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Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Mostly because families and friends get together to celebrate, well, being together. I know many people complain about having to spend the day with crazy Uncle Fred (that's me) or Aunt Hilda who always pinches your cheek, but I love it. Families don't spend enough time together anymore in this fast-paced society of ours. Even the most disfunctional family can profit from a little family time around the dinner table.
So the bird's in the oven, my daughter is home from college, and I gotta run to put the bread dough in the roll pans. You're all part of my extended family today, so enjoy a virtual piece of pie from me--it's homemade pumpkin--my own recipe. I did say I only had two drumsticks.
First let's talk about green energy. What makes energy green or even renewable for that matter? What are our options:
Solar -- The plant I worked at was in the California desert. It was a plant that concentrated solar energy onto a pipe that heated up a Heat Transer Fluid (HTF) which in turn was used to produce steam for a turbine generator. We called the stuff HTF, but really it was a synthetic oil designed to hold the high heat without breaking down. Trust me, this fluid was not environmentally friendly. Imagine a solar mirror field acres in size with pipes of this stuff running through it--the potential for an environmental incident is there. Also, we used gas-fired burners to start the place up every morning--yes, there are still air quality issues to deal with.
So you say, "what about photovotaic cells -- Sure once they are made there is no new environmental impact, but what about the environmental cost of producing the cells to begin with--they don't just appear out of thin air. What about the hazardous materials that are byproducts of the production? Or with their ultimate disposal?
Also, to really have an impact on our energy demands, solar is only a viable option for large scale energy production in the southwestern desert areas where there is adequate sunshine with minimal cloud cover. There is still room to expand in this area, but it will take land.
Geothermal -- Geothermal power takes heat out of the ground as steam to a turbine generator. This energy is pretty clean, but there are all types of non-condensible gases that come with the steam. The nastiest we had to deal with was Hydrogen Sulfide. This is a deadly gas that can kill you instantly at higher concentrations. These gases can be scrubbed out instead of sent to the atmosphere, so I do think this is a clean source of power. Again this is a limited resource. Geothermal hot spots have to be present and some parts of the western United States are the only viable areas for large scale power production. I don't think there are too many areas left that haven't been developed.
Hydro -- hydro power is pretty clean. Basically you build a dam and put water turbines in the water flow path. There are some issues with ensuring that fish still have a path to spawn, but I don't think this is a huge issue. Unfortunately again this is a limited resource. Much of the potential hydro power for our country has already been developed.
Ethanol Production -- I have a hard time with this concept, because we are taking land that could be producing food for the world population and creating fuel instead. Also, I feel that we could pressure producers into overfarming the land to make fuel. I would hate to see another dust bowl senario because we need ethanol to drive our cars. And then again we are still burning fuel and creating air pollution with this option too.
Ocean Energy -- There are a couple of different option for harnassing the ocean to produce power. Wave energy, Tidal energy, and thermal energy. Bascially either you put a system of buoys out with little turbines that use the energy of the waves to produce electricity or you use the thermal differences of the water at different depths of the ocean to drive the turbine. This technology seems pretty clean, but it is not fully developed and there are some concerns with fish habitats that need to be researched.
Bioenergy -- Basically this is using a boiler to burn wood waste and/or crop waste. I think that this is a great renewable resource. We should put a biomass plant close to every area that is heavily agricultural. There are some air quality issues with this, but not as bad as say for coal. There are enough scrubbing options available to keep this a clean technology.
Wind -- Windmills are killer sources of renewable electricity. Still, there is quite a bit of oil needed to lubricate and provide for hydraulic systems for all these machines. It is necessary to realize that this technology is still dependent on oil. There are also some issues raised about danger to birds (which I don't really buy) and of course they can be considered an eyesore. And again this is a limited resource. Wind mills are truly only viable options in areas of consistently strong winds, but we are not using this resource to its full potential at this time.
In conclusion: I'm all for renewable sources of energy, but we need to realize that many of these sources are limited and some of them are not fully developed to the extent that they would have a big impact on our immediate energy needs. We cannot rely on renewable or "green" power resources to supply our current energy needs. Of course continued development in areas that can still be expanded -- such as wave power and better photovoltaic efficiency is a good idea.
Okay, this is long enough. Next time I'll talk about the non-renewable energy resources that are truly the heart of our energy policy.
I decided to try out a new writng site--Critique Circle. I was looking for a new place to post my short stories for critique. Someone mentioned this place and I figured I'd try it. So far I'm just checking the place out, but I have completed one critique. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
I've gotten a bit more motivated on the short story front. I spent a good part of the weekend checking out anthologies, contests, and potential publishers. I sent four more stories out and matched a few more up. Also identified a coupled of themed anthologies to which I would like to submit a story. The short story market takes a bit more research because I have several SF&F stories and several literary stories. I've been ignoring the literary stuff for awhile, but it is time to start looking into that side of the market as well.
Within the last couple of days I've been working on rewriting the ending to Heart of Odin. I've rewritten two chapter and have a couple more to go to finish the new ending. I'm a bit anxious to finish it so that I can start revising the novel. It's been sitting for a couple of months waiting the cool off time before my revision. I don't want to let it get cold again.
Happy writing.
Sometimes I feel like I live in a cultural no man's land. I live in a small town in rural North Carolina. Too many people I know here are proud of the fact that they haven't read a book since high school when the teacher "made them do it." Culture here consists of deer hunting, fishing, pig pickings, and watching sports or Nascar. Don't get me wrong -- to each their own, and I enjoy a good pig pickin -- but I would like to see a few more people move in that share some of my interests. For example:
The local high school French club sponsored a show on Thursday night. They brought in a musician that gave a concert that consisted of traditional French music. The musician's name is David DiGiuseppe and he played a mean accordion. No, I'm not an accordion enthusiast, but hey this was on a Thursday night -- there were no ball games, it was too late to go hunting, well you get the picture. I think about 10 to 15 people showed up, most of them high school students that I'm guessing got extra credit for being there. It is too bad because this guy was awesome. With his talent he deserved to be playing before a sold out crowd. Instead he visited a cultural wasteland. No wonder most the kids around here leave for college and never look back.
The obvous question is -- why don't you move? The answer is -- My son has two more years to go until he gradutates from high school, and when he plans his own exodus he may have a couple of stowaways hiding out in his suitcase.
David Gemmell's Waylander kept me reading, but it was just a bit too over-the-top dramatic for me. Come on, three cold-blooded assassins all independently deciding to turn holy to save the day was just too much.
On the writing front: I'm working on rewriting the ending of Heart of Odin. Chapter 30 was the original last chapter, but it pretty much just fizzled. I've rewritten chapter 30 and am continuing on to a better ending spot. I'm looking at about 3 more chapters to wrap it up properly.
NOVELS
Order of the Wolf -- This is my third novel and probably the first that I consider publishable. Unfortunately it is rather short for a novel, approximately 60,000 words. In the last year I finished my final revision on this novel and sent it out to my top 10 agent list. I've received 9 rejects and am still waiting to hear from the 10th. On a happy note -- my top agent pick said that she liked my writing.
For 2009 I need to research other potential agents and possibly small presses that publish shorter novels.
Heart of Odin -- This is my fourth novel. I completed the first draft this year, set it aside for a couple of months, and am now working on the revision.
For 2009 I need to finish the revision and start submitting it.
The Divine Mother -- This is the sequel to Heart of Odin. I have the first chapter written and have some research completed.
For 2009 I need to finish the first draft.
The King's Man -- I actually started writing this one before Heart of Odin, but it got placed on the back burner. I have about 15 chapters written.
For 2009 I need to complete the first draft.
SHORT STORIES
This was a pretty weak year for short stories. I wrote 3 new short stories in the past year. I sent out a total of 20 submissions to short story markets in 2008. I received one rewrite request, got an Honorable Mention/Quarter Finalist from WOTF, and have one story being held by an anthology as a potential sale. I've also had a couple of publishers request for me to send them more stuff. I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to submitting short stories, but I have to make it a higher priority.
For 2009 I need to kick up my short story output and submissions. Also, I need to make sure I submit to every WOTF quarter.
My last 2009 goal is to develop a web site.
Here's to another year on the planet.
Happy writing!
Started rewriting the ending on Heart of Odin. I have a couple of readers that both told me the same thing--the ending sucked. I kinda knew it, but I guess there's no doubt now. Here's wishing the next one is less sucky.
If you voted for Obama because he is black -- you are a dumbass.
If you voted for Palin because she is a woman -- you are a dumbass.
If you voted for McCain because he is an old white guy -- you are a dumbass.
If you voted for Obama because he is better looking -- you are a dumbass.
If you voted for Palin because she's hot or you like her shoes -- you are a dumbass.
If you voted for any cadidate because everyone else did -- you are a dumbass.
If you voted for a particular candidate because your teacher/preacher/parent told you to -- you are a dumbass.
If you voted for a candidate because you agreed with his/her message or policies then I tip my hat to you.
I'm amazed at the reasons why people vote--every dumbass reason above was taken from people that actually voted. If you failed the dumbass quiz please refrain from voting in future elections -- you make us all look bad.
If you like Irish mythology, I would recommend Kenneth C. Flint. I read his trilogy about Finn MacCumhal recently -- Challenge of the Clans, Storm Shield, and The Dark Druid. I found them in the used book store. They've been around for a little while (1986) but I enjoyed them.
I also read David Farland's latest Runlords book -- Worldbinder. It was okay. I think I liked the first few books better. I liked the storyline that centered around the Earthking, but I'm not so enamored with his son's adventures. I'll probably still read the next one just to see where he's going with it.
By far the best book I have read lately is The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Wow, great characters, good action--moves along nicely, and well-written. It's always exciting to find a new author that is so entertaining. I can't say enough good things, except that I can't wait for the sequel.
Spending more time with my family--which is important; Playing computer games--not important; Moaning over why I'm not a best-selling author--pathetic; Staring out the window--not quite pathetic, but at least a little disturbing; Lying on the couch and staring blankly at the television--even more disturbing once I wake from my malaise; and my all time favorite, wasting time on the internet, which I have decided is the latest cause for the decline of western civilization.
Since this bout of nonproductivity was so long I decided to actually sit down and try to figure out the cause. Well, about two months ago my oldest child, my daughter, went off to college. Quite frankly she left a void that I didn't recognize until just recently. I've spent more time with the rest of the family and have been wasting time on mind-numbing activities (like the ones I mentioned above) to avoid thinking about it.
Isn't acceptance one of the stages of recovery? I think I'm there. Expect to hear more from a recovering parent soon.
It seems like it has been forever and day since I posted here. It has been a busy time. Here's a quick wrap up:
I went to see Boston and Styx in a concert at a local ampitheater--it was an awesome show; I played four games for my company softball team, and believe me, I'm not as young and in shape as I would like; attended three soccer games (my son made the high school team); Took my daughter off to college and am still trying to get used to how quite the house has become. To top all that off, I have rediscovered my all-time favorite computer game, Master of Magic, and have spent way too much time playing it.
I did finally receive a rejection from IGMS on my short story, Santos. It was encouraging though--I made it through the first reading but didn't quite get the nod. This story has had a couple of close calls with publishers. It is bound to hit with one of them. Time to figure out where to send it next.
In the last week I have received two rejections, both fairly quick turnarounds. Even though they were no's, I like this better than the waiting. I've had two stories out since February. One at IGMS and one at the WolfSong Anthology. I've been a bit antsy about these because, well, it's been six months. I finally heard back on the WolfSong submittal today -- they didn't want it for the original anthology but they are holding it for a sequel coming out maybe in December. So it is a maybe.
I'm not sure about IGMS' turnaround time, but hopefully I'll hear something on that one soon too.
Meanwhile, I have a couple of readers going over Heart of Odin. I should get those back soon and hopefully do a final draft, well, at least a draft ready to be submitted.
I did get a flash story in at Liberty Hall last week, but unfortunately it was DQ'd because I missed on the time. Oh well, it was still nice working on a new story.
Happy writing!
I guess it's obvious this was not only a vacation with my wife, but it was also a writing trip. The characters in my novel visit Charleston as a stop on their quest for Helheim. So I hit a few key places and took plenty of notes so that the details of their visit are true to life.
Also I did manage to revise a couple more chapters of the novel -- the ones dealing with Charleston -- while I was there. Unfortunately, I had two rejections waiting for me upon my return. Whatcha going to do? The rejection from Talebones did have the "try me again" circled on the form rejection letter. I guess I'll do that.
I did get some writing in this week, even though work was crazy and we came home to visiting relatives. Anyway, I did get a story off to the FlashMe Fantasy edition. Here is where I stand on submissions:
My novel, Order of the Wolf -- is out at various agents.
Granny May Saves the Day -- Space Suits and Sixguns
Santos -- IGMS
Troll Tartare -- Alien Skin Magazine
Wolf Time -- WolfSong Anthology
Fortuna -- Aberrant Dreams
Who Cares About the Lizzies -- Talebones
Beware the Aes Sidhe -- WOTF
Never Trust a Demon -- FlashMe
I have a few other stories that I need to get out, but they'll have to wait until I get back from Charleston. I am mostly working on the revision of my latest novel, Heart of Odin, which I'm bringing with me. I'm about a third of the way through the revision at this time. My goal is to have it ready by the end of the summer.
RULES:
* 1. Post these rules.
* 2. Each tagged person must post 8 things about themself on their journal.
* 3. At the end, you have to choose and tag 8 people
* 4. Go to their pages and send a message saying you tagged them.
* 5. No tag-backs
Things About Me:
1) I've been to the North Pole -- When I was in the Navy, the submarine that I was on made a run under the polar ice cap and we surfaced at the North Pole. I donned the heavy parka and mittens, etc. and got out and walked around on the pack ice. It was the dark time of year so it was rather surreal.
2) I have been in every state of the United States -- some I travelled through, but I've actually spent some time in quite a few of them in every part of the country.
3) It took me 17 years to complete my Bachelors degree -- I started in 1990 going to school at night and ended in 2007 with an online degree. I studied at four different schools in four different states. I'm thinking about a Masters, but I'm not sure I have the time. (Yes, that's a joke)
4) I started writing because of a coworker -- I was working night shift at a plant in California, shooting the breeze with a co-worker. He told me that he was thinking about writing a book and we discussed his idea. After that night the idea wouldn't leave my head and I kept thinking about writing a book. I thought about it for about 6-months, working out the storylines of my first two books, and then started writing my first book.
5) I met my wife on Halloween -- we met at a costume party at a bar in San Diego. She was dressed up as an angel and I was dressed as a dirty old man. It seemed a perfect combination.
6) My favorite food is spaghetti -- I've always loved pasta. I used to eat three plates at a sitting when we had it for dinner when I was a kid. I liked it so much everyone called me Freddie Spaghetti. My sisters even made up a song about it, but I'm not going to share that here. I haven't heard it in years . . . and good riddance.
7) I'm a dog person. Yes, all you writers that think you need a cat to fit in--forget about it. Dogs rule, cats drool!
8) I can't think of anything else remotely interesting about me, so I'll end with: My favorite movie is Jesus Christ Superstar. I love that whole 60's singing hippies doing Jesus thing. Call me crazy.
Okay, It's getting late and I need to tag 8 people. Unfortunately, I only have 8 people on my Friends List (Hey, I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity.) and a few have already been tagged. So If you are reading this and haven't been tagged, well, consider yourself tagged. I'll try to send out tag messages tomorrow to the few souls that are left.
ReaderCon was great. The programming was better than most cons. Many other cons I have attended may have a panel or two on writing, but this con is all about writing. There were several magazine and anthology editors present, more than I've seen at other conventions with the possible exception of Capclave, and many writers. Probably my only suggestion for improvement would be to have more evening entertainment.
It was nice putting faces to names. I met a couple of editors that have considered my stories. It was interesting to see what they look like and find out in person what they are interested in. I think it was very beneficial. I don't think I would go back--only because of the distance--it's a bit far to go for a weekend.
Why should I have to pay for internet when I travel?
This just kills me. Ten bucks a day if I want to stay connected while on vacation. The thing that kills me about it is I can stay in a cheap motel somewhere and get free internet in my room, but when I stay in a nice hotel in a big city--the room costing at least twice or three times as much--I have to pay for it. How greedy can you get? I couldn't even get internet in the typical places, like starbucks, without paying. So I've been offline for over a week and feel like I've lost some time or something. Isn't that funny? I few years ago I was lost on the internet and now I'm lost without it.
Maybe I'll look into getting one of those cell phone internet cards for my laptop.
I've been to mainstream writing conventions where they look down their noses at genre writers, and SciFi conventions where the costumes and gamers outnumber the authors. I've heard that ReaderCon is different. It's all about genre writers and readers. So I'm going to give it a shot later this week. I'll be off to the north in a couple of days, and after my ReaderCon weekend we're taking a family vacation in NYC. So far we have tickets for Wicked and Spamalot. Not that I post everyday anyway, but I'll probably be out of touch for a week and a half or so. Yes, I am taking the laptop to continue my revision of Heart of Odin.
On the home front: My company is sponsoring a softball team in a local industrial league. Tonight was the first practice and my arm is sore. It's been a couple of years since I've played (yes, I'm one of the old guys on the team). I figure the practices will be good exercise and I'll play a few innings here and there in the games. Luckily I found my glove stuffed in my son's closet. Not sure how it got there, but my wife is the primary suspect since she told me to look there. Here's hoping I survive the season.
Also on the writing front: I got a couple of rejections this week for two of my short stories. Both were rather quick responses, but one magazine did ask to see more. I need to see what else I have that may fit them. I also still need to revise the story I plan to send to the Flash Me fantasy edition.
On reading: I just finished Robert Sheckley's Immortality, Inc. This is a classic Science Fiction story. I remember reading it once before when I was a teenager, but it's been long enough since the first time that I still enjoyed it.(I typically don't read books more than once) This novel was originally written in 1958 and even though the dates in the story are off, the concept of the story is still valid today. In fact, I just critted a story online that had a similar premise. Also, I was impressed by the writing. I tried to pin down what I liked most about it and came up with: It is simple--there are no wasted words, no unnecessary modifiers or pretentious description--and the story flows naturally to a well-developed conclusion. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I have three bookshelves in the attics full of science fiction paperbacks. (I say "science fiction" because when I was growing up we called it all science fiction -- now there are so many sub genre's it'll make your head spin.) I also have another three bookshelves in my office full of books. I've read all the books in the attic and about three quarters of the ones in my office. I love to read. Mostly science fiction, fantasy, historical, religious, and classical fiction. I've also been known to read a history book or two and the occasional book on writing or religion.
I'm an addict. I can't walk past a book store. I love bargain bookstores and used bookstores. I have a tendency to stack up books and then read them in bursts. Most of the time I don't remember where I found a particular book. Case in point is the book I just finished reading: Fighting Words by Bill Caton. This is a book of interviews with 21 contemporary authors from Alabama. It was interesting to read about the different perspectives on writing. Some authors called writing an art, some called it a business, others said it was a disease. I liked how Winston Groom, author of Forrest Gump, described it in his interview:
"I think to say that a writer is as normal as everybody else is not true. You have a certain schizophrenia. The characters live in your head. You don't just put it down and come to dinner. You dont really live in a real world."
I can relate to this. At times characters and storylines are running through my head when I am supposed to be sleeping or paying attention to something else--like maybe my wife's latest story about the neighbor. Sometimes my wife tells me I'm married to my computer, but it isn't truly the computer--it's the stories that I am trying to translate into words.
So I guess I should say that I am addicted to reading and writing. I guess there are worse things I could be doing.
