Take a Breath and Move Out

Yes, it was a stressful process to ramp up for an agent's review and then not make the cut.  The take-aways, however, is an appreciation for the process, a brain smarter in regards to the business of writing, and an established process for quick edits that works exceptionally well for me.

Now it's time to take a breath, regroup my thoughts and shattered ego, and take the new knowledge and move out.

Into the Red Zone

And so it goes.

Just a little over 24 hours to finish preparation for submission.

Yesterday was spent piecing the Chapter 1 rewrite into something worthy of the opening chapter and making it interconnect with the rest of the storyline.  In addition, I decided to add Chapter 4 to the packet I'm putting together for the agent, which will make it an additional 40 pages ready to go if requested.  Although I had to push myself through the day the motivation is still there!!

One of the key take aways from the past few days is it reenergized the learning process.  I know, life is a learning process, but I am talking about refreshing the basics of the craft.  Each morning and the last thing at night involved studying books about description, plot, editing, etc.  Maybe it was divine intervention or whatever, but this time to hone the craft finally hit the sweet spot.  As a result, there is now a collection of five books highlighted and tabbed to be reviewed and at the ready whenever future manuscripts are prepped for final draft.

The following are the five books on my list.  This may by overkill for what works for you, but I'm a slow learner and in need of a large crutch.

The Writer's Guide to Character Traits by Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

Plot by Ansen Dibell

Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham

Description by Monica Wood

Okay, time to get at it!!

Meeting the Timeline

Late into the night reorganizing the manuscript!

Everything organized and ready to begin the rewrite.

A first look at "Hellbound Train"

The following is a first look at "Hellbound Train."  This is the first in a three series collection of Alan Burke novels.  You can follow the writing progress in the righthand corner of this blog.

Alan Burke is a security consultant and he is tired. He has a new home in the secluded fringes of Nevada's Comstock region and wants to raise a few head of cattle and just enjoy life for a while. But when he agrees to help a former beat partner find his missing son it opens the preverbal Pandora's box. Suddenly a recently released from prison drug lord, an outlaw motorcycle gang, a contract killer, an elusive band of eco-terrorists, and his girl friend have other things in mind for him.

The Star Collection

The blood pressure has been down to normal for too long--one of the drawbacks of retirement.  Consequently, I reentered the ego consuming publication world, a world of predatory rejection slips and paychecks are the elusive dream.  Up to this point it had all been hobby writing and educational ramp up for this day.

Okay, so much for the drama.  This afternoon saw the launch of "The Star Collection" off to an editor's slush pile in hopes of capturing her attention as the last great hope for American literature.  And failing that, I will quietly take the $700 check and peddle my next brilliant opus down the street.  I'm easy.

"The Star Collection" is a flash fiction piece of only 898 words that reaches into the hereafter.  Built from the theme: The grass is greener on the other side, it follows an old man's transition onto the other side where he discovers heaven has been around him all the time.

The evolution of this work was a step out-of-the-box from start to finish.  I woke up yesterday thinking about star formations, and by the time I got out of the shower the outline was pretty much complete, as was the simple theme.  By lunchtime the first draft was complete and ready for some of the more technical research, and that night my wife read through the draft.  The next day (today) the final draft was ready, a potential magazine found, the story was submitted just after dinner, and two hours later a confirmation notice was received saying it was in the system.

Okay, that all said and done, its now time to move onto my own slush pile and final draft ready the next one.  No rest for the wicked.

A World without Borders

Gone is a valuable market medium for writers, whose repercussion will be a boost in the arm for electronic publishers and companies like Amazon.com.  Gone also is a significant opportunity for authors--especially new or struggling authors--to reach out to fans or expose themselves to new ones with face-to-face interaction.  Should be an interesting way ahead.

"Interface" by Mark Adlard

Mark Adlard's 1971 novel, "Interface" is the opening volume of his science fiction Tcity trilogy--a look at social engineering and evolution in the twenty-second century.  The later volumes include "Volteface" in 1972 and "Multiface" in 1975.

Much of the story is located in a megacity referred to as Tcity, which is located in Northeast England between the Rivers Tees and Tyne.

Adlard takes a look at the weakness of a utopian while also making a powerful point of showing how this could also be a feasible reality if societies don't pay attention to the working of their government leaders.  In addition, this world is caught up with a miracle material known as stahlex--similar to how our past generations were caught up with the developments of plastic and aluminum, to name but a few.  But this unique material is the product of a corporation of the same name that has also been running Tcity and its people for years.

The novel's most involved character is Jan Caspol, who will continue to make appearances in the other two volumes of the trilogy.  In "Interface" he is a mid-level manufacturing manager that comes to the increasing realization the good life of their utopian world has come with a cost to individual and collective creativity.  Unfortunately, this consciousness comes when the ranks of the city dwellers begin fighting back for freedom from them utopian world.

Am really surprised this book and the others of the trilogy aren't popping up on SF "must read" lists.  Adlard blends complex themes--and in some cases, he accurately predicts what's come--into a science fiction read that can easily stand along side works of "1984" and "Fahrenheit 451."

Found this jewel at Book Buyers on Lighthouse in Monterey, California (a family favorite for used books).  They have a considerable science fiction collection that spans the years.

"The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson

"The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson is the opening installment of his new series, "The Stormlight Archive."  Sanderson has come to the forefront of the fantasy genre through his work on the home stretch of Robert Jordan's popular series, "The Wheel of Time."  He had been selected by Jordan's widow to complete the series based on his early work, "Mistborn: The Final Empire."

Ten years in the making, "The Way of Kings" has all the earmarks of becoming one of the genre's "must read" series.  His depth of characters--both the primary and secondary--draws you into their individual worlds and keeps the reader engaged throughout the 1,007 pages.

Like all good fantasy works there involves a quest, and it's no different for here.  But what Sanderson adds to his literary strategy is the quest for self-identification or self-fulfillment.  In the case of Brightlord Dalinar Kholin it is an effort to find out the destiny of his visions and pull to fulfill the standards and expectations of ancient book, "The Way of Kings."  And for Kaladin, it his escape from the reality of who he was and who he is that brings him face to face with what must be.

"The Way of Kings" is one of the best fantasy works I have read in some time and look forward to the next volume.

"The Hero" by John Ringo & Michael Z. Williamson

"The Hero" by John Ringo and Michael Z. Williamson is a continuation of Ringo's popular Posleen War series.  This particular book is set about a millennium after the other main Posleen works--a time when the human race is divided between those who live around the core of planet Earth and those who live on the out fringes; the humans and the Darhel are attempting to come to terms with one another; the Posleen efforts are now more of a minor insurgency; and a new enemy, the Tslek, are on the horizon.

The storyline focuses on the Darhel member of a Deep Reconnaissance Team, one of two survivors of fratricide attack on his team, as he tries to prevent an artifact from falling into the traitor's hands.  This is a very simplification of the plotline, but don't want to spoil the story for others.

I must say "The Hero" is not an opus indicative of Ringo's storytelling talents.  It was almost like the two authors just threw something together in order to meet a publisher's deadline.  Most surprising was the lack of character depth of the protagonist, Tirdal San Rintai--not the norm for Ringo's previous characters.  Bottom line: a disappointment.

A Writer's Working Environment: Music

As far back as I can remember music has always played a major role in my life, which seamlessly expanded into my writing environment.  Over the years of involvement in writing programs, reading the bios of authors, and in discussions with other writers I found it interesting the number of others who use music as part of their creative process.

I find when in work mode it can't be just music in general, but some times it’s a particular album and some times it's a special play list created to help get through a particular scene or even an entire project.  In the case of "Juxtaposition Reality" the entire HALO music collection (especially HALO III) is providing the working ambiance.  And with "The Dew Drop Inn" there are two selections that help with the creative background: Yes - "Keys to Ascension" and Roxy Music - "Avalon."  And the list goes on and on and . . .

Bottom line -- make the writing process fun.  (God knows the selling process is what makes this work).  You may not only find this an enjoyable working environment, but the creativity of who/whom you listen to may also prime your creative juices.

What is playing as I write this?  Jefferson Airplane - "After Bathing at Baxter's" and "Surrealistic Pillow."

"Saucerful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Odyssey"

Just completed reading "Saucerful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Odyssey" by the late-Nicholas Schaffner.  A very informative book on the foremost band to expound on its psychedelic foundation and still dominate the musical line-up of classic rock radio around the world.  There are a couple of drawback that tend to bog down the reader.  Schaffner gives an obsessive amount of pages to the rise and fall of Syd Barrett with unrelenting details on his eventual slip from the realities of this world.  The other is the often childish row between Roger Waters and the rest of the world.  Fortunately, there is a wealth of information and insight into the evolution of the band's creativity and thinking.  The behind the scenes perspective of the world's most iconic bands is well worth the read.

A Writer writes . . . Always

"A writer writes . . . always," from Throw Mama from the Train is one of my favorite all time movie lines, and one I have been living by for the past few months.  Unfortunately, that may not be such a good thing; there are other things in life that either fall from the proverbial plate or get left in the dust.  This blog site is a good case in point.  Yes, there are other issues in this category, but I'll save those for a good therapist.

The intent of this site is to provide lessons-learned to other striving writers . . . or serve as an example as to why you should look to other ambitions in life.  Those who have answered the calling will tell you this is not for the weak of heart!  Alas, I digress.

Lets start afresh: The intent is to provide lessons-learned and provide some transparency to my way down this creative road.

A recent addition to the site is the "Currently Reading" list over on the right.  I can usually manage approximately three books at a time and will strive to keep the list updated (please note I am not a fast reader).

What is not up-to-date is the "One Last Hero" status.  Actually, the manuscript is on hold for the near future.  Originally it was stood down to rush a novella, "Juxtaposition Reality" onto the green ramp for publication.  Unfortunately, the magazine closed down; so, now comes the process of finding another publisher.  In the meantime, the manuscript for "Dew Drop Inn" its weirdness aplenty is in revision for a possible eBook.  "So the story goes."

Bottom line, the site will focus more on this writer's lessons-learned.  I think for the next posting we'll take a look at the music that helped to formulate and sustain different writings (am writing this to Yes' "Live at Montreux 2003").

See you then. And remember, "a writer writes . . . always."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!!!

Just want to take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and the very best of the New Year.  This especially goes out to our extended family that has found themselves a half a world away from family and friends.  We look forward to celebrating your safe return back into the arms of loved ones.

I also want to recognize the number of readers from Russia and Canada who started following this blog the past year.  Thank you for your interest and visits to the cyber Comstock.

"Gang Leader for a Day"

Although am trying to return the blog site to its original intention of journaling the writing process, I want to make a rare commendation of the book, “Gang Leader for a Day” by Sudhir Venkatesh.

A self-proclaimed “rouge sociologist,” his 2008 book is a look at JT and the Black Kings, a drug gang embedded in the projects of Chicago. He covers an almost ten-year period providing insight into not only the culture of the gang, but also takes an in-depth look at the residents of the projects and their community within a community geared towards their very survival.

Venkatesh and his work with the Black Kings were introduced in Stephen J. Dubner’s “Freakonomics.” This book is a result of the attention Venkatesh received as a result of “Freakonomics.” It is well written as the style seamlessly transitions back and forth between his memoir and his Master’s dissertation. An important take away also found within its pages is an issue we all fall victim to – a lack of cultural understanding. Every chapter is a composite of paradigm shifts SoCal raised Venkatesh was confronted with as well as cultural misunderstandings throughout his time amongst the Black Kings.

I picked up a copy for research for “Last Standing Hero” and walked away with a greater learning experience than I expected. A great read and learning experience!!

Stepping Into Retirement

Sooner or later it all lines up – the job, the time, the planets – it all comes together and BINGO, its retirement. No BlackBerry, no looming deadlines, no job. And yes, this time has come yet again to the Carlson household, only this time to me.

Okay, so now what?

The party aside – which I might note was an awesome performance by Team Carlson – it was off to Hawaii with my child bride to decompress, attend to self-reflection of this road I’m headed, and provide time to return to healthy lifestyle. Although the agenda was full of activities the main effort focused on rest and transitioning to the new lifestyle. Coming from a career of high OPTEMPO, systems and processes to sustain this choice of life was the norm. Consequently, the work comes to adapting this means and direction to the transition was more from habit, but also the cause and effect of transition headaches.

The most helpful realization through this time is actually pretty simple – A new life means a new way of doing things.

And one last good thing about retirement is the unconstrained time and environment to post more on my blog site. As such, over the next couple of months will be an ongoing series of updates, commentary and whatever regarding my tour with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps.

See you next time.

Final TDY (Chapter 1)

Earth Date: 03.28.2010.

This morning marks the conclusion of the first leg of my final significant TDY for this long career.

The first stop was Camp Atterbury, IN. Located off of Interstate 65 south of Indianapolis, this is the site of one of the military’s projection platforms – more commonly referred to by Soldiers as a mobilization station. Not exactly one of our favorite support bases, but they have been good to Nevada units.

First on the agenda was to welcome home the 1/221^st Cavalry Squadron home from a year in Afghanistan. It was good to see them back and intact. It had been a long year in some of the most difficult of circumstances. A tear defining moment was the arrival of the wounded so they could cross the finish line with their band of brothers. Warriors all, they came together for the spurs ceremony – the last formation before four elements of the squadron returned to their homes in Guam, Arizona, Arkansas, and Georgia.

A trying moment was the lack of interest from the leadership of the Arkansas and Georgia elements to welcome their Soldiers home from a year in Afghanistan. These troops stepped forward to give their all, but obviously urgent matters were pressing elsewhere. Fortunately, these warriors know they will always have an adopted home in Nevada.

In a surprise early arrival the 1864^th Transportation Company landed from theater a couple of days early! They were in fine spirits, but a bit sleepy from the 18-hour flight. A lot of smiles and hugs – they are glad to be back home.

Prior to the arrival of the 1864^th the isolated terminal was used by the Indiana Pacers’ NBA basketball team to board their charter to a game in Atlanta against the Hawks.

It was nice some of them took the time to come over and talk with us. But, for the most part we weren’t too impressed. I mean it’s not like they were from the UConn Girl’s Basketball team – after all, this is March Madness.

This leg also marked the last major event with the command team. The moment was celebrated – as only a military can do – with the hoist of Silver Petron to the last couple of years together. Okay, so there were three hoists, but we were no worse the wear the next morning.

A sentimental moment? Oh hell no. I’m worried about pacing myself to survive this globetrotting experience. I figure with the many time zones incorporated into this trip I should be able to dodge the jet lag bullet – stay tuned for more.

Thoughts on Nevada Economic Crisis

The Silver State is in the mist of an economic crisis, much of which, for a variety of reasons, is self-inflicted. What further compounds the pain of this situation – it’s an election year.

Consequently, this is now a time when any hope of consensus or compromise is only a faint glimmer at best. Too often civic and government leaders address the issues and recommendation proposals from political-centric points of view, and not with the realism of individuals and families who must pinch pennies to survive. This self-centered approach to decision-making further depreciates the effectiveness for viable solutions by not addressing the needs for tomorrow. So, not only must we look at the impact of immediate fixes, but also formulate the look of our future.

So, what is the road to economic recovery? What its not is the usual political diatribe that insults the intelligence of people in need of hope and direction for a brighter future. This is a time for all – yes, all – options to be placed on the public table for transparent decision-making. Unfortunately, this can only be done when elected officials remember their role is “for the people” and NOT “for the party.”

First and foremost, the paradigm of casinos as the cash cow must be broken. Although the casino footprint continues to grow on the Las Vegas Strip, what is their qualifying contribution to the long-term health of Nevada? 2009 saw the statewide loss of approximately 25,000 employees and a 13-percent drop in revenue. Yes, they do provide a gainful source of employment for many, but they also serve as the chief contributor to Nevada’s transient population. So we have to ask ourselves – how does this contribute long-term to a stable tax base?

Here are some other “DOs” and “DON’Ts” to be considered as a common sense approach to our economic survival and recovery way ahead.

Education is an investment in our future. We must look beyond the current crisis to create solutions for tomorrow. Placing significant financial cuts on the education system is nothing more than using a band-aid to mediate a sucking chest wound. We should be aggressively looking for ways to create and enable our potential both as a state and the future generations. Furthermore, we are missing the boat in attracting corporations who invest in their people as well as their organizational growth.

We must attract a quality workforce to our state agencies. The focus must be on attracting a workforce competitive with private sector corporations, then holding them accountable for keeping state on the cutting edge of best practices and adding to the potential coffers. Yes, maybe we do pay state employees at a higher level than other states, but then we should be demanding performance levels that equate to their paychecks.

State facility management and inventory is out of control. A couple of years ago, based on the governor’s call to stand up a Project Challenge program for disadvantaged youth, efforts were made to house the program in an existing state owned building. Unfortunately, the state property managers were not fully aware of what they had available and those provided as options, upon inspection, were found to be well beyond acceptable levels for human occupancy. So, the question becomes – why are taxpayers paying to hold condemnable buildings and facilities? And we must not forget the recent newspaper reports these same managers of state resources had no idea the extent of building and office leases the state is paying for.

Concur with Steven Horsford to put Nevada money in Nevada banks. The state should take a “Nevada First” attitude in dealing with our resources as well as business practices. You would think this just makes good sense – nuff said.

Don’t close Nevada’s state parks – you put the burden on county governments. One of the key icons for the Silver State is the natural beauty that is Nevada. Furthermore, if anything, this is the legacy we leave for future generations. So why allow the natural wonders that define who we are to be victimized by this self-imposed crisis?

Wake up, Nevada. Until we can tackle this economic situation with a no nonsense, realistic approach we are destined to change ourselves from the land of open skies and free spirits to the destitute land of stagnant futures.

Rush Hour in the Comstock

When you trek the outback of Nevada you never know what you'll run into, or come running across you. When Stephen King wrote "Desperation" readers were aghast, but folks out here just sorta shrugged their shoulders . . . and wondered if any of their neighbors were included in the cast of characters.

And it ain't just the aliens that fly low and slow through our neighborhood. Seems everyone marks us off for their final approach, and we don't seem to much care.

Setting up for the Day

Am setting up for retirement. There's only 7 months, 17 days, 3 hours and 45 minutes left until the BIG DAY! Of course there's still lots to do until the clock strikes the witching hour, but am working to set things up for the cross-over to the rest of my life. Part of today has been spent - besides recovering from the latest series of TDY - researching a literary agent and new markets for my manuscripts. Not only has this brought with it a tingling of motivation, but also a sense of relaxation knowing the light at the end of the tunnel is burning just a little brighter.

Summer gives way to Fall in the Comstock

Yes, fall is in the air as the leaves turn colors, the motorcycles clog the highways and byways for one last ride before it's time to put the two-wheeler away in the garage. At least that's the way things looked in the Comstock this weekend with Street Vibrations in Reno and temps holding steady in the mid-90s. Unfortunately, some of us did work this weekend and grumbled away the hours as we watched the vast majority enjoy the end of summer. But hey, my spirits soar with only seven months, five days and four hours to go before the old uniform gets hung up for the last time. Ahh, so maybe the weekend wasn't so bad after all.