Here we are. 26 blog plosts and a full month on. It's safe to say this has been a roller coaster month for me with some bad lows and some epic highs. There were times when I wondered if it was worth the hassle of thinking up a new post every day, and every time I told myself that it was. Why? Zeal.
I love writing. I love the late nights, the research, the furious rush to get just another hundred words written, the creation of characters, the shaping of a story, even the feeling of punching keys as I type. There's almost nothing else I'd rather be doing than writing. Since I was very young, it's what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Over the last month I've met so many new people who share my zeal for writing and I've been welcomed by them all. It's humbling to be a part of a community that is so open and helpful. This is especially true now that I've signed on with WiDo Publishing for the release of my first book. I'm grateful to be part of such a team, and to have so many people in my life, online and otherwise, to share in my journey as I share in theirs.
Well done to everyone in the challenge, and thank you for sharing.
Apr 30, 2011
Z is for Zeal
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 29, 2011
Y is for You're a Mystery
Those who read my F post will know that my wife and I are expecting our first child in July, and that there was some concern after the last scan because the amniotic fluid levels were low and they couldn't identify any kidneys.
Today we had another scan, and they were able to confirm both that there is a functioning bladder and a pair of kidneys. This is good news! The baby's the right size, there are no ruptures in the placenta at all. The bad news is that there's still a very low level of amniotic fluid, but they simply cannot find a cause. This, it turns out, is also good news, because without a medical cause for the low levels, the odds are a lot higher that this is just a medical mystery and the baby will be absolutely fine once born.
Of course, the baby is still being as uncooperative as ever and won't let us find out what gender it is.
So today's post is a message to my unborn child. Kiddo, you're a complete mystery. I love you for it, and hope you're always a complete surprise throughout your life, but I guarantee you if we're driving anywhere and you complain of needing to pee, I'll remind you that you were perfectly content to hardly pee at all while your mother was carrying you, so you can bloody well hold it! :-)
Today we had another scan, and they were able to confirm both that there is a functioning bladder and a pair of kidneys. This is good news! The baby's the right size, there are no ruptures in the placenta at all. The bad news is that there's still a very low level of amniotic fluid, but they simply cannot find a cause. This, it turns out, is also good news, because without a medical cause for the low levels, the odds are a lot higher that this is just a medical mystery and the baby will be absolutely fine once born.
Of course, the baby is still being as uncooperative as ever and won't let us find out what gender it is.
So today's post is a message to my unborn child. Kiddo, you're a complete mystery. I love you for it, and hope you're always a complete surprise throughout your life, but I guarantee you if we're driving anywhere and you complain of needing to pee, I'll remind you that you were perfectly content to hardly pee at all while your mother was carrying you, so you can bloody well hold it! :-)
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 28, 2011
X is for X-Rated
Just something which I thought of while trying to work out what to write about for X (damn that letter!).
I'm not a romance writer, and my book isn't about sex, but I do think sexuality is an important part of a character. So, I make reference to, and give very mild descriptions of, sex, at a couple of points in the novel. These scenes are important, but far from graphic. I've read several YA novels with more detailed descriptions than I used.
At what point does content become considered "x-rated?" And how should sex be used in fiction?
There's a trend in urban fantasy to use sex as part of magical ritual. There are times when a character must have sex with a supernatural creature to gain more power themselves. It's an interesting choice for a writer.
I think my book might be different, though. It's not detailed in Locked Within, but if the book sells well and I'm able to continue the series, I will expand on how people in this supernatural society live their lives. That will include differences in day to day life, including sex.
In this world, sex is a very human thing. It's an expression of love between two mortals. Other creatures might try to replicate it, seeking to understand the intimacy that can exist between two souls, but they can't truly feel it. These creatures may use it to seek power, dominance, create offspring, or to try and understand the connection humans can have with one another, but with so many stories out there where humans are lesser beings, unaware of the pleasures enjoyed by powerful beings, I want to tell a story where mortals have something that immortal beings can never have. I want their impermanence, their very nature as limited beings, to be what gives them the strength of will and love to bond with one another.
I'm not a romance writer, and my book isn't about sex, but I do think sexuality is an important part of a character. So, I make reference to, and give very mild descriptions of, sex, at a couple of points in the novel. These scenes are important, but far from graphic. I've read several YA novels with more detailed descriptions than I used.
At what point does content become considered "x-rated?" And how should sex be used in fiction?
There's a trend in urban fantasy to use sex as part of magical ritual. There are times when a character must have sex with a supernatural creature to gain more power themselves. It's an interesting choice for a writer.
I think my book might be different, though. It's not detailed in Locked Within, but if the book sells well and I'm able to continue the series, I will expand on how people in this supernatural society live their lives. That will include differences in day to day life, including sex.
In this world, sex is a very human thing. It's an expression of love between two mortals. Other creatures might try to replicate it, seeking to understand the intimacy that can exist between two souls, but they can't truly feel it. These creatures may use it to seek power, dominance, create offspring, or to try and understand the connection humans can have with one another, but with so many stories out there where humans are lesser beings, unaware of the pleasures enjoyed by powerful beings, I want to tell a story where mortals have something that immortal beings can never have. I want their impermanence, their very nature as limited beings, to be what gives them the strength of will and love to bond with one another.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 27, 2011
W is for WiDo Publishing
Who are, officially, my publisher!
http://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com/2011/04/w-is-for-wido-publishing-and-winner-of.html
My manuscript for Locked Within was chosen as the winner of a contest for a contract with them, and I'm very pleased to accept! It's an absolute honour to be chosen, and to join the WiDo family. Just a quick look at their website and reading Karen's blog tell me that WiDo are a great company, totally committed to embracing the way the publishing industry is growing and changing. I'm excited to be a part of this and I look forward to working with WiDo to prepare my book for publication.
If anyone needs me, I'll be over here, hoping this isn't all just a dream.
http://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com/2011/04/w-is-for-wido-publishing-and-winner-of.html
My manuscript for Locked Within was chosen as the winner of a contest for a contract with them, and I'm very pleased to accept! It's an absolute honour to be chosen, and to join the WiDo family. Just a quick look at their website and reading Karen's blog tell me that WiDo are a great company, totally committed to embracing the way the publishing industry is growing and changing. I'm excited to be a part of this and I look forward to working with WiDo to prepare my book for publication.
If anyone needs me, I'll be over here, hoping this isn't all just a dream.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 26, 2011
V is for Vampires
My book isn't about vampires, but it does have a few in it. They're all antagonists to one degree or another, and two of them have names.
These days, vampires are either still the hottest thing going, or the last thing anyone wants to see anymore. I grew up on vampire movies, though, so they're kind of ingrained in my mind as go-to villains. The thing is, they're not the villains in most cases anymore.
Something changed, somewhere along the road, and instead of vampires being representations of everything our humanity and society are meant to find abhorrent, they became romantic, tragic figures. Even re-tellings of old stories have changed. Bram Stoker's Dracula, starring Gary Oldman, while an excellent film, is very different from the book. In the original book, Dracula is not a romantic figure. He's a dark, sensual predator. The women he feeds on are not drawn to him by lust or love. They're drawn to him by his supernatural power over others. Dracula is an embodiment of everything Victorian ideals stood against. He is a monster whose own desires are met by inflicting suffering upon others. He is feared and hated. Not loved.
It would be interesting to see vampires return to their place as monsters. Some movies have tried to return to this. The one most in mind at the moment is the upcoming Priest, starring Paul Bethany. I'd like to see these romanticised creatures as the villains again. We need to fear our nightmares, or else what will our heroes save us from?
These days, vampires are either still the hottest thing going, or the last thing anyone wants to see anymore. I grew up on vampire movies, though, so they're kind of ingrained in my mind as go-to villains. The thing is, they're not the villains in most cases anymore.
Something changed, somewhere along the road, and instead of vampires being representations of everything our humanity and society are meant to find abhorrent, they became romantic, tragic figures. Even re-tellings of old stories have changed. Bram Stoker's Dracula, starring Gary Oldman, while an excellent film, is very different from the book. In the original book, Dracula is not a romantic figure. He's a dark, sensual predator. The women he feeds on are not drawn to him by lust or love. They're drawn to him by his supernatural power over others. Dracula is an embodiment of everything Victorian ideals stood against. He is a monster whose own desires are met by inflicting suffering upon others. He is feared and hated. Not loved.
It would be interesting to see vampires return to their place as monsters. Some movies have tried to return to this. The one most in mind at the moment is the upcoming Priest, starring Paul Bethany. I'd like to see these romanticised creatures as the villains again. We need to fear our nightmares, or else what will our heroes save us from?
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 25, 2011
U is for Unicorn
The Last Unicorn, to be specific.
As a child, this movie was one of my favourites. I watched it so much the tape wore out and my parents had to replace it. There's a specific moment in the movie which has always resonated with me, which taught me how stories are meant to be told.
It's the moment at the climax, when the Unicorn is being chased by the Red Bull, and Lir asks Schmendrick why he can't use magic to save her, he asks what use is magic if it can't be used to save a unicorn.
Schmendrick tells him that's not what magic is for. That's what heroes are for.
There should be no quick fixes, no easy answer that saves the day. There should be someone to risk themselves, to give up something of themself for the greater good and make a stand.
That's what heroes are for.
As a child, this movie was one of my favourites. I watched it so much the tape wore out and my parents had to replace it. There's a specific moment in the movie which has always resonated with me, which taught me how stories are meant to be told.
It's the moment at the climax, when the Unicorn is being chased by the Red Bull, and Lir asks Schmendrick why he can't use magic to save her, he asks what use is magic if it can't be used to save a unicorn.
Schmendrick tells him that's not what magic is for. That's what heroes are for.
There should be no quick fixes, no easy answer that saves the day. There should be someone to risk themselves, to give up something of themself for the greater good and make a stand.
That's what heroes are for.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 23, 2011
T is for Teamwork
I'm in the middle of a 5-day weekend, with the barbecue going out in the garden and friends on their way over, so this may be a shorter post that normal.
My topic for today is Teamwork.
The stereotype of the writer is that of a lone figure, toiling away in a study or attic, or perhaps sitting on benches by the side of the street or wandering through libraries. It's a very popular image. The artist as loney genius.
Well I can't speak for those who've gone before me, but from my experience in getting my book just to the stage of querying, that image is hooey. It takes a team to create a book. The writer just happens to be the one who gets the credit. Just to get me as far as I am, my book has needed the help of crit partners, beta readers, my wife to spring ideas off, friends who've offered to do head shots for when I need them, or help put together a promotional trailer if and when a release date becomes a real thing.
And that's not to mention the people I'll inevitably deal with once I go further, whether they be agents, publishers, editors, marketing staff, or cover artists. It nearly takes an army just to get a book printed and bound and ready to deliver as a finished product.
So whoever out there is lucky enough to be a published author, I hope your acknowledgements page is up to date. For the rest of you, remember the people who are there for you, supporting you, advising you and generally making sure write the best damn book you can. Without them, even the best of us would flounder.
My topic for today is Teamwork.
The stereotype of the writer is that of a lone figure, toiling away in a study or attic, or perhaps sitting on benches by the side of the street or wandering through libraries. It's a very popular image. The artist as loney genius.
Well I can't speak for those who've gone before me, but from my experience in getting my book just to the stage of querying, that image is hooey. It takes a team to create a book. The writer just happens to be the one who gets the credit. Just to get me as far as I am, my book has needed the help of crit partners, beta readers, my wife to spring ideas off, friends who've offered to do head shots for when I need them, or help put together a promotional trailer if and when a release date becomes a real thing.
And that's not to mention the people I'll inevitably deal with once I go further, whether they be agents, publishers, editors, marketing staff, or cover artists. It nearly takes an army just to get a book printed and bound and ready to deliver as a finished product.
So whoever out there is lucky enough to be a published author, I hope your acknowledgements page is up to date. For the rest of you, remember the people who are there for you, supporting you, advising you and generally making sure write the best damn book you can. Without them, even the best of us would flounder.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 22, 2011
S is for Summer
Okay, it's still technically spring. But the sun is shining, we've stocked up on meat for the barbecue, and we've got the whole Easter weekend off work, so I'm claiming this as a summer day.
While I was in college, Easter was always a kind of start to the summer. It was the last break before exams started, and typically marked part of the transition from regular term time to "Oh dear god I've done no work all year I'm so screwed!" I have memories of sitting by the lake in UCD (my college) with Jen (then just my girlfriend) and our friends, eating ice pops. Then heading indoors for a game session.
We did some studying at some point in college, I'm sure...
While having day or even weekend-long parties is a lot more rare these days, even during the summer, it still makes me happy that we can make the time for things like this. I think the hot weather encourages people to take things a little more easily and to just enjoy themselves together.
Here's to a great weekend, and I hope everyone has a good Easter.
While I was in college, Easter was always a kind of start to the summer. It was the last break before exams started, and typically marked part of the transition from regular term time to "Oh dear god I've done no work all year I'm so screwed!" I have memories of sitting by the lake in UCD (my college) with Jen (then just my girlfriend) and our friends, eating ice pops. Then heading indoors for a game session.
We did some studying at some point in college, I'm sure...
While having day or even weekend-long parties is a lot more rare these days, even during the summer, it still makes me happy that we can make the time for things like this. I think the hot weather encourages people to take things a little more easily and to just enjoy themselves together.
Here's to a great weekend, and I hope everyone has a good Easter.
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 21, 2011
R is for Reading
Which is something I don't do enough of. I can scan through non-fiction pretty quickly, but I tend to take my time when reading a novel. Part of the problem is that I tend to read mostly when on the train to and from work. I really should take more time to read when I'm at home.
My current favourite is The Dresden Files. I absolutely love this series, and I want to keep reading even when I don't feel a given title is up to the caliber of others in the series. Jim Butcher has created one of my favourite heroes in Harry Dresden. I'm a bit jaded from seeing so many heroes whose flaws are all traits that actually make me like them less. It's great to see a hero who is at heart a decent guy, but who makes mistakes and takes the wrong course of action from time to time, instead of being an unbeatable badass whose biggest flaw is an antisocial personality. Butcher's characters, even the ones who are faeries or vampires, feel human. They have a spirit that shines in the writing and makes me care for them.
At the moment I'm reading Book of Jhereg, by Steven Brust. Normally I find it difficult to attach myself to assassins and other characterss who are drawn into the story primarily by profit. They generally have little emotional attachment to the plot and even less to lose. It's an interesting read so far, though.
Once I'm done with it I'll be reading a friend's ms for the second book in a series she's working on. Then I'm moving on to The Pain Merchants (UK title of The Shifter) by Janice Hardy.
What're you guys currently reading?
My current favourite is The Dresden Files. I absolutely love this series, and I want to keep reading even when I don't feel a given title is up to the caliber of others in the series. Jim Butcher has created one of my favourite heroes in Harry Dresden. I'm a bit jaded from seeing so many heroes whose flaws are all traits that actually make me like them less. It's great to see a hero who is at heart a decent guy, but who makes mistakes and takes the wrong course of action from time to time, instead of being an unbeatable badass whose biggest flaw is an antisocial personality. Butcher's characters, even the ones who are faeries or vampires, feel human. They have a spirit that shines in the writing and makes me care for them.
At the moment I'm reading Book of Jhereg, by Steven Brust. Normally I find it difficult to attach myself to assassins and other characterss who are drawn into the story primarily by profit. They generally have little emotional attachment to the plot and even less to lose. It's an interesting read so far, though.
Once I'm done with it I'll be reading a friend's ms for the second book in a series she's working on. Then I'm moving on to The Pain Merchants (UK title of The Shifter) by Janice Hardy.
What're you guys currently reading?
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
Apr 20, 2011
Q is for Quotes
Today, like my friend Ellen over at Pink Tea and Paper, I thought I'd share with you all some of my favourite quotes:
"I tip my hat to you, one legend to another" - Rattlesnake Jake, Rango
"My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure by it at your own risk. When things get strange, when what goes bump in the night flicks on the lights, when no one else can help you, give me a call. I'm in the book." - Harry Dresden, Storm Front
"Do. Or do not. There is no try." - Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back
"Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown." - Peter Venkman, Ghostbusters
"Indeed. The last charge of Wyatt Earp and his immortals." - Doc Holliday, Tombstone
"It ain't easy having pals." - Charlie Bowdrie, Young Guns
"You remember the stories John use to tell us about the the three chinamen playing Fantan? This guy runs up to them and says, "Hey, the world's coming to an end!" and the first one says, "Well, I best go to the mission and pray," and the second one says, "Well, hell, I'm gonna go and buy me a case of Mezcal and six whores," and the third one says "Well, I'm gonna finish the game." I shall finish the game, Doc." - Billy the Kid, Young Guns 2
"Who are you?" "A friend." - Lois Lane and Superman, Superman The Movie
"The three assholes, laying into one guy while everybody else watches? And you wanna know what's wrong with me? Yeah, I'd rather die." - Dave Lizewski, Kick Ass
Please share some of your favourite quotes!
"I tip my hat to you, one legend to another" - Rattlesnake Jake, Rango
"My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure by it at your own risk. When things get strange, when what goes bump in the night flicks on the lights, when no one else can help you, give me a call. I'm in the book." - Harry Dresden, Storm Front
"Do. Or do not. There is no try." - Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back
"Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown." - Peter Venkman, Ghostbusters
"Indeed. The last charge of Wyatt Earp and his immortals." - Doc Holliday, Tombstone
"It ain't easy having pals." - Charlie Bowdrie, Young Guns
"You remember the stories John use to tell us about the the three chinamen playing Fantan? This guy runs up to them and says, "Hey, the world's coming to an end!" and the first one says, "Well, I best go to the mission and pray," and the second one says, "Well, hell, I'm gonna go and buy me a case of Mezcal and six whores," and the third one says "Well, I'm gonna finish the game." I shall finish the game, Doc." - Billy the Kid, Young Guns 2
"Who are you?" "A friend." - Lois Lane and Superman, Superman The Movie
"The three assholes, laying into one guy while everybody else watches? And you wanna know what's wrong with me? Yeah, I'd rather die." - Dave Lizewski, Kick Ass
Please share some of your favourite quotes!
Paul Anthony Shortt believes in magic and monsters. In ghosts and fairies. The creatures that lurk under the bed and inside the closet. The things that live in the dark, and the heroes who stand against them. Above all, he believes that stories have the power to change the world, and the most important stories are the ones which show that monsters can be beaten.
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