Well, since apparently last week, I just thought this was something to do for fun, I was not aware there was an official sign-up for Six Sentence Sunday. So, this week, I've actually signed up, and will present a different set of six sentences from my upcoming release (scheduled for the end of the month), The Cure. Enjoy!
***
She looked around, seeing peaceful digital artwork by artists with names she didn’t recognize. The distinct stench of fresh paint spilled off the walls. They’d gone to great lengths to liven up the facilities over the past few months. There was no sense in it. Putting a friendly, pleasant face on the surroundings didn’t hide the fact there was only one reason to come here.
To visit the dead.
***
And be sure to keep an eye out for more information over on my Twitter feed or my Facebook fan page. And if you can't wait for the end of the month, head on over to AstonWest.com where you can check out my other published novels and short stories as well.
17 July 2011
15 July 2011
THE CURE: Now Available
The long wait is over, and my new novel The Cure is now available. Check out my site's page for the details, including links to go buy your copy.
14 July 2011
An Except From THE CURE
Sweltering heat followed Mila as she entered. Second-guessing her morning wardrobe decision, at least her dark suit jacket covered up her sweating skin.
A reception desk sat off to her left. Mila didn’t recognize the cheerful young woman behind it, which set her hackles up. The baby-faced redhead sat with a nail file, grinding like a mad woman as she chomped just as hard on chewing gum. Bouncing curls atop her head accompanied her breasts as they burst forth from her low-cut black top. She looked up at Mila and flashed a brilliant smile.
“Can I help you?”
“Where’s Barbara?” The regular receptionist would have taken Mila right away to where her family waited. She’d been through this same process daily, step-for-step over the last three seasons, coming up on ten months now. Every lunch break, like clockwork. No one knew outside of this building. Not the people she worked with, not even her relatives. Nothing good could come from too many people being aware of her activities.
“Called in sick this morning, so I was told. I’m from the temp agency.”
“Mila Groso,” she muttered. “I have an appointment.”
The young woman motioned. “Please have a seat.”
Mila turned toward several plush white chairs along the opposite wall. “That’s really not necessary...”
The busty redhead put on the fakest smile Mila had ever seen. “Oh, it’s no bother.”
Frowning, Mila could do nothing but follow the woman’s instructions. The young temp dropped her file and picked up a small cylindrical transmitter, squeezing the sides to pop the handset open. A communication link was established with a dual-tone beep. She held her hand up to muffle her voice. Without any background noise, though, Mila still heard every word. “Mister Docken, there’s a Mila Groso here. She claims to have an appointment, but nothing’s listed.”
Listening to the response, her face grew serious before closing the transmitter again. Without a care, she flashed another fake smile. “He’ll be out soon.” Barely a moment passed before she’d gone back to her nail file.
Mila pursed her lips and squirmed, unable to find a comfortable position in the chair. She looked around, seeing peaceful digital artwork by artists with names she didn’t recognize. The distinct stench of fresh paint spilled off the walls. They’d gone to great lengths to liven up the facilities over the past few months. There was no sense in it. Putting a friendly, pleasant face on the surroundings didn’t hide the fact there was only one reason to come here.
To visit the dead.
Down a second hallway, a door lock clicked open, drawing Mila’s attention. A tall, gaunt man in a freshly pressed white dress shirt, black trousers and tie stepped into view. Relief worked its way onto Mila’s face at the sight of someone she finally recognized.
“Mila,” he said, drawing close, “sorry to keep you waiting. Your regular viewing room is ready.”
She stood and smoothed out her dress pants, taking the high road by forgiving the utter inconvenience she’d been put through. “Thank you, Paul.”
His smooth black hair caught the light from above while he gave off a weak smile. “You’re welcome.”
The pair walked along the corridor, the only sound coming from Mila’s heels striking the faux wood floor. They passed through an ornate doorway into a rectangular waiting area. Waist-high leafy plants stood in each corner.
Once they were out of earshot, Paul mumbled to Mila. “Sorry about that. It was a big surprise finding out Barbara wouldn’t be in this morning.”
It really wasn’t her concern, but Mila still figured an inquiry appropriate. “Is she okay?”
“Her niece called this morning. Apparently, she came down with something nasty.” He glanced toward the lobby. “I hope she comes back soon. It’s hard to find good help.”
Mila nodded absently. She’d always been able to find excellent employees and had never needed temporary help. With this experience, she counted it a good thing.
Paul held a hand out toward another pair of plush white couches. Mila figured the facility had bought in bulk. “I’ll just double-check everything’s as you’ve requested.” He left her there, entering the central of the three viewing rooms while she sat down once more.
Such frequent visits weren’t in the standard burial contract, and had been negotiated for a significant price. Calling it a request was putting a definite spin on things.
Mila’s limbs shook, just as with every visit. Even being strong-willed as she made herself out to be, the entire situation still struck unbridled fear into her bones. A death sentence carried out on her family’s murderers had not appeased her bloodlust.
Neither had it assuaged her guilt.
She composed herself as the door opened and Paul stepped out. A cold chill flowed out to greet her. “Take as much time as you need.”
“Thank you,” Mila mumbled, walking inside.
“I’ll be up front whenever you’re finished.” Paul shut the door behind her.
She took a deep breath and stared at the two sarcophagi. The standard white coffin had been upgraded with ornate markings and shiny metal carvings mounted to each corner and around the base. It had been billed as a flowing pattern meant to speed the decedent’s path to the afterlife, or some other such nonsense meant to soothe a survivor’s grief. Dark purple blankets hid wheeled carts which rested under each casket. These provided the means for Paul’s staff to roll them inside the viewing rooms. She’d only heard stories of the underground storage vaults where so many dead were held, having no desire to see them.
All citizens of this planet were buried in sealed caskets, preventing decomposition as was the Vetrasian custom. Mila still recalled the interment service held in this very room. Outside the building had been so dreary and rainy, an unlikely circumstance for the then-summer season, but matching Mila’s emotional state at the time.
Silence closed in from all sides. Despite the center’s use of floral sprays as a mask, there was no way to completely eliminate the musty stench emanating from the underground vaults. She shifted up to the caskets, her shaking hands creeping toward the transparent shells. Every visit confirmed what she knew, but couldn’t accept. It hadn’t been a bad dream. Her family was truly gone forever.
Even now, she wasn’t convinced. She’d be with them soon enough. That was the only thing providing her solace, letting her sleep at night.
Looking through the clear lid at her daughter was almost as if gazing into a mirror of the past, her foolish youth. This teen’s face, though, was a model of steadiness, framed by the same thick, dirty blonde, shoulder-length strands Mila herself was burdened with. A long white dress was the standard burial garment for all the planet’s women.
“Oh, sweet Oreana...” Mila choked on her words, and streams of tears flowed down her face.
She wiped her eyes and turned to the second casket, where her husband’s tanned face sat in wait atop a white suit, the standard men’s burial garment. She longed to once more run her hand through his brown ratty hair, to stare into his sky blue eyes. “Gordon, my love,” she whispered. Stroking the hard plastic cover with her fingers, Mila tried to remember what he felt like. It made her sob even more that she couldn’t recall the memory.
She looked upon both bodies, as always marveling she couldn’t make out the slash marks and stab wounds they’d received from their killers. Paul and his staff had done a fantastic job, but even without visible reminders, she couldn’t clear the bloody images from her mind. There was no silencing their final screams of agony and terror which echoed within her mind.
Mila closed her eyes and the tears gushed forth. She should have arrived on time that fateful night. If she had, they wouldn’t have been waiting in the parking lot when a pair of vagabond killers had found them. Random as it had been, her family ended up dead, because she always put work ahead of everything else in her life.
With a sigh, she eased her eyelids open, blinking away tears and glancing back and forth between the corpses. A small smile formed while the liquid train slowed. Increasing hope filled her heart, knowing she had a plan, even though formed from grief and desperation. With every passing moment, Mila knew without a doubt she was getting closer to the cure she’d been seeking these last ten months.
The cure for death.
A reception desk sat off to her left. Mila didn’t recognize the cheerful young woman behind it, which set her hackles up. The baby-faced redhead sat with a nail file, grinding like a mad woman as she chomped just as hard on chewing gum. Bouncing curls atop her head accompanied her breasts as they burst forth from her low-cut black top. She looked up at Mila and flashed a brilliant smile.
“Can I help you?”
“Where’s Barbara?” The regular receptionist would have taken Mila right away to where her family waited. She’d been through this same process daily, step-for-step over the last three seasons, coming up on ten months now. Every lunch break, like clockwork. No one knew outside of this building. Not the people she worked with, not even her relatives. Nothing good could come from too many people being aware of her activities.
“Called in sick this morning, so I was told. I’m from the temp agency.”
“Mila Groso,” she muttered. “I have an appointment.”
The young woman motioned. “Please have a seat.”
Mila turned toward several plush white chairs along the opposite wall. “That’s really not necessary...”
The busty redhead put on the fakest smile Mila had ever seen. “Oh, it’s no bother.”
Frowning, Mila could do nothing but follow the woman’s instructions. The young temp dropped her file and picked up a small cylindrical transmitter, squeezing the sides to pop the handset open. A communication link was established with a dual-tone beep. She held her hand up to muffle her voice. Without any background noise, though, Mila still heard every word. “Mister Docken, there’s a Mila Groso here. She claims to have an appointment, but nothing’s listed.”
Listening to the response, her face grew serious before closing the transmitter again. Without a care, she flashed another fake smile. “He’ll be out soon.” Barely a moment passed before she’d gone back to her nail file.
Mila pursed her lips and squirmed, unable to find a comfortable position in the chair. She looked around, seeing peaceful digital artwork by artists with names she didn’t recognize. The distinct stench of fresh paint spilled off the walls. They’d gone to great lengths to liven up the facilities over the past few months. There was no sense in it. Putting a friendly, pleasant face on the surroundings didn’t hide the fact there was only one reason to come here.
To visit the dead.
Down a second hallway, a door lock clicked open, drawing Mila’s attention. A tall, gaunt man in a freshly pressed white dress shirt, black trousers and tie stepped into view. Relief worked its way onto Mila’s face at the sight of someone she finally recognized.
“Mila,” he said, drawing close, “sorry to keep you waiting. Your regular viewing room is ready.”
She stood and smoothed out her dress pants, taking the high road by forgiving the utter inconvenience she’d been put through. “Thank you, Paul.”
His smooth black hair caught the light from above while he gave off a weak smile. “You’re welcome.”
The pair walked along the corridor, the only sound coming from Mila’s heels striking the faux wood floor. They passed through an ornate doorway into a rectangular waiting area. Waist-high leafy plants stood in each corner.
Once they were out of earshot, Paul mumbled to Mila. “Sorry about that. It was a big surprise finding out Barbara wouldn’t be in this morning.”
It really wasn’t her concern, but Mila still figured an inquiry appropriate. “Is she okay?”
“Her niece called this morning. Apparently, she came down with something nasty.” He glanced toward the lobby. “I hope she comes back soon. It’s hard to find good help.”
Mila nodded absently. She’d always been able to find excellent employees and had never needed temporary help. With this experience, she counted it a good thing.
Paul held a hand out toward another pair of plush white couches. Mila figured the facility had bought in bulk. “I’ll just double-check everything’s as you’ve requested.” He left her there, entering the central of the three viewing rooms while she sat down once more.
Such frequent visits weren’t in the standard burial contract, and had been negotiated for a significant price. Calling it a request was putting a definite spin on things.
Mila’s limbs shook, just as with every visit. Even being strong-willed as she made herself out to be, the entire situation still struck unbridled fear into her bones. A death sentence carried out on her family’s murderers had not appeased her bloodlust.
Neither had it assuaged her guilt.
She composed herself as the door opened and Paul stepped out. A cold chill flowed out to greet her. “Take as much time as you need.”
“Thank you,” Mila mumbled, walking inside.
“I’ll be up front whenever you’re finished.” Paul shut the door behind her.
She took a deep breath and stared at the two sarcophagi. The standard white coffin had been upgraded with ornate markings and shiny metal carvings mounted to each corner and around the base. It had been billed as a flowing pattern meant to speed the decedent’s path to the afterlife, or some other such nonsense meant to soothe a survivor’s grief. Dark purple blankets hid wheeled carts which rested under each casket. These provided the means for Paul’s staff to roll them inside the viewing rooms. She’d only heard stories of the underground storage vaults where so many dead were held, having no desire to see them.
All citizens of this planet were buried in sealed caskets, preventing decomposition as was the Vetrasian custom. Mila still recalled the interment service held in this very room. Outside the building had been so dreary and rainy, an unlikely circumstance for the then-summer season, but matching Mila’s emotional state at the time.
Silence closed in from all sides. Despite the center’s use of floral sprays as a mask, there was no way to completely eliminate the musty stench emanating from the underground vaults. She shifted up to the caskets, her shaking hands creeping toward the transparent shells. Every visit confirmed what she knew, but couldn’t accept. It hadn’t been a bad dream. Her family was truly gone forever.
Even now, she wasn’t convinced. She’d be with them soon enough. That was the only thing providing her solace, letting her sleep at night.
Looking through the clear lid at her daughter was almost as if gazing into a mirror of the past, her foolish youth. This teen’s face, though, was a model of steadiness, framed by the same thick, dirty blonde, shoulder-length strands Mila herself was burdened with. A long white dress was the standard burial garment for all the planet’s women.
“Oh, sweet Oreana...” Mila choked on her words, and streams of tears flowed down her face.
She wiped her eyes and turned to the second casket, where her husband’s tanned face sat in wait atop a white suit, the standard men’s burial garment. She longed to once more run her hand through his brown ratty hair, to stare into his sky blue eyes. “Gordon, my love,” she whispered. Stroking the hard plastic cover with her fingers, Mila tried to remember what he felt like. It made her sob even more that she couldn’t recall the memory.
She looked upon both bodies, as always marveling she couldn’t make out the slash marks and stab wounds they’d received from their killers. Paul and his staff had done a fantastic job, but even without visible reminders, she couldn’t clear the bloody images from her mind. There was no silencing their final screams of agony and terror which echoed within her mind.
Mila closed her eyes and the tears gushed forth. She should have arrived on time that fateful night. If she had, they wouldn’t have been waiting in the parking lot when a pair of vagabond killers had found them. Random as it had been, her family ended up dead, because she always put work ahead of everything else in her life.
With a sigh, she eased her eyelids open, blinking away tears and glancing back and forth between the corpses. A small smile formed while the liquid train slowed. Increasing hope filled her heart, knowing she had a plan, even though formed from grief and desperation. With every passing moment, Mila knew without a doubt she was getting closer to the cure she’d been seeking these last ten months.
The cure for death.
13 July 2011
Cover Art for THE CURE
Just posted this up on my fan page, but going to put it here as well...the cover art for my new novel, THE CURE.
And stay tuned! I plan on posting up an excerpt from The Cure tomorrow, in preparation for its release over the weekend.
And stay tuned! I plan on posting up an excerpt from The Cure tomorrow, in preparation for its release over the weekend.
12 July 2011
Weekly Goals - July 12, 2011
Finished with The Cure edits, and now it's time to get down to the nitty gritty details on formatting it for publication. Still shooting for an end-of-the-month release...and also had some good happenings with another of my story being accepted for publication.
Results for this week:
1. Finished edits on The Cure
2. Book blurb and tagline is completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Convert The Cure into its e-book format for Smashwords
2. Post The Cure cover art up for the fans to enjoy
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (ACCEPTED)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Finished edits on The Cure
2. Book blurb and tagline is completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Convert The Cure into its e-book format for Smashwords
2. Post The Cure cover art up for the fans to enjoy
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (ACCEPTED)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
10 July 2011
Six Sentence Sunday: The Cure
Just figured I'd join in on the Six Sentence Sunday craze that I've seen over and over again on Twitter...so here is my first contribution, a segment from the first chapter of my upcoming novel, The Cure:
Random as it had been, her family ended up dead, because she always put work ahead of everything else in her life.
With a sigh, she eased her eyelids open, blinking away tears and glancing back and forth between the corpses. A small smile formed while the liquid train slowed. Increasing hope filled her heart, knowing she had a plan, even though formed from grief and desperation. With every passing moment, Mila knew without a doubt she was getting closer to the cure she’d been seeking these last ten months.
The cure for death.
Random as it had been, her family ended up dead, because she always put work ahead of everything else in her life.
With a sigh, she eased her eyelids open, blinking away tears and glancing back and forth between the corpses. A small smile formed while the liquid train slowed. Increasing hope filled her heart, knowing she had a plan, even though formed from grief and desperation. With every passing moment, Mila knew without a doubt she was getting closer to the cure she’d been seeking these last ten months.
The cure for death.
05 July 2011
Weekly Goals - July 5, 2011
Things are rolling fairly smoothly now. Edits are nearly completed for the Cure, and as I mentioned in the comments to my last post, I'm hoping for an August release.
Results for this week:
1. Edited 10 chapters of The Cure
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Finish edits (5 chapters) on The Cure
2. Polish book blurbs and taglines for The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Resubmitted with requested revisions)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited 10 chapters of The Cure
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Finish edits (5 chapters) on The Cure
2. Polish book blurbs and taglines for The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Resubmitted with requested revisions)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
04 July 2011
The Money Factor
Through these many years of writing and publishing, I've come to notice a trend.
First, there were books on how to write...and then writer's conventions, seminars, and other events, all for the sake of teaching you how to improve your writing and breaking into the publishing business.
Then, getting a publisher required an agent, a person who took a percentage of your pay in order to act as a gatekeeper.
And once you were published, you'd often times have (or hire, if your publisher didn't) a publicist to take care of setting up events and such.
Now the game has changed, and authors are striking out on their own. But to do it "right" you'd have to hire professional editors, cover artists and those who could convert your manuscript for publication as an e-book or paperback.
And now that agents are slowly losing their grasp as gatekeepers to the publishing world, they and others are now willing to take on all the heavy lifting of getting a book ready for publication, as e-stributors.
Which goes to show something that I've always maintained (and was just telling a friend of mine the other day): There's a heck of a lot more money involved in the business of writing, than in the actual writing itself...
First, there were books on how to write...and then writer's conventions, seminars, and other events, all for the sake of teaching you how to improve your writing and breaking into the publishing business.
Then, getting a publisher required an agent, a person who took a percentage of your pay in order to act as a gatekeeper.
And once you were published, you'd often times have (or hire, if your publisher didn't) a publicist to take care of setting up events and such.
Now the game has changed, and authors are striking out on their own. But to do it "right" you'd have to hire professional editors, cover artists and those who could convert your manuscript for publication as an e-book or paperback.
And now that agents are slowly losing their grasp as gatekeepers to the publishing world, they and others are now willing to take on all the heavy lifting of getting a book ready for publication, as e-stributors.
Which goes to show something that I've always maintained (and was just telling a friend of mine the other day): There's a heck of a lot more money involved in the business of writing, than in the actual writing itself...
28 June 2011
Weekly Goals - June 28, 2011
Everything is still progressing quite well on edits...hoping to be finished with them all next month.
Results for this week:
1. Edited 7 chapters of The Cure
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 6 chapters of The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Resubmitted with requested revisions)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited 7 chapters of The Cure
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 6 chapters of The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Resubmitted with requested revisions)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
21 June 2011
Weekly Goals - June 21, 2011
Finally lit a fire under my butt this week, with things mostly going well...
Results for this week:
1. Edited and Re-submitted "Some Assembly Required"
2. Posted "Double Trouble" to Wattpad
3. Edited 3 chapters of The Cure
4. Edited and submitted "Sweet Embrace"
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 5 chapters of The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Posted)
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Resubmitted with requested revisions)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Submitted June 19)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited and Re-submitted "Some Assembly Required"
2. Posted "Double Trouble" to Wattpad
3. Edited 3 chapters of The Cure
4. Edited and submitted "Sweet Embrace"
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 5 chapters of The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Posted)
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Resubmitted with requested revisions)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Submitted June 19)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
14 June 2011
Weekly Goals - June 14, 2011
Well, at least the edits are going on track for The Cure but nothing else seems to be going as planned...
Results for this week:
1. None
2. Not submitted
3. Not submitted (debating doing some edits)
4. Edited 5 chapters of The Cure
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit "Some Assembly Required"
2. Submit "Double Trouble"
3. Edit 4 chapters of The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Tentatively accepted with revisions requested)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. None
2. Not submitted
3. Not submitted (debating doing some edits)
4. Edited 5 chapters of The Cure
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit "Some Assembly Required"
2. Submit "Double Trouble"
3. Edit 4 chapters of The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Tentatively accepted with revisions requested)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
07 June 2011
Weekly Goals - June 7, 2011
Another week of falling short on the stories, but began a final polish edit on The Cure in anticipation of having it ready for a fall release.
Results for this week:
1. Nearly 600 words completed on the first draft of "Simplicity"
2. Not submitted
3. Not submitted
4. Edited 3 chapters of The Cure [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on "Simplicity"
2. Submit "Double Trouble"
3. Submit "Sweet Embrace"
4. Edit 5 chapters of The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Nearly 600 words completed on the first draft of "Simplicity"
2. Not submitted
3. Not submitted
4. Edited 3 chapters of The Cure [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on "Simplicity"
2. Submit "Double Trouble"
3. Submit "Sweet Embrace"
4. Edit 5 chapters of The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
01 June 2011
Weekly Goals - May 31, 2011
Sadly, I should know better than to think a convention will be a place where I can get work done...
Results for this week:
1. Nearly 700 words completed on the first draft of "Simplicity"
2. Not submitted
3. Revisions completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on "Simplicity"
2. Submit "Double Trouble"
3. Submit "Sweet Embrace"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Nearly 700 words completed on the first draft of "Simplicity"
2. Not submitted
3. Revisions completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on "Simplicity"
2. Submit "Double Trouble"
3. Submit "Sweet Embrace"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
24 May 2011
Weekly Goals - May 24, 2011
A great week for the most part, and hoping to capitalize on it going into the holiday weekend (though I will be con-going this weekend, so...).
Results for this week:
1. Nearly 1900 words, and a completed first draft of "Sweet Embrace"
2. Submitted May 23
3. Submitted May 24
4. Still not totally sure, but leaning one direction...
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on a new short story
2. Submit "Double Trouble"
3. Complete revisions on "Sweet Embrace"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (REJECTED May 19)
"Generations" (submitted May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (submitted May 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Nearly 1900 words, and a completed first draft of "Sweet Embrace"
2. Submitted May 23
3. Submitted May 24
4. Still not totally sure, but leaning one direction...
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on a new short story
2. Submit "Double Trouble"
3. Complete revisions on "Sweet Embrace"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (REJECTED May 19)
"Generations" (submitted May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (submitted May 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
17 May 2011
Weekly Goals - May 17, 2011
Time to bear down on this writing gig, and get some new material written...it's also become apparent to me that agents aren't going to be interested in The Cure, for whatever reason, so there's some decisions to be made.
Results for this week:
1. Finished Resurrection plot outline
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on a new short story
2. Submit "Collateral"
3. Submit "Generations"
4. Determine fate for my completed novel The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (since March 28)
"Generations" (need to re-submit)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Finished Resurrection plot outline
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on a new short story
2. Submit "Collateral"
3. Submit "Generations"
4. Determine fate for my completed novel The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (since March 28)
"Generations" (need to re-submit)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
14 May 2011
Out of This World Blog Contest
Greetings, everyone! Thanks for stopping by! I'm helping out my friend Angie Lofthouse today by hosting her blog contest, today featuring her short story "Ripped," which first appeared in Amazing Journeys in March 2005. Previously, it won 2nd prize in the 2001 Science Fiction Writers of Earth Short Story contest. Contest reviewer Larry Taylor said:
"At the beginning of Angie Lofthouse's "Ripped" three usually clearly distinguished spheres are posited: past, present, and future. By the end, we're not so sure that these are immutable."
To enter The Out of This World Adventure giveaway, click on the story title to read the story, then come back here and answer the following question in the comments:
If you were getting a big bonus check to leave the planet, who would you give the money to?
Your comment will give you one entry in the grand prize drawing (includes an Amazon gift card, free book and other fun stuff!), plus one commenter on this post will win a Milky War bar. Mmmm. Include your email address, if it isn't on your profile, so we can contact the winners.
Be sure to visit the other stops on the Adventure and good luck!
"At the beginning of Angie Lofthouse's "Ripped" three usually clearly distinguished spheres are posited: past, present, and future. By the end, we're not so sure that these are immutable."
To enter The Out of This World Adventure giveaway, click on the story title to read the story, then come back here and answer the following question in the comments:
If you were getting a big bonus check to leave the planet, who would you give the money to?
Your comment will give you one entry in the grand prize drawing (includes an Amazon gift card, free book and other fun stuff!), plus one commenter on this post will win a Milky War bar. Mmmm. Include your email address, if it isn't on your profile, so we can contact the winners.
Be sure to visit the other stops on the Adventure and good luck!
10 May 2011
Weekly Goals - May 10, 2011
Been down this week for various reasons, but at least the plot outline has been coming along. Need to find a new home for a (little more violent than usual) story that was planned to be part of an anthology, which has since folded. Fun times.
Results for this week:
1. Developed 1000 words on the plot outline.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Finish plot outline for Resurrection
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (since March 28)
"Generations" (need to re-submit)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Developed 1000 words on the plot outline.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Finish plot outline for Resurrection
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (since March 28)
"Generations" (need to re-submit)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
"Collateral" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
03 May 2011
Weekly Goals - May 3, 2011
I've been a chatty one this week on the blog, but unfortunately, it short-changed my time for writing stories.
Results for this week:
1. Developed 1100 words on the plot outline.
2. Not started.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Develop 1000 words of plot outline for Resurrection
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (since March 28)
"Generations" (rejected, need to re-submit)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Developed 1100 words on the plot outline.
2. Not started.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Develop 1000 words of plot outline for Resurrection
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (since March 28)
"Generations" (rejected, need to re-submit)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
02 May 2011
Blog Contest
Be sure to stop by on May 14, as Angie Lofthouse will be stopping by, running a blog contest! Guaranteed to be out of this world! In fact, stop by all the blog she'll be visiting. Click the link for more information.
01 May 2011
On a Happier Note
Just a quick note to let everyone know that my latest Aston tale "Turnabout" can now be found over at Digital Dragon Magazine. Enjoy! For those who've been reading the series for a while, you might recognize someone...
29 April 2011
A Writer's Ponderings
I'll preface this post by warning everyone that I've had a really crappy week personally and professionally, so I'll try really hard not to let it morph into a annoying and whiny pity-party...but if not, you can have your money back.
***
I'm always speaking with would-be writers who tell me how cool it must be to have published books and such. Truth, however, never usually meets up to the expectations we place on circumstances before reaching them. This case is no exception.
I do have fans, and I'm extremely grateful for all of them. They truly are why I keep doing what I do, putting out more and more stories and novels. I have no doubt that several of them would buy any book I put out (did I mention, extremely grateful?). The truth of the matter, though, is that the vast majority of these fans have been a result of my own promotional work, personally finding these individuals, conversing with them either in person or on-line, and getting a book into their hands (either by a contest giveaway or persuading them to part with their hard-earned money).
At some point, one would think that momentum would take over, that these fans would tell their friends and they would become fans themselves, leaving me to do the writing with some promotion when I get a chance. Unfortunately, it doesn't ever seem like this takes place. The reasons for this are beyond me, but the fact remains that I appear forever stuck in a cycle of pushing books in front of people in the hopes that they'll become fans. Then, going back over and over to those fans to keep them in the know for my latest work (literally, one of my biggest fans didn't even realize that I'd had a second novel come out, let alone other works since then)...
Is this what publishing is supposed to be? Just one author's experience? Heck if I know...
But perhaps my writing really isn't all it should be, and those I've befriended through my publishing journey are being generous in their praise? This could be the case. Although I shouldn't take any stock in reviews or the lack thereof, it gets a bit dreary seeing so few posted (not just by customers, but by professional sites that presumably received a copy).
Maybe the substandard writing theory isn't so far-fetched.
If you listen to some, one solution is to go it alone, self-publish through one of the free online companies (Amazon and Smashwords), and rake in money hand-over-fist. As a test of this system, I put up a novella on both, setting the price point below the dollar mark (which the experts claim will . Without going into too many details, its first quarter sales were roughly on par (and once I get this quarter's royalty statements, I'll have a direct comparison) with the number for my two "traditionally" published books, but not as stellar as one would have thought, considering the price point was far less.
I've considered putting one or both of my current in-the-pipeline books up as self-published titles to get a few more data points. Admittedly, the first novel was self-edited (the cover art was an exceptional piece donated by a friend), to do it "right" would cost a couple thousand dollars for editing, cover art, etc. That, in addition to several friends admonishing me for even contemplating the idea...
The question at this point is whether the time would be worth the payout in the end, to: a) figure out why sales are so stagnant and remedy the problem, b) figure out whether my writing style needs a huge makeover and if so, work toward that end, c) decide my future plans for my preferred publication method, and d) keep more writing flowing through the pipeline to avoid becoming a historical footnote.
And then again, perhaps it truly is a matter of continuing to push books in front of each and every person on the planet, until every single one of them has laid eyes on them?
Either way, anyone considering going into writing for publication should be asking themselves whether they are willing to put up with this much heartache...because once you're stuck in the system as I am, it's far too late.
***
I'm always speaking with would-be writers who tell me how cool it must be to have published books and such. Truth, however, never usually meets up to the expectations we place on circumstances before reaching them. This case is no exception.
I do have fans, and I'm extremely grateful for all of them. They truly are why I keep doing what I do, putting out more and more stories and novels. I have no doubt that several of them would buy any book I put out (did I mention, extremely grateful?). The truth of the matter, though, is that the vast majority of these fans have been a result of my own promotional work, personally finding these individuals, conversing with them either in person or on-line, and getting a book into their hands (either by a contest giveaway or persuading them to part with their hard-earned money).
At some point, one would think that momentum would take over, that these fans would tell their friends and they would become fans themselves, leaving me to do the writing with some promotion when I get a chance. Unfortunately, it doesn't ever seem like this takes place. The reasons for this are beyond me, but the fact remains that I appear forever stuck in a cycle of pushing books in front of people in the hopes that they'll become fans. Then, going back over and over to those fans to keep them in the know for my latest work (literally, one of my biggest fans didn't even realize that I'd had a second novel come out, let alone other works since then)...
Is this what publishing is supposed to be? Just one author's experience? Heck if I know...
But perhaps my writing really isn't all it should be, and those I've befriended through my publishing journey are being generous in their praise? This could be the case. Although I shouldn't take any stock in reviews or the lack thereof, it gets a bit dreary seeing so few posted (not just by customers, but by professional sites that presumably received a copy).
Maybe the substandard writing theory isn't so far-fetched.
If you listen to some, one solution is to go it alone, self-publish through one of the free online companies (Amazon and Smashwords), and rake in money hand-over-fist. As a test of this system, I put up a novella on both, setting the price point below the dollar mark (which the experts claim will . Without going into too many details, its first quarter sales were roughly on par (and once I get this quarter's royalty statements, I'll have a direct comparison) with the number for my two "traditionally" published books, but not as stellar as one would have thought, considering the price point was far less.
I've considered putting one or both of my current in-the-pipeline books up as self-published titles to get a few more data points. Admittedly, the first novel was self-edited (the cover art was an exceptional piece donated by a friend), to do it "right" would cost a couple thousand dollars for editing, cover art, etc. That, in addition to several friends admonishing me for even contemplating the idea...
The question at this point is whether the time would be worth the payout in the end, to: a) figure out why sales are so stagnant and remedy the problem, b) figure out whether my writing style needs a huge makeover and if so, work toward that end, c) decide my future plans for my preferred publication method, and d) keep more writing flowing through the pipeline to avoid becoming a historical footnote.
And then again, perhaps it truly is a matter of continuing to push books in front of each and every person on the planet, until every single one of them has laid eyes on them?
Either way, anyone considering going into writing for publication should be asking themselves whether they are willing to put up with this much heartache...because once you're stuck in the system as I am, it's far too late.
26 April 2011
Weekly Goals - April 26, 2011
A decent week for once in a long while...we'll see if things continue to move in that direction.
Results for this week:
1. Only 800 words on the plot outline (focused on #3).
2. Submitted April 23.
3. 1800 words, and a completed first draft for the still-untitled short story. [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Develop 1000 words of plot outline for Resurrection
2. 500 words on a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (since March 28)
"Generations" (since April 10)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Only 800 words on the plot outline (focused on #3).
2. Submitted April 23.
3. 1800 words, and a completed first draft for the still-untitled short story. [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Develop 1000 words of plot outline for Resurrection
2. 500 words on a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (since March 28)
"Generations" (since April 10)
"Some Assembly Required" (since April 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
22 April 2011
To Go Where I've Not Gone Before
I don't have any belief I'm the first author to have ever reached this decision point, but it's an interesting point to ponder, so figured I'd share.
How far would you go with your writing?
When I first started out writing, my standards were sure. For those who've read Heroes Die Young, you know that even if things get a little hairy from time to time, the language is clean (other than the slang term for a lady-of-the-evening that one reader took exception to), and (much to several readers' chagrin) the sexual tension remains that way. The biggest "taboo" (if it could even be considered as such) was Aston's drinking (which is and will always remain his vice of choice).
As time has worn on down this road, I've noticed (and it's been pointed out to me) that things have progressed. The language has stayed for the most part clean (in my writing, at least), but the physical aspects have been getting a lot more risque. Again, to several readers' dismay, it hasn't crossed certain thresholds (what I consider the "what could I show my grandmother" litmus test), but it has taken a decidedly different tone.
So, we get to my latest in-work projects, and at least in their pre-published versions, some scenes cross that threshold. Why this happened could be attributed to any number of factors, but the fact remains that it's out there. Is it a matter of hearing so many readers ask for it? Is it my own personal thresholds adjusting? Do I believe it will help boost sales? It really could be any and all of these, or none of the above.
But when it's all said and done, before these works reach publication, I must ask myself: Do I want to cross that threshold?
And sadly, I don't know...
How far would you go with your writing?
When I first started out writing, my standards were sure. For those who've read Heroes Die Young, you know that even if things get a little hairy from time to time, the language is clean (other than the slang term for a lady-of-the-evening that one reader took exception to), and (much to several readers' chagrin) the sexual tension remains that way. The biggest "taboo" (if it could even be considered as such) was Aston's drinking (which is and will always remain his vice of choice).
As time has worn on down this road, I've noticed (and it's been pointed out to me) that things have progressed. The language has stayed for the most part clean (in my writing, at least), but the physical aspects have been getting a lot more risque. Again, to several readers' dismay, it hasn't crossed certain thresholds (what I consider the "what could I show my grandmother" litmus test), but it has taken a decidedly different tone.
So, we get to my latest in-work projects, and at least in their pre-published versions, some scenes cross that threshold. Why this happened could be attributed to any number of factors, but the fact remains that it's out there. Is it a matter of hearing so many readers ask for it? Is it my own personal thresholds adjusting? Do I believe it will help boost sales? It really could be any and all of these, or none of the above.
But when it's all said and done, before these works reach publication, I must ask myself: Do I want to cross that threshold?
And sadly, I don't know...
19 April 2011
Weekly Goals - April 19, 2011
Sadly, could not get myself out of the trough this week to get much done. Maybe next week...
Results for this week:
1. Just over 100 words on the new story (still untitled)
2. Just over 1200 words of plot outline developed for Resurrection. Still quite a ways to go.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Develop 1500 words of plot outline for Resurrection
2. Submit "Some Assembly Required" to an outlet
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since March 28)
"Generations" (Since April 10)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Just over 100 words on the new story (still untitled)
2. Just over 1200 words of plot outline developed for Resurrection. Still quite a ways to go.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Develop 1500 words of plot outline for Resurrection
2. Submit "Some Assembly Required" to an outlet
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since March 28)
"Generations" (Since April 10)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
12 April 2011
Weekly Goals - April 12, 2011
Things picking up, but still a bit slow...
Results for this week:
1. Completed 1700 words on the first story "Samaritan"
2. Completed 500 words on an unnamed second story
3. Submitted
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete 1000 words on the new short story
2. Develop plot for Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since March 28)
"Generations" (Submitted April 10)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed 1700 words on the first story "Samaritan"
2. Completed 500 words on an unnamed second story
3. Submitted
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete 1000 words on the new short story
2. Develop plot for Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since March 28)
"Generations" (Submitted April 10)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
05 April 2011
Weekly Goals - April 5, 2011
Still moving quite slow, but picking up the pace somewhat...and if not for some odd eye issues (I'm guessing allergies), I likely would have had a bit more done tonight. At least I've started a pair of stories...
Results for this week:
1. Completed 300 words between two stories
2. Edited, and ready for submission
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete 1000 words on a new short story
2. Complete 500 words on a second new short story
3. Submit "Generations"
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since March 28)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed 300 words between two stories
2. Edited, and ready for submission
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete 1000 words on a new short story
2. Complete 500 words on a second new short story
3. Submit "Generations"
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since March 28)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
04 April 2011
Another Interview Giveaway
Head on over to Blog Bites and read my latest interview. Comment on the post (over there) and get entered to win one of three copies of my short story collection Dead or Alive. Every person who posts a comment will also win a free e-book.
29 March 2011
Weekly Goals - March 29, 2011
In the usual post-completion phase, things have been moving extremely slow on the writing front...
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Submitted
3. Edits just started on "Generations"
4. Completed a screenplay for my short story "Some Assembly Required" [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete 1500 words on a new short story.
2. Edit "Generations" in its entirety.
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Submitted )
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Submitted
3. Edits just started on "Generations"
4. Completed a screenplay for my short story "Some Assembly Required" [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete 1500 words on a new short story.
2. Edit "Generations" in its entirety.
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Submitted )
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
22 March 2011
Weekly Goals - March 22, 2011
Well, had to push my way through, but finished my edits on Death Brings the Victory, and it's now off in the beta readers' hands. I've started fiddling with some more short story ideas, and I recently discovered that I don't have any additional stories out on submission, so time to get things rolling again in that regard...
Results for this week:
1. Completed edits on Death Brings the Victory and sent to beta readers.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete 1500 words on a new short story.
2. Submit "Double Trouble" to a new outlet.
3. Edit one existing short story in the queue.
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Turnabout" (ACCEPTED)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed edits on Death Brings the Victory and sent to beta readers.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete 1500 words on a new short story.
2. Submit "Double Trouble" to a new outlet.
3. Edit one existing short story in the queue.
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
6 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Turnabout" (ACCEPTED)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
16 March 2011
Weekly Goals - March 15, 2011
Well, because of some extra time away from home (and the internet), was able to get quite a bit done on edits for Death Brings the Victory, so I'm hopeful that it will be ready for beta readers even sooner than I'd hoped.
Results for this week:
1. Completed edits on just over 42K words.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete edits on this draft of Death Brings the Victory and send to beta readers.
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
9 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since February 13)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed edits on just over 42K words.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete edits on this draft of Death Brings the Victory and send to beta readers.
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
9 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since February 13)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
08 March 2011
Weekly Goals - March 8, 2011
Still moving well on edits, and hopeful to have Death Brings the Victory ready for beta readers sometime later this month.
Results for this week:
1. Completed edits, and have edited just over 14K on the next draft.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete edits on 25K words edits of this draft of Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
9 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since February 13)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed edits, and have edited just over 14K on the next draft.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete edits on 25K words edits of this draft of Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
9 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since February 13)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
01 March 2011
Weekly Goals - March 1, 2011
Things are progressing well, and hoping to finish the latest draft this coming week. Also great news, my Kasey Reynolds short story "Deadly Decisions" was just accepted for publication this summer. Still working out the contract, but finally some good news on the submission front.
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 11K of 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete edits on this draft of Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
9 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (ACCEPTED)
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since February 13)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 11K of 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete edits on this draft of Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
9 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (ACCEPTED)
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since February 13)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
22 February 2011
Weekly Goals - February 22, 2011
Picking up the pace on the editing, and hoping to finish up this draft in the next few weeks.
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 12K of 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
9 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Since February 11)
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since February 13)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 12K of 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
1 no-response rejection
9 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Since February 11)
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since February 13)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
15 February 2011
Weekly Goals - February 15, 2011
Still a bit short on the editing goals, but made up for it in submissions...but need to go back in and check the novel queries for the "no response" time limits.
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 7.5K out of 10K words
2. Submitted two stories
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
11 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted February 11)
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Submitted February 13)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 7.5K out of 10K words
2. Submitted two stories
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
11 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted February 11)
"Double Trouble" (Since February 1)
"Turnabout" (Submitted February 13)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
11 February 2011
Dead or Alive in Print
Just wanted to let everyone know that my short story collection Dead or Alive is now available in print over at Amazon. Enjoy!
08 February 2011
Weekly Goals - February 8, 2011
Another week falling short...hoping to get things moving again in the right direction.
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 5K out of 10K words
2. Not completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
11 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Submitted February 1)
"Turnabout" (Rejected, Need to submit)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 5K out of 10K words
2. Not completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
5 form rejections
11 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Submitted February 1)
"Turnabout" (Rejected, Need to submit)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
01 February 2011
Weekly Goals - February 1, 2011
Presented without comment.
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 8K words
2. Submitted one of two
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
4 form rejections
11 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Submitted February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited just over 8K words
2. Submitted one of two
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
4 form rejections
11 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Submitted February 1)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
30 January 2011
The Aston West Universe
In case you hadn't noticed the new addition over there on the right side, The Aston West Universe now has its own fan page. If you'd like to join up, feel free! One never knows when a contest might be announced... *hint hint*
29 January 2011
Free Books Galore! (and an Interview)
Head on over to Dawn's Reading Nook (despite the warning message, my work's clean) and check out my latest interview. Make sure to comment!
Oh, and you get your first glimpse of the cover art for DEAD OR ALIVE (the print edition)...
Oh, and you get your first glimpse of the cover art for DEAD OR ALIVE (the print edition)...
25 January 2011
Weekly Goals - January 25, 2011
Much like squeezing a balloon, I do well on one set of goals, and not so much on the other...
Results for this week:
1. Edited around 10K words
2. Submitted to 5
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit two short stories
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
4 form rejections
11 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited around 10K words
2. Submitted to 5
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit two short stories
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
15 queries submitted
4 form rejections
11 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
18 January 2011
Weekly Goals - January 18, 2011
Well, things didn't go to well on the submission front (for both getting queries out, or for shorts already out on submission), but edits went fairly decent (even if I missed the goal).
Results for this week:
1. Edited around 14K words
2. Didn't even put together queries
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 15K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit The Cure to 5 agents
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
10 queries submitted
3 form rejections
7 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Rejected)
"Double Trouble" (Rejected)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Rejected)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited around 14K words
2. Didn't even put together queries
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 15K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit The Cure to 5 agents
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
10 queries submitted
3 form rejections
7 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Rejected)
"Double Trouble" (Rejected)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Rejected)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
11 January 2011
Weekly Goals - January 11, 2011
Edits on one novel, submissions on another...it's a quick start to the new year. With The Cure out on submission, it's time to revamp the "Submission Status" here on the weekly goals blog. I may have to bring the Author-Ese Translator out of retirement as well...
Results for this week:
1. Edited around 11.5K words
2. Submitted The Cure to 5 agents
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 15K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit The Cure to 5 agents
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
10 queries submitted
2 form rejections
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited around 11.5K words
2. Submitted The Cure to 5 agents
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 15K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit The Cure to 5 agents
Submission status for the week:
Novels:
The Cure --
10 queries submitted
2 form rejections
8 still under consideration
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
05 January 2011
Nominated
Well, not sure how I ended up on the list of nominees, but I'm proud to announce my nomination for Champagne Books' 2010 Author of the Year. It sure would look nice next to my 2008 Best-Selling Book of the Year award for Heroes Die Young, but seeing the other nominees in the pack, I'm not counting on it.
;-)
;-)
04 January 2011
Weekly Goals - January 4, 2011
Ah, the first goal-setting of the new year...hope you all had a Happy (and safe) New Year! Around here, the end of the holidays meant it was time to get some queries out. After some brain-dead actions (forgetting to put my name at the end of the first two), things went a bit smoother. Now it's time to start in on edits of Death Brings the Victory, and get another batch of queries ready to send out.
Results for this week:
1. Completed the first draft
2. Submitted The Cure to 5 agents
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit The Cure to 5 more agents
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed the first draft
2. Submitted The Cure to 5 agents
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit The Cure to 5 more agents
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
28 December 2010
Weekly Goals - December 28, 2010
Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I know I did (aside from one particularly nasty episode at Best Buy which is another post for another time), what with both my new novella Seeker and my 10-story collection Dead or Alive now available (and DoA is coming soon in print and Kindle). I hesitate to be as lax as I have this week for the next, so it's time to get some momentum into the new year.
Results for this week:
1. Enjoyed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete my new Kasey Reynolds story "The Monster Within"
2. Submit The Cure to 5 agents
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Enjoyed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete my new Kasey Reynolds story "The Monster Within"
2. Submit The Cure to 5 agents
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
24 December 2010
Seeker
Just a quick note to let everyone know that my latest Aston tale Seeker is now available in various formats, as well as for the Kindle on Amazon. Enjoy!
Space pirate Aston West has faced the law before, but never quite like this. Now they have a secret weapon, a mind-reader who could expose every crime he's ever committed. It could mean the end to his freedom, or his very life.
Space pirate Aston West has faced the law before, but never quite like this. Now they have a secret weapon, a mind-reader who could expose every crime he's ever committed. It could mean the end to his freedom, or his very life.
22 December 2010
Weekly Goals - December 21, 2010
Hope everyone is having a good holiday season! Currently on vacation, which I would have thought would lead to more work accomplished. Not so much...and with Christmas coming up this week, the goals will be a bit lax.
Results for this week:
1. Not completed
2. 15 agents compiled
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Enjoy the Christmas holiday
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not completed
2. 15 agents compiled
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Enjoy the Christmas holiday
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
19 December 2010
The Collection Has Come!
Exciting news that just showed up in my inbox this morning (I love Google Alerts!)...my 10-story Aston West collection DEAD OR ALIVE is now available via ResAliens Press for the iPhone and iPad. Not to worry, a separate version is on its way if you don't own one of those. ;-)
Needless to say, I'm a bit excited! Merry Christmas!!!
Needless to say, I'm a bit excited! Merry Christmas!!!
14 December 2010
Weekly Goals - December 14, 2010
Definitely a good week, even though it seems like the last several days have been a complete waste. Wondering how the vacation weeks coming up will fare...
Results for this week:
1. Finished the first draft of "Helpless"
2. Read and edited "Seeker" (now waiting on one final beta reader)
3. Submitted "Deadly Decisions" just a few minutes ago
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on a new short story
2. Determine 15 agents to submit THE CURE to
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Rejected)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Finished the first draft of "Helpless"
2. Read and edited "Seeker" (now waiting on one final beta reader)
3. Submitted "Deadly Decisions" just a few minutes ago
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1000 words on a new short story
2. Determine 15 agents to submit THE CURE to
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Submitted December 14)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Rejected)
"Turnabout" (Since December 1)
"Generations" (Since December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
07 December 2010
Weekly Goals - December 7, 2010
Long week...but not long enough, I'm afraid. Without going into details, things were going well until Thursday last week, and then life ended up getting in the way (as it tends to do). Hopefully this coming week will be better.
Results for this week:
1. Submitted "Turnabout" December 1
2. Submitted "Generations" December 1
3. Completed 1000 words on "Helpless"
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Finish the first draft of "Helpless"
2. Conduct read-through of my novella "Seeker"
3. Submit "Deadly Decisions"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
"Turnabout" (Submitted December 1)
"Generations" (Submitted December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Submitted "Turnabout" December 1
2. Submitted "Generations" December 1
3. Completed 1000 words on "Helpless"
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Finish the first draft of "Helpless"
2. Conduct read-through of my novella "Seeker"
3. Submit "Deadly Decisions"
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
"Turnabout" (Submitted December 1)
"Generations" (Submitted December 1)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
01 December 2010
Weekly Goals - November 30, 2010
Well, as far as I'm concerned, I enjoyed the Thanksgiving weekend...but then, I did finish up a short story (from start to finish) last Saturday as well. Now I'm off to go put a submission or two in over at Ray Gun Revival.
Results for this week:
1. Done
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Submit "Turnabout"
2. Submit "Generations"
3. Finish a first draft of another short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
"Turnabout" (Need to submit)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Done
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Submit "Turnabout"
2. Submit "Generations"
3. Finish a first draft of another short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
"Turnabout" (Need to submit)
"Generations" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
23 November 2010
Weekly Goals - November 23, 2010
Well, as I'd hoped, all of my edits have been completed on The Cure and a week earlier than planned. At the moment, I don't plan to do much besides take some time off for the Thanksgiving weekend. However, I do want to finish a short story for submission by the time Ray Gun Revival opens back up December 1, so who knows?
Results for this week:
1. Completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend.
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend.
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
16 November 2010
Weekly Goals - November 16, 2010
A terrific week, and have the end of edits (this round at least) in sight. Still thinking I'll be able to complete all of my edits on The Cure by November 30, since I only plan on doing one last read-through after this round.
Results for this week:
1. Edited 20K / 15K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete this round of edits on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited 20K / 15K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Complete this round of edits on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
09 November 2010
Weekly Goals - November 9, 2010
Finally gained a bit of traction, and now it's full speed ahead on my way to complete all of my edits on The Cure by November 30. Things are really picking up in the book, so it should go fairly well, I hope.
Results for this week:
1. Edited 16K / 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 15K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited 16K / 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 15K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
02 November 2010
Weekly Goals - November 2, 2010
Spinning the wheels a bit, not sure why...my overall goal is still to have the whole thing completed by November 30. Time to buckle down and get it done.
Results for this week:
1. Edited 6K / 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited 6K / 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
30 October 2010
26 October 2010
Weekly Goals - October 26, 2010
On a roll with The Cure. Hoping to have the whole thing done by the end of November.
Results for this week:
1. Edited 10K / 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Edited 10K / 10K words
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
19 October 2010
Weekly Goals - October 19, 2010
Things are improving, and finally getting in the swing of edits on The Cure.
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Edited a little over 8000 words.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Edited a little over 8000 words.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
13 October 2010
Weekly Goals - October 12, 2010
Sadly, things did not go well this week...at least I ended up starting on some edits (Tuesday night). Hopefully I can ride that momentum into this next week.
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Edited approximately 1500 words.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Edited approximately 1500 words.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
05 October 2010
Weekly Goals - October 5, 2010
Well, things have begun to pick up, though moving slow due to external influences. At least I met my goal this week...but now I'll be starting in on edits for The Cure. Fun!
Results for this week:
1. Around 1800 words completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on "Sisterhood"
2. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Around 1800 words completed
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on "Sisterhood"
2. Edit 10K words on The Cure
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Since September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprint - since September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
28 September 2010
Weekly Goals - September 28, 2010
I tend to have this issue, shortly after achieving a massive goal, of completely sinking into a hole. This time was no different...
Results for this week:
1. Not even started...though I did finish up four plots this week.
2. Submitted "Double Trouble" as well as "Entrapment" (the latter being a reprint)
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Submitted September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprinted - Submitted September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not even started...though I did finish up four plots this week.
2. Submitted "Double Trouble" as well as "Entrapment" (the latter being a reprint)
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Submitted September 25)
"Entrapment" (Reprinted - Submitted September 23)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
21 September 2010
Weekly Goals - September 21, 2010
And as you saw in my last post, the first draft of my latest Aston novel was finished this past week. Unfortunately, as I've found after sprinting at the end of marathon writing sessions in the past (NaNo, for example), the post-finish glow fades fast, and then it's rough trying to get back into the swing of things.
Results for this week:
1. 6000 / 3000 words (and finished first draft) on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submitted "Double Trouble" to beta readers and waiting on feedback
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on a new short story
2. Submit "Double Trouble" to a magazine
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 6000 / 3000 words (and finished first draft) on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submitted "Double Trouble" to beta readers and waiting on feedback
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on a new short story
2. Submit "Double Trouble" to a magazine
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
"Double Trouble" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
18 September 2010
We Have Come to The End
No, not this blog...even if very few might notice.
But even better, I just put the final touches (read: The End) on the first draft of my third (and no, not the end of the series, either) novel in the Aston West universe, currently entitled Death Brings the Victory. An exciting time, to be sure. And since I usually get asked these questions from people, I might as well determine my answers now.
How long did it take to finish?
I always hate this question, by the way, because I'm not a sequential writer. I may write on this novel for a few months, then move to something else for a few more. When looking at my files, it looks like I began plotting this novel out back in 2006. The first chapter was started in August of 2008, so in pure calendar time, it took me just over 2 years to finish the first draft. However, a quick scan through my files also shows that my first spurt of writing was over a seven-month period, a second over five months (though some of this was going back through the first portion and reminding myself of what I'd written, since I took a seven-month hiatus for other projects), and this final run only required two months (after only four months off)...each one spanning about a third of the book or so. So, in total time spent, it was only about 14 months to finish (compared to 24 in total calendar time).
How long is the book?
Currently in first draft form, Death Brings the Victory is around 105K words. This is a first for me, writing a novel over 100K words. If history is any indicator, my first few edits will actually increase that word count, since my first drafts usually run rather lean on what I consider extraneous details. I liken it to creating a person from scratch. You start with the bones, then add the muscles, organs and various systems, then finish it up with the skin.
When do you think it'll be published?
I'm hoping to begin edits in a couple of months, after taking some time off to both relax, as well as edit a pair of other projects that have been waiting in the wings while I finished. I'm hoping to get edits done in the first half of 2011, followed by the submission period after. Between agents, publishers and the rest of the entertainment involved, it's hard to say when it might be available. I wouldn't count on it before 2012, but one never knows.
Will I have to read your first two books before this one?
I try to write all of my books as standalone, meaning you can read any of them (or any of my short stories, for that matter) in any order you like. Death Brings the Victory is going to be a bit tricky, since it makes references to circumstances taking place in the first two books, but I'm planning to make it easy for first-time readers to pick up the jist, while long-time readers will just have that much more enjoyment with that insight.
But with over two years to wait, you can always read my first two books. Check them out over at AstonWest.com in the meantime.
How many more books will there be in the series?
As many as possible, I hope. As mentioned, each book will be standalone, so we'll always have a conclusion (note that I don't always have happily ever after endings) with each book. But every new book will bring a new adventure...and hopefully Aston will be with us for a good long time.
So, anyway, I figured I'd let everyone know that I finished...and tonight, we celebrate!
But even better, I just put the final touches (read: The End) on the first draft of my third (and no, not the end of the series, either) novel in the Aston West universe, currently entitled Death Brings the Victory. An exciting time, to be sure. And since I usually get asked these questions from people, I might as well determine my answers now.
How long did it take to finish?
I always hate this question, by the way, because I'm not a sequential writer. I may write on this novel for a few months, then move to something else for a few more. When looking at my files, it looks like I began plotting this novel out back in 2006. The first chapter was started in August of 2008, so in pure calendar time, it took me just over 2 years to finish the first draft. However, a quick scan through my files also shows that my first spurt of writing was over a seven-month period, a second over five months (though some of this was going back through the first portion and reminding myself of what I'd written, since I took a seven-month hiatus for other projects), and this final run only required two months (after only four months off)...each one spanning about a third of the book or so. So, in total time spent, it was only about 14 months to finish (compared to 24 in total calendar time).
How long is the book?
Currently in first draft form, Death Brings the Victory is around 105K words. This is a first for me, writing a novel over 100K words. If history is any indicator, my first few edits will actually increase that word count, since my first drafts usually run rather lean on what I consider extraneous details. I liken it to creating a person from scratch. You start with the bones, then add the muscles, organs and various systems, then finish it up with the skin.
When do you think it'll be published?
I'm hoping to begin edits in a couple of months, after taking some time off to both relax, as well as edit a pair of other projects that have been waiting in the wings while I finished. I'm hoping to get edits done in the first half of 2011, followed by the submission period after. Between agents, publishers and the rest of the entertainment involved, it's hard to say when it might be available. I wouldn't count on it before 2012, but one never knows.
Will I have to read your first two books before this one?
I try to write all of my books as standalone, meaning you can read any of them (or any of my short stories, for that matter) in any order you like. Death Brings the Victory is going to be a bit tricky, since it makes references to circumstances taking place in the first two books, but I'm planning to make it easy for first-time readers to pick up the jist, while long-time readers will just have that much more enjoyment with that insight.
But with over two years to wait, you can always read my first two books. Check them out over at AstonWest.com in the meantime.
How many more books will there be in the series?
As many as possible, I hope. As mentioned, each book will be standalone, so we'll always have a conclusion (note that I don't always have happily ever after endings) with each book. But every new book will bring a new adventure...and hopefully Aston will be with us for a good long time.
So, anyway, I figured I'd let everyone know that I finished...and tonight, we celebrate!
14 September 2010
Weekly Goals - September 14, 2010
Still on track to finish the first draft of my latest Aston novel by the end of the month...definitely getting close to the end. Can hardly wait to finish it, then get it through edits so all of you can see it as well.
Results for this week:
1. 4300 / 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Didn't even think about it.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (ACCEPTED)
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 4300 / 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Didn't even think about it.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (ACCEPTED)
"Deadly Decisions" (Need to submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
07 September 2010
Weekly Goals - September 7, 2010
So far, so good in September (after an awesome August)...well on track to meet my goal of finishing the first draft of my latest Aston novel by the end of the month.
Results for this week:
1. 4600 / 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submitted (and subsequently rejected)
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (submitted and rejected)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 4600 / 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submitted (and subsequently rejected)
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (submitted and rejected)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
31 August 2010
Weekly Goals - August 31, 2010
August has been a very good month for me. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up this pace for the next couple of months and finish up Death Brings the Victory. Also, be watching my various haunts for some announcements (hopefully) this next month...
Results for this week:
1. 3000 / 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Polished up the project in question
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 3000 / 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Polished up the project in question
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Submit one short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
24 August 2010
Weekly Goals - August 24, 2010
August has been a very good month for me. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up this pace for the next couple of months and finish up Death Brings the Victory. Also, be watching my various haunts for some announcements (hopefully) this next month...
Results for this week:
1. 3500 / 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed a first draft on my new story "Borders" [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Polish up a secret project for submission...
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 3500 / 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Completed a first draft on my new story "Borders" [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Polish up a secret project for submission...
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
17 August 2010
Weekly Goals - August 17, 2010
So far, so good...keeping things moving on all fronts.
Results for this week:
1. 3200 / 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Edits completed on my story "Turnabout"
3. 880 words on another new story [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 3200 / 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Edits completed on my story "Turnabout"
3. 880 words on another new story [added]
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2000 words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
10 August 2010
Weekly Goals - August 10, 2010
27 days straight of meeting my daily word count requirement. Hope that keeps up...
Results for this week:
1. 2500 / 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Over 2100 words on the new story, and a completed first draft.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete edits on the new story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 2500 / 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Over 2100 words on the new story, and a completed first draft.
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete edits on the new story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
03 August 2010
Weekly Goals - August 3, 2010
The streak continues on getting the daily word count requirement written...and now I also need to get a short story written for another project I have going (details as I'm able to share).
Results for this week:
1. 3000 / 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 3000 / 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 1500 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. 1000 words on a new short story
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
02 August 2010
Practice What You Preach
And just a quick comment to let everyone know that I'm running a promotion this week over at Blog Bites. Read the interview and the excerpt, post a comment and get yourself a chance at winning a copy of my latest, Friends in Deed. Can't wait to see you!
31 July 2010
Promoting Yourself (or Whoring for Grins and Giggles)
So, you’ve gone through the process of writing your book and getting it published. Time to focus on your next book, right?
Wrong.
Obviously, you still need to work on your next book, but if you don’t go through the process of promoting your book already published, it won’t sell enough to even get anyone interested in taking that second one you’re working on. If there’s one thing that causes a writer’s heart to stop in panic and fear, though, it’s the idea that they have to actually sell readers on the idea of buying their book.
The trouble is, if you’ve already gotten to the point of publication (and didn’t pay someone to do so), then you’ve already sold someone. Your publisher, agent and/or editor were all out there with no knowledge of your book before they took it on. So, in essence, what you need to do is carry that same focus into the reader realm. So, along that line, here are some tips and tricks for promoting yourself to readers (I won’t be going into specific promotion techniques, since those have been hashed ad nauseum elsewhere on the internet):
- Remember that the book is what’s being sold and not you (regardless of the whoring comment in the title). You are ultimately the expert on the book you’ve written, and so have intimate knowledge of the specifics that would appeal to readers (after all, they appealed to those who already accepted your book).
- On a related note, remember that rejection of your book is not rejection of its author (in most cases). People are as varied as anything in this world, and there will always be some people who have no interest in your work, no matter how hard you try.
- Never turn down an opportunity to promote your book (just as you wouldn’t have turned down a partial request because you didn’t think it would lead anywhere). You never know when an avenue will pan out for you. Take for example an event I did a few years ago. The event wasn’t all too successful, but the contacts I made through that event may end up panning out even bigger than I hoped (details as soon as it comes to fruition, and I can share).
- Interact and become friends with as many authors as you can. Authors are rabid readers, for one, and most are friendly enough to pass along additional promotional opportunities to their friends (don’t forget to do the same for them as well). Writing is a lonely, depressing business as it is without adding to the misery by alienating yourself.
- People love authors who are generous. Giveaways are a great way to gain fans, some of whom will be rabid in promoting you to others they know. It doesn’t always have to be books (though that always helps), but it needs to be something of value. Contests are also great fun, since competition always gets people excited. Be stingy at your own risk.
- Finally, don’t forget to have fun. As I mentioned, writing is a lonely, depressing business, but attitude is everything when promoting. Just as people like those who are generous, they also gravitate toward happy, energetic authors. So, put on a happy face and bring some joy to your potential readers.
So there you have it. Hopefully these have helped you generate some confidence, enough to get out there and promote yourself to the fullest.
***
T. M. Hunter has always had a fascination with interstellar travel, spacecraft (and aircraft) and beings from other worlds. Twice a top ten finisher in the P&E Readers Poll for his short stories (2007, 2009), his book HEROES DIE YOUNG earned Champagne Books’ Best-Selling Book of 2008 award. FRIENDS IN DEED is his latest novel. For more information, including links to his published short stories and novels, please visit AstonWest.com. You can also find T. M. Hunter on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace as well.
27 July 2010
Weekly Goals - July 27, 2010
Still in the flow...and besides the weekly goals here, I've also been over 11 days straight in getting my daily word count requirement written. And if you're interested in winning a free copy of Friends in Deed, head on over and comment on my latest interview.
Results for this week:
1. 3000 / 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. 3000 / 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Complete
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
26 July 2010
Interview with Robert Collins
Greetings everyone! My guest today is fellow sci-fi writer (and writer of non-fiction too) Robert Collins. So, I'm never one to beat around the bush, so let's get things started:
TM Hunter: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What makes you tick?
Robert Collins: Well, I like to write, and I like my writing to tell a story. It’s why I do what I do even though I’m not rich or famous (yet).
TMH: I notice that you write both fiction and non-fiction. Which do you prefer to write, and why?
RC: I don’t have a preference. I started out wanting to be a science fiction & fantasy author. To some degree nonfiction came about through a few gaming pieces I wrote for Steve Jackson Games. Later I started a series of travel books, which led to writing railroad books, which has now led me to write about Kansas history. I would say that fiction is my passion, but I like ‘em both!
TMH: So tell us about Lisa’s Way. What’s it about? Did anything inspire it?
RC: Lisa’s Way is my second novel. It started back in high school with my friends at the time. We thought it would be cool to be characters in a novel we wrote. Since I was the only one who really wanted to be a writer, I ended up writing most of it. It turned into fiction quite soon.
Here’s the blurb:
Teenager Lisa Herbert lives in the small town of Mountain View on the planet Fairfield. The “Savage Rain” decades earlier shut down the hyperspace gate and isolated her world. A casual remark from her sister gets Lisa to ask a simple question: “If life was better before the ‘Savage Rain,’ why couldn’t it be better again?” That question starts Lisa on a journey.
TMH: How long did it take you to write Lisa’s Way?
RC: It took about twenty years of off-and-on work to get the novel into its present form. At first it was post-apocalypse and the adventures fit together too loosely. In researching the Santa Fe Trail for my travel books, I decided Lisa would restore order through trade. Later I chose to set it in space on colony worlds connected by “hyperspace gates.” And that’s where we are now.
TMH: Is Lisa’s Way your favorite book you’ve ever written? If not, what is (and why)?
RC: I don’t play favorites with my books. It feels like playing favorites with your kids. But as characters go, Lisa is the one I feel proudest to have created. I like her. I want to tell her story. It will end one day, but until then I intend to keep working on her, no matter what.
TMH: If you could, describe your writing in a word or short phrase. Why should a reader want to desperately read your work?
RC: Story-telling. I will tell you the best story I can. I will try to make you laugh, cry, to inspire you, or to make you think, all while telling you whatever the story is.
TMH: When reading, sometimes secondary characters end up being as interesting or more so than the main characters. Were there any characters in Lisa’s Way which begged to have more attention than they were originally planned for?
RC: Yes. I start one chapter with Lisa meeting some young bandits along a road. She talks them into joining her. The scene was just supposed to show how clever she was, and how she tried to avoid fighting.
I realized at some point that these guys had to prove their worth, otherwise the scene was unnecessary. I found a way for them to do so, and their leader started to come forward. He came out of nowhere, and now he’s much more important to Lisa’s effort.
TMH: If Lisa’s Way was made into a movie, who’d star in the cast?
RC: I’ve never thought of a movie, except to ponder who might play Lisa. Felicia Day would have been great about a decade ago. I don’t see any young red-haired actresses right now that make me think, “I would love to see her as Lisa.” Maybe someday...
TMH: What’s next for Robert Collins? Do you have any more novels or non-fiction books in the works? Publications coming up on the horizon?
RC: My third novel, Monitor, has just come out as an e-book. It might be the end of the year before it comes into print. When it does, I’m sure we can chat about it then. I haven’t sold many short stories lately, though I have written some. Last year I put out a collection of short fantasy stories called The Sagas of Surgard. I’m thinking that I might put out another late this year or early next.
As to nonfiction, the project that has dominated my life these past few years is a book on Kansas county-seat conflicts. The manuscript is creeping towards completion. I have high hopes for it, if I can get it published.
TMH: How can a reader find you on the web?
RC: This is my site; I also have a FaceBook page, and I’m part of Book Town.
TM Hunter: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What makes you tick?
Robert Collins: Well, I like to write, and I like my writing to tell a story. It’s why I do what I do even though I’m not rich or famous (yet).
TMH: I notice that you write both fiction and non-fiction. Which do you prefer to write, and why?
RC: I don’t have a preference. I started out wanting to be a science fiction & fantasy author. To some degree nonfiction came about through a few gaming pieces I wrote for Steve Jackson Games. Later I started a series of travel books, which led to writing railroad books, which has now led me to write about Kansas history. I would say that fiction is my passion, but I like ‘em both!
TMH: So tell us about Lisa’s Way. What’s it about? Did anything inspire it?
RC: Lisa’s Way is my second novel. It started back in high school with my friends at the time. We thought it would be cool to be characters in a novel we wrote. Since I was the only one who really wanted to be a writer, I ended up writing most of it. It turned into fiction quite soon.
Here’s the blurb:
Teenager Lisa Herbert lives in the small town of Mountain View on the planet Fairfield. The “Savage Rain” decades earlier shut down the hyperspace gate and isolated her world. A casual remark from her sister gets Lisa to ask a simple question: “If life was better before the ‘Savage Rain,’ why couldn’t it be better again?” That question starts Lisa on a journey.
TMH: How long did it take you to write Lisa’s Way?
RC: It took about twenty years of off-and-on work to get the novel into its present form. At first it was post-apocalypse and the adventures fit together too loosely. In researching the Santa Fe Trail for my travel books, I decided Lisa would restore order through trade. Later I chose to set it in space on colony worlds connected by “hyperspace gates.” And that’s where we are now.
TMH: Is Lisa’s Way your favorite book you’ve ever written? If not, what is (and why)?
RC: I don’t play favorites with my books. It feels like playing favorites with your kids. But as characters go, Lisa is the one I feel proudest to have created. I like her. I want to tell her story. It will end one day, but until then I intend to keep working on her, no matter what.
TMH: If you could, describe your writing in a word or short phrase. Why should a reader want to desperately read your work?
RC: Story-telling. I will tell you the best story I can. I will try to make you laugh, cry, to inspire you, or to make you think, all while telling you whatever the story is.
TMH: When reading, sometimes secondary characters end up being as interesting or more so than the main characters. Were there any characters in Lisa’s Way which begged to have more attention than they were originally planned for?
RC: Yes. I start one chapter with Lisa meeting some young bandits along a road. She talks them into joining her. The scene was just supposed to show how clever she was, and how she tried to avoid fighting.
I realized at some point that these guys had to prove their worth, otherwise the scene was unnecessary. I found a way for them to do so, and their leader started to come forward. He came out of nowhere, and now he’s much more important to Lisa’s effort.
TMH: If Lisa’s Way was made into a movie, who’d star in the cast?
RC: I’ve never thought of a movie, except to ponder who might play Lisa. Felicia Day would have been great about a decade ago. I don’t see any young red-haired actresses right now that make me think, “I would love to see her as Lisa.” Maybe someday...
TMH: What’s next for Robert Collins? Do you have any more novels or non-fiction books in the works? Publications coming up on the horizon?
RC: My third novel, Monitor, has just come out as an e-book. It might be the end of the year before it comes into print. When it does, I’m sure we can chat about it then. I haven’t sold many short stories lately, though I have written some. Last year I put out a collection of short fantasy stories called The Sagas of Surgard. I’m thinking that I might put out another late this year or early next.
As to nonfiction, the project that has dominated my life these past few years is a book on Kansas county-seat conflicts. The manuscript is creeping towards completion. I have high hopes for it, if I can get it published.
TMH: How can a reader find you on the web?
RC: This is my site; I also have a FaceBook page, and I’m part of Book Town.
24 July 2010
Saturday Special?
Well, technically, I won't be having a special today...but check back on Monday, when I'll be conducting an interview of fellow sci-fi writer (and writer of non-fiction) Robert Collins.
20 July 2010
Weekly Goals - July 20, 2010
Getting back in the swing of things, but not on what I'd originally intended...
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Ditto
3. [added] Over 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Develop a new short story plot
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Not started
2. Ditto
3. [added] Over 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 3000 words on Death Brings the Victory
2. Develop a new short story plot
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
17 July 2010
Motivation
Being as how I've been overwhelmed with a complete lack of motivation since finishing edits on my most recent novella, I'll pose a question out to the rest of you for my Saturday Special blog: How do you overcome a lack of motivation?
13 July 2010
Weekly Goals - July 13, 2010
Even more accomplished this week, plus another new story "Lifeline" out in the latest issue of Ray Gun Revival.
Results for this week:
1. Over 14,000 words edited on "Seeker" and completed this round of edits
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2000 words on a new short story
2. Develop a new short story plot
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Results for this week:
1. Over 14,000 words edited on "Seeker" and completed this round of edits
And now the goals for this coming week:
1. 2000 words on a new short story
2. Develop a new short story plot
Submission status for the week:
Short stories:
"Collateral" (since April 1)
"Deadly Decisions" (need to re-submit)
Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals
Labels: Aston West, novels, short stories, writing, writing goals
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