tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31815913610926133602024-03-15T21:10:07.774-04:00Emma Larkins - Writing LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-8974761612777691122015-08-26T15:03:00.001-04:002015-08-26T15:03:46.480-04:00Emma Larkins Blog Has MovedGreetings! It's been a while since I've posted here, so I wanted to write a note to let you all know I've finally consolidated my blog and my website. From now on, I'll be adding new content over there.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.emmalarkins.com/blog/" target="_blank">New Blog Here</a><br />
<br />
What you'll find on the new blog:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>More frequent posts! I've felt somewhat stifled by the direction this blog has been going. This has caused me to stifle blogging impulses that didn't quite mesh with my old content.</li>
<li>More creative projects. In addition to my science fiction writing, I'm now designing tabletop games!</li>
<li>More fiction. I'm excited to write and share short speculative fiction pieces, and I now have a place where they fit!</li>
<li>More personal anecdotes. I'm a pretty private person, but I love the personal stories I read by writers I follow, so I want to try some of my own.</li>
<li>More guests/interviews. One of the best parts of writing and being social online is showing off the awesome work of other creators. Can't wait to do more of this.</li>
</ul>
<div>
What you won't find on the new blog:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Freelance writing advice. If that's what you're looking for, I highly recommend subscribing to <a href="http://contently.net/" target="_blank">the Freelancer blog</a> on Contently.</li>
<li>Business/marketing advice. I care a lot about this subject, and will most certainly write about it for other markets. At the same time, it's targeted to a very specific audience that doesn't necessarily overlap with the audience for my creative projects.</li>
<li>Heavy industry/tech talk. Again, I want to make the blog accessible to fans, not just creators. So less about the nitty-gritty "how" a project comes to life, and more about the "why."</li>
</ul>
<div>
Thanks to everyone who has followed what I've been working on. Excited to have you all join me in this next chapter!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Cheers, EmmaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-6795728636882052042014-09-11T00:55:00.001-04:002014-09-11T00:55:24.984-04:00Page-a-day Book Release of Mechalarum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2I34GuKpJ93iXToC0JupF0fLgoFwgVaL3gH3kbFdf1rde0heDjzn-KlSlHs-KTcreQIZRGueIUpdbdiJ4O2NBvVknQSz1VOTmMicNjHSr9INtZBu00p15Ui07IiuWwvJ-Jwc21ZMm5LAt/s1600/Mechalarum-banner-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2I34GuKpJ93iXToC0JupF0fLgoFwgVaL3gH3kbFdf1rde0heDjzn-KlSlHs-KTcreQIZRGueIUpdbdiJ4O2NBvVknQSz1VOTmMicNjHSr9INtZBu00p15Ui07IiuWwvJ-Jwc21ZMm5LAt/s1600/Mechalarum-banner-facebook.jpg" height="257" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't always been the best at keeping this blog updated. A regular font of information needs to have a source, and I've been too interested in jumping around to consistently produce words of wisdom for my audience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, the upcoming release of my debut novel changed that. Now I have a focus, something to dedicate my energies towards, and best of all, a simple, straightforward plan for posting once a day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My novel Mechalarum is scheduled to release on October 9, 2014. In the meantime, it will be <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mechalarum-Emma-Larkins-ebook/dp/B00NE4ABMQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410411177&sr=8-1&keywords=mechalarum" target="_blank">available for pre-order on Amazon</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until then, I'll be releasing the first few chapters a page at a time in image form on my <a href="http://www.mechalarum.com/blog/" target="_blank">Mechalarum blog.</a> Head there to see the latest posts! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-36549473535886426412014-02-18T12:43:00.000-05:002014-02-18T14:10:34.620-05:00NIKA Interview with Game Designer Josh Raab (Tabletop)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDRJMyWHlccU7awARtCipWq7OMba7UFRQxCMyDYg9NPSyiOmYTVqfLRM8TYPvuY327nt_5BXgVEDGuV0FaZxjL7gLR-yYyQZD7AxkOpi6qiKs8q8HpkwPCUwR6pTyuan-TxUyjZu74Y7n/s1600/nika_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDRJMyWHlccU7awARtCipWq7OMba7UFRQxCMyDYg9NPSyiOmYTVqfLRM8TYPvuY327nt_5BXgVEDGuV0FaZxjL7gLR-yYyQZD7AxkOpi6qiKs8q8HpkwPCUwR6pTyuan-TxUyjZu74Y7n/s1600/nika_logo.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Today's interview is with game designer and active member of the NYC gaming development community <b>Josh Raab</b>. Josh is currently running a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2002188924/nika-a-game-inspired-by-ancient-greek-geography-an" target="_blank">Kickstarter to fund development of his tabletop game NIKA</a>, which he describes thusly: "Command a Greek city’s hoplite soldiers. Push and rout enemy lines. Coordinate allied attacks to secure victory, but watch your flanks!"<br />
<br />
Watch the video to learn more about improving Kickstarter success through building community before launch, the importance of playtesting, and thoughts on the creative process. I've included a partial transcript of the interview below.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Pvy3Aearim4" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Tell us a little about you and your game.</b></h3>
<br />
I'm a grad student at the NYU Game Center, MFA in Game Design. Studied Ancient Greek History in undergrad, which was the inspiration for NIKA. It's a game about ancient Greek warfare, where you have four Greek cities, two allied against the other two. You're basically trying to get one of your pieces across the board into your ally's territory.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h3>
<b>What inspired you to go through the process of taking a game from idea to publication? Have you done this in the past? What makes you stick with the project when the going gets tough?</b></h3>
<br />
This is my first published board game, although I have a couple other things floating out there in terms of video games. After I graduated, I had a bunch of half-finished card games and board games. I wanted to pick the best one and really focus on getting that published. I went through the catalog and figured NIKA (which was then called Othismos) was the most promising. I was like, "If I'm going to get something out in the world, I need to focus." I started devoting more time to development, then submitted it to a contest on <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/" target="_blank">BoardGameGeek</a>. The game ended up being a finalist, and I traveled to Salt Lake City to present it. One of the judges for the contest (from <a href="http://www.eaglegames.net/" target="_blank">Eagle Games</a>) decided to publish it.<br />
<br />
There were times when I had an existential crisis and thought, "Maybe I should abandon game design altogether!" I stuck with it because of stubbornness, and also just knowing this was what I wanted to do with my life.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>It sounds like a bit of a Cinderella story. Do you feel like this happens to a lot of designers?</b></h3>
<br />
There's definitely an element of being in the right place at the right time for every success story. In addition, there's a great board game design community in New York. There's a playtest group I go to every month run by <a href="https://twitter.com/joshdebonis" target="_blank">Josh Debonis</a>, who made <a href="http://www.polygon.com/features/2013/8/29/4593934/killer-queen-joust-starcraft-giant-snail" target="_blank">Killer Queen</a> and Meriwether. They're the best resource. It's full of brilliant designers who will give you really thoughtful critiques. That definitely was a huge help.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Where there any moments that stick out where you felt, "Wow, this was all worth it."</b></h3>
<br />
I got a lot of playtesting from my friends from high school, we were living at home after college. They would actually ask me to bring it over, or if I had it they would ask to play it. It was something they wanted to spend their time doing. They don't owe me anything. They wouldn't do that just to humor me or make me feel better. That was the moment I thought, "This has potential."<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Could you talk a bit about what you did to build your community before you launched your Kickstarter?</b></h3>
<br />
There's two parts to it. One is that it's being published through Eagle games; they have their own marketing apparatus and fans. Second, I've been bringing it to conventions for more than a year. The first one was Metatopia in New Jersey, before we even had the art we have now. We've shown it at <a href="http://www.indiecade.com/east/" target="_blank">Indiecade East</a>, <a href="http://magfest.org/" target="_blank">MAGFest</a>, <a href="http://www.theretcon.com/" target="_blank">RetCon</a>. I've been bringing it around school and to NYU weekly playtests. Just getting it in front of as many people as possible is key.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Lastly, because this feature is about establishing bonds within creative industries, can you name one (or more!) game designer, game developer, publisher, community organizer etc. who's doing great things right now, and why?</b></h3>
<br />
There's so many people! One is my roommate <a href="https://twitter.com/JonStoked" target="_blank">Jon Stokes</a>, who made the game <a href="http://whiskersgame.com/" target="_blank">Whiskers</a> which is free on the iPad - it's a fun, cute local multiplayer. <a href="https://twitter.com/Andy_Makes" target="_blank">Andy Wallace</a> works at <a href="http://goldenrubygames.com/" target="_blank">Golden Ruby</a>, and has a game called <a href="http://andymakes.com/particlemace/" target="_blank">Particle Mace</a> coming out. It's in pre-alpha, you can buy it. Hart Labs run by <a href="https://twitter.com/HartLabs" target="_blank">Chris Hart</a> have a game called <a href="http://synthesisgame.com/" target="_blank">Synthesis</a> that will blow your mind, where you program these particles to form into molecules. It's totally crazy, and totally awesome.<br />
<br />
Thanks, <b>Josh</b>! Remember everyone, the game is called <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2002188924/nika-a-game-inspired-by-ancient-greek-geography-an" target="_blank">NIKA on Kickstarter</a>. Time is running out - you should check it out today!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Enjoyed this? You might also like...</h3>
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-zachary-bonelli-on.html" target="_blank">Interview With Zachary Bonelli on Community Days</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/07/insomnium-interview-zach-bonelli-talks.html" target="_blank">Insomnium Interview: Zach Bonelli Talks Serialized Science Fiction Kickstarter Thoughts</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-alex-shvartsman-on.html" target="_blank">Interview with Alex Shvartsman on Community Days</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-23318717511231156992014-01-21T18:19:00.001-05:002014-01-21T18:19:21.456-05:00What's In a Blog? Choosing a Focus to Get Noticed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X4gdbt3hCnPd_QMe9Rlc4Dt899I-zOfgfOofDLvk1AF98_dRc81ru4OpSAfqiy0ozr4mhsITqTFI6AJ1w7wtQMcvzoRB6pDSm6BY49Ky9kFsSOziVHvviiwFg-YvA3TJfprciH1rigQI/s1600/beer-and-waffles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X4gdbt3hCnPd_QMe9Rlc4Dt899I-zOfgfOofDLvk1AF98_dRc81ru4OpSAfqiy0ozr4mhsITqTFI6AJ1w7wtQMcvzoRB6pDSm6BY49Ky9kFsSOziVHvviiwFg-YvA3TJfprciH1rigQI/s1600/beer-and-waffles.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've never been entirely happy with the way I've run this blog. True, after writing (off and on) and evolving the content for almost six years, there's a lot of value wrapped up in it. Even without publishing regularly, I'm getting a couple thousand views per month; I peaked at 4,500 last March when I ran my <a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/p/kickstarter.html">Mechalarum Kickstarter</a>. But I've never identified a target market and consistently delivered interesting and useful information to that audience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's hard to pick a focus when <b>I'm interested in so many things</b>. I could easily write pages and pages geared towards people running crowdfunding projects, authors writing and self-publishing their books, science fiction readers looking for entertainment, or NYC-based entrepreneurs building tech startups. Or I could just post photos like the one above because, come on, who doesn't like beer and waffles?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another consideration is <b>content style</b>. Although content marketing is bigger than ever, blogs seem somewhat passe in 2014, falling in popularity compared to Tumblrs or simply "news sites." We have more stories than ever competing for our attention in a variety of formats. The stuff that succeeds needs to be rare, slick, attractive, informative, and/or easy to consume.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A third important factor is a bit vague - <b>what will make me want to come back</b> to writing my posts, day after day? My friend vowed to pick a "song of the day" every day this year, and he's stuck with it. It's fairly simple, interesting, personal, and sets up an expectation that people can get behind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2014 is going to be the most rewarding and most profitable year I've ever had. Creating a regular content stream is an important part of that vision. I'm excited to try out new ideas, assess for both personal and audience interest, and iterate as needed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, and if you want to beer-and-waffle it up, check out the delicious selections available at <a href="http://www.sweetrevengenyc.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Revenge</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-6663079813549553632013-09-09T17:37:00.001-04:002013-09-09T17:37:17.594-04:00Games As Stories, Plus A Cultus/Cram Games/Boston FIG Shoutout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJzuesJBmBxsgsQM9UFxIGfRPy5vx9EobTpENXbpsA7VCVAiddSxcBoB968u5G1E55m6BSY1oP7xpQYR8LdD25bgj1ewN4q0nYdVRO2Qkgp6RktwME5_At6bPzCpp7izGz-60DpnscuVm/s1600/cropped-cramgames.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJzuesJBmBxsgsQM9UFxIGfRPy5vx9EobTpENXbpsA7VCVAiddSxcBoB968u5G1E55m6BSY1oP7xpQYR8LdD25bgj1ewN4q0nYdVRO2Qkgp6RktwME5_At6bPzCpp7izGz-60DpnscuVm/s640/cropped-cramgames.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Excited to share some great news.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cultus - by <a href="http://cram-games.com/" target="_blank">Cram Games</a> - is going to the <a href="http://bostonfig.com/tabletop-games-showcase/" target="_blank">Boston Festival of Indie Games Tabletop Showcase</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
True, I'm a bit biased, as I kind of like game designers <a href="https://twitter.com/SpiderJerome" target="_blank">Phillip Schmitte</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJesusGaray" target="_blank">Jesus Garay</a>. But the game also has a great story, perfectly encapsulated by flavor text and shown off with gorgeous art.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Earth Grinder</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>“An unorthodox sword to fight greedy earth spirits”</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnE0fODSrUID6cq5IBR7Y-SLsPn1aigu3FEk0AAr3D81QVsCa29sB89gjfzf5ALCILITr62BsrIQ0QfgkA2qwl21klqNse4BiOo2Dyvib111_hj7bAFou65rNW7tmx0gR3X0fBqB22NVH/s1600/relic-earth_grinder.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnE0fODSrUID6cq5IBR7Y-SLsPn1aigu3FEk0AAr3D81QVsCa29sB89gjfzf5ALCILITr62BsrIQ0QfgkA2qwl21klqNse4BiOo2Dyvib111_hj7bAFou65rNW7tmx0gR3X0fBqB22NVH/s1600/relic-earth_grinder.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Enduring Confection</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>“Sweet ecstasy from the World Before attracts the hungry”</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm31b61WROaOTnzMpcomABfGwMLZjiq5M4Ux2pbKkZLJ0Tm0GSmgV7nzEDQm4ykGB-c9UrF5GWTyEQmz-Nd9x4e1dVKIUo_ioZK-F3j0WadO4wvPP53NbRKb5JB6upPiEG2fEJExiuDyQc/s1600/relic-enduring_confection.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm31b61WROaOTnzMpcomABfGwMLZjiq5M4Ux2pbKkZLJ0Tm0GSmgV7nzEDQm4ykGB-c9UrF5GWTyEQmz-Nd9x4e1dVKIUo_ioZK-F3j0WadO4wvPP53NbRKb5JB6upPiEG2fEJExiuDyQc/s1600/relic-enduring_confection.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The premise is that, in a post-apocalyptic world, people find 'relics' from past times (shovels, well-preserved pastries, football helmets), interpret them, and build up cults around them. As the cult leader, it's your job to use influence to construct shrines around these relics, fill the shrines with devotees, and execute 'ideas' to strengthen your following. The person with the most power at the end of the game wins!<br />
<br />
As a writer, I've been thinking a lot about the different mediums in which people tell stories. Games (whether video, tabletop, board, or other) are fascinating storytelling vehicles that often use imagery, social interaction, music, movement, and more to convey something authors attempt using only words. I'd love to explore what it's like to craft a world, plot, and characters in this way.<br />
<br />
Can't wait to hear what happens at Boston FIG!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-70190831162424008962013-09-03T16:26:00.000-04:002013-09-03T16:26:48.020-04:00Writing Mechalarum on the Subway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't have much time for an update, but wanted to let everyone know that I'm making good use of my daily subway commute to get in some extra editing :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP3zRjtHQVg_x6lBu-9gJWT7iEgR370YfprWZhLXaEtAstRJ30QP81Cs-BIwNh_3ArfpXsaMM8aeEBDix0bppRVe2R5uLinKmCzZD5Hzi76akxseAzkyhNAGKLaa4MQiRV7dpwBoPVZPC/s1600/emma-writing-subway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP3zRjtHQVg_x6lBu-9gJWT7iEgR370YfprWZhLXaEtAstRJ30QP81Cs-BIwNh_3ArfpXsaMM8aeEBDix0bppRVe2R5uLinKmCzZD5Hzi76akxseAzkyhNAGKLaa4MQiRV7dpwBoPVZPC/s400/emma-writing-subway.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-1235347797566029812013-07-02T08:00:00.000-04:002013-07-02T11:52:37.160-04:00Insomnium Interview: Zach Bonelli Talks Serialized Science Fiction Kickstarter Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDtFu2uRO_FeTHL_MN07CxZWE2K5YAqwyy8k0E6NqFq53qm7ULtFHaQ7q38vmwyhuMrAeNJCBwQuuRkdlBzz6NFdjjPwjZytmqU8ERNxDmfp-XbV4KiDiDsf8z158DBIf5XoDR8_PIuoj/s450/insomnium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDtFu2uRO_FeTHL_MN07CxZWE2K5YAqwyy8k0E6NqFq53qm7ULtFHaQ7q38vmwyhuMrAeNJCBwQuuRkdlBzz6NFdjjPwjZytmqU8ERNxDmfp-XbV4KiDiDsf8z158DBIf5XoDR8_PIuoj/s320/insomnium.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
In honor of Zach's <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zacharybonelli/insomnium-a-serialized-science-fiction-novel">continuing campaign to Kickstart Insomnium</a>, here's another great interview where he delves into thoughts about the art and science of writing. Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Insomnium is Latin for a "waking vision." What interests you about blurring the line between dreaming and "real life," between consciousness and unconsciousness?</h3>
<br />
The main character of Insomnium, Nel Hanima, is in a place in his life where nothing is as it should be, nothing is functional. The worst part is that he has no idea how to move himself toward something better.<br />
<br />
The dream forced upon Nel and his friends is an inverted wake-up call, forcing them to deal with their respective situations. I think that, when we peel away the surface layers of reality, we’re forced to ask ourselves really hard questions about who we are and what we’re doing with our lives. Nel can’t do this in his waking life, so the City of Nowhere comes to the rescue.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Your story deals with multiple characters in a dream-like scenario. One of the questions you ask is, "Who is the one actually doing the dreaming?" Tell us more about how this question ties into how much of our reality and identity is formed by our perceptions.</h3>
<br />
That is the big question for most of Insomnium. Whose mind created all of this? Could it be one of us? What does the dream have to do with us disparate people, who don’t even originate from the same universe?<br />
<br />
Put differently: why are we here? Why are any of us doing what we do? Our answers define who we are as people and how we interact with the rest of the world.<br />
<br />
The twentieth century has created some massive philosophical questions for humanity. What is the “right” way to spend our time on Earth? In many parts of the world, we’ve solved hunger and disease, but now that we no longer struggle to merely exist, what should we be doing with all of our time?<br />
<br />
Finding answers to these questions, I think, is the key to our identity crisis. I’ve developed an answer for myself, which I think Insomnium will make clear, but I believe it is up to each individual to arrive at his or her own answer.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>
<h3>
There's an ongoing debate in the writing community about how much we should stick to the adage "write what you know." Do you feel that your story is improved by setting it in a future version of the real-world city you live in? Does it help with worldbuilding?</h3>
<br />
Believe it or not, the Seattle setting doesn’t get very much time in Insomnium. The bulk of the action takes place in the City of Nowhere. But, I do have my characters in... a kind of configuration of Seattle for some period of time.<br />
<br />
I originally hail from Illinois. When I was thinking about Insomnium, I wanted a place that would be affected by rising sea levels and that would be interesting during the timeframe I wanted to set the story in—some time about halfway between our time and Kal’s adventure in Voyage. My Midwest of 2089 definitely doesn’t fit either of those conditions.<br />
<br />
Seattle, on the other hand, does. And not only do I currently happen to live here, but elements like the Space Needle were easy targets for metaphors relevant to my themes.<br />
<br />
If anything, doing the worldbuilding for Insomnium has helped Kal’s past come more alive for me. Insomnium’s backstory will benefit the upcoming episodes of my Voyage Along the Catastrophe of Notions series as well.<br />
<br />
<h3>
On the other hand, do you ever feel limited/constrained by the bounds of a "real" location? Do you worry about die-hard Seattleites nit-picking the details?</h3>
<br />
The stuff I write is so conceptually disparate from reality, I’m not too worried. Insomnium definitely blurs the sci-fi/fantasy lines, arriving in something like “slipstream” or “new weird,” whereas Voyage is firmly rooted in science fiction.<br />
<br />
I’m not the kind of writer who needs to make all of my science extrapolate immaculately out of modern day tech, but neither will I cut holes in an event horizon or explore dark matter nebulae. If a piece of science is an established fact that someone with a high school education can easily comprehend by reading a Wikipedia article, I’ll respect it. Until I need to break it on purpose, of course.<br />
<br />
<h3>
I've found that the craziest characters can be most fun to write. Did you have the same experience when creating the Governors in your story?</h3>
<br />
Oh, yes. One of my favorite scenes has two Nowhere governors interacting with one another. They’re devious, mostly self-interested beings. It’s a lot of fun to bounce Nel and his friends off them.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Your world is populated, in part, by "very strange creatures." What's your technique for describing something that no one has seen in such a way that your readers create accurate mental pictures?</h3>
<br />
Mostly physical details. I rely heavily on the animal world and I’ve learned a lot about animal physiology researching for Insomnium.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Real-world relationships (friendships, enmities, marriages) are highly complex, but many times, in fiction, they're reduced to their simplest parts. How do you create a realistic relationship in a story without taking too much time away from the main story?</h3>
<br />
I strive to weave the two together.<br />
<br />
I majored in English Literature, and most of my professors thought that flowery prose and metaphor were the pinnacle of good writing, and that plot was pedantic and derivative. I also see writers, most predominantly in the indie world, who believe the reverse—that plot and character drama are all that matter, and that themes, motifs and metaphor are a waste of words.<br />
<br />
I think that truly great literature blends the best of both. A great story actually has a story—a plot and characters—and it engages the reader on a visceral level, but also weaves theme, motif and metaphor directly into the storyline. Those bring with them richness and depth. The number of basic types of plots is very small, but there are unlimited combinations of plots, characters, themes, motifs and metaphors.<br />
<br />
As a writer, I like to ask myself, what makes my synthesis of these things unique? I think that when a really vivid, unique synthesis is achieved, complex relationships will naturally arise as a part of the trials and tribulations of the characters achieving their goals.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Do you ever find yourself writing things on the edge of your comfort zone, unexpected things that you're not sure you should share with the world? How do you resolve this internal conflict?</h3>
<br />
All the time! I take stances in my writing, directly or indirectly, that I fully understand might make me unpopular with people of an opposed viewpoint.<br />
<br />
For example, in my future timeline, three countries exist south of Canada: the East Coast Union, the West Coast Union and the Interior. My description of the political organization of the Interior (or, more accurately, the lack thereof) is bound to turn off some readers.<br />
<br />
But I’m very firm in my position on this. Even if I, Zachary Bonelli, lose one reader as the result of my opinions and beliefs, the world will have gained one more person who has considered moral and ethical issues from a perspective they might not have considered otherwise.<br />
<br />
I, personally, force myself to carefully consider the ethical and moral value systems their writing presents. There are stories I enjoy immensely for their characters and narrative structure, even if I disagree with their themes and motifs. I’m glad such stories exist, because they force me to think, to consider my beliefs and opinions from someone else’s perspective.<br />
<br />
I think artists have a moral and ethical obligation to do more than just entertain. Entertainment for entertainment’s sake has a tendency to become manipulative and exploitative, but works of art connect to readers on a level that enriches them, and helps them understand themselves and the world around them better.<br />
<br />
I strive to create the latter, even though I’m just learning about life, about writing, about human interaction, as I go along. Just like everyone else.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Enjoyed this? You might also like...</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-zachary-bonelli-on.html">Interview With Zachary Bonelli on Community Days</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-56674471034349674992013-06-10T10:38:00.003-04:002013-06-10T10:38:44.002-04:00Insomnium by Zachary Bonelli Now on Kickstarter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zacharybonelli/insomnium-a-serialized-science-fiction-novel" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4arlBypDQqo58FixdcEt6XfjpYE91mPQe1KOpMcSXgVivAYnbaCvFTVFfPtSHAHKpkWHI8aDkdCvS3zZfx2qHkaXB6dvsDg6b1ELfigVDEqAw9dKC3dFqnm-tI47WOtyLK2dWNhhe9WS/s640/insomnium-zachary-bonelli.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm excited to announce the <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zacharybonelli/insomnium-a-serialized-science-fiction-novel">Insomnium: A Serialized Science Fiction Novel Kickstarter</a>!<br />
<br />
You might remember Zach from the <a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-zachary-bonelli-on.html">terrific Google Hangouts interview he gave in April</a>. If you haven't watched it yet, definitely check it out - Zach has some amazing thoughts on writing and creative and collaborative processes.<br />
<br />
Here's a little taste of Insomnium to whet your appetite:<br />
<br />
"Nel Hanima lives in Seattle of 2089, a citizen of the newly organized Western Union. Life has stabilized since his childhood, when he lived with his parents in the Queen Anne community bunker. Government has been reestablished, and order restored. Famine and disease no longer run rampant, and the economy has stabilized. But still, the trees and grasses grow browner. The Sound continues to rise, swallowing up neighborhood after neighborhood of Nel’s youth.<br />
<br />
Even though life has never been better, Nel can’t help but feel his life is somehow worse, without purpose or meaning or hope.<br />
<br />
One night, he falls asleep in his apartment and awakens in the City of Nowhere, an impossible conundrum world of inhuman citizens, where time and space are an illusion and paradoxes run rampant."<br />
<br />
To find out more, check it out <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zacharybonelli/insomnium-a-serialized-science-fiction-novel" target="_blank">here</a>, or by clicking the image above!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-62345886444679195992013-05-21T11:16:00.001-04:002013-05-21T11:16:06.595-04:00Mechalarum Mini-UpdateHaven't had much time to write here lately, as I'm working towards dedicating as many free moments as I can to Mechalarum. Two months might seem like a long time, but I don't want to take any chances. This is the point at which I'm realizing that putting out a novel is a monumentally enormous task, and that writing the first draft (at least for me) is only a tiny sliver of it. Luckily, I've got some great support people on my side to help keep me plugging away!<br />
<br />
To make up for being AWOL, here's a cute picture of a puppy! Okay, so he's not technically a puppy anymore, but he is adorable :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVT7zwmQwU_pf-UZZKJJhzhYVn7nzTZOlUFDPZTbbOnjKZjRIdBSr0yIKuhlb35tLj1hPYKBUg7B8V2XcUCFp2TTbpOj5EKcHqowMwbeJJMa5wM7Pg1gZ1oku6DcR3mg7_a9wDxPvxQPb/s1600/snoops-cute.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVT7zwmQwU_pf-UZZKJJhzhYVn7nzTZOlUFDPZTbbOnjKZjRIdBSr0yIKuhlb35tLj1hPYKBUg7B8V2XcUCFp2TTbpOj5EKcHqowMwbeJJMa5wM7Pg1gZ1oku6DcR3mg7_a9wDxPvxQPb/s400/snoops-cute.png" width="285" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-36653600004746861292013-05-02T15:33:00.001-04:002013-05-02T15:38:57.291-04:00Writing About Crowdfunding for Authors with Buckell, Sullivan, Shvartsman, and More!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY21k8pyVr5OCtNmg2NWai1BqBXc9xPYpG6BKI9r4IBVVFVsjcVr8RqJo1HH4IDUMvkOok46yFl2UMM6_f649RFO6ezqy1vUIv1rGiplaG0YfAmREO1cStJJ474SKJaLuh9cl9p9tLo0Ie/s1600/sfsignalLogov4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY21k8pyVr5OCtNmg2NWai1BqBXc9xPYpG6BKI9r4IBVVFVsjcVr8RqJo1HH4IDUMvkOok46yFl2UMM6_f649RFO6ezqy1vUIv1rGiplaG0YfAmREO1cStJJ474SKJaLuh9cl9p9tLo0Ie/s640/sfsignalLogov4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I recently received an awesome opportunity to share my thoughts about crowdfunding for authors on the SF Signal blog, along with some of the most interesting people currently pushing the boundaries of publication and promotion methods.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2013/05/mind-meld-what-crowd-funding-sff-novels-means-for-authors-and-publishers/" target="_blank">MIND MELD: What Crowd Funding SF/F Novels Means for Authors and Publishers</a><br />
<br />
<b>Excerpt:</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The introduction of crowdfunding is again upending the landscape, this time creating a natural vetting process; a success on a site like Kickstarter shows that an author is likely to have something other than the ability to type tens of thousands of words going for her. It’s never easy to judge how enjoyable a book by a first-time author will be, and crowdfunding provides a great tool to help good reads rise to the top."</blockquote>
<br />
The list of co-authors on the article really demonstrated how small the crowdfunded science fiction/fantasy author space is at the moment. I've actually been chatting with three of the eight other authors on the list, including...<br />
<br />
<b>Michael J. Sullivan</b>, who recently concluded a <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/michaeljsullivan/hollow-world-a-novel-by-michael-j-sullivan" target="_blank">thrilling Kickstarter campaign</a> for his book Hollow World during which he raised more than <b>10 TIMES</b> his funding target of $3,000 and blew through his stretch goals as if they were planets at the mercy of a Superlaser.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Now more than ever, it’s being proved that the only two essential people in publishing are the reader and the writer, and I see this as very empowering for both. It helps readers determine what is produced and provides writers a higher profit per sale."
</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Alex Shvartsman</b>, whose Kickstarter for the funny science fiction anthology he's writing (<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/776571295/unidentified-funny-objects-2-anthology-of-humorous" target="_blank">Unidentified Funny Objects 2</a>) is <b>ALMOST OVER</b>! Get in now while you still can :) He's already got an impressive 181 backers, and the number continues to rise! If you've been reading along at home, you might recognize him from a <a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-alex-shvartsman-on.html" target="_blank">Community Days interview</a> I did in April, during which he provided some great information about his learnings from Kickstarting the first volume of <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/776571295/unidentified-funny-objects-anthology-of-humor-sf-a" target="_blank">UFO</a>.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Crowd funding will, however, remain a great boon to writers who have already mastered the art of managing a solid online presence, and/or have an established fan base from their traditionally published material; a meritocracy that will richly reward people who worked hard to build large online megaphones."
</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Tobias Buckell</b>, who has successfully Kickstarted not <b>one</b>, but <b>two</b> novels - <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1548859355/mitigated-futures" target="_blank">Mitigated Futures</a> and <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1548859355/the-apocalypse-ocean" target="_blank">The Apocalypse Ocean</a>. I <a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/interview-with-tobias-buckell.html" target="_blank">did an interview with him</a> about a month and a half ago, during which he gave me some of my first real insights into the industry.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...as a mid-lister I find crowdfunding terrifically exciting. Mid-listers in particular have built up an existing audience. It’s not as large as a bestseller’s audience, but it’s there. And because direct sales allows you to change the gear ratio of profits, a dedicated audience of 200 to 1,000 fans is capable of creating a well funded project."
</blockquote>
<br />
The rest of the authors who participated (<a href="http://www.allenstroud.com/" target="_blank">Allen Stroud</a>, who Kickstarted <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/allenstroud/elite-lave-revolution" target="_blank">Elite: Lave Revolution</a>; <a href="http://www.louanders.com/Home.html" target="_blank">Lou Anders</a>, editorial director of SF&F imprint Pyr books and frequent project backer; <a href="http://www.veranazarian.com/" target="_blank">Vera Nazarian</a>, who Kickstarted <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2027984632/cobweb-bride" target="_blank">Cobweb Bride</a>; <a href="http://www.sff.net/people/judith-tarr/" target="_blank">Judith Tarr</a>, who Kickstarted <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/834883724/living-in-threes" target="_blank">Living in Threes</a> and <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/834883724/forgotten-suns" target="_blank">Forgotten Suns</a>; and <a href="http://www.timpratt.org/" target="_blank">Tim Pratt</a>, runner of <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/timpratt/antiquities-and-tangibles-a-short-fiction-collecti" target="_blank">multiple</a> <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/timpratt/grim-tides-a-marla-mason-novel" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/timpratt/bride-of-death-a-marla-mason-novel" target="_blank">projects</a>) all had fascinating takes on the industry as well, and I'm looking forward to getting to know more about their stories!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2013/05/mind-meld-what-crowd-funding-sff-novels-means-for-authors-and-publishers/" target="_blank">MIND MELD: What Crowd Funding SF/F Novels Means for Authors and Publishers</a><br />
<br />
<b>Enjoyed this? You might also like...</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/friday-roundup-crowdfunding-thoughts-as.html">Friday Roundup: Crowdfunding Thoughts, As Seen Around the Web</a>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/telling-my-story-better-updated.html">Telling My Story Better: Updated Kickstarter Video for Mechalarum</a>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/amanda-palmer-vs-stephanie-nilles-how.html">Amanda Palmer vs. Stephanie Nilles: How SHOULD Artists Get Paid?</a>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-15802295717029972032013-04-24T09:19:00.000-04:002013-05-02T10:56:59.566-04:00Link Roundup April 24: Phantom Tollbooth Documentary, Transcribing Interviews, and MoreJust a short post for today, wanted to share some of the links I've been collecting recently. There's some useful info here for putting a recorded interview into written form, videos comparing and describing the various self publishing platforms, exciting news about a classic children's book, sweet pics captured during my Mechalarum costume promotional event, and a great forum post with tips about using Kickstarter. Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/how-do-you-transcribe-recorded-interviews_b68314" target="_blank" title="How Do You Transcribe Recorded Interviews?">How Do You Transcribe Recorded Interviews?</a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/self-publishing-video-tutorials_b68391" target="_blank" title="Self Publishing Video Tutorials">Self Publishing Video Tutorials</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/phantom-tollbooth-documentary-coming-this-summer_b68104" target="_blank" title="Phantom Tollbooth Documentary Coming This Summer">Phantom Tollbooth Documentary Coming This Summer</a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.takeiteasytiger.com/meet-emma-larkins/" target="_blank">Meet Emma Larkins on Take It Easy Tiger</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/964142/kickstarting-info-discussions-from-pax-east" target="_blank">Forum Post About Kickstarting Board Games</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-19689968506337982092013-04-17T10:58:00.000-04:002013-04-17T10:59:54.471-04:00Interview with Alex Shvartsman on Community Days<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="380" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/776571295/unidentified-funny-objects-2-anthology-of-humorous/widget/card.html" width="220"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
Welcome to another great Community Days interview!<br />
<br />
My guest today is Alex Shvartsman, a writer and game designer from Brooklyn, NY. He's sold nearly 50 short stories since late 2010, to such venues as The Journal of Nature, Intergalactic Medicine Show, Daily Science Fiction, and <a href="http://www.galaxysedge.com/n6.htm" target="_blank">Galaxy's Edge</a>, among others. He's best-known for humorous short stories.
<br />
<br />
In 2012 Alex edited and published Unidentified Funny Objects -- an anthology of humorous SF/F which featured stories by <a href="http://mikeresnick.com/" target="_blank">Mike Resnick</a>, <a href="http://lavietidhar.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Lavie Tidhar</a>, <a href="http://www.sff.net/people/jodynye/" target="_blank">Jody Lynn Nye</a>, and <a href="http://kenliu.name/" target="_blank">Ken Liu</a>, among others. It was well-received by readers and critics alike. Alex is running a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the second in what he hopes will become an annual anthology series: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/776571295/unidentified-funny-objects-2-anthology-of-humorous" target="_blank">Unidentified Funny Objects</a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>Tell us a little bit about your inspiration for the Unidentified Funny Objects collection. How did it reflect your previous experience as a writer and editor?</b></h3>
<br />
Much of what I write is humorous science fiction and fantasy short stories. I submit them to what markets appreciate that sort of thing, but there are many established and well-respected magazines and anthologies that do not. So it cuts down the list of viable professional markets from over a dozen to just a handful. I always found this frustrating and wished that somebody would create a regular outlet for SF/F humor (I firmly believe there are plenty of readers interested in such stories). So you could say that I was inspired to create the market I always wanted to exist. And when I researched humor anthologies, I found that nothing similar to Unidentified Funny Objects had been published, at least not during the course of the last decade. I became even more convinced that there's a niche need that my project could fill.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h3>
<b>How do you go about establishing relationships with the excellent crop of UFO contributors?</b></h3>
<br />
It varies.
Some are great, established writers of whom I've been a fan of for a long time. I reached out to them and was thrilled to have them be willing to contribute a story. Others are friends and colleagues from among the crop of neo-pros and other up-and-coming writers. We run across each other on writer forums, share table of contents in other magazines, and form friendships via social media. And others yet are authors I never met or heard of, who submitted stories via an open call and thoroughly impressed me with their writing talent and their humor. I made a number of lasting friendships and some of those were actually with writers whose stories I didn't accept for the first UFO book. I can't wait to see what they might come up with for the second volume!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YXkyIEgfZfT8RaY0zHcnapmOKdS4jluT2EgU1w0rz5q21DV_GS-xUpQGmXPSCKnAjNb41TUa2PFJBUKZRY41PPzl-MwvIW3IGacehN083R8VVJB3fm7_9KCAJS_LLR9mJe-VgEQicuM-/s1600/ufocover-unidentified-funny-objects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YXkyIEgfZfT8RaY0zHcnapmOKdS4jluT2EgU1w0rz5q21DV_GS-xUpQGmXPSCKnAjNb41TUa2PFJBUKZRY41PPzl-MwvIW3IGacehN083R8VVJB3fm7_9KCAJS_LLR9mJe-VgEQicuM-/s400/ufocover-unidentified-funny-objects.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<h3>
<b>What reasons, beyond straight fundraising, inspired you to turn to Kickstarter for your projects?</b></h3>
<br />
There are two very important aspects to the Kickstarter for me that go beyond the dollars raised. First. it's the exposure. Although most of the money in publishing fundraisers comes from people who are already aware of the project manager and their work, it is still a great way to gain new readers and exposure. Instead of paying to advertise your existence elsewhere, you can potentially raise extra money if the Kickstarter aficionados discover the project and deem it cool enough!<br />
<br />
The second, and perhaps the more important goal, is proof of concept. I believe that readers want an anthology of humor SF/F, but what proof have I got? Raising $6,000, or 20% more than I asked for, for the first book, with nearly 250 people pledging their hard-earned dollars toward the project is tangible proof that the demand for this anthology series exists.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>You're in the process of running a second Kickstarter project for Vol. 2. How are you using insights from the first campaign to make the second time around smoother?</b></h3>
<br />
For the second volume, I'm trying for an even more ambitious $8,000. It's a big number, but I am prepared to challenge myself and UFO fans, because I want to make this book the best it can be, without being forced to cut any corners.<br />
<br />
I paid careful attention to what reward levels worked best and to what people really wanted from the book and the project overall. I'm committed to keep the pricing reasonable, in line with what one might spend on a pre-order. The eBook is only $10, and the paperback is only $20, with plenty of other reasonably-priced rewards. I focused on using copies of both this year's and last year's anthologies as primary rewards, to avoid spending the funds on creating unrelated gifts such as t-shirts or mugs.<br />
<br />
Will this strategy pay off, or will I be left thousands of dollars short when the campaign time runs out? We'll find out in late April.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>You mentioned that it's easy to get caught up in "doing everything at once" (running a Kickstarter project, reading submissions, launching a company). How do you manage the different aspects of the project? Is it beneficial to have a lot going on at one time?</b></h3>
<br />
When I launched the first Kickstarter campaign in 2012 I didn't quite appreciate just how much time running and promoting it was going to take. This time around, I am concentrating on the campaign itself and have the submission reading period slated for May. Based on the success or failure of this campaign I will know how much material I can afford to buy. Doing things the second time around are generally easier because I learned a lot last year and can apply that knowledge to the current project. For example, I spent approximately 10 work hours researching the costs and options for printing the trade paperbacks. This time around it should take me no more than an hour or two to solicit the price quotes from several of the best printers I researched the last time around, saving a ton of time and effort.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Could you talk a bit about art assets? It can be a lot of work to get a good artist on board (especially with a speculative/Kickstarter project). Why do you think nailing the cover art is worth the effort?</b></h3>
<br />
Cover art is hugely important. They say one shouldn't judge the book by its cover, but that happens, every day. A beautiful cover can sell the book. I'm talking to a couple of artists now and will make the final decisions based on the funds raised, but only because I can show off the art from the first book. If this was my first project or a new, independent anthology, I would begin with commissioning the cover art and have that available as a draw for the potential readers and backers.<br />
<br />
I would also love to have some of the stories illustrated, but this will only be possible as a stretch goal.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Lastly, because this feature is about establishing bonds within the writing and publishing industries, can you name one author, editor, publisher, agent etc. who's doing great things right now, and why?</b></h3>
<br />
<a href="http://bryanthomasschmidt.net/">Bryan Thomas Schmidt</a> is quickly becoming one of the most prominent anthologists in the science fiction and fantasy fields. He has several books in the pipeline, slated for release over the course of the next year and a half. Some of these projects were funded via <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/601968027/raygun-chronicles-space-opera-science-fiction-anth" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a>, others sold to traditional publisheres. Bryan is a very effective networker and is an active member of the SF fandom. He edits a magazine, hosts a weekly chat with popular writers and editors on Twitter, and is a successful writer himself. If you don't already know his name, you soon will.<br />
<br />
Interested in learning more? Follow Alex on <a href="https://twitter.com/AShvartsman" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or check out his <a href="http://alexshvartsman.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Enjoyed this? You might also like...</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-janicu-book-reviewer-on.html">Interview with Janicu, Book Reviewer, on Community... 'Days</a>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-zachary-bonelli-on.html">Interview With Zachary Bonelli on Community Days</a>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/02/interview-with-rob-d-young-on-community.html">Interview with Rob D. Young on Community Fridays</a>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-23939727784447570282013-04-11T14:17:00.002-04:002013-04-11T14:19:01.376-04:00How Virtual and Real-World Events Can Nurture Your Writing Career<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzje3P9-TlF20KcyjXnd5Bkxdr-7-MzxZYc4GCW8kC2oVU8zGZ8NmOVQWoCjFbW6e1-dSlhNRu8d1DKMfOxMAp9xkwwNERudTZpPTHkH7gQBS67kUtOJ-UMGA9ZhieBh42xN6Z-mDaiDE/s1600/binoculars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzje3P9-TlF20KcyjXnd5Bkxdr-7-MzxZYc4GCW8kC2oVU8zGZ8NmOVQWoCjFbW6e1-dSlhNRu8d1DKMfOxMAp9xkwwNERudTZpPTHkH7gQBS67kUtOJ-UMGA9ZhieBh42xN6Z-mDaiDE/s400/binoculars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What’s a writer got to do to get noticed these days?<br />
<br />
Feeding your fictional (or non-fictional) passion requires more than simply creating beautiful works of words. Readings, panels, classes, and presentations (whether on- and offline) can be a great boon to your exposure – and your bottom line.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Strengthening Relationships with Fans </b></h3>
<br />
Self-published authors are pretty much on their own when it comes to building a platform of zealous fans (although it is possible to contract out publicity services, as long as you find a reputable person or organization). The strongest relationships are formed when you meet and engage people in conversation – either in the real world, or the virtual one. It can take some work to get comfortable with the idea of showcasing yourself live in front of strangers, but it helps to think of the lives you can potentially touch, teach, and inspire with your words.<br />
<br />
If you’re traditionally published, your publisher will probably be able to assist in this arena – after all, it’s in their best interest to improve your visibility. Still, it doesn’t hurt to take as active a part as you can. For example, check out <a href="http://www.togather.com/" target="_blank">Togather</a>; it’s a great option for getting fans to commit to an event so you don’t show up to an empty room.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h3>
<b>Strengthening Relationships with Partners</b></h3>
<br />
Quality of participation is always important, but when it comes to feeding and caring for a growing career, quantity can’t be ignored. The best first step to building up an attendance for your event is to partner with already established individuals and groups.<br />
<br />
A venue is much more likely to show interest if you have multiple authors on board, so look into making connections with other writers in your area. Another great option is to find writing, fiction, or genre-minded groups on <a href="http://www.meetup.com/" target="_blank">Meetup</a>; the organizers are often more than happy to have someone come up with creative new event ideas.<br />
<br />
For online events, establishing relationships with bloggers and people well-known on social media outlets is a great approach. From there, it’s just a small jump to organize <a href="http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/" target="_blank">Google Hangouts</a>, podcasts, and <a href="http://new.livestream.com/" target="_blank">Livestreams</a> of real-world chat.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Multiplying Your Message</b></h3>
<br />
So you organize your event, spread the word, and get people to show up. That’s the most important part of the process, right?<br />
<br />
Not exactly. What happens during your allotted time slot has very little to do with the huge impact that regular event-scheduling can have. First off, just the act of committing yourself to do something demonstrates your dedication to your work. Every email you send or article you post about the event raises awareness; even if the targeted individuals don’t show up, they now know more about what’s going on in your writing life. An event can be newsworthy, inspiring press releases that potentially get picked up by media outlets. Before, during, and after the event, you have the opportunity to collect a <a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/02/mechalarum-kickstarter-launch-party-was.html">whole host of multi-media assets</a> (photos, video, audio clips, etc.) that can be written about, shared, and repackaged in a hundred different ways to be doled out over time.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Selling (or Pre-Selling) Copies of Your Stuff</b></h3>
<br />
People love coming away from event with physical mementos. Pounding the pavement with copies of your opus in hand, and not being shy about putting out your For Sale sign, can really help to accelerate your sales. One caveat: the after-event period can be a hectic one that’s not always conducive to the slow process of actually selling your work. Consider holding an event where the entry cost is a copy of your book (which can be paid for beforehand.)<br />
<br />
In addition, the fact that a person saw you live means that the hardcopy of your work is suddenly much more valuable – especially if signed. Plenty of individuals buy plenty of books and let them molder on shelves; wouldn’t you rather produce books that actually get consumed?<br />
<br />
It’s true that arranging events is yet another task to add to the endless list of writing marketing and promotion activities. However, the results are worth it – and besides, it’s just plain fun to see people get excited about your creative pursuits!
<br />
<br />
Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexkerhead/">alexkerhead</a> on Flickr.<br />
<br />
<b>Enjoyed this? You might also like...</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/bibliocrunch-twitter-indiechat-for-self.html">Bibliocrunch Twitter #Indiechat for Self-Published Authors: My Takeaway</a>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/amanda-palmer-vs-stephanie-nilles-how.html">Amanda Palmer vs. Stephanie Nilles: How SHOULD Artists Get Paid?</a>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/recap-of-launch-your-book-through.html">Recap of Launch Your Book Through Kickstarter Panel</a>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-48159865940389402402013-04-08T11:25:00.000-04:002013-04-09T12:39:21.927-04:00Interview with Janicu, Book Reviewer, on Community... 'Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6XOkGGikH-3kIqe04Tz1tuInUBfcQn06pRWCtNBlelYbjF4eJ-7hP1gGCPxy3tmRBZqvyQOiH5zthPcEAPNFlpiM6kvwXw9vK4rfmmpYHbhush7Fjpqkwqss9A_rpUd8fuIX3VikWvbG/s1600/crp47_nielson_eastrofthesun_troll2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6XOkGGikH-3kIqe04Tz1tuInUBfcQn06pRWCtNBlelYbjF4eJ-7hP1gGCPxy3tmRBZqvyQOiH5zthPcEAPNFlpiM6kvwXw9vK4rfmmpYHbhush7Fjpqkwqss9A_rpUd8fuIX3VikWvbG/s640/crp47_nielson_eastrofthesun_troll2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>Another great guest on Community Days today! Janicu (aka Janice) has been reviewing books since 2006, and posting reviews on her blogs since 2007. Her focus is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speculative_fiction" target="_blank">speculative fiction</a> (an umbrella term for science fiction, fantasy, and stories in general with fantastical elements) with a good does of romantics thrown in for good measure.<br />
<br />
You can learn more about Janicu on her <a href="http://specficromantic.com/" target="_blank">Specfic Romantic blog</a> or on <a href="https://twitter.com/janicu" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. She's also got a great <a href="http://specficromantic.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> if that's more your style. Hope you feel enlightened after reading her responses!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>What is it that attracts you to speculative fiction with a romantic angle?</b></h3>
<br />
Well, I think that it's the combination of the total escapism of a world that exists in your imagination that SF brings combined with the interesting relationship dynamics you see in Romance. I don't necessarily NEED both of those together - when I was a kid, straight Fantasy was my favorite genre, but as time went on and I read more stories, I realized I tended to prefer character-driven tales that end happily. That's not always true (I good bittersweet ending can make me hug a book and sigh brokenly), but it is generally where my tastes are. When I first created my blog I didn't really think too much about what to call it. I just used my nickname (janicu) and said, "janicu's book blog". Later on I wanted to make it clearer what I reviewed so I came up with specficromantic because it explained my tastes better.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h3>
<b>Can you share a bit about your book reviewing practices? Do you read a book multiple times before reviewing? Do you take notes during the process? Do you like to do a quick read-through first?</b></h3>
<br />
I read a book once fully and usually I trust my initial reaction at the end - loved it, meh, hated it. It tends to be visceral and personal. Then I sit and think about WHY I felt that way and put it down in a review and I try to put it into more objective terms. I pinpoint where something went wrong for me, or where something hit me just right. I will then go back and flip through the book while I work through this. This is my own method and I know it is different for every book blogger. I know a lot of bloggers that write notes, that write their reviews AS they read, and so on. I tried both these things, and writing notes was good but I couldn't keep it up because it made my reading experience less about enjoying the story and more about being analytical. I only read a book multiple times before a review when I really can't figure out where my reaction is coming from. I have been known to reread a book just because I loved it (it might be after I reviewed it though).<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>What are some common mistakes you see authors make in their writing?</b></h3>
<br />
Hmm. I'm a reader and not a writer, so this is from that perspective. If I think about what takes me out of enjoying a story, I would say if the world isn't quite believable it will throw me off. I feel like this is a tricky thing though. There's a lot of different elements to it. For instance with dialogue, if it doesn't sound like something someone would really say, or there is so much of it it's taking over the actual story telling, that can jar me. Or there can be lack of character development. There may be one or more characters who have just one personality trait and their one-note personality takes me out of the story because I expect people to have facets (I'm taking about the always ANGRY character who I don't know why they're angry, or the DRUNK parent who has no other qualities but to be drunk). There's also the actual world building. If something doesn't make sense logically, I will have trouble suspending disbelief and just enjoying the world. If it's a story about angels, sure, OK, but make me believe there's a whole society, history, culture, architecture, fashion, customs, and maybe an evolution behind that. Don't just tell me the main character is an angel and they're gorgeous that's all you have for me. Basically I feel like I do better when certain things are carefully thought out and you can tell this in the story.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>What are some mistakes you see authors/publishers make when approaching you for reviews?</b></h3>
<br />
The thing that I have seen a lot of book bloggers complain about is when they're approached for a review and it is really clear that the person approaching them hasn't read their review policy. I think I'm on some book blogging directory, maybe under Fantasy or Romance or some combination, so maybe someone is just using my email address there to send me a request. Unfortunately because this person is just blindly sending me an email, I will often get requests for genres I state in my review policy I do not read. I get so many of these I no longer even reply because I suspect I'm just an email address in a mass mailing list. Being addressed as "blogger", part of "everyone" or not even addressed adds to this.<br />
<br />
What works better is when I'm addressed as "Janice" (a sign that they read my "About" page which has my name there - although Janicu is still OK), and if a PR person or author says something that is more specific to me. Like "I noticed you liked X book because it has floating islands in it. This book has floating islands in it, plus it is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice and I see you are a fan of those". That said, emailing me referring to something in my very latest post doesn't work as well.<br />
<br />
Other things that don't work:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Being pitched to do an interview for an author I have never read (I feel uncomfortable being asked to basically work to come up with questions and publicize someone and I don't know if I like their books or not). I feel similarly about being pitched a blog tour for someone I am unaware of (I am often asked to do a blog tour for an author in a genre I don't read too). Authors & PR should pitch these things to bloggers who have already read a book by this author and who wrote a positive review, or pitch to a blogger who has posted about an author's upcoming book and said they really wanted to read it.</li>
<li>Pitches that describe a book as a cross between one huge bestseller and another huge bestseller or better than some mega-blockbuster book . First of all, this is really cliched, but the other thing is that my first reaction is to scoff cynically. I also have a similar reaction when I'm told in the pitch how I will react to a book ("you will be deeply moved", "you will be on the edge of your seat"), because you can't really predict how I will react. It's better to say something like "I think/hope you may/will like this" instead of telling me how I will feel, and keep the comparisons to something more humble and focused on story elements ("this character is a cross between Lizzy Bennet and a pirate captain") instead of predicting that the book is going to be bigger than the Beatles.</li>
<li>Pitching a book without a link to an excerpt, or at least a link to a website where I can find an excerpt. If I'm on the fence, an excerpt is usually what I use to make my decision.</li>
</ul>
<br />
OK, I know I listed a lot of things, but the truth is I get a lot of perfectly pleasant requests and most of them aren't bad at all. Unfortunately, I don't often say yes because I have a lot of books to read and reading a book and then reviewing it takes a really long time. I think I said yes to one request this month. And two this year. So if I say "no thank you" or just don't respond, it's not personal. I've had people send me emails demanding to know why I turned down their request, or sending me multiple follow up emails checking if I got the first one. That isn't productive. :\<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>How do you feel the book scene is evolving, content-wise? Do you see certain themes, topics, or character styles on the rise?</b></h3>
<br />
I think there are certain "trends" that come and go. In 2009 or 2010, I thought steampunk would be the Next Big Thing. I think in 2011 I was seeing a lot of dystopian, end of the world, post-apocalyptic books. Last year I felt like I was noticing a lot more "Young Adult set in space" stories. More recently I feel like the genre New Adult is getting a lot of attention, but people can't seem to decide what New Adult is - I've heard more than one interpretation. I'm not really sure I have my finger on the pulse of what the next trend is going to be though. Pirates? Time Travel? Fairy-tale retellings? I have seen a small up-tick in those three, but I don't know if it's enough to count as a trend.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the book scene, I've been getting a lot of invitations from start ups that are basically social media sites based around reading. I have tried a few but so far I haven't taken to any. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/20432-janice-janicu" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> remains the place I go to when it comes to tracking my reading socializing with other readers. Maybe one day there will be a serious competitor - there are a lot of new bookish social sites popping up.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Do you have any thoughts on the existence and/or evolution of strong heroines in modern speculative fiction?</b></h3>
<br />
All I know is that I want to see women in my stories that are like real women, and this means not so much that I want to see women that are "strong" but women that are human. And humans have a range of emotions and show growth and can be inspiring.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Lastly, because this feature is about establishing bonds within the writing and publishing industries, can you name one author, editor, publisher, agent etc. who's doing great things right now, and why?</b></h3>
<br />
Well, since I'm a book blogger and reading is where my interest is, I follow more authors than industry professionals and more book bloggers than authors. From that perspective, I enjoy authors that don't JUST post things that are about promoting their own book. I like it when I see authors putting on a reader cap and recommending books they liked (and not just posting about a friend's book that just came out), or just post amusing things they found on Youtube, or just writing about their day. I also enjoy creative ways of using social media: for example using Tumblr creatively (see Trish Dollar's Tumblr for an example), or <a href="http://www.thisismyjam.com/" target="_blank">thisismyjam</a> or <a href="http://8tracks.com/" target="_blank">8tracks</a> and posting mixes that relate to their books (see <a href="http://www.jerismithready.com/" target="_blank">Jeri Smith-Ready</a> as an example).<br />
<br />
Thanks Janice for your great answers! Don't forget to check out her on the <a href="http://specficromantic.com/" target="_blank">Specfic Romantic blog</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/janicu" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://specficromantic.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> :)<br />
<br />
<b>Enjoyed this? Here are some recent Community Days interviews you might also like:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-zachary-bonelli-on.html">Interview With Zachary Bonelli on Community Days</a>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/interview-with-tobias-buckell.html">Interview with Tobias Buckell: Kickstarter Success Story and More!</a>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2011/12/interview-with-gord-mcleod-on-community.html">Interview with Gord McLeod on Community Fridays</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-33996534080959590372013-04-05T09:37:00.001-04:002013-04-05T09:39:57.793-04:00Interview With Zachary Bonelli on Community Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmngAtKzpDc189u8LwfexlIJWhQzy3ecmODDdta5bLGS5BfFt3JLoGXax4tAIZXKLwpEe77W6-NANle34oe78xT29PTseI7e3A8fDMVh76k8B5UsFvL4yfg1tCkeWvKr_r39eMu-4Cx4go/s1600/zbonelli_200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmngAtKzpDc189u8LwfexlIJWhQzy3ecmODDdta5bLGS5BfFt3JLoGXax4tAIZXKLwpEe77W6-NANle34oe78xT29PTseI7e3A8fDMVh76k8B5UsFvL4yfg1tCkeWvKr_r39eMu-4Cx4go/s320/zbonelli_200.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
I was privileged to host Zachary Bonelli's first Google Hangout interview!<br />
<br />
Zack is the founder of <a href="http://www.fuzzyhedgehogpress.com/" target="_blank">Fuzzy Hedgehog Press</a>, a group of speculative fiction writers who wanted to create a powerful collaboration to make it easier to spread the word about their work. You can find out more about him by checking out <a href="http://zacharybonelli.com/" target="_blank">his website</a>, or see what he's up to on <a href="https://twitter.com/ZacharyBonelli" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
<br />
In addition to spending time creating fantastic works of fiction, the authors at Fuzzy Hedgehog Press also take time to promote the work of others through their <a href="http://www.fuzzyhedgehogpress.com/indie-spec-fic-fund/" target="_blank">Indie Spec Fic Fund</a>. They highlight cool-looking projects from Kickstarter and Indiegogo, helping innovative, new writers have their chance at the spotlight.<br />
<br />
Here is a video of the interview, and below is a partial transcript. Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RZdW_fvAfM0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RZdW_fvAfM0?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RZdW_fvAfM0?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><br /></b></h3>
<h3>
<b>Tell us a little bit about your background.</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been writing for a very long time, I started when I was in high school. As I kept writing, a I latched onto a character and a world (well, actually, multiple worlds). That became a book, <a href="http://www.fuzzyhedgehogpress.com/speculative-fiction/voyage/embarkation/setting-sail/" target="_blank">Voyage</a>. I became embittered with the whole traditional publishing system, decided I couldn't get it ever published that way, and put that on the back burner. I wrote little stories over the last ten years, but basically it was stalled. And then recently, <a href="http://www.hughhowey.com/" target="_blank">Hugh Howey</a> and the big self-publishing thing happened. Not only did I decide now is the time for me to really write Voyage and get that out into the world, but I wanted to create a space for people like myself. My biggest worry with putting out Voyage, at least through the traditional publishing machine twelve years ago, was that my main character is gay. Someone along the way would tell me "oh, he has to be straight or it won't sell," of course that would be the end of my relationship with any publisher or editor. Even though, clearly, that's not the case today, the publishers would be more receptive to that, I wanted to create a community where anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation [would be supported].</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>What are the benefits of a writing collective for authors?</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The different models of collectives are varying a lot. Part of the core values for me, at least, are 1.) authors owning the rights to their own work, and 2.) no one in the group will ever tell you that you can't publish "x." They may disagree with you strongly, but there's no such thing as "Oh, that's a topic that's not allowed in literature." The other major thing that separates us is, if you look at groups like the <a href="http://www.sfwa.org/" target="_blank">Science Fiction Writers of America</a>, people are only allowed in if they have "acceptable publications" in "acceptable venues." We are not an exclusive group, in fact, exclusivity is totally contrary to the core values... If you have a piece of writing that you're working on, and that you intend to publish or self-publish, you're welcome.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><h3><b>How would you go about finding/forming a collective?</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Full disclosure: I made it up as I went along! I set up a website, I wrote up rules, I started a <a href="http://wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Wordpress</a> for it. I pulled my friends in. We're largely figuring it out as we go along.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>Talk a bit about author collaboration vs. competition.</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the old system I was talking about, there's a level of exclusivity involved. I've talked to friends about this, we feel it goes back to the Medieval concept of the guilds, gathering similar skills together in order to create a kind of monopoly on that skill, and to secure status in the market. But with so much human experience out there, with so much desire for people to get more literature, more stories, more things that they connect with, I don't think that's the best model anymore. Competition is one model, and clearly the traditional publishing industry buys into it. But collaboration is superior, especially in the social context that we find ourselves. We gain a lot more from working together than from viewing each other as objects to smash up against or avoid.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>What are you working on now?</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a serial coming up called Insomnium. I'm going to attempt to crowdfund the cover artwork for that. I can get Voyage on my own, but I can't do Insomnium and Voyage. I was thinking the traditional side of things, the competitive, would say, "Oh, go and spread the word about Insomnium covers on all of your social networks." Fuzzy Hedgehog Press has different values. I knew what I needed to do - go find other people on Indiegogo and Kickstarter, and promote their stuff for free, because that's what I'd want other people to do for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If we go back to Greek, <i>insomnia </i>is the plural of the noun <i>insomnium</i>, which is a "waking vision." A dream you have while you're awake. There used to be this concept of this sleeping, dreamlike state you could achieve while you were awake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The concept of Insomnium is a character in 2089 Seattle who goes to sleep and wakes up in the "City of Nowhere." The City of Nowhere is a central market rotunda populated by very strange creatures, that links off to wards (districts of the city). Each ward has a governor, and the governors are absolutely insane. He meets people from other alternate Earths who have found their way into this strange city that all turns out to be one giant dream. The question is, "Who is the dreamer?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>Lastly, because this feature is about establishing bonds within the writing and publishing industries, can you name one (or more!) author, editor, publisher, agent etc. who's doing great things right now, and why?
</b></h3>
<br />
Everyone who I work with at Fuzzy Hedgehog Press - <a href="http://wjdaviesauthor.com/" target="_blank">Wes Davies</a>, <a href="http://www.akarchy.com/" target="_blank">Aubry Andersen</a>, and Josh Cooper. They're all awesome, and they're great collaborators. If you're interested in getting some critiques, ebook formatting, and you're willing to give back, Fuzzy Hedgehog is happy to have you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks so much to Zack for participating! Don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.fuzzyhedgehogpress.com/" target="_blank">Fuzzy Hedgehog Press</a>, <a href="http://zacharybonelli.com/" target="_blank">Zack's website</a>, and his <a href="https://twitter.com/ZacharyBonelli" target="_blank">Twitter feed</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoyed this interview? You might also like...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/04/interview-with-nedzad-lomigora-on.html">Interview with Nedzad Lomigora on Community Days</a>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/interview-with-tobias-buckell.html">Interview with Tobias Buckell: Kickstarter Success Story and More!</a>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/02/interview-with-rob-d-young-on-community.html">Interview with Rob D. Young on Community Fridays</a>
</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-31398263600973439452013-04-04T13:57:00.001-04:002013-04-04T20:45:00.593-04:00Bibliocrunch Twitter #Indiechat for Self-Published Authors: My Takeaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qOko6dA6ihB86wiVyuqXiGvGrMI2WuKnFGc_FWXTG0giW7T2KbkOTNS_DYvPh0eNeSpvIxKpX0QQXsShdV33A09zTjOXTs6cTJ-_ByzRuHUdasriemEwP9zEEbk9vY4du6LD0v8cDlmg/s1600/bibliocrunch-2-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qOko6dA6ihB86wiVyuqXiGvGrMI2WuKnFGc_FWXTG0giW7T2KbkOTNS_DYvPh0eNeSpvIxKpX0QQXsShdV33A09zTjOXTs6cTJ-_ByzRuHUdasriemEwP9zEEbk9vY4du6LD0v8cDlmg/s400/bibliocrunch-2-300x225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I participated in a great Twitter conversation hosted by <a href="http://bibliocrunch.com/" target="_blank">Bibliocrunch</a> on Tuesday called <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23indiechat&src=typd" target="_blank">#indiechat</a>. We ended up discussing all sorts of topics, but the main conversation centered around how to ask book bloggers for reviews on their sites.<br />
<br />
<div>
<h3>
<b>On Blog Book Tours</b></h3>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
A "blog book tour" is an online, promotional event during which an author schedules "appearances" on a collection of blogs related to authors, writing, the subject matter or genre of his/her book, etc. It's a great way to get people talking about your work, and it can be more effective (and less expensive!) than a "real world" book tour.<br />
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
@<a href="https://twitter.com/emmalarkins">emmalarkins</a> You DO have to be careful who you use. I got a blog tour request today for a genre I don't blog about. Not okay. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23indiechat">#indiechat</a><br />
— Julie (@JulieHeartBooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/JulieHeartBooks/status/319256849037807616">April 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
@<a href="https://twitter.com/emmalarkins">emmalarkins</a> I use tribute-books for my 'review' tours <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23indiechat">#indiechat</a><br />
— lmpreston (@LM_Preston) <a href="https://twitter.com/LM_Preston/status/319257220686688256">April 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
For my tour I send a nice email to the bloggers on my list and directed them to the tour media page I had set up for them. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23indiechat">#indiechat</a><br />
— Alicia Kat Dillman (@KatGirl_Studio) <a href="https://twitter.com/KatGirl_Studio/status/319257051194875904">April 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Getting spots on your tour isn't about spamming as many book bloggers as you can. It's much better to approach potential hosts with the intention of collaboration, not "What can you do for me?"<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
@<a href="https://twitter.com/julieheartbooks">julieheartbooks</a> This. And it's not personal. You must build relationships with bloggers. They want to know you AND your books. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23indiechat">#indiechat</a><br />
— Kelly P. Simmon (@KPSimmon) <a href="https://twitter.com/KPSimmon/status/319263470556164096">April 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<h3>
<b>On Getting Reviews As an Indie</b></h3>
<b><br /></b>
One of the tricky things about self-publishing is that many reviewers will only deal with traditional publishers. During #indiechat, we talked about some of the ways to get around this issue.<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I actually use <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Goodreads">#Goodreads</a> as a resource by searching out books like mine, inviting reviewers of those book to review mine <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23indiechat">#indiechat</a><br />
— lmpreston (@LM_Preston) <a href="https://twitter.com/LM_Preston/status/319256957481517056">April 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I don't generally review indie/self pub. BUT if an author demonstrates they've read my policy, I'll consider it. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23indiechat">#indiechat</a><br />
— Julie (@JulieHeartBooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/JulieHeartBooks/status/319258965223563264">April 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<h3>
<b>On Innovative Promotion Methods</b></h3>
<b><br /></b>
Hafsah of IceyBooks had a great suggestion for getting exposure without having to convince bloggers to read your novel:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
One great way to get attention for your book - a cover reveal. Most bloggers (I am) are open to it bc its easier than a review. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23indiechat">#indiechat</a><br />
— Hafsah (@IceyBooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/IceyBooks/status/319258660092116992">April 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
<div>
Interested in checking out the next conversation? <a href="http://www.meetup.com/SelfPub/events/111527892/" target="_blank">Find info for the April 9th #indiechat here</a>! And let me know if you have any questions about how to participate in Twitter chats :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-58198672616160847992013-04-02T11:38:00.000-04:002013-04-02T11:38:41.278-04:00Interview with Nedzad Lomigora on Community Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6gXDP6TxdhRLHRtGSWjTMdaxleBkJZh_Dd1JAh6YH5BJ2YC3H3b86s_R2jVl6xAQFyRrAT-oazMNAF8xNV2YRZyFHlJPL5xp-bwDvlEYlKU_WsW6jQbRYHwQoEdAK8mLn6v3uLeQa42e/s1600/ned-lomigora-zeeen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6gXDP6TxdhRLHRtGSWjTMdaxleBkJZh_Dd1JAh6YH5BJ2YC3H3b86s_R2jVl6xAQFyRrAT-oazMNAF8xNV2YRZyFHlJPL5xp-bwDvlEYlKU_WsW6jQbRYHwQoEdAK8mLn6v3uLeQa42e/s320/ned-lomigora-zeeen.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
Welcome to the newly revamped <b>Community Days</b>! Now that I'm interviewing people on Google Hangouts, I realize that trying to fit all of the interviews on Fridays doesn't make as much sense as it once did, so I'm leaving the "day" part of this feature flexible.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today's guest is <b>Nedzad Lomigora</b>, founder of the author promotion platform <a href="http://zeeen.com/">Zeeen.com</a> and organizer of the terrific Publishing Innovator Meetups in both <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Boston-Publishing-Innovators/" target="_blank">Boston</a> and <a href="http://www.meetup.com/NYC-Publishing-Innovators/" target="_blank">New York</a>. I recently worked with Ned to organize a <a href="http://www.meetup.com/NYC-Publishing-Innovators/events/101357732/" target="_blank">Kickstarter for Authors panel</a>, and hope to arrange more great events in the future.<br />
<br />
Here's the broadcast as recorded from Google Hangouts. If you're interested in reading a partial transcript of the video, you can scroll down the page. But if you have time, watch the whole thing - there's plenty of good info to absorb. Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dh2VBI31AOs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>Tell us a little bit about your site, Zeeen.</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a platform for authors that identifies, attracts, and engages readers. Our predictive analytics engine lets you set your goals, receive real-time alerts on the status of those goals, and access actionable recommendations (what to do to improve on reaching your goals). That all leads to more book sales.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>What experiences brought about the idea for Zeeen?</b></h3>
<br />
I had a lot of experience in my past with finding industries that were going through a huge change, and publishing was one of those industries... I remember having a conversation with somebody, and asking: "This kind of tool you're using, all of the people in the publishing industry are using, right, because this would make sense. It's so easy, and why wouldn't they?" The answer was no; the publishing industry was so far behind [from a technology standpoint]. I realized the pain that authors were going through, that publishers can't help them with because they don't have the right tools or time. So you have authors left to their own devices... and they can't keep up with all the changes in technology. We decided to set up a company to focus on making the technology much easier to use for authors, and giving them tools that they need to promote and market their books in a way that takes the least amount of time out of their day so they can focus on writing.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h3>
<b>Do you suggest any promotional activities/methods that are especially useful for authors?</b></h3>
<br />
When you talk about online presence, the earlier the author tries to find an audience, tries to identify who the reader is, and puts the work out there (even if it's not done), the better. Unless you're completely not interested in the people who will read your work, you may want to consider asking for some feedback at early stages. The idea is to go out there and find out what people really want to read, what they like about what you've written, and then iterate on that. I'm not saying you should customize a book just because readers want it a certain way. But there's a lot of feedback you want to get early, because you're going to get it eventually, and it's better to know before the book is done. You might as well just get it now.<br />
<br />
As far as quality of work goes, I don't ever consider any work of art "finished." In the startup community you build a product and you're continually improving on it, you never have the "final product." It doesn't stop us from building prototypes and putting them online. Nobody builds a product in a vacuum any more.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Have you found any activities that authors do that are ineffective?</b></h3>
<br />
One of the things I found very distracting for authors is trying all of these new technologies, because the reality is that a lot of these tools are not built for authors. The more tools you use, the more distracted you are. I recommend that you find a few tools you like and stick with them, until there's something tremendously different on the market. Automation is key; time is wasted when you have to check up on who followed you and respond. Also, numbers don't tell the whole story. When authors see that there aren't necessarily correlations between Facebook followers and sales, or Twitter followers and sales, they can get disappointed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>Lastly, because this feature is about establishing bonds within the writing and publishing industries, can you name one (or more!) author, editor, publisher, agent etc. who's doing great things right now, and why?</b></h3>
<br />
I thought of this a little bit... if I pointed out a few, I would probably make others angry or disappointed. I'll point out the things some of them do that are important. I think the collaborations between authors and publishers are really important. Publishers have the potential to give authors certain knowledge, to help them help themselves. And then the whole ecosystem benefits. I think that's one thing that technology can really facilitate: collaboration and sharing of data.<br />
<br />
Thanks to <b>Nedzad Lomigora </b>for the great interview, and don't forget to check out <a href="http://zeeen.com/">Zeeen.com</a> for your promotion needs!<br />
<h3>
<b>Want to see more interviews? Check out...</b></h3>
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/interview-with-tobias-buckell.html">Interview with Tobias Buckell: Kickstarter Success Story and More!</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/02/interview-with-rob-d-young-on-community.html">Interview with Rob D. Young on Community Fridays</a>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2011/12/interview-with-brendan-p-frye-on.html">Interview with Brendan P. Frye on Community Fridays</a>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-56387887068319813952013-03-31T13:15:00.000-04:002013-03-31T13:15:27.875-04:00Mechalarum Kickstarter Project SUCCESSFUL!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCKpgv7fIqEnOtlF2SUSwCKeAUfZ5HlPOSZEYm84kzu1FAlS7kgqxFFR77lXZ3-pePSzBySomMR5mgWP5b9_TqZMS6qfGA4HqRjHHIHXV3cclAXnl2kMBab0mkxP4RknzV0Y8T7o1sdEY/s1600/kickstarter-success.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCKpgv7fIqEnOtlF2SUSwCKeAUfZ5HlPOSZEYm84kzu1FAlS7kgqxFFR77lXZ3-pePSzBySomMR5mgWP5b9_TqZMS6qfGA4HqRjHHIHXV3cclAXnl2kMBab0mkxP4RknzV0Y8T7o1sdEY/s1600/kickstarter-success.png" /></a></div>
<br /><div>
It's been an amazing ride, everyone! I'm eternally grateful to all of the amazing support I've received along the way. Looking forward to bringing an amazing novel to life :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-57677836436367595622013-03-29T12:29:00.002-04:002013-03-29T12:29:46.565-04:00Kiellen Art Revealed, Less Than 12 Hours to Kickstart, Progress, Party!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW78VLH8tmkMsVlgB9cFFAFuy87lSmzujChkgOsak6zUHYws0E0n1JvlaY-3LsWChy4mf2o7tJl0YJhaNsnEQ8-xWi8Ftva5Zl9A-scIy9PIHtc31uxrH7yyJ4n9Vk6KgJJuxHeu1-rBQS/s1600/kiellen-mechalarum2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW78VLH8tmkMsVlgB9cFFAFuy87lSmzujChkgOsak6zUHYws0E0n1JvlaY-3LsWChy4mf2o7tJl0YJhaNsnEQ8-xWi8Ftva5Zl9A-scIy9PIHtc31uxrH7yyJ4n9Vk6KgJJuxHeu1-rBQS/s320/kiellen-mechalarum2.png" width="320" /></a><br />
Wow, so much has happened over the last day or so, I'm not sure I'll be able to fit it all into one post!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First of all, I've been coordinating with the ever-talented, super-responsive <a href="http://www.coroflot.com/nana7" target="_blank">Swasana Adinugraha</a> (with help from the always-awesome <a href="http://www.deevolutionstudios.com/" target="_blank">Richard Laufenburger</a>) to put together some artwork for the Mechalarum cover. He went above and beyond my wildest dreams in drawing Kiellen in her flying suit, especially given the fact that I've had trouble communicating exactly what it is I want (mostly because I couldn't come up with a solid picture in my mind). That's what visual artists are for, right? Us lowly authors just can't do it on our own :) There are still some tweaks I want to make, but I think this does a great job at getting across the idea of the suit, and how it's slowly starting to eat away at Kiellen's skin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXZfkiXSgUQ5g4_6BMPEu60DR2q39SmL8-ha_6AqKRTj9pFZbhd-i-4sD5EtuO-kPeQLpzelLyyJcNVfPJiI9RHrv1kAuMv13TQ4k21ROrzN94K_UP_wzluRo3PBYZtwqRDYZxdhv_yGp/s1600/Mechalarum-set.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXZfkiXSgUQ5g4_6BMPEu60DR2q39SmL8-ha_6AqKRTj9pFZbhd-i-4sD5EtuO-kPeQLpzelLyyJcNVfPJiI9RHrv1kAuMv13TQ4k21ROrzN94K_UP_wzluRo3PBYZtwqRDYZxdhv_yGp/s640/Mechalarum-set.png" width="468" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Second, there are less than 12 hours to go on the <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emmalarkins/mechalarum-a-science-fiction-novel" target="_blank">Kickstarter project</a>! If you haven't shared yet, please do so. And if you have a dollar or two to spare, every little bit helps :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Third, here's a quick update video on my progress so far. The handy-dandy Mechalarum chart keeps getting fuller and fuller!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oslUYrKkZCw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
And fourth, I'm co-hosting a party in NYC tonight to celebrate the (hopeful!) success of my project. If you're in the area, feel free to stop by!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left; width: 100%;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="260" hspace="0" marginheight="5" marginwidth="5" scrolling="auto" src="http://www.eventbrite.com/tickets-external?eid=5034702932&ref=etckt&v=2" vspace="0" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 10px; margin: 2px; padding: 5px 0 5px; text-align: left; width: 100%;">
<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/r/etckt" style="color: #dddddd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Event registration</a><span style="color: #dddddd;"> for </span><a href="http://whiskeyfriday.eventbrite.com/?ref=etckt" style="color: #dddddd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Super Double Secret #WhiskeyFriday & Mechalarum Closing Party!</a> <span style="color: #dddddd;">powered by</span> <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/?ref=etckt" style="color: #dddddd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Eventbrite</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-8380303529514328612013-03-27T15:53:00.002-04:002013-03-28T10:34:30.266-04:00Wandering Around NYC In My Mechalarum "Flying" Suit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4GeTQFwTPBpZhiF57aY8H1QT9LCBWo_UqydzZEZqZ52lK8fdvCtr3PtgQFs3LBhvpEe1brPPrOFK7Kn5OM1FHRTEyZ9l8wMrHqIU2dPuoqTqgzQiGZeMWJKU2qqR5dIKvXECyOdqgaqX/s1600/emma-profile-mecha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4GeTQFwTPBpZhiF57aY8H1QT9LCBWo_UqydzZEZqZ52lK8fdvCtr3PtgQFs3LBhvpEe1brPPrOFK7Kn5OM1FHRTEyZ9l8wMrHqIU2dPuoqTqgzQiGZeMWJKU2qqR5dIKvXECyOdqgaqX/s320/emma-profile-mecha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Building the helmet and the rest of the mock-up of the Mechalarum flying suit was fun enough, but then I got to actually put all my hard work to good use.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I suited up and ventured out into the city with my awesome friend <a href="http://www.nancyquan.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Quan</a> by my side to capture my antics in both video and photo form. We got stares, smiles, and photo requests from both tourists and hardened New Yorkers alike. I did my best to illustrate the fact that my suit *should* be able to fly, and if nothing else, it was thoroughly entertaining for everyone involved.<br />
<br />
So without further ado, here for your viewing pleasure are the results of my latest foray into craziness!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RTLwIqx6_-A/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RTLwIqx6_-A?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RTLwIqx6_-A?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-M6krXMaGotnAl-rafSW_yasj4g7gOAgPWmqCQpZFNfynIb8EqCbrahqMafhPL4xWou3WXttUfzmRhAJu460D-w9rfyMZvzhbufG2_pDVvMg_sn2oXyKqvzkIa7UClZRXCwCR3SWjuQG/s1600/mechalarum-costume3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-M6krXMaGotnAl-rafSW_yasj4g7gOAgPWmqCQpZFNfynIb8EqCbrahqMafhPL4xWou3WXttUfzmRhAJu460D-w9rfyMZvzhbufG2_pDVvMg_sn2oXyKqvzkIa7UClZRXCwCR3SWjuQG/s400/mechalarum-costume3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaVZUHMxiUXgrFVoEZl3wtzfhtfXWwPtGFWa19VSVHEETHOLcT2TsolbhNmIQ9-2M_-t64uN7JblAjpl4Q4xxVMIBjYmDVZS7uy6FgdBbLaksj8w0-LpvOrhaQApCR0ATUxd966My95Dp/s1600/mechalarum-costume4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaVZUHMxiUXgrFVoEZl3wtzfhtfXWwPtGFWa19VSVHEETHOLcT2TsolbhNmIQ9-2M_-t64uN7JblAjpl4Q4xxVMIBjYmDVZS7uy6FgdBbLaksj8w0-LpvOrhaQApCR0ATUxd966My95Dp/s400/mechalarum-costume4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPtSOU6hooOW1aSyAhTbvdMGOAEqUGpu_ww2GvzYd1-Q3LnDMZkqyjkmHP66oD-zFAUzXqn9YDmXR61PK0xFiClPGZm4gt6B2SArZHcBkakUoZcGjFC5sV7m4I59tAoon3DjO3zQAeKQp/s1600/mechalarum-costume5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPtSOU6hooOW1aSyAhTbvdMGOAEqUGpu_ww2GvzYd1-Q3LnDMZkqyjkmHP66oD-zFAUzXqn9YDmXR61PK0xFiClPGZm4gt6B2SArZHcBkakUoZcGjFC5sV7m4I59tAoon3DjO3zQAeKQp/s400/mechalarum-costume5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyGAjAPiFVTtlnE2iMF-fssx02oX3-scgH9zQSNNn0urAmGf9bQEyN4mmleQ0jEnI-0mkKFmowM-D5F1WglBVCLTCXIGQkDCuWgzfJ93rZ97ryHnXmzqV9vElQcuCHEev6Hmd-gi21iJO/s1600/mechalarum-costume7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyGAjAPiFVTtlnE2iMF-fssx02oX3-scgH9zQSNNn0urAmGf9bQEyN4mmleQ0jEnI-0mkKFmowM-D5F1WglBVCLTCXIGQkDCuWgzfJ93rZ97ryHnXmzqV9vElQcuCHEev6Hmd-gi21iJO/s400/mechalarum-costume7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzIJRkBt-irfzbyADdf8tqGS7OqwzlBAz3GmprHIs93YtdVrrEnzrMfxD7RdV5r5X0BtDAD0-Q9XWTmTFT6z5D8wr63T_7h86to6xD5fRHqX2vBzajbb7WVuVGhcnIH8lB5D-L96qRbiw/s1600/mechalarum-costume6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzIJRkBt-irfzbyADdf8tqGS7OqwzlBAz3GmprHIs93YtdVrrEnzrMfxD7RdV5r5X0BtDAD0-Q9XWTmTFT6z5D8wr63T_7h86to6xD5fRHqX2vBzajbb7WVuVGhcnIH8lB5D-L96qRbiw/s400/mechalarum-costume6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Only a couple of days left! Check out my <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emmalarkins/mechalarum-a-science-fiction-novel" target="_blank">project on Kickstarter</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-73746594384787682732013-03-26T06:00:00.000-04:002013-03-26T06:00:01.575-04:00Bringing Mechalarum to Life in a Whole New Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwfnyX2HsDoQ5Yu08kL2uIqGTim7dR7dBfq6fxDkJyTF9QOTi-tEAN5_f_pTkVjFVZyUdb42OWU5sa-KXZl-Sb0oEs_hAa8KRIfBihJ2vT1Mj0aTwqRkY08a8pvAXwp15neRydw8KvRsZ/s1600/mechalarum-helmet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwfnyX2HsDoQ5Yu08kL2uIqGTim7dR7dBfq6fxDkJyTF9QOTi-tEAN5_f_pTkVjFVZyUdb42OWU5sa-KXZl-Sb0oEs_hAa8KRIfBihJ2vT1Mj0aTwqRkY08a8pvAXwp15neRydw8KvRsZ/s320/mechalarum-helmet1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you've been visiting my blog for a while, you'll know that I like to make homemade costumes. The parts involving fabric are interesting and all, but the stuff that really gets me going is building models of items out of a few simple and easily accessible materials.<br />
<br />
I used this technique to create the gun for my <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-make-a-homemade-sarah-connor-terminator-2-costume" target="_blank">Sarah Connor costume</a> (and ended up crafting something so realistic, I got a little freaked out carrying it around on Halloween). It's actually based on the rapid prototyping skills I learned while getting my degree in product design - with a little foam core, hot glue, and electrical tape, you can mock up just about anything :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I decided that I wanted to make a stylized model of the Mechalarum suit, both because it's fun and because I figure I might drum up some more interest in my novel by wandering around New York dressed in a strange manner (though I'm sure I won't be the strangest one out there).<br />
<br />
If you're interested, here's a bit of a look into my construction process. It's a really fun thing to do. You'd be surprised at the kinds of things you can create with some imagination and a few simple materials! Feel free to ask me questions in the comments below.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqxwYsMLhvTHBlJNwEs2l02WSxY4fzshj1tWqWzVMrvPnkD6O5Qio4Ye3_N_BH308v9DVNTMAZzZIplCGBRgT5MvowXATRs7f61bx9VwbRUexXWQ8iRG5xbbGDPNe3iqPEzMrYPKEzhQ2/s1600/mechalarum-helmet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqxwYsMLhvTHBlJNwEs2l02WSxY4fzshj1tWqWzVMrvPnkD6O5Qio4Ye3_N_BH308v9DVNTMAZzZIplCGBRgT5MvowXATRs7f61bx9VwbRUexXWQ8iRG5xbbGDPNe3iqPEzMrYPKEzhQ2/s1600/mechalarum-helmet2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first two strips hot glued together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPbdHDxfEHtKPcj8Pja1nogfwvW1gRQDcVwgfjAvvcIpqv5SQ1vK9fgkJLK3mSzOkxVqunZKu-6rA8voVS4pknsIz7VfW-qCCJNN-JW7hqt9mtVZJOA9dg6A5Ywbhcy0HR7pgSsTIEQ15/s1600/mechalarum-helmet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPbdHDxfEHtKPcj8Pja1nogfwvW1gRQDcVwgfjAvvcIpqv5SQ1vK9fgkJLK3mSzOkxVqunZKu-6rA8voVS4pknsIz7VfW-qCCJNN-JW7hqt9mtVZJOA9dg6A5Ywbhcy0HR7pgSsTIEQ15/s1600/mechalarum-helmet3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scoring the strips of foam core. That's how you make the curves that are so important to this shape!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ1j9eLNNwkOkOQJ5c4958MolJ3HTJfOvnEyjqlndT2Qq1oOqWDiz0u_S4VfOWqGqxQ9Hpu_8W4-lm2R-B1CxTC1TxHCMKasUJHgN2imMYhBVYChktCIgSV1hLUFD3Uia7Z7dNqDcO3Oz/s1600/mechalarum-helmet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ1j9eLNNwkOkOQJ5c4958MolJ3HTJfOvnEyjqlndT2Qq1oOqWDiz0u_S4VfOWqGqxQ9Hpu_8W4-lm2R-B1CxTC1TxHCMKasUJHgN2imMYhBVYChktCIgSV1hLUFD3Uia7Z7dNqDcO3Oz/s1600/mechalarum-helmet4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't exactly look pretty at this moment, but you can see the form starting to take shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPF3Qe3ou-sYOluI-oJDJXryWDW-7av69EUyPabRzvkgntvsg962XkGWaOyiV9yUKHmk6pe1k26yWeBtmzSx9WdmdwaWLQG7Ln38_dlEFDsc-PTh3x8xSOdIk6McIaM7UMFRBwgrtcC8t/s1600/mechalarum-helmet6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPF3Qe3ou-sYOluI-oJDJXryWDW-7av69EUyPabRzvkgntvsg962XkGWaOyiV9yUKHmk6pe1k26yWeBtmzSx9WdmdwaWLQG7Ln38_dlEFDsc-PTh3x8xSOdIk6McIaM7UMFRBwgrtcC8t/s1600/mechalarum-helmet6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large open spaces are risky to cover with the tape, but I was getting tired at this point :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1mRTexD4VJIQGXUF9QH0oWStmXR9uTRPIaObtIdSjN7OBD7Ilf3Ir18syOAgd0xdE5eqo11whCVzVefRuPxUKrtprFGdjEDN2v4E4QwLdjxniWE_0hV4W2wgzQ6tZiMVjhWhF5k25nFP/s1600/mechalarum-helmet5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1mRTexD4VJIQGXUF9QH0oWStmXR9uTRPIaObtIdSjN7OBD7Ilf3Ir18syOAgd0xdE5eqo11whCVzVefRuPxUKrtprFGdjEDN2v4E4QwLdjxniWE_0hV4W2wgzQ6tZiMVjhWhF5k25nFP/s1600/mechalarum-helmet5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four AM? Five AM? Who knows? Got to keep on truckin'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTbv5YxCTRa_EZ0jcON0XoUSFNbe_5EES8NimQKxNW-hmIUP7ZLAoZAxZNIYiAvLQHJo2U29KeagpaqCDLB04L1ktSQti7Rk3W0fZZUc1O3pgiMeDeXUuYB0QoacV7RHqf1dTwh3QbLIE/s1600/mechalarum-helmet7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTbv5YxCTRa_EZ0jcON0XoUSFNbe_5EES8NimQKxNW-hmIUP7ZLAoZAxZNIYiAvLQHJo2U29KeagpaqCDLB04L1ktSQti7Rk3W0fZZUc1O3pgiMeDeXUuYB0QoacV7RHqf1dTwh3QbLIE/s1600/mechalarum-helmet7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Skinning" the helmet frame with electrical tape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-H591f-DSY8uNBtYq6c4Cb9bQx_lNnBv4XEEvJeOAqjY8tuza4YkTcd_olv85HCkjlyX_BvEhe07pzXElzWi90laL0dndO5O2clGW7SYZ7_L9trKgwUz3GJVuf31u8TjxbjfUkb6Yvcu/s1600/mechalarum-helmet8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-H591f-DSY8uNBtYq6c4Cb9bQx_lNnBv4XEEvJeOAqjY8tuza4YkTcd_olv85HCkjlyX_BvEhe07pzXElzWi90laL0dndO5O2clGW7SYZ7_L9trKgwUz3GJVuf31u8TjxbjfUkb6Yvcu/s1600/mechalarum-helmet8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roommate was kind enough to take a pic of me when she got up in the morning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb1db7WrOxgrU5GEP-qVLtLzDlO9e-fpi_iQ6BBR5-lIM2SRTk2Xl0fQoGQr5cfbUHcf4eujuXSsbzuA6K4EnXBr8MMggbFTkjAUcX9cqBYTESWqQvFwRuAkhKuSNcdQJE49B4DgX7O2x/s1600/helmet-neardone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb1db7WrOxgrU5GEP-qVLtLzDlO9e-fpi_iQ6BBR5-lIM2SRTk2Xl0fQoGQr5cfbUHcf4eujuXSsbzuA6K4EnXBr8MMggbFTkjAUcX9cqBYTESWqQvFwRuAkhKuSNcdQJE49B4DgX7O2x/s400/helmet-neardone.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And look at that, almost done! Easy as pie, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz60xikbT13LlFTUUS_QWrFd8pK5bpkXx640fs-ajSLsxtkxZwGDIkIEelD8b6rd8L7hyE18eAHgmI6xbZMzuuAXMnmQbNpNxy96Z_t1o7v0fHBpdft_c5Jfpy-wHZkqnHuxI51w0WSFl/s1600/mechalarum-helmet9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz60xikbT13LlFTUUS_QWrFd8pK5bpkXx640fs-ajSLsxtkxZwGDIkIEelD8b6rd8L7hyE18eAHgmI6xbZMzuuAXMnmQbNpNxy96Z_t1o7v0fHBpdft_c5Jfpy-wHZkqnHuxI51w0WSFl/s1600/mechalarum-helmet9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's waiting...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Haven't checked out <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emmalarkins/mechalarum-a-science-fiction-novel" target="_blank">Mechalarum on Kickstarter</a> yet? Please comment, like, share, and consider backing - we're getting down to the wire, and every little bit helps!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-11154106670156293362013-03-22T12:48:00.001-04:002013-03-22T12:48:26.559-04:00Friday Roundup: Crowdfunding Thoughts, As Seen Around the Web<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5EQ_Mqv1hyEgYhmSUgpO2m2oXGFZ0dhzwkV68ro574-qgE49oQzU4DEwZXQyeZLmjov3wQbTDJ3onH_r42sCQ69plp4Z_9bAR3AWrf4FC169isv7_7a13NdNf1s2LABcrA8XsbTCWLmQ/s1600/money-twenty-dollar.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5EQ_Mqv1hyEgYhmSUgpO2m2oXGFZ0dhzwkV68ro574-qgE49oQzU4DEwZXQyeZLmjov3wQbTDJ3onH_r42sCQ69plp4Z_9bAR3AWrf4FC169isv7_7a13NdNf1s2LABcrA8XsbTCWLmQ/s320/money-twenty-dollar.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Call it laziness, or call it industriousness, but today's post is going to be a roundup of some of the stuff I've been spreading around the web recently :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.knod.es/2013/03/21/the-view-from-inside-the-kickstarter-trenches/" target="_blank" title="Permalink to The View From Inside the Kickstarter Trenches">The View From Inside the Kickstarter Trenches</a> (on the Knodes blog): I started writing about my experiences with the project to date, and it turned into a surprisingly personal take on the whole crowdfunding process. Great if you're looking for some real-time insight into my frazzled brain!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.bibliocrunch.com/crowdfunding-for-writers-which-platform-should-i-choose-guest-post-by-emma-larkins/">Crowdfunding for Writers: Which Platform Should I Choose?</a> (on Bibliocrunch): You've heard of Kickstarter, but what about Pubslush, Unglue.it, or Pave? Before you commit to a platform for your writing project, make sure you do your research!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://robdyoung.com/7-writing-based-ways-to-fund-your-fiction/" target="_blank">7 Writing-Based Ways to Fund Your Fiction</a> (on Rob D. Young's blog): There's a whole spectrum of ways to get paid to write fiction; traditional publishing and self publishing are only two discreet points in the array. For example, ghostwriting and grants can both help to juice your creative writing coffers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.knod.es/2013/01/31/5-reasons-crowdfunding-is-hard-and-why-to-do-it-anyway/" target="_blank">5 Reasons Crowdfunding Is Hard (And Why To Do It Anyway)</a> (on the Knodes blog): We're developing products in the crowdfunding industry, so we certainly don't want to turn anyone away. Still, the more people get burned out from the process, the harder time we'll have trying to promote it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.writersfunzone.com/blog/2013/03/18/6-ways-authors-benefit-from-crowd-funding-by-emma-larkins/" target="_blank" title="Go to 6 Ways Authors Benefit From Crowd Funding by Emma Larkins">6 Ways Authors Benefit From Crowd Funding by Emma Larkins</a> (on Writer's Fun Zone): It's not all about the dollars and cents. Nurturing reader and writer relationships, generating buzz, and other great perks await the successful crowdfunder.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-76096686631665372862013-03-20T10:49:00.000-04:002013-03-20T10:51:51.137-04:00Telling My Story Better: Updated Kickstarter Video for Mechalarum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finding the best way to brand your book (and yourself!) can be a repetitive process, so I hope you're bearing with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In this latest video, I've taken a slightly more personal approach, getting at some of the reasons that reading and writing is so important to me, and why I want to bring this universe and these characters to life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really enjoyed making the original interpretive dance version of the video, and I learned a lot from presenting the vision of my story in a new medium (not to mention about filming in general!) With each new version, I'm digging deeper into my universe, and getting better at speaking to my target audience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have any thoughts, feel free to share in the comments below :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Pqth5Yywhs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
Like what you see? Check out the rest of my project on <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emmalarkins/mechalarum-a-science-fiction-novel" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a>!<br />
<br />
Also, here are some of the wonderful Tweets that I'm receiving in response to my project. Thanks guys :D<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
@<a href="https://twitter.com/emmalarkins">emmalarkins</a> Mechalarum still up for funding. Very promising project! Check it out @ the Indie Spec Fic Fund. <a href="http://t.co/7iCzzXhWIG" title="http://www.fuzzyhedgehogpress.com/indie-spec-fic-fund-03-20-2013/">fuzzyhedgehogpress.com/indie-spec-fic…</a><br />
— Zachary Bonelli (@ZacharyBonelli) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZacharyBonelli/status/314348421773422592">March 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Help fund a cool indie sci-fi book on Kickstarter: Mechalarum by Emma Larkins (@<a href="https://twitter.com/emmalarkins">emmalarkins</a>) <a href="http://t.co/fUhrcQOv2x" title="http://kck.st/XaEM0D">kck.st/XaEM0D</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23books">#books</a><br />
— Ramsey Isler (@ramsey_isler) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramsey_isler/status/314186667978276867">March 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Recent Mechalarum Kickstarter articles:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/mechalarum-shoutout-on-fuzzy-hedgehog.html">Mechalarum Shoutout on Fuzzy Hedgehog Press! (And Announcement)</a>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/interview-with-tobias-buckell.html">Interview with Tobias Buckell: Kickstarter Success Story and More!</a>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://emmalarkins.blogspot.com/2013/03/working-on-new-kickstarter-video.html">Working on a New Kickstarter Video</a>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-49078968307454831572013-03-15T15:19:00.000-04:002013-03-18T17:46:22.100-04:00Recap of Launch Your Book Through Kickstarter Panel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3LZVDnb9Fmong_zHBX5RpxM4IUi7EObeUU0QCIr-DDoTa14MTRbQnUXAZW1vqg7nQVYQUS_XmYvJOY7fD6P_a-BoU5U6jbaEgUC-oxaSjPf6w9JbLRFVhfdeoNm8Xup_JM-caoeNXfOO/s1600/launch-book-kickstarter-pan.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3LZVDnb9Fmong_zHBX5RpxM4IUi7EObeUU0QCIr-DDoTa14MTRbQnUXAZW1vqg7nQVYQUS_XmYvJOY7fD6P_a-BoU5U6jbaEgUC-oxaSjPf6w9JbLRFVhfdeoNm8Xup_JM-caoeNXfOO/s320/launch-book-kickstarter-pan.png" width="320" /></a></div>
One of the best experiences of my Kickstarter campaign, if not of my entire life, happened last night: I organized and participated in a panel to teach people <a href="http://www.meetup.com/NYC-Publishing-Innovators/events/101357732/" target="_blank">how to use Kickstarter to launch their books</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Through the magic of Google Hangouts, I was able to broadcast and record the entire thing and push it directly to YouTube! Below is a recap, and you can scroll down to the bottom to see the whole video.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But before I get carried away, I want to thank the <a href="http://www.nerds-feather.com/2013/03/aiip-rise-of-hybrid-publishers.html" target="_blank">nerds of a feather, flock together blog</a> for an incredibly kind mention of Mechalarum and my blog. You guys are the best :D And thanks to the Blood-Red Pencil blog for publishing my guest post: <a href="http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-your-blog-network-will-help-your.html" target="_blank">How Your Blog Network Will Help Your Kickstarter Succeed</a>.<br />
<br />
And now, back to the panel! I was honored to present with some amazing people, including: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unshorn-Thread-Tales-Misforgotten-ebook/dp/B00AWHGEZG" target="_blank">Colin Druce-McFadden</a>, <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/476011687/bed-bug-the-return-of-the-worlds-most-reviled-hous" target="_blank">Brooke Borel</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Immortal-The-Sundering-ebook/dp/B00BAUTSIY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1363371594&sr=1-1&keywords=michael+j+wyant" target="_blank">Michael J. Wyant Jr.</a>, and <a href="http://www.pubslush.com/" target="_blank">Amanda Barbara</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFzV6VJ8NE_oUSDdDiPhHUDAMaplZkrMVRGKSs5HnCe6o_AVMePJRhW6Tv_Bg7hTNq3Z7Nxf5KNbsLFjVkKD97TOa8WqqeXwFfyvkFjschYM8SsZO9QrA01DFM_8YRy8OzBU_nra4Exr6/s1600/kickstarter-panelists1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFzV6VJ8NE_oUSDdDiPhHUDAMaplZkrMVRGKSs5HnCe6o_AVMePJRhW6Tv_Bg7hTNq3Z7Nxf5KNbsLFjVkKD97TOa8WqqeXwFfyvkFjschYM8SsZO9QrA01DFM_8YRy8OzBU_nra4Exr6/s1600/kickstarter-panelists1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Brooke, and Amanda before the panel!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The <a href="http://www.meetup.com/NYC-Publishing-Innovators/" target="_blank">NY Publishing Innovators</a> Meetup (organized by Ned Lomigora, who also runs the awesome <a href="http://zeeen.com/" target="_blank">Zeeen</a> platform for author and publisher promotions), was kind enough to provide an awesome audience. Ned did a great job moderating, and audience members felt that he "kept the discussion going, gave all panelists a chance to speak, and left a good amount of time for Q&A." (Alex S.)<br />
<br />
Here are a few of the interesting topics we covered.<br />
<br />
Using Kickstarter as a traditionally published author: (<a href="http://youtu.be/3crojQROqsA?t=8m26s" target="_blank">at 8:26 in the video</a>) "I did get an advance... I needed more money to help cover travel costs [to attend events in my industry]." - Brooke<br />
<br />
Biggest cost? (at <a href="http://youtu.be/3crojQROqsA?t=10m32s" target="_blank">10:32 in the video</a>) "I would say illustration was. An illustrator of caliber." - Colin<br />
<br />
The benefits of Pubslush for authors: (at <a href="http://youtu.be/3crojQROqsA?t=14m33s" target="_blank">14:33 in the video</a>) "We offer flex funding... for authors it's huge... It's really important for authors to have flex funding because all your costs are going to vary." - Amanda<br />
<br />
Thoughts on rewards: (at <a href="http://youtu.be/3crojQROqsA?t=20m32s" target="_blank">20:32 in the video</a>) "I wanted everybody to get something." - Michael<br />
<br />
The full video is here. It's long, but packed full of wonderful information about crowdfunding your book project. Hope you enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br />
(Sorry the audio isn't great, we're going to work on getting a better solution for the next event. Thanks to Michael for fixing some of the issues!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3crojQROqsA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181591361092613360.post-75636403389022670692013-03-13T18:45:00.001-04:002013-03-13T18:45:13.779-04:00Mechalarum Shoutout on Fuzzy Hedgehog Press! (And Announcement)Excited to announce that the wonderful people over at Fuzzy Hedgehog press decided to feature my project on their list of speculative fiction crowdfunding! Click on the link to see a great collection of new book projects like mine :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fuzzyhedgehogpress.com/indie-spec-fic-fund-3-13-2013/" target="_blank" title="Permalink to The Indie Spec Fic Fund (Mar 13, 2013)">The Indie Spec Fic Fund (Mar 13, 2013)</a>
<br />
<div>
<br />
And here's some more great news: I've passed the 30% mark on my project! Statistically speaking, this means I'm five times more likely to succeed. Still have a ways to go, though - please help spread the word!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/td-eKL9pc7A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Stop by <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emmalarkins/mechalarum-a-science-fiction-novel" target="_blank">my Kickstarter page</a> to see the progress for yourself :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17638584737109705999noreply@blogger.com0