STELFIRE

When people ask my to tell them about my books I often go with the “this meets that” description of popular culture references.  I used to say it was Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings for the sci-fi and fantasy elements.  However, after this weekend, I can now go with the far more accurate description of Avengers meets Lord of the Rings for the sci-fi, super human, and fantasy elements.  Everyone will now know to what I’m referring.  I’ve loved the Avengers since I was teenager, more than any other super hero team.  They’re mighty, yes.  But they’re also unstable, and dangerous, and awesome.  It’s very nice to see them get their time in the sun.

I pulled the trigger on my submission to the Nelson Literary Agency.  Now begins the waiting.  And honestly, I don’t mind.  There’s something liberating about it being out your hands.  Back to the writing the fun stuff!

I also have a horror lesson I’m presenting to the Nebraska Writers Workshop on Wednesday.  I won’t be using a white board this time, but I think it’ll be well-received.

I spent a great deal of time editing the first 30 pages of Repenter in advance of sending them to the Nelson Literary Agency.  I made use of family and friends as proof readers.  The pages are about where I need them.  I think they pop.  Let’s hope our good friends in Denver agree.

I was invited to submit a query letter and the first 30 pages of Repenter!  Awesome news!  I also learned some invaluable lessons on pitching: Always, always have causality reasoned all the way through when presenting it.  And have a very firm grasp on what compels your main character.  Anita Mumm was very gracious in asking probing questions to arrive at the answers these important pieces of story elements.  So to reiterate: The foot is officially in the door true believers!

…until the pitching session.  Feeling very good about it.  The force is strong with this one.

I’ll be pitching to a rep from the Nelson Literary Agency this weekend.  Yay!

Also check out the Facebook Fan Page and follow me on Twitter as @Stelfire!

A bit more than halfway through the 2nd book, The Bloody Empress.  Enjoying it immensely.  I limited my previous sci fi presentation at the NWW to elements of sci fi like time travel mechanics.  The new presentation this week will involve creating timelines and maps.  A person from the World Herald might be there too reporting on the NWW over the next few weeks.  I’m now reading the “Game” novels, just finished the “Of Thrones” variety, about to begin the “Hunger” flavor now.  And of course I’ll continue to write of Corsis’s Game in mine.  Carry on, I say.  Carry on.

I’m in the midst of re-writing a scene depicting a horrific chasm in the ground filled with grey, undulating cavities and filled with what will end up being either monstrous worm things, monstrous spider things, or a whole mess of monstrous bugs of all varieties.  In fact, having just written that sentence, it’s gotta be the latter.  If you’re creating anything, don’t be afraid to go with the icky things if the content demands it.  The line between truth and gratuity is fine indeed, but one that storytellers must tread.  Well, at least this storyteller must tread it.

I’ll be leading a discussion in the Nebraska Writers Workshop on Speculative Fiction world building in a few weeks.  Maps and timelines shall be made.  I anticipate there to be a great fluidity in the creation.  Made by committee yes, but still a fun exercise in revealing a hidden world that our world has yet to see.  Either way, I’m sure I’ll get marker ink on my fingers from the dry erase board.

Johnny wrote something naughty.  The rage swells anew.  Why won’t pancakes fly?