I have returned. When I get my bearings (and access to the raw file that lives on someone else’s server), I will post a very special interview I got at Balticon.

And in other news, I had a letter posted to Miss Snark! And I’m not a nitwit!

Well, I have the copies in my grubby little hands. It hits store shelves tomorrow. I think I’m still in shock. And, knowing how critical some podcasters (well, people in general) can be, not a little scared. But I think Rob and I did a good job. I just hope people agree.

A lot of people.

**

In other news, preparation continues for Balticon. My buttons arrived (thanks Jared for the recommendation, they look great!), my books of essays arrived, and now I have my podcasting books to take. Throw in some underwear and a copy of Arkham Horror, and I’m set for the weekend.

You know I don’t swear on this blog or podcast (OK, an occasional damn or hell) but rest assured that I’m swearing a lot right now.

Apparently the police think they have a right to tell a student in Florida what to write and what not to write.

via boingboing

Crappy week. The Slump monster has attacked.

• I am inspired by Jonathan Coulton.
• This week’s topic: Slumps.
• Harry, Carrie and Garp
• Novel in a Year
• Overstuffed Dicebag
• Language Construction Kit
• I was on the Round Table, and I will be on Jack Mangan’s Deadpan Podcast.
• Balticon Balticon Balticon!
• Parsec Awards

Write.

 

 ISBW #37 - The Dreaded Slump [15:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (45)

Links of interest:

Query a Day: A Freelancer’s Quest for Publication - a woman braver than I. Or at least more focused.

Turning Procrastination Into Your S****y First Draft - since this is a family friendly show I feel the need to say this site doesn’t asterisk bad words. But a good article.

AC Crispin - Sticking with writing when you’re in a slump - something good for me right now.

13 Writing Prompts - for amusement sake.

How to Write a Novel and Still Have Time For Sex - using “sex” to catch your eye, this is actually useful time-management advice for writers.

Quick show notes:

• I am a regular columnist in another magazine!
• Interview with Tracy Hickman.
• Your emails, opinions on sequels.

Write.

 

 ISBW #36 - Tracy Hickman Interview [45:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (37)

No, no and no. My number on the Great Rejection Challenge is moving upward!

In other news, thanks to everyone who chimed in on the previous post about changing the podcast, both on the blog and in email. I very much appreciate your input. I’m trying to organize my life a little better, and I hope this will make the podcasts (both of them) come out on a more regular schedule, and then when I get that in place I might be able to throw in a minicast or two (huzzah for changing from “daily” to “mini”!)

Oh, and the interview with Tracy Hickman will come out tomorrow, if I can get those ducks in a row.

I’ve been taking stock of the show lately and wondering some things. If you read this blog, I’d appreciate your feedback.

I really enjoy doing the interviews for the podcasts, it’s been fantastic to meet some very talented authors that I’m not at all jealous of.

Do you like the interviews? Do you think they’re spaced properly, or would you rather them more frequent (without taking the place of regular show content)?

Is there anything else you’d like to see of the podcast? The daily shows? Give me input, I’m listening (reading).

• I finished a stressful project, but haven’t worked on the novel. I’m going to Balticon soon, and if you show up you’ll be able to get a copy of Tricks of the Podcasting Masters and Lessons From A Geek Fu Master!
• This week’s topic: Show, don’t tell. Blech.
• Voice mail comments: we need to talk pitching sequels, Beyond Jennifer…, Minister Faust’s new book is out in February!

Write.

 

 ISBW #35 - Show, Don't Tell [20:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (51)

• I sold to Escape Pod! I’m not quitting the podcast…
• Got my first agent rejection.
• Cover Letters
• Turky City Lexicon at SFWA’s site
• Language resources: Holly Lisle, language creation tool, programming in tongues, Klingon word from the Word, http://www.zompist.com/kit.html, http://www.langmaker.com/db/Main_Page, http://www.quetzal.com/conlang.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructed_language, http://www.fantasist.net/conlang.shtml.
• Coping With the Day Job by James M. Palmer
• Naming resources at Behind the Name
• Jim Butcher’s site, recommended by Daniel Emery
• Other people mentioned: Matthew Wayne Selznick and his book Brave Men Run, Lonnie Ezell and Dragon’s Landing

Write.

 

 ISBW #34 - Cover Letters [28:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (39)