New Year's Eve. What will you be doing? Shall I tell you what I will be doing?
Working.
Sitting behind a desk in front of an empty lobby, just as I have done for the last eleven years. Nope, I don't get to go party with friends, or trek to New York to gather in the cold with the mob of thousands to watch the ball drop. I don't get to kiss the pretty girl to welcome in the new year.
Yes, I know others are out there doing the same thing I'm doing. Because that's the job. Nurses and doctors and police officers and fire fighters and soldiers and, yes, thousands of other desk clerks around the country. I'm not begrudging them. God bless 'em, each and every one and to each I say, keep up the good work.
I'm just talking about me.
For a number of years, my dad brought in the new years printing gobs of reports few people cared about for the banks for which he worked. Some years, I'd call him up around midnight and wish him a happy new year as I, too, was soon going to be printing out gobs of reports few people cared about.
The next day, January 1st, I'll be sleeping through most of the football games and the parades and the only ringing going on will be the ringing of the alarm to wake me up in the afternoon.
Am I bitter or angry or depressed? Well...not really. Seriously. I guess I'm a little down being alone on New Year's Eve. You can say new and better things are coming in the days and weeks. My book, Night Shadows, is being released the middle of next month (look for links on my website, stephenbrayton.com. Ebook to be purchased at several fine Internet stores.). Sure, I'm excited about that event. I'm a year older and made it through another twelve months with relatively good health (not counting a minor surgery and a stupid three day cold). That's cool.
Still..
I miss the parties with classmates I attended years ago. I miss staying up with friends OR, if I chose, going to bed early.
I don't like sitting in a dim lobby reading and looking up at the clock to find midnight has come and gone with nary a firework or even a 'Whooppee!' I shrug and go back to the book.
I'm not really sure where I'm going with this post. The point and all. Maybe there is none. It may sound depressed, and maybe it is a little. New Year's seems to be just another day with more darkness than daylight, little celebration of the end of the year, maybe ingesting a little leftover Christmas treat, enjoying the gifts.
But, I'll get by. I have the job to do and I'll do it. I'll greet any late arriving guests and wish them a Happy New Year. (Thankfully, I haven't had to deal with the people who've partied a little TOO much.). I'll print my reports and make my log notations.
And...if a pretty girl happens to drop by looking for a midnight new year kiss... Well, let's just say, I'll have one ready and waiting.
Seriously, have a safe and happy new year.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas
So, it's Christmas Eve, and although the fact shouldn't have to be said, apparently there needs to be certain reminders every year. These reminders have been done for a number of years because of certain people or groups of people.
The world has been celebrating Christmas in many a fashion for a very long time. Throughout the years the notion of a Santa Claus type personage came into being and it was a fun thing to share with the children.
However, recently there have been some people who wish to be offended at the notion of Christmas, the term Christmas, the public portrayal of Christmas. They don't necessarily mind having a tree in a public square (although some of them do), but do not wish it to be referred to as a Christmas tree. The kids taking a break from school can't take a Christmas break. We can't send Christmas cards to family and friends. Everything is to be termed 'holiday'. Because Christmas is mainly a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, some Jews, some Muslims, some atheists, some practitioners of other religions or not, or the folks at the ACLU and other such groups spout annual offenses against the Christian traditions. Every year you'll read or hear about lawsuits to remove Nativity scenes or Christmas trees and other decorations from public squares or lawns or light posts. And, normally, this is the one time of year where defenders of Christianity will stand up and say to these folks: shut up. And I'll say the same thing:
SHUT UP!
Recently, I was speaking to a Mexican family about Thanksgiving. They didn't celebrate it because it was strictly an American holiday. That's cool. I didn't begrudge them. They celebrated another Mexican holiday in their own style and that's cool. I wasn't offended they weren't joining in on the turkey and fixings. And I wasn't offended they celebrated their own holiday.
If you don't want to celebrate Christmas, fine. You have the right not to do so. If you take offense at the decorations and the hymns being played in the public square and the malls, and the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and the Santa Claus sightings...fine. Be offended. However, you do not have the right not to be offended. In other words: shut up when it comes to allowing those who do like all of the above and more to enjoy them. If you don't believe in God or Jesus, fine. In my opinion, you have far more to worry about than getting all upset about my hanging lights on my house windows.
Why is it the offended have to be attended to?
Personally, I think Christmas is a lot more than celebrating the birth of a person and if some of these people and groups would only get past the stupidity of their lawsuits and their useless offended nature, they might see similarly.
When my family gathers to open gifts, to eat good food, enjoy the lights of the tree and the house (and yes, egad! enjoy the snow), it's to celebrate family and togetherness. To say we all made it through another year. To watch the happiness of each other receiving new toys and clothes and candles and coffee and gadgets and other miscellany. To be warm and cherished in the relationships.
If you want to add the religious aspect to it, fine, all the better. If not, why can't the fact that family is together suffice? If these offended don't want to have that feeling, fine. If they want to have the feeling on another day, or in another way, I say go for it. If you don't want to buy gifts, or want to practice the liturgy of Hanukkah, go out into the woods and worship the tree god, or even if you want to stay home and drink a six pack of your favorite brew...whatever trips your trigger. I promise you, if it doesn't harm anyone else, I won't be offended.
I'm not forcing my beliefs on you, though, but I am going to call it a Christmas tree, and Christmas cards and say, “Merry Christmas.” Because whatever your think, that's what this season is about. Christmas. However I choose to celebrate it. If you don't wish to participate, fine. But shut up and let those who do, do so without having to constantly defend it.
The world has been celebrating Christmas in many a fashion for a very long time. Throughout the years the notion of a Santa Claus type personage came into being and it was a fun thing to share with the children.
However, recently there have been some people who wish to be offended at the notion of Christmas, the term Christmas, the public portrayal of Christmas. They don't necessarily mind having a tree in a public square (although some of them do), but do not wish it to be referred to as a Christmas tree. The kids taking a break from school can't take a Christmas break. We can't send Christmas cards to family and friends. Everything is to be termed 'holiday'. Because Christmas is mainly a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, some Jews, some Muslims, some atheists, some practitioners of other religions or not, or the folks at the ACLU and other such groups spout annual offenses against the Christian traditions. Every year you'll read or hear about lawsuits to remove Nativity scenes or Christmas trees and other decorations from public squares or lawns or light posts. And, normally, this is the one time of year where defenders of Christianity will stand up and say to these folks: shut up. And I'll say the same thing:
SHUT UP!
Recently, I was speaking to a Mexican family about Thanksgiving. They didn't celebrate it because it was strictly an American holiday. That's cool. I didn't begrudge them. They celebrated another Mexican holiday in their own style and that's cool. I wasn't offended they weren't joining in on the turkey and fixings. And I wasn't offended they celebrated their own holiday.
If you don't want to celebrate Christmas, fine. You have the right not to do so. If you take offense at the decorations and the hymns being played in the public square and the malls, and the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and the Santa Claus sightings...fine. Be offended. However, you do not have the right not to be offended. In other words: shut up when it comes to allowing those who do like all of the above and more to enjoy them. If you don't believe in God or Jesus, fine. In my opinion, you have far more to worry about than getting all upset about my hanging lights on my house windows.
Why is it the offended have to be attended to?
Personally, I think Christmas is a lot more than celebrating the birth of a person and if some of these people and groups would only get past the stupidity of their lawsuits and their useless offended nature, they might see similarly.
When my family gathers to open gifts, to eat good food, enjoy the lights of the tree and the house (and yes, egad! enjoy the snow), it's to celebrate family and togetherness. To say we all made it through another year. To watch the happiness of each other receiving new toys and clothes and candles and coffee and gadgets and other miscellany. To be warm and cherished in the relationships.
If you want to add the religious aspect to it, fine, all the better. If not, why can't the fact that family is together suffice? If these offended don't want to have that feeling, fine. If they want to have the feeling on another day, or in another way, I say go for it. If you don't want to buy gifts, or want to practice the liturgy of Hanukkah, go out into the woods and worship the tree god, or even if you want to stay home and drink a six pack of your favorite brew...whatever trips your trigger. I promise you, if it doesn't harm anyone else, I won't be offended.
I'm not forcing my beliefs on you, though, but I am going to call it a Christmas tree, and Christmas cards and say, “Merry Christmas.” Because whatever your think, that's what this season is about. Christmas. However I choose to celebrate it. If you don't wish to participate, fine. But shut up and let those who do, do so without having to constantly defend it.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Around the Globe with JENNIFER WYLIE
This week I have a pleasant interview with author/editor Jennifer Wylie. She wanted to go to someplace tropical, so I hopped in my transporter, picked her up at her house out in the country in snowy Ontario, and while her kids were off at a babysitter, whisked her off to Antigua where we lounged on the beach. While she sipped a strawberry daiquiri and I slurped milk directly from the coconut I asked her the ten standard questions.
1.Who is Jennifer Wylie and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?
Well I live in the country, not even in a village, so I don't have a lot of people to fascinate. :D That said I'm a stay at home mom of two darling boys. When I'm not reading or writing (or editing) I putter about with various crafts. Otherwise I try to to be Supermom and keep my chaotic house in some semblance of order. Hmm I suppose I should also note I live in Ontario, Canada. Yes we get a lot of snow. I dislike snow. :P
2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?
Many people would be surprised I write, it's not something I go on and on about, I just simply do it. For those who do know about that, I suppose they'd be surprised to know I have about 50 birds. Now that my writing is keeping me busier I am trying to cut my flock down to a more reasonable size, but I do love my little friends.
3. What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming the Boston Philharmonic conductor?
I started writing in public school, but really got into it in high school. It was just something I wanted to do, needed to do. I have so many stories in my head and they need to come out. I did go to university and get a degree, however things happen, as they tend to do, and I ended up being a Mom rather than finding a career. I wouldn't change that for the world. I didn't write for a number of years when the kids were little, but once they were a bit older and my brain started functioning again the need to write came back. Writing is something I can do from home, so I certainly lucked out there. :)
4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?
Oh my, I don't even know where to start. I love both science fiction and fantasy. I've a million favorites authors for different reasons. I love books that make me feel things. If I had to choose one, the first which pops into my head is Michelle Sagara (Michelle West). I love all of her series, she is such a diverse author!
5. If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?
They will suck you in, they will make you feel. I'm a very emotional person and this really comes out in my writing. I also like to think I tell a superb story! :)
6. Share the Wylie process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.
Goodness, I could almost write a book about this. :) My stories form first in my head. They play out like a movie in my mind and then I write. Sometimes it will come in spurts, other times I may need a while for the perfect scene to form. The characters write themselves, though I do take notes as I write. Research is either things I know, or I use Google. For the most part I make things up. I have no problem writing a chapter out of order if it comes to me first either.
My writing schedule is whenever I have time. Usually in the afternoon, or in the evening after the kids are in bed. I used to hate editing, however now that I'm actually learning HOW to do it, I'm finding it not as bad. My writing is also improving, so I've less things to fix! My first book I went over again and again a million times. My newest which I just finished, I went over twice. I'm having some friends look it over, and then will go over it once more making corrections from their input.
7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”
Apparently everyone writes differently. You'll need to find YOUR perfect way to write. I suggest just sitting down and writing. Try different times of the day, play music or not, just write and see how things go. My biggest advice to anyone who starts and gets stuck – make something bad happen. Kill a character. A good story has conflict, your characters can't have everything happen perfectly. The more things which go wrong the better.
8. I saw an amusing t-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?
Be happy. Care about others. It doesn't take much to smile and say a kind word, but to someone having a bad day it can mean a lot.
9. Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?
I don't think I could stop writing if I tried. :) I just finished a new YA novel titled Broken Aro, so will be getting it ready to send out to the publisher. The sequel to my novel Sweet Light (which comes out in 2011) is also finished and in need of edits. I'm hoping to write a lot more short stories, and I've a number of other books in progress.
10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?
My website is www.jenniferwylie.ca. Be sure to stop my blog too! http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/
Afterwards, we lazed around a bit before I returned her to Ontario where she gave me a picture of her recently released short story, Jump. Click on the picture to check it out.
1.Who is Jennifer Wylie and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?
Well I live in the country, not even in a village, so I don't have a lot of people to fascinate. :D That said I'm a stay at home mom of two darling boys. When I'm not reading or writing (or editing) I putter about with various crafts. Otherwise I try to to be Supermom and keep my chaotic house in some semblance of order. Hmm I suppose I should also note I live in Ontario, Canada. Yes we get a lot of snow. I dislike snow. :P
2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?
Many people would be surprised I write, it's not something I go on and on about, I just simply do it. For those who do know about that, I suppose they'd be surprised to know I have about 50 birds. Now that my writing is keeping me busier I am trying to cut my flock down to a more reasonable size, but I do love my little friends.
3. What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming the Boston Philharmonic conductor?
I started writing in public school, but really got into it in high school. It was just something I wanted to do, needed to do. I have so many stories in my head and they need to come out. I did go to university and get a degree, however things happen, as they tend to do, and I ended up being a Mom rather than finding a career. I wouldn't change that for the world. I didn't write for a number of years when the kids were little, but once they were a bit older and my brain started functioning again the need to write came back. Writing is something I can do from home, so I certainly lucked out there. :)
4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?
Oh my, I don't even know where to start. I love both science fiction and fantasy. I've a million favorites authors for different reasons. I love books that make me feel things. If I had to choose one, the first which pops into my head is Michelle Sagara (Michelle West). I love all of her series, she is such a diverse author!
5. If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?
They will suck you in, they will make you feel. I'm a very emotional person and this really comes out in my writing. I also like to think I tell a superb story! :)
6. Share the Wylie process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.
Goodness, I could almost write a book about this. :) My stories form first in my head. They play out like a movie in my mind and then I write. Sometimes it will come in spurts, other times I may need a while for the perfect scene to form. The characters write themselves, though I do take notes as I write. Research is either things I know, or I use Google. For the most part I make things up. I have no problem writing a chapter out of order if it comes to me first either.
My writing schedule is whenever I have time. Usually in the afternoon, or in the evening after the kids are in bed. I used to hate editing, however now that I'm actually learning HOW to do it, I'm finding it not as bad. My writing is also improving, so I've less things to fix! My first book I went over again and again a million times. My newest which I just finished, I went over twice. I'm having some friends look it over, and then will go over it once more making corrections from their input.
7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”
Apparently everyone writes differently. You'll need to find YOUR perfect way to write. I suggest just sitting down and writing. Try different times of the day, play music or not, just write and see how things go. My biggest advice to anyone who starts and gets stuck – make something bad happen. Kill a character. A good story has conflict, your characters can't have everything happen perfectly. The more things which go wrong the better.
8. I saw an amusing t-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?
Be happy. Care about others. It doesn't take much to smile and say a kind word, but to someone having a bad day it can mean a lot.
9. Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?
I don't think I could stop writing if I tried. :) I just finished a new YA novel titled Broken Aro, so will be getting it ready to send out to the publisher. The sequel to my novel Sweet Light (which comes out in 2011) is also finished and in need of edits. I'm hoping to write a lot more short stories, and I've a number of other books in progress.
10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?
My website is www.jenniferwylie.ca. Be sure to stop my blog too! http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/
Afterwards, we lazed around a bit before I returned her to Ontario where she gave me a picture of her recently released short story, Jump. Click on the picture to check it out.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Around the Globe with SAMANTHA ALLARD
This week I begin a series of author interviews. I'll be travelling to various parts of the world to talk with them (so I may max out my credit card on expenses. lol Just kidding, I make the authors pay my travel expenses. Okay, kidding again. I actually use my newly discovered transporter. Yes, that's the truth.)
I think you'll find the answers to a standard questionnaire very interesting and I encourage you to click on the links and check them out further.
First, I start by hopping across the pond to to accept and invitation to talk with Echelon Press author Samantha Allard, a.k.a. Ella Grey. We're in the Lake District, which took me awhile to find being a few hours from Scotland, but it's full of beautiful hills and grand looking lakes. After walkign around awhile I finally found her sitting under a large umbrella, dressed for December and offering hot chocolate. When I asked her why here, she said, I’ve always liked water and I like how the weather can change so drastically, so quickly. My dad wanted to take a wide shot there, three pictures shot side by side. This only took a few seconds but when he developed the picture he could see the black clouds rolling in. Things can change so quickly.
Who is Samantha Allard and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?
I don’t think I’m the most fascinating person in my town, I’m just complicated but then again aren’t most people?
Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?
One thing that might surprise people is that I use to collect comics, X men, Spiderman and Wolverine, which aren’t the most girly comics in the world.
What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming an astronaut?
As far back as I remember I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Well one time I wanted to be a brain surgeon but it probably wasn’t the most realistic career choice.
Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?
If I could have a meal with any particular writer it would be Stephen King. I have never been able to get into his books but I really admire his work ethic.
If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?
My book would be great entertainment because it will make you laugh. It isn’t a comedy by any stretch of the imagination but it is filled with that dry British humour that we’re known for.
Share the Allard process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.
My process is quite simple. I start with a basic idea, usually it’s a character and then go from there. To me writing is a very fluid process, I see where the story leads me. I usually type faster then I think so there is usually quite a few mistakes that need to be fixed. Thank god for editors.
“I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”
I think if you’re a writer you write. You need to find you own style because in the end I believe to a certain extent a writer can’t be taught. Your skill and style can be refined but a talent to tell a story is something that’s inside of you. You really can’t be anything else.
I saw an amusing t-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?
I’m a complicated woman, that’s not much of a motto for life but the truth.
Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?
At the moment I am working on the sequel to Molly O’Brien, it will turn the expectations of everyone onto its head. This one will be a heist, this time she has to go bigger and better. There is also a story in development about a girl called Art ’Artemis’ Coates. She is part of the hunters, a group mentioned in the novella.
Where can people find more information on you and your projects?
ellagrey@tumblr.co.uk www.myspace.com/ellagrey24
I think you'll find the answers to a standard questionnaire very interesting and I encourage you to click on the links and check them out further.
First, I start by hopping across the pond to to accept and invitation to talk with Echelon Press author Samantha Allard, a.k.a. Ella Grey. We're in the Lake District, which took me awhile to find being a few hours from Scotland, but it's full of beautiful hills and grand looking lakes. After walkign around awhile I finally found her sitting under a large umbrella, dressed for December and offering hot chocolate. When I asked her why here, she said, I’ve always liked water and I like how the weather can change so drastically, so quickly. My dad wanted to take a wide shot there, three pictures shot side by side. This only took a few seconds but when he developed the picture he could see the black clouds rolling in. Things can change so quickly.
Who is Samantha Allard and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?
I don’t think I’m the most fascinating person in my town, I’m just complicated but then again aren’t most people?
Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?
One thing that might surprise people is that I use to collect comics, X men, Spiderman and Wolverine, which aren’t the most girly comics in the world.
What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming an astronaut?
As far back as I remember I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Well one time I wanted to be a brain surgeon but it probably wasn’t the most realistic career choice.
Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?
If I could have a meal with any particular writer it would be Stephen King. I have never been able to get into his books but I really admire his work ethic.
If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?
My book would be great entertainment because it will make you laugh. It isn’t a comedy by any stretch of the imagination but it is filled with that dry British humour that we’re known for.
Share the Allard process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.
My process is quite simple. I start with a basic idea, usually it’s a character and then go from there. To me writing is a very fluid process, I see where the story leads me. I usually type faster then I think so there is usually quite a few mistakes that need to be fixed. Thank god for editors.
“I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”
I think if you’re a writer you write. You need to find you own style because in the end I believe to a certain extent a writer can’t be taught. Your skill and style can be refined but a talent to tell a story is something that’s inside of you. You really can’t be anything else.
I saw an amusing t-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?
I’m a complicated woman, that’s not much of a motto for life but the truth.
Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?
At the moment I am working on the sequel to Molly O’Brien, it will turn the expectations of everyone onto its head. This one will be a heist, this time she has to go bigger and better. There is also a story in development about a girl called Art ’Artemis’ Coates. She is part of the hunters, a group mentioned in the novella.
Where can people find more information on you and your projects?
ellagrey@tumblr.co.uk www.myspace.com/ellagrey24
Thursday, December 2, 2010
David Schlosser, Part 3
I present the final part of my interview with David Schlosser. At writers' conferences, you get time for only a greeting and a couple of questions between seminars. It’s been a pleasure having this time to go more in depth.
What does your company do? Why would someone contact you? What is an analect?
My business card claims I’m a writer, editor, and strategic communications advisor. I need to add pre-/self-/author-funded publishing advisor and publisher. That’s a lot of titles to say that I play with words. I make words do what I or other people want them to do.
- Some of my clients are individuals and companies that need help writing something persuasive, or figuring out how to get a persuasive message in front of the right audience (which may not be entirely aware it needs to be persuaded). This kind of work includes things like strategic plans and campaigns, white papers and case studies, speeches and presentations, web site content, marketing and advertising, fund raising appeals, public/media/government relations materials, editorials and opinion essays, and surveys and research projects.
- Some of my clients already have words, but their words may need fine-tuning or a complete overhaul. I work with organizations and individuals to make sure their content is as clear as humanly possible, so it can have its intended effect on its intended audience. This kind of work ranges from PowerPoint presentations and speeches, to articles and journal submissions, to fiction and non-fiction manuscripts.
- Some of my clients want words, but don’t have the time or ability to put them down, so they retain me to write on their behalf. This kind of work ranges from short to long – newsletter articles to brochures and pamphlets to entire books – and it may be credited to someone else (ghost writing), to no one (most organizational materials and Web content), or to me (journalism).
- I spend an increasing amount of time coaching writers who want to complete a manuscript, or who have a completed manuscript and are trying to decide whether to seek a traditional publishing deal through an agent or publisher, or whether to fund their own publishing venture. I offer a free manuscript review (it’s quick but honest), so I hear from a lot of writers who want to know if their work is ready to send to an agent, publisher, or self-publishing partner.
- Finally, I am starting to do some of my own publishing through Equinoctes Media. We’ve got some really fun novels planned for later this year and into 2011, and my monograph on editing and revising your own manuscript (The CT Method: Revision and Editing for Fiction and Creative Nonfiction) is available in e-book format from just about every e-book retailer.
An analect is something gathered or picked up, and most people are familiar with its plural use in relation to collections of literary fragments or extracts from the classical authors. It describes the varied nature of the kinds of writing I do.
From what I've read on your site and discussions I've had with you, this sounds like an evolution of careers. How did you grow into this particular line of employment?
My work life started in politics, and after about a decade of campaigns and lobbying, I decided to go straight. I got into pubic relations for a few years, but – of course – learned that career path was as zig-zaggy as politics (and, honestly, not as much fun). When the dot-com turned to the dot-bomb back at the turn of the century, I was working with a terrific little technology PR agency, but could see what direction the economy was moving. So I jumped out and opened my own practice focused on writing and strategic communications consulting.
I worked in and out of corporate life for a few years, including helping an author-services company called Groundbreaking Press get off the ground and managing the international PR team of a Fortune 500 technology company. Since about 2005, I’ve evolved more and more into writing and editing, since those careers are more accommodating to relocation with my wife’s corporate career track. I took a couple of brief sojourns in politics during those years, but stay pretty focused on my client’s work and my own.
If I can help any of your readers with any of those topics, they can get in touch with me through my Web site at http://www.analects-ink.com/. You can also reach me through Twitter @dbschlosser and Facebook http://facebook.com/dbschlosser
What does your company do? Why would someone contact you? What is an analect?
My business card claims I’m a writer, editor, and strategic communications advisor. I need to add pre-/self-/author-funded publishing advisor and publisher. That’s a lot of titles to say that I play with words. I make words do what I or other people want them to do.
- Some of my clients are individuals and companies that need help writing something persuasive, or figuring out how to get a persuasive message in front of the right audience (which may not be entirely aware it needs to be persuaded). This kind of work includes things like strategic plans and campaigns, white papers and case studies, speeches and presentations, web site content, marketing and advertising, fund raising appeals, public/media/government relations materials, editorials and opinion essays, and surveys and research projects.
- Some of my clients already have words, but their words may need fine-tuning or a complete overhaul. I work with organizations and individuals to make sure their content is as clear as humanly possible, so it can have its intended effect on its intended audience. This kind of work ranges from PowerPoint presentations and speeches, to articles and journal submissions, to fiction and non-fiction manuscripts.
- Some of my clients want words, but don’t have the time or ability to put them down, so they retain me to write on their behalf. This kind of work ranges from short to long – newsletter articles to brochures and pamphlets to entire books – and it may be credited to someone else (ghost writing), to no one (most organizational materials and Web content), or to me (journalism).
- I spend an increasing amount of time coaching writers who want to complete a manuscript, or who have a completed manuscript and are trying to decide whether to seek a traditional publishing deal through an agent or publisher, or whether to fund their own publishing venture. I offer a free manuscript review (it’s quick but honest), so I hear from a lot of writers who want to know if their work is ready to send to an agent, publisher, or self-publishing partner.
- Finally, I am starting to do some of my own publishing through Equinoctes Media. We’ve got some really fun novels planned for later this year and into 2011, and my monograph on editing and revising your own manuscript (The CT Method: Revision and Editing for Fiction and Creative Nonfiction) is available in e-book format from just about every e-book retailer.
An analect is something gathered or picked up, and most people are familiar with its plural use in relation to collections of literary fragments or extracts from the classical authors. It describes the varied nature of the kinds of writing I do.
From what I've read on your site and discussions I've had with you, this sounds like an evolution of careers. How did you grow into this particular line of employment?
My work life started in politics, and after about a decade of campaigns and lobbying, I decided to go straight. I got into pubic relations for a few years, but – of course – learned that career path was as zig-zaggy as politics (and, honestly, not as much fun). When the dot-com turned to the dot-bomb back at the turn of the century, I was working with a terrific little technology PR agency, but could see what direction the economy was moving. So I jumped out and opened my own practice focused on writing and strategic communications consulting.
I worked in and out of corporate life for a few years, including helping an author-services company called Groundbreaking Press get off the ground and managing the international PR team of a Fortune 500 technology company. Since about 2005, I’ve evolved more and more into writing and editing, since those careers are more accommodating to relocation with my wife’s corporate career track. I took a couple of brief sojourns in politics during those years, but stay pretty focused on my client’s work and my own.
If I can help any of your readers with any of those topics, they can get in touch with me through my Web site at http://www.analects-ink.com/. You can also reach me through Twitter @dbschlosser and Facebook http://facebook.com/dbschlosser
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