Monday, February 28, 2011

Post: If You Make Them Cry--High Five!


What a week it's been, and weekend! With a deadline to meet and the Oscars to watch, there's been little time to play . . . or eat, or figure out the fuse in the socket that's not working. I'd poke around some, but I don't think the Doctor Emmett Brown look suits me, just yet.

 
Got to love the Doc!

Docs aside, I'm really looking forward to Spring Forward this week and month. Even more than that, I want to spring ahead with more words than I can keep track of. Before we skip to the updates, here's our weekly SHOUT OUT for those of you who have recently joined The Laire!

Carolyn V - she's an author of YA fiction who has already contributed to two published, non-fiction books and is a powerful world builder. Build on, architect!

- originally from China, she has a wide range of talents, from writing, dancing to music, and a little physics on the side. Our thrusters have been on the fritz, lately. We need more physicists! Thanks!

Stacy Henrie - a writer of historical romance and a busy mother, she has plenty of awesome stories to tell (and a rather tasty blog). Excellent! A cook in our midst!

- this Illinoisan substitute teaching writer is unstoppable, so long as she has endless pens, paper and lots of coffee! Now we're supplied!

Dan Harrington - is a freelance writer and published author, who also founded the blog, Man Cave Authors. Versatility and brute strength! Such valuable assets!

- I'm been following her for a while. Why? She's just a neat blogger--and an even better writer! She also likes baseball. What's a starship without baseball?

Welcome, ya'll! You know, if we were all part of a crew, with me handling the helm (since I am a graduate of Wing Commander Academy, or I played all the games and won, without dying . . . kinda . . .), I'm sure we'd journey through the cosmos with little incident!

Again, thank you for following!

Updates: Chapters 7 through 9 are reread and passed to my producer friend for feedbacks. You know, this might be an urban legend, but--is it true that if you make an agent/editor cry, they will represent/publish you? If that's the case, the force is strong here. My producer friend has teared up twice and she's not halfway into the novel yet! To think of the downpour that may come about in later chapters. It already makes me choke!

Chapter 18 is well in the works with 2k words so far. This puts me a little ahead of schedule! Ah well. No rest for the wanted. Got to keep this writing train a move'n!

What writing urban legends do you know of?

I'm David, and rocks make for cheap paperweights.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Aspiring Advice: When The Heart Skips

 

Finishing off our Feeling-Good February theme this month, We'll discuss the core that lies at the heart of every writer--that core just happens to be your heart.

A lethargic heart is an unhappy heart. We may sit at our computers (or typewriters, if you got'em) and think little to nothing about the ticker that's always pumping every vampire's favorite soft drink through our veins. If we don't stop to think of how we're treating our heart, it might just stop on us. Not to worry. Here's some things to think about, to let your heart know that it's still loved.

Exercise - if you're like me, you're thinking like Garfield the Cat. I know. Maybe we don't have the time or can't afford a gym membership. If you can make the time and can afford a gym membership, do it. Me? I don't have those resources at the moment. What do I do? I jog the stairs for a few minutes, followed by a five minute, full-body 10 pound weight routine, daily. Ten minutes and I'm done! During the summer is when I get my serious on and hit the outdoor pool. Indoor ones are claustrophobic and has invisible chlorine fog. Phew!

Diet - you know--"die" with a "t" in it (another Garfield reference--I'm in trouble)! What you eat can have a huge impact. It never hurts to read food labels, to see what you're actually consuming. If you can avoid high fructose corn syrup, more power to you. Me? I start my mornings with bananas so I can go bananas with my writing. Those things are packed with energy. You know when you're craving sugary stuff? That craving can be satisfied with a piece of fruit! Man. I don't know what I'm going to do with all those Nerds in my closet . . .

Love - that's right. Love! What better way to warm those chilly cockles than to find something to care about, that you're passionate about, especially in others. These shout-outs that I do is my way of saying "thank you" to my followers, and in turn, it helps me remember who they are. Emotions matter. If you're bogged about Internet trolls and people who can't drive--let it go. You shouldn't talk to trolls anyway!

They Bite. I kid you not.

How do you keep your ticker happy?

I'm David, and tennis balls could be softer.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Random Sauce: New Followers, Ahoy!


You know something? I forgot to do (what I think) is important on my Monday post--give a shout-out to my new followers! There is a slew of them too, so this post is completely dedicated to you guys! Without further ado, let's give a cosmic greeting to our new recruits:

Merry King and Reece Hanzon - while without blogs for the moment (or that I could find), I thank you for coming aboard and thinking that I'm worth following. Welcome! (If you do have a blog, please let me know)

JoAnna King - I'm proud to say that this woman has had the greatest impact in my life--and got me into writing YA fantasy. Thank you for following the blog, love :)

Jonathon Arntson - his "odd" blog covers a wide range of topics and he likes to write books! Anyone who likes to write books is a friend of mine. Welcome!

Deren Hansen - we've met at writer gatherings and a book signing. He's an affluent writer with a deep love for LEGOs, just as I do. Good to have you!

Alyssa - she is the conductor of a fantastic blog called The Lit Express, chock full of book reviews, author interviews and creative writing tips. All aboard!

Bethany Mattingly - this versatile author in the making has a deep-rooted love of writing and agriculture. And the best part, she gives away cyber donuts! YUM!

Jackson Porter - go check out his awesome video that James Dashner responded to. It's hilarious. Jackson has the makings of a great author. Good comedic timing!

Demitria Lunetta - she's a YA author of science fiction and fantasy (that's what I do!), who is represented by Veritas Literary. We can expect great things from her!



Kelly Dexter - an epic fantasy writer, represented by The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency, who loves high fiction with a passion, be it movie, TV or book!

That about wraps it up for this week's followers (I don't know how much longer I can do these shout-outs, but I'll try anyway, because you're not just people--your my people, and everyone deserves a shout-out).

I'm David, and Costco bananas have thick a-peal. 

Monday, February 21, 2011

Post: Updated - The New Cosmic Laire

After some long and relatively hard thinking, contemplation and compromising, I've taken some recent advice to heart and changed up The Cosmic Laire. It needed an update. After all, if my name is the brand that I'm trying to sell, that should be front and center with other themes and trimmings on the side.

For those of you who are new, welcome! Here you will find a place were Science Fiction and Fantasy share the same quarters . . . without too much damage, we hope. I will ever endeavor to make your visits worth while, but with LTUE, at home with kids on President's Day and personal deadlines, this week's update won't be as I'd normally format. No worries. Everything will be cake after Thursday with my Aspiring Advice column.

It might be a cool time to bring up some well-rounded awesomeness (or unabashed esteem-boosting, take your pick)! This is my 150th post with over 2000 unique visitors, 63 followers (you guys rock) and (in three days) this blog will celebrate its two year anniversary! I do have to ask if I'm getting punked by the visit counter. It took almost two years to obtain 1000 hits, but less than a month to obtain another 1000? I'm not complaining, really. I'm just shocked . . . like Spock!

"This . . . is . . . not . . . logical!"

Updates - I said chapter 17 would be done today, right? Right! However, I did not get started on chapter 18. The good news to offset this setback is that my WiP has crossed the threshold of 80k words! There are now > 29k words to go! With my awesome producer friend demanding the rest of the novel, I've arranged to revise 3 chapters for every new chapter I draft. If I keep this pattern consistent, I should still have this wrapped up and ready to shop before April is out. SO exciting!

That's all for now. A return to normalcy will occur sometime in the near future. Click in again!

I'm David, and I'm not a legitimate Trekkie.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Random Sauce: LTUE Thoughts - Part II

 

I would've had this up last night, but . . . the body just had to crash, you know? LTUE: fun, but exhausting!

The last day of LTUE 29 was both an excellent and a sad one--excellent in the sense that the panels were awesome, the attendees were fantabulous and the Killer Breakfast was hilarious, but sad when reality dictates that I have to wait another 364 days for the next one! Ah well. There's much work to be done between now and then. One of the many highlights was hanging out and mingling with a ton of authors--published or not--including two of my many favorite bloggers, Shallee and Kate (above). Good to see all of you!

Thoughts that stuck out to me:

James Dashner's keynote address was insightful, inspiring and jam-packed with honest laughs. If it's your goal to be a writer, than do it. Make the time to make it happen and never (x 100) give up.

When writing believable fight scenes, it's good to keep in mind that most fight scenes you see in movies are exaggerated. If two experienced fighters engage, their fight will last about 4 minutes to 4 seconds.

As writers or artists (and people in general), take care of yourself. A poor diet and a lack of exercise might be the root of your writing blocks and depression--even insomnia! A little cardio is better than none.

Writing is an art and a business. It's easy to be a hermit while drafting that novel, but introversion makes that next step toward publication difficult. Meet other writers. Network. Ask questions. Make friends. Blog!

It would take a quarter of an eon to sum up everything that went down at LTUE, and I missed a day, so I'll stop now. For those of you who picked up my card at the freebie table, I hope you enjoyed your visit to The Cosmic Laire. Be sure to click in Mondays for personal thoughts/updates and Thursdays for Aspiring Advice. Anything in between is delicious Random Sauce.

What do you think of the new blog adjustments?

I'm David, and Zupas has tasty, tasty salads!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Random Sauce: LTUE Thoughts - Part I


What a day! Writing conventions/symposiums are an incredible resource for learning the craft and making new friends who share the same passion as you. This is my third year in attendance and the information that the panelists provided continues to be invaluable.
I love meeting new people. Rocks my world!

In advance, thank you panelists!

Thoughts that stuck out to me:

A good point was made about appearance. An author's name is an author's product. Appearance and the way you treat others provide a picture and an atmosphere to your product--you! The lack of an impression (or causing a bad one) can come back to haunt you when you take that next step to publication. Decide how you want to present yourself (clothing/hair/etc) and be in uniform whenever you leave the house, even to the store. I may have to reconsider wearing those novelty Tees . . .

What separates age markets is internal conflict. In Middle Grade, the internal conflict is simple. In Young Adult, it's more involved, even complicated. In Adult, they are more set and their paths are defined.

If someone wants you to write a book for them, based on their idea, you'll want to be sure of what they will give to a collaborative effort. Ideas are cheap. That someone shouldn't get 50% for an idea alone. 

There will be more tomorrow. Expect the blog to change, too. I am not sure when, but it will.

I'm toying with a new blog name. What do you think?

I'm David, and a soft pillow is calling me.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Aspiring Advice: When The Back Aches



Continuing our theme this month, I'd like to point out another common ailment that writers may experience. If you're like me, you're more than likely writing in front of a computer screen, typing away on a keyboard whilst sitting in a chair. Just like typing too long or staring at a screen more than you should, sitting for prolong periods of time can eventually toll you. Back muscles, back bones, back sides--they're all susceptible. Here are a few tips to keep you from feeling as stiff as a board.

Stretch - no matter what you're doing, stretching is always a good idea. Keeps you limber--keeps you focused. Pro athletes do it. Why not pro writers?

Breaks - combine your wrist and eye breaks with a back break. (I don't mean that kind of break)! That sure makes for an all-in-one combo! Stand up and walk around. Maybe do a little chore that you've neglected?

Posture - slouching, leaning, tilting . . . nah eh. Sit up and hold your shoulders back. It might feel like a pain, but your body will thank you . . . maybe even love you!


How do you prevent/alleviate your aching back?

I'm David, and pictures are made of pixels.

P.S. If you're attending LTUE this weekend, I'll be there. Feel free to stop and talk if we should cross paths!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Post: Get Ready For a Writing Avalanche!



Attention everyone! I have some rather excellent news today! No, I'm not getting published, at least yet . . .

Last week, I had the privilege to share a good portion of my latest novel with producer/screenwriter Shelley Husk. She really liked it, as in, read-it-multiple-times-in-one-sitting-and-can't-wait-to-read-the-rest liked it! She provided great feedback and mentioned a possible introduction to a publishing house after the story is finished. I'm not promising that this will be published anytime soon, but it's a shot worth taking. That's why I'm gearing up for a full-blown writing avalanche, where I'll push myself, tooth and nail, to complete the first draft by the end of April. With 7 chapters more to go, that should allow enough time for final touch-ups.

Can I draft 30k words in two months? We'll see!

And now, I'd like to introduce three new followers!

Katie Mills - known also as The Creepy Query Girl, she is a splendid writer with an informative blog that I think everyone should peek at. Good to have you, Katie!

W.B. - with a blog that will make you WOW, this versatile writer posts stories in parts. I have to say, what I've read so far is quite impressive. Kudos, W.B!

Madeline - is a teenage writer who is convinced that water has caffeine. I have no doubt that she will amount to awesomeness with her clever writing approach.

Welcome, guys! Everyone, go check out their blogs!

W.B. asked me a very good question - have I submitted any of my manuscripts? Honestly, I've only submitted three full ones in my life. Don't know how many queries I send out, over 30 I'm sure. One of them was a 6 month wait rejection while the other two were both close calls. Looking back, I'm glad for those rejections. I had more to learn. I hope my latest project shows that I have :)

Updates: Chapter 16 is done and 17 is well in the works! I found a bit of a hiccup in chapter 7, which will require some gutting, cutting, pasting and rewriting. Oh my! The goal this week is to finish chapter 17 and start 18.

For those of you interested or wish to meet up with me this weekend, I'm attending the LTUE symposium on Friday and Saturday. It's a stellar program with lots of fantastic guests, writers and artists all coming together. All I ask is - be yourself. I know I'll be.

Keep aspiring as you pursue your writing!

I'm David, and good roses are hard to find today.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Aspiring Advice: When The Eyes Strain



Last week, I talked about sore wrists due to excessive writing and what to do if you're in pain. Continuing on that theme, I'd like to draw your focus on eye strain. This is a nasty issue if left unchecked, as it can grow out of proportion and develop into a full-blown syndrome (CVS), if you let it. Seriously, how much screen time are we clocking in these days? Not just computers, but LCD TVs, portable devices and the like. It adds up quick and could lead you into permanent red-eye and/or enduring headaches. Works great, for that "zombie" look! :)

Here's a few simple preventative measures:

Breaks - just look away for a while. There's many different methods out there, even software to help remind you when to "look away." Basically, if you stare at the screen for an hour, take a ten minute break.

Glasses - they're trendy, trust me. Even if you have 20/20 vision, invest in some reading/computer glasses. A very valuable asset. Wear to avoid the glare.

Pen and Paper - for the ultra sensitive (or on the go), it never hurts to carry some good old pen and paper. A writing pad won't strain your eyes like a screen will. Granted, it adds time, but the time you'll end up spending in front of a monitor will reduce radically.

These are not the rules, just advice from one who has been there. Write on, gang! Don't "strain" yourself :)

How about you? How do you avoid eyestrain?

I'm David, and compy-eyewear rocks!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Post: About Snow and A Movie Premier

 
Snow. It falls white, settles as ice and turns black in the streets. Such a curious fleck of frozen water, be it flake or hail or sleet. The groundhog saw its shadow, which comes as no surprise that winter will stay for a time. In other words, suck it up. It ain't going away just yet.

Okay. Now I can cope with that white stuff outside! :)

I know. I'm a day behind in my post, but some fun goings-on has been going on in my writing lately, although it looks like my little contest never took off like I had hoped. What a downer. Ah well. If I happened to have overlooked you or if you would still like a short critique (250 words), comment or find me on Facebook. I'll take a look at what I receive through this week.

Now I'd like to welcome newcomers Damyanti, Kimberley, Cynthia and Pooh1 to the Laire! You guys are awesome to the max! I hope you enjoy the voyage.

Updates - things are sailing on the writing front here, with chapter 16 currently in the middle of its working draft. Chapter 15 has been cleaned up for its official first draft and I'll soon gear up for LTUE next week. I may just hold a different contest after that. Stay tuned.

Remember that post a while back, when I was invited to be an extra for a little film called Midway to Heaven? I was fortunate to attend its premier last week! And you know what? It's a good show! Absolutely one of the better LDS-themed films I've seen. Made my wife cry. Need I say more? There are two different versions of it, the other for general audiences (no mention of LDS culture) which is expected to release on DVD in a few months. But for now, Midway to Heaven is in theaters throughout Utah. And yes, it stars Michelle Money from The Bachelor. Here's a trailer to pique you further -



I'm David, and it looks warmer outside than it is.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Aspiring Advice: When The Hand Breaks


Let's imagine for a second that you are able to write for hours on end without interruptions or distractions - just you and the keyboard. Nice thought, isn't it? But like the moderation of things, too much of anything can do you harm. What can be more heinous to a writer then a bad case of tendinitis or carpal tunnel? It's never a nice thought, but it happens, more often when you're in the zone and can't let off the throttle of your creative cycle. Here are some ways to cope with a sore wrist.

Stop - it's okay. Take a break. Your story is probably wonderful, but it's not worth going into corrective surgery over. Take it easy for a day or two.

Wrap It Up - if you have a brace or gauze wrap, use it. It will provide ample support and allow your sore tendons to relax. Wear this overnight for best results.

Pace Yourself - prevention is usually the best medicine. Set a reasonable word count goal and stop for the day when you reach it. There's always tomorrow.

Alternatives - hand writing or longhand is not nearly as ouchy as keyboards in terms of sore wrists. Maybe you can find someone who is willing to take dictation, too.

There are other therapeutic methods, but these are common and effective for most people. Whatever your writing endeavors, take it stride. You'll feel better about yourself and your hand will live long . . . and prosper!

I'm David, and you guessed it - my hand hurts.

How do you pace yourself to prevent sore wrists, and what helps you cope if-and-when carpal tunnel sets in?

Don't forget to check out my Cosmic Critique Contest! Click here. Read the rules and enter before Feb 8th.