!

Here is a funny non-fiction book about BADASSES!  It is hilarious and strange.  Strange in that the writer uses unusually opinionated adjectives such as "urine inducing" (read menacing), "asshat" (read unpleasant fellow), and of course our current favorite from the section on Anne Bonny:

"Calico Jack was more renowned for his flamboyant wardrobe and inherant personal charm than he was for his tireless sword arm and his ability to turn British merchentmen into giant flaming infernos, but Anne seized the opportunity to set sail for awesomeness." 

It is not your traditional "Heroes of the World" type read from the non-fiction shelf, this book is just flat out full of badasses, hence the title.  Lots of comic-type illustrations and the like. Check it out! (Bought it thinking of you and your story Dave...)