Category Archives: randomisms

I’m Registering For LTUE February 2016; So Should You

randomisms, , , , , , , , , ,

LTUE 2016

If you’ve talked to me about writing this year, it should come as no surprise that I’ll be returning to LTUE (Life, the Universe, and Everything Symposium) in 2016. In February 2015, I attended LTUE for the first time, and I loved every minute.

If I haven’t already, let me tell you why YOU want to attend LTUE in 2016 if you are a writer (aspiring or otherwise).

  1. Fantastic Writing Panels – panelists ranging from newcomers to international bestsellers talk every writing topic under the sun. Topics range from the science in sci-fi to worldbuilding to plot to editing to promotion to publishing (indie and traditional).
  2. Accessible speakers and panelists – this isn’t a huge convention, and there are plenty of opportunities to chat with experts (writers, editors, games designers) about their take on your questions.
  3. Meet delightful people – plenty of opportunities to connect with others with similar goals. Talk to people from all over the industry.
  4. Pitch or Crit sessions – have a chance to see what an editor thinks of your book or concept.
  5. Affordably priced – the 3-day symposium is only $45 and free for students. I don’t care who you are, that’s a steal.
Anyway, come on down. LTUE is going to be fantastic in 2016. If you should happen to attend, look for me and say hi! I’d love to share thoughts and ideas with fellow writers and readers.
I also found this delightful graphic as a result of attending a Dune panel last February. Enjoy, Dune fans.
spiceMelange

What Is Meaningful?

randomisms, , , , , ,

bansaiMoss

I intended to finish a more meaningful blog post for this day. As it happens, I conspired against me.

Yes. It was me. And a bit of Mother Nature. But mostly me.

Writing these articles has meaning for me and hopefully for someone else. I don’t want to write these only for the ether. That is not my intent. At the same time, I need to spend time reviewing pieces from my critique group. That is important to them and to me. I also, need to work on Part 5 of Rue From Ruin (which is underway). Hopefully, that is also important to someone besides me!

The short of it is, while these posts are meaningful, I had more meaningful things to do. I’m planning a giant article on the value of critique groups. That will be coming along soon.

In the meantime, enjoy this GIF!

whatAreYouDoing

Would I Miss A Post Due To Allergies?

randomisms, , , , , , , ,

My answer:

deathFirst

However, today you just get a nice GIF instead of a real post.

Also, a reminder: If you are a fan of The Princess Bride at all (movie or novel), you should listen to As You Wish by Cary Elwes on Audible. He narrates his memoir on the filming of this iconic cult classic with guest readings by many of the cast and crew. It is a delight to the ears.

The tale has inspired my writing and encouraged my continued honing of the craft.

TIL: Writing Is Hard

randomisms, TIL, , , , , , , , ,

60020812_b648f46287_b

There are so many distractions,
The world conspires.
Writing is a priority,
Don’t get that wrong.

Found enigma of obsession,
In minute non-art.
Writing shall fail to come to be,
Feels confronted.

Bring forth the life of life undone,
To eat feast of not.
Writing nourishes the me,
Of harmony.

Advancement of self consumes much,
but this too shall pass.
Writing in the night sets mind free,
To wander now.

WLM

—-

A poet I’m not. This one brought to you by the need for focus. Consider it my form of doodling. I’m going to have a new installment of Rue From Ruin for you this Friday. I’m editing right now. Well. I’m editing this post. I’m also editing Rue Part 3. It’s close.

If you’re feeling like me, it might be a good time to go back and read about The Law of the Bamboo Tree.

Enjoy a free GIF on me:

youmakemesad

Inspiration For Rue From Ruin

randomisms, serial story, , , , , , , , , , ,

RUE FROM RUIN, the lone werewolf roleplaying game is now on Kickstarter! 

 Check out RUE FROM RUIN
IMG_5854
Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy 2009

Here it is. No, not the serial story post I hoped to publish today. This isn’t exactly a filler post because I’ve been planning it for some time, but it is in place of Rue From Ruin.

You will have to wait a bit longer for the next installation.

I’m not entirely happy with Rue From Ruin – Part 3 yet, so today I’m sharing some of the inspiration for the story with you instead.

The picture above was taken several years back during my first trip to Europe. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been infatuated with the old world. I love the sense of permanence and history that permeates that part of this tiny blue planet (even if imagined).

So when my friend and writing support group member, J. Rushing shared the photo below with our little group, I immediately loved it. The image is so wonderful and so full of character. Therefore, I felt inspired to write something about it. Anything really.

IMG_20150414_153916

Also, I recently binge-watched Supernatural. Yes, this had a considerable impact on my writing timeline for The Galaxy and All Her Charms. In my opinion, totally worth it. I probably would never have even considered writing anything in the paranormal vein before I watched those crazy Winchester brothers. #SPN can be cheesy at times, but I’m so not above cheesy.

giphysuper

Finally, I wanted to write more on the themes of addiction and loss. My current work in progress deals with loss, but in Rue From Ruin the loss is far more personal. It’s tied directly to the addiction as well (no spoilers) which is something I feel very strongly about writing.

So there you have it. Hopefully, the next part of Rue From Ruin is complete as soon, but I’m not going to rush out something that doesn’t feel ready. I’m excited about what I’ve written so far, and I think my three readers are going to love it. At least, I hope you do.  It certainly is a blast writing it!