For those keeping track, I'm trying to write. And it's proving tough.
At the moment I've got a few things on the go. I've actually started writing The Babysitter, which is now very much a working title, after I was inspired randomly one day to put down the thoughts of the main character. That turned into a sort-of prologue which will probably never be used, but established what I wanted to do in the story early on, which has led to a productive streak... that's now hit a bit of a wall, as I've come to A Big Scene and seem a bit scared to write it. What a wuss, eh? For those who like to dig around, I talked about the origins of this (gulp) over a year ago.
Second, I'm trying to move Betty Brant's adventures onwards, but man oh man, that's proving tough. I have been plotting and re-plotting and re-plotting the next issue forever; I have almost 6,000 words of it written, but have probably thrown away half of that. It's driving me kind of nuts. I can't even tell you why it's driving me nuts - half because it'll spoil it, and half because I don't know why!! Still, I think the destination I have in mind is worth getting to, so, I continue to slam my head against this particular wall.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Your opinion wanted
Hello there.
Well, it's fair to say that there's been a fair amount of thinking and perhaps not as much writing as I might like here in the past month or so. I've been tapping away at something new, which may or may not pan out, but has kept me interested. I've stalled on a couple of other things.
What I'm here for now, though, is a bit of research. Call it professional curiosity. On the right you should see a poll (unless you're looking at this post over a week from now; greetings, time traveller). Can you do me a favour and answer it? And leave any additional thoughts or comments you have under this post.
Oh, and just for the time travellers, here's the question: "In mask fiction, what sort of transformation do you prefer to read about?" Options being 'male to female', 'male to male', 'female to female', 'female to male', 'any, if it's right for the story' or 'all if at all possible'. So now even you can answer.
Let me know... vote today!
UPDATE: I moved the poll up top, as that way, you can see the results properly.
Thanks to those who voted so far!
Well, it's fair to say that there's been a fair amount of thinking and perhaps not as much writing as I might like here in the past month or so. I've been tapping away at something new, which may or may not pan out, but has kept me interested. I've stalled on a couple of other things.
What I'm here for now, though, is a bit of research. Call it professional curiosity. On the right you should see a poll (unless you're looking at this post over a week from now; greetings, time traveller). Can you do me a favour and answer it? And leave any additional thoughts or comments you have under this post.
Oh, and just for the time travellers, here's the question: "In mask fiction, what sort of transformation do you prefer to read about?" Options being 'male to female', 'male to male', 'female to female', 'female to male', 'any, if it's right for the story' or 'all if at all possible'. So now even you can answer.
Let me know... vote today!
UPDATE: I moved the poll up top, as that way, you can see the results properly.
Thanks to those who voted so far!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
2009 and all that
Hello and Happy New Year to those of you who, no doubt, still drop by occasionally hoping to see new stuff.
Here's the good news: there is new stuff coming.
Here's the bad: I've got no idea when it might turn up.
Due to a combination of factors, mostly personal, I haven't had many solid periods of writing since last August or so. I'm trying to get back into it.
Ideas are not the issue (in fact, extracting those ideas into one, coherent plot is often the issue) so don't worry about that. It's just the usual stuff: time and effort.
I took a look back at 2008's resolutions which I wrote about just over a year ago (neatly summarised as 'Finish more stuff') and it made me smile, wryly. Naturally, stating that I would finish more stuff ensured I didn't.
Maybe I should try some reverse psychology on myself: don't write.
Let's see how that one works out...
Here's the good news: there is new stuff coming.
Here's the bad: I've got no idea when it might turn up.
Due to a combination of factors, mostly personal, I haven't had many solid periods of writing since last August or so. I'm trying to get back into it.
Ideas are not the issue (in fact, extracting those ideas into one, coherent plot is often the issue) so don't worry about that. It's just the usual stuff: time and effort.
I took a look back at 2008's resolutions which I wrote about just over a year ago (neatly summarised as 'Finish more stuff') and it made me smile, wryly. Naturally, stating that I would finish more stuff ensured I didn't.
Maybe I should try some reverse psychology on myself: don't write.
Let's see how that one works out...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Robin inspiration
So I'm actually writing this on the 4th, when I said I wanted to reference some inspiration I'd had - but if I did, it'd give away a major plot point.
Hopefully by the time you read this, you'll know all about the resolution of issue 20 and the Crossover arc (Hey, you're ahead of me, I haven't written it yet! Ah, the joys of projecting into the future) so now I can talk about my inspiration.
When it comes to impersonating Robin, well, there's probably been more than a few occasions over the years... but one that sticks in my head particularly because it was in the 1960s (the spiritual home of my SG series) and also because it featured a woman doing the impersonating, is Jill St. John as Molly, in only the second episode of the Batman TV show.
In case you haven't seen the episode in question, naturally it's illegally available on YouTube (here's Part One, in which the impersonation takes place; here's Part Two, in which you sort-of see Molly unmask). What makes the episode so fun for me is actually (believe it or not) Burt Ward's performance. When he's playing 'Molly as Robin' he really does camp it up in a few places, and boy if that ain't kinky.
Anyway, when I was writing the (SPOILER!) Betty-as-Robin scenes in issue 20, I needed reference to remember what the heck the 'classic Robin' costume looked like. So I went looking for visuals, and then I remembered that episode. One quick YouTube search later and I was delighting in that scene again. That gave me all the visual reference I needed, and also Molly's delicious play acting as Robin ("Riddler, you fiend!" she says when she first turns up, Robin mask in hand) really inspired me to ensure that Betty-as-Robin took the 'role' seriously.
Here's a few gratuitous pics of the scene when Molly turns up dressed as Robin. Sorry about the quality, but they're just screen-grabbed from YouTube:
Ta-da... out goes Jill, in comes Burt, and he's happy to 'play the girl'.
Great stuff. If you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out.
2012 Update: As this post still gets hits - most likely people looking for the same memories I had - here's a couple of bonuses. One, this entire episode is on YouTube now, who knows how long for:
Second, here's another screengrab - the moment after Molly unmasks herself (which frankly, is a terrible, terrible piece of fakery, but at least she's pictured here, mask in hand):
Hopefully by the time you read this, you'll know all about the resolution of issue 20 and the Crossover arc (Hey, you're ahead of me, I haven't written it yet! Ah, the joys of projecting into the future) so now I can talk about my inspiration.
When it comes to impersonating Robin, well, there's probably been more than a few occasions over the years... but one that sticks in my head particularly because it was in the 1960s (the spiritual home of my SG series) and also because it featured a woman doing the impersonating, is Jill St. John as Molly, in only the second episode of the Batman TV show.
In case you haven't seen the episode in question, naturally it's illegally available on YouTube (here's Part One, in which the impersonation takes place; here's Part Two, in which you sort-of see Molly unmask). What makes the episode so fun for me is actually (believe it or not) Burt Ward's performance. When he's playing 'Molly as Robin' he really does camp it up in a few places, and boy if that ain't kinky.
Anyway, when I was writing the (SPOILER!) Betty-as-Robin scenes in issue 20, I needed reference to remember what the heck the 'classic Robin' costume looked like. So I went looking for visuals, and then I remembered that episode. One quick YouTube search later and I was delighting in that scene again. That gave me all the visual reference I needed, and also Molly's delicious play acting as Robin ("Riddler, you fiend!" she says when she first turns up, Robin mask in hand) really inspired me to ensure that Betty-as-Robin took the 'role' seriously.
Here's a few gratuitous pics of the scene when Molly turns up dressed as Robin. Sorry about the quality, but they're just screen-grabbed from YouTube:
Molly confronts the Riddler, costume ready, mask in hand...
A knowing glance to her partner in crime... time to transform...
Ta-da... out goes Jill, in comes Burt, and he's happy to 'play the girl'.Great stuff. If you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out.
2012 Update: As this post still gets hits - most likely people looking for the same memories I had - here's a couple of bonuses. One, this entire episode is on YouTube now, who knows how long for:
Second, here's another screengrab - the moment after Molly unmasks herself (which frankly, is a terrible, terrible piece of fakery, but at least she's pictured here, mask in hand):
 |
| "Maybe you could put that back on and we'll have a little fun..." |
Sunday, July 13, 2008
New release: Spider-Girl, issue #20
The Chameleon has finally been caught; Betty's mission is at an end. Unfortunately for her, growing feelings for Barbara mean that leaving this dimension may not be as easy as she had hoped....
Issue #20: Legends of the Dark Knight
Issue #20: Legends of the Dark KnightDownload from Maskingwriter (Yahoo! Group)
Get the latest issue immediately at steekr
Get the latest issue immediately at steekr
The Chameleon's locked up. Betty's done what she came to do. So what could delay her? What could possibly keep her in Gotham? Perhaps the love of a good woman... or a man who looks like a woman...? There's still a few twists in this tale yet.
Every single plot line from this arc (that I could think of... I certainly hope I didn't miss any) is wrapped up in this issue, which does mean there's a fair bit of exposition, but also plenty of sexy stuff too. If you really want to immerse yourself in the entire arc, I'd recommend re-reading everything (yep, everything - from issue #14) and I'm pretty sure you'll start to see the connections. It was, believe it or not, pretty much all planned.
Issue #20 marks the end of the road for Betty Brant's 'crossover' into another dimension, and the end of this arc. It's also time for me to pause in the tale of Spider-Girl, but that doesn't mean the series is done - far from it, I hope. For now though, I expect I'll be working on something else for a while. What will that be? I'm not entirely sure myself. Things are cookin'. We'll see what comes to the boil first.
I'm afraid of course that does mean, you won't be getting served up 13-20K words a week of new material! I'll still be around though, so if you want to get in touch, leave a comment or drop me an email.
There may be a couple of posts exploring this arc, by the way; I found the process of writing this quite fascinating, as well as taxing, exciting and trying at times. So if you're interested, I'll waffle at some point.
Remember if you haven't read all the issues of this arc yet everything's available, both at Maskingwriter (membership required) and now via steekr (just click and get the issues). If you enjoy, please do leave a comment below, and click on an ad for me.
Every single plot line from this arc (that I could think of... I certainly hope I didn't miss any) is wrapped up in this issue, which does mean there's a fair bit of exposition, but also plenty of sexy stuff too. If you really want to immerse yourself in the entire arc, I'd recommend re-reading everything (yep, everything - from issue #14) and I'm pretty sure you'll start to see the connections. It was, believe it or not, pretty much all planned.
Issue #20 marks the end of the road for Betty Brant's 'crossover' into another dimension, and the end of this arc. It's also time for me to pause in the tale of Spider-Girl, but that doesn't mean the series is done - far from it, I hope. For now though, I expect I'll be working on something else for a while. What will that be? I'm not entirely sure myself. Things are cookin'. We'll see what comes to the boil first.
I'm afraid of course that does mean, you won't be getting served up 13-20K words a week of new material! I'll still be around though, so if you want to get in touch, leave a comment or drop me an email.
There may be a couple of posts exploring this arc, by the way; I found the process of writing this quite fascinating, as well as taxing, exciting and trying at times. So if you're interested, I'll waffle at some point.
Remember if you haven't read all the issues of this arc yet everything's available, both at Maskingwriter (membership required) and now via steekr (just click and get the issues). If you enjoy, please do leave a comment below, and click on an ad for me.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Update on 20
... so work came down "like an anvil" this week, as they say, so hard that I'm actually going to be in work this weekend, probably both days, probably most of each day. Don't cry for me, I don't mind doing it, but it means I won't have time to edit 20 (and haven't had much time this week, either).
So right now, don't expect 20 to be out this weekend. Sorry 'bout that. I will get it out as soon as I can.
As I've said before, the post-issue-20 future of the series (and my writing) is a little unclear. I'm not sure what I'm going to do next. I do have a variety of arcs, plotlines etc that I want to pursue with Betty. I also have ideas for non-SG stuff, including some unfinished M2F masking stories that I might go back to, or entirely new ideas.
I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have. While I know nearly all of you will just be thinking "I don't care, just write more stuff" it does influence my thinking if people really, really want to see 'X' or 'Y'.
So right now, don't expect 20 to be out this weekend. Sorry 'bout that. I will get it out as soon as I can.
As I've said before, the post-issue-20 future of the series (and my writing) is a little unclear. I'm not sure what I'm going to do next. I do have a variety of arcs, plotlines etc that I want to pursue with Betty. I also have ideas for non-SG stuff, including some unfinished M2F masking stories that I might go back to, or entirely new ideas.
I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have. While I know nearly all of you will just be thinking "I don't care, just write more stuff" it does influence my thinking if people really, really want to see 'X' or 'Y'.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Issue 20... is done!
About five minutes ago. Maybe not even that.
Right now - before editing, which could expand or contract this figure - 20,735 words, which I can barely believe, especially considering as far as I can tell, 13K of those words were written in the last week.
See what you can accomplish when the muse is with ya??
I've got a mix of feelings right now. It's been a big issue, but it's been a much bigger arc - I've been writing it for six or so months. Writing the last few scenes was kinda emotional. Don't worry though folks, I've left it on a suitable cliffhanger...!
All will be revealed... this weekend. Barring accident, injury, etc. Editing that many words will take some time, too!
Right now - before editing, which could expand or contract this figure - 20,735 words, which I can barely believe, especially considering as far as I can tell, 13K of those words were written in the last week.
See what you can accomplish when the muse is with ya??
I've got a mix of feelings right now. It's been a big issue, but it's been a much bigger arc - I've been writing it for six or so months. Writing the last few scenes was kinda emotional. Don't worry though folks, I've left it on a suitable cliffhanger...!
All will be revealed... this weekend. Barring accident, injury, etc. Editing that many words will take some time, too!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
New release: Spider-Girl, issue #19
The noose is finally closing in around the Chameleon; having set up a date with Bruce Wayne as 'Vicki Vale' he is about to discover that Vicki never existed. Meanwhile, Catwoman is out for revenge, and seeking Batgirl's help...
Issue #19: No Man's LandDownload from Maskingwriter (Yahoo! Group)
Get the latest issue immediately at steekr
Get the latest issue immediately at steekr
After last issue's rather giant plot twist... we come to a climax! The Chameleon cornered! Batman, Batgirl and Betty - none of whom are who they seem - team up together! There's a chase! A confrontation! A big old fight! This one, as they say, has got it all!!
To be honest I've thought for a while that this issue wasn't that good - but as I re-read and edited it today with fresh eyes, it read pretty well to me. Everything comes to a head this time out... but this ain't the ending, oh no, and the epilogue is a doozy. (Well, so far anyway.)
Remember if you haven't read all the issues of this arc yet everything's available, both at Maskingwriter (membership required) and now via steekr (just click and get the issues). If you enjoy, please do leave a comment below, and click on an ad for me.
Issue 20 - barring accidents - should finish off Crossover with a bang in about a week.
To be honest I've thought for a while that this issue wasn't that good - but as I re-read and edited it today with fresh eyes, it read pretty well to me. Everything comes to a head this time out... but this ain't the ending, oh no, and the epilogue is a doozy. (Well, so far anyway.)
Remember if you haven't read all the issues of this arc yet everything's available, both at Maskingwriter (membership required) and now via steekr (just click and get the issues). If you enjoy, please do leave a comment below, and click on an ad for me.
Issue 20 - barring accidents - should finish off Crossover with a bang in about a week.
Houston, we have a very big issue
So I just looked and issue 20's over 16K words now, which is getting a little crazy... I'm in the last third, maybe the last quarter. Suffice to say there's some fun scenes in there which might, in some ways, be 'too much' - but I won't get to write this stuff again anytime soon, so what the heck.
I've actually moved two scenes from 20 across and into the end of 19, which means I have more of 19 to edit. That's about half-done. No promises but it might get released later today. Just have to get out of the writing groove on 20, really!
I've actually moved two scenes from 20 across and into the end of 19, which means I have more of 19 to edit. That's about half-done. No promises but it might get released later today. Just have to get out of the writing groove on 20, really!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Er, 12K and rising
Looks like issue 20's turning into a bit of a big finale, with two of the many 'Bs' getting together at last. It's fun to write, and hence is progressing quick.
I wanted to post some reference that I was working with, but I just realised it'd give away a fairly major plot point, so I'll leave it for another time...!
19 will, I think it's safe to say, definitely debut this weekend. Which means it probably won't...!
I wanted to post some reference that I was working with, but I just realised it'd give away a fairly major plot point, so I'll leave it for another time...!
19 will, I think it's safe to say, definitely debut this weekend. Which means it probably won't...!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)