Saturday, February 16, 2008

100th post.. yaay...

... I was imagining a bit more enthusiasm for that, to be honest. Reason why not? Ill.

A close colleague infected me yesterday with a cold (I don't say that maliciously; on Thursday he wasn't ill, on Friday he was, and here I am ill today), and on top of that, I have this eye infection that just doesn't want to go away. A trip to the Doc's will be in order next week I think.

Why tell you all this? No reason really, because I can't pretend it's affected my writing... nope, that's just been stalled all by itself. Issue 17 of Spider-Girl is at about 5,000 words, about half-way I hope, but it's hard to tell. I do intend to get a lot more done on it this weekend, but it depends on how I feel really. Yesterday I just had an eye infection, today I'm bunged up. Obviously I'm not going to make my self-imposed two-week deadline for a new release, so sorry about that.

Anyway; 100 posts, yay... maybe I'll summon up more enthusiasm later for ya.

EDIT: Bollocks. This is post no. 99. See what colds do to your mental arithmetic? And ability to read??

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Three times thanks

I've been a bit 'out of sorts' over the last few days, and it's affected the writing; I've slowed down substantially. I tell you this as preamble to something positive; weirdly, it's at times like these that I'm most thankful to three sets of people.

All beginning with 'C'.

First are the Clickers. To those of you who've ever clicked on an ad, thank you. I finally got paid this month. It wasn't much, and it took about six months to accrue I think, but it was something - and it felt symbolic. So thank you. I know it doesn't cost you anything and it doesn't take any time, but still, you did it. Ta.

Second are the Commenters, even if my dictionary says that isn't a word. I honestly cannot tell you how helpful it is to get a positive comment on my writing, whether it's here on the blog, in email or over on Maskingwriter. It literally gives me a reason to keep writing.

I have heard the old, old argument from writers that 'you should write because you want to', and sure, that's true. It's a hell of a lot easier to motivate yourself to write when you know someone out there is going to appreciate it. So if you've ever written an email, left a comment or posted a message reply - thank you. (Oh, and feel free to do so again.)

Third and final are my Collaborators. This is a very small and select group of people - I'd actually say, realistically, it's a pair of people. These two are brilliant sounding boards, great inspirations, honest critics and genuine cheering squads when I need it. They get me.

I appreciate every minute they spend with me, every email they read and every honest critique they give me. They've dramatically improved writing I've done, they've given me ideas that I've been proud to showcase, and they're as close to 'real friends' in this community as anyone. So V and M - you know who you are - cheers for that lads. Maybe one day I'll buy both of you a real drink.

For now though, if you fall into any of those categories (and I hope you do), thank you.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

New release: Spider-Girl, issue #16

Arriving in another dimension to hunt the Chameleon, Betty Brant found herself powerless... but luckily, she also found the protection of Gotham City's dynamic duo, Batman and Batgirl. After attending a charity ball as Bruce Wayne's date, Betty was seduced by Bruce when he appeared inside her bedroom, thanks to a secret passageway. Meanwhile, the Chameleon is working with Two-Face, by first impersonating Batgirl, and now Catwoman. Little does the Chameleon know, Two-Face intends to betray his partner in crime....

Issue #16: The Shadow of the Bat
Download from Maskingwriter (Yahoo! Group)

The Chameleon's nefarious plans start to become a little more apparent, as Betty and Barbara get close, and Betty and Batman get even closer...! As always, if you enjoy this issue - please click an ad in the right hand column, and keep me in the expensive frothy coffee that allows these things to happen!

So much for getting ahead of myself, eh? Not a word of issue 17 is written, thanks to various other commitments... but I wanted to keep my promise and release this on time. Hope you all enjoy, and as always, comments are welcome either here, in email, or on Maskingwriter. Enjoy!