Showing posts with label Sunday Surfing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday Surfing. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

So there's this "Writing Tip Tuesdays" thing...

Back in my blog's early days I ran a weekly Sunday Surfing series that provided links to cyberplaces I found interesting. These were the days I found myself hopping aboard one meme train after another. Remember them? Kreativ Blogger Award, The Versatile Blogger, The Booker, but the one I liked most was The Lucky Seven.

Adam Gaylord
The Lucky Seven (7-7-7) required a writer to post the seven sentences that begin on the seventh line of page seven (or seventy-seven) of their WIP. I found interesting excerpts on many writers' blogs, but there was one excerpt that amazed me. It came from Sol of the Coliseum written by Adam Gaylord. (I linked it in a Sunday Surfing post almost three years ago, but it's worth linking again. You can find it here. And in October 2015, Mirror World Publishing is releasing the book from which that excerpt came, so be sure to congratulate him!)

Writing Tip TuesdaysAdam has recently begun a blog series of his own: Writing Tip Tuesdays. Each Tuesday, Adam--or a guest--provides a tip for us writers. He kicked off the series by inviting someone named David Powers King. (Does anyone out there know who this guy is? I hear he teamed up with Michael Jensen and wrote some book called Woven that's garnering all sorts of rave reviews. Might be worth checking out.)

For some reason, the super-talented Adam also asked yours truly to submit a tip for his series. Fully aware as I am that only the wise can dispense wisdom, I donned my Henry David Thoreau mask and shamelessly submitted a word of writerly advice anyway. So stop by Adams Gaylord Writes and read why I encourage you to Poke Your Head Up.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Finding My Way Back

After The Bonding comes The Awakening, the second installment in the Strands of Pattern series. Electronic dust has accumulated on this work in progress like Canadian snow. Months passed with not a single word added.

I'm now clearing away that electronic dust. I'm working on my manuscript and again developing the Magic Muse software in which I write my story. (Sorry, Scrivener, I love you, but I require more than two windows open at once. Besides, I'm still a software developer at heart.)

Magic Muse and manuscript #2
The screenshot shows the start of one of the new chapters. You can enlarge the image and discover just how crappy my initial drafts really are.

I also intend to resume blogging, though I can commit to no set schedule. Adjusting to life alone after thirty years takes more than a few months. I'm a creature of habit and am still trying to establish a new routine.

Time is even more precious now than it was. I've had no choice but to reevaluate priorities. Sadly, my weekly Sunday Surfing posts will likely be a permanent casualty.

This journey has taken many months and it's nowhere near over. In truth, it probably never will be. But I can now say that, as slow as it may be, I am finally finding my way back. And I'm deeply grateful for all of you who have held my hand and encouraged me along the way.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sunday Surfing and a Hiatus

I almost didn't post this week's Sunday Surfing links. I'm still taking baby steps and haven't done any browsing lately, but a few worth sharing did come across my Facebook feed.

I ask for your patience and understanding while I try to establish a new routine. Virtually everything I've written lately is either to or about my wife. I still want to reveal covers, participate in blog tours and host others. I just don't anticipate publishing much in the way of self-written posts for a while.

I am healing, but I am also still grieving. Myra would haunt me if I abandoned writing and blogging, so this is only a hiatus, not a permanent cessation. I am most grateful for your continued prayers and support while I adapt to life without my wife.

Now, let the links begin:

Famous Self-Published Authors

Promotion: Is Ignorance Bliss?

Typesetting Your Book In Word

Social Media Secrets Part II

5 Ways to Write a Killer Plot Twist

Standard Pages for A Fiction Website

Why “Show, Don’t Tell” Is the Great Lie of Writing Workshops

Three Top Strategies to Guarantee Book Sales

The screenwriter's nitty-gritty for the better bad guy

Evolution of a Cover: MENTATS OF DUNE

A look at the latest Thor: The Dark World trailer.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Sunday Surfing and Deepest Gratitude

Happy Anniversary, Myra.
Please allow me to start this post by conveying my sincerest, deepest gratitude to everyone who has expressed their condolences, thoughts, prayers and sympathies to my family and me over the past two-and-a-half weeks.

You cannot know how much they have helped, especially with so many coming on the same day I had to pick up the death certificates. I'm so grateful to DL HammondsAlex Cavanaugh and Al Diaz for their respective roles in making the "Blitz" such a special blessing.

Today is August 4th, our anniversary, the 29-year milestone, and the first with us apart.

I picked up a card to celebrate just as I've always done. Within it, I spilled my heart just as I always have. I'm unable to hand it to her this year and I don't know Heaven's mailing address. I am therefore putting it on my blog. Surely Heaven has wi-fi.

Even through the ache of loss, my love for you remains.


(Click to enlarge)
Now, for the surfing.

Please note that as time progresses, I should be able to raise the quantity of links back up to their original level. I'm still taking baby steps for now. I'm way behind on my visiting, but I do plan to catch up soon.

Two Words Writers Should Avoid

"than I" and "than me"

10 Words That You've Probably Been Misusing

Author Brand in the Age of Indie (Indie Life)

More on Author Branding

Storytelling Across Platforms

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Surfing

Barnes & Noble Bows To Apple And Amazon; Exits Tablet Business

How Can the Average Writer Make Money Self-Publishing E-Books?

An Introduction to Author Services, Part 1 and Part 2

Considering Self-Publishing? Don't Bother, Unless You Follow Guy Kawasaki's Advice

High Fantasy Map Quiz!

14 Words That Are Their Own Opposites

Computer Desktop Encyclopedia

Captain Obvious

Lessons Yoda Has Taught Me About Writing

Think you're a nerd? Prove it! 21 Jokes Only Nerds Will Understand I got about 16 or 17 on the first read. I'm nerdy with a capital N. Of course, being a science-loving computer programmer helps.


I added the Feedly and Bloglovin widgets this weekend. I'd be grateful if someone can verify for me that they work properly.

I have been (and plan to continue) using Feedly as my blog surfing chauffeur. I've spent a good bit of time getting things organized the way that works best for me. I still have some tweaking to go, but am thus far satisfied.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Sunday Surfing

Foreign Rights Agents: Everything You Need To Know (& Why You May Want One!)

7 Ways Authors Waste Time "Building Platform" on Social Media

Creating Your Own Mythology  and Tools for Creating Your Own Mythology

Fun With Formatting: Making Ebooks Pretty

Using a Critique Checklist, or, How Not to Look Like a Twit

It's Okay to Freak Out Once in a While



Sir Jeff has been busy this week (surprise, surprise!) trying to complete a short story. I admittedly made no progress on it Saturday. My brother and I had a Game of Thrones season 3 marathon Saturday. Excellent show!

And my short story, The Watcher, appearing in Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance is now available! I'll draft a decent post during the coming week, but if you'd like to read about the ten contributors, check out Carole Ann Moleti's post.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sunday Surfing

Literary Consolation Prizes
I apologize for the lack of links. I wrapped up my edits this week and a ten-hour "consistency check" proofing marathon today. I'm in the midst of drafting the last of my synopsis and hope to have it finished before sundown.

I believe I'm going to make my June 12th deadline after all. Then I'll be able to catch up on everything else--like visiting your blogs and maybe writing a new post for my own! LOL

Remember, write wisely!

Those %!@# Expletives

Guide for Authors and Editors

Penguin Random House, the “Following Four,” and the Future of Competition

22 Maps That Show How Americans Speak English Totally Differently From Each Other

For you Game of Thrones lovers:
Red Wedding: 14 People Who Now Hate George RR Martin After Latest Episode Of 'Game Of Thrones'
and Game of Desks - Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (YouTube)

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Sunday Surfing

Congratulations to this year's Nebula Award winners!

Donna Hosie interviews Andrew Brown, her trilogy's cover designer

60 Rules for Short SF (and Fantasy)

Some of you fan fiction writers might find this interesting.

The Bridport Prize is hosting a competition. (Poetry, short and flash fiction categories.)

Not sure I'm willing to subscribe, but this Visual Thesaurus is definitely cool.

New Smashwords Survey Helps Authors Sell More eBooks

One of several such graphs from the Smashwords article

Rachelle Gardner's All the Publishing Information You Ever Wanted

And for a laugh, check out the Top Ten Things You Could Say to Make Someone Think You're a Psycho Stalker

Speaking of laughter, 22 Things Happy People Do Differently


As many of you know, I purchased the Windows version of Scrivener this week. I really do like it. There are a few things I'd love to see added, but for $40, it's a bargain.

This in no way means development of my Magic Muse software is coming to an end. But seeing as how I'm putting the final polish on The Bonding and now drafting its sequel, The Awakening, it seemed a logical time to give it a shot. Besides, when the day comes that Magic Muse is release-ready, it'll likely be free.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sunday Surfing

The Importance of Strategic Goals and How To Reassess Your Personal Goals

Gini Koch: Why I Like Traditional Publishing (Use the "Find Posts By" dropdown to filter by contributor or interest.)

Book Contract Overview (a little dated, but a nice overview regarding what is in a typical contract. Good comments too.)

5 Things You Need to Do Before You Quit the Day Job

Rites of Submission: Cover Letters and Query Letters

Self Publishing, The Poor Way

Need a little therapeutic bubble wrap popping?

And here's a little LOTR Infographic to help you brush up on your Tolkien.


Enjoy the links! And as always, write wisely!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Sunday Surfing and I Survived Vegas

I survived Las Vegas
With my trip to Vegas consuming most of my week, I found little time to rummage through the nooks and crannies of the web looking for nuggets of priceless wisdom and guffaw-inducing entertainment.

However, I did find a few that I wanted to highlight for your ever-progressing self-enrichment.

I came across some great "How-To" articles on self-publishing here and here and this one with still more links.

And after last week's fun-poking at felines, here's a link to a canine post for your enjoyment. Writers and their canine doppelgangers.

Also from The Kill Zone is the Hunting Down The Muse post.

Scott Lukas Williams wrote a touching tribute: RIP Ray Harryhausen.

Here is part 1 and part 2 of Carissa Taylor's Write On Con Recap.

Mooderino was busy last week providing some welcome Synopsis Support. And along those lines, you may also want to check out Your Book In One Sentence part 1 and part 2.

You survived April's A-to-Z Challenge. Did you visit all the other participating blogs? No? Well then climb on board for the 2013 Post A-to-Z Road Trip.



And about that Vegas trip I took last week...

They say "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," but sometimes what happens is just too good or funny not to share.

I had my first chuckle within 90 seconds of paying for my hotel room. There I was, laptop bag in one hand, suitcase in the other. Before me stood a lovely, towering fountain.

No, he didn't fall into this
Upon this fancy fountain sat a fellow more than a little inebriated. I doubt I'd have noticed him at all had it not been for the splash.

A southern baptist preacher couldn't have dunked him any better.

Now, the brain requires a few brief moments to process such things before it thinks about rendering aid. In this, my brain was no exception. I stood there gawking just like everyone else. By the time the thought occurred to me, he'd already arisen from his self-administered baptism.

I stayed at the MGM Grand
With eyes as round as any I'd ever seen, he took in his surroundings while climbing back out of the fountain. He never spoke, but I'm fairly certain he realized he was drenched. I'm just not sure he understood how he came to be that way.

I would so love to know which questions were sloshing through his mind. His expression suggested so many possibilities.

The downside to the incident was the fact that the fountain was off and empty for the remainder of my stay. Perhaps it was due maintenance after the mishap or it needed a good cleaning. I somehow doubt it was the first baptism that fountain had seen.

But the trip was both productive and fun. The flights were at full capacity, but were all on time. I managed to get You Are My Sunshine stuck in my head during the return trip thanks to a spontaneous mother and daughter in-flight duet. (I have to admit though, the girl had a nice voice for being three or four years old.)

The weather was great the entire time I was there. I snapped some nice pictures. I posted some here and more on Facebook.

I ate at Gordon Ramsay's BurGR restaurant. (And that burger was way better than I expected!) I also had steak at Chef Emeril Lagasse's Cajun seafood restaurant. (I don't do fish.) Of course, everyone except me knew who these chefs were.

There really is something in Vegas for just about everyone--except for beaches, but they do have some nice pools. This last photo is from a pool area at MGM Grand.

Enjoy the links. And as always, write wisely.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sunday Surfing and Waving From Vegas

What I Learned From Having a Literary Agent

5 Ways to Deal with Word Repetition

Self-Publishers: Do You Need Nurturing?

I found this one quite illuminating: LOL isn't funny anymore

Getting Everything Right Is Wrong

Pirates & Trolls But No White Knight by Beth Fred (on the pirating of eBooks)

Notes on Writing Fight Scenes

"Illegal" Magic Systems

And this is just a "little" thing for you science fans: A Boy And His Atom. Guinness-certified world's smallest movie, created by stop-motion photography of actual atoms arranged by IBM researchers. Magnification factor? 100 million times.


This North Carolina boy is heading to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend a LOMA/ACORD conference for work. While I love flying, I despise airports and all the hassles that come with them.  However, the upside to this trip is that I get to see Dr. Michio Kaku in person! He'll be wrapping up the conference!

Dr. Michio Kaku

Dr. Kaku's website is a great place to visit.

Wish me safe and hassle-free journeying. Time and wi-fi willing, I'll pop in and do a bit of visiting. Until then, write wisely!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Sunday Surfing

Flogging the Quill

Why Do We Keep Making Ebooks Like Paper Books?

Feeling Rejected? Join the {Prestigious} Crowd

Style, Fear and the Bias Against Creativity

Horatio Nelson Fiction Prize at Black Balloon Publishing

The Other Face of Rejection

The 9 Ingredients of Character Development

LTUE: First person POV

How can story writers and book authors hook their readers?

Very fascinating and a little spooky: Where No Search Engine Has Gone Before


Progress on my Magic Muse writing workbench application is coming along rather nicely thus far.  I'm still dealing primarily with interface design, trying to determine what features to implement and how they best function.

I'm sure the appearance will change as development continues, but here is a screenshot of how some of the windows look now.

Click image for larger size display

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sunday Surfing

Blog Blitz: A cool idea that DL Hammons over at Cruising Altitude had.

Amazon.com to Acquire Goodreads

Is it Really Time for Authors to Stop Blogging?

Dontcha Know How Ter Write Dialects, Y'all?

7 Reasons Agents Stop Reading Your First Chapter

Being Enneagrammatically Correct Part 1 and Part 2

Don't forget the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. It begins on April 1 (tomorrow!)  My theme will be "I Love Sci-Fi/Fantasy Because..." I look forward to reading your posts!

And finally, check out this monster wave off the coast of Portugal. It was estimated to be 100 feet high! And someone is surfing it!

If you encounter a post or article that you believe would be of benefit or interest to other writers, let me know.  Leave a comment. Send me an email. Catch me on Facebook or tweet the link to me on Twitter including the hashtag #SundaySurfing and I'll check it out.  As most of you know, my schedule is always a crap shoot and I undoubtedly miss some great links.  I'd hate for others to miss out too!