Third Person Variable

I haven't been resting on my laurels since submitting my manuscript. On Nick's advice, I've decided to switch my novel's viewpoint from third person omniscient to variable third person limited.

The first reason I'm overhauling the manuscript's narrative mode is the original version's tendency--pointed out by Nick--to stray toward third person limited. Secondly, the story derives much of its effect from suspense. It's difficult to justify withholding the kind of information that proper tension-building requires when the narrator knows everything.

The experiment is working out well so far. The narrative flow feels much tighter and more streamlined, and describing the observations and thoughts of only one character at a time helps the reader identify with each POV character more strongly.

First Novel Submission

After 18 months and three full revisions, I decided that it was finally time to market Nethereal. Following careful research, I chose to send my first submission to Pyr. They're a subsidiary of Prometheus Books who've got a pretty robust presence in the industry. Most importantly, many of the titles in their catalog come close to the tone and genre of my book. Even better, they accept unagented electronic submissions of the whole manuscript--not just a query or a sample.

We'll see what happens in the coming months. I can tell you that my search for an agent will continue in earnest.

Having submitted my manuscript is no excuse to slack off, which is why I'm glad that Nick Enlowe has agreed to work with me on polishing the narrative structure and general presentation of the book. As stated above, the text has been through several revisions; but the results have been clearer, tighter, and just plain better every time.

I keep putting myself through the wringer because I believe in this story. It took some convincing, especially after the somewhat ambiguous initial feedback. But the test readers (to whom I am deeply grateful) all report that basic plot and theme is solid. I can work with that, if nothing else, and I've got a feeling that my esteemed colleague's help will draw out a great deal more.

The Last of the Giants

Ray Bradbury died on Tuesday night. I'm not documenting his death as just another celebrity obituary. This is a real, tangible loss for society as a whole. Bradbury was far more than just a great science fiction writer (he always claimed to have written only one science fiction book). He was the last connection in our time to the golden age of adventure serials, pulp comics, and classic radio dramas.

Bradbury worked alongside towering figures like Lovecraft, Howard, and Clarke who built upon the legacy of Rice Burroughs, Wells, and Verne. More than any of his peers (and not solely due to his longevity), Bradbury shaped contemporary perceptions of genre fiction. Even more, he attained the culture-making status achieved by an elite few writers. Bradbury's fiction affected how our shared conceptions of space exploration, dictatorship, and individuality developed.

Ray Bradbury lived through some of the most definitive moments of American publishing history, including our own time when the industry's future hangs in the balance. Considering the general direction of these changes, it is doubtful that any author in the years to come will enjoy a career as illustrious and visionary as his.

The Storm

I'm a big fan of independent filmmaker Tony Wash. His team over at Scotchworthy Productions are currently working on a new horror movie titled The Storm. The premise has been described as Night of the Creeps meets women's roller derby.

If you ever catch Tony at one of his public speaking engagements, he'll tell you how he's screened his projects for film producers to universally positive reviews, only to be told that they have no money for him. Financing any independent art project is a herculean ordeal right now, but this guy and his crew keep turning out films that put Hollywood to shame for little or no reward because they love it.

Tony has set up a Kickstarter account for The Storm. I already donated because I'd never ask you to do anything I'm not willing to try myself. If you're a fan of independent horror or movies in general, or you want to help out an extremely talented and committed artist, I encourage you to pitch in.

Story Two Has Been Mostly Published

My second short story "Reign of Terror" is now available. You can get it in print here, in ebook format here, or in pdf here.

Thanks to Title Goes Here: for accepting my work and to the members of this blog for your support.

A Brief News Item

Earlier this week, I received the contract for my second short story, "Reign of Terror" from Title Goes Here:. I submitted the signed forms yesterday, officially granting them first North American serial rights. The tale is scheduled to see print in their April issue.

March Update

Since last time, I've been diligently continuing with my novel's final revision, doing a lot of fine-tuning on the related RPG system, and working with Mick on a new music project.

Perhaps the most interesting news is the module I've been helping Ian with for Pathfinder. His first supplement being a big success, I'm very excited that he invited me to collaborate on the followup adventure. Whereas his solo effort was a fairly traditional if fanciful dungeon crawl, the latest product of our combined wordsmithing features a nightmarish, Lovecraftian tone.