So I'd like to take a moment and say that this blog is more than reviews of podcast novels. From time to time, I'll review a short story podcast like Escape Pod (next week maybe), and even some non-fiction podcasts. This will at least give me time to catch up on my listening, and be able to provide better reviews.
That said, the past week and a half or so, I've been listening to Mur Lafferty's podcast "I Should Be Writing". I started at the beginning of the 'cast, at which time she had not yet published her novel, or even finished it for that matter. (A side note, "Playing for Keeps" did wonderfully on the amazon charts, being released this past Monday.) In Mur's own words, ISBW is a "podcast for wannabe writer, by a wannabe writer." In the 'cast, Mur lays it down, and tells it like it is. Almost harsh at times, she removes excuses, provides helpful tips, and tells the listener to just start writing. There are no secrets, no magic potion that "great" writers have found (aside from maybe coffee?). All it takes to write, is to write. The episodes are rather short, on the order of 15-20 minutes, but it's long enough for Mur to cover one small topic in the process of getting started in writing. Instead of feeling like a writing seminar or workshop, it's got the feeling of sitting down over a warm beverage, and just talking about writing with a soon-to-be new friend. Casual, easy to listen to, and as such hits you smack in the face with the truth, "Just do it."
In my listening, I'm moving forward into the processes, and Mur's experiences, with trying to get published. The rejections, the rewrites, the re-rewrites, etc. and I might give updates on how the 'cast progresses. Each episode, Mur also gives updates on her own personal writing projects and progress. The 'cast has been running since late 2005, so it might take me a while to catch up, but it has been fun listening to the contrast between her talk about her hard work then, and hear her podcast novel, "Playing for Keeps", just recently published.
Moving on to my own projects, at some point, about 4 years ago, I fancied myself a Sci-Fi writer. I had written about 6 short stories, none of which were published, before finding my time for writing had run off somewhere to hide for a while. In listening to ISBW, I have regained my desire to write, and will be searching for the runaway time. I'll keep everyone updated here on what projects I'm working on, and how far along they might be.
You also may have noticed the new picture on the right. Yes, I have joined NANOWRIMO. The National Novel Writing Month, which is a frenzied outpouring of words in the month of November. The goal is 50,000 words from November 1 to November 31. No edits or rewrites, just writing as much and as fast as possible. I don't have any ideas for it yet, but will be working on it, outlining it, and possibly give some character interviews here and on the NANOWRIMO forums. If interested, my UN is CDspace, and my profile page is here.
I suppose that's all for now. Next week, nothing planned, but I'll find something to talk about.
A small update, I've got the internet at home now, although it's not exactly reliable. So, totally unrelated to the blog, my Zune card at the top will be updating now. It's been stuck for about a month. Also, due to my frelance programming work, I've got myself a 22" LCD monitor. I'll be getting another LCD monitor, and then a high quality headset/microphone. At that point, I'll begin looking into making this an actual podcast. Also at that point, project Cast-A-Line will begin taking shape. So things are rolling people. Slowly, but at least moving.
I Should Be Writing
NANOWRIMO
Escape Pod
Showing posts with label Cast-A-Line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cast-A-Line. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
I'll Be Back Soon
Okay, so quick update on the status of this blog. First, over the past week I've been in the process of moving. It's amazing how much stuff fits in a two bedroom apartment. The next week will be spent unpacking and setting up the new place. The computers are already set up, of course, but at the moment I have no internet connection at home. That will be set up soon.
Second, I've gotten a few freelance programming jobs. It's been fun, give me a little spending money, but takes up alot of time. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed it, but it's still been a major factor to my lack of free time. Lack of free time limits how much I can listen to these podiobooks I'm supposed to be reviewing.
Third, I've been in the search for a new, better paying, hopefully less stressful job. Several opportunities have arisen, and look promising.
I can, however, give a quick review of the podiobook "Playing for Keeps", by Mur Lafferty. I've only gotten to the third episode, but it quickly grabbed my interest. As a summary, Seventh City is the home of the Academy, a school for superheroes. The city is full of people with superpowers, which some use for good, some for 'evil', and some, the 'Third-Wavers', have powers that aren't exactly useful for either side. Now, just from that, it almost sounds like this a cheesy rip-off of X-Men. But, even after the first chapter, the protagonist, Keepsie, and her cynical view on the Academy, the superheroes and supervillains, and her 'unique' power make this a podiobook worth following. The listener is drawn into life with Keepsie and her friends. From the pointof view of those rejected from the Academy, the line between hero and villain becomes blurred, as does the role of the Third-Wave power wielding citizens of Seventh City. Like I said, I'm only into the third episode, but I'm greatly looking forward to where this book is going.
Finally a quick plug for Mur. Playing for Keeps is coming out in print on August 25. Mur and her fans are calling to everyone to purchase the book on Amazon.com on that day. Since it's coming out from a small publisher, it isn't going to get much press or attention. If everyone goes to Amazon.com, and gets the book on release day, we can push it up the charts and then everyone can see it, buy it, and Mur and the book will be noticed by those outside the podiobook world. Check out www.playingforkeepsnovel.com for more info, and to subscribe and download this great podiobook.
Finally, thanks to anyone who has read this blog at all, and especially to those who are watching to see when I come back. Previous plans have not been canceled, just postponed. Hoefully, within 2 weeks or less, I'll be back to weekly postings reviewing great podiobooks, and the surprises mentioned before will come. I promise.
Second, I've gotten a few freelance programming jobs. It's been fun, give me a little spending money, but takes up alot of time. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed it, but it's still been a major factor to my lack of free time. Lack of free time limits how much I can listen to these podiobooks I'm supposed to be reviewing.
Third, I've been in the search for a new, better paying, hopefully less stressful job. Several opportunities have arisen, and look promising.
I can, however, give a quick review of the podiobook "Playing for Keeps", by Mur Lafferty. I've only gotten to the third episode, but it quickly grabbed my interest. As a summary, Seventh City is the home of the Academy, a school for superheroes. The city is full of people with superpowers, which some use for good, some for 'evil', and some, the 'Third-Wavers', have powers that aren't exactly useful for either side. Now, just from that, it almost sounds like this a cheesy rip-off of X-Men. But, even after the first chapter, the protagonist, Keepsie, and her cynical view on the Academy, the superheroes and supervillains, and her 'unique' power make this a podiobook worth following. The listener is drawn into life with Keepsie and her friends. From the pointof view of those rejected from the Academy, the line between hero and villain becomes blurred, as does the role of the Third-Wave power wielding citizens of Seventh City. Like I said, I'm only into the third episode, but I'm greatly looking forward to where this book is going.
Finally a quick plug for Mur. Playing for Keeps is coming out in print on August 25. Mur and her fans are calling to everyone to purchase the book on Amazon.com on that day. Since it's coming out from a small publisher, it isn't going to get much press or attention. If everyone goes to Amazon.com, and gets the book on release day, we can push it up the charts and then everyone can see it, buy it, and Mur and the book will be noticed by those outside the podiobook world. Check out www.playingforkeepsnovel.com for more info, and to subscribe and download this great podiobook.
Finally, thanks to anyone who has read this blog at all, and especially to those who are watching to see when I come back. Previous plans have not been canceled, just postponed. Hoefully, within 2 weeks or less, I'll be back to weekly postings reviewing great podiobooks, and the surprises mentioned before will come. I promise.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I'm sorry, I have to take a break...for now
Alas, just when it seems to be working, it all comes crashing down. I've gotten some more hits on here, had some fun surprises planned, and got started on the actual review posts. It all seemed to be going so well, and then I picked up a project, not realizing how much time it would take up. Then I'm moving, and don't have the internet for a few weeks. Then more turmoil in my personal life, and I haven't had time to listen to the podcasts I'd said I'd review this week. For now, I'm going to put this blog on the back burner. No it won't disappear, it just won't be like last week. It will probably go back to how it was before that, just reviewing when I can, and what I can. By the end of the month, I should have the internet back at the new place, and the project will be finished, and I'll pick back up on the format podcast reviewing. Until then, keep me in your list, I'll still put up quick reviews of whatever I find the time to listen to. I apologize for taking so long to get this up and running, but it was a spur of the moment project, and not entirely thought out.
GOAL: have a plan for this blog by the end of the month, and stick to it. (Re)start the Monday posts
Again, I'm sorry if you were looking forward to this blog getting started, but just a few weeks, and I'll be ready to keep this blog running reliably.
GOAL: have a plan for this blog by the end of the month, and stick to it. (Re)start the Monday posts
Again, I'm sorry if you were looking forward to this blog getting started, but just a few weeks, and I'll be ready to keep this blog running reliably.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Darkness, embryos, and a big bug?
Sorry for the delay in getting this post up, work gets in the way sometimes. In this episode, JC Hutchins' Obsidian, Scott Sigler's Ancestor, and Scott Sigler's Bloodcast, Season 1. Links to all these at the end of the post.
An update on Cast-A-Line, all is going well. There is so much more interest that I could have hoped. It will still be a little while before this really begins to take shape. The project was really about finding out if there was any interest in this in the first place. Since it seems there is tremendous interest, I have to start thinking about the next step. While I won't say what the project is, I will say it is the first step towards making this a real podcast, and will hopefully get the word out more, and drive traffic this way. The next step is figuring out how I want to record a podcast, getting the headset for it, and finding time to do this. I'm in the middle of a move right now, so it probably will be about a month before anything tangible shows up.
Yesterday I heard the first of JC Hutchins' "Voices from the Darkness" Obsidian episodes. If you recall, Obsidian is an anthology of stories from a variety of authors, including listeners. The listeners were invited to record their own voicemails, "cloverfield style", and let JC know what it is/was like to live through the chaos after the nationwide blackout. These voicemails, MP3s, and videos were put into the "Voices from the Darkness" episodes. Let me just say, that was creepy. And amazing, but creepy. I heard the first one on the bus yesterday, and listening to those calls, I started looking at the others on the bus, wondering if they were going to start looting or rioting, and if I was going to have to make one of those calls myself (which I can't, the deadline for Obsidian submissions was yesterday, I think).
Another anthology I've started listening to is Scott Sigler's Bloodcast, Season 1. Now, let's make a note here, Season 2 has been tentatively scheduled for 09, and Season 1 is dated back in 04-05. Maybe Sigler just got busy, what with book deals, movie talks, a trilogy to finish, etc. (way to go Sigler, on a roll, don't stop now). I can't go into a summary of all the stories in this series, but I can say, the stories all seem to start out innocently enough. But soon, they get their first, seemingly unbelievable, twist. Further on, the twist, which you couldn't believe was true, was too outrageous to be true, turns out to be just that, true. From there, in true Sigler style, the action ensues. Then, before it can really hit you that it all really did just happen, he throws another twist at you to wrap things up nice and neat. Sigler is an awesome writer, with some incredible ideas. I'd like to recommend at least Episode 4 of Bloodcast, and you'll hear why in the next episode.
Over the past week, while waiting for the next episode of Infected to come out (note to Sigler, I'm still waiting), I've started listening to Ancestor, again by the Future Dark Overlord Scott Sigler. (Is there too much Sigler this week, I don't know. If I start chanting for Pope Siglericus XXX, take cover, hide your children, and ... paint lambs blood on your door frame)
Ancestor, at it's core, is about the quest for growing human transplantable organs in animals. Some companies are trying to grow these organs in existing animals, pigs, monkeys. The risk with that is the possibility of a transgenetic virus. A virus that existed in the animal, and with the introduction of human DNA, mutated to a form that could infect humans...humans with no natural defense. Result, epidemic and death. This is how the book starts out, and the outbreak is contained and destroyed quickly. The CIA begins trying to shut down other companies doing the same sort of research. One company, however, is trying to build a new animal, combining DNA from mammals all over the world in an attempt to build the great-granddaddy of all mammals, with human organ traits. They succeed, and the new animal, aptly named the Ancestor, is born.
This book is peppered with Sigler's great ideas, the suspense we've grown to love from him, and, of course, his horrific style. Between the genetics company, the CIA tying to stop them, and trying to keep knowledge from the general public, this book has enough sci-fi, politics, black-ops, and intrigue to keep most readers happy. I should note here, that even Sigler adds a warning that this podiobook might not be suitable for youngsters, with all the violence, language, and blood. My only vice with this book, from what I've heard so far (I'm only a quarter of the way through it), is that it almost seems predictable. Almost. But I trust Sigler to come to these points with his usual twists and turns, throwing anything I think might happen out the window on the lawn.
Update on Ancestor, The Truth
Click the links below to check out these podiobooks.
Obsidian
Bloodcast, Season 1
"Pick-of-the-Week" Ancestor
Next week, Stranger Things, TD-0013, and, hopefully, a new Infected episode.
An update on Cast-A-Line, all is going well. There is so much more interest that I could have hoped. It will still be a little while before this really begins to take shape. The project was really about finding out if there was any interest in this in the first place. Since it seems there is tremendous interest, I have to start thinking about the next step. While I won't say what the project is, I will say it is the first step towards making this a real podcast, and will hopefully get the word out more, and drive traffic this way. The next step is figuring out how I want to record a podcast, getting the headset for it, and finding time to do this. I'm in the middle of a move right now, so it probably will be about a month before anything tangible shows up.
Yesterday I heard the first of JC Hutchins' "Voices from the Darkness" Obsidian episodes. If you recall, Obsidian is an anthology of stories from a variety of authors, including listeners. The listeners were invited to record their own voicemails, "cloverfield style", and let JC know what it is/was like to live through the chaos after the nationwide blackout. These voicemails, MP3s, and videos were put into the "Voices from the Darkness" episodes. Let me just say, that was creepy. And amazing, but creepy. I heard the first one on the bus yesterday, and listening to those calls, I started looking at the others on the bus, wondering if they were going to start looting or rioting, and if I was going to have to make one of those calls myself (which I can't, the deadline for Obsidian submissions was yesterday, I think).
Another anthology I've started listening to is Scott Sigler's Bloodcast, Season 1. Now, let's make a note here, Season 2 has been tentatively scheduled for 09, and Season 1 is dated back in 04-05. Maybe Sigler just got busy, what with book deals, movie talks, a trilogy to finish, etc. (way to go Sigler, on a roll, don't stop now). I can't go into a summary of all the stories in this series, but I can say, the stories all seem to start out innocently enough. But soon, they get their first, seemingly unbelievable, twist. Further on, the twist, which you couldn't believe was true, was too outrageous to be true, turns out to be just that, true. From there, in true Sigler style, the action ensues. Then, before it can really hit you that it all really did just happen, he throws another twist at you to wrap things up nice and neat. Sigler is an awesome writer, with some incredible ideas. I'd like to recommend at least Episode 4 of Bloodcast, and you'll hear why in the next episode.
Over the past week, while waiting for the next episode of Infected to come out (note to Sigler, I'm still waiting), I've started listening to Ancestor, again by the Future Dark Overlord Scott Sigler. (Is there too much Sigler this week, I don't know. If I start chanting for Pope Siglericus XXX, take cover, hide your children, and ... paint lambs blood on your door frame)
Ancestor, at it's core, is about the quest for growing human transplantable organs in animals. Some companies are trying to grow these organs in existing animals, pigs, monkeys. The risk with that is the possibility of a transgenetic virus. A virus that existed in the animal, and with the introduction of human DNA, mutated to a form that could infect humans...humans with no natural defense. Result, epidemic and death. This is how the book starts out, and the outbreak is contained and destroyed quickly. The CIA begins trying to shut down other companies doing the same sort of research. One company, however, is trying to build a new animal, combining DNA from mammals all over the world in an attempt to build the great-granddaddy of all mammals, with human organ traits. They succeed, and the new animal, aptly named the Ancestor, is born.
This book is peppered with Sigler's great ideas, the suspense we've grown to love from him, and, of course, his horrific style. Between the genetics company, the CIA tying to stop them, and trying to keep knowledge from the general public, this book has enough sci-fi, politics, black-ops, and intrigue to keep most readers happy. I should note here, that even Sigler adds a warning that this podiobook might not be suitable for youngsters, with all the violence, language, and blood. My only vice with this book, from what I've heard so far (I'm only a quarter of the way through it), is that it almost seems predictable. Almost. But I trust Sigler to come to these points with his usual twists and turns, throwing anything I think might happen out the window on the lawn.
Update on Ancestor, The Truth
Click the links below to check out these podiobooks.
Obsidian
Bloodcast, Season 1
"Pick-of-the-Week" Ancestor
Next week, Stranger Things, TD-0013, and, hopefully, a new Infected episode.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
LHC Activation
First the link
LHC Countdown
Now, the LHC is the Large Hadron Collider. This is the largest particle accelerator to date. They will be speeding particles up to energies only dreamed of before...and then smash them together. No one knows what will happen. This device will be used to simulate (we think) the conditions just after the big bang. Some are afraid it will create another big bang, mini-black hole, or something totally unknown but very destructive. Again, we don't know what will happen when they turn this thing on.
Assuming we are all still here by the beginning of next week, I'll give my preliminary review of Scott Sigler's Ancestor.
Normal post days will now be Monday. This should give commuters time to download any new and interesting podiobooks mentioned in the post, and listen to during their weekday commute. For others, it will give time to research the book, read other reviews, and get things set up for a weekend listen. See you on Monday!
PS: Quick update on Cast-A-Line, I've put out feelers for this project, and gotten a good response so far. I've got a few more emails to send before I decide to even go ahead with this project, but if I do, it should be an awesome next couple of months!
LHC Countdown
Now, the LHC is the Large Hadron Collider. This is the largest particle accelerator to date. They will be speeding particles up to energies only dreamed of before...and then smash them together. No one knows what will happen. This device will be used to simulate (we think) the conditions just after the big bang. Some are afraid it will create another big bang, mini-black hole, or something totally unknown but very destructive. Again, we don't know what will happen when they turn this thing on.
Assuming we are all still here by the beginning of next week, I'll give my preliminary review of Scott Sigler's Ancestor.
Normal post days will now be Monday. This should give commuters time to download any new and interesting podiobooks mentioned in the post, and listen to during their weekday commute. For others, it will give time to research the book, read other reviews, and get things set up for a weekend listen. See you on Monday!
PS: Quick update on Cast-A-Line, I've put out feelers for this project, and gotten a good response so far. I've got a few more emails to send before I decide to even go ahead with this project, but if I do, it should be an awesome next couple of months!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
More updates
More on the subject of what this blog is becoming.
First, I will start reviewing podcasts/podiobooks here, as text posts, along with some plugs for favorite authors, "picks of the week", and recommendations.
What I'm thinking is going to happen, is this blog reviewing podcasts might turn into a podcast itself. This hasn't been decided upon yet (I hate the sound of my own voice), but it is an idea on the table. I'm not even sure I'd have enough material for a podcast.
Further, I've started the ball rolling on some ideas and possible surprises (call it Project Cast-A-Line), so add me as a homepage and stay tuned. I don't want to say any more about it yet, but these ideas could be what launches this blog into the mainstream, and possibly the starting episodes of the podcast.
If anyone has recommendation on podcasting software, and audio editing tools, drop me a line. Note, I don't have the money to spend on software, so free and open source software is best.
First, I will start reviewing podcasts/podiobooks here, as text posts, along with some plugs for favorite authors, "picks of the week", and recommendations.
What I'm thinking is going to happen, is this blog reviewing podcasts might turn into a podcast itself. This hasn't been decided upon yet (I hate the sound of my own voice), but it is an idea on the table. I'm not even sure I'd have enough material for a podcast.
Further, I've started the ball rolling on some ideas and possible surprises (call it Project Cast-A-Line), so add me as a homepage and stay tuned. I don't want to say any more about it yet, but these ideas could be what launches this blog into the mainstream, and possibly the starting episodes of the podcast.
If anyone has recommendation on podcasting software, and audio editing tools, drop me a line. Note, I don't have the money to spend on software, so free and open source software is best.
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