Hello!

Its been far too long since my last post. I can sum up the reason why with just three words: Busy, busy, busy. Ok, so it’s one word repeated three times, but it’s the best excuse I have.

Anyway, onto what’s been happening…

Do you remember Project 13? I hope you do, it’s the project that saw the publication of The Thirteenth Camera. The talented editors behind the project want to do it all again. This time the anthology they have in mind will have a theme of ‘Saints & Sinners’. I’ve written a very early draft of my particular entry which is entitled Acid House.

I couldn’t turn the opportunity down. Did I find the original project frustrating? At times, Yes! But only because I was forced to work in a different manner. The creative collaboration between the editors and the writers was excellent, and I learned a great deal during the experience.

Speaking of that original project sales of “13 The Anthology” are trickling in. We had an excellent review from Soundsphere Magazine which you can find here: http://www.soundspheremag.com/reviews/book/book-review-13-the-anthology/

I am immensely proud of the specific reference the review made regarding The Thirteenth Camera:

The collection closes with another tale that would sit easily alongside books of the ‘New Weird’ ilk with a shot in the arm of arresting surprise not unlike Ian McEwan’s ‘Solid Geometry’.

We could use some more reviews so if anyone reading this would like to offer an independent review on Amazon, or via their own blog, let me know. A free copy for review purposes can be arranged. (Note: This is not a plea for gushing five star reviews. It’s a request for honest feedback be it praiseworthy, constructively negative, or some fence sitting middle ground.)

Unrelated to any project is a new piece of flash fiction entitled The Ending. It’s a little bit experimental with a non-standard narrative, but I’ve got an eye on a couple of magazines that might be interested. Feedback from trusted sources is currently good on this one.

The My Stories section of the Musings has been updated to include The Ending and Acid House, and gives a little bit more information about those stories.

The Useful Links section of the blog has been updated with details of:

The Screenwriting Goldmine http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/ 
Gareth L Powell http://www.garethlpowell.com/  
More information on both those site is contained in the Useful Links section.

The Favourite Quotes section has had an abundance of new quotes added.  I’ve re-structured this page too. I’ve now listed the quotes alphabetically based on author surnames. For various reasons I didn’t want to do this, but it’s the simplest way of checking  which quotes I’ve already got listed and which I haven’t. The criteria for listing quotes remains the same. Any quote has to resonate with me in some way. That doesn’t necessarily mean that I agree with the sentiment behind any listed quote, it may mean that the quote makes my blood boil. I hope you find them interesting, inspiring, provocative, but most of all engaging.

Take Care,

Mike.

I’ve been quiet for awhile. It’s because I’ve been busy re-writing The Thirteenth Camera. I think I’ve finally nailed it. The Editorial team might want further revisions but I think it’s done. (This story has caused me more problems than any I’ve ever written!)

The 13 has it’s own website which I can now share:

http://13-anthology.webs.com/index.html

The website explains the project. You’ll find blog articles one of which I penned myself. There’s profiles of the authors, and photos too. I still need to send mine in. Like I said I’ve been busy writing so I’ve had no time for posing.

Check it out!!! Feedback is always good. Here’s two quick snippets of extra info:

One of our authors has already had a book published and has a two book deal on the table.
Another of our authors  has been previously published by Penguin – Yep Penguin.

The book is still some months away so I’m keeping this update short. The above snippets are just that. There’s more publishing success to shout about and I’ll start singing the praises of my fellow contributors over the coming months.

I’m just proud to be amongst them. They maybe a bunch of reprobates, but they’re talented reprobates. I hope none of them read that last sentence.

More blogs coming soon now that The Thirteenth Camera has been finished. (Did you hear that Editors: Finished, complete.) I’ve got quite a few new blogs planned. There’s at least two that aren’t just shameful plugging and will hopefully prove useful to the aspiring writer.

Thanks for reading,

Mike.

Writers Hello! Two new words have entered the English language today:

Procrastiblockation          
Meaning: A derogatory term used to describe the symptoms of the fraudulent & fake condition of writer's block.




Bullshitation
Meaning: See Above. The term can also be used in a more general derogatory sense as in,
"Hey, stop giving me your bullshitation."  or
"Man, your prowess for bullshitation is overpowering me."  or
"Get your bullshitation out of my face, dude."


This is particulary effective when aimed at salesmen. The term can also be used to describe 99% of the political manifestos ever written. Should the person who the remark was aimed at take offense my advice would be to describe the phrase as an old English term of endearment. If this fails simply run away!


Origins of both words: Hawaiian-English. The words fall into the bracket of Pili-isms. Those of you unfamiliar with the colloquial verbiage of the word Pili-isms shouldn't worry, it's an ancient term I invented approximately 5 minutes ago. Your lack of knowledge on this subject is therefore understandable. Although, that may not stop me from referring to you as thick.


Those of you wondering what flavour juice I've been on this evening needn't worry. It's all a personal joke.


Now on a more serious note...apologies for lowering the tone...I'd like to introduce you to a couple of blogs Ive stumbled across:


http://www.monkeymonsterthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/    This is the personal blog of Pili Nathaniel. I first stumbled across Pili when I read her short story, "Cold Shoulder Mornings."  It's a very well observed tale of a failing relationship. It has a touch of sadness with real characters, but it avoids the melodramatic. It made me reflect back on elements of my past and the people that have stepped through my life. If anybody else has read the story please note I am not comparing myself to the total jerk male character in the story. I'm just sharing personal information in a very loose and non specific way. 


Cold Shoulder Mornings doesn't currently seem to be available on Pili's blog but there is at least one other short story which I hope to read myself over the next couple of days. There's also a decent piece of Flash fiction entitled The Lion.


Pili also has another blog but this is not writing related: http://www.happynathaniel.blogspot.com   Although it's not writing related the blog usually has the effect of putting a smile on my face. Depending on the topics of course.


Both blogs are good. Pili has a habit of writing what she feels in a very open and honest way which kind of draws you in.


I'll add both links to my Useful links page.


My next post is likely to be a bio of one of my fellow Project 13 contributors. A very fine writer and indeed a published novelist. As in published by a publisher, not self published. That's right. The 13 Anthology has a published novelist amongst its ranks. The same writer has also recently landed a two book deal. I told you the standard was high. 


Take care and remember to use bullshitation at every available opportunity. You'll feel much better for it!


Mike

Duotrope has been added to the Useful Links page. Any new additions will be at the bottom of the listing. Duotrope is a subscription service but it's more than value for money. Go check it out.