I just entered my first submission to a respected horror publisher. Yeah it's a Flash Fiction piece and while I'm capable of writing gore and guts horror (and I do like to from time to time) this was a little more funny and much more psychological in execution - but then psychological horror has always held more appeal to me. I think the most frightening monsters live there.
I do NOT expect this to be accepted (It would be paid if it were and that's just too much to consider at this moment). But the fact that I just did it, was inspired to write a story for this site, wrote it and submitted following their directions I feel like...I'm shocked and happy with myself. No is the worst that can happen, right?
It felt good to just bite the bullet.
Must write MORE. Wanna do it again! Again!
Monday, July 30, 2007
A Goal: Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine
One of my goals is to publish a story in Fantasy & Science Fiction. Why? Besides the fact many authors I admire have published here? Because aside from Madeleine L'Engle's works lighting one of my creative sparks, this monthly magazine introduced to me by my dad opened my mind to so many other points of view and cemented my thought that genre is relative.
Dad and I have always shared a love of reading SF&F as well as horror stories (ironic since I don't see that many horror movies); I still remember the day he explained he bought us a subscription to something fantastic. We kept it for years. We'd read the new magazine each month and then go to lunch or dinner and talk about our favorite stories and why we liked them, what they made us think about or feel. Dad worked two to three jobs at any given time so for him to make time to read the magazine let alone share time with me for discussions always felt totally special.
It will be one of my happiest days ever, should it come to pass that I am published in this publication.
Dad and I have always shared a love of reading SF&F as well as horror stories (ironic since I don't see that many horror movies); I still remember the day he explained he bought us a subscription to something fantastic. We kept it for years. We'd read the new magazine each month and then go to lunch or dinner and talk about our favorite stories and why we liked them, what they made us think about or feel. Dad worked two to three jobs at any given time so for him to make time to read the magazine let alone share time with me for discussions always felt totally special.
It will be one of my happiest days ever, should it come to pass that I am published in this publication.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Current Thoughts: Words of Power
These thoughts are my current perceptions on the topic and subject to change with self-growth.
From the miniseries Twin Peaks
Fire Walk With Me (poem) by David Lynch
Through the darkness of future past,
The magican longs to see
One chants/(chance) out between two worlds:
Fire walk with me.
***
Quote from novel Dune
by Frank Herbert
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
~Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear
***
Quote from Schoolhouse Rocks
Knowledge is Power!
***
What do all three of these quotes have in common? Besides exposing me as a sci-fi/Saturday morning cartoon geek? All of these words are memorable for many of those who have read them or have heard them uttered in a movie or TV show. Why? Power. The power to evoke and stay in the consciousness. The power to echo around your head and heart, to touch your soul. The power to move you in some way, reveal something to you...or within you. It isn't the words alone, it's the sentiment, the context. The complete picture.
Stories that are absent these sort of words are enjoyable and valid too. I think of them as "dessert stories" entertaining for fun's sake- satisfying because the context and your head are in the mode. Like a good "for the beach" or "for the plane ride" book. But I love when I come across words of power. I love stories and works that shake my core, my values, and my perceptions. Words and notions that challenge me or just...knock my socks off.
There's nothing like the sensation of reading something and feeling goose bumps course across your skin. Some sort of pulse response, then a kindred sensation shooting up your spine. The rush of endorphins as you think to yourself eagerly, "Oh good gravy...these words, this sentiment...this idea is just so...good!
I don't think every single word written must be done with the intention to contain words of power - they can spring from humble origins to inspire and affect readers. I believe the better goal is to write true: write true to the story, the characters, the world, and if relevent to the message you are sending. In the best cases, your words can strike harmony with each other and then chords in readers, sparking their thoughts in some way. And that's when your words gain power. It doesn't matter if it's only for one person or millions. You've just moved someone in a very intimate way.
That's power in the good way.
From the miniseries Twin Peaks
Fire Walk With Me (poem) by David Lynch
Through the darkness of future past,
The magican longs to see
One chants/(chance) out between two worlds:
Fire walk with me.
***
Quote from novel Dune
by Frank Herbert
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
~Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear
***
Quote from Schoolhouse Rocks
Knowledge is Power!
***
What do all three of these quotes have in common? Besides exposing me as a sci-fi/Saturday morning cartoon geek? All of these words are memorable for many of those who have read them or have heard them uttered in a movie or TV show. Why? Power. The power to evoke and stay in the consciousness. The power to echo around your head and heart, to touch your soul. The power to move you in some way, reveal something to you...or within you. It isn't the words alone, it's the sentiment, the context. The complete picture.
Stories that are absent these sort of words are enjoyable and valid too. I think of them as "dessert stories" entertaining for fun's sake- satisfying because the context and your head are in the mode. Like a good "for the beach" or "for the plane ride" book. But I love when I come across words of power. I love stories and works that shake my core, my values, and my perceptions. Words and notions that challenge me or just...knock my socks off.
There's nothing like the sensation of reading something and feeling goose bumps course across your skin. Some sort of pulse response, then a kindred sensation shooting up your spine. The rush of endorphins as you think to yourself eagerly, "Oh good gravy...these words, this sentiment...this idea is just so...good!
I don't think every single word written must be done with the intention to contain words of power - they can spring from humble origins to inspire and affect readers. I believe the better goal is to write true: write true to the story, the characters, the world, and if relevent to the message you are sending. In the best cases, your words can strike harmony with each other and then chords in readers, sparking their thoughts in some way. And that's when your words gain power. It doesn't matter if it's only for one person or millions. You've just moved someone in a very intimate way.
That's power in the good way.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Beginnings and Introductions
A Few Words About Ray
Q: A few words about me?
A: Teller of tales. Writer of them too. Female. Smart alec. Fun-loving. Sometimes thinks too much. Learning. I have been writing creatively as many have since I was a little kid; writing through school, for fun, for self, for friends and family. Though I may be employed gainfully elsewhere, ask me what I do and I will reply "I'm a writer." I definitely don't have all the answers but I've got some good questions. You'll have to learn the rest along with me. Oh, I prefer to speak of myself in first person rather than third whenever I can.
More About Writing and Me
Q: What genre and style do I write?
A: When I'm asked that I generally respond Speculative Fiction. What does this mean? Ask ten different writers you'll get 10 different answers most likely. I tend to write a blend of literary fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, horror (I lean more toward psychological) and observation. Lately I've been getting into writing flash and short stories, though my long-term goal is novel writer.
Q: Some things you might read/find here:
A: My education as a writer, thoughts about the process, questions I ask and answers that reveal. Stumbles and falls in my experience, that will lead me to stand up, dust off, and move on. I can be verbose. Excitement and self-taught typing skills can lead to typos and creative grammar structures. Reasons to laugh. Attitude at times. Learn something new?
Other details
Q: Aside from writing, what do I do for kicks?
A: I play games: board games, card games, video, computer, MMOs etc. I love my Ibook but not in a rude if you're on a PC you suck sort of way - there's room for us all. I ride a motorcycle (this is still a new thing). I love to read books, watch movies. Lately my Netflix gets more exercise than the movie house. I hang out with family, good friends and try to make them laugh as hard as possible. I am new to yoga and loving that. I love to travel and see new places, meet new people. I really like to learn and discover new things. People watching is a favorite pastime as people are always very interesting to me. And I really like to smile. But not in a creepy way. Really.
Q: How often will I update?
A: Periodically is my most accurate reply, so that I don't let the fun of blogging or web stuff get in the way of actual writing, which is what I should be doing right now. But barring real life complications, my goal is to update a minimum of once a week - though most likely a lot more often than that.
Q: A few words about me?
A: Teller of tales. Writer of them too. Female. Smart alec. Fun-loving. Sometimes thinks too much. Learning. I have been writing creatively as many have since I was a little kid; writing through school, for fun, for self, for friends and family. Though I may be employed gainfully elsewhere, ask me what I do and I will reply "I'm a writer." I definitely don't have all the answers but I've got some good questions. You'll have to learn the rest along with me. Oh, I prefer to speak of myself in first person rather than third whenever I can.
More About Writing and Me
Q: What genre and style do I write?
A: When I'm asked that I generally respond Speculative Fiction. What does this mean? Ask ten different writers you'll get 10 different answers most likely. I tend to write a blend of literary fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, horror (I lean more toward psychological) and observation. Lately I've been getting into writing flash and short stories, though my long-term goal is novel writer.
Q: Some things you might read/find here:
A: My education as a writer, thoughts about the process, questions I ask and answers that reveal. Stumbles and falls in my experience, that will lead me to stand up, dust off, and move on. I can be verbose. Excitement and self-taught typing skills can lead to typos and creative grammar structures. Reasons to laugh. Attitude at times. Learn something new?
Other details
Q: Aside from writing, what do I do for kicks?
A: I play games: board games, card games, video, computer, MMOs etc. I love my Ibook but not in a rude if you're on a PC you suck sort of way - there's room for us all. I ride a motorcycle (this is still a new thing). I love to read books, watch movies. Lately my Netflix gets more exercise than the movie house. I hang out with family, good friends and try to make them laugh as hard as possible. I am new to yoga and loving that. I love to travel and see new places, meet new people. I really like to learn and discover new things. People watching is a favorite pastime as people are always very interesting to me. And I really like to smile. But not in a creepy way. Really.
Q: How often will I update?
A: Periodically is my most accurate reply, so that I don't let the fun of blogging or web stuff get in the way of actual writing, which is what I should be doing right now. But barring real life complications, my goal is to update a minimum of once a week - though most likely a lot more often than that.
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The Fine Print
Words That Rattle 'Round My Head by Ray M. Solberg is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.