Rules

There are rules for everything and everyone, some good, some bad, Some boring, but never ones that are fun.

“Don’t do that, it’s wack. Act like this and you won’t get dissed.”

“Don’t say that; talk like this if you wanna be cool.”

“You can’t love your same gender. But remember a serial adulterer Who habitually lies can be a contender for the Second Coming, if He’s not bumming guys. “

 Dress like this if you wish to get kissed; look like this if you don’t want To be dismissed a fool.”

We’ve become slaves to these rules, afraid to be called fools, and have Become tools of our own prisons, digging our graves deeper, the dirt Piling high, burying ourselves alive, because we’re scared to get hurt. But is it worth it?

We are given the illusion of individuality, in so far as we stick to the Guidelines of what it means to be an outsider.

“Don’t like that, it’s too mainstream; check this out, it’s legit lit.”

“Don’t think like that, you’re brainwashed by the powers that be. Here, Read this book on post postmodernism and see the plight of the masses, Then you’ll be just like me.”

“Don’t buy from Walmart, because their workers are paid slave wages,” she says from her multi-million-dollar mansion in a Country, lest we forget, built upon the death of millions who were Only three-fifths a Person.

There are even rules for having not rules.

“Only read books about anarchism and only talk to people who Believe In anarchism or you’re not a real anarchist.”

“Don’t confirm to anything, but don’t be like us, you poser.”

Rules were meant to establish order and instead have become tools Of control.

As for me?

I have a new goal: to be free.

See, I don’t need rules for how to be me.

So, I say screw the rules and do you, boo.

To All the Boys I Have Loved

One: hair golden as the sun. You were the best friend I didn’t know I was missing. Granted, the whole time we were hanging, I was wishing we were kissing. Though you never knew how my heart melted whenever I was around you, I’ll always remember you, boo.

Two: I was a fool for ever getting with you. We met online and that should have been a sign not to date your behind. It was fun at first, then it was the worst. I felt suffocated, then grew jaded as our love faded. I thought my heart would burst without you, but I ended things anyway. That’s when you became jerk, not respecting my boundaries or space. To this day, thoughts of you make me want to punch your face.

Three: you were a disgrace. You said you loved me, but now I see you just wanted the D. I could go on, but I’ll be quick. You thought you were slick, but you’re just a giant dick.

You make me sick.

Four: you shook me to the core. One look at you, and I was through. But I was crazy to ever think you’d get with me. I now see, I was a fool for breaking every rule when it came to you.

Still lovelorn?

Maybe.

Scorned?

Nope!

But baby, we could have been dope.

There are more, but I’m sure by now you’re wishing this poem would end.

To the one yet to come: Don’t worry, no hurry.

I’ve given up all hope of ever loving again.

JJ Interview 1

Introduction

Today I’ll be doing a character interview with Joshua “JJ” Giovanni, one of the main characters from my WIP.

Tyerone Johnson: Welcome, Joshua. Why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

Joshua Giovanni: First off,  it’s JJ or Josh, never Joshua. Second, why are you interviewing me? I’m nothing special.

TJ: That’s an interesting point that I’ll come back to later. However, to answer your question, I think potential readers would benefit from learning more about you, seeing as how you’re a point of view character. So, why don’t we start with the basics. What’s your full name and birth date, and what are your likes, hobbies, and interests.

JJ (Sighing and looking at his feet): My name’s Joshua Joseph Giovanni, and I was born April 1, 2003. I like comedies, telling jokes, and…

TJ: Something the matter?

JJ: That’s a lie. I don’t like telling jokes. I just do that because it’s what people expect of me.

TJ: So, what do you like, then?

JJ: I like anime, manga, comics, MMO’s, tabletop games, and sci-fi and horror movies. The cheesier the better. No one knows this, but I love science and technology, even though I’m not the greatest at either. But I try, you know?

TJ: Interesting. Why don’t you share these passions with your friends?

JJ: Because the last time I started talking about Zelda or Dragon Ball Z, my friends got quiet and looked at me like I was a freak.

TJ: Well, that’s not right. Don’t you have anyone you can be yourself with?

JJ: I mean, David and Jason are kinda cool with me geeking out occasionally, but mostly I save that stuff for my net friends.

TJ: It sucks when you can’t be your true self around people, right?

JJ: Yeah. I have a ton of “friends,” but none of them know the real me.

TJ: And who’s that?

JJ (cheeks flushing): I don’t know. Like I said earlier, I’m nobody special. I’m just a shrimpy, redheaded, gay wad, who’s all alone. It’s not even like people like me all that much. I bet if I just up and killed myself, no one would even notice I was gone.

TJ: You know that’s not true. I’m sure your parents–

JJ: Couldn’t care less about me. I only see them two or three times a month max, so it’s not like killing myself would make any difference to them. Hell, they’d prolly be pissed they had to take off work to bury me.

TJ: Josh, aren’t you a Catholic?

JJ: Yeah, so?

TJ: Isn’t suicide a mortal sin?  

JJ: Yeah, but I’m going to hell for being gay anyway, so what difference would it make?

TJ: Okay, but wouldn’t you miss things like love?

JJ: I guess, but then who’d love me? I mean in all the stories I’ve read they make it seem so easy. You just go up to a guy, ask to hang out with him, you hook up, and then you’re a couple. But it’s not like that at all.

TJ: How is it then?

JJ (shuffles his feet and groans): Do I have to answer that?

TJ: Yes.

JJ: I have a crush on Travis, right?

TJ: Go on.

JJ: Well, I’ve kinda been bullying him for years.

TJ: And why would you do that?

JJ: At first, it was because the others were doing it and I wanted to fit it.

TJ: Mmhhm. Peer pressure can be such an insidious beast. Go on.

JJ: Then…things changed.

TJ: How?

JJ: The summer between sixth and seventh grade, it was like a switch was flipped and I liked guys. Then when school started again, to my shock, I found myself increasingly attracted to Travis.

TJ: Then why did you continue bullying him?

JJ: I know this is gonna sound messed up, but it was the only way I could be near him without people getting suspicious.

TJ: Have you ever stopped to think that maybe you need some new friends who wouldn’t care about your being gay and geeky?

JJ: All the fucking time, but I don’t want to be alone either, so…

TJ: Well, do you feel alone when you’re with your friends?

JJ: Besides David and Jason, yeah!

TJ: Then perhaps it’s better to be alone, than surrounded by people who only allow you to show one side of yourself.

JJ: No! I can’t go back to being by myself.

TJ: Why not?

JJ: Because then I’d constantly be reminded of how average I am. How I’m just a weak sauce, nothing burger with a side order of epic fail.

TJ: Why do you have such a low opinion of yourself? Aren’t you smart enough to get mostly A’s and a few B’s without studying?

JJ (mumbling): I guess.

TJ: And whether you like to admit it or not, you have a gift with jokes.

JJ: That’s only because I’m playing to a crowd that makes the people on the short bus look like Mensa material.

TJ: And aren’t you the one who suggested AP Prep start a robotics/STEM club?

JJ: Yeah, but it’s not like the administration even bothered to take me seriously.

TJ: I’m sensing a theme here. Tell me, do you think being in a relationship will fix all your problems?

JJ: That’s what always happens in all the stories I read.

TJ: Has it ever occurred to you that actual relationships are far more complicated than what’s presented in the media, and that no one should be burdened with fixing all your problems?

JJ (glaring): When you’re in love with someone, you’ll do anything to make them happy. Nothing will keep you apart from them. You’ll sacrifice anything and everything to be with them.

TJ: While that’s admirable, the truth is being in love isn’t a panacea. Just because you love someone and they love you, doesn’t mean you should be together, especially if you have psychological issues and emotional baggage to work out first.

JJ (storms off): Screw you!

Conclusion

Perhaps I pushed Josh too hard there? But what do you think? Would you like to know more about him? And if so, what?

Let me know in the comments.

Prometheus Character Interview 1

Introduction

This is the next in an ongoing series where I interview characters from my dark fantasy, sci-fi young adult series, The Phoenix Diaries. Last time you got to know Travis Turner, and today you’ll be meeting the other protagonist.

Interview

Tyerone Johnson: If you don’t mind, why don’t you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about yourself.

Prometheus: Why should I? It aint like you care about me no how. It’s always about Travis. Meanwhile, I’m sitting around with my dick in my hands waiting for you to remember I exist.

TJ: It sounds like you feel neglected.

P: Wouldn’t you be? Hell, Josh gets more page time than me.

TJ: Well, you’ll be happy to know that in the rewrite, I’m expanding your role, complete with your own character arc.

P: And why should I believe that?

TJ: (sighing) We’ll talk about this later, but why don’t you tell us about yourself. For starters, what do you like to go by? Pro, Prometheus—

P:You can call me His Royal Highness, Prince Pho—

TJ:  Hold it right there. This is a spoiler free interview.

P: A’ight, then just call me P. But before we go any further, I’mma let you know right now, I aint no punk ass, soft type nigga like Travis. So, you aint gonna be bossing me around like you do him.

TJ:  One, watch your language. Two, you will behave, or you can forget about any more page time. Three, why such hostilities toward Travis?

P: You’d hate that nig—negro , too, if you’d spent ten years locked up in his head. See, I’m all about having fun, and he’s so uptight I’m surprised my mans don’t be crapping out mini black hole.

TJ: Do you think the reason you resent Travis so much is because, deep down, you’re the same?

P: Hell, fuck, naw! I ain’t nothing like that dude.

TJ: So you aren’t driven to be the strongest fighter in the universe?

P: Yeah, but that only so I can one-up Trav.

TJ: And you aren’t stubborn, sarcastic, and short-tempered?

P: I mean, yeah. But other than that, I aint nothing like him. Anything he feels something, he loses his shit. Now me on the other hand, I’m laid back, and hella chilled.

TJ: Except when it comes to proving you’re better than Travis, and being the Torin Prince, you mean.

P: You got me.

TJ: Why do you think it is you resent Travis so much?”

P: I thought this was an interview, not a therapy session.

TJ: Can’t it be both?

P: (shugging) I mean, he has not one but two families and couldn’t give a shit ’bout either of them. Meanwhile, I’m over here and can’t even see my parents unless I’m in The Cave.

TJ: This provides an excellent segue. The Cave is where you discovered your true heritage, correct?

P:  Yeah.

TJ: It’s also where your powers fully awakened, right?

 P: Yup.

TJ: You and Travis share abilities, but why do you suppose certain ones come easier for you?

P: I guess because I more open about my emotions and treat training like a game.

TJ: Good. And would you say you live your life that way?

P: I dunno. I mean, when it comes to life, I just take things as they come. You know, get money, fuck bitches, die happy. Ya mean?

TJ: So no greater ambitions in life?

P: I mean, one day I might settle down, have a few kids, but right now it’s all about having fun. Hash tag YOLO.

TJ: From what you’ve said, you don’t seem to think things through. Do you think this is why you often find yourself in trouble?

P: Hey partner, it’s the other way around. Trouble always finds me. I’m just over here doing my thing and shit happens.

TJ: Moving on, tell me a bit more about yourself, what type of things do you like to do when you’re not training or fighting evil aliens?

P:Like I said, I love the ladies, and could spend all day laying that pipe. I also love me some Burger King and McDonald’s, and am never one to pass up a little herb and that Henny. Ya feel me?

TJ: Right. Anything else you’d liked to tell us?

P: The series should just be about me. It would be hella dope and I’d be like a black Goku up in this piece.

TJ: Yes. Well, before we end things, would you mind telling the readers what music you like?

P: I like Rap. None of that trap, mumbling crap, but real rap. You know? Biggie, Pac, KRS One, Public Enemy, Arrested Development, Jay-Z, Nas, And early DMX.

TJ: right, so what would you say is your theme song?

P:  Easy. Part Up by my man DMX. I fucking love training to that. It gets me super hyped.

TJ: Last question. How do you think your life would have turned out had you bonded with someone else?

P: I can’t say. Maybe I’d have turned out all emo like Travis without anyone to bitch at. Or maybe I’d be the same.

TJ: Thanks for doing this this interview.

P: Not like I had a choice in it.

Call to Action

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Readers Don’t Owe You Shit

R

Introduction

Recently, I read an article on medium.com about how diversity has become a genre onto itself, something that I plan to write about in a later post.

However, what struck me about this article, and why it prompted me to write this in response, was how the white, cis, het,  male writer lamented about how political correctness had gone too far and was hurting people like him.

The example he gave was how people used to come up to him while at restaurants—he supposes to get his autograph, but they were too shy to ask him—before the boycott of North Carolina’s infamous bathroom bill that forced transgender people to use the bathroom of the gender they were assigned at birth instead of the one they identified with.

He then went on to talk about how it’s historically inaccurate to have black and other marginalized people in stories set in medieval Europe, even though a cursory search would have revealed African and Arab people where around back then; they were just called Moors and blackamoors or black Moors.

This is an old retort from writers not willing to have marginalized people in their stories, and this post was just another in the long procession of posts that have been written decrying how white people are no longer the center of the world and can no longer spout their bigoted views with impunity.

Content Creators Owe Us Nothing.

However, one thing I agree with this writer on is how he doesn’t have to include diverse characters in his stories.

No one should be forced to create stories and characters they don’t want to, because doing so results in content that rings hollow and doesn’t please anyone.

In recent years, there has been a push for more diverse works, and if a content creator misses the mark on one or more areas of representation, this result is harsh criticism, which is fine. However, making death threats and ruining people’s lives because they didn’t create something to your liking is not fucking okay.

Sure, boycott said creators and their work all you want because capitalism is supposed to be about voting with your dollars. But what you can’t do is demand they create things you want.

Content creators don’t owe us shit.

However, the reverse is also true.

Don’t Expect Us to Show Up

If writers and others don’t create stories with diverse characters, then they can’t complain when people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and other marginalized people don’t buy said content.

I could spend my time and money on a million things. So why should I consume media that doesn’t deem people like me worthy enough to be in it?

I’m not saying every story must have diverse characters, but the default shouldn’t be white, cis, het ones either.

Conclusion

Content creators should be free to make whatever media they want, and marginalized folks should have media that reflects them.

What should we do then?

That answer is to let the marketplace decide.

For decades, the mainstream media has been slow to include narratives that are more inclusive. So, people made their own. And, ultimately, that’s the solution.

If we want our stories told, then we must be the ones telling them.

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Character Interview: Travis

Introduction

Welcome! Today marks the beginning of periodic series where I’ll be posting character interviews about the main and supporting characters form The Phoenix Diaries, my dark fantasy/sci-fi YA series.

Here’s a bit of background about the series.

Bullied for most of his life, due to burn scars covering most of his face and upper body, twelve-year-old Travis Turner has grown to hate humanity. So when Oblivion, The Father of Demons, reveals Travis is his vessel, prophesied to bring on the end of everything, and offers Travis untold power in exchange for joining him, we’re screwed.

Or we would be.

Travis lives his life by a strict set of rules, chief among them that dependence upon anyone for anything is a weakness he will not abide.

He rebuffs Oblivion, and in doing so triggers a fight for his very soul. However, when  all seems is lost, a great power, which had lain dormant until then, awakens in Travis, allowing him to narrowly defeat Oblivion. But  not before Oblivion attempts to possess Travis, inadvertently giving him a portion of his powers in the process, leaving Travis forever changed.

Following this first of many battles with Oblivion, Travis must learn to master his powers while avoiding the DMRC (a government agency created to capture kids with special abilities like Travis), and deal with his blossoming feelings for JJ Giovanni, a boy at his school.

Interview

Tyerone Johnson: Now that the preliminaries are over, how about introducing yourself?

Travis Turner: Must I? There are so many more important things I could be doing with my time.

TJ: Keep this up and I’ll make Phoenix the main character.

TT: I’d like to see you try.

TJ: Don’t tempt me. Now behave like a good boy or I’ll put your story on hold.

TT: You wouldn’t.

TJ: I would.

TT: (gulps) I’ll behave.

My name is Travis Marshall Huey-Newton Turner, eldest progeny of Sampson and Sarah Turner, grandson of Marshall and Helena Aurum, and heir to the Cadmus fortune. I’m twelve years, seven months, and three days old; five feet and two inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. Though lately my hair and eyes have been changing colors. Also, I’m biracial and have mahogany colored skin Well, what isn’t covered in burn scars that is.

TJ: Now was that so hard?

TT: (Flips the bird)

TJ: Moving on. Tell me a bit about your childhood.

TT: What’s there to tell? I’ve spent most of my life in and other of the hospital, one surgery, or infection after the other.

TJ: Right, and would you say being alone so much is want has made you such an antisocial psychopath?

TT: I don’t need anyone. People come and go from our lives without any reason or rhythm, so we can only depend on ourselves.

“TJ: Is that one of your rules?

TT: Rule one to be precise. Moreover, as for being an “antisocial psycho,” it’s a wonder I haven’t slaughtered the whole fucking lot of you.

TJ: Watch the language, kid.

TT: Newsflash, dude. You created me with a foul mouth.

TJ: True, but could you tone things done for the duration of this interview? Moving on. You said we can only depend on ourselves. Do you think that maybe you believe this because everyone who was supposed to be there for you wasn’t?

TT: (smirking) What? You fancy yourself an psychologist now?

TJ: You didn’t answer my question.

TT: And I won’t.

TJ: Then answer me this: Is there anyone you trust completely, unquestionable?

TT: No. Trust must never be given completely. Today’s ally could become tomorrow’s enemy.

TJ: Another one of your rules?

TT: (Folding arms over chest) You say that as though there’s something wrong with rules.

TJ: Nothing. So, tell me about Joshua “JJ” Giovanni.

TT: (sloughing) I’d rather not.

TJ: So, you don’t think he’s cute?

TT: Perhaps, if he weren’t such a bag of douche juice to me all the time.

TJ: I believe the correct term is douche bag.

TT: No, I’m talking about a bag of the liquid that comes out once you’ve applied the douche. Moreover, why are you asking me about Giovanni?

TJ: Why are you getting so defensive? Could it be that you like Josh?

TT: (scowling) I have more important things to worry about than if I have a crush on Giovanni. And that’s a pretty damn big if.

TJ: No need for you to get mad. This is a safe space.

TT: If you must know, when it comes to Giovanni, the few times we’ve hung out alone it was cool. I guess. However, that doesn’t mean I have a crush on him or that I think he’s cute.

Pro: And the award for biggest bullshitter of the year goes to…Travis Turner.

TT: Oh, you can go fuck yourself with a rusty hacksaw.

TJ: Boys, language!. Pro, what are you doing here? Your interview won’t be for another few weeks.

P: I know, but I couldn’t stand to keep hearing this punk ass bitch lying like a mug. I share headspace with the nig—

TJ: What did I say about language?

P: A’ight chill. As I was saying, I share headspace with the negro, so I know he’s fronting over here about his crush on JJ.

TT: Why you motherf—

(Travis and Pro get in a massive brawl and the interview ends)

Conclusion

Well that was interesting.

Call to Action

What did you think?

Should I continue with these interviews?

And if so, how often would you like to read them? Let me know in the comments. And if you liked this post be sure to share it with on social media.

Kidults: YA, Arrested Development, and A way Forward

Introduction

Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Mortal Instruments, and Twilight, these young adult series have topped the Best Sellers’ list and generated billions at the box office.

Not bad for kids’ books, huh?

But what is young adult?

What YA is and isn’t

Depending upon who you ask, young adult (YA) is an age range for books, a genre unto itself, or both.

Generally, YA is targeted at readers between twelve and eighteen, ( though as you will see, the readership skews older in many cases), and focuses on teenage characters as they begin exploring their world, deciding for themselves who they are, what they want to be, and how they fit in or don’t as the case often is.

However, merely having teenage characters in a work doesn’t make it YA. Unless the growth and emotional experiences of the teen characters is the primary focus, then it’s just an adult story with teen characters.

Not Just for Kids

One of the staples of YA novels is the coming of age tale, and as such, readers of all ages can relate to them.

This is partially why, according to a 2012 study, over 55% of YA readers are over the age of eighteen, and some estimates have put that figure as high as 70%.

This raises the question why adults would want to read books for kids.

Why YA?

You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.

― Madeleine L’Engle

An overlooked answer is YA novels are well-written books that pull on the heartstrings of readers of all ages.

I admit to being a recovering Potter Head, and I’m sure many of you out there can say the same.

The truth is just because a book is for kids, doesn’t mean it must be simplistic.

Many times YA books have been at the forefront of addressing social issues like sexual assault, bullying, teen suicide, and police brutality against people of color, while adult novels have lagged on these issues.

Moreover, because the pressure to write a “grownup” book has been taken off them, YA writers can and have produced works that are genuine and heartfelt.

Isle of Misfit Toys

 Another reason YA is so appealing to older adult readers, is that they are adrift in a world they don’t understand, much like the teen protagonists in these books.

Parents told us Millennials if we worked hard, got decent grades, and went to college, we could be whatever we wanted and have a good life. Except in many cases what happened is we did all that and now have a mountain of student loan debt and jobs that have little to nothing to do with our majors because capitalism doesn’t care about your dreams if they aren’t marketable.

Add on to this the economic collapse of 2008 and depressed wages, and is it any wonder many of us would rather spend time in a fantasy world where we don’t have to deal with “adulting”?

The Greatest Generation Ever

As I alluded to above, many millennials grew up with their parents telling them that they could be whatever they wanted, and in many cases that they were special and great at whatever they did.

So, once they got out into the real world and discovered that not only weren’t they the greatest things ever, but that they were barely above average, there were much butt-hurt to be had.

It’s only natural they’d turn to stories were the average kid turns out to be the chosen one or special in some way, because the truth of our mediocrity is too much for many of us to bear. So, we grab the latest YA novel and forget we’re adults for a while.

But there comes a point when we must put away childish things and be adults.

The Family that Reads Together

I would be remised if I didn’t point out that many adults read YA so they know what their kids or grandkids are reading, and in some cases, they will read YA books and then pass them on to their younger relatives.

There’s nothing wrong with this, and this can spark conversations between older and younger readers about how they see the world.

However, the problem lies in adults who use YA novels as a crutch to avoid real life.

So how can this change?

A Way Forward

New Adult (NA) is an emerging genre that focuses on college-aged and post-college-aged protagonists that are dealing with the growing pains of entering the adult work force, having their first serious relationship, and finding their place in the world.

This genre shares many of the same characteristics as YA, except the problems the characters face are more complex than which boy or girl will go with them to prom.

If more publishers published YA, then more writers would write it and this would go a long way to giving adult readers healthy books to read.

And when I say healthy books, I’m referring to unhealthy things such as how during the height of the Twilight craze, women in their thirties and over proudly flaunted their crushes on Edward and Jacob. Teenage characters.

Moreover, by not moving past these teenage protagonists and their immature problems, adult readers of YA stay stuck in a juvenile mindset.

Conclusion

I’m not throwing shade at all adult readers of YA. Read what you like.

I’m merely pointing out that these books are supposed to be for teens, and by reading them, some adults are choosing to reject reality in live in a state of arrested development.

This isn’t good for anyone.

Yes, read about Harry, Catniss, Clary, and Bella, but then go outside and be a part of the real world. Because the only way the world will change, is if we participate in it.  

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Update

Introduction

Hey there, you’re probably just as shocked as I am that I updated this blog (assuming you’re not a spammer, in which case welcome to the new improved blog. But more on that in a minute).

The Road so Far

When I started this blog, I had no idea what I wanted to write about or even what type of writer I wanted to be, and consequently posted any old thing on here. To disastrous effect, I might add.

However, the thing is, I’m not a professional blogger, nor do I want to be. My interests lie in fiction and creative nonfiction, and that’s what I’ve been busy writing over the past few years.

However, I need to build an author platform, a part of which is this blog. So rather than half-ass things by posting a bunch of shit I’m not interested in writing and you’re not interested in reading, I want to post quality stuff that I’m passionate about and which I hope you’re passionate about, too.

What’s Next?

 Here’s my game plan going forwards. Fiction and creative nonfiction will still be my jam, but I’ll post at least once a week on Wednesdays.

What to Expect

I’m passionate about geeky queer stuff and diversity in the media, so you can expect reviews of books, movies, video games, comics, animated films, manga, and anime.

You’ll also find  posts about writing and writing related stuff such as snippets from my works-in-progress; characters sketches, aesthetics, and play lists; short stories, poems, and essays.

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Thanks for reading this and have a Happy New Year!

Genesis of a Voracious Reader

If I had to pinpoint where my love of reading came from it would have to be because of my father. As a kid he’d read me bedtime stories like the typical fare: Jack and The Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel, etc, mixed in with tales of Brer Rabbit and stories he’d made up on the spot. Growing up I always saw him with his head in a book and this sparked my interest in reading. At first I raided his book collection, picking what I liked and then when I was in middle school I discovered the library and practically lived there. I devoured the horror and science fiction sections until discovering the Mythology section and falling in love with it. Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Norse I read about them all and couldn’t get enough. When I stop to think about it now I completely skipped young adult books and dived right in to adult books. I guess I found them more interesting than the books for kids my age. In high school I discovered a whole new world of stories online and would spend hours on end reading one after another. These stories let me know it was OK that I was attracted to other guys and that I wasn’t alone. I was deathly shy and theses stories provided me a safe space to explore my budding sexuality and not feel like such a freak, but at the same time I couldn’t help but notice that the characters in these stories were all the same blond haired, blue eyed muscle bound guys who instantly found a lover on page one. After awhile I grew tired of these stories that tread the same path and never finding protagonists like me, so I decided to try my hand at writing for the other geeky LGBTQ kids out there who were longing to see diverse character like them.

Writing Update

Well this is a first for me but I figure some people will want to read this so here I go. This week hasn’t gone according to plan and I haven’t gotten much work done on the Phoenix Diaries, my science fiction/fantasy young adult trilogy.

I’m coming to the end of book two and I’ve been dragging my feet on completing it this last month or so. I’ve been trying to make more time to write but I keep putting it off because it just doesn’t feel right. Honestly I know I have to get it done and then worry about making it better in the rewrite.

Yeah I know it will take time to finish the trilogy and I have to keep motivated until I reach the end of this project. Sometimes I feel like I’ve taken on too much to handle with this project, but then I think about all the things I want to accomplish with this series and that’s what keeps me going.

Sure I could be spending time working on other projects, but I know in my heart I have to get this story on the page or I’ll go crazy.

Part of me is a little scared about spending so much time and energy on this trilogy only for it to fall flat. I know I can let my fears overcome me, or I can face them and write any ways, because that’s my job.

I know to temper my expectations because most books only sell a few hundred copies and most writers don’t make much from their work. Yeah it’s scary to think about what ifs but if I go down that path it’ll lead me to self doubt and depression, so instead I’m going to focus on writing the best series I can and worry about the outcome later.

Slow and Steady Writing Wins the Day

When it comes to writing sometimes you can be paralyzed by the fear of not being good enough to finish that story, or write that novel, but the truth is as long as you keep the end goal in sight and

image by Stancu Alexandru via sxc.hu
image by Stancu Alexandru via sxc.hu

move forward until you’re done then you will reach your goal.

Yes sometimes it may seem like you’ll never finish that work in progress, but it’s doable if you remember that by doing a bit everyday you’ll get to where you need to be in the end.

The truth is if you’re shooting for greatness you can’t fear failure because it will rob you of your energy and you’ll sabotage yourself. No you have to be fearless in the face of adversity. Embrace the challenge of writing in new genres and using different narrative devices.

Yes this may be difficult and you might fail at your first attempts, but don’t give up yet. It takes practice to get good at anything and writing is no different.

Sure people say they want to write a book, but not many of them actually follow through on it. The truth is writing a novel is a lot like running a marathon. You have to have to warm up first and then start small and work your way up to the big race.

Most people don’t realize it takes years of reading and honing the craft before you can produce a publishable book. Sure things like National Novel Writing Month are good practice, but once it’s over people often stop working on that novel because the incentive to do so has been removed.

The truth is you have to pace yourself so that you don’t get burnt out and quit when things get tough. You have to build up your writing stamina day by day, bit by bit so that when you come to the end you’ll look back and see how you got there.

Improvise Adapt Overcome

image by Stancu Alexandru via sxc.hu
image by Stancu Alexandru via sxc.hu

 

Introduction
Have you ever had one of those days when nothing goes right and you just want to crawl back in bed and forget the whole series of horrible events? Well this past weekend I had such a series of events.

First my charger for my laptop stopped working and I had to switch to the old charger, which is prone to fall out the charging port. And then right in the middle of me working on my WIP my laptop crashed and I lost everything I wrote up to that point.

I was beyond livid and wanted to tear my laptop apart, but that wouldn’t have solved anything in the long run. No instead I took a deep breath and calmed down. Sure I was still pissed but I picked myself back up and moved forward.

Perseverance is The Key
This experience has taught me patience and how to adapt on the fly when things don’t go as planned. Sure you could curl up in the fetal position and wallow in self pity, or you can get up and tackle your problems head on.

Sure in the moment you might feel like giving up, but don’t. When adversity strikes it’s a test of who we really are and can either break us or make us stronger. We can either face down the obstacles in our path or we can shy away from them and not live up to our full potential.

Conclusion
When rough times come or way sure we can ask for help from friends and family but ultimately it is up to us to get through the crises in our lives. And we do that by adapting to the situation around us and not giving up until we’re through it. Whether that be writing or getting in shape, you don’t stop until you’ve reached your goal.

How to Find Time to Write in a Busy Life

image by Stancu Alexandru via sxc.hu
image by Stancu Alexandru via sxc.hu

Introduction
Between work, kids, running errands and other obstacles thrown our way it can be difficult to find the time to write, but if we’re serious about the craft there will always be time to write.

Pick a Time and Stick with it
This may be the hardest part because it requires you to find the time when you’re most creative and it can take a few tries before you discover the right time. For me the best time to write is first thing when I get.

For you it may be in the early hours of the morning before everyone is up or right before you go to bed. Once you discover it try to write every day at this time to build a habit.

Once you’ve committed to writing at a given time don’t stop until you’ve reached your goal for the day and then try to do a little better the next day.

Yes it can be frustrating at first when nothing comes to mind but if you persevere and come to the task with an open mind you’ll find the right words.

It Takes Less Time Than You Think to Write a Book
You need to salve away at the computer all day to complete your work in progress. Believe it or not you can get a lot done in five or ten minute sprints. If you find yourself with a little break just set a timer and write until it goes off. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in such a short time.

Sure it may not seem like much at first but over time the words will add up and before you know it you’ll have a complete manuscript.

Honor the Time and Space You’re in
When you write do so with all your heart and soul. Turn off your phone disable the internet and turn off the TV so it’s just you and the page. Yeah this can be scary at first when you’re focused on the task at hand it will make you more aware of what you’re attempting to do. If you absolutely need some white noise in the background turn on your favorite music and get to work.

Conclusion
Yes it can sometimes be daunting to find the time to write but if you care about the craft and are determined to get your WIP finished you’ll find the time you need to do it.

Review: Lost Souls

Introduction
Lost Souls is the fourth book in

image by Gordan Jovic via sxc.hu
image by Gordan Jovic via sxc.hu

Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein series and takes places two years after Dead and Alive. Unaware of the existence of Victor’s clone Carson and Michael married, moved to San Francisco and had a daughter named Scout.

They work as private investigators and had forgotten all about Victor Frankenstein until Deucalion has a hunch that Victor is still alive and seeks them out to finish what they started in New Orleans.

Now that they are parents Michael and Carson are reluctant to help him until he convinces them to join him.

In the two years since Victor’s clone was released he has taken the name Victor Leben , alias Victor Immaculate, and set up shop in the small town of Rainbow Falls, Montana where he plans to take over the town and use it as a strong hold for his larger campaign of wiping out all humans.

The Good
This time around Victor’s goal is more brutal than just enslaving all of human via his creations and really drives home how demented he is for his omnicidal mission. I also liked the introduction of the nano brain probe that rendered people completely docile and also the introduction of builders who are every bit as scary as they are beautiful.

I was surprised to see Erika Five, who has taken the last name Swedenborg, and Jocko make appearances in this book, but overall they are a welcome addition to the cast of characters.

The Bad
While I liked this book overall I did have issues with it. First after the events of Dead and Alive I couldn’t help feeling this book was a little on the anticlimactic side. Also I wasn’t a big fan of Nummy and Mr. Lyss’s story line at all. It could have been omitted entirely and you wouldn’t notice it.

I get that Nummy is supposed to extremely mentally challenged but he was just too dumb to live and I felt myself sympathizing with Mr. Lyss over his frustrations with Nummy.

Second, I didn’t particularly think the addition of Agent Frost and Dagget from the FBI added anything to the story line except for filling pages. Sure they know something isn’t right in Rainbow Falls but they have zero clue as to the true nature of the problem and are more likely to hinder Carson and Michael than to help them.

The Verdict
Overall if you’ve like the series so far then checkout this one.

How to Stay Positive on the Journey to Publication

Introduction
Raise you hand if you’ve met someone who isn’t happy unless they’re complaining about one thing or another. We all know people like this and being around they them is taxing to say the least, but

image by Stancu Alexandru via sxc.hu
image by Stancu Alexandru via sxc.hu

today I want to talk about keeping positive amidst adversity in the writing business.

Sure when things go wrong we can complain about them until we’re blue in the face or we can pick ourselves up and keep moving forward. The choice is up to us.

Happiness is a choice
From years of experience I can tell you that while it may be difficult to maintain a positive attitude, it takes more energy to be negative and ultimately leaves you tired and bitter.

Yes writing is a hard business to break into whether you go the indie route or the traditionally published route, and at times it can seem like nothing is going right for you while some new upstart is in the lime light.

You Can Never Have Too Many Friends
Rather than treating other authors as your competition instead treat them as potential friends and reach out to them.

In this way you can build a support system of like minded people who know what you’re going through and who will keep you grounded when things get hectic.

Also you never know who you might benefit from meeting so keep an open mind when it comes to networking wit your fellow writers.

Be thankful for where you are in the writing process
Sure it might feel good to rage against the latest flavor of the week, but ultimately this is a self defeating proposition and will take your focus off your goals. Instead shrug your shoulders and move on.

Conclusion
Everyone is at different point along the writing process. Be thankful for where you are. No one can control who becomes the next best seller, and it will drive you insane questioning why some people make it wile others don’t. Instead focus on writing the best work you can. That way no matter what happens you gave it your all and no one can take that away from you.