In the news this morning there was a report that another batch of birds has fallen from the sky, this time in Italy. That makes how many bird kills now? I'm not sure; I've lost count.
But it occurs to me that I need to say something to god, and that is:
Buzz off, god. You hurt Crow and I swear I'll get back at you big-time. You hear?
Okay. Just had to get that off my chest. Carry on.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
A very odd thing
Earlier this week, something strange happened. I was at a web site, commenting back and forth with a guy who seemed interesting. At some point, we shared the fact that we're writers.
And then he told me the subject of a book he plans to write (or is writing; I'm not sure). And it's the book I've already written! It's the same idea I used in my first sci-fi novel, The Worlds. It even sounds like the thrust of his story (beyond the original idea) is similar to mine. Of course, I expect that in the end we will have done very different things with the idea. It's not like we're writing the exact same book with the same characters and plot turns. Still, how weird is this?
So I wrote back and told him basically, "By the way, I've already written the book you plan to write." He stopped responding at that point. I do believe I freaked him out.
The situation poses an odd question. Would you want to talk to a guy who's written a book very similar to one you plan to write? It could be a problem. There's the whole, "gotta beat everyone to the punch" thing. And you'd have to take pains to block crosswinds that might contaminate your own book. One doesn't want lawsuits later on, saying, "you stole my story."
But while I understand this, I'm also sure we'd write very different books. My take on things is playful and unique to me. I'm positive that no one will ever write anything the way I do. So I don't see this as a problem. It is interesting, though. Very.
Although it would be fun to chat with the guy, I would keep the details of my book secret -- and it would be prudent for him to take the same tack with me. Doesn't look like this problem will arise, though, since I seem to have scared him away. Maybe it's better that way.
Still, I'd like to talk to him at some point. After all, we had the same great idea. That has to count for something and I think it means we'd get along famously. But this may have to wait until we've both released our books. Only then could we both let our guard down.
Isn't this the strangest thing?
And then he told me the subject of a book he plans to write (or is writing; I'm not sure). And it's the book I've already written! It's the same idea I used in my first sci-fi novel, The Worlds. It even sounds like the thrust of his story (beyond the original idea) is similar to mine. Of course, I expect that in the end we will have done very different things with the idea. It's not like we're writing the exact same book with the same characters and plot turns. Still, how weird is this?
So I wrote back and told him basically, "By the way, I've already written the book you plan to write." He stopped responding at that point. I do believe I freaked him out.
The situation poses an odd question. Would you want to talk to a guy who's written a book very similar to one you plan to write? It could be a problem. There's the whole, "gotta beat everyone to the punch" thing. And you'd have to take pains to block crosswinds that might contaminate your own book. One doesn't want lawsuits later on, saying, "you stole my story."
But while I understand this, I'm also sure we'd write very different books. My take on things is playful and unique to me. I'm positive that no one will ever write anything the way I do. So I don't see this as a problem. It is interesting, though. Very.
Although it would be fun to chat with the guy, I would keep the details of my book secret -- and it would be prudent for him to take the same tack with me. Doesn't look like this problem will arise, though, since I seem to have scared him away. Maybe it's better that way.
Still, I'd like to talk to him at some point. After all, we had the same great idea. That has to count for something and I think it means we'd get along famously. But this may have to wait until we've both released our books. Only then could we both let our guard down.
Isn't this the strangest thing?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Drankula!
When I was about six years old, one of the kids in the church schoolyard told me the most interesting thing ever. There was this movie called Drankula! He was some scary guy who drank people's blood!!! And lived forever!!! It was the most wonderful thing I'd ever heard. It lit up my brain. Drankula!
It had been on TV the night before and I had missed it! I was furious. Drankula! It couldn't be. I couldn't have missed it! The pain of this terrible circumstance nearly ruined my life. I could not believe my bad luck. I was doomed.
I don't know how much time went by before I finally saw the movie. (And hey, it was spelled Dracula!) But seeing the movie was every bit as satisfying as I'd expected. It was the best thing that had ever happened to me. At seven or so, I was mesmerized by Bela and didn't think he was hokey at all. In fact, it was even cooler than I expected! And scary. The darkness, the spider webs, the rats, the castle in a state of total disrepair -- it was wonderful!
I never see scary anymore and I really miss it. But maybe you have to be a kid to be scared (Republicans aside). So when was the last time you were scared by a movie? My answer is "Long, long ago." In fact, it might have been Drankula.
It had been on TV the night before and I had missed it! I was furious. Drankula! It couldn't be. I couldn't have missed it! The pain of this terrible circumstance nearly ruined my life. I could not believe my bad luck. I was doomed.
I don't know how much time went by before I finally saw the movie. (And hey, it was spelled Dracula!) But seeing the movie was every bit as satisfying as I'd expected. It was the best thing that had ever happened to me. At seven or so, I was mesmerized by Bela and didn't think he was hokey at all. In fact, it was even cooler than I expected! And scary. The darkness, the spider webs, the rats, the castle in a state of total disrepair -- it was wonderful!
I never see scary anymore and I really miss it. But maybe you have to be a kid to be scared (Republicans aside). So when was the last time you were scared by a movie? My answer is "Long, long ago." In fact, it might have been Drankula.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Open email to the popey guy
As I said in a previous post, I email the popey guy all the time. You know, just to tell him what an evil dork he is. I popped off another one this morning and I thought I'd share it with readers. (I figure no one reads them so I don't spare the snark.) Here it is:
Dear popey guy,
I read a story today about your reaction to violence against Christians. There was a quote included in the story, and it asked a question that I'd be more than happy to answer for you. Here's the quote:
Yet today you ask why violence and intolerance is being directed against your church -- as if you are innocents. The answer is clear: because of karma, popey guy, because of karma.
You attack gay people several times a week and thereby encourage haters all over the Earth to attack them also. You choose to breed hatred against gays at a time when they are singled out for murder in several countries. But this doesn't bother you at all. Interesting, that.
If you had any connection with morality at all, you wouldn't do things like this. And because you have no moral sense, your church has become something reviled by normal, good-hearted people everywhere.
There is also a quote from you in this article. It says:
Like I say, that's why karma is comin' to get you.
Sincerely,
Keith O'Connor
If you'd like to send your thoughts to the popey guy, here's his email address. Have fun, and sock it to him.
Dear popey guy,
I read a story today about your reaction to violence against Christians. There was a quote included in the story, and it asked a question that I'd be more than happy to answer for you. Here's the quote:
"Together with the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, we are stunned in the face of religious intolerance and so much violence, and we are asking ourselves, in sorrow: why?" said Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of Italy's bishops conference in an Epiphany homily in Genoa."Well, here's the answer, loud and clear: you are intolerant and you breed violence against others, particularly children and gay people. And then you fail to comfort the children who were raped by your own priests.
Yet today you ask why violence and intolerance is being directed against your church -- as if you are innocents. The answer is clear: because of karma, popey guy, because of karma.
You attack gay people several times a week and thereby encourage haters all over the Earth to attack them also. You choose to breed hatred against gays at a time when they are singled out for murder in several countries. But this doesn't bother you at all. Interesting, that.
If you had any connection with morality at all, you wouldn't do things like this. And because you have no moral sense, your church has become something reviled by normal, good-hearted people everywhere.
There is also a quote from you in this article. It says:
"[The pope] . . . prayed that . . 'comfort be given to communities that are suffering' — a reference to the wave of violence."Isn't that sweet? We only wish you had ever directed similar attention toward the children who were raped by your priests. But you never do, do you?
Like I say, that's why karma is comin' to get you.
Sincerely,
Keith O'Connor
If you'd like to send your thoughts to the popey guy, here's his email address. Have fun, and sock it to him.
Nutters everywhere
Two of MSNBC's main headlines today:
"God was behind Big Bang, Pope says"
"Experts: Mass bird deaths are not apocalyptic"
Phew, huh? Thank goodness god exploded the universe into being and he's not trying to kill us all right now, huh? I'm so relieved!
Nutters. We are living in a world of blubbering idiots. I can't wait to see how "apocalyptic" they try to make things before the day of doom: May 21st. Now don't forget: dress properly for the Special Day of the End Times. I guess a totally enclosed, fireproof suit would be the best thing to wear.
Seriously, these are two of the six main headlines today on an actual American media web site. Not World Nut Daily, but MSNBC! Like we need to "know" this stuff. What a world.
There ain't no god, people. Wake up!
"God was behind Big Bang, Pope says"
"Experts: Mass bird deaths are not apocalyptic"
Phew, huh? Thank goodness god exploded the universe into being and he's not trying to kill us all right now, huh? I'm so relieved!
Nutters. We are living in a world of blubbering idiots. I can't wait to see how "apocalyptic" they try to make things before the day of doom: May 21st. Now don't forget: dress properly for the Special Day of the End Times. I guess a totally enclosed, fireproof suit would be the best thing to wear.
Seriously, these are two of the six main headlines today on an actual American media web site. Not World Nut Daily, but MSNBC! Like we need to "know" this stuff. What a world.
There ain't no god, people. Wake up!
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Note: You've got to visit my other blog today to see the photo that accompanies this post. Click here to get there. Here's the post, in case you don't click. Still has good info.
The killer photo on the left is from the Astronomy Picture of the Day web site. They have incredible photos every day. Typically, they show galaxies and stars but on occasion they mix it up with photos like this. Need I say they make fabulous desktop images? Very cool site.
This photo shows an observatory in the Swiss Alps. Before posting the image, I had to shrink it down from the humongous original. They give you high-res pix most days, which is also very cool.
This one inspired me. I literally wrote this observatory into one of my books. One day I hope you'll read it and say, "Oh, yeah. I remember this!"
Seriously, doesn't this observatory look like the ultimate workplace? And you should see how nicely I decorated the inside. Very tasteful.
So g'wan, check out their daily offerings. Here's the link again: Astronomy Picture of the Day.
The killer photo on the left is from the Astronomy Picture of the Day web site. They have incredible photos every day. Typically, they show galaxies and stars but on occasion they mix it up with photos like this. Need I say they make fabulous desktop images? Very cool site.
This photo shows an observatory in the Swiss Alps. Before posting the image, I had to shrink it down from the humongous original. They give you high-res pix most days, which is also very cool.
This one inspired me. I literally wrote this observatory into one of my books. One day I hope you'll read it and say, "Oh, yeah. I remember this!"
Seriously, doesn't this observatory look like the ultimate workplace? And you should see how nicely I decorated the inside. Very tasteful.
So g'wan, check out their daily offerings. Here's the link again: Astronomy Picture of the Day.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
How goes the edit, Keith?
I'm so glad you asked. The edit of Xmas Carol is going swimmingly! For over a week, I've been axing scenes and even whole characters. These are scary activities for a writer.
But as a result I can feel an improved pace in the book. It moves in a way that it didn't before. It's sleeker. On my next go-round I'll only have to ensure that every scene sings -- and then it's done!
On the other hand, it will take a while for me to get there. I'm on the seventh scene of chapter five, and there are 12 chapters. I counted yesterday and there are 75 more scenes to edit. If I do three a day, I'll be done with this edit in 25 days. Not bad.
By the way, I was thinking that a post I put up here last November might serve as a preface for the book. Here's the link (ignore the PS at the end). It might work. Not sure but it's a thought.
But as a result I can feel an improved pace in the book. It moves in a way that it didn't before. It's sleeker. On my next go-round I'll only have to ensure that every scene sings -- and then it's done!
On the other hand, it will take a while for me to get there. I'm on the seventh scene of chapter five, and there are 12 chapters. I counted yesterday and there are 75 more scenes to edit. If I do three a day, I'll be done with this edit in 25 days. Not bad.
By the way, I was thinking that a post I put up here last November might serve as a preface for the book. Here's the link (ignore the PS at the end). It might work. Not sure but it's a thought.
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