Is self-publishing a craze? Is it worth it? Do you think you have any chance going the traditional route? Let me know?
See The Killzone 6/22/2012: http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com/
Many new writers (wannabies) view self-publishing as their only shot. Obviously, readers are voraciously pouring over the slag heap searching for stories. and they love reviewing and commenting on those stories and characters. I see people reading all over the place - devouring all sorts of stories. These readers are the gatekeepers.
Being a writer is a dream for many folks. They shlep the same worn manuscript from conference to conference, and drone on forever when given a chance to read their stuff. Only the text never changes. That's their fictive dream. Sad as it is, they're welcome to it. Their foolishness doesn't diminish me or my desire to write on bit.
And is that guy in Brentwood sill our there selling the "poem of the day" at the intersection of San Vicente and Bundy?
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Story Engineering
Aside from editing and rewriting Catalina Eddie I have been reading and studying Story Engineering by Larry Brooks. This is a must-read for writers. Really! Along the same lines, I'm checking out Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker, The Power of Point of View by Alicia Rasley, Hooked:Write Fiction That Grabs Readers by Les Edgerton and 45 Master Characters by Victoria Schmidt. Whew!
And just today Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell just arrived on my doorstep. And if that seems like a lot of books, last night I just downloaded Predator Nation by Charles Ferguson. That's a riveting account of how we got into the financial mess we're in--and there's oh so much more, too. You think it's bad? It's worse, and there's no mystery about it. The fox has been guarding the hen house. While money talks, America's jobs, future, hopes and dreams have walked. That's a thriller-chiller for you.
I'm also looking at Trial Junkies by Robert Gregory Browne. Did you see how fast that one just shot up the Amazon list? He was just interviewed on The Kill Zone a few days ago. Also in the same box with Plot and Structure, I noticed that somebody has ordered An American Spy by Olen Steinhauer and Mission to Paris by Alan Furst. Both of these are hot tickets.
When do I actually get to write? Good question.
More later.
Jim
And just today Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell just arrived on my doorstep. And if that seems like a lot of books, last night I just downloaded Predator Nation by Charles Ferguson. That's a riveting account of how we got into the financial mess we're in--and there's oh so much more, too. You think it's bad? It's worse, and there's no mystery about it. The fox has been guarding the hen house. While money talks, America's jobs, future, hopes and dreams have walked. That's a thriller-chiller for you.
I'm also looking at Trial Junkies by Robert Gregory Browne. Did you see how fast that one just shot up the Amazon list? He was just interviewed on The Kill Zone a few days ago. Also in the same box with Plot and Structure, I noticed that somebody has ordered An American Spy by Olen Steinhauer and Mission to Paris by Alan Furst. Both of these are hot tickets.
When do I actually get to write? Good question.
More later.
Jim
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Catalina Eddie Reviewed at The Kill Zone
My current work in progress, Catalina Eddie, is nearing completion. Today it was reviewed at The Kill Zone blog. Actually, it was the first page that was reviewed -- not the entire book. The writers at this blog kindly offered to review and comment on first-page submissions. As soon as I saw their announcement, I zipped a copy right off. What an opportunity to get feedback from the pros.
On the flip side was my apprehension that the piece might just be tossed straight into the bin. Ever since I hit the Send button, I've revised that opening page a zillion times. And I'll likely be at awhile longer, too.
Of course, the reviews were pretty good and I'm really pumped!
I sincerely appreciate all reactions, comments and criticisms to my writing. That's how I find out how my stuff plays for a reader. I write with the intent of causing a reaction to occur in a reader's mind. I want it to work. If it doesn't, I want to fix it. That's the contract any writer has with readers, and I'm all for it.
If you like, please check out the review and comments at:
http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com/
If you would like to offer your own comments, send your email to:
crocker1@gmail.com
Stay cool.
Jim
On the flip side was my apprehension that the piece might just be tossed straight into the bin. Ever since I hit the Send button, I've revised that opening page a zillion times. And I'll likely be at awhile longer, too.
Of course, the reviews were pretty good and I'm really pumped!
I sincerely appreciate all reactions, comments and criticisms to my writing. That's how I find out how my stuff plays for a reader. I write with the intent of causing a reaction to occur in a reader's mind. I want it to work. If it doesn't, I want to fix it. That's the contract any writer has with readers, and I'm all for it.
If you like, please check out the review and comments at:
http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com/
If you would like to offer your own comments, send your email to:
crocker1@gmail.com
Stay cool.
Jim
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Voice of the Mountains
From the sunny shore of Glacial Lake Missoula
Thanks for stopping by. This is my first blog post . . . like ever. I will be posting about the act of writing, cool new books (eBooks! baby), authors, film I like, artists I like (Ai Weiwei) and lots of music, of course. Look out for my up-coming ChickenFoot Radio postings: News about ChickenFoot (my favorite band!) and other like-minded artists. Hey! Right now I'm listening to Mach 1, by the late, great Ronnie Montrose. What an amazing shredder! Such wonderful energy for us to groove on. What a gift.
Otherwise, stay tuned. As soon as I get my act together, I'll be back. See you soon and always be cool.
-- Jim Crocker, Missoula, Montana (crocker1@gmail.com)
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