Category: About Me

Given an option to learn or remain ignorant, which do you choose?

I continue having fascinating online interactions. They convince me my wiring differs from most others’.

Case in point, someone contacted me with

I’m reaching out because I just put up my new dystopian science fiction novel as an ARC ebook on book funnel and wanted to reach out to you to see if you’d be willing to read and post a review on Goodreads and bookbub (amazon a little later, official release is 10/7/20). I’ve attached the book cover to hopefully entice your decision. I can send additional information if necessary as well. Also, lmk if you have a new book coming out and I will do the same for you. Thank you, hope all is well on your end. Be safe and be well.

First, kudos for asking before bamming me.

I responded
Continue reading “Given an option to learn or remain ignorant, which do you choose?”

My apologies

Long ago and far away I received a letter (shows how long ago this was) from AJ Budrys congratulating me on getting my short story, Cymodoce, nominated for the Nebula (1995).

Flattered, honored, and I mention it when it seems appropriate.

 
Someone wrote me they couldn’t find any record of my nomination.

First, Wow! It’s important enough to you you looked it up? I’m flattered and honored all over again.

But it did make me curious. I emailed SFWA

Is there a list of Nebula first round nominees available? I remember receiving a letter (an indication of how long ago this was) from AJ Budrys re a story of mine, Cymodoce (Tomorrow Magazine, 1995), congratulating me on being a first round nominee.
Does SFWA/Nebula keep first-round nominee records? And if so, do they go that far back?

and just now (3 Jun 20, 12:38pmET) received

Yes, we do keep records. Your story did receive a recommendation listed in the Nebula Awards Report, but this was not considered being a “first round nominee.” It required ten recommendation to make the preliminary ballot.

Hence I apologize for the confusion.

And you know what?

AJ LIKED MY STUFF ENOUGH TO RECOMMENDED IT!

Yeah. I’m good with that.

I’ll take it until something better comes along.

(and i will be updating my marketing materials as time allows (wondering if i can get away with calling it a typo…))

Talking about inspiration, titles, protagonists, genre, author toolkits and more with Patricia M. Osborne

West Sussex author and MA in Creative Writing scholar Patricia M. Osborne invited me to guest post on her blog.

 
She asked for ~500 words on writing.

She asked for it on a day I had a breakthrough on my work-in-progress.

I ended up writing about inspiration, figuring out book titles, defining protagonist issues, the difference between genre and literature, learning what’s in your author’s toolkit, and letting your writing educate you.

I enjoyed it. Hope you do, too.

Let us know what you think – Guest Feature – Joseph Carrabis.

I’m Arm Casted by Armand Rosamilia

Want to hear me rolling with the punches? Give a listen to Arm Cast Podcast: Episode 341 – Carrabis.

 
I’m fascinated, listening to it. We talked a bit about the business Susan and I had, my past writing, re-evaluating past writing, practicing my writing, learning to describe something in five words instead of fifty, taking courses, reading books, perfecting my craft, and applying my research talents to writing good books.

No, really, we did.

And then we talk about the publishing world that existed when I wrote trade-technicals (late 1980’s-early 1990’s) and how it is now. Specifically, what’s changed and what’s not.

Give a listen and let us know what you think.

(and thanks)

I Get Faithy with Jay Wilburn (but only if it matters)

Jay Wilburn interviewed me on wide-ranging subjects on his Matters of Faith podcast.

Jay’s blurb: The Matters of Faith Podcast with your host Jay Wilburn on Project Entertainment Network explores individual stories of faith and personal struggle. The show does not have an agenda, but seeks to detail the personal experiences of people within various faith communities and people with experiences outside those communities – within organized religion and with spiritual views outside of those traditions. Every person has a story. It may not be your story, but their experiences may help you, may lift you up, or may inspire you as you live out your own story. Listening to the stories of others helps us all to understand each other better as we live out our lives in the world we share. We are all trying to figure out life. This show is meant to help us discuss topics about our journey through life that do not get discussed openly, honestly, and positively often enough.

 

I enjoyed it and recommend his show to others, both listening and being interviewed. He’s talented, disarming, and entertaining. Nice combo when you can get it.

Thanks, Jay!