Writing

Matters of craft learned the hard way

Adios Vacation

Writer guy

Whenever a vacation ends, it evokes the same feelings when attending funeral services for a distant relative does. Just like the departed, vacations always pass too quickly and I regret not knowing them better while I had the chance.

In all, a productive break from the day job–largely because of what I tossed to the curb. Shredded reams of old paperwork in the home office. Donated clothes that stopped fitting–or how I learned that light beer did not discourage blubber accumulation, only that it contained less calories than standard hops. Replaced a very scratched up bedroom set with new pieces from Furni. Also recycled some old electrical gear coalescing at the bottom of the closets. Basically got all the major distractions out of the way so I can write without interruption when at home.

Though mentioned before, July brought two traditional reviews for The Last Track, one in Mystery Scene Magazine ( #115 not yet on the stands, me thinks ) and another in the Midwest Book Review. There is a reason I’m bringing this up again, since it dovetails with the eternal lesson of publishing.

Both the publisher and Ellen had warned me about the lag time between publication and the bricks and mortar review coverage filtering back to base. Honestly, I didn’t quite believe them. I probably even said something like, “No way.” Even though the reviewers usually receive titles months before release, reviews appearing months or even a year after the launch is the norm–unless your last name is Flynn-Nolan, Patterson, King or Grisham. Surely they were kidding. Oh well, color me converted.

So like everything else in the writing process, usually getting what you want takes time, and the distance between you and that point is inversely proportional to your patience for said outcome.

In summer mode

Writer guy

Even after five times around the block, shuttering the tech department for the summer and transitioning into rental mode for the summer, still takes longer–and much more work–than planned. This year comes with additional considerations, as half of the academic wing is under construction, and we’re cutting over to a fiber optic internet connection. Add in some vacation days, a hip flare, and the usual summer projects makes for busy Writer guy. Next year, summer should be more tranquil. Looking back at older entries from the same time period, though, reveals this prediction has been made before. In any case, somewhat normal posting will resume soon.

July’s leg of the virtual tour began Monday. Or was it Tuesday? Anyway, the tour page has all the latest links and tour stops information. Except for a podcast next week, all the work on the tour is done. At least the work that involves me. Which means a lot more free time for writing.

Speaking of writing projects, Mystery Scene Magazine ( Issue #115 ) has a review of The Last Track which should land around July 29, 2010, and appear in Borders and Barnes and Nobles ( and many fine booksellers ) shortly thereafter. Can’t lie, I’m pretty psyched about that one. The editor requested a picture that may appear alongside the review.

About the old familiar black and white photo. Certainly got some mileage out of that shot, and completely by accident. Taken by a friend, it was intended as solely filler for a photo class portfolio. Final assignment called for nine pictures; they were short one and I was around. Would have stayed only in their portfolio, never to be seen again.

But then Chuck Palahniuk offered excellent advice for writers in regarding author photos during an interview. A pearl something like: “Get your author photo taken now, because by the time the book comes out, you’ll look a lot older.” Very good advice. Recycling is not just something one should talk about; it means taking action. And the plan of action means recycling that photo for awhile.

Maybe indefinitely. Or at least until the hair goes gray.