Writing a book is a challenge and a labor of love. Even for the more practically minded, with an overall goal of making a career of this, not just jotting down words as a hobby, there is a piece of us that goes into every story.
There are few things more satisfying than finding a home for a story. (Except for cake. Cake is always good.) It's confirmation that the work you put into it wasn't a waste. It's affirmation that these characters who speak to you also speak to others. It's validation of your craft, both personally and as a part of the larger world of authors.
And then, sometimes, after you've put all that time and effort into a book, after you've searched and queried and found a publisher who loves your story as much as you do, sometimes things go wrong.
Yesterday morning I found out that Eggplant Literary Productions is closing due to on-going health concerns and my book (and all the others they've published) are being withdrawn from publication.
Which, quite frankly, sucks.
Eggplant is doing the right thing and returning the rights to all their authors. And I can't blame anyone for recognizing that they can't run a business if they aren't healthy.
But it still sucks. I feel like I'm back at square one, even though I know I'm not.
And in the meantime, there will be cake. Because cake is always good.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Revisions (Writing Update 7.13.14)
Just a quick note today. (And many apologies for the radio silence. We're in the midst of a rapid-and-unexpected move so the peripheral stuff is going to be a little hit or miss for the next few months.)
On Wednesday (July 16th) I have a guest blog over at Enchanted Spark. You may remember Melinda Moore guested over here a couple of months ago and is graciously hosting me as well. You should be sure to check it out - I talk about writing Brass Stars and dealing with hard characters.
It seems that The Beast Within 4: Gears and Growls may be coming out in October. It's been a little delayed, but I think everyone's excited to see it come out. Edited by Jennifer Brozek, this anthology includes my own steampunk-werecreature-Southern-Gothic story - "Legacy". And some other authors who you are more likely to recognize. (Like Ken Liu.)
A few weeks ago I finished up The Spider Thief and The Assassin King. This short novel started out as a short story and rapidly turned into the-project-that-wouldn't-quit. I've had a lovely talk with my agent, scribbled down a page full of notes, and now have a six week deadline to add some more polish to the MS. There is a fair amount of "Yay!" involved here. And also a bit of "OMG!" because... moving. Then again, who needs sleep?
On Wednesday (July 16th) I have a guest blog over at Enchanted Spark. You may remember Melinda Moore guested over here a couple of months ago and is graciously hosting me as well. You should be sure to check it out - I talk about writing Brass Stars and dealing with hard characters.
It seems that The Beast Within 4: Gears and Growls may be coming out in October. It's been a little delayed, but I think everyone's excited to see it come out. Edited by Jennifer Brozek, this anthology includes my own steampunk-werecreature-Southern-Gothic story - "Legacy". And some other authors who you are more likely to recognize. (Like Ken Liu.)
A few weeks ago I finished up The Spider Thief and The Assassin King. This short novel started out as a short story and rapidly turned into the-project-that-wouldn't-quit. I've had a lovely talk with my agent, scribbled down a page full of notes, and now have a six week deadline to add some more polish to the MS. There is a fair amount of "Yay!" involved here. And also a bit of "OMG!" because... moving. Then again, who needs sleep?
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
LibertyCon 27 - In Review
This past weekend I attended LibertyCon 27. It was not only my first time there, but my first time at any SF/F convention and I have to say it was a great way to start off.
The folks who organize LibertyCon are a fantastic bunch and, despite feeling a little out of my depth, I still felt at home.
I also got to meet some wonderful folks.
- I shook hands with Timothy Zahn, whose Star Wars books made me exceedingly happy as a teenager, read a new short story and was very gracious when I babbled about how much of an inspiration his writing had been.
- I was able to sit in on Jody Lynn Nye's reading from her forthcoming book, Fortunes of the Imperium. It's wonderfully funny and comes out in September.
- David B. Coe/D.B. Jackson and I were both on a (rather large) panel featuring Tennessee authors and I got a chance to chat with him a little later in the day. His newest book (A Plunder of Souls) comes out in a week (July 8th).
Among the other folks I met that you should check out:
D. Alan Lewis - due to a mix-up with name badges I will probably forever remember him as "Padre Alan."
Larry Atchley, Jr - we were on a panel discussing horror and dark fantasy and I believe he has work coming out in several anthologies over the next year.
Tamara Lowery - currently finishing up a pirates series with a lead character who may be a vampire but doesn't sparkle.
Louis Puster III - writer of dark fantasy with two books so far in his series: The Saga of Ukumog
I had a great time and hope that, although this was my first convention, it won't be my last.
The folks who organize LibertyCon are a fantastic bunch and, despite feeling a little out of my depth, I still felt at home.
I also got to meet some wonderful folks.
- I shook hands with Timothy Zahn, whose Star Wars books made me exceedingly happy as a teenager, read a new short story and was very gracious when I babbled about how much of an inspiration his writing had been.
- I was able to sit in on Jody Lynn Nye's reading from her forthcoming book, Fortunes of the Imperium. It's wonderfully funny and comes out in September.
- David B. Coe/D.B. Jackson and I were both on a (rather large) panel featuring Tennessee authors and I got a chance to chat with him a little later in the day. His newest book (A Plunder of Souls) comes out in a week (July 8th).
Among the other folks I met that you should check out:
D. Alan Lewis - due to a mix-up with name badges I will probably forever remember him as "Padre Alan."
Larry Atchley, Jr - we were on a panel discussing horror and dark fantasy and I believe he has work coming out in several anthologies over the next year.
Tamara Lowery - currently finishing up a pirates series with a lead character who may be a vampire but doesn't sparkle.
Louis Puster III - writer of dark fantasy with two books so far in his series: The Saga of Ukumog
I had a great time and hope that, although this was my first convention, it won't be my last.
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