With the introduction of Amazon's Kindle, Sony's e-Reader, and now Barnes & Nobles Nook, a lot of people are starting to ask if hardback books have become an endangered species. It's a valid question, and one I thought I'd add my 2 cents worth today.
My short answer . . . No. For me, and I imagine a lot of people like me, there's something ingrained about reading a hard cover book. In fact, given a choice between a paperback and hard cover, I'll take the hard cover every time. There's something about the weight and feel of it. The way it lays open in my lap when I'm reading it, not having to use my fingers to prop open the pages. I especially like how it looks on my book shelf when I'm finished with it, another well-earned trophy. Our home has several book shelfs scattered in various rooms, but both my wife and I really want to add a formal library someday and fill it with all of the books we've collected over the years. I can't see giving up that dream for a 5 x 7 inch electronic gadget.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm a guy, and you kow what they say about boys and their toys, so our family will probably purchase one of these readers in the near future. If for no other reason than portability for trips. But in doing so I don't feel like I'm condeming traditional book sales. The news media are reporting that even though book sales are down this year, people are reading more because of e-books. That sounds suspisious to me and I'm sure those figures are an anomoly steming from the introduction of a new technology. But regardless, doom and gloom was in the air for traditional newspaper sales when internet news sites became popular, but they're still around. I'm one of those people who makes the rounds of sites like Google News, Yahoo News, CNet and USA Today every morning absorbing the days story's, but every afternoon I still sit back and thumb through the afternoon paper.
As an aspiring writer, the form that my work assumes in reaching prospective readers is irrelevant. Being un-published I can be flippant and say that I'm not in it for the money, so I could care less if this hurts authors royalties. I would love to be concerned about that, because that would mean I had something to be concerned with. But I'm not. Just like I'm not worried about e-books replacing my hard covered ones.
So the bible thumpers can stoke the fires all they want. There will always be plenty of fuel to seek out.
So, whats up with the book?
Thanks for asking, I'd be happy to give you an update.
In one word: Semi-stalled.
I have sent off my first four chapters to be professionally edited. I have always openly professed that my achilles heel is grammar, and I am striving to improve in that area, but I didn't know how weak it was until I paid to have my short story edited. OMG! The corrections suggested were amazing. And this after it had been proof-read by at least a half-dozen people who know much more about grammar then me. So I decided to only have the first four chapters of my book done because the majority of agents will request that many chapters initially if there is an interest. If by some grand stroke of luck I find an agent who wants to see more, then I'll decide then whether or not to fork out more money to have the rest of it done.
In the mean time I know what I needs to happen next, I just can't force myself to take that step. A lot of people in the publishing industry refer to it as the final edit. It's where you go back through the book, line by line, making final corrections, fixing (obvious) grammar issues, expounding upon descriptions and other fine details. Its a tedious process, but one that cannot be skipped if you ever hope to see your work published.
So what's the hold up, you ask. Fear. I'm afraid that once I finish that last step, and I declare my novel finished and ready for submission, that will be the end of my writing stint. I'm afraid that after going through the process of actually putting it out there for critical review, that the truth will come out and I'll be revealed as a shallow version of what a real writer produces. And if that is the way this should play out, then so be it. I'll be content with the knowledge that I produced two novels that a few people found enjoyment in, but weren't meant for the mainstream. I'll be dissappointed for sure, but satisfied that I at least took a shot.
But I'm not ready for that bubble to burst just yet, so I procrastinate when instead I should be working on my novel. I know I'll return to it soon, because I do intend to have it judged. Just not today.
On a different note, I now have ten blog followers! I recently stumbled across the blog of a newly published author . . . who only had seven followers!
Maybe. Just maybe.
In one word: Semi-stalled.
I have sent off my first four chapters to be professionally edited. I have always openly professed that my achilles heel is grammar, and I am striving to improve in that area, but I didn't know how weak it was until I paid to have my short story edited. OMG! The corrections suggested were amazing. And this after it had been proof-read by at least a half-dozen people who know much more about grammar then me. So I decided to only have the first four chapters of my book done because the majority of agents will request that many chapters initially if there is an interest. If by some grand stroke of luck I find an agent who wants to see more, then I'll decide then whether or not to fork out more money to have the rest of it done.
In the mean time I know what I needs to happen next, I just can't force myself to take that step. A lot of people in the publishing industry refer to it as the final edit. It's where you go back through the book, line by line, making final corrections, fixing (obvious) grammar issues, expounding upon descriptions and other fine details. Its a tedious process, but one that cannot be skipped if you ever hope to see your work published.
So what's the hold up, you ask. Fear. I'm afraid that once I finish that last step, and I declare my novel finished and ready for submission, that will be the end of my writing stint. I'm afraid that after going through the process of actually putting it out there for critical review, that the truth will come out and I'll be revealed as a shallow version of what a real writer produces. And if that is the way this should play out, then so be it. I'll be content with the knowledge that I produced two novels that a few people found enjoyment in, but weren't meant for the mainstream. I'll be dissappointed for sure, but satisfied that I at least took a shot.
But I'm not ready for that bubble to burst just yet, so I procrastinate when instead I should be working on my novel. I know I'll return to it soon, because I do intend to have it judged. Just not today.
On a different note, I now have ten blog followers! I recently stumbled across the blog of a newly published author . . . who only had seven followers!
Maybe. Just maybe.
ET. . . Phone Home
I liken grown children who have moved out from under their parents roof to Extra-Terresterials. They no longer inhabit our world, having matured to the point where they've set their sights on exploring a new universe. But we believe they visit from time to time because things have mysteriously been moved around in their room. We try to convince neighbors and relatives that we've seen them, but the only evidence we can offer are blurry photographs and half-eaten bagels. When the beings do decide to return to their homeworld and make themselves known, they regard their 'parental-units' like specimens underneath a microscope, trying to figure out what makes us tick. Poke this, prod that, see what jerks.
I can make fun of the situation, but its anything but comical for thousands and thousands of mothers out there. When a baby leaves the nest, its one of the more impactful events of a mothers life. A child stepping out on their own moves towards freedom, responsibility, choice, adventure, excitement, empowerment, and endless possibilities. The mother is left staring at an empty doorway.
I find it odd that in the best of cases a mother/child relationship is an equation that is never fully balanced. For eighteen or nineteen years she sacrifices herself totally for her child, only to endure heartache when the day comes for them to walk down their own path. A cursory hug and peck on the cheek later, they're off without a second thought. Children cannot understand the significance of their departure, or the depths of the void they leave behind. They're not equipped yet. They aren't a parent. And not until they become a parent themselves will they understand and the equation begin to balance. But in the end it is never re-paid in full.
As proud as a parent can be I've watched as two of my own have begun to find their own way, But I've also watched how it has affected their mother, who is even prouder if possible, but she aches from an emotional pain there is no cure for. Although there is no remedy, there is a medicine that can force her symptoms into extended periods of remission. It's called contact. Phone calls, text messages, or an occassional e-mail is all it takes. I imagine its universal amongst mothers.
I'll end this post with a message for anyone reading this who has recently moved out of your parents home (hint!). Think about your mother, because I can guarantee you she is thinking about you. Your wings may be spreading and the independence you so richly deserve is building before you. New aquaintences, new opportunities, new surroundings. But every day the woman who made it all possible for you is staring out the front window where you used to play for hours with your friends, or into your empty room imagining one of the many heart-to-heart talks the two of you had. She walks amongst those memories everyday, and the longer she has to endure not hearing from you is a torture no interrogator could ever duplicate.
ET . . . Phone Home.
Please.
I can make fun of the situation, but its anything but comical for thousands and thousands of mothers out there. When a baby leaves the nest, its one of the more impactful events of a mothers life. A child stepping out on their own moves towards freedom, responsibility, choice, adventure, excitement, empowerment, and endless possibilities. The mother is left staring at an empty doorway.
I find it odd that in the best of cases a mother/child relationship is an equation that is never fully balanced. For eighteen or nineteen years she sacrifices herself totally for her child, only to endure heartache when the day comes for them to walk down their own path. A cursory hug and peck on the cheek later, they're off without a second thought. Children cannot understand the significance of their departure, or the depths of the void they leave behind. They're not equipped yet. They aren't a parent. And not until they become a parent themselves will they understand and the equation begin to balance. But in the end it is never re-paid in full.
As proud as a parent can be I've watched as two of my own have begun to find their own way, But I've also watched how it has affected their mother, who is even prouder if possible, but she aches from an emotional pain there is no cure for. Although there is no remedy, there is a medicine that can force her symptoms into extended periods of remission. It's called contact. Phone calls, text messages, or an occassional e-mail is all it takes. I imagine its universal amongst mothers.
I'll end this post with a message for anyone reading this who has recently moved out of your parents home (hint!). Think about your mother, because I can guarantee you she is thinking about you. Your wings may be spreading and the independence you so richly deserve is building before you. New aquaintences, new opportunities, new surroundings. But every day the woman who made it all possible for you is staring out the front window where you used to play for hours with your friends, or into your empty room imagining one of the many heart-to-heart talks the two of you had. She walks amongst those memories everyday, and the longer she has to endure not hearing from you is a torture no interrogator could ever duplicate.
ET . . . Phone Home.
Please.
Passions - Evolution of a Browncoat
I’m a Browncoat.
Many of my readers (all four of you) might not know what that term refers to. In fact, the definition of what a Browncoat is has been a manner of contention on some popular web-sites. Here is my simple definition:
Browncoat - A fan of the “Firefly”/“Serenity” universe (TV Series & movie) that gets involved (however subtly) in the promotion of the series for non-commercial purposes.
FIREFLY was a show created by Joss Whedon on FOX. Joss Whedon is the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and more recently Dollhouse. All of these were, and still are, excellent shows. When FIREFLY originally aired it was on Friday nights. The network that commissioned the show, FOX, played around with the show (changing the order in which the episodes were shown, asking Josh to lighten up the content, continuously changing its timeslot, pre-empting it for baseball playoffs, etc.) so much so that it never had a real chance. I only caught a couple of the episodes (14 were filmed, 11 were aired) when it first came out and I liked it a lot. It received the axe after only 11 weeks and I was bummed, but not devastated because like I said, I only was able to catch a few episodes.
The show had developed a tremendous following in those 11 weeks (Whedon has a devoted fan base because of his previous shows) and because of the drive and determination of Joss Whedon and that fan base, they were able to get the show released on DVD and get a commitment to make a feature movie (SERENITY) based up the series. The rabid fans became known as Browncoats (a reference to a military group in the series that the main character was part of).
I’m what you would call an above average television viewer. That means I usually can tell you what night of the week something is on and usually how it is doing in the ratings. Like everybody, I have my favorite shows. Just to give you a sense of what I enjoy, my favorites this year are FRINGE, FAST FORWARD, MEDIUM, LOST, NCIS, GREEK, LIE TO ME, DOLLHOUSE, MODERN FAMILY, THE MENTALIST and NCIS. How do I watch so much television and get any writing done? Let’s just say the DVR is a wonderful thing!
I have always found it confounding how some shows which appear to be perfectly fine entertainment get cancelled, and other shows are allowed to survive. Don’t get me started on Reality TV. But overall, most of the time the shows cancelled deserves to be, and other times they are border line and just need time to find their audience.
So if I barely registered a whimper when FIREFLY was cancelled, you might ask how I can now claim to be a Browncoat. The answer is simple. When I heard that a full length movie was being released based upon a cancelled series (one that I liked) I became curious. I knew that the series was available on DVD, so I rented the first disc (there are 4) from Netflix and my wife and I watched it one weekend. FIREFLY was an awesome! I had no idea at the time it was originally cancelled what I was missing. We both fell in love with all of the characters interactions, the story-lines, and the wit. My wife, who begrudgingly watched the first episode with me when I started, had me march down to our local Hastings and purchase the entire DVD set after we had watched all 14 episodes! How can a show this good get cancelled? This was quality TV that most of America had no clue about. DAMN YOU FOX! When the movie (SERENITY) came out in 2005, although it didn’t make a ton of money it was one of the best reviewed Sci-fi movies that year.
Rent the DVD’s and see for yourself!
So now I consider myself a Browncoat because I sing the praises of Firefly/Serenity with the hopes of getting more people to fall in love with it. Maybe someday they’ll consider making some kind of sequel (movie or resurrected TV series), but I’m not holding my breath. This is an underdog story about a short-lived TV series that goes on to justify a major motion picture. It’s a story I like to hear . . . and tell.
So consider yourself enlightened. Check it out for yourself and make your own judgment.
Many of my readers (all four of you) might not know what that term refers to. In fact, the definition of what a Browncoat is has been a manner of contention on some popular web-sites. Here is my simple definition:
Browncoat - A fan of the “Firefly”/“Serenity” universe (TV Series & movie) that gets involved (however subtly) in the promotion of the series for non-commercial purposes.
FIREFLY was a show created by Joss Whedon on FOX. Joss Whedon is the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and more recently Dollhouse. All of these were, and still are, excellent shows. When FIREFLY originally aired it was on Friday nights. The network that commissioned the show, FOX, played around with the show (changing the order in which the episodes were shown, asking Josh to lighten up the content, continuously changing its timeslot, pre-empting it for baseball playoffs, etc.) so much so that it never had a real chance. I only caught a couple of the episodes (14 were filmed, 11 were aired) when it first came out and I liked it a lot. It received the axe after only 11 weeks and I was bummed, but not devastated because like I said, I only was able to catch a few episodes.
The show had developed a tremendous following in those 11 weeks (Whedon has a devoted fan base because of his previous shows) and because of the drive and determination of Joss Whedon and that fan base, they were able to get the show released on DVD and get a commitment to make a feature movie (SERENITY) based up the series. The rabid fans became known as Browncoats (a reference to a military group in the series that the main character was part of).
I’m what you would call an above average television viewer. That means I usually can tell you what night of the week something is on and usually how it is doing in the ratings. Like everybody, I have my favorite shows. Just to give you a sense of what I enjoy, my favorites this year are FRINGE, FAST FORWARD, MEDIUM, LOST, NCIS, GREEK, LIE TO ME, DOLLHOUSE, MODERN FAMILY, THE MENTALIST and NCIS. How do I watch so much television and get any writing done? Let’s just say the DVR is a wonderful thing!
I have always found it confounding how some shows which appear to be perfectly fine entertainment get cancelled, and other shows are allowed to survive. Don’t get me started on Reality TV. But overall, most of the time the shows cancelled deserves to be, and other times they are border line and just need time to find their audience.
So if I barely registered a whimper when FIREFLY was cancelled, you might ask how I can now claim to be a Browncoat. The answer is simple. When I heard that a full length movie was being released based upon a cancelled series (one that I liked) I became curious. I knew that the series was available on DVD, so I rented the first disc (there are 4) from Netflix and my wife and I watched it one weekend. FIREFLY was an awesome! I had no idea at the time it was originally cancelled what I was missing. We both fell in love with all of the characters interactions, the story-lines, and the wit. My wife, who begrudgingly watched the first episode with me when I started, had me march down to our local Hastings and purchase the entire DVD set after we had watched all 14 episodes! How can a show this good get cancelled? This was quality TV that most of America had no clue about. DAMN YOU FOX! When the movie (SERENITY) came out in 2005, although it didn’t make a ton of money it was one of the best reviewed Sci-fi movies that year.
Rent the DVD’s and see for yourself!
So now I consider myself a Browncoat because I sing the praises of Firefly/Serenity with the hopes of getting more people to fall in love with it. Maybe someday they’ll consider making some kind of sequel (movie or resurrected TV series), but I’m not holding my breath. This is an underdog story about a short-lived TV series that goes on to justify a major motion picture. It’s a story I like to hear . . . and tell.
So consider yourself enlightened. Check it out for yourself and make your own judgment.
Lists
So I was agoninzing the other day about ways to increase the traffic here on my blog, when I realized something. DIGG is a web-site I visit almost every day, in fact I have it linked to my homepage. Although technically not a blog, I refer to it as a model of how to generate interest in what would otherwise be obscure web-sites. The application behind DIGG is that users submit links to various websites and everybody who is a member of the site votes (called a Digg) on which of those sites should make it to the homepage and been seen by millions of web browsers. The exposure those sites receive are tremendous.
So what's this got to do with my blog? One of the things I'm always seeing pop up on Digg is Lists. The Top Ten Tear-Jerker Movies of All Time . . . The Top Ten Horror Movies . . . The Worst 'Take Me Out To The Ballgame' Performances Of All Time. Get my point. I'm gonna make up my own list. But I need some help. Below is a couple of idea's I'm thinking about pursuing. Tell me what you think about them, or give me an idea for a list you think would make for some interesting choices. Here's what I have so far:
1. Top ten excuses to use to get out of a blind date.
2. Top ten reasons I don't have my homework assignment today.
3. Top ten TV shows I'm embarrassed to say I love.
4. Top ten enbarrassing bathroom moments.
5. Top ten guys I would 'make my bitch', if we were in thrown in jail together.
6. Top ten headline hogs I would hit the delete key on.
7. The twelve women I would choose to pose for a calendar.
8. The top ten mysteries I would like to know the answer to.
9. If you had a million dollars and had to spend it on ten items, what would they be?
10.The top ten songs you would include on a make-out mix tape.
What do you think? Have any other ideas? Make a list.
So what's this got to do with my blog? One of the things I'm always seeing pop up on Digg is Lists. The Top Ten Tear-Jerker Movies of All Time . . . The Top Ten Horror Movies . . . The Worst 'Take Me Out To The Ballgame' Performances Of All Time. Get my point. I'm gonna make up my own list. But I need some help. Below is a couple of idea's I'm thinking about pursuing. Tell me what you think about them, or give me an idea for a list you think would make for some interesting choices. Here's what I have so far:
1. Top ten excuses to use to get out of a blind date.
2. Top ten reasons I don't have my homework assignment today.
3. Top ten TV shows I'm embarrassed to say I love.
4. Top ten enbarrassing bathroom moments.
5. Top ten guys I would 'make my bitch', if we were in thrown in jail together.
6. Top ten headline hogs I would hit the delete key on.
7. The twelve women I would choose to pose for a calendar.
8. The top ten mysteries I would like to know the answer to.
9. If you had a million dollars and had to spend it on ten items, what would they be?
10.The top ten songs you would include on a make-out mix tape.
What do you think? Have any other ideas? Make a list.
