Writing Cramps

Pft...ebooks. Whatever.

2011-08-31T09:57:00.001-04:00

I know e-books are becoming all the rage...for some. There are many of us that still prefer (and I dare say, always will prefer) the physical equivalent. Are we a dieing breed? Are we akin to the stuffy elitists that refused to buy CDs and hoarded their vinyl albums like they were precious metals?

Maybe.

My wife and I joke that we can't walk into a bookstore and leave without purchasing anything. It just seems wrong not to buy a book. Am I right? You have all those delicious fruits ripe for the picking. Why leave the puppy at the pound when you can take one home and care for it? That wonderful bottle of wine would be better off on my wine rack than the store's. Okay, so I might be pushing this a little too far.

(I was going to put in a reference about alcohol and an alcoholic, but I thought that was a bit much.)

How often do you go into a bookstore with a shopping list? Me, rarely. I let fate, destiny, or just random stupidity take over. "Hey, I have heard about this book," or "I have always meant to read this," and maybe even "that has a cool cover". I will entertain just about anything.

Can you do that with ebooks?

How often do you visit a books store, major chain or used? Can escape through the exit empty-handed? Do you also hate ebooks?

Aaron E Anderson

Game of Thrones

2011-08-29T09:32:00.000-04:00

I tackled Game of Thrones on two fronts this weekend. First, I finished the second book of the series, "Clash of Kings". Now I know that the series is actually titled "A Song of Ice and Fire", but when I call the series by it's proper name I get blank stares from others in the office. (Mention Game of Thrones and they go crazy, but that is a different story.)

Naturally, I updated my Shelfari site to reflect it's completion, as well as, "Ubik" by Philip K. Dick. Speaking of Philip K. Dick, I saw the movie "The Adjustment Bureau" last weekend, decent movie, but not the crazy mind bending pulp fiction that I enjoy from Dick. Artistic license definitely exercised by the filmmakers.

Secondly, I finally broke down and purchased an HD television. I told myself HD did not matter and that would only purchase HD if one of the existing units died. Frugal, right? Well, the vertical hold on our main tv was giving fits. Over the last couple of weeks it would flicker up and down for nearly three minutes before it warmed up enough to provide a viewable picture. Enough was enough. Found a nice deal at Best Buy on Saturday.

So when I got it home, I naturally needed to test it out. Game of Thrones, season one, did the trick. Yesterday I watched several episodes in a row, and it was almost like I was seeing the show for the first time.

Thus, this morning, I am dragging. I am wasting time pecking away about HD tvs when I have two manuscripts that need attention. It is Monday, right?

Aaron E. Anderson

Jacob Voonderbar

2011-08-05T09:40:00.000-04:00

Vacation is over and I am still trying to get back into the swing of things. Work is crazy and I have so many writing projects, it boggles the mind. If only I could find the time to tackle them all.

I did, however, breakdown and read Nathan Bransford's debut book, Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow. I do not normally read a children's book for pleasure, but since I am a dedicated follower of his blog, I thought I would give it a whirl.

Jacob was a charming book about a gang of elementary school kids, Jacob, Dexter, and Sarah Daisy, who encounter a silver alien. The alien offers them his spaceship in exchange for a corn dog. As you can imagine, the kids jump at the offer. Three kids jet out into space and hilarity ensues.

Jacob was a fun read, and I continually was reminded of Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. You know, that quirky boardline-silly absurdness that tackled you on every page. This must have been the young adult version...and I mean that with the utmost respect and as a compliment.

I have updated my Shelfari book list to include Jacob.

Sorry for the short update, but must get back to major rewrite on a current manuscript and then off to the non-writing related paycheck job.

Aaron E. Anderson
...aspiring space pirate....

Finished Reading Another....

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

I am still on vacation and still have plenty of time on my hands for getting both some reading and writing accomplished. As I mentioned in an earlier post, vacation has allowed me the opportunity to catch up on a lot of books that I had sitting around begging for attention. Thankfully that back log is gone.

With all of those books finally out of the way, I picked up a book that my wife, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law had read, Life of Pi by Yann Martel. My wife indicated that it was a quick read and I would probably enjoy it. I picked it up and tore through it. I finished reading the book in little over twenty-four hours.

In a nutshell, Life of Pi is about a boy named Piscine Molitor Patel, nicknamed Pi, who is stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. His father was a zookeeper in India and after selling the zoo including the animals, he moves the family to Canada. In the trans-Pacific voyage, the boat sinks and leaves Pi as the sole human survivor. However, he is not alone and shares the boat with a 450 pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Both are lost at sea for 227 days.

Interestingly enough, 227 (the amount of days at sea) or 22/7 equals pi. Cute.

(I never noticed until right now there is not pi character on the keyboard. I have a symbol for the Euro but not pi.)

That, however, is boiling the story down to it's simplest and most basic terms. It is a story of survival, a search for God and spirituality, a tale of high adventure, and more. Pi also has an unexpected twist at the end that I admit I never saw coming.

It was an enjoyable read. It was a quick and easy read. For those that prefer, a film adaptation is scheduled to hit the big screen in 2012 directed by Ang Lee. Cast includes Toby Maguire and Gerard Depardieu.

As with all the books I have finished, I have updated my reading list at Shelfari. If you care to take a look at the books I have finished this year, you can access them through the Shelfari bookshelf over on the right-hand side of this page.

Enjoy!

Finished Reading....

2011-07-18T10:34:00.003-04:00

As vacation moves along, I have been able to get some reading done. I have had a log jam of books I have been needing to clear off my "to do list". Last night finished, finally, Dune by Frank Herbert.

Dune is a book I originally started many many years ago...maybe even as far back as high school. After many failed start-and-stop attempts, I finally gave it the honest attention it needed about two months ago. Finally it took. Almost.

Since I have a bad habit of trying to read too many things at once, Dune kinda got lost in the mix with The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which was a fantastically easy read, and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, which was a monstrous undertaking.

Now that Dune is complete, I started Life of Pi by Yann Martel, which I am told is a fairly quick read. After that, either the next George R. R. Martin book in the "Games of Thrones" series, or a book off of Time Magazines Top 100 Novels list (which I plan to complete sometime in the next decade.)

Aaron E. Anderson

Waiting Waiting Waiting

2011-07-17T14:45:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers,

As I adopting Google+ full force, I am posting next to nothing on Facebook anymore. I might chime in occasionally with my witty, and admittedly often inappropriate, comments on others post, but I am going primarily updated on Google+.

Because it is so much easier use, I will post everything on G+. Feel free to add me to your circles. And, if you are not yet on Google+, leave a comment with your email and I will send you an invite. (Word of caution: I do believe, at this point, under Google's current active development restrictions, they are only sending invites to those with current Gmail addresses.)

For those that don't have G+, I am going to copy posts here. Much less clutter to go around.

As for last post on G+, I was commenting on our recent dinner excursion that my wife and I had with her parents. We were held hostage by the newbie waiter learning the ropes. Slight embellishment as compared to the original post:

I hate complaining and feel bad when you have to call the manager over at a restaurant. Matter of fact, I avoid it at all costs. However, sometimes it is simply unavoidable. Should it take an hour and ten minutes to get your entree?

I mean, seriously. When the table next to you, handled by another waiter, is seated, served up with drinks, and delivered food to the table in the time it takes your waiter to get you a single drink refill...something is wrong.

Thankfully my irritation was a slow-rolling boil, where my wife was an explosion of frustration. If our annoyance could be graphed on a chart, I would have been the line that rose steadily. Her's would have been the one that hugged the base line until the very end and then spiked up like a rocket into space.

It all worked out in the end and a 50% discount from the manager did not hurt either. Being the good guy that I am, I gave part of the discount back to the waiter as part of the tip...a sign of no hard feelings.

Hoping your next meal in a restaurant is enjoyable,

Aaron E. Anderson

Google+ or Facebook

2011-07-14T18:58:00.000-04:00

Greetings Readers,

I am currently on vacation in Ohio, lucky to spend a couple of weeks away from the grind of work and other adult responsibilities. I have a lot of extra time on my hands, and of course I am putting it to good use. Right? Maybe.

I had the fortunate (or unfortunate) luck to get an invite to Google+. For those that are not following, it is supposedly the next big thing. Some have even labeled it with the moniker of the "Facebook Killer".

Amidst the grumbling and complaints of seemingly thousands of "Crackbook" users about privacy concerns and the lack of controls, Google has thrown it's hat into the ring making a run at social networking. Will this indeed be the next killer app to emerge on the scene, or is it more of the same? Though I am admittedly new to Google's site, I am seeing welcomed differences with greater control.

I got my invite from a co-worker who expressed his displeasure with Google+ saying, "this is lame without others". Seemingly, a social network site without the social component has its drawbacks. So, I spoke up and got my invite.

While at a party with college friends, the invitation email came through on my Iphone. A brief conversation among the techies prompted others to ask for their own invite. I systematically paid it forward.

So, what will the future hold? Will a major online giant be toppled by another giant for online social networking supremacy? Or, will the old guard keep the status quo? Will causal users be willing to adopt a new site and basically start over?

Only time will tell. Maybe it will be a future where both sites exist. Look, Myspace is still around. Is there anyone still using Myspace? Maybe social networking will evolve on the net to where Facebook is weaker and less populated than today; and Google+, with a respectable presence, just...competes.

Heck, I will at least give it a try. However, like many Google+ users, I will continue to cut and paste my status/stream updates to both sites.

By the way, if you are on Google+, please don't hesitate to +1 my site! And as always, comments are welcome.

Aaron E. Anderson

Milestones and Little Victories

2011-06-10T08:50:00.000-04:00

Hello Fellow Readers,

It is all about the little things. The small, seemingly trivial items bring unexpected joy at the just the right time.

When I first started writing, I was a kid. How old? Too young to remember. First there was the satisfaction of stringing a few words together and completing that first sentence. In the beginning, it took effort and I struggled. Making words fit together properly was new. Granted I was probably six years old or younger, but it was a small victory none-the-less.

Then the page filled. Another achievement in the long journey. A small grin of accomplishment graced my face as I saw one entire piece of notebook paper filled with my words. “Did anyone else do this too?” I thought to myself. “Could I do it again?”

Fast-forward three decades. I am marveling at the four inch stack of paper …yet another story completed. Most of the pages are filled with completely with words, my words. The achievements are getting larger. Each step I take is a step down the road; another step further away from the normal/mundane accomplishments of others.

Last night I smiled looking over another cardboard box addressed to some magical place…New York, California, and all points in between. Another important person wanted to read those pages of words, and I was thrill to oblige.

There are many miles left in the trip. I remind myself it’s the journey, not the destination. Enjoy and celebrate the victories and milestones.

Aaron E. Anderson
~~~Author~~~

Ignore that Previous Title

2011-06-08T08:40:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers,

Before I go any further, I would just like to say that I am not "calling it quits". Believe it or not, I actually did have some friends ask if I had stopped writing. After a chuckle or two, and several nervous moments for the questioner, I shamelessly updated them that I am working harder than ever. If you are the guilty party, I forgive you. Though I may have to write you into a compromising situation in my next piece. Clearly, they stopped at the title of my last blog posting. Their loss...there occasional nuggets of goodness in there.

Once again I am very busy. Invisible ID is being shopped and I am getting those nibbles I had anticipated. The agent query process is like a Taco Bell bean burrito...all exciting and frustrating at the same time. I like the game and the challenge. It will make the payoff that much more rewarding in the end.

As ID is flying out the door, I am involved with two new projects. First, next full length novel (to be my third) and a collection of short stories. The short stories will be more like a Stephen King Skeleton Crew or Nightmare and Dreamscapes. I believe the short story market has a lot of upside potential. I am aiming for ten stories in that collection, and so far I have three.

Well, back to the grind. Thank you to those that frequently provide support and overwhelming encouragement.

Aaron E. Anderson
...Author...

When is it time to call it quits?

2011-04-28T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers, both those faithful and accidental,

I previously posted that I was on the final polish of my manuscript. Well, yeah, I am...I still am. I started wondering, how much revision is too much revision?

I believe I am becoming obsessive and just need to keep tinkering. Invariably, an agent and/or eventual publisher is going to want changes anyways. So, how much more do I mess around?

Right now I am combing through every iteration of "it" that can be found. I just want to make sure that the word "it" was correct. In most cases "it" was a silly shortcut and needed to be replaced with a better word or phrase. In some cases it (no pun intended) just needed to be deleted completely. There were only a little over 2800 "it"s in the work, but most were just parts of other words. (White, wait, ditch, etc.)

What next? The word "was". I need to make sure that all verbs are as tight and as correct as possible.

See what I mean? It The editing never seems to end.

I read somewhere, and I apologize to the source because I can't remember who you are, that writers revise, edit, and polish until the edits become detrimental to the work.

At this point, the manuscript if fine (and getting better). I am just hurting my mental stability with the excessive attention.

Until next time,

Aaron E Anderson

Nearing Final Polish

2011-04-14T08:52:00.000-04:00

Hello Fellow Readers,

I have been very busy working on my project, Invisible ID. It has been about a year and a half in the making, but the end is very near.

A couple of months ago, the book was provided to two very lucky readers. Both spent many many hours (some many many weeks) ripping my manuscript apart. Thankfully, it has weathered the storm well. I had a few misgivings that several things did not work, and to my relief ID came through with flying colors.

I just finished reviewing and adding the last of the edits (for minor spelling, typos, and grammar) to the draft.

All that is left now is a couple spots I need to adjust. Agents should start getting mail bombed next week!

Thanks to those that are following and eagerly anticipating my stories.

Aaron E Anderson

Adding New Blog

2011-03-29T19:49:00.000-04:00

Hey Gang,

Added a new blog to follow. Co-worker, Towanda Young, started a new blog and is currently excited by her new release, Romance in the Cotton Field.

I wish Ms. Young all the best as she starts her journey. Please visit her blog and check it out at towandayoung.blogspot.com.

Meanwhile, my current book is nearing completion and will start the query process very soon. Thanks to all that have read it and offered comments.

Aaron E Anderson

Distractions

2011-02-18T09:10:00.002-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

I am lacking any type of motivation right now, so I am just jotting down a few thoughts while I sit here “in the office” avoiding work.

I am distracted. The calendar reads Friday and Panera is a frenetic mess. Like a subway station at rush hour, people are everywhere. But there is not just one thing that has me distracted, there is not one single item that I can blame for my demotivation.

Is it the booth in front of me where two sobbing college girls are trying, and failing, to keep their emotional breakdowns quiet? Is the gestation of my malaise the inane conversation between two employees arguing the pros and cons of their pre-menstrual medication of choice? Or perhaps it is the Diana Krall-esque rendition -- complete with a Spanish guitar accompaniment-- of No Doubt’s, “Don’t Speak”?

And why, after a year and a half of sitting in this place, have I never noticed there is a quilt nailed to the back wall of the café?

A vacation is close. So very very close. I need to recharge and forge ahead.
My genius must be groggy from last night’s deep Nyquil induced sleep. As I bang away at the keyboard, I can feel him rising, coming back to life. I can just make out his whispers, his words of encouragement. “It is Friday,” he tells me, “an artificial end to an imaginary work week. There is no rat, let alone a race. Standard conventions do not apply. Do what needs to be done.”

I alt+tab back to my work and continue creating....

Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert at the TED Conference giving a speech on creativity (with a reference to the genius.)

Aaron E Anderson

Quick Update

2011-02-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

Just a quick Wednesday morning check in. No major new on agent front, though I am starting to ramp up getting my last project out the door. The feedback I am getting is positive, which pleases me immensely. Chapter One of my next project is complete and the story is moving along nicely.

Updating my book list! I finished reading Franzen’s The Corrections and Larsson’s The Girl Who Played with Fire. Not going to bore with reviews, plenty of those out there. Added to my current reading list, Catcher in the Rye and The Great Gatsby. I know it is a throwback to some classics, but I haven’t read Catcher in a while and I have never read Gatsby. Time to revisit the classics.

Please leave comments as to what you are reading....

Aaron E Anderson

New Domain Name

2011-02-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

I have converted back to the lull that is blog updating, as I am hard at work on my next project. I am juggling a couple ideas, but I am not yet sure which will win out as book number four.

In other news, I have purchased my own domain name...finally. AaronEAnderson.com. Just more of a vanity thing at this point, but I wanted to reserve the name so it is available in the future (when I might really need it). It was inexpensive and just another little piece of technology to mess around with.

Blogger/Blogspot is still hosting and the new domain simply redirects back here...for now. I will need some free time to mess around with hosting options. Blogger will be fine for now.

Just had time for a quick update (so please excuse any typos or grammar),

Aaron E Anderson
owner of www.aaroneanderson.com

Needs More Cowbell

2011-01-24T08:49:00.001-05:00

Greeting Faithful Readers,

I am completely under the weather, so this will be very short. I am so very exhausted that I really can't think straight.

So, to make everyone feel better, here is my favorite SNL skit of all time:

More Cowbell! - watch more funny videos

Enjoy!

Aaron Anderson

Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell

2011-01-21T22:14:00.000-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

Back spring quarter of senior year, I took a class entitled Semiotics. It was an interesting class focused on symbols and how the symbols relate to world around. It was a bizarre class, and I admit the only reason I took it was because the professor that taught it was the same wacky academic that taught Philosophy 101 my freshman year. He was funny, engaging, and seemingly insane. He looked like Ghandi but had some indistinguishable Northern European accent…you simply could not help but pay attention to him.

But this post isn’t about him.

The only assignment for the class was the final paper. For my grade, I wrote a thirty page paper entitled, Semiotics in Modern Science Fiction Film. It was a long meandering tome about the imagery and symbols found in the Star Wars films. But in all my research, I kept coming up against the same name, Joseph Campbell. All my research material referenced him in one fashion or another.

Joseph Campbell in his book A Hero with a Thousand Faces, details the monomyth, the path of the hero into a predictable fundamental formula. In this seminal work of comparative mythology, he describes the stages that a man travels through in his journey to become a hero.

Does this apply to any of your works? If so, don’t be surprised as it can be found in stories that stretch back thousands of years. From Jesus to Luke Skywalker to Simba in the Lion King, all the stories share the same characteristics.

The myth can be separated into three separate sections:
Separation – the hero setting out on his journey
Initiation – the adventures he has when he is away from home
Return – the hero return home with newly acquired knowledge.

Seems pretty vague so far, but how many stories can you think of that fits that mold? Well, Campbell adds a lot more to that basic structure. Putting it in terms of Luke Skywalker, that hero’s journey seems clear.

"A call to adventure" – Luke sees a message from R2-D2 and learns of the Empire and Obi Wan.
"A road of trials" – Luke joins Obi Wan, breaks the Imperial blockade of Tatooine, and gets to the Death Star.
"The goal/boon" – learns of the Force and locates Princess Leia.
"Return to the ordinary world" – Luke and his pals escape the Death Star and deliver plans to secret Rebel base.
"Applications of the goal" – Rebels use the plans in R2 to plan the final attack. Luke uses Force for final shot.

Thinking about those road markers, many stories can be applied to that outline. Buddha, Moses, Ulysses, you name them.

So next time you are stuck for an idea, think about all the books and movies you enjoy. What do they all have in common? There are no new stories. We are just retelling the stories that have already been told before.

And a great video featuring a great author:

Enjoy!

Aaron E Anderson
...doubleawriting...

Poe Toaster

2011-01-19T22:15:00.000-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

Feeling marginally better, but have been miserable lately. I remind myself that these early months of the year are prime for getting sick. Life goes on. I still get up, I still write, and I still go to the office.

Last week I had planned on putting together a long drawn out blog dedicated to Snooki from Jersey Shore. I wanted to complain about her book, her show, her annoying presence. However, I think her book has been given enough attention, I will not add to it. I was even going to add in the video of her getting punched in the bar, but...nah. Moving on.

Today is January 19. Today is the birthday of Edgar Allan Poe. And in case you have not heard, the tradition of the “Poe Toaster” is “Nevermore.” (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) For the last sixty or so years, a mysterious visitor, dressed in a wide-brimmed hat and a white scarf, has been visiting Poe’s gravesite in Baltimore, Maryland and leaving a tribute consisting of a half-bottle of French cognac and three roses. It is a tradition shrouded in mystery that started back in 1949.

Quirky. Odd. Interesting.

But alas, the tradition has seemingly ended. Last year, the mysterious toaster did not show up. Sadly, the toaster did not return again this year. The practice certainly was being passed down among many individuals, hopefully the tradition will return.

And maybe, I wonder as I start work on my fourth novel, that I will become important enough so someone will leave Yoo-hoo and Cocopuffs on my grave site.

Until next time,
Aaron Anderson

Sickness, Star Wars Trivia, and Snooki

2011-01-17T09:07:00.000-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

I hope this is finding everyone well. Tis the season to be dreary. I, myself, am a little under the weather. The nose started to get stuffy on Friday. When I had to go into the “office” on Saturday, itchy/watery eyes and sinus pressure could be added to the list. But I survived, right? On top of the miserable head cold, it is pouring down rain outside. A perfectly miserable day. It feels like a depressing day back in college.

So, I spent most of Sunday in bed. Aside from a quick run to the store to pick up a few things, I basically stretched out in bed and watched TV. I just didn’t seem to have the energy to do anything, no writing or reading. I felt like a bum.
Jonathan Frazen’s book, The Corrections, sat discarded on my nightstand. I was hoping to finally finish it off. No such luck. All I got was a healthy dose of ”just okay” movies and a hodge-podge of television shows.

Movies polished off: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Flash Gordon, Metallica’s S&M concert on DVD, the Social Network, and Family Guy: It’s A Trap. (One side note, in the bonus features of the Family Guy DVD, four of the writer’s play Trivial Pursuit Star Wars Edition. In the 30 minute or so game they played, I only missed two questions. If I would have been there, I would have crushed them all.)

TV shows: Top Chef (this past week’s episode), first two episodes of Jersey Shore’s third season (yeah, I know. Feel free to harass me via comments. I guess it is somewhat writing related. After all, Snooki is a published author!); and lastly, my new favorite show, Shameless on Showtime with William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum.

Well, that is all that I have for today. I must try to get a least a little bit of writing done before I head into the office. I will at least leave you with a double rainbow:

Enjoy!

Aaron Anderson

More Green...Origami Yoda!

2011-01-14T21:48:00.001-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

The following was originally going to be a part of the last post, but I got carried away with all that information about money. Hey, it’s money. “Isn’t that why people write and want to get published? For all the money?”

No. But that is a post for another time.

Since the beginning of 2011, I have been keeping a list of all the books that I have finished reading. Additionally, I have also been keeping a list of movies that I have watched, but that is less important. I can add another book to the list, The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda.

Written by Tom Angleberger, the book follows the antics of a handful of sixth graders that attend McQuarrie Middle School. (For those that do not get the reference, the school is named after the Star Wars conceptual artist Ralph McQuarrie.) Each kid gets caught up in their own personal little dilemma, only to be saved by the advice of a folded paper Yoda that one student, Dwight, wears on his finger.

Only weird part was that I was continuously reminded of Mr. Garrison and Mr. Hat from Southpark. If there was a connection, though, I did not get it.

Origami Yoda is a cute little book, though clearly below my reading level, that appeals to my rarely advertised love for Star Wars. The book’s cover cleverly models a crumpled green paper Yoda wielding a glowing lightsaber. Doodles of rebel X-Wing fighters, TIE Fighters, and even the Death Star surround the Jedi Master. This is cover design at its best as I could not resist the urge to pick up the book the first time I saw it. Best of all, the last section of the book gives the reader step-by-step instructions on how to fold their own origami Yoda.

Many years (and three hideously bad prequel movies) later, I can still watch those original films and thoroughly enjoy each one. Well, maybe not parts with the Ewoks, but you can’t have everything.

Much to my surprise, there are literally hundreds of videos and websites dedicated to origami Yoda. I was completely oblivious to the cult following that has sprung up around him. Though it might not be the best, I have provided a link to Tom’s video on how to fold your own paper Jedi Master.

Enjoy!

Aaron Anderson
Writer, Querier, Star Wars fan

Green Stuff All Around!

2011-01-12T18:11:00.001-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

Dovetailing the BP Oil, I mean, Coffee spill video in my previous post, I decided to make this a green post. Relax I am not stepping up on my soapbox. There are plenty of others out there that are more than willing to step up and scream to the hilltops. There is no eco-anything today. This post will be about another type of green.

The best green is money.

Recent lunch conversations have been quite varied and touched on any number of interesting subjects. Not sure how I am going to work in Mason iconography, freewill, fractals, and the Illuminati into future posts, but it is worth a shot. (As you might have guessed, many have left our table bored out of their minds. Some even exclaiming, “you guys are giving me a headache.”)

But, the topic the other day turned towards money. Quantitative Easing discussions had been exhausted weeks ago, so our fiscal
yammering this time around was much more pedestrian.

The question arose as to which denomination has the most bills in circulation. That was a perfectly valid question. The knee jerk answer was the one dollar bill, though an argument was given for the $100. We needed more information. We simply didn’t like not knowing.

According the United States Treasury Department information released in 2009, the top denomination floating around:

$1 with 9.5 billion in circulation
$20 came in second with an impressive 6.26 billion in circulation
$100 came in third with 6.25 billion in circulation

Interesting, right? I thought so. Don’t know where I will ever use that did bit of knowledge, but there you go. The folks over at Visualeconomics.com have a nice chart with a lot more impressive stats. Check out, Dead Presidents Everywhere.

Now, do you remember who is on each bill?

$1 -- George Washington
$2 – Thomas Jefferson
$5 – Abraham Lincoln
$10 – Alexander Hamilton
$20 – Andrew Jackson
$50 – Ulysses Grant
$100 – Benjamin Franklin

Now the really hard ones:

$500 (Blue Seal) – John Marshall
$500 (Green Seal) – William McKinley
$1,000 (Blue Seal) – Alexander Hamilton
$1,000 (Green Seal) – Grover Cleveland
$5,000 – James Madison
$10,000 (Blue Seal) – Salmon Chase
$10,000 (Green Seal) – Salmon Chase
$100,000 Gold Certificate – Woodrow Wilson

What does this have to do with writing? Yeah, nothing. But you never know when you are going to be trapped in the middle of a Nicolas Cage movie and needs bizarre U.S. History knowledge.

That is all I have for today. My other green topic I will save for next time. In the spirit of money, lets have another look at the Quantitative Easing video....

Aaron Anderson

Further vs Farther (and BP Coffee Spill for Good Measure)

2011-01-11T08:08:00.005-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

Don't look now, but that is two days in a row. Is that a record?

I admit that I have a lot of weird things to write about. So I will just drop them in where I find time and where I find it interesting. Hey, who doesn't like a video that pokes fun of the tragedies of the world. (Don't make me put up videos of cute kittens like Jonah Hill in Funny People. I refuse to do it.)

Being a writer makes one over analyze words to the point where someone could very easily throw a coffee cup at you. Seriously, it is very easy to sit and ponder the best word for one silly sentence for far too long. Heck, I even disqualified a friend from reading a manuscript as he was far more meticulous than I. (Geez man, it was one sentence.)

Anyways, my wife and I got in discussion over the weekend involving the usage of the words farther and further. Now we are both college educated. I would like to think my vocabulary is pretty broad and that I sound at least somewhat educated, and my wife...well, she teaches the stuff to our hyperactive youth. But, for the life of us, we could not decide on the proper use of either word.

So, to the internet. I had to look it up. It was driving me crazy. I felt stupid.
When do you use further, and when farther. Well, here is what I found.

In terms of physical distance, farther is the correct word. (Maybe the word FAR inside indicates something.) Example: The Chuck E. Cheese was mile farther down the road.

If the usage is metaphysical, further is the way to go. Example: If you have any further questions, go ask that lady behind the counter.

I guess now we know.

Anyways, here is a funny video a co-worker shared with me. I am not really making a commentary on Gulf Oil spill, I just find this video hilarious.

I will be dropping more fun videos in as I remember them or run across them. This will be a nice place to log them.

Until next time,

Aaron Anderson
Unagented Writer

Merry New Year (and all that jazz)

2011-01-10T08:31:00.004-05:00

Hello faithful readers,

It's almost embarrassing writing that as I just looked at the last date I composed a blog entry. But, if you are reading this now, then thank you for your continued interest as I bore you for the next couple minutes.

2010 has come and gone. I refuse to wax sentimental. For those that don't know me, I am just not that way. So I could load this first post of 2011 with endearing thoughts on resolutions and refocusing in this new year. Blah, it's cliched.

So what has everyone been up to? Did the holidays treat you well?

As I turned calendar to 2011, I have finally knocked off book three. Invisible ID has been about a year in the writing and editing stage. Quite a contrast to the first novel I banged out in about 30 days (though did spend three months revising). Invisible ID was a long torturous story that changed many times. The first ten pages or so have been virtually unchanged from when written about a year ago, but many major plot points and characters have changed over the course.

Taking a page from George Costanza's play book, I am now doing everything opposite of what I think I should do. (BTW, can you believe there is actually a Wikipedia entry for George?) My irrational overly anxious side wants me to print that agent query letter and get this thing out there. But George Costanza experienced greater success when he went against his initial gut reaction.

Things are different this time. Invisible ID could be a great book, but I know it isn't there yet. I have bitten the bullet (those damn cliches are creeping in) and am allowing several people to read it in it's entirety. Warts and all.

I know there are problem areas I need to smooth out and there is many spots that need cleaned up. However, I need it read. I need feedback as to the story. What is still running around in my head that never made it to paper? Did I accidentally level characters and references in this draft that should have been removed two drafts ago? Does the story make sense?

The thought of someone reading my work in this stage frightens me out of mind, but the logic side of me knows it needs to be done. The totality can only become stronger.

"Patience you must learn," said Master Yoda.

Will leave with a funny video I posted on my Facebook late last year:

With promises of updating more frequently, I bid you a wonderful day!

Aaron E. Anderson
Unagented Writer

Agent Rejections

2010-08-28T11:11:00.002-04:00

Greeting Faithful Readers,

I write this blog during lunch, and exclusively from my iPhone. It looks like my previous test was successful so now I might as well try a full fledged post.

Several coworkers (at the paycheck job) have asked about rejections. Yup, I have plenty of them. Matter of fact, I was thinking of wallpapering the door to my office with them. "But isn't that discouraging?" they ask.

Not at all. I take them all with a grain of salt, a badge of courage if you will. Each response is little more than confirmation that I am active in the process.

I have read several analogies as related to the query process. But my favorite probably has to do with the mall kiosk. Think of sending a query letter to an agent like a salesperson at the mall asking if you would like to try their "fragrance of the day.". Most of us will just reflexively answer no. When we say no, it's no reflection upon the quality of their product, we were just not looking for perfume.

When an agent says, "thanks, but no thanks," it is not necessarily because my work is horrible (though it might actually be) but they are just not looking for that right now. Maybe that agent has to many clients and is completely overwhelmed, overworked. I might be submitting the greatest masterpiece since Moby Dick, but they could not possible sell it. That might be an oversimplification, but you get the point.

Heck, the agent just might be in a bad mood and they just happen to read my letter at the exact wrong moment. Who knows? There is a fair amount of luck in the process.

I just keep fighting the good fight, and never stop working. Eventually it will all pay off.

Lunch over, so must cut this short.

Until next time, keep on keeping on.

Aaron Anderson

From Iphone

2010-08-23T15:45:00.002-04:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

This is just a test to see if posting from my IPhone works well enough.

Does it work? Comment if it looks funny to you.

Aaron E. Anderson

Reading

2010-08-23T08:16:00.004-04:00

Hello Faithful Readers,

As I have said in the past, I am a firm believer that those who write well, read. And they read a lot. I try to finish off a book at least once a week, but that is not set in stone.

I just finished Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. For those of you not familiar with the man, he is the enigmatic host of the Travel Channel's travelogue/food show, No Reservations. Kitchen Confidential was his break out book that detailed his life as a chef and ultimately exposed the criminal, or seedy, underworld that is the cooking scene in New York City. He describes the employees back in the Kitchen are general a bunch of degenerate thugs, thieves, and drug addicts. I am not much for non-fiction, but Tony's voice through out the book is like I am listening to him on his TV show. Entertaining read.

Next up? Just started The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. I am curious as the buzz, many I know are or have read it already.

Until next time,

A. E. Anderson

Two In Week

2010-08-22T16:42:00.002-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

I read, or more correctly probably saw something on television, that it takes thirty days to change a habit. Well, I have updated my blog twice in one week, so I am well on my way.

My third book is round third base and headed for home. (Pardon the baseball reference, but it is the summer, so please forgive me.) I would say that I just about three quarters of the way done with the first draft. After parsing through the first four or five chapters the other day, I was a bit surprise how well those chapters are holding up to time. I meekly reviewed them expecting vast plot, voice, and pacing problems. I think with a few minor tweaks, they are ready to go.

At this point I need to polish of the middle section, and push that ending to it's ultimate conclusion. I will unfortunately have to let my self-imposed August deadline slip, but I am not too disheartened by that. A couple subplots needed beefed up, so the extra work will pay off in the end. (Plus a couple not writing related hobbies have begged for attention, and I have obliged. Some computer games are just not healthy. I realize it, but keep on feeding the addiction none-the-less.)

In my last post, I gave a little insight to my inane searches that distract me when writing. Today, I thought I would throw in a little something different. It has to do with human nature and the weird world we live.

So couple weeks ago, I was sitting at Panera, working as I do every morning before I head off my "paycheck." Banging away at my net-book like I always do, I was pulled from my normal introspective meeting between my genius, subconscious, and rational inner voice, to a commotion a few feet away by the counter. This would the same counter everyone picks up breakfast sandwiches and such.

"Is my order done yet," an irritated voice asks. I peer up and over the ledge to see a middle aged women standing glaring at the employees, eyes filled with ire and discontent. Her non-verbals screamed unhappiness: arms crossed and scowl on her face.

The unfortunate employee politely inquires about her order and apologetically responds that she finished that about five minutes ago. "Someone must have taken it, but I will be more than happy to make you another. It will take me two minutes."

The customer complains, "I am already late for work. I don't have time for this." Said customer storms off, end of that.

I finish my work, pack up my computer and grab my personal items. It was a good ten or fifteen minutes later that I am walking out the door. At this point, I had basically forgotten about the entire exchange. However, as I am walking by the front cashier, I notice that the same impatient lady from before, who apparently was late for work, was standing in line. I over heard her say that she was waiting to speak with the manager to get her money back. Money back!?!

This really is the kind of world that we live in. It is a consumer driven society, where immediate gratification is demanded, and if not the irrational emotional nonsense takes over.

I snickered at the woman as I walked, not sure if I felt sorry for he or if I just was happy that I was getting as far away as possible.

Human beings, got to love them. As long as then will agent my work, publish my books, and purchase my books, I will love every single one of them.

Until next time,

A. E. Anderson
...unpublished working writing....

Three Months Gone By

2010-08-18T08:44:00.002-04:00

Hello faithful readers, and oh how long it has been.

I will first apologize for the my absence. I won't make too many excuses only to say that it is summer and my the first draft of my third book is wrapping up. With that being said, let us move on.

So, I decided to switched up the blog a little bit. I am impressed that some of you have read through some of the drivel I have posted, and applaud you tenacity. But I don't know how much more of "I am still writing" and "I am still unagented/unsigned/unpublished/unread" one could realistically stand.

I will still through a bit of that in there (and limited quantities) but will move on to other things. What I think will be more interesting, just general anecdotes, nonsensical ramblings, and pointless observations. Is it a waste of time? Certainly is! But at this stage of my, if I might use the word, career, a blog is a complete distraction, if not only a waste of time.

My first segment, "What did I Google?"

Seriously. The other day I was pondering the inane and sometimes silly things that I searched on Google during research for my book. Sometimes bizarre questions spring to mind that I just need answered. Google, and it's half-sister Wikipedia, have been instrumental in several lunchtime conversations I have with a co-worker.

So for my entry of the day, "Where did the term 'Cup of Joe' come from?"

Interestingly enough, the exact date of the expression is unknown but is attributed to Josephus Daniels, who was the Secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson. Not being a military man myself, I was unfamiliar the story. Apparently, Daniels implemented a serious of reforms in his tenure, one of which eliminated the wine mess for the officers. Sans alcohol, the strongest drink that one could get on a Navy ship was a cup of coffee. Thus was born the term, "a cup of joe."

Senseless drivel that is guarantee to invoke at least one eye roll at your next dinner party! I am glad to be able to provide such a community service. The John Tesh Radio Show has nothing on me.

Until next time (hopefully sooner then later),

A. E. Anderson

Lost was indeed Lost

2010-05-24T08:55:00.002-04:00

Greetings fellow readers,

Okay, so that chapter of our lives is over. I am speaking of the television show Lost. For several years now, many of us have been following the trials and tribulations of plane crash survivors. From the very first episode when Oceanic flight 815, crashed onto a strange seemingly deserted island, we were drawn into a bizarre would filled with some crazy...stuff.

Years later, I am lucky to have made more than ten minutes into an episode before dozing off. Was it my age starting to show, my new affinity for dark beer, or just the cumbersome writing that drove the series to the eventual finale.

Last night I forced myself to stay awake and watch the whole thing. Like I told a coworker, a lot of us watching are doing so merely out of obligation, as we certainly were not enjoying it anymore. Unfortunately, he jumped ship for Biggest Loser. (I just saved Biggest Loser on DVR).

So anyways, it's over. And, frankly, I am less than amused. Both writers, Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindleof, many years ago cryptically defended their project and begged fans to hang in there, refuting all claims that the Island wasn't purgatory, the characters weren't dead.

So they introduce the Sideways world...and it is Purgatory. All the characters lived out the their lives in this "Sideways" alternate universe as if the plane crash never occurred.

Bullshit!

Sorry for that, but I use it with all due disrespect. I am love alternate universes and junk like that. Heck, my first novel was completely about alternate time lines and such. For Lost, I just wasn't buying it.

And that last ten minutes...where dead father, Christian Shepard showing up to explain to his son why there were all gathered together. (I found it funny that one of the characters joked about his name, "His name is Christian Shepard?" Yeah, it certainly was.)

So they lived on a magical island run by a strange light generated deep in an underground cave. Most died there, those that didn't reunited in that quasi-afterlife way-station before "moving on" to other things. Interesting that in the stain glass were some of the religious symbols of the major religions. The Christian cross and Buddhist Wheel of Life immediately spring to mind. It was just another detail that just simply pushed me over the edge.

Nothing like shaking your head in disgust (to a show you gave up on awhile ago) and rolling your eyes that the same time.

Let me hear your thoughts,

Aaron E Anderson
...aspiring...writing....

Welcome Eric!

2010-05-14T08:42:00.002-04:00

Greetings fellow readers,

I promised myself that I would not procrastinate this morning. I promised my lazy side just enough distraction that I can fit in while consuming an Asiago bagel, then back to revisions.

I have added a new blog to my list. I would like to welcome Eric from Pimp My Novel. This is a great website for all things publishing. Very informative, a great addition to the list.

Back to work,

Aaron E Anderson
...aspiring published writer, aspiring for more time in the day....

New Stuff

2010-05-13T08:49:00.002-04:00

Greetings fellow readers,

Just dropping a quick note, as, again, I am stalling, putting off the unsexy job of revisions. As you may have noticed, if you are a returning reader, that I have been slowly changing and adding to his little distraction called a blog. I have at least kept that personal promise that I would give it a little more attention. Mission accomplished, so far.

Today, I added a list of blogs that I am interested in and follow. Some are writing related, with special shout out to Curtis Brown agent Nathan Bransford's wonder blog, and some things are family and friends. (Why I haven't queried him yet, I don't know.)

If you would like me to add your blog to my list, please leave a comment and the address, and I will gladly add you to the list. Hey, more traffic is a good thing, right?

Leave those comments, I love them!

Until next time,

Aaron E Anderson
...aspiring to be published, procrastinating the revising....

Better off with technology?

2010-05-12T09:27:00.003-04:00

Greeting fellow readers,

As I sit here in my normal weekday office, Panera bread, I am clearly not motivated this morning. I am about to head off to the "paying job", so I am just killing time.

Yesterday, I had a joyous request for a full on my second book. Following the submission guidelines of the specific agent, I realized how far we have really come with technology. (The crazy unpublished writer says as he pecks away on his wireless netbook in the middle of a coffee shop.) I am currently reading H.G. Wells, The Invisible Man, not only because it is a book that I have always wanted to read, but it also has a significant connection to my current project. As I was reading last night, I continuously wondered about the conditions he must have been going through as he "wrote" his stories.

How do other writers write? I have tried them all. Typing it all, handwriting it all. Half and half. What works best?

My current process is to hand write the first draft. As I type it the scribbles, I do my first revision. The first revision is a block mess, looking like one gigantic paragraph. As I make a second pass, formatting the ugly massive block of words, I revise a second time. By the end of the "revising", I have what looks like a finished normal manuscript that has been through two revision.

Then I stash it for a month, and come back to for yet another revision.

But, if I that Ipad that I have been drooling over, will that alter any of my process?

Until next time, keep your pencils sharp and your mobile devices charged!

Aaron E Anderson
...aspiring to find that special agent....

You Must Read to Write

2010-05-01T16:21:00.003-04:00

Faithful readers, or better yet, that empty unknown that I send this out to every now and again,

Have you read any good books lately?

I am a firm believer that any writer worth their weight has to have a undeniable passion to compose the written word...and to read just as much of it. I would even venture to say that as writers we probably should be reading more than we write. Simply because is it so much easy to consume. I certainly can read 3,000 words a lot faster than I can write it.

I have a sneaking suspicion that writing passion was fueled a very long time ago with my healthy appetite for reading. Not just a book every now and then, but stacks upon stacks of paperbacks, hardcovers, and trades. Thanks to my mother, we spend many a summer afternoons at the local library stocking up with arm loads of books. Science fiction, non fiction, horror...you name it. And, seemingly, nothing was off limits.

I remember on several occasions the librarian requiring Mom to say okay to check a particular book. Nothing ever seemed to be off limits. Which to this day, I found to be an extremely value tool in my intellectual and creative develop. There was no censorship. Must to their dismay, that lack of omission bled over to other media as well, including, but not limited to music, television, and movies.

Since I am blathering on yet again, let me reign it in. So what are you reading? What "leisure" book are you reading right now and what is the last book that you completed?

My last book completed: "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown.
Current read, "Living Dead in Dallas" by Charlaine Harris.

For those not familiar, that is the second book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, or better known as the series True Blood on HBO.

So What Do You Do When You Are Arrested?

2010-04-28T08:44:00.002-04:00

Greeting fellow readers,

Several posts ago, I was writing about the advise for new writers in efforts to build their authorial careers. One of the recommendations of that blog was to Google yourself, even going as far as to set up alerts to notify you when a new article/piece appears on the web.

Well, just curious, I set up an alert for myself. I have been receiving if for several weeks now, with mostly boring uninteresting information.

That changed this morning.

Alert today: "Aaron E Anderson arrested in Las Vegas on 3/17/2009." I burst out laughing at first glance, almost ruining my netbook in a shower of Panera hazelnut coffee. Curiosity getting the best of me I clicked the link.

!Click here!

For those of weak or cautious mind, apparently the individual bearing the name of this aspiring published writer was arrested on two counts of Felony Theft and an additional count of Non Sufficient funds/checks.

Funny funny stuff. However, just for the record and much to my dismay, I have never been to Las Vegas in my life, though I am willing.

Impressed with power and scope of the World Wide Web,

Aaron E Anderson
...alleged felon and unpublished writer....

Do Writers Take Sick Days?

2010-04-27T09:20:00.003-04:00

Hello faithful, or even accidental, readers!

I have been under the weather lately stricken by a glorious stomach bug that has kept me, well for the sack of humility and propriety, indisposed. So, unfortunately, I have been temporarily separated from the pen and paper (or keyboard and monitor). Sprinkle in the fifteen thousand pound of pollen that seems to be floating around in the air, I have not been myself recently.

Never-the-less, work my go on. But, it got me thinking. As a professional writer, I guess one has to pull it together and get the words to the paper. I mean, if I drug my backside into my "paycheck job", I would imagine that I should expect that same from all the New York Times bestsellers.

I am nearing normality, so I can continue. Book three is more than half completed, and thanks to several lunchtime conversations with a trusted "critic", I am quite happy with the story so far. Once first draft is done, maybe my significant other will get a full read. She has read most of the first chapter back when it was just an idea.

That idea grew nicely with a little nurturing to a nice story (and hopefully publishable) novel.

On an unrelated note, entered contest through QueryTracker.net for my second book. Contest is to send in a 25 word pitch for book. The contest is being judge by Chris Richman of Upstart Crow Literary. Wish me luck!

Until next time,

Aaron E Anderson
...writer with longterm goals....

Just minor things...

2010-04-10T07:58:00.002-04:00

Hello Readers,

So while getting for my other job this morning, --yes, the one that pays the bills-- one particular item kept bugging me.

I have recently been signing off as "Unagented Aspiring Writer". That was bothering me.

Of course the "unagented" part is always troublesome, but I am fighting the good fight on that front. Endless emails and query letters are running its course. I will have that taken care of in due course. (BTW, if any literary agents or even publishers for that matter are interested in reading anything, please drop me an email. I would be glad to fulfill such requests.)

But, the "aspiring writer" part was most irritating. Am I an aspiring writer? Hell, no. I am a writer, just one who is unpublished. I don't aspire to one day put the pen to the paper. I don't aspire to fire up the word processor and peck away at the next Great American Novel. No, I am a writer.

I have finished two books. I am over 20,000 words into my third book. I have about four stories at about 2,000 - 7,000 words in the wings ready to be finished. Finally, I have many other books in various planning, brainstorming, and outline form.

I am a writer.

So, with that said, I will definitely change my signature.

Any news on the self googleability? Did you run across yourself showing up in websites about the next child spelling bee prodigy? Are you the next curling star giving a facinating interview?

Please feel free to comment about anything.

Until next time....

Aaron E Anderson
Unagented Writer, aspiring to be published (?)

Your Results

2010-04-08T08:26:00.002-04:00

Hello Readers,

How many after reading my last post went and Googled themselves? Come on, don't be shy!

Here were some of the top results I found for my name, Aaron Anderson, that were not me (after skipping the results that were just part of my name scattered throughout a result):

1. Basketblogger: e-Interview with Aaron Anderson- "Osseo junior guard Aaron Anderson played early in his high school career for Hopkins." Sports? Surely not me.

2. Aaron Anderson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia- A Navy Sailor during the Civil War.

There are a couple of mine. Post your in comments, you can XXX out your name if you wish.

Until next time....

Aaron E. Anderson
Unagented Aspiring Writer

Are you Google-able?

2010-04-07T10:14:00.003-04:00

Hello, readers! Has it really been almost two months? Geesh! How time slips away. I have promised myself to get my blog into my weekly rotation, but I will make no promises. Let's face it, all my writing work/activities generally takes place before noon. I am trying to juggle squeezing a blog into the available without sacrificing anything else. We will see....

I have a couple regular blogs that I frequent as they are very informative and entertaining. A recent posting over at http://querytracker.blogspot.com/gave some rather interesting advice in relation to a burgeoning author's career, leading to the most curious advice of "BE GOOGLE-ABLE".

Hmmm.

One of my favorite shows is Californication on Showtime. For those that are not familiar, the series follows the unconventional life of a fictional writer, Hank Moody. The series begins with Hank, a long time New Yorker, trying to acclimate to the vastly different L.A. lifestyle juggling his intense writer's block and personal demons. Interestingly enough, Hank Moody's ex-girlfriend points out that his self-Googling (is that a word?) is just one of his many character flaws contributing to his narcissism.

So, is it wrong to Google yourself? Wrong in the sense of vanity and self-indulgence rather than a transgression of morality. I understand no cute little kitten will die if you type your name in that little multicolored search field.

I guess it is all a matter of intention.

Hank Moody, driven by the needs of his ego, searches for the self-validation. What are they saying about him? For Hank, it would be bad if someone was criticizing his failed relationships or his shortcoming as a father. However, it might even be more devastating if someone criticized his work, his livelihood. He needs to know.

The thrust of that post from Query Tracker highlights the items an aspiring professional writer must concentrate on to establish a firm foundation for self promotion...in a marketing sense. The Googling would be more for the benefit of the consumer, the everyday reader. Making sure you are easily found online is essential in today's virtual world. Writers need to make sure their customers can find them when they are ready for more. Maybe ready for more includes credit card in hand.

In my early stages of this profession, I am building the framework. I am acutely aware that very few are reading this...for now. Do I hope readership increases? Absolutely. Do I expect that to happen anytime soon? Dunno. So it is a matter of me dedicating the time and effort to this part of the profession.

Self promotion might not be a bad thing, however it will take a fair amount of commitment. It might even require one to step out of their comfort zone.

Until next time fellow readers, I bid you ado.

Aaron E. Anderson
Unagented Aspiring Writer

My Apologies and Updates

2010-02-11T10:09:00.002-05:00

Hello Cyberworld.

I am back at the blog again. My sincerest apologies for those that have been checking in. Obviously there were no updates anywhere to be found. Well, I could throw in all kinds of excuses about time management and busy life...but I won't. Let's just cut our losses and move on.

So, where are we right now?

My first novel is complete and in the bag. After four revisions, I have it on the shelf not really wanting to even look at it right now. It is a young adult novel of about 96,000 words entitled, Tempus Fugit. That is merely a working title and, of course, is subject to change.

Many have asked what it is about. Well, I finally give in. Tempus Fugit is a story about a 17 year old boy named Kevin Daniels. After nearly overdosing in his bedroom, he is kicked out of the house by his father and is sent to live with is grandparents in Ohio. While trying to cope with personal problems and adjust to his new surrounding, he is thrown a curve ball when everyone in the world disappears. Kevin is left by himself in relatively strange surroundings with a drug addiction. Humanity has vanished.

Realizing he is by himself, he sets off into town in search of others, and his next fix. But the world is not the same world he knows. It has been altered. Time is strange, history is different, and the familiar is now unfamiliar.

Eventually, he finds he is not alone. There are some people around...some good, some bad.

I don't want to go into much more...but you can kind of get a idea where things are headed.

So, I started shopping the book to agents in late November. I will say that seeking a literary agent is a long and drawn out process. Luckily, I had done my research and was prepared for the tedious process.

I currently going through the process of sending the infamous "Query Letter". For those reading this that are not familiar with the Query, it is basically a one page letter. In that letter you have to pitch your 400+ page book in about 150 words and get someone to want to read more. It's like a the paragraph on the back of a book and a sales pitch all rolled into one.

Is it daunting? You bet. That is the traditional way to "break in."

So how successful have I been? Well, I read on a website a few weeks ago that the average author gets 1 successful response in every 12 they submit. That is about 8% success rate. I am currently running about 18% success rate, with a success being a request to see pages (either several chapters or the whole thing). It is time consuming, but a necessary evil.

What now? Well, while that book is being shopped, I finished my second book. I don't care to release details at this time. I have started shopping that book as well. Hey, the more irons you have in the fire, the better.

In addition to two completed novels, I have about four that are in progress right now. My main obstacle right now is time. That is one of the reasons I have ignored the blog. But, I am moving forward as best I can with the time allotted.

One of these days, all my work will pay off. Regardless, it is fun, and I enjoy what I do.

Until next time....

A. E. Anderson

Halloween and quick update

2009-11-02T07:19:00.003-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers (or welcome if this is your first time),

Editing editing editing.

It is a never ending process. I took about a week off from the novel to put some distance between myself and the story that has consumed me. I started back up this weekend, but with only the intention of getting my previous edits in place, correcting typos, passive/active voice changes, etc.
So I consider myself still not reading it. I am having moderate success with that.

I made the mistake of reading the first chapter, and already have about fifteen ideas of what needs to be added or changed. At least I am not stuck. There is no writer's block. I am pleased with progress thus far.

Since Halloween was this past weekend, I added a new poll. Some of the readers of this site might not understand the question, and that was to be expected.

So for a quick explain, if you could be one, which one would you be...Edward, a vampire, or Jacob, a werewolf. I personally would be team Sookie, but I digress.

Enjoy folks!

A. E. Anderson
Double A Writing

Crossing the Finish Line

2009-10-25T17:46:00.002-04:00

Hello Faithful Readers (or welcome if this is your first time),

Many long distance runners, especially marathon runners, detail a feeling of malaise after finishing a long race for which they have been training. Can the same be said of long distance writers?

I finally dug and clawed my way through Draft One, all 419 manuscript pages of it, and have come out the other end. What awaits on the other end of such a momentous occasion? Aside for the brief 30 to 45 seconds of jubilation, I was immediately struck by the unnerving realization that I haven't really reached the end of anything...yet. All I did was uncover more work.

I stoically closed the three ring binder I have stored all the manuscript pages in, and slid the volume out of my sight. Do I hate my story? Absolutely not. I found some really great sections, and I can't wait till many more get to read them. On the other hand, I am taken back by the monumental task that still lays before me.

Let's just says that I expected that first draft revision to feel much more complete than I think it really is. However, I have a clear expectation of what needs to be done.

This part is for you, L. My novel is a pinata. All along I have been thinking of this great colorful papier mache animal filled with delicious sweet treats. While it was only a fantastic animal grazing in my subconscious for many years, I finally decided to build it. As the first draft was completed, I felt like the structure of the animal was there, but was nothing a child would want to destroy at a birthday party. Now that I completed the overhaul, which I would now consider draft 1.5, I feel like that outside has been decorated and looks nice and fancy. It looks like a pinata should look.

As I move into my next phase, I want to add the sweet center. I want to get all the delicious treats inside that the kids demand. After all, what good is breaking open either one and finding just a hollow center?

So draft 1.5 has been shelved for a few weeks, where it can mellow. In about three to four weeks I will return to cut into it and inject the extras it deserves to make it something special.

What next? Well, book number two awaits. I have been mulling several ideas and not sure which one will win out. I started one idea already, making it about 2000 words before I stopped...it deserves a second look. A completely separate idea has been knocking at my backdoor, I might finally answer it to see what he wants.

Meanwhile, this week will also be my first foray into Agent Query letters. I have read up substantially online about suggestions and examples, and I have a long list of agents to start pestering.

If anyone out there has suggestions, recommendations, or advice related to Agents, send them my way. I have read lots online and most of the advice seems to be repeating itself, so I believe that I am on the "write" track (sorry, I couldn't help myself.)

Until next time, I wish everyone well. Please feel free to leave comments, as they make my day (good or bad).

A. E. Anderson
Double A Writing

Welcome Facebook Friends

2009-10-21T20:47:00.002-04:00

Hello faithful readers (or welcome if this is your first time),

I have attempted to add NetworkedBlogs through Facebook, but I am not sure how it will work. The direct link was also added to my Facebook page.

So for those of you new to this blog, welcome.

That is all I really have at this time.

A. E. Anderson
Double A Writing

Monday Monday

2009-10-19T20:43:00.001-04:00

Hello faithful readers (or welcome if this is your first time),

The never ending draft one edit continues on. However, I am now happy to say that I reached the halfway point (and went sailing on past it). I don't know if I have hit my stride, becoming more proficient at editing, or if the writing is just better. Never one to pick a side, I will hedge my bet and say it is probably a little of both.

Would have updated the blog much sooner, however I learned the hard way that I am unable to update from my Iphone. Oh well.

Growing up I read just about anything I could get my hands on. I remember checking out arm loads of books from the library as a kid, and polish off as many as I could on the car ride home.

With all my reading, I gravitated to Stephen King. With his blend of pop culture and supernatural, his works spoke to me more than anything else. I still remember my eighth grade English teacher allowing me to do It as book report. She was gracious enough to allow me to use it for two reports, due to its excess length. Aside from the Dark Tower Series, it still remains my favorite work of King.

Recently, I finished his book, On Writing. This was King's foray into explaining his craft. Though the work was probably more biographical than I would have preferred, it was still very informative.

King describes the writing process as digging a fossil. One starts a story by uncovering a small fossil in the sand. As the writer continues and ideas spring to mind organically, the fossil gives way to larger bones until there is a full blown skeletal structure, like those monstrosities in the museum.

I had never thought of the writing process like that, but it is exactly how I work. I was never one for outlines and "plotting it all out." An outline seemed far to contrived and rigid. A story must grow and breathe, take on a life of its own. Without realizing it, I had adopted that style long before he described it.

The single draw back, major rewrites. To paraphrase King, sometimes when one writes that way, they are bound to lose a bone or two. Late last week, I struggled with a section of my novel where one particular bone, 1200 - 2000 word section, just wasn't working. It was horribly written, and degraded in quality each time I tried to rewrite. To make matters worse, I found a few major continuity problems that made the pages, more or less, trash.

After heavy deliberation, and a nudge from the wife to take a day off, I scrapped it. So how did I fix it?

Easy (in hindsight). I simply sat down at the computer with a fossil and began to write without any preconceived notions as to where the story was going to take me. The characters came alive and told me what to say. The story wrote itself; the problem fixed itself.

As an added benefit, some potential problems that were 50 - 60 manuscript pages later were inadvertently fixed. I hadn't even realized the problems were there. Twas a happy little accident.

Writing is a joy when it all seems to go your way, but can be the biggest pain in the ass when it goes so horribly wrong.

Until next time folks,

A. E. Anderson
Double A Writing

Draft editing, one week in....

2009-10-11T18:12:00.004-04:00

Hello faithful readers (or welcome if this is your first time),

For those that are keeping track at home, week one of first draft editing is complete. However, the draft still needs much more work. I would estimate that I am about a third of the way through.

It has been frustrating not having the time to get it done. However, such is life. Kids get sick, real life jobs need attending, and family needs attention. The last one is the most difficult, as I feel guilty not spending time with one, when I am with the other. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day.

However, several chapters in, I found some real gems. There were some passages that I thought bshined through, brilliant if I might say so myself. But, to every ying there is a yang. Let me be frank, there were just some steaming piles of poo-poo. Adverb hell in a couple spots...could I really have put four adverbs in one sentence? YIKES!

Over on the right panel, I have added a poll. I'm posting one poll per week just for giggles. Let's say it gives me insight to the suspects that wander through here. Click away, don't be shy. You are here anyways.

I hope to increase the frequency of posts once draft one is done and gets put on the shelf for a few weeks. I am trying to think of interesting things to post.

If you want to help, drop me a line in the comments. I would love to read your thoughts as well. If you are a writer yourself, professional or otherwise, feel free to drop nuggets that you might find interesting or helpful.

For those that have posted and comments, I thank you immensely! Please keep it up!

A. E. Anderson
Double A Writing

First Draft Editing

2009-10-06T08:18:00.002-04:00

With all the technology that surrounds us, I find it interesting that I still seem to do my work, "old school." I am a slave to the pen and paper. While all the words eventually make it to the laptop, I still find it easier to get my ideas and words down by handwriting. I don't know it is the pace at which I physically put the words to paper versus the speed at which I type, I just have much easier time writing longhand.

I have finally finished my novel, and all the pages have been converted from paper to computer. Several have suggested that I use dictating software to get read the pages into the computer to speed up the process, but I balked as my typing the pages is "on the fly" editing.

But, I printed on my novel, all 417 pages and it sits in physical form. There is something about seeing it in physical form that I admit, is a bit impressive. I am now arduously editing page by page fixing and cleaning.

I'm chopping the dreaded adverbs, activating the passive voice, and reconciling conflicting details. Several holes in the story are being filled, while spots are being cut out completely. It's all for the good of the story.

I am relentless, and I am hard on myself. Not trying to rush, but hopefully 1st draft revisions will be completed by end of the coming weekend.

Other stories are percolating.....

My first blog!

2009-10-03T08:13:00.001-04:00

Hello world! I am extremely new to the whole blogging thing, but decided to finally take the plunge. I intend for this to be a forum, or outlet, in which I am able to chronicle my burgeoning profession, writing.

I have always had a passion for writing, but rarely acted upon it. Isolated writing projects and experiences lay discarded in the mostly forgotten memory banks of years gone by. However, after much soul searching, I decided to resurrect those old ideas and forge ahead. I may or may not be commercial, and the craft may never pay a single bill, but it is cathartic. Money is not the reason. Writing keeps my mind sharp, keeps me engaged, and provides me with a goal that, frankly, my current professional career simply lacks.

I am happy for you to join me on my journey. Thanks for stopping by.