Edging Past Reality

I can't believe that it's been over two months since my last blog. My apologies to all of you faithful readers that it's been so long. Life in the past couple of months has been a roller coaster; the lows I may talk about another time, but for now - the highs. My book of short stories, "Edging Past Reality" is now available! Of course, I urge everyone to buy a copy (or more). It's a perfect holiday gift, not too expensive, and will make a great stocking stuffer.

Okay, this is a writers blog - the commercial is over.

At one point in my life I thought the hardest part about writing was the writing. I faced what just about every writer faces - going over and over and over the manuscript, making minor edits, major rewrites, until I hate the book. I'm now realizing that that was the fun and easy part. Being a loner and an anti-social, I have no desire to 'get out there and sell myself.' I enjoy being holed up in my room, typing away on the computer, making up lie after lie, each one trying to outdo the last until it becomes a complete story. Now, I'm not only going to have to do readings and signings, but I'm also going to have to set them up. There's also the going to bookstores and convincing them that they should carry my book. I'm trying to think of a good approach. "Good morning. Who do I have to blow to get my book on your shelf?" Maybe not. I'm open to suggestions.

Of course there's the on-line promotion. That's a biggie now-a-days. I've scanned, perused, studied dozens of websites talking about guest blogs, tours, interviews, etc. I know that it works, every website says so. It can also be expensive. Some people have the knowhow to do it on their own and to those of you, I salute you. I ain't that smart, or that patient. Instead, it's all I can do to figure out how many books I'll have to sell just to break even. Then there is the IRS. I applied for a tax ID today. Should I go sole proprietor or LLC? Every turn there seems to be a myriad of questions blocking the way.

In the coming weeks I'll relay what I learn in the marketing venue. I'll let you know of my successes and pitfalls in hopes that you will avoid them (the pitfalls, not the successes). In the meantime - buy "Edging Past Reality." It's a great book! Sorry, I couldn't resist.

My Problems Ain't So Bad

For the past few days I've been sitting here whining to myself about why my publisher hasn't gotten back to me yet after they promised that they would. This is the second time that this has happened. I really hate having to write another letter asking what's up. Then I got another email today from a small press magazine publisher where I sent a short story last January. He's offering me a deal for a one year subscription to his magazine at a reduced rate because I've been so patient. (Actually, I forgot that I had sent it there or I would've withdrawn it long ago.) Oh yeah - the story is still under consideration. (Why do I get the feeling that if I don't subscribe, the story is going to be rejected?) Then of course, there's the economy. I'm watching my savings dwindle farther and farther every day. I admit it - it's a sick compulsion that I have. I know that I shouldn't look until the market starts to recover, but I'm afraid that if I do that, the next time I look there won't be anything left.

So as I'm sitting here stewing about my savings (or lack thereof), my writing, those incredibly negative ads involving Al Franken and Norm Coleman that can't be avoided for anyone who flips on a TV in Minnesota (how can any sane person not despise both of them by now?), I get an email from a friend of mine. It's one of those forwards that are probably circulating around the country (if not the world). It's a slide show presentation of the devastation caused by hurricane Ike. Homes and other buildings are nothing more than piles of rubble, neighborhoods still half-buried under water, dead livestock, the anguish in the faces of the survivors, the list goes on.

Now I'm sitting here wondering what right do I have to complain? (Well, I've got every right - this is still a free country.) But c'mon, as bad as it presently is, I'm still living in the best country in the world (although I really enjoyed my visits to Australia and Canada), I've got a roof over my head, I've got wonderful friends, and I'm still healthy. Ya know - I have it pretty damn good.

Rudy Gets a Transplant

Stacy Raye Waibel just published her first children's book "Rudy Gets a Transplant." Rudy is the 'cute' black poodle. In the story, Rudy needs a new kidney. It's a light, uplifting tale (tail?) that is a must for any parent who has a child facing the terrifying experience of getting an organ transplant. In Rudy's (a child's) point of view, he takes you through an almost step-by-step process of prepping for the operation all the way to recovery. Sounds scary, huh? Not the way Rudy tells it. Stacy has the uncanny ability to take away the fears and replace them with positive vibes that assures everything will be all right.

Stacy Raye is no stranger to transplants. She had a kidney transplant in 1995 and a pancreas transplant in 2003. In her book she takes the facts and transplants them into a language that a child can understand, and a parent will appreciate.

The artwork is done by seventh grader, Ali Gratz. She received a kidney from her dad in 2006. Together, Stacy and Ali make one dynamic duo.

"Rudy Gets a Transplant" is not to say that this book is only for children in need of transplants. It's a fun learning adventure for any kid. I've known Stacy and Wayne (her husband) for a couple of years now, and have heard many a Rudy tales. Hopefully, it's the first of many Rudy adventures to see print.

To order this book, go to: www.rudyslittleworld.com. And while you're there, stop, browse and play. There's lots to do.

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

As I struggled to come up with an idea for this week's blog, I thought of the question that just about every writer I know, or have heard of, gets asked. . . Where do you get your ideas? There are the good old reliable answers - Where don't I get them? A small town in (you can fill in the state). I dunno. Dreams. Shut up - what a stupid-ass question. The list goes on.

For me, my standard answer is where don't I get them. Right now I'm listening to the rain come down outside my window. For whatever reason I just thought of acid rain - hydrochloric acid raining down on the earth. Oh, the possibilities. So the idea goes on a piece of paper and placed in my ideas file (see 8-13-08 blog).

Okay, that's for fiction. Lies are easy. I can't wait for the day when my books (see what an optimist I am - I'm using the plural, as in I'm going to publish more than one book), make me bunches of money (even more optimism), and when people ask me what I do, I can tell them I lie for a living.

But on the blog front, where in my first blog I promised to be honest, well, that must use a different part of the brain. I'm really having trouble coming up with subject matter. How tough can it be coming up with one topic for writers per week? Of course there are a multitude of writing tips, but the vast majority have been beaten to death by writers far more prolific and elegant than I. (Hmmm, fiction - optimist/ nonfiction - pessimist. I wonder what that says about me?) I want to write articles (or I guess they're called blogs) that will help the reader/writer and also entertain while at the same time giving a glimpse of my life. So, I'm asking you, dear reader, send me your ideas. I'll tackle any subject as long as it is somehow related to writing. C'mon people - what do you want to know (about writing)? Hell, back me into a corner and I'll even do (shudder) research. Tell me, where do you get your ideas?

Losing Focus or A Change in Priorities?

I'm very good at under-simplifying and confusing the hell out of myself.

I'm guessing that my present novel is about 1/2 complete. As a goal, I've generously given myself until the end of the year to finish the first draft (not that there will be any penalty if I don't make it, other than not reaching my goal and getting depressed). I figure that's plenty of time. But lately I've found myself drawn to other things. As mentioned in my last blog, I'm working on a short story for a writing contest. That's actually taking longer than anticipated (I'm actually having to do research - blech). Last night I became the vice president of the Minneapolis Writers' Workshop (a great place for writers to get their work critiqued - see www.minneapoliswriters.org). Like Sarah Palin, I have no idea what a v.p. is supposed to do, but I'm sure that it will involve some amount of time. (For those of you that know me - yes - I was president of the workshop at two previous times, but I never really kept track at what the v.p. did.) There is also my book of short stories which I'm constantly reworking and editing (and will hopefully be published by the end of the year). What this brings me to is that I'm spending less and less time on my novel, which just a few weeks ago was the biggest priority in my writing life.

Right now I've got plenty of excuses not to be working on the novel. What bothers me is that when the contest deadline passes, and the final decisions on my short story collection have been made and sent to the printer and out of my hands, will I be able to focus again on the novel? Of course I'll have to balance that with marketing my new book (as a loner and introvert, that thought scares the hell out of me). Will I be able to balance the two? Will I actually have to do anything as a vice pres. of a writers' workshop? Why am I spending so much time worrying about it? What happens will happen, and hopefully I'll make the smart decisions (yeah, right - that'll happen).

I guess what it all boils down to is multi-tasking and setting a new list of priorities. For all of you writers out there, I welcome your feedback and advice (especially coping with the marketing part).

The State Fair

For the first time in over ten years I went to the Minnesota State Fair. This might sound on the border of sacrilegious, but I have no great love for the fair. I don't like crowds, I'm not all that fond of things on a stick (although, I must admit I still like burning my fingers on the just-out-of-the-boiling-oil mini-sugar donuts), and there's really not a whole lot of new stuff that wasn't there when I was a kid. And the new stuff that was there was close to impossible to get close enough to see. It's that shoulder-to-shoulder crowd thing.

But this year I had a purpose. There's a mystery writers' contest where the plot has to take place at the State Fair. It's a getting to be one of those rare contests that doesn't have an entrance fee. They gave a list of ten clues in which the writer must use at least five. I couldn't resist. (For anyone interested, email me and I'll give you the details on where to find the website with all the info. Before I forget to mention it - you do have to be a Minnesota resident.)

The first couple of hours weren't too bad. I got there early (around 9:30 am) before it got too crowded and too hot. I picked up a map and a pronto-pup (not nearly as good as I remembered) and started trekking. By 11:00 I was ready to go home. I looked at the map and saw that I had covered about 1/3 of the fairgrounds. I had a lot of idea possibilities floating around in my head but I still wanted to figure out how a murderer could get from the midway to the petting zoo with the least amount of foot traffic. So as the temperatures rose to the high eighties and the mass of people seemed like a solid wall, I trudged on.

By 1:00 I just wanted out. Hot, claustrophobic, and ready to drop from the heat, I looked at the map and figured I had covered about 1/2 of the fairgrounds. I didn't care anymore about the rest. I was also about as far away from my bus stop as I could get. I could tell you about the journey back, but that would ruin my story entry. If I win you can read all about it. No, I didn't kill anyone for real, but it did enter my mind. In the meantime - enjoy the Great Minnesota Get Together.

Write it down

I woke up yesterday morning at about 2:45 after dreaming an incredibly exciting and life-like dream. I laid in bed thinking that that would make a great short story, or who knows, maybe even a mystery novel. I concentrated on the details so I wouldn't forget. Why didn't I get up and write them down? Hey, it was 2:45 in the morning - I was tired. Actually, I should have known better - I did know better and chose to ignore it. I used to do that and don't know why I broke out of the habit. Pure laziness on my part, I guess. Hell, I should've gotten up and headed straight for the computer. I was pretty wide awake by then anyway. Instead I just lay there. Finally, after memorizing all the details I went back to sleep and woke up around 6:30. I'd had a couple of dreams about my old job that only Freud (and maybe my ex-boss) might find interesting, but no big whoop for me. The first thing that I thought of was trying to remember that first dream. I remembered the basics - it was a reality TV show where groups of people were offered plots of land. (Maybe I dismissed the job dream too readily.) Somehow the intricacies that had made it so exciting and memorable faded with the new bout of sleep. Oh yeah, two groups had started to fight and there was a murder? A little more interesting but I still had a hard time trying to put it all together. At three a.m. I remembered who and why. I knew what they looked like and their personalities. As for when I got up - nothing.

By the time I finished brushing my teeth and taking a shower, it had faded to an incredibly lame idea. I wish I had written it down at 2:45. Who knows? The next Edgar winner might've just flitted through my brain (as semiconscious as it was, and maybe still is).

In the meantime I spent an unproductive day working on my present novel. Flashes of the dream turned into a distraction as I either tried to bury it or resurrect it. Neither one worked. After berating myself I got a pen and pad of paper, along with a small reading light, and placed it next to the alarm clock. When I went to bed I was ready. Instead, insomnia decided to make its return.

Conquering Writer's Block, pt. 2

I should write, but maybe I should take the dog for a walk first. I should write but Jeopardy is on in about ten minutes. I can rack up the excuses, but what it mostly boils down to is that I can't think of anything to say.

I've heard a couple of authors interviewed who said that they never get writer's block. Well, hurray for them. For the rest of us, here's a couple of things that work for me:

At the moment I'm working on two novels, a horror novel and a mystery. The plots are far enough apart and so different that when I hit a dead end on one, I can usually jump to the other. Also, because it's been some time since I've looked at the other one, I can see things with fresh eyes, and hopefully, fresh ideas.

If that doesn't work I'll try switching to short stories. No ideas for a short story? Over the years I've collected ideas. I've got a folder full of napkins and other scraps of paper where I've jotted down an idea, or even a snippet of conversation that I've overheard. From there I can usually "what if . . ." my way to a short story.

If that doesn't work I suggest taking the day off and relaxing your brain. For some it's a nice long leisurely walk, others, a good workout, and for a dangerous few - video games. (I've got a way too addictive personality to venture into that realm.) For TV junkies like myself, well, any Aaron Spelling rerun or entertainment gossip show should empty your brain just fine. Albeit best not to make a habit of it, or like o.d.'ing on video games, you'll wake up one day in the future strapped to a bed and finding a nurse wiping drool off of your chin.

Hey, gotta go. I think I just thought up an idea for a new short story.

Conquering Writer's Block

Everybody will be talking: A Pet Peeve

The following is a mindless rant:

I admit that there are a lot of things that are over my head, things I can't grab the concept of - quantum physics (hell, any math past basic geometry), why toilets flush backward below the equator, why Angelina and Brad got 14 million dollars for pictures of their newborns, the list goes on. There's the TV commercial where the kids break open the pinata and packets of vegetables fall out. I'm sorry, but that's just wrong. Then there are the television and movie trailers that say their story is beyond imagination. If so, then how did somebody think of it? And finally - everybody will be talking about it (or everyone is going to love it). Excuse me?

I'm a bit off center. For years people have been telling me that I'm weird. I've come to accept that. But I still consider myself a wee bit part of everybody. So when I see a commercial for a show that I've never seen, how can they tell me that everybody will be talking about it the next day? Or, it's the episode you've all been talking about. Huh? I've never mentioned it. How did I get excluded from everybody? It's beyond imagination! And I don't think that I'm the only one. I actually know of three people who don't own TV sets, and I'd bet that there may be more. (For those of you who don't know me - this is very tongue-in-cheek, okay? Get over it.) I'd also bet that they don't talk about TV shows that they'd never heard of. So my question is, who is this everybody?

And everyone will love it? C'mon. How can you have the audacity to say that every single person is going to love that show, or product, or whatever? There are people who don't love a good back rub, people who don't love puppies, even people who don't love freedom. So why on earth would you expect everyone is going to love your new oven cleaner. I got news for you. You said it has a lemony scent - I ain't gonna love it. Next time you use the phrase everyone will love it - I want to see your documentation proving it.

Okay, okay, I told myself that when I started blogging, I'd keep it focused on writing. So writers - next time you use that inane phrase - everyone will love it, or everyone will be talking about it, please explain who this elite everyone is, and why I'm so rarely a part of it. I really want to know. How else will I learn?

And speaking of writing, in a few months a book of my short stories will be coming out. Please buy a copy. Everyone will love it.

Hurry up . . . and wait

I just checked my records (I do that sometimes) and saw that I still haven't gotten a response from a short story I sent out in July, 2002. I even followed up with a query in November, 2002. Just for sh*ts and giggles I went to their website. It's still up, and it still says that they will respond within 90 days. Oh yeah - and it still says no simultaneous submissions.

As a person far wiser than I once told me, "Ignore that part. If two publishers want your story, that's the right kind of problem to have." I'm glad I heeded his advice. That story got rejected by a multitude of other publications in the meantime.

Many editors and publishers that I've come across lately have finally seen the light. It used to be that the vast majority of guidelines that I read said "No Simultaneous Submissions." How unfair is that? "If you don't hear from us in three months, you may send a query." If you dig deep, you might also find that they reject 99% of the submissions they receive. What a racket. If I followed their guidelines there are some stories that I would've had to junk because my futuristic vision is already obsolete (I think that says more about my futuristic visions, but I digress). Now it seems that the majority accept simultaneous submissions as long as you let them know. I can do that.

To assume that a writer should wait sometimes up to three months, or longer is absurd. As a writer I want to get my stories out there quick, while the ideas are still fresh and timely. If I see more than one publication where my story will fit, that story will be going to more than one place. I'm not advocating blanketing the market and keeping your fingers crossed. One, it's a big waste of time - yours and theirs. Two, editors do talk to each other. If your name comes up and they all received the same story at the same time, well, that's not the kind of reputation you're going to want. Do your homework. Read the magazine, or at the very least carefully read their guidelines.

In the meantime, I think that it's time that I put my foot down. I'm going to email that publication that's been holding that story for 6 years and withdraw it from their consideration.

Aloneness v. Publishing

Most writers I know (myself included) are pretty much a bunch of introverts. On those days when the words are flowing, what better place can there be but in front of a computer, or sitting alone outside with a notebook and pen? It's almost like a runner's high. (Of course there's the other extreme, when the words don't come and it would be less excruciating watching infomercials on TV, but I'll save that topic for another time.) Then comes the euphoric day when you finish your manuscript and type "The End." Now here's the part where nightmares are born - publishing. (Let's pretend you've already done a number of rewrites and you feel that you're ready to go.) Do I need an agent, or go straight to the publisher? Even though I'm an unknown, do I start at the top and work my way down, or start with the mid-sized publishers where I might stand a better chance? What about self publishing and print-on-demand? Simultaneous submissions even though the guidelines say no? All good and fair questions for which the only answer I have is to do what you're most comfortable doing. If you scour the Internet, you'll be able to find whatever answer you're looking for.

One thing that I've been told again and again and again is that even before your book is published, you've got to get your name out there. Start a website.(√) Get a MySpace page.(√) Get a Facebook page.(√) Start a blog. (Hey, you're reading this.) Okay, I've just bared my soul to billions of people. Not too bad because I've convinced myself that out of those billions, only a few friends are ever going to see it.

"Now you've got to network. Go to conventions and introduce yourself." Yeah, right.

Around friends and people I know, I can be as gregarious as Santa at the mall a week before Christmas. Around strangers? "Call security. I don't like the way that guy sitting in the corner is staring at me." I don't do well around strangers, people! I've been to conventions. I've seen the crowds around authors and editors. It's like they've got their own entourage. God bless those writers who can push past their own inhibitions and insecurities and dive right in and introduce themselves. That ain't me. Then there are the writers who have a couple of drinks first, then feel comfortable enough to join the crowd. I wish I could. I'd walk up to the editor, extend my hand, introduce myself, then throw up on his/her shoes. On the plus side, at least they'd remember me.

As an introverted, and probably insecure, writer (don't they go hand-in-hand?) you must be creative. Hey, if you've completed a novel, guess what? You're creative. Send that editor who you threw up on a new pair of shoes with your manuscript rolled up and shoved inside (don't forget to think ahead - try and find out their shoe size without giving them advanced warning). Or when you send them a query - "You remember me. I'm the guy you had thrown out of the bar because of the way I looked at you. If that scared you, wait until you read this." (Probably works best if you've written a horror novel.) In other words - get their attention. Like they say about publicity, there ain't no such thing as bad.

Coming up from the ice age

This is my first blog and I expect that it's going to be lame. I accept that. I'm a fiction writer for God sakes. I make up lies. So this honesty thing is going to be a stretch. With that in mind, here's a little slice of myself . . . honestly.

In a month or two I'm going to have my first book come out called Edging Past Reality. It's a wonderful collection (if I do say so myself - which I do) of horror and speculative fiction short stories.

I've had some success publishing stories in the small press (a few of my favorites will be reprinted in the book) and the idea of marketing (other than "hey you - buy this magazine") never occurred to me. Now with a book on the way, it seems I've had to think marketing more than publishing.

I grew up in a world of passing out bookmarks and postcards with a picture of your book on them, tromping to bookstores to try and sell your soul (oops - I mean book), setting up readings and signings, etc, thinking "one day that'll be me." Then I wake up (or was I kicked in the head?) to find out that's obsolete. Now one can do much better on the Internet. Huh?

A whole new world opened up - blogging, on-line interviews, virtual touring, and the list goes on. I've spent the last few days not writing (shame on me) but discovering an endless amount of information on the net. I've met some wonderful and helpful people (thank you very much) and read some amazing blogs and discovered some wonderful sites.

As time progresses I hope to share my findings, swap nightmares and successes, and give my two cents worth (probably a lot of ranting). So buckle up folks - I'm just gettin' started.