Hello all... sorry it's been a while.
I've been insanely busy with work the past few weeks. When I last posted it was just starting to get crazy; a week after that I was working 12 and 15 hour days to get a very big project ready for an immovable deadline. With that done I spent the last week recovering.
Where I stand right now: still happy to work, still need to find time to do it, but the time thing is loosening. In about a week or so I'm off on holiday for almost two-and-a-half weeks, and while I'm taking the ol' laptop I can't guarantee I'll get any writing time.
So that's it, really. I haven't quit, although the points raised in my last post do stand... so gimme some time and hopefully something will emerge from that.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
So here's what happens now
Over the last month or so, sometime after the last SG issue was released, I've been in something of a quandary. I'm going to try and not bore you with it but any of you who've 'known' me for a while won't be surprised by what I'm about to say.
Essentially I've been having one of my periodic internal struggles, where I question why I'm doing this (writing mask fiction) and why I'm not doing something else (writing mainstream fiction). As usual my internal responses went all over the emotional spectrum, from "Screw this, I'm quitting and never coming back" to "Why the hell shouldn't I do this" with "God, I hate myself for even having this sort of internal debate" stuck somewhere in the middle.
I think I've resolved the debate now, and I think you guys will be happy to hear I didn't let the extremely negative side win out. However, I've also decided to try something new.
The simple facts of the matter are these. Despite it driving me near-insane some days, I've resigned myself to the fact that no-one out there seems interested in potentially paying me for writing mask fiction. You, like every other bastard out there on the Internet, are almost certainly more interested in getting your rocks off for free, than in paying for it. To some degree I understand this - hey, everyone needs to budget - but at the same time, there's a part of me which becomes very angry about this, as basically I work my ass off and if I'm lucky, get the odd email and comment.
This is not, I will state clearly, either a request for more kiss-ass comments, or a plea for you to send money. I am, as I said, resigned to the fact.
However, I am not getting any younger, and the Ghostly Writer who sat down ten years ago (Yes, ten years) to write Beneath the Veil is now older, wiser and more cantankerous. What he (er, I) also knows is that there is a market for my mainstream writing, that I am capable of turning out good stuff that doesn't involve endless disguises and that perhaps... maybe... if I apply myself I might even see some financial gain, or even better career possibilities, if I pursue that path.
The internal debate, in case you're wondering, always centres around time. Do I have enough time to do both - keep writing mask fiction and try to write mainstream fiction too. And the answer I've come back with previously has always been 'no' because in my experience, I've found myself focused on either one thing or the other. There's never been room in my head for both.
Well, now I'm going to try and make room. As of today, I set my alarm 20 minutes earlier, got my ass out of bed and sat and wrote mask fiction. (Yes, I'm blogging this in the same time block. Eh, it's related.) Tonight after I get home from work, the gym, whatever - I'm going to sit down at some point and whatever I write, it won't be mask fiction. Tomorrow, I repeat.
Then we'll see how we go from there.
That's it for now. I know I have a tendency to ramble on about this so I didn't want to go on too long. However, I would be very happy to hear your views on this, especially regarding payment for services rendered... in other words giving me something back for endless hours spent at the keyboard.
Oh by the way? The first person who suggests that I should "write because I love it, and that should be reward enough" can (a) fuck right off my site and (b) try writing for themselves for a lifetime without anything to show for it apart from some occasional appreciative comments. Glad we're clear.
Essentially I've been having one of my periodic internal struggles, where I question why I'm doing this (writing mask fiction) and why I'm not doing something else (writing mainstream fiction). As usual my internal responses went all over the emotional spectrum, from "Screw this, I'm quitting and never coming back" to "Why the hell shouldn't I do this" with "God, I hate myself for even having this sort of internal debate" stuck somewhere in the middle.
I think I've resolved the debate now, and I think you guys will be happy to hear I didn't let the extremely negative side win out. However, I've also decided to try something new.
The simple facts of the matter are these. Despite it driving me near-insane some days, I've resigned myself to the fact that no-one out there seems interested in potentially paying me for writing mask fiction. You, like every other bastard out there on the Internet, are almost certainly more interested in getting your rocks off for free, than in paying for it. To some degree I understand this - hey, everyone needs to budget - but at the same time, there's a part of me which becomes very angry about this, as basically I work my ass off and if I'm lucky, get the odd email and comment.
This is not, I will state clearly, either a request for more kiss-ass comments, or a plea for you to send money. I am, as I said, resigned to the fact.
However, I am not getting any younger, and the Ghostly Writer who sat down ten years ago (Yes, ten years) to write Beneath the Veil is now older, wiser and more cantankerous. What he (er, I) also knows is that there is a market for my mainstream writing, that I am capable of turning out good stuff that doesn't involve endless disguises and that perhaps... maybe... if I apply myself I might even see some financial gain, or even better career possibilities, if I pursue that path.
The internal debate, in case you're wondering, always centres around time. Do I have enough time to do both - keep writing mask fiction and try to write mainstream fiction too. And the answer I've come back with previously has always been 'no' because in my experience, I've found myself focused on either one thing or the other. There's never been room in my head for both.
Well, now I'm going to try and make room. As of today, I set my alarm 20 minutes earlier, got my ass out of bed and sat and wrote mask fiction. (Yes, I'm blogging this in the same time block. Eh, it's related.) Tonight after I get home from work, the gym, whatever - I'm going to sit down at some point and whatever I write, it won't be mask fiction. Tomorrow, I repeat.
Then we'll see how we go from there.
That's it for now. I know I have a tendency to ramble on about this so I didn't want to go on too long. However, I would be very happy to hear your views on this, especially regarding payment for services rendered... in other words giving me something back for endless hours spent at the keyboard.
Oh by the way? The first person who suggests that I should "write because I love it, and that should be reward enough" can (a) fuck right off my site and (b) try writing for themselves for a lifetime without anything to show for it apart from some occasional appreciative comments. Glad we're clear.
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??
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.
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 BatDownload 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!
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!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Writing means no social life
... and conversely, a social life means no writing.
Monday, admittedly, I was home - but playing Xbox all night. Damn.
Tuesday, a trip to the theatre to see a fantastic version of Strangers on a Train.
Wednesday, a trip to the movies to see No Country for Old Men - not as good as Tuesday, but good.
As such, no writing since... Monday morning, maybe? As a result, a certain part of my brain's starting to get itchy through lack of use.
You see? I knew I wouldn't get that ahead of myself.
Monday, admittedly, I was home - but playing Xbox all night. Damn.
Tuesday, a trip to the theatre to see a fantastic version of Strangers on a Train.
Wednesday, a trip to the movies to see No Country for Old Men - not as good as Tuesday, but good.
As such, no writing since... Monday morning, maybe? As a result, a certain part of my brain's starting to get itchy through lack of use.
You see? I knew I wouldn't get that ahead of myself.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
When you're in the groove...
... well, you're just in it, I guess.
Issue 16 is at 11,303 words right now, and I added 4,009 of them today. Even while I made time to go to the movies, hang out with friends and cook dinner. Woo! I rock! Ahem.
What's scary / cool is that every one of those 4,009 words is for one scene - one unfinished scene. You'll be glad to know it's a transformation scene. Although it's not what you're thinking... I expect.
So that's the good news. As soon as this scene is done, the issue is wrapped bar the editing, the fiddly document creating, the uploading etc etc yada yada. However, here's the bad news. I won't be posting it until next weekend at least.
Why? Because, despite the fact to my utter astonishment I seem to have finished an issue in five days, I want to keep to this bi-weekly schedule, roughly. If I keep motoring along like this (touch wood) then I'll have issue 17 practically done by the time I post 16. In other words, I want to keep on runnin' and get ahead of myself.
Am I being a tease? Possibly. Is this a sensible tactic from where I'm sitting? Probably. Anyway, for the record, I like this issue better than last... although I have a feeling 'your mileage may vary'.
Great way to finish the weekend, though.
Issue 16 is at 11,303 words right now, and I added 4,009 of them today. Even while I made time to go to the movies, hang out with friends and cook dinner. Woo! I rock! Ahem.
What's scary / cool is that every one of those 4,009 words is for one scene - one unfinished scene. You'll be glad to know it's a transformation scene. Although it's not what you're thinking... I expect.
So that's the good news. As soon as this scene is done, the issue is wrapped bar the editing, the fiddly document creating, the uploading etc etc yada yada. However, here's the bad news. I won't be posting it until next weekend at least.
Why? Because, despite the fact to my utter astonishment I seem to have finished an issue in five days, I want to keep to this bi-weekly schedule, roughly. If I keep motoring along like this (touch wood) then I'll have issue 17 practically done by the time I post 16. In other words, I want to keep on runnin' and get ahead of myself.
Am I being a tease? Possibly. Is this a sensible tactic from where I'm sitting? Probably. Anyway, for the record, I like this issue better than last... although I have a feeling 'your mileage may vary'.
Great way to finish the weekend, though.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Getting jiggly
The cold's not bad enough to keep me away from the keyboard, but it is bunging my head up and slowing the writing down.
It's also making it harder to plot, and that's unfortunate as I've been jiggling scenes around, adding a couple and generally playing fast 'n' loose with things. This means issue 16 has expanded (in outline, anyway) and I have this nagging feeling the whole of Crossover won't be done until issue 19, perhaps. We'll see.
Also this morning, with some new capturing software, I grabbed and edited a clip together that probably had about as big an impact on the young GW as Betty Brant-as-Spider-Girl did. Ladies and gents, Nicholas Hammond as Spider-Man....
It's also making it harder to plot, and that's unfortunate as I've been jiggling scenes around, adding a couple and generally playing fast 'n' loose with things. This means issue 16 has expanded (in outline, anyway) and I have this nagging feeling the whole of Crossover won't be done until issue 19, perhaps. We'll see.
Also this morning, with some new capturing software, I grabbed and edited a clip together that probably had about as big an impact on the young GW as Betty Brant-as-Spider-Girl did. Ladies and gents, Nicholas Hammond as Spider-Man....
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Attack of the Killer Bs
I remember reading some 'advice for writers' somewhere which said that if at all possible, you should try and avoid giving characters the same name - which is generally easy enough to do - and preferably, don't even use the same initial. That's because as we read, we tend to skim names after a while, just recognising the 'shape' of the word. Two many characters with the same initial first letter and people get confused.
Heck, I'm writing the damn series and I get confused when I've got Bruce, Betty, Barbara, Batman and Batgirl to deal with. How are you handling it??
Thanks to each and every one of you who's commented about issue 15 - I really, really appreciate it. I didn't actually think that parts of it were my best (and that last scene I practically had to force myself to finish, for some reason) but I'm very glad you folks dug it.
Now back to issue 16 - about 3K in right now, and I just expanded it with a couple of new 'beats' which I think will be fun. Still hoping to bring it in under 10K, but we'll see. I don't want to make 13K sized issues a habit....
Heck, I'm writing the damn series and I get confused when I've got Bruce, Betty, Barbara, Batman and Batgirl to deal with. How are you handling it??
Thanks to each and every one of you who's commented about issue 15 - I really, really appreciate it. I didn't actually think that parts of it were my best (and that last scene I practically had to force myself to finish, for some reason) but I'm very glad you folks dug it.
Now back to issue 16 - about 3K in right now, and I just expanded it with a couple of new 'beats' which I think will be fun. Still hoping to bring it in under 10K, but we'll see. I don't want to make 13K sized issues a habit....
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
New release: Spider-Girl, issue #15
On the trail of the Chameleon, Betty Brant has travelled to another dimension and landed in Gotham City, home to the vigilante crimefighters, Batman and Batgirl. They too are seeking the master of disguise, although they know him as False Face. The Chameleon meanwhile has allied himself with former district attorney Harvey Dent, AKA Two-Face. None of this concerns Betty Brant right now though, as at Bruce Wayne's invitation, she has a ball to attend as his disguised guest...
Issue #15: The Brave and the Bold
Download from Maskingwriter (Yahoo! Group)
Betty's 'new life' in Gotham City continues to have some interesting twists and turns. What exactly does being Bruce Wayne's date feel like? What is the Chameleon's plan? What secrets does Wayne Manor hold? All these questions and more may be answered in this issue....
As always, if you have enjoyed this or any other issue of Spider-Girl, please click on an ad in the right-hand column for me. Who knows, one day I may even get paid for this gig!
On to a two-week schedule (just) with this issue - wish me luck to continue on it... this is actually the biggest ever issue of the series, although I didn't set out for that to be the case... guess I just got carried away especially at the end. So settle in, get your favourite beverage and enjoy the story... and of course, please let me know what you think of it in the comments below or via email.
As always, if you have enjoyed this or any other issue of Spider-Girl, please click on an ad in the right-hand column for me. Who knows, one day I may even get paid for this gig!
On to a two-week schedule (just) with this issue - wish me luck to continue on it... this is actually the biggest ever issue of the series, although I didn't set out for that to be the case... guess I just got carried away especially at the end. So settle in, get your favourite beverage and enjoy the story... and of course, please let me know what you think of it in the comments below or via email.
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