Sunday Meditation: Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Podcasts for Writers, Readers and Geeks

Over the last few months, I've discovered some AWESOME podcasts. I'm sure you already knew about these shows (in which case why didn't you share with me?!), but if you didn't, then I'm happy to introduce you as a fellow reader, writer or fan of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and/or Horror so that you may enjoy them too.

Dragon Page
Conversations with the best and brightest creators of Science Fiction, Fantasy Literature today.

This is an amazingly fun biweekly (usually) broadcast. Sometimes listening to people interview others is snore worthy - not so here, at least on most of them I've heard. Great, funny, engaging, informative and well-read hosts that generally ask logical questions I would want to be asked and hear responses for in their interviews. Sounds like friends having a great time and you get to listen to them while they talk to cool people. I'm not even close to listening to all their podcasts, but with the exception of one I've heard thus far (and it was the author more than the hosts) they have all been very entertaining.

Authors I've heard: Terry Goodkind, Jane Espenson, S.C Butler, Brandon Sanderson, Steven R Donaldson and S. M. Stirling, Minister Faust, Stephanie Rowe to name a *very* few. (Loved the Anthony Lappe and Dan Goldman podcast too!). Shows can be grabbed on Itunes or on their web page.

Hosts: Brian Brown, Summer Brooks, Michael R. Mennenga, Tim Adamec, Michael A. Stackpole

Slice of SciFi
News about science fiction TV, movies and more

This is the sci-fi tv/film/general news equivalent (or extension if you like) to the Dragon Page podcasts and weekly (usually) with another show during the week focused on viewer response and updates (edit: TY Sam). Their story of origin rocks. The three hosts are laid back, very informed regarding all things "geekdom" and it sounds just like you're listening to some good friends talk about sci-fi stuff. Not really surprising though, since half of the hosts here are also the hosts for Dragon Page. I do enjoy this one a lot, it really grew on me. They can have some pretty funny conversations and observations. Voicemail shows are very funny. They do have some well known guests from time to time also.

Interviews include: Rod Roddenberry, Wil Wheaton, Bruce Campbell, Walter Kroenig, James Farr, Samuel Jackson, Jim Butcher, Katee Sackhoff, Tanya Huff, Bear McCreary, Colin Ferguson, Mur Lafferty, Peter Mohan, Tracy Hickman, Tim Russ, Kevin Falls and way more than I can type. Great podcast that can be snagged via Itunes or on their website or found on XM radio (See Sam's comment).

Hosts: Brian Brown, Summer Brooks, Michael R. Mennenga

Pod of Horror
Literature Horror news, interviews and happenings

I hadn't found any horror podcasts of equal caliber to Dragon Page or Slice of Sci-Fi for Horror literature (though ones for movies and films abound). Then I stumbled on the monthly podcast Pod of Horror. This show covers literature with occasional horror tv/movie star interviews too (Charisma Carpenter of BTVS or Angel series, Adrienne Barbeau from the movie The Fog spring to mind). The interviews are good to excellent, they cover topics and happenings in the world of horror literature (publishing and writers) very well. Brian Keene co-hosts episode #33, so that one is definitely worth a listen. But don't be mislead, they've had other great authors featured and interviewed of equal note and rising status. Host Mark Justice with prior host David T. Wilbanks are also now published authors (congrats!) and have recently released their novella Dead Earth: The Green Dawn to excellent reviews.

Authors interviewed/featured: Robert R. McCammon, John Urbancik, Ramsey Campbell, Edward Lee, Elizabeth Massie, Brian Hodge, Robert Liparulo, John Skip, Mark Justice and David T. Wilbanks. Shows can be snagged on Itunes or their website.

Hosts: Mark Justice, Nanci Kalanta and Scott Bradley


Escape Pod
(Podcast) Science Fiction Magazine

When I just want to hear some stories that intrigue or provoke Escape Pod can deliver. Worth listening you may be surprised who you see with a featured podcast. Some voice actors are more effective than others for me, but overall excellent stories for listening. I like to listen to them at night, kind of like radio serials. And with the ongoing writers strike for film and TV it's a welcome entertainment that really kicks your imagination into gear.

I hope you enjoy and please let me know your impressions. If you can recommend other resources like this across the web I would love to hear about them.

Sunday Writing Meditation: Hauntings and Sparks

I've been haunted all weekend by a phrase. Phrases can act as writing and/or story prompts for me, certain phrases demand that I write them down and let them feed on my imagination. I'll have slips of phrases that bounce around my head and if I try to ignore them they turn incessant and insistent. Some of the phrases probably aren't all that clever or extraordinary beyond the fascination my mind holds for them. Other times they seem to come from me or conversations with friends, loved ones even overhead by two strangers (strangers can offer some of the best phrases empty of any context but what I create.) Occasionally song lyrics will provide them, too. But from whatever origin, they repeat in my mind and become something more than their original intention. They become sparks to a story. The phrase becomes either the opening words, the plot, the climax, the first indication of a new character's birth. They spark.

Now I love when sparks happen, when I'm feeling sparked inside. The way inspiration slides over my thoughts, warms my confidence. That feeling whenever things are flowing or clicking, when all the words pouring out smoothly like they have always been within me and were just waiting for me to release them. When the story and context feel right. At those moments I feel I am doing what I should be doing and all is right with the world. Harmonious. I love being haunted by words and phrases - it's pleasure.

But I can't let myself get hung up on needing to feel this way in order to write. Because in later review what I actually write during that time may not be all that great (though often it could become better and possibly damn good). The writing's fate lies in my persistence to continue and in the rewrite(s). I must remember not to believe the haunting feeling born from a phrase and coupled with that everything-I-write-is-brilliant feeling while I'm sparked represents the entirety of my ability to write well. My writing comes from more than just random flashes of inspiration. It just takes flight from the flashes.

After all, it's what happens after the spark fades, when I'm pushing through to the other side where my real reward lies, I suspect. That is where the writer in me is tempered. So that's my Sunday meditation: Be haunted, use the spark and enjoy it but don't be discouraged when the feeling fades away. Push through.

I'm going to go write and have some brunch, in the reverse order. What will you do?

Sunday Writing Meditation: Ignoring the Muse

Today, I looked forward to having the house to myself. Time to write uninterrupted muse or no muse. And as it would happen, the muse decided to take a trip today and was nowhere to be found this morning. That's fine, diligence being what it is, I nodded my head and prepared to work without said muse. Only I kept distracting myself with other things...I just couldn't clear my head. I tried to read but even that was hard. I knew I needed to try something different.

So rather than spend a whole day frustrated with myself, I gave in.

I relaxed. If I can't "mug the muse" (love that phrase - Holly Lisle thank you!), I can't summon it, and I have self-imposed goals to meet, then maybe a change of pace is in order. Instead of morning writing, I'll try later in the evening.

So today I checked on the Gardenia plant I potted yesterday. I did some housework. Prepared for tomorrow. Did grocery shopping. Relaxed and watched some of my guilty pleasure shows on TV (TIVO rocks). I did some laundry. And as I was playing a video game, I felt the muse lurking, looking around the corner. Possibly wondering where all my frustration is hiding. Where is my fear to ever become self-disciplined? But the fear and frustration aren't hidden or lurking, they just don't hold any sway with me at this point. I nod to the muse but I don't approach. I look away and continue to enjoy myself. I find, happily I don't feel guilty at all 'cause again muse or no muse, I'll write later tonight. I'll still reach my goal for today.

And what do you know? The muse is hanging out, shyly. Brilliant!

So what have I learned? Sometimes it's ok to give in and not do the work immediately, particularly when I give myself realistic parameters so I still get things done and I don't feel behind the eight ball. Perhaps take care of things niggling in the back of my mind, too. This allows me to fully enjoy my time and be present in the moment.

So, back to my amusements for a little longer. Then I'm off to write. What will you do?

Sunday Writing Meditation: My Current Game Plan

First, a big thank you to all of you who posted or emailed me about my last post. All of your comments brought points of view that helped me with my sinkhole so I can get moving. Your thoughts always have value to me.

Now, onto this post.

So aside from fighting what appears to be a cold, I've been thinking this week about my writing and my goals. What do I have in my head right now?

I've got some stories, definitely short stories.
I've got four actual novels that I want to write, have partially written or have written.
I've got some flash fiction pieces too.

So what's a writer to do with all this ambition, knowing that the non-writing world also has to play a part in all I do? My solution is fourfold: Plan. Organize. Apply self-discipline. Have fun.


Plan:

I want to write novels first and foremost but I must still live in the non-writing world and meet my goals there too. So I need a plan. So far, this is the plan: Write.

Awesome! Now to flesh that puppy out.

I will write something 4 days minimum each week. I can always write more or more often, but that is my minimum. It can be free writing. It can be story writing and/or blog writing. But I must do this and lucky for me I want to do this. Set up word counts for projects to make more finite objectives for this.

On the days that I don't write, I don't feel pressured or guilty about it because I'm making sure I'm taking time out for loved ones or for myself to be the responsible individual I need to sometimes be. To read. To laugh, recharge and let other stimulus spark me. To live - writers can research the dickens out of things but we have to live a little too, right?

Organize:

I've got my writing space. I've got my blog set-up. I've got weblinks to favorite inspirations and others to tools to help me on my way. As a MAC user I'm getting the hang of Scrivener program and loving it. I'm working on very loose outlines because I'm not entirely sure how outlining works for me yet but I've got a few new formats to try. I'm half researching which publishers and sites I'll want to submit my works, but I'm mostly creating my story idea notebook/file to be filled with thoughts and phrases that strike me, works that inspire. I'm also getting a notebook for me just to do some free writing. I love typing my stories but the longhand writing even with the bad handwriting and hand cramps makes me slow down, consider what I'm saying. It's a very good exercise. Oh and I bought a kitchen timer! NaNoWriMo taught me this trick - when you don't feel like writing put a timer down give yourself 5-10 min and then just write anything. Afterward, walk away or if stimulated continue. For me this often works.

Apply Self-Discipline:

::Shudders:: Discipline and I are still getting acquainted but I hope we become respectful partners, if not steadfast friends. Talking about writing is not writing. Researching is not writing. Sending emails is writing, but not progressive writing on your stories. Procrastination is not my friend. To help resist procrastination and its sweet siren call, I'll maintain my daily writing with a word count (variable to my current project). No stated absolute goals when I'm free writing. (What I do with what's written after those sessions...is what it is.)

Have Fun:

Now, why would someone sing with a beautiful voice if it makes them utterly miserable? Perhaps to bring joy to others or because it's something they must do. If I find myself in this sort of situation where I'm not having fun, but I must persevere I believe I should at least be thoughtful about doing it and about why. When I'm feeling the least inclined this is what may help me to go on. Aside from that, I am fun-loving and I really enjoy the process. It's the ride and the destination that are worthwhile, right? .


More specific:

* I am going to focus on writing a few flash fics and doing some free writing to keep my brain exercising for the next couple weeks. With classes starting up again and the new workload to balance out this will keep me writing but allow me to figure out how my other time commitments will affect my schedule. This may end sooner or later but I want to give myself time to get a good schedule going.

* By 9/17 I'm going to start working on one of my written novels, probably taking a good critical eye and rewriting it. Chances are this will be The Fugue State.

* I plan to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. No idea what I'll write yet but...likely it will be a very rough first draft for one of the four unwritten novels.

* I'm going to start attending local writer group meetings too and see what fun and information can be gleaned there. I always want to learn new things.

* I give myself inherent permission to ditch this plan if it isn't working and try something new. But I need to give this a good chance first.

...and that's my Sunday Writing Meditation and current game plan. Thoughts, assertions and suggestions welcome.