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mercredi, janvier 06, 2010

Fare Thee Well

After much frustration at links to my other blog being blocked by MySpace, I finally took the time to email their support department to find out why they think I'm such an evil person. This was their response:

Thanks for contacting MySpace.

We've recently discovered that BlogSpot pages are being used by spammers to send spam, so all links to that site have been disabled. Although you or your blog may not be associated with or linked to spam or spammers, to protect all MySpace Profiles from spam, phishing, and online scams, all links to BlogSpot are blocked.

We’re here to help. If this has not completely answered your question, please respond to this Email with any additional info you can provide, leaving the subject line intact, and we’ll take another look.

Sincerely,
The MySpace Support team

Well, that's a little too Big Brother for me. While I don't doubt there are spammers and phishers out there with little better to do than annoy MySpace members, to punish the multiudes for the sins of the few just doesn't work for me.

I already have to take the extra effort to copy, paste, and reformat my blog to work over here. But if I can't share things I've found at other blogs simply because MySpace deems the entire Blogger domain unacceptable, then this is the last post you'll see from me here.

I do hope some of you will follow me at "Terry's Place". To get there, you'll have to go to your browser and type in http://www.terryodell.blogspot.com. Don't bother clicking, because although MySpace automatically generates a live link when I type in the URL, you can't get there from here.

And if you do decide to follow me over there, please leave a comment and let me know you've been a MySpace reader. I appreciate it.

1:26

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mercredi, janvier 06, 2010

The Sounds of Inspiration

Every writer has "ideal" writing conditions. Some like crowded, busy venues, others sequester themselves in closet-sized rooms. Some want to be outdoors. Some write in the early morning hours; others can't create until well after the sun goes down. Some like a cup of coffee, while others might prefer a more potent libation.

I find I tend to edit in the morning, and develop my full head of 'new material' steam in the late afternoon. I think it's a subconscious knowledge that I've done all the "real life" stuff and won't have any more interruptions.

I also have my writing music playlist. It runs for an hour, so I know how long I've been working when it's finished. It's familiar, so my brain doesn't pay attention to it on a conscious level.

I thought I'd share my playlist along with the 'why' of my choices, and how they relate to my work. I was trying to figure out how to get my iTunes playlist onto Blogger, but when blog crawling (Thanks, Mason Canyon!) I saw Playlist.com, another option and gave it a try. Fingers crossed that it works. I wasn't able to find one of the cuts from my Clannad album, and that's probably the only melody nobody would recognize, but I figured I'd give embedding the playlist a shot. And I've listed the songs as well, along with what they inspired.

However, because the post is too long and I'm not sure if the formatting for the playlist will work here, the rest of this post is at my other blog. Sorry that MySpace won't allow direct links to my blog. You can copy and paste the link into your browser .... www.terryodell.blogspot.com It's not a spam site. Honest.

12:40

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mardi, janvier 05, 2010

Serving on Juries

Originally, I was scheduled for Jury Duty today. However, our system has all potential jurors check in the night before to see if their randomly assigned number will have to report. Mine wasn't on the list. I'm disappointed. Unlike most, who will do whatever it takes to avoid jury duty, including not registering to vote (although now they use drivers' licenses for the initial selection) I look upon it as terrific writing fodder, and just plain interesting. (And, who knows -- a place to pick up a few more readers!)

Although I avoid carrying any of my stories beyond solving he crime, I find bits and pieces I can use, although I'd be hesitant to set an entire novel in the courtroom, or even attempt a legal mystery. There are enough authors who know the in and outs from personal experience. Bur my detective consults always explain their process in terms of what they have to do so their cases will stand up in court. As writers, everything is research.

I've served on several juries, including one drug trial in Miami, where they left us with a kilo of cocaine in the jury room. Believe me, what goes on in the courtroom is nothing like what we see on television. Another trial here in Orlando was a very simple "did the defendant know the item he was pawning for a friend was stolen property?' We turned in our verdict, and when the judge set the date for sentencing (which happens later), the prosecutor stood and said that date was unacceptable because the defendant was going to be on trial for murder on that day. No wonder there were some television reporters in the courtroom.

Once I make the initial "report to the clerk's office" cut, if my name is drawn to be on a panel, I'm usually selected. I'm so white bread, the lawyers love me. Although this time, I'd planned to admit to being a mystery writer and having several law enforcement friends. I won't get to see if they'd still love me.

More often than not, however, once the jurors get into the courtroom and the lawyers start going through voir dire, the defendants change their mind about their day in court and make a deal.

But in addition to finding the process interesting, I think it's my duty as a citizen to serve. I mean, if I were in a situation where I'd need a jury trial, I'd want someone like me on the jury. Open minded. On every case where we've had to come to a verdict, I've been impressed with the way 12 strangers from all walks of life were willing to look at all sides of the picture, discuss all the evidence, and do everything possible to be fair.

It's really one of the only remnants of a democratic society. And, I suppose, I'm fortunate enough that I'm not losing money by serving. As a matter of fact, I'd get a whopping $15 for my service. And free parking.

1:37

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vendredi, janvier 01, 2010

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's Eve, and wish everyone the best for the new year. Thank all of you for your visits, and your comments. I'm humbled to see so many regulars here, and to watch my followers grow. Thank you.

One piece of news I haven't shared yet - Finding Sarah and Hidden Fire are now available for the Kindle.

Now, kick back and enjoy the first day of 2010. It seems strange to start the year by taking some time off, but I'm going to enjoy the weekend myself. I'll be here on Monday, and on Tuesday we'll kick off another year of weekly guests with author Terry Spear. Don't forget to come back.

Look at all those days you have ahead of you. So many chances to achieve those goals you set. You DID set goals, didn't you. Things you can measure? Do you have to go back and read my goal setting post?

3:35

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jeudi, décembre 31, 2009

Reflcections on Blogging

At the start of the year, I opened my blog, Terry's Place, to once-a-week guests, and, looking back, as we are wont to do at this time of year, I've learned a few things I think are worth sharing, and things I'll try to do better in 2010.

Suggestions for being a good guest

1. Know what you're getting into. Spend a little time reading the blog where you've requested a guest slot so you know if it's going to serve whatever purpose you have in mind.

2. Does the host provide guidelines? Read them! Follow them! Are there things you shouldn't say? Don't say them. Are there questions to answer? Answer them. Is there a minimum or maximum length? Stick within it.

3. Make a note of the date you're going to be a guest. Set up your own reminders; don't rely on the host. Get your post in early if possible to allow your host time to format in advance.

4. Communicate with the host. Problems arise, especially if you're scheduled months in advance. Give as much warning as possible if there will be problems.

5. Be around on your guest day. Commenters like to be acknowledged. If you can't, for whatever reason—maybe you work full time and can't access the blog during work hours—let everyone know. That way, your host can 'cover' if necessary.

6. Don't recycle posts you've done elsewhere unless your host requests it.

7. Do your own promotion. Part of the idea of guest blogging is to introduce both the guest and the host to new audiences.

8. Does your host want pictures? Head shots? Book covers? Send them. Don't make the host grab them from your site. Other illustrations? Indicate where they should go.

9. Find out how your host likes posts formatted. Word doc? Text file? Preferred font? Provide URL links. The tiny details make getting your words onto whatever blog platform the host uses easier.

10. Proofread your post!

And for hosts

1. Keep track of who's up when. I happen to use an Excel spreadsheet and Google Calendar.

2. Send guidelines before you book a guest so they understand what you're looking for. Make them clear, but don't expect people to read or follow them.

3. Send reminders well in advance of the posting date. Request acknowledgement of receipt of emails.

4. Have 'backup' plans in case things go wrong.

5. If at all possible, be in control of your own blog postings and blog site. Guests are expecting their posts to be up, and relying on a third party can create another layer of potential problems.

6. Read the posts before you publish them; fix minor typos, etc. It's better for both parties. Verify that all links the guest provided actually work.

7. Promote the guest wherever possible. Include a 'heads up' on your blog before the guest's day.

8. Alert the guest when the post is live, with the URL for linking.

9. Check in from time to time, thanking commenters even though it's not 'your' own day. It's still your blog.

10. Thank the guest. Follow up if there are contest winners to announce, etc.

And if you're just a blog visitor, a few 'hints' as well.

Leaving comments makes the poster feel good. It shows you took a few extra moments. It can also draw traffic to your own site, so make sure you say something relevant. On that note, don't turn your comments into self-promotion. Making it "all about me" is an immediate turn-off, so you're doing more harm than good.

If you enjoy a blog post, share it. Many blogs have convenient links so it's one-stop shopping.

Wishing you a safe and happy New Year's Eve

1:14

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mercredi, décembre 30, 2009

Dreams and Goals

Hard to believe another year has slipped away. Aside from an early dinner at our local favorite Italian restaurant, we don't normally go out to celebrate, figuring there are too many crazy people on the roads, but we felt "obligated" to go out on New Year's Eve when 1999 became 2000. Was it really 10 years ago?

It's the time of year when everyone is reflecting on what they've done, what they should have done, and what they're going to do. For us, on the real-life front,we dealt with hubby's retirement and with trying to sell a house. For my writing, I contracted two short stories as part of an anthology that's supposed to come out in 2010, and I rewrote a romantic suspense which is due out in July. I also parted company with my agent, and am stepping off the edge of the cliff in trying to begin all over and find a home for it. And, like everyone else, it's time to look at goals.

For the past couple of years, I've shared Roxanne St. Claire's goal setting strategy as it pertains to writing. I've also been seeing other advice, so I thought I'd share those as well.

First, from JA Konrath:

Goals should be within your power. In other words, anything that involves a yes or no from another human being isn't a goal, it's a dream.

You can and should dream, and dream big. But "I want to be a bestseller" isn't a goal. "I want to attend three writing conferences this year, polish my novel, and send queries to ten agents by November" is a goal.

Learn the difference. And don't forget to reward yourself when you reach those goals.

Read the full post here.

Next, from Nicola Morgan:

But dreams and aspirations are not goals and they're not resolutions. I believe the best way to look at goals is to follow the well-known "SMART" doctrine. This states that goals should be "specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic and time-based". These are the sort of goals that we do need to achieve, otherwise we may spiral into powerlessness.

Read the full post here.

And, from Roxanne St. Claire:

1. Write every goal on paper and make sure it is MEASURABLE
2. Post your goals where you will see them every day
3. Don’t go to bed until you’ve written a word minimum
4. Keep a daily track of words/pages produced
5. Do one thing every day, first thing in the morning that’s on your goal list

The common denominator: Goals have to be under your control. Dreams are good, and setting and meeting goals can help you meet those dreams, but if it's out of your hands, understand it. I found these goals which I'd set back in 2007. Whether I met them or not was totally in my hands. Some I met; some I didn't; some I exceeded.

Productivity
3 ring binder for research for Book 5
500 words a day, 6 days a week = 3000 words/week
Sort and file workshop notes
Create an expense record keeping system by Feb. 15th
Clean desk Sunday night Sub chapters to crit groups

Craft
Query 3 agents by March 15th
Deconstruct one book for plot by Feb. 1st
Listen to two tapes on pacing
Try the story board to review first 10 chapters of #5
Read 6 books a month for pleasure
Critique within 3 days of receipt
Attend craft focused workshops at Fun in the Sun

Promotional
Website updates twice a month
Blog twice a week
Post to groups once a week Research postcards & bookmarks

Good luck with your own goals – and dreams.

**I can't help that MySpace doesn't allow all these links to work. You can always join me at Terry's Place, which is my Blogspot Blog. Of course, you'll have to copy and paste that link, because for whatever reason, Big Brother MySpace thinks it's an evil site. It's terryodell.blogspot. Or Google "Terry's Place"

12:50

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lundi, décembre 28, 2009

Holmes. Sherlock Holmes

I'm a guest at Writers on Writing, talking about my writing process. Hope you'll drop by there, too.

I was unplugged for a lot of the weekend. Not by choice, but there was trouble with Twitter feeds, and more trouble with Blogger. As I type this, I'm hoping that one's resolved. If you're reading it, I guess it was.. I can't say I was particularly frustrated about missing out on everyone's holiday Tweets, but I did miss my blog crawls, and wasn't pleased that I couldn't respond to comments on my own blog. I wonder if this was a widespread problem, or something more local. Update - as of Sunday evening, Brighthouse finally admitted there was a problem, and they were 'working to fix it.'

Seeing Sherlock Holmes Friday gave me something to think about. I'm very much a character person. Give me a character I love and I'll forgive mediocre writing. But give me a mediocre character and the most brilliant writing isn't going to do it for me. I know there are those who have their own reasons for going to the movies, and a good-looking star is right up there. But for this post, I'm trying to look beyond the outward appearance of Robert Downey, Jr. Judging from Tweets and Facebook posts, I'm in the minority when I say I wasn't totally in love with the movie. I'm not saying it wasn't good, or that I didn't like it but....

I hadn't paid any attention to previews or trailers for the new Sherlock Holmes movie. Hubby had picked it as our Christmas movie weeks in advance, and being a Sherlock Holmes fan since I discovered him in a high school reading assignment, "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," and having watched the Basil Rathbone version on Netflix, and all the PBS variations, I gladly agreed, and went to the movie "cold."

(Minor digression to another reason we like Netflix. No need to sit through over 20 minutes of previews. The movie was scheduled to begin at 11:30. We arrived at 11:20, since it was the first show of the day and we had bought our tickets on line. We sat through ten minutes of commercials, and then the "movie" began. NOT. Preview after preview – long ones. The sort that make you think you've just seen all the good parts of the movie. Thank goodness I've learned to carry my trusty back-lit eBookwise)

Having read all of Sherlock Holmes, and having seen numerous television adaptations, I was a bit put off by the movie's "tampering" with characters I thought I knew. The pipe was wrong, no deerstalker. Sure, Robert Downey Jr was easy on the eyes. And according to Doyle, Holmes was fit—he boxed, and could handle a sword, as I recall. But the image still didn't ring true. I never saw Holmes as the action-adventure hero. A Victorian James Bond flick would have been almost the same. "Holmes. Sherlock Holmes."

Watson was probably more against "type", but I liked seeing him as much more sure of himself, and ready to confront Holmes. True to character, however, he was never fully able to resist what Holmes wanted him to do.

I got started writing in the fan fiction realm. I had many a beta-reader tell me "Duncan would NEVER do that." Readers have character expectations. If they deviate, there had better be a good reason.

The time in the movie spent on fights, chases, and Bond-type special effects didn't seem true to his character. One wonders how much Doyle the moviemakers actually read. Then again, movies made from books rarely ring true to the original beyond the title. But to me, this was a way to appeal to the younger set who probably has never read a Holmes story.

All in all, it was a moderately enjoyable movie. Definitely glad we went to the early, $5 show. A bit long, and probably because I saw little need for the extended "James Bond" marital arts/action/chase scenes. To me, it felt more like an author inserting scenes to meet some minimum word count requirement. Most of those scenes could have been cut by at least half.

And, as I spent much of the last few days further refining the final chapters of my manuscript, I couldn't help but compare the way Holmes resolved the mystery with the way I was trying to make sure I had all the loose ends tied up in mine.

In typical Doyle/Holmes fashion, Holmes merely "tells" how he deduced all the bits and pieces of the mystery. I would have preferred some of these discoveries to have been revealed as Holmes made them, as the film clearly showed Holmes zeroing in on the requisite clues. But the explanations had to wait until the bad guy was dealt with.

The other off-putting bit in the movie was the magic/supernatural theme. That seemed to be milking the current trend rather than sticking to Holmes canon. Granted, I expected Holmes to explain it all, but as above, didn't like that it all waited until the final few minutes of the movie.

There's a saying in writing that your first page sells the book, but your last page sells the NEXT book. This movie was a perfect example. It definitely left the door open for a sequel. Wide open. Almost dragging the viewer through it.

And, while looking for some images for this post, I happened across a reviewer who felt pretty much the same way I did.

2:21

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vendredi, décembre 25, 2009

Alternative Celebrations

Happy Holidays, all.

This sums up our holiday celebration.

At least this year we agreed early on what movie to see: Sherlock Holmes.

And if you just want some mindless entertainment, you can try Slingshot Santa

1:47

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mercredi, décembre 23, 2009

When getting it right is wrong

My first crit group used to quote one of their writing professors. "Just because it's right, doesn't make it good." We often incorporate real-life happenstances in our writing, but if they don't come across as "normal" to readers, they're likely to assume we're making something up for the sake of the story. And "contrived" is NOT something we want in our work.

I strive for accuracy in my writing, but if there's a conflict with what a reader considers truth, it's a stumbling block. One very common instance is the CSI effect, where readers assume the police and forensic procedures they see on TV are the way it works in real life.

Or maybe it's simple terminology. How many times have you read a crime novel where the characters smells "cordite" indicating gunshots have been fired. WRONG. Cordite manufacture ceased at the end of the last century. Lee Lofland gives his feelings on this on The Graveyard Shift. And I just read a modern-day novel written by a prolific mystery writer who made the same error.

Then there's "APB". This is another term that's rarely used anymore. The current usage is "BOLO" (Be On the LookOut). But readers (and tv viewers) are familiar with APB. Until BOLO is common enough, the writer might feel obligated to explain, which can be tricky without getting into author intrusion territory.

I've been rewriting my final scene for more tension, and thought I'd done a fair job. However, when the hubster read the draft of the revised scene, he had 2 questions. The first: Should it be "German shepherd" or "German Shepherd"? I looked it up at various websites and found that although the dictionary went with shepherd, almost all of the dog sites wrote it as Shepherd. I can leave it for an editor to change, but I figure about half the readers will think it's wrong. Not much I can do about that.

His other question dealt with how my cops couldn't communicate with each other via their radios. I'm not much on technology, so I merely carried over what we'd experienced in similar terrain in Colorado to the scene. We had 2 GPS units, a map, and directions from Realtors, yet over half the houses we wanted to see were next to impossible to find. And our cell phones didn't pick up signals. But since we didn't have normal cop radios, that option wasn't up for testing.

I'm confident enough that the cop's radios in my scene won't be able to reach their dispatcher back at the station. But if their cars are less than a mile apart, even in the mountains, is it likely that the radio signals would still work car to car? Or cop to cop, if they're using their handhelds? I've posed that question to a couple of specialty writing groups, and have received a variety of answers. Based on what they've said, I could probably write it the way I have it, but would readers believe it? Do they think radios are magic and always work because they're police equipment?

And for the past two days, I donated some time at our local Sheriff's Office helping with backlogged filing. I confess that I've never been in a pawn shop and was totally unaware of the system.

I learned a few things, the most notable was that every time anyone pawns an item, a copy of the information, including a thumb print, goes to the Sheriff's Office. Given the state of the economy, plus the holiday season, people are pawning much more than usual. All the reports have to be computerized, and for a lot of the smaller shops, that means manual entry at the Sheriff's Office.

Writing thought: police are looking for a stolen item which they think has been pawned, but until it gets into the computer system, they can't follow up.

But here's where it might push credibility a bit. One of the primary reasons for the backlog of filing wasn't the increased number of reports. It was a budget issue. The department didn't have the money to buy the file folders, so the paperwork got stacked in piles in the filing room (where I spent my time, all alone with my iPod shuffle, putting papers into numerical sequence.)

The thumbprints aren't digitized, so the police need to be able to get a hard copy of the report. Would a reader believe that a lack of funding for file folders would have created a snag in the investigation, or would they think I was crossing into 'contrived' territory to throw artificial conflict into my plot?

What do you think? Any real-life examples to share? Or any similar problems in balancing reality with credibility?

12:41

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